Awkward Heals
New member
It was a surprise even to her. At that moment, the man smiled at her. Joking easily as he always did. Junko had not expected to feel such affection for the man. Another soul to train. They would move on. Yet Mizu was there. It was soothing. She simply beamed. Hooking her elbow around his. She marched forward with no hesitation. Mizu knew her well enough. He moved in tandem with her now without missing a beat. This realization came with her clarity. What needed to be done. How to approach particular issues. Where she had lacked.
The silence between them was not uncomfortable. Mizu always appeared aware. Like he could see the wheels turning in Junko's mind. Leading him along, she aimed for the front desk. Reception. They drew nearer, an unwelcome sight awaiting the two.
Gathered in a half-circle. Whispers. The various squadmates were so engrossed they had not noticed the duo's arrival. Closer. Letting go of Mizu, Junko ventured forward. What was so fascinating? As she drew nearer she was noticed. Space was immediately made, clumsy backward steps made by all. This simple, united maneuver did its job. Revealed the mystery: a hole in the wall surrounded by blood. Like knives. Sharp, unflinching. Her eyes swept the room for the injured. How had she missed a fight? Had it been a fight?
The entrance was devoid of anyone dripping blood. Like a whip, her head snapped back. Looking to the nurse nearest to her. Almost harsh, yet not quite. The unspoken question was answered quickly.
"A woman from Sixth, ma'am. She suddenly got upset and..she just did this," she paused. Junko's face softened. Inviting. "she just punched the wall and she left. No...she..yeah! She said something about getting stronger." she grinned at the few details she could recall. It was enough. Junko motioned her toward the reception desk.
"Please bring the files on the three officers to my office," Like a glove. Her arm looped around Mizu's once more. Smiling to those around her. The one nurse had left. Gone to retrieve the files. Junko's attention landed on the next, her head tilting toward the hole. "this needs to be cleaned and have a temporary cover. We don't want our hospital to look dangerous."
A bloody hole in their wall. How much confidence that would inspire in those who would arrive seeking aid. Irritation flared in her. The same as the green-haired man she had left not too long ago. A haven for injured souls one moment, a punching bag the next. The disrespect shown to her Division felt like she herself had been slapped.
With a small bow of thanks, Junko moved forward.
She had hoped for more time with Mizu. But it would have to wait. It might have frustrated her. It was her job all the same. Bursting into the office, the door hit its stopper with a harsh bang. It felt like it had been forever. The office felt foreign. Releasing her hold on Mizu she strode forward. Exaggerated swings of her legs delivered her to her desk. The chair wheezed slightly, Junko's weight suddenly plopped upon it. Simply dropped. It's hard to realize how truly tired you are until you stop moving. Taking a seat felt like the chair itself had stolen her energy. A quiet sigh she hoped would go unnoticed. Remaining silent, she waited. Waited for Mizu to settle in where he pleased. Waited for the eye of the storm to pass. The sense of urgency clawed its way up her throat. Gnawing and ravenous.
A harsh clang filled the room. Echoing, it faded off slowly. Eyes peeked up to Mizu. Her face was abashed. Her tired hands had simply flopped upon the typewriter set before her. Against her will. A bite to the inside of her cheek stifled a yawn. Her teeth continued to clench. The moment the metallic taste of blood hit her tongue she released. Even if he were to have watched her closely, it was unlikely he had noticed. Though her suddenly revived self could not escape such scrutiny. Hands lifted from the machine. They seemed to flounder in the air uselessly. Yet Junko felt the pull of the muscles. Tendons tightening. Fingers like claws. Separated strangely. Each joint at a strange angle. The claws began to tighten. Then relax. Another sigh. This one was relieved. Her hands rested softly upon the beat-up old typewriter this time.
Nearly immediately her fingers had begun to move once again. Almost a blur, rushing from one key to the next. The sensation was moving closer. The nurse was nearly upon the door. With a satisfied snap the typewriter died. The newly emblazoned paper pulled away. Her free hand searched blindly for her seal. Had her desk always been such a mess inside? When was she ever even in here? The seal should have been on the top. She admonished herself. What a silly mistake to have made. Finally feeling the object, she had completed the folding and sealing of the singular paper just as a timid knock was heard at the door.
A playful wink from Junko to Mizu. The woman entered with files in tow. Junko sat oddly now. Both arms extended. One hand was empty, reaching out as if in desperation. The other held the letter. An ask and an offer. Junko made it appear like a hostage situation. She would not allow the files to leave the woman's grip alone. She would not allow the letter to leave her grip alone. They completed the silly dance only when they both held what they needed and were released at the same time. The files pressed against Junko's chest quickly. Mimicking relief. A small giggle. The other woman was smiling. Then asking, without looking at the letter in her hands, what she was to do then.
"Deliver this to Sixth Division for me. It's a bill for the damages."
"Ma'am!"
She bowed to them both. Still smiling. Backing away. She left the room without ever turning her back on the two.
The stack of files pounded down on her desk. A single swipe of her hand. They now lie in a row, side by side. Another swipe. Their protective covers had been lifted, revealing the first page of each. The name of Mizu's mystery patient revealed itself to her. Unhappy that Izanagi Kiyoshi was one of the injured. Pleased with Mizu's work. Her Denreishinki was suddenly in her hand as if it had been there all along.
Her teeth were chewing on her cheek again. Now nervous. It was her job, she believed. Yet it was not something she had ever had to do before. The act itself felt intimidating. Fingers hovered over the digital keyboard. Eyes sought out Mizu. Conflict filled them. Looking to him as if seeking answers. As if he could aid her while not even knowing what she struggled with. Finally, she moved. Hesitant taps upon the device. Each word was thought out carefully and planned ahead. When finished, she must have read the damn message fifty times. Send.
"Head Lieutenant Kasumi. Izanagi Kiyoshi of Squad Ten, Shoumetsu Takahiro of Squad Eleven, and Nana Nokoribi of Squad Thirteenth remain in intensive care for the remainder of the day. All three have been treated and are expected to make complete recoveries."
It was a simple message. The time spent focused on it seemed silly. Junko had never spoken with the woman before. She heard little about her character, only of her feats. Even so.... It didn't matter. Her temperament. If she would be pleased or annoyed by the message. If she cared about such matters or not. Junko still felt the urge of obligation. Back into her pocket, the device went. For now, at least, there was nothing else that demanded immediate attention. Calm quiet.
A more relaxed gaze fixed itself on Mizu. Her smile was lighter. No longer a size too small for her face. Forced. Closed and then set aside, two of the files rested on the corner of her desk. The third she pushed forward. Flipping it so the text was oriented to his perspective. Pride. Her face radiated this feeling. Alone, Mizu had faced a task larger than ever before. He had done well. His patient would be fine.
"Seems you've been busy."
