Author's Notes: Set after the defeat of Aizen but before the Reigai and Lost Substitude arc. Ichigo lost his powers right after the fall of Aizen but they were revived shortly after he lost them. The idea of why he regained his powers will be later explained. The characters Beck, Sasha and Sasha ex's husband are mine. All other characters belong to Tite Kubo. I had this story up once before, but took it down as I've done some major re-hauling, changing characters and expanded it further.

Forbidden Love
Chapter 1

With the defeat of Captain Aizen, everyone thought Gin had parish, but thanks to Orihime, she was able to bring him back and heal his wounds as if he was never killed. He was grateful but at the same time wanted to die because now he had to answer for his crimes. Gin wasn't the only Orihime saved. Though there wasn't much left of Kaname, she was able to use her powers to bring back Kaname just like she had done with one of the Arrancars Grimmjow had killed. All she needed was their blood and from that, her powers were able to reconstruct the body.

Gin and Kaname's lives were spared but the two were made accountable for their actions and were sent to prison for a time. Both gave a plea bargain of being controlled. Aizen had Gin controlled from the time he first became a Soul Reaper little over 100 years ago and where Aizen had created his own Hokyoku, he was able to place Kaname under his control as well, but the blind man never seen it happen, until his death.

While the debate was still out on what to do with the traitors, a new and terrible face appeared in Heuco Mundo, claiming what Aizen once had. Now the word was out this new foe was after very strong spiritual energies on Earth, but no one knew who the new sovereign was. Getting the aide of Kisuke once again, who lived in the World of the Living, Kisuke was able to get sights on all high spiritual energies in Karakura Town.

In light of this new threat, Head Captain Yamamoto began organizing teams to search out these high-spirited humans for protection. But there was one who kept eluding Kisuke's radar. Though he could sense this person, sometimes the person's spiritual pressure would suddenly disappear and then reappear later. It was very peculiar and it reminded him of Ichigo when his would fluctuate before he learnt to control it.

Wanting to get this matter dealt with, Head Captain Yamamoto, in his office, called forth one of his best former students, Jushiro Ukitake to meet with him in private. Most of the other Captains were busy. They were either dealing with picking up the slack with the three Squads who had no Captains or helping their Squad members with those they needed to protect.

"You wanted to see me?" Jushiro asked as he walked into the room. He was the only Captain who really didn't have a task to deal with. Since the battle with the Arrancars, and was recuperating from his injuries by Coyote Starrk, Jushiro was dealing with matters of a personal issue. With Captain Unohana busy healing those wounded in the battle, Jushiro was dying and had no one able to attend to his injuries. Orihime, wanted to help him since he was the one who housed her during her stay in the Soul Society when she trained for the war.

"Yes, I have an assignment for you, since your health has been good as of late."

"When Orihime Inoue healed me from my wounds after the battle with the Arrancars, she seemed to have partially healed my illness as well. I don't ever remember feeling this healthy before."

"So I've been told," Yamamoto nodded. "Ever since you were a toddler, you have had an extremely rare illness and now to have most of that illness gone, it has to be an amazing feeling for you. But that isn't why I called you."

"Of course, sir."

"Jushiro, you know I've been sending teams to the World of the Living, setting up protections to those with extremely high spiritual pressure. I now require your assistance in searching for one in Karukara Town. This one keeps going off the sensors. Not even Squad 12 can track it down."

"Why me, sir?" he asked, perplexed to be given such a mission. It had been an extremely long time since the last time he actually had a mission in the human world.

"The latest intelligence report states the person we are looking for is often found at the Town's library. Kisuke Urahara tells me there's a formal function tonight. Something called a 'grand re-opening' of the library. You are to go and check it out," Yamamoto ordered. With his explanation, he knew Jushiro would see why he was picked. Jushiro was a man who loved to read and when he wasn't sick, would spend many of his spare time, in the Seireitei's library.

Knowing there wasn't going to be any way to persuade the man out of the idea, Jushiro bowed his head. "Yes Head Captain. I will check it out right away," he responded. He turned away, leaving the office to retrieve his Soul Candy pack and travel to the human world where he would speak with Kisuke about going to the function at the library. It had been a long time since he had to travel to Earth and disguise himself as a human.

