It was finally time to go home. Both happiness and sadness battled within Chibiusa. Soon she would see her mother and father, but that would mean leaving behind all of her friends. What was the point of her mother telling her to make friends if she was just going to leave them behind?

She stood before her friends from Soul Society and could not bear to look them in the eye, because tears were beginning to form. However, before they could fall, she was enveloped by the black fabric of Byakuya's sleeves as his two strong arms wrapped around her.

"K-Kuchiki-san?" she choked.

"Do no stain your farewell with tears. Let this be a memory worth remembering."

She choked back a sob and nodded against his chest. Her little arms reached around and returned his hug. "Thank you Kuchiki-san. Thank you for everything."