Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list gamma. This is AU. Theme 29: Argentine.
Sway
Nanao sighed and buried her head in her hands. She was never going to learn this in time. Her sister's wedding was less than two weeks away now, and Nanao still couldn't dance. It wouldn't be such a big deal except for the fact that Nanao was the maid of honor, and she would be expected to dance a number of times at the reception. It didn't have to be the Argentine Tango or anything fancy, but she would have to dance. She was doomed.
"Nanao-chan? What are you doing here?"
Nanao jumped at the sound of her sister's boss' voice. She hadn't expected him to be here this late. She hadn't expected anyone else to be here to tell the truth. The music studio run by Shunsui Kyoraku and Jyuushiro Ukitake had a lovely dance practice room, and Lisa had suggested that she use it to practice. Nanao had come after working hours, so she wouldn't bother anyone. She would admit that she had also been trying to avoid that man who had just found her. Nanao honestly wasn't quite sure what to make of Shunsui Kyoraku.
The man was lazy, unorganized, flirted with any woman he met, and generally annoying. He was also compassionate, kind, an extremely good musician, and quite business savvy. Nanao had known Kyoraku for years, and he was one of the few people who still had the ability to drive her up the wall. It didn't help that she was also rather attracted to him as well. Nanao tried to ignore that part of herself. The man got under her skin like no other, and yet she enjoyed the time she spent with him.
Kyoraku was leaning against the doorframe with a lazy smile. "I didn't expect to see you around anytime before the wedding. From what Lisa has said, it sounded like you had your plate full with the wedding preparations."
Nanao shrugged, at this point she was willing to admit failure. "This is part of that. I was trying to practice. I've been taking dance lessons, but I appear to be hopeless at it. I was hoping practicing might help, but it seems that I simply can't dance."
Shunsui laughed and held out a hand. "Then I'll teach you."
She raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think you can manage that? No one else has been able to."
He wrapped his hands around hers and drew her to her feet. "Clearly, no one else knew what they were doing. Do you have music?"
Nanao nodded.
"Great."
He fiddled with the stereo system for a moment before the music filled the little dance studio. Shunsui drew her into his arms.
"Close your eyes and relax, Nanao-chan. It won't help if you're tense."
Except that Nanao couldn't dance with her eyes closed. They didn't even make a full circuit of the room before Nanao tangled up the steps by mistake. She let out an exasperated sigh.
"See?"
"Hmm." The look he gave her was thoughtful. "Let's try something different."
The next thing Nanao knew, Shunsui had stolen her glasses. "Give it a try without these."
Nanao could see without her glasses, but most things were rather blurry.
"Listen to the music, Nanao-chan. Feel it. All you need to do is follow me."
Once again he led her into the steps of the dance. Nanao kept her eyes on his face as that was one of the few things that wasn't blurry. To her surprise, it was easier to follow Shunsui's lead this time, and Nanao began to relax as they continued to dance without a misstep. After about two complete circuits of the room without a single misstep, Nanao began to enjoy herself. This wasn't nearly as bad as her classes had been.
Her breath caught in her throat when Shunsui suddenly dipped her and kissed her nose. "You're a natural, Nanao-chan. You just need to stop thinking and dance."
Nanao blushed. Shunsui nuzzled his nose against her and pulled them both upright. They stood there for a moment, completely still. Nanao was tucked in Shunsui's arms, and the look in his dark eyes was warm.
"Dance with me at your sister's wedding?"
Nanao smiled. "Yes."
