DISCLAIMER: Don't own Bleach.
AN: My first Bleach FanFic. Reviews are welcome. :D
Knock. Knock.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Ukitake Joushiro of the 13th squad is here." Isane's voice rang. She was outside her superior's room, waiting for her reply.
"Let him in."
Unohana Retsu, a soft-spoken and a respected woman, is the 4th squad captain of the Gotei 13. She is a mother-figure to all, even treating someone not from her own division with care and outmost respect. She is an exceptional healer, a graceful woman, and a true friend. Even though she is the senpai of the 8th and 13th captains, that did not stop them from being good friends. Both men knew how delicate and wise she is, and how fearsome she can become if you get on her bad side, which is needless to say, worse than being sent of to Hueco Mundo for an eternal punishment. So they vowed never to disturb nor disagree with her.
Ukitake Jushiro, a respected and loved captain, a fearsome fighter, and a sickly pale man. He never liked disturbing the 4th Division Captain whenever she's busy. But what can he do? He has tuberculosis which affects his lifestyle. He can't do anything about it but to prevent it from worsening by listening to Unohana's advises. Another reason why he always visits her is that his subordinates panic over small details. It can be touching and annoying at the same time, but nevertheless, he's happy to have reasons to see her whenever possible.
Lastly, he has a very good purpose... something which involves human affections. Something he pondered for a very long time.
Unohana knows his body from head-to-toe, and from outside to inside, yet, she began to wonder whether his visits were intentional or not. After all, the symptoms of Tuberculosis aren't new to him, so why bother visiting her thrice? It's as if he became conscious of his health suddenly. Her advices were all the same: take a good long rest, eat healthy, nutritious food, and stop staying at dusty places.
"Ukitake-san, have you considered resting? Doing check-ups for three times in a row isn't my idea of a good rest. If you have a problem sleeping, I recommend…"
"Sorry Unohana-san. I am not here because of my Tuberculosis problem. It seems like I'm allergic to something, or that's what my subordinate told me," The snow-haired man scratched the back of his head, while holding a cup of tea Isane had prepared. "They were panicking again, so I thought it would be better if I had this checked, just to ease their minds." He smiled.
"Very well then, can I have the so-called cause?" She stretched out her hand; her long slender fingers were soft yet tender. "Since I already know your body the most, I can tell if you are allergic to this or not," She smiled.
"Yes," He, then, brought out a sealed paper bag with the symbol of the 13th Division squad imprinted on it.
"Uhmm... Since you advised me heavily to rest, I'll be on my way as soon as you got this. I don't think I want my doctor get mad at me if I won't comply with her orders." He grinned then added, "Please do tell me the result afterwards." He stood up, smiled, and walked away.
As soon as he left, Unohana opened the small paper bag to examine the cause of his so-called 'allergy.'
She didn't have to open it completely, for what she saw made her understand the whole reason why Ukitake kept on visiting her.
A rose. A cute red rose was resting inside the small paper bag with a small letter attached to it.
"For my sole reason to live and be healthy.
I give you this adorable little rose I tended,
But whichever perspective I look at it,
You're the only flower who has grace and beauty
Combined in a beautiful soul.
Will you take care of me until I die?"
Unohana smiled, "I already am doing my part, Am I not Jushiro?"