Festival- The Third Date
Nanao took a deep breath as she sat at her table in the small kitchen of her home, her hands holding a cup of her favorite morning tea. The steam slowly rose from the cup as it cooled, Nanao sighing as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes as she recalled what happened the previous evening. She still had her boxes of books in the den, waiting to be put on shelves that were already bursting at the seams. Before she knew it a little smile graced her lips. So far she hadn't been disappointed in the least about the two dates she'd been taken on by her captain. Though she had to say that last night was definitely a night she'd never forget. She took a sip of her tea before she got up and walked over to the boxes of books, reaching down to pull them out one by one so she could organize them into their proper categories and genres. Her hands stopped when she spotted that one special book he had personally called to have saved for her. She slowly took it out, running her fingers along the cover. He went out of his way to make sure they had this... A first edition... she thought to herself, nipping her lip that was still curved into a smile. She leaned back against the side of the chair, pulling her knees up as she opened the book to look at the contents. She couldn't read or speak French but it just made it all the more special to her. She held the book against her chest and she closed her eyes, the excitement bubbling back inside her. She soaked it in for a minute or two before she got back to work, organizing the books before she got up and she looked at her shelves. Humming quietly, she leaned against the chair and tapped her chin with a finger, "He was right... I really don't have room here for all these books..." She murmured to herself, glancing to the counter in the kitchen where her phone was resting. After debating for a few moments she finally walked over and picked up the device, flipping it open and dialing the number before she got cold feet.
It rang for a few moments before it clicked and she raised an eyebrow at the greeting, "Mnnn Nanao-chan? Good morning... What can I do for you?" He asked her, his voice groggy and somewhat deeper which... Actually sounded quite sexy. She shook her head of the thoughts and she cleared her throat softly.
"I'm sorry captain... I didn't mean to wake you. I guess I didn't realize what time it was." She said apologetically as she looked to the clock on the wall which read a few minutes passed 8 AM, "Shall I call you back?" She asked as she heard him yawn on the other end.
"It depends on what my lovely Nanao-chan desires of me. I'm pretty sure today is Saturday and the division has that day off so it can't be paperwork." He said, his tone teasing a little bit which made her smile.
"Well... It has to do with the books you bought me... You were right, surprisingly. I've been organizing them and... I've come to realize that I don't have the shelves with the proper space needed to house all of them... So... I was thinking since you said you were good with your hands-"
"I am good with my hands~" he said before she could finish. She could hear the naughty tone in his voice and it had that familiar heat rushing to her cheeks. She took a silent breath to calm herself before she continued.
"I was wondering if you could stop by sometime today and help me assemble some more shelves. I'd need to buy the materials of course but-" she began but Shunsui cut her off before she could continue.
"Ahhhh~? I'd be honored to help my Nanao-chan! Give me about an hour and I'll be there okay?" He asked, Nanao blinking and looking down at herself. She was still in her night robe.
"C-captain I hardly think that's enough time for-"
"Okay see you soon Nanao-chan~" he chimed before hanging up, Nanao sighing as she hung her head.
"The one time Captain Kyouraku is eager to get up in the morning and actually makes /me/ rushed for time." She mumbled softly, but the thought made her smile. He was getting out of bed at 8 AM, when he could have easily slept several more hours, to go see her and help assemble shelves for her books. The books he bought her. She returned to the kitchen and quickly finished her tea and then went upstairs, quickly taking a shower to freshen up. She used a kidou of her own design to dry her hair and she put on a simple pale yellow kimono with a white floral pattern, leaving her hair down since she was still in the comfort of her own home. Whenever she wasn't at the office she usually kept it down.
She'd just finished tidying up when there was a knock on the door and she checked the clock. Just a few minutes to spare within the time frame he'd given her. Nanao went to the door and opened it and there stood Shunsui, wide awake and ready to help Nanao, "Good morning Nanao-chan~ You're looking lovely." He said to her as he walked inside. He was wearing a grey kimono with black cranes along the bottom, wings outstretched in flying patterns, "Though, you're always looking lovely." He added with that handsome smile, looking around him as he rubbed his hands together, "So! Where are the shelves?" He asked her and she looked over at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I told you on the phone. I needed to get the materials. That's why I said later today before you quickly jumped the gun." She said to him as she began to pick up the books from the floor to take them to the kitchen table.
