Disclaimer: Don't own!
Warnings: Silliness, blood (matching, right?)

It was evening and a cold gust of wind was blowing outside; a reminder that winter hadn't left just yet. Inside her private quarters Unohana was sitting by her desk, reading several reports she had brought back from her office.

She had taken off her captain's haori and changed her clothes to a warm and cozy kimono. Her braid was now falling down her back and she had draped a shawl over her shoulders to ward of the cold that emanated through the huge building; seeping in through cracks and thin walls.

She had received the report Byakuya had promised her about five hours ago and she had added it to her growing pile of research material. After returning shortly to her division she had headed for the great library where she had begun her research. She had stayed in the silence of the room for several hours before she finally left it at the urge of her lieutenant, whom had come in order to make sure she didn't overwork herself by getting immersed in her research.

A cup of tea was on the end of her desk, long since forgotten. Sighing softly, the captain put down the paper she had been reading. The text was small and scrawny and the language was old and flowery to the point where it was hard to keep track of the few valuable pieces of information she got from it. And every time she turned to write down a note, she would lose her place in the text and be forced to reread it until it was found.

Rubbing her tired eyes she tries to gather her thoughts. Even after hours of searching, she had found next to none information. She had found mentions of diseases like the one they were faced with now, but none that matched perfectly.

It's too early to come to any conclusions; her zanpakuto spirit chides her gently and she smiles softly in response. Her zanpakuto was right, it was too early. But it was also far too late to try and analyze the facts; she could do that in the morning.

Having decided that, she gathers the reports and puts them in something that resembles order before putting them away. Rising from her kneeling position she notices the forgotten tea and picks it up. Bringing it to her lips she grimaces at the bitter taste. It had gone cold.

Deciding against drinking it she instead wraps the shawl more firmly around her shoulders and walks out from her quarters along a small corridor to a kitchen. Disposing of the cold tea she then cleans the cup and rinses her mouth from its previous contents bitter aftertaste before putting it away.

As she walks back along the corridor she listens to the silent sounds of the night. The wood creaking underfoot, the wind blowing past and playing in the withered grass, someone walking at the path outside; all the small sounds that are left unheard and forgotten during the day.

The small sounds lulls her to a state of drowsiness as she listens to them and she feels of the day's work starts to catch up to her. Walking the few steps left to her room she then enters and walk over to her futon were she quietly slides out of the outer layer of her garments, leaving her in a soft, white sleeping gown. She slides under the covers and makes herself comfortable before she lets herself drift into the comfort off sleep.

A knock was heard and then the door opened quietly; Isane wincing slightly at the creak of it. She gazed inside and saw her captains sleeping features. Normally, Unohana would wake up before her; she must have worked late yesterday for her to sleep in.

Just as she thought this she saw how the 4th division's captain opened her eyes and turned her head to the door, her eyes still slightly fogged by seep. Isane moved inside and closed the door behind her before she made her way over to her captain. Not many knew of this side of the captain; the drowsiness she was in when allowed to sleep until she was fully rested or the way she would yawn and stretch in a highly unrefined way before she slipped into her normal routine behavior.

"Isane, could you bring us some tea?" Unohana asked and smiled at her lieutenant. Isane quickly put out some clean clothes and her captain's haori before she hurried to obey.

When she came back with two cups of steaming tea she found that her captain had already dressed and was brushing her long dark hair. She put the tea down before them and then seated herself nimbly on the floor and took one of the cups. She sipped quietly at it as she waited for her captain.

Unohana drew the brush through her hair one last time before she put the brush down and picked up the comb instead; which she drew through all of her hair once, before she braided the long strands.

Putting the comb and brush aside she then moves closer to where her lieutenant is and picks up her tea, enjoying the sweet smell before taking a small sip of the hot brew.

They sat there is silence for some time, simply enjoying the undisturbed time they had. It was still so early that the sun hadn't peeked up from its resting point beyond the horizon and the air was still.

"I looked through the papers I gathered yesterday" Unohana said, breaking the silence. Isane glanced at her from the edge of her cup and waited.

"I found a lot, but nothing fit the description of the disease; at least not completely. Some things were the same, but others were different" Unohana said then.

"That was to be expected though." Isane said quietly and Unohana gave her a praising look. She had expected nothing less from her. The reason Unohana had these conversations in the morning when she instead could let her lieutenant sleep for a couple of hours more was so she could analyze the things she had learned the day before and bring her thought in order.

Isane was a very bright woman and she always seemed to know just what to say to bring insight into the situation. Unohana was very proud of her and at times like this she showed it more than she usually did.

"It was" She answered her lieutenant. "It's too early to say anything specific about this disease; especially since we haven't encountered enough of cases. Until our healers from the 44th and 45th come back, the only things we can rely on are research and reports." She turned quiet before she continued in a slightly questioning tone.

