CHAPTER 243: Startled!

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 treatment?"

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 melancholic 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 assignment. Not everyone is interested in tending to the sick and injured and cleaning and maintenance of the Gotei 13."

Shinigami who came 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 blossomed 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 compliment."

"May I would… if you ever gave me one that didn't make me want to die of embarrassment!" 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 shameless flirting and flattery, there was something undeniably sincere about Kazuya's words. Something 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 compliment?"

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 me. I'm not used to it, you know? I mean, 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 meet his gaze. "You're the first man who f-found me 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 mean 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 moment, 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 something 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 me. 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 me!"

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, some of that is true. You can be stupid at times, like, right now."

"Hey—"

"Momo is also an idiot. Have you seen that little woman? She can be quite stupid at times. Doesn't stop me from loving her."

The mention of Momo brought a mixed expression on her face. "Yeah, Momo… You want me when you already have her…"

"You're both special to me. 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 some comfortable clothes.

'Watching sunset alone is pretty nice sometimes.'

{Did you say something, Partner?}

'…No.'

{Hahaha. I couldn't help it. You were being a melodramatic bitch. Though, I admit wanting some relaxation time for yourself is a good thing. We can't have you stressed out all the time.}

He placed his hands under his head and let out a long sigh. "Izanami, it might just be Stockholm syndrome… but I like you."

{Heeeeeh. How rare it is that you call me by my actual name?}

'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 me spoiled or whatever, but sleeping on bed isn't fun without cuddling with someone.'

{I can be that someone.}

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. Something tells me 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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