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.

-.-

"Ryuuken-sama, I've brought your tea." Katagiri wheeled in the small cart to his room. It smelled faintly of stale air from the lack of habitation.

Ryuuken sat hunched with his elbows on his knees at the edge of his bed. It was a long day for them both—he spent endless hours in the large meeting room with other Quincy and she relearned her chores about the large mansion. Though she did not know what transpired during their gathering, she could tell it was something serious from his stony countenance.

Silently she prepared his cup of tea and held it out to him. The steam fogged up his glasses as he continued to stare straight ahead of him in deep thought. Slowly, Kanae dropped to her knees and held onto the saucer and cup in her lap. "Young Master?"

He looked at her and frowned. "Don't call me that anymore."

She smiled beguilingly at his distraction. "Your tea."

"Thank you." The bespectacled man didn't drink from it as he returned once more to his thoughts. Now her lips down turned at his turmoil. He spoke his worries at her crestfallen look. "I'll be leaving in the morning with Father to do perform a mass Hollow eradication."

"Will you be gone long?" The maid took the tea from his hand when he did not try to drink and set it aside.

Ryuuken looked straight at her. "I have already asked for a short leave of absence from the University."

"I see…" Kanae trailed off. "Should I also prepare my armor?"

"No," he told her curtly. "Only the heads of the families will be going this time."

The news was both puzzling and shocking to hear as it was normally the Mixed Blood Quincy who took the front lines. "But, Ryuuken-sama…"

"It wasn't my choice to make." Ryuuken cut her off.

"I understand." She stalled in her own thoughts and came to her feet. "Then, I'll let you rest."

A heartbeat later Ryuuken pulled her in by the wrist and held her neck with his other hand. Kanae melted into the kiss and brought her hands up to cup his cheeks. Before she could even regain her breath, the door opened and her heart dropped.

-.-

AN: I'm on a roll. Next chapter will be out soon, too.

Thank you Isame Kuroda for your review! I'm very motivated by your continued support.