Dream 001
Dream Effects: A sense of calm and peace, relaxed happiness.
[Home. Ukitake stands outside of his estate, nothing too fancy, but still pretty impressive, a large bag slung over his shoulder. He sighs, happily, and makes his way up the stairs and through the door where he sets down his bag, taking off his waraji quickly to set by the door.
It's quiet. Too quiet. And yet...
He cocks his head to the side and presses a finger to his lips. "I can hear you breathing, Gorou." And then, after a moment, there's a giggle and a young, dark-haired boy sticks his head into the entrance hall, grinning before he runs to Ukitake. The older man smiles in turn and kneels, holding his arms open for the oncoming hug, which happens momentarily.
"Nii-san!" the boy exclaims, clinging to Ukitake.
The older man laughs and hugs Gorou back, happy to have this moment. But then he pulls away. "Where is everyone else? Surely they haven't gotten lost in the house."
Gorou shakes his head, still grinning. "Don't know you're here yet. Can I tell them?" He seems to be very excited at the prospect.
Ukitake nods. "Spread the word!" As Gorou runs off, announcing in a loud, child's voice that "Nii-san is here!", Ukitake stands back up and dusts off his knees, even though the floor isn't dirty. And soon enough, a stampede of siblings makes their way to Ukitake's location, faces lit up with smiles and excitement as he is enveloped in a hug by...
"Only five?" He looks to a woman, who seems to be a little older than the young crew around his waist, though they vary in ages, as well. "And you, of course, nee-san."
She nods. "Taiki is out, once again, trying to woo a certain lady. I told him you'd be here soon, but he was adamant about this woman."
Ukitake shakes his head, ruffling dark hair all around him, his own white hair a stark contrast. "It's no matter. He is enjoying life. I want him to." He looks back to his younger siblings, then points to his bag. "I brought you all presents! And if you're really good, I might just share some candy." Happy noises erupt all around and they run to the bag, searching for gifts with their respective names on them.
"Of course, Umeko."
The scene changes and Ukitake and Umeko are in a garden, the sakura trees nearly in full bloom. "Is everything all right, Umeko?"
She looks to a tree, watching as the breeze causes some petals to fall. "I'm not a child anymore. I..." She bows her head, her long, dark hair curtaining her face. "I want to become Ume."
Ukitake is silent for a moment, then he raises his face to the sky, eyes falling closed. "I always knew you would grow up, though that doesn't make accepting it any easier." He turns to look at her again, her face still hidden. "But you are you and I always knew you wouldn't be a child forever." He rests his hand on her shoulder. "You...are Ukitake Ume and I recognize that."
Umeko, now Ume, raises her head, smiling, and hugs Ukitake, her laughter ringing throughout the garden.]
[Ukitake doesn't wake up at first, but the Dreamberry catches him smiling in his sleep. And then, a few moments later, his brown eyes open and he sighs, a little sadly. When he notices the device is on, he reaches over sleepily and turns it off.]