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.

-x-

"Kanae, come here," Ryuuken called her over as she finished clearing away the table. He reached into his pant pocket and grabbed hold of the small box hidden within.

Kanae cocked her head to the side but went to his side without a question. She stopped in front of his desk. "What is the matter?"

He frowned slightly when she did not come around the table so he stood up and walked up to her. His eyes stayed on hers unblinkingly as he stood there. She refrained from taking a step back but her eyes were wide and a blush was starting to appear across her cheeks.

"R-Ryuuken-sama?" she uttered timidly. His frown deepened.

"I told you not to call me that anymore," he chided her as he pulled out his hand from his pocket.

Her dark eyes were drawn to his sudden movement and they widened even more in shock. "W-What…"

With a steady breath, Ryuuken presented to her the ring within the case. It was a plain silver band. Katagiri could only stare at it as her thoughts screeched to a halt.

"This ring, will you take it?" The pureblood Quincy asked her lowly as he plucked the ring from its nest.

She caught a glimpse of the engraving on the inside of the band: my everlasting truth.

Suddenly, the patriarch and matriarch of the Ishida family flashed across her eyes and she protested, "But the Master and Mistress…!"

Ryuuken took her left wrist with his right hand and held it in a firm grip. Their eyes connected. Craning his neck so that his nose almost brushed against hers, he said to her, "I won't let them fully control my destiny. This is what I want. What about you, Kanae?"

Katagiri felt a pleasant shiver crawl down her back when her name rolled of his tongue. Her heart fluttered just a bit quicker as she allowed a shy smile to surface. "Of course, Ryuuken-sama. It would be an honor."

With a small smile of his own, he slipped the ring onto the third finger of her left hand. Before she had the time to admire the ring, he crushed her into an embrace.

Surprised yet again, she could only hesitantly place her hands on his shoulders and lean her head against his neck. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes from the unbelievable moment playing out. She knew that the times ahead of her were going to be hard, but as long as she was by his side and he was by hers, she could overcome anything.

"Kanae, there will only be you and I will make you happy," he swore softly as he held her tighter in his arms. "Even if we can't be married, I will promise you that."

Curling her arms around his neck confidently now, she whispered back tenderly, "I know. Thank you, Ryuuken."

-x-

AN: Pardon me for the cheesiness of the chapter. Even I felt slightly uncomfortable writing it. It also felt quite rushed getting to this point, so I hope you enjoyed it.

Many thanks to my dear readers and reviewers, Isame Kuroda, Idyllicdream, Crimson Bttrfly, DrkSpphrGT, and Nessie 910.