Hello everyone, I hope you're well!
Here's another one as promised. Stay well.
Until next time~
"Alright class," Professor Suzuki spoke, "let's test how you all are doing with your Kaido skills thus far."
With the end of the fall semester approaching, it was time for a field test.
The students were divided into pairs and taken to one of the Hakuda outdoor training fields. Noticing Kisume on the field, Hajime smiled and waved at him before redirecting her attention to her professor.
"Today we will be assisting with Professor Jee's Hakuda 4 class. A sparring duo will be assigned to each pair, and you will be responsible for healing their injuries. Expect more severe injuries than usual as Professor Jee encouraged his students to give it their all today."
Hajime and her classmate, Arisa, were responsible for healing Kisume and his sparring partner, Saki. Professor Jee's class has been going at it for at least 20 minutes, leaving Kisume and Saki sweaty and battered.
"Yo, Hajime!" Kisume greeted her as he winked.
Smiling at his foolishness, she noticed that Arisa looked more nervous than usual.
"And, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" Kisume asked as he inched his face closer to Arisa's, making her face turn redder than a strawberry.
Ah, Hajime thought to herself, could it be that she likes him?
"Arisa-San, why don't you take charge of healing Kisume's wounds here?" Hajime suggested as she placed both of her hands on Kisume's shoulder and inched him closer to her.
Catching her off guard, Arisa was struggling to speak and grew flustered.
"Good luck, you two!" Hajime was already making her way over to Saki to tend to his wounds.
"Yo." He greeted, his voice low and cool.
"H-Hi, I'm-"
"I know who you are," he interrupted.
Great, she thought, I wonder what rumor he's heard about me…
"You're the one that fought off that Vasto Lorde with Squad 9 during the summer internships, aren't you?"
"Eh?" Hajime was surprised.
"Kisumoto Hajime, right?"
"R-Right!" She answered, pulling her body upright and blushing slightly. She couldn't believe an upperclassman would care to know that about her, let alone know her name.
"I'm Matsuoka Saki, pleased to meet you."
"Pleased to meet you!" Hajime greeted him with a warm smile.
"Okay, students!" Professor Jee called out, "Let's take a break and see how Professor Suzuki's students are doing with their Kaido training!"
"Don't be discouraged if you can't fully heal a wound," Professor Suzuki called out, "Sometimes pain management is the best you can do in certain situations!"
As Hajime turned her gaze towards Saki, she couldn't help but notice the numerous bruises on his arms and legs, along with a few cuts on his head. Setting herself beside him, she wanted to start on his deep cuts first. She exhaled deeply as she positioned her hands above the large diagonal cut on his eyebrow. By applying what she learned in class, she successfully converted her reiatsu into healing Kido, providing immediate relief to Saki.
Looking over at her determined gaze, he gave a small chuckle to himself and closed his eyes once again. She's pretty cute, he thought to himself.
"So… Kaido classes, huh? What made you decide you wanted to take that?"
"Well, I've never been much of a fighter," Hajime explained as she continued to heal the cut on his eyebrow, "but anytime anyone needs help, I hope I can be there for them. Whether it's to watch their back or support them, I just want to protect people the best I can." Noticing the cut fully healed, Hajime gasped and gave an accomplished smile as this was her first time doing so (if you don't count that one time she unconsciously healed Byakuya's finger).
Intrigued, Saki couldn't help but be drawn to her smile. There was something about this girl he wanted to know more about. He's heard the rumors about her, sure. But she's nothing like them. Tracing where his cut used to be, he was impressed.
While she worked on healing the remaining cuts on his face, Hajime suddenly felt dizzy and her spiritual pressure increased. Feeling the sudden rush of spiritual pressure, Saki looked over to her and noticed her discomfort. Trying to keep herself upright, Hajime lost balance and almost fainted. Catching her in his arms, she was slowly feeling back to normal.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, worriedly.
"Ah!" Hajime jumped out of his arms and slightly bowed, her face flushed, "I'm so sorry! I don't know what happened… I just felt dizzy all of a sudden."
