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.
-.-
"Young Master, I brought your medicine," Katagiri said as she softly closed the door behind her. She balanced the tray with her other hand as she cleared away the round table.
"Thank you," Ryuuken answered as he swung his legs off his bed. He grabbed the cardigan at the foot of his bed and pulled it on.
Seeing him moving out of bed, Kanae hurried over and pressed him back toward the pillows. "Please don't get up, Young Master. I can bring the medicine to you."
He moved off the bed regardless of her insistence. "I'm fine. It's a cold, not a fever."
Unable to further persuade him, she allowed him to sit down at the table as she uncapped the prescription bottle and shook out two capsules onto the white cap. Once she handed the pills to him, she filled the glass with warm water and set it in front of him.
Once he finished the water, she urged him back to his bed. She said with a gentle smile, "More rest will help your recovery."
"I would prefer fresh air," he told her as he handed her his cardigan. He picked up the book and flipped to the page where he marked last.
Katagiri hummed in accord and draped his cardigan over the footboard. After placing everything back on the tray, she pulled a chair next to his bedside and took out her latest knitting project from one of her many apron pockets.
Ryuuken looked at her in surprise. "Katagiri, you…"
"The Mistress dismissed me for the day and told me to enjoy my early holiday," Kanae told him as she adjusted the light-blue yarn ball in her lap. She looked at him innocently. "You do not mind, do you, Young Master?"
He blinked and the corner of his lips quirked. "No, of course not."
-.-
AN: Time to get the romance in the air!
Thank you to my wonderful reviewers Amulet Misty, Isame Kuroda, Anna Riza Kurosaki, AaviyanTage, and Nessie910.