There's not many chapters left before things start getting unfriendly. So I wanted to add some fun and fluff while I could
Kumiko woke with a stretch the next morning, body relaxed from a deep sleep. Turning to see Shunsui snoring loudly next to her, arm thrown over his eyes, Kumiko silently slipped from the bed. Getting herself dressed, first in less exposing underwear, so she could join Urahara for breakfast
Tying her top snugly around her waist, Kumiko climbed back on the bed to kiss Shunsui awake
"love?" He muttered sleepily as she pulled away, Shunsui opened his eyes to see her fully dressed
"morning" she smiled at him sweetly "I've got to go feed Kisuke" she reminded him as he blinked away the sleep "do you want me to cook something for you before I leave?"
"no thank you love" he said pulling her back down to give her his own sweet morning kiss "I'll get something later." He sighed, rubbing his tired eyes before sitting up
"let me just get dressed and I'll walk you to Uraharas" Kumikos hand rested on his chest stopping him from getting up
"you don't have to. It's not far" she tried, feeling guilty for needing an escort when he clearly wanted more sleep. Shunsui pulled Kumikos hand from his chest to his lips to give it a kiss
"I want to" he promised, getting up this time without Kumiko stopping him. Kumikos eyes happily danced over his naked form as he got up from the bed. Catching her looking Shunsui made a show of stretching his arms up to clasp his hands behind his neck, tensing his muscles.
Kumiko laughed seeing what he was doing, shaking her head at him gently. "You're impossible " she said lovingly as he grinned widely
"just giving the lady what she wants" he teased, walking around to find some clean clothes
After kissing shunsui deeply at Uraharas front door, Kumiko shooed him off to work before entering.
Walking into her friends home, Kumiko headed to the fridge to put the two packets of pudding cups she bought him yesterday. Opening it up Kumiko noticed there was none left
pig she thought amused, placing them on the now empty shelf I knew he would eat them all
Not seeing Urahara in the living area, Kumiko walked herself to his bedroom. The sound of his snore telling her she was right in her assumption. Entering the room, Kumiko put the bag down on the table next to his bed and called his name softly
Urahara was laying flat on his back, chest exposed, fading red scars standing out against his pale skin. His arms were spread wide as his open mouth let out another snore. Holding in her laugh, Kumiko sat down next to him, nudging his side gently "Kisuke, wake up" she encouraged him, quickly withdrawing her hand as he snorted himself awake, sitting up suddenly
"I didn't do it" he said quickly, hands coming up in defence at something Kumiko couldn't see. Uraharas confused eyes blinked around the room before landing on his giggling friend
"what didn't you do?" Kumiko laughed as Urahara rubbed his face.
Lowering his hands with a small grin "I dreamt that I broke something of unohanas. She was pissed"
Kumiko laughed at his explanation, grabbing the bag of pastries next to her. "How are you feeling?" She asked, offering him some
Taking it happily Urahara took a big bite before answering, "good, almost back to normal" he said around a swallow before giving her a dark look "are you ok? Why didn't anyone come get me yesterday?"
"I'm fine" she promised "there was no need. I got warmed up and was sent on my way"
"I still should have been there" he said grumpily
"there was nothing for you to do" Kumiko smiled patiently "Unohana worked her magic. I was fine an hour later"
"yeah Ukitake told me. Guess Hitsugaya is a no go for division choice" he added, looking his friend over. A small smirk graced his lips upon spotting something dark, barely concealed on Kumikos neck"I see you had a good night"
"I did. We went shopping. I got the most beautiful yukata " Kumiko told him happily "got you those pudding cups too"
"that's not all you did" he laughed taking another bite. Kumiko looked at him baffled as to what he was grinning about
"what do you mean?"
Urahara wiped the crumbs off his hand before reaching over and pressing his finger into her neck. Kumiko was shocked to feel a slight pain come from the area
"seems I'm not the only one who gets carried away" he laughed as her eyes went wide. Kumiko placed her breakfast on the bed before jumping up and moving swiftly to the bathroom, Uraharas chuckles behind her. Kumiko walked straight up to the mirror, moving her hair out of her way before gasping loudly
"that bastard" she uttered inspecting her neck. Large bruise sat against her creamy skin, sticking out violently. Looking closer Kumiko could have sworn she saw actual teeth marks
he didn't even mention it this morning! no wonder people were giving me strange looks she thought. Earning a few sniggers from passing shinigami as she and Shunsui passed them this morning.
