Ten.
They were standing one beside the other on the railings, in from of them the whole seireitei bursting expecting the new year.
Nine.
Byakuya was nowhere to be seen.
'Nii-sama will receive the year alone, again.'
A little tear escaped down her cheek.
Eight.
He noticed it and looked down at her.
Seven.
She realized he was staring at her, so she wiped the tear quickly and acted like nothing happened.
Six.
He sighed and looked up to the sky.
'It's probably because of Byakuya.'
Five.
He took her hand in his. She was blushing.
Four.
She got nervous and squeezed his hand.
Three.
He turned at her, but she kept looking at the seireitei, completely flushed.
Two.
He tugged at her hand and turned her to face him.
One.
Her eyes were completely wide.
When the countdown was over and fireworks were starting to illuminate the sky, he released her hand and cupped her cheeks, looking at her tenderly.
"Happy new year, Rukia."
And he kissed her.
an. happy new year!