"Perhaps we should put the old Bell-Portals to use again" She mused aloud. The bell-portals were portals that could be opened from different points in the Seireitei and the closest Rukongai districts that lead directly to a quarantined part of the 4th division. They hadn't been in use since about two and a half century ago when the latest plague had struck soul society.
The reason for their name was that whenever a new victim had been brought inside, a string of bells that connected throughout the division to the captain's office and the most populated offices, started to chime.

If this truly was like a plague, then the ones who could have come in contact with it should not travel through the Seireitei unchecked. They could be potential carriers, after all.

"Should I inform the gate keepers then?" Isane broke into her musings and she looked over at the woman.

"Please do" She answered after thinking over it quickly. "I will write a formal order later and go to Yamamoto-soutaichou to request the portals revival and a new meeting to be held in the next few days. Could you inform the lieutenants that I wish everyone from the different divisions who have been on missions in the affected districts come to the division for a checkup?"

"I'll bring it up on today's lieutenant meeting." Isane answered and Unohana nodded in thanks before finishing her tea and rising. As she walked towards her office, Isane took away the dishes before following suit.

The sun was climbing up from its seat in the horizon, basking the world in golden morning light. By the open window of a small room by the 6th division, a brown-haired woman sat and read from a book. Hanako had woken about an hour earlier when the pain in her abdomen came back and had risen to wash away the blood and put away the soiled cloth.

She had decided against taking another of the pills that Unohana had prescribed her; if she took one this early it wouldn't last until noon when she was supposed to take her second one. So instead she had chosen to bear the dull pain until breakfast. It wasn't like it hurt all the time either way, so she could manage.

Her green eyes scanned the page before she turned to the next one and continued to read. She was close to the end of the book but knew she wouldn't be able to finish it before she had to get ready for work. And she couldn't exactly be late.

Not only was she working under the very strict captain of the 6th division, Kuchiki Byakuya, but she was also his lieutenant and as such was supposed to be a sort of role model for the other members of the division. But this was only part of the reason. She wouldn't be late mostly because it had been drilled into her since a young age to be presentable and in time no matter where she was headed.

She had never complained about it though it was hard at times. She was fortunate in the way that she had been born in one of the higher noble families, although only in the branch house, not the main. As a noble she had many responsibilities, but when compared to the benefits she found nothing to complain about. The only thing that could ever cause her grief about her birth was that eventually she would have to get married to someone chosen by her family.

Sighing softly as her thoughts had strayed to her own problematic life from the lovely romantic one she read about, she put her bookmark inside the book before closing it and putting it away. She rises and closes her window before she walks over to the inner room and changes into her shinigami uniform. She brushes her hair quickly before putting it up in a high ponytail.

Taking the bottle of small pills and a small napkin she takes out two pills and folds the napkin protectively around them before putting them inside a pocket of her shihakusho. She once more puts the bottle away and then puts her room in order before she heads out to get something to eat so she can finally get rid of that stomachache.

Byakuya sat by his desk and worked on the never ending paperwork in front of him; he didn't have much else to do today. He had taken care of the problem concerning the aggravating report yesterday and when he was done with it, Hanako had come in and dragged them off to give her own lecture. He had been surprised when he only an hour later had received a perfectly written report as well as three formal apologies on his desk.

The door to his office was open and he glanced over since he was already sufficiently distracted by his own thoughts. The one who entered was his lieutenant and she gave a curt bow at him along with a formal "Good morning, Kuchiki-taichou".

He nodded in response before returning to his work. She was punctual as usual, he noted before he started to write on a report he had to give the General Commander by midday.

A couple of hours later he stopped in his steady pace of working and rose to prepare for a family meeting over lunch he had back at the manor. He noticed how Hanako looked up from her work and giving him a questioning look. He simply met her gaze before he turned and exited the office. That was quite a subtle dismissing gesture but he had used it before and she hadn't batted an eye.

Pushing unnecessary thoughts from his mind he walked through his division and onto toward the Kuchiki estate.

They were all gathered along the table and were for the moment only focusing on the food. At least that was what could be seen on the surface. Most likely were the clan members waiting for something; perhaps they were trying to gauge his mood? Good luck.

Byakuya couldn't stop the smug thought that his brain decided was appropriate but didn't try to argue; it was his brain, after all. Eating his food slowly he waited for whatever was meant to happen.

After a while, when most of the gathered clan members had finished their meal, one of the elders spoke up.

"Byakuya-sama, we are grateful that you took time out of your busy schedule to attend this dinner." He stated with a voice that was raspy and hoarse from old age. Clearing his throat loudly he then continued.

