Straitjacket Feeling

A/N: Ha ha, I got that review and immediately started typing to this chapter- until schoolwork had to come first that is. But yes, this supposed to be 'one chapter' deal did not work out quite as well as it was supposed to and while I don't even know what chapter I'm on anymore, or how many they're going to be... I do not regret a thing. It makes me want to take Points of Contact and expand on it as well but I highly doubt I could balance the two. At least I know who to blame now lol. But shit, this story is so much fun.

Fingertips moved to lightly massage her aching temples as she gave herself the moment to rest in the closest chair in her vicinity. After Captain Unohana's 'brief' departure, she had been left with the responsibility to bounce between both Hinamori and Nanao to keep an eye on the both of them. Officer Akon still insisted on having them separated for now but he had assured her that at least by that night they would be allowed to share a single Division room. Which, she supposed was at least something to look forward to, right? At least they didn't have to be alone and she didn't have to rush to split her time between them. Oh... that sounded a bit selfish. And now she felt terrible for it.

Unfortunately though, Captain Unohana had been gone for quite some time now; last count, at least four hours... which made her wonder where she had gone off to. She last spoke that she was going to speak with someone but had failed to drop any names to her. While she tried not to let herself get all too curious- or worried over it- the feeling was beginning to creep up on her. Part of her wanted to visit Nemu just to displace her worry but... well after their last encounter, she wasn't really all too eager to go back; at least, until she made sure they were both properly dressed or if the Espada wasn't presently with her. Shaking her head, she let herself slump down in the chair momentarily and closed her eyes as she tried to calm the throbbing headache that only seemed to further its impact on her the more she remained conscious.

She did make a mental note to herself though... Nanao didn't seem to be acting all too like herself recently. Okay, now given the current situation, there was a reason for such but... even Hinamori spoke to her; Nanao seemed to outright refuse to even acknowledge her presence. In fact, she seemed to completely cut everyone out of existence. It just... something was wrong. For now though, she wouldn't know but hopefully it would get solved... if she spoke with the Espada, then there was no reason why she wouldn't speak with her. They had known each other for years. Again, she just tried to remind herself that it was the situation. Nothing else.

Alright so... Officer Akon was off dealing with whatever duties called for his attention.

Hinamori and Nanao were currently resting in their respective rooms.

Captain Unohana was briefly absent due to other businesses.

Nemu was with that Espada.

So... where did that leave her? Right here in the middle of some kind of lounging room doing absolutely nothing with her life at the moment. Jeez, it was just like... everyone else seemed to hold some kind of importance to their current presence but she was just here for the ride; she wasn't pregnant and she wasn't someone who wanted to study the ongoing pregnancies. She was just... here; offering a hand of help to anyone who needed it whenever she could risk the time for it. Well actually, anytime of day seeing as her schedule remained busy but it was really all up for interpretation.

"Isane, how are Lieutenants Momo and Nanao doing?"

She snapped herself back awake at the question and just about knocked herself out of her chair at the sudden reaction. "Oh, uh yes; I just finished checking up on them a few moments ago and they were doing quick fine." she started to answer as she got to her feet for safety measures and turned to face her Captain; freezing slightly at the second Captain who followed close behind her. "Captain Ukitake... I didn't even see you there, I apologize."

"It's quite alright, Lieutenant Kotetsu, I see you've been busy around here." he remarked with a light smile. "Captain Unohana's caught me up with everything that's been currently going on and I thought I'd offer my assistance to try and buy the two of you some free time."

There was really no denying that close relationship that existed between the two Captains; often times, before all of this occurred, it was difficult to find the two of them separated from one another. While there were always all the rumors about them and their specific 'closeness' they had always been the first to shoot them down and make a joke of them. Unfortunately, a few unlocked doors had confirmed to her the small white lie of the entire situation. Also unfortunately, neither of them knew what she knew and so she had to act as such- which was difficult given whatever situation was going on currently, which varied from time to time. Still, it was no wonder why he decided to step in now... anyone who worked outside of this Division knew of the obvious turmoil that was going on in the Society. With people making oppositions and arguments of the whole matter... she often wondered why Captain Yamamoto didn't step in but that in itself seemed obvious. It would be too dangerous for him to pick a side in a fragile situation like this. It was best if he just stood out of the way and made sure things didn't get all too extreme... which they seemed to be balancing on the edge of at the moment.

