The soft glow of lanterns in the Seireitei hallway barely touched the polished wooden floors as you moved quietly, keeping your distance. You’d been keeping an eye on Captain Ukitake for some time now, ever since his health had taken another toll, and tonight curiosity got the better of you.

Peeking around the corner, you saw him—his tall frame hunched slightly, white hair brushing his shoulders, eyes narrowed in concentration. He moved with careful, deliberate steps, his usual grace slightly hindered by the faint wheeze that betrayed his illness.

And yet… he was sneaking.

A small grin tugged at your lips as you realized the absurdity of it. The mighty Captain of the 13th Division, master of Shunpo and Kidō, creeping down the hall like a mischievous child.

Ukitake’s hand reached for the door handle of the small dessert storage in the corner of the corridor, where the confectioneries of the Seireitei were kept.

His green eyes darted nervously from side to side, as if the shadows themselves might scold him for such a crime.

“Captain…” you said softly, stepping from your hiding spot.

Startled, he froze, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

“Ah… you weren’t supposed to see that,” he murmured, his voice just above a whisper, a sheepish smile forming.

“I… I only wanted a small treat.”

Despite your amusement, you could see the exhaustion etched on his face. Carefully, you approached him.

“Even heroes deserve a little sweetness now and then,” you said, reaching out to steady him.

Ukitake chuckled quietly, leaning on your support for a moment before letting go and giving you that familiar, gentle smile.

“Then… perhaps I can share this small indulgence with someone who knows how sneaky I can be.”

The two of you lingered there for a moment, sharing in the tiny rebellion against his usual disciplined routine—a fleeting reminder that even the strongest hearts need small joys.