Chapter 7: The Dance

"Tetsuya-san, you're so fidgety," Koji laughed, moving with his anxious master as Tetsuya shifted from foot to foot, stealing nervous glances in the mirror and suffering fast, fluttering heartbeats as he counted down the minutes until his date's arrival.

"Sorry," he apologized, biting at his lips and forcing his jittery body to hold still long enough for Koji to notice the additional thickness of his abdomen and to adjust the tie at his waist, "I'm so nervous I will say or do something wrong. I've already been on Kuri-kuri-sama's bad side too many times. I've barely managed to get him to like me at all. I don't want to ruin things now."

"You aren't going to ruin anything," Koji laughed reassuringly, "Tetsuya-san, if he asked you out like this, he is already thinking good things about you. I am sure he realizes that he was being awful to you before, and he wants to make things better. You look adorable in this. He isn't going to be able to take his eyes off of you."

Tetsuya glanced at his reflection again, then shook his head firmly.

"We are just going as friends," he said, as much to remind himself as his smiling attendant, "Neither of us is ready to be anything more, and all of the problems we have had will not just disappear. We have to work things out slowly."

"But this is a big step in the right direction," Koji assured him, finishing the last adjustment and standing back to admire his master's lovely reflection, "After tonight, everyone will be talking about the two of you."

Tetsuya flinched and a look of momentary distress overtook his pale face. He started to speak, then cringed and put a hand to his belly, groaning. Before Koji could ask what was wrong, Tetsuya flash stepped into the bathroom and dropped to his knees, heaving repeatedly. Koji hurried in after him and draped a towel around him to protect his kimono as he continued to heave and cough.

"I'm sorry!" Koji apologized, wrapping an arm around Tetsuya and infusing the area around the spirit chamber with calming reiatsu, "I didn't mean to upset you, Tetsuya-san!"

"Y-you didn't," Tetsuya panted softly, accepting a dampened washcloth from his attendant, to wash his face, "I am just…not used to being in front of a lot of people."

He paused and closed his eyes, working to catch his breath.

"M-maybe I should not attend," he said softly, "I only start to feel anxious and I begin throwing up again. At this rate, I won't even get out my bedroom door…and the reception is only in the gardens!"

"Oh, Tetsuya-san," Koji said soothingly, rubbing his back gently, "it's okay. If you feel too bad to go, then we will just offer Kurushimi-sama our regrets."

"Ah," Tetsuya panted uncomfortably, "I don't want to frighten him. He'll think something is wrong with the baby, when it's really just me."

"Is Tetsuya all right?" Byakuya's voice asked from the bathroom doorway, where he stood alongside a concerned looking Ichigo.

"What happened?" Ichigo asked worriedly, "You were fine just a little while ago."

"Koji, go and bring Michio," Byakuya said in a low, controlled voice, "I will help Tetsuya into bed."

"B-but the…" Tetsuya began.

"Clearly, you are not well enough to attend," Byakuya said in a tone that radiated with mingled sympathy and concern.

He moved to Tetsuya's side and helped him to his feet.

"It is just nerves," Tetsuya insisted as they walked to the bed and he sat down, "I don't mean to…to be this way. I just…"

Tears formed in the corners of his eyes and leaked onto his face.

"I don't want to make Kuri-kuri-sama upset again! It seems like no matter what I do, I anger or upset him!"

Byakuya huffed out a disgusted breath as he helped Tetsuya out of his kimono and into a soft yukata.

"I do not think you are the problem, Tetsuya," he said sternly, "That man upsets you too. This cannot be good for you or the child you are carrying. Please, try to relax as much as you can. Michio is on his way and you do not have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

"Byakuya's right," Ichigo said, moving to the Kuchiki leader's side, "Tetsuya, look, I know you and Kuri got off to a bad start, but you're trying to work things out. Both of you want to. You just need to let yourself relax. Remember, both you and Kuri love this baby, just like Byakuya and I love the baby we're having. You rest and just let Byakuya and me handle Kuri. I'm sure he'll understand if you don't feel well enough to come tonight."

"But the celebration is just right here at the manor," Tetsuya persisted, "I should be able to at least make an appearance."

"Perhaps you should wait and see what Michio has to say before you make any decisions," Byakuya suggested.

"I suppose," Tetsuya sighed, sliding in under the covers and sitting back against the pillows.

He stiffened as Kurushimi suddenly appeared in the garden doorway.

"Where is my lovely date?" he asked, frowning as he spotted Tetsuya in his nightclothes and in bed, "Tetsu-hana…

He shook his head, stopping himself.

"Tetsuya, are you all right?"

Tetsuya gave him a helpless look.

"W-well, I…"

"Tetsuya is unwell," Byakuya explained, "Michio is coming to examine him. It seems like just normal pregnancy discomfort, but perhaps it would be best if Tetsuya remains here this evening."