However, if they had both Captain Unohana and Captain Ukitake on their side then... this whole matter may tip in their favor; now, if they could get Captain Shunsui on the matter then it just might be an easy win.

But, she tried not to let herself get all too lost in it right now. She just wanted to take it all day by day; step by step.

"Well, we certainly could use an extra hand around here." Isane nodded. "And I'm sure Officer Akon would appreciate another male presence around."

A light chuckle left the pale Captain as he nodded back in return. "I suppose so, I'd imagine that all the levels of estrogen around here would drive him along the same levels."

She watched as Unohana dug her elbow into the man's side in a playful manner before she returned her hands to fold in front of her. "As Ukitake remarked, I have filled him in on everything so far but... I suppose it would be better if we gave him a more personal tour of things ongoing. Now, I'm sure Lieutenants Momo and Nanao would like their private time right now but..."

"I will admit, I do have a greater sense of curiosity for this... Espada." Ukitake finished. "The fact that one's been preserved for so long and is still actively living is beyond me."

"Uh yes, well... I wouldn't use the words 'actively living' but something like that."

"... Uh regardless then... it would be interesting to speak with him, just to gain some kind of insight to this whole matter." he slowly added.

"I would recommend that if you are going to head in their direction, that... you should proceed with caution." Isane started. "Uh... it would just be best if you loudly announced your present before approaching them... or if they're still situated in her room, then knock and wait about ten minutes." the look on the Thirteenth Captain's face was enough to solidified that her remark was clearly stated and he had acknowledged her warnings. "I can take you to him if you want, although I can't promise that he'll agree to speak with you at the moment."

"I'm sure we can convince him." Unohana commented. "I was thinking that if the two men here wished to sit down and speak, we should see if we can't sway Kurotsuchi to let us listen and see if we can hear the baby's heartbeat; she's well past twelve weeks now, which is the minimum requirement but it doesn't hurt to check and listen, right?"

"I suppose so." Isane nodded. "I'm sure she'd love it."

XXXX

XXX

XX

"Where are we going?"

"I don't know, you're the one who knows this place best." he answered as he glanced over to her at his side; her arm was linked fairly tightly with his own as she still seemed to be getting herself together with walking. It was evident she was still fairly tired but had finally gotten up from her nap and was willing to follow him wherever he went. "I've only been a few places here or there and most of which I don't necessarily have the best memories of. Not to mention, I don't really have any specific location in mind, I just thought you'd need to get some exercise after all the time you've been sleeping."

"We're coming up to the examination rooms." she noted; pausing for a moment as she tugged him to a brief stop. Her eyes looked down the corridor in front of them before she looked down the one to their left. "Let's... head down towards the chemical storage instead."

"How about not. I'd much prefer if you weren't around those kind of fumes." he replied.

"And I'd prefer if you didn't go pass the examination rooms." she retorted.

He started to object but felt her arm tighten slightly on his own. A brief sigh escaped him before he turned his body to face her. "Are we really going to have this kind of argument?" the question seemed to have already been answered judging by the expression she held. By far, the chemical storage- or whatever it was, would've been the far worse route to go but she seemed to suddenly want to prove how stubborn she could be.

"Yes." she answered- seemingly much to his dismay. The chemical storage was, for the most part, tightly sealed and little to no fumes escaped on a daily basis. Mostly anyways. The examination rooms however... she just preferred to not go anywhere near them again. "It can be avoided-"

"That's not even a possibility." he interrupted.

"Well then I suppose we could just backtrack and find another route to go."

"I do hope this argument isn't all too serious."

He glanced over at the third voice- just a little irritated that someone would interrupt them or even have means to label this 'disagreement' as an argument. It seemed like everyone just wanted to toss around words and labels as though they were Frisbees. His eyes narrowed briefly as he watched two familiar figures walk towards them; a third figure was in tow but... he was unknown for now. As if by instinct, he carefully placed himself in front of her and moved to keep her separate from the approaching others. "I wouldn't label it as such; we were merely passing opposing expressions, that's all."