Shunsui smiled as he helped get the books to the table, seeing they were in separate stacks so he made sure not to mess up her organizational work, keeping them all in the specific piles she put them in, "That's not a problem. We can go get them and I can carry them back. What say you to getting breakfast on the way there?" He asked her, Nanao chuckling softly.
"Well, that's not a bad idea seeing as I'll be needing quite a lot of shelves. We can use kidou to lift them and bring them home. As for breakfast, I was actually going to make breakfast after I called you. We can either go out for breakfast or I can cook us something." She offered as she motioned to the kitchen and Shunsui smiled brightly.
"How can I say no to Nanao-Chan's cooking? I bet you are an amazing cook!" He said as he sat down at the table, licking his lips as he looked at her.
She chuckled and shook her head as she turned to head for the fridge, "Very well. What would you like?" She asked as she began to pull out various ingredients for him to see, letting him pick out what he wanted. Once he made his decision she took the items needed and began to fix everything up, steaming some rice and mixing scrambled eggs in while also making some toast and another kettle of tea. Shunsui watched as she shuffled around the kitchen and soon he was up on his feet, watching as she cut up some vegetables to go into the rice. She glanced at him and then she offered him the knife, "Would you like to help?" She asked, Shunsui blinking before he slowly took the knife and he smiled.
"Sure. Anything to help my Nanao-chan~" he chimed as he slowly began to take over the vegetables. He was slow at it but he was able to cut them up the way she showed him, a content look on his face as he put the vegetables in a bowl for her to steam, "Look at that~ Team work in and out of the office." He mused, making her chuckle softly as she stirred the rice while it cooked.
"It would seem so." She said, motioning to the cupboard where she kept her bowls. He opened it and pulled out two, placing them down on the counter where she scooped out their breakfast, giving him a larger portion since he was quite large compared to her.
The two sat down at the table where no books would be in the way and they began to eat, Shunsui eagerly praising her cooking skills which got her a little flustered, "So~ After breakfast we can go get the shelves, then I can put them together here." He said, Nanao nodding as she took a bite of her breakfast. It was so simple yet so delicious. His Nanao-chan was quite the little cook, "Heh, I guess we can consider this a little mini-date~" he mused and Nanao's eyes widened slightly as she blushed, swallowing her current bite before she cleared her throat. It made him chuckle to see how she reacted to certain things he said to her.
"I... Guess so." She said after a few moments which actually surprised him. It made him grin.
"And to think I didn't even have to do paperwork this time!" He teased which made her roll her eyes.
"I'll just have to make sure there's plenty for you to do next week." She teased which made him pout cutely. After they finished up breakfast she washed the dishes, Shunsui insisting on drying them so she let him do that and once she locked up her house the two headed to the Rukongai, "I usually go to the same store to buy my furniture. That way it's all uniform." She said as she led him to the certain place. That didn't shock him. His Nanao-chan was a very uniform woman so for her to have matching everything was something he expected. Shunsui flashed a devious smile and he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Why not go for something different this time? Mix things up a little?" He asked her out of curiosity, Nanao quickly shaking her head as she pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose.
"I can't do that. It would be highly dysfunctional. I wouldn't mind a wider shelf as long as it was the same color and style. But nothing completely weird." She said, making him chuckle as he playfully nudged her, making her grunt and playfully glare at him which only made him smile all the more.
"My Nanao-Chan is so serious. Nothing wrong with having something different in your life. Something a little chaotic." He replied, to which Nanao poked his muscular arm with her index finger.
"I get enough chaos from you at work. I don't need it at home too." She retorted, though she held a smile on her face so he knew she was just teasing him. She sighed softly after thinking about it for a moment and she shrugged, "I guess... Having /one/ different shelf wouldn't hurt anything. I can organize it so all my favorite books are on it. To make it 'different' as you say. But still organized." She thought to herself, Shunsui nodding to her.
"Exactly! Give it a purpose and it fits right in." He mused, turning the corner when she did and right ahead was the small furniture shop she spoke to him about. It looked like antique things more than anything really. Refurbished and given some TLC to give it a brand new shine and look. There were some quite lovely pieces he thought. He wouldn't mind coming to look again for his own home. When they stepped inside they were greeted by the shop owner who instantly recognized Nanao and bid her a warm welcome. She explained to him what they needed and they were soon led to the back of the store that was lined with shelves of all different sizes.
After looking over them, Nanao glanced to Shunsui and she crossed her arms over her chest, "Well Mr. Different, which one would you pick out?" She asked him as she watched him look over the different styles and colors.
