Ukitake's brown eyes were locked onto the shimmering rain that pattered on the window and fell to the ground below. He gave a small smile and hoisted the duvet over his bent legs and up to his chin. He bit the end of it softly and let one hand flop to his side, while the other clenched the sheets tightly. His gaze never left the downpour outside.

"Hey" murmured a deep voice, as arms curled around Ukitake's neck, and a warm breath tickled his ears.

"Hey" replied Ukitake, bending his head backwards to look, upside-down, into the chocolate eyes of Shunsui Kyoraku.

Shunsui straightened up and placed his hands on the white-haired Captain's shoulders, saying cheerily "You okay, Jyuu?"

Ukitake gave a small chuckle and a nod, and resumed his stare outside the window. Shunsui grinned and looked at the rain too. His smile slowly diminished and his face became thoughtful and pensive. He glanced back at Ukitake's melancholy expression and said quietly "D'you wanna go outside?"

Ukitake snapped out of his daydream and looked at Shunsui, beaming, and replied "Yeah. Let's go"

Shunsui helped his weak friend out of his bed and to the sliding doors on the opposite side of the room.

"You sure? It's kinda wet…" said Shunsui, stating the obvious.

"Yup. It's just a light drizzle. It looks refreshing to me, actually" replied Ukitake, as he opened the door and stepped outside. As soon as the two Captains took one step outside, their clothes and long hair got soaked (for Shunsui was without his hat, for once). Ukitake gave a dreamy smile, while Shunsui shook his brown, matted hair like a wet dog, shouting indignantly "A light drizzle?!"

He took one look at his spaced-out friend, shook his head, and gestured towards the trees, seeking shelter. Ukitake nodded and allowed himself to be led towards the dry, green grass.

"There, that's better" said Shunsui. He grabbed his ponytail and twisted it roughly, squeezing out all of the water. Ukitake reached up and did the same to a chunk of his own loose, white hair. He gave a light cough and laughed at his friend's anxious expression.

"It's alright. No need to look so concerned, Shun" teased Ukitake, punching the 8th Division Captain on the arm playfully.

"I wasn't worried" replied Shunsui, crossing his arms and pouting.

"Who said you were worried? I told you not to be concerned" said Ukitake, smirking. Shunsui gave a small 'humph!' and turned around, while Ukitake laughed and continued to squeeze the water out of his long hair.

The downpour turned into a monsoon and the two Captains sat down dejectedly, knowing that to even attempt at going back through the rain to the warm indoors would be a very wet suicide.

"Well…this is wonderful" muttered Shunsui, with a hint of amusement in his voice. Ukitake gave a little, guilty grin and stared, transfixed, at the rain once more. Shunsui noticed his friend was shaking slightly, so he took of his pink haori (which he never goes anywhere without, along with his straw hat - with the exception of today) and placed it over Ukitake's shoulders. The white-haired man gave a thumbs up of gratitude and pulled it over himself more. He glanced at Shunsui, who was now shivering in the cold, and straightened his arm out vertically, so the pink haori was held out invitingly. Shunsui chuckled and joined Ukitake under the comfort and warmth of the haori. They both gave a small muttered 'thanks' at the same time and grinned at each other.

It's funny how little things can cheer up any day.