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“Alright, class, turn to page twenty-eight. We’re going to take a look at ancient history this module.” Jushiro smiled while most of his students groaned. “Hey! History can be fun!”
He chuckled then felt a tickle in his throat. He turned to cough. And coughed. Harder. A drop of blood. Damn it. He thought his fits were over. The new medicine was meant to help.
Jushiro hurried to wipe his mouth with his handkerchief. The students stared. They knew his health. He never saw a point in hiding from them. It was something they would eventually face in their lives from parents and grandparents.
“It’s alright. Read silently until class ends,” he tried to smile.
The students lowered their eyes to their textbooks, but he could feel their unease. For many of them, this must have been their first encounter with a chronic illness. With a messy, chronic illness. He settled his head against his hand.
It wasn’t fair to scare them.
His eyes closed, and he focused on his breathing. In. Out. It ached in his lungs. Like someone scraped them clean.
In.
Out.
In…
The bell rang, and Jushiro looked up to see his students packing their things. He managed to his feet. Only wobbled a little.
“Remember there’s a test on Friday. Afterwards, we’ll have a picnic outside.”
Some of them cheered, a few were indifferent, and a couple watched him with fear in their eyes. He retained his smile and ushered them all out into the hall, following them.
It was a slow walk to the teacher’s lounge.
“Hello, Ukitake.” Shawlong looked up from his desk. “How are you feeling?”
Jushiro settled into his chair. “A little tired.”
“Would you like some tea? I have some chocolates left from this morning.” Shawlong offered his thermos and a plastic cup.
“That would be lovely, thank you.” Tea might soothe his throat.
Shawlong poured the cup and slid over a box full of chocolates. The chocolates were assorted colors with various stripe patterns. Jushiro plucked a milk chocolate ball from the edge of the container and put it in his mouth. Bit down. It popped with a flood of cherry cream.
“Oh, those are good. Where did you buy them?” He reached for another. Orange cream.
“The Las Noches Cafe.” Shawlong took a chocolate himself. “I stopped by this morning for a coffee and danish.”
Jushiro’s eyes widened. “It’s reopened?” No one had told him!
“Yes. My roommate is dating the owner. It reopened last week, if I recall.” Shawlong tapped his chin.
“That’s good to hear. I met Ulquiorra during my previous hospital visit.” Jushiro took a sip of his tea. Sweet orange with a hint of hibiscus. It warmed his throat all the way to his belly.
“Then my stop was worthwhile this morning.” Shawlong smiled and turned his attention back to his laptop.
“It was. I should ask Shunsui if we could stop on the way home.” Jushiro removed his phone to send a quick text. He’d be fine by then. Fine enough for tea and snacks.
“How is he doing?”
“Good. He’s supposed to hold a karaoke night at his bar in a few months. His niece is pleading with him not to sing if he hopes to make any money.” Jushiro chuckled.
A shame Nanao didn’t want to sing. She had a lovely voice, but she took her managerial role very seriously.
Shawlong smiled. “The girl is very bright.”
Jushiro chuckled and felt his phone vibrate. He opened the message to see a thumbs up. His smile grew. He felt like a child with something to look forward to after school.
His doctors always told him to find small pleasantries in each day. It would help him heal, and focusing forward might prolong his better days.
Jushiro sent back a heart and sat about entering grades for his classes.
~*~
The final bell rang, and Jushiro gathered up his things. He bid Shawlong and the others a goodbye and went to the front of the school. His chest still ached, but he was looking forward to the pastries. They wouldn’t slip through his fingers. Not again! He dared to shake his fist at the sky.
“You mad at the clouds, gorgeous?” Shunsui strolled over with a lazy grin. “Long day?”
Jushiro brushed some of his hair behind his ear. “I’m a little tired. That’s all.”
Shunsui took his bag and walked them to their car across the street. “You sure you’re up for the cafe then? Can go home, order in.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this all day.” Jushiro forced himself to straighten. He would not waver in the face of delicious treats.