Upon telling Rukia he was leaving for a mission and placed her in charge of the squad until he returned, Jushiro left for the Living World, appearing easily in a park nearby Kisuke's shop. He swiftly made his way to the man's shop who, after considering his options with Aizen gone, decided to remain in the Living World though his exile had been lifted. Kisuke had made himself very comfortable living in the human world, able to fit in quite nicely. He wanted to remain to continue helping as he had in the past, being the eyes and ears for the Soul Society.

"Kisuke Urahara?" Jushiro called, once entering the store. Immediately, he came upon two kids. "Oh, hello."

"You're from the Soul Society?" asked the boy.

"I am," Jushiro answered, confused.

Turning, he placed a hand close to his mouth. "Hey Mr. Kisuke!" he yelled. "One of your former associates is here!" He turned back to Jushiro. "He'll be here in a minute."

As the boy stated, Jushiro only had to wait a moment before he heard the voice of the former Squad 12 Captain.

"Well, well Captain Ukitake. I didn't expect you to pop around," responded Kisuke as he slid open the door that separated his shop from his house.

Jushiro looked up. "No. This is a surprise to me as well, but you know how it is when the Head Captain gives an assignment."

"I suppose you're right."

"I need your assistance. I'm in need of a gigai."

"Straight to the point, are you?" Yanking out his fan, Kisuke grinned. "You've come to the right place. I take it then you are here because of that one who keeps eluding the sensors?"

"I am," Jushiro nodded.

Kisuke nodded. "Ginta, go and get me a gigai for this good Captain."

"Right away," answered the boy as he rushed past the man, going to the back storage room.

Kisuke looked at the good Captain. "I'm surprised you were sent and not someone else."

"I am too, but apparently there was no one else. The Head Captain has many of us scattered throughout the world. I will also need something appropriate to wear. The one we're looking for may be at the function this evening."

"Oh yes. The Library," Kisuke replied. "After sometime of planning and fundraising, the library was able to expand. The event is more of a gala so that means you'll need a suit and tie for this function. In this world many people have dropped using kimonos for formal functions."

"That is what I was told by Renji and Rukia earlier today."

The two were interrupted when Ginta returned with the gigai. Getting a refresher course, Jushiro soon left to go and purchase a suit for the function tonight. Once getting what he needed, he left back to the Soul Society to get ready. He wanted Rukia's opinion on his looks before he left.

As Jushiro was getting ready, dressed in a gigai, Shunsui arrived at his estate to see him off. Jushiro was dressed in a nice black suit and tie, with Rukia giving him the final touches.

"Now this is something I've never seen before," Shunsui chuckled.

Rukia swiftly turned. "Captain Kyoraku!"

Jushiro turned to his friend. "Tell me about it. I've done some research on what the Head Captain wishes for me to do. I'm attending a human function."

"What sort of function?"

"Something about a grand reopening of a library," the white haired man commented. "There is one high spiritual human who keeps eluding everyone but sources have that one person we're looking for has been located at the library often."

Shunsui elbowed his friend. "Well just maybe you'll finally find your perfect match."

"Shunsui," Jushiro gasped with a nervous chuckle. "I highly doubt that. Besides you know relationships between Soul Reapers and humans is strictly forbidden."

"And yet young Ichigo and his two little sisters are results of one such as that," Shunsui added. "I'm only joking with you. Though it would be nice to see you settle down, now that you have a chance at life. You've already wasted your life and dedication to the Soul Society and your Squad."

Shaking his head, knowing he was right, Jushiro looked to his short friend. "Well I best be going. Rukia, how do I look?"

"Like a human," she answered. "And really good. Now remember what I told you. Do your best to mingle with the other humans."

Shunsui nodded. "Probably your best bet is to watch what the others do and perhaps spin it around to your style, but keeping it with human traditions."

"Good idea. Hopefully, I will only be gone a short time." Jushiro picked the coat he purchased, putting it on over his suit. Carefully, he flipped his hair out from the coat to let it drape down his back. He kept his hair down as he left for the Senkaimon.

/ - / - / - /

In her apartment, Sasha Rufleton was getting ready for the grand reopening of the town's library. The re-opening was a celebration for renovations made to the building as a new wing was built on. When the construction was completed, the library had to be closed for a month to allow the new wing to be connected to the main area from the inside.