"What a shame to miss your and Ichibun's reception," Kuri said, shaking his head.

He met Tetsuya's troubled eyes questioningly.

"Would you mind if I sit with you while you see the healer?"

"I do not think…" Byakuya began, only to be stopped as Tetsuya's fingertips touched his arm tentatively.

"Thank you, Kuri-kuri-sama," Tetsuya answered politely, "It would be comforting to have a friend sit with me."

Ichigo gave Byakuya a charismatic smile.

"I think that's our cue to leave," he chuckled.

"No one said that you had to leave," Kuri objected.

"We do need to prepare," Byakuya said, looking over at the clock at Tetsuya's bedside, "Tetsuya, will you please have Koji inform me about the result of your examination?"

"Of course," Tetsuya answered, nodding, "I'm sure it will be fine, Byakuya-sama. Please enjoy your celebration. I will join you later, if I am able."

Kuri watched as the two newlyweds left the room, then he turned his attention back to Tetsuya.

"Are you feeling all right now?" he asked, "Is there anything you need?"

"Koji and Byakuya-sama made me comfortable," Tetsuya assured him, "You really don't need to worry about me, Kuri-kuri-sama. I was just throwing up a lot. I have fluids to drink and I am comfortable now. You shouldn't feel like you have to miss the celebration."

"Who said I was missing anything?" Kuri chuckled, sitting down at his bedside and moving closer.

He glanced at Tetsuya's slightly swollen belly.

"Do you mind?" he asked quietly.

"It's fine," Tetsuya said uncertainly, watching closely as the Shima leader's hands approached, then came to rest on his soft abdomen.

His hands are warm, and his eyes look so very gentle. Ichigo-sama was right. Kuri-kuri-sama loves this baby already. He is very afraid of losing his child again, but he can't help himself. We do seem to share that feeling.

"Mijo," Kuri said, keeping his eyes focused on Tetsuya's belly, "why do you trouble your beautiful mother so? If there is something you need…anything you need, we are here."

Tetsuya's eyes closed and the warmth and love in Kuri's voice seemed to travel in through his ears, down the length of his body, seeping deeply into his heart.

"Me haces feliz (You make me happy.). Siempre te amare (I will always love you.) Tu eres mi luz en la oscuridad (You are my light in the dark.). Be good to Tetsuya. He is the reason we will meet for the first time. We owe him our respect…and our love."

Tetsuya's surprised eyes opened and met Kuri's questioningly.

"Lo siento (I'm sorry.). I don't think I will ever get over the sadness and the anger I feel, losing my husband and child, but I took that out on you unfairly, and now it makes you overly anxious to even think of me.

"No," Tetsuya objected.

He froze and went silent as Kuri's warm fingertips touched his lips.

"It's true," Kuri insisted in a calm, knowing voice, "We've only known each other a few days, and already you have seen my worst side. But since you have seen that, and we are still talking, I will show you my better side now. It will take time for you to forget how I mistreated you, but I promise you, I will never hurt you again. Whatever happens, or doesn't happen between us, I will always show you love and respect, Tetsuya. I hope that you will forgive me."

Tetsuya gave him a tentative smile.

"No hay nada que perdonar (There is nothing to forgive), Kuri-kuri-sama," he answered softly.

Kuri's eyebrows rose curiously.

"You are able to speak Spanish?" he asked, looking both amused and more than a little impressed.

"Byakuya saw that I was educated in a number of languages," Tetsuya explained, "He said that such attempts to reach across the divides of language and culture are critical to making connections that will be important to our societies."

"Byakurai is very wise," Kuri said, smiling, "Just…don't tell him I told you that, okay?"

Tetsuya gave a little laugh and nodded.

"He won't hear it from me."

"Good, I have a reputation to uphold."

The two looked up as Michio arrived with Aderia and Magdelina on either side of him.

"Koji-san told me you weren't feeling well," the old healer said kindly, "Why don't you let me have a look at you."

Kuri moved aside, allowing the healer to sit on one side, while the two ladies sat down on the other.

"Have you had any pains, Angelito?" Aderia asked, taking his pulse as Michio carefully scanned his lower abdomen.

"No, not really," Tetsuya answered, "I just…became anxious and I started throwing up and couldn't stop for awhile. I felt dizzy and sick, but I feel better now."

"Kuri, you will need to infuse him," Magdelina urged her son.

"Of course, Mamà," Kuri answered, joining the healer and laying his hands on Tetsuya's belly.

Tetsuya shivered and blushed at the caramel-skinned man's touch, but settled quickly as Kuri's strong reiatsu seeped into his body and slowly balanced his and his child's.

"You're doing better already," Michio said approvingly, "But I will caution you to eat a lot, Tetsuya-san. Stay hydrated and rest calmly for the evening."

"Ah, so no dancing," Kuri said in a regretful tone.

