A/N: I do not own the characters of this fic. Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine alone
Forever yours
It was a bright, sunny day in the Soul Society.
They had, by some small miracle been able to save him, through speed and Squad Twelve genetic engineering. He was alive, just barely for a while. He was weakened from having Mimihagi ripped from him and it had taken a toll on his frail body.
Jushiro Ukitake sat in his room, biding his time while lunch was being prepared. A knock on the door heralded a new visitor.
"Ukitake-taisho, may I bother you for a moment?"
"Yes of course, please enter."
The small figure of the current captain of Squad Thirteen entered the room and folded herself into a formal sitting position. "I brought something that I'd like you to look over for me... if you're able, Taicho."
"Rukia you do not have to call me that, I'm no longer a captain."
Clearly frustrated she twisted her uniform with nervous fingers. "I know, but you'll always be Ukitake-taisho to me, I can't help that. I respect you too much to put that title aside."
Ukitake gave her a pleasant chuckle, "Alright, I suppose there's no changing your mind on that." he rubbed the back of his head and blushed lightly, "Let me see what you have."
She handed the folded paper over and watched intensely while he read it. She was so focused she failed to notice someone approaching from behind.
"Hello Rukia-chan." the deep voice called out.
With a nervous jump and a squeak of surprise, she swung her head around, "Ahh...Sotaicho... I had no idea you were here."
Ukitake gave another little chuckle, "Ignore him, he's always here."
Still a little spooked by his sudden appearance she stated, "But I didn't sense him at all."
"Oh! He's suppressing his powers. He thinks he's being sneaky and stealthy, trying to hide from Nanao." Nanao Ise always seemed to know where her captain was in spite of him hiding his powers.
"Hey I'm right here you know."
"Oh hush." Jushiro countered. He finished reading Rukia's notes and handed them to Shunsui. "Those are some well thought out and detailed plans, Rukia. I'm sure you'll be able to carry them out." They were new plans for training the squad members.
Shunsui nodded along after reading, "Very solid plans Kuchiki-taisho or is it Abari by now?"
"Oh no sir, I kept the Kuchiki name, Renji insisted."
"Oh hey, there's an idea Ju-chan you can take my last name."
"Absolutely not!" Ukitake crossed his arms, making a giant 'X' in front of his body in a comical manner. Shunsui let out a gusty laugh.
"Aww I think I'm hurt."
"Idiot." Jushiro teased back.
Rukia was a touch embarrassed by their open display of affection, but said nothing. If anyone was entitled to small bits of happiness it was these two.
"You know Rukia, some of these ideas could be implemented by all squads," Ukitake stated.
"Really?" She was surprised.
"I agree, bring a copy to my office later and we can discuss it further!" Kyoraku-sotaisho exclaimed.
"Yes!… yes sir." She blushed with pride.
"But make it later please, I have some other business to take care of." He winked at Jushiro.
"Kyoraku!" Jushiro scolded.
"Umm...I'll take my leave then." Rukia stood and straightened her uniform. Shunsui smirked as she scurried out the door.
"Good job, you embarrassed her."
"Now now, it wasn't that bad." Shunsui bent down and kissed Jushiro's forehead.
Ukitake closed his eyes and made a pleased humming noise. "I think I'd like to eat by the pond. It looks like such a beautiful day.
He had retained his home in Squad Thirteen's grounds. Rukia insisted that she didn't want to take his home just because she had become captain.
"Anything for you, dear one."
"You big softy."
Grabbing an extra blanket from the storage closet, Shunsui went out first to prepare a place for them to enjoy lunch in the great outdoors. Next he returned for the food, placing the dishes carefully on an enameled tray, and made his way back outside. His final trip was to scoop his lover up into his arms and carry him out to the picnic area.
"I am able to walk you know." Jushiro let out a disgruntled huff.
Shunsui shrugged, "I like carrying you."
"You're such a goof sometimes." Ukitake threaded his fingers through the soft curls on his lovers head.
"Yeah but you love me anyway."
"Says who?"
"I'm shocked… I'm hurt…" Shunsui laughed, "….says you."
"Oh yeah." They laughed together in the shared moment,
They took turns feeding each other morsels of food, eventually Shunsui claimed Jushiro won the play contest, he always let him win. They stretched out on the blanket, enjoying the afternoon sunlight.
Shunsui twitched and wriggled around until he got the pink kimono out from under him and draped it over Ukitake who was now resting on his shoulder.
"Getting sleepy love?" he caressed the soft, silver locks.
"A little." Ukitake snuggled closer. "But I don't want to go in yet, it's too nice out here and I'm weary of being indoors all the time."
"Just so you're warm enough I don't want you getting sick." The deep voice sounded concerned.
"I'm fine as long as I have you." Jushiro reassured him.
"I don't know what I've have done if you hadn't made it," He began to twirl a strand of silver hair between his fingers. "It was so damn close, I'm not taking any chances with you."
"Shun, I'm fine. Just a little ragged at the edges."
"Don't joke about it." Shunsui's voice turned grave. "It really too damn close for my liking."
Jushiro rolled on top of him, stretching out his full length. "I'm not trying to make light of it, I really am okay."
"My brave snowdrop."
Ukitake balled up his fist and punched a bicep, "Quit calling me that."
"Sure thing sweetheart."
"Ugh!" Jushiro let out a disgusted snort. "I hate you sometimes, you're so aggravating, but I can't help loving you."
Kyoraku just chuckled causing the man on top to jiggle.
