Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 343
AN: This chapter might seem a little scattered, but I just wanted Byakuya's anxiety to ring through- as cool as he is he can't help but fall prey to a little fear for the future.
A Kiss for Shelter
What about College?
A week went by in which he had no contact with Xochitl. She would not be forgiving of his brusqueness. Contact was supposed to be kept to a minimum in any case- it was supposed to be strictly business.
But he knew when he was being ignored.
For a week he sulked (or so his lieutenant accused). He thought she might at least send some plum blossom tea…
Renji (his lieutenant turned informant) reported that she made variations of the tea every day and while he wasn't much of a tea drinker, he quite liked her version. Byakuya had only huffed softly at this, but inwardly he was bristling.
In the evenings he found himself continually pouring over his accounts, trying to divide out appropriate funds for the coming events.
He was growing increasingly snappish and he knew it.
This snit- as Renji called it- was just in reaction to the impending birth. He could only imagine how Xochitl might be responding (if the confrontation the week before was any indication she was likely pacing like a caged animal).
Suddenly he was on his feet, walking back and forth.
Xochitl would no doubt refuse a fund in her name. But it was only right she had access to his resources. Mother and child should have every creature comfort…
He paused. They had not even discussed which room the baby would occupy…
Damn.
What about clothing? Food? Education?
His rhythmic steps began again.
This was how Renji found him.
The red-head gaped from the office's doorway. The noble's black hair was slightly ruffled as though he'd been running his hands through it incessantly. The grey eyes were trained on the floor. The broad shoulders seemed knotted beneath the haori.
The man looked tired. Lost in thought, he hadn't even acknowledged Renji's presence.
The lieutenant wasn't sure whether to be amused or concerned.
He took a gamble and stepped over the threshold to clap a hand on his superior's shoulder, halting him.
"Whatdaya say- lets you and I grab a drink after work, eh Taichou?"
AN: Think Renji will manage to get Byakuya drunk? I mean no offense- but I have a feeling the pineapple head might be able to drink our guy under the table- though I could totally see it being the other way around too… Hmm…
*FYI I have a lot of chapters ready to go- just need some of the in-between mainly the actual labor- so your participation in the poll would be much welcomed!