"You don't need to apologize," he reassured her, "There's no need to fully heal them. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Right…" Feeling defeated, Hajime refocused to heal his wounds as best as possible.
Around ten minutes later, Professor Jee announced that it was time to get back to sparring. While the cut on his eyebrow healed, she wasn't able to fully heal the bruises on his body. Saki, fully energized, stood up and stretched, ready to go.
"For a newbie, you're pretty good," he complimented, "thanks for healing me up."
As the two smiled at one another, Professor Suzuki called out for her students to return to the classroom.
"Teach that Kisume a lesson for me, won't you?" Hajime teased.
"Hah. Will do," he smiled, "Good luck with everything, Kisumoto Hajime." He gave her a wink and quickly shunpo-ed back to sparring with Kisume.
While the students were preparing to leave the classroom, Professor Suzuki remembered something important and made a quick announcement, "Ah, before you leave—my Kaido 3 class would greatly appreciate it if any of you could donate blood for our blood analysis seminar this week. And don't worry, the samples will be anonymous to my students!"
Some of the students callously ignored her pleas as they walked by without a second thought. However, when she spotted Hajime, she desperately begged her to donate a sample. "Kisumoto-san, please donate a vial," she said, her hands clasped together as she knelt and pleaded.
Hajime reluctantly agreed to her request and asked, "Is one vial all you need?"
With a smile of relief, Professor Suzuki exclaimed, "Yes! Thank you so much, Kisumoto-San!"
Taking her blood sample at the front of the classroom, Suzuki asked Hajime what her plans were for after graduation. Seeing the potential in her Kaido skills, Suzuki hopes Squad 4 is on her radar.
"I haven't decided yet," Hajime explained, "I received a recommendation from Squad 9 but I have been enjoying learning more about Kaido."
'Well," Suzuki spoke as she taped a cotton ball to Hajime's injection site, "Whatever you decide, just make sure you're happy with your decision."
Once Akane moved back in with Byakuya, their bond deepened. By making a habit of sharing meals, they grew to appreciate each other's presence. He's not sure what happened, but he sensed a change in Akane, and he can't help but feel that he has Hajime to thank for that.
With his paperwork finished early, Byakuya and Akane took a stroll around the Manor grounds. Akane let Hajime know that she was relieved of her duties today, hoping they could spend some quality time alone. However, she still expected to see her tonight for her regular fertility treatments.
In the Manor garden, Byakuya set up a surprise tea and snack area for Akane. Akane happily enjoyed the tea and cool autumn air until she felt nauseated after eating a scone. Feeling sick, she headed towards a secret location as she was unable to keep her food down.
"Akane, are you alright?" He went over to her and handed her a handkerchief.
In the process of cleaning up, she explained that she hadn't had a single meal throughout the day. The mere sight of food has been causing her to feel nauseated. Concerned for her well-being, he urged her to visit the Manor Physician. Especially since they have been trying for a child for the last couple of months.
"We don't want to risk your health during this time," he explained.
Agreeing, the two of them made their way to the physician's quarters.
While under the physician's care, she took Akane's temperature and noticed that it was a little high at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Wanting to get a blood draw, she told them she would have results within the next hour.
Advising Byakuya to provide her with some needed nutrients, the physician recommended getting something for her to eat alongside the IV bag of fluids.
"I understand," he stated, "I will be back." He gently squeezed Akane's hand before making his way to the kitchen. On his way, he saw Hajime training with her Zanpakuto in the courtyard. Her stance, attentiveness, and movement had significantly improved, and he was impressed.
Focusing on her training, she didn't notice Byakuya's spiritual pressure at first. Admiring her movements and how she looked like she was dancing with the wind, Byakuya gave a small smile and continued to the kitchen.
"Kuchiki-Sama?" Catching her breath, she finally noticed his presence and greeted him.
"You've been working hard, Kisumoto-San." He complimented.
They haven't been alone since their night together two months ago. When Hajime learned that Akane was staying in Byakuya's quarters, she became concerned about being summoned there every night. But who else was going to poke her with a bunch of needles and give her the elixir-infused tea?