They dozed in that position for a little bit, until it began to drizzle.
Instantly waking up, Shunsui wiggled around until he was able to stand and lift Ukitake up at the same time, he cautiously made his way back to Jushiro's room.
"What about the blanket and dishes?"
"They'll dry alright given time. I'm more concerned with getting you safely inside."
It began to pour, the rain came down in a heavy torrent. Jushiro groaned, "...but that was one of the good blankets."
"I'm not going out in that to retrieve one lone blanket." Shunsui stated stubbornly, "And neither are you." He stood in front of the door, blocking Jushiro's exit. "I mean it Ukitake, it'll be fine where it is, it will dry."
Jushiro let out a resigned sigh.
"Let me get the fire going so you really don't take a chill, I know you think I'm being mean right now, but I'm far more concerned with you than some silly bit of cloth."
"Alright, whatever you think is best."
After the fire was burning to his satisfaction, Shunsui curled up behind his love and held him close. "You, a living thing are far, far more important to me than some material items. They can be replaced, you can not."
From under the silver curtain of hair a soft sigh escaped. "I know you're right, I just worry over silly things."
"Don't degrade yourself, things are important too, but I almost lost you once and I'm not willing to do it again."
They cuddled in the warmth of the fire, listening to the rain fall, while Shunsui played with and braided Jushiro's long hair.
Suddenly Shunsui sat up straighter, "Shit, I've got that meeting with Rukia, I'm gonna have to go out in that."
"Don't be silly, surely she's sensible enough to wait it out, just send a hell butterfly letting her know you'll meet with her after the rain stops."
"You're brilliant as always." Kyoraku kissed the top of Jushiro's head.
Shunsui called forth a hell butterfly and sent the instructions forward to Rukia Kuchiki. No sooner had he sent it out, than one passed through the window. Rukia had, had the same idea and sent a message that she would be delayed until the rain let up.
"See I told you she was sensible."
Kyoraku shifted his gaze to one side. "...unlike me, who was prepared to rush out in the storm."
Ukitake shifted around until he was facing Shunsui, sitting firmly on his lap. He clasped his lovers face with both hands and tugged forward. "Shunsui… you think of doing the important thing to get them out of the way, it's not wrong, you're just focused on being in charge and I love that about you."
"Ju."
"You strive so hard to keep up with everything that you simply lose track with the common sense things."
Shunsui was always stunned by Jushiro's kind words to him. "I'd be a wreck without your steady ways." He buried his nose into the long neck in front of him.
"That tickles, stop!"
"Nuh uh, I don't think so."
"Shunsui!" Jushiro gasped as Shunsui continued, "I mean it." he struggled in the firm embrace. "I'll … oh gods, that's nice." Kyoraku had begun to kiss his throat.
"What're you going to do about it, handsome?"
"Nothing now. As long as you don't tickle me, it's fine." Shunsui playfully poked him in the ribs. "Ahhh! You monster."
Shunsui simply smirked at him and continued to lay a trail of kisses up the neck and onto the face.
Smiling brightly, Jushiro rested his head against the larger man's shoulder. "You're just awful."
"Yeah I know."
"I think I'm ready for bed now, I'm starting to feel pretty tired." that was followed by a yawn. "Oops!"
"Come on, let's get you to bed."
Jushiro slid off Kyoraku's lap and began to walk to his bed. "Looks like it stopped raining, you'd better go meet with Rukia, then hurry back, I'll be waiting."
"I'm so gratified to have my precious someone waiting for me." Shunsui stood up and placed his woven hat on his head. "I'm sure this won't take long. No falling asleep without me."
"Sorry, no promises on that. But I'll try my best." Ukitake stretched up, giving Shunsui one last kiss goodbye.
"Hey! No fair, I might not leave at all if you give me anymore of those sweet kisses." He pursed his lips fully expecting more kissing.
"Just go."
Shunsui gave him a mock salute and strolled out the door. Hours later he returned to Ukitake's home, actually expecting to find him asleep, but was pleasantly surprised to find him awake still.
"Hey you did manage it." He began to strip out of his uniform and pulled on a light weight yukata to sleep in.
"I won't lie, I did squeeze in a nap." he gave a sheepish grin. "How'd it go?"
"Oh fine, we've modified some of the exercises and got Byakuya involved."
"Whew that's pretty impressive."
"Yeah with the name Kuchiki behind it there won't be many complaints save a few."
"I don't want to know who those few are, I'm just glad Rukia is gaining recognition for her leadership."
"Same, she's really coming into her own. But look who proceeded her and trained her." Shunsui noticed a faint blush rise up Jushrio's cheeks. "It's all you, handsome."
"I can't take all the credit, nor do I want to. She trained hard to get where she is and a LOT of people helped. Including you."
"You're cute when you blush."
"Stop!"
"Do you think you're up for more than cuddling tonight?"
"I...umm, well…" the blush deepened, "Maybe?"
Kyoraku had been overly cautious about the physical side of their relationship, he didn't want to damage Jushiro in anyway. He was healed to an extent but still remained rather frail at times. A lot of nights they just laid together, clinging to each other for comfort. Tonight he wanted just a little more.
After sliding into bed, he proceeded to ever so gently make love to Jushiro, occasionally taking breaks to let the man rest, before continuing. It wasn't like the old times, but it was enough.
"I love you so much, Jushiro Ukitake, even beyond my dying days."
"I love you too, forever."
They fell asleep in each others arms.