Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Kubo Tite, not me!

Warnings: PWP, OOC, AU - This isn't as funny as the other ones, but I hope you like it. :D As always, thank you for reading and reviewing.

13th Division, Captain Jushiro Ukitake

"I hear that Captain Ukitake is coming in to resign his commission." Captain Soi Fon appeared in the doorway.

Behind the Division 1 Captain's desk, the man in the flowered robes leaned back, contemplating his cup of tea. "And where did you hear this gossip?"

"Does it matter?" Soi Fon stalked to his desk, sitting on the edge. "What are you going to do about it?"

Kyoraku sipped his tea delicately. "What can I do about it?"

"You're his best friend!" She snapped, pounding her palm on his desk. "You can talk him out of it."

"It is none of our business, Soi Fon, but Division 13's, and Captain Commander Yamamoto's." He said calmly. "He is very ill, and this is not going to go away. Jushiro-chan has been a Captain for more than a hundred years, and has borne the mantle with grace and humility. Don't you think he deserves to rest?"

Soi Fon stood up, ashamed. "I do. But this isn't rest- he is quitting because he feels that he isn't doing his responsibilities, and does not deserve the Captaincy. But he is wrong!"

Kyoraku quirked an eyebrow, realizing where she had gotten her information. "You're getting better at eavesdropping, Soi Fon." He sent her a grin, earning a scowl in return.

Soi Fon resisted the urge to stamp her foot in frustration, knowing it would only fuel Kyoraku's amusement. "Fine." She snapped. "If you won't do anything about it, I will."

Three days later, Jushiro Ukitake hobbled into the Seritei, supported by his third seats and flanked by Kuchiki Rukia. While Kiyone and Sentaro bickered about who would get to shunpo him up the massive winding staircase to the Captain Commander's office, Kuchiki stood silent and vigilant beside him.

"Taichou." Rukia said gruffly, not meeting his eyes.

"Yes?" Ukitake waited, feeling faintly out of breath already. He surveyed his team, feeling a pang of sadness. His division was made of good people, and they deserved better than a sickly captain who could not even attend the monthly captain meetings.

"Please. Reconsider." Eyes averted, she sank to one knee.

"Kuchiki-san." Ukitake smiled and patted her arm, urging her to rise. "It's okay. I'm sure they'll find a better taichou for the 13th. Someone who can lead you all in the field. Hey, I may even step down and be your co-vice-captain."

"But you've held us together all these years after Kaien-dono and Miyako-dono..." He could hear the tears in her voice.

"Kuchiki-san." Ukitake sighed. "I know we have been through a lot." Silently, he patted her head, trying to comfort her. Both third-seats approached, finally carrying a litter so they could both shunpo him up the stairs. "But I must not keep the Captain Commander waiting."

Nodding, Rukia rose to her feet, discreetly dashing the back of her hand across her cheeks to wipe away any stray tears.

"And so, Yamamoto-dono." Ukitake finished. 'I think it is in the best interests of the Gotei 13 if you found someone else to be Captain of the 13th Division. You may move me to whatever position you deem appropriate."

The old man stroked his chin thoughtfully, studying him. "But there has been no complaint as to your conduct, Ukitake."

Ukitake nodded. "But I hold myself responsible, Yamamoto-dono. And I feel like I have failed you and my team."

The old man smiled. "Oh, I don't know, Ukitake Taichou. Have a look at this."

Ukitake joined Captain Yamamoto at the bannister and bit back a surprised gasp. His entire squad, and what looked like most of the other squads had gathered in the courtyard, all wearing white wigs to match his own. "Please don't leave, Ukitake Taichou!" Division 13 chorused, bowing deeply.

"You heard them." A deep voice growled behind him. Touched, Ukitake turned to see the other captains also wearing white wigs. Of course, Toshiro Hitsugaya had just combed his hair down. Even Kuchiki Byakuya bore his hair color change with dignity, looking slightly unhappy, but after a lightning fast kick from Soi Fon, reverted to his usual blank expression.

For the first time in a really long time, Jushiro Ukitake felt the weight of his illness lighten.