Standard disclaimers apply to the fictional characters of BLEACH used in this story. They are the property of the esteemed Kubo Tite-sensei, and I have no claim over them. Please don't sue.

-.-

"You know, you won't hurt their feelings if you interrupted them," remarked Isshin as he suddenly appeared next to Katagiri at the edge of the dance floor. He offered her a glass of sparkling water and she accepted it out of courtesy.

She eyed Masaki in her fuschia mermaid gown with a silver-and-pink rhinestone embedded one-shoulder strap. Her short hair was pinned into a messy bun with stray locks framing her smiling face.

"It would be rude," Katagiri countered as she sipped daintily. Somehow, she was unsurprised to see that Masaki-sama invited him to the ball as her partner. She was however amazed to see how comfortable and dignified he was while dressed to the nines. He blended right into the setting, as if he experienced it before.

He didn't bother to follow up on that conversation and instead said, "That dress is very becoming on you."

Her heart sank just a bit at his comment, but she politely thanked him. It was a sleek dark cobalt gown with a white rhinestone studded halter neckline. Her hair was let down from its usual bun and tumbled in soft waves down her back.

Isshin coughed and set aside his drink. "Would you like to dance?"

Kanae hesitated slightly but then curtsied. Just as he led her into the crowd of dancing students, she couldn't help but ask, "You know how to waltz?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Just a little. Masaki taught me the basics, so please watch over me."

Despite his words, he led her through the dance without mishap. As they twirled with the music, she kept her eyes focused on her hand on top of his shoulder. She couldn't bring herself to look elsewhere.

As soon as the quick-paced waltz ended, another took its place but slower and more somber. Before she could excuse herself, a gloved hand stopped her from moving.

Katagiri turned her head swiftly to see Ryuuken in his crisp white suit. Looking directly at Isshin, he calmly asked, "If I may cut in?"

The Shinigami smirked widely. "Sure. It's about time I find Masaki, anyway. Thanks for the dance, little lady."

She only nodded silently as Isshin took off to look for his date. Holding her breath, she watched as her master bowed formally with a hand proffered to her. "May I have this dance?"

"Of course, Ryuuken-sama," she whispered with a full curtsey. Soon, she found herself swept into his arms as they traveled effortlessly around the dance floor. Little by little, she lowered her guard and he encouraged her into his personal space so that his hand rested on her lower back and her head was tucked underneath his chin. His soft breath rustled her hair and he tightened the grip of their intertwined hands. She could feel herself trembling inside from their closeness and her heart fluttered madly.

"I apologize for not saying this earlier," Ryuuken started.

Startled, Kanae pulled back slightly. "What is it?"

He looked down at her with his clear blue eyes that she could see her own reflection. "You are very beautiful this evening, Kanae."

-.-

AN: Okay, fine, Isshin wanted in so now he's here. And I don't know but blue is somehow my favorite color for Kanae. Also, to all my readers who wanted the Winter Ball scene, this chapter is for you!

Thank you to my reviewers Isame Kuroda, SoulAuron, picaso, AaviyanTage, Amulet Misty, Nessie910, and Anna Riza Kurosaki for your wonderful support!