Colliding Worlds
Book 8
Forbidden Love – Chapter 7
Waking at his usual time, Jushiro noticed his house guest was still in her room. Remembering how much her life had changed so quickly, he decided to let her sleep a little longer. Once showered and dressed in his standard uniform, he made his way to the kitchen. Today was the servants day off, of what few he had anyway, therefore it was his day to prepare his own meals. He didn't mind that at all as he found it quite enjoyable. With a smile, he began prepping a breakfast for two. He did it a lot during the time he spent in the world of the living.
Now the question was what to make for her? Going straight to his cooling unit, he glanced around, seeing what there was. With a smile, he pulled out some eggs and fresh vegetables grown from his own small vegetable garden from just a little beyond the kitchen. He then went over to the cupboard to find the rice.
Upstairs, the young woman woke to having the best sleep in a very long time. Giving a stretch, her eyes fluttered open before sitting up in bed. Glancing around the room, it still bedazzled her about being in a total different world, in a different dimension. A bit curious as to what her host was doing, she grabbed her brush and quickly ran the object through her hair, working on fixing the mess on top of her head. She then grabbed her housecoat and headed to the bathroom to do what she needed. Soon enough she left her room, making her way to the living room, eventually she found herself at the entrance to the kitchen with a wonderful smell assaulting her nose.
"What's that nice smell?" she said as she entered the dining room to see Jushiro cooking from the kitchen.
"Breakfast." Jushiro grinned, slightly turning his head to her. He had sensed her presence before she even spoke. "It'll be ready in a minute." His plan had worked.
"From spending a week with you in my apartment, I already know you can cook better than me." It had been a long time since she had someone make her breakfast.
He lightly laughed. "Well I'm not sure I would say that, but since I've never tasted your cooking, I'll take it as a compliment." Turning back to the stove, he gave his full attention to what he was preparing.
Seeing there was no way to argue with him, she turned away and took a seat at the table closest to the kitchen, where two glasses sat on the table both filled with juice. In moments she stood and went back to the kitchen. "Where are the servants?" She glanced around and noticed a box on a counter on the far side. Not wanting to pry and where it wasn't her business, she kept herself silent.
"Today happens to be their day off, which is good for me as I enjoy doing things myself. And to make you breakfast before you meet the others."
She took a deep breath. "Yeah. Not sure if I'll be ready for that one."
"You'll do fine. Overall the Captains are quite nice, although Captains Zaraki and Kurotsuchi can sometimes be a handful. Oh, just a short time ago, I was given word the Lieutenants will also be present as well, so this will give you a chance to meet everyone..."
She quietly groaned.
"Well except for mine that is," he finished, head lowered.
That got her attention. "Why?" She watched as his shoulders slightly faulted at the mention of not seeing his Lieutenant.
"As I said last night, I don't have a Lieutenant. Mine was killed while trying to save his wife," he solemnly answered. "Myself and Rukia were the only witnesses to his death and she was the one who took his life. I don't blame her considering if she didn't do it, a Hollow who also consumed his wife would have consumed him. It was the best choice and he asked to be taken before he lost all control."
"That's awful." She lowered her head in slight shame, wishing she didn't bring it up.
With the food ready, Jushiro dished up two plates of Japanese rice omelette better known as Omurice. He then turned off the stove before taking both plates and made his way to the already set table in the dining room. With his hands free, he gently rested his hands against her. "Sasha, don't feel bad about asking me a question like that. Kaien died a long time ago, when you were only a child."
Her heart lightly jumped at the feel of his gentle hands on hers in a comforting gesture, but for her, if felt more than that. His hands were warm to the touch and gave her the feeling of safety. She lifted her head, looking into the eyes of her savior.
"You still carry the weight of his loss on your shoulders," she replied.
"I do," he answered. "However, I don't allow it to bother me too much to talk about him. I know he would want me to think about him as he was in life, not in death. And you too have a heavy weight on yours with the loss of your child. I know that must be a hard burden to deal with." His eyes gave a guilty look for a moment before changing to a sincere gaze.
"It was and still is," she nodded. "I believe I would have had a little boy, but he was taken from me before he was fully developed and I think about him all the time."
"Never be ashamed to admit you have a heavy heart. Perhaps someday that void will be filled." He gave her a gentle smile, though his eyes gave a hint of sadness. "Come, let's eat our breakfast before it gets cold." Removing his hands, he went to the other side of the table, taking a seat across from her. "A wonderful breakfast for a beautiful woman."
She took an intake of breath by his compliment to her. Did she just hear correctly? He called her beautiful. She blushed thinking that was sweet of him, though she didn't think that was true.
"I'm not that beautiful," she shyly answered. Of course that was an unfortunate circumstance when living with abuse, especially to physical and verbal abuse. She had been called ugly almost throughout her entire marriage and now she didn't feel she was beautiful and hearing a man call her that, she couldn't believe it.
