No thoughts, just single dad Jushiro Ukitake
Father’s Day is coming up and this brain rot will not leave me alone. So I had to write it.
It was only meant to be a few headcanons but turned into a whole ass fic. Good grief. The only TW I have is that it’s longer than I anticipated. Dear lord.
It’s not beta read and I am tired so please be gentle.
Disclaimer: this gets a wee bit smutty in places (nothing overly graphic), so if you’re a minor, please DNI.
Otherwise, enjoy this ridiculous modern day au.
Word count: 4,300
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You’re running late to a formal meet and greet with other parents of the kindergarten group and feeling so embarrassed when all judgmental stares fall upon you as you enter just after the first speaker starts.
You freeze and scan the room for a seat. Until you spot a very handsome man - the only one in the room - who flashes you an understanding smile and motions for you to sit next to him. The vague amusement in his soft brown eyes makes you blush, but he’s giving off genuinely comforting vibes.
His long white hair is tied back into a low ponytail. He’s wearing a deep red turtleneck with a navy jacket, and beige pants that are tactfully fitted but never the less showing off slightly muscled thighs. Brown Oxford shoes complete the look; he’s very clean cut but his friendly and open nature makes you think he’s a genuinely good man as far as first impressions go.
This man is devastatingly handsome. He even SMELLS good - like fresh linen with a hint of citrus.
After the meeting agenda is finished - start times, expectations for pick up and permission forms for various things are handed out. Afternoon tea is served to encourage parents to mingle and introduce themselves. The kindly man extends his hand to you:
“I’m Jushiro, pleased to meet you.” The deep timbre of his voice is warm and soothing and you feel some of your anxiety leave you.
You take his proffered hand - slender, soft and warm - and introduce yourself, doing your best to ignore the fluttering feeling in your chest, “My son and I are pretty new to the area, so thank you for being the first person who hasn’t issued me a death glare.”
He chuckles, “Well, I know how hard it can be to, ah, befriend some of the parents at this school.”
He’s right; the school is one of the best in the area, and the tuition is high enough to provide insights into the type of clientele that enrol their children. A quick glance around the room gives a profile of the other mothers - dressed in designer outfits that would likely cost you your entire monthly budget. You regret looking around immediately - a few of them are side eyeing you, others looking you up and down, completely unashamed. None of the looks you are receiving are particularly friendly.
You fiddle with your hair, fuss over your outfit, brushing away non existent creases. A mistake. You shouldn’t have tried to enrol your son in this elite school. Neither of you fit in here. You’re not rich. You feel so small in comparison to the other well dressed, well made up women. This was all a mista-
Jushiro’s deep, gentle voice breaks your train of thought, “Don’t worry about them. They’re just trapped in their own echo chamber and don’t realise that there are other parents who don’t focus so hard on appearances and money. You care about your son’s education, that’s all that matters.”
You suspect that the glares from a few of the mothers have something to do with you chatting to Jushiro. You’re positive that this beautiful man has caught the eye of a few of the other mothers in the group, single or not.
He must notice your discomfort because he puts a reassuring hand on your shoulder, “For what it’s worth, I think you look absolutely lovely.” He smiles at you and you’re nearly blinded by how bright it is. That teasing gleam returns to his eyes, “Well, aside from the little bit of pastry you have on your cheek.”
You immediately bring a hand to your face and rub at your cheeks. Chuckling, he offers you a handkerchief (who carries those these days anyway?!) and you utter your gratitude as you wipe your face.
“Gone?”
“Gone.”
“So, what’s your kid like? Are they excited?”
He nods, “Twins. Both boys, and quite energetic. I apologise in advance - they can be a bit of a handful at times! They’re good natured children but can be quite stubborn and cheeky.” He scratches the back of his neck as he grins awkwardly. “And they love to play pranks on their old man! Once I was running late, and didn’t notice that they’d scribbled on my face as I slept. Mortifying.”
You laugh, feeling more at ease by the second, “Don’t worry, my boy has done some tricky stuff too. He can give it as good as he gets!”
He chuckes, “I am sure they’ll get along well then!”
“Perhaps too well!”