Shunsui turned to face Jushiro. His lashes dipped, but he smiled. Not that it touched his eyes.
It wasn’t a pitying look, Jushiro knew that, but it was a sad look. And his heart ached to know he made Shunsui feel anything but happiness. Worry, fear. None of it should have ever touched his life.
Their lives.
Shunsui opened the passenger door and placed Jushiro’s bag behind the seat. He rested a hand on the car’s bonnet. Inhaled.
Jushiro laid his hand over Shunsui’s. “Please? I’m okay.”
Shunsui looked at him, and this time the smile came to his eyes. He turned his hand over to lace their fingers. “Alright.”
He helped Jushiro into the car, shut the door, and went around to the driver’s side. The car started, and they drove toward the other side of town.
They pulled to a stop outside of the cafe. Jushiro climbed out and breathed in the air. He could already smell food. He even felt fine on the walk to the door! Treats were a truly great motivator.
The waitress smiled at them and showed them to a table in the back. She was cute with her little tie and her hair pulled up in a bun.
She bowed to them both. “Hello, my name is Hinamori. What can I get for you?”
Jushiro glanced over the menu. “I’ll take the citrus chicken salad and an orange tea.”
Shunsui nodded. “Make it two.”
Hinamori nodded. “Anything else?”
“Is Ulquiorra in?” Jushiro asked. He hoped he wasn’t being too much trouble.
“He is. Would you like to speak with him?” Hinamori canted her head.
“If he isn’t too busy.”
“I’ll go ask.” Hinamori turned on her heel and disappeared through the double doors into the kitchen.
The doors opened a moment later to Ulquiorra. His eyes scanned the room before stopping on Jushiro. He moved with a quick gait, wiping his hands on his apron.
“Ukitake, Kyoraku. Welcome to the cafe.” Ulquiorra nodded his head once.
Jushiro smiled. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Ulquiorra. You look well.”
“I am, yes.” Ulquiorra turned and waved his hand at Hinamori. She left his side for the counter. “And you look much better than when I last saw you.”
Jushiro laughed. “The miracle of modern medicine. Thank you.”
Hinamori came over with a collection of small pastries, chocolates, and a tea set. She placed the set on the table, and Ulquiorra lifted the teapot.
Ulquiorra said, “I’m happy you were able to visit. How are you feeling?”
“The doctors say I’m improving. It’s all about being positive.” Jushiro hummed and collected his cup. He took a sip. “Oh, this is very good.”
“Thank you. We’ve acquired a new tea leaf distributor. I’ve been dabbling in new brews. New flavors. The diners appear to like them.” Ulquiorra poured for Shunsui.
Jushiro smiled against his mug. “If that’s the case, perhaps I’ll need to stop by and sample all the new flavors?”
“I do have new ideas for the upcoming holidays I would be interested in running past someone besides my staff. Grimmjow isn’t as helpful as I would like.” Ulquiorra’s lips drew into a tight line. “Everything must be black for him. Vulgar creature.”
Shunsui laughed. “Poor man. Tea is best served with lots of flavor.”
“You like sake in your tea, dear.” Jushiro grinned.
“That’s a flavor.”
Ulquiorra tilted his head. “Would you care for some of our pickled sakura then, Kyoraku? Orihime and Kiyone made them fresh.”
“That would be nice.” Shunsui bobbed his head.
Ulquiorra turned to walk back to the counter. While he gathered the food, their salads arrived. Neither of them wasted time digging in. Ulquiorra returned with the plate and sat them down. They looked delicious. Pink and perfect. The smell was divine.
Shunsui took the first and Jushiro the second.
They spoke about the upcoming holidays, and what the cafe would be offering. It was pleasant to see the young chef again. Even more to see him happy. The sorrow and rage in his eyes hadn’t belonged there. This? This pleasure at surviving and thriving did. That his life was good.
