[Mistletoe Kisses] "A Room Full of Mistletoe, Wasted!"
[Characters]: Kyouraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jyuushiro and Kuchiki Byakuya.
[Summary]: Jyuushiro's plan for a night well spent, fails.
[Word Count]: 1355
[Finished]: 13.January.2008
[Beta]: by
stace_s
[Warnings]: Spoilers for Soul Society and Arrancar Arcs.
«« Stolen| Missed Opportunity| Old Love
»» Chantilly| What Could've Been| Best Served Cold| No One Else But Me| Under/Over Rated| A Well Devised Plan| You Can Kiss...(omake)
Disclaimer: Do not own Bleach and will not make a profit out of this fic. All characters©Kubo Tite
Ukitake Jyuushiro surveyed the emptying room with a tired, yet content sigh. The party had been a success. People had enjoyed themselves, forgetting, for at least a night, the tension that plagued Soul Society as they continued to face the Arrancar threat.
The bulk of the shinigami had already left, but a few still lingered. He could see Ayasegawa-kun and Madarame-kun, near the food table, conversing over a bowl of cream, Jyuushiro was thinking of using later. Zaraki-taichou was busy trying to dodge Yachiru-chan’s slobbery lips as she tried to cover his face with chocolate imprints of her little mouth - she was succeeding, his face half covered in chocolate. Shunsui was idly talking with Ise-san, while waiting for him to finish clearing things up. Another remaining shinigami was Byakuya, who stood near the hanging mistletoe, staring up at it with a thoughtful expression on his face.
Since Jyuushiro’s work was mainly done, or at least otherwise directed, he approached the other Taichou, cheerfully. “He will take it personally if you keep avoiding the mistletoe whenever he’s around but stand under it, with dreamy eyes, once he leaves.”
Byakuya took a few seconds to realize he was being addressed, he seemed a bit disconcerted that he had been caught deep in his thoughts and then further taken aback when he discerned Ukitake’s words.
Sensing his discomfort and loss of words, Jyuushiro decided to change the subject. “It was a lovely evening; I had fun forgetting the troubles ahead,” he said, grinning. He then added conspiringly, “and remembering old times.”
Relieved with the change of topic, Byakuya nodded. “Indeed an interesting soiree, very well done Ukitake-taichou,” he complimented him. “It seems everyone has enjoyed themselves to the fullest.” He looked pointedly at the hanging branch.
“Oh, yes. I believe the mistletoe was an excellent addition to the party.” Ukitake’s laugh was interrupted by a small hack. Byakuya eyed him, but he shook his head, saying: “I’m okay. Just a bit tired from all the kissing under the mistletoe.” He winked his left eye, grinning and coughing some more.
“How have you been?” Byakuya asked, unexpectedly. “We used to talk and discuss matters regularly over tea but lately...” He looked nostalgic. “Also, your action when Rukia was... the Soukyoku…my actions, did wrong by you, and I still held a grudge, and...”
Ukitake stopped his words, a hand on Byakuya’s mouth. “It is all water under the bridge. We acted according to our beliefs. Right or wrong it isn’t for us to decide, Bya-kun.”
He seemed to want to counter the statement but then nodded, confessing: “I miss our conversations.”
“So we should resume our regular talks.” Ukitake smiled.
“The tea pavilion has been almost abandoned; you could pass by and visit, one of these days.” His lips turned upwards in a semblance of a smile.
“We have an agreement, then.” Ukitake made to smile but a familiar feeling of something crawling up his throat, from the inside, had him grimacing and hunched in seconds. His body shook in a coughing fit.
He could see, in between heaves, Byakuya’s concerned face; his arms wrapped around Ukitake’s shoulders, supporting him. He could also sense the commotion in the room, the people gathering around, meaning to help but distressing him further. His faithful and ever watching 3rd seats -Kotetsu and Kotsubaki - appeared out of nowhere to attend to him, forgetting their constant bickering over who was the best in assisting him.
Through the fog his vision had become, he could see Shunsui striding towards him, a dreaded expression on his face. He took him from Byakuya, wrapping Jyuushiro’s fragile body with his strong arms, setting him against his steady chest. He whispered against his ear, “Breathe, Jyuushiro. Calm and steady. Breathe.” Jyuushiro tried to do as told, grabbing Shunsui’s arms for support and coughing some more as he attempted to control his lungs’ movements.
