Title: Dear diary
Rating: G
Pairing / characters: Shiba Kaien, Kuchiki Rukia, Kuchiki Byakuya, Unohana Retsu, Kyouraku Shunsui
Word count: 464 words
Warnings: Character death
Summary: Jyuushirou's illness affects all those who care about him
A/N: I suppose this can be considered an "in story" story for Untitled, or perhaps a prequel to Untitled. I originally planned this differently, but it seemed to fit so well with Untitled, that I left it like this.
FOR ESSENZE, WHEREVER YOU ARE…
From the diary of Shiba Kaien:
The captain's sick again. I knew about it before Kyouraku-taichou came and told me, I bumped into Unohana this morning and she told me he'd been rushed to her division late last night. I have a sick feeling about this – she won't let me see him, no one save Kyouraku-taichou is allowed near him, and the man looks like he's been drinking all morning. I worry, especially at times like this. I haven't even told Kuchiki yet, and god only knows how she's going to take the news that he might not survive. We all know he's ill, we've tried to prepare ourselves for this, but…
I don't know what the Gotei thirteen will do without him if he dies.
From the diary of Kuchiki Rukia:
Kaien-dono just told me the awful news – Ukitake-taichou is sick! Needless to say I went straight to the Fourth division (after distracting Kiyone and Sentarou) but Unohana wouldn't let me see him. She wouldn't give me any information either, save that he's very sick, and needs to rest. I hope he gets better soon, we need him around, I need him around – everything always seems so much brighter when he's with us.
I never really realized the extent of his illness until today, it was the first time I've seen Unohana wearing gloves and a mask.
From the diary of Kuchiki Byakuya:
Rukia came home early today and shut herself in her room. I thought perhaps, that something was amiss with her training until a messenger informed me that Ukitake has fallen ill again. I suspected something was wrong, he has missed all his meetings this week. I will go and visit him later, I feel it is my duty to attend to him. Ukitake has never been a well man; despite that, I've always admired him for being so strong in the face of a debilitating illness.
From the diary of Unohana Retsu:
Ukitake is not recovering from his illness; I do not think he will. It grieves me to see him in so much pain, and at this point, selfish as it may sound, I can only pray the end will come quickly. I've offered to take his pain away, but he has assured me that he is not suffering. Even so close to death, he still tries to comfort those he cares about. He confessed to me that he knows he's dying, but he's not afraid. Such brave words… I am so thankful I've had the chance to know this selfless man for as long as I have. I will miss him sorely when he's gone.
From the diary of Kyouraku Shunsui:
Jyuushirou died in my arms this morning. I don't know how I'm going to live without him…