Having enough of being destroyed playing cards, Kumiko decided to prepare lunch for Urahara as he sat at the table talking to her
"I really don't mind making my own lunch" he called to her, watching as she moved easily around his kitchen
"I know, but I want to" she offered back, concentrating more on cooking than his running commentary"you need to rest"
"I've been doing nothing but resting" he grumbled. "I do appreciate it though" he added, not wanting to sound ungrateful "what are you making?"
"salad, rice and fish" she called over her shoulder "there's some pudding in the fridge for dessert , try not to eat it all at once"
Kumiko turned around at hearing the chair scrape against the floor. She gave urahara a questioning look as he walked into the kitchen and opened his fridge. Standing up from his bent over examination of his fridge, Kumiko could see him holding two pudding cups in his hand
"that didn't last long" she chuckled at his retreating form
"I can't promise I won't eat all these today" he told her, as he sat back down, popping his feet up to rest on his table. Kumiko turned around in time to see him start scooping the pudding out with his tongue
"you better not" she couldn't help but smile at the way he ate"im not getting you any more"
"you wouldn't do that. You love me too much" . Kumiko shook her head amused, knowing he was right. If he was stuck at home healing from the injuries she felt responsible for, she would get him anything he asked. She wouldn't voice that though, Urahara didn't need any encouragement
A rhythmic knock at the door pulled her attention, after turning the heat down on the fish she was cooking, she quickly hurried to the door,
"Jushiro, hi." She greeted the captain of the 13th, usual pleasant smile on his face "come in, I'm afraid I need a few more minutes"
"no rush" he told her, closing the door behind him to follow her into Uraharas home "im early anyway. How are you feeling?" He directed the last part to Urahara.
"better, thanks" Urahara told him inbetween eating his pudding. Ukitake caught himself staring bewildered at the way urahara was eating. He had thought Kumiko exaggerated how bad his table manners were when not in public. Evidently, she was not. Pulling his eyes away from staring, he sat on the chair opposite, looking over Uraharas feet with an amused smile
"that's great to hear. Is there anything you need?"
"no thanks Ukitake. Kyoraku already went shopping, and Kumiko is determined to leave me enough meals for a week" he grinned at him at Kumiko huff
"I'll remind you again. You have a fractured skull. I'm going to make you meals for a few days" she told him without looking back
"love you" he teased her before rolling his eyes good naturedly at Ukitake
"you won't love me when I take all your pudding cups with me. I'm sure I can get someone to eat them all" she looked over her shoulder to see his reaction
"you wouldn't" he eyed her sternly, subconsciously gripping his treat a little firmer
"let's not find out" she told him as she plated up his lunch "you ready for it now? Or shall I put it in the oven to keep warm?"
"oven please miko. I'll get to it later"
"right. salad is in the fridge" Kumiko started rattling off instructions as she tied up after herself. "Your pain medication is on the table. Your dinner is in the fridge."
"got it" he eyes followed as she moved around quickly, rearranging his kitchen as she went
"I'll come by in the morning with breakfast" she said before stopping in her tracks to turn to face them "I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow. Who's my captain?" She asked the two men
"technically still me" ukitake smiled at her "I've not got anything specific planned tomorrow. You're free to come and go as you like"Kumiko sent him a grateful smile, she didn't mind continuing to work under him, he was a lovely captain to have. The thought of leaving Urahara alone for a long period of time though, didn't sit right with her. Not while he was still healing
"do you want me to come back tonight?" She asked urahara, finally coming to a stop next to him
he shook his head gently at her "no, you should go back home to Kyoraku." He told her with a smile "I know you missed him last night. I'll be fine "
"how do you know I was missing him?" She challenged playfully, crossing her arms across her chest as she raised a quizzing eyebrow
"you talk in your sleep remember?" Urahara grinned at the way her eyes went wide, blush rising to her cheeks "would you like me to remind you what you were saying last night?"
