Chapter 12

Stepping Back, a Return to the Linear Storyline

Shunsui sat at his desk in his office, idly chewing on a piece of grass he'd picked up on his way inside, brooding over Nanao's sudden departure from his roof-top several hours previous. He'd tried to think of something else to no avail, as her slip of a sneer kept repeating itself in his mind. Steepling his hands in front of his face and leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes, trying not to watch the clock. He predicted she'd be back from her morning appointments all ready, just where was she?

With a rare moment of desire for decisive action towards productive work, he sat up, pulling out a training schedule for his squad, making sure everyone had completed the necessary weekly number of hours for the last reporting period. Before the ordeal, Nanao had made him work when he otherwise would not have. When he thought she was gone, he had worked to avoid his grief over losing her. Now that she was back, he worked to avoid thinking about her. Somehow, he thought, Nanao managed to always be the reason he got anything accomplished at all.

He was sort of looking forward to her walking back into the office to see him sitting at his desk, hunched over schedules and rosters, squinting, meticulously penciling in dates and names in tiny block letters. Removing his hat, he squared his shoulders and sat up straight, bending his elbow in a crisp right angle, trying to look extra hard at work, setting the scene for her arrival.

Walking out of the back of the 12th division, Nanao tenderly rubbed her arm where she'd just received the injection from Kageroza Inaba. Her memory of the interaction was mostly of his voice, a crisp tone that melodically echoed through her brain. Meeting him had been reassuring, his words had placed her mind at ease.

She was aware she had a set of specific tasks, and a general plan for achieving them, but had no desire to understand why she was willing to take orders from the man. She was also still vaguely aware the feelings were associated with her previous desire to manipulate her Captain's emotions on his roof, part of her prime directive towards finding the best ways to serve Inaba, the apparent master of her existence. Unlike before when her mind had felt pent up and confused trying to process the imprinted programming, now she found she was able to hold both Inaba's orders and her normal thoughts in her head without contradiction.

Reaching the 8th division squad room, she stopped to pick up the mail as she would have done on any other day, pausing in the hall to rifle through the stack. Several 8th Shinigami passed her on their way out, greeting her, welcoming her back, and she responded in kind.

Shunsui heard her voice outside the door, and prepared himself for her entry, running his hand over his head to smooth back his hair, setting his face with a look of indifference.

Nanao opened the door to the office to find Captain Kyouraku hunched over his desk, absorbed in whatever paper he had in front of him, expressively holding his pen, failing at acting natural. When he didn't look up, she chose not to disturb him, instead sitting down, opening her drawer and taking out a letter opener. Working through the mail, she sorted out the stack, setting aside forms she'd need to fill out later. Though she knew it was the first she'd been back at work in weeks, it still just felt like any other day.

They worked at their respective desks in silence for a few minutes, until finally Shunsui reached his limit, coughing loudly into his hand, trying to solicit acknowledgement. After a couple of loud coughs, Nanao picked up on his cue.

"Captain, are you all right? Let me go get you a glass of water." She stood, leaving the room for the office kitchen.

Not the response he'd wanted. Shunsui wasn't sure if Nanao just didn't realize he was working hard on his own initiative, or that she did, and was being purposefully obtuse about it and ignoring him to get under his skin. Normally, he would suspect the latter, but given everything that happened, this time he wasn't so sure.

Bringing him the promised cup of water, she stood for a moment at the edge of his desk, glancing over the strewn out paperwork.

"Oh, you're doing the training schedules."

"Yep, I've done them every week since you've been gone. And all the forms, reports, and other required documents. I've also personally supervised squad member training, and made sure to secure our picks out of the next graduating class, two weeks in advance." Might as well just lay it out there for her. Strangely, he felt like a small child recounting his school day to a parent, beaming, hoping for praise.

"Oh, well, of course you did right? Otherwise who would have." She tossed the schedule back on his desk, and walked back to her side of the room.

Dejected and hurt by her lack of enthusiasm for his effort, Nanao's response didn't sit right with him. Was it just that she was still a bit off kilter from the memory loss, maybe not quite back to being completely his predictable Nanao-chan? Or was he just wrong to think she would be proud of him for something as simple as doing his job? Maybe she was still upset as result of his admission from this morning, the possibility he hoped for least.

