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.
-.-
Light footsteps rushed in the direction of her room. Her door flew open without warning. Ryuuken was slightly out of breath and his white hair was mussed as he stopped at the door. Relief flooded his blue eyes when she looked at him. "Katagiri!"
"Ryuuken-sama," the frail woman acknowledged briefly before she firmly locked her large valise. Her long midnight locks hung freely around her as she stood up. Her maid uniform was neatly folded on the bare dresser.
His eyes flickered about her almost empty room. His voice was low when he asked, "Where are you going?"
With both hands on the handle of the suitcase, Kanae couldn't muster to meet his eyes as she informed him of the reason. "I have been dismissed from my duties within the Ishida household. I'm sorry but I won't be able to stay by your side any longer, Young Master."
"It was Mother, wasn't it?" His face was dark now when he realized the situation. She saw his hands clenched at his sides as he resisted the urge to turn down the hallway.
"Please, Young Master, don't," she pleaded softly. "The Mistress was right in her decision. I was wrong. I cannot stay and become a burden to you or to the Ishida."
Ryuuken was stone faced at her words. "So you are saying that you are no longer working for me or for the Ishida family."
She kept her eyes lowered and replied, "That is correct."
"I see." He strode over to her and grabbed one of her wrists. His other hand took hold of her suitcase. With a quick tug, they were both moving upstairs and right into his room. The door locked behind them and suitcase was forgotten at the side. Kanae could only stare wide-eyed at him as he turned to her.
"Then you'll have no problem staying here."
-.-
AN: We are finally at the first climax. It'll be mainly an uphill ride from here.
Thank you very much to my reader and reviewers, especially to Stresses, Isame Kuroda, Guest, DrkSphhrGT, and Vitam Viva.