"We have something important to discuss with you. This discussion had been hanging for far too long, we can no longer ignore this. You have to get married and conceive an heir."

The room was silent after that and everyone was staring at the clan head to see how he would react. Byakuya had stilled at those words but now lifted his small cup of saké to his lips.

"Unthinkable" He answers before calmly taking a sip of the alcoholic drink.

"Byakuya! This is no matter that you can argue! The clan's wellbeing and prosperity is in your hands; you can't just crush the trust the clan has put in you!" One of the younger members of the advisors council said, his voice dripping of rage.

"You are out of line" Byakuya said and glared at the man who returned the glare wholeheartedly. He would not accept some ignorant weakling to tell him what his responsibilities were.

"He may be out of line but he does also have a point. You can no longer chide your responsibilities towards the continuation of the clan." The old man spoke up again and Byakuya glared hard at him. It was inevitable that this discussion was brought up again; it had already been over eighty years since Hisana's death. He ground his teeth and forced himself back behind the walls he had created around himself.

"You don't have much of a choice in this matter Byakuya-sama" The man said placatory. "You must have realized you could not continue to hide behind the image of your dead wife forever." The old man's voice had grown softer and Byakuya found that he felt a small twinge of guilt at the words.

"That's right! It's not like she was anything special either way; you should let go of her and get yourself a real beauty from the noble houses!" The comment was followed by laughter and whatever guilt Byakuya had felt for his decision was washed away by pure rage. He rose and before anyone had any time to react, he had pinned the offending man against the table with a tight grip around his throat.

"Don't you dare insult her memory!" He roared at the man who shivered and struggled for breath that was cut short by the firm grip around his throat and the sudden spirit pressure emanating from the enraged captain.

The others, the ones who were able to move under the great pressure, rushed up and instantly moved to remove Byakuya from the man. Byakuya let himself be dragged back as the more rational part of his brain regained control. He took a deep breath and relaxed in his keepers hold until they lessened it. That's when he broke free and with quick steps stomped out of the room after throwing a seething glare at the gathered clansmen who either cast worried glances at him or at the injured man gasping for breath by the now cluttered table.

He stomped through the corridor, seething with anger. He stopped outside his private quarters and took a deep, calming breath. A voice from behind surprised him and he turned slightly towards the sound.

"That was very unlike you, Byakuya" His grandfather said and Byakuya turned his head to the side in shame.

"You are aware that your behavior will today will bring about consequences, don't you?" The man asked and Byakuya turned to the door again, his back against his grandfather.

"I know; I will accept punishment for my behavior but that doesn't mean I've changed my mind" He said without looking at his ancestor.

"You know that they are right; you need to move on." The words where ones he'd heard many times before but the answer he gave this time was different.

"I loved her" Byakuya said softly.

"I know you did" Ginrei said and looked sympathetically at his grandson.

Byakuya opened the door and disappeared within his quarters, leaving his grandfather outside with a look of sorrow on his old features.

It was nearly dark outside when Byakuya returned to his office. After the fight at the meeting he had returned to his quarters to gather his thoughts and rein in his emotions again. His grandfather had been right; it had been very unlike him to lash out like that. Not only that, it had been unsightly. He was immensely glad that Rukia hadn't been present.

He walked inside his office and found it empty. The paperwork on his own desk was neatly organized and everything except a few forms that needed his specific signature had been signed already. He turned to look at his lieutenant's desk and found it in perfect shape as well. She must have fixed it while he was away and left already.

He didn't know whether to be annoyed or relieved to be honest. If he was to be honest with himself, he had been looking forward to distract himself with the office work. Settling for completing what little work was left to then take a walk, perhaps speak with Ukitake-taichou for a bit, he pushed the lingering unsettlement from before aside.

It didn't take long to get the few forms signed and he finally decided that he was grateful for the lack of paperwork. He would have to thank Hanako later.

He walked out of the office and headed for the 13th division to see the long-time captain. When he arrived he didn't need to ask where Ukitake was as he instantly felt the man's familiar reiatsu from the garden. He headed there and just as he thought, he found the white-haired captain on the veranda overlooking the garden with a cup of tea in his hands.

Ukitake looked up as he felt the familiar reiatsu of the 6th division captain and smiled broadly at him before inviting him to sit with him. Byakuya sat down by the other man and for a moment just gazed out at the garden. As usual, he felt how his inner turmoil calmed in the presence of the man beside him.

"Bad day?" Ukitake asked and Byakuya blinked before he could stop himself. He really should be used to it by now, but Ukitake still managed to surprise him with his sharp insight that seemed to struck like lightning; and be gone as fast as it came.