After staying silent for a few moments a little smile curved on his lips and he glanced over to her, "All the shelving at your place is a dark honey brown. If you stuck with that color it would still be kind of uniform but just have a different style. I would go with this one considering all the books you acquired last night." He said as he motioned to one specific book case. It was the dark honey color that he suggested, with carved curves and designs along the edges. The top curved downwards in spirals, butterflies carved along the sides that were inlaid with gold flake and mother of pearl. Nanao walked over to it and slowly brought her hand up to touch the glossy finish. She had to admit... He could pick beautiful pieces of furniture, "Well?" He asked, waiting for her opinion. Waiting for her to tell him how it was too different and would stick out like a sore thumb. How the butterflies were childish and the mother of pearl and gold flake inlay were too exquisite.
However, such comments never came. Instead, Nanao had a small smile on her face and after taking a minute or two to debate about it she looked to the shop keeper and nodded, "Then it's settled. I'll take this one." She said, Shunsui's grey eyes widening in sheer surprise. He didn't have to do any convincing? That was new. It was certainly welcomed but he just wasn't used to it was all. The shop keeper nodded and disappeared into the back, coming back out with an order form for Nanao to fill out.
"It will take a few weeks but we should receive the set brand new. Do you want us to assemble it like with the others?" He asked, Nanao opening her mount to respond but Shunsui interjected with a grin.
"Nah. We appreciate it, but I can help assemble it." He said, the shop keeper glancing to Nanao who just sighed and nodded with a small smirk, the shop keeper chuckling softly as he jotted down the notes on the order slip.
"Very well. You can pay for it now or wait until it arrives. I'll leave this with you, and if you'd like to pay before you leave just come find me and I'll take care of it." He said with an all too friendly smile, Nanao thanking him before the man disappeared into the back again.
Shunsui watched the older man leave and he looked back to Nanao, "Do you come here for all your book shelf needs?" He asked her as they left, Nanao deciding to pay once she picked up the shelf in a few weeks.
She nodded to him, a small smile on her face, "Yes. I've the years my family estate has purchased quite a few items from his shop. I've developed a taste for the styles in there. Most of my furniture has come from that place. A lot is custom made by his own family. Their favorite commissions are turned into sellable items, like the book case you picked out. That was something someone had commissioned and had enough interest in it to sell it as a regular item. They get antiques as well. That's a completely different section." She explained to him as they headed back down the road, "Heh, sorry it'll take a few weeks though. Guess you won't get to show me how good those hands are at building things yet." She mused, Shunsui shrugging his broad shoulders as he passed a grin towards her.
"That's fine. In the mean time I can continue to woo my Nanao-chan on the many more dates I plan to take her on." He promised, winking at her which made her clear her throat softly, tucking her hands into her sleeves so she wouldn't fiddle with anything. That's something he had noticed about her. Whenever she got shy or nervous she fiddled with something. Whether it be her obi, hair or just twiddling her fingers, he could always tell when she was nervous or flustered by something.
She looked up at him, the man nearly a foot taller than her. It out her about his shoulder level. The top of her head at least. She nearly had to crane her neck just to look up at him, "Oh? You've thought of more ideas for dates?" She asked him, to which Shunsui chuckled.
"I've had many many years to think of all the dates to take you on Nanao-chan. I just had to get you to agree." He said to her. That definitely piqued her curiosity and she tipped her head.
"Oh really? Care to share some ideas?" She asked him, Shunsui holding up a finger in front of her which made her blink her blue eyes.
"Ah ahh~ if you want to know, you'll just have to go on more dates with me~" he chimed with a kissy face, making her sigh softly as she shook her head.
"You're impossible." She muttered quietly in a semi-playful tone, a small smirk on her face. It was faint, but it was definitely there.
Shunsui clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth and he crossed his arms over his chest, "Ya know... I am curious about something." he said after a few moments of silence, waiting for Nanao to look at him before he smirked at her, "You asked me to build you the shelves today... Yet it will take a few weeks to get the materials in... If that was the case why did I need to go with you? Did my Nanao-chan just want to see me that much?" He asked her with his ever playful grin, Nanao blushing as she looked away.
"A-absolutely not! It's going to take a few weeks because you convinced me to get that elaborate bookshelf. If we had gotten the shelving I normally purchased then we'd be on our way back to my home with them in tow." She retorted to him in an 'as a matter of fact' tone that made him laugh softly.
