Standard disclaimers apply to the fictional characters of BLEACH used in this story. They are the property of the esteemed Kubo Tite-sensei, and I have no claim over them. Please don't sue.
-.-
With eyes lowered in obedience, Katagiri dared not to lift her hand to her stinging cheek.
The Mistress continued with her furious scolding. "How dare you lie to me! I did not take you into this household so that you can endanger Ryuuken, do you understand! One more mistake and you can pack your bags, understood?"
"Yes, I understand, Mistress," the maid replied with her head bowed.
The matriarch bit down on her lower lip and released a heavy sigh. Turning around with a hand against her forehead, she said tiredly, "You're dismissed, Katagiri."
"Have a good night, Mistress." Kanae quietly exited the library. Only then did she find the confidence to pressed her fingers against the redden cheek. It did not hurt terribly, but it might be tender for a few hours.
A cough disturbed her self-examination and she would have been startled if she did not sense their presence beforehand. Her dark eyes glanced to her right where Ryuuken and Masaki stood almost shoulder to shoulder.
Masaki's brows drew together in concern once she spotted the handprint. "Oh, Kanae-chan."
Katagiri looked between them, her gaze lingering slightly longer on the young man. Was she really endangering him? Was she willing to part with him? Her heart clenched painfully, and it stole her breath.
"Kanae-chan!"
"Katagiri!"
Please let me stay by your side…
-.-
AN: I've made Ishida-Mama into such a terrible woman… And these line breaks piss me off. Ah well, an update to start the rainy weekend of studying.
Thank you Isame Kuroda and DrkSpphrGT for your reviews!