The next morning Rukia woke feeling excited about that nights events, she couldn't wait to tell Byakuya about her relationship with Toshiro, and she hoped he accepted it, she really liked the short white haired Captain of Squad Ten.

Byakuya's gray eyes settled on his sister, she looked happy, no matter he would find out tonight who it was that had decided to try and court Rukia, then he could threaten the male and be done with it, like hell he was going to let anyone steal his sister.

Rukia grinned and ate breakfast with a smile on her lips "See you later Brother" she waved when she was finished and sped from the Kuchiki Estate heading to her division, Ukitake was sat behind his desk looking utterly exhausted.

"Ah little Rukia" Ukitake sent the young soul reaper a smile as she bustled about the office making him his usual morning tea, Rukia flashed him a bright one in return, like he had promised he hadn't told anyone about her relationship, and neither had Kyoraku.

And that was only on threat of pain if he so much as even breathed a word, "Good Morning Captain Ukitake" Rukia greeted as she set a cup of tea on his desk, "Do you have any paperwork that needs to be delivered this morning" she asked wanting to keep busy.

"Yes, if you don't mind do you think you could deliver this paperwork to squad's: 3, 5, 9 and 10" Jushirou rattled off handing over a bunch of paperwork, Rukia nearly buckled under the weight and wondered why there was so much.

Jushirou saw the question in Rukia's eyes "We've had a recent addition of three new Captains along with new Lieutenants" he explained sending the woman on her way, Rukia nodded and sped out of the office, hitting the tenth division first.

Toshiro perked up when his Rukia came through the door "Rukia" he breathed preparing to get up and help her, but she shook her head raven hair becoming ruffled as she did so, she pouted and separated the paperwork for him out of the pile.

"Hello Captain, can't stay long have other deliveries to make, see you at lunch though" Rukia flashed him a smile, before heading out of the office, Toshiro sighed and got to work, Matsumoto smiling in amusement at her captains antics but working just as hard, she didn't want to get scolded again.

When Rukia stopped by Squad 9, she found one of the new Vice Captains and the newly promoted "Captain Hisagi" she blinked her violet eyes in confusion, someone must have voted him as the new captain, Shuhei turned her way and smirked.

"Ah morning Kuchiki what do you think of Lieutenant Ryuketsu" Shuhei pointed at the woman wanting to get someone from another divisions opinion, Rukia focused on where he was pointing and her violet eyes took in every detail.

"She seems ah very capable, I wouldn't worry to much Captain" Rukia handed him the paperwork and flash stepped away before the man could pick on her or worse mess up her hair even more than it was already messed up.

Shuhei chuckled drawing his lieutenant's attention "Captain" Nikuya bounded towards the straight laced new captain of squad nine, her long lime green hair bouncing with every step she took and her ice blue eyes taking in the retreating form of a petite woman.

"Rukia Kuchiki, unseated officer of Squad Thirteen" Shuhei knew what his lieutenant was asking, he knew the instant she recognized the name, how could someone not know with all the rumors floating around about that girl.

"Ah the noble that got in trouble and was almost executed several months ago" Nikuya commented offhandedly, she didn't say anymore instead choosing to get back to training with the squad to improve their division's status and rise above all others.

Once she was far enough away Rukia released a sigh and headed into the fifth division behind the desk sat "HIRAKO" the petite soul reaper shrieked, eye twitching madly in irritation when the blonde gave her an extremely smug smile that she wanted to kick right off his face.

But instead of rising to the obvious bait, Rukia clenched her jaw shut and placed the paperwork on his desk politely "Forgive me Captain Hirako, I just wasn't expecting to see someone I personally knew" she bowed her head and left without Shinji saying a single word.

When she was gone Shinji scoffed and Momo glowered, her thoughts were all currently centered on getting revenge on the woman for stealing her Toshiro, 'Just you wait Kuchiki wench you'll regret you even touched him in the first place' she seethed silently.

By the time Rukia reached division three, she was utterly exhausted, it was a long ways walk all the way from her squad to the middle of seireitei upon entrance, her violet eyes took in the brown haired man sitting behind the Captains desk.

Izuru however "Kuchiki-san" he greeted politely and got a nod from the noble in return "This is Captain Shusuke Amagai" Izuru was quick to introduce his new captain to the young soul reaper standing in the office.

"Ah it's a pleasure to meet you Captain Amagai, I have some paperwork for you" Rukia smiled politely and set the rest of the paperwork on the Captain's desk, she went to leave so that she could make it back to her Captain before lunch but a hand on her shoulder stopped her "Lieutenant Kira" Rukia asked in confusion.