He checks his watch and sighs, “Speaking of, I’m awfully sorry to cut the conversation short but I have to leave early. The babysitter’s patience has likely worn thin.”
You go to hand his handkerchief back, but he shakes his head.
“Hold onto it. You can give it back to me at the drop off. But just to be safe…”
He takes his phone out and opens it, then holds out his phone bashfully. Your name has already been entered. Your number. He’s asking for your number. The last time a man did that was-
He clears his throat and you see him start to withdraw his hand. Before he can, you take the phone and enter your details, offering him your own so that he can do the same.
“There. Now you know I won’t commit handkerchief theft!”
You both laugh heartily, ignoring the scornful looks from the other mothers gathered.
————————
Some days you miss him at the drop offs but see him every day without fail at pick up times.
You keep in touch with him regularly, texting each other often. Occasionally you meet up for coffee during your respective lunch breaks during work hours, or squeezing in some time in between work and pick up time.
You find his presence extremely comforting, and the conversations flow effortlessly between you both. You find yourself becoming very fond of this man, and would go so far as to think of him as one of the best friends you’ve ever had.
Over the course of a few weeks you find out more and more about this incredibly kind man: he’s an elementary school teacher, and is from the area. He’s 40, which surprises you - you’re 8 years his junior but aside from the slight creases in the corner of his eyes when he smiles and his salt white hair, you would have assumed he was around your age. He does kendo in his spare time and keeps carp. He’s terrible at gardening, but enjoys it.
When you mention you keep house plants he flashes you that almost bashfully boyish grin you’ve become so fond of, “Perhaps you could teach me a thing or two!”
You also discover rather quickly that he is also a single parent, like you.
He reveals to you one day with downcast eyes and a quiet voice that his wife had passed away while delivering the twins. The loss devastated him but he absolutely adores his boys, doting on them any chance he gets. He admits some days are harder than others but that he wouldn’t trade his sons for anything.
It’s a very different circumstance to your own - your deadbeat ex had left you for another woman, while you were pregnant with your son. The look of quiet anger on Jushiro’s face as you told him over coffee one afternoon was shocking. It’s subtle to the point where a stranger would likely not see the difference, but you knew him well enough to notice the stern expression and fire in his eyes, the tightening of his lips.
“He’s out of the picture entirely. No child support or anything. Said he didn’t want a kid to tie him down. I could’ve pushed for it but honestly I’m just glad he’s gone.”
Jushiro’s hands are clenched around his mug of tea tightly, knuckles white, his brows furrowed in anger, “Selfish bastard. He didn’t deserve you.”
You feel yourself flush, “Thank you.”
He waves a hand, “Don’t thank me, it’s the truth. You’re kind, brilliant, and incredibly dedicated - both as a friend and a mother. And you’re absolutely beautiful. Any man should count his lucky stars to have you as a lover.”
Your face is on fire and your pulse quickens suddenly. No one has ever said anything so romantic to you before.
Oh.
Emboldened by his words, a small smile crosses your face, “I hope I do find such a man one day.”
His expression turns soft, the corners of his mouth turning upwards slightly, “I certainly hope you do. You deserve every happiness.”
Perhaps I already have…
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Your children end up having regular play dates together. They get along quite well; a little TOO well, if the reports from the teacher are to be believed. Last week one of the other children was pushing your son around, so the twins decided to put sand in their backpack. Another instance was that another child had deliberately smeared paint all over one of the twin’s artwork - your son had thrown an entire paint pallet at the kid in retaliation.
The trio were also known to sneak toys into nap time and stealthily play together, using rulers as bridges between their cots to push toy cars across when the teacher wasn’t looking.
Before you know it 2 months have passed and you’re both at the twin’s birthday party.
There you meet some of Jushiro’s friends: Shunsui and Nanao, who have children in elementary school. Kisuke and Yoruichi, who have children in junior high school. Byakuya and Hisana, who’s daughter is of similar age to your sons.
You all spend the afternoon drinking and eating as you supervise the children. Jushiro goes to gather the children for the treasure hunt. You assist him by handing out the little maps to the children while he explains the game.
