Chapter 6

Prescription

(Her head is throbbing.

How did it come to this? Nanao thought in despair, glancing at the man at the other end of the table. The candle on the side flickered and casted a shadow that only made his handsome face look so irresistibly . . . yummy.)

Ise Nanao typed away on her laptop, her face knotted in concentration. Her mind's been set on finishing her notes as soon as possible while it's still early—or as she preferred to put it—while her boss still wasn't around to ruin her efforts.

While her face was partly hidden behind the computer screen, the door inched open and a tall smiling man appeared, pleased to having found her alone.

"Sir, you're here early," she addressed formally, mentally grieving the death of her report's productivity.

"I came to surprise you, Nanao-chan!" he countered, un-formally. "What are you doing cooped up in this room of horror so early in the morning?"

She threw him a chiding look. "Preparing for our presentation for the upcoming annual exhibition, sir. And pardon me for using the much detested meeting room, sir, but it puts me into a good working mood. How was your doctor's appointment?"

The flamboyant man dropped his weight on the rotating cushioned chair beside her and twirled around. "Oh, just the usual, Nanao-chan. Aside from the usual reprimanding on my drinking, I'm being consistent with my health." He broke into an even wider grin that hit her with suspicion.

"I also checked on Retsu's BMI chart* for your state of health and came upon a startling discovery!"

So this is what it's going to be about. Her weight. She knew something is bound to go wrong when her boss starts meddling. He always made it a point to complain on her eating habits since she became his assistant!

"You are underweight," he stated as a matter of serious fact.

Sighing, Nanao faked concentration on the screen. She didn't want another argument, not when there's work to be done. "I'm perfectly healthy, sir. I'm sure you can see that I am neither sickly nor easily tired."

"But you're so thin, Nanao-chan!"

"I'm healthy, productive, and effective. Please, let's leave it at that, sir," she resigned tiredly.

Shunsui stopped spinning around. "I can't do that. Retsu specifically reported to me how your body's not receiving the adequate nutrition necessary. In other words, you are malnourished!" he cut her off when she opened her mouth to her defense with a warning finger. "And I can't tolerate this lunch-skipping habit of yours. People will think I'm not paying you well if they see you all skin and bones! It will drive business away!"

"Sir, just because I'm not fat doesn't mean I'm malnourished. I'd prefer it if we talk of something else," Nanao stated crossly, pushing up her glasses.

But the man only clicked his tongue. "Changing the topic again? Retsu told me about your apparent denial of your problem. Therefore, as your doctor, she gave me the absolute authority and responsibility to keep you healthy!"

The brunette threw him an irritated glare. "What are you going to do—force me to eat?"

Shunsui stopped and smiled wickedly. She is quick to catch up with the plan even though she didn't know it yet.

"Yes, that is exactly what I'm going to do, except it will be more fun!" he confessed, taking her hand away from the laptop. "Retsu was just so concerned for your health that she prescribed certain unique measures to remedy your unhealthy state! And as your boss, I have to strictly require you to comply for the sake of your well being."

The immaculate assistant peered at the square sheet of paper the man pushed toward her on the table. It contained the doctor's scripted instructions sealed with her signature on the bottom right corner. Nanao's blue-violet eyes roved around the words, turning from astonishment to disbelief and lastly to panic as she proof read the note carefully for the third time.

"T-This must be a mistake!" Her voice demanded it to be one. It is a mistake—a big,big mistake.

"I'm afraid not." Shunsui answered with poorly concealed glee. "She signed it herself as you can see."

But it is illogical not to mention unreasonable! "And how does going on dates with my boss have anything to do with my weight!" she shot him a suspicious look. "I'm calling Unohana-san for a re-consideration."

His smile didn't falter. "You won't be able to reach her, Nanao-chan. Retsu has taken a medical trip to an Indonesian tribal place for some sort of field work. Her flight just left fifteen minutes ago, so I will be her last patient till her return sometime next week. You can check with her assistant Isane if you don't believe me."

Nanao dropped her phone with frustration boiling in her blood. "Sir, I cannot comply with these terms!" she said, holding the prescription with one hand.

