After finally confessing all the dark thoughts that had plagued him recently, Urahara convinced both Ukitake and Kumiko that he was well enough to stay and observe Kumikos training. Having not seen her progress for a while, he had wanted to see her progress with his own eyes. Not that he didn't believe the reports he had received from Ukitake. He sat himself on a near by rock to watch, despite Kumikos insistence that he went back home to bed
he looks pale Kumiko thought, eyes darting to her friend worriedly he pushed himself too hard
"you're not concentrating" Ukitakes soft words pulled her attention back
"sorry" she uttered, focusing her attention back to the task at hand, Kumiko continued walking herself backwards from Ukitakes advance
"im keeping an eye on him" Ukitake promised quietly so not to reach Uraharas ears, increasing his spiritual pressure "keep moving away" he added taking a step forward
Their game of cat and mouse continued, Kumiko taking more and more time to pull away each time Ukitake increased his Reiatsu. Urahara watched with keen eyes, she was pulling away easier than she had done previously, training clearly paying off
Ukitake raised his spiritual pressure even higher, the strength of it becoming a challenge for Kumiko. Urahara watched surprised when Kumiko pulled away after a few moments, creating space between them as Ukitake followed with a proud smile
she's getting better at resisting he noted internally, scratching at his chin. Lowering his hand he noticed how heavy it was. How heavy his whole body felt. Tiredness prickled behind his eyes. Urging himself to stay awake, Urahara stood up to walk to a closer rock to see better
Seeing Kumiko pull away once more, Ukitake raised his spiritual pressure higher than he had done previously, watching as Kumiko struggled "concentrate" he urged her gently, as she swayed slightly on the spot fighting against the pull
Kumiko gritted her teeth, getting ready to take a step back when Urahara moving caught her eye. The slip in concentration was enough for Kumiko to loose the battle, slamming roughly into an advancing Ukitake, huffing into his chest as he caught her easily
she's too distracted Ikitake thought, lowering his spiritual pressure, glancing over to Urahara hes not looking to good either he added, straightening Kumiko
"I think that's enough for today" he smiled kindly down at her to hide his concern
"sorry, I can try harder" Kumiko told him, guiltily meeting his eye
Smiling down at her, Ukitake placed a comforting hand on her head, ruffling her hair gently "you did wonderfully. But I believe we could all use a break" he added, looking over to Urahara watching them
Kumiko sighed. He was right. She couldn't concentrate with Urahara looking so Haggard, like he was about to drop at any given moment. Being subjected to both the captains Reiatsu and her own adrenaline from seeing Kisuke pushing himself too hard had taken its toll. Nodding her head in defeat, Kumiko looked up at her captain
"I'll be better next time" she promised him, a little ashamed at her effort today
"I know you will. Let's get Urahara home hmm?"
Ukitake walked behind Kumiko and Urahara, letting the other man set the pace. Uraharas steps became increasingly more sluggish the nearer they got to his home, what's left of his energy being used to he keep him up right. Not wanting to voice his opinion, Ukitake remained silent, keeping a watchful gaze incase he needed to offer assistance .
He could understand Uraharas determination to become stronger. Coming so close to death was not an easy issue to deal with. Especially in the way it had happened, not even knowing the face of your would be killer. Living with the fact he is still out there, seemingly plotting something unsavoury against someone you care for.
He also understood Kumikos worry. Urahara wasn't physically in a space to be pushing himself that hard yet. Seeing the pale, shaking form of your friend, who had not long ago been so broken would surly drag up the same emotions. Ukitake tightened his lips behind the pair, not being able to come up with a solution to ease their turmoil
Breathing a sigh of relief at seeing his friends home in the distance, Ukitake walked to place himself behind Urahara, catching him swaying slightly in his heavy steps. Noticing Kumiko inch closer to her friend, Ukitake just hoped she could get through to the young captain
Urahara grabbed hold of the railings running along side the steps to his home, using it subtly to heave himself up the stairs. Silently begging his body to continue on until he reached his bed. He had noticed Kumikos hand coming out, a brief moment of considering helping her friend before lowering it unhappily
Pushing open his front door, Urahara sighed, finally letting his stiff shoulders relax
"do you want something to eat?" Kumikos soft voice came from behind him. Urahara shook his head gently
"no thanks, Miko" he said turning to face her, hoping the familiar use of his nickname for her would ease the worry etched on her face"Im just going to go sleep for a bit" he added nodding to his bedroom "thanks Ukitake"
Ukitake sent him a small smile, watching as he turned to his room, removing his Shihakusho top as he went, dropping it messily on the floor behind him. Kumiko stepped forward, watching her friends retreat with concern
"you should stay" Ukitake told her softly, giving her the same smile as she turned to look at him confused
"Ukitake." She began, already feeling awful about the wasted training session. The least she could do was finish her day at work, helping her temporary captain with the paperwork he had ignored to help train her.