"Ah well then, I hope we're not interrupting on anything." Unohana started as she carefully lead the other two to close the space between the groups. "You'll have to excuse our sudden appearances once more... Captain Ukitake here has agreed to join in on this project and offer his support. He expressed a curiosity to speak with you for a few moments."

"That's interesting." he noted in a bland tone, never once taking his eye off the other man. "Let me ask, does this Captain have a voice of his own?" it seemed like the moment the words left him, a sharp sense of pressure struck his back and he could feel the brief implant of her knuckles in his skin. He didn't see what the problem was, it was only a question. An observation at most.

"I suppose it would've been more proper if I had introduced myself." Ukitake nodded as he stepped forward for a moment. "I know you're probably thinking I'm crazy for getting involved with this but certain matters have been pressed and I felt as though now would be as good of time as any, correct?"

"I guess I really wouldn't know." he shrugged lightly. "What exactly kind of matters are you speaking of?"

The white-haired Captain caught himself in a minor pocket of silence before he continued. "What do you say we take a walk around the Division for awhile? I think we both have some questions we'd like to get answered."

"In all honesty, I don't really have any questions for you with the exception of the one I spoke of before- and even then I know enough of the answer to formulate the entire ordeal." he remarked; watching as his constant let downs seemed to confusing the Captain further. "You suggest to have a walk around the Division, which I was already doing with Lady Kurotsuchi here, but I suppose if I must, our small time together can be interrupted- once again."

Isane frowned briefly at his casual, yet sharp remark. The few times she had been around the man, he had been fairly courteous and respective towards everyone and yet now... he seemed to be going out of his way to be rude towards the Thirteenth Division Captain; Captain Ukitake even seemed to be slightly taken aback by the attitude. She couldn't help but to wonder what exactly his problem was. "I uh... we were going to look after Nemu while the two of you talked... I guess in case you were worrying of leaving her by herself."

He caught the silver-haired woman's eye and took notice of her maybe slightly perplexed expression; something about it said that she was no longer certain of whether she wanted to be here or not. Turning away from the trio for a brief moment, he moved his attention to the dark-haired woman behind him. "Is there any input that you'd like to offer?"

"I'll be fine with Isane and Captain Unohana." she started as she moved to step around him; taking note of the slight flinch of his body as though he considered stepping in front of her again. "If you wish to speak with Captain Ukitake, then do so; he made a request for your acknowledgement."

Those weren't entirely the words he was hoping to hear but if that was her decision, then so be it. "Alright, I suppose I'll have to see what there is to gain from this."

She nodded lightly to him before fingers tugged gently at the loose sweater she had him slip on before they left. "And do try to watch your tongue, please."

He merely pushed aside her words for now and leaned down to brush his lips against her forehead. "Do try to remember you're pregnant." he remarked; listening to the ever brief chuckle that left her in response before she moved towards the other two women. "Alright, well... what was your name again? Ukitake? Let's take that walk now, shall we?"

Isane watched as the two men eventually moved away from them and waited for them to be out of considerable ear-range before she turned back towards the others. "Did anyone else notice-"

"His behavior?" Unohana interrupted; watching as her Lieutenant nodded in response. "Yes. It was quite odd to say the least... but I'm sure he had his reasons."

"I don't really see how..." Isane remarked, more quietly to herself this time.

"It's just part of his instinct to act like that." Nemu answered; waiting for the two opposing figures to eventually disappear from sight before she moved her attention to another matter. "He hasn't had the need to be all too protective because it's mostly been a female-dominant environment to him; he obviously doesn't see Officer Akon as a threat, so he doesn't worry with his presence around. But... when you throw in a new male figure into a delicate environment as this, he gets defensive. It's all part of an animalistic conjunction when dealing with a dominant male and his mate. He only relaxed when you offered to remove me from the conflicting situation; pitting the two into an isolated location gives him the chance to better evaluate the other male and see which side he's on. More than likely, he'll react as such with any male figure who dares to step into the building; even worse so if the opposing male is encountered while I'm still in his presence."

