Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 774

AN: I alluded to a previous connection between Bya and Xo waaaayyy back in chapter one. It all ties together.

A Kiss for Shelter

First Kiss

"You'll be tall. And you'll certainly be handsome. Women will find you irresistible. Your father is a bit of lady's man- helplessly- but I think he knows," She stage-whispered, "And secretly likes the attention…" Her smile grew wistful as her eyes wandered the room as she thought.

Pillows propped up her arms for better support of the dozing newborn. But she had gained strength- possibly that first moment her son had been in reach she'd been rushed with renewed energy.

"I hope you have his intellect," She murmured after a time, "And well, my sense of humor- his is too dry… But mostly, my heart, I want you to be happy… and kind. Your father has always showed me kindness- albeit in strange ways at times. But since the moment we crossed paths in the Rukon- he's been gracious." Her expression was thoughtful then, her lip between her teeth.

Byakuya cleared his throat, "When?"

She looked up.

"When did we meet in the Rukon?" He approached with his usual gliding stride.

Her eyes narrowed a fraction, "You really don't recall… It was raining. And the rain turned to enormous hail… I was beneath the metal awning outside Emit's Market when it started to collapse."

Dawning realization was lighting his eyes as he reached her bedside.

She went on, "You grabbed my arm just before it fell and pulled me under another overhang- to shelter. When the storm let up-,"

He gazed down at her a look of wonder sparking on his face, "You… took my hand and kissed my palm."

She blushed, but her smile widened, "Yes… An impulsive 'thank you' for my savior."

He feathered his fingers through her hair and tugged at a curl, "I never saw your face… You were cloaked, I only caught sight of your hair when the hood fell back as you rushed away."

She looked down at the baby and stroked her finger down his cheek. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes and her voice was no more than a whisper, "This child and I… We were meant to meet you."

He reached for her hand, squeezing it warmly.

She turned his palm up, kissing it and the tingling feeling was instantly familiar. Tears dewing her lashes she said, "We will stay by your side."

He afforded her a sardonic smile, "Looking miserable hardly inspires confidence."

With a helpless laugh she shook her head, sniffing as she replied, "I wouldn't look so if I wasn't so foolishly in love with you."

His smile became somewhat smug as he canted his head to one side, "I would never suffer a foolish woman. One could never hold my heart."

With a roll of her eyes she shook her head lightly, "Lucky for you it's only certain men that addle my mind." As his lips smile disappeared she laughed and looked back down at their son.

Byakuya watched as the woman kissed the boy's nose murmuring secrets once more.

The heaviness in his chest was a mingling of utter elation and a pang of regret. When they left this room and returned to the world, he'd still be expected to foreswear this woman. All of these moments of singular happiness were as good as stolen. Soon enough all of his obligations and agreements would come rushing back to him.

He never wanted to leave this room.

Byakuya breathed deeply and reached for Xochitl's thick locks once more. She lifted her face to him.

"Certainly by now my sentiments are understood…" His voice was low almost a whisper, "Xochitl, I cannot fathom… life without your presence. When we return to the manor-,"

The young mother nuzzled into his caress trying to hide the look of hurt in her expression beneath a smile, "We'll continue on as before… You gave your word, Byakuya- my lord. The distance between us… It won't be so great."

He swallowed back the protest on his tongue. Not to have the freedom to be affectionate- to be denied quiet evenings spent with her… Cutting out a piece of his heart might be easier. He shook his head indignantly and looked away, but did not verbally refute her words.

His fingers tightened in her curls and he bent to rest his forehead against hers, inhaling her exhaled breaths with his eyes closed.

Takuma gave a little yawn and Byakuya opened his eyes and shifted just enough to peer down at his son. After a moment he dropped a kiss on the boy's forehead and then stood to his full height.

"Tomorrow then." He said without expression.

Xochitl gave a nod replying quietly, "Aa."