What big eyes you have
The kind of eyes that drive wolves mad
So just to see that you don't get chased
I think I ought to walk with you for a ways
"Please, make yourself comfortable." He spoke, gesturing to a couch with thick pillows on it.
Sitting down Akane removed her cloak and watched as Jushiro gathered some water and bandages for her hand.
"It's really not necessary, Jushiro. It'll be fine." She spoke quietly, averting her eyes as the man bent down to dig something out of a cupboard, his pants pulling tight across his backside.
"Nonsense." He stated simply, sitting next to her on the couch and placing his items on the table.
"Did you Grandmother make you the cloak? I don't think I've ever seen you wear it before." Jushiro asked as he began to gently clean her palm, his eyes glancing up from his work.
"Yes, she did. She made it to keep me safe from the cold." She answered smiling, thinking of the old woman's smile when she saw her granddaughter in.
"It suits you." He complimented as he rubbed a salve on the scrape before bandaging it.
Looking up from his handiwork Akane glanced at the man, noticing for the first time the healthy glow the firelight gave his skin. He was a handsome man, that she was sure of, and could give Sosuke a run for his money. But, unlike Aizen, he didn't make her skin crawl in discomfort. It was no secret how many girls in the village fancied Jushiro; he was strong, very intelligent, and it was public knowledge he wanted to be a father one day. That was a selling point for most of the girls, but for Akane, it was his gentle nature and kindness that drew her. This was a man she could love for the rest of her days and never grow tired of, this was a man she could grow old with.
"Thank you, Jushiro." She whispered, lost in her thoughts.
"If it's not too forward, may I ask you something?" He questioned, searching her eyes for any discomfort.
He didn't want to upset her, that was the furthest thing from his mind. Truth be told, Ukitake Jushiro was smitten with the girl from the day they met. She was always kind, and sweet, and her smile made his heart melt. Even when she was scolding Renji and Ichigo, two of his oldest friends, she did it with such grace that made you forget how angry she was. As her eyes shone in the firelight, Jushiro could feel his head spinning.
"Of course Jushiro, anything." She answered, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Do you feel anything for Sosuke?" He asked, his heart clenching at her impending answer.
She was taken aback at his question, that not having been what she expected. Tugging a piece of hair hanging near her hand she shook her head, her eyes never leaving his.
"No. The only thing I feel towards the man is discomfort whenever he is around me. I can't place my finger on it, but I feel unsafe around him." She spoke quietly as if said man would be able to hear her from wherever he was.
"Do you feel anything towards anyone in the village?" He asked sheepishly, diverting his eyes to his hands.
Tilting her head in confusing, she noticed the slight blush painting his cheeks.
"Jushiro…what are you trying to get at?" She asked, placing a hand on his.
Taking a deep breath Jushiro looked up, emerald eyes meeting amethyst.
"Akane, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever lain eyes on. It is possible I have loved you from the day I met you, when we were nothing more than bratty children and you threw dirt at Ichigo for making fun of your hair color. Please forgive me if this is too forward, but with your permission, I would like to begin courting you."
Smiling she thought of the first time she met. He was trying to protect Ichigo from the dirt clods she was throwing at his head but she always managed to hit him somewhere on his body, Jushiro getting hit in the process. Ichigo had teased her for her hair, it was very dark and unruly as a child and he said it was weird and ugly. She left him with dirt in his mouth and a lump on his head.
His heart clenched painfully as he waited for her to answer, her head cocked to the side and her hand still perched on top of his own. Finally a smile spread across the girls face and her hand gripped his.
"Only if you promise to protect me from the big, bad, wolf." She teased laughing.
A smile lit up Jushiro's face as he pulled the redhead closer, his lips finding the top of her head.
"I would die before I would let that wolf take you." He whispered into the ruby colored strands.
Little did either of them know, Jushiro would have to live up to that promise sooner than anybody expected.
As Akane prepared to leave Jushiro stopped her at the door, the cool night air slithering into the warm house.
"You really are the most beautiful woman, Akane." He spoke, twirling a red curl around his finger.
"And you are too sweet for your own good, Jushiro." She countered, leaning against the door frame.
Smiling, Jushiro moved closer, his hands cupping her face. He leaned down, his hair falling like a curtain around them and mixing with her own red strands.
"What full lips you have, we better be careful, because they're sure to lure someone bad." He whispered, a breath away from her lips before he closed the distance and kissed her.
It was a soft kiss to test the waters, his lips moving softly against hers. Akane's hand slipped up his arm to his wrist while her other ran up his chest, feeling the harsh fibers of his shirt against her skin.
"Goodnight, Jushiro." She whispered when they separated, still holding onto him.
"Goodnight, Akane. Until tomorrow." He answered, pulling up her hood before she slipped out the door and into the night, moving quickly through the darkness.
