#you would think that the day Ukitake strips I would be happy but nO

[ukitakejuushiro]

NOOOOOOO I DO NOT SEE IT IT DOES NOT EXIST EVERYTHING IS DAIJOUBU THERE IS NO WAR IN SOUL SOCIETY I WILL REWRITE THE SERIES FOR YOU

[sonnets-and-snowdrops]

Here’s To Many More: An Ukitake Birthday Fic

Fandom: Bleach Pairing: Kyōraku Shunsui / Ukitake Jūshirō Genre: Fluff, Ukitake Lives! AU, Happy Old Men, Happy Birthday Feels, One-Shot Rating: G Word Count: 771 Warnings: N/A Summary: Jūshirō wakes up beside his best friend. He is an old man, and he is alive, and he is happy. That’s it. That’s the fic. Notes: This is my part of a collaboration with the incomparable @freudhood​! Stay tuned for art, y’all~ :)) Also, in the midst of holiday shenanigans, posting and timing and whatnot got away from me. I know Jū-chan’s birthday was about a week ago now - but, as I’m sure Jū-chan himself would say, better late than never?

Jūshirō wakes early.

Jūshirō wakes to gentle streams of blue-white light, and to the sigh of winter winds just on the other side of his half-open window. He is chilled, but he does not mind. He tugs at his blankets, abundant and heavy and all tangled up from sleep, and pulls them up over his shoulders, which have only become slenderer with age. He rolls onto his side, too, and inches his way over to cling to the strong, hardy body beside him – a body which, unlike his own, has only grown more powerful as it has grown older.

At his touch, his friend’s lone, steel-grey eye flickers open.

“ ’morning,” Shunsui rumbles.

Shunsui’s voice, too, has changed with age. It has grown deeper, and more resonant. He speaks even more slowly these days than he did when he was a young man, thanks to some combination of weariness and authority, no doubt. It has been a gradual change, like so many of the other changes, and now, this day-to-day slowness is just a part of Shunsui. He sheds it easily in battle, as easily as one might strip pink kimono from one’s shoulders and toss it downward to a trusted friend for safekeeping, but in moments like this, in moments of lazy, easy, early-morning softness, Jūshirō appreciates the pace his friend has settled into. It makes him feel unhurried and safe, and it allows him to imagine that Shunsui might feel unhurried and safe, too, if only for a short, short while.

“Good morning,” Jūshirō answers softly, wrapping his arms and his legs around his friend and resting his head upon Shunsui’s broad chest. Bigger arms and bigger legs answer Jūshirō’s, folding him into a close, tight embrace, one that smells like sleep and clean bedsheets and sake and sweat on skin, and that feels like home.

They lie together, silent, scarcely moving, save for the constant ebb and flow of both breath and spirit. It is simple, and it is mundane, and it is a gift.

“Big day today, Jū-chan,” Shunsui finally says, after a time.

Jūshirō smiles, and he shakes his head against Shunsui’s chest, feeling the ticklish scrape of silver curls of hair against his cheek. “No bigger than all the others,” he says, and he means it. “I’m thankful for every day, my friend. Not just days like this. You know that.”

Shunsui only shrugs, a great, lazy, lumbering movement, and now, it’s his turn to shake his head. His tangled, silver waves rustle against the pillow, and Jūshirō’s small smile only grows, because he knew that Shunsui would contest what Jūshirō says; he does so every year.

Eyes meet now, two green, one grey. Shunsui’s hand reaches upwards, and his calloused fingers brush against Jūshirō’s temple, and then run down his sharp jaw, his pale neck, his thin, scarred chest. He knows what Shunsui is thinking about, and usually, Jūshirō would try to redirect his friend’s thoughts, but on days like this, he is willing to allow Shunsui the indulgence.

“How many?” Shunsui asks.

“You know exactly how many,” Jūshirō answers.

“Yeah. I do. But I want to hear you say it.”

Jūshirō’s expression softens. He nods, and he blinks happily up at his friend, making the skin around his bright eyes crinkle with affection. “Four thousand,” he says, “six hundred and thirty-two.”

“Damn right,” Shunsui says.

Shunsui holds Jūshirō tighter, and Jūshirō can’t help but return the embrace. He is grateful. He never expected anything from his life, not even when he was young. He never dared to dream he might live so long, or so happily. Jūshirō's best friend is the strongest Captain-Commander that the Seireitei has seen yet, and Jūshirō, for his own part, continues to draw breath. He is a teacher, a leader, a shaper of young minds, and even he can’t deny that he played the greatest role in rewriting the Academy curriculum after the dust of the Thousand Year Blood War settled. The Division that was once his has been thriving for two millennia in the capable hands of one of the kindest and most dedicated Shinigami that Jūshirō has ever had the honor of serving with. Soul Society has not seen war since the first Soul King fell. Balance reigns in the World of the Living, and beyond. And what’s more, finally, after long years of attempts, failures, different attempts, different failures, and intense study and concentration, Jūshirō has managed to cultivate a garden of beautiful bonsai trees.

