Chapter 2
Juushiro woke up rather early. He glanced at the clock in his nigh table. It read 6:00am. He tried to go back to sleep to no avail. His biological clock worked way too well. He slowly pulled the covers off himself and sat up, wincing a bit when his feet touched the cold floor.
A yawn broke through his lips as he stretched his limbs, sighing in pleasure as a few bones popped and his muscles stretched. He stood up, picked up his suitcase and placed it on the bed. He withdrew his toiletries from it and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.
He eventually emerged from the bathroom, a large, fluffy towel wrapped around his waist. He carefully dried his long white locks with a smaller towel.
Feeling lazy, he quickly pulled out a plain blue yukata from his suitcase and got dressed.
A loud growl from his stomach told him it was time to eat something, so he left the room and went to the kitchen. He checked the fridge to see which ingredients he had available and to his surprise found many Japanese ingredients and spices inside.
With a smile he quickly got to work. After almost an hour, breakfast was finished, so he decided it was time to wake up Rukia, as he didn't want her to have a cold breakfast.
He walked to her bedroom and knocked twice on the door –Kuchiki-san?- he called. No answer. He knocked again. He heard footsteps approach the door. Rukia opened the door and looked at her captain with a sleepy gaze. Her hair was sticking out in odd angles and she was trying to stifle a yawn with one of her hands.
Rukia's eyes widened when she realized her captain was standing in front of her door –Ukitake-taichou!- she said startled and bowed –Good morning- she added as she tried to sound formal.
Juushiro found it adorable, especially because she was blushing so much. She looked like a lost bunny –Good morning to you too- he said as he placed a hand on her shoulder -There is no need for formalities, Kuchiki-san. We are not at work- he added with a smile.
Rukia visibly relaxed –Do you need something, taichou?- she asked
–I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready. Hurry up and get ready before it gets cold!- Juushiro told her.
The girl's eyes sparkled at the mention of food –I'll go get ready, sir!- she said quickly –Give me ten minutes!- she added as she closed her door. She located her toothbrush and hairbrush and quickly brushed her teeth and untangled her hair. She emerged from her room and went to help her captain, but found he had already set the table and was waiting for her.
Juushiro looked at Rukia and offered her a seat -Please sit down, Kuchiki-san, the food's getting cold-
Rukia looked at the food. Rice, miso soup, fish and pickled vegetables. It looked delicious –Did you order this from the restaurant, taichou?- she asked curiously.
Juushiro shook his head –No. I made it myself- he said, and Rukia's eyes widened. Her captain had cooked breakfast? –I woke up rather early this morning so I had more than enough time to fix ourselves something- he explained.
Rukia looked at him amazed –I never knew you can cook, taichou!- she exclaimed.
Juushiro let out a soft laugh –You have to learn how to do certain things when you live alone, Kuchiki-san- he explained –Now, let's eat! I'm famished- he emphasized by patting his stomach.
They both grabbed their chopsticks, and with a quick 'itadakimasu' they began to eat.
Rukia was again surprised, the food was a delicious as it looked –You are a great cook, Ukitake-taichou! The food is absolutely delicious!- she complimented him.
Juushiro felt himself blush a bit –You flatter me too much, Kuchiki-san!- he said –But I'm glad that you enjoy my food- he smiled at her.
As soon as they were done eating Juushiro stood up to clear the table but Rukia snatched the plates away from his reach.
-Sit down, taichou. You already made breakfast, let me do the dishes now- she said.
Juushiro reluctantly agreed, but still helped her carry the dishes to the sink –What do you want to do today, Kuchiki-san?- he asked Rukia.
Rukia stopped washing the dishes and put a soapy finger underneath her chin, thinking –Umm, I think I should first buy myself some clothes, we can decide what to later afterwards- she said
Juushiro's eyes widened a bit –Oh, that's right! I'll go change then!- he said and went to his room.
Rukia finished the dishes and ran to her bathroom for a quick shower. She then pulled out her change of clothes from her carry-on luggage, which was a pale yellow sundress which reached a bit under her knees, and she put on the sandals she had been wearing the day before. She grabbed her purse with her wallet and phone and left her room.
She walked to the living room, where she found her captain sitting on the couch, waiting for her. He was wearing khaki shorts with a short sleeved hoodie shirt. He had tied his hair into a low ponytail.