Great
Kumiko sighed, pulling her hair forward again as she left the bathroom
"not a word" she threatened a smirking Urahara upon her return. Sitting down heavily Kumiko took an aggressive bite of her pastry
"thought having sex would have put you in a good mood" Urahara laughed as Kumiko started hitting his arm "ok ok! Not a word" he grinned as the assault stopped. Kumiko sent him a warning look before continuing her breakfast
"bet he won't be getting sex tonight though " he couldn't resist adding, rolling over in the bed laughing as Kumiko leaned forward to grab him, just dodging out of her way "hey I'm injured remember?" He added standing next to his bed, grinning down at Kumiko sending him a death stare
"you'll be injured again if you carry on " she grumbled at him, rolling on to her back to look at the Ceiling. Urahara sat back down next to her, crossing his legs on the bed. Amused smile still on his lips "I can't believe I have to hide ANOTHER hicky"
"it's not my fault this time" Urahara pointed out, flicking her gently on the forehead "so how about you put that bad mood away until you see Kyoraku later hmm?"
"if you stop with the jokes I'll consider it" she smiled up at him
"deal" Urahara agreed, knowing he'll probably wind her up about it later. "So Miko. What are your plans today?"
"besides killing Shunsui?" She grinned at him "I have no idea. Jushiro knows I'm here, I suppose he'll come grab me if he needs me for something. Your stuck with me until then"
"aren't I the lucky one" he teased her, actually really glad she was here. He was bored out of his skull last night "how about we go for a walk?"
"are you ok to be walking around?" Kumiko asked him seriously, she wasn't willing to joke around with his health right now
"I'll be fine Miko" Urahara rolled his eyes before climbing back off the bed. "We won't go far, I just need to get out of the house"
that and see how much I can do physically he added to himself. The fact he was beaten so easily had been playing on his mind. He wanted to begin training, and to do that he had to see how much he was able to do in his current state
"just a small one" Kumiko relented, watching as her friend dug around his clothes. A surprised look appeared on her face at seeing what her friend had chosen. Besides the mad scientist costume, Kumiko had only seen Urahara in his Shihakusho and captains coat.
The outfit from the world of the living he had chosen made Kumiko laugh. Dark green shorts were normal enough, but the light green top sporting A grey rock printed on the front with "geology rocks" written across it made Kumiko laugh
"geology rocks?" She asked him amused as he placed his usual hat on his head
Urahara looked down to his chest before sending Kumiko a grin "it made me laugh" he explained with a shrug
"it's so you" Kumiko laughed, getting up from the bed and gathering their empty wrappers from breakfast to follow urahara to the kitchen
"where do you want to go?" Kumiko asked as he put on his shoes
Urahara turned to grin at her, "you'll see"
"I'm not sure we should be walking this far" Kumiko spoke up, sending Urahara concerned glances. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Urahara wrapped his arm around Kumikos shoulder pulling her into his side
"will you stop worrying? I'm fine" he told her giving her a shake "we're nearly there anyway"
"why did you want to come to the Rukongai ?" Kumiko asked him, wondering what her friend was up to
Uraharas face split into a wide grin "you'll see" he told her, grabbing her hand and dragging her behind him as he started jogging toward the houses up ahead
"slow down" Kumiko laughed as she was being dragged
Urahara slowed down upon reaching the first of the houses, nodding his head down an alley to let Kumiko know to follow him. Kumiko looked around the dark alleyway behind him confused.
"you're not going to murder me are you?" She asked him softly. Urahara chuckled softy
"not today" he sent her a playful wink, turning down another alleyway that opened up into a larger open space. Kumiko watched as Urahara walked to the opposite wall to turn around and sit crossed legged on the floor
"what are you doing?" Kumiko asked confused, walking closer to her odd friend
"come sit and be quiet" he told her, eyes shining up gleefully. Huffing Kumiko did as she was told, sitting next to her friend. After a long pause Kumiko turned to address her friend when a small noise caught her attention. Kumiko looked around the alley, trying to identify the noise.
Rustling noises pulled her attention, looking toward the boxes it came from. A small black cat poked its head out from behind the rubbish, meowing sweetly
"there you are" Urahara grinned, gently tapping his fingers on the floor in front of him, making a whisper sound to draw the cat closer. Kumiko watched amused as the feline made its way over, bumping into Uraharas hand demanding attention.
"hello sweetheart" Urahara told the cat softly, lovingly scratching it behind the ears. The cat happy with the attention began running its side up and down his crossed leg, purring deeply
"friend of yours?" Kumiko asked with a smile watching the her friends face light up
"jealous?" He teased, picking the cat up and nuzzling her face. Kumiko reached over to scratch the top of her head, pleased with the purr she got in return "such a cutie" Kumiko praised
"me or the cat?" Urahara grinned at her. Kumiko laughed loudly, nudging him with her shoulder
"the cat" she told him straight faced. It was sickeningly sweet watching Urahara coo over the cat, not that she would tell him.
