Disclaimer: *Disclaims*

So, seeing as a lot of you are really keen on the Shunsui, Jyuushiro and Nanao at Woodstock idea (so am I, frankly), it's on the list. It's a long list, though, and I'm not even going to try tackling it until this is done. For those of you who are curious, we're about two-thirds of the way through this part of the story (and for anyone still left behind, this is a part of a series which will continue on once this piece is done). I'm getting excited – all the good stuff's about to happen!

I think I'll make popcorn.

Listening to: Them Crooked Vultures – 'Mind Eraser, No Chaser', Radiohead – 'Talk Show Host', and Goldfrapp – 'Deer Stop'.

Chapter Eleven

Nemu had not slept well. Uncomfortable epiphanies, she'd found, would do that to you.

Last night had been… Well, if she was frank with herself, last night had been many things, from humiliating to intoxicating (in many senses of the word) to wonderful, and she blamed most of it on the alcohol. Clearly sobriety was unfashionable at those sorts of events – everyone she had come up against that night was at some level of drunkenness, and Jyuushiro could hardly be any exception…

Unless he had been, in which case, that opened up a whole new set of problems.

Nemu wasn't stupid. She did, however, sometimes need to think things over properly for a while. Kissing Jyuushiro had been a brilliant idea under the influence of alcohol and was still sounding pretty good now, but she had needed to think through the consequences of her actions. So she had flash stepped, very, very quickly to elsewhere.

Lady Yoruichi would have been proud of the speed she'd reached.

Perhaps, Nemu would concede, she had panicked. But, as she had looked over her options in the safety of her own home, panic may have been the best response. At least there was still room to draw back, room to pass it off as drunken foolishness…

And so we have, once more, option the first – Jyuushiro was drunk.

In this case scenario, he does not feel anything for me and responded out of instinct. Wasn't it Shakespeare who stated that alcohol increases the desire but takes away the performance?

…Best not to think about the performance aspect of all this.

Unfortunately, either her father had gifted her with a vivid imagination or she had developed one all on her own, and it was very hard not to think of Jyuushiro in that capacity. Between the way those hazel eyes could inexplicably heat up, to those talented hands, to –

Not the point.

…What was the point again?

Yes, the case scenario. Well, if Jyuushiro feels nothing for me and was, as Captain Kyouraku puts it, plastered, then my best course of action is to act as though I have forgotten everything. After all, I was at least equally… impaired. It is plausible. In fact, even if he wasn't drunk but does indeed regret kissing me that may be the best course of action. The only situation where I would question that reaction…

Is if he meant to kiss me. If he feels for me what I feel –

Which is unlikely. There are better looking women in the Gotei Thirteen, and certainly less awkward ones. Jyuushiro seems to tolerate my company, but I must be realistic. If he hasn't found anyone to interest him in over a millennia of existence, what is the likelihood of that certain someone being me?

Diddly-squat, as Momo would say.

Whatever that means.

That triggered a memory, her best friend talking with her at the bar as she unknowingly admired Jyuushiro.

And I thought I had health problems. All that accelerated heartbeat and agitated breathing nonsense – no wonder Chikyuu-Kosshi was mocking me.

I've been positively dense.

Said sword spirit was silent for once, which was a relief, but also brought her back to her main point as she thought harder about that night…

There was definitely something going on here, and it wasn't like Momo to hide things from her. "Are you sure you don't know something?"

"Ahhh, let's just say this is something you have to work out for yourself." Momo was out and out grinning now.

Nemu raised an eyebrow. "That's just ridiculous."

Her best friend chuckled. "I know it sounds like that now, but I don't want to influence you in anyway and put something into your head that isn't there. Feelings are tricky like that. It'll make sense when you figure it out."

"Still ridiculous", Nemu insisted. "I am perfectly capable of sorting through my feelings." Ignoring the snort that echoed in the back of her mind, she continued, "A hint?"

"Not telling", Momo sang, laughing. "If you haven't figured it out in a week, I'll help, but I think you'll get there. You're a scientist after all, and this is biology." She cocked her head to the left, grinning. "Or chemistry. Now go talk to him."

Nemu's eyes narrowed as she picked up the phone. Unthinkingly she dialled and waited, until the target of her ire picked up the phone.

