Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.
Guilt and Honor
Prompt: Artificial...
A/N: Written for a friendly challenge between myself and St. Harridan.
The captain winced, the bandages around his wounds tightening slowly. There was no doubt he'd be worse off than this when he returned to his quarters later on. When Nanao learned of his latest weekend escapade, she'd have his head places just so upon the guillotine. He'd gone out to drink with Matsumoto against her warnings, and had ended up in quite the scuffle in a Rukongai bar, thus leading to his current predicament of lying helplessly within the Fourth Division.
Captain Unohana, despite the lateness of the hour, had come to tend to him, insisting that her lieutenant get some sleep. She was silent as she worked, wiping away smears of blood and administering salves to his wounds when needed. The fight hadn't been too bad, but he'd sustained several injuries from broken bottles and a chair that had whacked him in the head. Shunsui felt horrid about what he'd done, as he'd not only inconvenienced Retsu, but worried Nanao.
He ventured a glance at the woman, noting the mildly disapproving gaze she given him. It made his heart sink further, making him wish he weren't such a damned fool. Were he to voice such concerns, Retsu would likely tell him that he could change if he wanted to. Shunsui just didn't want to give her that satisfaction, even if she did deserve it.
"I'm a fool," he said quietly.
She nodded, securing one of the bandages on his arm with a clip. "I won't argue with that."
Shunsui smiled gently. If anything, he certainly deserved to be chewed out, both by Retsu and his dear Nanao. The latter would gladly give him hell and a thorough beating, but this woman was far too gentle for such things. She conveyed her messages with a stern glance or a gently spoken word, veiling the needles that lay quietly behind the mask. He was the one who should have been taking that punishment, as he'd had much experience with it during their academy days with Jushiro.
"You have nothing to worry about," Retsu said with a smile. "I'll be sure to let Nanao know how... fragile you are."
He laughed, placing a hand on her arm. "That's not necessary. If you do that, she'll listen to you. No, it's best just to let her be angry about it. I'll be a man, and accept my punishment."
The way her eyes lit up made him feel better already. He'd tell Nanao himself, and go along with whatever she deemed to be proper reparation. After all, he didn't want her to think him a shallow fool, for the ruse was only temporary.