Colliding Worlds

Book 8

Forbidden Love – Chapter 6

Soon after organizing her things into their new proper location, there wasn't much else she could do. She did notice not all her clothes were there, but she couldn't really complain too much. At least Rukia did her best. And from the names she already heard, she had a feeling this Ichigo person and Renji helped Rukia out, which would explain why the clothes were rushed. It was amusing to learn that one suitcase was full of her undergarments and sleepwear. The second one was fully of what she had in her closet and the final one was random casual clothing.

With Jushiro not home, Sasha decided to look around his home, giving herself the fifty-cent tour. The first stop of her tour was giving the living room a full view. She found the room to be quite spectacular in her opinion. With a tea table setting at the front of the room. The opposite side viewed the garden with 2 sofas facing each window with a third in between. There was a long low coffee like table in between the sofas. Near the center of the room was the spiral staircase. Across from the sitting area, was another small sitting area with a fireplace on the opposite with two chairs facing a fireplace. Near the tea setting was the grand foyer.

She ended the tour of the inside when she found four rooms, empty, except for room having a closet, no doubt to store the rollup futon and blankets. She deduced the rooms were bedrooms and they had pull out futons. The main living area had three sliding doors while each bedroom had two. Even in front of the library had a door, which led to the kitchen and dining area. At the end of the hall of the bedrooms was another sliding door. Remembering Jushiro had seven siblings, she realized this home... mansion... was Jushiro's personal mansion. Why did he have such an amazing home?

As she continued her tour, it was very noticeable the property wasn't a very large one, not like the ones she could see in the distance from over the walls that surrounded his yard. But it was larger than those in Karakura Town and even her own... when she lived her ex-husband.

Her eyes sparkled with joy when she saw his pool, which had a private pathway leading away from the house. There was a river that flowed around the manor and went between the main area of the building and the kitchen. It then branched off around a bend. In the distance, she could see another building structure. She was more surprised he had one when as far as she could tell he lived alone. But then again hearing about Rukia and Renji, perhaps he did it to help pass the time away or something. She would have to ask him about it later.

Following the river to little past the edge of the house, she noticed it spilled into a basin resembling a pond, with a small building in the middle of it attached to a bridge. The bridge attached to the house lead to a gate much like the main gate leading to the main house. and the main area of the land, allowed access back and forth.

During the course of the tour, she had bumped into a few of the hired help. Each time, they would offer her help or even asked a simple question or two on if she needed anything. She had politely declined and continued on.

Finally her tour ended with marveling at the garden, which had two sections. The first section had a couple benches with an outdoor terrace table surrounding two fountains. The second section had a fountain and was more isolated with Sakura trees. Jushiro's home was completely amazing. From this view she was able to see the second level had a wrap around balcony, where was where the two other bedrooms were.

Thinking of Jushiro, her mind drifted to how kind and caring he was to her. He was very respectful and had a very unique gentleman quality. She wondered if there were other men in the Soul Society who was like that. Though he did not look the age, she could tell through his warm brown eyes, he had seen much. Which meant he probably knew the ins and outs to a woman's heart. Just that thought alone had a shiver go up her spine. He probably could teach her a thing or two about love.

Blinking, she shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. Where did that thought come from? "Come on Sasha," she muttered to herself. "Snap out of it. He might be handsome, but he'd never see me in that sort of way. He's just protecting me and that's that. Once this crisis is over, I'll go home and never see him again."

"Oh, there you are," announced Jushiro as he came around the corner, seeing her marveling his garden.

She jumped, startled by his sudden presence. "You scared me!"

"I'm sorry," he replied, concerned. "It wasn't my intention to startle you."

"That's alright," she answered, fully regarding him. "After last night, it's probably natural for me to be a bit jumpy."

"That it can be," he agreed. "Finding everything you need, ok?"

"Yes, thank you. Your home is very beautiful. I've never seen anything like it before. It's so peaceful here, it's like living in a garden or something."

