Blood Soaked Sakura [Katori, Igen]

She quietly listened to Igen's words, her head tipped down as her hands slowly lowered from her face, staring at their pale forms, marred with dirt and blood, the angry red gash still clear and painful on her left arm. He really didn't see her any differently, huh..? And, why would he? Igen was one of the few who didn't put pressure on her, that she could be a little more lax around... Did her fear and shame really put doubt on her friend's opinion of her? Even if he wasn't the brightest guy, he definitely had the biggest heart, he was someone she could rely on as a person.

That was why they were friends.

Her head finally rose, her mouth turned into a smile - not like the plastic one she wore around 2nd division, while working, while putting on her performance for others, but rather a real, genuine smile that slowly grew in reaction to Igendai's last statement. Her shoulders shook as laughter rose in her chest, unrestrained and free, before it was allowed to slip into another emotion, her laughter turning into sobs as tears filled her eyes, sadness and relief finally being allowed to hit her, arms reaching up to hug and hold her friend tightly as she would sob into his chest, hard and profound tears and cries escaping her. She would not let herself become numb to not have to face those feelings in this instance.

Katori finally allowed herself to cry over it, after so many years.