This chapter took a lot longer time than planned; it has been a crazy time. Don't know when my next update will be.
Well here it is, hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 12 – Done with the fall, ready to climb
Matsumoto's POV
The first thing Matsumoto did when she saw her taicho awake was to throw her arms around him and hug him into her big bust. She was waiting for him to start yelling at her to let him go. Instead all she heard was a low, soft noise of someone breathing, but not breathing evenly. I wonder why he's not yelling at me. That's not like my little taicho.
"Matsumoto, let Shiro-chan go. He just woke up, I am sure he does not feel so good." Ukitake placed a hand at the younger taicho's shoulder after he was back in the bed. Matsumoto was shocked, to say the least, when she noticed that his facial expression clearly showed pain instead of anger. He's really not feeling well. Just because he woke up, doesn't mean that he's fine. She thought to herself sadly.
She stared at her taicho as he looked around the room, after a short brake. He looked so bewildered. "W-why are all of you in my room?" He asked his voice was all groggy and innocent, although she could still detect the pain behind his words. "Should not you all be working, instead or something? Especially you Matsumoto, you are lazy enough as it is." Hitsugaya brought his good, well better arm, up to rub his eyes. Ihh, my taicho has to be the cutest thing in the whole universe. Especially now that he's sleepy.
The newly awakened taicho blinked a few times, and Matsumoto could see the comprehension slowly dawn in his eyes. Darn, this might be the only time I get so see him act so adorable. She started at her taicho for a little while, before smiling. "Taicho, aren't you still exhausted? You've been through a lot. I think you need more rest." Hitsugaya just started back at her as if he did not understand what she was saying.
Matsumoto noticed that Ukitake slowly leaned closer to her before he wishpered. "Now, now, Matsumoto-san. Have you forgotten to do the paperwork?" He smiled a little at her, humour evident in his eyes. She turned her head slightly before answering. "No, that's all done. He is just so adorable when he is sleepy. I don't see that often." She pouted slightly as she spoke. Matsumoto noticed that Ukitake's shoulders were shaking slightly. "Then it is a poor thing that you have forgotten your camera. Nee, Matsumoto-san?" He answered.
"I know!" She whined. "This would be the perfect addition to my magazine." Matsumoto started to sulk as her taicho sat there in utter bewilderment. The one time I don't bring my camera. She looked at Hitsugaya and shook her head slightly. This isn't what he needs right now. I'll tease him later, when he's in shape to get mad again.
"How are you feeling, taicho? Does anything hurt?" For a moment it looked like Hitsugaya was going to sit up in bed, but then he just kept laying there. "Does anything hurt…?" He said softly, it was strange for Matsumoto to hear the taicho talk like that. The taicho had closed his eyes while Matsumoto and Ukitake talked, but now he opened them and stared straight at her. "Yes." He said after a short pause.
"I will go and get Unohana-taicho. You just wait here, and don't go anywhere." As she left the room Matsumoto was sure she heard her taicho mumble "Like I have a choice" under his breath. At least he's going to be back to himself soon enough.
Ukitake's POV
Ukitake looked after Matsumoto as she left the room. Not much is able to get her mood down. He then looked down at the other taicho in the bed as he sat down on the chair next to it. "She is a good fukutaicho, I hope you won't be too hard on her when you get out of here." Toshiro smiled a little. "I know." He answered. "And it will be fine, as long as she kept the destruction of the office to a minimum."
Ukitake leaned a bit forward and placed his hand on his friend' shoulder. "We are all glad to see that you made it. You should not make an old man worry so much you know, Shiro-chan." The younger taicho just lay in his bed for a moment before he answered. "I am sorry, Ukitake. I did not mean to worry you; I was just tired and wanted to sleep." Toshiro turned his head and smiled a little. This fight must really have worn him out. He is really talking strange.
"It is wrong that you are the one to be lying in bed." Ukitake continued. "I am always the one that are sick with people at my bedside." He closed his eyes for a short second, and while they were closed he felt a pressure on top of his hand. "It's okay" The other whispered. "I will be out of here soon. You just wait and see." The long haired taicho chuckled a little. He never admits how bad he is really feeling. I guess he just really hate hospitals. "Shunsui did actually say he was just waiting for me to collapse out of all the stress. He thinks I am too weak to handle my Shiro-chan's condition without going all out."