In a commanding voice, he only used when absolutely worried, Kyouraku asked for space around. All but Byakuya complied.
Ukitake didn’t think it was that bad; he’d felt worse. His cough looked as if was going to let him breathe again, but his chest felt like it had been clawed raw by angry cats and it rumbled as he heaved. Still pressed against Shunsui’s chest, he tried to follow his rhythm. In and out. Long and slow.
“That’s it Jyuushiro, follow my breathing. Breathe in.” He let his lungs inflate.
“Breathe out.” He let the air out.
Shunsui seemed to relax as the white-haired man’s cough stopped and his breathing leveled. Jyuushiro felt so tired.
“C’mon, let’s take you home. You need to rest.” The man in the pink haori offered his arm to Jyuushiro in support. Byakuya offered to help as well, but Shunsui dismissed him summarily. The Kuchiki heir sought
Ukitake’s eyes for his response.
I’m fine, Bya-kun.” He smiled weakly, correcting, “I’ll be fine with just Shunsui.” He eyed the man next to him, who nodded. “I will take you up on that offer for tea, maybe sometime next week?”
“I’ll be expecting you,” he answered with a slight bow, adding: “be well.” Byakuya then took his leave.
He was reaching the door when Jyuushiro teased: “and do hurry and get Abarai-kun under the mistletoe.” He could swear Byakuya was blushing as he nodded very, very slightly. The laugh he suppressed made the cough return and Shunsui scolded him.
“The moment you recover, you start exerting yourself again. You have to give it time, Jyuushiro.”
"Ah, you’re no fun!”
“Not with your health, no.” He looked too serious, then his expression softened and he said, “come.”
They left the 13th Division headquarters, leaving behind two very busy but diligent 3rd seats, to tend to the final tidying of the place.
They walked, in small steps, through the cold night, Shunsui’s help increasing as they distanced themselves from crowded areas. At first it was just an arm for hanging onto, then both his arms were around Jyuushiro for support, as well as shelter from the freezing air. He tried to suggest carrying him on his back, but the look on Ukitake’s face made him drop the thought without further argument. Still, somewhere along the way, Shunsui put his pink, flowery haori on Jyuushiro’s back simply saying: “don’t argue!” Before the sick Taichou had even opened his mouth to protest.
They reached Shunsui’s house soon after, heading into the mistletoe-filled bedroom. The owner of the house went to the kitchen to brew some herbal tea and to get something to eat, as well as some medicine to ease his lover’s cough and wheezing. Meanwhile, Jyuushiro traded his uniform for warmer, more comfortable clothes and lay on the bed, observing the branches over his head with disappointment.
He was still eyeing the branches when Shunsui returned with the tea. At seeing his sad face, Shunsui asked with concerned: “Something wrong? Are you feeling worse?”
“No.”
“Jyuushiro!?”
He glanced over at Shunsui, sighing. “It’s just, I had this night all planned out. Kissing under all this hanging mistletoe and... It’s all a waste now. A room full of mistletoe, wasted!” He usually didn’t give in to the disease or the fact that his body was weaker than most other shinigami’s, but tonight he’d made all these arrangements and had had so many quirky ideas, and they were all ruined. Because of a stupid coughing fit, he was so tired he could hardly lick his lips let alone kiss Shunsui properly.
His lover set the tray with the tea down, handing him a cup as well as the medicine. He then lay down beside him, adjusting Jyuushiro’s pillows and kissing him on the forehead. “Never a waste! Any moment with you can never be a waste. And who says we can’t enjoy the room full of mistletoe?”
Adjusting himself comfortably, he pressed Jyuushiro to his chest, as if he were another pillow. Shunsui proceeded to kiss him lightly all over the face: eyes, cheeks, lips, ears, chin, forehead, nose...
A soothing hand on his back, easing his aching muscles, and the multiple chaste, love-filled kisses, lulled
Jyuushiro to sleep.
