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 made some hot chocolate, Ryuuken-sama," Katagiri told him as she brought two mugs over to him.
Ryuuken looked up from his notes and set them aside as she handed one to him. "Thanks."
She sat down next to him gingerly, mindful of the distance between them. Discretely, she watched as he took a sip of his hot beverage. She added quickly, "It isn't too sweet is it? I made sure to use the dark chocolate mix."
"It's not too bad," he commented. He leaned back comfortably into the couch and jolted her by the action.
Now that they were shoulder to shoulder, Kanae felt more aware of where their bodies touched. The side of his right hand brushed against her outer left knee as he settled it on his lap. Her hands were on top of her thighs and gently cradled her mug. The cotton fabric of his right sock tickled the skin of her bare left ankle and caused goosebumps to run up her legs. The musk of his cologne tickled her senses and jogged her memory. She couldn't help but tense up as she remembered the kiss they shared.
"What's wrong?" Ryuuken looked at her and settled his right hand on her left forearm. Her reiatsu spiked abnormally but he did not detect a Hollow's presence nearby. She didn't try to lift her eyes at his touch as it sent warmth through her body.
She felt bold for thinking such thoughts but too meek to ever voice them. Yet, it should be fine for just today, shouldn't it?
"Kanae?" He set their cups aside and noted that her hands were faintly trembling.
The woman turned her head and faced him. Her voice was laced with nervousness but her eyes were clear and sure. "May I kiss you?"
Ryuuken didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at her before a smirk crept onto his usually emotionless face. His right hand covered both of hers and squeezed it with intention as his left one moved to cup her chin. He purposely bent his head forward and held it just inches from hers. "Of course."
Kanae shifted her eyes between his and his lips in partial disbelief but her heart jumped. When he released her chin and dropped the hand to her shoulder in silent permission, she couldn't tell if she moved first or if he did. She could only tell that it was sweet and bitter.
-.-
AN: A quick lunch break update. And because I didn't do a Valentine's chapter before, I decided to do one now. And if you can't tell, this short story is going to be well beyond 60 chapters.
Thank you my dear readers and reviewers, especially to Anna Riza Kurosaki, Isame Kuroda, Stresses, and Nessie910.