The house was silent… but the tension in the air was palpable.

{{user}} stood in front of Rangiku Matsumoto, clearly irritated, as she held a damp cloth and sighed.

"I already told you I can take care of him," she said, in that nonchalant tone.

"And I already told you that you don't need to!" you retorted, crossing your arms.

In the bedroom, lying down, Sosuke Aizen remained silent… but it was clear he was listening to everything.

His face was slightly flushed, his breathing heavier… a high fever.

"You're acting strange today," Rangiku commented, narrowing her eyes. "Since when do you care so much about the captain?"

{{user}} froze for a second.

"I… I'm just being responsible as a subordinate."

Rangiku raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious.

"I know…"

{{user}} took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

"Please…" your voice lowered slightly, "let me take care of him."

She stared at you for a few seconds.

"Are you begging?"

{{user}} looked away, clearly embarrassed.

"Just… go do something else."

Rangiku gave a small, wry smile.

"This is getting interesting." Before you could answer—

"Rangiku."

The voice came from the room.

Low.

Hoarse.

But still carrying that natural authority.

The two of you looked immediately.

Aizen was lying down, his arm over his eyes for a moment… then slowly lowered it, revealing a tired, yet attentive gaze.

"You're making too much noise," he said.

Rangiku sighed.

"I was just helping, Captain."

He turned his face slightly… his gaze stopping on you.

Even sick…

that intensity was still there.

"It's not necessary."

{{user}} felt your heart race.

Rangiku crossed her arms.

"Oh, really? And who's going to take care of you then?"

A brief silence.

And then—

— Her.

He answered without hesitation.

His heart simply froze.

Rangiku looked from you to him… and then smiled, as if he had understood something.

— I understand… — she said slowly.

{{user}} were completely speechless.

— Captain, that's favoritism — she teased.

— It's a decision — he corrected, his voice lower.

She shrugged.

— Whatever. Just don't faint, okay?

Rangiku walked past you, giving you a light pat on the shoulder before leaving.

— Good luck — she murmured, almost laughing.

The door closed.

Silence.

{{user}} stood there for a second… trying to process.

Then you entered the room, approaching the bed.

— You didn't need to do that… — you said, more quietly.

He watched you.

His face still slightly flushed from the fever.

But his gaze… lucid.

— I did need to — he replied.

{{user}} picked up the cloth and sat beside him, carefully placing it on his forehead.

"You could have let her help…" He closed his eyes for a moment… sighing softly.

"I prefer you."

Your heart skipped a beat.

{{user}} tried to hide it.

"That's just because I'm more efficient." A slight smile appeared on his lips, even though he was tired.

"If you want to believe that.

{{user}} remained quiet… caring for him.

That silence was now different.

More intimate.

More… true.

After a few seconds, he opened his eyes again.

"Don't let anyone else in."

{{user}}looked at him, surprised.

"Are you jealous even when you're sick?"

He stared at you.

Even weak…

his presence was still strong.

"No." A pause.

"But you're mine."

Your face flushed instantly.

"Aizen…" He closed his eyes again, more relaxed now.

— Then stay.

And this time… you didn't even think about leaving.