Jushiro looked up in surprise, just about to take a bite of his food. He could tell just by the look in her face she hadn't told him the full truth about what she had to endure while married. Standing up once again, he moved his plate over to her side. He was quick to slide the chair out and take a seat beside her. As he did so, her eyes cast downward, not really wanting to look at him, feeling ashamed
"Sasha," he spoke with politeness. "Please, look at me."
For some reason, she couldn't deny his request. Her eyes turned to him, tears threatening to fall. From the corner of her eye, she could see his hand reach out, grasping hers once again.
"Whatever happened between you and your former husband is in the past now. And whatever he said to you also doesn't matter anymore. To my eyes you are very beautiful and I don't want to hear you degrade yourself. Even Shunsui sees you're beautiful."
A single tear formed in her eye, which was caught by his gaze. His free hand lifted up to brush the tear away. He felt her another intake of breath like she did to his comment as his soft thumb touched her skin. It delighted him to know he could get that sort of reaction from her. Her skin was so soft. It reminded him of someone far back in his past. He never knew a human could have such soft skin.
"Smile," he instructed as he formed a smile, voice remaining soft and gentle.
She couldn't help herself as she once again could not deny his request as a smile formed on her lips. His smiled brightened.
"Good girl," he commented. "You have a beautiful smile. Now let's eat this delicious breakfast I've made. We soon have to leave for the meeting." Grabbing his chopsticks, he once again began to start eating.
Sasha blushed at his compliment, something she noted doing a lot in the last several days. Realizing the time, she too grabbed her chopsticks and began eating and the two shared a silent breakfast.
While eating, she reflected on his words about degrading herself and how he found her beautiful. Since before she got married, she never had anyone tell her she was beautiful. She couldn't get over how kind and caring he was. Everything about him made her wished he were human.
As for him, he reflected on what she said or well more like lack of what was not said. He was beginning to get curious to what she really endured during her marriage. The first two years, she said, went well, but the last four years were hell. Knowing she was keeping things from him, broke his heart for her. She didn't have many people to talk to about her problems. He hoped in time she would open up to him or at least befriend someone.
When she was done eating, she stood, taking her plate to the kitchen, rinsing it before setting it in the sink. Returning back just as Jushiro was just finishing, she went to pick up his plate. In a blink of an eye, he was quick to snatch her wrist.
She slightly jumped, feeling his hand against her skin. It nearly made her want to jump back in fright but she could feel his fingers were not holding her tight. Forcing herself not to snatch her hand away from him, she looked at him.
"You don't have to do that," he protested.
"You made breakfast, it's the least I could do and to help clean up the dirty dishes," she replied.
With his free hand, he carefully pulled the plate from her and then released her wrist. "No, that is quite alright. I wanted to make you breakfast. It's the least I can do since you're stuck here in this strange world for who knows how long. How did you enjoy your food?"
"You have done so much for me. You even went out of your want to cook while in my home. I want to help repay the kindness you've given me," she answered bashfully as she unconsciously rubbed her wrist where his fingers touched her. She couldn't get the tingling sensation out of her skin from feeling his hand on her.
"I understand." He stood. "You've lost your home and it's my fault you did so. You deserve more than what people have done."
Tears threatened to well up in her eyes, but she forced them down. "Thank you. Breakfast was delicious."
With a smile, he walked over to the kitchen, putting his plate with the rest of the dirty dishes. He could sense she was following him. "I think we should probably get ready. Have you figured out how the bathroom taps work? Everything here runs by reishi."
"I think so. It did take me a bit last night to figure it out but it works nearly just the same as at home, just not with electricity."
"Do you by chance own a kimono?" he asked suddenly.
"Why do you ask?" She was puzzled by his question.
"Where you are meeting all the current Captains and Lieutenants of the 13 Court Guard Squads, you may want to make an impression. Some may even try and intimidate you."
"I was planning on dressing nice," she said.
"May I make a suggestion?" he asked. He stepped away from the sink, going over to the counter where the box sat on its surface.
As her eyes followed with curiosity, she couldn't help but wonder what his suggestion would be. He picked up the box, taking it over to her.
"Please, open it," he suggested.
Her eyes widened, realizing the box was for her. Stunned, she did as asked and pulled the top off, moving whatever sort of packaging that was in the way. She then gasped as her hands touched something made of silk. Giving a firm grip, she pulled it from the box, revealing it to be a dusty pink kimono, trimmed with maroon color on the sleeves, collar and hem with a matching white silk obi. There was a floral design of white roses on the sleeves and bottom of the fabric. Attached to the roses were vines colored in green. The roses had a maroon outlining trim to match what was on the collar and sleeves.
