If At First You Don't Succeed

by La Rosa del Desierto

"... hide all evidence that you tried. It's guaranteed to work," said Rangiku. "I do it all the time." "No wonder you don't get anything done," replied Hitsugaya. - A series of oneshots and parodies about pretty much all the main Bleach characters. Yes, that does mean Kenpachi will be a pirate at some point. Will be adding quite a few, so watch this space!

5. Byakuya

In which Byakuya almost smiles

Byakuya's grey eyes surveyed Rukia's face, full of pride and loyalty for her older brother. Something in his expression changed, ever so slightly, and he flash-stepped away.

"Look at that!" Renji said. "He smiled at you!"

Rukia looked at the redhead and raised a sceptical eyebrow.

After a contemplative second Renji said, "Well, maybe not on the outside, but you just know the captain was smiling on the inside."

Rukia's eyebrow didn't budge.

"Deep inside," Renji said.

Rukia's other eyebrow joined the first.

"Deep… deep down," Renji began, but then gave up. "Yeah, I was having trouble believing myself too."

Rukia turned back to watch the battle. Her expression creased with worry lines as she saw Senbonzakura flash and swirl. But she had faith in her brother's fighting abilities. He'd succeed. He had too much pride to fail.