Author's Note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.


Up To This Minute

Retsu lay curled up beside him, her head rest against his chest. Jyuushiro had covered them both with an afghan. It was grey and rainy outside, and he was content not to move. He'd convinced Retsu to take the day off, and he didn't have any classes to teach. So the two of them had basically just lounged around all day and relaxed. Jyuu thought it was something she needed. Retsu had come home yesterday completely strung out by the whole situation with the stalker, and Jyuushiro was honestly worried about her.

She had drifted off in the middle of the documentary they had been watching. Jyuushiro didn't mind. He had the suspicion that she hadn't been getting enough sleep lately. This whole stalker thing was really beginning to get to her. Jyuushiro ran a hand through her hair. He hoped that this was all resolved soon for her sake. He didn't want her to leave, but this couldn't be for her. Jyuushiro let out a sigh. He was going to have to tell her. He had come to grips with that fact. Jyuu didn't really know how to tell her he loved her, but he knew that he was either going to have to or let her go, and he wasn't willing to let her go.

He must have drifted off himself for the next time Jyuushiro opened his eyes, the only light was coming from the lamp on the end table. Beside him, Retsu stirred. She made a soft noise in her throat, and her eyelashes fluttered. Jyuu smiled.

"Hey."

She smiled. "Hey, what time is it?"

He glanced his watch. "Five-ish. Feeling better?"

She nodded and then reached up and kissed his cheek. "Yes, thank you. A mental health day was a really good idea."

"You're welcome."

The moment hung between them, and then Jyuu found himself leaning in to kiss Retsu. She kissed him back. They separated and just stared at one another for a minute. Retsu was smiling, and Jyuushiro knew that he was too. He reached out and twined his fingers with hers.

"What do you want to do for dinner?"