She woke up on a breathing pillow and cocooned in warmth. It wasn't a terrible way to wake up if she was being honest. Nanao lay there for a moment with her head on Shunsui's chest, his arm wrapped around her, and their legs tangled. No one would ever know, least of all Shunsui who was dead asleep, so she decided to just enjoy it for a few moments.

Her internal clock quickly became overbearing though, saying she would be late if she lay around much longer and she shifted to get up. Shunsui made a sound of protest and dragged her back down rolling them over so he was half on top of her.

"Off," she said pushing at his shoulder and trying not to laugh. He just buried his face more firmly into her neck. "You don't have to get up, but I do."

"Warm," he muttered.

"That's too bad." She started to squirm down the bed to get out of his hold. He reached for her sleepily, but she managed to escape. He gave a displeased huff and buried his head under a pillow. Nanao did laugh then and made her way to the bathroom. He really was impossible in the mornings.

Twenty minutes later Nanao was showered and in her uniform. She was nothing if not efficient. She slipped out of the bathroom to find Shunsui still snoring away in the bed. She grinned as she noticed one of his arms had fallen completely off the bed. It was understandable that women chased him. He was good looking and his broad naked back was nothing to scoff at, but she thought her favorite things about him were when he was entirely un-cool. Walking over to the bed she gently took his wrist and moved his arm back on to the bed.

His hand twisted and snagged hers tugging her down next to him on the bed. He rolled on to his side and blinked up at her sleepily. "Get back in bed. It's too early."

"It's time to go to work." She pushed a strand of hair off his face.

"Mmm," he argued intelligently before flopping back over on to his stomach and burying his face in his pillow.

"Come on, sleepyhead," she coaxed. He grumbled again and she gave into an impulse and ran her hands over his back. It was inappropriate, but she couldn't resist and she was feeling generous this morning after everything he'd done for her yesterday. He shifted under her hands and she applied a firmer pressure.

"Nanao-chan, if you're trying to convince me to get out of bed you're going about it wrong. Your hands are heaven."

"You can stay in bed if you want," she said working on a knot near his right shoulder. He gave a happy little groan and she grinned. "But I'm going into work, and if you stay here it means you're on your own with my family." She felt him tense under her palms. "If you come into the office with me I'll let you sleep on the couch."

"Really?" he mumbled turning his head on his pillow.

"I'm not going to punish you for doing me a favor," she said working her way down his back. He made a pleased noise. "You're going to have to get up though and come with me. I set up a guide to take them to the shrines in the first today so we should be off the hook until dinner."

"Nanao-chan, lower," he growled.

She laughed and removed her hands, smacking him on the shoulder. "Get up or stay here with my family. Your choice."

"Can't we just stay in bed all day and ignore them?"

"We'd get bored."

"I could make it interesting," he said raising his eyebrows at her suggestively, but his barely contained laugh gave him away.

"I'm going into the office now."

"No," he pouted snaking out an arm and snagging her waist. "Stay here and we'll lock the door."

Nanao pushed his hands away. "You're being irresponsible. 15 minutes and I leave without you."

She left the room and steeled herself as she heard the sounds of her family in the kitchen. Her mother was complaining about the tea selections and Nanao rolled her eyes. She was still furious at her mother's presumptuous behavior about Kozue and thought Shunsui was being a push over, but she supposed it was his choice. She still planned on paying him back for dinner tonight one way or another.

"Ah, Nanao, you're awake. I thought you were going to sleep all day."

"Yes, seven thirty in the morning is quite late," she replied sarcastically.

"Is Kyouraku-san up?"

"He'll be out momentarily and we'll be leaving for the office."

Her mother pouted. "Is there really no way you can take off today?"

"I've hired a guide who will be here at 8 to take you to the shrines. You'll be fine, and then we'll meet you back here and go to Kozue tonight."

The mention of the restaurant gave her mother a starry eyed look and Nanao slipped past her to make two mugs of tea in ceramic thermoses she'd brought from her own apartment. Shunsui would never have such nonsense as he'd just stay home and take his time drinking the tea out of a cup. She made the tea quickly and tuned her family out as they shuffled around her. Frankly she always felt a little out of place during small moments with her family like them having breakfast, as she'd been sent to the academy when she was so young her memories of living at home were few and a bit foggy. The Seireitei and the soldiers of the Gotei 13 were much more familiar and easy to integrate herself with. She'd been a silly fool to think she could quit and lead a quiet life.