Ukitake shook his head gently, stopping her protest "I think you both would benefit having some time together" he told her honestly "you've endured the spiritual pressure of two captains today. Use the time to recharge"
Kumiko nodded, glancing back over her shoulder to Uraharas room before walking up to Ukitake "thank you" Kumiko said softly into his chest, hugging him briefly
"I will let Shunsui know where you are" Jushiro promised, patting her head gently before slipping silently through the door
Kumiko followed in her friends footsteps, picking up his discarded clothing as she went, folding them neatly. Entering his room, Kumiko placed his clothes on his dresser before walking round to the empty side of the bed, lifting the blanket and climbing in.
Urahara opened his eyes tiredly, watching as Kumiko made herself comfortable, laying her head to face him. Reaching his hand out, Urahara grabbed hold of her own, pulling it close to him with a comforting squeeze
"m'sorry I forced my Reiatsu on you earlier" he almost whispered
"Im not mad" Kumiko said just as quietly "you scared me"
He gave her a questioning look, prompting her to continue
"when I first heard about the attack, I was so scared you were going to die" she admitted her fears to him, unshed tears glistened in her eyes. Kumiko screwed up her eyes to deny the tears room to fall as she whispered"I was so scared I was going to loose you"
"you're not going to loose me" he told her firmly, moving closer to his friend to offer his comfort, using his other hand to tilt up her chin "Miko, look at me" he softly commanded her, continuing to press his point when she opened her eyes to meet his own "you're not going to loose me"
"then to see you like that, Kisuke, you looked... so" Kumiko struggled thinking of the word . Weak wasn't correct, and it wouldn't help Kisukes feeling of powerlessness"lost" she decided on, eyes worriedly darting between his own
Urahara sighed as he wrapped his arm around her to pull her into his chest, closing his burning eyes
"Im sorry" he told her again, he really hadn't ment to worry anyone, least of all Kumiko. He just needed to feel in control again.
"I can't loose you too" she mumbled into his chest, wrapping her arm around him, needing to feel him there. Breathing softly, heart beating in his chest. The warmth of his skin.
"You won't. I won't push it that far again " he mumbled into her hair, knowing the loss she had already faced "youre scary when your mad you know" he smiled over her head at hearing her giggle
"don't make me mad again then" she grinned into his chest
"I'll try" Urahara grinned, knowing that he will definitely make her mad again in the future. She was just too easy to wind up and he had a mischievous streak a mile wide
"I've never seen Ukitake so perplexed before" he teased her "that the first time he seen you mad?" He asked, feeling Kumiko nod into his embrace
"Jushiro doesn't anger me like you and Shunsui seem to be experts at doing" Kumiko grinned, snuggling deeper into the bed as she yawned, stress of the day making it known in her tired limbs.
"Im just happy you didn't try and break my nose"
"maybe next time" Kumiko smiled, remembering the time she punched Shunsui accidentally.
His hard head nearly broke my hand she thought amused
"go to sleep" she added out loud, closing her eyes to succumb to the pull of sleep
"yes ma'am "
After catching up with Jushiro, Kyoraku stopped to get some take out, figuring Urahara and Kumiko would be hungry after their emotional day.
He had not wanted Kumiko to cook for them all, deserving a relaxing evening. Shunsui decided take out would be the safest option. Urahara wouldnt thank him for blowing up his oven
Letting himself into his friends house, Kyoraku stopped in the kitchen, surprised at not being greeted by the two friends playing cards on the table. Stopping to put the food in the oven to keep warm, he noticed the breakfast Kumiko had made Urahara that morning still there uneaten.
Silently he moved through the house, looking for his love and friend. Pushing the bedroom door open, Shunsui smiled at the sight that greeted him. Urahara was snoring loudly, on his side facing Kumiko. Snuggled up buried in blankets, Shunsui could just about make out her face, relaxed and breathing deeply. Their hands were joined loosely on the pillow between them.
Happy they seemed to have sorted their differences, Shunsui walked forward, the call to wake them died on his lips. Not having the heart to wake the pair, Shunsui walked around to gently lay next to Kumiko, wrapping an arm around her and burying his face in her hair. Enjoying the faint coconut smell while he waited for them to wake up.
Urahara woke up slowly, consciousness coming back to him yet keeping his eyes shut to hold onto the sleepy bliss. Taking a big relaxing breath, Urahara took stock of his body. He was feeling better than he did before he went to sleep, but not in a rush to get out of his warm bed.
Urahara lazily threw his arm over Kumiko, thumb absentmindedly rubbing circles on her arm. His groggy brain took a moment to catch up to reality
Kumikos arm isn't hairy the rational thought entered his brain.
Snapping his eyes open, Urahara looked into the grey, amused eyes of Kyoraku. Throwing himself backward with a yelp out of surprise , Uraharas hands scrambled for the blankets as he started falling. The fabric slipped through his fingers, offering no help as he toppled over the edge. Landing on the floor with a painful thud, Shunsuis deep laugh followed him down.
Sitting up Shunsui looked down at Uraharas baffled look at his rude awakening, highly amused by the less than manly yelp that came from the captain
"morning beautiful " Shunsui grinned down at him, as Kumiko stirred under him at the commotion
"Shunsui?" Kumiko asked confused, rubbing the sleep from her eyes "what are you doing here? Where's Kisuke?"