The man got up from his chair. "I'm sorry, my lovely Nanao-chan," he replied, smiling a smile that completely nullified his unfelt apology. "But it's doctor's orders. I'll see you at lunch!"

Nanao reclined on the plush leather chair with a new headache after Shunsui practically danced out of the room, beaming. She thought the whole ordeal brought around by the stupid prescription crazy as the brunette re-read the note in defeat.

Ise Nanao would be placed under the care of a trusted friend Kyouraku Shunsui, who will act as her guardian while I am momentarily away. She would be under his jurisdiction for continued medical care. I have allowed Kyouraku-san to take certain actions for the patient to meet the standard weight and have even advised him to personally take Ise-san out on dates as the best option for such difficult weight cases.

Unohana Retsu, M.D.

Chief Resident of the Seireitei Medical Hospital.

Was it even legal to prescribe patients to go on dates?! Nanao groaned, desperate to get out of this crazy situation. Her work lay forgotten on the table as she left the room with her mind in disarray.

She chose to ignore the medical note her boss flaunted when he entered the office at lunch break with full hands. The man set the tray of food aside and gave her a reprimanding look.

"You didn't show up at the cafeteria."

"I'm not putting up with your silly games, sir."

Shunsui sat at the edge of the neat able—an act he knew got to her nerves. It worked in making his assistant look at him from the company files she dedicated her lunch break to.

"Whoever said I was playing? This isn't a game, Nanao. It is a measure to keep you healthy so your concerned boss and doctor could be in peace. Now set those aside," he said, raising his brows crossly at the folders on her table. "If you don't want to go down, then I'll bring lunch to you."

Knowing all arguments would only fall short over her boss's stubborn head, Nanao stopped debating her point and obediently cleared the folders. Shunsui eagerly set the table for her in an attempt to make a romantic picnic ground in the office.

He was wearing his indecent pink button down shirt over faded jeans and slippers, contrasting her proper yellow polo, grey skirt (which Shunsui condemned to be' too long' resting on her knees), and black pumps.

The man settled down on a chair so that he faced his adorable Nanao-chan.

"I didn't know what you'd like to eat so I got everything!"

"I–I can see that, sir," Nanao mumbled, twitching at the banquet fit for a professional sumo wrestler before her. Her fingers reached for her chopsticks, and gently, poked the chicken. She mentally wondered if the silence could get any more awkward. Who should speak first? What could there be to talk about? They opened their mouths at the same time and suffered the wordless argument to let the other speak first.

Nanao obliged with a soft blush at her lack of experience. "Pardon me, sir, but I don't know what there is to talk about."

"Shunsui," he hastily corrected, smiling. "And in my opinion, I'd rather center the conversation on the gorgeous woman in front of me."

"No flirting, please, sir." Nanao countered strictly.

Her remark made the man gasp with dramatic shock. "But Nanao-chan, we're on a date!"

Nanao's eyes roved to the door that separated them from the outside world. "We are still in the office—"

"No! No! No! We are on a date . . . in the office. Our date comes first, Nanao-chan, so the rules are called off."

It was one of his strange reasoning again, but Nanao let it pass than battle another lost cause. Instead, she fed herself with another bite of her chicken casserole.

"How's your presentation going on, Nanao-chan? You've been working on it so hard, you're getting me curious!"

It was a safe topic; Nanao exhaled in relief and felt the tension in her body relax. "So far so good, sir—err—Shunsui. I plan on prioritizing our classic wines—leaning more on tradition and the basic blocks. I'm thinking next year would be better to exhibit our new ones, targeting the general youth—" she paused upon catching the man smiling at her.

"What is it, sir? Is it not to your liking?"

Shunsui shook his head with an amused grin. "Of course I do! I was just wondering if there's anything you can't do at all! I'm astounded that you're even planning for an event a freakin' two months away! You really are amazing, my Nanao-chan."

There was something in the way he praised her and called her name that made her shiver. She always knew her boss had a way with women. Damn that it should work on her too!

"Well, I—I like to plan, sir. I don't find it amazing or any of the sort."

