I don't own Bleach or any of the characters; they are all property of Tite Kubo.

Rukia had just been appointed Vice – Captain of squad 13 and only her brother and Captain Ukitake were in the office as Rukia received her vice – captain arm badge. Rukia quickly placed the badge on her left arm. "Congratulations!" Jyuushiro beamed.

"Thank you Taichou," Rukia said as she returned the smile. Rukia then looked over to her brother and Byakuya gave a nod of approval. Rukia could have sworn she saw a hint of pride from Byakuya, but she must have been imagining it. Rukia quickly snapped out of her thoughts and gave a respectful bow.

She then proceeded to exit the room. As soon as she exited the room and stepped out into the hallway, she heard Renji say in a teasing manner, "Congratulations Kuchiki – fukutaichou."

A somewhat flustered Rukia yelled, "Renji!" as she turned to face a grinning Renji.

"To celebrate you becoming a vice – captain, I'm taking you out for drinks!" Renji declared.

Rukia smiled at Renji's enthusiasm and said, "Okay, but first I want to see them." Renji did not have to ask who they were, because he knew exactly who she was referring to.

The walk through Inuzuri was quiet, Rukia and Renji were each lost in their thoughts. When they first left Inuzuri, they never thought there would be a reason for them to return, and it wasn't because they were ashamed from where they came from. It was just that Inuzuri held so many memories, and some of those memories were just too painful to remember.

"We're here," Rukia stated.

"Ah," was Renji's reply. Renji then watched as Rukia made her way to the three makeshift graves.

Once Rukia was in front of the first grave she bent down and prayed to her deceased friend, she did the same thing to the other two graves she told them all about her adventures in Seireitei and she told them about hers and Renji's achievements. She also apologized for not visiting that often. Once she was done telling them her stories she bid them farewell.

When she was once again by Renji's side, she told him, "They'd be proud of us."

Renji had a somber expression on his face as he replied, "I know."

"They would be very excited to see how much stronger their leader has gotten," Rukia said leader in a teasing manner.

"Who could blame them? I always had the makings of an awesome shinigami," Renji replied with a cocky smirk.

"I'm sure they wouldn't be surprised with how big your head has gotten," Rukia said as she crossed her arms across her chest.

Renji glared at Rukia and said, "Shut up! We better start heading back." Renji then started walking ahead.

"Hey!" Rukia shouted as she saw that Renji made no indication that he was going to wait for Rukia to catch up. So Rukia jogged a bit to catch up with Renji. Once she was by his side she asked, "You're still taking me out for drinks right?"

"I said I was taking you didn't I? I'm a man of my word!"

"Just making sure you weren't trying to weasel you're way out of getting me a gift."

"WHAT?! WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" exclaimed Renji.

"It means that you're a cheapskate!" countered Rukia.

"I am not!"

"Then why do you always freeload off of Urahara?"

"I don't freeload! I pay off my stay by working in his shop!"

The two continued to argue as they made their way to Seireitei. In the back of their minds the two acknowledged that there were things from the past they would not bring up because neither wanted to recall the time their friendship was temporarily severed. Rukia and Renji knew that despite the years they were separated, their bond was as strong as ever and that nothing could ever destroy that bond.

Sorry to those people who are waiting on the next chapter for 2 Years Younger, I have been procrastinating because these one – shots have been popping into my head. I will try to get to it ASAP. In the meantime please leave a comment. Thanks. Til Next Time!