"Well, I guess I can wait a few weeks~ I don't think my lovely Nanao-chan will be going anywhere~" he mused, turning along the path that would lead to Nanao's little home.
A FEW DAYS LATER
A squeal erupted in the office of Squad Ten's lieutenant as Rangiku rushed over to sit beside Nanao, "That's so cute~! He just rushed right over? That early in the morning? The man who sleeps as a hobby?" She questioned, Nanao nodding as she fiddled with her obi.
"Yeah. He just cut me off and said he'd be over within the hour and sure enough he arrived right when he said he was going to." She said to her which made Rangiku giggle, clapping her hands together quietly.
"He's so into you Nanao! I mean, why else would he have eagerly jumped to your aid like that? And taking you on dates? Getting his paperwork done to do so? How can you think he /doesn't/ like you?" She asked her, Nanao getting up to pace around the office a bit, shrugging her shoulders as she sighed.
"I don't know... It just seems... Surreal I guess. Why would he like /me/? Of all people? I mean... Look at me. He should be chasing bombshells like you..." She said, motioning up and down with her hands before continuing to pace around again. Rangiku frowned and she stood up, walking over to her friend to stop her from pacing around.
She put her hands on her shoulders and she gave her a little smile, "Nanao, you're beautiful in your own way. You're smart, a strong shinigami and you /are/ beautiful. You might be a little stubborn but everyone is at some point." She murmured, making Nanao smile faintly. Rangiku crossed her arms over her busty chest and she leaned against her desk, "Tell me something Nanao... How do you feel about Captain Kyouraku?" She asked her, Nanao's eyes softening as she glanced away, a soft blush appearing on her cheeks.
"I... I don't know..." She whispered softly to him, "I feel like I'm going to end up hurt..." She finally said in a soft whisper, almost inaudible but Rangiku caught it. Her smile softened and she walked over to Nanao to pull her in for a hug, Nanao hiding her face in her shoulder. She could feel her trembling slightly, "He's been with so many women... So many women who are prettier, taller... Have bigger boobs... I mean look at me... I'm not exactly a guy's first choice..." She murmured, trying to keep the tears at bay. But how she felt was true. She never truly felt beautiful, at least not enough to really get a guy's attention. She'd had maybe one or two boyfriends in the past, but nothing that got serious. Or remotely serious anyways, "I'm always left behind for the prettier girls with nicer legs..." She murmured, her voice muffled by Rangiku's shoulder. Her friend rubbed her back soothingly and she sighed quietly.
"Oh Nanao... You're so much prettier than those bimbos. You have something to offer him where those girls didn't. You're loyal, kind hearted and you're so unbelievably smart. Men are idiots. They think they want one thing when what they truly need is right in front of them. He just has to see that. I think he has. Otherwise he wouldn't have been chasing you all these years." She told her, Nanao pulling back with her arms crossed over her chest.
"That's the thing Rangiku... He's been flirting for years but at the same time he'd been going out with random women and whatnot... I don't know if he's actually serious this time or if he just wants to do this for the hell of it." She said, slowly sitting back down on the couch with her hands over her face. It made her heart and body ache to think about it. Surely he wouldn't be so cruel would he? Toy with her emotions and lead her on only to move on shortly later to a busty blonde or redhead who caught his eye at a bar? It made her stomach churn to think about it.
Rangiku could see the problem there. Captain Kyouraku had flirted with her for so many years, now that Nanao actually agreed to go on these dates she didn't know if he was being serious or if he was just continuing that flirting game. She sat back down beside Nanao and rubbed her back again, "It makes sense why you'd be apprehensive about it... But I honestly don't think he'd be that kind of a dick Nanao. He's a lady's man, that's for sure. But I really don't peg him as an empty flirter." Nanao hummed quietly and sat back, tipping her head to rest it against the back of the couch.
After another minute or two of silence Nanao finally spoke, "I don't know when I began to have feelings for him... I thought it was a silly crush at first really... I still don't know if it is or not... I agreed to these dates because I thought I could sort myself out but really... It's only causing me more turmoil." She said quietly with an exhausted sigh, reaching up to rub her temples. She could feel a headache coming on.
"So keep going on the dates and see how it goes. That's really your only way of knowing." Rangiku said to her with a shrug of her shoulders, "I know it's cliche but if it's meant to be then it'll happen. Don't force yourself Nanao. If you do that then everyone loses." She said to her friend who was mentally pouting, "And if it works out, then great! You two can stop tiptoeing around one another and make it official. Have you kissed yet?" She asked with a grin, Nanao shaking her head with a blush.