Smiling at his compliment, she realized Akane wasn't with him. "Ah, is Akane-Sama in need of my services? I wasn't sure if she was going to summon me after your walk."
"Actually…" Byakuya informed Hajime that Akane is currently with the Manor physician because she is not feeling well and has been having trouble eating today. He was on his way to the kitchen to ask the chef to prepare something for her.
"I'll take care of it," Hajime said. "When my mother or I were sick, we had an herbal soup recipe that we used every time. It's both healthful and easy to eat. I can get it ready shortly and bring it over."
"Are you sure?"
"The chefs and maidservants are busy getting ready for dinner. Something like this is simple to put together. "I will bring it over right away." She insisted.
"Then… Thank you."
Hajime prepared the soup for Akane and brought over two bowls for her and Byakuya, along with tea and a warm compress. Laying the tray on the bedside table, Hajime excused herself since she had after-class training back at the Academy.
"Ah, Kisumoto-San," the physician called out, "it may be best for you to stay here. Since you are Akane's attendant, you need to be a part of this conversation."
Looking worriedly at one another, Byakuya asked if she had the results from the blood test.
"Pregnant?" They both questioned, shocked, as they looked at the physician wide-eyed.
A… Baby? Hajime thought to herself as she looked over at the couple.
"Yes," she said enthusiastically, "Congratulations Akane-Sama, Kuchiki-Sama. You're going to have a baby!"
Looking at each other in surprise, Akane laid her palm on her abdomen and gave a slight scoff. "We did it," she grinned as she looked at Byakuya. "We're going to be parents."
Byakuya grinned as he slowly placed his hand over hers and kissed Akane on the forehead.
Byakuya and Akane chose not to tell Akihiko and the Kuchiki Elders about their pregnancy for the time being, allowing them to be joyful in peace. The physician informed Hajime of the particular vitamins and meals that Akane needs daily, as well as detailed instructions on how to care for her.
Hajime carefully reviewed the physician's notes and acknowledged the couple with a bow, saying, "Kuchiki-Sama, Akane-Sama..." She then lifted her head and offered a heartfelt smile, saying, "Congratulations!"
While developing a pregnancy plan for Akane, the physician asked if the couple had any questions she could answer. She also recommended that an ultrasound be performed immediately. While preparing the ultrasound, Hajime took the couple's apprehensive and thrilled expressions as a cue to leave.
She bowed respectfully to the pair before leaving for her Academy classes.
. . .
Akane was advised to stay overnight in the physician's quarters to monitor her health before returning to her normal routine.
Unable to sleep, Byakuya proceeded to the courtyard. Akane had already retired for the night, and he decided to stay in the physician's quarters with her. Sighing as he perched himself on the bench, he looked up at the sky and thought to himself, I'm going to be a father…
With Hisana, he knew the possibility of expanding their family was detrimental to her health, but he was fine with that, as long as he had her. The thought of having a family rarely crossed his mind until he was pressured to during his marriage with Akane.
Was he happy? Of course. But something felt off and he couldn't quite put his finger on it…
While sneaking to grab some tea, Hajime observed Byakuya outdoors. Allowing him to enjoy his quiet, she made her way to the courtyard and admired him from a distance. He could tell she was there, even if she tried to mask her spiritual pressure. Nonetheless, he stayed still.
That's right… Byakuya realized. A child means recommitting myself to Akane and pushing any feelings I have for Hajime away. I always knew what my duties were, but she was an unexpected factor I couldn't account for.
Continuing to admire him, the two relished in each other's presence and stayed still for a moment longer. Whispering under her breath, she didn't think he could hear it, but her soft voice always caught his attention. "You're going to be a great dad," she spoke with a smile as she slowly walked away.
The Following Week
After a successful Healing Kido 1 lesson today, Hajime was on her way to the Shinigami Pharmacy when Professor Suzuki stopped her.
"Oh, Kisumoto-San, can you please come see me for a second?"
