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.
-.-
A bout of coughs stirred Katagiri from her sleep. Doing her best to stifle the cough, she slipped out of bed and soundlessly exited into the hallway.
Pressing her hand harder down her mouth, Kanae reached for a cup and filled it with water from the tap. The glass trembled in her hand and water sloshed over the edge as she drank deeply from it. Her expression twitched—along with the coolness of the water, there was also a hint of metallic tang going down her throat.
After finishing the water, she hunched over the sink and carelessly the glass slipped from her fingers and cracked in the sink. Though she inwardly hoped that Ryuuken won't be disturbed by the sound, she knew that it was pointless as his bedroom door opened and the man stepped into the common space.
His voice was tinged with worry. "Kanae, what happened?"
"My hand just slipped. Please, don't bother yourself, Ryuuken-sama." She wished that her voice didn't crack halfway.
"These walls are thin," Ryuuken reminded her. "So don't hide it."
Biting down on her lower lip, she breathed through her nose to cover up the cough rising up from her chest. The stronger copper taste at the back of her throat was disconcerting. Clearing her throat, she said, "I just need to take some medicine."
Before Ryuuken could say another word, they both felt that flicker of trouble zing through their senses. Wordlessly, Kanae hurried to her closet to grab her armor and she could hear Ryuuken do the same.
They both met at the balcony, the crisp night air sending shivers down her spine. With a firm look, he said to her, "Stay here."
"I cannot." She rebutted with a similar tone as she suddenly felt a surge of irritation. "It is my duty—!"
"You have been dismissed from those duties already!" The bespectacled man sharply interrupted her.
Kanae didn't know what to say as she stood shell-shocked in front of him. Then, there was a faint buzzing sound and blackness.
-.-
AN: So I thought I posted this chapter prior to my mysterious disappearance (read: School) but I guess not. Either way, it is a gratifying yet bittersweet goodbye to college and hello to the world of fanfiction once more!
Thank you my beloved readers and reviewers for your love for my story! They've kept me motivated through the year! KitKat12323, Amulet Misty, Isame Kuroda, Nessie910, Stresses, Artemis2013, kunoichi79, DrkSpphrGT, Idyllicdream, AnuHit, Miichiya, greetingsfrommars, muSU1, and Alexa-rlove!