“Happy birthday,” Shunsui tells his friend. “Happy four thousand six hundred and thirty-second birthday, Jū-chan. Here’s to many more, eh?”

[shadowsnlace]

Let's request something fun! Since you love medieval AU, how about HCs or a scenario for a Lady!Reader finding out that to secure certain borders and trade rights, she has been unconventionally betrothed to Lords Ukitake and Kyoraku to bind all three Houses together. How do you think that would go? (Personally, I'd ask how soon the wedding could be!)

Brilliant idea! I LOVE this and loved writing it! I can’t tell you how happy I was when I saw you in my ask box! ;) Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and get ready for nice jaunt back in time! Love you!

Note: This is set in a fantasy medieval land much like 13th century Britain. I did my best to try to capture the experience of a virgin bride. Almost all of the modern/conventional words we use to describe things are pretty much gone. (I had to break down and use some modern genital words. Hey, I gotta call them something!) I did that to keep the feel of the time period and try to give the experience of a lady of that time.

Glossary: wanton - (used as a noun) - a sexually unrestrained woman.

This got really long, so settle in. I couldn’t help it. I hope you all enjoy it!

“Alliance”  - Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake

A collective gasp filled the hall followed by the murmur of numerous nobles, courtiers, and servants.

“Scandalous!” 

“Unheard of!”

“That poor woman!”

“How can her father do that to her?!”

All of the whispers washed over you as you stood alone in the center of the hall, facing your father. The announcement had been made that you were to wed not one, but two powerful men of the realm. Your ears were still ringing. Your vision swam with unshed tears. How could he humiliate you like this?

You felt the need to flee the hall, but found yourself rooted to the spot, your face hot with shame and anger. The wild thought of grabbing a knife from one of the tables and stabbing it into your father’s black heart was so tempting. 

Suddenly, you felt warmth at your back. One presence then another joined you in the middle of the swirling storm of voices. Sir Shunsui Kyoraku and Sir Jushiro Ukitake, your betrothed, stepped around you. Both men placed themselves between you and your father – and they both looked angry. 

You couldn’t believe how big they were. Dressed in varying shades of grey, both men were so handsome it nearly seemed impossible. Shoulders so broad, chests so deep, thighs so powerful…both were physically intimidating and yet, you didn’t feel afraid of them at all. In fact, you felt a bit a warm and a strange flutter in your stomach.

“We asked you to allow us to approach the lady in private, my lord.” Shunsui’s posture was defensive.  

Your father waved a hand dismissively, “I do as I please, Lord Kyoraku.”

A muscle tightened in Shunsui’s jaw, “Then Sir Ukitake and I shall do as we please – we are taking the lady to Ugendo. We will wed her there in a fortnight.” He started to turn his back on your father, but stopped and looked back, “We will expect her dowry to be paid before then.”

Jushiro grinned, a flash of straight, white teeth giving him a menacing edge, “Fail to do so and we will be back here with our armies.”

You watched your father’s face turn beet-red. He had been crowing so loudly about his cleverness in getting two powerful alliances for the price of one virgin. Now, it seemed that your future husbands were not very fond of your father at all. He sputtered, “If you take her, you take only her. Everything she owns stays here!” Another gasp ran through the room.

All the things you’d saved for years in your hope chest….your clothes….your books….your needlework…. your mementos gathered over the years, all of them memories of your late mother and the few friends you’d had in your youth. 

You’d had enough. “Fine!” Your voice cracked in the hall like a whip. You grabbed the cloth of your dress and started ripping it off. Shunsui and Jushiro’s eyes went wide. Both men closed in to shield you as you stripped yourself bare. Jushiro pulled off his cloak, wrapped it around you, wrapped you right into his side. He started to lead you out of the hall, but you wiggled away. You kicked off your shoes, picked them up, and threw them one at a time at your father as a frustrated yell bubbled up your throat. 

Before you could start cursing your father, Shunsui swept you up against his thick chest. “Allow me, my lady.” You looked up to find grey eyes echoing the smile on his lips. “I cannot allow such lovely feet to touch the ground.” His warmth seemed to flow into you and you fought back the urge to cuddle deeper into his embrace. You looked over to see Jushiro level one last cold look at your father before he turned and walked out of the hall next to Shunsui.

