Old Warriors in Love

Entry number…whatever

Continuing on with writing down my experiences as Yama-jii suggested. He's hoping I'll open up or something. I just don't care.

Today was actually interesting.  I got teamed up with this other guy, a pretty boy by the way. Yama-jii said he's very strong and needed a strong opponent.  Guess that's me.

He fights pretty well. And yeah he's strong, I could feel it. 

At first I didn't feel anything inside, I'm just blank. The old man says I've built a wall around my feelings, sealing myself off from hurt. Maybe that's true. 

We were fighting, it actually felt good to go up against someone at my level, kami I hate being so strong sometimes. 

…and then he coughed, he actually coughed up blood on me, yet kept fighting. Amazing.

Later we were talking, he apologized profusely, I naturally brushed it off, “You get bloody in battle, it's simple fact,  no big deal.”  And he smiled

I think the sun exploded.

Whatever that metaphorical barrier I supposedly had, no longer existed. I felt it crash. That smile was brightness in my dark world. I never realized I was so closed off. 

And then he touched me. The gentleness,  the compassion.  I felt it all. I have to relearn living.

I'm questioning everything. 

…I…I  think I'm in love. 

____________________

Day 10 of new session.

I met him  today.

Sensei said he was going to match me up with someone who was strong. I had no idea it would be him. I'm glad it was.

He's so strong, but seems so closed off. I'm not sure why. 

Anyway, we battled for a while. I could hear the observers in the room say how well matched we were. It felt really good to not have to hold back.

Then it happened, I felt the cough start, there's no stopping or telling when it's going to happen.

It hit him in the face. He didn't flinch. Was he so immune to bad things happening? I kind of feel bad for him. He felt kind of lonely. 

We spoke later…I guess I wasn't as stealthily as I thought I was. I confessed to watching him and he said he knew. It was embarrassing but he just brushed everything off. So naturally I smiled at him…..

It was like something flipped in him. He seemed to suddenly feel lighter spirit wise. Is that possible?

I reached out to brush away a stray, remaining drop of blood. He didn't pull away.

Oh gods…he didn't run away from me. He knew I was sick and he allowed the touch. Someone other than family didn't flinch away from my touch.

He's actually warm and caring, a gentle soul that's surrounded by steel. 

I'm feeling things I'm not sure how to process. 

I'm actually the one who feels so alone until now. He's like a warm fuzzy blanket that surrounds you in protection.

There was an eerie stillness surrounding Squad thirteen. No more clamoring subordinates,  no more body wracking cough.

Each year he returned here he noticed how unearthly quiet it had gotten.

The change in the being inside was stunning. Gone was the distinct silver tresses, now replaced with silken black, that flowed several feet behind him like a fine cloth. 

The horns and chains were new for him also. Well new as in something he had never had before.

“Oh! You did make it.” The voice was low, lulling.

“Told you I always would.” This different look to his lover always shocked him a little.  “Hey there handsome.”

“You always say that. “

“Because it's always true.” Shunsui Kyoraku sat down and crossed his legs. “I brought my offering to the most gorgeous god ever.”

The changed Jushiro Ukitake joined him on the floor. “You know that's not needed.” 

Shunsui made a bit of a rude noise, “I have always worshipped the most perfect being.” This made Jushiro blush.

Looking around the room, “I'm surprised this building still exists.” 

“Your squad takes very good care of it. It's a revered place.” Shunsui set out the treat. “I brought ohagi this time, I figured it's been a little while.”

Jushiro let out a weary sigh, “How long has it been?”

“Mearly a blink.” Kyoraku chose his usual style of a flippant answer.

Jushiro kicked him over, “The truth, not your sly answers.”

“Over fifty years, love.” They had promised to always meet for their anniversary. 

“So long!”  There was a hint of wistfulness to his voice. “Now I understand why you have gray in your hair.” He threaded an elongated finger through the curls. “I like it. It's very sexy.”