January2008 ©MarinLiliz
Next: Chantilly (Ikkaku/Yumichika) - At the end of 13th Division Christmas party, a bowl of Chantilly captures Yumichika's attention. - locked]
[Summary]: Jyuushiro's plan for a night well spent, fails.
[Word Count]: 1355
[Finished]: 13.January.2008
[Beta]: by
stace_s
[Warnings]: Spoilers for Soul Society and Arrancar Arcs.
«« Stolen| Missed Opportunity| Old Love
»» Chantilly| What Could've Been| Best Served Cold| No One Else But Me| Under/Over Rated| A Well Devised Plan| You Can Kiss...(omake)
Disclaimer: Do not own Bleach and will not make a profit out of this fic. All characters©Kubo Tite
Ukitake Jyuushiro surveyed the emptying room with a tired, yet content sigh. The party had been a success. People had enjoyed themselves, forgetting, for at least a night, the tension that plagued Soul Society as they continued to face the Arrancar threat.
The bulk of the shinigami had already left, but a few still lingered. He could see Ayasegawa-kun and Madarame-kun, near the food table, conversing over a bowl of cream, Jyuushiro was thinking of using later. Zaraki-taichou was busy trying to dodge Yachiru-chan’s slobbery lips as she tried to cover his face with chocolate imprints of her little mouth - she was succeeding, his face half covered in chocolate. Shunsui was idly talking with Ise-san, while waiting for him to finish clearing things up. Another remaining shinigami was Byakuya, who stood near the hanging mistletoe, staring up at it with a thoughtful expression on his face.
Since Jyuushiro’s work was mainly done, or at least otherwise directed, he approached the other Taichou, cheerfully. “He will take it personally if you keep avoiding the mistletoe whenever he’s around but stand under it, with dreamy eyes, once he leaves.”
Byakuya took a few seconds to realize he was being addressed, he seemed a bit disconcerted that he had been caught deep in his thoughts and then further taken aback when he discerned Ukitake’s words.
Sensing his discomfort and loss of words, Jyuushiro decided to change the subject. “It was a lovely evening; I had fun forgetting the troubles ahead,” he said, grinning. He then added conspiringly, “and remembering old times.”
Relieved with the change of topic, Byakuya nodded. “Indeed an interesting soiree, very well done Ukitake-taichou,” he complimented him. “It seems everyone has enjoyed themselves to the fullest.” He looked pointedly at the hanging branch.
“Oh, yes. I believe the mistletoe was an excellent addition to the party.” Ukitake’s laugh was interrupted by a small hack. Byakuya eyed him, but he shook his head, saying: “I’m okay. Just a bit tired from all the kissing under the mistletoe.” He winked his left eye, grinning and coughing some more.
“How have you been?” Byakuya asked, unexpectedly. “We used to talk and discuss matters regularly over tea but lately...” He looked nostalgic. “Also, your action when Rukia was... the Soukyoku…my actions, did wrong by you, and I still held a grudge, and...”
Ukitake stopped his words, a hand on Byakuya’s mouth. “It is all water under the bridge. We acted according to our beliefs. Right or wrong it isn’t for us to decide, Bya-kun.”
He seemed to want to counter the statement but then nodded, confessing: “I miss our conversations.”
“So we should resume our regular talks.” Ukitake smiled.
“The tea pavilion has been almost abandoned; you could pass by and visit, one of these days.” His lips turned upwards in a semblance of a smile.
“We have an agreement, then.” Ukitake made to smile but a familiar feeling of something crawling up his throat, from the inside, had him grimacing and hunched in seconds. His body shook in a coughing fit.
He could see, in between heaves, Byakuya’s concerned face; his arms wrapped around Ukitake’s shoulders, supporting him. He could also sense the commotion in the room, the people gathering around, meaning to help but distressing him further. His faithful and ever watching 3rd seats -Kotetsu and Kotsubaki - appeared out of nowhere to attend to him, forgetting their constant bickering over who was the best in assisting him.
Through the fog his vision had become, he could see Shunsui striding towards him, a dreaded expression on his face. He took him from Byakuya, wrapping Jyuushiro’s fragile body with his strong arms, setting him against his steady chest. He whispered against his ear, “Breathe, Jyuushiro. Calm and steady. Breathe.” Jyuushiro tried to do as told, grabbing Shunsui’s arms for support and coughing some more as he attempted to control his lungs’ movements.
