Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 307
A Kiss for Shelter
Women's Intuition
In appearance the woman was unique- she had the same foreign attractiveness that was notable in Chad. She was slightly lighter of skin than the man, but the high cheekbones and dark eyes seemed similar. Rukia couldn't help but make comparisons between this woman and the quiet young man whose intimidating build belied a gentle heart.
Certainly this woman held such attributes behind her secretive eyes and careful manners? Rukia was curious about the rather courtly etiquette the woman displayed as she served her tea. She had the moves down- had all the grace one would expect of someone of noble blood…
But Rukia knew this woman was not high born. It was instinctive now to recognize one of her own- to know the differences between those born into nobility and those who had adopted the elegant decorum due to circumstance.
She was aware that the woman across from her could likely feel the scrutiny, but if the other was offended by it she gave no sign.
The lieutenant was notably startled when the hostess placed tea before her and asked quietly, "What would you like me to call you?"
Rukia stared. The woman looked up from beneath the curtain of curling lashes to meet the shinigami's gaze.
After a deep inhale, her surprise hidden away, she answered evenly, "Rukia… And how shall I address you?"
For a few moments there was silence and then finally the woman returned in her accented voice, "I have no other name than Xochitl…" Her eyes fell a minute in thought before she looked back up and Rukia noted that her irises had lightened in color. "But where I used to stay, a few- my closest companions- would call me Xo."
In an instant Rukia had made up her mind. She gave a nod, her features softening if only slightly, "Xo then."