Sugar and Spice - Chapter 4
Bya-Nanas and Strawberries
It was a strange predicament Ichigo found himself in, working in a café kitchen (of all places) for a man who made him weak in the knees. He was totally enchanted with Kuchiki Byakuya, pastry chef extraordinaire—even if at times the man could be a little reserved, downright distant and cold.
Sometimes it irked him.
However, Ichigo blamed some of Byakuya's frostbite attitude on the fact he had lost his wife six years ago. He was a grieving ex-husband—the man seemed to harbour pain, understandably. It was something Ichigo thought about often. The world could be so unjust, so cruel and unforgiving. He knew all too well. However, the world goes on and so did he and so should Byakuya.
Ichigo was sure that what compelled him to enter the bakery in the first place was a complete act of madness. The madness—a manifestation of attraction, a feeling he had for this dark-haired man even if it seemed completely perverse. He doesn't even know Byakuya Kuchiki personally. Now that he is working with him on a daily basis, he still can't muster the strength to tell Byakuya how he feels. It seems almost harder now that he's under the same roof. It's as if he needs to prove himself to the other man before his feelings can be justified.
Besides, someone like Byakuya would probably just laugh at him anyways.
It's not like Ichigo ever had a problem being a loud mouth, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he's a total noob. He isn't a suave playboy, melting the hearts of Karakura's finest male tails. He's kind of a simpleton, often a shy, down-to-earth kind of guy. Byakuya probably has a ton people after him for his quiet charms and good looks. He is a reputable pastry chef in the culinary world, after all. People know who he is.
Ichigo groaned, all he was, was a former bum student who still needs to pay off his education loan.
For the last three days, Ichigo was slowly beginning to understand the routine of a professional kitchen. Byakuya was a patient, calm teacher who didn't rush or yell at him. Thankfully, Byakuya was not a knife-throwing, red-faced kind of boss either, not like how he saw on so many wacky television cooking shows where everything was totally exaggerated. Although, sometimes Ichigo thought Byakuya could be a sadist, armed with piping bag equipped with a star tip. Especially when he gave him the shitty jobs after fucking up a recipe, like yesterday when he totally forgot to add the melted butter to a batch of torte.
Well, someone had to do it. Those shitty jobs, that is.
Sigh. Today he had already burnt two trays of cinnamon palmiers that he had rolled out and sugared so carefully.
However, Byakuya did not get angry with him for these mistakes. He explained that he was trying to do too many things at once and that he should pace himself better. He'd said earlier, 'You cannot learn how to do it right if you do not do it wrong at times. Mistakes occasionally turn into fine recipes, Ichigo'.
The man was indeed, a master.
Speaking of masters, Ichigo wondered where Byakuya had taken off. Last time he noticed, the man had wandered to the office. Ichigo wiped his hand off on his apron and made his way towards the back.
Byakuya was sitting in his office chair eating a banana scanning over the order list for today. He had to make sure he didn't forget any important supplies, because deliveries could only be done from Monday to Friday. He tried to limit his orders to twice a week to save on costs.
From his peripheral vision, Byakuya saw the redhead appear at the doorway. He didn't turn to look at the younger man and just kept reading his list on his computer screen complacently.
"What is it, Ichigo?" He took a bite of banana.
Ichigo smirked. This was the third time in the four days that he found Byakuya eating a banana in his office. Bananas were like this guys' smoke break or something. He could not stop himself from smiling goofily, because only Byakuya could eat them in a way that gave Ichigo dirty thoughts.
"I was just wondering if you want me to portion those strawberry shortcakes. I err... didn't know if you were busy, I hope I'm not interrupting but... umm—"
"—I assure that you are not," Byakuya finished for him.
It was so easy to get flustered around this man. Ichigo had to inhale through his nose and out his mouth inconspicuously to shake off a pending blush. How could he prove his worth if he kept mumbling and blushing like an adolescent boy?
The corner of Byakuya's mouth curved ever so slightly.
"Tell me, did your parents name you Ichigo on purpose? It can be perceived in so many ways but I cannot help but think of strawberries when I say you name, considering we work in a pastry kitchen and you just asked me about the shortcake."
Instantly, Ichigo frowned and began to scratch at the back of his neck uncomfortably. He wasn't ready to write off the entire 'jerk' thing just yet. "Are you making fun of me?"
"I would never do such a thing. I'm curious, that's all, forgive me for prying."
This statement didn't seem to reassure Ichigo as he continued to scratch and now blushed all over much to his frustration. "I have been teased all my life because of my name and my hair colour." Ichigo looked up at the ceiling and sighed miserably. "My father told me that my name stands for 'to protect one thing', nothing else. The kanji used to write my name stands for this. You wouldn't know that by only pronouncing my name."
Without showing any expression Byakuya nodded, "I see."
Ichigo had his defences up. It was always so hard to read Byakuya when he wore his mask and now was no different. "Well, if you were named after a fruit I'd call you Bya-nana."
With a quirked eyebrow, Byakuya glanced over at Ichigo.
"That is how I'd pronounce the yellow fruit," Ichigo said sarcastically, feeling indignant.
With a chuff, Byakuya wondered. "Are you making fun of me now?"
Stubbornly Ichigo responded. "Yes."
This time Byakuya gave a small incredulous chuckle. "I did not mean to upset you, Ichigo. That was not my intention." His face became sombre again. "May I be somewhat honest?"
