Their conversation cut off nearly before it began, Hijikata found himself being escorted again out of one room and into the next. He kept a weary eye on the twisting hallways they passed. This nurse was different, and they said nothing to each other.

It was a welcomed relief to strip out of the clothes they'd given him and slip unattended into the showers. It looked like a great waste of water, and some distant part of Hijikata cringed. The taps were labeled, and easy enough to work from glancing at his fellow prisoners. Soon enough, Hijikata ducked beneath a warm spray of water, the scrap of cloth from his hair tied to the shower head to keep it dry while he bathed.

"Our earlier conversation was interrupted. Do you have any qualms about picking it up again here?" He pushed his hair out of his eyes and glanced sideways at Homura, a faint smirk gracing his lips. He'd seen the orderly too. "I'm sure your friend wouldn't mind."