CHAPTER 20
A Decision

Days soon turned into weeks, the cold December days dragging on. Sakura was growing rapidly, as Captain Unohana and Minako said she would do. Now the child was around 3 and a half weeks old, and was looking more and more like her mother, despite her deep, milky chocolate eyes.

The door to Minako's home opened to a quiet downstairs, but the white haired captain and resident could hear cooing upstairs. With a chuckle, he closed the door, hung his haori on the hook, and made his way upstairs. A smile crept over his features as he watched Minako sitting on the bed, looking down and playing a game of peek-a-boo with her daughter, who was giving little cackles and gurgles at the woman's silly sounds. He went to them and sat on the bed, wrapping an arm around Minako and drawing her to him, where he could easily kiss her forehead, "Good evening. How have you two been today?" she shrugged, reaching down to scoop her baby into her arms. But Sakura had none of that. The second Jushiro acknowledged her presence by smiling to her, she pouted out her little lower lip and whimpered.

"Alright! Alright!" Minako said with a chuckle as she passed the infant to the man's welcoming arms, who quieted almost instantly as she was snuggled into his arms. She pecked his cheek, smiling to him, "Well, Sakura spent most of the day napping, so I snagged the opportunity to nap as often myself." he smirked, glancing down to the child who would one day call him father.

"That's good. You've needed some rest. Perhaps tomorrow Tokinei could baby-sit and you could go somewhere in the Rukongai to get a nice massage and spa day." she raised an eyebrow, "There's a wonderful spa in the first district if you would like to schedule a few things." she thought about it for a moment before shaking her head.

"Nah... I'd rather be with Sakura... She needs me." she murmured quietly, reaching over to trail a finger over the infant's cheek. Jushiro nodded, but glanced between the two girls.

"Yes, but there's a time where you need some personal time. Maybe two or three hours tops? Maybe get your nails done?" she giggled, looking to him.

"I'll think about it." he smiled, leaning over to kiss her cheek, "I just... I've never been away from her for that long..." his features softened, and he cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking the soft flesh.

"It'll be alright. Tokinei will take good care of her while you relax and have a good massage." she leaned to his touch, her eyes closing.

"Alright... I'll go."

Minako sighed as she walked into her home. She felt beyond relaxed, returning from the four hour spa day that Jushiro had arranged for her. But even though she was meant to relax the entire day, she couldn't help but think back about Jushiro and Sakura. She had a blast, but she was ready to be home with them.

The sun had just begun to set, and she found all the lights in the house off. But she saw the flickering from the fireplace and followed it to the den, where she could only smile. Jushiro was laying on his stomach on the couch, his head resting on a folded arm, while the other dangled off of the couch. Beside him, on the floor, little Sakura also slept peacefully on a mat made of blankets, a small pillow on each side of her to keep her from moving too much. Jushiro had appeared to have been stroking her arm just before dozing off, seeing as his hand was lightly touching Sakura's arm. Slowly she bent down to pick up the baby, silently carrying her upstairs to place her in her crib. She turned on the monitor and made her way back downstairs. She knelt beside the couch, reaching out to brush a lock of his white hair from his features, "Jushiro?" she whispered quietly, almost giggling when he gave a small grunt in reply, "Jushiro." she said a little louder. After a few seconds, tired brown eyes parted into slits, him replying with a 'hhmmm'. She chuckles, stroking his hair, "I just wanted to tell you that I was home." the corners of his lips curled into a small smile.

"How was it?" came his deep, sleepy voice. She shrugged.

"It was relaxing. But I'm glad to be home." she kept her voice quiet, not wanting to fully awaken him, "I'll let you rest if you want to." his smile grew, and he took her hand, pulling her closer to him.

"Rest with me..." her eyes widened.

"Jushiro..." she didn't have time to protest. Jushiro had already pulled her into his arms, draping the blankets over them. Now that she wasn't pregnant, it was a whole lot easier to lay on the couch with him. He held her close, giving a sigh as he settled a cheek to the crown of her hair.

"We both missed you today." he murmured into her hair as his eyes drifted closed, "Sakura doesn't particularly like a bottle..." Minako chuckled, a hand resting on his chest.

"She just needs to get used to it, that's all... She's still too young to start on one, though today you really had no choice." he smirked, nodding slightly.