It made Jushiro’s heart feel full. Like he was looking at one of his students.
Jushiro put his fork down and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. He smiled. Pleased himself.
Then he coughed.
“Excuse me.” He turned his head and coughed again, harder. And again. His shoulders shook. There was blood on the napkin.
“Are you alright?” Ulquiorra and Shunsui said in perfect unison.
Jushiro could have laughed if it wasn’t hard to breathe. “Fine, fine. This happens sometimes.”
He refused to drag up that memory for Ulquiorra. That pain. He glanced at Shunsui who nodded.
“I guess we’ll take our leave. Sorry to cut the visit short, Ulquiorra.” Shunsui moved to help Jushiro stand.
“No need to apologize. Do you have a moment to spare?” Ulquiorra stepped back.
Shunsui glanced at Jushiro who nodded. Even if he was leaning heavily on Shunsui.
“Good.” Ulquiorra disappeared behind the counter again.
Shunsui whispered, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I may have overdone it today with the kids.” Jushiro waved his hand. “I just need to rest, that’s all.”
Ulquiorra returned with a paper bag and a tin of tea. “Here.”
Jushiro’s eyes widened. He took them both. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I never do anything I don’t want to do. The tea is a blossom blend that will help your throat, and the pastries are for later. Come visit again. I would like to talk tea with you, Ukitake.” Ulquiorra bowed.
Jushiro smiled. “I will. Thank you.”
He leaned against Shunsui and followed him outside to the car. “It seems all of my energy is gone.”
“Mhm.” Shunsui helped him into the passenger seat.
They drove home in silence.
Shunsui helped Jushiro into the house and out of his shoes. He took Jushiro’s jacket and hung it in the hall closet.
“Here, I’ll draw you a bath. You can take a nap while I make dinner.” Shunsui moved through the house toward their bedroom.
Jushiro chuckled. “You don’t have to make anything, dear. Takeout is fine. But a bath does sound lovely.”
He followed Shunsui into the bathroom. Shunsui perched on the edge of the tub and turned the faucet. Jushiro began to undress and stepped under the shower head. Its warm spray helped soothe some of his aching muscles. He washed off and stepped over to the tub.
Shunsui dipped his fingers into the water to check the temperature. When he seemed satisfied, he added bath salts and stirred with his hand.
Jushiro watched with fondness in his heart. He didn’t deserve such adoration. How had he gotten so lucky? “You are a ridiculous man.”
“Says you.” Shunsui flicked some water at him.
Shunsui stood up and helped gather Jushiro’s wet hair into a bun. They shared a brief, chaste kiss. When they parted, Jushiro stepped into the tub and settled down. The heat of the water eased whatever aches the shower hadn’t touched.
“Oh, this is nice.”
Shunsui sat on the edge of the tub and reached for a wash cloth. He dipped it in the water, lathered it with soap, and began scrubbing along Jushiro’s shoulders. His touch was gentle but firm. A grounding presence that Jushiro loved. It had been with him since middle school. Always there.
Jushiro leaned forward and let Shunsui wash along his back. It was nice to be loved. That no matter how much worse he may or may not become, that someone loved him. Jushiro lifted his hand to cup Shunsui’s cheek. A love like this deserved reciprocation. Devotion.
Shunsui smiled and turned his head to kiss Jushiro’s palm. “You’re so beautiful.”
Jushiro’s cheeks warmed. “You always were an awful charmer.”
“You make it easy.” Shunsui leaned in for a kiss. He mumbled against Jushiro’s lips, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Jushiro sighed and leaned back against the tub. He let Shunsui continue his work. He was still sick, and he would likely always remain that way, but this was nice. Peaceful. He closed his eyes and listened to Shunsui hum.
He’d have to do something for Shunsui. To remind him that their love was shared, not coveted. Maybe he’d take a crack at karaoke night?