The day had been a miserable one at best in the Kuchiki household .Not for the servants or other staff members but for the head of the household himself, Byakuya. The day had seen him hidden in his room nursing a fever, a migraine and extreme fatigue. As more symptoms piled on to the already haggard man, Byakuya grew closer to giving into his lethargy.
While the raven-haired noble was accustomed to the cold of the soul societies winters; he was not,in fact, accustomed to sudden hollow attacks that sent him into a freezing pond. Had Byakuya not killed the beast before it swatted him into the frozen water like a fly, he'd likely be in a worst spot than he was now.
After trudging back to the manor, cold and exhausted, Byakuya had fallen into a painful coughing fit and collapsed onto the floor. The noble had laid there for what felt like hours before a servant had stumbled onto him and screamed for help. Honestly, what happened after that was a blur to the black-haired male. Somehow, no doubt with the help of the servants ,he had made it to his his room, into a yukata to sleep in and then his bed.
The room had grown quite afterwards except the occasional whisper from the other side of the sliding doors. Calling for a soul reaper from squad 4 was mentioned and byakuya groaned quietly before coughing roughly into his fist. The head of the household called out to the staff in the hall.
"If squad 4 is to be involved, I would like to request a certain officer." Was all Byakuya had to say before the servants were ready to comply.
When the servants had the name of that certain officer, they had rushed out to fulfill their task and Byakuya had finally given into the fatigue plaguing him and he fell into a fitful sleep.
"I'm sorry , 4th seat Tagami isn't expected back from her assignment until later this evening." the squad 4 captain said apologetically.
The servants sighed and looked to each other. If Ayato Tagami did not come to the manor, then lord Byakuya would have their heads.
"Please, allow us to wait for her to return." one servant said. "Lord Kuchiki is ill and has requested that should squad 4 become involved, he would rather have 4th seat Tagami come to the manor. He means not to offend by solely requesting Tagami but—"
"We are not at all offended by Captain Kuchiki's request." Captain Unohana interrupted. "We often get requests such as these. The ill and injured find comfort in having someone they know tend to them. You may wait for miss Tagami to return but I suggest one of you run back and tell your house,however, that it will be evening before my fourth seat can accompany you back."
The servants flashed an excited smile before bowing deeply and expressing their thanks to the captain. A quick discussion ensued between the servants as to who would wait and who would return to the manor. The consensus was reached that the servant Katsuo would remain and the other ,Kyo, would return to the manor. As the two split off in their respective directions Captain Unohana smiled.
Truthfully, it wasn't very often soul reapers requested a member of the 4th division when they needed tending. Most would take whoever they could get, be that who it may. However, Unohana had seen the relationship between the squad 6 captain and her 4th seat. She knew the two were close and had no real problem with sending Ayato Tagami off to the kuchiki manor. While the green-eyed officer was an irreplaceable part of the 4th division, she was not well suited for the busy work the squad took on when there were few patients. As a fourth seat, paperwork was minimal so a few days away from the barracks would not disrupt the rhythm of the squad. Continuing to smile, Unohana went about her business.
The day had seemed to drag by as Katsuo waited for Ayato Tagami to return. For most the afternoon, he had helped where he could knowing he would have been scolded for being a burden to the fourth division, when he could have been helping in any way. Towards the evening though, Katsuo had stopped and began waiting for 4th seat Tagami to return. While he waited, he made small talk with division members who were either returning to the barracks or leaving. Finally though, after about an hour of waiting, Katsuo spotted a group of soul reapers walking towards him.
They all looked worn but seemed to be in good spirits and it took no time at all to recognize that this was the party that 4th seat Tagami was sent with on her mission.
Quickly, Katsuo gained his composure and cleared his throat before meeting the group.
"Excuse me," The servant said politely, " I am awaiting the arrival of 4th seat Tagami, would any of you happen to know where she may be?"
The members of the group looked to each other before a hand popped up from the back of the group. The soul reapers stepped half a foot to the side, making a small path to the soul reaper who's hand was up.
She was a petite young woman with shining emerald eyes ,perfectly arranged onto her round face, and dark brown hair that seemed to shimmer in the evening sunlight. Her lips were pulled into a small, friendly smile that made the smallest dimples show up on her cheeks.
"I'm 4th seat Tagami," the brunette said while lowering her hand. " Is there something I can help you with?"
Katsuo looked to the other soul reapers in the group before looking back to Tagami.
"This is a matter that I would rather discuss privately, if you don't mind."
4th seat Tagami tilted her head a bit bit before shrugging and having the other should reapers return to the barracks. Katsuo had watched them take their leave and as soon as the group had dissipated , he turned back to Tagami.
"Fourth seat Tagami" the servant began, " Lord Byakuya Kuchiki requests your presence at his manor immediately."
At this Tagami furrowed her brow and tilted her head again.
"For what reason is Captain Kuchiki requesting me?" forth seat Tagami said slowly.
"It would appear that Lord Kuchiki has fallen ill. I have already spoken with your captain, and she has graciously lent us your aid. If you would like to gather a few things to bring with you that is fine. You will however be provided with meals, a place to sleep and any medical supplies you may need." Katsuo said.
Ayato's expression slowly changed to one of realization and she sighed before nodding.
"Right, okay. Before I go get what I need, what are your masters symptoms?"
The servant never missed a beat before he started spouting off the ailments of his master. The first of these symptoms was fever, followed by body aches, fatigue and chest pain. Immediately, the fourth seats mind went to any possible diagnosis. But even without a diagnosis, Ayato knew what items to retrieve.
"Okay then, I'll be right back! You stay here, okay ?" The brunette said before running past the servant, leaving him waiting yet again to wait.