"Yes. I fear I lack the appendages needed for that job." this time Minako gave a louder laugh, causing him to laugh as well. She moved to her elbows, looking at him. The platinum eyed woman reached up to cup his cheek before brushing his bangs from his features, "You're still the same from when we met..." she blinked, raising an eyebrow, "You still like to play with my hair." she shrugged, leaning down to peck his lips.

"I love playing with people's hair..." shs gave a soft smile, "Whenever we had ill at Squad Four, and we knew they weren't going to make it, I would visit them, and while we were speaking, I would ask if they wanted me to fix their hair. Most said yes, so I would play with their hair while we continued to talk. It would make them really happy. I guess that habit hasn't left." Minako shrugged, retracting her hand. He smiled, leaning up to brush his lips over hers.

"That's very sweet. Though I don't think I'll be going anywhere anytime soon." her eyes widened and she shook her head.

"No! I didn't mean that I played with your hair because I thought you were going to die!" he chuckled, nodding.

"I know Minako. I'm just teasing." she stuck her tongue out at him, making him smirk as he drew her back to him.

"It's almost dinner time... Do you want anything?" he shook his head, looking down to her.

"I'm fine at the moment. But if you're hungry then we can eat." she shrugged, sitting up to run her fingers through her hair. A deep blush grazed her cheeks as her stomach chose that exact moment to let out a large grumble, which caused him to laugh.

"Sounds like someone was just caught in a little white lie." she shrugged, giving him a smirk.

"Maybe I just wanted to lay here a little while longer." Minako whispered, moving to wrap her arms around his chest as she rested a cheek to his shoulder. He gave a small smile and reached up to stroke her hair.

"I wouldn't want to starve you." he said with a slight chuckle in his voice. With a reluctant sigh, Minako sat up, giving a stretch of her back.

"Alright. What would you like? Your favorite?" she smiled at him. He nodded, licking his lips as he sat up as well.

"That sounds wonderful." Minako gave a single nod of her head and stood, heading to the kitchen. Right as she began to cook, she heard a crying sound from upstairs. Jushiro was by her side in a simple flash step, his lips pressing to the back of her head, "Go tend to Sakura. I'll set things up down here." she sighed silently and nodded, heading upstairs.

"Alright sweetheart, what's wrong-?" she stopped dead in her tracks, a gasp escaping her lips. Her platinum eyes widened, her heart skipped what seemed like a whole life time of beats, as she looked into dark brown eyes as they turned to glance at her. The eyes of the man she hadn't seen for six months, the man who left her, "Sosuke…" her voice barely managed to whisper. Her eyes widened more as he held the cooing infant in his arms. Suddenly she felt braver, her protective side kicking in, "Put… Her… Down…" she growled. Though she was terrified, she would act strong if it meant getting her child out of that man's arms. Sosuke simply turned to face her, holding Sakura close to his chest.

"Is it so wrong for the father to come see his child, Minako?" his voice was smooth, like velvet. She could remember perfectly how wonderful that voice had sounded before he left, how comforting it was when she was upset over the silliest of things, "Who are you to deny me my right to see my daughter, Mina?" she gritted her teeth at the old nickname.

"Is it so wrong to after all that you've done to me…? To the Sereitei?" the man simply chuckled… the bastard…

"All in good timing my dear." he placed Sakura back into her crib and he turned back to her, that damn grin still on his features. He looked so… menacing now that he wore no glasses and his hair was slicked back. Minako could feel tears stinging her eyes as she took a quivered breath.

"Please… Just leave…" the man gave another chuckle.

"I'll leave for now, my dear Minako. But don't expect this to be the last time you will see me. Spend every minute with him. You never know when it'll be your last." in a matter of a second, the man disappeared in a flash step through the balcony doors that led from Sakura's room. Minako took scattered breaths as she rushed to Sakura's crib, reaching down and gently gathering the child into her arms. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she held her to her chest. She slowly sank to her knees, rocking back and forth.

"J-Jushiro…!" she cried out softly, "Jushiro!" she shouted in a stronger voice. A few seconds passed before she heard footsteps running up the stairs, Jushiro running into the room.

"Minako? What is it?" he saw said woman on the ground and went to her side, kneeling down, "Minako-?"

"He was here! He was standing in here! He was holding Sakura! I didn't know what to do…!" she sobbed, shaking her head. Jushiro looked at her in confusion.

"Who was here? What are you talking-?"

