Nanao Ise hesitated for a brief moment before she allowed herself to turn on the futon she was sharing with the 3rd seat of squad 11. In all her years she never would have imagined her first time sleeping next to a man would be part of a routine order; just another part of her uncle's brilliant training program.
Nanao huffed, blowing air from her mouth as she opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling—her body was overly exhausted, yet, her mind didn't seem to want to shut down at all—I've taken a chance allowing this to happen and so far, Yumichika had agreed to stay on his side of the futon.
Nanao gripped the blanket around herself tucking it up higher above her chin, the light purple cotton kimono she slept in wasn't revealing with how she had tied it closed after her bath, but still, the way Yumichika had watched her after coming out of his bathroom had been more than unnerving.
Although she would admit he hadn't been creepy about the way he had studied her, if she hadn't known any better by his earlier admission; she would have thought Yumichika was simply admiring her, the way someone would with a beautiful flower in the grass on a warm summer's day—although, I'm afraid my bloom is not nearly as spectacular as other flowers here in the soul society.
Nanao tensed as she felt movement from the other side of the bed as Yumichika turned his body to face her, the pillow she had shoved between them not much of a barrier now that she really thought about it.
"It's rather strange, I can't hear a word your thinking, but I can feel your mind vibrating even with the pillow between us." Yumichika spoke lowly.
Nanao turned her head to face the 3rd seat, feeling it odd to be laying with the man in the dark, the only light coming in from the small window above the bed from the low hanging moon outside. Yumichika was laying right under the sheen coming in, his violet eyes highlighted by the silver hue.
"I can't seem to get comfortable." Nanao admitted.
"Maybe if you actually tried relaxing you would be able to sleep." Yumichika countered.
Nanao turned her gaze back to the ceiling then, not in the mood to hear anymore taunts or "flirtation" from the man who laid by her.
Yumichika reached out with his hand and lifted the pillow that laid between them and tossed it aside.
"What do you think you are doing, 3rd seat Ayasegawa!" Nanao grated.
"If you keep moving around all night you will affect my beauty sleep, and you really don't want to deal with me later if that happens. Now come here." Yumichika demanded.
Nanao's breath caught in her chest as she felt him reach his arm out, wrapping around her waist.
"3rd seat Ayasegawa, this is exactly what you agreed not to do!" Nanao countered as her sore muscles tightened and protested his touch.
"You can call me by my first name, you know, you are after all laying in my bed." Yumichika countered.
"I didn't choose to share your bed!" Nanao hissed as she reached for his arm and lifted it away from her body.
Yumichika sighed heavily at her action—all he was trying to do was give her comfort, but it seemed the woman was even too uptight to accept that!
"Nanao, let's get one thing straight; I will never touch you in the way you're thinking unless I knew for a fact I had your permission." Yumichika stated.
Nanao let out a soft squeaking sound at the 3rd seats blunt statement—unless he has my permission? Wait…does that mean he would actually want to!?
"I…I think it would be better if I moved to the floor…" Nanao sputtered as she pushed herself up from the futon and turned in order to do just that.
Yumichika's lean arm reached out capturing her around the middle preventing her from moving. Nanao stiffened as she felt his breath on the side of her neck and the heat from his chest against her back as he leaned into her.
"You think too much. Let me show you…" Yumichika whispered against her ear in a tone she had never heard a man use before.
"Y…Yumichika…" Nanao whispered.
"Ah, you see, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Yumichika replied, his words laced with apparent amusement at her using his first name.
"Just lay back and relax. It's important for two who are training together to develop trust. Think of this as nothing more than a trust exercise." Yumichika instructed her.
"W…what is it you are trying to do exactly?" Nanao asked.
"I'm just trying to hold you, something I think you have gone entirely too long without." Yumichika answered honestly.
Nanao squeezed her eyes shut as she heard his explanation—I can't believe I'm actually about to do this…
Yumichika smiled in the dark as he felt the woman slide back on the mattress and even though her body was ramrod straight and every muscle she had was tensed in protest; she allowed her body to lay against him. Yumichika wrapped his left arm around her waist allowing it to drape over her curves lazily while his right arm laid above her head.
"I don't see how this is supposed to help me sleep." Nanao sighed.
Nanao's brow furrowed as she felt him move his right hand slightly and began to caress the crown of her head with his delicate fingers. She could still feel his warm breath on the back of her neck, the heat from his lean muscled body pressed against her—why is this starting to feel good?
Nanao stopped trying to struggle as she felt her eyes start to grow heavy, slowly with each gentle caress of the 3rd seats soft hand; he managed to ease her over active mind. Yumichika smiled in silent triumph when he felt Nanao's body give, her soft curves pressing into him fully as the tension eased from her frame, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep in his arms—it really is such a shame that she's not more comfortable in her own skin, I'll have to help her with that.