She didn't bother with a greeting, instead almost growling her message down the phone. "Momo! How in Hueco Mundo could you think that it was acceptable not to inform me that not only was I physically attracted to Jyuushiro Ukitake, but I was in love with him too? Did you not think that may have been useful information to pass on? Or did you just not consider the potential consequences of such an action at any point?"

A very awkward silence followed this, immediately proceeded by the sound of someone who was male, and therefore clearly not Momo, clearing their throat.

"Ah, Nemu-san?"

Nemu blinked.

Frick.

Frick. Frick frick frickfrickfrickfrickfrick –

"Kira-san", she replied smoothly, "I was looking for Momo."

"I gathered", was his reply, a touch of amusement in his voice. "She's almost out of the shower."

"I see."

Further awkward silence ensued.

Kira cleared his throat again. "Look… As far as I'm concerned, if anyone else should ever ask me, this conversation didn't happen. Does that sound good?"

Trying to restrain herself from sighing loudly with relief, Nemu replied, "Perfect." She paused. "I knew I liked you, Kira-san."

"That's the spirit", he returned encouragingly. "Now, that little interlude aside, are you all right?"

"I - " Nemu broke off, considering the question. "I'm not sure. I think I will be, my head just - "

"I get it", Kira nodded to himself from his position at Momo's kitchen table, recalling the beginnings of his first and only love. "It can be something of a mind-blowing realisation." Grinning to himself, he realised just how surreal this conversation was. "So… You and Captain Ukitake?"

Nemu heartily wished that glares could be conveyed adequately over the phone. "My good opinion can be retracted, you know. Is Momo out yet?"

He chuckled. "Fine, I'll put her on. But if you need a guy's advice, well, just know that I'm happy to be an option."

Before she could thank him, he handed the phone over to her best friend, who immediately burst out with, "I'm sorry! You just had no clue and I didn't think it was fair to drop that kind of bombshell on you with you at least figuring part of it out first, and - "

Nemu felt all her anger dissolve.

My own stupidity is largely to blame here – how could I rely on someone else to inform me of my own feelings? Momo thought she was acting for the best and, if I am realistic, would I have believed her if she had told me?

Almost undoubtedly not.

"I'm sorry too", she broke in over Momo's flood of excuses and self-recrimination.

Her best friend exhaled in relief. "Whoa, I bet your head's in a mess right now, huh?"

Nemu grimaced to herself. "That's one way of putting it."

"So, what was your 'oh' moment?"

"Sorry?" Nemu was utterly lost.

Momo tried again. "What made you realise that was how you felt? I mean, with Kira, for me it was realising when I came out of everything after the betrayal that I'd been horrible to him. I'd accused his captain of tricking mine, I'd accused him of having a part in all of it, and yet he still stuck by me and tried to stay my friend no matter what. Once I was back to myself, I was so grateful I hadn't managed to spoil everything, because he's just amazing and - "

There was a curious noise and then Nemu heard Momo giggle in the background, "Kira, I'm talking about you, not to you! Now out, I'm trying to have a conversation with Nemu."

Breathless she regained control of the phone and continued. "Anyway, where was I?"

Nemu smiled to herself. "I can almost hear you blush over the phone."

"Shut up", Momo muttered, still unable to hide the glee in her voice. "It's not my fault the man knows how to kiss. Besides, it's time for you to spill – what made you realise?"

Nemu took a deep breath. "I kissed him. Repeatedly."

Stunned silence was her response, followed by a squeal. "Oh Kami! Go Nemu! What happened next?"

Nemu let said deep breath go. "I bolted, to put it frankly."

She could practically see Momo in front of her now, her friend's exuberant joy on her behalf fading into confusion as her brow furrowed. The response she received clearly indicated this.

"Uh, not to be rude, but why? I mean, c'mon – it's Jyuushiro Ukitake we're talking about. I may be off the market, but the man is gorgeous and possibly the nicest soul you'll ever meet. I mean, he gives out candy, writes children's books in his spare time, and still manages to make it look good, for crying out loud!"

"Does he really write children's books?" Nemu couldn't stop the tiny smile that crossed her face. Why am I not surprised? Idealist. "Still, he isn't entirely – what's the expression? Something about butter and its melting point."

Momo groaned. "Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth?"

"That one." Nemu's triumph over remembering the right nonsensical phrase gave way to annoyance. "Which is ridiculous. Butter melts at very low temperatures and the standard soul or human has a core temperature more than adequate for the job. The only mouth butter wouldn't melt in is that of a frozen corpse."

