CHAPTER 10
Feeling's Confirmed
Captain Ukitake walked through the hall, early on a September morning. It had been a little less than a month since he woke up next to Minako in the hammock. Every time he thought of the somewhat incident, it made him blush lightly as he wished for it to happen once more. I had never felt such warmth before. But he didn't think of external heat, he was thinking about the warm sensations he felt whenever he had held Minako that close before, like when they sat under the tree at the barracks. He couldn't describe it.
He passed by Minako's room, then decided to peek inside. He softly smiled. Minako was on her side facing the door, hugging her pillow close to her with half her face buried into the softness. Captain Ukitake slowly began to close the door, "Captain… Ukitake…" came the soft whisper, causing him to stop, "Mmmmnnn… Captain…" came the whisper again. Raising an eyebrow, he looked back inside. Minako was now on her back, an arm above her head. But now her cheeks were flushed a very faint pink, her mouth slightly parted. She was… dreaming about him? He walked to her side, kneeling down with a smirk.
What are you dreaming about? He reached over to brush a lock of her flaming hair from her face. She gave a small whimper.
"Captain…" she said once more with a small whimper in her voice. His eyes slightly widened.
Surely not… He took his hand, settling it to her shoulder to give it a gentle shake, "Minako." he said, not getting a response, "Minako." he said a little louder. Minako's eyes shot open as she grabbed his wrist, sitting up while breathing deeply, "Are you alright?" he asked her. She nodded, quickly letting go of his wrist.
"I'm… I'm fine…" she said, giving him a weak smile, "Just dreaming about killing a hollow is all. I was saving your ass." she giggled, "Do you want some breakfast?" she smiled, shifting her feet to the floor, "Pancakes? Waffles?" he nodded.
"Sure. That sounds great." she stood, a hand on her hip as she walked from the room.
"Alright, now I'm getting fat. I'm waddling instead of walking now." she laughed. Captain Ukitake shook his head.
"You look fine. You'll need your energy tonight. Tokinei planned on going to the World of the Living tonight and you promised to go with her." she turned her head, pointing back at him.
"You're goin with me pal. She's making you go too." she winked, going downstairs to make their breakfast.
Tokinei giggled as she led Minako through the Ugendo home, "Oh, I have a dress that would fit you perfectly!" they entered Tokinei's room, said girl heading right for the closet, "I wore this when I was six months pregnant." Minako gasped when a red sequined dress was pulled from the back of the closet, "What do you think?" Minako looked up and down the dress. It looked about knee length, with a slit up the right side that reached about mid-thigh. It had a V-neck dip, and halter straps. It was covered fully in red sequins, with black lace around the bottom hem. Minako reached out and just touched the dress.
"It's beautiful." Tokinei beamed a bright smile before shoving Minako towards the bathroom.
"Then go try it on!" Minako nodded and took the dress, going into the bathroom and slipping it on. It fit her like a glove, and although she was pregnant, it fit every curve perfectly, "How is it?" Minako opened the door, Tokinei gasping, "You look beautiful Minako! You'll make Jushiro's head spin with that!" Minako blushed bright pink.
"It's not like that!" Tokinei giggled, poking Minako in the shoulder.