Juushiro felt Rukia's gaze on him and turned to her with a small, gentle smile –You are ready, Kuchiki-san?- he said as he stood up from the couch.
Rukia nodded dumbly. When had her captain become so handsome? She blushed –Let's go!- she said, hoping to cover her embarrassment, and ran for the door.
Juushiro followed her, a warm smile on his lips. She's so energetic today, he thought as he followed her out of the suite.
The receptionist at the lobby told them that the hotel has many clothing stores in the shopping area, so they headed there. On the way though, Rukia stopped and looked at Juushiro
-Umm, taichou- Rukia called -I might take a while shopping, and I don't want to bore you, so you can go do whatever you want until I'm done- she offered with a smile. She knew very well that men aren't fond of shopping.
Juushiro shook his head –I don't mind at all going with you, Kuchiki-san- he said.
Rukia looked at the white-haired man –Are you sure, taichou?- she asked –I don't want you to have a bad experience…- she said.
-Nonsense, Kuchiki-san- he said as an answer –I take it you had a bad experience going shopping with a man?- he asked
Rukia sighed and proceeded to tell him how she had once gone shopping with Ichigo as they resumed their way to the stores. That damn carrot-top wouldn't stop complaining about how long she was taking so she punched him and he started yelling obscenities at her in return. In the end they got kicked out of the mall and they ended up not talking to each other for a good three days. Stupid Ichigo.
They walked in front of the many stores, looking at the windows, and Rukia would occasionally walk into one and buy a couple of things.
She was surprised when Juushiro followed her into one of the stores and picked out a dress for her. It was a long, pale lavender sundress made in a very light fabric, with delicate lace patterns on the bottom, and straps that tied around the neck.
-You should get this, Kuchiki-san- Juushiro said as he held the dress out for her to see.
Rukia blushed, shaking her head as she waved her hands in front of her –I don't think it will look good on me, Ukitake-taichou- she said
Juushiro frowned a bit –Nonsense- he said –I'm sure you will look great on it!- he added as he gently shoved the dress into Rukia's arms, who was looking at him dumbly, the blush still dusting her cheeks –Now, be a good kid and try it on!- he said as he guided her into the fitting rooms, patting her head as he lead her.
Rukia frowned and pushed Juushiro's hand away from her head –I'm not a child, taichou!- she whined, but went to try on the dress anyway. Juushiro just smiled and sat down to wait for her. She emerged a few minutes later, the dress in her hands and a small smile on her lips. She looked around, trying to find her captain, and saw him sitting down on a couch -Taichou,- she called –I'm done-
Juushiro turned to look at her -So?- he asked with a small smile.
–I really like it, taichou. I will buy it- Rukia answered
Juushiro grinned–You see?- he said –I knew you would like it- he was disappointed, though, that Rukia didn't show him how the dress looks on her, but didn't show it.
They made their way to the cash, and soon they were out of the store.
During the next hour, Rukia quickly went from store to store, quickly choosing the clothes she wanted and paying for them before moving onto her next target. Her captain helped her with some of the bags, much against her protests.
They were back in their suite, and Juushiro had offered to make tea while Rukia put away her new clothes.
Rukia worked swiftly, taking clothes out of their bags and hanging them into hooks and then putting them away in the closet. She even arranged them by color. Not many people knew this, but she was a bit of a clean and order freak. The only 'mess' she allowed herself to have was the Chappy plushies she left scattered around her room.
She made her bed and folded the shirt her captain had lent her the night before. She brought the shirt closer to her and inhaled deeply. Her captain's musky scent hit her senses and she smiled. He really did smell good.
-The tea's ready, Kuchiki-san!- Juushiro's voice snapped her out of her daydream. Her eyes widened and a deep blush made its way to her cheeks. What is wrong with you, Kuchiki Rukia?!, she yelled inside of her mind, this is Ukitake-taichou you're thinking about! –H-hai!- she stuttered as she left her bedroom, at the same time trying to dispel her thoughts.
She found her captain setting the teapot and cups on the table. He motioned for her to sit down and she complied. She handed him his shirt with a thank you before she grabbed the teapot and with quick precision poured tea into both of their cups as he went into his room to put the shirt away. Ukitake thanked her with a smile that made her blush. She quickly brought the teacup to her lips and took a big sip, which she almost spat.
