Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.

A Farewell

Shunsui gazed around his room in the Eight Division, trying to figure out what he should take with him. There was no way he could get everything packed in the time given to him, but he knew Jyuushiro would take care of whatever he left behind. His brother knights were closing the ranks around him. Kisuke was off working with his contacts to arrange some place for him to go, and Jyuushiro was making travel arrangements for him. That didn't make this any easier.

He had been sentenced to exile. He should have seen it coming. Things had been strained between himself and the King since he had taken the position of Royal Champion, and the King's new advisors were not fond of him or the rest of the Shinigami Knights. And those same advisors did not like the influence the Royal Champion had over the Crown Princess.

Shunsui sighed. His poor Nanao-chan. She had been in court this morning when the announcement was made. At ten, her father was now requiring to attend morning court on a regular basis. She had shown no outward sign of distress, but he knew his princess well enough to know that she was upset. Who would look after her now? He knew that his brother knights would do their best for her, but with the way things were going, they might be banned from the court before long as well. That would leave his princess alone with very little in the way of friends and allies.

There was nothing he could do about that now though. He had to leave the country by the end of the week or face execution. Once he had left, he would not be able to return on pain of death unless King Yamamoto rescinded the exile. It didn't seem likely to happen. No, he would be in exile for the rest of his life most likely. The King was in good health, and his family was known for its longevity.

The door to his quarters slid open.

"Sir Kyoraku?"

His princess stood in the doorway, looking hesitant. She was still dressed in her court kimono, this one a soft sage green patterned with bamboo. Her hand clutched a scroll. Despite the grave situation, Shunsui smiled.

"Come in, Nanao-chan."

She stepped across the threshold, still hesitating. Her eyes were luminous with tears, but Nanao was not crying. Knowing her, she wouldn't in front of him. One hand held out the scroll.

"This is for you." Her voice was soft. "It's signed and sealed, so it's official. It will take effect as soon as my father dies or I come to power. As soon as that happens, you are under orders to return to Seireitei immediately and present yourself to me."

Her hand was trembling. Shunsui gently took the scroll from her, setting it aside, before pulling her into a hug. Nanao went into his arms willingly instead resisting like she normally did. She sniffled slightly, her arms tightening around him. Shunsui pulled back slightly so he could see her face. He knelt down so their faces were at the same level.

"Thank you, Nanao-chan." He smiled at her. "Things will be all right. You'll see."

Her little hands came up to cup his face. Nanao kissed his cheeks and then his forehead before gently pressing her lips against his. She almost immediately pulled back.

"Don't you dare die on me. I can't manage without you. You are coming back here the minute I come into power because I can not manage without my champion."

"Oh, Nanao." He enfolded her in his arms once again.

She sniffled into his haori. She squeezed him tight once again before stepping back.

"I should go. I'm not actually supposed to see you before you leave." Nanao tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, edging towards the door.

"Princess."

She froze. He never used her title.

Shunsui smiled. "I'll miss you, Nanao. I promise I'll stay safe."

She nodded and slipped out the door.

Shunsui just sighed and surveyed his room once again. What to take with him?