"looks like she brought a friend" Urahara nodded to their new arrival, a ginger cat with the puffiest tail Kumiko had ever seen. "Come here kitty" Urahara added to the new animal, clicking his tongue gently
Kumiko was thrilled when the cat chose to sit in her lap, curling itself up into a ball and closing its eyes
"hi" Kumiko breathed, smoothing her hand down its back "they're so cute"
" bet you're glad we came for a walk now" her friend laughed, pulling some string from his pocket and making it dance across the ground, black cat chasing after it happily
"definitely "
After playing with the cats Kumiko and Urahara decided to continue their walk through the Rukongai, talking easily. Heat of the day unrelenting in its assault, the pair seeked shelter in the shadow of a large tree
"you going to start purring too?" Kumiko laughed. Urahara had laid down, resting his head on Kumikos lap. Urahara closed his eyes as Kumiko raked her fingers soothingly through his hair, nails scratching against his scalp almost sending him to sleep
"I might" he smirked, eyes remaining closed "it's so relaxing"
Kumiko continued playing with his soft hair absentmindedly as she looked out the grassy field. "It almost feels normal" Kumiko said softly
"hmm?" Urahara questioned her, nearly dozing off "what?"
"sitting here. It's easy to forget Kage is out there somewhere" she explained feeling relaxed. Uraharas eyes opened at her words, looking up at her face looking for any worry there
"we will get him Miko" he told her, one hand coming up to hold her wrist not playing with his hair.
"I know" Kumiko smiled down at him, ruffling his hair "you ready for lunch?"
"yeah, I'm starving" he said, sitting up to rest his hat back on his messed up hair
"you're always starving " Kumiko smiled at him as he jumped to his feet easily
"then why did you ask?" He replied with a smile, reaching down to pull Kumiko to her feet "let's race"
"no, your supposed to be resting" Kumiko told him as he grinned at her
"sounds like you're scared of loosing" he said defiantly ignoring her stern look as he backed away playfully
"Kisuke" Kumiko warned him, hands firmly on her hips "don't you dare"
"meet you at home" he winked before flash stepping away
"Urahara!" Kumiko called after him annoyed, chasing after him
"What took you so long?" Urahara asked, sitting on the top of his steps outside his home as Kumiko appeared out of breath
"the hell are you playing at?!" Kumiko said angrily as she stomped her way over to him "you're not supposed to be doing that yet!"
"ohh. Scary Kumiko" Urahara teased ignoring her unhappy look, standing up.
"what if you hurt yourself?"She continued
"I didn't " the grin on his face wasn't helping Kumikos mood
"but you could have! You were half dead in a hospital bed a week ago!" She continued advancing on her friend. Urahara backed up the steps, hands held up in surrender, eyes swimming with amusement
"Im fine Miko" he chuckled "I beat you here didn't I?"
"I'm going to beat you when I get my hands on you" she threatened, rushing up the stairs after him. Urahara grinned as he turned, throwing open his door and darting inside, Kumiko running after him.
Urahara laughed hearing Kumiko chase him, running towards his bedroom. Slowing down his steps, Urahara waited until Kumiko was close behind him when he turned suddenly, ducking low and pushing himself into kumikos hips. raising quickly as she fell down his back, Urahara straightened up to full height as he held her thighs tightly to stop her falling
"put me down" Kumiko said through gritted teeth, blood rushing to her head upside down on his back
"I think you need to cool off" he laughed, walking them to his bathroom
"put me down Kisuke!" Kumiko insisted, struggling in his grip. Grabbing hold of the door frame as he entered his bathroom. Urahara laughed as he was tugged backwards by her hold on the door. Pushing himself forwards, Kumikos grip slipped from the wood
"not until you cool off" he teased, stepping into his shower
"Kisuke? What are you doing?" She asked him trying to look around "don't you turn that on!" Kumiko demanded, finishing with a shriek as freezing water suddenly rained down on them
Gasping at the sudden onslaught of surprisingly cold water hitting her back, Kumiko struggled over Uraharas shoulder trying to escape
"you calm?" He laughed, enjoying the cooling water soothing his skin, warm from the sun
"yes! Yes I'm calm" Kumiko insisted, exhaling as the water was turned off. Urahara bent down, placing Kumiko back on her feet. Long hair was sticking to her head, wet clothes hung heavily on her body "was that necessary?" She asked him exasperated
"I believe it was" he chucked, taking off his hat to squeeze out the water
"what am I going to do now?" Kumiko laughed, bringing up her arms, water dripping from the sleeves, no longer mad at her friend. The sight of them both soaking extinguishing any annoyance she had
"I didn't think of that" he told her, removing his top to give it the same treatment as his hat "I'll go find you something to wear" he told her, leaving the shower. Grabbing a towel as he left
Kumiko squeezed out as much water from her hair and clothes as she could before leaving the shower, grabbing her own towel to roughly dry her hair. Urahara returned, towel around his waist, small grin on his face
"here" he said, offering Kumiko a ball of clothes "get changed, we can hang our clothes on the railing outside. They'll dry quick in this heat"
Kumiko grabbed them from his hand, nodding at his words "I'll make us some lunch after that. Not that you deserve any" she grinned at him
"but you'll feed me anyway" he grinned, leaving Kumiko to get dressed.