"Sosuke! He was in here! I walked in and he was standing here with Sakura in his arms!" his eyes widened and he looked down to the child.

"Is she alright?" she nodded, leaning to Jushiro, who wrapped his arms around her.

"She's fine… We're both fine." she sniffled, then shook her head, "I'm so scared." he shushed her, his hands stroking her back.

"It's alright now… I'm here…" he whispered to her, "Come on… let's go downstairs." she nodded and stood with him, leaning to him slightly as they walked down into the kitchen. She sat down in one of the chairs at the table, holding Sakura close to her. The baby had surprisingly stayed calm and didn't cry during and after the ordeal. After a few minutes the meal was finished and Jushiro took her a bowl, "Here…. Eat a little." he held out his arms, "Let me hold Sakura." she looked between her baby and Jushiro, and he smiled to her, "It's alright… You're both safe…" she gave a single nod and slowly passed her daughter to him, then picked up the chop sticks and ate a few bites. She finished the bowl and looked to him, not so much as a smile.

"Done…" she murmured. She reached for Sakura, and Jushiro slipped her back into Minako's awaiting arms without a protest. He got himself a bowl and ate quickly, then took both dishes to the sink. He went back to her, holding out a hand.

"Let's get some needed rest, alright…?" she nodded slightly and took his hand, standing up. He went into the den and got the cradle swing, taking it upstairs with them and placing it in the bedroom, "Let Sakura sleep in here. That way you won't be worried over her." she took Sakura to the swing and placed her in it, setting it on a barely swinging setting that kept her the most calm at night, and turned it on. Jushiro went to her side when she stood, drawing her into his arms. She curled to his form, burying her head to his shoulder as she trembled in his embrace. He stroked her hair, "Shh… It'll all be over soon." he murmured tenderly to her. He led her to the bed and turned out the lights, turning down the covers. She crawled into bed, curling into a ball. A frown touched the captain's lips as he watched her. He sat on the bed, reaching out to cup her cheek. He leaned down and kissed her lips gently, sweetly. She didn't respond at first, her lips just limp against his. Then she slowly began to kiss back, her arms wrapping around his neck. Her lips played against his in a heated war of passion. She panted into the kiss, slanting her lips as her body arched to him. After a few seconds, the kiss ended, leaving both in need of air. He panted softly as he looked to her, cupping her cheeks. He rested his forehead to hers, his thumb stroking the soft flesh of he cheek, "I'll kill him…" he whispered to her, "I'll kill him… I swear to you." he looked into her eyes. She bit her bottom lip as she nodded, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to pull him into an embrace.

"I love you…" she whispered to him. He smiled to her, a kind, warm smile that not even Sosuke Aizen could manage to fake so well.

"And I love you…"

THE NEXT DAY

Entering the bedroom, Jushiro found it eerily quiet as he entered his office. Minako sat on the floor by the balcony doors to that looked over the lake behind the home. She was staring blankly into space, just gazing outside. Sakura lay in the small bassinet by her bed, content and asleep with the small mobile chiming softly above, "Minako?" he said softly, startling her from her thoughts. She looked to him, her eyes red from trying to stop her tears. She stood, smoothing down her shihakusho and giving him a sad smile.

"I'm… I'm alright." she sniffled, shaking her head a bit as she gathered her thoughts. He filled slightly with worry, moving closer to her.

"What's wrong dear?" he moved a step closer.

"Stop…" she said suddenly, stopping him in his tracks, "This can't work… I just…" she put a hand to her forehead.

"What can't work?" he blinked, reaching out, "Minako?"

"I can't..." she whispered, shaking her head as she fought off tears. Jushiro tipped his head, looking at Minako in confusion.

"You can't do what?" he asked, stepping closer to her. Minako took a step away from him as he tried to move to her side.

"I can't do this to you..." Minako looked to the floor of the bedroom, trying hard to fight off the tears brimming her eyes, "I can't trap you like this..." came her broken whisper. Jushiro blinked, still confused at her words. Once again he tried to move to her, only to have her once more step away.

"Minako, what are you talking about?" he reached out a hand to her, trying to brush his knuckles over her cheek. She swatted his hand away before turning her back to him, quickly wiping a tear away from her cheek before he noticed.

