emduo preacher #1

The morning sun was filtering in through the open windows of the Urahara shop, the chirping of the birds and rustling of trees alike blending in with the sound of you pouring tea into a cup. It was way too early for any of the two children, which you considered your own, to be awake, and therefore, you took in this moment of idilic peace for as long as you could. Gentle and careful hands suddenly then grabbed onto your hips, familiar blonde locks tickling the side of your face, as a certain someone took a content breath of your sweet scent and food you had made. "Morning, my love." He hummed into your ear, his thumbs absently rubbing circles into your hips in silent thanks. You turned your head with a smile, one that made his tense shoulders relax. "Good morning, Kisuke... did I wake you?" Your voices were hushed, not wanting to wake anyone.

The man closed his eyes and hummed a lazy 'no' into your neck, unwilling to move away from you despite the tasty breakfast practically dangling infont of him. "That's good... come on, let's eat before the kids come." You chuckle, dragging the man into his chair and handing him his well-deserved meal. It was a routine you both had fallen into over the many years, centuries, you've spent here now in your home. But today... you were quick to notice the difference in your lover's behavior. What would usually be filled with a morning of teasing words and laughter was now simply silent and solemn. You could feel the unsure energy shift, the nervousness in his pensive gaze that turned to the window, the unsaid words that lingered in the air that must've burned on his tongue.

You could tell he was thinking about something important, which he always did in the form of new plans and equally as questionable experiments. But you knew there was something else on his mind this time, something much more sinister, perhaps. You've known him for way too long not to notice, of course. And he must've known that, as he placed down his cup of tea with a sigh. "Yoruichi is coming to visit today. I hope you don't mind taking over the morning shift for a while? I'll reward you with a kiss if you do~!" He attempted to fake his usual playful tone, quick to stand with no further elaboration, not that he really needed to. His old companion visiting was not unusual, and if anything, it was more than welcome. But that wasn't what made you arch a brow. "Sure... are you okay, Kisuke?" You asked, watching as the man passed you and made his way out of the kitchen with a hum.

"More than okay~!" He sang out, and you had no time to inquire about his issue any further when Jinta and Ururu came rushing in for their share of the breakfast, too. Your eyes lingered on his retreating form, lips pressed together in worry that you pushed away for the sake of the starving kids.

"Y'know... I believe you're just overthinking this again." Yoruichi hummed, her hand idly swishing around her cup of milk tea as she spoke. She knew the man well, and therefore was easily able to tell what exactly was bothering him. "Besides... if they really were unhappy here with you... then they would've never followed you to begin with. You should know that." The blonde sighed at her words, knowing she was right. But even so, there was something in him that still disagreed. It was irrational, very much emotionally driven, than anything else. It has been bothering him for decades now, corrupting his mind and leaving him restless on most nights, even when you've never left his side for more than a day in all your time here. So what was it that made him still doubt the sincerity in your choices?

"I... am aware of that. But that doesn't make me feel better about it." "So you're feeling guilty?" He bowed his head to conveniently sip on some tea as she said those painfully true words, which confirmed her suspicions. Putting her cup down with a slight thud, the woman crossed her arms and gave him a stern look. They've had this conversation many, many times before. And whilst she understood his worries to some extent, she didn't want him to ruin what he had with you. You were good for him. More than he could ever acknowledge.

"Urahara Kisuke!" She called out, leaning forward with a narrow of her eye. "Have you even slightly attempted to bring this up to them? I bet they'd be more than elated to tell you about how much they love you. I'd know..." She said, a small grin tugging at her lips at all the times she had to listen to you do that exact thing. But the man still looked stubbornly unconvinced. "Yoruichi-" "-Yeah, yeah, I know what you're gonna say." She attempted to mock his posture, clearly trying to get her point across once and for all. "Oh, but they ultimately had no choice! They would've had to leave one way or another!"

"Is that really how I sound to you?" The man asked, his eyes hidden by the shadow of his stripped bucket hat. The cat woman gave him a stern glare, clearly not liking that he was avoiding the situation again. He was intelligent and brilliant in many things... until it came to you and your feelings for him. You've been a couple for many decades now... and yet, he still acted as though he made you to at gunpoint. It would be funny if she wasn't so exhausted of it. And she was sure that you, too, were starting to catch onto his insecure thoughts and shenanigans.

Back then, before your life's in the world of the living, his worries mostly surrounded his unexpressed feelings for you. He didn't think he was worth your affections, especially not if other captains like Shinji existed, who had already tried his luck with you. And Yoruichi remembered how hard she had to fight to make the man in front of her even consider speaking to you again afterward. It was a struggle, but now she can say she was proud of herself for pulling through... until the next challenge came by in the form of whatever this was supposed to be.

Shaking her head, she tilted her head at him, eyes now alot softer in knowing empathy. "Listen. I get it. What they did, everything they've sacrificed, it was crazy. But that's just proof that they love you more than you know... man, for someone who's supposed to be a prodigy, you're painfully dense." Kisuke chuckled weakly at her words, his eyes glinting slightly in the sun with an unreadable look in them. "Hm... maybe you're right." Yoruichi felt her eye twitch. "I know I'm right!"

Pushing the door to the shop open, Kisuke stepped inside and let out a hum when the familiar sound of your and the kid's laughter filled his ears. He considered himself lucky to hear it, no matter how many times he did. Many years ago, when he first met and began developing his deep rooting feelings for you, he dreamt of coming home to moments like these. Leaning his body against the doorway to the small living room, he watched you three play a silly board game together. You were smiling brightly, hand reaching out to mess with Jinta's red hair, whilst Ururu cuddled into your side on the couch.

Yoruichi's words rang in his mind, reminding him of all the good he had in his life through your presence in it. And you were beautiful like this. So radiant and alive. You had changed alot since your time in the Seireitei and know that Kisuke was watching you so closely, he realised that you've changed for the better. You were free and could be yourself here. Here with him. Your eyes suddenly found his, and it felt like he was breathing again. You were the air that filled his lungs, as without you, he'd die. His world was worth nothing before you came into his life.

"Kisuke! Come play with us!" You called out, patting an empty spot next to you. The man gave you his usual grin back, quick to do as you asked. And as the children were momentarily distracted to ponder over their next moves, you leaned your head against his, your lips brushing against his ear lovingly. "Do you feel better?" You asked, and he chuckled gently in response. You were so perceptive. But that would be a conversation for another day, as he was beginning to understand his own misconceptions and flaws regarding your own feelings. His arm wrapped around your shoulders, a kiss pressed to your cheek affectionately before he responded.

"Yes. I feel better now. Thank you."