Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU. I am not very familiar with the Bleach anime, and Katen Kyokotsu's personality is based on the manga and my own suppositions.

Something to Sleep On

Shunsui was surprised how quickly Nanao was packed and ready to go. It didn't take them long to get her settled in Shunsui's home, and she was now sound asleep. Jyuu had excused himself to go to be a while ago, leaving Shunsui sitting out in his back garden drinking. Quite frankly, Nanao had him completely off balance, despite the fact that Katen Kyokotsu was once again a familiar presence tucked into his belt. Of course, his sword was not helping matters any.

That's because you're in denial.

He wasn't actually in denial. He'd been attracted to Nanao from the first moment he'd seen her tonight out at the festival, and the more he saw of the woman the more he was intrigued and charmed by her. She was like no one else he'd ever really met. But this was all very sudden. And while Shunsui did believe in love at first sight, now might not be exactly the best time to start something with her, even if she was his soul mate. Nanao was adjusting to a whole new world and live style, and she would be overwhelmed for a while.

There was also the fact that Stark was in town. Shunsui knew that he wouldn't really be at ease either until Stark left town or was dealt with permanently. Stark had something of a grudge against him, and Shunsui knew better than to let his guard down when he was around. That wasn't exactly conducive to starting a relationship either. But that didn't mean that Shunsui was ignoring the fact that Nanao Ise was the most interesting woman he'd met in a long time. He'd just have to play things by ear.

Honestly, Shunsui. You act as if you had control of these things. Just because you wait to get involved with Nanao doesn't mean Stark won't go after her. And I wouldn't underestimate the girl either. She's something special.

"I know that. She stood up to Stark despite not knowing what was going on and thinking the whole situation was crazy. I won't be surprised at all if she ends up being the coworker than Rangiku keeps insisting that she should introduce me to. But I've waited centuries to meet my soul mate. It won't hurt to take things slowly now that I have."

We'll see about that.

Katen being ornery wasn't anything new to Shunsui. They had locked in a battle of wills any number of times in the centuries that the two of them had been partners. Romancing Nanao was definitely going to be a challenge if he had to do it with his sword providing commentary the entire time. Still, Shunsui couldn't help the smile that came to his lips when he brought to mind Nanao. He had thought her lovely the first time he'd seen her at the festival in her yukata and with a smile lighting her face. But that moment had nothing on how beautiful Nanao had looked with a sword in her hand standing up to Stark.

Shunsui sighed and got to his feet. That was a good image to keep in mind as he went to bed, and he really should get some sleep. He had a feeling that Nanao would have many more questions in the morning.