Lazy Springtime

Lounging in the open space behind the barracks, Shunsui Kyoraku, taicho of the Eighth Division, lay under the tree near the division's garden with his hat covering his eyes.  He smiled to himself when he heard the sound of small footsteps coming his way.

"Taicho, shouldn't you be doing paperwork instead being outside being lazy?" questioned the voice of a young child.

Lifting his hat so he could look his ward in the eye, Shunsui answered her. "Now, now, my little Nanao-chan.  Don't you know what today is?"

"…Tuesday?"

"…Hai, but it also happens to be the first day of spring and everyone knows that's a day to relax here in the Soul Society!"

The young girl narrowed her eyes from behind her large round glasses. "You made that up, Taicho!  Other Soul Reapers are working!"

"That's because they don't know how to have fun," replied Shunsui as he sat up.  He then looked at the child with a smile. "Tell me, Nanao-chan.  What's the symbol for our division?"

"Our symbol?  It's the Strelitzia, sir.  Also known as the bird of paradise flower.  Our division's symbol signifies everything is obtained."

Shunsui smiled at that. "Correct.  Now can you tell me the symbol for the Thirteenth Division?"

"The symbol for the Thirteenth Division is the snowdrop and it signifies hope.  Taicho, what does this have to do with being lazy?"

The pink wearing man let out a laugh. "It's simple, my little Nanao-chan.  All of the divisions' symbols are flowers and since flowers are also a symbol for spring, a season of new beginnings, it stands to reason that this season is more or less for us Soul Reapers and we should enjoy it by taking the day off."

"But Taicho, it doesn't feel right to put off what needs to be done," said Nanao as she started to fidget, a sign that she was getting nervous.  Her eyes then widened in what looked like fear. "What if the soutaicho finds out?!"

She let out a tiny squeak of surprise when Shunsui picked her up and sat her on his lap. "Between you and me, Nanao-chan, Yama-jiji also takes today off.  In fact, back when Jushiro and I were his students, all three of us always took the first day of spring off to just sit back and relax."

"The soutaicho is lazy as well?" questioned Nanao with wide eyes.

Shunsui sweatdropped at the question presented to him. "It's not being lazy, Nanao-chan, when you deserve to have a break.  Now no more talk.  Let us just sit back and enjoy this fine spring day."

Sitting back against the tree, Shunsui quickly went back to sleep.  Nanao, seeing as how it was pointless to argue at this point, let out a sigh and stood up.  She then went off back inside the barracks, retrieved her favorite book, and then returned back outside.  Sitting down next to her father-like figure, she cracked open her book and started reading.  She might as well keep herself busy until Shunsui woke up and when he did, she'll try again to convince him to get his work done.  Until then, she'll take his advice and enjoy the first day of spring in her own way.

FIN