"Oh? What else do you like doing then, aside from planning and working?" He leaned closer, and if she wasn't hallucinating, she'd say his hand wasn't that close a moment ago.

"There's nothing much about me that would interest you, sir. I'll probably bore you to death."

Shunsui flicked her statement away. "No. No, Nanao-chan. You'd be surprised how interested I am."

"Err . . . I suppose I like reading on my spare times."

"Anything in particular?" He probed.

Nanao tilted her chin in thought. "I suppose I favor the mystery genre or anything to do with history. I read the classics too."

It surprised her when her boss spilled a couple of familiar titles. She never thought the man to be a reader—at least it didn't show. He caught her attention—more of her curiosity—now. What more surprises does he have tucked under his sleeve . . .

"What else are you fond of, Nanao-chan, aside from literature? Art? Music?"

"I appreciate art just fine, sir, though with music, I'm afraid I am terribly untalented."

Shunsui chuckled in amusement. "Oh really? I remember you singing one time at the New Year's party, quite drunk." Nanao burned with embarrassment. He witnessed that?! Someone shoot her.

"Don't stress yourself over it, Nanao-chan. You work too hard; it's only right to have fun once in a while."

How his hand managed its way on top of hers, she didn't know. She didn't pay heed to anything except her racing pulse and the interesting things her boss had to say for the duration of their lunch. They tarried even after lunch time, talking like old friends. It went past her that time flew by so quickly since the moment Shunsui presented her a lunch tray. When Nanao finally remembered time and her unfinished papers, she jumped in panic, causing the man to laugh.

"How can it be two already! I have work to do, sir, so if you'll excuse me," Nanao hinted the door with stern eyes.

Shunsui produced a satisfied grin. "Alright, Nanao-chan, as long as you finished your food," he took the empty dishes in his hands and yanked the door open with his feet. He looked over his shoulder, playful wrinkles gracing his eyes.

"Don't forget about our date tonight, Nanao-chan."

The brunette looked up, aghast and flushed. "Sir, I refuse to go! Surely one date should be enough—"

"Why, Nanao-chan, there's no comprising of a doctor's orders!" He chided with delighted humor. "I'll pick you up at your place at eight. Wear something nice."

Nanao opened her mouth for another objection but closed it when the man left the room with a wink. It didn't help her one bit how her stomach was doing minor acrobatics at the prospect of having him for herself the second time. For as much as he was one of the most stubborn, exasperating human being on the face of the planet he was also charming and undoubtedly interesting.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Matsumoto didn't know what to make of seeing her roommate properly dressed on a Friday night. The typical Nanao she knew would've been in her comfortable pajamas by now, that is, of course, unless she had plans.

"Where are you going?" the strawberry blonde inquired curiously, dumping her bag on a side table to join the brunette on the couch.

Nanao answered without looking at her. "On a date."

She swears, Rangiku's scream would've hit high on Bell's pitch chart. The woman lapped at the juicy information. "So . . . who's the lucky man you decided to give a chance?"

"Kyouraku Shunsui."

"Your boss? The one who made it on Japan's top 20 richest man list? I think it was also him who made the 15th on a sexiest Japanese man list as well."

Nanao sighed. "Yes, that's him."

Another piercing shriek. Nanao wouldn't doubt that this 'news' would reach the ears of the rest of their friends. However from ecstatic rejoicing, Matsumoto's face changed to that of reprimand.

"And what in the world are you wearing?" she said tartly, glancing Nanao from heel to head. "No way in hell will you be leaving this apartment wearing those office slacks! Do you think Cinderella would've attracted the Prince if she wore rags to the ball?" The blonde clicked her tongue in distaste and flew into the brunette's bedroom for a better wardrobe.

Nanao frowned as the blonde continued to inflict chaos in her tidy room. How nice is 'wear something nice' supposed to mean? Her office slacks were presentable and professional. Yes, she wouldn't want to keep professionalism away from their date. It was her security. If professionalism was out of the way then there would only be Shunsui and Nanao and not her boss and assistant.

"I found it!" came a shrill voice within the walls of her bedroom. Matsumoto came out in pants, but with a Cheshire grin on her face. And in her hands . . .

