Bleach Ukitake - Tumblr Posts

lovers' quiet

pairing: kyoraku shunsui x ukitake jushirou

warnings: none

word count: 971 words

summary: A quiet moment shared between lovers with a bond unlike any other.

Seeing the pink kimono of Captain Kyoraku fluttering about near the Thirteenth Division barracks had become a normal sight in the past few weeks. Ever since their Captain Ukitake was bedridden due to a particularly violent bout of coughing that ravaged his already weak frame, the Eighth Division captain was visiting a lot more than normal.

"Taicho-san!" Third Seats Kiyone and Sentaro greeted Shunsui as he came into view.

"Ah, hello," Shunsui tipped the edge of his straw hat, good-natured smile already in place. Then it quickly faded into concern, "How is he?"

"Doing better than yesterday, at least," Kiyone chirped, "He's probably asleep now because of the medicine."

"I see. Thank you for your help, Kiyone-kun, Sentaro-kun. Jushirou's lucky to have you both."

The two Third Seats blushed and saluted hastily. Shunsui watched them scramble off and slowly slid the bedroom door open.

It has been centuries already yet the sight of Jushirou still stole Shunsui's breath away from him. Even sickly, his long, white hair was thrown about him like a halo. The gentle features of his beautiful face had a touch of sharpness one could only achieve after millennia of being a Gotei 13 captain. Chapped pink lips were parted slightly in his sleep. Dark, long lashes rested upon soft, unblemished skin. 

Shunsui approached Jushirou, making sure not to disturb his lover's sleep, and lowered himself at the white-haired shinigami's side. The warm sunlight flooding in from the open doors cast a glow on Jushirou's pale, smooth skin.

The brunette sighed, still in love after all these years. He reached out to brush a stray white hair from Jushirou's face. Then, those long, dark lashes fluttered.

One hand stilling in its movement, a small smile curled Shunsui's lips. Jushirou's breathtaking green eyes fluttered open, revealing that kind gaze that made Shunsui fall in love with him all those years ago.

"My, my, Jushirou," Shunsui chuckled, brushing a thumb over one pale cheek. "So naughty."

Jushirou smiled, sheepish but not regretful. "I wanted to stay awake since you were coming."

There was a quiet rattle in his breath behind every word. Shunsui thought to ignore it for now, seeing as to how the air was clear on that particular day.

The brunette continued to stroke Jushirou's hair, applying gentle pressure in some places to alleviate the headache one would get from resting so long. The white-haired captain leaned into his touch, a content smile on his face.

"You're awfully doting today." Jushirou mused aloud, opening an eye to look at him.

Shunsui grinned, "Aren't I 'awfully doting' everyday?"

"Mm. That's true. I'll have to apologise to Ise-fukutaicho when all of this is over."

"Now, now, before you assume anything, I finished all my work before coming here. In fact, I have the slip from Nanao-chan to confirm it!"

Jushirou laughed, raspy yet angelic to Shunsui's ears all the same. "Alright, alright, I believe you."

Then, Jushirou's face tightened with pain and his whole body tensed like a wound-up coil. Shunsui quickly unfurled his reiatsu and blanketed his lover, hoping that the familiarity of it would help the him relax. Thankfully, his theory was proven correct when Jushirou let out a small sigh and got his breathing under control.

"Maybe it's time to take your medicine." Shunsui said gently, carressing Jushirou's temple. He took the jug of medicine from the nearby cupboard and poured it into a cup. He helped Jushirou sit up with one steady hand, kneading the weakened muscles of his back as the white-haired shinigami took his medicine in small sips.

When Jushirou was done, he held onto Shunsui's kimono and gazed at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Can you-" Jushirou stopped himself mid-sentence before continuing, "Can you stay here with me?"

Shunsui longed to say yes, wanting nothing more than to have his lover in his arms, but knew he couldn't do so. He had a Captains' Meeting soon, one important enough that Yamamoto would have his head if he wasn't present.

He gently took the hand holding on to his kimono. Pressing a kiss to his lover's palm, he looked into those green eyes regretfully.

"I'm sorry. There's a Captains' Meeting that I can't miss, or else Yama-ji will kill me." Shunsui murmured.

It was heartbreaking to see that hopeful expression fall. It was even more soul-wrenching when Jushirou smiled, obviously trying to hide his sadness.

"That won't do. Who will dote on me if you're gone?" Jushirou teased, lifting the hand in Shunsui's grasp to tickle at his beard.

Shunsui chuckled and rested his hand on Jushirou's face. "Will you be alright?"

"Will you be alright?" Jushirou shot back, green eyes alight with amusement. "Who knows how many important things you'll forget without me."

When Shunsui didn't laugh, Jushirou sighed, his breath rattling in his chest, and flicked the other captain lightly on the cheek.

"I'll be fine, Shunsui, really. Stop worrying."

Shunsui wanted to say that it was impossible not to, his thoughts occupied by Jushirou all day, but decided to keep it to himself.

"...alright. I'll be back after the meeting, handsome." Shunsui promised with a flirtatious wink, delighted to see Jushirou flush a bright red. He lowered Jushirou carefully and rearranged the sheets so that it was up to the white-haired shinigami's chin.

Jushirou's eyes were already half-lidded and he tried to keep himself awake. It was an adorable sight that tempted Shunsui to actually stay. But no, Shunsui restrained himself from doing so and pressed a kiss to Jushirou's forehead.

"Love you." Jushirou murmured.

"I love you too. Take care."

And with that, Shunsui departed with a heart heavier than normal, and looked forward to the end of the meeting before it had even begun.

__________

notes: 'taicho' means captain and 'fukutaicho' means lieutenant.

this draft had been sitting in the cellar for so long so i thought it was time to let it free...also writing for this pairing just fills me with so much serotonin 😭

sir that's my emotional support married couple

His so cute I'm dying😭

Younger Ukitake