Izuru paused for a moment, his Captain had asked him to stop her "Kuchiki Rukia right" Shusuke spoke up drawing the petite woman's violet eyed gaze onto himself, the raven haired girl nodded politely and waiting patiently "You're very interesting, I've heard the rumors" he commented.

Rukia went rigid immediately, of course people especially new captains were going to judge her and put a label on her for causing a stir in the seireitei a few months back "There are many rumors Captain Amagai" she smiled politely instead before hightailing it out of squad three.

Outside the third division, Rukia prepared to flash step but before she could she slammed into a body, when she looked up she found herself staring at the Lieutenant for Squad One "Lieutenant Sasakibe, forgive me I wasn't paying attention" Rukia bowed an apologetic air exuding from her.

The man nodded and walked past her before pausing, he glanced at Rukia several times mulling an idea over in his head before flash stepping the rest of the way to his squad, he may have just found the new vice captain for squad thirteen.

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes when his Vice Captain flew into the room "Head Captain sir, I may have found a possible candidate for the position of Squad Thirteens vice captain" he bowed before explaining what had him in such a excited state.

"Speak Sasakibe who is it that you've found that you think would be an excellent choice for the vacant spot" Yamamoto ordered becoming curious, who was it that had Sasakibe acting so unlike himself, the lieutenant opened his mouth.

"Kuchiki Rukia, she has worked hard these last few months to help the seireitei return to it's peaceful state, she's known for making good decisions, she's not afraid to stand up to a strong opponent, and she's polite" Sasakibe ticked off just a few of the reasons why the woman would be a good choice.

"Hmm" Yamamoto stroked his beard in consideration "We'll hold a meeting after lunch with the other captains and vice captains" he ordered, Sasakibe nodded and turned to do his captains bidding sending out notices to the other captains and lieutenants and clearly stating the meeting was mandatory.

Rukia sighed and finally made it back to her squad "Captain Ukitake I've finished, I'm heading off for lunch now" she called stepping into the office briefly and got a wave, message delivered, Rukia didn't waste another second as she flash stepped in the direction of the restaurants and ordered lunch.

Toshiro set down his pen to Rangiku's amusement, 'Rukia-chan must be on her way here with lunch' she thought stacking her paperwork neatly and slipping out of the office so that her captain and the petite woman could have their alone time.

"Toshiro" Rukia greeted when she stepped into the office, the white haired male was before her a moment later pressing his soft lips to her own warming her heart, when Toshiro pulled away Rukia held up the lunches "I brought lunch" she smiled shyly cheeks growing hot.

"Thank you Rukia" Toshiro breathed wrapping his arms around the petite woman and pulling her into his chest being mindful of the food, he dipped his head down and ran his nose across her neck pulling a shiver from Rukia, he chuckled softly.

Rukia huffed when she realized he was teasing her "Toshiro" she pouted "Let's eat lunch" she said a moment later and Toshiro led her over to the couch where she cuddled into his side and they ate together just chatting softly.

"Did you manage to convince you're brother to eat dinner with us tonight" Toshiro couldn't hold back on the urge to ask any longer, Rukia focused her eyes on him, teal and violet clashed before the woman nodded silently.

"Yeah, but apparently someone found out, though Brother doesn't know who it is I'm with yet, I only hope a certain someone's don't tell" Rukia brought her chopsticks to her lips and slowly ate the rice unaware that Toshiro was watching her every move.

His attention shifted a moment later when a hell butterfly floated into his office and gave it's message once it had landed on the tip of his finger, Toshiro sighed, they had just had a joint meeting just a few days ago so now what was the problem.

Rukia tittered behind her hand upon seeing the scowl on Toshiro's lips "What's the matter has something happened" she jumped to the wrong conclusion a moment later as her mind filled with nothing but fear for the first person she had truly cared about in decades.

"Oh Head Captain called another joint Captain-Vice Captain meeting is all don't worry about it so much Rukia" Toshiro murmured, inwardly smirking when her cheeks turned a wonderful shade of red, he stuffed a dumpling in his mouth to prevent his amusement from showing.

He realized he must not have hid it very well for in response her cheeks puffed up and she sent him a tiny minuscule glare, Rukia knew him very well it seemed "Well of course I'm going to worry Toshiro, you're my boyfriend" she muttered shyly cheeks going redder in return.

"Cute Rukia, real cute" Toshiro leaned forward and stole another kiss, Rukia gasped in surprise and nearly dropped the rest of her lunch but thanks to quick reflexes, Toshiro caught it and handed it back to the raven haired woman.

