she wondered if what she said earlier was true. Byakuya worried? Her brother congratulated her on her pregnancy when they first found out she was expecting, but he hadn't shown any real interest since. She never imagined that he would worry about her. Maybe it was like Renji said. Byakuya just might not know how to express himself, emotionally or physically.

The manor servants met them at the gate, excited that it was finally time for the baby to be born. The celebratory mood spreading through the manor helped Rukia push her puzzling brother from her thoughts, as did the contraction causing her slight body to cramp uncomfortably. Orihime stayed glued to her side, holding her hand and whispering encouragement until it passed. A senior servant noticed her discomfortand clapped her hands together for order, dispersing the others before escorting Rukia and Orihime to the birthing room.

Standing off to the side while several housemaids finished preparing for the coming event, Rukia leaned against the windowsill and watched as Orihime rubbed a hand over her own swollen stomach. The evening light coming through the window painted over the redhead's face and drew attention to the dark circles under her eyes. Rukia looked at her friend, noticing the telltale signs of exhaustion and felt terribly selfish. She wasn't the only one pregnant after all.

"This was a dumb idea from the beginning. I never should have asked you to leave with me."

Orihime's brows scrunched together as she glanced Rukia's way, shrugging. "Pfft, you have bigger things to worry over