-O-ow!- she winced and caressed her now burnt lips –It's too hot!- she then heard her captain laugh. Rukia glared at him in return –It isn't funny, Ukitake-taichou!- she pouted, her now slightly swollen lips emphasizing the gesture.
Ukitake looked at her, his smile wider –I'm sorry, Kuchiki-san- he gave her an apologetic smile –You just looked so cute, I couldn't resist- he spoke without thinking, and blushed a bit after he heard himself.
Rukia's faces was as red as Renji's hair –Taichou!- she exclaimed as she covered her face with her hands, embarrassed –Don't say embarrassing stuff like that!-
Juushiro found her reaction even more endearing –Now you look even cuter- he said, his eyes closed and a huge smile on his lips
-Taichouuu!-
That day, Ukitake Juushiro found out he really enjoyed teasing his lieutenant.
-Taichou! Come join me!- Rukia's yelling snapped his attention away from the book he was currently reading. He looked up at her and found her several meters away from him, at the edge of the beach waving at him.
-I think I'll pass for now- he said. He was currently sitting under a big umbrella. He didn't want to move out of the shade because he didn't want a repeat of the last time he had been at the beach. A few minutes under the sun had him fainting from overheating. It was at times like this that he wished more than ever to be healthy. Cursed illness.
A sudden rush of cold water washing over his body stopped his thoughts. He yelped and looked up. He saw Rukia holding a now empty bucket on top of him, a mischievous smile on her lips.
-Gotcha!- she beamed
Juushiro ran a hand through his now wet hair –Kuchiki-san…- he whined –what was that for?- he felt Rukia grab one of his hands and pull him until he stood up. He looked at her and found she was frowning –Kuchiki-san?-
-Stop thinking about your illness, taichou!- she scolded. His eyes widened, how did she know? –I can see it written on your face!- she said as she pulled him along, walking towards the water –come on! The water's cold, it should keep you cooled down, taichou!-
-B-but, Kuchiki-san…!- he complained
-Do you want another bucket of water?- she threatened, holding the bucket in front of him to emphasize her threat.
Juushiro gulped and shook his head.
Rukia beamed and pulled on his hand -Come on, taichou! Enjoy this moment to its fullest! If you begin to feel bad, just tell me and we will go back, okay?-
Green eyes widened, and a smile broke through his lips –Okay… AH!- he was about to thank her but felt her push him so hard he lost his balance and fell straight into the cold seawater. He quickly emerged and found her laughing, a hand holding her stomach and the other wiping the tears that were forming in her eyes. His eyebrow twitched.
He caught his lieutenant off guard and slung her over his shoulder. He heard her yelp.
-Wha-taichou! Put me down!- she whined.
-Okay- he said. And he unceremoniously dropped her in the water. She eeped and looked at her captain with surprise written on her face, but eventually smiled when she saw him laugh –Gotcha!- he said as he offered Rukia a hand to help her up.
She graciously took it. Only to pull him into the water. Juushiro fell on his butt, his eyes wide. Rukia looked at him, her eyes filled with mirth –No, I gotcha!- she said.
Both laughed out loud.
They played in the water for what seemed like hours, Juushiro's illness long forgotten.
When the sun began to set, they decided to call it a day, and headed back to their hotel suite. They both went to shower, and were soon eating dinner they had ordered from the restaurant.
-Ne, Ukitake-taichou- Rukia called. Juushiro looked up from his food –Thank you for today. I had lots of fun- she admitted with a smile.
Juushiro smiled in return –It is I who should be thanking you- violet eyes widened –if you hadn't pushed me to go with you I wouldn't have left the shade. It is the first time in hundreds of years that I enjoyed myself so much- he admitted as he went back to his food.
-I'm glad, taichou- Rukia answered with a big smile –I really am- she said as she studied his face. Her captain seemed to be blushing, or was it sunburn? Without thinking, she reached to touch his face.
Ukitake stiffened. What is she doing? –Kuchiki-san?-
Rukia frowned a bit and met Juushiro's wide eyes. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly retreated her hand –I-I'm sorry, Ukitake-taichou!- she apologized –I just wanted to make sure you didn't get sunburn-
Ukitake nodded –I see- he said as he reached a hand to touch his face –Now that you say it, I do feel kind of warm-
-Yes you are- Rukia confirmed –But it's not a fever. Does it hurt when you touch your face?- she asked.