"They really take that whole 'animal' thing a bit far, don't they?" Isane commented.

"It's really not so strange." Unohana started. "It's much like if your significant other found you speaking with another man; if you found your significant other speaking with a stranger of the opposite gender, would you not get defensive."

Well, when it was put like that, it made a lot more sense...

XXXX

XXX

XX

"So then, tell me about yourself Captain."

The remark seemed to come as a polar opposite reaction from the man who, moments before, wouldn't bother to hold his tongue around him. He quietly cleared his throat though, seeing as leaving a question unanswered was rude regardless of who asked. "Well, I'm Captain of the Thirteenth Division; Captain Unohana and I have been speaking of this whole matter a lot lately and I decided to drop in and see how things were progressing... You remarked before that you're already faintly aware of the ongoing matters and that is... in part of truth of why I decided to step in now. It would seem that some members of our Society are not entirely... thrilled of this matter and have been very pressing of it lately. For the most part, we've been able to ignore them but with the ongoing reports of... positive results, it's beginning to get harder to bypass them now. Not to mention with Captain Mayuri's departure, as well along with Captain Soifon's, Captain Komamura and Captain Hitsugaya... the Society isn't bearing to be as strong as it once was. Substitute Captains Hisagi and Kira have spoken of their own distaste for the operation but... for now we're still giving a consistent argument. Captain Shunsui will likely be dropping in himself in a few weeks- he had some ongoing commitments that he had to take care of first."

He nodded briefly with the man's words and continued to keep up with a fair-moving pace they both seemed comfortable with; he was yet another figure who met with his own height, so there was no looking up or down during conversations. "Who exactly are these opposing Captains? Both you and the other Captain speak a lot of them but there has yet to be a name dropped or even a brief description."

Ukitake took a moment to question himself over whether or not it would be appropriate to give out such information; although now didn't seem quite the time to do so. He watched as the pale-skinned, slender-formed man kept maybe just a brief half step in front of him as they walked; his pale-pink hair was pulled back away from his face but... still it seemed to be such an odd color for someone... like him. The white-framed glasses seemed all the more fitting and completed the look that Unohana had described to him once or twice before. He wasn't entirely how he had pictured but... close. "Well... I suppose seeing as I highly doubt you'll meet them... there is, as I mentioned, substitute Captains Hisagi and Kira who have recently given out their opinions on the matter; there's also Captain Byakuya and Captain Kenpachi who have expressed immense dislike, if anything... they're the ones we're slightly worried for."

"And why is that?"

"They're both a driving force in the Society; I suppose you could say that next to Captain Unohana, Captain Shunsui and myself, they're the next ones in line. I've found myself on the wrong ends of their swords before and it's not a pretty sight." Ukitake answered.

"Why do you refer to those other two as 'substitute Captains?"

"Because they're merely the remaining Lieutenants of the abandoned Divisions; we needed someone to hold the position while we look for someone more qualified to take the jacket. Both are in a good standing to take over but we're still looking." he replied. "They're both young and while the War has hardened their skills, they're still at risk for being reckless; not to mention, we're still trying to recollect our Counsel members after their... slaughtering."

He nodded with the answers and made mental notes to himself about them. "Well then, this should be a fun situation indeed."

"What about yourself? What is there to know about you?"

Continuing on down the corridor, he gave himself a few minutes to think over the question and try to ratify the first answer that came to mind. He glanced up slightly as the examination rooms came into sight; the massive windows that marked by each door allowed for passer-bys to peek in and see what was going on in the carefully crafted surgical tables below. Each room was equipped with a tarp-covered table, several monitoring computers, a cabinet of emergency equipment and a tray of all sorts of surgical tools- some of them even resembled something you would find more easily in a butcher shop. "In this room right here..." he started as he tapped his fingertips against the thick glass; punctuating the silent corridor with a dull echo. "They punctured both my lungs through the back to test how quick my regeneration abilities were; they ended up seeing how long it took before I passed out from the blood loss. And in the room across from here, I got to have the wonderful experience of getting my body cut open while I was still conscious; luckily, they were kind enough to let me experience it a second time a month later." You