"Well I need to get back to work so see you tonight at dinner Toshiro" Rukia stood and tossed away her trash so that he didn't have to and pecked the white haired male right on the lips before flash stepping back to her squad.

Toshiro chuckled once she was gone "Let's go Matsumoto" he ordered when the busty woman entered the office, he felt grateful that she had left them alone during lunch, and was resolved afterwards to give her a break for good behavior recently.

Once they arrived they found all the other captains and vice captains there already, "Sit down" Yamamoto ordered and everyone fell silent each wondering what could have possibly happened in the few days since their last joint meeting, it was rare.

Ukitake glanced to the side at the empty vice captain seat, the only one his, he knew who he wanted, he just wasn't brave enough to ask for fear of setting off a certain someone's wrath, Jushirou sighed and crossed his arms waiting patiently.

"It has come to my attention that while we have filled in the vacant captain spots for the squads that hadn't had captains, and we've replaced the vice captains, there is still one squad that hasn't had a vice captain for many decades" Yamamoto started eyes honing in on the empty seat next to Jushirou.

"Oi Yama-jiji does that mean you've found someone that can fill the spot" Kyoraku asked and his vice captain refrained from smacking him over the back of the head Ise seethed silently instead, why did her captain have to be an idiot.

At this everyone's attention focused completely on the Head Captain just as he began speaking affirming Shunsui's suspicions "Yes I have" Yamamoto paused gazing around and sending the Captain of Squad Six an unreadable expression before finishing "Kuchiki Rukia" he said.

The meeting all erupted in a cacophony of noises as people yelled and shouted and spewed insults, on the other side of the seireitei Rukia sneezed a couple of times "Blasted allergies" she grimaced blowing her nose in a kleenex.

"Absolutely not, that girl has caused enough trou..." Sajin Komamura started to say before trailing off feeling the glare from not one but five different captains, to say it was scary was an understatement, he had never feared for his life more than in that moment.

Toshiro was struggling not to let his anger out, how dare they insult his Rukia, Rangiku glanced at her captain and cringed he was boiling with fury "Still we can't just hand the job to her" Hisagi spoke up unknowingly becoming the peacemaker.

"No, I won't allow it" Byakuya's voice cut in smoothly but there was a steely edge to it, he was pissed and rightfully so, Yamamoto sighed before slamming his staff on the ground shutting everyone up it was then that they realized that the room had grown colder.

Jushirou chanced a quick look at Toshiro and winced "Now my selection is non negotiable, Kuchiki Rukia of Squad Thirteen is to be the new vice captain, she has done enough to earn my recommendation and help the seireitei return to it's peaceful state" he held up his hand.

Toshiro slowly began to relax that was until "Two Kuchiki's in positions of power Head Captain I do believe you've gone insane, that little street rat doesn't deserve such a high ranking job" Momo snorted softly, but not quietly enough.

It was much to late and Rangiku closed her eyes hoping that her captain didn't slaughter the vice captain of squad five "Momo" Toshiro hissed teal eyes narrowed on the woman that had been his best friend for as long as he could remember.

Momo seemed to remember where she was and blushed all the way down to her toes in embarrassment "Sorry Head Captain I was severely out of line" she bowed her head in apology but she could still feel Toshiro's glare plastered to the top of her head, she had just made a mistake.

Yamamoto shook his head, perhaps he should order each captain and vice captain to undergo a mental evaluation test to see if they were truly fit for the job, that would come later "Now all in favor of Kuchiki Rukia becoming vice captain for squad thirteen raise your hand" he commanded.

Reluctantly Byakuya raised his hand, he had faith in his sister's abilities yes, but he didn't think she would be safe in such a position, surprisingly Shuhei also raised his hand, Kenpachi was next and everyone stared at him in concern "What I like the little mouse" he shrugged.

Shunsui and Jushirou raised their hands at the same time, they thought Rukia was most deserving of the spot especially since she did most of the vice captains work already , and lastly the one who shocked them the most Toshiro also raised his hand.

For the vice captains, Rangiku's hand shot into the air, she was all for the petite woman joining their ranks, there would be no more Lieutenant Matsumoto this or Lieutenant Matsumoto that, Renji was second and he pouted at not being the first one to raise his hand.

Yachiru bounced up and down in her seat waving her hand madly in the air drawing a small smile from several people, Izuru also raised his hand drawing a suspicious look from Toshiro, but it flew over the blondes head and lastly Nikuya also raised her hand which surprised Shuhei quite a bit.