—- 2 Weeks Later —-

Ugendo: Perhaps the most beautiful castle in all the realm. You had heard of the seaside castle that seemed to sparkle in the sun. You’d thought it was all just the fanciful embellishments of bards. The reality was so much more than words could describe. Much like it’s lord, the Ukitake lands and castle were magnificent. Overlooking the sea, Ugendo shimmered like tiny jewels had been set into the stones. It was breathtaking, also like it’s lord. 

It had taken a week of travel to reach Ugendo. Upon leaving your father’s castle, Shunsui and Jushiro took you to the marketplace. They had bought you clothes, shoes, jewelry (they both insisted), a horse, and most dear to you – two new books that you hadn’t read before.

The trip had been very pleasant. During the day, both men would ride next to you and keep you engaged in conversation. You quickly deduced that they knew much more about you than you knew about them. Their reputations were well known. They were quite the favorites when it came to court gossip. Sir Kyoraku’s amorous exploits were nearly as legendary as his skill on the battlefield. Sir Ukitake was more of a mystery. Beyond his prowess as warrior and his manner as a noble, the whispers at court were mostly mixed speculation as to his love life. 

Both men were more than happy to dispel rumors and give you an honest look into exactly who they were. By the time you reached Ugendo you were well on your way to being in love with them both. 

The next week at Ugendo was a whirlwind of activity. Between wedding plans, guests arriving, and Shunsui and Jushiro spiriting you away to private meals or walks in the garden or along the shore, you were beginning to get a taste of what life with these men would be like. You’d also gotten a taste of what physical delights awaited you. Shunsui had given you a passionate kiss in the moonlight while he walked the gardens with you. Jushiro had also kissed you that night while you’d cuddled with him in a private solar near your room. Both experiences had left you feeling hot, shaky, and aching in places you didn’t know could ache like that. If they effected you like that from just kissing, what was your wedding night going to be like?

——-

The gathering for your wedding was staggering. The sea of faces that watched you walk the aisle toward the priest and your waiting husbands-to-be all faded into a blur. Your eyes were trained on Shunsui and Jushiro, both looked so handsome in their wedding finery you hardly knew which one to stare at. Once you reached the end of the aisle, they flanked you. Jushiro held up his left hand, you placed your left hand on top of it, and Shunsui placed his left hand on top of yours. As the priest spoke, all you could think of was your tiny hand, warm and safe between theirs. You knew in that moment that you loved them, truly and completely. 

Jushiro nudged you. You looked up with a start. The priest looked expectant. You swore you heard Jushiro chuckle.

Shunsui’s whisper was soft and full of mirth, “This is the part where you say, ‘I do.’”

Your voice rang out without any hesitation or quaver, “Yes! I do! I most certainly do!”

Laughter rippled around you but you only heard Shunsui and Jushiro’s chuckles.

The priest placed a length of white silk around your combined wrists and tied it in a loose knot. He said a prayer over your hands then blessed your union. Gold rings, engraved with the crests of your three houses, were placed on the ring-finger of all three left hands. And then, two sets of lips were kissing you, each pressing to a corner of your lips. You wanted to toss your arms around them in turn and kiss them passionately like they’d taught you, but for propriety you kept yourself in check. 

Seated between your husbands – Wow, your husbands! You ate very little at the celebration feast. Your stomach was a jumble of nerves and your feet were shifting under your chair. 

Jushiro leaned in, dropped a light kiss on your right shoulder, “You should eat, my love.” His green eyes were twinkling with something you couldn’t put a name to but knew it wasn’t simply amusement, “You’ll need the energy later.”

You could feel a blush warm your cheeks and neck. Shunsui’s hand was reassuring on your back, “He’s right, petal, once you’ve eaten we can move on to more pleasant pursuits.” You thought he meant dancing – his eyes said different, as did the low rumble in his chest that you could only compare to a purr. Jushiro’s huff of breath and chuckle confirmed that they were clearly speaking of something you couldn’t quite understand – yet.

One dance. All you got was one dance with your husbands. They took turns moving through the steps with you. When the music stopped to allow the dancers to re-position for the next song, Jushiro took your hand and headed for the exit. Shunsui swept a bow to the wedding guests, “We thank you all for joining us for this joyous event. But, now it is time for us to take our leave.” He didn’t wait around to respond to the ribald jests that followed him out of the hall and up the stairs to the master apartment.

When Shunsui caught up to you and Jushiro, you were pushed against the wall a few feet from the door to the master apartment. Jushiro’s mouth was slanting over yours in a heated exchange, his body pressed against yours, his hands in your hair. Shunsui’s laugh was playful, “Getting started without me, eh?”