You’re enraptured by how this kind man instructs the kids. He’s so gentle and patient with them it makes your heart ache. He blows the whistle for them to start and the children scatter excitedly.
He laughs heartily, then turns to you, beaming ear to ear. He clearly loves working with children, and watching as his face lights up with childlike glee and continues to supervise from afar.
It hits you - you’re falling for him. Hard and fast.
You go back inside to get some more drinks for the two of you from the fridge and run into the other adults who are preparing lunch.
“Well, Jushiro’s certainly looking happier than I’ve seen him in years.” Shunsui says after taking the last swig of his sake and refilling his cup, earning a stern look from his wife, who is artistically arranging various snacks on a platter.
“That’s your last one Shunsui. You agreed to take the kids while I go out for coffee with the ladies tomorrow, remember?”
“Yes dearest.” He gives her a look that’s all cheek, and she scoffs and rolls her eyes. You catch a tiny upwards turn of her lips.
“I agree with you, Shunsui. It is good to see Jushiro in such high spirits. He’s usually somewhat melancholic this time of year.” Byakuya says.
It’s only then that you realise; his wife’s passing would fall on the twin’s birthday. Your heart aches for him; it must be such a conflicting time for him.
Later that evening as you’re helping pack up in the kitchen, your hands submerged in the soapy water while he puts the kids to sleep. He looks a little wan as he walks into the kitchen.
“Are you alright?”
“You always see right through me, don’t you?” He sighs, “Honestly, I feel a little uneasy. This time of year is always difficult. My sons give me so much joy, and I’m glad that they were born, but-“ he sighs again, and this time it’s shakier, and he runs a hand down his face
He’s clearly upset. You dry your hands off and wrap him in a hug. He reciprocates, still trembling.
“I-I miss her.”
“I know.”
“It’s so difficult without her sometimes.”
“I know.”
He takes a few deep breaths and you hear a slight sniffle, “Sometimes I feel so guilty. As if I can’t give the boys what she could have.”
You pull away just a little and cradle his face in your hands, using your thumbs to brush away some of the tears that are flowing down his cheeks, “Jushiro, you’re an amazing dad and they love you so much. And you bring so much joy into their lives. They had so much fun today, remember?”
He takes a deep breath, exhaling a little shakily but he’s clearly calming down. “Thank you. You’re very kind.” He takes you hands in his own, “I apologise, you don’t need to see me like this. It’s unfair on you.”
“Oh, Jushiro. It’s okay. We’re friends, and I’m glad you’re able to talk to me about it. You’re only human.”
“Thank you.” He gives you a small smile that both breaks and mends your heart.
“Would you tell me about her? Do you have any photos?”
You spend the rest of the evening drinking tea while he shows you pictures of he and his wife, of the adventures they shared. There are more tears, but he laughs more than a few times, and your heart swells.
About an hour later you’re standing at the door, your son fast asleep in your arms.
“Thank you for listening to this old man’s rambling. It… meant a lot that I could share that part of my life with a dear friend.”
He looks a little sheepish before adding: “And I… I do hope to have the strength to move on one day.”
“Jushiro, you deserve every happiness.”
He huffs a laugh, “Reusing some of my own words of wisdom?”
“Hey, it’s true! You’re kind, smart and a total gentleman. Easy on the eyes, too.” You add with a wink.
He chuckles a little at that. He takes your free hand in his, giving it a light squeeze.
“Thank you again. Drive safely and text when you get home.”
Your heart flutters. He’s such a genuinely beautiful soul. “I will.”
After you tuck your son into bed you do just that:
I got home safe. He didn’t wake up! Lucky me 😊
Maybe we need to arrange play dates more often. My boys haven’t stirred at all!
Definitely! Only if you’re okay with putting up with us. It’s always great to see you. I really enjoy your company ❤️
You hover over the send button for a few seconds, debating whether to send it - are you being too bold? The three dots appear and reappear about 4 times.
Of course. Any chance to spend time with you is always welcomed ❤️
Your heart flips. He shoots through another message before you can respond.
Coffee tomorrow? Usual time?
Can’t wait! Goodnight, Jushiro xx
Sweet dreams xx
And they are.
