Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 555
AN: Been longer than usual- apologies. School- should sum it up. But I am grateful for every follow, fav, and review- so thank you! I do hope I can get this wrapped up w/out an overlong wait- but I know better than to make promises (well- now I do). But I hope this series of updates is satisfying!
I'm admittedly frustrated and at a loss w/ some of my other fictions and feel horrible about not updating them. Seriously- I feel so guilty- I think about it everyday! *Sighs* Okay. Done whining- thanks for indulging me. *Mopes away*
A Kiss for Shelter
Almost Home
Inevitably, clusters of well-wishers (including some curious Kuchiki clan members who couldn't resist the draw of new blood) stormed the manor in the first few days. Xochitl was the calm in the storm. Even Byakuya had to admit that he had grown agitated and sharp-tongued in all the chaos. But not Xochitl; she had smiled and accepted those intent on basking in the new arrival with the grace of a queen.
Eventually, however, the excitement had died down and reality stole in- the everyday settled- a routine fell into place. The adjustment period was not as smooth as Byakuya would have liked. Handling a baby with moods and needs was somehow different than the oft times temperamental new recruits of his division. Yet when the daily visits dwindled, Xochitl did not blink; she'd been anticipating the ordinary. She calmly accepted the pace little Takuma set until a peace was achieved. Once it occurred on her end- a schedule set- Byakuya found that he too could count the hours by their son.
Once again on the sidelines, he marveled at the woman he could not have- he knew she had all the makings of a proper mistress of his manor. If only…
…
"Oh- he is so precious! He looks just like Kuchiki-sama- I mean- I can only imagine how cute he looked as a baby!" Shiomi-san held her face in her hands, blushing bright red. She followed this exclamation by a high giggle that was taken up by the other young maids around her.
Xochitl turned her face to hide her indulgent smile. Even the servants of the manor who saw Byakuya everyday were still affected by his looks. She wondered if Takuma would be so acclaimed.
She turned to watch further as the women continued to fawn over her son.
For the past two weeks it had been the same. Everyday like clockwork they gathered, just before Sakura-san would come to fetch Takuma for his time with his father.
Now that she could nurse the boy without complication, Xochitl did not feel so bereft when the child was out of sight. The connection between mother and child could not be severed by the small distance between the guest house and the main residence. It felt silly now to admit to the anxiety of separation.
When Byakuya had been told that Xochitl had burst into tears the first few days Hashimoto-san had gone to take Takuma, he had immediately sent the boy back to his mother. But Xochitl- being who she was- had steeled herself and simply refused the gesture- sending the noblewoman (turned fetcher-of-babies) scurrying back again with the baby in arms.
Takeda-san informed him that Xochitl had simply wiped her face, muttered something about hormones, and lifted her chin and gave a resolute nod. Byakuya had a private laugh at this, easily imagining it.
His imagination had to serve him well these days as she kept to the guesthouse and he kept himself occupied so as not to venture into the trees.
Most days spending a late afternoon/early evening with Takuma forestalled any bitterness that might steal into his mind. Then there were days when Xochitl's scent clung to their son's skin and he felt the presence of the same regret that had dogged him after their first parting.
But nothing lasts forever.
AN: The next few chapters highlight a bit of angst based on the two parents wishing for different circumstances.