At this the younger smiled, and let a little laugh escape him. It was not long before he winched in pain, but it was also obvious he tried to hide it. Toshiro tried to act like nothing had happened, he just answered. "It would not be unlike you, Ukitake. You do no usually know when your illnesses struck." They smiled at each other both with open eyes.
"You should go back to sleep, Toshiro. I am sure that Unohana would understand if you are not up to any check-ups today." The smile disappeared from his little friend's face, but he could still see the childish light of disorientation shine in his eyes. I just wish it would stay there a little longer. Maybe he would stay here if it did.
Sadly though, as he kept watching his dear friend's eyes, he could see the iciness of the Juubantai taicho returning, he was just a little more tired than usual. "I am fine, Ukitake. I would like to know about my own condition, I will relax better that way. It would be easier to choose the road to recovery." The fragile taicho looked his friend in the eyes and sighed. "You were never the one to rest. But do as you wish, I have faith in that you know what is best for you, Toshiro."
Said taicho nodded and then turned his head to look at his friend. "Can you help me sit up, Ukitake? I would prefer not to be laying when Unohana-taicho comes in." Ukitake debated it for a while. Even now he is so conserned with not being taken seriously by the other taicho. He looked at Toshiro, and Toshiro looked right back. Ukitake could see in his eyes that he was not changing his mind. Ukitake sighed sadly and nodded. "I will help you, but promise me you will tell if anything hurts."
After Toshiro nodded Ukitake carefully took him under the arms and guided him up slowly, he also made sure to change the angle of the pillows so that they would not bother his little special friend. When Toshiro almost was sitting, an Ukitake had started to let him support more of his weight on his own, he could see the younger taicho starting to shake and flinch a little. "Are you okay, Shiro-chan? Do you wish to lay down again?" Toshiro just shook his head and looked up at his friend with a little smirk, and a slight frown on his face. "Stop calling me that." He said in an icy voice, though the affect was not what it used to be. "I am not a child anymore."
Ukitake smiled at him. "That is true, but you still strive to prove yourself to the rest of us." Toshiro looked up at him and then closed his eyes. "I am still young, they don't respect me the same way they respect you. Did you not hear them when suotaicho told them that I would be leading the mission to take down the menos? It is clear that I need to put up a front to be taken seriously."
Ukitake could see the spark of hurt in his friend's eyes. You still have to fight for the right to be here every day. You are no longer the freak, but now people see you as the little kid that tries to act like a grown up. "I still think you should be allowed to act your age every now and then. Did you never miss acting like a kid while at the academy?" Toshiro pondered for a little while before he answered. "Yes. Sometimes I wish I could act more like a child, but the situation does not allow it. Please don't tell anybody that I said that."
Ukitake shook his head. "Of course I will not do that." He said. "But you know that you can take a brake every now and then. Go away to visit your granny, for example." Toshiro nodded, but had closed his eyes. "I really want to, but somehow work always gets in the way." Once again Ukitake reached out and put his hand on Toshiro's shoulder. "Then we just have to make sure you get the time." He said reassuringly. Toshiro sighed. "I have a feeling that this will not be the best time."
I will make sure you get to see her again soon, Shiro-chan. That is a promise. Ukitake did not take away his hand.
Hitsugaya Toshiro's POV
Toshiro and Ukitake talked for a little longer before the orange haired fukutaicho came in with Unohana right on her heels. He could feel Ukitake's hand slip away from his shoulder as Matsumoto ran up to his bed and threw her arms around his neck. "Taicho!" She cried out happily. "You're awake! I was sure you would have passed out by now. You almost look like a ghost... more than usual at least." She laugh a little.
The youngest of the taicho sighed. "Matsumoto!" He said sternly. "Please let go of me. I need to talk with Unohana-taich, and that is rather hard with you around my neck." Matsumoto whined a little and Toshiro could almost feel the pout on his neck. After a little while she let go, and placed herself opposite Ukitake.
Toshiro turned his head to the medical specialist and gave her a nod to confirm that she could start. She did not however. "Are you sure you want to do this know, Hitsugaya-taicho? My professional opinion on this matter is that you should sleep for a little longer." Toshiro shook his head a little.
Why do they wish to sow pillows under my arms? He thought a little angry and hurt. They only wish what they think is best for you, little one. The calming voice of the ice dragon answered back. "I am sure." Was all he answered.