He took a glance around the property. "I've never thought of it like that before." He lightly laughed, but his eyes revealed a hint of sadness. "I suppose you're right. This does remind me of a garden. I'm surprised I've never noticed it before." His gaze turned back to her. "As much as staying here admiring the view from a different prospective is interesting enough, I actually came to tell you, you will have to be bare without me just a little bit longer. There has been called an emergency Captain's meeting about your situation."

"You just got back," she said, slightly disappointed she was going to have to go longer without anyone to talk to. "And it's nearing on evening already."

"I apologize," he answered. "If you need anything, ask any of the servants and they'll get it for you."

"They have been very kind," she replied. "You have wonderful people. I'm not used to being catered to though."

"Well you can just inform them you'd like to do it yourself," he said. "I will be back as soon as I can." He gave her a gentle smile before turning away and heading back to the main gates of his property.

Sasha watched him leave until he disappeared behind the wall. She noticed his hair completely covered the symbol on his haori, showing which squad Captain he was. "So handsome..." she muttered when he was long gone.

Realizing what she was saying, she slapped her forehead and decided to retreat back inside, which there wasn't much she could do since she had no friends there. She had hoped this Captain Kurotsuchi would be able to help her with being able to speak with Becki so the friend would feel a bit better.


Over in Squad 1 barracks, the remaining ten Captains were gathering for the meeting dealing with Sasha's arrival. Normally humans weren't brought to the Soul Society for protection, but with this woman, rules had to bend. Someone from Heuco Mundo was hunting down humans with high reiatsu and the lady Jushiro was protecting seemed to have one of the highest next to Ichigo.

"What is the meaning of this ridiculous summons?" Mayuri snapped. "We're just getting the Seireitei under control once again since Aizen betrayed us."

Yamamoto looked at the remaining nine Captains. "To answer the question Captain Kurotsuchi. A human has been brought here under our protect from the latest threat dealing with Heuco Mundo."

"Heuco Mundo?!" Mayuri blinked. "That still baffles me in who would be the one behind all of this. I already took out all the wonders Heuco Mundo had to offer."

"That is a mystery," Yamamoto answered. "But for the time being she will remain here until the threat is over."

"That could take years," replied Toshiro who stood beside Mayuri. "Forgive me Head Captain but do you think that is wise? I know without Ichigo Kurasaki's help, Aizen wouldn't have been defeated, but should that give the right to allow a human to remain here in the Soul Society? They aren't even souls."

"Your concern is well noted," Yamamoto stated. "However, last night Lieutenant Abarai and Captain Kyoraku assisted Captain Ukitake with the human."

"And that Hollow isn't exactly a walk in the park," Shunsui offered. "Who was it again, Jushiro?"

"Her ex-husband who she legally divorced last year," Squad 13 Captain answered. "He was sent to prison for spousal abuse and endangering lives."

"Seriously!? We are protecting a human from her ex-husband," Mayuri exclaimed. "This is nothing more than a marital spat and shouldn't be addressed as if..."

"You don't understand," Jushiro interrupted. "Her ex-husband was turned into a very powerful Hollow. And he even stated he was there to capture her for the new Master of Heuco Mundo."

"How would a man who was arrested become a Hollow?" asked Toshiro. "Unless he was killed."

"I have been looking into that," Shunsui replied looking at Toshiro who was beside him. "Lieutenant Abarai and Miss Kuchiki are working on it as we speak in the world of the Living and so far what they have come up with is not exactly a typical case. The ex-husband was killed while in prison, which is, apparently quite a common occurrence."

"For what purpose would someone kill a fellow inmate?" asked Sajin.

"Lots of reasons," Byakuya answered for the first time. "Rukia was telling me earlier in how humans will kill other humans sometimes for just amusement and to see them suffer. Whatever the reasons were behind this former human in being arrested, his inmates must not have liked it."

"That does make a lot of sense," replied Kenpachi. "Fighting is quite a popular action in the World of the Living."

"The man was killed trying to escape," answered the white haired man.

"Head Captain," said Toshiro, looking to the old man. "Was this human brought here for her protection because of the Hollow?"

"That and because she was the very person who was eluding our tracking," the old man answered.