Nanao's eyes popped slightly out of their sockets, mouth ajar. "I am notwearing that!"

"But you have to—it's perfect!" Matsumoto persuaded, donning her innocent, puppy look Nanao knew so well.

"No, I won't! It's freezing outside and you expect me to wear . . . that?!" Her expression cried in horror at the turquoise silk dress she once wore a long time ago. It had a halter neckline with hardly anything to conceal her bare back. But at least the dress touched her knees.

"But it's so classy and sexy! He wouldn't dare keep his eyes off you! And mind you Nanao it's only ten degrees! It's hardly mid-autumn!"

Nanao couldn't deny the yearning tugging at the corners of her heart to have his soft brown eyes on her. Hell—she was going mad!

She was cut off and pushed to the bathroom before she could express more vehement protest that sexy wasn't what she was aiming for in the first place! Nanao resigned into slipping into the soft, sexy garment. The many similarities of Matsumoto and Shunsui would have to be their stubbornness. Debating against the two would've dried one's patience and sanity! Nanao took the gold heels her insistent roommate picked for her and grabbed her coat and scarf from the coat stand. She'd make a run-for-it before Matsumoto could yank her glasses and hairclip to render her wholly defenseless.

She ran for the door, opened it, and clumsily bumped into a firm chest. Warm hands pressed itself over her shoulder to steady her.

"Yare, Nanao-chan. So eager for our date, are we?" He kept his smile to himself as he observed a blush reach her ears. Bending over, he made sure his stubble tickled her ears before whispering. "You look wonderful."

She could say the same for him. It was one of those rarities when her boss tidied his appearance and wore a crisp maroon polo and an actual suit beneath his heavy coat. He even sprayed a bit of cologne—God help her. Nanao felt helpless when the man took her hand and led her outside, not seeing the wink Shunsui gave Matsumoto before shutting the door.

They travelled to the car in silence. Shunsui held her hand, but Nanao didn't bother to complain. The silence was thawed when both were safely enclosed inside the luxurious interior of Shunsui's car.

"Where do you want to eat, Nanao-chan? "

"Anywhere would be fine, sir–Shunsui." She was still coping with the reality that she's inside her boss's car as his date.

Shunsui snorted. "Well, what are you craving for then? Steak? Pasta? Sushi?"

"Anything would be fine. I'm not too picky with food." She winced, feeling like a fool in her dress and heels. Skin exposure wasn't something she's accustomed to. Her date noted everything upon keen observation. He kept his comments to himself and instead worked on cheering up the mood.

"All right then, Nanao-chan. I'll take you to this amazing place. By the end of this date, I'll have you well fed and satisfied."

The man kept the mood light and engaging during the drive, managing to strike up conversations with ease. He seemed so sincere, Nanao felt herself warm up to him slowly that she eventually forgot all about her sexy attire. She felt it, most undoubtedly, the yearning to talk with him even late into the night.

Shunsui shifted off the road and slowed as the car drove into a cramped driveway of their designated spot. Nanao forgot her manners and left her mouth open, never expecting what the man had in his unpredictable mind!

"S-sir, this is McDonalds," she muttered when her date turned off the engine.

"Yes, it is, Nanao-chan. I hope you like burgers, fries, soft drinks." His smile was playful yet serious. He wasn't lying!

The man opened the door for her like the perfect gentleman and took her hand in his; together, they went into the fast food shop. She didn't have a clue what Shunsui was thinking telling her to 'wear something nice' and taking her somewhere as casual as McDonalds! The dining customers were staring at them as if they were some circus freaks in their fancy attire. Nevertheless, her date never let her go, and she's been with him long enough to trust him.

"Let's go to the second floor, Nanao-chan," he whispered to her ear. "I've prepared something nice."

Her jaw dropped yet again when they reached the top of the flight of stairs. It was empty and calm unlike the hustle and bustle of fast food life down below. There was a usual table for two at a side near the window, and she only saw it because of the short candles lighted all over the floor and one on the table. The man really had such an eye for detail, she thought, knowing Shunsui planned every candle and rose petal on the floor and specifically chose the table next to the second floor window to give them a view. There was music on the nearby stereo which completed the romantic—no, intimate—setting for a date.

