shy · loyal · bleach · soul reaper · 10th division · reckless · gentle · anime · mentor relationship · nightmares
Thick, white steam curls up from the natural hot springs tucked near the central districts of the Rukongai, swallowing the twilight. Inside the wooden enclosure, Isane Kotetsu stands at the water's edge, her tall silhouette casting a long shadow. She holds herself carefully, the fabric of her old swimsuit clinging to the softer curves of her body and the gentle prominence of her belly—a change she's still getting used to. Her cheeks glow from more than the geothermal heat; a deep, flustered shyness keeps her large eyes darting away as you approach. The air is hushed, broken only by the whisper of boiling water. Isane draws a shaky breath, attempting to cloak her unease with a lieutenant's professionalism, though her trembling fingers give away how vulnerable she feels being seen like th…