"Ah, Nemu?"

"Yes?"

"Why a corpse?"

"Normal souls cannot survive the freezing process."

"Oh… Nemu?"

"Yes Momo?"

"Ewww."

"Ah. Understandable." Nemu continued to frown. "Still, you see my point, don't you? There is more to Jyuushiro than mere niceness. He can take control and command, and that requires far sterner attributes."

She realised her mistake as soon as she heard Momo's sly chuckle. "Does he, now? I take it you like that?"

For the first time since her creation, Nemu was in a state best described as flustered. "That is not what I meant! Get your mind out of Zaraki District, I never even considered - "

"But you are now, right?"

There was a very lengthy pause, before –

"Momo, shut up."

Apparently I do like that. Curses. Not thinking about this, not thinking about this, not thinking about this…

She sighed. "It's a little more complicated than it sounds at first."

"Good, because right now it sounds like you hooked up with an amazing guy and ran out on him."

"Do you wish to hear my explanation or not?"

"Ok, ok, I'm listening." Momo was now clearly in BFF and mentor mode. "Start from the beginning and leave nothing out."

xXx

Jyuushiro woke up to several things – a blinding hangover, bright sunlight that was not at all conducive to helping with the aforementioned blinding hangover, the taste of Nemu Kurotsuchi lingering on his tongue despite his best efforts to obliterate it with bourbon, and Shunsui's face directly in front of him.

It was the latter that made him sit up too fast in shock and smack his head against the bed head.

"Fuck! Ow…"

His own voice was apparently too loud for him. He groaned, rolled away from the side of the bed his best friend was sitting next to, and tried not to think too hard as he rubbed the back of his head ruefully. He looked up at the sound of Shunsui's chuckle and attempted to scowl in such a way as to not disturb his delicate equilibrium.

"Shun?" He started and then winced. Apparently whispering was also too loud.

The fact that Shunsui simply beamed back at him, radiating good cheer and sobriety, did nothing to help his mood. His jaunty tones were also far from ideal.

"Good morning, Jyuu-kun! Sleep well?"

There was no dignified response to this, and Jyuushiro couldn't be bothered formulating one. "Get fucked. Quietly."

His so-called best friend snorted. "You're a class act, you know that? Anyway, I have some of the delightful Rangiku-san's hangover cure in the kitchen - "

Jyuushiro made a half-hearted attempt to get up, before realising that standing upright was beyond his reach and would be for some time. He cast a pleading look at Shunsui, who grinned back.

"Of course I'll get it for you… Once you've answered me these questions three."

Jyuushiro's eyes narrowed as he stated flatly, "You have got to be kidding."

"Nope!" A diabolical light entered his eyes as he called out in a singsong, "Staaaark! Come join the love!"

Jyuushiro grimaced as he pressed a hand to his temple. "Kami, less volume, Shun. And is this really necessary?" He addressed Stark as he padded quietly into the room, a grin on his face that almost matched Shunsui's.

"Yep." Stark pulled up a chair and lounged next to Shunsui. "As your BFF, as Shun terms it - "

"Damn straight!"

"Quite." Shaking his head of shaggy dark hair out of his face, Stark continued. "As your friends, we feel as though we have been left rather out of the loop in terms of developments in your personal life. Shun suggested that we correct this."

"Through incarceration and torture?" Jyuushiro would've raised an eyebrow if expressions hadn't been so painful.

"If necessary", Stark returned, with a wolfish grin. "Shun has been somewhat insistent…"

Jyuushiro groaned. "I get the point." Frowning to himself, he began, "I could just stay in bed all day until I recover and can get the stuff myself - "

"Ah, but you have a training session with Kurotsuchi-san at noon!"

The good news was, that when the blood drained from Jyuushiro's face, there was no longer anything to pound away in his head. However, Jyuushiro was not in the mood to look for silver linings. Frankly, he was in the mood to curl into a little ball and disappear, or possibly in the mood to commit a double homicide.

He distress must have shown on his face, because Shunsui's next point was, "And if you decide not to go to that, I'm sending Kiyone in to be a ministering angel. Kami knows, she's been champing at the bit all morning to come in and ensure you're ok."

That settled it – as nice as Kiyone was, she was much louder than Shun.

