Title: Fever Pitch
Summary: Ukitake hated these three hour long captain meetings. But with Shunsui sitting next to him, it shouldn't be that bad – but only if Shunsui doesn't notice that he's starting to show signs of a dangerous fever.
Pairings: Shunsui/Ukitake
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Bleach series and I am making no profit from any of this whatsoever. So, no, I don't own dearest Ukitake-chan...dammit!
Warnings: Um...none, really. A bit of Shounen Ai, I suppose.
AN: Hey everyone! I's positively giddy about the newest Bleach spoilers. Honestly, I am so relieved, I had to write something with Uki-chan involved :3 This is going to be a two-shot, complete with a mean little cliff-hanger at the end of this chapter.
Also, if anyone cares of course, I'll be uploading my drabbles to my livejournal. It's going to take a while, but I'm committed!
So, anyway, enjoy!
Chapter One:
Running a hand through his hair, Ukitake was dreading the hours to come.
Weekly captain meetings were troublesome enough, but these three hour long monthly meetings were the ones that really test your concentration and attentive skills to the limit. The three hours seemed to go on forever and the ticking clock in the room certainly didn't help.
Speaking of which, he hoped to be one of the first to arrive so he could make sure that he didn't take the position where he had his back to the clock and was underneath it; the last time he did that Kenpachi was opposite him and spent the entire three hours staring at it, almost drooling from the corner of his mouth from sheer boredom.
One of the most unnerving experiences of his life.
But at least at these meetings they could sit down as the meeting progressed. However, Ukitake wasn't sure whether that was a blessing or a curse. You see, when one was standing up they held a greater advantage to not fall asleep then one would have sitting down. He was pretty certain that everyone felt the same way.
Well, except for Shunsui, perhaps. That man had developed a wonderful talent of falling asleep standing up. He would merely lower his straw hat over his eyes, fold his hands into the sleeves of his Haori and happily drift off to sleep. And the most annoying part was that he could fall asleep instantly and if he was startled awake he was bright and alert as if he hadn't been dosing at all.
As much as Ukitake loved him, Shunsui could be so infuriating, especially since Ukitake himself was the opposite. He wouldn't fall asleep for hours and when he did wake up, he was hardly conscious. Shunsui would often tease that he was cute with his bed-hair and bleary eyes, but Ukitake found it infuriating.
Honestly, that man. He probably could sleep hanging upside down by his toes like a bat or something if he had too.
Still, he absolutely adored him for all that he was. He wouldn't change him for anything.
If only he'd have the courage to admit to his gorgeous best friend how he really felt about him.
Swatting a loose strand of hair from his eyes, Ukitake felt himself frowning by a tell-tale rising heat upon his cheeks. He really wasn't in the mood for a Captain's meeting, especially the monthly addition. He had developed a light fever this morning – nothing to be concerned about, he was sure, but mildly annoying nonetheless.
He thought about calling in sick, but he really couldn't do it without feeling a sense of guilt. It was only a fever after all, a light one at that, no need to concern anyone else with something so trivial. Besides, it wasn't like he was going to be engaging in some physical or straining work. He was just going to be sitting down, struggling not to let his head roll back to go to sleep. Hardly strenuous.
"My, is someone looking forward to our little meeting?" A familiar, teasing drawl pulled Ukitake from his thoughts, bringing an immediate smile to his lips. Pausing in his steps, he glanced to his right to watch Shunsui in all his pink glory amble into view, looking impossibly cheerful for a man who had just spent the night drinking.
"Morning Juu-chan."
"Good morning Shunsui," Ukitake returned the greeting, falling in step with the boarder and slightly older man as they continued their walk to the meeting room. "I'm actually looking forward for this meeting to be over and done with."
"Ah yes," Shunsui said as he made a noise of agreement. "It's a shame to spend such a beautiful day locked up in a stuffy room. What do you think will be on the agenda today?"
"Nothing important, I'm sure," Ukitake replied and gave a light shrug of his shoulder. "It's just a review of the month's events. Because, you know, some people weren't paying attention during the weekly meetings."
There was a teasing curl in his voice and his smile turned playful as Shunsui made a little mock whining noise, pressing his lips together in a rather over the top pout.
"Nyah, Juu-chan, you're not implying that I happen to be one of these individuals?"
"Oh!" Ukitake exclaimed light-heartedly as he placed his hand over his heart. "I would never dream of insulating such a thing!"
"Ah, that's my Juu-chan!" Shunsui crooned as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him abruptly against his side.
If only he meant that literally, Ukitake inwardly sighed, the feeling of Shunsui's arm around his shoulders, the heat of his body against his both welcoming and painful.
