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.

-.-

She didn't mean to follow Masaki. It just so happened that they were going the same direction. But maybe her curiosity did get the better of her.

She managed to hide her presence to a small flicker in order to blend in more naturally with her surroundings. Too bad there wasn't much activity around for her to blend in properly. Sighing, Katagiri paused at the corner of the alley and read the sign over the doorway: Urahara Shoten. No wonder the walk over seemed familiar.

Masaki knocked on the door and a man with a familiar face greeted her. The maid pulled closer to the shadows as the Kurosaki girl walked into the store with a bright smile. The Shinigami peered around the lot in front of the store and then closed the door behind him.

Questions filled her mind as she frowned. Before she could mull on her thoughts further, a hand landed on her shoulder.

Katagiri jumped and pulled away from the grip. Her hands were poised to attack until she saw who it was.

"Ryuuken-sama." Kanae lowered her hands and took a step back. For some reason, she felt nervous. Why didn't she sense him? She expected him to look over her shoulder to the store's entrance, but he kept his eyes on her.

"Let's go, Katagiri," Ryuuken told her as he turned around. He stuffed his hands into his pockets.

She hesitated with a glance over her shoulder to the doors of Urahara Shoten but followed.

"Did the Young Master already know?" She couldn't stop the question from leaving her lips.

"It doesn't matter to me who Masaki befriends." He then asked, "Were you going to the market?"

"Yes," Katagiri answered as they paused at an intersection. How did he know? She looked at him for clarification.

Ryuuken checked his wristwatch and said, "Let's make it quick then. Mother will be home in a few hours."

At his suggestion, she frowned. "But your studies…"

He waved her off and reseated his glasses from slipping down his nose. "I need a breather. Let's get going."

-.-

AN: Finals are over! Jumping for joy. I'm struggling to make Ryuuken warmer and cuddlier though. Guess I can't have everything.

Thank you Aaviyan Tage, SoulAuron, Isame Kuroda, and Nessie910 for your reviews!