To Be Alive[Rio, Igen]

For better or worse, Rio was well-versed in the art of suppressing her emotions. Like the steel she embodied, she could close her heart off and lose herself within her responsibility. As such, when her incapacitated body was brought back alongside Hakuyou's deceased corpse, she declined the offer for her body to be healed.

There was too much to consider to rest right now. How far did the damage spread? Did her family do their best to defend their estate? What was her current responsibility now? What could she do in the aftermath? Such were the thoughts that dominated her mind, despite the visible wounds on her body.

They would likely report that she forewent any healing considering her position as Vice-Captain, but that was fine. At the moment, nothing mattered but shifting her focus on something else. Reflecting on her failure was something she could not abide.

There was still much to be done. Even if she failed, even if any attempt now felt like a meaningless excuse to overwrite her failure. Where did she go now, she wondered? She didn't know precisely, but spending her time in a hospital was not ideal. Not now.

Rio's focus was indeed drawn away from her thoughts as Igen entered her office. There was a slight pause as she turned her head, golden eyes acknowledging the light trail of blood on the floor. Did her wounds end up reopening?

Shifting her gaze toward Igen, she nodded her head. The professionalism was appreciated, but that didn't make it any less foreign. After all, she had always heard him call her Rio. Another thing she'd have to get accustomed to, she supposed. Did she refuse him on this matter? No, that would be foolishly unwise on her part.

"Most of why I've ignored healing can be attributed to my pride. That said, I'd be foolish to hold this off any longer."

Rising from her chair, she stepped forward and stood in such a position that Igen could observe and treat her wounds.

"...Understood."

Rio concealed her momentary embarrassment behind a strained smile as she followed his direction. Moving toward the couch, assuming a horizontal position. A soft exhale exited her lips as the tension in her body slowly unraveled under the effect of his Kaido. When he inquired about painkillers, Rio took a moment to recall events, providing him with a short explanation.

"A few. When I came to, I didn't allow much treatment, if any. My mind was and still is focused on the current matters at hand."

It was foolish, but her pride as a warrior rarely allowed her a moment of respite, whether to heal or relax. A stubborn aspect of her spirit, no doubt. One Igen was wholly familiar with.

"Hm..."

As the bleeding slowly stopped, Rio awaited further instruction. She understood the process would take a little longer since she refused to be healed at the outset. As such, his next words hardly surprised her. His professional answer didn't exactly faze her, either. He was already in the process of healing her body as it were. Common sense told her that there was little issue with removing her clothes. She knew Igen took pride in his job and expected him to maintain a professional stance on the matter.

"No need. I don't mind. What parts of my clothing do you need me to remove?"

"Right. I suppose that would be less than ideal..."

Voicing that comment with a purposefully neutral expression, it had only now dawned on her how tense this atmosphere felt. There was no animosity between them, and Igen was, by all accounts, carrying out his duty as it were. He didn't exhibit any emotion that would invoke guilt, yet Rio would be foolish to pretend this wasn't a firm departure from their past interactions.

Perhaps, it was all in her head. Coming off an invasion where she nearly lost her life due to carelessness, she likely assumed this was all an extension of the duress in her mind. Or, perhaps, she was in denial. Whatever the case, she had no right to display regret. Sighing softly, Rio slowly rose from the couch, pulling her Shikashuo down to reveal her wounded back, remnants of that damnable mark left on her by that vulgar arrancar. A bitter reminder of her defeat.

"Does that work for now? Or should I remove everything else to ensure my body is properly healed?"