He must have sighed or shivered as Shunsui quickly cast two very concerned eyes in his direction. "Something wrong, Juu?" he asked.
"Hm? Oh no, I'm fine," Ukitake replied as he playfully ducked Shunsui's hand as he tried to feel his forehead, shuffling a few steps in front of him so he was out of reach. He managed to keep his posture light and fun, giving away no indication that he held a light fever.
Shunsui, however, didn't look all that convinced so Ukitake relied on years and years of practice by placing a bright, reassuring smile upon his lips and folded his hands neatly behind his back.
"Just a little bit tired, I suppose," he explained. "I haven't been sleeping well lately for whatever reason. Might be the humidity."
Shunsui still didn't look convinced, but seemed to know that Ukitake didn't want to press this matter further and Shunsui always liked to comply with his wishes.
"You know what you need, Casanova?" Shunsui asked as his ever flirtatious smile re-appeared upon his lips. "A good cup of Sake just before you go to bed. Works for me."
Ukitake had to literally stop himself from rolling his eyes toward the heavens. "Shunsui, you can sleep standing on your head. Besides, you know I have a low alcohol tolerance. I'm confused first thing in the mornings enough as it is, I really don't need to be suffering from a hangover as well," he explained.
"We just need to build up your tolerance to alcohol," Shunsui retaliated as he flapped his hand dismissively at him.
This time Ukitake did roll his eyes as he laughed softly. "As you keep suggesting."
Shunsui laughed as well as they drew nearer to their destination. "I can help you."
"You can help me by drinking all the Sake yourself," Ukitake grinned.
"I'll drink to that!"
He loved being able to banter with Shunsui like this. He may not be anything more than the best friend to him, but it's enough. He had pushed away his selfish feelings and wants to be more than friends aside; he's managed to do that successfully for years.
Though, it still hurt sometimes.
Being one of the first to enter the meeting chambers, Ukitake and Shunsui quickly took up positions that were as far away from the ticking clock as possible. Shunsui, as always, took the seat next to him. Ukitake was forever grateful when Shunsui sat next to him; he could keep him awake by passing notes to each other or laugh to himself when Shunsui secretly and subtly torment whoever was in front of him.
He always made these meetings that much more tolerable, especially when he wasn't feeling well.
Still, Ukitake felt as though this meeting was going to be a long one. As try as he might, he can't seem to ignore the fever that was steadily building. He was starting to feel sweaty, uncomfortable. He won't tell anyone though, he'll just get through this meeting first and then take a nap afterwards. He'll feel better then.
Sitting with his back leaning against the back rest of his chair, Ukitake did his best not to raise anyone's concerns on his welfare by doing some deep breathing exercises. Soon, the other captains began to drift in, none of whom were looking forward to this three hour marathon either. Byakuya was the next to arrive, followed by Captains Unohana, Komamura, Toshiro and Soi Fon, who all took the seats around him, Byakuya sitting on the other side of him while Toshiro sat in the spare seat next to Shunsui.
Again, all of which made sure not to sit under the clock as well.
Finally, Kenpachi was next in arriving and he immediately plonked himself down in the seat, his usual spot, facing said clock and proceeded to stare at it. No morning greetings, not even a grunt in their direction. He just proceeded to sit and stare.
So, Mayuri's punishment for arriving late was to deal with Kenpachi glaring at the spot above his head for the entire three hours. He, of course, threw the biggest hissy fit, demanding that someone else swap seats with him. Argumentative resistance followed, which was silenced quickly by Head-Captain Yamamoto appearing, signalling the start of the meeting.
Same old stuff, nothing new here.
Running a hand over his eyes, rubbing at them with the heel of his palm, Ukitake was slightly startled to realise that his eyes felt unfocused and watery, his face feeling hot as though he had a sunburn. The feeling also extended to his ears and neck, making him quite uncomfortable to say the least. He also felt rather lethargic, a little unbalanced even sitting down in a sturdy chair. It was like he could drop off to sleep at any moment.
And he knew that it wasn't because of the meeting that was dragging on, but because of something else...
His fever was getting worse.
"Juu?" a familiar voice whispered to him and a gentle nudge against his side.
Turning to face Shunsui sitting next to him, Ukitake wanted to reassure him that he was fine but he felt himself sway a little, his vision dimming as his hearing all but became silent. He paused for a moment in an attempt to gather himself, willing his fever to at least let him get through this meeting first. He then felt a hand land on his shoulder and he turned to look at him, feeling dazed and increasingly disorientated.
And then...everything quickly went black; he didn't even feel his head hit the table, or heard the sound of Shunsui's voice calling out his name in alarm.
...X3 Please review!