Kumiko grimaced at peeling off her wet clothing,not enjoying the feel. Wrapping the towel around her incase urahara came back, Kumiko wrung out her clothes in the shower the best she could.
Feeling dry enough to get dressed, Kumiko looked at what Urahara gave her. Shrugging at his choice, Kumiko slipped on his boxers and grey T-shirt, both much too big.
At least they're dry. Kumiko thought, using the towel to house her wet clothes and leaving the bathroom. Kumiko walked straight pass Urahara, grinning from his seat at his table
"ass" Kumiko muttered playfully as she exited the house to hang out her clothes. Laying them next to the ones Urahara had already laid out
"I guess Ukitake didn't need me today" Kumiko muttered over her cards at seeing the clock
After the pair had enjoyed a late lunch, Urahara convinced Kumiko to play cards with him. Unfortunately for him, Kumiko had moved the kettle while making them tea, so was unable to cheat
"Im sure he'll have plans for you tomorrow " Urahara responded just as distracted
"Hopefully. I've enjoyed the day off, but I'm ready to get back to work"
"so am I." Urahara agreed "never thought I would miss Hiyori giving me a hard time " he smiled over his cards
"Im sure she's been saving her kicks for you" Kumiko grinned placing down two cards and withdrawing two from the deck
"I can hardly wait" he replied, cocking his head to the door opening with a knock. Seeing who it was, Urahara sent a big grin Kumikos way
"hello Kyoraku" he greeted cheerfully "nice to see you"
"why are all your clothes hanging out the front?" He asked them confused, missing the stern look Kumiko sent him
Urahara who caught it, hid his laugh with a fake cough "oh, we cooled down with water after a walk" he explained, watching Kumikos face gleefully
"they seem dry" Shunsui offered, moving to Kumiko. "Hi love" he told her, bending to kiss her cheek, giving her a confused look as she ducked out of the way to stand up
"I'll go get them" she told them, leaving to grab the clothes. Shunsui span round, watching as she left. The confused look on his face made Urahara chuckle. "Have I missed something?" Shunsui asked him.
Urahara waited until Kumiko walked passed them, arms full of clothing, to his bedroom. Hearing the door close, Urahara pushed out the chair opposite him with his foot.
Nodding at Kyoraku to take a seat, Urahara explained "she's not thrilled about the hickey you left on her neck"
"she was fine this morning?" Shunsui straightened in his chair, surprised by the information
"I don't think she knew about it until I pointed it out" Urahara laughed "she's not pleased about having to hide another one"
"how did you get her to stop being mad at you?" Shunsui asked him, willing to take all the help he could get
Urahara laughed, apparently Shunsui didn't think "scary Kumiko" was as funny as he did. "she was too preoccupied dealing with you to be mad at me"
"don't suppose you fancy making her mad?" Shunsui grinned at him "take the heat off me a little" he added rubbing the back of his neck
"not even a little bit ". Urahara laughed "I don't want to be on the other end of that temper"
Shunsui sighed, wondering how easily he could get her to forgive him when Kumiko returned dressed in her own clothes once more. Stopping at Urahara, Kumiko kissed his cheek
"I'll see you tomorrow " she promised "don't do anything strenuous "
"I won't" he smiled up at her, watching her happily. Kumiko gave him a smile before turning to walk from his house, not giving Shunsui a second look. The sound of the door closing loudly made Kyoraku wince
"this is going to be fun" he said standing up
"good luck" Urahara laughed, sending his friend a wave goodbye
"you don't have to be so happy about it you know" Shunsui grumbled, jogging to catch up with Kumiko
I can't believe we're at chapter 70. Originally I assumed this fic would be 50 pages. It's looking more to be 100