It had been about a week since her sudden and rather pleasant promotion to Vice Captain, several things had changed for sure, the first change is that the Kuchiki Elders were now more accepting of her in the clan, they hadn't complained about her to Byakuya at all.
Two, she now got proper respect from everyone, she'd been doing that long before, three her relationship with Toshiro was going spectacular, Byakuya had talked the Kuchiki Elders and they had relented and accepted that at all.
And the fourth and final change "Hey Rukia Good Morning" Yumichika called from his spot at the gate, Ikkaku stood at his side like usual, those two had been coming to escort her to squad 13 every morning, unless they had a mission, then it was Toshiro.
"Morning Yumichika, Ikkaku" Rukia ran up to them, violet eyes twinkling with her happiness, life was good for the moment and she felt nothing could bring her down, though she didn't dare admit that cocky thought out loud for fear of jinxing everything up.
Ikkaku gave her a crooked smile "Lieutenant ready to start you're day" he asked giving the raven haired soul reaper a dramatic bow, Rukia nodded seriously and together the three of them began their trek to the 13th squad.
"You know you two don't have to do this every morning right" Rukia stated, beginning their usual round of morning banter, Ikkaku scoffed and Yumichika rolled his eyes though his lips were twitching in obvious laughter.
It was him who spoke first that morning "Rukia, Rukia, Rukia" he clicked his tongue "You're a lieutenant now, as high ranking seats, Ikkaku and I are in the perfect position to protect you" Yumichika exclaimed dramatically.
Her violet eyes rolled upwards mimicking Yumichika's earlier actions, "But if that's the case shouldn't it be members of my own squad to do this" Rukia inquired curiously, though she was enjoying this small moment with the two males that had become close friends.
A snort came from Ikkaku "Seriously Kuchiki despite what everyone thinks, squad thirteen is kind of like a baby squad right now cause it hasn't toughened up in a long time, so no one barring you're Captain is strong enough to protect you" he patted her shoulder.
Rukia sighed softly "Well thanks anyway" she said waving and sending her two friends off before heading in to begin work, Ukitake wasn't around, but Rukia set the water to broil and pulled out tea bags and sugar before sitting at her desk.
For an hour she organized and completed the paperwork until it was all done, then Rukia stood stretching 'Hmm Captain must be resting this morning' she frowned slightly to herself just now realizing that her Captain still hadn't made an appearance.
Instead of dwelling on it and since she had some free time for a couple hours, Rukia took a deep breath and decided to make the most of it, by having the squad do some exercises, "Alright Listen Up, I want all Unseated Officers on the training grounds" she ordered.
Then without waiting to see if they were going to follow her commands, Rukia pivoted on her heels and headed to the training grounds herself first, five minutes later, like she'd ordered all unseated squad members started trickling onto the grounds.
Once they were lined up before her properly, Rukia took a moment to run her violet eyes over each and everyone of them then made a decision "From now on every morning from 9-11:30, we'll do exercises" Rukia started.
"To improve squad performance and morale, with that said 20 push ups, 20 sit ups, 15 laps around the track, then we'll practice with our swords, some kido practice and finally sparring, is that understood" she finished hoping they wouldn't have a problem.
Almost immediately chatter broke through the entire group "Really Lieutenant, we're going to do all this" the same female from a week before broke through the front row to ask, obviously they were all excited.
Surprised somewhat, "Yes, it will improve overall performance as I said and lower the amount of deaths we have in this squad" Rukia said seriously wanting to drive that particular point home so they all understood it was time to start acting like the soul reapers they were.
"Right, you heard Lieutenant Kuchiki, let's get started on our exercises, oh is there anyway you want us to complete them specifically" the girl turned to face Rukia once more on her way to the track to begin her laps.
Rukia shook her head "You can complete the push ups, sit ups and laps any way you like, but sword and kido practice and sparring will be last" she stated moving over to the track as well shocking some of her squad as they realized that she was going to be joining them as well.
By the time all laps, push ups and sit ups were done, it was 9:30 "What now Lieutenant" another called wiping his sweat matted forehead as the sun bared down on them it was a work out for sure and it made them all realize how easy they took it, well no more, they were going to get stronger.