"Oh goodness!" she gasped. "It's beautiful." Her hands slid over the silky fabric. "I've never felt anything so exquisite before."
He gave her another genuine smile, eyes lit up in excitement. "I am glad. Will you please wear this today?" Realizing he was quite excited over her opening the package and imagining her wearing the kimono, he brought a hand to his mouth, clearing his throat, regaining his composure before she could notice.
She looked up at him. "I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll wear it. Want to make an impression, what better way to do that then by wearing something of our world."
She stuttered a moment before having her brain finally work. "I would be honored. I have nothing that can compare to this."
Reaching forward into the box, he pulled out the obi, draping it over her shoulder. "Go. Go and shower up before putting this on."
Nodding, she carefully stepped away from, heading back to her room where she'd shower and dress. Jushiro cleaned up the dishes and made sure they were put away before heading to the living area and wait for his guest. His hoari draped over one of the sofas while he looked out the window to the garden. His mind was plagued by his house guest.
"What is wrong with me?" he asked himself. Just then he felt her presence approach. Looking at the time, he felt like kicking himself. He spent nearly an hour staring out of the window, thinking of her. Turning, as she descended the stairs, his eyes nearly popped out his head while his heart hammered against his rib cage. She was exquisite. The kimono, he chose, suited her well.
"This is so beautiful," she commented as she walked over to him, giving Jushiro a good view. She even turned in a circle for him, not paying attention as his eyes were glued to her.
He had to take several deep breaths to calm himself. "You're stunning," he replied. "The kimono suits you."
She blushed. "I've never worn anything so rich before. The kimonos I've worn were all made of simple fabrics and inexpensive to make."
He smiled once again, "Well now you no longer can say that you haven't worn the more elegant types." He tried his best to make the mood more humorous as to not make her realize he couldn't stop staring.
"No," she agreed. Grabbing a few strands of her hair, she gave him questionable look. "I'm wondering if I should put my hair up or leave it down."
He stepped towards her and unable to stop himself, even if he wanted to, his hand reached up, touching her hair. "I think you could just leave it done."
She nearly forgot how to breathe as his fingers slid through her hair. What was wrong with her? Why was she feeling this way about a man she barely knew? Of course he was handsome and very gentle. But she didn't really know him and yet she was acting like she was a young teenager again crushing over some guy in school. But this wasn't school and he was older than the Roman Empire.
Realizing what he was doing, his hand reluctantly left her hair. "We should go. However, I'm going to have to hold you very close to me to flash step." He couldn't believe what he just did. It was as if someone took control of his body and had him run his fingers through her hair.
"Like the other night when you saved me?" she blinked, trying to get her heart under control.
"Yes," he answered.
"Oh..." She had no idea what to say. "So we'll be taking that route again?"
"The Seireitei is very large. As I told you before, it would take ten days to walk from one gate to another as the Seireitei is in a form of a circle with Squad 1 in the center, which is the one at the highest point of the city. Often when there is a sudden Captain's meeting it can take nearly an entire day to gather all the Captains."
"Amazing." Sasha gave the man a small smile, showing she trusted him. "If it takes ten days to travel from one gate to another, that means it would take 40 days to travel the entire perimeter." Her eyes then widened. "This city is as large as a country!"
With a chuckle he nodded. "Yes. From my understanding the Seireitei is as large as one of your countries. Mexico I believe.
Completely flabbergasted on how the city was described, it took her a few moments to recompose herself. Jushiro knew that threw her off guard, so he waited silently until she was back to reality. He then held out his hand to her, silently telling her he wanted to go. She took a deep breath, carefully putting her hand into his, which he then tightened. The two then walked to the main door to the house so they could put on their sandals. Once their shoes were on, he firmly pulled her tightly against his firm body and flash stepped.
Upon arriving at the entrance to Squad 1, Shunsui saw a couple of the Captains enter the building along with their Lieutenants. One of the Captains with his Lieutenant happened to be Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai. He smiled as he began to stroll over to them.
"Captain!" snapped his own Lieutenant, Nanao.
Turning at the sound of a female calling out, Byakuya turned to see Shunsui strolling up to him.
"Captain Kyoraku," Byakuya greeted.
"Captain," Renji greeted respectfully. "I was told Rukia's coming. Any truth to that?"
"Hello, Captain Kuchiki, Lieutenant. First I've heard of it," Shunsui replied. "I know I'm looking forward to seeing the young lady staying with Jushiro."
Renji blinked. "You've already met her since it was you who stopped her from falling to her death."
"That may be so," Shunsui tipped his hat. "But that doesn't mean I know her."
"Captain Kyoraku," Byakuya intervened. "You have a habit of teasing those who you believe to be attractive. No matter if they are human or someone from the Soul Society."