"Meeting over dinner with the Kuchiki elders" He answered in monotone and Ukitake gave a sympathetic look. At least his family had stopped trying to influence him. After several centuries, but still. Being a noble truly was more trouble than it was worth at times; it must be even worse for the 6th captain who was the head of his whole clan.

"It can't have been that bad" He tried and saw how a glimmer of something flared in Byakuya's eyes before he spoke.

"Worse than you can imagine" Byakuya said and actually felt a sort of amusement enter his voice. If he looked past the seriousness of the situation, it was actually quite amusing.

"Oh?" Ukitake said; curiosity obvious in his voice.

"I guess you could say that the servants will have some more work to do today" He said and watched how his friend furrowed his brows in confusion.

"And why would that be?" Ukitake asked but when the Kuchiki noble wouldn't elaborate he sighed and gave the man a mockingly scolding glare.

"You shouldn't tease your elders!" He said and they both knew he wasn't only referring to the Kuchiki clansmen.

A chuckle was heard from behind and the two captain turned to see how Kyouraku came walking down the wooden path. He looked at the two captains and seated himself.

"What is this I hear about elders? You haven't been teasing Juu-chan while I was away have you, Byakuya-kun?" His voice was full of mirth and Byakuya felt his mouth quirk into a smile as Ukitake started to scold Kyouraku for eavesdropping and for using such an embarrassing nickname.

"If I remember, you are of the same age as Ukitake" Byakuya said and Ukitake instantly agreed before laughing at the 8th division captain who was pouting.

"And now you're all ganging up on this old man" He said, causing another wave of laughter.

Ukitake coughed slightly by the end, but waved away the others concern. It was a very light cough and he was in too good of a mood to let it bother him. He was just about to ask if they wanted some tea when they heard even more footsteps approach.

"Is this some secret gathering or something?" Renji looked at the gathered captains and they smiled back at him.

"Is that what it's called these days? If that's the case, we were just about to discuss our secret plans of drinking tea" Ukitake said and Kyouraku laughed out loud at the comment. Byakuya let out a short snort and Renji chuckled a bit.

"Care to join us, Abarai-kun?" Ukitake asked and Renji scratched his head nervously.

"Well… actually, I came to look for Kuchiki-taichou" He turned to Byakuya "Rukia says she'll be late back. She went out shopping presents with Orihime and Yuri in the human world" Renji relayed the message and Byakuya nodded before thanking him for relaying the message.

"Oh! It's about time for little Daisuke-kun's and Tori-chan's birthday isn't it? How are the twins?" Ukitake asked happily and Renji thought back before he answered.

"They're not so 'little' anymore" Ren ji said with a grin. "Tori is up to her usual pranks; giving Ichigo one hell of a work with her expeditions. Daisuke is fine as well; he surprised me like hell when he brought home a girl the other day. Yuri was all over the poor couple while Ichigo mostly stayed out of their way" He chuckled at the memory and he was joined by the 8th and 13th division captains.

"Looks like things are never calming down in the Kurosaki household" Kyouraku said and grinned. The contact they had with the substitute hadn't been the best after the war, but they kept him informed about the major happenings in the shinigami world and Rukia went on regular visits to the human.

Ichigo had come over a couple of times to soul society as well, once was when he declared he was getting married. That had caused quite the uproar among his friends and a big party had been held where everyone had tried to get as much information out of the substitute as possible.

Another time was on the 10 year celebration of the end of the Aizen war. He had been forced to hold a speech which he had almost boycotted since he had been informed about it about 5 minutes before it was time. After quickly blocking every possible escape route they had finally managed to get the strawberry to speak. It had ended quite feisty though, when Kenpachi got riled up and decided that he wanted to see if Ichigo had gotten any stronger since last time.

Ah, the good old times, Kyouraku thought with a lazy smile. Not that the current days were bad. Juushiro's health was better now than during the war, calm reined in the Seireitei and his days were filled spending time with his longtime friend, sleeping and escaping his paperwork along with the nagging lectures of Nanao. And some saké always fit inside when things got dull.

Nothing big was happening so it was a time where they could afford to relax; which was what Kyouraku had all intention of doing. And he's drag Ukitake into it as well; the man needed his rest.
Focusing on the discussion around him again, that had moved onto flowers in some mysterious way, he interrupted with a chuckle and a question of where that planned tea went. Ukitake instantly called for Kiyone and Sentaro and they moved the comfortable discussion inside, where they were sheltered from the chilly February wind and warmed by tea and newly baked cookies.

A/N: So... here we go with the next chapter! Yes, it's moving along a bit slowly but the things in the beginning are important!
This chapter started out a bit gloomy, so I had to bring some cheerfulness in at the end!
And it's not like everyone just suddenly gets all serious about some disease, like, SNAP! Right? ^^;
Either way, please review and you can munch on one of Juushiro's cookies while at it! ^o^