Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters.

Seventh

Nanao Kyoraku smiled at her reflection in the mirror, one hand dropping to rest on her stomach. Not that there was anything to see just yet. In fact, Retsu had only confirmed her suspicions this morning. She was keeping that news to herself for now though. It would keep for another few days until Shunsui's birthday. Nanao bit back a giggle. It would definitely be a good birthday present. She and Shunsui had talked about starting a family several times over the past year, but neither of them had expected it to happen so soon after they had started trying.

Smoothing the folds of her violet yukata, Nanao headed back outside where her husband was waiting for her. She had insisted on stopping by their shared quarters before the two of them headed to the division roof to watch the fireworks. Shunsui smiled as she approached before scooping her up in his arms and taking them to the roof in a flash. Nanao situated herself in his lap, her head tucked under his chin. She leaned back against his chest, her eyes on the sky. Her birthday was one of her favorite events of the year, and this was her favorite part of it. Just the two of them alone together watching the night sky explode with color.

Shunsui's lips brushed her ear. "Is my precious Nanao-chan having a happy birthday?"

She turned her head so she could kiss him properly. Shunsui tasted like sake and the sweet cakes they'd eaten earlier. "Yes."

"Good." He kissed her again. "I love you, Nanao. I don't know what I did to be lucky enough to have you in my life, but I'll forever be grateful. My life would be so much emptier without you."

Nanao blushed, touched by his heartfelt words. "I love you too, Shunsui. There's no one else that I would trust with my heart."

She soon found herself distracted from the fireworks. But that was all right. Nanao would take the fireworks she and Shunsui made over the real thing any day.