It had been two whole weeks since Kensei became a Captain, and when Shuuhei thought things would get better, he didn't realize how wrong he would be. His mind never shut off. Despite Kensei constantly telling him to relax and stop doing so much work his body simply wouldn't let him. He had gotten used to drowning himself in paperwork, it's not like he could just stop. The only thing that did change was that now he had to train every day on top of his usual duties. His already decreasing health was now spiraling down at an even more alarming rate, not that anyone had noticed. He made sure to put up a good act so Kensei wouldn't be able to tell, and he hadn't seen any of his friends since that night two weeks ago, so he didn't have to worry about that. As much as he hated to admit it, Shuuhei knew the only other time he was this bad, was when Tosen first defected. He had ended up in the fourth division for a few days after collapsing from exhaustion, but he wouldn't let that happen again. He could just imagine how angry it would make Kensei.
Today was particularly hectic since it was time to publish a new edition of the Seireitei Communication, and he needed to make sure everyone turned in their articles on time. This meant waking up earlier than usual, but in his case, it just meant leaving earlier since he didn't sleep. His stomach growled at him, reminding him that he also skipped out on breakfast again, but he couldn't be bothered to care. All he wanted was to get to work already so his day could begin. As expected, the editorial office was buzzing with energy, something Shuuhei wished he had.
"Akira, where are we at so far?" He asked as a squad member passed by. The man had a stack of papers in his arms and looked frazzled, but smiled none the less at seeing Shuuhei.
"Not everyone has turned in their articles, but we still have time. Lieutenant Ise came by when we opened as well as Captains Ukitake and Kuchiki."
"Ah, so Captain Ukitake feels better then? It's been a while since we got an article from him." Shuuhei commented, happy that the usually sick Captain was back on his feet.
"Yes, he seemed to be in good health. Lieutenant Matsumoto and her Captain also came by, I think we're just waiting on Lieutenants Abarai and Kira, and Madarame if I'm not mistaken. All of the papers you need to look through are on your desk, Hagashiyama and Sannen are almost done with the design."
"Okay, thank you Akira. Keep up the good work." Shuuhei said, watching the younger squad member beam and continue on with his duties. Shuuhei envied people like that who can find happiness in days like this. He used to be the same until recently. Try as he might, Shuuhei was lacking in the energy department, meaning it was hard to find happiness. His day had barely started and he was already beat. It only got worse as he entered his office and saw the massive pile of paperwork he had to go through.
"I still have to meet the Captain for training after lunch..." He muttered, flopping down into his chair with a sigh. Maybe he should have let Kensei take over this job too. As much as he liked it, or used to at least, he just couldn't do it anymore. He needed a break. "I need to learn how to relax is more like it." He grumbled, wondering why he still did everything when he didn't need to anymore. It had gotten to the point where he would finish Kensei's paperwork when the man went out to watch squad members train. At this rate he would work himself straight into his grave.
There was a knock at the door, starting Shuuhei from his thoughts. He attempted to smile when the faces of Renji, Izuru and Ikkaku greeted him, but he could tell they weren't fooled. He had been kind of avoiding them lately. Not that he intended to, but still, the damage was done and they knew something was up.
"So, we finally find you. Still cooped up in some office I see. You know, Shuuhei, I don't know if anyone told you, but you've got a Captain now." Renji said, a teasing grin on his face. Shuuhei could tell he was kind of hurt, just like the others, and he did feel bad. But if he didn't do this, what would he do? Stay home? That sounded incredibly boring.
"I'm well aware, thanks, but I didn't want to give up my editing duties." Shuuhei replied, knowing his friends wouldn't buy that excuse. After all, editing didn't take up every minute of every day.
"I'm guessing you didn't want to give up doing all the paperwork either. Or training the new recruits. I think Captain Muguruma might actually be bored." Izuru said, looking over his friends features. Shuuhei looked positively exhausted.
"I doubt that. He's been training me every day, and when he's not doing that he's either out drinking with the other new Captains or he's watching squad members fight." Shuuhei said, causing Ikkaku to light up and step forward.
"Training, eh? So you've gotten stronger then? Why don't we put that to the test?" He said with a grin that made Shuuhei gulp. Maybe he should have left that part out.. But it was too late now.
"Yeah, come on Shuuhei. A good spar would be good for you. Maybe afterwards we can go get something to drink." Renji added, both he and Ikkaku looking ready for a full on fight. Luckily for Shuuhei, Izuru was on his side.
"I don't know guys, he seems pretty busy. Plus, you're not looking to good, Shuuhei. Maybe you should go rest or something."
"Nah, he's fine, just needs some fresh air." Ikkaku said, cutting off any objection Shuuhei had. Before he knew what happened he was being dragged out of the office and into the training grounds.
