haori | [Voicemail]

Well thank you, Jyuushirou, that's very considerate of you and my day is swell.

We need to talk. In person.

[Blah, why must you follow him everywhere?]

What is the reason?

[Because that tone you're giving him is like candy.]

I'm not sure if you noticed but the city changed.

[Is it licorice? Because licorice can be pretty gross.]

I'm old, not senile. Of course I noticed.

[Yes. And like Ukitake, Lucifer learned to like licorice because of Break. Poor shinigami man.]

Good. That's what it's about.

[Motherfu-]

Go on.

In person.

[Sigh.]

Where?

The lake, of course.

I assume you would like to meet as soon as possible?

Of course. I've missed you cheery face.

Of course you have.

Give me a while and I'll be there.

I'll be waiting.

[Don't make him give you the 'don't keep Satan waiting' speech again.]

Patience.

[He'll take as long as he pleases.]

Take your time, I need to call your friend anyway.

[See? he can entertain himself~ ]

[Some time later, he arrives at the lake's edge, as promised.]

[Lucifer stands to meet him; he'd been sitting on a bench, which hadn't been there last week.]

Want to skip the small talk, or should I ask you how you've been?

I would rather know what is so important that you don't trust the PCD, but I can't stop you from speaking.

It's not that I don't trust it. Technology and I just don't get along well.

Have you noticed any people? Almost- ghosts?

Ghosts?

[He looks out over the water, quiet for a moment.]

A little, here and there.

They could tell us what happened here. Maybe even when, or how. If we can't do a seance, maybe we can at least piece together clues.

[He shrugs] That's what I told Kisuke, anyway. Care to lend us a hand?

That is true...

What did Urahara-san say?

It's a chance to learn something new. What do you think he said?

[Smirking at him]

Besides, for whatever reason, I think he likes me. Why would he say no?

It's a very good question that I don't have the answer to.

[He slips his hands into his sleeves.]

Anyway, it is a good idea, but I'll have to think about it.

You're not quick to jump on opportunity when it knocks, are you?

That depends on who is knocking. You know I don't particularly trust you.

You do trust Kisuke, though. He's vetted me already.

[He trusts Urahara, maybe a little more than he should after learning of what all he's done in the past, but how much?

And can he trust Urahara's opinion of Lucifer enough to trust Lucifer's words?

This is the problem with knowing Urahara. You will always end up in his games in one form or another, but not with his knowledge of what part you will play, or how it will end up. It all boils down to trust.

Ukitake sighs.]

I'm not sure how much more help I'd be.

An extra set of eyes and whatever else you can offer will help. Really, J, stop being so down on yourself. You're capable- for a shinigami.

I know I'm capable, but-

[...Wait.]

"J"?

Your name is over three syllables, and that's my limit. Besides, I think we're to the point where I can step on your toes and give you a nickname.

"Jyuushirou" is only three syllables, not over, for one. And secondly, a nickname is not necessary at this point in our...business.

[Whatever it is.]

Tack on the family name and it's a mouthful. [Angels don't have last names, after all.]

And of course it is. Besides, do you really want to make it fun for me to impose nicknames on you? Best to stop at one~

[You haven't Yamamoto Genryuusai. And all his names. But Ukitake concedes.]

You would do whatever you wanted anyway.

[He smiles.]

You're learning.

It's funny how I do that.

No, it's really funny how no one else seems to.

How long are you taking to mull things over?

Mn.

When were the two of you going to attempt this?

Soon. As soon as possible.

...Let me know when you do. Neither of you are exactly calming presences. Spirits can be shy.

Does this mean you're going to help?

I suppose it does.

Good. You can sit on my side of the table, J.

I'll go let him know.

[This nickname...]

Go ahead.

[He half-waves, and is gone.]

The letter, when it appears (if it appears), is singed at the edges, as if someone had set fire to the piece of paper and the words penned on it.

[So when did this letter arrive? And where? Who knows, but the fact that it exists is very much real, folded neatly. And when the recipient reads it, he will notice that the characters have been brushed with a certain, but casual, grace, evidence of far too many years of practice, and yet upon closer inspection, they hold their own little flaws, their own trademarks of a certain hand.

The recipient will undoubtedly recognize it.]

Kisuke-san,

Please do not worry about me. While it is true that events here in Soul Society are much bleaker than we would like, it is important that you focus on yourself and the matters you can take care of. I will do my best here on my end, while I leave Adstringendum in your and Retsu-san's capable hands. Have faith in yourself. You are brilliant and the city needs you.

But that isn't to say that you cannot be selfish at times; if I berated you on this subject, I would be a terrible hypocrite. And perhaps it is terrible of me to simply wish that you never forget me, though I would not want the memory to bring you pain. But I hope you still remember my voice, or the way our hands fit together, or even the completely unamused expression I'm sure I made during the Orange Incident (you know the one). I may not be with you physically, but I still wish to make you smile.

I love your smile.

Regarding your most recent message, I do not know what has happened to make yourself feel this way, but since you are aware that you have committed some offense, then surely there is a way you can rectify it, even if it's just a little bit. And knowing is half the battle! Or so they say. But it is good that you recognize the bad in this situation (assuming you are not blaming yourself unfairly). However, I could never hate you. In fact I wish I were there with you, if only to offer some consolation, but I suppose this will have to suffice. I could never hate you. I am sure whatever actions you have taken were meant to be for the greater good in some way. You do always get in deep, though, don't you? But you'll do better next time. I believe in you, my love.

Affectionately yours,
Jyuushirou

PS: Kiss Retsu-san for me when you get a chance.

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