Hey! Here's the preface to my new fic! I want to see how you like it before continuing. Once I finish a few of my other fics I'll post more chapters. But plase review and tell me what you think! :)

Jushiro was sitting in his study, reading over a page in his favorite book. But he wasn't really paying attention to the words. He was pondering the conversation he had with the head captain a few hours earlier. So he would be getting a new lieutenant tomorrow... He hadn't had a lieutenant for about fifty years or so, ever since Kaien died. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. She was also to be his private doctor, sent directly from Squad Four by his wonderful friend, Retsu Unohana herself. Was she really that worried over him? True, he wasn't really feeling his normal self the past few days. In fact he had spent most of the week in his office, recuperating from a horrid attack he suffered. It had been one of the worst attacks he had. No wonder it sent Retsu in a tizzy fit. There wasn't anything romantic between them, just a friend worrying over another. It seemed that she worried more and more over the past few years. Though he said often that he was fine, Retsu would do her famous, or infamous, glare that sent chills up even the men of Squad Eleven. But even the head captain agreed that it was time Squad Thirteen found a new lieutenant, so Retsu immediately volunteered…. Jushiro picked up the report… Minako Ayazame. He continued reading.

Name: Minako Ayazame
Age: 227
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 126 Lbs.
Hair Color: Red/Orange
Hair Type: Wavy
Eye Color: Platinum/Silver
Body Type: Less than average
Skin Color: Very Light
Squad: Fourth Division, transferring to Thirteenth
Position: To be Lieutenant
Occupation: Thirteenth Division Captain's private physician and lieutenant
Marital Status: Unknown

Slowly Jushiro put together a picture of Minako as he read the description. She was also young. Well, young in Soul Society terms. Her eyes intrigued him. He hadn't met a soul reaper who had platinum colored eyes. As he closed the folder, he noticed a small piece of paper fall from it, landing face down on the floor. He bent down and picked it up, flipping it over. Ah, this was much better than imagining what she looked it. There was a picture of her. She was standing in her uniform, hair over one shoulder with her head tilted as she gave off a smile. She had rosy cheeks, with lips to match. Her orange/red hair seemed to make her face glow, giving her eyes a sparkle to them. He had to admit, she was beautiful. One thing he did notice, was that there was no ring on her fourth finger, "That's odd. How could so beautiful as her not be married?" of course, he knew many beautiful women, like Retsu, but also knew that they were married to their work, and wouldn't have time for a relationship. He thought himself that way as well. But he sighed, lowering his head, "Besides, no one would love a sick, dying man anyway." he placed the folder down on the coffee table and laid down on his bed mat in the bedroom stretch of his office. Glancing to the side, he saw the moon spilling its light in the room, illuminating his white hair. The hair that marked him a tuberculosis victim, that lung ailment he so despised, that turned his dark black locks into the snow white that was there to this day. The clock chimed midnight. Would time ever be on his side? It seemed like his life was ticking away, slowly being eaten by the disease. A thousand years is a lot once you think about it. He should at least be married by now, with children or even grandchildren. Was it the tuberculosis that kept him from the dating life? He didn't know. Jushiro put a flat hand on his chest, feeling the heart beat underneath. He listened as the koi fish splashed in the water outside the room. He could see the moon's reflection on the water as the liquid rippled in small, tranquil waves made by the fish's tails. He could hear the crickets and the chirps of other insects as he lay there. It was peaceful, calm. He closed his eyes of warm, milk chocolate brown, taking in the wonderful sounds of nature. He lifted a hand to his forehead. His fever was returning. It wouldn't be long until he had an attack. Maybe a few hours at least. Jushiro took a deep breath, soon settling into sleep.