"How did everything go with Unohana, and at the 12th?" He wanted to engage her in more conversation, find out what was on her mind.

"Everything was fine, high marks in health from the 4th. Captain Unohana was surprised at my quick recovery, she actually gave me a note to give to Inaba, praising him for the serum he administered."

"Good, good. And the 12th? You were there a long time today. How much longer are you going to need the injections?"

"Probably another week or so. Actually, regarding the 12th, I have something to ask you. You remember this morning when you said you'd allow me to request a transfer if I wished?" With the question, Nanao carefully watched Kyouraku's face, looking for the signal she'd successfully phrased the question for maximum impact. She was purposefully setting him up for disappointment and hurt, so that her actual request would be a relief, one he'd grant without hesitation in comparison the one he would now be expecting. She was driven by her instructions from Inaba to find a way to spend most of her time working with him in the 12th.

"Well, how about just some time out of the office? When I was getting my shot, I was talking to Inaba about work he's doing on precipice world research. Given my experience along with the fact I can't actually remember what happened during weeks of my life, I'm pretty interested in what he knows and has to say. " She paused to push her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

He was holding his thoughts, waiting for her to finish, trying not to let the worst scenario he feared play itself out. She couldn't really want to leave after all, could she? And the 12th of all places? He shuddered, thinking of Nanao in a lab coat, steel horns coming out of her forehead.

"He said he actually has a need for a research assistant right now, given all that's going on with the cleaner coming back, and with what happened to me. Anyways, he'd heard good things about my library skills, so he asked if I'd like to work with him in the afternoons, half days, only for a few weeks while he finished up his latest projects. I said I would need to ask you."

Just half days, for a few weeks. She didn't want to leave, she just wanted to spend time in the library. Beautifully typical Nanao. Of course he'd let her. "No problem at all. You don't need to worry about your work here either, I've gotten pretty used to keeping things in order."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll start today when I go in for my afternoon shot, if that is all right."

"Fine, fine." He noted she didn't offer to still do her share of the work in the mornings like he expected, and cursed himself for appearing too eager to keep with up with everything. Hopefully, knowing Nanao, it would end up being no problem at all.

Her captain's fallen facial expression and drooped shoulders were not lost on Nanao. She knew that if she was going to keep him from worrying about her, she'd need to cheer him up a bit, ease his apprehension and doubt about their interactions.

"Captain, it's about mid day now, how would you feel about walking with me to grab a couple of sandwiches for lunch and bringing them back to the office? " She turned to him and gave him a warm glance.

His mood brightened at the question. "Sounds like a fantastic plan. I'll be your escort as well, I'm sure people we encounter will have tons of questions about your absence that I can help field and direct away."

"Sir, I don't have quite the following or friend group that you do. I don't think it will be an issue."

"Nonsense, if nothing else, you have fame by association." He stood up, replacing his hat, and stacking his work.

"Don't over-estimate the reach of your notoriety. Plus, It's think it's more infamy for you than anything else."

Nanao knew he did have an expansive group of drinking buddies, ex-lovers, and doting squad members. His reputation, personality, and years of service all contributed to it. She found herself feeling a little bit jealous, knowing that if he'd been the one to be missing for weeks, people would be lining up at the doors. The jealously seeped through her mind, both sprouting from, and contributing to, the seed planted by Inaba to dislodge her loyalty for Kyouraku.

"Shall we? I'll walk right next to you to keep you within reach of my infamy." He motioned towards the door, stepping behind her, daring to put his hand in the small of her back to guide her out of the room, tensing, waiting for her physical rebuke of the touch.

Following the script as was expected of her, Nanao reached behind her, brushed off his touch, and gave a small parting slap as he recoiled the hand reactively. She knew what he needed now was predictable responses.

Walking out of the 8th, they were stopped several times by lower ranking squad members, each person wanting to shake Nanao's hand, give her good wishes, and express how glad they were to see her return. Once they were free of anyone who could hear, Nanao took no time in intercepting Kyouraku's incoming gloating.

"Before you say anything, they don't count, they're my squad members, of course they'd notice I'm back and want to say hello." The tone of her voice was laced with bitterness.