Just as he predicted, this was a bad idea. Ikkaku and Renji were being too rough with Shuuhei, and it was obvious the man was tired. All Izuru could do was watch and wait for the inevitable. He knew his friend better than anyone, and therefore knew his limits. Shuuhei was well past those limits. Just a few more minutes and he would be unconscious. What Izuru didn't predict, was Kensei coming to watch. Shuuhei had been right, he really did watch squad members fight. At first he hoped Kensei would put a stop to it and make Shuuhei go back to work, but he quickly realized Kensei enjoyed watching Shuuhei fight. He also realized having Kensei watch made Shuuhei try harder, hence the reason why he was past his limits and hadn't collapsed yet. In fact, he had put up a decent fight until now, both Renji and Ikkaku had some pretty good wounds. For a moment it even seemed like Shuuhei could win.
That is until Renji released his bankai like he always does and knocked Shuuhei out cold.
Izuru was quick to respond, running over to Shuuhei's side and picking him up. He tossed his friend over his shoulder and gave Renji and Ikkaku a verbal beating before flash stepping to the fourth division. And, oddly enough, Kensei went with him. The man had to of known Shuuhei was losing, yet he didn't stop them. Izuru couldn't help but wonder why.
The fourth division wasn't as crowded as it usually was, making it easy to find the Captain and get Shuuhei into a room. Izuru watched anxiously as she checked his vitals and wrote down some notes. Kensei looked somewhat tense next to him, confusing Izuru even more. Why would he be tense, of all people? He could have prevented this!
"He should wake up within the hour, but for now I will treat his wounds. Has he shown any signs of feeling sick?" The healer asked, taking out some gauze and salve. Izuru didn't really have an answer for that since he hadn't seen Shuuhei lately, but apparently Kensei knew everything.
"I don't know if sick is the right word, but he's been acting weird since I returned. I may not know the kid well but I know damn well he isn't weak, he's a lieutenant." Kensei answered, a serious look on his face.
"I see. So you're saying it's something else, then?"
"Something in his head, yeah. Has this happened before?"
"I don't usually give away my patients information, but since you are his Captain and lieutenant Kira knows him so well, I suppose I can make an exception. In the past he struggled with chronic stress and anxiety, and depression as well. This was after the defection of his old Captain, Kaname Tosen. The pressure of having to be a Captain and Lieutenant at the same time was simply too much, as I'm sure Lieutenant Kira understands. He was in and out of my division for a while until he eventually found a routine and got used to it. It seems now that he has a Captain again he can't bring himself to get out of that routine, but it has taken quite a toll on his body and mind." Unohana explained to the two, bandaging a particularly nasty looking gash on his midsection.
"So the kids just gotta take a break? That's it? Che, I coulda figured that out." Kensei muttered, flinching back as Unohana turned and fixed him with the look.
"Then tell me, Captain, why didn't you? Why did you instead decide to watch as he let his health decline? You even added to the problem by training him so much every day." She said, smiling in a way that was anything but nice. Izuru glanced expectantly at the Captain, wanting to know the same thing.
"Well.. I... Look, I knew the kid had a problem, but I wasn't going to make him stop. He's a grown man, he should be able to take care of himself. I let those two morons kick his ass so he would finally realize he's gotta stop." Kensei responded, looking uncomfortable under Unohana's gaze.
"You are his Captain, Kensei, it's your responsibility to help your lieutenant. Communication is everything in a division, you of all people should know this." She said. Izuru felt like he was watching a mother scold her child. But she was right, Kensei should have stopped Shuuhei before this happened.
"I know, I know. To be honest I didn't even realize he was this bad. I would have locked him inside his barracks had I known."
"Well, when he wakes up I'll assess his condition more and then he can be released. He will need someone to check up on him, just to make sure he's actually relaxing and not working. He has a habit of doing that. It's a common thing to see, but if taken too far it can be life threatening. You may actually have to lock him in, Captain. Shuuhei is quite persistent." She said, smiling at the sleeping form of Shuuhei. Kensei however frowned. He didn't want to force the kid to do anything, but he definitely would if needed. And apparently it would be needed..
"How has he been acting around you, Lieutenant?" Unohana suddenly asked Izuru, making him jump slightly.
"A-ah, well, I haven't seen him for the past few weeks. I know how he is though, Shuuhei doesn't like staying home and not doing anything. I guess I thought he would just be okay. But when I saw him earlier today I knew he wasn't doing well. He tries to hide it but if you know him really well its obvious." Izuru explained somewhat guiltily. He should have tried harder to see if Shuuhei was okay, and to get him away from work, but just like Kensei he didn't want to force Shuuhei. He was an adult. But still, they could have tried.
