浮竹 十四郎 | Ukitake Jyuushirou

Heyo!  You know the drill, give me some advice or an ego-boost so I can make Ukitake wonderful.  I love his character and don't want to ruin him for anything!

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[The PCD turns on, showing Ukitake outside of his home, a bandanna tied around his face to protect his nose and mouth and his hair pulled back. He's sweeping, ash and other lighter debris swirling up where he works. More than once he has to turn away to keep it from getting into his eyes. But it's only in the near distance that he has to do this. There is a defined line where the destruction meets grass, as if a boundary had been made and held throughout the entire ordeal. And that's exactly what had happened.

Ukitake sweeps a little more, pausing every now and then to move some bigger pieces of debris out of the way. Then he finally stops and surveys his work before walking back toward the house, where he sees the PCD recording.

He doesn't greet the feed with a smile like he usually does, but he doesn't look terribly sad, either. He's just tired, dark shadows under his eyes making this evident, along with the blankness of his expression.

Pulling the bandanna down to reveal his face (and his "tan line" from the ash), he addresses the network.]

Where else can I help?

[There are no words of advice, no condemnations, just that question.]

[Your friendly neighborhood Ukitake strikes again! He's sitting at his desk today with a blanket draped over his shoulders as he periodically sips some tea.]

Good morning, Adstringendum! I hope everyone has recovered from last week and isn't too embarrassed by learning things you might not have wanted to know. Or if you found a way to get a laugh out of all of it, that is good, too.

There have been quite a few new arrivals and I, regrettably, haven't been able to get to all of you.

[His lungs are still recovering, but he's well on the mend! Tea is his forever cure-all.]

So I, Ukitake Jyuushirou, welcome you to Adstringendum. It doesn't necessarily look like a comfortable place to live, and I will be honest in saying that it is a struggle to get by at times, but by teaming together, we manage to pull through just fine. Even so, because it is winter and the Animus have been known to throw crazy weather our way, I urge you to stock up and prepare for the colder temperatures as best as you can. Take care of yourselves! And do not hesitate to ask for help from those who can spare it.

[And tea sip.]

Mn! Also, everyone, do not forget to vote for the ombudsman position today. Your voice is important to be heard so that the winner reflects the wishes of everyone here.

So yes, be safe, be prepared, and vote! And if you have any questions about anything, you may always ask me and I will try my best to answer them.

[Another tea sip and he turns off the PCD.]

[Ukitake makes a rare voice post. He's brave enough for video, but the fact remains that he is covered in blood, both his and someone else's, so he spares the network that much. Still, when the feed begins, his breathing is audible and it's clear that even that much is painful for him. But he soldiers on and speaks, his voice quieter than usual and lacking that joyful tone that he usually exudes so well.]

This won't be easy to hear, and it's just as hard to say, but it must be done.

[Of course, he's interrupted by his own coughing, a familiar sound to those who know him and recognizable as his illness acting up again. The sound is harsh and it's evident that this is a bad attack.]

...It must be done. Riku has been killed. I am...taking him to the clinic, so he will be there until he comes back.

[Another coughing fit overtakes him again.]

Heh...I think I will also be there for some time at this rate. Retsu-san, I apologize for this.

And, please, everyone. Look after yourselves.

[He pauses, as if considering saying something else, but it's never said. Ukitake turns off the feed.]

[See Ukitake.

See Ukitake sitting on his roof.

See Ukitake sitting on his roof under the sea.

With...a big, Ukitake-sized white fish tail and no shirt to speak of.  Holy crap, he's an albino

Yep, your friendly neighborhood Shinigami is a merman this week, and seems to be enjoying it quite well.]

I haven't been up here for a while.  I missed the view, I must admit, though it is quite different.

[Then he must hear or see something off-screen because he smiles and speaks, not to the PCD, in a gentle voice.]

Yes, you must feel at home.  I'm glad I can join you.

