Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
A/N: This is an alternative universe Bleach story. The characters are doctors, nurses, and other medical staff for the most part, working at the Bleach Institute of Medical Research. There are no zanpaktous only scalpels ;-). The italics represent thoughts unless it is a title. It's more of a strong T then a true M, sorry no lemons just lemonade.
Red Death Weekend
It was another busy day at the Bleach Institute of Medical Research.
"Good Morning Drs. Kuchiki", said Orihime, the patient coordinator.
"Good Morning Orihime," chimed Dr. Rukia Kuchiki. Her older brother Dr. Byakuya Kuchiki just nodded in acknowledgment. The two siblings were as different as night and day. Byakuya was stoic, quiet, and some would even say cold, while Rukia was emotional, loud, and friendly. Byakuya and Rukia walked into the middle of the foyer this is where they went their separate ways every morning. She would go left and he would go right. "Have a good day, brother", she smiled and said.
"You too," he replied. He was proud of his little sister she had been accepted as a resident at BIMR. Only 25 of applicants are accepted and only half of those make it through to their second year like Rukia.
"Dr. Kuchiki may we see you for a moment," asked Dr. Retsu Unohana, the Deputy Chief of Clinical Services. He followed her into the office of Dr. Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, Chief of the Professional and Medical Staff. Byakuya set and listened while they went on and on about how he is a brilliant doctor and that he had saved many lives. Then came the, but, his bedside manner left much to be desired. Yet again there had been complaints from patients regarding his interactions with them. "Dr. Kuchiki we have decided to assign Hanatarō Yamada, the head nurse, to work with you as your assistant for the next six months. Hanatarō has received numerous accolades for his wonderful bedside manner. It is our hope that working with him helps you with yours," said Dr. Unohana.
Byakuya was dumbfounded but masked it with his trademark stoic look never appearing angry, happy, or sad. The last thing he wanted was to have to deal with this. I do my job. My goal is to save people's lives not be there friend. A doctor has no room for emotional attachments with patients; emotions only get in the way of doing my job.
"Where is Hanatarō," asked Dr. Yamamoto (just then there was a soft knock at the door) "come in."
"I am sorry I am late," said Hanatarō, "I was helping Dr. Shihōin"
"She's not supposed to be back until Monday," offered Dr. Unohana.
"I know but the Milano twins were brought into the ER. Dr. Shihōin received the page and came in to help. She was astounding with the twins and their parents. I have never seen anything like it despite both Rajesh and Rayne being blind and deaf she was able to calm them down, diagnose the problem, and keep the parents from panicking," responded Hanatarō in amazement.
Everyone except for Byakuya chimed in with the amazing feats of Dr. Yoruichi Shihōin. She had been gone for 2.5 years saving the world by speaking on the need for medical assistance in developing countries and assisting the Doctor's Without Boarders program. (The great Yoruichi Shihōin the Wonder Woman of BIMR, everyone thought she was so great.) Byakuya was not a fan. She and he grow up together in the same neighborhood. She was three years older than him and had babysit him once and since then Yoruichi had made a bad habit of calling Byakuya, Lil Byakuya that he hated.
Byakuya and Hanatarō leave the office.
"I am not as worried about young Dr. Kuchiki, with Hanatarō helping him and Yoruichi back I think he'll turn things around," says Dr. Unohana. Dr. Yamamoto nods in agreement.
Hanatarō attempts to make small talk but Byakuya is not one who participates in small talk. When they turn the corner they run into Yoruichi.
"Good Morning Dr. Kuchiki. Hanatarō, thank you so much again for your help, you made my job so much easier," Yoruichi said with a smile. (She has a ponytail what kind of doctor has a ponytail, she's so so so Yoruichi). She and Hanatarō continued to engage in small talk for about 10 minutes until Byakuya said something.
"Yoruichi, some of us have work to do, we cannot just stand in the hall talking all day," Byakuya said. I certainly do not want to stand and watch you flirt with Hanatarō all day.
"I must be on my way as well. Good day gentleman, Hanatarō I hope I will see you tonight," she said as she walked away.
"Wow, Yoruichi, I mean Dr. Shihōin sure is nice. I am so glad she's back," said Hanatarō.
If I were you I would not get too happy, she is only going to leave again, she always leaves. One day you'll turn around and she'll be gone. And you'll be …
"Dr. Kuchiki are you ok?"
"I just need some coffee, lets go to the café first", is Byakuya's monotone response. They turn around and head to the café.