Shunsui laughed, nodding his head to other side of the bed "on the floor love"
Kumiko sat up, looking over the bed to see Urahara giving Shunsui a murderous look
"What are you doing down there?" Kumiko asked him confused
"I fell" he said, getting up off the floor and crossing his arms defensively over his naked chest
"After he tried touching me up" Shunsui added with a grin, pulling Kumikos attention back to him
"pardon?"
"I didn't "touch you up"" Urahara huffed "I wasn't expecting your face in mine when I woke"
Kumiko laughed between them, understanding what had happened. Stretching her arms out, satisfying cracks coming from her straightening spine
"what's the time?" She asked no one in particular around a yawn
"A little after 6" Urahara answered for her, looking to the clock next to the bed
"I can't believe we slept for so long" Kumiko said surprised "you've not eaten all day, I'll go make something" Kumiko pushed the blanket off, scooting out of the bed
"I've brought dinner" Kyoraku interrupted, also stand up "I put it in the oven to keep warm"
Kumiko looked at him, eyes shining. Pleased she didn't have to cook, she left to room to go and dish it up saying over her shoulder "thank you Shunsui"
Urahara looked at Shunsui uncertainly, waiting for him to decide if they were going to ignore what had just happened or if he would continue to tease
He was disappointed but not surprised when Kyoraku drawled out "you know, it's customary to have dinner BEFORE you get someone into bed "
"I didn't invite you into my bed. You let yourself in". Urahara defended, ignoring the heat he could feel on his cheeks
"Didn't stop you making moves Kisuke chan!" Shunsui teased happily, following Kumiko out of the room
"I didn't make moves!" Urahara called after him, getting an answering chuckle in return
Urahara came out his bedroom, now dressed. Sitting down at his table with a sigh, Kumiko pushed a plate in front of him
"thanks" he said, not looking up. He could feel Shunsuis grin on him, he had hoped if he remained silent, the other man would forget to tease him. He had no such luck
"did it hurt?" Shunsui asked softly, pretending to eat his dinner while watching Urahara from the corner of his eye
"did what hurt?" Urahara asked confused, begrudgingly looking over to him
"when you fell for me" Shunsui grinned widely as Urahara straightened indignity
"idiot"
Kumiko laughed at his teasing, pushing him gently on the arm to gather his attention"don't be mean. He's had a hard day"
"I just hope his day was the only thing that was hard" he smiled at Kumiko, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss as Urahara sputtered next to him
"alright" Shunsui laughed, bringing his hands up in surrender at the look Urahara was giving him "I'll stop, that's the last one"
"did Jushiro catch up with you? Was he mad?" Kumiko asked him., changing the subject for her friends benefit. Kumiko sent him a small wink across the table at the thankful look he gave her
"of course he's not mad" Shunsui soothed her worries "just a bit concerned about you both"
"I'm fine." Kumiko told him honestly, she actually felt lighter than she had in days after the heart to heart they shared today "I just felt guilty. I couldn't concentrate , I feel as though I wasted his time"
"It wasn't your fault Miko" Urahara interjected " I'll apologise to him when I see him next"
"You in a better headspace now?" Kyoraku asked Urahara plainly, he never was one to skirt around sensitive issues
"yeah." He replied simply, shovelling more food into his mouth
"You know this burden doesn't solely fall on your shoulders" Shunsui continued, not deterred by the short answer, speaking casually as he ate his dinner "all the captains and lieutenants want to see Kage Atone for his crimes. Now that we know about his abilities, he won't be able to dishonourably attack from the shadows"
"isn't that one of your zanpakutos abilities?" Urahara asked him, remembering seeing it once before "attacking from the shadows?"
"it is" Shunsui nodded, before grinning at him "I don't use it to attack unknowingly from behind though. Usually"
"I wonder if you could enter into the space he does" Urahara wondered out loud, his too active brain coming up with endless possibilities
"maybe I'll get the chance to find out" Shunsui smiled at the genius "until then, stop worrying about it. You'll give yourself grey hairs"
Urahara rolled his eyes, shoving more food into his mouth. The odd grey hair the least of his worries
"festival is tomorrow " Kumiko reminded them "you still going with Yoruichi?"
"yeah" Urahara said around a mouth full of food "im sure we'll bump into you at some point"
"I can't wait, who's Jushiro going with? Does he want to come with us?" Kumiko directed at Shunsui
"I already asked love, he had promised to go with his third seats. He will come find us later "
"it would be nice if we could all watch the fireworks together " Kumiko mused, taking a dumpling from the middle of the table before the two men ate them all
"it's the best part of the night. Besides the drinking" Urahara grinned, Shunsui nodded along with his assessment happily
"you won't be drinking though, will you?" Kumiko told him with a raised eyebrow "Unohana said you can't drink until you return to work"
"I remember" Urahara told her. He found it adorable how she kept reminding him of Unohanas conditions to his early release, despite the fact he was clearly ignoring every single one of them. He was fully intending to ignore that one too. Yoruichi didn't know about him not being allowed to drink. She would encourage him to drink with her