He held up a hand. "Fine. I'll go. And since I need help to do so, commence the humiliation as quietly as possible, would you?"

"That's the spirit!" Shunsui cracked his knuckles and drew his chair closer to the bed, peering at his friend's face in a manner that he thought conveyed penetrating insight.

Jyuushiro thought it conveyed gastro-intestinal distress.

"Question the first – did you have to go on an all night bender just because I interrupted your make out session with Nemu-san?"

Jyuushiro gaped, blinking, as the two men (well, the arrancar and the shinigami) stared at him expectantly. Eventually, he found his voice.

"How – you – "

He collected himself.

"I don't know how you saw, but - "

He broke off abruptly as the two in front of him high-fived one another, a lapse that was one part confusion and one part pain at the sudden sharp noise.

"Ah!" Shun grinned triumphantly. "So you were kissing her!"

He glared at his two 'friends' balefully. "It's not nice to spring mental traps on anyone with this much of a hangover."

Both of his interrogators grinned in an entirely unrepentant fashion.

With a resigned sigh, Jyuushiro braced himself for the next onslaught. "I hate you both."

"Perhaps", Stark replied casually, clearly trying not to laugh, "but you still haven't answered the original question."

"Fine", Jyuushiro snapped, only to immediately regret it as it made his head throb. "It wasn't that you interrupted, it was that she took off instantly. No explanation, no nothing. Hardly a positive sign. Happy?"

"Ask me in two questions time", Shunsui replied. "Now, question the second – how do you feel about her?"

And isn't that the million dollar question. Not fair, Shun, I haven't even figured it out for myself…

Except, I think, that maybe –

Just maybe –

This thought process translated into arm flailing and incoherent half-syllables.

"I – no – it's just – gah!"

Just who is Nemu Kurotsuchi to me? Because she sure as Hueco Mundo isn't just a student anymore.

The knowing smile that crossed both Shunsui and Stark's faces made him turn to them with a glare. "What? You don't know either!"

It was a childish accusation, but the fact that he was resorting to that didn't unnerve him anywhere near as much as the widening of the grins that it was aimed at.

"On the contrary", Stark murmured, "we have a pretty good idea. The question is, do you?"

He wanted to throw the unfairness of this questioning back at them, argue that he couldn't possibly think about topics this serious with a head like his, but then, in the back of his mind, it occurred to him that he did, indeed, know.

It was a knowledge mixed in with so many memories – with dark hair that floated like ink in water, with pale skin and red lips that kissed sweetly and passionately, with wide green eyes that couldn't hide everything, with a refusal to appreciate Russian literature, with determination and a fierce desire to prove something, with amused almost-smiles, with a dry sense of humour and a strange sense of wonder –

And, most obviously, with the way that desperate coil of want that had crashed into Jyuushiro when he'd first really looked at her had been accompanied by another, one of sheer need –

Half in love – who have I kidding? There are no half measures about it.

With a strangled groan, Jyuushiro threw up his hands. "Fine. I love her! I'm in love with Nemu Kurotsuchi. Are you happy now?"

"Ecstatic", Stark drawled.

Shunsui elbowed him. "Sound more enthusiastic! I am. It's about damn time, Jyuu."

His response was a glare from their victim. "Shut up, Shun."

He simply smiled beatifically. "Not yet. Final question – what are you going to do about it?"

Jyuushiro took a deep breath and tried to fight the rising wave of nausea and panic.

"I have absolutely no idea."

xXx

What are you waiting for? Jusssst enter the damn gate!

With a frown, Nemu removed a hand from the gate to the Ukitake family grounds and glared down at the sword belted to her hip.

You are not at all helpful, Nemu thought back furiously. I'm simply trying to recollect all of the components of the plan of attack I have created.

A snort came, so clearly that she almost looked behind her to see if her sword spirit had materialised. What does it matter? It's a ridiculoussss plan anyway. You are too quick to asssssume that his feelings and yours do not match up in any way. You undervalue yourssself – you always have.

Nemu sighed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind one ear. Perhaps you are right. Even so, this appears to be the best option I have. If I act as though I do not recall anything, then it removes all potential awkwardness out of the equation. It is the best route to take at this juncture. Besides, she added, if he truly wanted to kiss me, then he will do so again.

I hope.

