Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 349
AN: Ugh… I didn't want to overwhelm you all w/ these chapters… yet I didn't want to tease… So hang on!
A Kiss for Shelter
Stay Sharp
Isane paused a moment on the porch not only to catch her breath, but to take in the scene before her.
The last bit of sunlight caught and glistened in the trails of sweat dewing each man's skin. Even the Captain of the Sixth Division- who seemed too godly to perspire- was stripped to the waist, ridges of muscle kissed by salty-wet beads.
Isane had lost track of time as the patient labored, but she had taken note of the moment the captain retreated from the room (attempting to look dignified and not somewhat cowed by the soon-to-be mother's dismissal). Xochitl's words had not been so much a polite request as a screamed demand:
'Your ridiculously perfect face is driving me mad! Get out!'
Granted, she'd been fighting a contraction at the time… Still, Isane had never before seen a look of unguarded shock pass Kuchiki-Taichou's features.
'It… will be awhile…' Isane had offered timidly.
After being assured of receiving updates the man had departed.
Now, a few hours must have passed since and by the looks of it the sparring between the three had been fierce throughout. She quickly scanned them for injuries, noting the blood, but all wounds seemed superficial. They had not been holding back so much as they might during a simple training session, however.
She watched a minute more as Renji and Ichigo engaged. She took a bolstering breath before calling, "Kuchiki-Taichou?"
The man immediately lowered his sword as his eyes came to rest on her. The two bright haired younger men broke apart, breathing heavily and eyeing her warily.
Byakuya approached with an even gait, performing chiburi before sheathing his zanpaktou. He had already redressed, his haori just settling over his shoulders.
When he stopped before her, Isane found herself merely staring, suddenly nervous, her words scattered. She was the slightest bit taller than him, but he still seemed to cast a shadow over her.
Finally she found her voice, though it was somewhat strained, "I beg your pardon, Kuchiki-Taichou, but…"
"Is it time?" He prompted with a degree of impatience.
"Actually, sir…"