"Nanao?"

"Hmmm?" She turned to her father and realized she'd missed a question.

"I'd like to see where you work one day if possible."

"Oh, Dad, you really wouldn't. It's boring, just an office. Trust me, you'll all have much more fun touring."

"Morning," Shunsui grumbled looking sleepy and rumpled as he walked into the kitchen. She smiled indulgently. He really was such a handful when he didn't get his way.

"Is that how you dress for work?"

Shunsui looked down at himself and then blinked up at her father slowly. "Yes?"

"It's fine, Dad. He's the Taicho. They don't have to adhere as strictly to the dress code." Not that she hadn't lectured Shunsui a million times about the dress code, but she never actually expected or wanted him to change. She pressed a warm thermos into Shunsui's hands and reached up to straighten out his haoris. He gave her a sincere sleepy smile and she was surprised when he leaned down and kissed her quickly. She forced her blush down and backed away from him as naturally as she could manage. "Well, we have to go. Do you all have everything you need?"

"Yes, Nanao. You did a very nice job of making sure everything was perfectly planned so you didn't have to spend one extra minute with your family."

"Dad," she wanted to argue, but it wasn't exactly a bad analysis, "If you'd all have given me more warning-"

"You'd have made an excuse why we couldn't come at all." Also very true.

She motioned to the rest of her family congregating at the table. "You know I can only handle them in small doses." Honesty really was all there was left.

"I know," her father sighed. "But it still makes me unhappy. We're family after all. Perhaps if your mother just knew more about what you do here."

Nanao shook her head firmly. "She'd just be more horrified. You saw her after those hollows yesterday. Trust me, this is best. We'll see you tonight." She moved to his side and planted a kiss on his cheek. Her dad gave her a quick tight hug and released her.

"Well I was proud of you."

"I know, Dad. If you guys need anything at all I gave Mom a cellphone with my number programed in. You'll have fun." She snatched up the other thermos and started herding Shunsui to the door while calling out goodbyes to her family. Her mother started to ask something but she let the front door shut and dropped into a shunpo. She beat Shunsui to the office by a nanosecond.

"Moving slow this morning?"

"It's too early," he groused taking the thermos top off curiously and sniffing the tea. He must have liked the flavor she chose though as he closed it again and took a sip before setting it down on his desk. "You're not really going to let me sleep are you?"

Nanao laughed. "I keep my word. Go ahead."

He grabbed her by the waist and picked her up into an impulsive little twirl and she gave a surprised squeak before laughing and pushing him away as he settled her back on her feet. "Go sleep, you idiot. I wouldn't even know what to do with you this early."

The day passed fairly uneventfully. Shunsui woke up around the lunch hour and popped down to the mess hall to get food for both of them when she said she was too busy and not that hungry anyway. They'd eaten, he'd signed a few forms she needed done today, then he'd begged off to harass an intermediate swordplay class. He'd come back two hours later looking pleased with himself and settled down to read a novel on the couch.

Nanao was filling out a supply form when the door to their office was thrown open and Matsumoto bounced through. "Oh, Nanao-chan! Look who I found!"

To Nanao's horror her family followed behind the exuberant blonde. Hachiro and her sister looked around curiously while her mother looked horrified. Her father glanced around landing on Shunsui lounging on the couch and frowned. She sighed, one more point against Shunsui. Usually she'd agree but it really wasn't for her father to judge.

"I escaped the office for a quick shopping trip and ran into them in the 1st!" Rangiku supplied helpfully. "Your father mentioned wanting to see your office and I couldn't refuse."

"Of course not," Nanao said giving her a stale smile. "So here it is."

"You should have told me your family was in town," Rangiku said happily. "I would have stopped by and said hi. Where are you all staying anyways?"

Nanao flinched. There wouldn't be room in her apartment so of course Rangiku would wonder. She was about to open her mouth before her mother cut her off.

"With Kyouraku-san and Nanao of course. Where else would we be staying? Kyouraku-san has been a wonderful host. We're all going to Kozue tonight."

Rangiku lifted an eyebrow and focused on her. Nanao diligently resisted the urge to slam her head into the desk. How the hell was she going to get out of this one?