"This... This whole situation... I can't trap you in it anymore... I don't want to live a lie anymore and drag you along with it..." his eyes widened slightly, his pupils growing small in those chocolate irises, "Because one day word will get out that I lied about Sakura's father... And then you will be in trouble too because you were part of the lie. I can't stand here and watch you be punished for my mistake." her voice began to crack as she fought back sobs. Jushiro shook his head.

"Sakura is not a mistake Minako-" she swiftly cut him off.

"I wasn't talking about Sakura! I was talking about Sosuke! My mistake of ever trusting him! My mistake of loving him! My mistake of falling in love with you when I knew I shouldn't have!" Jushiro could have sworn he felt his heart crack. He stepped back, his gaze lowering to the floor.

"I see... Maybe we shouldn't have gone past a business level relationship then." Minako silently gasped, her eyes going wide. She spun around, a fist to her chest.

"That's not what I meant Jushiro!" he looked back up, surprised to see tear streaks on her ivory cheeks, "I'm just so confused... I lose Sosuke, find out I'm pregnant with his daughter, I fall in love with my own captain, and then he suddenly shows up last night saying to spend all the time I have left with you and now... With the coming war..." her voice quivered, cracking slightly, "I may lose you too... I can't bear that..." another tear rolled down her cheek. His eyes softened as he looked at her. Slowly he stepped to her, yet this time Minako made no moves to back away. He wrapped his arms securely around her, holding her close to him. Minako buried her face into his neck as she curled to his body, crying softly. He rested his cheek to the top of her burnt orange locks, taking in a silent breath of her scent. Jushiro cradled her to him, a hand placed on the back of her head as his other arm was wrapped around her back.

"You won't lose me..." he whispered gently, "I promise you Minako... I'll come home. To you and to Sakura..." he kissed her temple, closing his eyes. In all honesty, he was petrified as well. What if he didn't make it? What if he died on the battlefield? He would never forgive himself. He... He loved this woman, and her precious daughter, with every fiber of his being. He felt the need to protect them as a fish had the need to have water. In such a short time, that baby girl brought two souls together who never thought about being together in such a way. But there was another fear in the man's heart. If this war didn't claim his life... then his Tuberculosis could. And it terrified the man. He could hear Minako's sniffles as she tried to stop her tears, "I'm scared too Minako..." he murmured into her hair, "My tuberculosis... I think it's become worse..." he spoke calmly, but his voice was threatening to leave him, "I'm scared that one day you'll wake up and I won't... And that I'll leave you on your own... Because of this stupid disease." she shook her head, glancing up to him.

"No... I'm here... As long as I am, I'm going to keep your health in check." she placed her hand over his chest, "I won't let something as meager as this take you away..." he smiled, giving a soft chuckle before dipping his head down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. One of her hands came to take hold of the back of his neck, the other trailing through his snow white locks. He cupped her cheeks, using his thumbs to dry the remaining tears. He gave a small chuckle when a baby's cry was heard, breaking the kiss. She looked towards the bassinet.

"Guess that's my cue." he shook his head, holding a hand up.

"Let me take care of her. Why don't you go take a shower?" she bit her bottom lip before nodding, turning to head towards the shower. She sighed as she closed the bathroom door, leaning against it. Why had she been so worried? She knew he would respond this way, and refuse to leave her and Sakura. It was the kind of man he was. Slowly she peeled her clothes from her exhausted body, tired from a day of working. She turned on the shower and stepped in, sighing as the hot water ran over her body. She looked down, a frown taking over her features.

"Ugh... Having a baby really destroys a woman's figure... It'll take forever to lose all this weight..." she poked her stomach, which still had a small pudge to it, "Captain Unohana forgot to tell me the bad part about this..." she grumbled, brushing a wet lock of hair behind her ear, "I must be at least 155 pounds or something... I'm such a fatty..." she closed her eyes, letting the hot water soak her damp hair, turning it to a deep red color. Minako's eyes widened and she squeaked when she felt bare arms wrap around her, pulling her to where a bare chest pressed against her back. She glanced behind her, "J-Jushiro! What are you doing?" she asked in a high pitched voice. He smiled softly, kissing her shoulder.

"I haven't seen anything I shouldn't Minako..." he said quietly, "And trust me, my body is covered in ugly scars from previous battles." he nuzzled his face to her neck, "As I have said many times before, you are a beautiful woman... And you have only become more so after you became a mother. These changes are for the best Minako... If you don't like it, then who am I to decide what you do to change it?" she shrugged, leaning back against him, "No matter how you look, I'll be right here..." he held her a little tighter, "Right beside you." he kissed her neck tenderly. Minako didn't answer for a few moments, just thinking over what he had just said. Finally, she sighed, looking away to the shower wall.

