"Are they asleep, Nanao-chan?" Shunsui asked, looking up from his comfortable spot on the rug in the living room, where he was watching the fire crackle and pop.
"Mm, they are finally." She sat down next to him, and he shifted so he could put his arm around her. She snuggled next to him, twining her fingers with his as she watched the fire as well. "They were pretty wound up from the party."
"Them and the rest of the younger members of Seireitei," he chuckled. Every year, they had a Gotei-wide Christmas party, with drinks, dancing, and mistletoe for the older ones, but also party games, sledding, snowball fights, and of course, the annual appearance of 'Santa' (always played by Ukitake in a fake beard) to give out candy, small presents, and advice.
"I don't know who Ukitake-taichou thinks he's fooling with that costume," she laughed. "Everyone knows it's him." A fake beard wasn't going to hide that obvious silver hair, let alone his distinctive (and infectious laugh).
She felt as much as heard Shunsui laugh softly next to her. "No one, but he does love doing it. And I think Retsu-san enjoyed playing Mrs. Claus this year." Nanao couldn't help smiling more widely at that. Those two were very sweet, and Ukitake adored Retsu. She thought most of the Seireitei had seen their relationship coming long before either of them had. But then again, the same could be said for her and Shunsui.
She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. He turned around and kissed her slowly, more deeply, and for a few moments, they just held each other like that, hearts beating fast in front of the warm fire. "I love you, Nanao-chan," he said at last.
"And I love you, Shunsui." She chuckled and disentangled herself, squeezing his hand as she stood up. "Come to bed, dear. It's getting late."
And he did.