Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 330
A Kiss for Shelter
An Understanding in Silence
A light rain dappled the grounds and made the leaves on the trees hang heavier over the flowerbeds and lawn.
Byakuya watched from the formal shrine's doors as his sister and his guest took another turn around the porch beneath the overhang.
With equal flowing steps they paced in floral kimonos around his house on their second circuit, side by side, more often than not in silence.
Xochitl stood over Rukia in height, but still they made such a lovely pair- matching somehow despite the varying colors that made them up.
This sudden camaraderie was curious to him. His younger sister had never seemed quite comfortable in the company of other women. She seemed to get on well with the two mortal girls that might pop into the Soul Society to visit and she was equally friendly with the Kurosaki twins who also happened by on occasion. But for the most part, Rukia had always seemed more at ease around men. This observation did not always sit well with the captain, but he attempted to put aside his own misgivings in favor of trusting his sister's judgment.
He took the steps down to the stone walkway slowly, ignoring the precipitation that dewed him before he reached shelter beneath the main house's roof.
Again his slate eyes followed them and he halted as the two paused at the far corner.
From his position he could see that Xochitl was hunched slightly, her hands balled into fists beneath her chest.
He might have fully turned in their direction had Rukia not placed her hand on the woman's elbow. He could just see the exchange of words.
A rush of air left him- a sound of shock- as he noted the soft curl of Xochitl's lips and Rukia's answering smile.
Soon enough the women were gliding forward again as though nothing had transpired and a huff passed his lips.
Wonder quirking his mouth and twinkling in his eye he shook his head lightly.