"don't you dare" Kumiko pointed a finger at him in an attempt to look stern, mortified at the possibilities he could've heard
"what's it worth to you?" Urahara grinned at her, pushing her finger down. Ukitake smiled at the pair, enjoying their playful banter
they're like an old married couple he thought whimsically
"another packet of pudding cups?" She laid her offer on the table. Urahara thought about it for a moment, taking another scoop of his pudding with his tongue to mull the idea over
"two" he challenged, holding his hand out in agreement
"done" Kumiko agreed, shaking the offered hand firmly before turning to a smiling Ukitake "I'll just grab my bag and we can head off"
"sounds great" he smiled, watching as she hurried down the hall and out of sight
"I wasn't aware she talks in her sleep" ukitake said to Urahara
"she don't shut up" Urahara snorted "she scared me half to death the first time I heard her. I thought there was someone else in the room" he laughed at the memory "im surprised Kyoraku is getting any sleep at all"
"shunsui can sleep through his roof caving in" he told him dryly, each sharing an understanding look over their respective friends
"ready" Kumiko announced her reappearance , coming over to urahara and kissing him on the cheek "please go easy today" she asked him
"I will" he promised "I'll probably just read a book" easing her worry
Kumiko nodded thankfully at him, as Ukitake rose from the chair
"send word if you need anything Kisuke" he addressed the blonde
"I'll be fine" he re-alliterated, sending them both a wave as they left. Hearing the door close Urahara stood up from the table, walking straight to the fridge to grab another pudding
"I was just saying to Kisuke how I can't believe we're at the tenth captain already" Kumiko made light conversation on their walk. The sun was gloriously warm today, her skin was warming nicely under the suns rays
"seems like only yesterday you were involuntarily laughing at Uraharas spiritual pressure in that bar" Ukitake thought back happily at the memory
"so much has happened since, half of it doesn't feel real" Kumiko smiled at him "did you see Shunsui yesterday?"
"I did. After the captains meeting, I joined him and Yoruichi san for some drinks" he informed her, remembering their drunken antics last night. Having left them early, he had no idea what state the pair had ended up in. The way they were encouraging eachother to have more shots, he imagined they were quite drunk. He didn't expect to see his friend until well into the afternoon today
"im glad he went out" Kumiko said softly "he hasn't had any time to go have fun since Urahara got hurt"
"I imagine he has had plenty of fun in your company Kumiko" truth be told, he hadn't seen Shunsui smile so honestly . He had always been laid back, horizontal actually. Always with a small smile on his face. Not quite the grin he was sporting these days.
"I just didn't want him to give up what he enjoys" she explained, sure they've had fun. Like when they went to the lake. But Shunsui was known for enjoying a drink with friends, something she hadn't seen him do for quiet some time
"I don't think you have anything to worry about Kumiko " he smiled down at her, knowing the effect she had on his friend
"so, what's Captain Hitsugaya like?" Kumiko changed the subject, slight worry twisting in her stomach at the prospect of a bad reaction
ukitake took a moment. Trying to think how best to describe the young captain "serious" he decided on "he is passionate about upholding our laws and ways. Very skilled for his age. Has unparalleled determination . I imagine in a few hundred years he will surpass us all" he explained. "He's a very decent young man"
"he sounds completely opposite to rangiku" Kumiko laughed. From what she had gathered so far Matsumoto was flirty, playful and lazy about her lieutenant duties, that is until she needs to be serious. From what Renji had said, she's a total badass.
