Chapter 16
Lisa
She was sure there was no need to be afraid, because Ukitake would never hurt anyone willingly, and still she had been unable to keep from recoiling.
It was just such a surprise to see the gentle captain actually angry. And before she had time to collect herself, make her body realize that there was no danger, and that she could probably flash step away fast enough if there was, her captain stepped in front of her.
And it also was a shock to see him, usually so peaceable and relaxed, really angry.
It took her a few minutes after he had left to recover her mind.
Well. That had been clear. She wouldn't bother them again then. She had tried at least, and they were nearly at the end of their plan anyways.
On another note… if she hadn't gotten that completely wrong, Kyouraku had basically told her to get together with Nanao.
She looked at the younger woman, who was working steadily. She was beautiful, of course she was. But would she even be interested?
It was at that point that Lisa realized that she couldn't really read her anymore. She had lost that ability over the last hundred years, because Nanao had grown up, and Lisa hadn't tried to regain it. She had overall paid way to little attention to Nanao. She had still treated her the same as before, treated her like a child, and hadn't even thought about the fact that she was dealing with a very attractive, intelligent woman.
Damn it, she had made out with her, and enjoyed it, and hadn't even thought about it.
That had been stupid. Besides, Nanao had been right, as always, and Lisa hadn't listened.
'Nanao?' she said, and waited until she looked at her.
'I apologize. It seems you were right. Sorry for not listening, and for dragging you along.' Lisa said. Nanao looked down for a moment, before answering. 'It's fine. I should have tried harder.' she said.
Lisa acknowledged that, noting the matter as closed, and moved on.
So, Lisa did admire Nanao's character, her intelligence and knowledge. Having that amazing woman as a girlfriend would be fantastic.
Now she had to learn how to read Nanao again, find out if she too liked the idea… and let Nanao get to know her in turn. Because Lisa was still a visored, different than she had been, and it would be good if Nanao knew what she was getting into. If they were getting into anything.
'So.' she said. 'I'm meeting with the other visored the evening the day after tomorrow. Want to join us?'
.
Two day later
Kyouraku
He carefully finished the drawing, waited for the ink to dry while putting away his brush.
He hadn't been sure about doing this, not at all. But he had spend yesterday's afternoon with Ukitake, as usually, and had realized how well they really knew each other. After centuries of being friends, Ukitake still smiled at him widely every time they met. Kyouraku trusted that Ukitake could deal with this, no matter what, and it felt important to him to clear this up.
.
He flash stepped to Ukitake's office, and entered after knocking. He returned Ukitake's smile, but didn't speak. He watched Ukitake's gaze sharpen into that intent, curious look as he walked to the other's desk and, carefully, put down his note, holding the other's gaze.
Then he turned, and walked out of the door, stopping outside of the office. He leaned against the balustrade, tried to keep his tension and heartbeat under control, and waited.
.
Ukitake
He tried to read Kyouraku before looking at the note. He seemed collected, but tense, and he moved very carefully. But he had smiled, genuinely, so it wasn't anything bad. Ukitake noted that Kyouraku's Reiatsu stayed in front of his office, so Kyouraku was waiting for his reaction.
Intrigued, Ukitake opened the note.
`Ukitake
You are the most important person to me, the one I can't imagine being without. I am in love with you, and will always love you.
This is the truth.
Kyouraku.´
There was a small flower painted under his signature, three leaves and a single blossom.
Ukitake looked at the note for some time, then he read it again.
Well, that was unexpected. And very typical somehow. Ukitake laughed to himself, feeling pure happiness, and got up.
Kyouraku was standing to the side, like he wanted to give Ukitake the opportunity to walk past him, and leaning against the rail.
Ukitake went over to him, meeting his eyes and smiling on the way, and embraced him.
.
Evening
Kyouraku
He was sitting in Ukitake's garden, with his boyfriend leaning against him, drinking tea. It was just like always, except that Kyouraku kept thinking boyfriend, and couldn't stop smiling. And Ukitake kept turning to look at him, smiling widely, which of course made Kyouraku just smile back more.