"Let's get our kido practice out of the way first, then move onto sword practice and finally sparring" Rukia listed hoping that would be alright, none of the squad seemed to have a problem at all and that clued her in that they really wanted this.
So kido practice commenced shooting random low level spells at targets that had been set up until Rukia called out for them to stop, she'd been doing the same "Sword Practice right" the female soul reaper bounded up to her green eyes wide and looking unaffected by the amount of practice.
"Yes, we'll practice individually first, then move onto sparring" Rukia smiled kindly unsheathing Sode no Shirayuki from her sheath and holding her properly before her, following her lead the squad did the same and for an hour, since it was 10, they practiced this.
Then finally "Alright pair up, for the last thirty minutes of this training exercise, we'll spar against each other" Rukia ordered lightly, not quite use to ordering people around, but still exerting enough authority in her voice to make sure they listened.
Before she could even go off and search for her own partner, the same girl that had spoken several times to her in the last 2 hours, bounded up to her "Lieutenant Kuchiki, would you please be my partner" she asked sheepishly, feeling guilty about being rude to the woman a week earlier.
Rukia nodded "Absolutely, shall we begin" she asked violet eyes sparkling and holding her zanpaktou properly, the other female narrowed her eyes in concentration and leaped forward, their swords clashed creating little sparks.
Seconds later Rukia leaped back swinging Sode over the females head in an arc, but the girl ducked slashing her own zanpaktou at Rukia, it was quite the spar, and unbeknownst to any of them Ukitake and Kyoraku were watching the session.
It wasn't until 11:30 hit did any of them especially Rukia realize it "Captain Ukitake" she greeted dismissing everyone to return to their duties before lunch and sheathing Sode no Shirayuki, hurrying to her Captain's side.
"Rukia good morning, I see you've finally gotten into you're new role" Ukitake smiled kindly as he was known to do, and Rukia's cheeks turned pink in embarrassment "So what brought the exercise on" he asked confused.
Rukia blinked suddenly realizing that it might not be all to accepted by him "Oh well, I um thought it would improve squad performance and morale if we started having training sessions, I'm sorry I didn't ask first Sir if that was allowed" she bowed low berating herself.
Shunsui nudged his friend in the side and shot a look to Rukia, Jushirou's eyes widened "It's fine Rukia, you don't need my permission to authorize training sessions with the squad so long as you aren't skipping out on you're paperwork" he hurriedly assured.
The tension in her shoulders eased away and relief was visible in her eyes "You know that's not such a bad idea" Kyoraku said sitting down as Rukia bustled about making her Captain tea, Jushirou glanced at him in askance.
"Morning exercises, it might get Nanao to lighten up, all that paperwork makes her to stuffy you see" Kyoraku pointed out and Rukia giggled under her breath as she handed Ukitake his tea, before returning to her desk to organize things more neatly.
Jushirou rolled his eyes lightly "I'm quite certain that whatever you're thinking Shunsui won't go over Ise-san's head very well" he shook his head amusement dripping from every word and Kyoraku pouted at him before glancing to Rukia.
Her violet eyes rounded in confusion "Um…" Rukia smiled innocently "Look at the time, I really need to get going" and then she was gone in a split second flash-stepping away, it was silent for a moment before Jushirou sniggered.
Shunsui started pouting "Little Rukia must have really wanted to get some afternoon loving from her man" he chuckled making himself a cup of tea as well, and enjoying the afternoon with his best friend.
Five minutes later, Rukia made it to Squad 10, homemade bento's in her hands and confidently walked down the halls to Toshiro's office "Afternoon Lieutenant Kuchiki" some of squad ten members greeted and she nodded politely back at them until she made it to his office.
Before she could slid the door open, Rangiku yanked it open "Rukia-chan" she grasped the tiny female up and crushed the woman to her chest "It's so good to see you, Captain's been in a mood all morning" Rangiku whispered lowering her voice so Toshiro didn't overhear.
Rukia's eyes widened "What's going on, and Rangiku can't breathe" she struggled trying to get out from between them, Rangiku released her and she gulped in air, the busty blonde glanced over her shoulder and frowned.
"Not sure, maybe it has something to do with the meeting all Captains were required to have this morning, that the Lieutenants didn't even know about" Rangiku sighed, "Anyway you're the only one who can cheer Captain up, so get to it Rukia-chan" she nudged the woman forward.