"I think you underestimate your value both in the 8th and in the 13 squads in general, Nanao-chan. You are kind, useful, and always willing to help others. It's a fact not missed by many." Shunsui detected neediness in Nanao, and was cautious. Maybe he shouldn't have made it seem like the squad had ran easily without her after all.

Nanao recognized she was letting the embedded anger she felt towards Captain Kyouraku show, albeit not in a direct form. She needed to reel it back a bit, so she forced a smile on her face, and changed the subject.

"We should pick up a sandwich for Captain Ukitake as well, I'd like to thank him in person, now that I have my memory back, for helping to save me in the precipice world."

"Hmmm. Good idea. But, I want you all to myself for lunch, especially since you'll soon be scurrying off to the 12th, so promise we'll just drop it off and be quick, okay?"

"It's a promise."

They reached a busy street of Seireitei, lined with open shops, full of people, children weaving in and out of the bustling procession. Stepping into a corner deli, Nanao and Shunsui stood in line, waiting their turn to order lunch.

Nanao was thankful the line moved quickly, and soon they were on their way out, headed towards the 13th division. She was stopped in the doorway, however, by Shuhei Hisagi.

"Oh, Ise-san, Hello. I'm surprised you're out and about all ready."

Seeing an opportunity to play the escort role, Kyouraku moved to intercept him before she could reply. "Just picking up some lunch, she still doesn't feel quite back to normal yet -"

"It's okay Captain. I'm glad I ran into you, Lieutenant Hisagi. I know you were part of the team that saved me, and that you're the one who carried me back to the 4th. So, I owe you a debt of gratitude." She turned towards him, bowing deeply. "Thank you very much."

Hisagi blushed noticeably, and turned to stand in line. "It's nothing, really, no thanks needed. I won't keep you any longer. Talk to you later."

Shunsui felt the internal grumble of his guilt creeping back up and warming his mind. That boy from the 9th had been there for Nanao when he hadn't, he had been the one to carry back her to safety when that should have been his role. A deep frown set into his face as they walked back.

Soon though, he got a-hold of himself, and realized it was a beautiful day, cloudless, with the sun shining on his shoulders warmly. He had Nanao back, walking beside him, and he was on his way to say hello to his best friend. He needed to keep things in perspective. He whistled a tune under his breath, willing his mood to even itself back out.

Their visit to the 13th division was brief, as Ukitake was dealing with his two screaming third seats. They did everything they could to hand over the sandwich and leave as quickly as possible, not wanting to be drawn in to whatever inane argument was occupying them today.

Finally back at the 8th, Shunsui started towards the back of the main squad room to their shared office.

"Where are you going? Shouldn't we eat in the break room?" Nanao hesitated in the hallway.

"Nope, we're eating in the office today. I'll clear off my desk, and you can bring your chair over. No arguments." The break room would be full of other 8th squad members, and normally he'd love to spend time with his Shinigami, but currently he craved as much alone time with Nanao as possible, as he still wasn't quite able to judge her mood or state of mind.

"You know, that will just leave crumbs, and we'll end up with ants again..."

"No fretting, it will be fine, I'll be neat." He moved stacks of papers, books, making space for both of them at his desk.

Nanao pulled up her chair, spreading upon the sandwich paper, taking her first bite, chewing slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face. She looked like she was waiting to tell him something. Uh oh, what now?

"Captain, there's a reason I wanted to have lunch with you."

"Of course there is, my charming demeanor and skill as a conversationalist. Plus, I paid for your sandwich."

She shot him a look. "No, I mean, yes, but also – about this morning." So that was it. He reached his arm over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder.

She began, "I'm sorry I ran off like that. I know it was hard for you to tell me what you did, and I appreciate that you did actually tell me. I should have handled it better..."

"Nanao, it's fine, we don't need to dwell on it anymore. Let's just leave it out there as it is, and get back into our normal routine, all right?" He didn't want her to have to waste any more energy on his feelings, not when she had so many of her own to deal with right now.

She was trying to think of something to say, something that would provide her more leverage in the future, something that would keep his emotional wounds open, but was coming up empty. She found herself still internally battling her innate desire to confess to him that her mind had been tampered with, but the reins of Inaba's conditioning were as of yet still holding her will in place. A rumbling force of spiritual pressure coming from somewhere outside saved her, making the decision easy.

