Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 403
AN: It does (in real life) seem to happen in the blink of an eye. And here it is.
A Kiss for Shelter
Kawaii
It was quick- a rush. A rush of everything- movement and emotion. Words and cries.
There was a wailing sound, followed by the metallic snip of scissors.
Scuffling, scuffling…
He stood helpless-
And then the most perfect beam of light was placed in his arms.
He looked down and he was blinded.
So perfect.
Once again he was partially deaf to the world around him- nothing penetrating the sphere of strange separation. Someone was crying- someone beyond the child in his arms, but he didn't look up. He shifted the little bundle and the cries turned to whimpers.
Awed he used one finger to brush aside a lock of black hair from his son's forehead. It was like stroking a down feather.
Eyes opened- blinked unfocused- a silvery-blue radiance that made Byakuya's breath catch in his throat.
He smiled. Unburdened and without hesitation, he smiled at his son.
My son.
Impulsively he leaned closer. A warm sweet scent touched his nose and his eyes closed.
His smile widened. It was even sweeter than Xochitl's tea- which was quite a feat. The flesh he kissed was a whisper beneath his lips.
His chest was tight, his throat stung and he bit his cheek, but still mist formed in his eyes.
He gave a soft chuckle and the rumble from his chest seemed to sooth the child further. The boy's black-framed eyes opened wider- in curiosity.
As Byakuya touched him again he let the smallest reiatsu smooth along his son's skin. Surprising him, the child opened his mouth, capturing his finger. A shock jolted through Byakuya's hand and he stifled a laugh.
Oh yes, we will have to begin your training early.
He watched intently as his son began to suck at his finger. But soon the boy was squirming and fussing.
Then the piercing sirens of one of the monitors caused a splintering crack in his glass world.
He looked up. His heart dropped as he looked around, noting the blood. And then there was a flood of voices and movement- people- healers of the Fourth gathering around the surgical bed where…
A nurse appeared in his vision and he stepped back, holding the bundle in his arms protectively as the baby renewed its crying.
"You'll have to step out Kuchiki- Taichou-,"
"I will not," He cut the woman off sharply, his demanding gaze as penetrating as ever, "What is going on?"
"She's crashing!"