.
.
Something Bishamon had never anticipated: that Kazuma would be even more embarrassed and awkward after they started having sex.
She entered her office, mid-conversation with Kinuha and divvying up the tasks meant for the combat team, while Kazuma was standing at the window in the middle of a conference call. Bishamon entered and Kazuma looked up, locked eyes on her, then fumbled, dropping his papers and the phone and then nearly tripping over himself trying to pick everything back up.
"Everything okay?" Bishamon said. She nodded at Kinuha to take her leave, then stooped down to help Kazuma pick up his papers. Kazuma gave an embarrassed nod, still listening to whoever was on the other side of the phone.
"No it won't be a problem." Kazuma propped the phone between his cheek and shoulder, squatting on the floor and furiously grabbing his papers. "Yes. Yes we plan to revisit further renovations of the shrine, I don't anticipate any further delays."
Bishamon handed him a folder. Their fingers brushed. Kazuma reddened. He jerked back his hand and dropped his papers again.
"I'm sorry, this isn't a good time, is it all right if we table our discussion for later?" Kazuma said. "Yes, thank you. I'll touch base tomorrow." He hung up the phone.
"Kazuma!" Bishamon started laughing. "What on earth is wrong with you?"
"Nothing, just-" he fumbled, standing upright while Bishamon gracefully straightened, smiling at him. "You caught me off guard," he said.
Bishamon smiled. She stepped close, then fondly flicked his bangs from his eyes and dusted off the front of his lapel.
"U-um." Kazuma stared heatedly at his shoes. "Veena, this is...we're in the middle of work hours."
"No one is here. Am I not allowed to show my blessing proper affection?"
He looked up at her, stricken. Bishamon laughed.
"Come here," she said, and she tugged at his arm, pulling him close. He smiled, ducking his head a little. She gave him a little kiss on the cheek. "There. That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"I'm not used to this." Kazuma smiled ruefully. Bishamon rubbed his back fondly.
There were other things, too. How they would lie in bed facing each other, Kazuma gazing up at her adoringly. Despite their intimacy he would grow quiet and suddenly shy, blushing whenever she'd tilt her face upwards to brush her lips against his.
"I suppose it's because I can get close to you now," Kazuma said. "It's harder to compartmentalize things."
"Do you have to, though?" Bishamon said. Kazuma let out a small laugh and ducked his head.
"It's a bit overwhelming," he admitted.
"Well we will have to get you used to this," Bishamon said, smiling.