My eyesight returned a long time after. My eyes finally opened on the sixty-second hour of my treatment. They felt itchy and uncomfortable when I woke up, moving my arm to rub them. It was only then that I realised I had full control of my body. I barely opened them when the blinding light crashed through from the window. I knew the light was only subtle but after so long in the darkness it stung. I flinched and noticed someone was healing me. I heard his surprised gasp as I flinched away from the light. I peeked through my newly adjusting eyes to look who it was. To my slight disappointment it was Jushiro.
He beamed at me, his green eyes glittering. I smiled back at him. I then noticed the dark purple pillow next to my head. I lazily put my hand on it and noticed it was still warm, the air was also laced with cinnamon. I frowned and looked back to Jushiro. He hesitated and motioned to me that he would speak after he had finished healing me. I nodded and laid my head back onto my pillow. My stomach felt unbelievably sore. It seemed that my sight had also opened the barriers obstructing my pain. It felt as if I had severely stretched my abdominal muscles. The area around it was stiff and sore. Jushiro took his hand away and helped me sit up, pushing a cup of vanilla tea into my hands. It would be a while until I was able to sit up on my own, but I was grateful for his help and wrapped my hands around the warm cup. He then suddenly embraced me. I moved my tea out of the way quickly, but didn't avoid spilling some on the floor. He sighed softly into my neck.
"You have no idea how worried I've been," he murmured. His sweet honey scent and his warm body brought tears to my eyes. I put the cup down on the floor and silently wept into his haori, sliding my arms around him. I didn't know why I started crying, maybe it was relief of my well-being. But I thought it was more about the warm rush of affection I had received from Jushiro. We stayed like this for a long time, not daring to say anything. I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand and looked beyond his shoulder. I saw a faint silhouette appear against the linen, moving towards the door. It got as close as to touch the linen, but it's hand faltered. The outstretched fingers curled back and it left the room, but not before I noticed the distinguishing features. As he turned a saw the straight angle of his perfect nose and the flow of his long, ebony hair. Captain Kuchiki had left me and my adoptive Father to have a few minutes together. He sighed as he held me back with his hands on my shoulders, his emerald eyes scanning my face. I smiled as he kissed my forehead.
"Well," he began. "You've certainly kept us on our feet. Renji's been running round like a headless chicken." He smiled gently and sat back. I looked back at the cushion with a frown.
"He's been here a lot, hasn't he?" I murmured, still looking at the cushion wistfully. Jushiro hesitated before speaking.
"He has," he replied softly. "The only time he left was to go fill in squad paperwork. He's barely slept for the past few days." I looked at him sadly. His expression reflected mine.
"I don't know what to say to him anymore. I feel so awkward now. We both saved each others lives. I…" I faltered. I didn't know whether to tell him about what I had heard. I didn't like the fact that I was admitting eavesdropping, but I had no control over my body so it wasn't really my fault. I decided to tell him. He listened intently as I told him what I had heard. From when I was first healed, to Captain Kuchiki's and Renji's argument and finally when Jushiro talked about the gown. I looked down at as I spoke, marvelling in the texture of the silk. It was pure white and felt so smooth it was like running warm water through my hands. Jushiro pondered for a moment before saying.
"I'm afraid that I can't answer for Byakuya. You will have to ask him yourself, it is not my place." I opened my mouth to argue but decided against it. The last thing I wanted to do was speak to Captain Kuchiki. Even the thought of him made my heart skip into erratic beats and my cheeks tingle wit hot, red fire. Even if I tried to speak to him, I'd be unbearably self-conscious and all that would escape my lips would be nervous, embarrassing barble. I frowned and bit my lip. I looked back at Jushiro who was intently and patiently looking at me. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I sighed and turned my attention back to my beautiful robes. I thought quietly for a moment, simply too amazed by the quality of the silk to speak. I sighed and turned to Jushiro.
"Could you call Renji for me?" He smiled softly, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes. He wanted me to talk to Captain Kuchiki, but I was never going to be ready for that. He then gave me a look that said "It'll be easier to get it over and done with". I sighed as he turned away from me and flash-stepped to what I assumed would be Renji's office.