And then without even having a chance to speak, Rangiku shut the door and put up a Lieutenant Level Kido barrier so those within wouldn't be bothered, alone with Toshiro now, Rukia turned and got a good look at her boyfriend, he did indeed look troubled.
So she squared her shoulders and walked forward quietly "Toshiro, I brought lunch" Rukia called in her soft voice, the short white haired male gave a jerk and he blinked his turquoise eyes realizing that she was really there.
His cheeks flared red and he cleared his throat "Ah Rukia afternoon" Toshiro greeted remembering what she'd said, he was glad that she was there "Is it really lunch time already" he questioned lightly.
With a soft giggle "Yes Toshiro, I made lunch this morning for us" Rukia presented the bento to the white haired male, and sat down on the couch, a moment later Toshiro was sitting next to her, free arm wrapped around her shoulder keeping her close.
Alarm bells were ringing silently as unlike their usual chatter, Toshiro was quiet, but halfway through the meal, he lowered his chopsticks "Aizen is dead, Gin Ichimaru did it, we have proof, Kyoka Suigetsu has faded" Toshiro got out.
Rukia gasped softly "All this time he wasn't a traitor then" she frowned and Toshiro sighed "There's more isn't there Toshiro, can you tell me or is that classified for only Captains" she asked gently not wanting to over step her bounds and limitations.
Glad that she seemed to understand "There is more, some of it I can tell you, some I can't, Gin is being reinstated, though not as a Captain and we don't know which squad, that's all I can tell you" Toshiro passed a hand through his hair.
"Let's not worry about it for now okay Toshiro and enjoy our lunch" Rukia nodded decisively, there was nothing she could do anyway, her boyfriend shot her a grateful look and resumed eating his homemade bento.
A few minutes later "Where did you say you got this, because it's pretty good" Toshiro pointed his chopsticks at the bento that she'd given him, Rukia's violet eyes filled with happiness and he couldn't resist leaning forward and stealing a kiss.
One that Rukia didn't even care about, in her mind Toshiro could kiss her as many times as he wanted and she would never get tired of it "I made it, see I can be quite the cook when the mood calls for it" Rukia exclaimed proudly.
"Did you really" Toshiro eyed the bento as pride swelled within him, Rukia was a very talented person it seemed, she nodded "Mm you can make lunch as many times as you want" he chuckled finishing off his meal.
Rukia grinned doing the same and since they had a little more time, the both of them settled back comfortably on the couch "I decided to have Squad 13 have 2 and a half hour training sessions" she said suddenly wanting to share her morning with Toshiro.
Toshiro smirked inwardly "Really and how did that go, did anyone complain, in fact has anyone tried to do anything since you're promotion" he asked realizing he'd been so far in his thoughts that afternoon he hadn't asked her anything.
"Mhm and extremely well, everyone seemed to like the idea, and no as far as I know at least" Rukia snuggled into his side just happy to be with Toshiro, he was her first everything so far, though they hadn't been intimate like that yet, that wouldn't come for awhile longer.
He relaxed at that "That's good, in fact one of these days we should get together and do a joint squad training session" Toshiro suggested wanting to see Rukia in action, she seemed to know where his thoughts were at because Rukia's cheeks turned a shade of dark red.
But she didn't scold him, "Would be nice, I'll run the idea by Captain later on while we are working on paperwork together" Rukia nodded, if more squads could take after their example, the Gotei 13 would run more smoothly in the future.
"Good, good, are you free for dinner tonight" Toshiro nodded glancing briefly at the clock and taking note of the time, Rukia seemed to notice that their time was running out as well, because she let out this little sigh.
"I think the Elders said something about dinner at the Estate, but you're more than welcome to join us Toshiro" Rukia fluttered her lashes at him and hopeful look in her violet eyes and a soft smile on her lips that Toshiro couldn't say no to.
So he nodded "Sure it will help them accept me as you're suitor, on that note, I'll see you for dinner tonight then" Toshiro murmured pressing his lips to hers before pulling away, then together they stood from the couch, he went to his desk, and Rukia to the door.
