[A part of his mind knows that the lack of protest from Jyuushiko should worry him - that usually, even if he got his way, it was rarely without a tart remark at the very least. But he's too grateful to have her there - to feel the warmth of her body against him and the countering coolness of her spiritual power filling the dark void where his own should be - grateful enough to push the spark of concern away before it takes shape.

And besides - after two centuries, Kyouraku knows his own faults, and would never deny that an inclination to self-indulgence is of them, even at the worst of times... perhaps especially at the worst of times. Lowering his head slightly, he places a kiss on the exposed skin behind her ear.]

Oya, I'm always fit enough to be tempted.

[Still, he's careful not to inhale too sharply, especially with the weight of her against him - experimentally taking one slow, shallow breath after another. Kyouraku's memories of the past few days - weeks - are muddy, despite the clarity of the fever dreams, but he can remember the sensation of drowning all too well - of being unable to draw air into his lungs and the naked fear that had accompanied it.

It's something that he has seen for himself - that Ukitake has described to him many times after an attack, or after waking in a breathless panic in the middle of the night. But it's the first time that he has fully understood it, and his arms tighten around her a little at the question.]

You know me, Jyuu. It's nothing that won't heal - given enough time and enough sake.