Chair, teacup, everything crashed down to the floor along with Kikyo as the hand flew across his face with stinging force. He didn't even try to parry the blow, though he should have seen it coming. Pain flared across Kikyo's cheek, blood pounding so hard within his ears that he could barely register the sound of his cup smashing against the ground.

For a breathless moment, he sat there on the cold tile floor, drenched in tea, and dizzy from pain. He glanced up through the dark strands of his hair that fell across his face to see the backside of Ran as he walked away from him.

"Hn..." his smile was as bitter as the odd metallic tinge of blood and tea upon his tongue.

A nurse rushed to his side, making a fuss. Such unnecessary care, but Kikyo let her help him to his feet.

"My goodness! I hope you are alright. Let's get you cleaned up, ok?" She began to lead him toward the exit.

Kikyo barely looked at her as he turned for the door and walked out without a backwards glance.