Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
A/N: HI, everyone sorry, for the LOOONG Update I had major writers block. However, I have succeeded in bringing you the last chapter of More than just a dream. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have- read on and once again enjoy!
Chapter 9 More than just a Dream.
Kyoraku had been forcefully put in a corner and interrogated by his Nanao-chan. Why he was singled out he had no idea.
"Alright, how did this happen?" she said her hands on her hips glaring at him.
"I don't know, I just woke up this way." Kyoraku whined
"Captain you must have some idea how you got this way."
"I DON'T all I know is we went to the living world had a wonderful visit felt a little under the weather and we came back to soul society."
Nanao straightened at his words.
"You felt sick in the living world?- Urahara! That no good bum he did again."
"Again? You mean this has happened before?" Shunsui asked shocked
"Countless of times, if you look it up in the archives you'd find pages and pages of Urahara's experiments." Kiyone explained.
Kyoraku stood up, he was angry, he was more than angry. When he gets his hands around that clog footed sneak he'll strangle him or maybe kido him to the moon and back, oh, and Jushiro the poor guy already was sick he could have been cooped up in the fourth division for months if things went sour.
"I need to find Jushiro and drag him back to the living world with me. Then if I don't kill Kisuke first I'll ask him to reverse his little prank." Kyoraku firmly said as he headed for the door.
"Huh, that will do you little good." Nanao said turning to him.
"Why? He made that stuff surely he has an antidote, right?" Kyoraku said facing her.
"Huh, not necessarily, I mean he has never had one before." Kiyone answered
"Than how did they turn back to normal?" Kyoraku questioned
"The effects ware of eventually…" Nanao trailed off as her captain ventured out the door.
She quickly followed after the man Kiyone not far behind.
"Captain, what are you planning?"
"I need to see Jushiro."
OOOOOOOOO
Jushiro had been meditating in the warm sun, when he felt his friends presence in front of him, he mentally sighed.
"Hello, Kyoraku" he said his eyes remaining closed
Kyoraku ignored his friend's attitude and grab his hand, surprised to why he would have even attempted to talk to him,
"What is it Kyoraku?" Juhiro asked curious but slightly annoyed.
"My Nanao-chan has informed me that Kisuke has did this too us."
Jushiro's eye brows shot up in surprise. Kisuke? Why would he do something so…rash?"
Kyoraku threw his arms in the air. "Because, he is an experiment junkie and we were his unsuspecting guinea pigs have a little quality time with the betrayer."
Jushiro got to his feet not looking at any of the three soul reapers. "I had a feeling that tea had something in it than the occasional herb. I suppose we can go to the living world and straighten things out, but I highly doubt that it will do any good."
Using flash step he made his way to the gate Kyoraku not far behind. For some reason he saw Jushiro in the simple things, like how graceful and quick he was using flash step. Using his body and he still managed to be so graceful Kyoraku grinned he could never be graceful even if you gave him several gallons of sake.
Moments later they found themselves jumping through the portal and in to the world of the living. If it were any other time it would be a picture perfect scene. Blue skies, sun shining brightly with a slight breeze, Juhiro would have enjoyed this but in his current situation and the events that have happened during the last few weeks he lacked the energy to take the time to marvel the beauty.
Kisuke was training Ichigo with Orihime, Chad, Rukia,and Uryu watching from the side lines when both Captains appeared on barren grounds.
Everyone looked in there directions Orihime smiled waving her hand in Orihime fashion. Captain Ukitake, captain Shunsui welcome back!" she shouted gleefully.
Neither captain spoke a word as they advanced toward the ex-captain. Kisuke flicked his fan over his face his eyes peering at them.
"Captains, it is good to see you! I didn't you'd be coming back so soon. Now, what can I do you for?"
Kyoraku glared at him stepping forward grabbing the other man by the front of his shirt.
"Kisuke, unless you want to experience getting your butt kicked to high heavens and back I suggest you tell us what you did to us."
Kisuke eyed the white haired captain carefully while others looked on in shock surprised to see the usual friendly captain utter threats from his mouth.
"My, my so it did work and I believe this is the longest trial yet. Very impressive." he mused.
"Reverse what you did please this is putting a lot of strain on both of us." Kyoraku begged letting go of the other man.
Kisuke closed his fan. "Sorry, I'm afraid I can't do that you'll have to wait it out."
Jushiro attacked Kisuke catching everyone off guard slamming the other captain into one of the many boulders scattered around the area.
"I am tired Kisuke. I am tired off this game you have turned my world into a living nightmare and ruined a life long friendship. You either reverse what you did or I will drag you back to soul society and let the head captain decide you're fate." Jushiro threw out pinning the other captain hard in his brace.