She's like a female Shunsui Kumiko thought amused at the similarities
"they do seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum " Ukitake smiled, Rangiku was someone he enjoyed the company of. Many times they have enjoyed nights together with friends, her being a good drinking buddy of Shunsui. Like Yourichi, shehad a knack of encouraging his friend to drink beyond his limit, not that he needed much persuasion
"he is kind though Kumiko. There is nothing to worry about today." Ukitake comforted Kumiko with a friendly pat to the shoulder
"that's a relief" Kumiko admitted before lowering her voice slightly "I don't want to speak bad about the captains.. but there's a few I'm happy to never see again" mind going back to Kurotsuchi
Ukitakes hand on her shoulder gave a little shake before squeezing it gently
"Kumiko!" Rangiku called her name happily, jumping over the sofa she was lying on to greet the woman "how are you! It's been too long" she said pulling Kumiko into a strong hug. Face being pressed into her large breasts, Kumiko fought back a laugh as Matsumoto rocked them side to side
"enough Matsumoto " came a deeper voice than Kumiko had remembered coming from behind them. Rangiku pulled back with a pretty pout, allowing Kumiko to breath, but keeping her arms around her. Kumiko caught Ukitakes amused look, and smiled at him widely at her antics
"but captain" she whined, drawling out her words and giving the best puppy dog eyes she could muster "I was just saying hello to a friend" Kumiko looked over the new captain. He had white spiky hair and a pair of the bluest eyes Kumiko had ever seen. Noticing she was taller than the captain, she Suppressed a smile. It wasn't often she came across someone shorter than herself
"you nearly suffocated her" the captain said dryly. Getting up from his desk to approach them
"are you jealous? I could give you a hug too" she teased, quickly changing to a devilish grin. Letting Kumiko go she opened up her arms invitingly
"enough!" He shouted at her, quickly getting annoyed "nice to see you Ukitake" he said turning to his scenior with a polite nod, before offering the same to Kumiko
"good morning, Toshiro chan" Ukitake smiled warmly at the young man, as he reached in his pocket to produce a bag of, what looked to Kumiko to be, sweets. Kumiko arched her eyebrow up amused as he handed it to the smaller captain. Captain Hitsugaya took it somewhat begrudgingly, placing it on the desk with an eye roll as Matsumoto hid her smile, having seen this exchange before she knew how much her Captain wished Ukitake would stop giving him childish gifts, but out of respect would accept them anyway
"you really don't need to keep giving me gifts Ukitake" the younger captain tried, for what seemed to be the millionth time, to get him to stop
"nonsense" ukitake smiled warmly "us 'shiros' need to stick together"
Kumiko grinned at the exchange, the smaller captain's unamused face the only thing stopping her from laughing openly. Ukitake really was very sweet
"are we seeing how you react to our spiritual pressure?" Matsumoto asked Kumiko excitedly, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, hands clasped together by her chest
"we are" Ukitake told her with a patient smile " would you like to go first?"
Matsumoto grinned widely at that, grabbing Kumikos hand and pulling them into the centre of the office
"I hope it's a good one" she told Kumiko with a smile "when things have settled more with Urahara, we need to do something. Shopping or drinks?" She spoke a mile a minute at Kumiko who laughed gently
"sounds great" she told her, turning to see the two captains conversing quietly near the desk. Ukitake brought out his little black book and a pen, taking a seat.
"I've been dying to come see you" Matsumoto continued " I didn't want to get in the way though. How bad is urahara?"
"it was pretty bad" Kumiko admitted with a half shrug, not really wanting to remember too vividly "but he's loads better now. He's back at home. Will hopefully be back at work next week"
"that's a relief " Matsumoto said eyeing her annoyed looking captain "we'll catch up soon" she winked at her
"are you ready Kumiko?" Ukitake called to her, Hitsugaya stood next to him, giving his lieutenant a warning look.
"I'm ready" she smiled, turning back to her energetic friend
"please release your Reiatsu Rangiku san" Ukitake addressed her
"carefully" Hitsugaya added sternly
Matsumoto grinned at Kumiko as she upped her power, excited to see what will happen. Kumiko felt it caress her skin. Teasingly wrapping itself around her. A small smile made its way to Kumikos lips, watching Rangikus mischievous face.
"anything?" She eagerly asked her, eyes darting all over her face to see any change
Kumiko laughed at what she was feeling. It was very Matsumoto "you can stop now" she told her, immediately feeling her Reiatsu pull away.