Sasha was a young single woman with long auburn hair, which was pulled back in a twist. Her bangs were pulled back to either side of her face, showing off her blue eyes, which shone with excitement but her eyes also held deep wounds from a past she wasn't fond of speaking about. She stood five foot and five inches and with her heels, made her even taller.

To many she was a beautiful woman who was raised by her grandparents. There was one asset she had, which was something she wasn't always happy to have, and that was large breasts. Not as large as some she'd met but she was larger than many. Many men often ogled at her and it was something that disgusted her.

Two years ago, she ended her marriage and moved on with her life. She had married shortly after graduating high school at the age of 18 but after two years into the marriage, things began to slide down hill for her. For nearly four years her marriage became a life of hell. If she were still married, she'd be celebrating her 8th anniversary.

Her marriage from hell ended when she finally got the courage to run for help and file charges against her husband, which landed him in jail and finally she was free to live her life the way she had always wanted to. After leaving him, it only took one year for the divorce papers to be pushed through. Once unbound from her husband, she took a job at the town's library.

Giving herself one more look over in the mirror, she turned away and left her apartment to hail down a cab and left for the party. Even though she had her own car, she didn't want to drive when there was a risk she would be drinking tonight.

For several years, the library had wanted to expand but never had funds to do so. At least not until Sasha began to work there and was able to bring the library out of the rut it was in. With her help in raising enough money through time and effort, they were able to raise enough money to expand. One of her dreams was to see the library expand and it now was becoming the real deal. With her being a big part of the expansion, she was asked to attend in her own honor of a job well done.

Upon arriving at the library, the place was already bustling with people. The entrance was currently blocked off for the time being with a ribbon going across the entrance. With what people could see inside, all the books and shelves that were once in the library were stored elsewhere, the basement, and ready to be placed once the party ended. That left much floor space for food and dancing.

"Oh good you're here!" someone shouted out.

Sasha only had time to pay her taxi fare before turning only to have someone grab her arm. She squealed in surprise just as a man with long white hair arrived. Too busy trying to prevent herself from falling, she missed the opportunity to glance around.

Jushiro was taking a look around the crowd, keeping his eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. He noticed right off how well he was blending in with his choice of clothing. It felt different to be in such clothing, but knew it was essential as the time period was much different than he ever really knew.

Before he had a chance to study what the other human males were doing, a squeal caught his attention. Turning to the sound, he saw an attractive woman with auburn hair, past by him with another woman pulling her along. Being close enough to them, he was able to make out what they were saying. But that wasn't the only thing that caught his attention. For a split second he felt a spike in spiritual pressure coming from one of the two women.

"Sasha! You're almost late!"

"Beck!" Sasha blurted out, trying to keep up. "Not my fault, the streets were busy."

"Well they want to do the ribbon cutting ceremony and you're the one we're waiting for. So lets move!" The woman continued to pull Sasha towards the entrance to prepare for the ribbon cutting.

Too curious on who had the spiritual pressure, Jushiro carefully made his way through the crowd. "Excuse me," he politely said as he pushed around some people wanting to get closer. He soon found himself surrounded by more people. "Pardon me." He continued to excuse himself as he went around the people when he had to.

Soon enough he stopped when his eyes caught the beautiful woman again and this time she was in front of a ribbon blocking off the library. Now he understood what the other woman was saying about a ribbon. He deduced the ribbon he saw was for part of the ceremony. It was something he never seen done before but had heard about it from other Soul Reapers.

Now that he knew where she went, he decided to take a moment and observe those around him so he could mingle better. As he watched, one eye kept trained on the mystery woman, which he could feel a power from her, but there were a few others as well he could sense as well.

"May I have your attention please?!" Sasha called out suddenly holding a microphone, which was handed to her by someone off to the side. "I want to thank you all for coming and I just have to say a few things first before everything gets underway." She paused. "First of all, I would just like to say working here at the library has been wonderful for me. I first came to work here a year ago and it became my personal goal to help this library achieve its goal of expanding. Well thanks to all my hard work and dedication, I have accomplished just that."