"Hmmm, well, I guess I don't have much of a choice Captain Ukitake…alright but I can't guarantee that it will work."
Jushiro let him go turning and flashed stepped into the store. All eyes returned to Kyoraku as he stood there awkwardly in his friend's body.
"Huh…I better…join him." he concluded as he followed his friend.
Kisuke not far behind, after sharing a few curious looks everyone who had been watching the scene scrambled from their spots to see what drama was happening next.
An hour later Urahara appeared with a small bottle in his hands. "Now, I am not sure if this will work but I it's the best I could come up with.
"If I were you I'd pray it will work." Kyoraku said holding out his cup as Kisuke poured the yellow liquid into it then doing the same for Ukitake.
"Drink up, but the effects won't happen instantaneously, you'll have to be patient." the blond explained as they downed the medicine.
"So what do you suggest we do in the mean time?" Kyoraku asked rubbing his throat as a slight burning sensation started.
"Go back and carry on with you're day and hope for the best." Kisuke answered sitting down.
"Well, thanks for your time." Kyoraku said both Captains rising from their spots.
Jushiro barely gave a nod before vanishing from their sights Kyoraku shrugged than followed.
When they made it back to Soul Society Kyoraku tried to talk with his friend.
"Hey, maybe it will work, ya know?"
"Kyoraku, I would be appreciated if we didn't speak to one another." he said curtly as parted.
"…Jushiro."
Kyoraku looked up as a hell butterfly entered his bed room window. He sighed the last thing he wanted to do was go to a stupid captains meeting, but all had to attend. He arose and was at the main temple in seconds making sure he was avoiding the thirteenth division captain.
Head master Yamamoto appeared eyeing him and Jushiro making Kyoraku a bit uncomfortable realizing their last meeting was a bomb shell.
"Captain Ukitake and Captain Shunsui step forward." he ordered.
Both did.
"It has been brought o my attention that you both have fallen victim to Urahara's experiment. Is this true?"
"Yes head master." both said.
"That would explain a lot for the odd behaviour that you both have been exhibiting for the last month. I will have you know that this will not happen again Captain Urahara will not be performing any of experiments until he has my permission. This will not happen again…ever."
"Good to hear." Kyoraku said giving a smile.
"Thank you." Jushiro said.
"May this be a message to all who enter the living world mind your surroundings and those you come in contact with no matter who it is. Dismissed."
All the captains bowed, then on e by one left the temple.
When evening came around Kyoraku stood outside the eighth division, sighing he entered his own room seeing now that everyone knew that he was indeed their captain he was allowed to swap with Ukitake. He sleeps in his own room and Ukitake sleeps in his. He should be happy but his heart was heavy he didn't want to admit it but he lost his friendship for good and it was his entire fault. As he lay on his futon he hoped that he wouldn't lose his friend forever but he deep down he knew he did so he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
OOOOOO
When morning broke Jushiro opened his eyes blinking against the sun. It was a beautiful sunrise but he found little joy in it. Sighing, he sat up wearily running a hand over his face he honestly didn't know what this day held for him he slowly got to his feet when a wave of dizziness hit him and sent him falling to the floor. He moaned it didn't surprise him that he would get sick, with all the stress it was bound to happen. A sun ray landed gently on his face warming his pale skin he smiled as he looked at the white strands of hair he would have to work really hard to get the knots out.
He quickly shot up his hands gripping his white locks his shock was apparent on his face as he ran his fingers through them then stared down at his hands. A small smile grew across his face flopping back down on the floor, he was back, and it worked. That was the last thing his mind said as he passed out.
OOOOOO
Kyoraku woke up stifling a yawn he felt like he had a hang over but it wasn't possible because he hadn't drank any sake since forever. He forced himself to sit up ignoring the dizziness that came over him stupid Urahara and his brilliant plans, his thoughts went back to his friend what was he going to do? As he thought he fiddled with the brown strands of hair that rested against his shoulders then froze. Looking down slowly his eyes widened at his familiar traits then at his big hands…oh my gosh he did it! It actually worked. He quickly got dressed opening the door to see Nanao standing there a tray in her hands.
"Oh, Captain you're up…I wasn't familiar with what you ate for breakfast so I kinda put small amounts of everything together." she explained a blush coming over her cheeks.
Kyoraku grinned. "Don't worry Nanao-chan! It's perfect just like you my sweet pea." he said planting a quick kiss on her cheek making her blush more.
He ran down the hallway leaving the women a bit dazed then it came to her.