Shunsui opened his mouth to say something to Byakuya's comment but a familiar female voice interrupted him.
"Renji!"
Three heads turned to see the shortest member of Squad 13 approach them. So what Renji heard was true. Rukia was called to the meeting. But why? He had asked his own Captain about it, but the man just keep silent, indicating to the tall red head, he'd found out later.
"Rukia?" Renji blinked. "What brings you here?"
"I was asked to be present," she said. "I'm not sure why though."
"Perhaps it's because you have been a part of the mission dealing with why the human is here in the first place," Byakuya replied. He turned away, heading inside. "Renji." The word might have only been one word but it held many words behind it. He was instructing his Lieutenant to follow him.
"Coming Captain," Renji answered. He gave his long time friend a nod before turning and following his Captain inside.
"Well I better head inside myself," Rukia said. "When you see the Captain, can you let him know I'm here?"
Shunsui nodded. "I will do that." He watched as she walked into the building just as he felt a familiar spiritual pressure approach him from behind. "You better have that young lady with you," he said as began to turn.
"You should know me by now, I wouldn't leave her behind when this is about her."
Shunsui's eyes widened, as right there before of him, beside Jushiro, was the human who was staying with him and she looked stunning. He could see she was nervous. And knowing they flash stepped, probably didn't help her matters much.
"Sasha," Jushiro began. "You remember my good friend, Shunsui."
"You're the one who saved my life the other night when the Hollow attacked me," she replied.
"That I was. I've heard of people falling before but never one to fall into my arms," he teased with a grin, making her blush. "Honestly, I'm glad I was there to protect you. And That kimono is very lovely on you."
"Thank you." Her blush became more prominent. She glanced to Jushiro for help.
"It's something I gave her for this occasion," Jushiro came up in her defense.
"Really now?" Shunsui quirked a brow. "Are you sure it isn't just to see a beautiful lady wearing it?"
Sasha's blush deepened as Jushiro cleared his throat. "Shunsui, I assure you. I gave it to her so she had something presentable to wear for this meeting. You only have one chance to make a first impression."
Shunsui gave his friend a smirk. "Sure now." There was more going on than Jushiro was letting on to his friend. Something was telling him to work on squeezing the information out of him. It also worried him a little.
"Oh, before I forget. Rukia is here. I saw her just a few minutes ago."
"I had a feeling she'd be ask to be a part of this." Jushiro turned away, grasping Sasha's hand, giving her a warm smile. "Let us go in." He escorted her past his friend who decided to follow behind them, proceeding into the great hall of Squad 1 where the Captains always had their meetings.
When Jushiro flash stepped, he could feel Sasha felt extremely scared. Feeling bad for her, he would stop every so often and let her get a look of the Seireitei, constantly leaving her speechless from the size.
With her hand in his, Sasha walked with the white haired man inside the room, which was full of Captains and Lieutenants. She looked up to see one Captain and nearly felt like fainting. He wasn't even human looking. He was tall but had a head of a wolf. Was he a werewolf?
Feeling her trembling through their linked hands, Jushiro looked at her to see she was staring at Sajin. "Captain Komamura is quite gentle I assure you. And someone I respect very much. He worked so hard to be where he's at."
"But he's not human looking," she whispered.
"No," Jushiro agreed. "Outside the Rukon off to the North, there's an area of land for those who are not human looking. The Soul Society is vast in size. I think larger than the World of the Living."
Giving a nervous nod, understanding what he was saying, she glanced around the room. She could see many people ranging from wearing haoris over their uniforms to ones who weren't and stood between the Captains. Although on one side of the room, she could see two people standing beside each other without a Captain and then there was a Captain and what she presumed was his Lieutenant and then another without a Captain.
She remembered being told there were supposed to be 13 Captains but three of them betrayed them. All three were back in the Soul Society but undergoing major sentence time. One, she was told, was being sentenced to 10,000 years imprisonment and the other two; they weren't sure what to do with them yet.
The last to arrive was Shunsui and his Lieutenant and they were quick to take their position in the remaining empty spot, which Sasha had noticed was between a short Captain and his busty Lieutenant and another Captain who wore something in his hair and had a scarf around his neck. His Lieutenant she immediately recognized as the man who assisted Jushiro when the Hollow attacked them. However, beside the short Captain was a man with a white and black face and he immediately was creeping her out; just by the way his eyes leered at her.
With her hand still in Jushiro's, he steered her towards one of the other tallest men in the room who had an eye patch over the right eye. Sasha took to standing beside him on the opposite side; not realizing Rukia was behind her, near the wall.
/
Added Notes: I've done some calculations and learnt the Seireitei would be about the same size as Mexico. Go to my deviantART page located in my profile to see how I came up with the math. But needless to say the Seireitei is 1.93 km2 while Mexico is 1.94 km2