Flesh slid along flesh, Minako Ayazame crying out in rapture as she tossed her head back, locks of flaming orange spilling over the pillow as her lover drove his flesh into hers. She had her arms wrapped about the neck of the chestnut haired man, fingers tangling in the locks as she pulled him flush against her. The man panted, his face pressed to her shoulder as his teeth latched onto her delicate and pale skin while his hips pushed his throbbing flesh deeper into Minako's trembling body. He lifted her legs higher about his waist, allowing him to deepen his thrusts within her. He almost growled, gripping her hips and pulling her against him as he thrust. He raised and watched as Minako cried out, hands gripping the sheets now. She raised her hips to meet his thrusts. One of his hands came to fondle a plush breast, a calloused thumb stroking over a hard nipple. Platinum colored eyes snapped open as another scattered cry came from her. He was fascinated at this woman as she writhed underneath him. He lowered his lips to claim hers, quickening his thrusts and soaking in her moans. He hissed as her nails dragged down his back, clinging to his sides. There would surely be crescent cuts on his side in the morning, but at the moment this man couldn't care less.

Minako couldn't think. Her mind was lusted over and cloudy from what this man was doing to her. How did he end up in her home again? Oh yeah, she invited him. He had been termed her 'boyfriend' for a few months now. She had invited him over for dinner. Although they were high ranking soul reapers, they did have time set aside for each other. Her thoughts were snapped when she felt coiling heat rise in her stomach. She groaned, arching her back in an attempt to press herself closer to him. Pale, smooth skin returned the gesture to her as he thrust even harder, feeling her flesh tighten and ripple about his hard member. Soon his lips captured hers as she cried out, her orgasm taking her. His thrusts continued, him groaning as well as his member was being squeezed by Minako's throbbing walls. Soon he lost it, pounding once, twice, three more times before stilling, spilling his seed within Minako's hungry womb.

He collapsed on top of her, panting deeply into her neck as they both caught their breaths. Minako slowly ran her hands along his back in soothing circles. She pressed a kiss to her lover's sweaty crown of dark brown locks. He slipped out of her, making her moan as he moved to the side, wrapping an arm about her waist. Her eyes opened lazily, a smile growing on her face as she reached up to touch his face. He leaned down and kissed her nose, making her giggle, "I love you... Sosuke..." she didn't hear his reply, for her body soon gave in to sleep. Not that there was a reply anyway.

THE NEXT MORNING

Typical. Minako knew he would be gone in the morning. He always was. Why he wanted to keep their relationship a secret she had no clue. With a yawn she sat up, the sheets falling to her waist and exposing her bare upper body. She ran fingers through her tangled hair, "It's always like him to run off." she slowly dragged herself from the bed, still a little tired from the previous night's activities. She held a pillow to her, burying her face in its softness. It still had remnants of his scent. She took a breath of it in, hugging the pillow closer to her. She took the sheets with her as she made her way to the bathroom. She reached into the shower and turned it on, setting the water to hot. Dropping the sheets, Minako stepped in, moaning as the water loosened muscles in her back. She reached up and stretched, wetting her hair in the process.

After she showered, she dressed in her uniform, tucked Zougeiro Hato into her sash, and headed out to Squad Four. It was still early sunrise, so she walked leisurely along the road to the Fourth Division. But eventually the building did come into view, the walls looking a light shade of pink from the early morning sun shining on it. Minako smiled, rushing her movements as she watched Captain Unohana walk along the outside of the building, "Captain!" she called, getting the kind captain's attention with the wave of her hand. She caught up to her, joining her side.

"How are you today Minako?" said woman shrugged, smiling widely.

"Excited, I guess. I hear Captain Ukitake is a kind man." Captain Unohana smiled and nodded, glancing at her soon-to-be ex-subordinate.

"He is very kind Minako. I've known him for most of my life. He's quite energetic too, so make sure he stays in bed when he has his attacks. He'll try to reassure you ten minutes after he has one that he's fin, and will try to get up." Minako giggled.

"I'll try Captain Unohana. Is there anything else I should know?" Captain Unohana put a finger to her chin, before she chuckled softly.

