Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach; it belongs totally to Tite Kubo. This is only a fanfic and just my preference and tribute to non-canon couples.

Authors Note: Hello everyone; it's been a while. While continuing my Inuyasha story, I decided to a piece on the side to help with motivation. Not quite sure where this is headed. It may end up as a one-shot or full-length story; we'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, please, read, review, and hopefully enjoy.

Prologue:

It was almost midnight in the Seireitei. The heavens were a canvas of indigo blue, splattered with a myriad of stars. The moon hung low in the night sky, casting its glow over the lush grounds of the medical compound. Luminous light shone down upon a lone individual occupying the engawa.

Hisagi Shuhei, Lieutenant of the 9th Division, sat on the stairs of the medical barracks with a guitar across his lap. Masculine fingers plucked gently at the strings of the Di Giorgio classic, emitting euphonious acoustics that floated up and drifted out on the night breeze.

"Lieutenant…" a dulcet voice interrupted the moonlight serenade. "What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be resting." The accusation was subtle but clear.

From his peripheral vision, Hisagi noticed Isane Kotetsu, Lieutenant of the 4th Division, strolling down the engawa, in search of him.

Tall and elegantly slender, Isane's short crop of silver hair seemed to reflect the moon's glow. Perfectly arched brows knitted together in a frown as her gray eyes looked down on Hisagi with disapproval.

The woman stood directly behind her fellow Lieutenant, towering over him with her hands resting in the folds of her shinigami robe. "Well…" she persisted, calmly looking down on her him from his reclined position.

"I am resting," Shuhei answered smoothly, unperturbed by the halfhearted glare Isane was giving him. The vice-captain was as soft-spoken as her superior, Captain Unohana Retsu, however, she lacked her senior's commanding presence.

"You know what I mean," Isane responded huffily, realizing her failed attempt at severity.

"Yeah… I know," Hisagi sighed, taking pity on her crestfallen expression.

The 9th Division Lieutenant stood and slung the guitar over his shoulder by its strap. Without looking in her direction, Hisagi brushed past the tall woman and started moving down the engawa towards his assigned room within the medical barracks.

Isane watched closely, as Hisagi passed by. Typically, her fellow Lieutenant's movements were loose-limbed, his body lissome. Currently, his progress was stiff, his gait a bit unsteady. Hisagi's response time had also decreased, which was revealed during physical therapy sessions. It was a sure sign he was still convalescing. It was one reason why Isane had gone in search of him.

The Shinigami medic made no attempt to assist her fellow Lieutenant. She simply followed behind, deciding to stay close, just in case. Although Hisagi was not yet one hundred percent, Isane was amazed at how quickly he had recovered from his recent injuries.

Aizen and his minions had been defeated. Through the efforts of Ichigo Kurasaki, Keisuke Urahara and the other Shinigami, they had finally managed to capture and seal the biggest traitor in the entire history of Soul Society. Aizen had been tried and prosecuted for his crimes. The former 5th Division Captain was banished to Muken, a sub-prison, under the guard of the 46 Chamber judges.

Unfortunately, there had been numerous fatalities during Aizen's siege. Many Shinigami had suffered both physical, as well as, mental anguish from his misdeeds, especially Lt. Momo Hinamori, Lt. Izuru Kira, as well as Lt. Shuhei Hisagi.

Even though Hisagi had recovered from the cracked ribs and fractured elbow from engaging with the chimera, Ayon, the cuts and contusions from his battle with 6th fraccion, Calius Findorr, not to mention the impalement from Hisagi's former captain, Kaname Tosen blade. Isane realized it was Tosen's betrayal that would take much longer to heal.

"Ah… um… how… how are you feeling?" Isane asked timidly from behind.

"Better," Hisagi answered bluntly, without turning around.

"Good!" the Shinigami medic exclaimed animatedly. "That… that's good, then," she stuttered and then searched for something more to say.

Isane wasn't good at initiating conversation. Actually, she preferred not drawing attention herself, although her height (over 6 feet) made that difficult. With eyes downcast, studying the wooden planks beneath her feet, the Shinigami medic finally recalled the other reason for seeking out her patient.

"Oh, yes…" Isane's eyes lit up, and she snapped her fingers in recollection. "I nearly forgot, Hisagi-san. I have a message from Unohana-taisho. The captain feels that…"

Hope flared within Hisagi's chest at the mention of Captain Unohana's name. Eager for an early discharge, he stopped short and turned suddenly to the woman walking behind him. "What… what did the Capt… oof!?"

