Unohana Retsu walked down a pathway, heading to the First Division Central Station slowly, smiling softly in the warm sun. It was a beautiful day and she intended to enjoy it while she could before she had to work. She took the long way, going around the Fifth Division next door and going down the back pathway. A breeze softly blew the loose twigs and strands of hair from her braid. She passed the Fifth Division Central Station and did not see much activity within. Aizen-taichao of the Fifth Squad was known to be surrounded by a laid back atmosphere. She smiled thinking of him; he was always so nice and helpful to everyone, especially those who followed him. She nodded to a shinigami who passed by and continued on her walk. She completed her walk around the Fifth Division and merged with the path that led to the First division.
A familiar spirit force was behind her and she turned to bow in its owner's direction. Kuchiki Byakuya raised an eyebrow ever so slightly at her, closed his eyes to half-lids, and tilted his head forward gently as a response. Unohana smiled to herself and continued walking. She was taking her time, strolling down the path and admiring the beautiful day. Soon, Kuchiki had reached her side.
"Morning Unohana-san." He said shortly as he slowed his pace to stay even with her. She smiled softly at him.
"Morning Kuchiki-taichao. It is a beautiful day." She said pleasantly. Kuchiki kept his face forward, but gazed at her from the corner of his eyes.
"Indeed Unohana-san." He said plainly. They walked in silence for a few moments, both feeling the sun on their faces.
They passed the Third division and saw nothing of its leader, Ichimaru Gin, but they did see his Fukutaichao, Kira Izuru. Unohana raised her hand and waved to the young man, who returned her gesture. Kuchiki merely kept walking. Unohana felt the repressiveness of the atmosphere pressing on her uncomfortably.
"Kuchiki-taichao, do you have anything interesting to report this morning to Yamamoto-taichao?" She asked, finally breaking the silence. He turned and looked at her, somewhat surprised.
"No…Nothing of interest, really. The same thing day after day." He said softly. Unohana nodded.
"Yes, it is all very repetitive, isn't it?" She said, smiling. The corner of Kuchiki's mouth closest to Unohana lifted ever so slighty and she took that for a smile. They passed the Second Division and heard the yells from the courtyard as the Special Force Shinagamis practiced in unison. The First Division loomed not too far in the distance.
"Unohana-san, it was a …" he searched for the right word, "…pleasure…to walk…with you." They had stopped at the door and were looking at one another oddly. Unohana smiled.
"Yes, I enjoyed it, Kuchiki-taichao….but please, do call me Retsu." She said, her warm smile beaming at him.
"I…Well…Yes… of course." He stuttered. She smiled and began to open the door.
"Retsu-san…?" He said awkwardly. She turned to face him.
"Yes?" She asked, pausing in the doorway.
"You may… call me Byakuya… if you wish." He said. Inwardly he was screaming at himself, he somehow couldn't control his mouth. She stared at him for a moment and her face hardened in thought and then she smiled again.
"Kuchiki-taichao, that would be a disgrace your rank as a Taichao and a noble … I know how important those are to you. Please, do not sacrifice them on my behalf." Her words hit Kuchiki hard, but he could tell she meant nothing hateful by them. She continued through the door, leaving Kuchiki behind. Somehow he felt sad and ashamed of himself as he watched her figure disappear into the darkness of the building.