"Oh come on! I saw the way you looked at him when he brought you here!" Minako blushed harder, a small smile on her features, "I knew it! Alright, time for makeup." she led the still blushing woman to the vanity, where she sat her down. Tokinei opened some drawers, taking several zipped up bags out, "First we'll start with foundation." she opened one bag and took out a small compact and sponge applicator. Dabbing it onto the foundation, she expertly applied it to Minako's face, "Perfect. Now the blush." she then took out a little tube and a brush, "Smile for me." Minako did as she was told, and Tokinei put the blush on, "Now eye shadow." she dug around in the next bag, "What color would look good with red…. Maybe we could go with natural color…. Oh! Here's my red! I'll just add a hint." she gently swiped the brush over Minako's eyelids, "That looks good. Now for the eyeliner. With your eyes…" she tilted Minako's head side to side, "Maybe we could go with black." she took what looked like a pencil out of the bag next, "Eyes closed." she quickly added on the eyeliner, "Now mascara…. Let's see… Maybe a lengthening mascara and then a thickening one on top, make your eyes pop." after deciding on which brands, she finally smiled, "And now for the final touch… lipstick." she reached for the mirror and took what looked like a seashell from under the mirror, "This is my favorite shade." she took a thin brush and opened the seashell, revealing a red mixture. She took the brush and dipped it into the lipstick, "Now pucker those lips." she said with a hint of flirt. Minako chuckled, but did as told, and Tokinei added the final piece of makeup, "Beautiful." after putting the makeup back in the drawers, she took a brush, "Now for your hair. I'm thinking a bun, with some bangs on both sides to outline your face. She stuck a few clips in Minako's hair. She took the brush and gently ran it through Minako's wavy orange locks of hair. After a few minutes, she had it in a tight bun, a red clip in the shape of a butterfly to hold it up, decorated in red gems. She brushed the bangs she left down so that it outlined Minako's face, "You look beautiful! Now al you need are shoes! Flats or heels?" Minako bit her bottom lip.
"Probably flats. I don't want to fall." Tokinei nodded, "I'm a size seven." Tokinei held a thumbs up as she rummaged through the bottom of her closet.
"Here we go." she held out a pair of red silk flats, "These will work." Minako smiled and slipped them on. Tokinei opened a jewelry box, taking out earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet, "Here, wear these too." the necklace looked like a diamond lace choker design. Tokinei snapped it around Minako's neck. Minako took the earrings, little pear studs, and put them in, then putting the bracelet on last. She turned and looked in the full sized mirror.
"I look…. I look…" she couldn't think of the right words.
"You look hot honey. Just say it!" they both laughed, "Now go make my brother worship your feet." Tokinei walked out before Minako, smiling at Jushiro, "I fixed her up right! She's going to steal the spotlight tonight! Come on Minako!" with her hands held in front of her, a blush on her cheeks, she stepped out from the hallway into the foyer, causing Captain Ukitake's breath to catch in his throat, his heart beating twice as fast. Minako walked up to him, a timid smile on her face.
"Well… what do you think?" she asked in a quiet voice. Captain Ukitake took her hand and brought it to his lips.
"You look beautiful." he kissed the back of her hand, making her eyes widen and her blush to deepen.
"And you look very…" she gulped silently, "Handsome." indeed he was. He was wearing a deep maroon red silk shirt, a few buttons undone that left a teasing view of his strong chest visible, with a black tie, and black dress pants with shiny black shoes to match. His hair was tied in a low ponytail, his bangs still free and hanging in front of his right eye. He didn't look handsome, he looked stunning.
"So, where are we going again?" Tokinei went back to stand beside her husband, putting her arm around his.
"It's a dance club in the World of the Living. It's like a coat and tie thing, but it's a party nonetheless. It's kind of like a gala that was crashed." the girls giggled, "We go every month. I'm glad that Jushiro finally has a date. We thought he was getting lonely here when we would go." Captain Ukitake blushed this time, making Tokinei giggle, "We're just messing with you Jushiro." he arched an eyebrow, glancing at his younger sister with a playful glare.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to remember that the next time you ask me to baby-sit."
Tokinei laughed, giving her brother a friendly shove, "Now let's get going. I'd hate to miss the good music because Jushiro is having a blushing fit." warm brown eyes widened.
"I'm not blushing Tokinei." he said in defense, making his sister raise an eyebrow. Minako found this entertaining, watching them tease each other. Minako stepped between them, smiling with a hint of a chuckle to her voice.
"Alright you two. I'd rather go dancing, not watch an all out sibling war. Though it is very entertaining." Captain Ukitake nodded with a smile, offering his arm to Minako, who gladly accepted. Tokinei took her husband's arm once more and they headed out, using the gate they had in their gardens to travel to the World of the Living.
The lights streamed through the crowd of people as the music blared through the building's main room. Minako gasped as she looked around, "This is incredible! I've never seen anything like it!" Tokinei grinned, putting an arm around Minako's shoulders.