“Lisa said the same…” A hand slapped over his mouth, as Jushiro did not want to hear more.

“Did she?” There was a hint of lingering jealousy in that reply.

“It's not like that.” Kyoraku flipped his wrist back and forth. “You know how it is with her.”

“I remember.” Jushiro pushed up from the floor,  his hair trailing after him. The porch on his quarters remained the same, and generations older koi swam in the pond. “I miss this place.”

“Me too.” Said Shunsui as he strolled up behind Jushiro and wound his arms about the trim waist.

They stayed like that for a long time, just watching the stars.  “How many passages of those same stars did we watch from this same place?” Shunsui crooned against the pale neck. “Let's go back inside, I plan to worship a perfect being.”

“Sly way of saying you want to make love, but you always were poetic.” 

“I want you to return to that place with my marks all over you, I even have the special ink and brush to write sutras on your back.”

“You're awful.” That familiar playful twinkle shone in those startling green eyes.

Celebrate.

In the weeks that followed the Quincy defeat, Central Forty-six in their infinite wisdom decided that all celebrations be postponed until there was more stability.

The merchants, who depended on income from these celebrations did not like this decision so they formed a committee and took their grievance to the new Captain-commander, who was said to be more reasonable to the common people than the former leader. This was of course a true statement.

Captain-commander Shunsui Kyoraku felt that allowing people to still hold their celebrations was good for morale, gathered what was left of the Gotei-13 squad members, most of whom agreed that a postponement of vital celebrations was a pointless rule.

The people needed hope, they needed lightness.

A delegation of six Captains, four lieutenants and seven powerful merchants invaded Central forty-six's chamber. It did not go well for the council. After the committee pushed, prodded and provoked, they ended up rescinding the decree.

There were several Matsuri celebrations around this time. But not all could be observed, so they all settled on the floating lanterns which were said to guide the spirits of the dead. It seemed the most fitting given what had just happened.

Although he wasn't really a religious man, even Shunsui was set to participate , although he settled on a location outside of the Seriteitai. He traveled to Jushiro Ukitake's home. He knew the family well.

There were many tears as the lanterns were set into the water. Some had private messages inside.

His was one of those.

[“My Dearest Ju-chan. I'll love you beyond eternity. My heart is with you always.”]

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and Jushiro's father held his gaze. “Thank you for loving our son. We always worried that with his illness he'd go through life alone.”

Several more lanterns appeared…Sentaro, Kiyone, Rukia, Renji and even Byakuya. “He was never alone.” Byakuya Kuchiki spoke. “Many of us respected him greatly.”

Shunsui remained by the water's edge, just watching all the lanterns. “Until you're guided back to me, may these lights guide you to peace.”

In the stillness of the night. After the intimacy, after the afterglow, a voice murmured.

“Please, take care, heal that broken part of me, save me from myself…don't ever leave me. I fear being alone. Save me from the horrors I could be.”

In the quietness a lone wind-chime sang its song.

A pale hand reached out and brushed the chestnut curls. “I'm right here with you, my love.” He whispered.

A choked cry came from the other person. And he rolled over into the waiting arms. “Promise?”

“While life is always uncertain,  I'm here as long as I'm able.”

“I need you beyond life, I'm a greedy bastard.”

“Hush now, I'll be sure to stay by your side, even for eternity.”

It didn't take a lot of drinking for Shunsui Kyoraku to get bad, awesome ideas.

A small gathering of third year students had gotten approval to have a late night picnic.

It was hot in the dorm rooms, so the security team had agreed to the outing as long as they followed some rules. One: no excess noise. Two: keep drinking to a minimum. Three: no bothering others.

They all agreed.

One noise warning was issued as someone ďecided to sing at full volume.

“Hey I've got an idea.” Kyoraku started out. A few groaned, knowing that chaos was going to follow that statement, but drunk enough on cheap wine to be willing to do whatever came next. “Let's go swimming.”

Jushiro being the usual voice of reason piped up, “The only place close enough is the Kuchiki koi pond, and that's strictly off limits.”