Isane looked up just as Hisagi turned, and she barreled into him. Lifting her hands to shield herself from the impact, the medic ended up bouncing off the solid wall of Hisagi's chest. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she felt herself thrust back.

Sharp pains shot up Hisagi's ribcage. He dropped the guitar and immediately clutched his side with one hand. However, through the haze of pain, he saw Isane falling back and, instinctively, lurched forward with the other hand, reaching out for the woman. Hisagi's arm encircled Isane's waist and then hauled her against him.

Seconds ticked by, as both regained their counterbalance. Isane slowly opened her eyes to find herself in wrapped a tight embrace. Hisagi's dark head was wedged beneath her chin, his face pressed firmly into her bosom.

"Uh… lieutenant?" Isane's cheeks flamed "Hisag…" she began again but stopped as she heard him groan. Tilting her head to the side, she looked down on her patient. From what she could see of Hisagi's face, his skin had paled to the point that the tattoos on his face stood out in contrast. The medic also noticed Hisagi's labored breathing and saw him clutching his ribcage.

"What am I thinking?" Isane mentally questioned, dismissing her hentai thoughts. "Hisagi's clearly in pain right now."

Slowly disengaging herself, Isane stepped back. She placed a hand on Hisagi's chest to steady him, as he appeared to lurch forward. Next, she reached down and picked up the guitar. Rising, Isane shifted around and aligned her body with Hisagi's. She then eased her other arm around his waist, offering support.

"Come on," the medic gently nudged her patient forward.

"I… it's okay, Kotetsu-san," Hisagi grunted. "I can… I can manage."

"I'm sure you can, but you're my patient." Isane began firmly. Hisagi was trying to resist, but the medic tightened her grip. Although able to take on his full weight, she was careful to avoid his injured ribs. "Had you listened to me in the first place, this would not be necessary," Isane took the opportunity to scold. "Now… just lean on me, and I'll have you back in bed in no time."

Her own comment, once again, caused Isane's cheeks to flare. She recalled Hisagi's face buried in her chest and, oddly, the strait-laced medic experienced a sensation of decadence.

"How would Hisagi be in bed, I wonder?" Isane thought and then grimaced as her cheeks grew hot, wondering if she had voiced that aloud. Chancing a peek at her fellow Lieutenant, she saw Hisagi's anguished face, and his eyes were closed as he fought against the pain. The medic was relieved, as her patient was probably more focused on alleviating pain with each step than anything she may have said. With a reassured sigh, Isane slowly began maneuvering him back to his room.

Unbeknownst to Isane, she was not the only one blushing. Hisagi deliberately kept his eyes closed and face averted for the same reason. His ribs were painful and throbbing, but another part of his anatomy was also, albeit for an entirely different reason.

After pulling Isane into his arms and saving her from taking a spill on the engawa floor, Hisagi had experienced a jolt of awareness. The Shinigami had to admit; he had never looked at Isane in the same way he had Rangiku Matsumoto. Well… at least, not until today.

Unlike the shy Isane, Rangiku reveled in her femininity. The 10th Division Lieutenant was bold, assertive, and sexy as hell. Her assets were always on display, driving him and his good friend, Izuru Kira (3rd Division Lieutenant), and most of the male population of the Seireitei insane with want. Hisagi could never have imagined any sort of attraction for the timid Isane. Still, his response to her closeness was proof personified.

Hisagi recalled the feel of Isane in his arms. The medic had a slender waist that flared to hips that were round and curvaceous. Her breasts were buxomer than her shinigami robes let on, and her skin smelled of fresh roses. Even now, Hisagi's senses were filled with the woman's fragrant, yet subtle scent.

"Kami-sama! Shuhei-san is heavier than he looks!" Isane thought as she staggered a little under his weight. Although of slender build, the man was solid muscle. Isane recalled the way she had bounced off his chest and thought of a well-rooted oak tree. Sturdy, resolute, and reliable; that was the way she (and most) had always viewed Hisagi Shuhei.

The walk through the corridors of the medical barracks was done in total silence. Both Hisagi and Isane were lost in their own thoughts. This was the first time, other than immersing himself in his music that Hisagi had been able to forget Tousen's betrayal. Instead, his mind was filled with Isane's closeness. He felt the hand encircling his waist and the brush of her hip against his, as she matched their pace. All were all having a stimulating effect on his senses.