"Right, I forgot that Nanao-chan and Shunsui-kun finished fixing up that second guest room. Silly me." Oh no, she was going to owe Rangiku something for this cover. She could just feel the woman calculating favors in her head. This was not good. "You'll have to tell me how Kozue is. I'm not fancy enough to get in there! Well look at the time. Looks like the workday is over. Kyouraku-kun, can you take the Ise's home then? Nanao-chan and I have an SWA meeting."

Nanao was about to argue, as they definitely did not have a meeting, she'd made sure not to schedule one this week, but one sharp look from the other woman shut her up.

"Uh, I, sure, I guess?" Shunsui was looking back and forth between her and Rangiku like he'd look at a bomb with a five second count down.

"How long is the meeting?" her mother asked. "We don't want to be late tonight." Of course she wouldn't want to be late for her precious outing. Nanao held back a growl.

"Oh don't worry about it, Ise-san. I'll be sure to have her home in time." With that Rangiku snatched her hand and dragged her out from behind her desk and towards the hallway.

"Easy, Rangiku-chan," Shunsui called as they got to the doorway. "I'd like her back in one piece if possible."

"Oh, don't you worry, Kyouraku-kun. I'll bring your Nanao-chan back better than ever!" Nanao wasn't sure that was true as she was physically pulled down the hallway. Her shoulder felt like it was going to pop out of its socket.

"Rangiku-san, there isn't a meeting today."

"Wrong, there wasn't a meeting," Rangiku said as she kept tugging Nanao towards the front door with one hand while she used the other to tap at her phone. "Now there is!"

Nanao groaned. "You don't understand. I can explain."

"Alright, explain while we walk," Rangiku said releasing her hand and heading towards the 10th.

"There wasn't any room at my apartment, as you well know, and Shunsui kindly offered his home when I said they were coming."

"Shunsui?" Rangiku shrieked.

Fuck. "Kyouraku Taicho was just being nice."

"And you're staying too?" Nanao opened her mouth to deny it, but Rangiku cut her off. "Your mother said they're staying with Kyouraku-san and Nanao. And why is he taking your whole family to Kozue? I know you can't afford it. Is he going to propose?"

"No! Of course not! We aren't dating."

"Then why are you living together and why is your family staying with you?" Nanao stayed stubbornly silent. "Either you tell me or I tell the whole SWA and we'll figure it out ourselves."

Nanao knew it wasn't an idle threat. "I lied to my family and told them Kyouraku Taicho and I have been dating for the last four years and living together for two of them. They surprised me with a visit and I had to bribe Kyouraku Taicho with paperwork and his birthday party being held at the 8th again to get him to go along with it."

"Oh, well that makes sense."

Nanao gaped at her quick acceptance. "That makes sense?"

"Well sure," Rangiku said waving a hand.

"It doesn't make any sense at all! It was a stupid, reckless, childish lie and I should have copped to it the second it looked like I was going to get caught. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Oh honey, I know! I'm so proud of you," Rangiku squealed pulling her into a hug. "Who'd have thought you had it in you? And it was brilliant, really! Your mother would love you dating a man of Kyouraku-kun's status, and now I know why she hasn't set you up on any awful dates recently. Besides who would dissuade them of the fact if they made any inquiries? You and Kyouraku-kun are always together and he's always flirting with you. I can't believe you moved in with him!"

"It's only for the week."

"Still who would have thought you had the balls to tell him and actually do it? I'd have thought you'd just tell your family you got sent on an emergency mission and taken some of that vacation you had stored up in the living world." Nanao blinked. That would have actually been the smart, calm, rational thing to do. Why in the world hadn't she thought of it? Only her mother could induce that sort of panicked carelessness in her. "Ha! Didn't think of that, did you? Maybe it's because deep down you wanted this to happen."

"I most certainly did not! It's mortifying and makes me look pathetic."

Matsumoto waved that comment away. "I've met your mother. I would have done it too. Of course my Taicho wouldn't have been nearly as willing to play along. In fact you lucked out as I can't picture many of the Taichos being willing to do it. Maybe Hirako Taicho for Momo-chan."

"Rangiku-san, you're not going to tell the others are you?"

"Don't be silly. Your secret is safe with me."

"Then can you call off the meeting?"

"Of course not. We have to get you ready for Kozue."

Nanao paled. "No, you really really don't."

"What are you planning on wearing?"

"I have a kimono."

"No! Don't be boring now. You have to have fun with this. Do something daring. What have you got to lose now? Come on, the girls will help."

"And how do you expect me to explain the fact that I'm going to Kozue with my family and Kyouraku Taicho?"