“I happen to know the guard's rotation cycle.”

“This is a really bad idea.” Jushiro warned.

“You say everything is a bad idea...but you're coming anyway, right?” Shunsui had just issued a challenge he knew Jushiro couldn't turn down.

After some grumbling, Ukitake finally agreed, “If we get into trouble, I'm not speaking to you nor anything else for a month.” Giggling was heard from the others as that statement nearly confirmed the rumors going around the academy about the two of them being in a relationship.

They all tiptoed like some kind of drunken ninja, pretending they were being stealthy. At the estate wall, one young man boosted Shunsui up so he could peer over to see if the coast was clear. The security squad was just leaving the area. They helped each other scale the high wall and stood gazing at the inviting pond.

“Do the fish bite?” One asked.

“They're koi, I doubt it.” Another answered.

“We didn't bring anything to swim in.” Was another observation.

With a chuckle, Shunsui began to disrobe, “That's easy enough to solve.” He strolled into the shallow end. ”Co'mon Ju-chan, it's fine.”

Jushiro was always a little reluctant to show his body off. His bouts of illness made him look emaciated. Shunsui held out his hand and gently coaxed him into the water.

Not caring about the rumors it would cause Shunsui refused to let go and actually held him close. Jushiro blushed but Shunsui was whispering sweet things in his ear.

They miscalculated how long they were in the water and also their volume levels. Security was soon there, chasing a bunch of naked young men around the prestigious Kuchiki estate. Security was very efficient and they were rounded up and stood before a very angry Ginrei Kuchiki.

Most punishment details were fair and considered easy; they had to work at various jobs in estate maintenance on two months of weekends.

Shunsui bore the brunt of the punishment as the instigator. He was banished from stepping foot inside for ten years.

The whole office was in a tizzy.

Jushiro Ukitake was just returning from a trip to the copier room. “What's going on?”

“Young Master Kyoraku is coming today.”

“Who?” He asked innocently.

“The second young master…the Kyoraku family owns this building. “

“Oh! I see.”

“Just stay to the side, Jushiro.” One of the older women mildly scolded him.

Unfortunately for Jushiro he was a bit of a klutz. While he was very good looking, they had found out early on in his employment not to have him carry more than two cups of coffee or large stacks of papers. While he meant well and was genuinely liked by everyone, things just happened around him.

He took the seniors' advice and hung back at his desk. He had to find the perfect spot for his bonsai that he had brought from home. It was one of his better ones. He clung to it like a lifeline, no way he was going to allow anything to happen to his plant that he had worked so hard on. Even if he was clumsy.

His one younger sister teased him that it still looked messed up, that he had no eye for bonsai. He didn't care. It brought him joy and peace.

There was excited chatter coming from the front of the room. All the women were preening and throwing out their chests in a seductive manner. Jushito just shook his head at the foolish display.

In spite of his own intentions to mind his own business he ended up looking to the front of the room.

There he was, tall, tanned, long curly hair. Expensive custom suit, a bright teal, with a pink silk shirt, unbuttoned almost to his navel followed by a cadre of yes men, just hanging onto his every word. Jushiro felt his heart flutter. There was an insane desire to run his hand through the chest hair that showed out of the shirt so proudly. There was some scaring on his handsome face. He wore an eyepatch and a long strip of a scar that led from the eye to what was left of the right ear. It looked quite painful, but again Jushiro felt his heart flutter wildly in his chest. It gave him a very rakish look that seemed to suit him. It didn't take away from the overall handsomeness of this man. He enhanced his own look with an expensive earring. He also had his sunglasses perched atop his head.

Then Jushiro saw the hairpins. Truly expensive items.

Something snapped in his memory. Several weeks ago he had come across a man slumped over at the base of a tree. He administered first-aid the best he could, but he didn't really have the supplies…or the time. He had to get to an interview for a job so he could help his family. He heard the distant wail of sirens and just told the man to hang in, help was coming. The man weakly offered something to him but he rejected it saying there was no need. In his memory he saw the hairpins.

