28;

[the_rotator]

My team and I have returned from our mission to the living world. I'll submit a report later but apparently some family business has occurred that's extremely urgent, so I'll have to cut this short--

Comments

[Private to Rukia]

[howls_at_stars]

My ah...condolences for the loss'a yer granddad. Lemme know if there's anything I can do, yah? I'd like to talk to ya whenever you're up for it.

[Private to Renji, a couple of hours after the original posting]

[the_rotator]

Thank you. Truthfully, it was difficult to think of him as any kind of grandparent, but he was never unkind to me. I'm sorry to hear of his loss.

Some family representatives whisked me away as soon as I returned, but I've managed to slip away after fulfilling certain obligations. Give me some time to bathe, but then I want to see you.

[Private to Rukia]

[howls_at_stars]

Sure thing; I'll be in my office catchin' up on stuff. Drop by whenever; door's open.

Private to Rukia

[fighting_boy]

Everything okay topside? You kinda vanished back there.

If there's nothing urgent coming up, I'm gonna turn in the paperwork you wanted and then head home for a few days. I got leave stacked up, and a couple of little sisters with an overdue claim to some of my time.

As always--if you need me, shout.

Private to Ichigo

[the_rotator]

It seems the former head of the Kuchiki family took ill and died while we were gone; my brother's grandfather. Well-mine as well, technically, but I didn't know him well...but he was a good man. I'll be all right, but there are a number of familial obligations to take care of. You understand.

Take all the time you need; you certainly put in enough extra hours this last week. I'm quite glad that's finished.

Private

[fighting_boy]

Ah. Yeah, I do understand. If you want me to stick around, I can, and... if you feel like you need some breathing or thinking space, the closet's still free. Go do what you gotta do.

You don't say. Let's hope that problem's not a frequently repeating sort. If I never see another explosion-prone Twelfth measuring gadget again that's too soon.

Private

[the_rotator]

Your sisters and father deserve your time too, especially if you commit yourself to Soul Society for the long run. Go to them. I'll come by if I need to, but please give my regards to your family anyway.

I've heard of similar problems occurring in the past, but not often. Call it a freak weather pattern of the spiritual sort.

[frozen_clouds]

I'm sorry for your family's loss, Kuchiki-fukutaichou. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know.

[the_rotator]

Thank you. Someone mentioned that you were there for my brother after Ginrei-sama passed, and I just want to say I appreciate that.

{Private}

[frozen_clouds]

It was no trouble at all. I'm glad I could be there for him.

[Private]

[the_rotator]

I regret my own absence. I know he's not always the easiest person to be around, but that's all the more reason he needs people to insist on it.