Konnichiwa minna-san! It took me a little while to get this chapter done but I've had a hectic week. Like in the last chapter there is a bit of swearing but compared to some of my other fics it's relatively low key. I don't have much to say about this chapter so, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. There are some minor original characters in this but I'm not sure if they'll be making another appearances.

Happy Reading!

Chapter Four: Getting Better and Getting Worse

Uryuu woke up to a pale light filtering in from the window. At first he was a little confused and panicked slightly when he didn't recognize his surrounding and then he remembered that he was in the hospital. He looked around the room and spotted a blurry inert figure sitting in a chair across the room. After squinting a bit he recognized the figure as his father.

"Otousan…" Uryuu barely whispered. He cleared his dry throat and tried again, "Otousan."

Ryuuken stirred and opened his brown eyes, "Uryuu…" He muttered groggily, "You're awake." He stood up and walked up to the bed. He placed his hand on the boy's forehead and handed the boy his glasses, "Your fever has gone down again. I'll get one of the nurses, just wait here."

"Otousan," Uryuu said as he got a good look at his father, "Are you alright? You look really tired."

"I'm fine," Ryuuken said as he walked out of the room.

"You don't look fine…" Uryuu muttered to himself.

A few moments later Ryuuken reentered the room followed by one of the nurses, "Good morning Ishida-kun," She greeted with a smile, "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm feeling alright," Uryuu responded.

"That's good." The woman as she started a checkup, "It sounds to me like you had a rough night Ishida-kun. Ishida-sensei, his temperature is down to thirty-nine point three (one hundred two point eight)."

Ryuuken nodded and sighed in relief, "I'll be leaving him in your care Kimura-san," He said, "I'm going to get ready for my shift."

"Alright," The woman said, "Don't worry; your son is in good hands with me."

Uryuu sighed as his father left the room, "Kimura-san," he said, "Is my father okay? He looks really tired."

"Your father has been watching you when he hasn't been working," The woman said, "He's kept vigil for the past two nights. Do you want anything to eat or drink?"

"I'll have a little something," Uryuu said, "Maybe some toast and juice."

"Okay," The woman said, "I'll be back shortly."

When she walked back in the room she found Uryuu vacantly staring out the window, "Is something wrong Ishida-kun?" She asked.

"Iie," Uryuu said, "Nandemonai."

"I brought you some toast and apple juice," The nurse said, "Your father mentioned that orange juice upsets your stomach."

"Thank you Kimura-san," Uryuu said as she placed the tray on the boy's lap.

"You're very welcome Ishida-kun," The woman said.

"I'm all set," Uryuu said after he had eaten a little less than half of what had been brought to him.

"Okay," The woman said, "Do you need anything else?"

"No," Uryuu said as he handed his glasses to the woman, "I'm going to go back to sleep."

"Okay," The woman said with a smile, "If you need anything at all just page me."

Uryuu nodded and slipped back to sleep.

Isshin was not happy the next time he saw Ryuuken. The latter was leaning against the nurses' station with his head in his hands and his eyes closed. Isshin could tell that Ryuuken hadn't slept in a few days without looking at the other man's face.

"So what happened to taking care of yourself huh?" Isshin said casually as he stopped just behind the other man startling him, "You look like shit. How many nights has it been since you got a decent amount of sleep?"

"Who let you in here?" Ryuuken growled.

"No one," Isshin said, "I walked through the front door, got in the elevator and got off at this floor. I was on my way to Uryuu-kun's room when I spotted you and I decided to make a pit-stop. Besides all the nurses know me here. And you didn't answer my question."

"Remind me to get new nurses who don't know who you are," Ryuuken said as he rubbed his eyes then replaced his glasses, "I don't think it's any of your business to ask how long I've gone without sleep."

"Have you slept at all since little Uryuu-kun got sick?" Isshin asked, "You look like you're about half dead Ryuuken."

"He had a rough night last night," Ryuuken said as he practically dragged Isshin to his son's room, "First he was nearly attacked by a hollow. Then because he was forced to eat during supper, about ten minutes after the hollow attack, he threw up."

"You actually allowed a Shinigami to assist you?" Isshin asked, "I never thought I'd see the day when the great Ishida Ryuuken-sama would accept the assistance of a Shinigami!"

"Keep your voice down Isshin," Ryuuken growled, "I exterminated the hollow myself. I didn't have time to wait for that idiot Shinigami to deal with the problem. Uryuu was panicking and if I had waited for that moron to show up it would have attacked."

"Did Uryuu-kun notice?" Isshin asked.