"It still doesn't change the fact that my body is so hideous now..." she murmured. She blinked when she heard a rumbling chuckle that vibrated from his chest through her back.

"Have you never heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" he answered softly into her ear, leaning up a bit to kiss her cheek, "Let me be your beholder." his hands began to skim over her body, "But this time, my eyes shall be closed... Until you allow me to see you this way." his hands slowly went up her sides and around to her stomach. She sucked in a quiet breath, biting her lower lip, "It's alright..." he whispered. His tender touch continued to roam her body, "Your skin feels so soft." he said as he rested his chin to her shoulder. His hands skimmed up her belly, but stopped just beneath her breasts. He wasn't about to tread on waters that would make Minako uncomfortable, if she wasn't already. Jushiro returned to kissing her neck, smirking slightly when he heard a soft moan in reply to his lips caressing her flesh. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him, "According to my hands... you are more than perfect... I'm sure my eyes will agree." Minako couldn't help but shudder at his words as she suppressed another moan. She felt her knees shake as if they were about to give out on her. Never before had a man given her so much emotion in such little time like this shower, including Sosuke. Jushiro was sending floods of emotion through Minako every second.

Before Jushiro could register her movements, she had turned, her arms thrown around his neck as her lips attacked his in a passionate embrace. His eyes widened for a few seconds before he responded, dipping his head lower so he could deepen the kiss. His arms went around her waist, drawing her flush against him as the hot water cascaded over their bodies. The man almost groaned at the feel of her bare chest pressed against his. Minako was surprised when she felt fabric at her waist, and as they broke for air, she glanced down. He was wearing simple sleep pants that just went to the knees. Minako leaned against him, setting a cheek to his bare chest, "I don't care..." she whispered, making him raise an eyebrow.

"Don't care? About what?" he asked, tipping his head to the side. She looked up at him.

"About you not seeing anything. I don't care if you do..." she said quietly, "Sosuke pretty much ruined my dignity, so it doesn't matter anymore." a frown touched the captain's lips as he ran her words through his head. He reached up to cup her cheek.

"You have a lot of dignity Minako... Don't let one man ruin your life." she gave a slight smile, nodding slowly, "Now, how about we get dried off and go sit in front of the fire with a good poetry book?" she chuckled, nodding.

"That sounds great."

Darkness roamed the night sky. Crickets softly chirped as the breeze silently blew through the trees, making the leaves rustle and scratch against one another. Minako lay in her bed in a deep sleep, wrapped securely in the blankets, as well as Jushiro's welcoming arms. She had her head propped on his chest, her arms around his waist. Soon that peaceful slumber was unsettled when a shrill cry rang throughout the home. After a few seconds, Minako stirred, giving a soft moan as she rolled off Jushiro, "Your turn..." she mumbled, slapping his chest lightly. He cracked a brown eye open.

"My turn? Wasn't I the last person to feed her?" Minako smirked, pointing to her chest.

"As far as I know, I'm the one with the boobs, therefore I fed her last. Ere go, it's your turn." Jushiro rolled his eyes and chuckled, sitting up.

"Alright, alright. I'll go." he stood and put on his robe, tying it loosely around his waist as he went to Sakura's room. He opened the door and went to her crib where the crying infant lay. He glanced at the clock and sighed, "2:47 A.M... Goodness Sakura." he smirked, reaching down to pick her up. He cradled her to his chest, bouncing her slightly as he walked around the room, humming a soft tune. After about ten minutes, Sakura slowly fell back asleep. Jushiro gently placed her back in her crib and returned to his bedroom, where Minako lay, who was once more sleeping. He crawled into bed behind her, drawing her to him. He kissed her brow, yawned, and drifted back into sleep.

Jushiro sat at his desk, a worried expression on his features. The war was mere days away, and he was petrified. He glanced to the side, smiling ever so slightly as he watched Kiyone and Minako giggling over Sakura, who was currently laying in Minako's lap. He cleared his throat, standing and going over to them, "Kiyone? Would you mind watching Sakura for a few moments? I need to talk to Minako for a few minutes." Kiyone nodded, receiving the baby into her arms. Minako looked up to Jushiro with a questionable expression. After Kiyone left, Minako stood and went to his side.