"You need to watch out for his third seats, Kiyone and Sentarou, They can get a little… territorial." Minako raised an eyebrow, "They often argue who respects Jushiro more and almost always end in a throat to throat battle. Plus they tend to get rowdy in the process. So when Jushiro does have his attacks, make sure they stay separated and quite. Sine he's getting a lieutenant, they won't need to do the lieutenant's job anymore. He also had a medicine that he takes with his tea. It should be one packet in one cup of tea every eight hours. He has enough for the month, so he should be fine in remembering. But do be careful, he hates my remedies." they both shared some more laughs, "Now, if you would like we can go ahead and go over to Squad Thirteen, get you settled in for your first day?" Minako nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea. Thank you."

He woke up coughing. It wasn't an attack, thank goodness. His throat was very dry however, probably the cause. He reached to the side and picked up his glass of water off the coffee table and drank a few gulps. Once his thirst was quenched, he slowly rose to sit up. He somehow felt worse. He felt his forehead. It was burning! Jushiro began to feel dizzy, and soon found himself lying down again. He could barely keep his eyes open, and his vision was hazy. This wasn't the way he wanted to wake up. His energy felt completely drained from his body. He didn't feel strong enough to even sit up anymore, much less move. His breathing was shallow… it was so hard to breath…

Captain Unohana noticed that it was quiet around Squad Thirteen. That was odd. Usually Jushiro would be out and about by now doing… something. She got Minako's attention by rushing through the halls, "Captain Unohana?" she asked as she tried to follow. She went straight for Jushiro's office, bursting through the door to find the office empty, "Captain!" Minako said again, once more being ignored. She ran after her captain as she went in the back, through the sliding doors and into the bedroom like complex. She heard Captain Unohana gasp. She ran in, stopping at the door. Jushiro was passed out on the bed mat, his skin pale.

"Minako! Go get a damp cloth! Now!" Minako was surprised at her captain's tone of voice, "Minako! Cold rag now!" she snapped out of her thoughts and found the bathroom, quickly finding a hand rag and plunging it under the water. She ran back out and handed it to Captain Unohana, who placed it on his forehead. Minako sat on the bed and held Jushiro in her lap while Captain Unohana took the needle cap off a syringe.

"Where did you get that-?"

"Doesn't matter. Get his arm out of his sleeve." Minako nodded and managed to get his arm through. Captain Unohana rubbed a sterile wipe over his arm before plunging the needle in, quickly injecting the liquid within, "This is another form of his medicine. When it gets this bad he needs a direct dose through injection, to get it into his system faster. There's a supply of these in the drawers beside the bed. I keep them here just in case. He should be alright now, just keep the rag pressed to his forehead. I'm going to run back to Fourth really fast to get some ice compressions. You wait here." Minako nodded, and with a flash step Captain Unohana was out of his office. Minako looked down at the man currently still passed out in her lap and arms. The color was returning to his cheeks and flesh, his breathing stabilizing. She pressed to fingers to his jugular. His pulse was returning to normal also. She brushed some long white hair from his face. He looked peaceful now, like he was sleeping. She absentmindedly kept petting his head, smoothing down the white locks from their tangled state.

"You poor thing. Having this disease. It must be terrible." she slightly smiled, "Well, I'll be here now, so you don't worry." she heard a little grunting noise, and looked to see his eyes opening. Noticing that someone was holding him, he turned his head to see Minako smiling softly at him, "Hey, you gave Captain Unohana and me a fright." he raised a hand to his cheek.

"What happened." she shrugged.

"We don't know. We found you unconscious here. Captain Unohana had to use a syringe of your medicine to help you. You looked like you were dead." she spoke so softly, still keeping that soft smile on her features, "How are you feeling?" she put her hand on his forehead, "You're still a little warm." he smiled at her.

"I feel much better, thank you. You must be Minako." she nodded.

"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to being you lieutenant." he nodded once before giving a short cough. Minako reached over and picked up the glass of water, "Here, drink this." she tipped up the glass and he slowly drank the water, "There we go." he smiled lightly at her, coughing gently. Minako took a rag and dabbed it over the corner of his mouth. Her other hand still played with his hair.