"That's cause the head captain has a stick up his ass! Now let's go have fun!" the couples entered the building. Several pairs of eyes were on Minako as she walked through the large crowd, arm linked in her captain's.
"What shall we do first?" she tried to shout over the music to her partner, who shrugged as he looked around.
"It doesn't matter." Minako started to laugh as she looked down, putting her free hand on her belly.
"She seems to like the music! She's kicking!" he grinned.
"May I?" she shook her head, taking his hand to place it over her stomach, soon to be greeted by a little kick, "It seems so. She's dancing!" Minako laughed, tipping her head back with her eyes closed. Soon they started to dance with the rest of the crowd to upbeat songs, having a blast beside Tokinei and her husband. The upbeat song continued, eventually blending with the beginning of another. It started with a piano, soft yet harsh, with a violin mixed in. Minako grinned.
"It sounds like a tango." she said. Before she could ask, there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see s a strange man she had never seen before.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, holding out an outstretched hand. Captain Ukitake curled his hands into fists at his side as he watched Minako being swept away into the crowd.
"Oooh, someone's jealous!" came his sister's voice, ending in a giggle. Captain Ukitake turned to her.
"I am not jealous Tokinei." said woman scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah right. The way you watched her be swept away told all my older brother." his cheeks flushed, "Go get her! You won't let another guy mack on your girl will you?" his jaw dropped as he stared at her.
"She isn't my girl." he stated in defense, leading Tokinei to give a little wave as she began to walk away.
"Suit yourself~." Captain Ukitake turned back to watching Minako as she was twirled underneath the mystery man's arm and back into an embrace as they danced.
His eyes, upon your face,
They were looking at each other, smiling as they conversed.
His hand, upon your hand
Well, to dance they had to hold hands right?
His lips, caress your skin
This song was really getting to the man. Right at the moment the lyrics began in a male's voice, the man dancing with Minako did just that. His blood began to heat as he watched the man lean down to touch his lips to the orange haired beauty's ear as he whispered something that made her laugh.
It's more than I can stand!
Okay, now it was time to cut in. Captain Ukitake pushed through the crowd.
Minako twirled with her mystery man. He was tall, around six feet, with deep blue eyes with green around the pupils, and shoulder length, shaggy blonde hair, accented with dark brown streaks, "I don't believe I've seen you here before?" Minako shook her head, looking at the mystery man.
"This is the first time I've been here actually. It's quite nice." he smiled with a single nod, sweeping her to the left in a spin.
"It is. I come here quite often. Might I ask for your name?" he spoke like a gentleman, that was for sure, with a beautiful accent that she hadn't heard before.
"Minako. Minako Ayazame." she said with a bat of her eyes and a tucked grin on her red painted lips. She wasn't trying to be flirty. It was just that female instinct of hers that kicked in every time she was around a handsome man. He grinned in return, bowing his head.
"It is an honor to meet you Minako Ayazame. I am Jacques Miunet. I am a doctor originally from France. I moved here just last summer." Minako nodded.
"I wondered why you had an accent. It's quite lovely." he smiled, showing his pearl white teeth.
"Thank you. May I ask what you do for a living?" oh crap. She didn't know what to say… She couldn't tell him she was a soul reaper!
"Um… I'm a police woman." yeah, that sounded good. A police officer was like a soul reaper, right? "And I am also a part time doctor. I'm usually one of those who does home care. Actually, my date is one of my patients." she gave a nervous laugh. He chuckled.
"Ah, disobeying the 'Don't get attached to the patient' rule aren't we?" she laughed with a shrug of her shoulders. He glanced down at her belly, "How far along are you?" her eyes slightly widened, "I'd guess around six months." her jaw dropped.
"Wow. That's amazing. I am six months along actually. But no, it isn't his." Jacques tilted his head to the side, cocking an eyebrow, "The father passed away a while ago. As for the patient… we aren't together or anything." she sighed.
"But you wish, don't you?" Minako looked up at him, "Darling, I come from the city of love, Paris, France. The look in your eyes tells me that you are in love, but you also have worry." she was speechless at first.
