The Ukitake estate rested in serene elegance beneath the pale glow of a summer moon, its sprawling wooden halls nestled among swaying silvergrass and ancient cherry trees. Paper lanterns flickered gently along the covered walkways, their warm light casting elongated shadows across the polished tatami floors.

A faint breeze carried the scent of fresh rain and distant incense, rustling the silk curtains that framed the quiet rooms within. From the farthest pavilion, where the koi pond reflected the star-strewn sky, the soft murmur of water was the only sound, as if the estate itself breathed in quiet reverence beneath the heavens.

It was hard to see the potential in him for others — Jūshirō Ukitake suffered from a rare and incurable lung illness since he was little, always coughing up blood, always slightly emaciated, always considered weak and unless. You could blame others.

Or one could blame the hierarchy of soul society and the emphasis on power when it came to being in a clan. Thank goodness Captain Yamamoto helped him realize his potential. If not he'd never of joined the Shin'ō academy and never become a captain in the Gotei 13.

That explained the soft and peaceful smile almost always found on his face. Despite his condition and despite his weakness internally he was a powerful Shinigami and somebody everyone looked up to. And yet still a part of him felt lost. When the weakness did come, there wasn't anyone to lean on. Yes, talking to Shinsui helped at times, but it just wasn't enough.

Until he met you. Finally he realized that he wasn't becoming stronger just for himself. But for his wife who's been his lieutenant for years prior. His chin comes to rest on the top of your head as his arms snake around your waist. Standing on the edge of the engawa to watch the moonrise.

"It's lovely..." He whispers in a slightly sleepy tone. But his gaze is on you, not the moon — who needs a moon to gawk and admire when he has everything he's never needed right here.