"He's taking you out for an early birthday dinner. They won't even question it! Come on, let's scandalize your mother and make him drool."

"See the first part sounded good, but you lost me at the second part."

"Don't pretend you don't like it when he's a total doofus over you."

"We aren't like that."

"You could be if you took this opportunity to jump him."

"I'd be a fling. That's all he's capable of offering and we both know it. I don't want that. I like the friendship we have, and that'd be a stupid way to muck it up, thank you very much."

"Fine, be repressed, but that doesn't mean you can't torture him a little. Please? I promise I won't make you look like a stripper."

"You'll keep this quiet for the rest of your life?"

"I swear."

"You have two hours."

Rangiku gave a whoop of joy and darted off towards where the other girls were meeting. Nanao sighed and followed.

"Where is she? I swear that girl is so irresponsible."

Shunsui snorted at the thought of Nanao being irresponsible. More than likely the ladies were holding her up while Nanao panicked. He wondered if she'd be able to get Matsumoto to stay quiet about their situation. Even Nanao might not be scary enough to make Rangiku sit on such good gossip.

"We'll miss our reservations." There was a knock on the front door. "Oh, no the carriage is here."

"It's fine," Shunsui comforted with a placating grin. "You all take the carriage. It's about a twenty-minute ride. When Nanao-chan gets home we'll shunpo over. We'll be on time. You'll see."

"If you're sure?"

"Of course, Ise-san." In fact he was sort of relieved he didn't have to ride over with them. He'd had to listen to her mother and sister fuss through getting ready and Hachiro and her father discussing the silk trade for the last couple hours and he couldn't take much more. Also the carriages tended to make him a bit sick. Shunpo was definitely the better way to travel. He ushered her family into the carriage and went back inside wondering if he could squeeze in a quick fifteen-minute nap. He dropped himself on the couch and closed his eyes. A few minutes later though he was disturbed by the front door opening.

"Nanao-chan?"

"I'm home. Where is everyone?"

"They headed over without us. I said we'd shunpo and catch up." He pushed himself up off the couch and went to meet her. When he rounded the corner he stopped dead in his tracks.

Nanao stood there in a clingy floor length red number that pushed up her modest cleavage. She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, which shifted the dress so the split up the one side exposed a petite foot in a spike heel and a long length of pale toned leg.

"I look like a whore don't I? I told them it was too much."

"No," he said startled into finding his voice again. "You look amazing."

Nanao blushed prettily and nervously tucked her hair behind her ear, which had been styled down around her shoulders with a slight curl to it. She didn't have her glasses and her violet eyes were big and utterly disarming lined with makeup. "It was the only way to keep Matsumoto-san quiet. She told the girls the dinner was an early birthday present."

"For which one of us?"

"Shut up," she said dropping her eyes and futzing with the top of her dress. "Will it be ok for Kozue?"

"Sweetheart, the last thing I want to do right now is go to Kozue. Though it'd be selfish to keep this vision all to myself."

She laughed and smacked his arm, his flirting breaking her out of her uncharacteristic shyness as intended. "We should go or we'll be late."

"Can you see without your glasses?"

"Mostly. Everything far away is a little blurry around the edges but I can manage. This girls stole them and hid them so I couldn't get them back so there wasn't much choice if I wanted to be on time."

He smiled at that. The women of the SWA were the pushiest people he'd ever met. "Wait here."

"What? Shunsui?" He was gone and back before she could argue. "Where did you go?"

"Here." He held out the extra pair of glasses he'd retrieved from the office. It was a pleasure to see her without them, but he didn't want her uncomfortable the whole night. Besides she was just as lovely with them.

She took them and put them on giving him a smile that lit up the room. "Thank you."

"Now, I'm going to change and we can go."

"Change? You look fine."

He was in Japanese formal wear, but he no longer thought it was appropriate. "We should match. Just wait here." He slipped back into the room and switched to a pair of dark slacks and a white button down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow. He came back out and was satisfied to see Nanao give him an approving once over. "Can you shunpo in those ridiculous things?"

She scowled down at the heels as they left the house and he shut the door. "Barely. I thought I was going to break an ankle getting here."

He opened his arms wide. "Wanna ride?"

"Don't look so pleased when you offer. It makes you look like a letch."

"I will always be pleased when a beautiful woman is about to step into my arms."

"Hands stay in appropriate places."