When she paused once again, people around applaud. Wanting to be sure he remained 'into his character', Jushiro did the same. He believed he now had done enough studying in how to present himself properly without drawing attention to himself. He couldn't help but note how wonderful the woman looked in her strapless red and deep purple gown, which matched her hair perfectly. Top of the dress was red with a deep purple, which draped only to her hips and flared out into a form fitting red skirt. Below the skirt showed a deep purple ruffle and white to the ground over top of a white under skirt. He could barely make out red shoes on her feet.

He continued to watch as someone handed the woman a large pair of scissors. For a moment, he wondered what the scissors were for and then it clicked. It's a ribbon ceremony and he did read up that with ribbon ceremonies, they'd use abnormal large scissors.

"And the last thing I'd like to say is…" She got herself into position of in the center of the ribbon with it in front of her. "I declare the library officially… Reopened!" she announced, clipping the ribbon, letting it fall to the floor, and creating another applause. "Now please, come inside and see what we have done with the new addition. The books haven't been placed in yet as this is a party and we don't want to ruin the books. There are refreshments and for the first time, music. So please enjoy yourselves."

There was a bit of a chuckle as people began to make their way into the library.

Just as everyone stepped out of the way to let the guests inside, the woman pulled Sasha from the taxi, grabbed her arm once more and pulled her away from the door, going inside. Sasha noticed she was being pulled towards a small group of people.

"Sasha, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Elijah. Elijah, this is my best friend Sasha."

Elijah looked to Sasha. "It's nice to finally meet you. Beck has told me a lot about you."

"Really?" Sasha blinked. "I hope it's all good."

"Of course," Beck laughed. "You're the one who helped me get this job after you got hired." She looked over to see another friend of hers. She then grabbed Sasha's hand once more. "There's someone else you have to meet." She didn't give Sasha any time to say anything or protest before she was dragging her over.

Jushiro watched as her friend pulled Sasha from one group of people to another. Seeing the anguish look in the pretty woman's face, he decided to intervene. Of course he didn't like seeing her being pulled around like a rag doll.

Jushiro stepped over. "Excuse me, may I have a word with you?" he asked to Sasha.

The one Sasha called Beck, looked at the man and nearly felt herself have a heart attack. He was handsome. She opened her mouth to speak but Jushiro was swift, to take Sasha's hand, leading her away from her flabbergasted friend.

"Ah, yeah… sure." Sasha was getting tired of her friend dragging her everywhere and when the strange gorgeous man grasped her hand, asking to speak with her, she was quite relieved. She looked at her mystery rescuer and gasped. Boy was he ever handsome. And standing this close without anyone around her, he looked even more gorgeous. His hair matched her dress and yet he looked young.

The two left Beck, flabbergasted. She couldn't believe what just happened. Watching the two, she shrugged and went to mingle.

When they were far enough away he gave her a gentle grin, "Lovely party isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," she replied. "Thank you. I guess my friend wasn't paying too much attention on the idea I really don't like to be dragged around."

"Yes, I know how you feel on that. I have a few friends who often like to do that. But I know they are only looking out for my best interests," he answered.

"I don't mean to sound rude, but I don't recognize you. Have we met before?" Sasha continued to look at the man before her.

"No." He shook his head. "I'm Jushiro and it's a pleasure to meet you Miss…"

"Sasha," she answered. She didn't know why but she felt compelled to give the gentleman her name. He had beautiful features and a very gentle voice and soft smile. Even his brown eyes were soft looking and very gentle and alluring. But there was something else to his features she couldn't put her finger on. As if he had more wisdom than his looks gave.

"Sasha," he repeated, allowing the name to roll of his tongue. He had never heard quite a name like that before. "That's a very lovely name." He did have to admit the name had a nice ring to it.

She smiled. "Jushiro. I've never heard a name quite like that before either. It's nice." Had she only known, the man before her was someone from another world who was actually over 2000 years old.

"Yes, it's very unique," he answered with a friendly smile. "Would you like some refreshments?" he offered, letting go of her hand to allow her to link her arm into the crook of his arm, gesturing towards the entrance where many people were still making their way inside to see the new look.

"Thank you Jushiro," she answered with a giggle, noticing how charming he was. She took his invitation and the two began to make their way inside. She half snorted suddenly. "Too bad I didn't meet you eight years ago when I was 18, perhaps my life would have turned out differently."

"Oh?" he blinked as the two walked through the threshold of the building, heading straight towards the refreshment table. With all the books gone the place was huge. "Why do you say that?"