"Is something the matter, Suzuki-Sensei?"
Professor Suzuki motioned for Hajime to have a seat and talked to her about the blood sample she supplied last week.
Sensing hesitation from her professor, Hajime grew worried. "Did you find something abnormal in my sample?"
"Abnormal? No. But we did find something…" Clearing her throat, she continued, "Kisumoto-San, did you know you're pregnant?"
"What?" Hajime chuckled, "I'm sure you're mistaken, I'm not… Pregnant."
"When my students analyzed the blood samples, we discovered the presence of the hCG hormone. There is no mistake; that was your vial." She took the vial from her bag and passed it to Hajime. "If you have someone you trust, they can re-test your blood for you. I also recommend getting an ultrasound as soon as possible." Hajime grabbed the vial from her hands and clutched it hard. "You should also be aware that pregnancy will cause a delay in graduating. With the intensity of the course load here, it wouldn't be safe for you or your baby."
"And you're certain of your findings?" She asked, trying to make sense of everything.
"Anything could have happened," Suzuki said, noticing Hajime's denial, "there may have been some cross-contamination on the slides."
"Right," Hajime acknowledged, attempting to persuade herself, "cross-contamination. It could be a mistake."
"That's why I recommend a retest. Just to be sure." She smiled softly.
"I understand," Hajime said as she quickly grabbed her bag and left. "Ah," she said as she hastily turned back, "would we be able to keep this between us?"
"Don't worry," Professor Suzuki reassured her. "My lips are sealed. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, Kisumoto-San."
"Thank you."
Instead of returning to Kuchiki Manor after picking up Akane's vitamins from the pharmacy, Hajime roamed about Seireitei for what felt like hours. She ultimately decided to go to Squad 4's Barracks and see Unohana Taichou.
"Ah, Kisumoto-San? Is there anything I can assist you with?" Unohana greeted her.
Hajime wanted to speak privately and was brought to Unohana's office. She told Unohana about her suspicions and requested a blood sample analysis.
Unohana agreed and informed her that the results of the blood test would be available by tomorrow afternoon and to visit her after class. She assured her the test would be performed discreetly.
. . .
As the final bell rang, Hajime immediately grabbed her belongings and made her way to Squad 4's Barracks. She stayed up all night worrying about her results.
"It seems your suspicions were correct, Kisumoto-San." Unohana spoke as she closed the door to her office, "You are indeed pregnant. About nine weeks to be exact."
Sinking into her chair, Hajime couldn't believe it. Nine weeks. The night of the anniversary ball. What is she supposed to do? Tell him, don't tell him? But they're having a baby as well... What would happen if anyone found out? The panic was welling up inside her.
"You don't have to make any rash decisions right away," Unohana said softly, seeing the panic on Hajime's face. "You still have some time to decide your best course of action, but I do want to perform an ultrasound right away. With the way your Academy classes are scheduled, we should check to verify if everything is in order."
Unohana had Isane set up a private room for Hajime while she performed the ultrasound. When she showed Hajime the screen, it felt even more real that she was going to have a baby—the form of the baby's head and torso was visible.
"Everything appears to be fine here, Kisumoto-San," Unohana informed her. "I'm going to take a few more blood samples from you to do some genetic testing and I will have a pregnancy plan written up for you." Unohana printed out a few photographs from the ultrasound and presented them to Hajime, who was hesitant to take them. "You wouldn't want to regret not taking them, would you?"
Hajime stared solemnly at them as she slowly reached out to receive them.
Stuffing the ultrasound photos into her bag, she headed back to the Manor. She could hear how lively it was from the gate. As she entered, Mikasa greeted her and informed her that Byakuya and Akane had finally delivered the news to their friends and family in the dining room.
Walking over to the dining room, her stomach was in knots as guilt overwhelmed her. Would it be wrong, she wondered as she glanced at Byakuya and Akane, who were surrounded by Rukia, Renji, and Akihiko, to keep the baby and have a family of my own again? For just a moment, an image of her holding her baby flashed in her thoughts, how selfish of me…