Invention 21 || [Video]

[mere_shopkeeper]

<sub>[The video turns on to the sight of Urahara sitting between the glowing kidou box that keeps Hitsugaya contained and the bedside of a very pale, very motionless, very dead Ukitake. With the blankets pulled up over his chest though, it almost appears as if he's sleeping if one didn't know better.

But Urahara's posture gives it away. The shopkeeper is hunched over in his chair, one hand resting next to Ukitake's, not touching, almost as if he's afraid that he might slow down the other man's return to life should he even let himself brush against him. He looks like he's been keeping vigil for a long time now, not surprising considering how close he is to Ukitake and the fact that he's taken it upon himself to guard Hitsugaya. Frankly, he looks like shit. You know, that special brand of shit that might soon cause Unohana to knock him out should he refuse to get some rest soon... When he finally speaks, his voice is low, tired.]</sub>

Two more days. Please try to remember that, everyone.

_{[Then he leans down towards Ukitake.]}

Please wake up soon, Jyuushirou... [There's a small, weak, forced smile, his tone painfully light.] I need someone to share the trouble I'm going to be in for not remembering Retsu's birthday yesterday.

Comments

[Offline]

[bunny_flower]

[Guess who's right behind and putting a hand on your shoulder, Kisuke?]

You are all excused, Kisuke-san.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[He looks up at her with that forced smile, though his eyes are gentle even if they're incredibly sad.]}

We'll celebrate when this is all over and he's with us again.

[Offline]

[bunny_flower]

[When you get to be as old as she is, celebrating birthdays seems rather futile, but if they wish to do so, she will not prevent them from organizing something and appreciate it.]

Go have some rest. I shall take over.

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[It's a day that gives Urahara reason to blatantly spoil people and be affectionate with them. Not to mention annoy the hell out of them if the birthday person is particularly, stubbornly serious. Like Byakuya. Or Mayuri!]}

I'm fine, but the company... The company wouldn't be unappreciated, if you're willing to stay.

[Offline]

[bunny_flower]

[Without a word, she'll grab a chair and sit down as well. And if you don't end up sleeping, she'll ... knock you out or something.]

[Offline]

[mere_shopkeeper]

_{[That gets another forced smile out of him before he turns his attention back to the dead body in front of them. There's no move for physical contact, no sign of affection beyond that one painfully forced smile. It's unusual for the shopkeeper, but then again, nothing about this week has been usual, has it?]}

[Offline]

[bunny_flower]

[There's no need to force it for now. Waiting together is probably the most productive thing they can do.]

[Video]

[cloudedblaze.livejournal.com]

Pretty sure he's gonna yell at you about not sleeping properly first.

[This from a person who's been awake for the past three days.]

[Video]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Then he may yell.

_{[He wouldn't mind it if Ukitake got angry at him. He did deserve it after all, and besides, it would mean that he would alive again.]}

[Video]

[cloudedblaze.livejournal.com]

Just don't say I didn't warn you.

[But it's hard to keep up the act, even for him.]

I'll come sit with him while you get some rest.

[Video]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Ah, it's fine.

_{[He just gets nightmares when he sleeps nowadays anyway. Guilty conscience and all that.]}

But it's appreciated nonetheless.

[Video]

[cloudedblaze.livejournal.com]

If you're sure.

[Video]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Strife-san can still come sit with him though... I think Jyuushirou-san would appreciate having you here whenever he wakes up.

[Video]

[cloudedblaze.livejournal.com]

I have somethings I need to take care of first.

[Namely making sure Raven doesn't turn into the next Hitsugaya.]

I'll be there before he wakes up.

[Video]

[mere_shopkeeper]

Alright.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

You look worse than he does.

[mere_shopkeeper]

Ah, well...

_{[A hollow chuckle.]}

He always did have the better looks.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Why are you watching?

[mere_shopkeeper]

Watching... him?

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Yes. It can't be that interesting, and I doubt anyone is going to run off with the corpse.

[mere_shopkeeper]

Oh, you never know, especially not this week. Besides...

_{[His eyes flick over to the glow of kidou that can be seen from off screen.]}

I still have other responsibilities.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

I suppose. Though if something freed Hitsugaya- well, are you in any condition to stop it?

[mere_shopkeeper]

Oh, I might still have something in me yet.

_{[Besides, the barriers are tied to both his and Unohana's reiatsu, and they're designed so that as long as one of them is still alive, the barriers won't fall.]}

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[promotedmsnger.livejournal.com]

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[mere_shopkeeper]

Indeed. And no, but thank you for the offer, PM-san.