She lowered her head. "It's not big secret. Eight years ago today I got married but that didn't last, as you can tell…" she lifted her left hand showing a ringless finger. "I'm single again."

He could see the sadness in her eyes and he had a feeling the woman before him still had some major healing to do. "I'm sorry to hear that. So I take it your marriage ended on a bad note?"

"Bad note!? That's an understatement, but you have no idea how close you are." She poured herself a glass of punch and then poured one for him as well, handing it to him. She couldn't believe she was telling him this but judging by the look in his eyes, there was something about him that was trustable. " My ex's in jail for spousal abuse." She shivered at the thought.

"And from that..." she spoke a little more quietly. "I ended up having a miscarriage. That was two years ago. It's very hard to move on after losing a baby, but I have though, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him or her." She stared at the table, remembering that horrible night, which was the night she finally got the courage to say enough was enough. It didn't take her long to file charges, which landed him in a maximum-security prison.

Jushiro's eyes widened in surprise. How could anyone do such a thing to a woman? "I am terribly sorry for your loss. I could never imagine what it would have been like to go through something like that. It reminds me of a friend of mine who lost his wife to an illness some time ago." Jushiro could remember how Byakuya reacted when he lost Hisana to a horrible fever all those years ago.

"Terrible," Sasha said. "Losing someone you love is always sad." Just then music began playing. Sasha turned to see a few couples making their way to the dance floor. "Fun, fun. Just my luck. I love to dance and there's no one to dance with." Her mind began to wonder if Jushiro knew how to dance. Realizing what she was thinking, she turned her head away from him, ashamed in thinking such thoughts about a stranger.

Jushiro noticed the people making their way to the dance floor. "That's not necessarily true," he replied. "Would you care to dance?" He held out his hand to her, hoping she'd take the offered hand.

Sasha gasped as her head whipped around to the man. She couldn't help but smile at his offer. Putting down her drink, she took his hand, allowing herself to be pulled away from the table.

"Thank you," she said quietly. She couldn't believe it. Never in her life had a man offered her a dance. She seriously hoped this man was for real and he wasn't just trying to get her into bed. If that were the case, he would be sorely mistaken. Since she left her ex-husband, she took karate lessons and now knew how to defend herself.

He led her to the dance floor all the while looking at how the other couples were dancing. Much had changed since the last time he was in the World of the Living on a mission. As soon as he was as close to the center as he could get, he stopped, circling his free arm around her waist. He kept a hold of her hand. Her hand, on reflex, rose up to rest against his shoulder and the two began to sway to the music like everyone else was.

"From the looks of things Jushiro, it would seem you've been to formal functions before. Me, on the other hand, often find them dreadful and usually end up getting drunk so I don't have to remember the night, but tonight I think I may just stay sober and remember this one."

"Guess that makes me lucky then," he answered with a smile. "I would hate to see a lovely lady such as yourself become too drunk to move. My best friend loves to get drunk, then again he can drink a lot before falling over."

"Sounds like Beck. She knows how to hold her liquor better than me. Then again, she's a big flirt towards the men."

Jushiro lightly laughed. "My friend Shunsui is like that to women. He chases them like crazy. But when I need his advice, he's always there for me. As the same for when he needs my advice."

Sasha looked up into Jushiro's face. He was much taller than her. She only went to his shoulders. She guessed he was probably a little over six feet. "Friends can be hard to come by. But you really know who your friends are when you're back into a corner. They will always come and bail you out."

"That is so true," he agreed.

Over in the corner, Beck watched the two danced, quietly talking. She smiled at them. "Whoever you are, you just made my friend's night. You hurt her, I'll kill you." If only she knew the type of man he really was, she wouldn't have anything to worry about.

Soon enough the song ended a more upbeat tune began. Jushiro and Sasha made their way off the dance floor and strolled back to the refreshment table where they grabbed their drinks and then proceeded towards food, getting a plate of food. Once they had what they wanted, he went to a nearby table and she followed, taking a seat across from him. For Jushiro, remembering what he was there for, he began to scan the room, trying to find his target. He had no idea who he was looking for. He only knew this person had strong spiritual pressure and it was going to attract a powerful Hollow. But there was one big question constantly running through his mind. Who took Aizen's place?