Shunsui x Jushiro

Shunsui waved Jushiro over to the couch he was lounging on.

Shunsui's only concession to dressing up had been to arrive sans headgear, but Jushiro had come dressed in a beautiful dark blue kimono and had pulled his hair back in an elaborate tie between his shoulders. Jushiro was always striking of course, but tonight he looked vibrant and happy…"and beautiful," thought Shunsui to himself. He wasn't the only person admiring Captain Ukitake as he walked across the room either.

Jushiro sat next to his old friend, and they chatted.

There was a sudden murmuring around them, and they looked up to see Ichigo and Toshiro locked in a passionate kiss across the room.

"It looks as though our youngest captain is getting his wings," Shunsui said softly, looking away.

"I'm not that surprised, between all of the stress they are going under and all of those youthful hormones," Jushiro smiled.

"Can't you just assume that it's young love?"

"It would be nice," said Jushiro. "It definitely has been a lively party," he added.

"Even the Kuchikis are getting into the spirit this year," replied Shunsui.

Both of them had exchanged glances after Captain Kuchiki's abrupt departure with his lieutenant fast on his heels, and most everyone had noticed Rukia and Orihime's kiss.

"You know why," Jushiro said with a hint of strain.

"Well, maybe next time I see Aizen I'll thank him for finally loosening up some people," grinned Shunsui.

"You know that it's not a good sign that so many people are acting this way. It must mean that in the back of their minds they think that we are going to lose, or at least win at a very high cost. That's no way to go into a war," Jushiro sighed.

"And what about you, old friend," said Shunsui. "No regrets?"

"I have enough regrets already to last a lifetime, I don't think I need any more," he answered lightly, but with sadness.

Shunsui looked over to Ichigo and Toshiro, still locked together at the lips. "Ok, they really need to stop that."

Jushiro just raised an eyebrow.

"Go ahead and say it," Shunsui said.

"Hypocrite," Jushiro complied.

"I am a hypocrite of course," Shunsui admitted. To himself he added, "but I'm also a jealous bastard."

He looked at Jushiro, and wondered why he was always seemed so far away, no matter how hard he tried. He sighed and knew that he was going to start an argument again. He pulled Jushiro towards him, into a kiss. He wasn't surprised at all when Jushiro placed his hands on his chest and gently pushed him away.

"Why do you always do that?" asked Jushiro.

"…I…"

The words, "I love you" had lost all meaning to Shunsui a long time ago; he would never say them to his friend. He pulled Jushiro's hands over his heart, holding them there, trying to think of what he could possibly say that he hadn't said a hundred times before.

Jushiro looked at his friend as he struggled for words, his eyes gazing downward. He could feel Shunsui's heartbeat under his finger tips. He wasn't sure why, but finally he came to a decision.

Shunsui was more than shocked when he felt Jushiro's lips press on his. He had kissed Jushiro numerous times before, but had always been pushed away. This was the first time he had responded. It was their first true kiss, and it was beautiful. Shunsui was still basking in the glow of the acknowledgement when he felt Jushiro's tongue brush up along his.

He pulled away quickly, looking into his friend's face. There was no teasing there, just warmth. Without a word Shunsui picked up his friend, carrying him in his arms, and flash stepped out of the building.

The cool air felt pleasant on his hot face. They exchanged no words.

Shunsui hadn't been aware that he was going to Jushiro's home, but it made sense. His own residence, his own bed: no. He wanted no memories or past experiences to intrude on this.

They entered the house, Shunsui continuing to carry Jushiro to the bedroom, laying him on the glowing white sheets. They lay next to each other, still fully clothed. Shunsui carefully pulled out the tie holding back Jushiro's hair, running his hands through the loosened strands. He pulled Jushiro towards him, but Jushiro held him back, his hands on his chest again.

"Give up everyone else for me," Jushiro said.

"Yes," said Shunsui.

"Give up sake for me," Jushiro said.

There was almost a pause. "Yes," said Shunsui.

"Give us breathing for me," Jushiro said.

Shunsui looked at his friend, who was smiling at him.

"Yes," he whispered.

"Actually I was thinking that we could keep things just that same," continued Jushiro.

He saw the panicked looked in Shunsui's eyes.

"I think you misunderstand me," he said gently.

"Thank god," Shunsui said, "because if you got me all the way here just to turn me away I think my heart might explode."

"I meant that we have been friends for a very long time, we have gotten very used to each other habits, and I don't really see a need for us to change. It'll be the same, just with sex," suggested Jushiro.

"A lot more sex," agreed Shunsui.

"I do have two conditions."

"Anything," Shunsui meant it.

"If you make time for me, set up a date, or if I need you, you drop anything or anyone. I come first," Jushiro stated.

"You always have," Shunsui answered.

Jushiro had to admit that was true.

"Also, no men," he added.

"For me, there has only been you," Shunsui replied.

Finally Jushiro relented, allowing Shunsui to pull him into a kiss.