Author's Note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.


So Bring Me No Ring

There really wasn't much of anything that they could do until someone came back and let them out. When it became clear that no one would be coming back quickly, the two of them decided to make themselves comfortable. Shunsui insisted that Nanao take the chair that went with the desk on this side of the door and settled himself on the floor, leaning back against the wall.

"How goes the work on your dissertation, Nanao-chan?"

Her violet eyes lit up. "I finished it last night. I just have to go through it and check for any grammar errors or continuity problems. With any luck, it will be ready for submission sometime next week."

"Congratulations." Shunsui was torn between pride at her accomplishments and regret that he was going to lose her.

Nanao blushed and ducked her head. "I still have to defend it in front of the committee. It's not a done deal yet."

Shunsui just shook his head with a smile. "Trust me, Nanao. You'll have no problem defending it. How does it feel to be done writing it?"

She let out a soft sigh. "Really good. As much as I enjoy my research, there were times when I was just so sick of working on the damn thing."

He laughed. "Most people feel that way when they're done."

It was not hard to get Nanao caught up in talking about her dissertation, and the more involved she got in the conversation, the more relaxed she became. Shunsui loved it when Nanao dropped her normal reserve and let people see the passionate side of her she hid. He was going to really miss her if she left once she had her doctorate. The two of them continued to discuss fairy tales and folklore and their effect on literature, losing track of time. It was only the rumbling of Nanao's stomach that interrupted them.

Nanao blushed. "I may have skipped lunch. I thought I was going to be home by now."

"You really should take better care of yourself, Nanao-chan." Shunsui smiled at her. "When we get out of here, I am taking you out to dinner in order to celebrate the fact that you've finished your dissertation, and you're not going to argue with me about it."

Nanao gave him a look. Shunsui held her gaze. Someone had to take care of her, and he would rather it be himself. Besides, Nanao took care of him all the time. He should be able to return the favor. Finally, Nanao looked away, ceding him the victory.

"How long have we been in here?" she asked instead.

Shunsui checked his watch. "It's been about two hours so far. At this point, we're getting close to the time when the archive is supposed to close."

Nanao sighed. "Great. Do you think that means no one is coming back?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, Nanao."

She sighed again and rubbed the back of her neck as if it hurt. Shunsui crooked a finger at her.

"Come're, Nanao-chan, and I'll give you a backrub."

She only hesitated for a moment before coming and settling on the floor in front of him.