"I'm offended." She glared. "Fine. Waist and back?"

"Only." She stepped into his arms and he pulled her in tight. He certainly didn't want to lose her mid-shunpo. Her small form pressed into him and her hands rested lightly on his chest for balance and he wondered absently if the dress allowed for underthings. He pushed that out of his mind quickly and stepped into a shunpo.

A few short moments later they were standing outside of Kozue.

"You can let go of me."

"Right, Nanao-chan." He released her and she stepped back fussing with her hair. "I think that's the carriage pulling up."

"Lucky us."

"You didn't have to spend the last couple hours with them."

"Blame Matsumoto-san."

"I mean to give her a piece of my mind," he said with a laugh. And thank her for a job well done he thought quietly. He'd be the envy of every man in Kozue. Speaking of, what a perfect time to make Hachiro regret being an asshole too. The carriage pulled up and he slipped an arm around Nanao's waist resting his hand on her hipbone. She gave him a look, but didn't protest further.

"Oh good you made it on time," her mother said as the driver helped her exit the carriage. "What are you wearing?"

"A dress," Nanao said and he felt her spine stiffen under his arm. "Western clothing is acceptable here." He moved his hand to her lower back and rubbed a comforting circle with his thumb. The last thing he wanted was her mother to make her feel even more uncomfortable in what was a stunning dress on her and convince her not to wear it again.

"She's quite right. It's very fashionable to wear western clothing now. We better hurry so we don't miss our reservation." That got her mother moving and he quite enjoyed the look of shock on Hachiro's face as he exited the carriage and saw Nanao. Shunsui tugged her closer and debated kissing her for further effect. He was going to miss that privilege when they were done with this charade. Her father's death glare warded him off though. They followed her family into the restaurant and he tried to steel himself for dull conversation and fancy food that he barely even liked. He found himself wishing it were him and Nanao, in her standard uniform even, going to a ramen bar and debating the latest Seireitei gossip or the newest novel imported from the living world.

"I am sorry," she muttered having obviously sensed his change in mood.

He kissed the top of her head. "Don't worry about it. It'll be fun."

"Liar."

"We'll get alcohol and every time your mother says something negative we'll drink."

Nanao laughed and shifted closer to him. "I'll be so drunk I won't be able to get home."

"Benefit of going out with me. I can carry you home."

"Playing that game you'd be so drunk you'd drop me. I'll pass."

The dinner wasn't as awful as he'd envisioned. With Nanao added to the mix you could actually get her father on interesting topics such as his love of art, which he shared with Nanao. Her mother was in heaven with the rich food and people of note and he really didn't care how her sister and Hachiro were doing other than to notice Hachiro's eyes straying to Nanao more than he was altogether comfortable with. Yes, he wanted to make the asshole jealous, but he found he didn't like the way the man's eyes slid over her. They were near the end of dinner and her mother and sister were debating which dish was best when Hachiro's gaze fell on Nanao again. Shunsui buried his hand in the hair at the base of her neck and turned her towards him slanting his lips over hers. Nanao gave a little muffled noise of surprise, but opened up to him easily enough. He'd meant it to be a quick kiss, just something to tell Hachiro to piss off, but when her lips moved against his he found himself deepening the kiss and debating tugging her into his lap.

A throat cleared and he backed off. He didn't think her father could actually hurt him, but Nanao did at least respect her father's opinion. He smiled easily, gave an 'I just couldn't help myself' shrug, and re-joined the conversation.

They were waiting for the bill when he felt Nanao tense under the arm he'd draped along the back of her chair and her reiatsu spark unhappily. He followed her eyes and quickly discovered what was distressing her. A table in the back had just broken up to leave. At it's head was Yama-jii and the rest of the table was made up of the heads of several of the noble clans including his older brother. Of course they'd be having a meeting tonight of all nights. He debated dropping his arm, but figured it'd only make them look guiltier as he saw Yama-jii's eyes fall on their table. The old man's eyes narrowed even further and Shunsui sighed.

"Shunsui," the old man greeted. "Ise Fukutaicho."

"Good evening, Soutaicho," Nanao said giving an awkward bow from her seat as his arm didn't allow her to stand.

"Have a good meeting, Yama-jii? Solve all of Seireitei's problems?"

The old man grunted. "See me tomorrow first thing, yes?"

Nanao flinched next to him. "I don't remember us having a meeting." She kicked his foot under the table. "Nanao-chan is usually pretty good about reminding me of those."