A few minutes after Rukia left, Rangiku returned "I see you're no longer in a grumpy mood" she giggled sitting at her desk and preparing to start on paperwork, Toshiro creased his forehead and she paused in confusion.
"Wait you mean you didn't know that you were blanking me and everyone else for the entire morning Captain" Rangiku frowned in concern, she had to wonder about him sometimes, Toshiro shook his head a grimace forming on his lips.
Toshiro sighed "I'm only going to apologize this once got it Matsumoto, so I'm sorry, just had a lot on my mind" he nodded at his lieutenant, before they started in on the paperwork that needed to get done soon.
Meanwhile Rukia was leisurely walking back to squad thirteen to perform her duties as the lieutenant, but all good things must come to an end and soon one of her past nightmares was standing before her "If it isn't little Rukia Kuchiki" Gin smiled in that same way.
Her hands clenched into fists at her waist "Afternoon Ichimaru, heard you were back, you did a good thing, but now if you'll excuse me I must attend to my duties" Rukia bowed before the man, then glided past him.
Gin peered over his shoulder watching her walk away, until she was out of sight, then continued on his own way, silently wondering about the changes in the woman, who seemed to have become confident in herself and in her abilities, judging by the badge on her arm, others were confident in little Rukia as well.
Nearly to Squad Thirteen, Rukia stopped and leaned against a pole to let out the breath she'd been holding 'Okay that wasn't so bad, at least he doesn't give me the creeps anymore' Rukia thought to herself before hurrying the rest of the way to her squad.
Four stacks of paperwork was on her desk, her face twitched and Jushirou coughed sheepishly "Sorry but with Ichimaru's return all the squads have a lot of paperwork to fill out" he explained gesturing to his own pile of work.
Rukia's violet eyes widened "Shall I make some tea Captain Ukitake" she offered knowing that this was going to be a stressful afternoon, her captain nodded, so Rukia bustled about making a pot of tea for the both of them, then sat down at her desk, cracked her knuckles and began.
By the time she was done, her head was spinning "I feel like my head is about to explode" Rukia groaned softly rubbing massaging her temples, Jushirou chuckled quietly knowing how she felt, he was interrupted from talking as the door slid open and Toshiro appeared.
"Ah looks like you just got done as well" he narrowed his turquoise eyes on Jushirou who avoided the warning look, his lips quirking upwards in amusement, "Are you ready to go to dinner with you're family Rukia" Toshiro asked.
Excited to go to dinner with her family dinner with her special someone, Rukia organized her desk properly, then pushed her chair in "See you tomorrow Captain Ukitake" she bowed to the second white haired male then took Toshiro's arm letting him escort her back to the Kuchiki Compound.
Byakuya was waiting for them "Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes, take that time to make yourself presentable" he ordered, gently nudging Rukia in the maids direction "Hitsugaya" Byakuya greeted reminding himself that he couldn't scare the male off, or Rukia would be upset.
"Kuchiki" Toshiro nodded politely "I hope I'm not intruding, Rukia assured me that it would be alright if I joined you" he asked lightly, not wanting to come off as being desperate for approval, because he wasn't, he just didn't want to make Rukia cry.
Narrowing his gray eyes, Byakuya cursed inwardly "Not at all, I see you're already dressed for the occasion" he nodded accepting Toshiro's presence in his home with all the grace he possessed, a moment later both of them were distracted by Rukia's returned.
She was dressed in a snow white kimono with purple butterflies as it's design with a black obi tied neatly around her lithe waist "Shall we adjourn to the dining room Ni-sama, Toshiro" Rukia bowed properly then righted herself.
Toshiro held out his arm taking in the beauty that was Rukia, she looked like a doll, and it made him want to keep her all to himself selfishly at that, he cursed inwardly, 'Gods why does she have to wear that' Toshiro groaned inwardly keeping a tight grip on his iron clad control.
Her cheeks gained a soft red blush seeing the appreciation in her boyfriends turquoise eyes, but took his arm "Thank you" Rukia sighed softly, Byakuya ran his gray eyes over her form and nodded in acceptance, then turned on his heel leading them to the dining room.
Once they were all seated around the table, the maids brought out the food, "I see you've brought him along to dine with us, it was very considerate of you to join us young Toshiro Hitsugaya" one of the elders narrowed his eyes on a now fidgeting Toshiro.
