"Jushiro" Kumiko greeted the captain who had risen from his seat upon seeing them walk to the entrance hall "I didn't know you were still here" she told him letting go of Shunsuis hand to give him a hug
"I wanted to make sure you were alright" ukitake said as they parted "how are you feeling?"
"loads better" Kumiko confirmed "sorry I made you worry"
"it's not your fault. I wasn't prepared for that kind of reaction" ukitake sighed, the only two captains he had taken Kumiko to see had given her not very nice reactions. He was beginning to think he was the wrong man for the job, maybe they should have waited for Urahara to get better after all
"me either" Kumiko grinned warily "at least there's just one more captain"
"excuse me?" A quiet voice pullled Kumikos attention, as painfully shy man approached her. "I have some documents captain Unohana would like you to fill out? Could you come with me please?"
Kumiko smiled at him "of course" she said, following after him to the main desk she heard Shunsui begin to speak to Ukitake behind her
"what are you doing with the rest of your day pretty boy?" Kumiko smiled at the endearment he used, looking back at them. Shunsui caught her eye and sent her a wink
the shinigami walked around the desk, picking up the forms and sliding them in front of Kumiko with a pen
"if you could just read through that, make sure all the details are correct please. Fill in anything that's missing" he instructed her quietly, turning to look the other way
Kumiko picked up the pen and began to read . All the details looked about right. Name, height, weight, blood type.
Reading through Kumiko decided to write the number 7 under devision, she could come back to change it once she's decided which division to join permanently
emergency contacts
Kumiko didn't even have to think before writing down three names
Shunsui Kyoraku
Kisuke Urahara
Jushiro Ukitake
She knew these three men would want to know if anything happened, and she trusted their judgment if they had to make a decision about her care while she was unable to do so
approved visitors
Kumiko thought quickly about who she would like to visit her if the time ever came, 6 names coming to her mind
Yoruichi Shihōin
Rangiku Matsumoto
Momo Hinamori
Renji Abari
Shuhei Hisagi
Izuru Kira
Finishing the document and reading through it once again to double check, Kumiko placed the pen on top and slid it back to the shinigami
"there we are" she said with a big smile "is that all you need?"
"yes, thank you" he said grabbing the document and offering a small smile of his own "enjoy the rest of your day" he said with a bow
Kumiko waved before heading back to the two captains talking where she left them
"you ready love?" Shunsui asked her as she approached
"yeah I'm ready. Do you want to come shopping with us Jushiro?" Kumiko asked him politely
"no, thank you" Ukitake smiled warmly"im going to drop in on Urahara. I'll write the report with him"
"he's not going to be happy he wasn't notified " Kumiko warned him amused
"I had thought as much" Ukitake grinned "I'll be sure to remind him you are in perfect health"
Shunsui lead Kumiko down the busy market street, holding her hand in his. Kumiko looked around at the shop fronts, noticing some she hadn't been in before the further they walked. Shunsui smiled and waved at shinigami saying hello as they passed making Kumiko smile. It seemed everyone knew the flamboyant captain
"so how do you know the owner or the yakata shop?" Kumiko looked up to him interested
"she has been making dresses for my mother for as long as I can remember " he explained, wrapping and arm around her and pulling her close into his side. A wide grin was on his face as he showed off the beautiful woman next to him "she is incredibly kind, she used to sneak me sweets when I was little" he smiled at the memory. The woman was always much more motherly than his own was
"I can't wait to meet her" Kumiko smiled up at him
"you won't have to wait long" he teased "that's her shop on the corner" Kumiko looked to where he nodded, a shop larger than those they've previously seen sat on the corner of the street. Two large windows sat on the front, beautiful dresses displayed for passers-by to see
Shunsui pushed the door open, letting Kumiko walk in first as the tinkle of the bell rattled above them. Her eyes darted around the beautiful garments, the different colours and patterns screaming out to be bought. Eyes lighting up, Kumiko walked to the first rack of yukata she could see, fingers gently feeling the smooth material
"they're all so pretty" she said, fighting the urge to scoop them all up and buy them. Her eyes darted to the tag hanging from the one she was holding. 42,000 yen.
Yikes Kumiko thought I'll have to be careful which one I pick she thought thinking about her poor bank balance
Shunsui looked to where her eyes were, smiling gently "pick whatever one you want love" he muttered into her ear, standing close behind her "I want you to have the perfect yukata for the festival"
Kumiko turned around to refuse him paying, when he grabbed her hips
"no argument" he told her, raising an amused eye brow "you won't win". He promised
"Shunsui, is that you?" An elderly woman's voice called from the back of the shop
"Tanaka-sama" He greeted the woman with a wide grin. Kumiko stepped to the side as the plump woman made her way through the store, heading straight for Shunsui
"Shunsui, it's good to see you" she said reaching her hands up to hold his face "you're getting so handsome" she gushed at him
"I look the same as when we last saw eachother" he smiled down at her "how have you been?"
"oh you know. Busy" she said dropping her hands, turning to acknowledge the woman next to Shunsui "and who is this beautiful creature?"