No this couldn't be….could it?

The injury looked the same, the hairpins. No he had to be mistaken.

Some of the young women were actually clasping onto the man's arm and wiggling coyly. It was a pretty disgusting display and Jushiro turned away from it, only to knock over his cup of coffee.

His damned clumsiness.

Kyoraku's head snapped around to the sound of the crashing coffee cup. What he saw instead was a flash of white that reminded him of that night. The night his uncle tried to have him murdered. If not for the kindness and quick thinking of a random stranger binding his injuries the best he could, Shunsui probably wouldn't have made it.

There was still an ongoing investigation into the tragic auto accident that had killed his elder brother and sister-in-law, which left their tiny child orphaned. Luckily his parents had been able to take the child in and care for her.

…but that white hair. He could never get that out of his mind. He had even sent people out to search for that person. There had been no progress, which disappointed him greatly. How could someone with such stunning hair simply disappear? He was beginning to doubt their intellect and also his own sanity.

With a shake of his head he continued on to his office. He didn't make much use of it as he preferred to work remotely. But there was some funny business going on that he needed his team to look into and the best way to do that was from the actual base of operations.

The women began to chatter excitedly amongst themselves again,”Isn't it tradition for the newest hire to serve Mr Kyoraku his tea?” They all glanced around the room, all eyes finally coming to rest on Jushiro, “Surely they meant the latest female hire.”

“The rule makes no distinction.” Claimed the oldest named Gladys. “It must be Jushiro.”

“This has to be some kind of mistake.” One complained.

“I agree!” Jushiro's voice was frantic, “I'll mess it up, I'll spill it.”

“Then he can just use the serving cart.” Was the final claim of Gladys. “Come along.” She beckoned him to follow her into the kitchen.

“Now watch closely, this is how the Young Master likes his tea.” She gave step by step instructions, Jushiro rapidly taking notes so he could study them later. “Do this well and good things will happen.”

“I…I just wanted a job to help my family.”

“Trust me on this, you'll be rewarded.” Jushiro sighed in defeat.

“Why are you helping me like this?” He ducked his head as she slipped an apron over top.

She patted his cheek, “I've watched him grow up, I know him. I saw the look on his face when he saw you. And make no doubt about it, he saw you. Over all those silly girls, he had eyes for only you.”

A grimace crossed his face, “Are they always so…wiggly?”

“Only since they know he's rich. Now even though you are very handsome, they barely gave you a glance because you turned out to be one of them, and I don't mean that sexy nonsense, but a work colleague only. You're the safe buddy to go out and have drinks with. One like him…they want the prestige, the power and wealth.”

“That's exhausting.”

“It is.” She gave him a little shove forward, “Now scoot.”

He was trembling when he finally knocked on the boss's door. There was a quiet rumble that he took as permission to enter.

The cart stopped abruptly in the middle of the room as Jushiro watched in horror what the boss was doing. He marched over to the desk and snatched the knife out of Kyoraku's hand. “What're you doing?”

“It's called five finger fillet. “

“I know what it's called, I'm asking why you are doing it?”

The man behind the desk shrugged, “I dunno, why's it matter anyway?”

Ukitake's mouth opened and closed a few times. This was someone from one of the elite families, playing a dangerous game. “Well ... .I wouldn't let my younger brothers play that, I'm certainly not letting the man who signs my paychecks play it.”

“..actually that would be my dad.”

Jushiro's eyes narrowed, “Completely beside the point.” He practically shouted.

“Weren't you shy just a few minutes ago?”

“...ugh!” Jushiro groaned in a defeated manner. “I was asked to bring you your tea, and here you are playing stupid games with knives.” He was still holding said knife, waving it around negligently, completely forgotten in his hand.

“You uhh..you might want to put that down.”

