Author's Note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.
Catch Me No Catch
When the archives staff member arrived to open the place up in the morning, she was more than a little surprised to find Shunsui and Nanao asleep on the other side. The two of them were more than happy to get out of the archive and barely waited long enough to hear the apologies and get the books for the display taken care before they both were out of there. Shunsui drove her to her apartment with instructions that she had fifteen minutes to change and get ready and then he was taking her out to breakfast.
A shower and a change of clothes did wonders to improve Nanao's mood, and she was ready and waiting when Shunsui arrived to collect her. Neither of them was that interested in talking during the drive to the restaurant. Shunsui had chosen a family breakfast place that was a favorite of the faculty at the university. There was very little conversation between the two of them until after they had both ordered and their food had arrived. Nanao knew that she didn't normally tuck into food with this sort of speed and gusto, but given yesterday, she figured she was entitled.
After two waffles and several cups of tea, Nanao was feeling quite pleasant. She let out a soft sigh and cradled her third cup of tea in her hands.
"I don't think I've ever seen you put away that much food, Nanao-chan."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "You're one to talk."
He just laughed and reached for one of her hands, twining their fingers together. "Feeling better?"
"I could use a decent night's sleep, but as I probably haven't gotten one of those during a term the entire time I've been a college student."
Shunsui just grinned back at her. "That's my Nanao-chan. I'd give you the day off, but I know how you feel about missing classes."
She rolled her eyes. Taking the day off was tempting, but Nanao knew she wouldn't do it. She probably would turn in early though. Some extra sleep tonight would be welcome. The conversation turned to more serious matters.
"When do you think that you'll have your dissertation in to the committee?"
Nanao frowned a little. "By the end of next week for sure. Why?"
Shunsui's smile widened. "So I can plan our first date, precious. Any preferences? Thai? Italian?"
She laughed. "You can surprise me. Just as long as you don't take me to one of those damn bars I keep dragging out of. I'm not sure your bartenders like me; they seem to think I'm bad for business."
"No bars, got it."
They smiled at one another, and Nanao did not pull her hand out of his. She still didn't really know what she was going to do once she got her doctorate (other than go on a date with Shunsui), but Nanao found she wasn't quite as worried about that anymore. She would figure something out. And she was going to look forward to that date.
