Cough 055 - [Video]

[haori]

[A figure of white is seen laying down on his stomach next to a pond.  The haori is clearly seen, though what number on the back is hard to make out, but the white hair is a dead giveaway.  However, Ukitake's hair is fluffier than normal, and there is a pair of white, round ears peeking out from his hair on top of his head.  The tip of his nose is black in contrast, though, as he looks almost longingly into the water at his new reflection.]

...I know I shouldn't, but I really have this urge to go swimming.

[He dips one of his hands (still human, mind you) into the water and splashes some away from him, looking up to follow the ripples the action creates.  Ukitake smiles at the sight.]

Still a little cold.  Spring should be here soon, though.

Comments

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[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[A grin and scritch behind each of polartakebear's ears.]}

As am I.

[Offline]

[haori]

[You hear that? That's another Mrr-noise as Ukitake curls up a little closer.]

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[And this, is another amused chuckle as Urahara holds him close and lavishes attention on him.]}

[Offline]

[haori]

...You never did explain why you find me so cute.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

You fluster easily!

_{[A grin before both hands rise up to tug gently on both ears.]}

And these just add to it~!

[Offline]

[haori]

[He forces his eyes shut at the tug and scrunches up his nose a little bit.]

Is that the only reason?

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

No.

_{[The joking tone is gone, and he's gently turning Ukitake around to face him.]}

It's because despite all your years and what you've seen and had to go through, you still maintain your wide-eyed belief in the goodness of humanity. You still hold onto that belief and offer your help and affection so freely.

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[haori]

[The words are so kind and genuine that Ukitake bows his head for a moment, but then recovers quickly enough and smiles at Urahara.]

Someone has to.

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[mere_shopkeeper]

Indeed. And it's not easy despite what others may say.

[Offline]

[haori]

No. It's not.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

And so it proves your strength as well.

[Offline]

[haori]

With some naivete, yes, but...thank you.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

You don't need to thank me for the truth.

[Offline]

[haori]

Even if it was a very kind truth?

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Then it is the truth that matches the very kind man in my arms.

[Offline]

[haori]

...It is obviously futile to disagree with you on this.

Re: [Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

And why is that~?

[Offline]

[haori]

I would be fighting a losing battle.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

How so~?

[Offline]

[haori]

You are adamant in your opinion and nothing I say will ever seem to change that.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Is there a particular reason that you want to change it?

[Offline]

[haori]

I'm not as perfect as it implies.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Now, now... Who said anything about being perfect~?

[Offline]

[haori]

[Sigh.]

Just me, I suppose.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[A chuckle. Oh you are too amusing sometimes, Ukitake.]}

No one is perfect, Jyuushirou-san. Perfection is boring~! [That gentle smile again.] It's the imperfections that make us who we are, that make us unique and outstanding. They are what capture the heart and keep it an ever-willing guest.