"Impossible! How would a mere human female possess such a strong power?" protested Mayuri shaking his head.

Jushiro looked at the crazy Captain. "You have already seen the power in Orihime Inoue. That there shows you proof they can be strong as well."

"Captain Ukitake?" Toshiro turned his large cerulean eyes to the one man who nearly shared the same letters in the name as he. "What is the name of this human?"

"Sasha Notelfur," he answered. "And telling her about the Soul Society has been quite a lot for her deal with, but she is beginning to manage it. She's been able to see spirits and Hollows nearly her entire life. Even seen one of our men from time to time, but kept silent about it."

"Just like Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya had his eyes closed, listening to everyone. He often didn't speak during meetings, but there were times where he would put his two cents worth in. "He too has been able to see spirits since he was a young child and even met the Grandfisher, which his father killed just before the event with Aizen began."

"Since Sasha will be with us for who knows how long," Yamamoto announced. "We will meet here again tomorrow so she can meet all of us. There is no sense in keeping things from her since she is staying here."

"Yes, Head Captain. She, I'm sure, is a bit curious in meeting you all," Jushiro nodded. He turned to Mayuri. "And perhaps you could do something for her."

"Me?" blinked Mayuri, staring at the gentle Captain. "What could I do that she possibly wants? Studying humans are often boring."

Jushiro frown at his choice of words. "No. Young Ichigo told her human friend, Sasha had been put into protective custody. Sasha is quite worried about her friend and wishes to speak with her, if only just once to ensure she is doing well."

"Earlier, when I was with her," replied Retsu. "She did speak about her friend. Although Abarai told her, her friend had been informed, it might be a good idea to allow them a moment or two to speak."

"I will allow that," agreed the Head Captain. "Captain Kurotsuchi, you will work with Captain Ukitake in allowing Sasha to speak with her friend."

"I must protest!" blurted the Squad two Captain, Soifon. "The idea of allowing a human to be here might be out of my control but the idea of allowing her to speak to another human, she could reveal privileged information she shouldn't!"

"Soifon," interjected Jushiro. "You could bare witness to Sasha talking to her friend."

"Agreed," Head Captain announced. "It's one thing to let her know about his world, it's another to spreed vital information. Captain Unohana, have a member of Squad 4 to have her medical history entered into the database in case of medical problems in the future. We have no idea how long she will be with us. And she is here for protection from Hueco Mundo. The rest of the humans have their bodyguards."

"Head Captain," Jushiro stepped forward. "I am wondering, will she be placed in normal bodyguard surveillance?"

"No," he said. "She'll remain in your care until the threat is over. However long that will be."

"I understand," Jushiro replied with a nod. "It's best to try and make her stay here as comfortable as possible."

"We are going to have do something, however, with her disappearance in the World of the Living," Yamamoto continued.

"Young Ichigo already gave an idea," Shunsui interrupted. "Since he told Sasha's friend she's in protective custody, we could just have the other humans believe it as well."

Yamamoto nodded. "Good enough. I have taken up enough of your time. Meeting adjourned."

As Jushiro began to leave, he could feel Soifon's eyes on his back, but he ignored her. It was best to leave her alone as she was one Soul Reaper one did not want to piss off. It was obvious to see she disapproved of Sasha staying in the Soul Society.

"Hey Jushiro!"

Hearing his name called, he turned to see Shunsui stepping to him. "What is it?" he asked.

"How is your friend doing?" Shunsui inquired.

"She seems to be doing alright," Jushiro answered. "While I was at the barracks today, she gave herself her own tour of my estate. She finds it rather remarkable."

Shunsui tipped his hat. "That's good to know she's getting used to her surroundings. Well I guess I should be going and let you get back to that beautiful young woman."

Jushiro rolled his eyes. "You're impossible." The comment, however, hit a few heart strings, but he forced it down. Now wasn't the time.

Shunsui smirked. "But of course. Have a good night Jushiro."

"Good night Shunsui."