Once the meeting was finished Yamamoto sent a hell butterfly with a message for Kuchiki Rukia, it fluttered it's wings and took off flying as fast as it could to reach the raven haired violet eyed soul reaper that had just been promoted.

Rukia blinked her violet eyes and called out another attack from her Sode no Shirayuki "First Dance, Hakuren" she slashed her zanpaktou through the air and a wave of snow crashed into the targets she had set up, just because everyone else was busy didn't mean she couldn't train.

Her training was interrupted when a hell butterfly landed on her nose, her violet eyes went crossed eyed but her they widened in alarm when she received the message, 'What could I possibly have done now' Rukia's thoughts were panicked as she flash stepped clear to Squad One.

The doors were swung open and a worried looking soul reaper entered, it was one everyone recognized, Rukia had managed to get to the meeting in just five minutes after the message had been delivered to her.

Yamamoto perused her bowed form with a knowing gaze, he to would wonder why he had been specifically called to a meeting, but this time he wasn't going to impart bad news "Rukia Kuchiki" he spoke spooking the young soul reaper into standing straight up violet eyes round in fear.

Toshiro snickered inwardly not daring to laugh out loud, poor Rukia looked like she was about to either be sick or faint her skin was pale, well paler than usual indicating she thought she had done something and was about to be punished for it.

"Yes Head Captain sir" Rukia asked mustering up as much courage as she could and got an approving look from Yamamoto, she held her hands behind her back and trembled lightly under that gaze, she wished he would just hurry and punish her already for whatever it was she had done.

His gaze softened "Congratulations Rukia Kuchiki, you've been promoted" Yamamoto started before his brows creased in concern as the petite woman released a sigh of relief, he knew he was scary but what on earth had she been thinking that caused her to sigh like that.

"Oh thank you what seat Head Captain sir" Rukia slowly started getting excited, it had been due to her brothers influence that she had been stuck as an unseated officer for so long but it seemed she was finally getting the recognition she needed to up her standing in society, not just as a noble.

Toshiro bit his lip as Yamamoto opened his mouth, he knew the next few words would either make Rukia faint or becoming even more happy than she currently already was "You've been promoted to Vice Captain" Yamamoto stated in an even tone.

Byakuya glanced to his sister when a thud alerted his ears "Rukia" he flew from his seat to find she had fainted, Yamamoto was staring in some amusement, he realized it could be a huge shock to the system so he wasn't terribly angry that she had passed out.

A few minutes passed by until Rukia woke with a groan "Brother" she found herself staring into concerned gray eyes, then she remembered why she had fainted and took a deep breath counting to ten to calm herself down before standing properly on her feet again.

"Thank you for the opportunity you have bestowed upon me Head Captain Sir, I promise to do Squad Thirteen proud as it's new vice captain and work alongside Captain Ukitake to ensure the squad is running smoothly as needed" Rukia bowed becoming polite whenever something nerve wracking happened.

Jushirou released an imperceptible sigh of relief "Then Rukia Kuchiki do you accept the position of Squad Thirteen's Vice Captain and promise to help the squad to the fullest of you're abilities, do you accept this position before the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, their Captains and Vice Captains" he stood holding out the Vice Captain Badge.

"Yes, I do Captain Ukitake" Rukia murmured softly as a memory flashed through her mind of a time so long ago Jushirou smiled kindly and held out the badge, the same one that Kaien Shiba had worn, Rukia took it with slightly shaking hands and slipped her arm through the hole til it fit snugly on her upper arm.

"Welcome Vice Captain Kuchiki Rukia and now all of you are dismissed" Yamamoto banged his staff on the floor again sending the soul reapers scrambling from the meeting hall, once outside Rangiku flash stepped to Rukia's side.

Rukia gave a start in surprise "Oh Lieu..." she trailed off when the busty blonde sighed "Rangiku" she smiled sheepishly, there were no need for formalities with the vice captains anymore seeing as now she was one of them, it was going to take a long time to get use to the change though.

"Well that's a start, how do you feel" Rangiku was genuinely concerned for her little friend, especially after that little fainting spell Rukia had, had violet eyes locked with her blue ones before Rangiku found out exactly how excited the petite woman was.

"I almost can't believe it you know, I've caused nothing but trouble and the last thing I want is even more trouble to start up, but still this is an amazing opportunity and I'm definitely going to show everyone that I mean business" Rukia ranted before slapping a hand over her mouth in embarrassment.

Toshiro snickered as he sneaked along behind the two women "Congratulations Kuchiki" he got close enough to Rukia and passed along his grateful words, she was going to become well protected as vice captains and captains weren't sent out all that often on missions.

