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Climate Change
by afrai

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There were lessons to be learnt on both ends. The thought occurred to Byakuya upon discovering a stack of paper stolen from, among others, the 13th division -- he recognised the letterhead, and the probability that Rukia had obtained that particular canvas by entirely legal means.

"One wonders if the effort of requesting that Ukitake desist from interfering in our family affairs is worth it," he said to his wife, "considering that he will almost certainly ignore any such request."

"The Captain is fond of children," said Hisana.

Byakuya managed to indicate his utter incomprehension of and contempt for such boundless folly without moving a muscle.

"Hisana did not know that her sis -- that Rukia drew," said his wife.

"Hn," said Byakuya. "... I appear to be a rabbit."

"A most dignified rabbit, my lord," said Hisana, to whom a certain bunny on page 5 bore a resemblance striking considering the artist's questionable skill.

"At least," suggested my lady, "my lord is not a bear."

"It is difficult to discern the difference."

"The bears are the people she dislikes," said Hisana softly. She touched page 5. There were hearts around the rabbit with the wistful smile, and underneath, in a staggering script, the words: my sister.

"Her calligraphy leaves much to be desired," said my lord.

He said no more of the matter, but if a drawing of a rabbit whose kenseikan sat awkwardly with his ears remained precisely affixed to his desk with a paperweight -- well, who would mention such a triviality to the young Kuchiki heir?

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