Waking Up

Juushirou woke up to pain. Momentarily, he could feel the healing occurring inside his chest, but the pain seemed to grow as his consciousness returned, until he was numb to everything but the pain.

He attempted to speak, but the hole in his chest made it too painful. Opening his eyes didn't work, either, as his eyes seemed to be glued shut.

He started moving his fingers to try to get someone's attention. Immediately, another hand grasped his.

"Hey, there, beautiful," a weak, drawling voice said. "Finally awake, huh?"

Juushirou tried to open his eyes again, but he still couldn't.

As if in response, he heard water splashing, followed by something cool wiping the stuff on his eyes away.

His third attempt was successful, and Juushirou kept his eyes open, despite the bright light that nearly blinded him.

For a moment, all he was saw a brown and white blur, but his eyes focused slowly, until he could see a familiar face.

"Shun—" He pushed out half a name, but a hand was placed on his lips.

"Don't speak yet. Dai-senpai said that that kid hit your heart and both your lungs. You're lucky to be alive."

Juushirou obeyed, and realized that there was a large red stain near Kyouraku's shoulder.

Shunsui followed his friend's eyes and realized what the white-haired man was staring at.

"Don't worry. I'm fine."

But Shunsui could see the worry and the guilt on Ukitake's face.

"Really, I'm fine," he said. Kyouraku lifted Ukitake's hand and kissed his knuckles. "It's not your fault that this happened. That kid distracted me and Espada-san hit me from behind."

The look remained on Juushirou's face.

"Don't look like that. You're not as good looking when you do."

When the expression turned to a glare, Shunsui decided to change tactics.

"I just want you to smile, 'Shirou. You gave us all a real scare." To prove his words, Shunsui leaned down and kissed the frowning lips. He could feel a small smile form on Juushirou's mouth.

When he pulled away, Juushirou was still smiling.

Shunsui sighed, also smiling. "You'd better go to sleep before Dai-senpai comes and yells at us.

Juushirou nodded and his lips formed three words.

"Yeah," Shunsui replied, his eyes glittering, "I love you, too."