Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 239
A Kiss for Shelter
A Most Pleasant Evening
Rukia hid her little mouth behind her hand in a gesture of awe as she stared into her cup, "This tea is really good!"
"You must like the vanilla. I'll remember that." Xochitl said, eyes cast downward in humility, allowing just a hint of smile.
"Mmm." Rukia agreed, nodding as she brought the cup toward her lips again.
The teamaker's gaze flickered over to the silent presence at the end of the table a moment before she looked across at the young lady again.
With his own tea in hand- this an interesting combination of mint, cinnamon, and traces of pine- that he had noted liking, Byakuya watched as his sister commented again making "Xo" blush.
The gods must find amusement in this irony. My little sister succeeds where I have failed. The noble inwardly muttered. Still he hid his own small smile behind his teacup.
Rukia was an enigma- she could draw the most stubborn person from their shell. It was effortless now to appreciate his little sister's fearless character. Unwittingly he basked in the glow the two females exuded in their contentedness.
It wasn't until the young hostess excused herself and rose to her feet that he realized he had closed his eyes.
"I'm pleased you could join us, Xochitl." He expressed before she could fully retreat. His grey eyes latched onto hers and now she did not attempt to hide the warmth in her eyes.