"N-no... He hasn't kissed me yet..." She murmured back to her. The thought made her heart flutter however. She'd thought about that a lot actually. What it would feel like to kiss him. Sure she'd kissed a guy before but... Would a kiss from him be any different? If there were real feelings then surely that was a thing right? Those foot popping moments that happen in romance films? The butterflies in the stomach? She didn't expect a choir of angels to sing when the moment happened but she expected it to be a big thing.
Rangiku giggled as she waved her hand, "Then get on it girl~!" She said as she playfully gave Nanao a shove, making her finally crack a smile and even laugh a little.
"I won't rush it Rangiku... We'll just see how it plays out..." She said, making Rangiku grin.
The stack of papers that hit Shunsui's desk made him jolt from his day dream, smiling sheepishly at his lieutenant as she gave him a quizzical look and a raised eyebrow, "Heh... My apologies. I was zoning out." He said to her, Nanao humming as she walked over to her desk with her own paperwork in tow.
"Oh? Don't tell me that you've given up on our weekly wager?" She asked, a sly grin appearing on his face as he waved a hand.
"Of course not lovely Nanao-chan~! I've been day dreaming about what possible dates we could go on this week~" he said, Nanao nipping her lip before she looked back at him, her fingers fidgeting with one another after putting down her papers.
She slowly approached his desk again but stopped when she got about half way there, "Actually... I wanted to bring something up." She said, Shunsui tipping his head with a blink of those grey eyes. She took a breath and said her thought before it sealed away forever, "I... I was thinking that... I... Could choose the date this time." She said in a quiet, almost mousy voice. But Shunsui heard it and it made him smile brightly.
"Yare yare~! Nanao-chan wants to pick the date this week? Be still my old heart~" he said, chuckling at the "be serious" look she gave him and he nodded, "I'm perfectly happy with Nanao-chan picking the date. We'll go wherever you want to." He replied, making her smile softly as she nodded.
"Okay then... Well... There's this festival that is happening this weekend in the Living World. It's something I go to every year. You wear your favorite kimono and there are games and food kiosks and contests and even a few rides. There are also traditional booths that offer crafts and goods that particularly catch my interest. I need to buy a new kimono but I can do that after work." She explained, Shunsui listening intently to her before he grinned and nodded.
"That sounds delightful! I'd love to see my Nanao-chan dolled up in a pretty kimono. What day would you like to go?" He asked her, very much game for this idea. It sounded fun and it seemed to mix with both their personalities. He was all for festivals and she would enjoy the more traditional aspects. A perfect balance. Nanao was thrilled that he agreed. She didn't think he would decline her request but that thought still scratched at the back of her mind.
She smiled lightly at him and gave a curt little nod before she turned on her heels and quickly went to her desk, "O-okay! Great... I... usually go on Friday. There's an opening ceremony at sunset and there are ladies who dance with fans and streamers." Shunsui gave her a thumbs up as he calculated the plans in his head on when to pick her up and such. Before he could speak she smirked and chuckled, "But you have to finish your paperwork first," she added to him while pointing to his stack, Shunsui flashing her a handsome smile.
"Challenge accepted dear Nanao-chan~~"
The week seemed to pass rather slowly for Nanao. She couldn't describe why that was so. Maybe it was because she was excited for Friday to arrive so that she could go to the festival. Thats probably why the week went slow. It always did when she looked forward to something. Maybe that's why the past few weeks had gone by slowly. She was actually having fun on these dates with her captain and she was always looking forward to the next adventure he would take her on. It made her curious as to what he would wear. Did he have a special kimono he would wear? She still needed to get one as well. She'd worn the same one for several years now and she figured it was time to get a new one. Her thoughts were shaken when Rangiku burst into her office, "Nanao~~~~~!" She chimed and squealed at the same time, carrying a box with her. Nanao blinked and placed her pen down, pushing her glasses up on her nose.
"Rangiku please... You don't have to shout. What in the gods names is going on?" She asked as she stood up, Rangiku putting the box down on the table.
The busty woman giggled as she motioned to the box, "So, Captain Kyouraku came to my office today and told me that you two were going on another date and that it was to a festival~ Naturally I wanted to know details he came to me because he needed your measurements~ Lucky for you I'm the wardrobe coordinator for the Women's Association and had them on file~" she chimed, Nanao looking at her and then to the box before it hit her.