“Huh?” He glanced at his hand, wiggled his wrist a few times then gasped as he realized what he was doing. He slapped it down on the serving cart. “Are you always so reckless?”

Kyoraku held onto his chin for a moment, “Honestly…sometimes worse, but never far.”

“Thats terrible.” Jushiro began to get the tea ready. It was something that helped him calm down too. Carefully placing the cup on the desk, using two hands to keep from spilling any of the boss's precious tea. [“God I hope I got that right, he had me shook.”] Ukitake thought to himself.

Kyoraku sipped the tea and let out a happy sigh, “Perfect!” He exclaimed. Even if it wasn't he would never say any different. It got him closer to this mystery man.

He sniffed the air, “Hold up, you smell good.”

“Thank you, but I don't think that's appropriate.”

“That's something I'm known for.” Shunsui grinned.

“I don't think that's something you should be boasting about.” Ukitake mildly chided him.

“What, are you the morality patrol?” That earned him a scowl from the handsome white haired man. “I was just teasing….handsome.”

Jushiro nearly bit his tongue.

“Hey I've got an idea,” Kyoraku suddenly stood up, “Take off that apron and come with me.” He hardly gave Jushiro a chance to remove the apron before he grabbed the white hand and tugged him along after him.

“Wait…wait, I still have work to do.” Jushiro pleaded.

“I'm the boss, it can wait.” They traveled past the shocked workers, some who clicked their tongues.

“Why's he taking Ukitake anywhere, it should be one of us.”

“I need to get my jacket,” Jushiro complained.

“Forget it, you can grab it tomorrow.” Kyoraku was still lightly tugging on his arm, not enough to hurt, just persistent.

“Can you please stop dragging me, I'm not some toy on a string.”

“Oh!” That made Shunsui pause, “Yes, I'm sorry. I just got overly excited about an idea.”

Jushiro walked back to his desk, ignoring the eyes glaring holes through him and slipped his suit jacket from the back of his chair. Kyoraku called down to the doorman to have his car brought around. The yes men had all disappeared long ago.

Jushiro rejoined the Kyoraku heir and they went on their way at a more sedate pace.

The waiting car was sleek and very expensive looking. “That's…That's a pretty flashy car, do the rich always display their wealth like this?” Jushiro was actually expecting some flippant answer, trying to joke about it not being that expensive as he slipped into the passenger seat.

“What's the point of being rich if you don't show it off?” Shunsui slid behind the wheel. “Honestly though, I only use this one when I'm visiting one of the businesses. “

“This one? There's more?”

Kyoraku gave him a cocky lopsided grin. “Sure!” They sped away.

Thankfully he didn't go too fast, just a bit over the speed limit. It was faster than Jushiro had ever traveled, but he didn't feel like he had to hang on for dear life as the scenery flew by. He just didn't seem to notice.

A mansion grew in the distance. Was he actually being taken to the Kyoraku estate? They had just met and here this man was taking him to his family home. He was immediately feeling intimidated and sunk into the seat.

“What's wrong?”

“I don't understand, why are you taking me to your home?”

“Just wait and see.” Was the cryptic reply.

Kyoraku didn't tug him along this time, but waved him into the home with a grand gesture. A man wearing a suit similar to the one Jushiro was wearing greeted them.

“Ukitake, this is our butler Patrick, Patrick this is Jushiro Ukitake.” They bowed to each other. Patrick led them deeper into the home and motioned for Jushiro to take a seat.

The room was opulent. Expensive decor was displayed everywhere. Even a grand piano stood in one corner.

“Can you tell mom I'm back?”

“Of course, young master.”

He couldn't help it, Jushiro noticed the way Shunsui lightly flinched at the title. He leaned over and murmured, “Are you alright?”

“Hmm yeah, yeah. I just hate all the formality.”

Ukitake sat on one of the plush chairs, while Shunsui settled into a corner of a couch. They returned to silence as Jushiro was overwhelmed with the scale of everything.

After a short while the sound of heels clicked against the floor and a tall elegant woman entered the room.