"I booked the entire second floor for our date," he said with his hand on her shoulder offering to take her coat for her. The thick wool slipped off to show her flawless back and legs. Shunsui took a lingering glance before the woman asked.

"Why McDonald's, sir? I'm afraid I don't understand." She had been too curious to even notice she called him sir yet again.

"Well, I wanted you to be comfortable enough on our date so I decided on bringing you somewhere familiar. You eat here every Tuesday as set on your schedule. I stand to be corrected though I doubt I will be."

Nanao raised an eyebrow, surprised at his sharp observation skills. It was kind of stalker-ish, but nothing new for Shunsui. Sometimes, he just has the knack on knowing her more than herself! She appreciated it that he looked at her situation in consideration. Most of the men she dated were self centered beings who focused more on themselves than they did with her.

"It's sort of funny why you asked me to go through all that trouble of 'dressing nicely' since we are sitting here in our formal attire on the second floor of McDonalds. Sort of ironic, actually."

"But Nanao-chan! Isn't it more fun to dress up? Are you mad?" He seemed to want to please her so much it touched her.

"It's unique. And don't be absurd, I'm not mad. It's amusing that's all."

Their food was served by a regular employee Shunsui must've requested to dress up as well in a clean polo and slacks. He had pre-ordered for her dinner which consisted of a Big Mac, fries, and an upsized drink of coke. A very unhealthy selection for someone who wanted her to eat healthily, she noted—another irony. But Nanao honestly couldn't care less. She was famished and the fries looked so tempting.

Shunsui didn't withhold from eating either and squeezed a generous blob of ketchup for them to share. The sight of him biting on his Big Mac and licking the tomato dip from his fingers in his fine suit was so humbling. Everyone knew as a fact that Kyouraku Shunsui could very well afford classy five-star buffets in five-star hotels. He was that rich, being part of the lineage of one of Japan's old wealthy families. And yet looking at him much on his fries and slurp on his coke was so . . . ordinary.

She was shaken out of her thoughts when Shunsui extended a long strip of French fries, wanting to feed her himself. How could anyone care so much?

The wonderful warmth that suddenly blossomed on her chest frightened her—alarmed her—that she realized what exactly is happening. There was no crossing of that line between romantic and professional! Reason screamed at her head. As much as the date could be so perfect, he was still, at the end of the evening, her boss, and it was taboo to get involved with bosses. The crosses of different voices of reason and feelings were clashing in her head that it made it difficult to concentrate on her burger.

Her head is throbbing.

How did it come to this? Nanao thought in despair, glancing at the man at the other end of the table. The candle on the side flickered and casted a shadow that only made his handsome face look so irresistibly . . . yummy.

She gasped inwardly and shoved the traitorous thought away.

"Nanao-chan, are you alright? You're not eating." Shunsui smirked. "Would you like me to feed you?"

"No. No!" she refused, blushing.

"Oooo my Nanao-chan's so adorable when she blushes! Ah! Here comes dessert!"

It was a sundae topped with hot chocolate fudge—a delightful treat. Nanao did her best to lavish all her attention on the dessert and not the man who seemed good enough to eat across the table. She was more than relieved when Shunsui opened a new topic of conversation.

The man is such an interesting person, being so much more than he let on with his usually shaggy appearance. He had so much intellect, having graduated with honors at a prestigious university. How he managed to balance studying with his fooling around, she didn't know. Nanao had to admit, she was impressed and more intrigued with a man than she has ever been. There were just so much surprises in his personal revelations; she didn't even care at the moment if it wasn't professional, just wanting to keep the talk going.

She inwardly scowled when her phone rang all of a sudden, breaking the conversation's steady momentum. Shunsui watched her quizzical look, smiled, and silently took her hand into his. As always, her reaction never failed to amuse him.

"H-hello?" Nanao muttered with a blush at the intimate contact. After a few seconds of silence, the brunette's face turned first confused, then shocked, and then finally serious and rigidly calm.

"Alright, I'll tell him. Yes, you're welcome. Goodbye."