"Yes, I wish to be with Rukia for a very long time after all" Toshiro cleared his throat taking a bread roll from the basket and spreading butter over it as everyone prepared their plates, he had to keep his wits about him here after all.
Rukia clenched her hands underneath the table forcing a smile to her lips, they'd expected that she might invite Toshiro, and intended to interrogate him, Byakuya shot her an apologetic look and she relaxed somewhat, especially at Toshiro's words.
Even her brother looked a little shocked at the white haired captain's admittance "You plan on asking for her hand" the second elder asked suspiciously and tension once again filled the air, Byakuya pressed his lips together.
Feeling very uncomfortable now, Toshiro cleared his throat quietly, in case they thought he was being rude "Someday yes, but for now we are taking our relationship one day at a time" he nodded remaining as polite and as respectful as possible.
It was quiet for several minutes afterwards as everyone ate the delicious meal that Byakuya had, had prepared for them all, "Very interesting and how long did you say they've been together" the last elder directed a look to the Squad Six Captain.
"A week" Byakuya stated cutting into the steak and taking a bite, he hadn't realized that this whole meal was just an excuse to conduct an interrogation on his fellow captain, that happened to be courting his baby sister.
Toshiro's hand found hers beneath the table and he shot her a reassuring smile, just as the elders started in with another round of questioning "Ah but I've heard a rumor that has them together for a year" the first shot Byakuya a look.
Byakuya pressed his lips together "Just an atrocious rumor and the person who started it is possibly a jealous individual" he cut in before Rukia could jump in, everything was going well, and there was no way this meal was going to go wrong.
His sister relaxed and Toshiro let out an inaudible sigh "Are you sure, they look awfully comfortable for being together for just a week" the second elder stated eyeing the couple and taking note of how close they were.
"I can answer that, we had been going to lunch with an associate of ours, my own Lieutenant, for a couple of weeks before we got together" Toshiro explained with ease, by the kami he hadn't realized it would be this difficult just to date Rukia, it was ridiculous.
The third elder was silent for a time as he tried to come up with one last question that would assure them that Rukia's future was set in stone, "How certain are you, that Rukia is the person you want to be with for the rest of you're life" he finally asked.
Rukia's hand tightened around his and a worried look entered her violet eyes "100 percent, there will be no other, I feel as if I can only grow to love Rukia more and more every day I'm with her" Toshiro nodded decisively, no one would sway him from this.
All her fears faded away at those words "Yes, nothing will come between us, people can try, but they won't succeed" Rukia spoke for the first time that evening, the rest of the meal was ate in silence, with the stray compliment on the food.
Until she was walking Toshiro to the door "I'm very sorry, I didn't realize this was all just an excuse to interrogate you" Rukia apologized once they were out of earshot from her brother and the three elders.
"It's alright Rukia, it's better they know my intentions towards you now rather than later" Toshiro shrugged not entirely bothered, the questions were normal, and they hadn't really bothered him to much, in fact he'd expected they might order him to give up his pursuit of Rukia.
Rukia sighed in relief "Still I feel angry on you're behalf, but I'll let it go, but if they try this again" she huffed and Toshiro chanced pressing a kiss to her lips, her cheeks turned red and a sappy smile formed on her lips.
"And I'm proud that you didn't snap at them for it, tomorrow lunch right" he pulled away running his eyes over her petite form and definitely appreciating the kimono "Did I tell you, you look gorgeous in that" Toshiro said suddenly.
Her cheeks flushed again "No, but thank you Toshiro" Rukia grinned stealing one last kiss, then he was flash-stepping away probably to his squads barracks, it reminded her that she had her own quarters now as well, and she was resolved to check them out one of these days.
In case things here at the house became unbearable down the road and she needed some space, Rukia giggled softly to herself "Goodnight Ni-sama, Elders" she bowed low in her kimono, then hurried on to her room to get out of this dreadful outfit and into a normal sleeping yukata.
Then the maids prepared her bed and she laid down, her excitement dying down leaving her exhaustion, Rukia fell asleep that night dreaming of the future, of her wedding to Toshiro and maybe having children, just one or two and that they'd be happy.
