I'm not particularly fond of this pairing, but I wanted to try something different from my usual OTP.
Friends
Shunsui is a party boy. Wherever alcohol abounds, the captain of the 8th Division is sure to be there, whether it's a birthday party or just a random celebration, everyone knows where to point Nanao-fukutaichou towards.
Ukitake is a more quiet type of man. He still enjoys parties and having fun in general, but his unfortunate disease prevents him from fully enjoying the goods of an alcoholic drink. Still, that doesn't prevent shinigami from inviting him to the newest birthday. Ukitake has to hide his sadness behind a kind smile and wish happiness to the celebrated one, a "Captain duty" excuse on his lips.
Having been friends for centuries, Shunsui knows better then that. A lot better. That's why once in a while he will host private parties with Jyuushiro, with moderate amounts of alcohol. Ukitake enjoys the company, and the candy, and the alcohol. Shunsui enjoys it too. No matter how good or wild a party gets, nothing beats spending time with his life-long friend, especially if he gets to see that lovely smile of his.
It's night and both Captains are laughing at some silly joke. The moon shines brightly and reflects on the pond of Jyuushiro's house, the mirror is broken when a carp jumps and comes flying out, only to land again in the water.
"Would you look at that."
"Yes."
Shunsui looks at the face of his friend, softly illuminated by the full-moon, his white hair seemingly shining silver, and his pale skin looking snowy white. If only he were a woman, he'd be such a beautiful and refined lady. Regardless, Shunsui doesn't regret that his darling is male.
Jyuushiro thinks the same. There is a rough handsomeness in his friend's lazy ways, of course, he's earned the right to be lazy after years of training and captaincy duty. But even the cheap haori and hat don't take away the mild sense of cool-ness in the way he gathers himself to do the job properly, that's partly what Ukitake admires of him, the other part...well, that's a secret.
"Nee, Jyuushiro, there's gonna be a party at the second Division, let's go."
It's not 'wanna go?' or 'you're invited too', it's a direct order.
Ukitake is about to decline but a cookie shoved in his mouth let's Shunsui speak first again.
"And I'm not taking no for an answer."
Ukitake eats the cookie with a small sweatdrop but once he finishes he smiles at his friend with a light nod.
"I'll go, if you go."
Shunsui smiles at him softly and takes another drink of his sake cup. Jyuushiro smiles as well, feeling grateful to have such a good friend at his side.
The relationship they have can we described with many words; curious, special, different, strange, some even say it's a bit distant because they never hold hands or hug or kiss. But if they were to ask either Jyuushiro or Shunsui, they would answer that after so many years, they simply don't need those things.
All Shunsui needs everyday is to see Jyuushiro's lovely smile.
END