Disclaimer: You know what I'll say.
"So, what's happening? Is there something big that must be talked about in private? Tell me!" he asked, sounding extremely irate as he was supposed to take a rest today. And he's even wondering why is Ishida leading him? Doesn't the man hate him?
But he knew that even if he asked that the raven head wouldn't answer him. He has been quiet for the whole walk with the exception of telling him that he's taking him somewhere. And he should have let him turn into his Shinigami form first before leaving so he and Ishida would just flash and be where he's wanted to be in a minute. "Eh? Isn't this Inoue's house? Hey!"
"Just go inside." Ishida said with the same contemptible tone in his voice. Ichigo knew saying no was futile, so he agreed and walked to the half-open door. He hoped that whatever is inside isn't anything stupid like an egg bomb.
When he completely opened the door, he could hear the sound of confetti cannons popping. Then all the people inside greeted in unison, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" He was so taken by surprise and Ishida from behind pushed him inside. He didn't bother to greet him the same, but that was expected from the Quincy.
On the coffee table in front of him was a large chiffon cake with frosting and the words 'Happy Birthday' on it. He's glad that it's not some weird cake that Inoue made when Tatsuki told him that it was bought from a bakery. "We also agreed on that since if Inoue was the one who would make the cake, everyone would be puking later." she whispered, which made him laugh a little.
It looks like his friends really care for him, and without further ado, he thanks them and they ate the whole cake, leaving only small morsels left as everybody was so stuffed with the exception of Chad who only ate one small slice and for Ishida who doesn't like sweets.
They share a little talk before bidding each other goodbye and wishing Ichigo the best. He also left after saying goodbye to Inoue and walked home, knowing that the path is pretty far but he sticks with walking to enjoy the breeze that's rustling through the leaves of the trees around him.
"Flour, check. Eggs, check. Butter, check. Sugar, check. Baking soda, check. Salt, check. Chocolate, check. Strawberries, check. Vanilla, check. Water, check. Baking cocoa and powder check. All equipments, check." Yuzu said without breathing, and she quickly exhaled from saying them so fast.
Tomorrow was Ichigo's birthday and both she and Karin agreed to make a cake for him as their present. It would be new for a gift since they never made a cake before, and Yuzu would only have enough time to cook food but not bake anything at all. "We have to hurry before Onii-chan comes back. I'm sure he's fighting those monsters again."
Since the war ended, Karin told Yuzu about Ichigo's secret in being a Shinigami. The latter was shocked, but she accepted the truth calmly soon after. The only thing Karin could do since she's not a cook herself, was to pass to her sister whatever she asks for and she makes sure she makes no mistakes because one wrong move and it's all ruined.
Creaming, mixing, battering, heating, cooling, pouring, they had to do all kinds of baking methods and fill one bowl after another, and use all their measuring cups. Yuzu's forehead is sweating, and her hands and apron is soiled, while Karin is feeling her heart race faster from the excitement of rushing and her palms smell like the metal of the baking tools.
"Okay, now we have to heat these." Yuzu carried two large bowls and Karin opened the oven, where the former put the bowls and set it to the right heating temperature. The orange head fidgeted while walking around, impatient and nervous at the same time. Neither could say any words, Karin just stood there calmly, waiting for the clock to tick ten minutes that seemed like forever until they heard a sound.
Quickly, they turn the oven off and took out the bowls and after several painstaking methods, they were done with the cake. It was all over, and they can't say anything, they were once again out of breath from the hard effort. They were already messy, so both took a shower separately and changed clothes.
"I'm glad it was a success. I would have already lost my cool if we failed." Yuzu sighed, drying her hair with a towel. "Same goes for me. I really hope Ichi-nii would love it. And, thanks Yuzu."
"Why?" She turned to her sister and let out a small laugh. "Because you indirectly taught me how to make a strawberry-chocolate cake." Yuzu laughed from the joke, and they suddenly hear a knock. "Hurry, put the cake on the table!" Karin loudly whispered to Yuzu, and she did so as Karin ran downstairs to unlock the door.
Swiftly, Yuzu took a small slice and put it right beside the cake, before running to the door just as Ichigo stepped in. "Hi. Eh, where's Dad?" Karin pointed to behind Ichigo, who quickly walked to the side just as Isshin made a loud yell but crashed to the floor instead of his son. "Wow, you sure have improved my son."
"Cut it out. I don't come home just to get my ass kicked by you." he scoffed, walking to the kitchen for something to drink. Much to his surprise, he saw a cake as large as the one at Inoue's, but of a different flavor and color. "Happy birthday!" his sisters greeted just like his friends, and even though he's already stuffed from earlier, he takes the prepared slice and with one bite, his appetite came back and he instantly craved for the cake.
"Thanks, both of you." He put the plate back on the table and knelt down, widening his arms. Both sisters said nothing and immediately ran into his embrace. Yuzu quietly said thank you as well, while Karin let herself be not herself just for today, since Ichigo is somebody very important to him. Today is an exception for her.
Meanwhile, Isshin stood from afar, watching them eat together. He would have his bite later. "Masaki, if you're just watching them right now having fun, you would know how lovely our children turned out to be." he smiled sadly at the thought of his deceased wife before joining them. Unlike the one a while ago, they didn't finish the whole cake and put the leftovers in the fridge.
Two cakes in one day, both as his birthday gifts. He really is not fond of celebrating birthdays, but he considers this an exception. As the sweet taste lingered on his tongue, so did the kindness they all showed on his birthday.
A/N: Okay, Byakuya's chapter is next if I get at least two reviews. Thanks to those who liked the story by the way! :D