Chapter Twenty-Six:
Jūshirō's POV
It was early in the morning when the captains, including myself, finally gotten word about what had become of the officers in the advanced team. I was shocked at the news. I assumed Heather would have at least tried to warn Ōtoribashi about it somehow. I figured the best thing to do was to tell her and get an explanation out of her. I thought she loved him so why would she let this happen? I walked up to the door of her and the ex-captain's home, taking a deep breath before knocking. "Rose, you big goof!" I heard my friend call through the door. What could she possibly be doing up this early in the morning? "Did you forget your key?" she questioned, opening the door. Heather looked at me and her smile dropped slightly. I take it she felt that I was bearing bad news. "Shirō, what a surprise to see you this early." she greeted me, trying to plaster a light smile on her face. "I'm afraid this visit isn't for pleasure, Heather. It's about Rōjūrō and the others." Her face was horrified when I told her. "There were others?!" she exclaimed. That took me by surprise. "You knew about this?" I questioned her. Heather looked around and pulled me inside.
"How could I not know about this, Shirō? How could I not? I was praying that it wouldn't happen—I just—" Heather started and cut herself off. She was fighting back tears. "I'm sorry." I told her sincerely. "I was waiting for this to happen but I was so wrapped up with what was going on—I didn't think for a second that yesterday would be my last day seeing him. It's all my fault." Heather sobbed. "It's not your fault." I assured her. This felt like a really bad time to point out that she could have prevented this. Then again, we told her to not tell anyone about what was about to happen. I never realized how bad of a spot she was placed in. "How could it not be my fault, Shirō?" she almost demanded of me. "Because, you couldn't have prevented this even if you tried. Were we supposed to stop the investigation just to keep them from their fate? We'd be endangering lives." I tried to explain, trying my hardest to keep perspective. If she knew what was going to happen then why would she choose to be with a doomed man? I take it her heart got in the way of reason. "I know that, but there could have possibly been something that I could have done, could have said—" she ranted, laying the blame at her feet but I cut her off. "No, Heather. There is nothing you could have done. You had to have some reason, I mean, I don't see you hurting the man you loved on purpose." I consoled her as best as I could. My friend was in hysterics by now. Shook her head and choked, "No. I wouldn't want to."
She sobbed even harder and I knew this conversation was closed. I pulled her into my arms and gave her the warmth I knew she needed. Heather clung to me as she let the wave of pity sweep over her. The thought finally occurred to me. "Heather, why were you awake this early? Were you waiting for him this whole time?" I asked her not understanding unless she felt worried about him. I felt her nod against my chest. "I couldn't wait for him to get home. I even needed Byakuya to come over and settle me down. I was scared to tell Rose because I didn't know what his reaction would be." she replied and I could not help but to be confused. I leaned to look into the living quarters to find Byakuya Kuchiki fast asleep on the couch. The boy must have been here all night. He certainly looks older than when I last seen him. He's going to have to start shaving soon. "Oh, Shirō, what am I going to do?" Heather asked me hopelessly. I was completely lost at this point. "What were you afraid to tell Rōjūrō?" I questioned her. This was obviously a serious matter. "Shirō, don't get upset." my friend pleaded meekly. I nodded, unsure of how to respond. Heather wept, "I'm pregnant." I pulled away from her and looked her in the eyes. Pregnant?! This was really bad. "Are you sure?" I asked her, hoping that she was just guessing. She nodded in confirmation. "I talked to Captain Unohana yesterday. I was going to tell Rose when he got home." Heather admitted tearfully. "I'm so sorry, Heather." I apologized sincerely and pulled her against me once more. It explains everything.
"I don't know what to do anymore. I should have at least tracked him down to tell him. Now he doesn't even get to know he's a father. I'm such an idiot." she scolded herself softly, getting even more choked up. "No you're not." I defended and continued honestly, "You wanted to make telling him something special. Not a quick 'by the way'. I can see where you're coming from." There was no choice in the matter of what to do concerning the child's fate. Heather has to find a man willing to marry her as well as take on the responsibility of fatherhood. I would do it myself but I am not very sure what my illness would do to Heather, or the baby. "I know this is a hard decision to make now, Heather, but do you want your child or not?" I asked her seriously. "Of course I do, Shirō. Why wouldn't I?" she inclined with certainty. "Do you know what that means?" I asked her and she nodded. "Captain Unohana told me what would happen. I have to get married in order to keep it." Heather replied, sighing heavily. I did not know how long Central 46 was going to give her to find a husband. "Don't worry. I will help you find someone, if you'd like." I offered. Her shoulders sagged and she shook her head before saying, "I don't want to think about that right now."