Shunsui continued to walk out, leaving Jushiro for a few moments to his own thoughts until he was the last one left. Jushiro soon left to do some thinking in how he was going to proceed with this. He has already suspected Sasha was going to be staying with him for some time. And now it was certain. Perhaps he could get Rukia's help on the matter.


It had become quite late, and with unable to sleep, Sasha sat on the bridge leading to the house, dangling her feet over the edge, knowing full well there was water directly below her. She was now dressed in a long sleeping gown with a bathrobe over top. With her being in a new place, she was having a hard time getting to sleep. The realization had hit her some time ago on the fact she wasn't going to see her friends for while and it was bothering her. Also where the owner of the house wasn't around, she was feeling seriously out of place.

"I wonder how much longer he will be," she muttered to herself, not realizing the man she was speaking about, just came upon her sitting there at least until she felt a presence behind her and she looked to that direction

"I'm surprised you're still up," he replied gently, caught staring at her. He was mesmerized by how she was sitting and didn't have the heart to disturb her.

"Couldn't sleep." Was her response. "Being in a strange home, in another world even, is quite unsettling."

"I suppose that can happen," he agreed. "The Head Captain wishes to meet you tomorrow. And since you've already met Shunsui and Retsu and of course you know me, you'll meet the other seven remaining Captains."

"Oh..." she trailed. "I suppose it's best to get that done and over with now." She then gave a slight shiver. To her though she wasn't sure if it was from being in the presence of the man before her in her nightclothes or if the air was chilly.

Jushiro saw her shiver. "Are you cold? You didn't have to wait outside for me you know." He offered his hand to her, to help her up.

Taking his proffered hand, she then offered her other hand to him. First, she pulled her feet up onto the wooden planks of the bridge before allowing him to fully help her to stand. "Thank you," she shyly replied, feeling how strong and warm his hands were.

He gave her a gentle smile. "Would you like some warm milk before bed or even chamomile tea? I'm told it can help the body go to sleep."

She returned his gaze and smiled. "Warm milk would be great." She looked down at herself, remember she was dressed for bed. "I apologize for my state of dress. I don't normally go outside dressed like this." Beneath her light blue housecoat, she wore a pale green sleeveless nightgown. The bottom of the nightgown, actually extended a little longer than the housecoat and the robe went nearly to her ankles.

Jushiro gave her a strange look. "Do not apologize," he stated. "There was no issue when I stayed with you. You are here as my guest and I want you to be comfortable. Don't feel you have to apologize for something you're used to doing or wearing."

Sasha was a little surprised by his statement. This man was truly trying to help her through this new change and make her feel at ease about all that was going on. She couldn't help but smile once again. "You really are a kind person. I've never met anyone quite like you before. I wish there were more men on Earth like you."

He smiled once again. "I will take that as a compliment."

With his hand still in hers, the two went inside, making their way through the living room and out onto the other bridge leading to the kitchen where he made her some warm milk. Just as he was handing it to her, she then noticed, he seemed to be standing a little rigid. She knew stress when she saw it, since she went through a major stress cycle for a few years. Once taking a drink, she rested the drink on the counter and stepped over to him.

"Jushiro, is something the matter? You seem a bit tense. You were not so tense last night."

He seemed a bit startled by her question. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing really, that you should be concerned about." Jushiro left the kitchen, making his way back to the main house, to take a seat on the sofa between the two large windows.

'Oh no you don't,' she thought. 'You're not getting away from me that easily.'

Grabbing her drink, she followed him back to the main house, taking a seat beside him. "Come on. I know something is bothering you. I can see it. I may just be a mere human, but I know stress when I see it. You're looking at someone who lived it for years."

With a sigh, he looked at her. "I'm concerned in how I could help make your stay here to be more pleasant. You've lost many things and you can't communicate with your friends either. That has to be tough on you."

She nodded, a little sad. "Yes, it is tough on me. But I'll manage. If I lived four years in hell with my ex-husband, I'm sure being here will be more like a walk in a park."

"You did everything you could to make me feel comfortable in your home. I now have to do the same. Also not all Soul Reapers are kind and gentle."