She could almost feel Chikyuu-Kosshi roll his eyes. After you've essssentially rebuffed him? That would take a man with far more of a senssse of his worth than your captain.

Stop calling him that – he isn't my anything.

You just wissssh he was.

I -

Dammit.

You are very fortunate that I cannot see you at this moment, as there are several choice gestures I would like to make to your face.

I get the point. Sssstill, I don't like the plan.

Making an impatient noise in the back of her throat, Nemu returned, I needed your help a week ago – I have no intention of calling upon it now.

Too bad, then, came the smug reply, seeing as you're working with sand again today.

Nemu fought the urge to groan. Sand was not her friend. It was too loose to provide protection, not hefty enough to damage, and utterly useless as an attack unless she permanently aimed at her foes eyes or whipped it around at speeds too difficult to control with any accuracy. Given that they could very easily be fighting on sand at any time, Nemu was nervous. None of her techniques would be of any use on the battlefield. She could pull some rock up from the depths of the earth – enough to keep herself armoured – but the effort tired her and she couldn't attack with it. She'd almost resigned herself to requesting a station with the healers…

But then Nemu had had what could just be a very good idea.

It would require Jyuushiro's help, of course, but if she could pull it off, she'd be far from weapon-less…

So now she just had to concentrate enough on the task at hand rather than on her sensei, and pray she could make it work. It would, however, require her zanpakuto's cooperation.

Just behave. You want to see use, don't you?

The answer she received was something of a petulant growl. Yessss.

Then don't be obnoxious. Honestly, why you –

"Nemu."

She whirled around, caught unawares, only to feel her heart speed up as she faced –

Your captain.

Shut up.

…And he's not my captain.

Carefully, Nemu cleared her throat. "Jyuushiro."

There, that was fairly neutral. Not cool, but not overtly enthusiastic. He's my sensei, we're just friends.

What was it Momo said?

Ah – repeat until you almost believe it.

He's my sensei, we're just friends. He's my sensei, we're just friends. He's my sensei, we're just friends…

She looked guarded, Jyuushiro decided, trying very hard to keep breathing. Those expressive green eyes seemed almost shuttered, and there was a tension to her petite frame that he could not recall having ever seen before.

All in all, things didn't bode well.

Still, he wasn't going to let this early setback floor him. He'd thought quite a bit since Shun and Stark left, and had come to several conclusions. Firstly, he was indeed in love with Nemu Kurotsuchi, which meant that for the first time in his centuries of existence (he excluded all academy-based infatuations and a brief, but misguided, crush on Retsu) he was actually in love. This was a problem. Oh, not the feeling – if it had been at all reciprocated he would have spent at least the next century or two walking around with a dopey grin on his face. The problem was him – if he didn't fall in love easily, then he imagined he'd be just as slow to fall out of it, which lead him to one very clear fact –

Nemu Kurotsuchi was it for him.

Which meant he needed to do something about this, and now. He wasn't inclined to spend a millennia moping over 'the one that got away', or dancing around the object of his affections for a century like some people (Shunsui), and that left action as the one alternative.

All this was well and good. It just might have nice if he knew what action he should be taking.

With a deep breath, Jyuushiro decided to lay all of cards on the table. He steeled himself, a rueful smile on his face, and stated bluntly, "Well, that was an interesting night we had."

She couldn't read him, which bothered her. There was something, some undercurrent behind his typical cheerful self, but she couldn't seem to get a hold on it. Nemu gave herself a mental shake, marvelling at her own foolishness.

There's little point searching for some sort of indication that he cares for me like that. I am an idiot for trying to find one, especially now that he's given me the perfect opening. I need to focus.

"Actually", Nemu began, hoping her voice didn't betray her, "I don't recall much of last night other than being manhandled out of several establishments. Apparently, I was intoxicated."

There. Now, please take the bait and let me be able to stop thinking about this. Or rather, since I know that is unlikely to happen, at least let me push this to the back of my mind and pretend it doesn't matter that I love you and you –

Well, suffice it to say that you don't return the sentiment.

Jyuushiro was utterly taken aback. This turn of events hadn't even occurred to him, and Kami knew he'd spent most of this morning thinking through almost every possible way this confrontation could go. That Nemu might not even remember –

Except, for some reason, he didn't quite buy it. If she didn't remember then her manner was off for no good reason, and that was entirely unlike Nemu. It was worth testing, at any rate.

