Ukitake

It's not unusual for Ukitake Jushirou to make a visit. He is a good friend of your grandfather's and you have nothing against him, even if you do sometimes feel resentment towards his weakness where your little sister is concerned. It seems childish, even to you, but the trauma Rukia suffered is something you had set out to prevent when you used your influence and kept her from the ranks.

The cherry blossoms are appealing to the eye and soothing for the sick and you can't find reason to complain since his visit was obviously planned long before you arrived. It doesn't matter, you did want some sort of companionship and, of most of those you know, Ukitake-taichou is a tolerable man who shares in some of your delights.

"It's good to see you, Byakuya. You look to be doing well," he invites conversation, walking up to stand beside you and inspect the tree you've been staring at for just about forever.

You usually don't care to carry on a conversation, even with someone as sensible as Ukitake, but tonight seems to be a night of surprises anyway, and you answer him. "I am. And you?" It's short and chilled, but it doesn't hold any malicious bite and as you've known Ukitake-taichou since you were born, he understands completely that you don't know how to speak kindly or softly--not when you've been raised to eschew the whimsical thing called emotion.

"I'm feeling much better today. I'm sorry if I disturbed you. Your cherry blossom trees are always so much more soothing here and since I was already in the area..." He trails off, knowing he's rambling and you don't care to hear it. "So, you finally told her."

You redouble your focus on the tree in front of you, wondering just who in the Seireitei doesn't know the story of your moment of weakness, when you laid forth your heart and soul in front of strangers, enemies and those who had no part of it to begin with. "I did."

"I've noticed," he smiles, turning his head slightly in your direction. "You appear... lighter. It must feel good to get it off your chest."

It did indeed. You remember the moment you let everything go, confessed your confusion, that you really didn't want to lose what little family you had. You remember the pain, but the warmth of her body as she clung to you in some meager attempt to protect your wounded body and you realize that Ukitake knows how it is to face down such a decision, to be faced with the terror of losing someone and knowing there is nothing you can do about it.

You don't say anything, though your eyes have lost focus on the tree and are more situated on the pale face of the ill taichou beside you. You resent him for his weakness... but you let it sink in how tragic it must have been to be there and crippled, unable to do his job, unable to protect his subordinates... his friends.

"What's the matter, Byakuya?" He looks concerned and you realize that, being lost in your thoughts has probably let emotions slip through that you didn't intend to show.