“Dearest! I wasn't expecting you back so soon.”

“Sorry Mom, I just got this weird inspiration and had to return.” He abruptly stood, “This is my new friend Jushiro, could you keep him company for a bit, I need to run upstairs.”

“Of cour….” He was already bounding off.

They blinked at each other in awkward silence for a moment. “So, new friend?”

“Apparently.” Ukitake was confused.

“Tell me about yourself.”

He was shy at first. But grew braver as the conversation expanded.

“He just dragged you here?”

“Yes!”

She pinched the bridge of her nose, “That boy is always so impulsive.”

Jushiro's stomach decided to announce itself at that moment….loudly. “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry.”

“Nonsense.” The lady rang a small bell beside her. A woman dressed in a maid's uniform appeared. “What would you like?”

“I don't wish to be a bother.” Jushiro waved his hands. His stomach protested again. Both women gave him a stern look. “A sandwich will do.” He lowered his eyes.

“Any kind in particular?” The maid asked.

“I'm not picky, I'll eat anything.” While waiting for the sandwich he and Shunsui's mother continued their conversation.

“I can't believe your mother had seven children, that's astounding.”

“...and very chaotic.” Jushiro added with a smile.

“What's chaotic?” Shunsui returned at that moment.

“You!” Lady Kyoraku pointed a finger at her son who had just settled back into the corner of the couch. “How could you just drag a new hire into the dragon's den like this?”

“Mom,” he had let out an exasperated sigh. “I needed to show him something and couldn't do it at the office. Besides he's on my staff, it's not like I kidnapped some random person off the street.”

A strange sound came from the direction of his mother and she had her fingers pressed against her lips.

Jushiro was also giving him a strange look.

“What the hell is wrong with you two?” Shunsui demanded.

The lady cleared her throat. “Do you actually think before you say something?” He looked at her questioningly. “Rewind what you just said and use that stuffed sock you use as a head to think carefully.”

It took him a full five minutes to figure it out.

“Oh.

OH! OH MY GOD MOM, EWWW.” He had the decency to look horrified. “I didn't mean it like that for fucks sake.”

“Still, you're the person in charge, you can't say “staff” like that and not have others assume the worst.”

He ran his hand over his face. “I hate this.”

“I know Dearest, but your father's health isn't doing well.”

“What are you complaining about now?” A voice called out.

Shunsui groaned internally. The one person he didn't want to see right now had just entered the room. Despite what his wife had just said about his health, the man looked pretty fit for his age. “It's nothing Dad.”

“Well then…” He momentarily lapsed into silence. “As it's nothing, I've arranged a date for you, for tonight.”

“Oh my god dad, not again. I swear if it's Meimei again, I'm shooting myself. “

“What's wrong with Meimei?”

“She's a horrible, awful beast of a woman. I can't stand her.”

“She’d be a perfect match for you.” The father blustered.

He hated getting angry with his own father, but the man's persistence drove him insane. “She's a creep. I've woken up to her sitting on my bed, staring at me. She goes through my stuff all the time, including my underwear drawer…I swear I'm missing some shorts. Other stuff has gone missing too.” It sent him into a panicked state when she was near. “Just because her dad is a close business associate, doesn't make us a good match. I hate her.

…besides I already have a date.”

“Oh?” That got his father's attention. “Who? Do I know her?”

“You have no clue.” Shunsui knew this was going to start a shouting match, “My date is with him.” He pointed at Jushiro.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT! I WONT ALLOW IT.”

“You don't have a say in my personal life, remember?” Was the calm reminder from Shunsui.

Jushiro was glued to his seat. No way did the man just say they had a date. His eyes darted around the room, looking for a way out if this went badly.

“Since you asked me to take charge of the company, my personal life is off limits, remember?”

“Did I agree to that?”

“You did.” Shunsui unclenched his jaw. “After your brother tried to have me killed….” He made a rolling motion with his hand.

“...brother?”

“Yes Dad.”

