Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters.
Four
Nanao giggled at the story Kaien was telling, and Shunsui's smile grew wider. It had taken a few years before she was comfortable relaxing at his birthday dinners, but now it the one time of the year other than her birthday that Shunsui knew his fifth seat would be comfortable just being herself. He was quite proud of her. Nanao was turning out to be one of the best shinigami in his division, even if she was a little too serious and straight laced at times. The nudging of his best friend pulled Shunsui from his contemplation of Nanao.
"So," Jyuu smirked, "I hear your little fifth seat actually got you to do paperwork this week."
The comment wasn't quite quiet enough to keep others from hearing. In fact, several people perked up at that. Shunsui sighed. The story was going to come out and at his expense, but at least it was a rather funny one. Besides, it might boost Nanao's confidence some.
Kaien was turning to her in awe. "You got him to voluntarily do paperwork?"
Nanao blushed. "It wasn't that hard."
Jyuu raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh? Do tell."
Stilling blushing, Nanao began to tell the tale. Shunsui laughed along the rest and promised himself that he would never accept early birthday gifts from her again.