"What was that about?" Shunsui asked, concerned, as he stroked the soft patch of skin on Nanao's hand. His date withdrew from his touch and folded her arms, looking at him with an arched brow. Years of experience told him that was the look of Ise Nanao being unpleased with something.

"Well, sir, I just had a rather interesting conversation with Unohana-san. She said she wants to extend her apologies once again for having to back out on your scheduled appointment this morning due to a cold."

Shunsui gulped at the rise to her voice. "You're right, Nanao-chan," he smiled weakly, innocently, "that is an interesting conversation."

He always thought of Nanao sexy when she was all hot tempered, but his foretelling of tasting her wrath made him forget it—slightly.

"Then would you explain to me how you could've gotten a prescription when the doctor is on a sick leave?" her tone was low and dangerous now, definitely threatening.

"Erm," the man averted his eyes. He was in a tight spot and no way is he getting out of it. "Retsu gave it to me before she found out she was sick?" he tried lamely.

"Shunsui! Did you write this-this stupid prescription?!" Nanao held out a crumpled paper containing the neat instructions of the doctor—or so she was led to believe all this time.

"No, I did not write it, Nanao-chan."

"Then who—"

The mysterious suspect struck her suddenly while she inspected the handwriting carefully. No, her boss couldn't have written it. His scrawls were too distinct; she would know it right away. This was the crime of a woman. And there weren't much women she knew of who would love to put her into her situation now.

"Rangiku!"

The expression of guilt Shunsui showed confirmed her suspicion, and she felt slightly betrayed by her closest friend. To have them scheming on something so –so ridiculous! She felt like a fool.

"This is a despicable joke, sir," she said frostily, making Shunsui frown. "I'm leaving."

She didn't even make it out of her chair when a hand shot to chain her wrist.

"Nevertheless if it is a fake prescription, Rangiku and my intentions is still the same. Nanao-chan, we care for you. You still need to eat more—to fill up those bones! We just added a more fun approach in doing so. It was never that we wanted to fool you; I swear, our intentions were pure."

She believed him the moment he said it. His intent eyes told her the truth.

"Then I'll thank you for your concern, sir. Next time you can just speak it out to me directly rather than taking me in circles."

Shunsui seemed hurt at the formal tone she took with him. "But you don't listen, Nanao-chan! This was the only way I thought to get you to eat. And besides, didn't you enjoy our date?"

She did, God help her! She never had as much of a fun time like she did with Kyouraku Shunsui, and she'd be the biggest liar if she even denied it. No one exerted so much effort for her—and the candles, the settings, the music were quite an effort.

"It was lovely, thank you. I'll bear it in mind to stop skipping meals," she answered softly with a hint of gratitude. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go home and butcher someone."

Shunsui recited a mental prayer for Matsumoto. "I'll drive you home."

"Thank you, Shunsui, but I'll take a taxi instead. I've got a lot on my mind anyway so I prefer to be alone for now."

Thankfully, he let her go. "Alright. I'll see you at the office tomorrow then."

Nanao donned her coat and left the place in a mind full of boggling thoughts. There were still mild butterflies in her stomach, and it wasn't even the coke she drank. She took one final glance at the second floor after hailing a cab and saw Shunsui smile, his eyes on her, as he raised his hand in goodbye. Nanao smiled back and continued smiling even as she got inside the taxi and took off for home.

She learned a lot about Kyouraku Shunsui that day—and even more so at the new revelation about herself. Yes, she didn't realize it before, but it seemed what was supposed to be a mandatory command turned out to be a real date after all. And she enjoyed every minute of it.

At that moment she realized there must be more to Shunsui than just being her boss; she couldn't help but laugh for the new sensation she discovered.

Stupid prescription.

A/N: It's been ages since I last updated. I suppose it's because I've been too busy with my fictionpress account, and I've stopped watching Bleach (it's getting so long!). But of course, I still keep myself updated somehow, especially on the Shunsui/Nanao parts. I know this chapter is long overdue so many thanks to those who took the time to read it. I'm quite tired today so my eyes aren't as sharp to errors. Also, I have another chapter in mind so you can expect a little more from me. Gosh, I missed writing here.

--Gen