Shunsui stood at the door to the Kurosaki clinic, straw hat tilted down with his hand as he waited for the door to open. The streetlight flickering down the road cast ominous shadows across his face. He was alone, his white captains haori absent.
"Come now Isshin-san, I even changed my fashion for you." His voice was low and it came out as a joke, but the implication behind it was heavy. The door opened and Isshin appeared, his face shadowed by the yellow light coming from the house. It was tense for a moment as they took each other in, then Shunsui pulled a bottle of sake from his sleeve and tilted his hat up so he could give the man a warm smile.
"Maa, maa, I hear there's a cause for celebration today?"
The tension eased from Isshin's shoulders, and a wide smile split across his face. "Damn right!" He moved to the side and let Shunsui come in, his eyes scanning the shadows of the street before he closed the door.
Shunsui made himself at home on the couch and pulled a pair of cups from his other sleeve, grinning wider when he heard Isshin snort. He filled the two cups with ease and gave one to the former Shinigami who had come to sit next to him. Shunsui's smile was genuine when he looked at Isshin.
"To the newest member of the family!" The captain's voice was warm and held the underlines of joy.
Isshin grinned back and drank the contents in one shot, letting out a sigh as he placed the empty cup on the table. Shunsui refilled his own cup again, knowing his friend was one to take it slower. He sipped at it this time, contemplating his words.
"I will always be here for you, cousin." Deep brown eyes glanced over to Isshin who had stilled, and he watched as the man slowly nodded. No matter how distant, they were family, and Shunsui valued nothing more than his family.
"Thank you," the reply was quiet, but he nodded his head in acceptance.
"Of course, Isshin-chan"
Isshin scowled but it was quickly replaced by a bark of laughter. His eyes were bright as he motioned for Shunsui to follow him. "You want to see him, right?"
Shunsui didn't reply, he just stood and followed behind his very excited cousin. They went upstairs and took a turn to the right, passing through the door to enter a bedroom that was painted a soft, baby blue. Clouds were stenciled on the walls and a small crib was pushed back under a window. They moved quietly as they stepped further in, the light of the full moon guiding them.
The first thing Shunsui noticed was a shock of orange hair, the stands seemed feather soft, and its length was already long. Pale skin seemed to absorb the moonlight and wrap the child in an embrace. As he peered in further, he could see the baby was awake. Swirling brown eyes danced with curiosity and Shunsui held his breath, the boy was looking right at him.
"He's…" he trailed off, knowing that Isshin understood his cut off question.
"Yeah, he can see."
A wide smile splayed itself on Shunsui's face as he moved closer to the small boy who was already so strong. The thrum of the baby's reiatsu tickled him and drew him in closer. He glanced at Isshin for permission and swiftly lifted the boy up when it was given.
A squeal of delight left tiny lips and his chubby arms flailed as they latched onto his face and grabbed at his hat. He chuckled low and brought the baby to his chest, smiling down at him as he felt his heart melt.
"He's beautiful, Isshin." His voice was still low and the boy in his arms giggled at the gentle vibrations he must have felt. His small fingers were still grasping at anything they could and Shunsui brought the baby up to let him rest against his shoulder, tucking him away from all the dangers of the world.
He met his cousin's eyes and watched as the pride and joy swirled around the dark orbs in a torrent.
"Thank you," Isshin paused for a moment before he shook his head and continued. "Usually, he throws a fit when anyone besides his mother holds him. He must like you."
Shunsui closed his eyes briefly and tilted his head down, his hat casting his face in shadows. He looked at Ichigo who had his head turned towards him, wide innocent eyes staring at him with absolute trust. Something gripped his heart at the look, at the way that smile seemed so unwavering. Shunsui had too much blood on his hands to be looked at like that. He gripped Ichigo just a little tighter before placing him back down in his crib, tucking him in. The baby yawned, his tiny mouth opening up in an 'o' as he burrowed into the warmth that was left from Shunsui's touch.
His breath came out shaky and he turned from the sight, his chest swelling with emotion.
"Shunsui?" Isshin called to him, a large hand landing on his shoulder.
The captain of the eighth took a moment to gather his bearing before looking back at the new father, his face was gentle, but his eyes burned with a fierceness that made Isshin pause.
"Anything Isshin. Anything you ever need help with, and I'll be there."
There was a long silence before Isshin nodded his head, gratitude etched deeply on his features. They didn't need any more words after that. They just both crept downstairs silently and finished off the bottle of sake to celebrate the new life made.