Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.
In The Aftermath
Prompt: Admiration & field work
A/N: For a request on LJ.
He was scared stiff, hands trembling as he sat off to the side. This was his first time being out in the field with his captain, and it felt like a true honor that she'd requested he accompany her. Even with her kind demeanor and soft voice, Hanataro couldn't help feeling that he had to sit straight as a board. He feared that, somehow, his hands would slip as he aided her, causing further damage to the now unconscious person they were healing.
There was silence as she worked, nimble hands sealing the wound before he had the time to blink. All that was left in the aftermath was that moist stain on the front of the man's uniform, making the black fabric seem even darker.
It would have been peaceful had Hanataro been able to calm himself; to think coherently and remind himself that Captain Unohana didn't look down upon mistakes. She merely addressed them with a calm voice, requesting that, perhaps, the person in question take a little more time to practice.
He admired her greatly, and it was for this reason that he felt he should be relaxed around her. Not too comfortable, mind you, but enough so that he could correctly think about what he was doing. Were he to slip up, he'd feel terribly guilty, even if all was forgiven by her from the start.
When she touched his hand, Hanataro jumped, eyes the size of his fists. He hadn't even realized that his knuckles had turned white from the grip he had on his uniform. There was a nod, the nonverbal sign for him to proceed with the remainder of the process.
He did so, hesitantly at first, pressing his hands against another of the man's wounds, focusing his energy. He was fearful, worrying that, by some mistake, he'd end up going in reverse, causing more damage that his captain would be forced to fix. But it was an easy task as he looked down, amazed to see that the muscle and skin was weaving itself back together beneath the pads of his fingers.
Hanataro looked up, surprised to see that his captain had not yet gone. He smiled as best he could, sweat still on his brow as she gave him a nod of approval.
Perhaps this was why she'd selected him to head the seventh relief squad. It had nothing to do with nerve, courage, or even strength. His position had been decided based upon his ability in this reliable art.
With this having been proven to himself, Hanataro felt much more confident.