Unohana looked worried. "I think it would be wise if you…" Before she could continue Toshiro cut her off. "I mean no disrespect, Unohana-taicho, but I wish to know my condition. I can rest better that way." Unohana nodded and came closer.
She went to him and looked him in the eyes. "First of, you have a bad concussion. I will check your pupils and your reaction. I will also see if you will be able to follow an object with your eyes." Toshiro found it quite uncomfortable to have his college so close to his face, but decided against saying anything, as it was just a check-up. I wish she could do this from a greater distance. This is rather uncomfortable. Toshiro could feel the dragon chuckle in the back of his mind and it felt calming. Take it easy, little one. I know you do not like being here, but the more you resist the longer they will keep you. Toshiro knew the dragon was right, and decided to follow his advice.
Unohana started with just looking at his pupils and how they reacted to different light, and such. Later she made him follow her finger with his eyes to see if he was able to. "It seems like you have the concussion under control, but to be sure," She turned to Ukitake and looked at him, "did he say anything that he usually would not?" Ukitake let his gaze glide to his little friend on the bed. Toshiro knew that Ukitake could read the meaning behind his own stare, but it was a little feeling in his stomach telling him that Ukitake would be very honest with the medical taicho. Please, Ukitake, just for once…
Toshiro's thought was cut short when Ukitake answered. "Yes, though I will keep what he said a seceret." The older taicho locked eyes with Toshiro again and gave him a small apologetic smile, which Toshiro returned with a reassuring smile that said he appreciated that the subject was kept a secret. I am glad you chose to let this be, master. I am sure that Unohana-taicho will let you go faster now. All Toshiro could do was mentally nod to let the dragon know that he had heard him.
"Well then Hitsugaya-taicho." The raven haired woman said. "Let us get on with the medical examination, shall we?" There was something in her voice that made Toshiro shiver. Unnoticed, of course.
"One thing you should know is that you have lost a big amount of blood. I am rather surprised that you got through that alone. So if you feel dizzy it is because of the concussion and blood loss." Toshiro sighed inwardly so only Hyourinmaru could detect it. Luckily she did not have to check anything this time.
The medical shinigami continued. "Upon this, the little blood that was left in your veins was badly poisoned. While you were unconscious, I managed to get most of it out, but there is still some left that your body has to get rid of itself. It might be a bit painful. Nausea is one thing you will encounter. And pain generally is another. Apart from that, nothing too severe."
"Then we have the different wounds. Could you remove the top a little so I can check the ones on you back and stomach?" Toshiro did so slowly while grumbling under his breath. This will take forever. The dragon soon answered. Try and focus on something else, little one. After this you are one step closer getting out of this place. He could not argue with that. So he sat there while the other two taicho and Matumoto was ogling at him. "I will be fast." She removed the bandages that had started to get a little bloody from their last change. Unohana started with the one on his back. "These seem to heal nicely. They were deep, but not one of the most fatal injuries you got. But because of the poison that was located there, I am afraid they will hurt. That goes for the rest of your wounds as well." She placed new bandages on his back, and Toshiro made sure none saw the pain that he was sure crossed his face. He then noticed that she made her way to the front to check his arm, she just replaced the bandages without any comment. That has to be good news. If it was bad, she would have mentioned it.
Toshiro looked down as the medical shinigami removed the bandage over his stomach. It was not a pretty sight. Do not fret little one. It might look worse than it is. You do not feel too much pain from it, now do you? Toshiro did not dare to let his brain process if he felt pain or not. He knew that if he started to think about it, it would be hard to stop. Instead he focused on his road to rehabilitation and finding a plan on how to do so.
"It was a great deal of healing needed to get this wound under control and it seems like it will need more. I will do it now, before I put on the new bandages. Just sit like you do now, and I will heal your back as well." With that she peeled of the bandages at his back aswell and placed her hands in front of his stomach. Her fingertips barley brushing his skin. Toshiro let a little hiss escape his lips at the touch. The flesh and skin, the little that was there, was really sensitive. After a few moments, Unohana moved on to his back and started the healing necessary there as well. When she was satisfied she carefully wrapped new clean bandages around his upper body, covering every gash on the pale skin.
"Your leg is what I am most concerned about." She said, carefully lifting the blanket away from the cast leg. "When the monster bit you, it managed to get a lot of tissue with it and broke a bone as well. Because of the damage, I am afraid it will be hard to get full recovery." Unohana looked apologetic at Toshiro for a while, but Toshiro didn't see it he was thinking about something else.
