After a tour of his new accommodations, Kazuya and Isane found themselves sitting across from each other in the spacious living room, a low table separating them.
Kazuya let out a low whistle of appreciation. “Does every starting Shinigami get this level of treatnt?”
Isane couldn’t help but giggle at his awed reaction. “Don’t be silly, Kazuya. Surely you realize this is Captain’s way of acknowledging your contributions to the division… and to the Seireitei as a whole.”
She paused, a lancholic look entering her warm amber eyes. “You know, for all our division’s reputation as the most welcoming and nurturing of the Gotei 13… we’re still most recruits’ absolute last choice for squad assignnt. Not everyone is interested in tending to the sick and injured and cleaning and maintenance of the Gotei 13.”
Shinigami who ca to the 4th Squad were rejected by other divisions, those not suitable for violence, or those who pursued serenity amidst the grim nature of a Shinigami’s job.
“Their loss,” Kazuya said and leaned back in a more relaxed posture. “I’d join the 4th Squad just for this cool and pretty Vice-Captain.”
Her solemn expression disappeared, and a blush blossod and colored her cheeks a shade of crimson. “K-Kazuya! Don’t start that, or I-I’ll be mad. I’m being serious here!”
Kazuya let out a wary sigh. “People are always mad to hear the truth. Really, you need to learn to take a complint.”
“Maybe I would… if you ever gave one that didn’t make want to die of embarrassnt!” Isane shot back, burying her face in her hands. “You’re just too much!”
Despite her flustered protestations, however, Isane couldn’t quite suppress the tiny, pleased smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. For all his shaless flirting and flattery, there was sothing undeniably sincere about Kazuya’s words. Sothing that set her heart fluttering in a way that was both exciting and pleasant.
Kazuya rubbed the back of his head with an apologetic smile. “Do you hate my complint?”
Her eyes widened as she waved her hands in a panic. “N-No, I never said that! I like them… but I get nervous when you say good things about . I’m not used to it, you know? I an, you’re the first man...”
She trailed off, her blush deepening as she realized what she was about to reveal.
“First man what, Isane?” He asked, blinking his eyes innocently. “Can you be more specific?”
{My partner is manipulating her heartstrings…}
Gritting her teeth, Isane forced herself to et his gaze. “You’re the first man who f-found attractive... yeah, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit.”
“Bullshit.”
She lightly punched the table with a red face, tears pooling at the corner of her eyes. “Why would I lie about this?!”
“I guess you’re right...” He cleared his throat. “Just so you know, I an every word I say about you. You’re an incredible woman, and anyone who says otherwise will be my enemy for life.”
For a long mont, Isane simply stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, all at once, the floodgates opened, and she burst into tears, burying her face in her hands.
“O-Oi, what’s wrong?” Kazuya asked, nearly panicking at her sudden breakdown. “Did I say sothing wrong?”
Sniffling, Isane shook her head, peeking out at him from between her fingers. “N-No, it’s not that. It’s just... you’re nice… too nice for a giant, birdbrained, stupid woman like . I don’t deserve—”
She paused as he leaned closer and reached out to pat her head. Even though Unbothered about her reaction or lack thereof, he continued patting her head.
She stopped hiding her face and wiped her tears. “What are you doing…?”
“Treating you the way I should’ve from the start.” He took her hands and yanked her to her feet. Because of their proximity, she had to lean back to look him in the eyes. “By the way, did you call yourself a giant?”
Isane’s cheeks flushed. “You just want to bully !”
The expressions she made just made him want to bully her more.
Squeezing her hand reassuringly, he held her chin with a smirk. “As for the thing about you being a birdbrained, stupid woman. Well, so of that is true. You can be stupid at tis, like, right now.”
“Hey—”
“Momo is also an idiot. Have you seen that little woman? She can be quite stupid at tis. Doesn’t stop from loving her.”
The ntion of Momo brought a mixed expression on her face. “Yeah, Momo… You want when you already have her…”
“You’re both special to . Besides, who says a man can’t have two wives in the Seireitei?”
“W-W-W-Wife?!” She jumped back, startled like a rabbit. “N-No, you’re going too fast! I’m sorry, I’ll see you later!!!”
She dashed out of the room and then the house using her Shunpo. It wasn’t long before her spiritual presence faded from his senses, replaced by just an inkling of her Reiatsu.
Kazuya stared at the door without blinking.
{Ahahaha! Partner, you didn’t just say that to a shy maiden.}
Feigning ignorance to Nami’s laughter, he picked up the cup of water and gulped it down. The fact that Isane didn’t reject him was a clear indicator of her feelings.
“Progress is progress.”
…
After a couple of minutes, Kazuya could be seen lying on the slanted roof of his new quarters, enjoying the orange hues of the setting sun in a relaxingly loose shirt and shorts. Unohana had provided him with so comfortable clothes.
‘Watching the sunset alone is pretty nice sotis.’
{Did you say sothing, Partner?}
‘…No.’
{Hahaha. I couldn’t help it. You were being a lodramatic bitch. Though, I admit wanting so relaxation ti for yourself is a good thing. We can’t have you stressed out all the ti.}
He placed his hands under his head and let out a long sigh. “Izanami, it might just be Stockholm syndro… but I like you.”
{Heeeeeh. How rare it is that you call by my actual na?}
‘Never, honestly.’
{Very true.}
‘Listen, I’m gonna sleep up here. Just guard my body.’
If the hot spring incident with Momo and Yoruichi was anything to go by, he was a careless sleeper through and through. He’d leave the task to Yoruichi, but she had yet to return from her business.
{What about the bed?}
‘Call spoiled or whatever, but sleeping on bed isn’t fun without cuddling with soone.’
{I can be that soone.}
He shook his head. As much as he liked her, he wanted to avoid physical contact with Nami until they took care of her fusion with Tsubasa.
{As you wish… Rest as much as you need. You’ll need it for tomorrow.}
‘Hmm. Sothing tells Unohana isn’t so gentle in her training.’
{If Kenpachi Zaraki’s training is anything to go by… Yes.}
‘I can endure it… probably. Anyways, Goodnight.’
Trusting Nami to be a proficient guardian, Kazuya closed his eyes for a deep slumber.
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