Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or make any profit off of this.


Outside, the blizzard conditions howled and breathed tiny snowflakes, crowding the air and making it nearly impossible to see. Nanao stood at the window, her hands pressed to the glass. She'd have to wipe the prints off the window later; she couldn't stand to leave them there for long. But for now, the wonder of so much snow at once – Soul Society rarely had blizzard conditions – and her nerves of being trapped in here with Captain Shunsui were a bit much.

The paperwork was done, had been for hours. It was likely the first time she'd actually gotten him to do more than a few sheets at once. He'd actually worked peacefully for more than a few hours. Then again, what else was there to do, really? Still, it wasn't bad to be trapped in here with Captain Shunsui; after all, they had been dating for more than eight months. Still, even if they ended up getting married, work was work, and play was play. Nanao preferred to keep them strictly separate, though Shunsui had pestered her into calling him "Captain Shunsui" as opposed to "Captain Kyouraku". Though, outside the office, he became Shunsui. Just Shunsui. Pet names had never really appealed to her, but after years of being called it, his pet name for her, "Nanao-chan", said with a singsong tone and a sparkle in his eye, was growing on her.

Without turning, she felt Shunsui approach her. Strong arms encircled her middle, and she smiled a bit. Why did she feel so on edge today? It was a stupid thing to feel, unreasonable, even. Frowning, she felt something square in Shunsui's hand. What was he holding? Nanao squirmed a bit, trying to get a better look. Slowly, Shunsui opened the small box and held it a little closer to her eye level. A diamond ring flashed at her.

"Marry me, Nanao." He said softly, right into her ear. Nanao blinked, realizing that maybe, on some level, she had known this was coming. But she knew her answer.

Turning, she pulled him down for a kiss before looking into his eyes and trying to remain calm. She felt a little faint, so if she could keep calm, maybe she wouldn't pass out. "Yes." She smiled softly, kissing him again.

Outside, the snowstorm intensified, a vast contrast to the warm scene inside. But right then, Nanao couldn't care less if she was stuck in the office all weekend. Nestling up to Shunsui, she held one of his hands in hers, squeezed it tightly, and held back a crazy happy giggle. She did have some boundaries.

That said, nobody watched the snow in that office after that. At least, not that night.