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“You look haggard.” A voice calls out from the hallway.
Ukitake can barely bring himself to blink up at the shadowy figure leant up against the doorframe to his office. If the silhouette of a pink flowing kimono and straw hat isn't instantly familiar, then the low drawling voice immediately gives it away.
“It’s good to see you too Shunsui.” Ukitake deadpans, with a courteous smile before casting his attention back down to his papers. Shunsui chuckles and takes that as permission to enter, blinking down at the stacks of paperwork piling around Ukitake’s desk.
“Burning the midnight oil are we?” He asks curiously.
“Somebody has to.” Ukitake says, not looking up. “It’s been a mess of a week, trying to organise these reports from Central 46.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, leaning back in his seat. “I’ve been feeling a little better these past few days so I thought it good to take a crack at it but this is already causing a headache and a half.”
“Yeah I can imagine.” Shunsui says. “Can’t your squad members do this stuff for you, especially the two little guys who are always fighting over you?”
“I don’t want to bother them with this.” Ukitake says with a wave of his hand. “A lot of this requires a Captain’s sign off anyway.” Which Shunsui knew was translation for ‘ I don’t trust either of them not to tear each other apart trying to get this work done .’
“What about your lieutenant?” Shunsui asks.
“Rukia has a lot on her plate already, she doesn’t need me hounding her to do busywork. It’s really nothing.” Ukitake assures, glancing up, giving a tired smile. “Besides, it's good to get back to doing some of my duties!”
“You’re honestly probably one of the only captains I know in the whole of the Seireitei excited to do paperwork.” Shunsui sighs. Ukitake glances up at Shunsui, a reserved nature in his voice as he continues to write.
“Well… it makes me feel useful.” He admits quietly. Shunsui makes a noise of understanding, knowing the sore spot that was Ukitake’s illness, how it so frequently rendered him inactive and unapproachable as the leader he wanted to be to his squad members. If even just doing the mundane work brings him joy, makes him feel just the least bit more productive to his squad, then Shunsui would hold off on his teasing.
“No judgement.” Shunsui says, holding his hands up. He leans against Ukitake’s desk, letting his eyes wander the large office. The decor is sparse, more practical and pragmatic than colourful or gaudy like any of the other Captains choices. Ukitake was always a simple man after all with simple pleasures and his enviroment reflected a place of calm and safety, of serenity and a soothing quality. The more basic everything was, the easier it was to manage. The only speck of colour is the blue colourful vase, overflowing with purple and yellow violas and pansies.
“These have lasted quite nicely.” Shunsui notes. “Whoever got them for you must have impeccable taste.” Ukitake glances up at him.
“You gifted them to me.” He says. Shunsui feigns surprise.
“I did?!” He exclaims. "What a shock..." Ukitake huffs through his nose, a half laugh at Shunsui’s obvious antics to distract him and focuses his attention back down at his work. Shunsui pouts, but doesn’t say anything, instead casting his eyes around the room once again looking for a much needed distraction, when suddenly he spots it.
A bright red record player, perched in the corner of the room with a small stack of vinyl albums propped against it. Shunsui walks over to it, kneeling down to examine it more closely.
“Hey, how come you got one of these?” Shunsui asks, gesturing towards it. Ukitake glances up again.
“Oh, that, Captain Hirako lent it to me.” Ukitake says.
“And does it work?” Shunsui asks.
“Truthfully, I don’t have the faintest clue how to even use it.” Ukitake admits sheepishly. “I haven’t had the chance to try to learn.”
Shunsui kneels down, observing the vinyl records propped up against the player. He doesn’t recognise any of the names, then again he was getting on in his old age. He didn’t spend much time listening to music from the world of the living to begin with and the only exposure he had with much of it was from Lisa many years ago. He silently gets to work, hands moving in a practised memory of her annoyed lecturing.
“You know how to work it?” Ukitake asks with mild surprise.
“Lisa used to keep one of these in our offices, it’s just kinda muscle memory.” He said with a shrug, not realising the intuitive skill it takes to perfectly recall something from a hundred years ago. He slips the vinyl out of its sleeve, delicately placing the needle down before turning the machine on. The black disk spins, and soon the machine cries out with scratchy but delicate guitar notes. Shunsui smiles to himself, silently victorious in his success. The music continues to play out, until a light melancholic voice begins to sing out.
‘If I didn’t care, more than words can say… If I didn't care, would I feel this way?
If this isn't love then why do I thrill?
And what makes my head go round and round while my heart stand still?'
He moves in front of Ukitake’s desk, and bows deeply at the waist, his straw hat placed over his chest as he outstretches a hand towards Ukitake.
“May I have this dance?” Shunsui asks. Ukitake looks down at his hand, then back up at Shunsui, a silent deliberation playing out in his mind. After a long moment, he gives out a tired sigh, putting down his pen. Shunsui takes that as a silent victory, despite Ukitake’s exasperated tone.
“Shunsui please…” He tries rubbing his forehead.
“Come on casanova, don’t deny an old man a dance.” Shunsui says with a wink. Ukitake chuckles quietly at that, shaking his head in disbelief as he finds himself standing from behind his desk and walking towards Shunsui.