"Are you a love doctor now or something?" he chuckled, shaking his sandy locks about his shoulders.
"Of course not. I know how you feel. I also know what you are going through. All the temptations to pursue him, but being afraid of the consequences." he leaned down to her ear. She could feel his lips brush against it, "I won't tell anyone. It will be our little secret." a hand appeared on Jacque's shoulder. He turned to see a white haired man standing behind him, "May I help you?" Captain Ukitake looked at Minako.
"Capt- Um… Mr. Ukitake." she said. Said man held out his hand.
"I was wondering if I could steal her back from you for a moment." with a few seconds of silence, the Frenchman finally sighed, taking Minako's hand and placing it in her captain's.
"Of course. Until then, Minako." he took her free hand and kissed the back on it, turning and walking away.
Minako looked up at her captain, "Are you tired? Do you wish to sit down?" Minako smirked, cocking her head to the left.
"Now now Captain Ukitake. It's only been one dance. I may be pregnant, but I know how to tango." before he could say another word, she took his hands in hers and began to dance. He followed her lead, eyes wide in amazement at her fluid motions. They were pressed close together, spinning in different directions to the flow of the music. One thing was wrong though….
"What are you doing?" he asked as Minako stopped and reached to the back of her head.
"This thing was bugging me and poking me in the head. I can't stand it a moment longer." she took the clasp from her hair, letting the orange flamed locks to tumble upon her shoulders and down her back. She tucked the clip into her purse, "Now, where were we?" they started again, spinning together in one motion. Captain Ukitake never saw this side of his lieutenant. Ever since the incident with Aizen, Minako had almost shut herself away. She seemed to be having fun, enjoying herself as she needed to. He dipped her at one point in the song, lifting her back to her standing position. One of her hands slid down his face, sending chills down his spine. Her eyes looked as if she were a lioness on the hunt: focused, determined. With one more spin, the song ended, Minako's face inches from his. They could feel each other's breath on their face as their hearts calmed from the dance. Their eyes met briefly, before Captain Ukitake cleared his throat, backing away from the woman.
"You danced beautifully." he said as Tokinei ran up to them.
"That was awesome! I've never seen anyone tango like that!" she took Minako's hand, "Come on, let's go request a song."
A little past an hour later, Captain Ukitake and Minako stopped to get a drink. Captain Ukitake got a glass of champagne while Minako got lemonade, "Let's go to a less crowded area." he offered, getting a nod from the tired woman. They made their way outside to the balcony, relieved when the cool air hit their face. They were the only ones outside, but the music was playing on a few speakers hidden away in the fake plants in the corners. Minako leaned her back on the rail, looking up at the stars, "Look, a shooting star." he pointed to the sky as there was a streak of light in the sky, "Make a wish." Minako smiled softly, putting her arms around her belly. She closed her eyes, letting the wind blow through her hair softly.
"A life for my baby. A good life, where she won't have any troubles, or things to stand in the way of her dreams, a man that will take care of her and won't leave her or hurt her. That's what I wish for her, fatherless or not." she said in a quiet voice. The upbeat song ended, beginning again with a slower song. Captain Ukitake held his hand out.
"Would you care to dance?" she opened her eyes and nodded, letting him pull her into his arms.
I know there's something' in the wake of your smile,
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yeah,
You've built a love
But that love falls apart,
The little piece of heaven, turns to dark.
"I'm not much of a slow dancer." she confessed, thankful that the darkness hid her blush as it ran across her cheeks. With a kind smile, her captain surprised her by lifting her onto his feet, "You don't have to do that… Besides… I'm heavy." he chuckled, beginning to step about the balcony.
"You aren't that heavy." keeping an arm around her back to keep her secured to him, he held her other hand, spinning them around in circles. Her free arm was wrapped around his neck.
Listen to your heart.
When he's callin' for you.
Listen to your heart,
There's nothing' else you can do.
I don't know where you're goin'.
And I don't know why.
But listen to your heart,
Before, you tell him 'Goodbye'.
