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.

-.-

"I want to you to reconsider our arranged marriage, Ryuu-chan," Masaki said one evening over dinner.

Ryuuken paused in his bite and the Mistress of the Ishida house frowned immediately. Katagiri was shocked as well from her place by the doorway.

Assuming a serious expression, the bespectacled man lowered his fork onto his plate. His mother sternly said, "Masaki-san, perhaps we should talk about this after dinner?"

"But Auntie, I believe that we've delayed this conversation for a long while now." The pleasant smile Masaki directed at the matriarch was cool and steely.

"What brought this about, Masaki?" Ryuuken asked once he knew his mother would not add to the conversation.

The Kurosaki heir smiled mysteriously. "I'm sure that you also want to experience what it is like to fall in love, don't you Ryuu-chan?"

A fist banged on the table, causing the silverware to clatter noisily. The matriarch had her hands slammed down on the table as she leaned on the table to glare straight at Masaki. "This has to do with that Shinigami that you're seeing doesn't it, Masaki-san?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I just want Ryuu-chan to answer my question." Ryuuken's mother flinched at the coldness of the brush off. She sat back down unwillingly knowing when she was defeated. Masaki turned to her cousin. "Well, Ryuuken?"

Katagiri held her breath as she watched the Young Master and Masaki-sama stared unwaveringly at each other. She knew that Masaki-sama was serious, especially since she dropped the honorific.

Ryuuken breathed out. "Masaki, you're being silly. We'll talk later about this. Katagiri."

Masaki didn't protest but continued to gaze unblinkingly at her cousin.

Shaken from her stupor, Kanae hurried over to Ryuuken's side. "Yes, Young Master?"

"Please escort Mother upstairs. Also, please bring the rest of my dinner upstairs. I just remembered that there are some urgent reports I need to finish in a few hours." The young man stood up from his chair.

"Kanae-chan, can you tell the other maids not to disturb me please? I think I'm going to go to bed early," added Masaki.

Kanae stared hopelessly at the three of them but bowed. "I will, Ryuuken-sama, Masaki-sama. Mistress, please."

As she followed behind the older woman to the door of the dining room, she could still feel the tension behind her.

-.-

AN: I was in a bit of a happy writing mood today.