Ikkaku stirred from sleep as he tried to turn over onto his side but realized something was preventing him from moving. His eyes sprang open as his body jarred, thinking there was a threat. His lips parted in surprise when he realized it was the squad 5 lieutenant that was preventing his movement.
It seemed that sometime in the night Momo had sprawled herself atop of Ikkaku. He could feel her soft breath against the exposed skin of his chest as she slept against him. Her small frame clinging to his in the dimly lit room. Ikkaku reached his hand out and lifted the hair that had fallen in front of her face—I guess she's comfortable with me, that's a good thing.
Ikkaku didn't know how such a small woman was giving off so much heat, but he had to admit it felt a little relaxing having the small scrap of a woman laying across his hard body. She had raised her leg and wrapped it around his lean hips, her arm hugged him tightly across his ribcage as she used his chest as a pillow, making Ikkaku wonder if the woman may have developed a little crush on him somehow—do women normally do this when sharing a bed with someone, or is there more to this?
Ikkaku relaxed his body back into the mattress, deciding to let her sleep a little longer before he started the day. His captain had given him permission to train her on his own, and he had a few ideas on how to train her stamina better then forcing her to run. She had been trying to hide it last night, but Ikkaku could tell with every step Momo took that something was hurting her, whether it was her hips or knees, he wasn't really sure—I'll have to remember she's not used to the same kind of training I am.
Ikkaku allowed his eyes to close again as mixed emotions began to plague him; something was going on with him and he couldn't place it. He'd trained men before and had no problems—is it because she's female, or do I just like her?
Ikkaku felt her move against him reaching her hand up higher on his ribs, her delicate fingers caressing against him through the fabric of his sleeping kimono. Ikkaku's breath caught in his chest as he felt Momo rub her cheek against his chest before she pulled away abruptly.
"Oh, no. I…I am so sorry, Lieutenant." Momo blurted as she came up on her knees next to him.
"Don't worry about it, shorty." Ikkaku replied, managing to shake off the effects of the woman's affectionate caress, he didn't know where the urge had come from, but he'd caught himself rising his hand in order to caress her back right before she'd pulled away from him.
"I…I…must have gotten cold last night. I can sleep on the floor tonight so it doesn't happen again." Momo pressed.
Ikkaku reached out with his hand grabbing the flustered woman by the chin and tilted her head back. Her wide brown eyes met his gaze as her cheeks flushed bright pink showing him her embarrassment. Ikkaku scowled down at her as his gaze shifted to her lips and the insane urge to kiss her filled him—what the hell?
Ikkaku dropped his hand from her chin and averted his gaze before he did something stupid; like give into these new urges. The last thing he needed was to cross the line with Momo, his captain would never let him live it down; not to mention the reaction of others if they found out about it, like Captain Hitsugaya.
"It's no problem, I didn't mind it." Ikkaku admitted, feeling a bit awkward.
Momo allowed her head to turn taking in the time. It was almost seven in the morning and she found herself feeling a bit anxious before she remembered; I'm not with my squad today, I'm not late.
"Doesn't Captain Zaraki start his drills in an hour?" Momo asked, hoping to clear the air between them; she hadn't expected to wake up sprawled out on the Lieutenant's chest in such a way, and if it hadn't been for her embarrassment; she would have wanted to stay on top of him for a while longer. Ikkaku's body was unlike any she had ever seen or felt; he was a lean man, but there was barely any fat on him at all; his body was like hard steel and his hands were rough from many hours spent training.
Momo shook her head at the image being played in her mind—I really need to get myself together before I make a fool of myself and do something I can't take back!
"Yeah, the Captain starts at eight, but we won't be going with the rest of the squad today. I've been given permission to train you on my own. I have something else planned." Ikkaku answered as he shifted his body to the side of the bed and pushed himself up to his feet.
Momo leaned her head back watching him as he stood in front of her succeeding in taking her breath away as a rumble of butterflies assaulted her lower abdomen—oh, this isn't good! Not good at all, I can't seem to stop these feelings!
"So that means I won't have to run today?" Momo asked, hoping she wouldn't have to push her body that hard.
While the bath had been soothing for her last night, she still felt sore and her right hip seemed to have been strained somehow, even now resting on her knees she could feel the deep aching pull.
"No, we won't be running." Ikkaku answered before disappearing into his bathing area.
Momo sighed in relief as she pushed herself up from Ikkaku's futon and let out a wince as she stood to her feet. It seemed like her whole body had been effected from yesterday's run; the muscles on her sides, and upper shoulders felt horribly tight and with each movement; she felt them protesting.
Ikkaku returned from his bathing area and walked over to her holding out a roll of white cotton bandages. Momo's brow furrowed showing her confusion as she raised her hand to accept them.