"I think it wouldn't hurt him to have a walk around the gardens and a slow dance," the old healer said, giving Kuri a little wink, "It is important to also keep Tetsuya-san's spirits up. He has a tendency to suffer some melancholy, and the pregnancy can intensify that."

"I will see he gets some fresh air," Kuri assured him.

"After we give him some of the fresh tamales I brought for the reception," Magdelina insisted.

"You like the frozen sweets too, don't you?" Aderia asked.

Tetsuya nodded enthusiastically.

"Then, we will bring some paletas too."

"Thank you," Tetsuya said gratefully, meeting Kuri's eyes happily, "all of you."

Within moments, the room was filled with savory scents from the hot food. Tetsuya consumed large helpings of the spicy tamales, beans, rice and savory meats. And even though he was sure he had no room left, he couldn't help inhaling the icy, sweet paletas that followed. The happy chatter around him soothed his burgeoning emotions and he leaned back against his pillows contentedly. He rested for awhile, as Aderia and Magdelina gathered his empty plates and left him alone with Kuri again.

The sounds of the celebration outside crept in, and Tetsuya felt a sudden longing to be out in the gardens, enjoying the music and socializing.

"You look much better, Tetsuya," Kuri remarked, looking relieved.

"I feel like nothing was ever wrong with me to begin with," Tetsuya marveled.

"You are fine," Kuri concurred, "You just needed to be spoiled a little and loved a lot. My mother says that to me all of the time. I don't know why, but it makes sense now."

"I think I would be up to a dance," Tetsuya offered.

Kuri's lips twitched softly, then smiled.

"Only a slow dance and a walk around the garden, and then you will rest more. Promise?"

"Mhmm," Tetsuya agreed.

Kuri helped him to his feet and Tetsuya started to call for his attendant.

"Wait," Kuri said, stopping him, "Please, allow me."

Tetsuya stood frozen in front of the mirror, blushing brightly as Kuri gently removed his yukata, exposing his bare body.

"Eres tan linda como una flor (You are as beautiful as a flower.)," Kuri complimented him, making a deeper flush roar over his pale flesh, "I should have told you that while we were making our baby, but I was selfishly thinking of my own pain and nothing else. Thank you for letting me make up for my terrible behavior, Tetsuya."

Tetsuya's head tilted slightly and he caught Kuri's eye.

"You may call me Tetsu-hana…if you want to."

Kuri's lips spread into a wide, pleased smile.

"Let me get you dressed before you tease me to death, Tetsu-hana," he laughed softly, carefully setting Tetsuya's kimono in place.

"You are so lovely, you will make the moon cry," Kuri said, curling an arm around Tetsuya, "Come."

The two left the bedroom through the garden doors, and stepped out onto the soft blanket of grass, heading towards the sounds of the guest's voices. Tetsuya's eyes widened at the beauty of the lights that had been strung through the trees and bushes, at the bright colors of the guests' clothing that spun and twirled as they danced to the merry sounds of the music.

Arashi stepped out of the brush and moved closer to nuzzle Tetsuya's cheek.

I am glad you are feeling better, Master. I was concerned for you.

Tetsuya patted the stallion's neck gently.

I am fine now, thank you, Arashi. Kuri-kuri-sama has been very kind.

"This one is slow," Kuri said, guiding Tetsuya to the dance area, "Will you dance with me, Tetsu-hana?"

Tetsuya nodded and turned gracefully into arms. He closed his eyes, entrusting himself to Kuri's guidance and letting his feet move freely. The anxiety he had been feeling melted away and his heart felt as light as his feet as they moved together.

"You are a wonderful dancer," Kuri complimented him, "Light as a feather."

"You too," Tetsuya agreed.

Tetsuya's heart calmed and warmed as he looked up into Kuri's affectionate eyes and found himself smiling.

"You are enjoying yourself now?" Kuri asked.

"Yes," Tetsuya said, nodding.

"Good," Kuri said approvingly, looking up as the song ended, "I think we had better get you back to your room."

"I think I can manage one more dance," Tetsuya offered as another slow song began.

Kuri grinned in response.

"I can't resist you," he laughed, "But after this one, you will rest, all right?"

"Okay," Tetsuya agreed.

Kuri guided him into a slow turn and the two continued their dancing, unaware of the two black-eyed men watching them from nearby. Kuchiki Sasune scowled at the sight of the two, hissing softly in discontent as he swallowed glass of sake.

"So," Kuchiki Orochi sneered softly, "Your runaway bride is getting comfortable with my little slave boy. They are good looking together, ne?"

"Shut up," Sasune growled softly, "and remember what your job is."

"I haven't forgotten," Orochi said coldly, "But the understanding is, although you can do what you want with Kurushimi, you are not to hurt Tetsuya."

He looked back at the lovely young man in Kuri's arms.

"Tetsuya is mine."