Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters.
Two
Shunsui laughed and refrained from throwing a piece of sushi at Jyuushiro. Instead, he retaliated by beginning the story of the first time Jyuu had met Retsu. Jyuu hadn't exactly made the best impression. The dinner party was in full swing now. What started out as one birthday dinner had become a well loved tradition. Over the years, it had grown from just the four of them, and Yama-ji had stopped attending about a century ago, claiming the event was getting a little too raucous for him. Shunsui grinned at that thought; they were a little more exuberant these days.
He scanned the room after finishing his story, mentally noting the friends that had gathered. Yoruichi was draped over Urahara's lap, laughing at his attempt to explain his latest project to Isshin who just didn't get it. Shinji was once again fending off Hiyori's attacks after making one too many cracks about her hair. Retsu seemed content to lean against Jyuu's shoulder and listen to Kaien regale Miyako and Lisa with stories about his family. And Jyuu was doing his best not to look extremely happy that Retsu had chosen his shoulder to lean against. Shunsui sipped his sake. Yet another good birthday.