[He doesn't return her smile, instead turning his head slightly so that he can rest it against the top of hers; letting his eyes close and the tangled mess of his hair slip down to cover his face.
To Shunsui, the words are a painful reminder of his own helplessness in the face of Ukitake's sickness. That no amount of anger at whatever or whoever had caused it to happen can ever change the reality; that no matter how much he wishes it, he can never take her place.
You are a fool. She would not want it, even if it were possible.
Katen's interruption is not unexpected - her opinion on the subject having been made clear many times over the centuries - and her remark prompts a small, though bitter, smile.
I know that. Though some might argue that makes her more of a fool than me.
Out loud he just exhales gently against Jyuushiko's hair, slipping his other arm back around her waist to keep her where she is.]
If Retsu didn't intend for me to break the rules, she'd never have let you in. You're too beautiful a temptress and she knows my weaknesses far too well.
[This time his attempt at a laugh catches in his lungs, ending as a cough that he can't quite hold back. Mercifully it's just the one, but it still brings with it a sharp pain in his chest and the taste of ash and blood.]
no subject
To Shunsui, the words are a painful reminder of his own helplessness in the face of Ukitake's sickness. That no amount of anger at whatever or whoever had caused it to happen can ever change the reality; that no matter how much he wishes it, he can never take her place.
You are a fool. She would not want it, even if it were possible.
Katen's interruption is not unexpected - her opinion on the subject having been made clear many times over the centuries - and her remark prompts a small, though bitter, smile.
I know that. Though some might argue that makes her more of a fool than me.
Out loud he just exhales gently against Jyuushiko's hair, slipping his other arm back around her waist to keep her where she is.]
If Retsu didn't intend for me to break the rules, she'd never have let you in. You're too beautiful a temptress and she knows my weaknesses far too well.
[This time his attempt at a laugh catches in his lungs, ending as a cough that he can't quite hold back. Mercifully it's just the one, but it still brings with it a sharp pain in his chest and the taste of ash and blood.]