"this is Kumiko" he said proudly, wrapping an arm around kumikos waist bringing her forward to make introductions "my girlfriend," Kumiko blushed slightly at the title, it was the first time he had said it out loud. Sounding strange to her ears, boyfriend didn't seem quite accurate enough to describe shunsui "Kumiko, this is Tanaka-sama"
"it's a pleasure to meet you" Kumiko grinned at the woman, "all your dresses are beautiful " she waved her hand around lightly at the clothes surrounding them
"I like her" Tanaka said with a smile towards Shunsui "are you here for anything in particular?"
"we're after a yukata for Kumiko for the festival this weekend" he told her as she clamped her hands together happily
"I have something." She said, turning to walk to the back of the store, Shunsui walked after her bringing Kumiko with him "I had been saving it for something special" she said over her shoulder as she walked around the counter and into a back room "Shunsui you stay there. Kumiko, follow me" she ordered as she disappeared from their view
Shunsui grinned at being told what to do by the no nonsense older woman. She had known him far to long to treat him as anything other than the mischievous little boy always getting into trouble.
"go on" he urged Kumiko, pushing her forward. Kumiko sent him an amused look as she followed the woman, looking around to see where she disappeared to
"miss Tanaka?" She called softly, not seeing where she has disappeared to
"this way child" Kumiko followed her voice behind some boxes, arriving in time to see Tanaka pull out a long black bag containing what Kumiko assumed was a yukata.
Turning around to meet Kumikos face with a smile, she unzipped the bag, showing the beautiful dress inside
Kumikos eyes lit up seeing it. It was ivory white, delicate pink flowers expertly sewn into the fabric. Glistening gold intricately placed weaving between the flowers. A thick pink bow stretched across the middle, small gold detailing running along the edges of it. It was elegant and beautiful, clearly made with an expert hand.
"it's beautiful " Kumiko breathed, hand coming up to touch the silky bow carefully, not daring to think how much it would cost
"let's try it on" the elder woman said with a smile, leading Kumiko through to a large changing room . Pulling the curtain closed behind them, Tanaka placed the bag on a hanger "please remove your clothes"she instructed, pulling the yukata from the bag
Kumiko smiled, removing her Shihakusho and placing it on the near by chair
Kumiko turned to face the mirror as the woman came over, yukata in hand to help dress Kumiko.
"tell me, how long have you been with Shunsui?" She gently began questioning her, concentrating on what she was doing
"not that long" Kumiko admitted "I've only been back in the soul society for about four months"
"sometimes it doesn't take all that long to fall in love" the woman smiled sweetly, wrapping the fabric around kumikos figure. "He has never brought a girlfriend to meet me before. He must think very highly of you"
"I think very highly of him" Kumiko told her, smile appearing on her lips
"Shunsui is a wonderful man" the woman agreed, moving behind Kumiko to create a perfect bow behind her "if he has chosen you as his partner, you must be as beautiful on the inside as you are the outside" she said stepping back to see all of Kumiko
"he deserves all the happiness in the world" Tanaka said quietly meeting kumikos eyes in the mirror. "Look after his heart" she said softly, resting a hand on Kumiko cheek
"it needs something" Tanaka mused before walking out of the changing room
Kumiko stepped closer to the mirror, hand rubbing the silky material on her body. The yukata was breath taking. It moulded her body like a second skin, flattering every curve. The delicate pink flowers complicated the skin Kumiko was showing. Kumiko turned around, looking over her shoulder to see the back. The bow was large, sitting on her waist. Kumiko saw the curtain open in the reflection, she turned to see Tanaka return, a large pink flower clip in her hands, the same colour as the ones hugging her figure. The centenary of the flower had flecks of gold, tying the outfit together perfectly
"sit" Kumiko was instructed, gracefully sitting on the chair provided. Tanaka moved behind Kumiko, carefully scooping up her hair from her neck. Placing it into an elegant bun before pulling some loose hair out to frame kumikos face. Carefully securing the flower into kumikos hair, Tanaka stood back with a smile to admire her work
"you look beautiful " she told Kumiko as she rose to look in the mirror "I was right in saving this yukata for something special. It looks like it was made for you. Let's go show Shunsui"
Kumiko nodded happily, following after the woman back into the store
"how are you getting on?" Shunsui asked Tanaka before Kumiko came into his view. When she pushed her way through the curtain covering the door Shunsuis eyes widened at seeing her. A wide smile came on his face as he looked her up and down. She looked breath taking "wow" he said, hand reaching out for Kumikos. When she grasped it Shunsui Gently guided her in a spin so he could see all of her "you look beautiful " he told her as she came to a stop facing him
"thank you." Kumiko smiled shyly up at him"do you like it?"