"You'll need to wrap your chest with those for what I have planned today." Ikkaku explained.
Momo's cheeks flushed instantly—what would I be doing that required me to wrap my breasts?
"You can swim, right?" Ikkaku asked, almost like it was an afterthought.
"Swim? Y…yes, I can." Momo answered as realization donned on her; he wanted her to wrap her breasts for modesty while swimming.
"Swimming will target the whole body just like running; but it doesn't affect the joints as badly; I figured we would use that to increase your stamina." Ikkaku stated.
Momo nodded but didn't comment back about his plan; he was her teacher and she would comply with whatever he thought would help her during her training—my scars…if I swim wearing just the bandages, he's going to see my scars!
"Something wrong, Shorty?" Ikkaku asked as he studied her face, she seemed to be dealing with some kind of hesitation.
"You don't have anything to be shy about, it'll just be me and you." Ikkaku continued, thinking her reaction may be due to him asking her to show too much.
"N…No. I'm fine with this plan, just give me a few minutes and I will be ready to head out." Momo smiled softly; deciding to push back her worry—Ikkaku was a warrior, surely he wouldn't look twice at my scars…
What do you mean we aren't training with the rest of the squad?" Nanao asked as she placed her hands on her hips. While she hated to admit it; Yumichika had succeeded in helping her relax in order to get a good night's sleep. Something her overtired body had needed immensely—that wasn't what had her feeling a bit chafed!
It was the way she had woken up that had her mind reeling; for the first time she had felt what it was like to be held by a man and it seemed that her mind was now acting on its own accord, conjuring up scenario's she had never once dared to think about; even now she couldn't help but glance at the 3rd seat's hands, wondering if his touch would be just as gentle and soothing in other more intimate areas.
"Captain Zaraki seems to think it would be best if I train you on my own. Honestly, I share in his decision. This way, you won't be distracted by trying to keep up pretenses; how tiring that must be, always worrying about what others think…" Yumichika rambled.
Nanao shifted her hands from her hips, letting them fall to her side as she took in his answer—more like he doesn't want to deal with "babysitting" the weak squad 1 lieutenant.
"Well, what do you have on today's agenda then?" Nanao asked.
"I'm interested in seeing how you handle a blade." Yumichika answered honestly.
Nanao swallowed deeply as she met his gaze, thinking it was a bit early to be tossing a wooden sword at her.
"I hate to admit, but, I'm afraid I am not all that skilled in that department." Nanao sighed.
"Follow me." Yumichika stated before stepping into the main hallway of the squad 11 barracks.
Nanao complied, wondering just what the 3rd seat had up his sleeve for the coming hours; and whether or not we would feel the need to keep flirting with her. Nanao paused in the hallway as she watched the elegant way the man held himself as he walked. His head held high with such confidence; she use to think that Yumichika was just full of himself, but now, after the tenderness he had shown her last night she was beginning to wonder—he oozes confidence, both in daily action and on the battlefield; any woman would be lucky to have him!
Yumichika stilled and turned when he no longer heard the woman following behind him. His brow lifted as he realized she had paused in the corridor seeming to be lost in thought.
Yumichika allowed himself to smile before he spoke.
"What is the issue this time?" He asked.
Nanao averted her gaze, not daring enough to admit where her mind has started to wonder, if he knew he was wearing down her resolve she had no doubt the man would pounce on her, taking advantage of her weakness—it seems I have more than one!
"It's nothing." Nanao replied, forcing herself to come forward and walk by his side.
"That's funny, "nothing" doesn't make a woman pause in the middle of a hallway like that. Could it be you are starting to warm up to me?" Yumichika smirked.
Nanao scoffed as she kept her gaze forward—confident is an understatement! This man is far to cunning for his own good, if I'm not careful, this situation could end up being more than I am prepared to handle!
"Don't be so full of yourself!" Nanao forced the reply; once again, she felt herself shying away from a situation that left her painfully uncomfortable.
Yumichika smiled fully as the pair came to the exit and stepped out onto the dirt pathway. Yumichika turned his attention to his Captain and Nanao decided to hang back, thinking it wise not to irritate the squad 11 captain anymore than she had the previous day.
Kenpachi raised his head and glanced in her direction briefly, a sly smirk planted on his face as he replied to Yumichika; Nanao could not hear their exchange, but she was sure the comment had been one of a sarcastic nature. She could hear Zaraki now in her mind—"I see the woman decided to stay after all…"
"Good morning, Lieutenant Ise." A soft feminine voice spoke behind her, stealing her attention from the two men across the way.
"Oh, Good morning, Lieutenant Hinamori." Nanao smiled, thankful that the squad 5 lieutenant seemed to be in good spirits although she did look a bit haggard, Nanao could sympathize, her body held the after effects of yesterday's grueling training as well.