“...I have a brother?” The father seemed lost at the concept of that and his eyes glazed over as if he was focused on something else.

Shunsui's head snapped around to peer at his mother. “How long?”

She let out a weary sigh as if she had been carrying a heavy burden for too long. “He was actually diagnosed two years ago. His doctors were amazed at how well he was doing, until recently.”

“What changed?”

Patrick the butler returned to the room. “I'll take him upstairs.” He said kindly.

Another sigh from his mother, “Your brother's accident. His grief just advanced the neurological damage.”

“That's why he signed everything over to me.”

“Yes! He wanted to make sure that everything was taken care of while he was still lucid.”

“You should have told me sooner, Mom.”

“We didn't want to burden you with more than you could handle.”

“I can unburden that load for you dear nephew.” The voice had a malicious tone to it. “You're unworthy.”

“You're not allowed to be here, Uncle.”

“Why not, it's my brother's home, I can come and go as I please.”

“Not according to the handover documents that you signed that day. Besides…you tried to kill me.” Shunsui stated nonchalantly.

Jushiro noticed a change in Shunsui, it might not have been noticeable to others, but he had been paying attention. His father had taught him about reading body language and facial recognition. He saw it clearly.

The lopsided grin that he had found quite endearing just moments ago, was now cruel, calculating. This was someone not to mess with.

“Why, what ever are you talking about?” The uncle was trying a game of denial.

The younger Kyoraku let out a sigh, crossed his arms and took up a defensive stance. “Your goons told me as they were shooting at me and my bodyguard. “

“They did no such thing.” Was blurted out. The uncle had trapped himself. “Besides I have majority shares in the company, whatever I say goes.”

“You always were foolish.” It was a surprising response from Shunsui's mother. “I signed over all my shares to him just two days ago. My son now has majority shares. Legally.”

“That can't be. I was assured that I'd hold the company.”

“Guess you were wrong…again.” Shunsui stated sarcastically.

No one paid any attention to Jushiro moving to stand behind Shunsui in his own defensive stance. Years of martial arts training was going to prove important at this point. He once more thanked his parents for enrolling him in every class they could. Since he had been a small sickly child he got bullied a lot. When the bullies discovered he could stand up for himself they vanished. He was well versed in many forms of unarmed fighting styles.

“Then I'll finish the job that those bastards couldn't." He brandished a pistol and aimed for Shunsui's head.

“Better be sure of your shot.” Shunsui couldn't seem to stop provoking his uncle.

As the hammer clicked into place, Jushiro made his move. He glided around Shunsui as if he were on ice, did a quick spin-kick that landed square in the uncle's chest, sending him flying one way and the gun another.

The room was deathly still except for Patrick who had returned just in time to see the end of the conflict. He bound the uncle tightly. Rope and restraints were kept in various locations due to the elder Kyoraku's drunken rages.

“Damn!” Shunsui said. “I had no idea.”

“There's probably a lot you don't know about me.” Jushiro said proudly.

“I don't know about that.”

“What?” Jushiro was puzzled.

“All employees are investigated.”

Jushiro was stunned. “All?”

“Yeah it's policy. Plus I had a special interest.” He motioned for all to sit. He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a gold chain. “Look familiar?”

Jushiro's hand instantly flew to his neck. His beloved necklace. His grandmother had given it to him when he graduated college. He was devastated when he realized he had lost it after helping that stranger. After the interview he went back to look for it, but it was gone. He grieved that he had lost it forever.

“How?” He reached for it.

Shunsui tapped his eyepatch. “That was me. I spent a lot of time looking for you. I was completely shocked, surprised and delighted to see you at the office.” He lowered the chain into the outstretched hand. “This is part of the reason I brought you here.”

Jushiro clipped on the necklace with a sigh of relief. “Thank you for this.” He tapped the chain. “It was a gift from my grandmother. It's precious to me. I was horrified when I realized it was missing.”

“Just how did you happen to have so much gauze?”