"what did you feel?" Ukitake asked her as she turned to face him
"really flirty" Kumiko laughed as Matsumoto grinned, throwing her arm around Kumikos shoulder "playful and teasing. It wasn't overwhelming though. We could fight together " she told him as Matsumoto laughed next to her, squeezing Kumiko into her side
"that's great! " she told Kumiko, leaning down to hurriedly add "we could use it when drinking. Get all the boys blushing"
"Matsumoto " Hitsugaya called her name closing his eyes, she was really testing him today "enough, go stand by captain Ukitake" he told her, physically shooing her away and taking her place in front of Kumiko
"are you ok?" He addressed her quietly, however his eyes followed his lieutenant, no doubt to ensure she did as she was told
"im fine captain" Kumiko looked down to meet his eye, while trying to hide her amusement. Matsumoto was a force of nature, loud and boisterous. Clearly nothing like this captain. She enjoyed her energy immensely
captain Ukitake stood from the desk, choosing to stand a little closer to the pair incase he had to intervene
"when you're ready, Toshiro chan "
captain Hitsugaya nodded once, turning back to Kumiko fully . Taking the lid off his Reiatsu, he watched her intently, ready to pull away quickly. He had been concerned about this meeting since he discovered what effect Kyoraku had on her. Wondering if it was too late to send Matsumoto out of the room when he heard Kumiko gasp
A painful unrelenting chill gripped Kumiko. The freeze went deep into her bones, bodily reactions to the effect coming on quick and violent. Hitsugaya pulled back the moment Kumikos knees hit the floor, arms wrapped tightly around herself, trying to warm her violently shivering body. Teeth chatting together, the noise carrying through the room. Ukitake stepped forward, crouching down to check on his friend
"Kumiko are you alright?" He asked her, gasping when he lifted her face. Her lips had turned blue, her face pale. Core body temperature dropping caused Kumiko to feel very tired, eyes became heavy as she trembled on the floor
A thick blue blanket was suddenly in her view. Captain hitsugaya held it out for Ukitake to take, the concern on his face was missed by Kumiko as she let her eyes close
"she don't look good ukitake" he noted as Ukitake wrapped the blanket tightly around Kumiko
"let's get her in the sun" Ukitake said, scooping Kumiko up in his arms as he stood, walking them outside.
"is she ok ?" Matsumoto asked worriedly, following behind the captains while trying to catch a glimpse of her friend
"her reactions have never lasted this long after the spiritual pressure has faded." Ukitake said while shaking his head, unsure what the best corse of action is
"perhaps a trip to the 4th is in order " Hitsugaya told him, hand reaching out to touch Kumikos upper chest through the gap in the blanket "she's still cold to touch. It could be critical if she's not warmed up properly "
"I was thinking the same" he said softly, dark eye brows furrowing in concern. Suddenly feeling quite inadequate in this new role, perhaps he should have waited for Urahara after all
"Matsumoto will follow with your belongings. Better not wait" the short captain told him.
Ukitake nodded once "will you inform Kyoraku for me?" He asked before sprinting off in his flash step holding Kumiko close, not waiting for an answer
"where is she?" Shunsui asked Ukitake quickly upon seeing him, the door he had forcefully opened slammed into the wall behind him before bouncing off and slamming shut again. The sound echoed around the main entrance of the hospital, startling the few shinigami there
"this way" Ukitake told him, leading the way down the corridor, Shunsui hot on his heels
"what the hell happened?" Kyoraku asked, Ukitake couldn't quite tell if his friend was just worried about Kumiko or mad at the situation
"captain Hitsugayas spiritual pressure made Kumikos temperature plummet. She's with Unohana now" he told him, empty rooms passing them by
"how bad?"
"Unohana san is warming her back up, she didn't seemed overly concerned " he told him, coming to stop at a closed door "I'll wait out here, they were undressing Kumiko when I left"
Shunsui nodded to his friend, foregoing a knock and entering, closing the door behind him
"Kumiko" he said softly, seeing her laying in a hospital bed, a few blankets covering her form in a fluffy cocoon. From where he was standing he could hear her teeth click together harshly
Unohana turned at his arrival, giving him her usual sweet smile
"Shunsui san. Perfect timing" she told him as he walked over "please remove your clothing"
Shunsui stopped at that, giving his fellow captain an alarmed look
"come again?" He asked bewildered
"exchanging body heat is one of the safest ways to get Kumikos temperature back up to a safe level. Please remove your clothing and get into the bed with her" she calmly explained, silently Enjoying how flustered he had become at her words
"all of them?" He double checked removing his kimono and captains coat to lay on the chair
"just to your underwear " she confirmed, turning to adjust the warming fluids currently draining into Kumikos arm, while giving him a little privacy
Kicking off his sandals, Shunsui pulled off his top throwing it on the chair. Glancing at Unohanas back, he removed his trousers.