Minako's eyes widened as the song continued, her heart throbbing once as the lyrics dug into her heart. She absentmindedly held her captain closer to her, resting her head on his shoulder as she allowed him to dance them both around the balcony. She pinched her eyes shut, not wanting the tears to escape as she thought about her former lover. How he lied to her… broke her heart… left her alone… no… she wasn't alone… she was with Squad Thirteen… with…
Her captain…
Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worth while.
The precious moments are all lost in the tide, yeah,
They're swept away,
And nothing is what it seems.
The feeling of belonging,
To your dreams
Darkness did shroud her these few months… but she wasn't alone… her captain had been with her… had taken care of her when it seemed no one else was…
Captain Ukitake heard a faint, yet audible sniffle. He looked down to see a tear fall down the cheek that wasn't pressed to his shoulder. He stopped dancing, "Minako?" he said softly, in that deep soothing voice, "Are you crying?" Minako's eyes parted as she looked up at him.
Captain Ukitake…
Listen to your heart.
When he's callin' for you.
Listen to your heart,
There's nothing' else you can do.
I don't know where you're goin'.
And I don't know why.
But listen to your heart,
Before, you tell him 'Goodbye'.
"N-no. My eye got mascara in it." she lied, and they both knew it. Captain Ukitake tilted her head up by her chin, his palm, soft and warm, pressing to her cheek.
And there are voices,
That want to be heard.
So much to mention,
But you can't find the words.
The sense of magic, the beauty that's been,
When love was wilder, than the wind.
"Minako." he said gently, his thumb wiping away the tear. But another followed.
"Captain Ukitake." she said in a shaky voice, putting her hand to his and holding it tight as he continued to hold it to her heated cheek.
Listen to your heart.
When he's callin' for you.
Listen to your heart,
There's nothing' else you can do.
I don't know where you're goin'.
And I don't know why.
But listen to your heart,
Before, you tell him 'Goodbye'.
"Don't call me that." he said, making her look at him with a confused face. She looked as if all these months on pent up sadness were about to come forth in tears.
"Jushiro…" she said in a whisper, not sure if that's what he meant or not on what to call him. His brown eyes softened as he leaned in closer, tilting his head a little to press his lips to hers in a tender kiss.
Listen to your heart! Mn mmnnn
I don't know where you're goin, and I don't know why.
But listen to your heart.
Before…
You tell him 'Goodbye'.
Emotions swelled in the woman as she felt his lips press to hers. They were warm… soft… gentle against hers. She slowly came to step off his feet, arms wrapping around his neck. His own warm arms wrapped about her back to pull her against him in a tight but comfortable hold. Her hands tangled in his locks of white as she stood on her tip toes, her lips pressing harder on his. Her cheeks became wet with tears. She felt so safe within his arms… it was almost too real to be true. But worry began to take over. Was this right? She was his lieutenant! It wasn't proper to have private relations with a superior, much more a captain, was it not? Yet how could she feel this way? And she was pregnant… with another man's child… did he not care?
The kiss ended slowly… sweetly… Jushiro's lips slowly left hers, bruised but wanting more… hers searching for more. He let go of her, turning to the rail to look out at the river, "I'm sorry. That was inappropriate." she put a hand to his shoulder, turning him back to her.
"If it was inappropriate, why do I want you to do it again?" she whispered, putting a hand on his cheek, "Jushiro…. Kiss me again. Please. Make me feel safe again." the words didn't register in his mind. Did she say she was safe when he kissed her? It was something along that road. He watched as the tears pooled in her eyes, and all he could do, was what his mind told him. He leaned down, and took her lips in another fire red kiss.
The blonde haired man walked through bleach white hallways, his feet echoing throughout the halls as he stuck his hands in his pockets. The large doors at the end of the hall opened, and he walked inside, his appearance changing. His blonde hair slowly turned black, a white bone like mask growing on the left side of his face. His black suit changed into a white kimono, a sword appearing at his side. His eyes went from blue to a pale green, his skin paling to that of a white sheet. He approached the lone man who was looking out into the barren desert of Hueco Mundo, his expression blank, but his eyes narrowed, as if he were thinking, "Ulquiorra, I trust the elixir Szayel gave to you was a success?" said Espada stopped beside the brown haired ex-captain.
