Forged in Guilt, Part 3 [Hana/Kimitsuki]

Due to Hana's previously unconscious state, Kimitsuki had felt it necessary to move the woman somewhere safer; somewhere she could rest without worry. Of course, this meant that Kimitsuki had a lot to explain to those of the family but she had moved Hana to her own abode on the Kyoraku estate. As Hana rested, Kimitsuki had done some basic first aid, along with a few other things, to make sure that the woman wouldn't sustain any lasting pain from their very intense training; she also did her best to help her recover from the heat exhaustion she had been facing. While Kimitsuki was preparing some food for Hana that would be perfect for restoring her energy, the Danava heard a voice. It was clear whose voice it was.

Without missing a beat, Kimitsuki arrived at her room where Hana had been sleeping and opened the door to find an exhausted looking Hana. Once Kimitsuki saw Hana, she couldn't help but embrace the woman in a hug; a hug that likely revealed what Hana had been smelling within the room. Not to mention, her Zanpakuto was safe and sound in its scabbard on a nearby stand; kept safe for the woman.

"Snow Blossom~ I'm glad you're awake. How're you feeling?"

During that warm embrace, while Hana allowed it to continue, Kimitsuki carefully caressed her hair. However, when Hana spoke of her headache, Kimitsuki did wear an honest look of concern as she carefully looked into Hana's eyes. Her eyes didn't look off, nor did her head seem otherwise impacted. Could it be stress...? Something else? Kimitsuki did show a measure of concern before she heard Hana speak of how pathetic she was worrying about a headache compared to others. With a deft movement, Hana would see a blur of Kimi's finger as her nose had been flicked. It wouldn't hurt much, but the gesture was clear as Kimitsuki's eyebrows furrowed some as she sternly looked at Hana.

"Hana."

Her voice was firm, firm like that of a parent's, and she continued to look sternly upon the woman before Kimitsuki drew Hana in for another hug. This one, however, was far more comforting than the previous one. It was like the feeling of sitting besides a fire on a cold winter's night, snuggled up and dozing off. Except, in this case, Hana was in the embrace of someone who cared for her deeply; truly.

"Hana... You need not reprimand yourself for expressing what hurts. The pain of others may be greater, but that is no reason to put yourself down. It won't help you, and it won't help those who are in greater pain. Promise me that you'll try not to be hard on yourself. To try is all I ask."

Kimitsuki wasn't harsh, nor was she gentle, but the woman was firm with Hana. She was telling Hana that it was okay to allow herself to feel pain. The pain of others matters as well, but to be too harsh on oneself wouldn't help anyone; even those in pain. Afterwards, Kimitsuki gently drew away, putting her hands on Hana's shoulders, and then on the woman's face. She held her gently and looked into her eyes with those intense fiery orbs, full of passion... full of care. That alone was enough to tell Hana that Kimi cared for her beyond that link of a teacher and student, but it certainly wasn't romantic; parental, perhaps.

"Snow Blossom, we can train as often and as much as you want. But, first you really should make sure you get yourself looked at, Hana. I think the second division has facilities set up for it. Do it for me, okay? But for now, want something to eat?"