Jushiro sealed the kiss but didn’t take his eyes from yours, “How can I resist such beauty?” His thumb passed lightly over your bottom lip, “Truly, these lips were made for kissing.” 

The next moments were a flurry of movement. Shunsui swept you up into his arms and carried you into the master apartment. Jushiro was close behind to close the door and lock it. He wanted no interruptions.

Shunsui carried you all the way into the bedroom, setting you by the fireplace so you’d be warm. His hands framed your face as his mouth captured yours in a kiss that made you feel hotter than any fireplace ever could. Your head began to swim a bit. Then, Jushiro was behind you, his fingers working to free you from the lacing that was holding your dress together at the back. You felt the fabric loosen. Shunsui pulled back from you as Jushiro lifted the dress and your shift over your head. 

The second you were clear from your clothes, Shunsui was back. His hands roamed your bare skin, a low growl escaping as he watched where he touched you. “Perfect.” One hand skimmed over your shoulder, down your arm, to your hand. He lifted it to his lips, kissed your palm, ran his tongue over it then he grinned when you gasped. He pulled you close, gray eyes shining in the firelight with something raw and animalistic. Your whole body shuddered. His look instantly became concerned, “Are you afraid, wife?”

You swallowed hard…ye gods, your throat was so dry! “N – No. I’m not afraid.” You reached for his face, let the bristle of his beard tickle your hand, “I will never be afraid of you or Jushiro.”

He smiled down at you, dropped a soft kiss on your lips. He gently turned you around to face Jushiro.

The sight made your knees wobble. Jushiro stood completely naked in the firelight. And, he had let his hair down. All that glorious white, silky hair was cascading around him like a heavenly aura. Your eyes followed the lines and shadows of his muscles…down….down….By all that’s holy!

“That’s not going to fit.” You had spoken your stray thought out loud. Shunsui’s laughter made you realize it.

Jushiro was snickering. He reached for you, pulled you close until his skin met yours, “Trust me, sweetheart, we will fit together perfectly.” 

He was so warm. Every place he touched you left a prickly sensation on your skin. His hand moved up your ribcage to cup a breast as his head dipped to allow him to lick your nipple. “Oh!” Your body swayed in his grasp, your back arched to give him better access. A soft hum of approval, then his mouth covered your nipple and he sucked. Your whole body bucked as a squeal of surprise escaped. It feels so good….His chuckle against your sensitive peak made your legs shake. Your fingers sank into his hair, holding him to you, needing to touch him. He lifted his lips to yours, tongue delving deep to sweep you even further into a state of mounting heat. 

He stepped back and sat down in the big chair by the fireplace. You were guided into his lap, but turned away, back to face Shunsui. 

Shunsui stood in all his bared glory, looking like a god. He was a bit larger than Jushiro, but not by much. The hard planes of muscle covered his body like a suit of armor under his flesh. The dark hair on his chest fascinated you. You wondered how it would feel when he pressed his body against yours. Would it be soft or coarse? Would it feel much different from Jushiro’s skin?

Then your eyes were drawn to the erection that stood proud. Your eyes went round as your mouth fell open. Seeing your expression, Shunsui smiled, “Don’t worry, we’ll fit, you’ll see.” His eyes met Jushiro’s over your shoulder.

Jushiro moved you to lean back against his chest. You were very aware of his hard, hot erection nestled against your lower back. You had barely registered the thought when his hands reached under your thighs and lifted them open. Your sex was completely open and exposed. A protest was mounting on your lips until you saw the hunger in Shunsui’s gaze as it settled there. 

One step. Then he was on his knees, his lips and hands grazing the back of your thighs. You tried to squirm but couldn’t in Jushiro’s grip. You watched with unbridled curiosity as Shunsui dragged his tongue over your swollen lips all the way up to a place that ripped the moan right from your throat.

Jushiro let go of your legs, allowing them to settle on Shunsui’s wide shoulders. His hands moved up to cup your breasts, thumbs lightly stroking over your nipples in careful movements to match what Shunsui’s mouth was doing. You moaned again. Your head fell back onto his shoulder. Jushiro’s lips skimmed over your ear, his breath sending a tickling wave down your back. Combined with Shunsui’s lips moving between your legs, the sensations were making your body feel tight and restless.

You squirmed. Shunsui growled. His hands held your hips, making you be still while keeping you right where he wanted you. His tongue was lapping at that wonderfully sensitive place, his lips closing over it to suck. His eyes lifted to yours and he winked at you. You couldn’t do more than just stare and pant, yet you managed a quick smile. Your hands were on the arms of the chair, fingers clawing at the fabric. 