The oppressive force of the weight of the burst pressed down hard, causing them both to grip the sides of the desk. It was over quickly, but the sensation had Nanao in a panic, a look of terror seizing her face, and she threw herself into Kyouraku's arms, huddling close, her eyes moving quickly, looking around the room, as if expecting the feeling to return at any moment. She couldn't say when she had experienced such a force before, but her body seemed to know.

Shunsui too had figured out what it was, even though he'd missed the last one by being in the World of the Living.

"I suppose that was another one of the bursts from the Cleaner. Intense." He looked down at Nanao, who was now pulling back, the blush of embarrassment highlighting her cheeks. She had been scared by the burst, obviously, which of course made sense, even if she didn't remember her experience. He was touched by how she had instinctively sought his arms for protection.

"I should check on the other squad members and make sure there is no panic." She snapped back to business mode, not wanting to give him a chance to make a comment or smart remark.

A hell butterfly came in through the open window of the office, landing on her finger. "And it seems you'll be going to the 1st, the Head Captain wants to see all Captains in 15 minutes."

He sighed, so much for their lunch together. He still wanted more time to talk to her. "One second before you go. I know that after you check on everyone, you need to go the 12th. But after you're done, I want you to head right home, and get some rest all right?"

"Fine, Captain."

"Also, tomorrow morning – instead of coming here to the office for work, why don't you meet me in the training area? If you feel up to it, I'd like to work out with you and spar a bit, get your muscles back in action. 7 am sharp, okay? Before you even go to the 12th for your first shot." That would be good, they could spend time together, chat, without it feeling too formal. Nothing should interrupt them that early. For that, he wouldn't even mind waking up with the sun.

"All right, 7 am, see you later then." She was out the door, and he soon followed behind her, on his way to the 1st division.

Reaching the meeting hall, he took his place in line, drifting off, remembering Nanao's hand where she'd gripped him tightly, on his chest near his heart. Ukitake came up to him, jarring the memory away.

"Nanao seemed to be in good spirits earlier."

"Hmmm. I suppose."

"She's not?"

"Too early to tell still, I think."

"She just needs adjustment time. Can't expect everything at once, Shunsui. At least you have her back at all." Ukitake looked away, off into the distance.

Shunsui knew he was thinking about his own lost lieutenant. "True, very true."

Yamamoto cleared his throat, and everyone fell back into proper position.

"We all know why we're here. Mayuri?"

"Yes, yes. It was definitely another cleaner burst. It seems we will actually be experiencing continuing waves of these bursts, at random intervals. There is apparently some...instability...presently, in the precipice world. I am working on it, along with my 7th seat, Kageroza Inaba, who feels he might be able to find a solution."

"What is causing the instability?"

"Unsure at this time, I need more data."

"Can normal use of the precipice world take place?"

"I would not advise it, not at least until I have more information to report. That is, of course, unless someone wanted to be very quick and hope they were very lucky..."

"I will have a memo sent out forbidding use of the precipice world until further notice. Until then, we wait for more information from your division, Captain Mayuri. That is all, dismissed."

Hours later, near nightfall, Nanao sat in the Central Archive, books open all around her. She thumbed through pages, jotting down notes, searching for the information Inaba had asked her to find. She was in a restricted part of the library not normally allowed, though somehow Inaba had gotten her access. It was thrilling to be surrounded by all the old books, most of them untouched for centuries.

She was looking up personal data, lineage information, and background histories on the new members of Central 46. Though she was not exactly sure what he wanted the information for, or how it related to the precipice world, she was still driven to do her very best and find something to please Inaba.

Picking up one ancient file folder that seemed near decomposition at it edges, she shook off the dust and flipped through the pages. Her face erupted into a wide grin, she had hit jackpot, finding exactly the connection she'd been looking for. Stuffing the folder into her bag, she looked at the clock at the wall, surprised to see how late it was, and stacked up the books, leaving them for her later browsing tomorrow, confident no one else would come to this part of the library. Walking home, her happiness at what she'd found had not dissipated, she bubbled over with anticipation, she just couldn't wait until she could present the information to Inaba.