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Something in your relationship changes after that night over the next few weeks. You notice his eyes lingering on you sometimes, sometimes questioning, other times a little soft, and when your fingers brush while he’s passing you handouts at parent meeting, you notice a light blush appear on his face.
The hugs you give each other when meeting up become a little more intimate, a little longer, with his hands rubbing up and down your back slowly and you burying your face in his shoulder. The butterflies in your stomach swell with each of these events, and you always feel your cheeks redden.
It all comes to a head one evening while you’re making cupcakes together for the kindergarten bake sale. It feels so domestic, working in tandem while the kids are sleeping in your son’s room. You decided baking while they were awake was a terrible idea; they’d likely complain about not being able to eat them all.
Each time he scoots past you in your tiny kitchen he puts his hand on the small of your back, making your heart race. At one point he takes both your hips in his large, gentle hands and gently moves you aside a fraction so that he can get into the drawer in front of you.
You can’t help but imagine how those hands would feel in the same position sans clothing, and you bite your lip as you repress a shudder, attempting to banish the sinful thoughts from your mind.
Your sides brush together as you reach over to grab the wooden spoon that sits in front of him, and a bag of flour goes EVERYWHERE as he opens the packet with a little more gusto than needed.
You’re both COVERED in the white powder, and laughing uncontrollably as you try to wipe it off your clothes, face and hair.
Jushiro goes to wipe some off your cheek with his fingers, but it only transfers more from his hands onto your face and you both burst into giggles again.
“Shhh, shhh we- hahahaha! - we’ll wake the kids!” You wheeze.
He’s wiping tears of mirth from his eyes with a towel, still chuckling.
“Well. That’s was fun. I know I’m a rubbish baker but I didn’t realise how simply opening a bag of flour would go wrong so easily.”
You both get cleaned up and back to work and manage to make enough cupcakes for the event. While you wait for them to cool so you can frost them, you decide to sit down on the couch together and watch a random gaming show.
“Oh, you still have some flour on your face.” You brush the tips of your fingers over Jushiro’s cheek to remove the white powder and he shudders. You can’t help it as your hand falls from his cheek to his jaw, gently caressing his face with the back of your knuckles.
He immediately turns to look at you, his gaze so intense that you almost feel naked. He tentatively takes your hand and kisses your wrist ever so lightly, setting off a spark that travels through your whole body, making you shudder.
His eyes are half lidded and your faces are drawing closer, your heart pounding as you close your eyes in anticipation of what’s finally about to happen.
He kisses you. It’s soft, sweet and heartbreakingly tender, one hand is caressing your cheek and the other rests on your side, drawing you closer. He sighs as he breaks apart from you and searches your eyes, a crease forming between his brows and his mouth opening and closing multiple times as he struggles to find the right words to say
“It’s okay, Jushiro.”
His expression turns into a tortured look, “I-I’m sorry, that was so inappropriate of me. I shouldn’t have-“ he makes to move away but you put your hold his face in your hands
“Jushiro, it’s okay.”
His face is still concerned, “I just don’t want to ruin our friendship. It’s something I truly treasure and I don’t want to mess things up and-“
You press your lips to his to silence his protests. When you pull away you see that some of the tension has left his face.
“I feel the same, but I can’t pretend I don’t have feelings for you any longer, Jushiro…”
A sigh of relief and he raises your knuckles to his lips, “Well, if you’re willing to try, would you allow me to court you?”
You giggle. “Sometimes you say the cutest things.”
————————
Shunsui and Nanao end up babysitting your kids as you go out on your first date as a couple.
Shunsui winks slyly at you as you leave, “If you need to stay out all night, just swing us a message.”
Jushiro flushes, “Good grief, Shunsui, do you always have to be such a lewd bastard?” His tone is hot and flustered, and he’s only half serious.
“Hey now, not in front of the kids, Ju.”
“You’re impossible.”
Jushiro takes you to a restaurant on the river - nothing too over the top but the food is fantastic, the atmosphere a little sultry with the low lighting and soft jazz playing in the background.
