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.
-.-
Sighing in satisfaction, Katagiri closed the lid of the washer and made a beeline through the kitchen and living room, only pausing briefly to peek into the bedroom next to the living room. She smiled to herself as she watched Ryuuken pour his attention over his assignments.
Once out on the balcony, she left the glass door open to air out the apartment complex and took a deep breath. It was slightly chilly today but the late afternoon sun was bright and the skies were clear. Dropping the basket at her feet, she proceeded to hang the freshly laundered clothing on the line.
Moments later, she felt Ryuuken's presence shift into the living room and eventually he joined her in the balcony. Kanae looked over her shoulder and their eyes connected. He watched silently as she continued to clip their washed clothing without minding him.
When she moved onto the heavy bedding, he moved forward to help her and she was surprised but didn't protest. Together, they finished up the laundry and then leaned against the metal railing to enjoy the warm sun.
As they quietly stood there and looked out into the Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Tower off in a distance, Ryuuken spoke up suddenly, "My professor has invited me to join him for dinner tomorrow evening."
Katagiri perked up at his statement. "I understand. Will you be arriving home late then?"
"He has invited me to also bring a guest." He readjusted his glasses and turned to stare at her. There was a small twitch of his lips as he added, "That is of course if you do not have any plans."
"But," Kanae paused in her objection. To attend the dinner meant that she would appear next to him in the eyes of the public. "It will be troublesome, won't it?"
He gazed silently at her as if to read her mind of her fears. "Only if you believe it is."
"The Master has expressed concerns of my presence here before I came," she openly admitted to him. Recalling her latest phone call back to the Ishida mansion made her squirm on the inside. "And I am scared to think that one day it might be me who will ruin your future simply by being at your side."
"You won't," stated Ryuuken coolly. He shifted slightly so that their shoulders touched. "My future is anything but frail with you here. Let me handle my parents and just stay without worries."
"Yes," Katagiri smiled. "I understand, Ryuuken-sama."
-.-
AN: August is creeping ever closer to an end, and school is creeping ever closer.
Thank you my dear readers and reviewers, especially to Isame Kuroda, Anna Riza Kurosaki, Amulet Misty, ForSaleBabyShoesNeverWorn, Nessie910, Stresses, Picaso, and Artemis2013.