“Oh that!” Jushiro chuckled. “There's a lot of kids at home, and injuries happen. My mom knew I was going out for an interview and asked me to pick more up. I know it's weird to bring everyday items to an interview, but I wanted to get it before I forgot. I'd either be so happy I got the job or so sad if I didn't. I really didn't expect I'd have to use it instead of bringing it home.”

“Well the interview was successful. “ Shunsui grinned. “Now to the other part….I want you to be my personal assistant. It's a twenty-four, seven job. I need you to move in here.”

“Here?” Jushiro was flabbergasted. “What would I have to do?”

“Make and take calls, remind me of important appointments, indulge my nonsense ideas when I'm having insomnia…. You know, standard things.”

“Sounds like a secretary job.”

Shunsui wiggled his hand, “Yes and no.”

“None of that would require me to move here.”

A large hand slapped the couch cushion, “Alright, fine…I want you here. I want my savior close to me. And now especially after that kick.

Holy shit that was awesome.”

In all the chaos, Jushiro's sandwich had been forgotten, his stomach rumbled a reminder. It looked wonderful. Classic bacon, lettuce and tomato with sliced avocado added. He bit into heaven. The flavors were amazing and his stomach gurgled happily.

Suddenly a quarter slice of the sandwich was under attack. He slapped the hand and the owner yelped.

“My food, don't touch it.” He scowled.

“Wow violence.” Shunsui rubbed his hand as if he was saving the feeling.

“You said you investigated me, you would have seen how many children there are ... .always hungry, greedy little food gremlins. I love my siblings, but it's either eat fast or defend.”

Still nursing his injured hand he caught the eye of the maid and signaled that he wanted the same sandwich.

“I'd share.” He pouted.

“Dearest, you're a food vacuum sometimes.” He gave his mother a hurt look. “As delightful as he is, I have to agree, that does not sound like a job that requires such a move.”

“Dammit okay,...” He let out a heavy, long sigh. “I know it's weird and rushed, but,” He paused again, “I made a decision that I want to get married.” He gazed into Jushiro's green eyes. “It's you I want to marry. I know this is irrational and sudden, but since seeing my dad in the state he's in, I want a wedding while he's still mostly lucid.”

The glass of water that Jushiro had been holding, slipped and crashed to the floor. “You're crazy.” He looked to Shunsui's mother, “He's joking, right? This is nuts, we just met a few hours ago.”

“Sometimes the heart just knows.” Shunsui took his hand. “Please say yes.” His thumb was rubbing small circles on the soft skin. “I actually made up my mind to find and marry my savior. That just happened to be you.”

Jushiro could only sit in stunned silence. This had to be some weird dream. “I don't know.”

“I can guarantee that your family is taken care of, if that helps.”

“So you're buying me?”

“W…what, no! I didn't mean it like that.” Shunsui could feel his brain short circuit. “I'm being sincere. As I said, I know it's rash, but from the moment you saved me, I just knew ... .and why wait?”

“My family will be shocked.”

“I expect a lot of people will.”

“But my job, I've only just started.” Jushiro could just imagine the look of betrayal on his coworkers faces. A slightly malicious thought crossed his mind. The young master would be all his. The clumsy, awkward newbie would have the upper hand. “IF I accept, you have to ignore those wiggly girls. I find their coy acts disgusting.”

“Easily done. Does that mean you'll accept?”

“I want a separate room, I don't know you well enough to sleep with you.” He saw Shunsui's mother nod in agreement to that clause. “Money and food sent to my family weekly. And you should promote Gladys to office manager finally. She's been there the longest.”

“I agree with all of this.” Shunsui let out a strained sigh. “Now all I need is someone to help with all aspects of business dealings. I know some, but there's a lot I don't know.” He confessed.

Jushiro laughed softly, “I thought you investigated me. What was my college major?”

“I…I don't remember.”

“Business, I hold a degree in business.”

“Oh!” The young master's face lit up. “My very clever savior.”