"He didn't..." She murmured softly, her hands instantly going to untie the ribbon around the box and then she pulled the top open, peeling away the layers of paper until she saw what was hiding within, her eyes widening and a gasp leaving her mouth. Tucked inside was a beautiful kimono in a soft pink, a lot like the color of the one he always wore over his captain's haori. The sleeves were dotted with flowers and petals as well as the bottom, a soft green obi and a purple sash included to go with it, "That sneaky bastard... That's where he went at lunch time! He said he had to run an errand!" She said as she pulled out the kimono, matching layers folded neatly underneath in other shades of pink and purple, "Did you help him pick it out?" She asked her, Rangiku shaking her head as she crossed her arms.
"Nope! All I did was give him the measurements and he picked it out on his own. And before you look he made sure no price tags were left on there." She pointed out, making Nanao pout faintly because that's what she was going to look for, "He said to go ahead and bring it to you. He's picking out one himself as we speak. He said the next time he saw the kimono he wanted you to be wearing it." She said to her, Nanao's fingers softly kneading the material. It was made of a fine fabric. That was for sure. The embroidery was superb and there wasn't a stitch out of place. She carefully folded it back and put it into the box before she sat down, taking a breath. Nanao swallowed softly, glancing over to the vacant captain's desk. All his paperwork for the day was signed and ready to go. He didn't have to return though she figured he might unless she locked up the office early.
Once she gathered her thoughts she slowly stood back up and she picked up the box, smiling lightly to Rangiku, "Thank you for bringing it Rangiku. I think I'm going to lock up the office early today since his work is finished. I can finish up mine tomorrow." She said, Rangiku nodding as she was walked out by Nanao who locked the office behind her.
"Alrighty~! I'm gonna run back to my squad before my captain gets on my ass. I'd better get a picture with you wearing that~!" She said in a sing song voice as she headed out, Nanao nodding to agree before she headed in the opposite direction, walking about half way before she flashed the remaining distance. She went into her home and she went to her bedroom, placing the box on the bed before she opened it again, picking up the dusty pink kimono and holding it up to her in front of the mirror. Before she could stop it a small smile appeared on her face and she held the garment close to her, the fabric tickling her blushing cheek.
Shunsui was currently leaving the kimono shop with a box of his own when he heard his phone go off in a little chime. He took it out of his shihakushou pocket and checked the message, smiling softly at the two words.
Thank you
THE FOLLOWING EVENING
With a sigh, fidgety hands finally managed to make a crisp, pretty bow with the purple obi, Nanao looking at herself in the mirror. She was mainly looking at the kimono she had on rather than herself. She never considered herself a pink person but this color suited her. It went well with her pale, creamy skin and soft features. Her hair was in a different style tonight. It was in a half up half down look with her bangs framing both sides of her face, some of her hair tied back while the rest flowed down to the middle of her shoulder blades. She'd told Shunsui what time they needed to leave and like the past two dates they went on he was right on time. She heard the knock on her front door and she felt her heart speed up. She shook her head and sighed softly, "Calm down Nanao..." She told herself, checking herself over one more time before she went to the front door to open it. Shunsui was standing there with that same handsome smile on his face and when he saw her it grew even wider. She didn't even think that was possible.
He reached down to take her hand, lifting it to his lips to give it a soft kiss, "I know that's against the rules but you look so exquisite I couldn't help myself." He said quietly to her as he released her hand, Nanao nipping on her lip softly as she quietly thanked him, "That kimono is stunning on you..." He told her, his voice soft yet deep which made shivers run down her spine.
"You look rather handsome yourself..." She said to him, looking at his own choice of attire. He was wearing a kimono that ombred from a light blue at the shoulders to a dark blue at his feet, the sleeves doing the same thing. There was a waterfront scene along the bottom with a few black and white koi with elaborate fins. His hair was, as usual, pulled back into that low ponytail with the one stray bang hanging down between his eyes and along the bridge of his nose. Chuckling, he gave a little bow with a hand pressed to his chest.
"Thank you Nanao-chan. I have to dress my best otherwise you might lose interest and turn me away~" he teased and she laughed softly.