“Just one dance.” He stresses firmly.
“Of course.” Shunsui says, placing his hat down on the desk. He links his hand with Ukitake, weaving their fingers tightly together, observing his always chilly hands against Shunsui’s own that seemed to constantly give off a warmth. His other wraps around his waist, pulling him close until they were chest to chest. In their old age and many intimate years spent at each other’s side, such an act wasn’t at all scandalous to either one of them, but it still rouses something bashful in Ukitake, that makes him clear his throat and adjust his eyes to back to his desk. That simply won’t do. Shunsui thinks, quickly spinning Ukitake so his gaze is pulled away from the horrid paperwork. “You remember the steps?” Shunsui asks.
“What steps?” Ukitake laughs. “It’s just swaying.”
Shunsui tuts. “No love or appreciation for dancing. What am I to do with you?”
“You could always teach me?” Ukitake asks. “You promised to when we were in the academy.”
“I did?”
“You always got these mysterious stomach aches though right before we’d have to meet up.”
“That doesn’t sound like me at all…” Shunsui says sceptically. “You sure you’re not making this up to just embarrass me?”
“Oh, accusing me of lying now are we?” Ukitake teases. Shunsui tries to frown but it barely lasts a few seconds before he’s snickering.
“Yeah okay, but hey. I have the chance to teach you now at least. And my stomach is still intact. That counts for something right?”
“It certainly does.” Ukitake chuckles.
“I’ll have to take the lead.” Shunsui says.
“And I’m sure you hate that.” Ukitake says with a roll of his eyes.
Shunsui’s hand that has settled on Ukitake’s hip gracefully and slowly slides down, feeling the curve of his behind through his white captain's uniform, before almost immediately being nudged back up to its chaste position on Ukitake’s waist.
“Hey!” Ukitake says scandalised. “That’s not very gentlemanly.”
“Whoever said I’m a gentleman?” Shunsui asks, wiggling his eyebrows, garnering a soft laugh out of Ukitake. Such lovely music to his ears, even more beautiful than the gentle voices and guitar tones filling the small space between them. Ukitake rests his head against Shunsui’s shoulder, eyes closed. He hums to the melody of the music, letting them both sway in time to the gentle tones. They stand there in their safe embrace for a long moment, taking comfort in the warmth they provide each other, hearts beating in time.
'If I didn't care, would it be the same?
Would my every prayer begin and end with just your name?
And would I be sure that this is love beyond compare?
Would all this be true, if I didn't care for you?'
“How long has it been since we stayed up this late?” Shunsui asks, unable to look away from Ukitake. Ukitake glances up at him, a small smile on his face as the memory of their youth starts to form in his mind.
“Not since the academy. We had to stay up until the early morning cramming for one of our kido theory exams.” Ukitake reminds him. “You always had to leave it to the last minute, and came to my room in a blind panic, remember? You were certain that old man Yama was going to kill you for it this time for sure.”
“Of course, how could I forget?” Shunsui chuckles. “You never turned me away though.” He notes, nudging Ukitake’s cheek with his nose. Ukitake reciprocates the gesture, his eyes closed and expression soft as though he’s lost in the memory of their adolescence.
“How could I? It would have been too cruel.” Ukitake says. “You were desperate. I could never understand why you wouldn’t just revise the theory in advance.” He says, shaking his head. “You were always smart enough to get the top grades in the class, you already knew most of it.”
“Maybe I wanted an excuse for your company?” Shunsui says with a tilt of his head. Ukitake's eyes open, glancing up at Shunsui.
“You never needed an excuse… all you had to do was ask you know.” Ukitake says.
“I was shy!” Shunsui defends himself.
“Oh Mr Teenage Heart Throb was shy?” Ukitake asks with a sceptical raised eyebrow.
“Only around you.” Shunsui says. “Ah, did you just admit to thinking of me as Mr Teenage Heart Throb?” He asks with a waggle of his eyebrows, his hand wrapped around Uktiake’s waist rising up to tickle his ribs garnering another small laugh. Ukitake rolls his eyes, attempting to pull away from Shunsui and his tomfoolery, only to get spun gently back into his arms. Ukitake is surprised but doesn’t fight it, looking up at him with a single eyebrow raised. “You can admit it, you know, it's okay.” Shunsui says slyly. “All the girls wanted me after all.”
“If you say so, old man .” Ukitake says with a shrug.
“Ouch. My heart… how could you wound me so gravely my dear? How will I ever recover?” Shunsui asks with a dramatic sigh. Ukitake chuckles and turns to face Shunsui, a soft smile on his face. His hand comes up, stroking his stubbled cheek, expression longing and filled with such love, Shunsui is rendered utterly speechless. Like many times before, Ukitake is the only person who could ever do such a thing to him.
Shunsui follows the most natural instinct, and kisses Ukitake.