Equally casually, he returned, "Oh, is that all?"

His question may have seemed innocent, but there was something in his eyes that suggested that she was not out of the woods yet. With an air of unconcern she simply responded, "It is indeed. I'm almost concerned – I hadn't thought I'd been so affected."

Something occurred to her and she rushed to clarify, "By the alcohol, that is."

Jyuushiro raised an eyebrow and she fought back the urge to wince. Guilt seemed to quiver under her skin, but she held her ground. In the end, he simply shrugged. "You'd be surprised. After all these years, Shun still hasn't developed an immunity, you could hardly be expected to in one night."

She let out a breath. He was going to accept her story.

So why don't I feel better?

Probably because, as much of a relief as this is, it means that it was all a mistake…

For him, anyway.

Jyuushiro smiled. "Anyway, just because you've had a rough night doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. We need to head in and get started." As he unlatched the gate, he nodded to her.

"After you."

xXx

Jyuushiro was not fooled.

He'd seen something flicker on her face as she'd denied all memory of last night, and he had a feeling that perhaps Nemu Kurotsuchi was, for once, being less than entirely honest.

Which bothered him.

As far as he could tell, there were two reasons why she'd pretend the kiss didn't happen – either she'd rather forget about it, or she'd been worried about his reaction and had acted in the interests of self-preservation.

Neither of these sat well with him.

After all, I hardly wish to forget about it but, at the same time, I don't know what I could have done to make her feel concerned about my reaction.

Ignoring the little voice in his head that suggested that it may not be something he had done, but a lack of something, he continued to mull things over.

Either way, whether she really forgot or not, and whether she is even vaguely interested in me romantically or not, what is there left for me to do?

I need to act.

I can do this – I already kissed her once. Attempting to convey my feeling more subtly will be a piece of cake after that. Not that I'm scared or anything. Sure, this may be the first time I've felt something of this magnitude, and sure, all signs point to Nemu not being at all attracted to me…

Well, except when she's drunk. That kiss…

Deep breaths.

Breathing was doing nothing to detract from the memory of those warm, inviting and surprisingly eager lips, or of those delicate, capable hands and –

From her position on the beach, Nemu made a noise that, in a lesser woman, would be labelled a scream of frustration, hurling the sand she had been attempting to control back onto the beach. Jyuushiro raised an eyebrow. Displays of temper were most unlike Nemu…

Which could just mean that last night has thrown her as much as it has me.

Live in hope, Jyuushiro, live in hope.

Kami, I'm such a fool for this woman.

Nemu cursed under her breath as she struggled to get a hold of herself.

I am in a foul mood, and why? Because Jyuushiro didn't mean to kiss me?

You barely gave yourself the chance to find out before you blurted out that moronic sssstory, came the petulant rejoinder, sssso you have no one to blame but –

Now is not the time.

Fine. But at leasssst concede that, perhaps, you might be wrong.

I wish I could. But all signs and probability itself points to this explanation. I've been dense enough in this matter – I will not continue that trend.

Shaking out the sand from her hair, she hefted her blade and frowned.

"Problem?"

You don't love me. I would consider that a problem.

Pushing that singularly unhelpful thought to the back of her mind, Nemu sighed. "Of sorts. I can get the sand to the speed necessary for it to inflict damage, but it is almost uncontrollable. If I were to unleash it on the battlefield I'd most likely inflict as many injuries on allies as enemies. I'd like to blame it on a lack of concentration and focus on my part, but Chikyuu-Kosshi has indicated that this is as good as things will get."

Jyuushiro frowned. "Well, that's hardly ideal. What does that leave you with?"

"That's just it." She cast her eyes down to the sand, her expression troubled. "None of the other techniques I have used are effective here. I did have something of a tentative idea…"

"What is it?" Jyuushiro wasn't a fool. Tentative ideas ventured from members of the Twelfth were either terrifying, ridiculous or brilliant, and he knew which category Nemu fitted into.

Then again, I am somewhat biased.

Nemu ran a hand through her hair, dislodging the last of the sand. "It's a foolish notion, and we'd have to stay working together for it to even happen, and I know that inter-squad movement is being discouraged on the battlefield - "

She broke off, seeing him smile at her encouragingly. It wasn't fair for the man to look so good when he smiled, Nemu decided. It made it very hard to concentrate. Mustering up her thought processes, she simply stated, "Glass".

He raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for elaboration.

"When lightning hits sand", Nemu began, "it essentially forms molten glass, which would be a very effective weapon if I could still control it. Even if it no longer maintained such a high temperature and liquid form, glass is far more effective a weapon than sand – and at far lower and more controllable speeds."

He looked pensive, Nemu decided. Perhaps he still was concerned about working with her…

Jyuushiro shrugged, trying to conceal his inner glee.

We'd get to work together even more, wouldn't we? It's an excellent idea as a weapon, and if it works…

Aloud, he replied as he readied his two swords, "It's worth a try. Stand back."

She did so, planting her sword in the ground, ready to shield if necessary. Wind whipped through both her and Jyuushiro's hair, as he closed his eyes, concentration written all over his face. Suddenly, erupting from one of his swords, lightning struck the ground before them, leaving a bubbling, smoking mess of glass in a sand crater. Nemu sprang into action.

Reaching out with her power, she made her first attempt.

If I can just get it to move, if I can control it, then we may have some hope…

Almost infinitesimally, the glass pool quivered, and began to rise. Nemu couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Jyuushiro watched, fascinated. She never looked lovelier than when she was caught up in her work and new discoveries, he decided. That openness in her face, that sense of wonder –

Because at this point, what I really needed was more things to love about her. And yet, I really don't mind.

Might be an idea to stop grinning like an idiot while I stare at her, though.

You know, just maybe.

Composing himself, Jyuushiro called out, "What about the temperature? Can you shift it from liquid and back again?"

Biting her lip in concentration, Nemu's eyes never left the ball of molten glass in the air before them, as it slowly started to solidify, and then slipped back into its original state. Exhausted, she let it drop back to earth, now a solid globe, where it embedded itself in the sand. Carefully, Jyuushiro picked it up, surprised at how warm it felt to the touch.

"Well, I think we can call that experiment a success. What about on your end?"

Nemu pondered this. "It can be almost as difficult to control as sand, but the rewards are infinitely greater. If you wouldn't mind continuing to be saddled with me…"

The question was implied, but Jyuushiro's mind was occupied as the Shunsui-corrupted portion of his brain pointed out the inextricable link between saddling and mounting. Hurriedly, he pushed that notion aside. He was too much of a gentleman to dwell on such a thought.

Much.

His response, then, was to blink and blurt out, "I'm good with that. Uh, we should work on this more. You know, fine tune."

He seemed flustered, which was odd, but Nemu elected to focus on the task at hand and slipped into her battle stance.

"Very well."

Two hours later, they were still on the beach, exhausted, sweat-soaked and duelling as Nemu shot shards of glass at Jyuushiro with limited success. The heat was becoming oppressive as they worked, with the afternoon giving no reprieve, and Jyuushiro had removed his shirt and was now working in his hakama.

This had not done wonders for Nemu's concentration.

She was relieved when he signalled an end to their work, sheathing Chikyuu-Kosshi, seating herself and attempting to compose her hair or, at the very least, remove the sand from it. So preoccupied was she with this task, that she only realised that Jyuushiro was coming toward her when he stood right in front of her. Nemu looked up at him, and immediately regretted it when her eyes didn't quite make it up as far as his face.

Idiot. I know he's good looking, I know that I admire his physique clothed, and I know that he's currently left a good portion of it on display. I should be prepared for this reaction.

And yet…

I thought the heat was bad before.

Try as she might, she couldn't seem to drag her eyes away from toned muscle under lightly tanned skin, and a body that seemed to radiate heat. The waves of the ocean beside her had been light background noise all day, but now they seemed to crash in her ears as everything seemed to shrink to this moment. She cursed the fact that, now that she knew exactly what it was, her attraction to Jyuushiro had only grown stronger. Her mouth felt dry, her whole body felt too warm and she fisted her hands in her sleeves to stop herself from giving in to that overwhelming urge to reach out and touch. She knew just where she'd start, too – with the stark contrast of black ink that was the tattooed kanji for thirteen, right over his heart. Nemu also felt the most inexplicable urge to lick her lips, which made no sense to her whatsoever until she realised that her hands were not necessarily the only things that she could touch with…

No! I am undoing all of my work this morning. I need to appear indifferent, I need…

I need him.