"Not tonight. Tonight I'm going to a festival~" she said with a smile as she locked up which made him smile as well. He led her to the senkaimon where they both went through, led by their hell butterflies until the doors opened to the Living World. The two headed for Urahara's to get situated into their gigai and once they were both ready Nanao then led the way to where the festival was being held. As they grew closer they could pick up the sound of jovial music playing all throughout, a certain area of a park glowing from the lights and lanterns hung for decor. Shunsui looked around as they headed inside the entrance that was marked by two giant red wooden pillars that were wrapped with lights. Many booths were lined up along the paths and in the distance he could see the rides that included a ferris wheel and a few fast paced rides, "I think the stage is this way." She said as she pointed towards a direction that would lead them deep inside the festival. He nodded to her, going to let her lead the way since she'd been to this festival before.
The two zigged and zagged around the many people who were already there, Shunsui following Nanao until she rounded the corner and saw the stage all set up with bleachers and risers set up around it like an amphitheater, "I'll sit anywhere you like to get a good view." He told her, letting her lead this date. She nodded and led him to the middle of the risers where they'd have a center view of the stage and she sat down, Shunsui tucking his hands into his sleeves, gazing above the stage in the distance where the sun was beginning to set.
"It should start soon." Nanao said, interrupting his thoughts. But he smiled and gave a nod, glancing over to her. He wished he could get a picture of this moment. She was sitting there, proper and straight as always, the setting sun illuminating her features that made them look even softer. She was watching the stage, eagerly waiting for the opening ceremony to begin. She looked simply breath taking. He thought the color scheme of the kimono worked perfectly for her. Ten minutes or so passed and a soft song began to play about the amphitheater, Nanao smiling as she saw the beautiful dancers elegantly walk into the stage, their hands hidden in their sleeves as they got into position. It made Shunsui smile seeing how excited she was.
The amphitheater guests began to quiet down and soon it was silent, then a few seconds later soft music began to play and the dancers took off, moving in fluid motions removing their hidden arms from the sleeves to reveal fans and streamers. The dancers were in elegant kimono, each a different color but they had the same floral pattern on them. Their hair was pulled back into a bun and each had their own decorative comb tucked in the side, little tassels and ornaments hanging down from the centerpiece of it. Shunsui's gaze shifted between the dancers and Nanao. He honestly wanted to watch her reactions to their dances. See what about it excited her. Her eyes were glued on them, her eyes analyzing their movements of both their feet and their hands as they waved the decorative fans and twirled the bright streamers across the stage.
The two watched the dancers for a good half hour until they came to a stop, giving graceful bows as the audience cheered and clapped for them, Nanao included. She then looked to Shunsui with a bright smile on her face, "What did you think?" She asked him in an excited voice, one he remembered her having when he took her to the library the previous week.
"They were lovely. Though I found myself looking at you more than I did them." He told her honestly which made her blush deeply and she cleared her throat shyly, "But what I did see I very much enjoyed." He answered her as they both stood, going to make their way back into the crowd to look around the shops and also at the small game booths just to see what was there.
The two passed along one large booth that had kimono and obi for sale, the owner smiling at Nanao, "Come on in~! If you see something you like feel free to try it on~" he said, Nanao smiling lightly as she shook her head to politely decline, "Oh come now~ A pretty woman like you needs a wardrobe full of these fine kimono! We can find you one that will really make you look stunning~" he said, Nanao opening her mouth to decline again but she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist and she was gently pulled up to Shunsui's side, making her blush.
"She's already stunning. I believe she said no thank you." He said to the owner who looked to Shunsui before he backed down and went to hassle another potential customer.
Shunsui guided Nanao away a little bit before he heard her clear her throat, "You didn't have to do that... But thank you." She said, obviously flustered by what Shunsui said about her. It made the blush stay on her cheeks a bit longer than it normally would have.
He gave her a warm smile and he shook his head, "I know... But obviously that man was blind if he thought that you weren't beautiful enough. If anything you would make his kimono look more beautiful. Not the other way around." He said to her, Nanao cutely poking her fingers together as they walked along the other booths. It was a few moments before she realized he still had his arm around her... But she didn't tell him to move it. She actually rather liked it. He had a soft yet firm grip around her waist to keep her securely at his side, as if he were showing some male dominance to show that she was his. It secretly made her happy. The two walked along the multiple paths that led by many booths, just talking to one another about random things when a little shop caught Shunsui's eye, his movements slowing which meant hers did too, "Let's look over here for a moment." He said as he led her over to the booth which had multiple displays of ornate hair clips similar to the ones that the dancers wore in their hair on stage. He glanced to Nanao who was looking at them also, seemingly captivated by a few of them.