"I see. Well, it looks like you both need to be more attentive. Shuuhei is indeed an adult, but even adults need supervision sometimes. Shuuhei is very devoted when it comes to work, it doesn't surprise me that he can't stop. But as his friends and Captain it is your job to help him before it's too late. He needs to do lieutenants work and go socialize with friends when he's done, instead of doing more work. Do you understand?" She asked, smiling as both men nodded. Their attention was directed back to Shuuhei as he grunted in pain and opened his eyes, looking around blearily before landing on Unohana, then Izuru, and then widened at seeing Kensei.
"I'm.. In the fourth? What happened?" He asked with a raspy voice.
"It would appear Lieutenant Abarai went too far during your sparring match. But that's not all, is it Shuuhei?" She asked, watching as Shuuhei sunk down into the mattress and sighed. "Captain Muguruma, Lieutenant Kira, may we have some privacy? I will come find you when he is ready to go home."
"Yes, Captain." They both nodded and left, leaving Unohana alone to have a long talk with Shuuhei. He should have known this would happen, but was hoping it wouldn't come to ending up in the fourth division.
"Tell me, Shuuhei, have you been over working yourself again?" She asked, watching as Shuuhei deflated and looked away in shame.
"Y-yes, I suppose I have. It's not my fault though! There's nothing else for me to do, I need to work."
"There is plenty of other things you could do to occupy your time. When was the last time you saw your friends? I remember you telling me about your passion for cooking, why not do that? Or practicing that instrument from the real world, the guitar? I know you don't like down time, Shuuhei, but you can't continue doing this to yourself." She said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm going to give you a list of symptoms, I want you to tell me which ones you have."
"Just like before?" He asked, remembering the time he was in here after Tosen left. Unohana nodded. "Just like before. Ready?" She asked, continuing when he nodded.
"I'll start with cognitive symptoms. Any memory problems, problems concentrating, poor judgment, negative thoughts, feeling anxious, or constant worrying?"
"My memory's fine, and I haven't had poor judgment.. I think... But everything else sounds about right." He answered, trying to remember any poor judgments he might have made. Not eating and sleeping might be one.. But he wouldn't say that. Unohana wrote this down and continued.
"Okay, now for emotional symptoms. And moodiness, irritability, inability to relax, feeling overwhelmed or isolated, or depression?"
"Everything except irritability. I haven't gotten mad at anyone lately." He replied, thankful for at least that. He didn't like blowing up in people's faces.
"Good, now there's physical symptoms. Any aches or pains, diarrhea, nausea or dizziness, rapid heartbeat, loss of sex drive, frequent colds?"
"Some aches, yeah, a little dizziness here and there, rapid heartbeat, uh... I haven't really uh.. Erm.. Had sex lately, or had the option to, so.. No, and I haven't gotten sick in a while." He answered with a blush. The last thing he wanted to be reminded of was his lack of a sex life. Unohana smiled none the less and kept taking notes.
"I see, so there aren't as much physical symptoms. That's good. Now lastly we have behavioral symptoms. Have you been eating more or less, sleeping more or less, isolating yourself, procrastinating or neglecting duties, using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax, or any nervous habits like nail biting or pacing?" She asked with a knowing look, already writing things down before he even answered.
"Erm.. I haven't really been eating or sleeping.. I guess I haven't seen my friends for a while, I definitely don't procrastinate, uh... I drink, sometimes, and smoke... Occasionally, and it does make me feel relaxed I guess. I don't have nervous habits. Pacing, maybe, but not that often."
"Yes, I had a feeling you would have most of these symptoms. You already know what I'm going to tell you. Bed rest, taking on less work, more socializing. Just like before. You need to eat healthier and get at least 8 hours of sleep. Exercising is also good, so keep training with your Captain when you feel better. I'm ordering you to take a three day leave from work, and I'll have your friends keep an eye on you. Drinking isn't recommended, but I know how you and your friends are, so just try to take it easy. Absolutely no cigarettes. Are we clear, Lieutenant?" Unohana asked, her tone leaving little room for arguments.
"Y-yes ma'am, loud and clear." He replied nervously, sighing in relief as she smiled and stood to leave.
"You may go now, I'll tell your Captain."
Shuuhei didn't need to be told twice, he was ready to get out of the fourth division. He wasn't happy with what Unohana said but knew she was right. He did this to himself and now he had to pay the consequences. Bed rest sounded like hell though, so maybe he would do less of that and more going out with Izuru or Renji, even Rangiku. It had been a while since he saw her anyways.
"Maybe that will fix my damn sex drive." He muttered, bitterly reminding himself of that cruel fact that Rangiku wasn't his. Not yet, anyways.
"The hell are you talking about?" A terribly familiar voice said, making Shuuhei's face go pale and then erupt in a blush. He turned and regarded his Captain with a look of shock, wondering where the hell Kensei popped out from. Or had he been there all along?
"Uh..."
Ha, poor Shuuhei XD Yeah, I had to end it there before this ended up being a billion pages. Still no KenShuu, but I did say it started out slow. And I'm honestly still trying to figure out how to get them together. So, until then, leave a review!