You were burning from the inside out. Jushiro’s lips on your neck, his hands on your breasts. Shunsui’s mouth devouring you like a starving man, his hands moving on your hips and lower stomach. Something was growing in you, threatening to take over. 

Then, it happened…a wave of pleasure crashed over you. Your head flung back against Jushiro’s shoulder as screams of ecstasy erupted from your throat. Colors of every hue danced behind your eyelids. You had no concept of anything except the feeling of being swept away.

Shunsui and Jushiro were drinking in your cries of pleasure, their touches carrying you through peak after peak until you slumped – spent, euphoric, tremors running from your shoulders to you your knees.

The feeling of soft blankets. The weight of a male body, honed from decades of training and combat, was a welcome sensation. You opened your eyes to find Jushiro settling over you. His hair spilled around you, curtaining you in a private world where his kiss stirred the embers in your belly back to life. You felt something nudge the apex of your thighs. It was time. This was the moment you had feared and secretly longed for. The mystery would be solved.

One hand guided his engorged member while the other held him propped over you. “Open for me, sweet wife.” You gave him a loving smile and spread your legs, pulling your knees up like he’d done for Shunsui. His eyes never left yours as he pushed forward slowly. 

Your body was more than ready for Jushiro, but he met with a slight resistance. An easy, gentle roll of his hips and it felt like unused muscles stretching for the first time. Was this supposed to be the pain you’d been warned about? It was such a small ache, but one that only seemed to fill you with longing. Slow, inch by inch, he just kept sinking into you. Finally, he stopped, seated deep. An audible groan escaped his lips and you wondered if perhaps you’d hurt him. His forehead pressed to yours as a shiver ran through him. “Mmm, see,” his voice was thick, “we fit together perfectly.” He kissed you, tongue dipping in, catching the edge of your upper lip. “Are you all right?”

Your hands slid up his back, pulling his body toward yours in an effort to communicate your need without words. “Yes, love, I’m better than all right.” Hips shifting impatiently, your voice came out a bit breathy, “I – I need –” Then he moved and your words were stolen away on the gasp that left your lips. The slide of him inside you felt unlike anything you could imagine. The pleasure, the sweet ache…oh, please, don’t stop.

Jushiro’s smile was playful, “Oh, I know precisely what you need.” Slow and steady, his hips were moving, rolling, his hard length sending tendrils of pleasure racing through you. Each movement was better than the last until you didn’t think you could take anymore. 

On and on he kept going, speeding up then slowing down. Kisses that stole your wits gave you a feeling of being completely connected to him. He shifted to trail kisses down your neck until he reached your breasts. His mouth was hungry on them, licking, sucking, groaning against your flesh. The added sensations drove you higher into a frenzy that burned white hot at the base of your spine.

That restless feeling was building again, coiling inside you, beating at your brain. You knew what was coming and began to rock back against Jushiro’s thrusts in an effort to reach it. His lips were a mere inch from yours, both of you locked together so close, your pants fanning each other’s faces. 

Then you were crying out, the sounds uncontrollable and primal. Jushiro’s thrusts were deep and hard, pushing you beyond your breaking point. You could feel your body fluttering, clenching, and heard his guttural cry against your neck. His body went completely stiff beneath your hands and you felt a shudder run through him.  

You were floating, not quite aware of anything until you felt something cool and wet between your legs. You cracked open your eyes to find Jushiro cleaning you with a damp cloth. He looked happy, but a bit concerned, “Are you sore?”

You shook your head, “No, not at all.” You sat up to catch his lips in a sweet kiss.

You looked over to find Shunsui watching you. He was relaxed against a pile of pillows, a goblet in his hand, and looking like the most sinful temptation in all the realm. He quirked a brow, “Are you sure you’re all right?” When you nodded and smiled, he held his hand out to you. The moment you put your hand in his, he pulled you into his lap, moving you so that you straddled his thighs. His hard length was trapped between your bellies. He gave you a drink from his goblet. The spiced wine was soothing to your dry mouth. Once you’d emptied the goblet, you set it aside on the small bedside table and returned your focus to him.

You wrapped your arms around Shunsui, eager for his kiss, but more eager to press your body against his. His chest hair was soft and just a bit coarse, giving you a wonderful prickle against your skin, especially your nipples. You couldn’t hold back a mewl of need as you rubbed yourself against him, your tongue tangling with his. He nipped at your jaw, teeth grazing on his way to your neck. His lips, tongue, and teeth stirred your desire making you want more.