"Sweet pea? She smiled… "He is defiantly back." she said turning around to empty the tray of its contents.
Meanwhile, Kyoraku arrived at the thirteenth division eager to see his friend. He swiftly made his way down the hall then slowed to a walk then stopped completely as members of the fourth division exited the room. Kiyone was the last to leave a bowl and cloth in her hand, he quickly came to her.
"Captain Shunsui, I am pleased to see you're alright." she said forcing a smile to her face despite the fact the redness of her eyes betrayed her happiness.
"What happened?" the man asked worriedly.
"I'm afraid the things that have happened have been too much of a strain-" she didn't finish as he pushed past her and into the room.
Unohana arose from her spot beside the ailing man. She didn't know what the pained look of Jushiro was worse or the guilt filled one Kyoraku.
"How bad is it?" the man managed to force out.
She walked over to him. "He will be fine but he will need to be on bed rest for awhile. He won't recover as quickly as you, but I'd still like to check you over."
"I'm fine." was his quick response.
"Alright…" she patted his shoulder as she left the room.
Kyoraku kneeled down beside his friend taking his hand Jushiro stirred slightly his eyes opening to see his friend by his side. Kyoraku forced a smile on his lips.
"Hey, glad your…you again." he said.
"Hmm." was the entire white haired captain managed a hint of a smile gracing his lips.
Kyoraku didn't realize he was crying until Jushiro raised his pale hand and wiped the tears from his cheek.
"…Don't waste your…tears old friend.." he weakly said lowering his hand.
The eighth division captain blinked down at the other captain. "That is if we are…still friends."
Jushiro nodded his head closing his eyes. "Hmm hmm."
Kyoraku thought for a moment then took his friends hand in his once more.
"Jushiro I have been thinking about what we've been through and…and I admit it was one hundred percent my fault so…so I want to make it up to you."
"Kyoraku…" Jushiro protested weakly.
"No, let me finish, you have been an amazing friend and I haven't returned the favour but I will now. Jushiro Ukitake will you marry me?"
At this Jushiro opened his eyes, turning his head slowly, eyeing the other man. For a moment it was silent. It was so silent Kyoraku swore he could hear voices from the 5th division. When finally the other man answered but it wasn't the answer he was hoping for.
"Are…you drunk?"
"Whaa- no I haven't even had breakfast yet."
"That hasn't stopped you before."
"True, but what I mean by marriage is… well you see. I meant renew vows but not in front of people. Well, we could but it would be weird."
"…Kyoraku, to renew something means that we have done it before. Unless, I was married to you when I was unconscious… it doesn't mean squat."
Kyoraku blinked at him then if dawned on him. "OHH! Not that kind of marriage."
Jushiro furrowed his brow. "Is there any other kind?"
"I'm sure there is, but you see…I meant renew our friendship… I guess marriage wasn't the right word." Kyoraku stuttered.
Jushiro cracked a smile. "You think?"
Kyoraku sighed. "Sorry, Jushiro what I am meaning to say is…we both deserve a new start. It'll be good to see things in a new perspective. Face man we've been friends for centuries doing the same thing over and over again it was nice, but a bit bland."
Jushiro slipped his hand out of the other man's hold as the memory of the last few weeks slid into his mind, they clearly didn't get along as well as they thought they did. Yet somehow after all the hurtful things that have been said and done he was just as at fault as he was, caught up in emotions and situations that had never been brought to light before. Maybe this was meant to happen, a freak twist of fate, and after all of all of this experience here they were him sick once more and the only person willing to stick by him tell he was all better.
"Perhaps…perhaps you're right we need a new start, but promise me that whatever we face in the days to come. No matter how hard it gets or crazy that we will never find ourselves in a hateful situation …to the point that we would never speak to each other again."
Kyoraku smiled. "I promise, no matter what. I am truly sorry for what I did."
"So, am I." Ukitake said quietly.
They stared at each other for a moment giving a smile.
"So, now that this is all behind us can I sleep with you?"
Jushiro gave him an odd look while Kyoraku turned a lovely shade of red.
"I mean…in this room… on a separate futon, on the other side so I can watch you sleep. I mean that in the nicest way possible." he stammered
This brought a chuckle and a slight shake of the head from his friend. "Yes, you may."
As Kyoraku got to his feet and made his way to the door, Jushiro called to him making him halt.
"Kyoraku…don't be gone too long."
Shunsui gave a sincere smile. "Don't worry, old friend I am always here. That I can promise."
The End
So, this was a fun write a nice break from the angst read, Ya? Please what are your thoughts now that it is finished?
PLEASE REVIEW!
Flirty Angel.