The white-haired man shook his head –No. But my shoulders feel like they are on fire- he complained –Just having a shirt on hurts-
Rukia looked at the clock hanging from the wall. 8:26pm –The stores must be closed by now, but I'll buy some aloe tomorrow for your sunburn- she explained –It will greatly help-
-Thanks for your concern, Kuchiki-san, but I don't think it will be necessary. I can handle this on my own- Juushiro said, but yelped in pain when Rukia let one of her hands fall on his right shoulder.
She smirked a bit at his reaction –Nonsense, I will go buy aloe tomorrow- she said, her tone final.
Juushiro sighed and gave a resigned smile –Okay-
They finished their food and Juushiro felt violet eyes looking at him. He looked to her to find her staring at him with a shy gaze –Want to watch a movie before bed, taichou?- she offered –If you are okay with it, of course- she really hoped he agreed. She wasn't sleepy at all and didn't want to watch a movie on her own.
-That would be lovely, Kuchiki-san- he answered as he got up and picked up the dishes –Why don't you go ahead and choose a movie while I do the dishes?-
Rukia jumped from her chair –Okay!- she said as she walked into the living room and turned on the TV.
By the time her captain joined her in the living room, she had already chosen a movie.
Juushiro sat down next to her on the couch –What are we watching?- he asked. Rukia shrugged her shoulders.
-No clue, taichou. None of the movies sparked my interest, so I picked out a random one. It's called Titanic- she explained.
-Oh… Okay, then- he said and Rukia pushed the play button.
The movie was finishing, and Rukia was on the verge of tears. Had she been alone, she would've been crying already, but she refused to show such weakness in front of her captain. Still, she couldn't help but feel sad for Jack's desperate attempts to save his beloved Rose.
Finally, Rukia burst into tears when Jack's frozen body sank into the depths of the ocean. She covered her face with one of her hands and drew her knees close to her chest.
Juushiro looked at her and became worried the moment her saw her cheeks glistening with tears –Kuchiki-san?- he said worriedly –What's the matter?- he asked as he hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder.
He saw Rukia hastily wipe her tears –Nothing, taichou- she said –It's just so… Sad!- she exclaimed as fresh tears poured out.
The man couldn't help but agree. Even he felt sad at the moment. Why do humans create things that make them miserable?, he thought –Are you sure you will be okay?- he asked worriedly.
Rukia nodded her head and blushed a bit.
-Wait here, Kuchiki-san- Ukitake said as he walked into his room. He quickly came out with a bag in his hands and handed it to her –Here. I bought this earlier today while you were trying on clothes. It reminded me of you for a reason- he said with a smile –I hope you like it-
Rukia opened the bag and her eyes widened. Inside was a medium size rabbit plushie. It wasn't chappy, but was even cuter! The rabbit was sitting down, its wide eyes and small smile just enhancing its cuteness. Its white soft fur lightly reflected the TV's light.
Violet eyes shone brightly and a huge smile broke through rosy lips –Thank you, taichou!- Rukia exclaimed as she hugged her new soft toy –It is so cute!-
Juushiro couldn't help but smile. Rukia's smile could lit up even the darkest of places. He was even more amazed by how she had gone from crying her eyes out in sadness to jumping from happiness in a matter of seconds. Women…
He saw Rukia yawn and decided it was time for bed –Go to sleep, Kuchiki-san- he said as he guided her to her bedroom.
-Thank you, taichou. I really like your gift- she said with a cute smile, still holding her plushie –I will take great care of Shiro-kun-
-Shiro-kun?- he asked curiously
-Yes! Its fur reminds me of your hair, so his name will be Shiro-kun- she answered.
Did she even knew how cute she could be at times? -I'm very glad you like it, Kuchiki-san. Good night- he said and went to his own room. He pulled open one of the drawers and pulled out his sleeping yukata and changed into it. He pulled the covers and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
That night, he dreamt of rabbit plushies holding buckets of water.
Hi everyone!
I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Ukitake's inner conflicts are beginning to show, almost all of them because of his illness. Good thing Rukia's there to help, right?
Please review! I will really appreciate it! That way I can improve my writing and give you a better story!
See you soon!
M. L. Discordia