Isane's thoughts, however, were on an alternate plane. Although initially responsive to Hisagi's closeness, her primary concern now was to get her patient back to his room and rid herself of the excess weight. The guitar at her side was flapping around, which didn't help matters, and each step was becoming increasingly harder. Isane gave a hefty sigh of relief as they finally rounded the corner of Hisagi's room.

"Here we are," the medic exhaled breathlessly. She leaned Hisagi briefly against the doorframe, not only to steady him but to also catch her breath, before advancing further into the room. Guiding her charge to the bed, Isane allowed him to sit unattended; she stood by and watched him gingerly settle himself on the mattress.

"Thanks," Hisagi muttered. He watched her place the guitar next to him on the bed. The Shinigami then, looking down at his tabi clothed feet, still mulled over the odd reaction he was having to his fellow Lieutenant.

"No problem," Isane smiled. "It's my job."

Arms akimbo, the shinigami medic leaned back, stretching tired back muscles from Hisagi's dead weight. A light popping sound released the tension and forced a soft moan from Isane's throat.

That sultry sound permeated Hisagi's senses, causing him to look up. His fellow Lieutenant was arched back, stretching her limbs. The fabric of the shinigami robe stretched taut across the woman's breast, emphasizing their fullness. Hisagi could only stare.

"Ah… Kotetsu-san…," Hisagi began, his eyes glued to the voluptuousness. He watched her stop stretching and then start pounding a shoulder with her fist.

"Hmm," she murmured absently, still self-massaging her aching shoulder.

He forcibly dragged his eyes away from her tall figure and went back to examining his feet. "The message… from Unohana-taisho," Hisagi reminded her. "What was it?"

"Oh, right!" Isane piped up but deliberately kept her voice low, not wanting to disturb the other patients, especially Ikkaku Madarame, who was in a room a few doors down. The 11th division 3rd seat had been severely injured during his battle, protecting one of the pillars surrounding Karakura Town.

Crouching down in front of Hisagi, Isane's eyes were intense as they made direct contact with her fellow Lieutenant's. "Unohana-taisho suggests psychotherapy sessions, starting… tomorrow."

"What the hell…!" Hisagi stopped abruptly, as Isane pressed a finger to her lips, signaling him to lower his voice. Slapping his forehead in frustration, Hisagi's hand slid down, and he growled into a face-palm. Psych therapy? Hisagi felt he didn't need it… definitely didn't want it, but one did not question orders from Captain Retsu Unohana.

More than anyone, Isane was aware of how Hisagi felt about the 4th division captain. Captains Juushiro Ukitake and Kyōraku Shunsui, two of the oldest Shinigami in Soul Society were also intimidated by the petite brunette. Genryūsai Yamamoto, the founder of the Gotei 13 and the one who had recruited Retsu Unohana, tolerated more from her than any other captain. It was a mystery how Unohana could speak so softly, smile so serenely, yet emit such a menacing aura.

Inching forward on one knee, Isane decided to take pity on Hisagi and deliver some good news. Reaching out, she cupped his chin in her hand and tilted his face up, forcing him to look at her.

"Therapy will be an hour each day in the East wing and…" Isane paused for effect, and then continued, "… since you're being discharged after the first session, Captain Unohana expects you to show up every day at the appointed time. No excuses!"

Hisagi's dark eyes grew wide as he realized what she was saying. "Discharged?" He repeated stupidly to match his expression. "Really?"

Isane smothered a giggle, a low, light tinkling sound, which reverberated and was reminiscent of the A chord of Hisagi's guitar.

"I thought you'd like hearing that," Isane smiled. Placing her hands on Hisagi's knees, using them as leverage to push back and stand. "I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist teasing," the medic continued to smile as she looked down on her patient. "The captain and I both know how badly you want to be out of here."

The hands at his knees created another jolt of awareness. From his peripheral vision, Hisagi watched Isane pick up the guitar, carry it to a chair at the foot of the bed and place it gently across the arms. The woman moved so silently, he noticed, not a sound, not even a flutter from her Shinigami robes.

Suddenly, she appeared in front of him again. Hisagi looked up just as Isane placed her hands lightly on his shoulders, gently encouraging him to lie down. "Therapy's not so bad." He heard her voice from somewhere above; he also felt sleepy all of a sudden. Hisagi felt the mattress at his back before he realized the medic had administered a sleeping agent.

"When…?" Hisagi inquired in a drowsed stupor. His eyes blinked rapidly, fighting to keep them open and focused on Isane.

