Isane feels like a water-skipper on the surface of Unohana's pond, keeping active so as not to drown in the immensity of the captain's gracious nature. She feels small when she stands at Unohana's side, even though she towers above her in height.
There is something about her captain that makes her larger than life so that, standing beside her, Isane often feels insignificant and she knows she'll only ever be a shadow of the woman that her captain is.
Isane fears most that some day there will come a time when Unohana isn't there anymore. She's seen captains leave. She saw what happened when Urahara-taichou left. She knows captains have died in the past and will again.
So, a lot of times, she'll watch Unohana while she works, trying to do whatever she can to make the job lighter or, somehow, easier. Sometimes, Unohana will gently guide her to another patient, a silent request not to worry over her. But some days, when Unohana's gentle smile doesn't rise to her lips so naturally and her forehead crinkles into slender lines, like ripples on a pond, Unohana will accept her help, sliding a small hand into Isane's much larger, clumsier one.
The captain will squeeze Isane's hand, like a soft whisper of thanks, her eyes softening with the tenderness that is almost seemingly inherent in her nature. It's then that the older woman steps back and gives Isane control, folding her hands in front of her and offering the support that Isane usually gives when Unohana provides the primary care.
They work in silence. Unohana's hands give gentle directives, catching Isane's lest they lose their way and Isane's hands can only help but to follow. When they finish their work, Unohana's hands stay pressed against Isane's, soft despite the years of hand work that they must have endured. She whispers her thanks once more, careful not to disturb the sleeping patient that rests beside them.
Isane simply flushes, shaking her head in embarrassment. The work that's been done here is so little. It's part of her job, anyways, to care for those that come to the division. Iemura takes care of the paperwork most of the time and the other members of the division, like the hard-working Hanatarou and Harunobu, do so many tasks to make sure the division functions as it should. Really, what she does is so little.
Unohana smiles her tranquil smile again, the slightest traces of amusement flickering in her eyes, and slowly she rises on her toes to place a soft kiss on the girl's cheek, "Thank you, Isane. For everything."