"He was crying and he didn't have his glasses on," Ryuuken said, "All he saw was the blue flash of light. I told him that it was either Byakurai or Soukatsui and he didn't question it."

"You must have been thankful for the kid's poor vision," Isshin said, "Because that one would have been a doozy to explain. You told him straight out that you didn't want anything to do with the Quincy and yet you're still exterminating hollows. Are you ever going to tell Uryuu-kun that you still have your powers?"

"Are you done being obnoxious? I have to get back to my job if you don't mind," Ryuuken said, "Stay here and don't cause any trouble."

"Aye aye sir!" Isshin said as he saluted.

"Cut it out Isshin," Ryuuken snapped as he walked from the room.

"I think someone needs to take a nap," Isshin muttered, "Or sleep for about a day. Or for however long it takes to get you out of that god-awful mood you're in. Just don't come crying to me when you collapse from exhaustion."

"Ah Kurosaki-sensei," One of the nurses called as she entered the room a few hours later, "You're back again today I see."

"Please," Isshin said, "Don't call me sensei. I'm not practicing right now. Hearing the word sensei after my name just sounds weird right now."

"You may not be practicing but you're still a doctor," The woman said, "Would you rather me call you Kurosaki-san then?"

"Yes please," Isshin said, "So how's the kid holding up?"

"He's doing better," The woman said, "According to this, he had a little bit to eat this morning which is good. His temperature is down to thirty-nine (one hundred two point two) and I believe Ishida-sensei is going to discharge him tomorrow."

"That's good," Isshin said, "Maybe once Uryuu-kun's released from the hospital Ryuuken will get some sleep."

"The assistant director tried to tell him to take the day off," The woman said, "But he wouldn't have it. He looks absolutely awful right now. All of the nurses are keeping a very close eye on Ishida-sensei right now. Some of the other nurses have even started taking bets as to when Ishida-sensei is going to collapse."

"I woulda forced him to take a day off if it was me," Isshin said, "And if he refused I would have knocked him out. He's gonna make himself sick again. Honestly, Ryuuken brings the term workaholic to a whole new meaning. And I don't blame you for taking bets, I'd be doing the same thing."

"He's doing the best that he can," The woman said, "He is raising Ishida-kun on his own. It's a shame about what happened to his wife…"

"I know," Isshin said, "She was a wonderful woman. She was taken from her husband and young son much too soon. Ryuuken hasn't been the same since. He blames himself the same way I blame myself for my wife's death."

"Do you have any children?" The woman asked.

"I have a son about Uryuu-kun's age and two six year old daughters," Isshin said.

"You must have your hands full then," The woman said, "Do your six year olds attend kindergarten?"

"Yes they do," Isshin said, "And my son is in the fifth grade."

"I wish you the best of luck Kurosaki-san," The woman said, "I have to go continue my rounds."

"Alright," Isshin said, "I'll call if the kid needs anything and let me know if anything happens to his father as well."

The woman nodded as she left the room.

A few minutes later Uryuu started to stir.

"Hey there kid," Isshin greeted as Uryuu opened his eyes, "How are you feeling?"

"Kurosaki-san," Uryuu asked at the black haired man handed him his glasses, "You're back?"

"Of course," Isshin said, "I mean someone has to keep you company and I know your father isn't spending any quality time with you."

"He spent all last night watching me," Uryuu said, "At least that what Kimura-san told me."

"I figured that's what he did," Isshin said, "So aside from sleeping what have you been doing?"

"Nothing," Uryuu replied.

"You must be bored," Isshin said as he took a small device out of his pocket, "Here, I brought you a little something to help keep you occupied."

"This is Kurosaki-kun's video game system," Uryuu said, "But isn't he going to want to play it?"

"Eh Ichigo," Isshin said, "He probably won't realize it's gone. He'll probably just assume that he lost it again."

"I see…" Uryuu muttered, "Thank you for bringing this for me but father doesn't let me play video games."

"I'm sure he won't mind in this case," Isshin said, "You're in the hospital after all Uryuu-kun. How about I talk to him about it?"

"Talk to me about what?" Ryuuken said as he entered the room.

"Speak of the devil," Isshin said, "Just the person I wanted to see."

"What do you want Isshin?" Ryuuken asked as he walked up to the boy's bed, "What did you give my son?"

"It's a video game system," Isshin said, "It's Ichigo's and I figured why not bring it for Uryuu-kun to play with while he's here."

"Whatever," Ryuuken said as he started a checkup on his son.

