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.
-.-
Katagiri set down a tray of sliced apples and a cup of tea directly in front of Ryuuken. Open highlighted medical textbooks and note-riddled sheaves of paper covered a majority of the desktop. There was a mug of cold coffee, half-drunk.
She frowned as she took notice of the time on his bedside clock. "Young Master, maybe you should take a break? You've been studying since after breakfast and you skipped lunch."
"I'm fine," grunted Ryuuken. He uncapped the highlighter with his teeth and marked another short passage in one of the books before switching to the pen and jotting down several words. He dropped the highlighter and grabbed the dictionary to look up the words.
"Then at least have some of these apples," she urged by offering him an apple wedge on a toothpick. He looked at the proffered fruit and then at her through his bangs. She held her concerned expression and tipped the toothpick closer to him. He relented and leaned forward to grab the fruit, but he surprised her by biting it directly and taking the entire piece into his mouth.
As he chewed, he focused on his work by taking down the dictionary definitions. Kanae felt her cheeks heat up lightly but she paid it no mind as she picked up another slice and held it out for him.
She stayed until the plate was cleared.
-.-
AN: I imaged crossed-shaped apple slices and I nearly choked.
Thank you my readers and reviewers, especially Nessie910, La Kalaka, Isame Kuroda, Stresses, Amulet Misty, Picaso, Anna Riza Kurosaki, and DrkSpphrGT.