Shunsui’s chuckle was a rumble at your throat as one hand pressed your chest to his while the other moved down to cup and squeeze your butt. His fingers crept between your legs, rubbing your swollen lips and spreading the dampness that was gathering there. You moaned, your hands curling into the long locks of his hair that had tumbled over his shoulders.. He shifted a bit, “Push up just a bit, petal.”

You pushed up onto your knees, unsure of his request, but trusting him. You looked down and watched as he guided his erection between your legs. He rubbed it back and forth between your nether lips, making you shiver in anticipation. Then, he stopped, one hand pressing on your hip. You took the hint and sank down. Your head fell back on a loud groan as your body welcomed him inside. Shunsui let out a strangled moan, “By the gods, you feel so good!”

A thrill shot through you – you were giving him pleasure! Suddenly, you felt powerful. Two legendary knights of the realm were your husbands. And, the most notorious lover in all the land was currently underneath you, completely at your mercy, and if the look on his face were any indication, he was really enjoying it.

You squirmed, unsure of how to move. Shunsui hissed, grabbed your hips, and rocked you slowly. You quickly fell into the rhythm, unable to hold back the gasps and moans as he stretched you. So deep, so hard, so wonderful…

His hands wandered. He gently kneaded your breasts, the rough pads of his thumbs sending bolts of heat through you every time he dragged them over your sensitive peaks. 

Your hands looked so small compared to the wide planes of his chest. A thought skittered through your mind – if it felt good for him to touch your nipples, would he like that too? You leaned over and swept your tongue over his nipple. The reward was instant. He gasped in shock, hands clenching your thighs. A chuckle followed, “Little minx, you learn fast.”

You looked up at him and gave him a wink. Shunsui laughed, rich and deep, but it choked off when you settled your lips on the little bead of flesh under your tongue and sucked. His hands moved to your butt – squeezing, grinding you onto him as he thrust up. You groaned. The vibration pulled a matching groan from him.

Your thoughts of power were quickly chased away as Shunsui showed you just how powerful he was. You may have been on top, but he was the one driving you the edge of madness. Muscles were bunching under you, lifting you, pulling you back down. Every stroke of him inside you was pure magic.

Then he tilted you just a bit and new nerves sprang to life. You cried out. One hand moved to that little bud, that place you now knew would send you straight into bliss-filled oblivion. His thumb circled. “Oooooh!” You bucked in his grasp. He grinned up at you and kept stroking. Your eyes cinched shut as the world seemed to fall away on a tide of ecstasy.

You were rocking hard, wails of rapture filling the room. Shunsui grunted, sat up, wrapped his arms around you tight as if he was holding on to keep you from flying away. You could feel yourself clenching around him. His face was pressed to your chest, panting hard, thrusting hard. Then, he moaned loud and long, his body riding the last pulses of his release. 

Awareness was fleeting. You felt Shunsui lay you down. The cool wetness returned. You couldn’t open your eyes to find out who was cleaning you, it seemed to be too much effort. The world seemed softer, lighter, somehow much more wonderful than it had been before. 

Warmth surrounded you. Shunsui had curled up to your back, one arm tucked under the pillow you shared, the other draped lazily over your waist. Jushiro’s legs tangled with yours, as he settled himself comfortably against you. He kissed your lips, lingering, enjoying the feel of that simple contact. Shunsui nuzzled his face into the curve of your neck.  

Jushiro looked into your eyes as one finger traced your face, pushing a lock of  hair behind your ear, “Are you happy, my love?”

You smiled, “Deliriously happy.” You let your fingers trail over the contours of his chest to his abs, drifting lower. “I do believe you two have unleashed quite the wanton.” He sucked in a breath when your hand stroked his half-hard manhood as your teeth grazed his neck. You were feeling bold. You wanted them again, wanted them both with a hunger that seemed to know no bounds. Will I ever get enough of them? The answer was an immediate echo: Never.

Shunsui was snickering, “Well, Jushiro, I don’t think we’re going to be getting any sleep tonight.”

[serene-faerie]

Yozakura

My IchiHime Valentine’s Day Exchange fic for @artfullyelyse with the prompt: Boat Ride. I seriously hope I did well, and I hope you enjoy it!

Hanami was one of the biggest festivals in Soul Society, if not the biggest. Every year, the Seireitei would be filled with cherry blossom trees as people celebrated the spring through parties, cherry blossom viewings, and picnics under trees. It was a time to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company, and sometimes, a time to fall in love.

After the Quincy War had ended, Hanami was much more than a spring festival. It became a time to celebrate being alive, and falling in love happened quite quickly during the festival. Since so many people had been on death’s door, they used the opportunity to get closer towards those they cared about and show their appreciation for having them in their lives.