Resting her drink down on the table in front of her, she pulled her legs up on the sofa, resting her hands against his arms. She could feel the muscles moving through his haori and uniform and could feel he was very tense. She had to do something to calm his nerves. She knew he wasn't exactly the healthiest man in the Soul Society even if some human with phenomenal powers healed him. She couldn't heal him completely.

"Jushiro, you're doing your job to the best of your abilities. You don't have to keep a strong front up for my sake. Yes, at first I was quite overwhelmed. I am still getting used to all this."

For someone who knew the gentle Captain for only a week, sure was worried about him. Perhaps it was because of the kindness he showed her and felt she could trust him. Whatever the full reason was, Sasha felt the need to give him reassurance, though he had been alive longer than Jesus had been dead.

"I'm fine, I promise," he gave her a small smile as he moved one arm, forcing her to let go so he could rest a hand on hers. "Truth of the matter, I'm just worried of the reactions tomorrow. Now you should get some rest. I don't want you to be exhausted for when you meet the other Captains and it wouldn't surprise me if the Lieutenants were there as well and so far you've only met one. I don't have a Lieutenant anymore."

"Why not?" she asked.

"He was killed some time ago when his wife was absorbed into a Hollow and she slaughtered many of my men, who died thinking she did it. That day was very hard for me, seeing all those who served under me be killed by the person they thought they could trust."

"How awful," Sasha said, feeling sad by the information. "And you've never taken the time to find another?"

He shook his head. "None has ever, so far, been able to fulfill his shoes. There were times I was encouraged to recruit another, but none ever passed. However, there's been a candidate being looked into." He held back a smile.

Sasha finished her milk just as a yawn disrupted her. "Guess the milk is working. Perhaps I should try and get some sleep."

"Yes, that would be a good idea. Tomorrow after the meeting, we'll see about getting you some more things so you won't be so bored. I'll probably assign you a bodyguard while I'm working so you can move around the Seireitei."

"That is kind of you." She stood from the sofa, getting ready to go off to bed. She turned to see he wasn't moving. Planting her hands on her hips, she frowned. "Hey! If you want me to rest, you must as well. I refused to go to sleep unless you are resting too."

He blinked, surprised by her sudden outburst. He smiled once again. "I suppose that is only fair." He stood. "Why don't I walk you to your room?"

She smiled back, "That is acceptable."

Unconsciously, he took her hand once more, which caused her heart to skip a beat before the two walked to the spiral stairs. Unlike the first time, he kept a hold of her hand as the two ascended. Upon reaching her room, he stopped to face her.

"Have yourself a good night," he replied.

"You too," she said. "And thanks again for everything you have done for me. I hope this arrangement isn't for too long. I don't want to feel like I'm imposing."

"Nonsense," he shook his head. "You could never impose. It's actually kind of nice having a guest here. It's been awhile since I had one." Realizing he had a hold of her hand, he lifted her hand up and lightly touched his lips to the back of her hand.

She felt herself flush as his lips touched her skin. She wanted to say something just then but no words could form. All she could do was stare at his bent head until he was satisfied enough to stand, looking into her blue eyes once more. Standing this close, he was a full head taller than her.

"Good night, Sasha," he said quietly, releasing her hand.

"Good…night… Jushiro," she quietly stuttered, allowing her hand to drop to her side. That same hand then slid her door open and she took a step backwards into the room.

As she stepped into her room, he slowly turned, heading to his own. He couldn't believe he just kissed her hand. But at the same time it just felt right for him to do so. She was a very kind woman, even if she was human and beautiful too. Of course that wasn't the first time he did it.

For Sasha, she too was surprised by his kiss, even if it was only the back of the hand. But it was still very gentlemen like and he was very gentle towards her. He was basically everything she wanted in a man. If he weren't a Soul Reaper... literally a spirit from another world... it would be easy to fall in love with him.


Quick added Notes: For anyone who may question, him kissing her hand wasn't meant to be a romantic gesture. I once had a total stranger, kiss my hand, very gently in the exact same manner while in front of my husband. I was totally, blown away and flustered. My husband laughed at me


Edited: June 15, 2023