"I love it. You have exceeded yourself Tanaka-sama"he grinned at the older woman who was watching at the loved up pair, happy with what she saw
"is this the one?" He asked Kumiko
"I can't imagine leaving without it" she smiled in return
"perfect!" Tanaka clapped her hands, "follow me" she instructed Kumiko once again leaving without looking back
Shunsui grinned as Kumiko followed her back into the changing room
Kumiko returned to Shunsui, the gown placed back into its protective bag before being placed into another smaller bag for her to carry. Shunsui approached the til ready to pay. Tanaka saw what he was doing and shook her head at him
"put that away Shunsui" she directed him as he took out his card
"Tanaka-sama" Shunsui drawled with a grin "we both know I'm not leaving here without paying. "
"your as stubborn now as you were when you were a child" she scolded him gently, walking up to her til
"has my mother commissioned anything from you?" He asked her with a grin, his mother was probably Tanaka-Samas best customer
"yes, I've just finished it. I'll be delivering it tomorrow " she told him, knowing they didn't have the best relationship
"take for both now then" he said passing her his card "I would appreciate if you didn't mention me bringing kumiko here today" he added with a small smile
"my lips are sealed" she promised, handing him his card back "don't you wait too long to visit me again" she told him sternly with an accompanied finger point
"I won't" he grinned, walking around to hug the woman goodbye
"it was lovely meeting you. Thank you for the yukata " Kumiko bowed to the woman earning a smile in return
"make sure you return to me for when you need a wedding dress" she told them, ignoring their red faces
"yara Tanaka-sama. Let's just get through the festival first yes?" Shunsui said giving a nervous chuckle
"Thank you" Kumiko told Shunsui appreciatively as they left the store
"thank you for not putting up a fight" he grinned, grabbing the bag from her hand to carry it. Arm wrapping around her shoulders
"you don't want your parents to meet me?" She asked him softly, catching shunsui asking Tanaka not to tell his parents
Shunsui laughed shaking his head "I don't want you to meet them. At least for as long as I can put it off. They're hard work"
"it was sweet of you to pay for your mothers dress" she commented.
"I may not get on with her half the time, but I do love her" he admitted, kissing the top of her head "where's next love?"
Kumiko bit her lip gently, she wanted to visit the lingerie boutique, but was embarrassed to say it out loud.
"love?" Shunsui questioned her at her silence, pulling them to an stop "why are you blushing?" He teased, stroking her reddened cheek with his thumb, grinning
Kumiko averted her gaze, looking down the street they had stopped travelling on "I wanted to go into the lingerie boutique " she said quietly
"what a wonderful idea" Shunsui grinned lecherously, pulling Kumiko close to his rock hard body "I believe I promised to buy something I could rip off" he muttered close to her face
Kumiko was blushing furiously. Shunsui walked around the boutique unashamed, pulling out increasingly more revealing outfits, lifting them up high to show Kumiko, not caring about the other shinigami giggling close by
"will you stop shouting" Kumiko hissed at him, lowering his hand holding the most ridiculous lingerie Kumiko had ever seen. Shunsui looked at her with faked innocence, fighting hard not to smile
"was I being loud?" He asked her, scratching his chin
"you know you were" she huffed, taking the offending garment from his hand and placing it back on the rack "how about you go wait outside? I can pick something and surprise you with it" Kumiko tried, holding his hand to not offend him
"but how am I ment to pay if I'm outside?" He grinned down at her
"I'll pay" she told him, shooing him away to the door
"that's not going to work" Shunsui grinned at her "how about I give you my card?"
"I don't want your card Shunsui" Kumiko said exasperated, walking him backwards
"and I don't want to leave the store. Sounds like a fair compromise to me" he said no longer moving backwards to the door, grinning widely at Kumikos embarrassment
Kumiko looked up at him pursing her lips "fine" she said annoyed. Holding her hand out for his card. Shunsui grinned at her as he dug it out of his pocket and placing it on her hand "get as much as you like" he told her before kissing her soundly. "And this" he said grabbing some underwear he liked the look of and putting it in her hand
looking down to her hand, Kumiko realised they were crotchless underwear. Blushing deeply Kumiko gently pushed him off her, hearing the giggles of some nearby women
"alright go" she smiled at him, pushing him away, letting out a big sigh as Shunsui finally exited the shop
shaking her head Kumiko quickly walked over to some of the underwear, flicking through to find something she likes. "Hey!" Kumiko huffed out, suddenly being forced forward into the rack as someone knocked into her back roughly. Turning around Kumiko saw three woman she had not seen before
"watch where your going" the one in the middle snapped at her, causing Kumiko to give her an exasperated look
"excuse me?!" Kumiko said annoyed at the woman In front of her, she had dark hair tied up and too much red lipstick on her lips "you bumped into me"
the woman looked Kumiko up and down before scoffing at her "come on girls. Clearly this shop is directed at the more..easy.. woman in soul society " she said glancing back at Kumiko before walking out of the shop
Kumiko could feel her blood boiling the hell is this girls problem? She thought, having half a mind to go after her. Taking a deep breath, Kumiko relaxed her shoulders, shaking out her hands. She was having a lovely evening with Shunsui and she wouldn't let that girl ruin it. Turning back to the garments, Kumiko continued her browsing