A/N: This is based on actual, true events. I tried to get this to work with other characters, but only Yoruichi would be brave enough to say something like this, besides Matsumoto, and I just don't see it having the same effect on Urahara. Maybe I'll rewrite it for them anyway? Tell me what you think. Will be included in chapter 13 or 14 of Child Rearing: 101, but I wanted it here first. I think I might change it up a bit for that one.
Hitsugaya is so easy to embarrass like this. It's just too much fun!!
Title: Reload
Date: 10 November, 2008
Words: 519
Characters: Hitsugaya and Matsumoto
Pairings: Hitsugaya & Matsumoto (implied, as always)
Inspiration: Totally and completely based on a true story.
Rating: PG, for the fact that this will lead you to some graphic-ish mental pictures about the facts-of-life. Well, it would me. 8-)
Matsumoto, for once in her decades serving as Hitsugaya's fukutaicho, actually sat at her desk, doing paperwork. Hitsugaya's jaw nearly dropped to the floor when he saw it. In a very literal sense, too, as he tripped over an uneven floorboard and almost lost his balance.
Trying to do nothing to distract her, he'd said very few words to her that morning and all of them kind. Well, at least he hadn't yelled or even raised his voice. Considering her usual work ethic in paperwork-related matters, he wasn't the least surprised when around noon she scooted her chair from her desk and moved to the sofa.
Hitsugaya was a bit surprised, however, when she crossed her arms over her stomach, and wincing in apparent pain, nearly doubled over for a few moments. She bent over so far the longest strands of her hair touched the floor. He quickly grew concerned and rushed to her side, not having the faintest idea what could be wrong.
"Ran, are you okay?" he queried nervously, "I knew you must be sick when you didn't even try to get out of doing the paperwork. Should I take you to fourth? Or would you rather go home and lie down? You can even use my pillow. Not that you don't already, anyway, but I'll even let you drool on it if you want…" Hitsugaya continued on in this manner for a few more moments before Matsumoto chuckled softly and sat back up.
"Really, Toshiro, I'm fine. Just a small stomachache. It only lasts for a few seconds, usually," she said laughingly. A look of relief half-way washed over his features.
"Are you sure? You really looked like you were in terrible pain. You're sure you don't want to rest?"
Poor Toshiro, so much to learn… Matsumoto thought. Haineko purred in excitement.
'Ooh, and what is the plan for today's lesson?' the Ash Cat asked in return.
You'll see, Matsumoto told her before she abruptly stood up and walked to the bathroom door.
"Where are you going? If you're going to be sick I'll come hold your hair back for you," Hitsugaya told her, concern still showing heavily on his features.
"I have to reload, and I don't think you want to watch me, Taicho. Really," she told him, smiling in amusement. Realizing she really would be okay, he turned his look of concern into confusion.
"Reload? What are you reloading? In the washroom, no less?" he asked, feeling a bit miffed.
Matsumoto retrieved a small, cylindrical object from her robes, shrugging the slightest bit before showing it to him. It took him a moment to realize he still didn't understand the woman. He shook his head, vaguely showing this fact.
She laughed again, and decided to educate him. "Tampons," was all she said, but the dawning realization on his face would forever have a place in her mind.
As she disappeared into the washroom, she laughed, leaving a very embarrassed and very much blushing Hitsugaya to stand gaping at her back.
He made a mental note to never ask again when she told him she needed to reload anything.
A/N: Just for anyone who may not be entirely clear on this, my stomach cramps at my "time of the month" usually only last a few seconds then go away. And, yes, that is what I intended to be ailing Matsumoto.