#isemori

Ise Nanao walked through the fourth division barracks, greeting the various division members with a nod along the way. She finally stops at the vice-captain’s office and knocks. A moment later, Vice-captain Kotetsu’s voice comes, “Come in.”

Nanao enters, and her eyes meet the other woman. From her observation, Vice-captain Kotetsu seems fine except for the dullness in her eyes. As Isane beckons her to sit, she finds herself opposite the taller woman sipping tea.

“How is Hinamori-san?” She finally asks, after a moment’s silence.

Isane places her cup on her desk before responding, “As well as can be.”

Nanao nods. She then studies the sadness that has settled on her fellow vice-captain’s face.

“I know what happened at Karakura town.”

“Captain Kyoraku told you then?”

“Yes — Him and Captain Ukitake both. That Aizen was there… that he used Kyoka Suigetsu… that Captain Hitsugaya rushed him.”

“So you know —“

“I am grateful that Inoue-san was there to heal her injuries.”

The expression on Isane’s face shifted. The quiet sadness was replaced with horrified anguish.

“Nanao-san… Hinamori-san wasn’t injured — She was dead.”

———-

The boy leads her to Hinamori-san’s room.

As they come to her door, Nanao’s feet slow. She stands in front of the shoji door, unable to enter. “It’s ok. She is accepting visitors.” Yamada reassures her, a wan smile on his face.

She spends a moment looking at the boy.

Steeling herself, Nanao knocks and then enters. 

The fourth division did not have a mental ward. Instead, Captain Unohana had reconverted a room that is usually reserved for nobles into a room for Hinamori to stay in under her observation.

The inside walls had been painted an inoffensive light green with a proper bed and desk. Momo was changing her own bed sheets. Nanao took in the sight before rushing at her.

“Momo, what did you do?” Nanao screamed, grabbing the bloodied sheets from Momo. She caught hold of Momo’s arms, inspecting her wrists. Momo looked up at her in shock and tried to stammer out a response. Suddenly, someone caught hold of her uniform and dragged her back.

“Vice-captain Nanao! You can’t suddenly grab a patient!” Hanataro chided her, pulling her away from Momo.

Nanao stumbled backwards as Momo started to cry.

“Hinamori-san are you ok?” Yamada asked.

“I — I am… sorry… I just had my period… It was an accident.”

“Hinamori-san its ok.” Yamada reassured her, “I will bring some new ones.” He steps back leaving the room.

“Hinamori…” Nanao steps forward and gives a deep bow, “I apologise.”

Realising that there has been no response, Nanao straightens herself and looks at Momo who had taken the moment to sit on her bed. Their eyes meet.

Both women remain in silence for several moments, with Nanao waiting for Momo to speak.

Finally, Momo looks up, brown eyes glossy.

“Nanao-chan are you angry at me?

“Of course not!” Nanao vehemently protests.

Momo smiles, “Then why did you not come visit till now?”

Nanao sits next to her and wraps her in a hug, “I didn’t know what to say to you.”

Momo tilts her head, glancing at Nanao. “I thought you were angry with me. Because I used Bakudō on you to escape.”

“I am not angry… In fact, I was quite impressed,” Nanao replies.

“Huh?”

“It was an incredible seal you used. It took me a few hours to extricate myself. Matsumoto-san told me you used Kidō and your zanpaktou together in battle.”

Momo laughs before saying, “I missed Nanao-chan a lot. I want to go to the library with you again.”

Nanao blinks as tears form in the corner of her eyes. She wraps an arm around Momo’s shoulder, reeling her in.

Outside, the autumn wind starts to blow.

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Writen for @femslash-february Femslash Feb Bingo. Prompt: Blood.