"You seem fascinated with my hair." Jushiro said with a weak chuckle as Minako pulled her hand away, beginning to blush. She giggled slightly in return.

"Sorry. I don't know what it is. I like to play with people's hair. I used to do my mother's hair when I was little. I guess that brought the habit out." she twisted a stray lock around her index finger, "I like your hair. It's really soft." Platinum met brown as their eyes locked into each others.

"You like my hair?" she nodded once, allowing her hand to continue its play through his white mane, "I don't think I know anyone who's openly said they like my hair." she frowned, her hand stopping once again.

"I'm sorry. Was I out of line?" he chuckled, shaking his head.

"Not at all. I just haven't heard a compliment about my hair in years. I myself don't like it at times." up went an orange eyebrow, Minako tilting her head to the side.

"Really? May I asked why?" he sighed, looking away.

"It reminds me everyday of the illness I posses. It reminds me of what holds me back." his eyes widened when he felt a gentle palm press to his cheek, then turn his gaze back to hers.

"I think that it helps make you, you. Even if you do have tuberculosis, from what I heard, you're kind, loyal, loving, a devoted captain, and you have a wonderful personality. And you're also very handsome, with beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile. Don't let one kink in the chain keep you from wearing it. It makes it even more special, in here." she pressed the palm to his chest, feeling the string heart beating within. They both turned upon hearing the panel door slide open, Captain Unohana walking in with multiple ice compressions in a medical bag. She sat beside Jushiro and pressed one to his forehead after Minako got rid of the rag.

"Here you go. That should be cooler. How are you feeling?" Jushiro shrugged.

"I feel much better, thanks." she nodded, inspecting his face.

"The color is coming back to your cheeks. The medicine must be working already. That's good. Just keep these pressed to your forehead and it should help bring the fever down." she suddenly got a serious look in her eyes, "Now Jushiro, I don't want to hear any buts. Until you're over this little scare, I want you to live in Minako's residence. I want her to keep an eye on you and make sure this doesn't happen again. Can you do that Minako?" said woman nodded, "Now, for today I want you to rest Jushiro. Minako, don't let neither of his third seats near him. Even lock the doors if you have to. Make sure they don't disturb him."

"Yes mamm." Captain Unohana stood up and dusted off her kimono.

"I'll head back now. I'll come back later and check in. Jushiro can show you where his medicine is. AS of right now the transfer isn't final. So you won't be going to any lieutenant's meetings until after a few months. I'll come back tomorrow and see how you're doing." with that she left for a final time. Minako turned her attention back to Jushiro.

"Well, you heard her. Back to bed. You need to rest. I'll do your work for today." Jushiro tried to protest, but was quiet in defeat when gentle hands pushed him back down, "No no, you're going to stay right here." he smirked.

"In your lap?" Minako blushed, sucking in a breath. That's right… he was still laying on her lap.

"No." she replied while chuckling, moving out from under his head to sit in the chair beside the bed mat. He sat up and leaned against the wall and a few pillows.

"Can I ask you a question?" she nodded, "How can a woman as beautiful as you, be single?" she smiled, shaking her head slowly.

"Actually, I am in a relationship." he raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" she nodded.

"Yes. But because of our ranks as soul reapers he prefers to keep it a secret for now. Though we have been 'dating' for a few months now. I don't know what is so bad about it. It's not like we're breaking any laws." she shrugged, sighing, "What about you? You're a strikingly handsome man. How come there isn't a ring on your finger?" she tilted her head towards his hand, "Isn't there a lucky woman in your life?" he shook his head, turning his eyes away.

"I haven't really looked. I mean, who wants to be in a relationship with a sick man who coughs up blood?" she smiled at him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sure she's out there. You just have to find her."

TO BE CONTINUED

Zougeiro Hato- White Dove

Please review!