You can’t remember the name of the movie - some sci-fi superhero movie with a talking raccoon? - or the plot. All you remember is the fire running through your veins as Jushiro takes your hand about 20 minutes in and intertwines your fingers, his thumb slowly caressing your skin. The sensation is almost too much to bear, your heart pounding the entire time.
The night concludes with a VERY heated make out session in the back of his car. His large, slender hands caress you under your clothing and your hands are in his hair and his tongue is in your mouth and the sounds he’s making are downright sinful. It all sets your skin on fire in the most delicious way. You’re undressed enough - his tie is gone, the buttons of his shirt completely undone and your dress is unzipped, pooled around your waist, your top bare except for your bra - to feel the skin of his lithe chest on yours. It excites you to know that despite his gentlemanly demeanour he is still very much a hot blooded man, and he wants you.
However, he is enough of a gentleman to stop before things get serious as you start to undo his belt, “We - ahh - w-we should stop.”
You stop kissing his neck and sit up, straddling his hips. He looks irresistibly mussed - panting, lipstick all over his face and neck, his face flushed, his hair completely loosened from its usual style, some strands plastered to parts of his face…
“Sorry, I thought you wan-“
He sits up immediately and kisses you, softer but with no less passion, his hand on the back of your head. He pulls back and rests his forehead on yours.
“I do. Trust me.” A small roll of his hips against you has you gasping; you can feel just how much he wants you, “I really, truly do. But not like this. Not where it’s cramped and we could be interrupted by a passerby.” He reaches up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “More than anything, I want to do things right by you. You deserve far more than a quick tryst in the back of a car after the first date.”
You feel tears prick in your eyes. He’s so perfect. So, so perfect. You’re certain: you’re in love with him.
His smile turns into a smirk, “Besides, I’d hate for anyone other than me to see you naked.” He winks and you giggle.
He drives you back to the Kyoraku’s, his hand holding yours across the console. The hand back goes well - your son is fast asleep in your arms as you walk him back to your car and buckle him into his seat.
Shunsui gives Jushiro a sly look, “Looks like the date wasn’t as innocent as you intended, hmm Jushiro?”
You both stand their completely perplexed for a moment until the twins rush to their father, clinging on to each of his legs.
“Awwwwwww Daddy, you did finger painting without us?!” One of the twins pouts, pointing to Jushiro’s neck.
“No faaaaaaiiiirrrr!” The other cries.
Jushiro is a flustered mess as he frantically tries to wipe the missed lipstick mark from his neck with both of his hands as you laugh.
His hair is down at the next drop off you see him at. You tease him about it and he blushes furiously before leaning over and whispering “I’ll get you back for that on our next date, darling.”
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On the second date the children DO end up staying at the Kyoraku’s overnight. The two of you end up having a backyard picnic under the stars in his garden - which has improved with your advice.
You lay down next to each other and stargaze together, heads resting against each other and hands intertwined.
Jushiro breaks the comfortable silence between the two of you, “I truly hope you know how dear you are to me. That you’re always on my mind. That I…”
He sits upright and runs his hands through his loose hair. Concerned, you sit up as well, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Jushiro?”
He sighs and turns to you, his tender expression that never fails to make your heart flutter on his handsome face, “I hope you don’t think I’m moving too quickly, and if I make you uncomfortable please tell me, but…” He takes another deep sigh, closes his eyes and places his hand on the back of your neck to draw you closer so that he can rest his forehead on yours.
“I love you.” He whispers, and time stops.
“Oh, Jushiro. I love you, too.”
He smiles and kisses you. Softly at first, but he can’t restrain himself for much longer and soon enough you’re both a tangled mess of limbs.
You eventually calm yourselves down enough to make your way to his bedroom, where he takes his time undressing you, his eyes full of adoration and lust.
He makes love to you with a passion you’ve never experienced before, his fingers entwined with yours, his face buried in the crook of your neck and you’ll be damned if it’s not the most romantic thing that has ever happened to you.
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Single dad Jushiro Ukitake proposing marriage 3 months later.
Single dad Jushiro Ukitake officially adopting your son.
Single dad Jushiro Ukitake who is no longer a single dad and creates a big, happy family with you, with another 2 children.
Just… single dad Jushiro Ukitake 🥰
