Ichigo's relationship is toxic.
For him, every day is a battle because Sosuke's manipulative tendencies and harsh beatings always manage to keep a hold of him and stop him from walking out the door. Could the day that he meets a red-headed playboy be the one to finally set him free?
Ichigo stomped his way home in the pouring rain, the icy liquid somehow managing to penetrate the hood of his raincoat and roll its way down his neck and chest, giving him the shivers all over. This must've been the thousandth time that Sosuke had ordered him to pick up the groceries yet refused to give him some money to catch a bus. It would've been more understandable if the money in question belonged to Sosuke, but that wasn't the case. The money was Ichigo's, and he had sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for it at his 9-5 job in the local supermarket, stacking shelves. As soon as he received his monthly pay check, the money went straight into Sosuke's bank account amidst the billions of Yen that Sosuke had already earned himself and was distributed to Ichigo in the same way that pocket money is distributed to a thirteen-year-old.
His hands were freezing as the handles of the heavy bags dug into his flesh, and he mentally cursed his husband for putting him in such a horrible position. 'That fucking asshole, why the fuck does he do this to me?' At that moment he approached the front door of their shared home and swiftly placed the bags on the step, so he could unlock the door, and find solace from the bitter winds outside. He shook off his soaking coat, kicked off his boots, and made his way into the kitchen, the cold, polished marble making the wetness of his socks feel all the more noticeable. The area was spotless and as Ichigo cast an eye around the room he felt a surge of pride take over him. This was the product of his hard work. He carefully hauled the bags onto the kitchen counter and started to unload the groceries, all was going well until he suddenly came to a halt.
"OH, FUCK NO!" Ichigo exclaimed in despair. "NO NO NO NO NO! He's gonna fucking kill me, I'm gonna have to quickly get back to the store, how could I have forgotten? I'm so fucking stupid!"
What would've been a small slip up for most was a huge mistake for Ichigo, and he knew that with that small mistake would come huge consequences. Sosuke was known by his employees as a patient and fair soul, but Ichigo knew his dark side. He had seen it. He had felt it. Ichigo's hand brushed across his cheek as he raised his hand to his temple in worry, he winced, having momentarily forgotten about the concealer-covered bruise that marked his supple skin. It was a physical remnant of the last time that he had upset his violent husband, and a remnant that although he wished would never come again, he knew would be beaten onto his skin in a few minutes when Sosuke arrived home from work, stressed and aggressive.
Ichigo inhaled deeply and exhaled shortly afterwards, to calm himself down. He composed himself long enough to put the rest of the items away while hoping that his fault wouldn't be noticed, and while he was cleaning up the droplets of water from the coat that he had left in the corridor, he heard the jingle of keys in a lock, and saw the towering shadow of his spouse behind him. Ichigo looked up warily and was surprised to see a glint of happiness in Sosuke's eyes.
"How was work, honey" he asked, picking his nails as he waited nervously for a response.
"It was actually pretty good today, for a change" Sosuke replied while throwing his briefcase at Ichigo and walking into the kitchen. A bead of perspiration rolled down his face as he saw the man take out a cup and boil the kettle. "Wait until I've made a cup of tea then I'll tell you why." Sosuke continued. In that moment Ichigo understood that he'd never know why his husband had a good day at work, he would be sleeping on the floor that night with contusions all over his body, and it would all be because of one stupid mistake.
He'd forgotten to buy tea.
Author's Note: Apologies for this chapter being so short, it's my first story on this site so for now I'm just testing the waters. I should update within the next few days, though I can't promise you guys anything since I have tonnes of work to do. I really hope you enjoyed reading this, if you did, please leave a review. If you didn't enjoy it, still leave a review! That way I can rectify any issues with the story and ensure that the story can be improved!
Lots of love,
Cuffcuffcuff x