under their watchful eyes. She could relax for a few minutes and return to Rukia's side refreshed and ready to support her friend in the coming hours.

Belatedly realizing only one setting was laid out; Orihime looked up at her host in surprise. "Will you not be joining me, Captain Kuchiki?"

Byakuya dismissed the two serving women with a silent swish of his hand before giving his guest his full attention. "Not this time." He politely replied, "There are others waiting for news. Rukia's captain in particular. Ukitake is embarrassingly eager for this child to arrive."

"I fully understand his impatience." Orihime said with a beaming smile, knowing that the kindly white haired captain wouldn't be the only one make a fuss over Rukia and Renji's baby. She suspected that thealoof man in front of her would do his share of spoiling, too.

But that was in the future, and right now she was keeping him from his duties. Placing her hands on her thighs, Orihime dipped her head in a well-mannered bow. "Thank you for your hospitality, Captain Kuchiki."

He nodded in acknowledgment and invited her to make use of his garden is she so desired before leaving his guest to her refreshments.

Sipping her tea in silence after his departure, Orihime dreamily looked out over the meticulously tended grounds, picturing children jumping off the large rocks scattered around and giggling among the bushes, giving their hiding place away. Maybe someday in the future Rukia and Renji's child and her and Ichigo's children would do just that.

Finishing her tea with