Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

AN: This would have happened right after Ichigo's intro and the brief aftermath, Chapter 105.

The hits keep on coming, huh? I think Dogma was the movie in which Alan Rickman first stood out for me- after that I looked for him in other films (I've had him marked on my DVR for quite some time). He had great intensity in many roles and other roles were just so natural and fluid it seemed he just slipped into the character's skin w/out effort. And of course who could forget that voice? What a loss all around… If you haven't seen A Little Chaos- it's a great period piece (I think it highlights the gender bias of the day while giving the lead a really strong, uplifting femininity).

Condolences to family and to the diehard fans.

A Kiss for Shelter: Extra

No Words

The garden was simple, yet lovely, the plants here seemingly unaffected by the chilly weather. Xochitl breathed in the air gratefully, closing her eyes.

She wasn't sure how long she sat with her eyes closed before she heard a gasp and approaching steps.

Opening her eyes she found the concerned green eyes of none-other-than Jushirou Ukitake (she had finally confessed her encounter to Byakuya and gleaned the stranger's name from him).

The man's smile was as handsome and light-hearted as she remembered.

"Did I startle you, my dear? I apologize, but I wanted to be sure you were well." He placed a light hand on her shoulder.

Xochitl opened her mouth to reply when she noted the man standing behind the captain staring at her with a wide grin spread over his scruffy face.

"Oh," Ukitake-Taichou stood to his full height and gestured lightly to the man, "Forgive me. This is my old friend Kyoraku Shunsui. I assure you he means no harm."

The man swept forward in his flamboyant pink kimono layered over his captain's haori and tipped his hat to her, grin never faltering, "I beg your pardon. Didn't mean to stare… Jushirou told me about you… Though he failed to mention how captivating you are, Xo-chan- do you mind if I call you Xo-chan?"

Again she meant to answer, but a woman's sing-song call cut her off. The two captains turned and Xochitl leaned to the side to see beyond them; she was struck by the beauty of the woman sashaying forward.

"Sou-Taichou! Ukitake-Taichou, I've been looking for you! My captain's attempting to impose this crazy rule and- oh- you've company…" The woman drew to a halt, bright blue eyes blinking in curiosity. Suddenly she sucked in a loud breath and rushed ahead to push between the two men.

Xochitl found herself the full focus of the gorgeous sky-colored eyes as the woman bent over her with a charged smile, "You're her, aren't you?" She let loose an excited squeal clasping her hands together so that her already unmistakable cleavage was even more pronounced.

"Kawaii!" The strawberry-blonde cried, and licked her full lips eagerly as she babbled, "You are the envy of every woman in the Seireitei, you know? Can't believe it! What luck! Oh! Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Matsumoto Fuku-Taichou!" Ukitake scolded with a helpless smile.

"That is a good question Rangiku-san," Kyoraku stroked his chin with a wink in Xochitl's direction.

Uncertain whether she was flustered by the woman's- Rangiku-san's- question or by the Sou-Taichou's laidback charm, Xochitl started, "W-well-,"

"Matsumoto!"

The group startled, Rangiku-san noticeably wincing.

Soon a sullen, but exotic looking young man- boy?- had joined the group surrounding the civilian woman and she could only gawk further.

The boy wore a captain's haori and his hair was shockingly white, an even brighter shade than Ukitake's. His handsome turquoise eyes were levelled at the buxom beauty who was attempting her most innocent smile.

Xochitl heard the young captain's knuckles crack as he continued to glare daggers at his lieutenant.

"Taichou!" She exclaimed in delight, "So glad you're here! What do you think? Boy or girl?" She waved a pink-nailed hand at the woman on the bench.

Scowl still affixed to his fine face, the captain finally dropped his sights to Xochitl. He blinked a couple times, but kept his face inscrutable.

Hitsugaya had indeed caught wind of the rumors- it was hard not to when his lieutenant practically ran the gossip-mill. But truth be told he had thought the talk baseless. Kuchiki-Taichou of all people having an illegitimate child with a courtesan? It had to be the biggest fallacy he had ever heard!

But there was no doubt that the woman before him was pregnant (though he himself had never come across a woman with child before) and considering both the Sou-Taichou and the Captain of the Thirteenth were hovering around her- she had to be someone of importance.

Still…

Suddenly his hand was trapped in Matsumoto's and flying toward the mystery woman's stomach, "Oh for goodness sake captain- feel- don't you think this little guy- or girl- is gonna make a great Shinigami?"

Kyoraku couldn't help but snort a laugh at the look on Hitsugaya-Taichou's face.

He looked horrified as his palm was forcefully flattened against the fabric over Xochitl's round belly. A blush took over his entire face as he swallowed down the panic and tried to ease his expression. He tossed a scathing look at his lieutenant and tried to subtly wrestle his hand away from her. He managed after a moment and reeled back spine snapping straight.

"Yes, ugh-the child does seem quite strong." Hitsugaya coughed into his hand as he looked to the side, still fighting away the color in his face.

At this point Xochitl couldn't find any words to expend and she could only spare the young captain an apologetic smile.

Even if she had wanted to comment, it seemed she was effortlessly drawing attention.

"Mou, Ikkaku, looks like there's a party and we weren't invited."

"Ya think it's a fight? Don't really care if I rip these stitches, but Kotetsu will give me that disappointed look if I hafta to go back."

"Hey, you two! Come on over! We're trying to guess the sex of Byakuya's baby!"

…

"Nii-sama, Unohana-Taichou was certain it was a false labor. I really don't think you should check Xo-san in- I think she might protest the idea in fact."

Byakuya considered his sister's words, but his frown might suggest he would continue to be stubborn. However before he could calmly state his reasons the buzz of voices hit his ears. And when he turned the corner into the courtyard he came up short.

Rukia stopped next to him eyes wide as she took in the strange scene playing out in the garden. After a time she chanced a look at her brother. She blinked.

Though Byakuya didn't look particularly surprised there was still the slightest twitch to his left eyebrow.

There was no doubt about it. If the whole of Seireitei did not already know, by the end of the day the secret would be out.

…

"At least I can still draw a crowd." Xochitl quipped later that evening.

Byakuya failed to see the humor.