Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 299
A Kiss for Shelter
Doctor's Orders
Fists trembling at his sides, the noble forced the anxious energy away and stilled, any trace of his myriad of clashing emotions hidden now.
Unohana smiled kindly at him and bowed her head to him as he in turn did to her.
The captain folded her hands, "I cannot tell you much without the young lady's permission, Kuchiki-Taichou. However, if she follows my instruction, she will do just fine- not to say it will be easy- but she can avoid certain complications due to her…condition."
Byakuya's hands ached; this was only half an answer- it really did not even tip the iceberg on the multitude of questions he had. But he swallowed any demands and gave a resolute nod. Yet he felt something akin to panic prickling at him as he watched the woman turn to walk away.
"Unohana-Taichou," He called, a strain in his voice that made his eyes narrow in chagrin. The unasked question was left hanging in the air.
After what seemed an eternity she gave a nod- a confirmation.
He closed his eyes, breathing again, slowly, steadily. His voice was quiet as he questioned, "What must I do?"
She did not turn back to him, but she paused and returned softly, "All I can tell you Kuchiki-Taichou is that she will need strong support. Without the power of a confident individual to remain at her side she will wither under the pressure of her new role."
He heard each hint and clever man that he was understood the meaning behind her careful words. His eyes pensively traced the floor.
When she looked over her shoulder at him, he looked up to see a chilling smile on her features, "I have given her a strict schedule. I should hope that she will not miss any appointments."