It was Ichigo and Orihime’s first Hanami in Soul Society, an experience that both Rukia and Renji had been wanting them to have. But it wasn’t just anything, it was the nighttime that was the best part of Soul Society’s Hanami.

The sun was setting, with the orange and yellow slowly fading up into the inky-blue of the night. Ichigo and Orihime had quite a busy day today. First, they’d gone to a sakura viewing at Byakuya’s house, which had been quite beautiful. After all, the gardens of the Kuchiki Manor were as peerless as the Clan Head. Next, they’d headed into the Seireitei with Renji, Rukia, and the rest of the Gotei 13 to take part in the haiku reading that Rose had been hosting. That had been quite fun, and who knew that Orihime could be so creative with her haiku?

Right now, Orihime had never looked so beautiful. Dressed in a vermillion houmongi kimono decorated with Chinese bellflowers, her hair in a braided bun with a yellow kanzashi, Orihime truly looked like a princess. Her eyes sparkled excitedly as she took in the various sights around her and pointed different things out to Ichigo.

“Ichigo, look!” Orihime clutched his arm, pointing ahead of them.

Ichigo followed her line of vision to see that she was pointing at a canal in the middle of the street.

“Who knew that Soul Society had canals?” Orihime continued, giggling. “It’s just like Venice, except we can come here for free!”

“You always wanted to go on a lovers’ boat ride?” Ichigo asked.

Orihime nodded eagerly. “A boat ride is just so romantic!” she gushed. “I’ve always wanted to sit in a boat with someone as we paddle down a river or a lake at sunset and look at the stars or the sun…”

As she continued gushing on, Ichigo noticed a gondola pulled up to a dock in the canal. Right then, he had an idea. Night was falling soon, which meant it would be Yozakura, or night cherry blossom viewing. And since they were in the neighbourhood of the Sixth Division, there were plenty of sakura trees everywhere, so it was going to be quite a sight. A very romantic one, as much as Ichigo didn’t want to say it out loud.

Grinning slightly, he turned to Orihime and took her hand. “What do you say we go on a boat ride together?” he asked, gesturing to the gondola. “It’s almost time for Yozakura, so let’s enjoy it with a gondola.”

Orihime looked surprised for a moment, but she quickly blushed as she nodded. “Of course!” she said, smiling.

The both of them went over to the gondolier sitting at the docks and requested a ride for Yozakura, who readily accepted the money. As the gondolier stood on the platform at the bow, Ichigo turned to Orihime and made a gentlemanly gesture. “Ladies first,” he teased.

Orihime smiled as she carefully stepped onto the gondola, sitting down in one of the cushioned seats. Ichigo stepped in and sat down next to her, taking her hand and squeezing it lightly. They both smiled at each other as the gondola pulled away from the dock and began to paddle down the canal, and Ichigo shyly brought Orihime’s hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingertips.

Such a simple gesture made Orihime smile. Right now, Ichigo looked so handsome. Dressed in a chestnut-brown kosode decorated with flowing water patterns, and black hakama, Ichigo looked at peace.

It was a rare thing, seeing Ichigo at peace. Since the day he became the substitute shinigami, Ichigo had hardly ever had the chance to relax. And to think it all started with the intention of rescuing Rukia by going to Soul Society. Yes, what started out as a simple rescue mission had resulted in Ichigo becoming entangled in the conspiracies uncovered after Aizen’s betrayal.

And before he knew it, Ichigo was up against Arrancars and Espada, travelling to Hueco Mundo for rescuing Orihime herself, and actually dying in his attempt to save her. And then he’d fought Aizen and gave up his powers to defeat him, thus losing many friendships he’d made with Soul Society and leaving him powerless for a good year and a half. Then, in his attempt to get some semblance of his powers back, Ichigo’s own family and friends were brainwashed and turned against him before he was stripped of power again, only to regain them from Rukia once more.

Then came Yhwach and the Quincies. Perhaps they were the most toughest of everything that Ichigo faced. They’d laid waste to Soul Society, killed so many people, torn apart lives and bonds like it was nothing. Orihime couldn’t believe how many of their shinigami friends had been killed in the war.

Yamamoto and his lieutenant, Ukitake, Unohana, and that was to name a few. Ichigo had only been a teenager when going up against such powerful people. He could barely relax or find any peace with so much going on.

Now, the war was over. The Quincies had been defeated, and Soul Society was beginning to recover, if Hanami was any proof. And these days, Ichigo was beginning to relax a lot more.