"Hold on a sec!" Isshin exclaimed, "You're letting him do something he isn't normally allowed to do? Are you feeling okay Ryuuken?"

"I'm fine," Ryuuken said, "Keep your voice down. He was only going to play it anyway if I left him at your house." He turned to his son, "Are you hungry?"

"A little bit," Uryuu said.

"Alright," Ryuuken said, "I'll have someone bring you some rice. Your temperature is down to thirty-eight point eight (one hundred one point eight). If you sleep well tonight I'll discharge you tomorrow."

Isshin sighed as Ryuuken left the room, "He really needs to get some sleep," He said, "He's going to make himself sick."

"So you think so too?" Uryuu asked.

"Oh yeah," Isshin said, "This has happened before. He made himself sick the last time you were hospitalized."

"I see..."

"Good afternoon Ishida-kun," One of the nurses greeted, "It's good to see you awake. Your father told me to bring you a little something to eat. I brought you some rice, apple juice and some cherry gelatin. Eat what you can okay. If you need anything else tell Kurosaki-sensei and he'll page me."

"Thank you," Uryuu said softly as he started to eat.

"How many times do I have to tell them?" Isshin grumbled, "Don't call me "Kurosaki-sensei" it makes me feel weird."

"You are a doctor Kurosaki-san," Uryuu said.

"But I'm not practicing," Isshin said, "I could see if I was an active doctor but I haven't worked in a hospital in years."

"You're still a doctor," Uryuu responded.

"You're so stubborn kid," Isshin said, "You must get your stubborn nature from your father."

The two sat in silence for another few minutes until Uryuu put the spoon he had been using, "Kurosaki-san, I'm finished."

"Okay," Isshin said, "Did you have enough to eat?"

"Yeah," Uryuu said.

"Kurosaki-sensei!" The head nurse called as she rushed into the room.

"Don't call me sensei!" Kurosaki responded loudly, "What is it? What's wrong with Ryuuken?"

"How did you know it was for Ishida-sensei?" She asked.

"Just a feeling," Isshin said. He had felt the drastic drop Ryuuken's reiatsu, "So did he finally collapse?"

"Yes," The woman said, "Which is why we need your help. Hayaku!"

"Alright," Isshin said as he rushed from the room, "I'll be right back kid."

Isshin sighed as he knelt down next to Ryuuken's unconscious form, "I tried to tell you that something like this was gonna happen," He said, "But you didn't want to listen to me."

"Otousan!"

Isshin turned around and saw Uryuu standing about two meters (six and a half feet) from his father, "Go back to bed Uryuu-kun," he called.

"What's wrong with him!" Uryuu called. From what Isshin could see the kid was on the verge of tears.

"He's exhausted," Isshin called back, "He'll be alright just get back to bed before he has another excuse to yell at me."

"Yell at you for what?" Ryuuken muttered as he came to and tried to sit up.

"You might not want to do that just yet," Isshin advised, "You kinda passed out."

"I didn't faint," Ryuuken said, "I just lost my balance."

"Yeah alright," Isshin said as he watched one of the nurses as she led Uryuu back to his room, "I'll believe that one the day you start taking care of your son the way I take care of my children."

"That will never happen," Ryuuken said.

"Exactly," Isshin said, "You're taking the rest of the day off."

"And who is this coming from?" Ryuuken asked as he managed to sit up.

"It's coming from me," Isshin said as he helped the shorter man to his feet, "Now, we're going to go to your son's room so you can apologize for scaring the shit out of him then I'm taking you up to your office so you can get some sleep. Do I make myself clear?"

"You're being ridiculous Isshin," Ryuuken said, "I'm alright."

"I find that hard to believe," Isshin said as he prevented Ryuuken from falling to the floor again, "You look just about as sick as little Uryuu-kun did the other night. I will sedate you if I have to, don't think I won't. I'm sure some of the nurses here would be more than happy to assist me in that."

Ryuuken sighed, "Alright fine," He said as he finally allowed Isshin to help him, "Did Uryuu eat?"

"He did," Isshin said, "But you're not going to worry about that now. Right now you're going to worry about yourself. Uryuu-kun is going to be fine, you on the other hand need to get some serious rest."

"I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of this Isshin," Ryuuken said.

"I'm making a big deal over it because who's gonna take care of little Uryuu-kun if you get sick too?" Isshin asked.

"I can just drop him off at your house," Ryuuken said, "Then he's your problem."

"Nice Ryuuken, real nice" Isshin said as he led the other man to Uryuu's room, "Now, what do you have to say to little Uryuu-kun?"