[When the feed turns on, it shows one of the trees outside of Ukitake's house, though it is a little worse for wear after being rained on, even for the short amount of time it wasn't protected.  And then, Ukitake himself, dressed in his nicest yukata, hangs a folded piece of paper on one of the tree branches by a red ribbon, stepping back and watching as the breeze toys with it gently.

And then, softly, he begins to sing, his voice deep, but quiet and gentle.]

Sasa no ha sara-sara
Nokiba ni yureru
Ohoshi-sama kira-kira
Kingin sunago.

[Then the feed switches off.]


[ooc:  Ukitake does actually have a very nice singing voice.  I can provide evidence of this fact if anyone wishes.  XD]

[The video opens up to show Ukitake at the dojo, sun filtering in to provide plenty of light as he practices alone, the sun glinting off the blade of his zanpakutou.  To the experienced eye, he carries out a mastered kata; his form is perfect, his movements smooth with knowledge.  It's also evident that he's been at this for a while.  His hair is pulled  back in a ponytail, but strands have come loose, sticking to his face as he sweats.  As he moves, the sun also reflects off the moisture on his bare torso, his shitagi and kosode having been tossed toward one of the walls.

Yet, still to the trained eye, he adds in flourishes to the kata, movements that are not as practiced, but instead of stiffer, rougher, actions that don't quite fit in yet.  It is as if he is trying to come up with a new style, through trial and error.

Let's hope it works.

As he finishes a set, he stands up straight and wipes his face, exhaling.  Time for some water!  And so he approaches where the PCD is resting and reaches next to it for the water bottle, noticing in the process that it's turned on.  Faint scars can be seen on his chest, the most prominent being a diagonal slash from his left shoulder to his right abdominal.]

Ah.  I seem to have an audience.

[And with a tired smile, he turns off the device.]

[Ukitake looks more alive now, thanks to Unohana, tea, and time.  He's still a little pale and clears his throat every now and then, but he's definitely getting back to his normal self.]

How is everyone recovering?  I must apologize, I haven't been paying attention to the network these past few days. 

Kuchiki-san, Jr.-san, I trust you are taking care of the house?  I don't think I will be home for at least the rest of the week.

( [Private//Unhackable to Hitsugaya] )

[When Ukitake shows up on the feed, a few things are immediately apparent.  One, his hair is pulled back messily.  Two, his face is very thin and the shadows under his eyes almost seem sad on their own, not just from his illness this time.  And finally, his captain's haori is nowhere to be seen.  Even when he speaks, it is apparent that if anyone remembered the Ukitake from before today, this one was clearly not the same man.  Any joy is gone, replaced with worry and a sort of pain not brought on by his sickness.]

I have secluded myself away in one of the smaller buildings in the city.  I will not say where exactly for various reasons, at least not over the network.  I do ask, however, if a few of you could bring me food until I figure this out.  I...do not trust myself to forage for it on my own.

[He is about to speak again, but as soon as he opens his mouth, he immediately shuts it, as well as his eyes.  This lasts for a few moments and then he finally lets out a relieved breath, slowly opening his eyes again.]

I thank you for any help I receive in advance.

[And shakily he turns off the PCD.]

[It is a normal morning, even with the ever-pesky PCD suddenly capturing a private, though mundane, moment.  Ukitake is in bed, his hair spilling over bare shoulders and arms as he slowly rouses.

Of course, as soon as he starts moving, even so slightly, another figure appears behind him, shaggy blond hair giving away the identity.  Urahara nuzzles his neck once, then stills.  Ukitake then smiles and hums, snuggling a little into the warmth at his back as he blinks his eyes open.  Yes, it is a good, normal morning.

And then realization dawns.

Brown eyes open wide and Ukitake takes in a sharp breath.  Oh.  Shit.

Noticing his bed partner awake, Urahara leans up a little more and whispers into Ukitake's ear.]

Good morning~♥

[Choking out a squeak, Ukitake's arms fly toward the edge of the bed, trying to escape because this is wholly inappropriate! but is held back by a strong arm around his waist.

How.  In the world.  Did he end up in this situation?]