With an immense effort of will, she moved her eyes upward, to stare into his face. There was something there, something she couldn't quite read accurately, and she couldn't help but wonder when Jyuushiro Ukitake, the friendliest and most open of all the thirteen captains, had become such a mystery to her.

Jyuushiro, on the other hand, was congratulating himself on a damn good idea. Sure, the heat had contributed to the original thought, but it had also occurred to him that there were two outcomes if he took off his shirt – either Nemu wouldn't care and he'd at least get some relief from the hot day, or she would care…

And that would be even better.

There was something there, even he could tell. She'd looked at him like she wanted nothing more than to return to last night (if she did, indeed, remember), which had done wonders for Jyuushiro's ego and made him very grateful that hakama had considerable breathing room, otherwise things would be a little tight right now.

It also meant that something else had occurred to him – this was a woman who wasn't accustomed to feeling anything. He'd almost forgotten how very closed off Nemu had originally been, she was so much more open to conversation with him. He could almost kick himself for not considering the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Nemu did feel something for him and was only hampered by her unfamiliarity with such a thing.

It was a theory that was rapidly beginning to make sense, and that wasn't just because he really, really wanted that to be the answer.

He hoped.

Which meant he needed to reconsider things. If he moved too fast, Nemu would startle again, but if he played his cards right…

It's a possibility, certainly, and at this point, a possibility sounds fantastic.

Now, to lay some groundwork.

He gave her a grin and put out his hand, ready to help her up off the sand. Tentatively, she took it and gracefully got to her feet.

"Are you sure you're willing to have me stationed with you in battle?" She liked fighting by his side, but after last night she didn't want to appear over-eager. "I'm sure I can find a place with the healers again."

His good-natured grin widened. "Don't worry, I'd love to have you there. We make a good team."

He was still holding her hand, but if he didn't mind the she wasn't about to draw attention to it. He seemed more assured now than he had at the beginning of the lesson, though she couldn't think why, and it was starting to remind her of elements of last night…

Which I shouldn't be recalling, because I'm not supposed to remember it. Just what it Jyuushiro trying to achieve? I don't –

Whatever thought had been about to cross her mind was utterly obliterated as he carefully leaned forward and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers trailing down the side of her face and along the delicate line of her jaw. All the while, his eyes remained fixed on hers, filled with the same heat she wasn't supposed to remember from the previous night.

Inhaling with a shuddering breath, Nemu suddenly came to a realisation.

There is a scenario I overlooked after all – that Jyuushiro might not love me but still be physically attracted to me.

Perhaps I should have given it more consideration.

Still denssse, came the hissed reply.

Shut up. Busy.

She looked beautiful shocked, he decided as he withdrew his hand, but it was probably best to stop here before he became carried away. Nonchalantly, as though nothing at all unusual had happened, Jyuushiro added, "Anyway, I'll get the paperwork sorted. If anything's amiss, I'll let you know when I see you tomorrow."

Nemu blinked.

What the –

Why does confusion have to reign supreme for me whenever we interact? Just once, I would like everything to make sense. I feel a bit like Alice, down the rabbit hole…

"Tomorrow?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Big wedding? Wacky shenanigans? Shunsui attempting decorum for Nanao's sake?"

"Oh, of course." Well, now she just felt stupid. "It should be all of that and more, I daresay."

"I thought so. Anyway, I'm relying on you to keep me entertained while the two lovebirds are staring into each others eyes", Jyuushiro added with a grin. "I've never gone to a wedding with a date before and I have to say, I'm looking forward to it."

She'd forgotten that aspect of things. Before, having Jyuushiro as her date was innocuous enough, but now it hinted at something more between them and she could almost feel her cheeks flame.

Definitely time to remove myself.

Wishing Jyuushiro a cordial (for her) farewell, Nemu turned on her heel and tried very hard not to look as though she were attempting to outrun her confusion.

Back on the beach, Jyuushiro couldn't suppress a smile. He'd actually managed to get Nemu Kurotsuchi off-balance.

At the very least, it seemed promising.

xXx

Phew. Longest chapter yet, and they're only going to get more extreme. Things are starting to get very interesting, with Jyuushiro attempting to subtly win over a woman who doesn't actually need to be won over, and Nemu attempting to reconcile herself to the advances of a man that she assumes doesn't love her, but actually does.

What could possibly go wrong?

Anyhoodle, R and R, y'all!