I do not own Bleach, but please do not use my original characters. Thanks.

Chapter 6

Kei looked at the paper in her hands, almost willing for it to change. Everything was in order and there was nothing wrong with it, but that didn't mean it didn't sting to read.

A formal announcement of the new Lieutenant for Division 6. The date of the promotion ceremony was set for mid-May during an early morning meeting. Captains and Lieutenant across the Gotei 13 would attend along with seated officers from Division 6. The person being promoted would also be allowed to bring a few family member or close friends. Not many people outside of those group wanted to attend anyways. It wasn't like a Captain's promotion, which was a big deal and a larger production by nature.

Kei had attended quite a few of these meetings in the past. One for Rangiku's promotion to Lieutenant and another for Captain Hitsugaya's promotion to Captain. They don't hold anything formal for normal seated officers, so Kei had always been a spectator at these things. She wasn't mad at that though. The meetings for anyone but Captains always seemed needlessly long and dragged out. For something so rare and impressive, it was celebrated with a dull event.

"Everything okay there."

Kei hummed and shoved the paper into a desk drawer. Ginjiro had been coming and going from her office for a few days now, trying to prepare what he could for Renji's first days as Lieutenant of the Sixth Division. There was plenty that needed to be written down and documented for the new second in command and not nearly enough time it seemed.

"I wanted to check in and see if you had the- "

Kei didn't bother to answer him and held out one of the larger stacks of papers on her desk. The papers detailed the training schedule for officers and their units within the Division along with details about the officers.

"I had someone deliver the forms Renji needs to fill out a bit earlier. I sent a message that we need then before next Friday." Kei pointed to a stack of papers on a nearby table, continuing to sort through other miscellaneous document and normal papers and schedules.

"I already received the transfer of paperwork from Division 11. Shocked it didn't get here after Abarai did." Kei mentally cheered, since that meant she wouldn't be responsible for organizing and detailed what Captain Kuchiki needed.

"I stopped over and got Fifth Seat Yumichika to help with that. Turns out he's quite fond of me. I think he was just happy to get rid of paperwork."

Kei smiled as Ginjiro scoffed. Having him moan on and on about losing the only other Division 11 officer who does paperwork was well worth Kei's time. Even Yachiru Kusajishi had joined in to listen to him complain and whine before beginning to tease him mercilessly. Kei always make sure to be grateful for being on that small demon child's good side.

"Anything else you can think of that need to get done today," asked Ginjiro, flipping through the documents. She figured he wanted to leave to work on the shop.

"Not that I can think of."

"What about you're regular physical?"

Kei waved off the concern. It was something she dreaded every year and did at the last possible minute. There was plenty she didn't want to be reminded of that always came up every year. She was sure no one was trying to be cruel, bit it grated on her nerves still. Poking and prodding at old injuries and scar tissue never provided different results and always earned her a stern warning from the Lieutenant. She had plenty of that from Rangiku as it was.

Kei paused as Ginjiro turned towards the door to the office. Neither had the chance to say a work before Rangiku poked her head inside.

"Kei," she cheered, allowing herself insider. "Don't tell me they have you doing more paperwork."

"Not everyone can come up with as many creative excuses as you do," replied Kei. Rangiku didn't mind the mocking tone and settled herself at the edge of Kei's desk. "Do you need something?"

"Yes. Your full attention, because you've been far too busy for me, and I don't like it. I require a lot more from you."

"How could I forget?" Kei set the papers aside as Ginjiro snorted a laugh. "Let me finish up for the day. I'm not training with Renji for a while, so I'm all yours."

"Call it a day right now. We're ahead of what we need for the new Lieutenant," said Ginjiro finally getting Rangiku to notice him.

Kei glared at Rangiku who let out a hum. Ginjiro glanced at Rangiku but choose to not question things before waving and leaving quietly. He'd barely left before Rangiku put her full attention on Kei.

"I already invited Shunsui and Shuhei for drinks tonight and you're not getting out of it. I want to make sure you get your chance to mope about Renji."

"Sure." Kei waved casually as she opened a desk drawer and began to search for her journal. It wasn't in the usual spot.

"I mean it Kei. You worked hard, so mope and whine a little. That's what I'm here for."

"I thought it was free drinks and my wonderful company."

"That's always a plus." Rangiku stood up from the desk and folded her arms across her chest. "I mean it though. You're allowed to be upset about this. I know how hard you worked."

"I'll mope later, when you don't invite a Captain to come out drinking with us."

"Are you upset?"

"Isn't that a given?"