"These are lovely..." She murmured as she looked them over. Shunsui did have an eye for beautiful things and she was happy to look with him, thinking he just brought her over in case she wanted to buy something. Though, after a minute or two she felt a gentle pressure on her head and when she snapped back into consciousness from looking she glanced to Shunsui who was pulling his hand back and smiling.
"Now they are." He said, Nanao feeling something tickling her ear. She found a mirror and looked into it, her eyes widening when she saw the beautiful clip he'd placed in her hair. It wasn't a very big one, though it's beauty more than made up for it. The clip had a large pink enamel cherry blossom in as the centerpiece, with pearls and other gems decorating it. Little cherry blossoms carved from pink mother of pearl dangled down the side of her head along with some pearls that matched the ones at the top of the comb, "Beautiful... Now you put those dancers to shame." He told her, Nanao looking back in the mirror to look at the clip.
"C-captain! You've already gone overboard with the kimono... I can't possibly let you pay for this." She tried to protest but he was already handing money to the shop owner which nearly made her fall over. Did the man ever listen to her? Shunsui just chuckled and thanked the shop owner who thanked him as wells
"Then let me go overboard some more~ Come on Nanao-chan~ I want to spoil you~" he said, Nanao grumbling playfully as she crossed her arms over her chest. He managed to get her arms uncrossed so he could take her hand and he began to guide her through the crowd, out to a more private area in the back.
"Where are we going Captain?" She asked him as she looked around, stopping when he did by a grove of trees. He looked at her and he smiled tenderly, reaching up to stroke her cheek.
"Nanao-chan... Hear me out..." He said to her as he leaned against the trunk of a tree, looking at her with that tender gaze that always got her flustered, "If you think I'm doing this as if it were a game... You're wrong." He started, making her blink slightly, "I really do want to take you out. When you gave me that wager I thought it was finally my chance to take you out and show you that I do care about you. I want to spoil you... I want to give you things like the kimono and the comb and your favorite book in the first edition... Even if it is in French." He told her, reaching down to take her hand which she didn't pull away. Not this time. She let him take it in his, hers so tiny when he was holding it, "So please... Continue to go on these dates with me. I'll do all the paperwork you want me to... Though I hope you'll want to go on these dates with me with no wager included." He said, giving her hand a kiss before he let her pull it away.
She was silent for a moment before her lips parted, "Captain..." She started before he pressed a finger to her lips to silence her.
"That brings me to another thing. Please, will you call me by my name when I take you out?" He asked her, just wanting to hear her say his name. She thought about it for a few seconds before she sighed and she nodded.
"Okay... Shunsui." She murmured, making him give her a bright smile when he finally heard her say his name. He reached up to brush his fingers down her cheek and he nodded.
"Perfect... Now... Anything else you'd like to do here?" He asked her, Nanao checking the time before she hummed.
"Well... There is a fireworks show in about fifteen minutes if you wanted to stay and watch." She suggested and he nodded to her.
"Fireworks sound fun. Any particular spot you go to for them?" He asked her to which she nodded.
"I usually go down by the river." She told him, Shunsui giving her a thumbs up before letting her lead the way to her spot which was a nice grassy hill that overlooked the river. They sat down right as the first firework went up and they both smiled softly as it exploded into a royal blue color a few seconds after it shot into the air. It was getting a little chilly so he pulled Nanao close and she didn't argue. She was feeling a tad cold so his body heat was very much welcomed. They both watched the fireworks for a bit, staying in their perfect little spot by the river. After a few minutes Shunsui felt something on his hand and he blinked, glancing down and smiling when he saw one of Nanao's hands sneaking its way on top. However, Nanao was still fixated on the fireworks. Or was pretending to be anyways. Her fingers were running across his slowly and finally he turned his hand to lace their fingers together. His eyes shifted to her features once more. She was blushing, not looking at him.
But a little smile was on her face.
Hello lovlies! Here's another update for you. :) I got really into this one and it ended up being nearly 15 pages long! I was traveling between stages by plane and had a LOT of time to write all curled up in my seat. I do hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a review if you can. I really enjoy getting them knowing that people are enjoying my story. Give me some date ideas! :) The more ideas I have, the more chapters you'll get! ;) I'm about to board the plane to head home so please enjoy! :)
Byakuya'sGirl90210
