Stitched Together

:Re Chapter 5: Mission Start

Today's gorgeous chapter header is brought to you by the always stunning mlpfimxd1. Yes, she is an amazing sweetheart, appreciate her.

Today is the day.  I rest my hands on the counter and lean over the sink.  My heart is pounding.  It's been a long time since I've been this nervous about a raid.  It's just the fact that Juuzou's going in alone and all.  I hate to admit it, but a very small part of me is afraid that he won't be able to act against Madam if he needs to.  I tug at my hair stressfully and take a deep breath.  I trust that he will do what he needs, but I can't help but have doubts.  There is another thought that I ignore entirely.  What if he went back to her?  After everything she put him through. What if he just stood beside her and turned his blade against us at her command? She was the one who hurt him so much.  She was the one who gave him all those scars.  She deserves to die.  I slam my fist onto the countertop, leaving a considerable dent.  I had to teach Juuzou how to feel again.  I had to pick up the broken pieces she left me with and put him back together.  I swear she will pay for what she did to him.  I look into the mirror and am met with my red and black eyes.  I gasp quietly and step back a bit.  They're gone by the time I blink again and I sigh.  I need to be careful, this woman can't get me that worked up.  A knock on the door startles me slightly.  "Hey boss, you okay?  We're prepping to move out," the voice of Mizurou says. I straighten my posture and walk out the bathroom.

"I'm fine Mizurou, go retrieve your quinque and join the others downstairs," I order calmly. He nods but hesitates a bit.

"Juuzou's still in the office by the way. I know you're worried, go talk to him," he grins and hits my shoulder gently. "I'll see ya down there in a bit," he walks to the elevator and waves briefly. I smile slightly before walking to our office. Though he can be troublesome, Mizurou really is a good subordinate.  I knock on the door before entering. Juuzou is straightening his dress, but he looks over his shoulder at me and smiles big.

"Oh hi Reina! Does this look good?" He questions, twirling around.

"Yes, of course," I giggle and move closer to him, sitting on my desk. I see a long black wig resting on his desk along with several different ribbons.

"Here, could you help me?" he asks as he comes over and hands me the wig. I take out his clips and brush his hair back, fitting the wig onto his head. "So what do you say, am I a pretty girl? Prettier than Akira?" He laughs.

"Hm, I don't know if I'd say prettier than Akira," I joke with a small smirk, receiving a playful shove from Juuzou.  "Fine, you make an incredibly beautiful girl, but I think you look good no matter what," I compliment truthfully. 

"So how are the others? Are they prepared?" He asks me as he looks through his assortment of ribbons. 

"Yes, they're all waiting downstairs, and it appears that the other squads are here as well," I answer, gesturing to the window.  I saw a few gathering outside earlier, so most everyone should be here by now.  He nods in understanding before tying a red ribbon into his hair on each side of his head. 

"And what about you? Are you ready?" He says in a different tone, gentler. 

"Ah, y-yes, of course," I try to say confidently, but my voice betrays me and falters slightly.  He narrows his eyes and frowns. 

"You're such a liar Reina. Ehat's wrong?  I thought you were all set for the operation," he prods and puts his hand on his hip. 

"I am, it's just..." I trail off and avoid meeting his eyes. 

"I'm going to be just fine you know; we've been over this.  You worry too much, get over-" he stops when he sees the sincerely concerned look on my face.  "Oh jeez, come on now, don't make that face," he sighs, cupping my cheek.