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

Chapter 7

The Divisions of the Soul Society were busy constantly. There was never a shortage of Hollow attacks in the Seretei or the Human World. On any given day, Kei found it common to see any number of officers sent out on missions to a variety of locations to exterminate the beasts. She most often saw lower seated officers sent on these missions along with their units. Sometimes a senior officer, like herself or a Lieutenant would lead the missions and often would handle things by themselves.

It was rare when Captains had missions though. Head Captain Yamamoto seems to sparingly use Captains for missions. Especially over the last few decades as several Captains had disappeared or passed away under mysterious circumstances. The situation had to be extreme in some way to warrant a Captain being sent. And even then, most of their missions were solo, as the captain didn't need much assistance with anything. The most they would go with was a fourth or fifth seat for support unless some specified skill was needed.

Perhaps, that was why Kei couldn't stop herself from re-reading the order in front of her again and again.

A mission to Karakura Town to be carried out by Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai. They were to leave that evening.

"What are you staring at?"

Kei paused as Renji grabbed the paper from her and scanned over it quickly. He didn't say a word and handed it back to her.

"What? Worried about burning down the Division while we're gone," he mocked. She didn't answer. "I'm sure you can manage for a day."

Kei ignored the comment and shoved the paper into a stack to file for reference if needed. It had only seen ten weeks or so since Renji had officially held the position of Division 6 Lieutenant and he quickly proved why he deserved it. The division members like him, his work was completed on time and accurately and he was willing to help those who asked. She felt her blood pressure rise when she thought about how little he was struggling with this.

"Just surprised, since I used to be assigned to Karakura Town," she said, not looking at the Lieutenant. "Feels a little insulting to be honest. I was there for a few years to monitor a few of the Qunicy."

Kei waited as Renji shrugged. It was one of those rare moments she'd started to notice. Where Renji was a challenge to read, having put up a mask of indifference. Mostly it had been used with Captain Kuchiki, which struck her as odd. She didn't pry though.

"I'll get over it," she said, with a wave of her hand. She wasn't angry with him but frustrated in general now. "I guess I'm more surprised they'd send Captain Kuchiki at all."

"He requested it. Didn't say why, but I think we can take a guess."

Kei hummed and thought about the target of the mission. Rukia Kuchiki, the adoptive sister of Byakuya Kuchiki. That status in and of itself was odd, but he'd never mentioned her in all Kei's time in the division. If not for her being a Soul Reaper, Kei was certain she'd have never heard of her.

"I hope she isn't in any real trouble."

Kei froze as Renji turned towards her quickly.

"Thought you didn't know her."

"I don't, but I do know how Noble Clans can be. If she made some mistake the Kuchiki Clan with be down her and Captain Kuchiki's throats over it. It's not exactly something I'd wish on people. Why so defensive?"

"Just a strange comment."

Kei pouted as the mask went back up. Whatever was going on in his head was driving her up a wall. She thought they were friends, but it was clear he was hiding something.

"Anything I need to worry about, Lieutenant?"

Kei smiled as Renji glared down at her. He did that now. There was something defensive when talking about the Kuchiki's in general. She thought he joined because he respected Captain Kuchiki. Instead, he seemed to be trying to study him. Not necessarily odd, since Captains were the pinnacle of Soul Reapers. He just didn't say much about anything. As a matter of fact, she was realizing she didn't know much about him other than work related.

Kei didn't want to think like that and slammed a drawer of her desk. Renji stood up, watching her closely. She couldn't tell him anything when it was clear there wasn't any trust. She knew in her bones she shouldn't have even toyed with the idea. She'd only known him for a few months.

"I'm going to get dinner. Want anything?"

"How about explaining the attitude?"

"Frustrated." Kei paused as Renji looked down at her. "You wouldn't get it."

"Prove it."

Kei didn't bother to say a word as he crossed his arms and watched. He wasn't afraid to push people either if he thought it would make a difference. That how he trained people and trained her.

"Another day. You need to leave for your mission."