Their kiss is in sharp contrast to their very first, which was much more… innocent. Clumsy and desperate, teeth clacking and heads constantly butting and hands clinging onto each other desperately. Such urgency when contrasted against their current situation almost seemed… laughable. The naive sort of behaviour that only youths in the midst of adolescence would display. How many centuries ago had that been? Now they’re older, wisened and much more well practised, able to kiss without any hurry, able to tenderly savour every well versed touch and gentle move the other makes, knowing it so well but never once tiring of it regardless. Though their naivety may have been stamped out, their enthusiasm and giddiness is not.
It’s much less panicked and frantic, they know exactly how to follow the others lead, heads titling perfectly together, pausing to take just enough air before pressing back in. Ukitake presses against the front of Shunsui’s kimono, pulling him closer. Shunsui’s hands wrap behind Ukitake’s neck, tangling in the white whispy mane of hair, his thumb gently brushing up against his jaw. Gentle reminders that say ‘I’m here and I’m yours. You’re here and you’re mine. And we’re not going anywhere .’
Just as Ukitake’s mouth begins to fall open, just barely beginning to coax Shunsui into following his lead, he decides to pull away. It makes Shunsui positively melt against Ukitake, his heart fluttering and head spinning. How he has such a bewitching affect over Shunsui despite all their years together, he doesn’t know. Not that he’ll ever complain about it.
“Have you recovered yet?” Ukitake asks pulling away from Shunsui ever so slightly, resting his forehead against his to gaze up into his brown eyes, searching for a reaction and expression he knew well.
“Hmm, I’m not too sure I think I’ll need another one just to seal the deal.” Shunsui says, leaning in and stealing another kiss. Ukitake obliges once again, before pulling away after a few seconds.
“Okay, surely now—” He begins.
“Nuh uh, nope, still not sure.” Shunsui mumbles, this time cupping Ukitake's smiling face and kissing him again through his laughter, taking advantage of the fact that this time that he’s caught him with his lips parted. Shunsui begins to kiss him deep and slow that he all but renders Ukitake silent, save for the small moans he manages to coax out of Ukitake that makes him press further into Shunsui, his hand gently gripping onto him for purchase. Shunsui smiles into the kiss.
‘Still got it. ’ He thinks. Just as Shunsui' hand begins to run under Ukitake’s robe, pushing the uniform back to expose the barest sliver of skin, and his other hand wrapped around his waist begins to try once again to make its descent towards his behind, Ukitake pulls away abruptly, clearing his throat and trying to smooth out his uniform.
“You, are a bad influence.” Ukitake says sternly, patting Shunsui’s chest with his fists. He chuckles and pulls away.
“Maybe so.” Shunsui agrees. “But you always go along with it.”
“I know.” Ukitake sighs. “I really should exert some more self control, you make it very difficult to think rationally.”
“I take that as a compliment.” Shunsui says brightly.
“I really do have to get some of this done though.” Ukitake says gesturing back to the paperwork.
“Sure thing darling.” Shunsui says, pressing a final kiss to Ukitake’s cheek. “I just wanted to check on you, make sure you hadn’t gotten too lonely.” He finally relinquishes his hold on Ukitake, going over to the desk and picking up his straw hat, pressing it to his chest and giving a small bow. “Captain Ukitake.” He says in an all too formal and stiff tone that makes Ukitake chortle. Just as he turns to leave, Ukitake calls out;
“Wait!”
Shunsui pauses, turning to face Ukitake looking surprised.
“It is a… rather cold night.” Ukitake says briskly, adjusting the front of Shunsui’s pink kimono. “I’ve always been quite sensitive to the cold, you know that right?”
“Yeah?” Shunsui says, observing the way Ukitake takes the straw hat from Shunsui’s hands, gently fixing it on his head.
“A great way to keep the cold out is sometimes, sharing a bed, I’ve heard.” Ukitake explains, tying and securing the straw hat to Shunsui’s head, observing closely the way that he gulps thickly at having Ukitake’s hands so close to his neck.
“Mhm, oh yeah, I’ve heard that too every now and then.” Shunsui agrees distractedly.
“Just for practical reasons, you know.” Ukitake says with a shrug. His fingers linger closely to Shunsui’s adams apple, watching the way it bobs nervously as he reaches out and tucks a stray strand of curled hair behind Shunsui’s ear. Ukitake takes notice of the way that his gaze is pointedly fixed on his mouth.
“Hm yes, totally practical.” Shunsui echoes distractedly.
“I need to make sure someone keeps an eye on my condition.” Ukitake says, unable to keep a straight face, a smile starting to creep up on his features as he speaks. “It wouldn’t do well if I caught a cold would it?”
“...Certainly not.” Shunsui says. “And the fact that you need to be watched over by a handsome man is just an extra bonus right?”
Ukitake smacks Shunsui’s arm lightly and they both laugh, the tension now broken.
“You are…” He bites his lip, trying to think of the word.
“Charming? Handsome? Generous?” Shunsui supplies.
“Funny.” Ukitake decides. When Shunsui’s face falls, Ukitake places a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth, instantly rousing his spirits again, bringing a soft dusting of pink blush to his cheeks. “Don’t keep me waiting.” He whispers turning away and sitting back down at his desk.