"I'll just be a minute." Ikkaku stated before walking forward the same way Yumichika had in order to address Captain Zaraki before taking the two women on personalized training exercises.
"I'm guessing Captain Zaraki felt it necessary for both of us to be trained away from the rest of the squad." Nanao stated.
Momo turned her gaze back to the older woman and smiled.
"It would seem that way, I guess he see's potential in us. I would hate to let him down…" Momo replied.
Nanao's brow furrowed at Hinamori's explanation—could that be the case? Did Captain Zaraki really see potential in them?
"Alright, let's get started! Akon, try and keep up!" Kenpachi growled as he took the lead and just like the day before; the man took off in a sprint. Both Nanao and Momo winced internally, their features sympathetic as they watched the squad 12 Lieutenant do his best to keep up with the other squad members as a cloud of dust spread in their wake.
"Let's go." Ikkaku ordered as he came back to Momo's side.
"Alright then." Momo replied as she stepped away from the squad 1 lieutenant and began to follow her teacher down another dirt pathway, one she now understood would take them outside of the Seireitei.
"We'll be staying here at the barracks. Come into the training room." Yumichika instructed.
Nanao turned away from the cloud of dust, wishing the squad 12 lieutenant well before she brought her attention to the task at hand—swordsmanship. Nano stepped through the open doorway finding Yumichika standing in the middle of the empty room.
"Is it my understanding that you have very little experience with a blade, your uncle having kept your families "holy sword" in safe keeping for many years." Yumichika began.
"Yes, that is correct." Nanao answered.
"I see. In that case I wish to see you handle a sword." Yumichika replied.
Nanao turned her head, her gaze going to the wall of lined up wooden practice swords.
"No, I mean a real one." Yumichika interjected as he reached his hand down, pulling his own Zanpakuto free from its sheath.
Nanao's body tensed as she watched the 3rd seat of squad 11 walk towards her gracefully with sword in hand.
"Fuji Kujaku can be a bit temperamental, but I am sure he will not mind if I use him to gauge your shortcomings." Yumichika stated.
"A…are you sure about this? A Zanpakuto is quite personal." Nanao breathed.
Yumichika smiled reaching his free hand out for hers, his palm against the back of her right hand; he raised her arm up, placing her palm against the hilt of his Zanpakuto.
"You're holding the hilt too tightly..." Yumichika stated.
Nanao rolled her eyes at the 3rd seat before she replied with a huff.
"How am I supposed to hold it then?" She asked.
Yumichika smiled as his eyes narrowed and he walked behind her, placing his hand over hers.
"Hold it firm enough to control, yet fluid enough for your movement, hold it like you would your lover..."
Yumichika explained.
"L...lover?" Nanao breathed.
Yumichika smirked before turning his head and whispering in her ear.
"You have had a lover before, haven't you?" he teased.
Nanao cleared her throat as her body tensed, a rush of heat spread across her chest and cheeks.
"That's really none of your business, 3rd seat Ayasegawa!" Nanao countered.
"Oh? That's a shame...and here I thought we were on a first name basis." Yumichika replied, followed by a soft chuckle.
"How do you expect me to learn anything when you keep making such comments?" Nanao countered.
"A mere comment shouldn't deter you from learning something; do you think an opponent is going to be polite? Was the Quincy you fought such a gentlemen?" Yumichika retorted.
Nanao allowed her eyes to shut as a flood of memories assaulted her at once; the so called curse upon her family; the way fear had overtaken her the day she had faced Lille Barro; a member of the Quincy's invading force—if it hadn't been for the Head Captain; her uncle, she may not have escaped that battle in one piece.
"What's troubling you, Nanao? Are memories surfacing? I can feel your body trembling even now; simply by reminiscing about your past you've gotten fearful all over again. I'm afraid this won't do." Yumichika stated.
"How do you do it? How do you stay so calm when in battle?" Nanao asked, allowing her mind to come back to the present.
"The answer to that is simple, Nanao. I've lived my life in a way that allows me to experience everything I can. I have no regrets and I am not afraid of death." Yumichika answered.
Nanao's lips parted as her body broke out in sudden chills—is that what causes my fear? Have I not experienced enough in life?
Nanao turned her head towards the 3rd seat of squad 11, meeting his violet gaze as he leaned against her backside; she felt her stomach drop and flutter as if a million butterflies had just taken off in flight.
Yumichika smiled as he met her gaze.
"My family is said to be cursed…" Nanao blurted.
"Is that so? Lucky for you, I don't believe in curses." Yumichika countered.
Nanao's breath hitched as she felt Yumichika's hand lift and caress the side of her jaw delicately before he leaned forward and like the fearless man he was; Yumichika covered her lips with his own; succeeding in giving the squad 1 lieutenant her first kiss.