"I'll be fine," Ryuuken said.

"What he means to say is that he's sorry for making you worry," Isshin said, "And he's going to go get some rest now."

Uryuu looked up from the video game and nodded, "Thank you Kurosaki-san," He said.

"You're very welcome Uryuu-kun," Isshin said. He then turned to the other man, "Alright Ryuuken, bedtime."

Uryuu couldn't help but laugh a little but as he watched Isshin drag his father off, "Take care of him Kurosaki-sensei." He said softy.

"Alright Ryuuken," Isshin said after he got to the other man's office, "Get some sleep so you don't pass out again. Then go home, make yourself something to eat then go to bed. Do you hear me?"

"Seeing that you're yelling in my ear, I would be in trouble if I couldn't hear you," Ryuuken said, "I would do what you're telling me to do but someone has to watch Uryuu tonight. If he wakes up alone in the middle of the night with a fever he panics and makes himself sick."

"Well," Isshin said, "If you wanted to discharge little Uryuu-kun a day early I could have him spend the night at my house."

"I would agree but your children seem to be quite a handful," Ryuuken said, "I can't have you neglecting Uryuu while you try to get your own children under control."

"How many times have you left Uryuu-kun at my house while my children where home?" Isshin asked.

"Quite a few times," Ryuuken responded.

"And how many times have I neglected little Uryuu-kun?" Isshin asked as Ryuuken remained silent, "You have to admit that I pay more attention to your son than you do."

Ryuuken sighed, "I guess I have no choice," He said as he took a form from his desk and filled it out, "I'll discharge Uryuu today and leave him in your care."

"Will this make us even?" Isshin asked hopefully.

"No," Ryuuken said, "You were the one who suggested it therefore it will not make us even."

"What will make us even?" Isshin asked.

"If one of your children comes down with whatever Uryuu has then we'll be even," Ryuuken said as he signed the form, "I'll call the head nurse in pediatrics and let her know. She'll take care of the rest."

"Alright," Isshin said as he turned for the door, "Sleep well Ryuuken."

"Keep your eye on Uryuu!"

"Alright, alright," Isshin said as he left the room.

Uryuu was still playing the video game when Isshin and the head nurse walked into the room.

"Hey kid," Isshin said, "We've come to get you out of here."

"What do you mean?" Uryuu asked as he put the game down.

"Your father just signed the papers to discharge you," Isshin said, "You're spending the night at my house."

"Father agreed to it?" Uryuu asked, "He said that he was going to discharge me tomorrow."

"Yeah I know," Isshin said, "But I managed to talk him into letting you out a day early. Plus I'll let you watch television for the rest of the day."

"Okay," Uryuu said.

"I'll tell Ishida-sensei that everything looks good," The woman said, "His temperature held out at thirty-eight point eight (one hundred one point eight) and everything else is in order. Here's his book bag and the clothes he was wearing when he was brought here." She turned to Uryuu, "I hope you feel better Ishida-kun. You've been such a little trooper. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on your father alright?"

"Alright kid," Isshin said, "Piggyback time. Unless of course, you'd rather take the wheelchair out of here."

"I'll do the piggyback ride," Uryuu said.

"I thought so," Isshin said as Uryuu got on his back, "I can't do this with Ichigo anymore. He's gotten too heavy for me. Plus I know your father doesn't do this sort of thing with you."

"He doesn't," Uryuu said, "Thank you Kurosaki-san."

"No problem Uryuu-kun," He said, "Now come on let's get you out of here."

"Okay."

So little Uryuu is going to spend the night with the Kurosaki family that should be interesting. And Ryuuken's awful sleeping habits caught up with him which is probably the reason why Isshin was able to talk him into resting and discharging Uryuu early. So just how exactly are the Kurosaki kids going to react to an unexpected guest and will Isshin ever get even with Ryuuken? You'll just have to read to find out!

Japanese Translations (there weren't a lot in this chapter):

Minna-san: Everyone

Otousan: Father

Iie: No

Nandemonai: It's nothing

Sensei: In this chapter it's used as doctor

Hayaku: Hurry

And here's a little cultural note for you. In the Japanese school system elementary school starts with first grade. From what I've read and learned, kindergarten in Japan is like pre-kindergarten in America. Also children in Japan start first grade at the age of seven. So Karin and Yuzu, at the age of six, would probably be in kindergarten.

So let me know what you thought and I'll get the next chapter up as soon as possible. Ja ne (see ya) Minna-san!

Ex-Shark-V-005