Rukia swung around "To...Captain Hitsugaya thank you" she bowed her head to his amusement they stared at each other for a moment before he and Rangiku flash stepped away, Rukia sighed only to have a familiar heavy arm slammed lightly down on her head.

"Captain Zaraki uh what is it" she questioned but Kenpachi finished messing up her hair before taking Yachiru and leaving, Rukia blinked in confusion before she realized what he had been doing, for that she couldn't be angry at him for messing up her hair.

All the way back to Squad Thirteen she got congratulations from several people when she entered the building, Rukia sat at her new seat before feeling as if someone was glaring at her, she looked up right when someone cleared their throat.

"Hello Rukia-chan, might I inquire as to what you think you're doing sitting at the Vice Captain's desk" a nameless unseated officer asked politely, though there was an edge to her voice that belied her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Rukia sighed, she had expected this someone "Well the reason I am sitting here is because I am the Vice Captain now" she said in a no nonsense voice shifting her right arm forward to proudly show off the badge, the nameless soul reaper stuttered in surprise.

"Forgive me Lieutenant Kuchiki" the girl hurriedly bowed her head addressing her superior officer with respect then she dismissed herself from Rukia's presence, once she was gone, Rukia sat back down and Jushirou entered the office a moment later.

For the rest of the day, the two worked in silence with the occasional song coming through the CD player Rukia had set up upon her return for Jushirou, the calming songs put her Captain at ease along with the massive amounts of tea he drank during the day.

By the time it was five everything had been completed "Go on Rukia, I'm sure Byakuya is chomping at the bit to find out who had stolen his little sister's heart" Jushirou teased and Rukia hurriedly changed out of her uniform into a more casual outfit.

She met her brother outside Squad Sixth "Are you going to tell me" Byakuya inquired as they walked towards the restaurants, specifically Tanzaku, Rukia smiled nervously before shaking her head before Byakuya could get angry.

"Not yet Brother, I promised him we could tell you together" Rukia appeased opening the door and spotting the white haired male that was her boyfriend, Byakuya's gray eyes narrowed, so that's who was trying to steal his sister.

Toshiro felt a glare plastered to his back and slowly turned around gulping softly and tugging at the color of his mint green shirt, Rukia wasn't faring any better as she fidgeted with the material of her very purple dress that was knee length.

"Captain Kuchiki" Toshiro greeted pulling out a chair for Rukia to sit as he led them towards the table he had reserved, everyone in the restaurant could feel the tension in the air and were slowly inching towards the door in case an argument started.

"Captain Hitsugaya" Byakuya greeted tonelessly taking pleasure in the younger males flinch, Rukia however pressed her lips together angrily, he knew she was angry because her cheeks were a bright red and her violet eyes held fury in them.

"Brother" Rukia snorted derisively shocking him "Toshiro and I wanted to give you the news, but since you're going to be such a stuck up...well that doesn't matter" her anger drained away, she didn't want to fight with her only family after all.

Byakuya's gray eyes softened, Rukia had grown up recently when he hadn't been watching, his gaze was drawn to Toshiro "Yes that's right Captain Kuchiki, Rukia and I are in a relationship" the white haired male admitted running a hand through his stark white hair.

"How long has this been going on, I've been hearing rumors that you've been together for almost a year" he leveled a glare at Toshiro before glancing at Rukia, though upon his admission the petite woman clenched her fists and an indignant expression spread across her face.

"A year, that's preposterous Toshiro and I have only been together for not even two whole days" Rukia growled wishing she could find the person who had started such a ridiculous rumor and threaten them into stopping their stupid game, it was a very bad idea to piss her off.

His brows shot to his hairline "But you've been, oh never mind" Byakuya sighed, he couldn't take away his sister's happiness despite his thoughts from that morning "Very well you have my blessing" he announced before preparing to leave.

"Brother won't you at least stay and eat, it's mine and Toshiro's treat, we are celebrating after all and we want you to be here" Rukia called softly, Byakuya gave her a small smile before sitting back down as their meal came.

Once Toshiro and Rukia had payed he walked both Kuchiki siblings back to their estate and bid them goodnight, though not before pecking Rukia on the cheek gently, he would have kissed her on the lips but he didn't want to incite Byakuya's wrath in case it wasn't appropriate in his eyes.

Rukia giggled "Good night Toshiro" she waved following Byakuya into the house, once she was dressed in her sleeping yukata Rukia climbed onto her futon and closed her eyes falling asleep instantly and dreaming of being with Toshiro forever.