"Jushiro? Are you alr-?" she gave a small squeak when he suddenly kissed her. But it wasn't a rough kiss. It was more gentle, almost like he was begging. He ended the kiss and looked at her, a serious expression on his face, "What was that for...?" she asked with a small blush growing on her cheeks. Jushiro held her by her shoulders.

"I've... been thinking..." he said softly, a sad tone in his voice, "Minako... I may die in this war..." he said softly, not meeting her gaze when her eyes widened, "And... If I don't-" she put a finger to his lips, shaking her head.

"Don't... Don't say that..." she whispered, her voice quivering, "You'll be fine..." he took her hand.

"I don't know that... You know my attacks come most when I'm over excerpting myself... If I fight too long, I could have an attack, and my enemy could take that as an opportunity to strike me down..." Minako shook her head continually, tears brimming her eyes.

"Stop saying that..." her voice began to crack, "Don't say stuff like that..."

"But I don't make it... I want you and Sakura to be happy... Tokinei would help you a lot since I wouldn't be there to-" a small sob from Minako broke his words and she clamped his mouth shut with a hand.

"Stop saying that like you're already dead! You're a captain! And tuberculosis or not, you're strong! You're strong Jushiro!" he felt guilt run through his body as he saw tears streak her cheeks, "You can't talk like this... Please... You can't die... I love you..." she whispered the last three words before wrapping her arms around him, crying into his shoulder. He didn't mean for her to cry, but he had been thinking about the war since she confessed her love for him. He kissed her temple, holding her tightly to him. He buried his features into her hair, rocking her from side to side.

"Shhh… Don't cry… That's Sakura's job." Minako choked out a chuckle, looking up to him. He used his thumbs and brushed away her tears, "No more tears… It breaks my heart to see you cry." he murmured to her. After a few seconds she calmed, relaxing against his form, "Are you alright…" she nodded, resting her cheek to his shoulder, "Good… I need to take some paperwork to Shunsui. Think you can run the squad for half an hour?" she giggled, nodding and smiling to him.

"Yeah. I think I can. You go on ahead." she stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek, "I'll finish up the other paperwork here." he gave a nod of his head before gathering the papers to be delivered. With a final kiss, he departed form the division.

Shunsui nearly spewed the sake he had been sipping as his childhood friend spoke to him. His grey/brown eyes wide as he looked to Jushiro, who simply blinked in shock at his friend's action, "Are you serious?" Shunsui asked with a cough, coughing into the crook of his elbow. Jushiro's eyes calmed as he nodded.

"Yeah… I'm being serious Shun." came his calm voice. Shunsui sat back, his eyes still filled with shock after what he just heard.

"Are you sure you're ready for that? I mean… you don't think it's too soon?" Jushiro shrugged.

"Not really. I mean, considering everything that has happened recently." Shunsui chuckled, pouring himself a cup of sake, then pouring one for Jushiro as well. The man took the cup and gave it to him, lifting his own, "Then a toast." Jushiro smiled, nodding and clinking the cups.

"Then I guess it's settled…. Since I don't know the outcome of this war, I guess I'll ask the day before." he looked out the window, "I'm going to ask for her hand in marriage."

Yay! An update! I'm sorry it had taken so long. If any of you don't know, there was a series of tornados to go through the state of Alabama on April 27th, and it caused my power to go out for 3 days. . So I was writing most of it on my phone (go iPhones! :P ) So it had been slow in writing this, and because school had been hell for the past few weeks. But! My last day was today! *cheers* So I am OFFICIALLY a senior, and it's summer! Which means (maybe) more updates more often! :D

But anyway, Jushiro's gonna propose now! :) Or will he get the chance? *gets swifty eyed* Only time will tell! Oh, and I'm going to put up a (hopefully) hilarious pole up, so please go vote just for kicks and giggles. xD Also, would any of you just totally hate my guts if I paired Jushiro and Retsu like, back in the Academy days? Just an old memory(ies) to go back on when Minako goes to visit Unohana? It won't be like, "Minako, you cannot have him because I'm still in love with him!" crap. Lol. Nothing will come to tha pairing... Unless I do a one-shot for them... I'm obssed with that pairing. LOL. Tell me what you think in your reviews! They are greatly appreciated! :D