"How long will recovery be?" He asked, matter-of-factly. Unohana watched him for a second before answering. "Well, at least six months. And, after that, I am afraid you would still have a limp. I cannot be any more optimistic than that."
Once again, Toshiro escaped into his own thoughts. He could feel the stares of the other shinobi on him, but decided not to take any notice of it. Little one, I understand that you are disappointed about this. Toshiro could feel the dragon's cold comfort, trying to calm him down. I cannot take me the liberty to use such a long time to recover. My squad would become a mess, and I have to be ready at all times. Toshiro could hear the dragon sigh. Do you think it will be possible to do it any faster, Hyourinmaru? It was a little pause while the ice zanpaktuo thought. If anyone can do it, it would be you master. I am sure it is possible, but I hope you are aware of how painful it would be. Toshiro's answer came fast and sure. I know, Hyourinmaru, but I got to do this. We both know I am to restless to listen to Unohana-taicho anyway. The juu-ban-tai taicho could feel the ice dragon laugh a little. You are correct little one. They both kept quiet, thinking for a while. Two months. He thought. In two months Hyourinmaru, I will be back in shape. The dragon's response was immediate. I will be with you every step of the way, little one. You will not be alone.
Toshiro returned his attention to the other shinigami in front of him, and gave his answer. "Two months, I will give it two months before I am back in shape." The others in the room looked at him like he was crazy. Unohana was the first one to speak. "Hitsugaya-taicho, I have to tell you, that is as close to impossible as you can get. You can barely move know, and two months is not a lot of time. You will exhaust yourself, there is a good possibility that you will become worse, and need longer time to recover." Toshiro just stared at her before he opened his mouth to speak. "Two months."
The medical ninja tried to speak again before his fukotaicho cut her off. "Ehhh! Taicho, you are crazy! That is soo much work, just take the easy way!" Toshiro turned his head to look at Matsumoto. "I do not have time for the easy way."
Matsumoto looked like she wanted to say something else, but this time Ukitake took the word first. "Well, looks like there is no way we will change his mind. Let us give him some peace now, he needs it." The other white haired taicho turned and made his way to the door, before he stopped. "Besides, there is somebody else that wants to meet him before he goes back to sleep." The realisation dawned on the women's face, and with small smiles on their lips, they followed Ukitake out of the room.
Toshiro lent back against the pillows and closed his eyes to get some rest, when he felt a soft reiatsu hover by his doorway, he felt his features soften and then he spoke with a warmer voice than usual. "You can come in Hinamori, I am awake." He then heard the door open, and soon after the bed dipped. At first she was silent, but then she spoke so quietly that he barely heard her. "I am sorry, Shiro-chan." At this he opened his eyes and stared at her. "Baka! What are you sorry for?"
She shifted a bit uncomfortably on the bed before answering. "It was my fault you had to fight the monster without a real plan. If I had just done as you told me, instead of heading to it you would not have gotten the first injury, and then when you had faced the monster you…"
"Shhh!" Toshiro cut her off. "It is not your fault Momo, do not blame yourself for my injuries. I chose to go between you and the monster, knowing the consequences. I chose to keep fighting after; I chose to not call for back-up. None of this is your fault, so please stop, okay?" He asked softly and looked her straight in the eyes. "I have injuries, yes, and the best you can do for me now is smile. That has always made me feel much better." They both were taken back by his forwardness, himself more so than his friend. What am I saying? He thought. Little one, we both know how you feel for your childhood friend. This is just the first time you really let it show. And I am quite sure that having her around will make your recovery a lot easier. For the both of you. Toshiro could feel the dragon laugh softly, barely noticeable, but there.
"Hitsugaya-kun? Are you feeling fine?" Momo asked, more volume to her voice now. "Yes, just a bit tired." Toshiro answered. "I am so glad you are not hurt, Momo." Hinamori smiled at his statement. "See, there is the smile I was talking about." He yaned a bit, showing just how tired he was. Momo chuckled at her friend. "You better get some rest, you seem pretty tired." She told him. He gave a small nod, but instead he leant over to her slowly, stopping when their noses touched. She held her breath, while Toshiro searched her eyes. It does not seem like she has anything against it, I hope I won't scare her away.
With those thoughts Toshiro leant in the last bit and connected their lips in a soft slow kiss.