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?" Katagiri peered into the dim bedroom with worry. It had been several hours since he returned from the university and the sky was already dark. Normally he would come out for dinner on his own, but he had yet to make an appearance.
His desk lamp was on and there were signs of him previously reading through the medical tomes and writing his daily medical journal to record his clinical experiences. But he was not sitting behind the desk. Rather, he was sprawled out across his bed and his lab coat was tossed sloppily at the edge. As she cautiously leaned over him, she saw the dark circles beneath his eyes and she frowned.
"You should take better of yourself, Ryuuken-sama," whispered Katagiri as she carefully loosened his tie and then unfastened his wristwatch. He had been showing signs of stress and exhaustion these past few weeks, a rare sight to her as she never saw him work with so much heart before. A sad smile touched her lips as she realized that the Master and Mistress would never get to see his dedication. Next she tried to remove his glasses but he woke up when her fingers brushed against his cheeks.
"Kanae…?" Ryuuken croaked. He rolled onto his back and tried to check for the time on his watch but found it missing. His glasses rested at the tip of his nose and just as he was about to reposition it, her cool hands brushed his aside and gently took them off.
The glasses clicked as they were set on the nightstand. She smiled apologetically as his blue eyes blinked sleepily. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Ryuuken-sama. But please, get some more rest. I'll reheat dinner for you when you wake up."
He disregarded her words and tried to sit up. "No, it's fine. I have to finish my journal anyway."
"You don't have to go in tomorrow, so please, rest," Kanae insisted firmly as she pressed him down by the shoulders. "Your health is important!"
He stared up at her and she did not flinch. Instead, her amber gaze was just as determined. Mystified, Ryuuken curled his fingers behind her neck and pulled her down for a kiss.
-.-
AN: Maybe one or two more updates before I'm back in classes. Hopefully two more.