"Sedation kidou." The medic answered smoothly as she leaned over him. Isane's hands lightly caressed Hisagi's shoulders as she continued to induce sedation. "Sorry, Shuhei-san, but this seems to be the only way to get you to listen to me. You will rest this time, my fellow Lieutenant," Isane spoke in low tones.

Hisagi had finally keyed into pulsating hum from Isane's spiritual energy and felt himself going under. Gentle hands kneaded, massaged, and caressed; his entire body felt good. Isane was so close; her warm breath, as well as her silver braids, stroked his face, and her soft, melodious voice was proving more of an aesthetic than the sedation.

For months, after the discovery of Aizen, Tosen and Gin's deceit and defection to Hueco Mundo, Hisagi had barely had a night of undisturbed sleep. In the absence of his former captain, Hisagi became the leader of his division, bearing all responsibility. As the chief editor of the Seireitei Communication magazine, member of the Men's Shinigami Association, and Lieutenant Yachiru's boy-Friday to the Women's Shinigami Association, Hisagi barely had time to think. And that was a good thing, as it had helped him cope these past few months. Practicing his guitar was the only outlet the Shinigami had.

"You don't appreciate good music," Hisagi murmured randomly, lulled deeper into slumber.

Isane raised an eyebrow at the offhanded comment. After a moment, she realized what he was referring to and decided to respond. "Yes, I do," she whispered, stopping the sedative massage. Her hands left his shoulders, slid down Hisagi's arms, and she clasped his hands in hers. "I have noticed you've improved, Shuhei-san. The lessons with Kurosaki-san's friend, Sado Yasutora, have really helped."

"Right… I'm… I'm good, right?" Hisagi's response was drawn out and slurred.

Isane smiled inwardly, knowing her charge was on his way to the land of slumber, and there was no need to worry about him roaming around the barracks.

As Isane moved to get up, she tried to disengage their hands, but her fingers were caught a tight grip. Suddenly, she was yanked forward and gave a surprised yelp as her upper body was thrown across Hisagi's. Arms, like bands of steel, encircled her waist to hold her in place. The two were face-to-face, breast-to-chest; wide grey eyes peered down into slits of drowsed grey. Isane could not understand; after the amount of sedative administered, how could he still move?

"Shu… Shuhei-san?" Isane began breathlessly, speaking casually while struggling to get free. However, Hisagi, even in a tranquilized state, held her fast.

"Stop," he moaned softly. The friction between their bodies was heightening his arousal. Although the thought was enticing, he would never…

"Isane-chan," he pleaded, in a hoarse whisper, "…hold still."

It wasn't the desperation in his voice, nor him addressing her informally, but the endearment added to her name that finally settled Isane. She stilled and looked down into his eyes, amazed how clear they appeared even though he was highly medicated.

Hisagi's arm crept from Isane's waist, placing a hand at the small of her back. The hand inched up towards her neck, and fingers plunged into Isane's tousled silver mane at the nape. Pulling her face even closer to his, the Shinigami whispered, "Since you were wondering…" Hisagi slurred, "… I'm damned good in bed!"

Isane groaned, realizing she had indeed spoken her thoughts aloud and worst… Hisagi had overheard.

Lips just inches apart, the two simply stared in each other's eyes. For both, lust-filled images permeated their thoughts. Unconsciously, Isane's lips parted in silent invitation. Hisagi noticed and responded by tightening his grip in her hair and pulling her closer. Isane sucked in a breath, closed her eyes, and waited.

Warm breath and the sound of light snoring had Isane opening her eyes. The woman gasped to find that Hisagi had finally responded to the effects of the sedative and had fallen asleep. Blushing furiously, she scrambled to get up, but even asleep, Hisagi still had her pinned down. Talk about pent-up frustration.

Twisting and turning, pushing, and pulling with no effect, Isane was afraid she would be stuck to Hisagi's chest until morning. Beads of sweat had appeared on her brow as she struggled with the drugged Shinigami.

"I can't believe this," Isane growled, exasperated between struggles.

"Neither can I," a voice announced from the doorway. "Is this a new kind of therapy, Kotetsu-san?"

Isane froze, recognizing the voice immediately. Swiveling her head to the side as best she could with Hisagi's fingers woven tightly in her hair, she angled her body against the bed to get a view of the doorway. Isane cringed to the see who was standing at the entrance to the room.

"Oh… eh, Unohana-taisho!" Isane feigned an over-bright smile and sent a theatrical wave to address her superior. "I would give a proper greeting, but as you can see, I'm a little tied up right now."

Til next chapter...