"Yes sir." was his response.
"Show me what you saw." Sosuke Aizen turned to his fourth Espada. Ulquiorra reached up, taking an eyes from its socket. He crushed it within his hand, a mist shrouding the two. Sosuke watched the fight between his fourth seated Espada and the Kurosaki boy, then it switched to a club as Minako appeared in the mist, dancing with the Squad Thirteen captain on the balcony, "What have you concluded?"
"It appears as if she has indeed found emotions with the captain. I witnessed them sharing a kiss on the balcony." the chestnut haired man's eyes widened when he saw the proof, "I also gathered information about her lifestyle. Even though she is a soul reaper, she claims in the World of the Living to be a police officer and a part time at-home doctor. I also gathered that she is six months pregnant." Sosuke Aizen's head snapped towards his Espada, "The only information I could gather from her on that subject, was that the father was not the white haired captain, and that the father had passed away a while ago. After that, I was interrupted by the captain of Squad Thirteen, who then took the woman back to dance with him. I followed them to the balcony where I watched them dance, when he kissed her. That is when I left sir." Sosuke Aizen nodded, looking back into the dark night after the mist vanished.
"Thank you. You may go now Ulquiorra." said arrancar bowed and left, closing the door behind him. Sosuke Aizen kept counting the days, from when he faked his death, to the last time he made love with Minako. No matter how many times he ran through it in his head, he always came up with the same result… "I am the father." he whispered. A grin tucked upon his lips, "Wonderweiss." he said in a calm voice. The small, blonde arrancar stepped forward from the shadows, "I figured you were there." he knelt down to the boy's eye level, "I have a very… very important job for you. When the day of the war comes, when you appear, I know who I want your target to be. He is a captain, with a haori showing the number thirteen on it. He has waist length white hair, and will mostly be with his friend of Squad Eight, a fellow captain with a straw hat and a pink kimono over his haori. He is your target, the one I want you to kill when you arrive. Can you do that for me?" the arrancar nodded, wide eyes as he opened his mouth to let out a long 'ahhhh' "Good. Now go find Kaname. I'm sure he has a job for you. I would like to be alone." the arrancar slowly walked off. His smile turned devious, wicked as he stared at the moon, "Do not fret, my Minako. Soon Soul Society will be taken over, Jushiro Ukitake will be dead, and you will be with me, I as your king, and you… as my queen."
There was a chuckle and a giggle as two figures approached the house. Jushiro walked Minako up the stairs to the door. She unlocked it and opened the oak door, turning back to Jushiro to cross her arms in front of her, "Thanks for taking me tonight. I had fun." she looked down at her red dress, "I'll get this back to Tokinei after I clean it. I can't thank you enough for tonight." he smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
"I was more than happy to. I am happy that you could join me tonight. I need to go back to the squad for a few minutes to check and see if Kiyone locked all the doors. Knowing her she forgot." Minako chuckled before she stepped over the threshold into her house, "Goodnight." he said. She smiled as she closed the door. She looked at the stairs. But something held her back… She turned on her heels and threw the door open, running down the stairs.
"Jushiro!" he turned to look at her, only to have her run into his arms to kiss him fully on the mouth. She threw her arms around his neck, her hands tangling in his hair to pull his lips harder on hers. His wide eyes slowly closed, his arms coming to wrap around her back. She broke the kiss, parting her eyes to look at the soft expression of Jushiro, "Good night." she whispered, touching his cheek with the palm of her hand. She slowly went back up the stairs and into her house, smiling at him as she closed the door. Jushiro stood there, his face holding a blush. His fingertips came to touch his lips. Did he just fall in love with his lieutenant?
*smirks* So, was this the chapter everyone had been waiting for? *giggles* I hope so! I was going to wait until New Year's at midnight to post this, but I couldn't wait! XD I hope you liked this (and I really hope you dont think I'm going too fast with their relationship. I have a habit of doing that. ^^') I hope you review! I can't believe I got 9 reviews for the last chapter! Can we beat that? :D Thank you so much for reading this and I look forward to posting the next chapter!