"It's new," he grumbled. "First thing." With that he left the building and most of the other nobles followed out after him except for his brother.

"Shou," he greeted easily. "How's Leiko-chan and the children?"

"They're fine," his brother said quietly. He and his brother couldn't be more opposite. "Ise-san, a pleasure to see you again."

"You as well Kyouraku-san. I don't believe you've met my family." She gave a round of introductions to which everyone responded politely.

"Shunsui, do you have a moment?"

"Of course." But he made no move to get up from the table.

"Just wanted to have a word about some family things outside quickly."

"Sure," Shunsui got to his feet lazily and gave Nanao's shoulder a comforting squeeze as he felt her anxiety spike. "Be right back." He followed his brother outside and hoped Nanao didn't have a heart attack while he was gone.

"Something you've been meaning to share with the family?" Shou asked as they stopped in front of the restaurant.

"Not that I can think of."

"Are you courting Ise Nanao?"

"Why would you think that?"

His brother gave him a dry look. "You often take her and her entire family out for expensive dinners?"

"They're in town for her birthday. It seemed like the nice thing to do."

"And when you kissed her? Was that for her birthday as well?"

Well damn. He should have scanned the restaurant when he'd gotten there. "It's complicated."

"You know they'll be fine with it don't you? There's no reason to hide it. Mother will be delighted you've finally decided to settle down and both Mother and Father are fond of Ise-san. They won't care that she isn't noble. They may however be offended that her family knew first."

"It isn't like that." How in the hell was he supposed to explain this to his stuffy brother? "Nanao-chan needed a favor." That didn't sound good even to his own ears. "Her mother is a social climber and a bit pushy. She's been trying to marry Nanao off to some really terrible rich men."

"So you came up with the brilliant plan of pretending to be her suitor?" Shou asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That was actually Nanao-chan's idea."

His brother shook his head in disbelief. "As if someone as sensible as Ise-san would come up with such a ridiculous plan. Well, it's definitely going to get back to our parents. I wasn't the only one who saw that particular display. What would you have me tell them?"

"The truth?"

His brother gave a long-suffering sigh. "Why is it always me who has to explain your preposterous schemes?

"Because you're the older brother?"

"And I had such high hopes that Ise-san would be taking over the responsibility of managing you. Well, you better get back in there. No point in causing Ise-san problems."

"Um, Shou?"

"Yes?" His brother paused in turning away from him.

"Did Yama-jii see the kiss?"

"His back was to your table. I think you'll be fine."

"Thanks." That was a relief at least. He waved his brother off and headed back inside. Nanao looked pinched and was gripping her napkin in a white knuckled fist under the table.

"Everything all right?" her mother asked looking curious.

"Perfect." He sat back down and slid a hand into Nanao's lap carefully easing her fist open and rubbing a soothing thumb over her knuckles. "Just some family business, but it's all resolved now. Let's get the bill and go home, yeah? Early morning tomorrow."

He paid and they all got up to leave. Hachiro's eyes slid down to Nanao's ass and Shunsui moved in between them placing his hands on her hips from behind to guide her out. The smooth fabric under his hands implied no underwear and he wondered how Matsumoto had managed that. Nanao-chan should definitely dress up more often. He'd have to give her reasons to in the near future.

"Why don't you all take the carriage and Nanao-chan and I will shunpo home? It'll be less crowded that way." He scooped Nanao into his arms before anyone could argue and took off at top speeds. Shunsui pushed the door open and carried her in.

"What did your brother say?"

He stepped on the back of his shoes to get them off without setting her down. She was clearly an emotional mess if she wasn't already hitting him to be released. He moved down the hallway towards his bedroom. "He was curious about what was going on. I explained that your mother is awful and I was helping you out."

"He bought that?"

"What's to buy? It's the truth." He dropped her unceremoniously on the bed and she bounced a bit doing interesting things to her cleavage.

"It's insane."

"He thought it was my idea," he said kneeling down in front of her and gently grabbing a foot.

"Oh, well that at least makes more sense." Shunsui laughed as he examined the little strappy buckle around her ankle. "He was ok with it?"

"He didn't want to cause you trouble, much like Jyuushiro before him." He worked the little buckle and pulled the shoe off before switching to the other foot. "Nanao-chan has quietly built up a fan club."

"What are we going to do about the Soutaicho, though? He's never going to be ok with this."