Good thing I decided to wear underwear today he thought lightly
climbing over Kumikos shivering body, Shunsui slipped under the blankets, pushing himself into her back and wrapping an arm around her. Jumping slightly at how cold her skin was, Shunsui could tell Kumiko was also only in her underwear
"you're freezing love" he muttered as she turned to face him, burying her cold face into his warm chest, eliciting another jerk in response to the chill
"I f f feel like I'm never g g going to be warm again" she told him weakly, stuttering out her words. pressing her feet into his legs, seeking his warmth
"you will" Unohana promised her " this should take another ten minutes to fully empty, I will return then" she added before taking her leave, going to search for Ukitake
Shunsui kissed her forehead, worry leaving him now that she was safe in his arms
"are you hurt?" He asked her softly, feeling her shake her head no before her cold nose pressed into his chest
"n no. Just cold" she told him "sorry I m made you worry"
"no need to apologise" he smiled into her hair as he pulled the blanket behind her tighter around them "I missed you"
"I missed you too"
"did you have fun with Urahara? Did he try and escape?" He engaged in conversation, trying to distract her from feeling cold, rubbing his warm hand over her bare skin
"No, he stayed put . He cheated at cards though" she told him making him laugh "U Ukita take said you went out for drinks?"
"Yoruichi dragged me out" he smiled, closing his eyes and enjoying being with her again
"did you have fun?" Kumiko asked, teeth no longer chattering violently
"I did." He promised "I missed having you in my bed though " he muttered
"I'll be home tonight" Kumiko told him, sighing as her tired body slowly started climbing in temperature. Missing Kyorakus smile at her referring to his house as home
"I can hardly wait". He teased, cheekily squeezing her rump before continuing his hands rubbing warmth into her skin"Unohana doesn't want to keep you?"
"no, I overheard her talking to Jushiro. I'll be fine as soon as I warm up " she told him
shunsui sighed "seems Toshiros spiritual pressure is a particularly bad one"
"I definitely won't be joining his division, it's likely he would accidentally kill me" she mused, knowing how dangerous it is for your core body temperature to drop too low
Shunsui tightened his hold on her, already she felt slightly warmer in his arms. A few minutes passed in comfortable silence as he held her. Feeling the temptation to fall into a comfortable nap, he continued speaking
"you should just join my division" he teased "I've never heard of anyone dying from an orgasm " he laughed as Kumiko gently slapped his chest
"no but I'm pretty sure I could die from embarrassment " she told him with a small laugh
"I could just keep you locked away in my office" he told her, lifting her chin to kiss her lips
Kumiko grinned into the kiss, shaking her head as he pulled back "you're incorrigible"
"I am" he agreed easily"I can't get enough of you" he whispered, fingers teasing the skin on her side
"not here" she laughed, cold fingers stopping his own on their travels. Shunsui interlocked their fingers, bringing her hand up to his mouth to kiss.
"can we go to the shopping district later?" She asked him "I need to get Urahara a few things"
"anything you want" he agreed "we need to get you a new yukata for the festival too"
"I've not come across any shops that sell them yet" Kumiko said softly, thinking back to the shops she had visited
maybe I should visit that lingerie shop again
"I know where one is. I'm friends with the owner" he said with a smile, excited to see Kumiko try a few on "how do you feel now?"
"better" Kumiko granted, Shunsuis warm body was warming her up amazingly, thankful she was no longer shivering "thank you"
"you don't need to thank me for pressing up against you" he grinned before lifting his head as he heard the door open
"how are we doing?" Unohana asked walking into the room
"I feel better". Kumiko said, making a more appropriate space between her and Shunsui "thank you for taking care of me"
"my pleasure" Unohana said leaning down. Gently pulling out the needle in Kumikos arm, Unohana placed some cotton over the wound "hold this for a moment please"
Kumiko pressed her fingers into it, keeping it in place as the captain safely disposed of the needle. Coming back over with some tape, Unohana taped it over snugly.
"you are free to go. Please inform me if you become unwell" Unohana bowed at the pair before taking her leave
"I will, thank you"
"thank you Retsu san" Shunsui called after the retreating woman
when the door closed Kumiko climbed out of the bed and walked over to her clothes. Shunsui leaned on his elbow, watching the way her hips moved. Her revealing underwear showed him half of her ass, something he very much enjoyed seeing . Bending over to grab her clothes, Kumiko caught eyes with Shunsui as he lusted over her. Smiling shyly, Kumiko stood up straight "you coming?"
unashamed at being caught staring, Shunsui too rose from the bed "later hopefully " he winked at her. Smiling at her loud laugh as they got dressed