The scowl on his face was disappearing little by little, and he was slowly beginning to smile more. Orihime had never felt so proud of Ichigo. He’d grown so much from his scowling teenage days. Right now, sitting next to her was the young man Orihime had fallen so deeply in love with.

By now, night had fallen. As they passed by several cherry blossom trees decorated with lanterns, Ichigo and Orihime stared in awe at the sight. The flowers seemed to almost glow and sparkle against the light of the lanterns; it was truly magical.

“Damn…” Ichigo murmured. “The Sixth really does know how to make Hanami amazing.”

“It’s like the sakura are sparkling!” Orihime whispered in fascination. “Think there’s magical fairies in those flowers?”

At that, Ichigo couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped him. “Who knows?” he said, glancing fondly at Orihime. She was really too cute for her own good.

Looking at her now, Ichigo couldn’t believe how far she’d come. It was so hard to believe that the Orihime right now was the same one he’d known in high school.

Back then, Inoue Orihime had been both innocent and jaded: innocent to the dangers of Soul Society, but jaded from years of harassment and bullying. Even so, she’d always been so kind and loving, and it showed in her Shun Shun Rikka: her desire to protect and heal those she cared about.

Orihime had come a long way from the cheerful and silly ingénue who’d accompanied Ichigo to Soul Society. She was one of the people he’d wanted to protect when he became a shinigami, but instead, she got entangled in everything, just like him.

And before either of them knew it, Orihime had been abducted by Ulquiorra, prompting Ichigo to rescue her in Hueco Mundo. Ichigo had fought so many enemies in order to rescue her, including Ulquiorra himself. Several times he’d heard Orihime scream and cry helplessly as he’d been viciously beaten by Espada, and each time, it broke his heart. Orihime crying was a sight he never wanted to see or hear again; it was much too distressing to see such a happy person sobbing so painfully. The worst one was when Ichigo had died in his fight against Ulquiorra. Knowing that he’d given her so much anguish and pain, he could never forgive himself for it.

He may act like a clueless idiot, but that didn’t mean he really was an idiot. Ichigo had been aware of Orihime’s feelings for him for quite some time, but he never felt as if he was worthy of being in love with her. But in the time when he’d lost his powers, Ichigo slowly began to fall in love with her as well, and strived to become a man worthy of Orihime.

Ichigo loved her. How could he have not realized it sooner? Seeing her right now, the way her face lit up with happiness, the way she got so excited over the smallest of things… Ichigo wanted to see this forever.

Reaching out, he pulled Orihime into his arms for a surprise hug. Ichigo smiled when he saw Orihime blushing deeply as she stared at him, astonished.

“I-Ichigo?” Orihime stammered.

Ichigo smiled. “Just wanna tell you that I’m so proud of you, Orihime,” he said. “I love you so much, you know that?”

Orihime was speechless for a few moments before tears filled her eyes. At that, Ichigo panicked.

“A-Ah… Orihime, please, don’t cry! What’s wrong?”

She laughed wetly, smiling in spite of the tears dripping down her cheeks. So typical of Ichigo, thinking that she was sad when in reality, she couldn’t be happier.

“I love you too, Ichigo,” she choked out. “And I’m so proud of you too.”

Ichigo hugged her tenderly, pressing his lips upon her head and inhaling her sweet scent of honey and lavender. He gently broke the hug to kiss the tears away from her cheeks before he closed the distance to capture her lips with his own in a gentle kiss.

No matter how many times he kissed her, Orihime’s heart always fluttered happily, as if she were a lovesick schoolgirl. Really, she’d grown addicted to kissing Ichigo. The tentative way his lips moved against hers, the way some of his hair brushed her forehead, and the way he held her so tenderly, all of it practically melted her into a puddle as if he was kissing her for the first time.

When they pulled away, Orihime smiled at Ichigo before resting her head upon his shoulder. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Ichigo said. “I’m sure your brother is so proud of you right now.”

Orihime smiled sweetly. “And your mom must be so proud as well,” she told him.

As the gondola continued paddling down the canal, cherry blossoms drifted and scattered all around them. It was quite beautiful to watch.

“Ichigo, do you think that Kuchiki-sama is using his Senbonzakura to celebrate Yozakura right now?” Orihime asked.

Ichigo laughed. “Nah, it’d be a lot more painful if it were Senbonzakura,” he said, catching one of the flowers. “Besides, I couldn’t do this if Byakuya was using Senbonzakura, could I?”

He tucked the little cherry blossom flower behind Orihime’s ear, smiling as she blushed lightly. Orihime was really too cute for her own good.

When the gondola ride came to an end, the both of them simply strolled through Soul Society for the rest of the evening. Indeed, Hanami in Soul Society was quite a magical experience.