"I'll handle Yama-jii. Relax, Nanao-chan."

She groaned and flopped back on the bed as he got the second shoe off. "Of all the nights for them to be there. Why did my mother have to go to that stupid restaurant? The Soutaicho is going to be unhappy for sure."

"It'll be fine. I'll make sure of it." He grinned down at her sprawled out on his bed. The split in the dress was revealing a scandalous length of leg. If she were someone else he'd be tempted to run his hand up her thigh and she how far she'd let him get. "Besides it's not like he can punish us for what we choose to do in our off-hours unless it directly affects the good name of the Gotei 13 and we didn't do anything of the sort."

"Oh no!" She shot upright and looked panicked. "You don't think he saw you kiss me do you?"

"Excuse me, you kissed me back."

"Shunsui!"

"He didn't."

"How do you know?" She leapt to her feet and started pacing.

"Because my brother saw it and said the Soutaicho had his back to our table."

"Your brother saw it?" she shrieked.

"Nanao, seriously you're going to put yourself in the 4th."

"Your brother saw us kissing. What if other people did too? Who else was at the table? What if they tell your family?"

He grabbed her gently by the arms. "There were and they will, but it doesn't matter. Shou is going to let them know. They'll just think it's me being irresponsible again. It's just a few more days. It'll all be fine, but if you don't relax you're going to seriously give yourself a heart attack."

She slumped in his hold and thumped her forehead against his chest. "I'm so sorry I dragged you into this."

"It's fine. I'm clearly having a lot more fun than you are. Besides even if everything does go to hell I still got the privilege of seeing you in this dress." She backed up and rolled her eyes. "Will you wear it for my birthday party too?"

"Not on your life. This dress cost more than my rent. I'm not wearing it to some party were people get messy drunk and everything ends up covered in alcohol."

"Then for one of my family's parties?"

"What'll you trade me?" she teased and he was happy he'd coaxed her out of her worries enough to play along with him again.

"How about the dinner at Kozue?"

"I'm paying you back for that."

"I really don't want you to, and I really do want to see you in that dress again."

"That's an expensive trade."

He waved the comment off. "Money I've got a lot of. Nanao-chan in a clingy red dress and probably very little underneath I don't get nearly enough of."

"You're a pervert." She put her hands on her hips and he gave her a lecherous once over. "Stop!" The laugh in her tone made him smile though. "Fine, I'll wear the dress to an appropriate event sometime in the future."

"The near future."

"Only if the appropriate event presents itself."

"Oh, I'll find an event. Don't you worry about that." They heard the front door opening and the sounds of her family returning. "Why don't you change out of that and get ready for bed. I can make sure your family is ok."

"It's fine. You don't have to." She sighed and headed towards the door, but he stopped her.

"I want to."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Can't a guy just be helpful?"

"No. Not with my family."

"I just don't want you to be even more stressed out."

"What's the real reason?"

"Your brother-in-law has been checking you out all night and it's grossing me out."

"One more time. The real reason, please." He remained silent. "You can't be serious? Hachiro-san does not ogle women and he certainly doesn't ogle me."

"He most certainly did. Several times in fact."

"Really?"

"Don't sound pleased. It was pissing me off."

"You're the one that always says, 'I'm a man. I can't help but look!' Sort of a double standard there."

"I'm not married and I'm not-" He was about to say a total asshole who used women for his own gain, but he shut that down. "I'm not someone who would give those sort of looks to a woman who didn't return the interest and who was with someone else. It wasn't a flattering gaze."

"Fine, I believe you. Still it's nice not to have to wonder if I was too plain and if that was why he called it off and got with my sister instead."

"He called it off because he was an idiot," Shunsui said venomously. "But trust me, he did you a favor. I haven't found one personality trait that recommends him. Now will you please change? I'll go check on your family." She nodded and headed to the bathroom a gentle sway to her hips that he was sure she was doing on purpose.

"Now who's looking?" She said giving him a grin as she turned to glance at him over her shoulder.

"I'm your boyfriend," he called back. "I'm allowed to look." She disappeared behind the bathroom door with a laugh. He heard her mother complaining about something down the hall and sighed. Time to get the in-laws settled.

A/N: Another Monday, another work week -.- Hope you all had a nice weekend and a little bit of Shunsui/Nanao flirting takes you happily into the rest of the week! Thank you as always for the reviews. For those of you asking about Shunsui's family they will definitely be making an appearance!