In a commanding voice, he only used when absolutely worried, Kyouraku asked for space around. All but Byakuya complied.
Ukitake didn’t think it was that bad; he’d felt worse. His cough looked as if was going to let him breathe again, but his chest felt like it had been clawed raw by angry cats and it rumbled as he heaved. Still pressed against Shunsui’s chest, he tried to follow his rhythm. In and out. Long and slow.
“That’s it Jyuushiro, follow my breathing. Breathe in.” He let his lungs inflate.
“Breathe out.” He let the air out.
Shunsui seemed to relax as the white-haired man’s cough stopped and his breathing leveled. Jyuushiro felt so tired.
“C’mon, let’s take you home. You need to rest.” The man in the pink haori offered his arm to Jyuushiro in support. Byakuya offered to help as well, but Shunsui dismissed him summarily. The Kuchiki heir sought
Ukitake’s eyes for his response.
I’m fine, Bya-kun.” He smiled weakly, correcting, “I’ll be fine with just Shunsui.” He eyed the man next to him, who nodded. “I will take you up on that offer for tea, maybe sometime next week?”
“I’ll be expecting you,” he answered with a slight bow, adding: “be well.” Byakuya then took his leave.
He was reaching the door when Jyuushiro teased: “and do hurry and get Abarai-kun under the mistletoe.” He could swear Byakuya was blushing as he nodded very, very slightly. The laugh he suppressed made the cough return and Shunsui scolded him.
“The moment you recover, you start exerting yourself again. You have to give it time, Jyuushiro.”
"Ah, you’re no fun!”
“Not with your health, no.” He looked too serious, then his expression softened and he said, “come.”
They left the 13th Division headquarters, leaving behind two very busy but diligent 3rd seats, to tend to the final tidying of the place.
They walked, in small steps, through the cold night, Shunsui’s help increasing as they distanced themselves from crowded areas. At first it was just an arm for hanging onto, then both his arms were around Jyuushiro for support, as well as shelter from the freezing air. He tried to suggest carrying him on his back, but the look on Ukitake’s face made him drop the thought without further argument. Still, somewhere along the way, Shunsui put his pink, flowery haori on Jyuushiro’s back simply saying: “don’t argue!” Before the sick Taichou had even opened his mouth to protest.
They reached Shunsui’s house soon after, heading into the mistletoe-filled bedroom. The owner of the house went to the kitchen to brew some herbal tea and to get something to eat, as well as some medicine to ease his lover’s cough and wheezing. Meanwhile, Jyuushiro traded his uniform for warmer, more comfortable clothes and lay on the bed, observing the branches over his head with disappointment.
He was still eyeing the branches when Shunsui returned with the tea. At seeing his sad face, Shunsui asked with concerned: “Something wrong? Are you feeling worse?”
“No.”
“Jyuushiro!?”
He glanced over at Shunsui, sighing. “It’s just, I had this night all planned out. Kissing under all this hanging mistletoe and... It’s all a waste now. A room full of mistletoe, wasted!” He usually didn’t give in to the disease or the fact that his body was weaker than most other shinigami’s, but tonight he’d made all these arrangements and had had so many quirky ideas, and they were all ruined. Because of a stupid coughing fit, he was so tired he could hardly lick his lips let alone kiss Shunsui properly.
His lover set the tray with the tea down, handing him a cup as well as the medicine. He then lay down beside him, adjusting Jyuushiro’s pillows and kissing him on the forehead. “Never a waste! Any moment with you can never be a waste. And who says we can’t enjoy the room full of mistletoe?”
Adjusting himself comfortably, he pressed Jyuushiro to his chest, as if he were another pillow. Shunsui proceeded to kiss him lightly all over the face: eyes, cheeks, lips, ears, chin, forehead, nose...
A soothing hand on his back, easing his aching muscles, and the multiple chaste, love-filled kisses, lulled
Jyuushiro to sleep.
January2008 ©MarinLiliz
Next: Chantilly (Ikkaku/Yumichika) - At the end of 13th Division Christmas party, a bowl of Chantilly captures Yumichika's attention. - locked]