Ichigo stood guarded and crossed his arms over his chef coat. What did he mean by 'somewhat'?
"I guess so."
"I enjoy strawberries about as much as I enjoy bananas, both are equally nutritious." Byakuya finished the last bite of his banana and dropped the peel in the trashcan next to his desk.
Ichigo stood blinking and stupefied. "Is...Is that it?" he asked.
Byakuya had his eyes back on the computer screen. "Indeed," he answered. "I'll be out with you in a moment to show you the proper way to portion."
"Yes, Chef!"
Byakuya scowled at Ichigo instantly at the moniker he did not feel he rightly owned yet.
"Sorry, my mistake Bya-nana," Ichigo repeated again, this time in jest. He spun on his heel quickly and ran back to the kitchen, snickering evilly as he went.
Byakuya stared at the empty spot where Ichigo had stood with perplexity. As annoying as Ichigo was he couldn't stop the small smirk that appeared on his face. "What a brat," he murmured.
Ichigo had no idea that even portioning desserts was a skill all on its own—wiping the blade after each slice, dipping it into hot water to allow it to cut like butter through mousses and creams. And the act of actually getting the right proportions every time was really tricky.
One needed to have a good eye.
It would seem as if Byakuya had great eyes, and not just to look at, but eyes that actually could measure and divide evenly. Byakuya explained that it took a lot of practice to portion so perfectly. That it took years even.
The one downfall about all this chopping or portioning and working with his hands was that by the end of day four, Ichigo had a giant callus on his right hand index finger. He was poking at it with his left index finger instead of wiping down the tables at the front of the café at closing time. He had already changed into his street clothes but was giving Rukia a hand.
"Come on Ichigo hurry up and clean. I can't wait to start my two days off," Rukia explained with a long sigh, cleaning off a table nearby. "I have a foot massage waiting for me at home."
Ichigo scrunched up his face. "Too much information, Rukia," he told her and chuckled uncomfortably. "Someday, I'd really like to meet this husband of yours. I want to see who has stolen the heart of Rukia Kuchiki."
For that, he got a swat to the arm, a hard one.
"Ow! What did you do that for?" Ichigo cried, rubbing his arm.
"Because you're so embarrassing, Ichigo," Rukia said and blushed.
That was embarrassing? Geez, women were so weird sometimes. Still, it was nice to see that whomever Rukia was married to could still make her blush just by thinking about him. He could only wish for the same thing if he was lucky enough. And then Ichigo went there, oh yes he did. He imagined what it would be like if he were married to Rukia's brother. Just the thought of Byakuya rubbing his feet after a long day of work brought Ichigo to the boiling point. He could almost feel the steam coming out of his ears.
Rukia was wearing a girlish face now. "Well, you will be able to meet him any moment. Renji is coming to pick me up. And just so you know. My last name is really Abarai, but I keep Kuchiki for the business." Suddenly she stopped wiping down the table next to Ichigo. "We're going out for a drink, why don't you join us?" she asked.
Ichigo was still daydreaming about Byakuya pampering his feet. He was sadly yanked out of his reverie. "Wait, I thought you were going home for a foot massage?"
The small Kuchiki woman whacked Ichigo again.
"What the hell, Rukia?" he hollered, surprised. "Why do you keep doing that?"
"The massage is after the drinks, Ichigo—after. Stop reading so much into it." She was fuming with embarrassment but it quickly changed into that girlish face again. She even giggled softly.
Ichigo was perplexed until he realized she thought he was being a pervert. He laughed now embarrassed along with her.
She asked again. "Why don't you join us tonight?"
Waving his hand Ichigo replied. "Nah, I don't think so, maybe next time, alright?"
At this Rukia seemed genuinely disappointed. "Alright, next time and I'm holding you to that. Renji and I—sometimes even Byakuya joins us for a drink at the end of the week. It's sort of tradition."
Ichigo liked traditions. Families had traditions and hearing Rukia say it like that rather made him feel like he'd become part of a new family. "Okay then, I promise next time—cross my heart," he told her cheerfully.
Rukia smiled in return. "You know, you're all right, Ichigo. I'm glad you seem to be getting on here so well. I hope my brother has been keeping his hands to himself."
Ichigo's hand suddenly jerked and he swatted one of those hugging cinnamon and sugar shakers off a table he was wiping, which landed on a cushioned seat, thankfully.
"Oh, that. No, no, he hasn't—I mean he has. Oh man, I mean—he hasn't touched me," he assured awkwardly. He picked up the fallen shaker and placed it gently back on the tabletop, nearly dying of mortification.
Rukia was snickering to herself.
Ichigo plainly ignored her and added as he continued to clean the tables. "He's been really good to me. Not sure if he's pissed off a me half of the time, he's a hard guy to figure out. I really can't complain though, I'm learning a lot of new things and it's kinda fun."
Rukia glanced around first before answering. "My brother is a social retard, just so you know. So don't take any offense. He never stops talking about you and from what I hear, you're catching on quickly."
All Ichigo heard was, "He talks about me?" he questioned disbelievingly.
"Mmmhmm," Rukia murmured quietly. She wandered over behind the counter to hit the light switch off for the café with a silly smile on her face. "Just be patient with him, Ichigo. Warming up to people isn't what he does best but he means well."
Contemplating what Rukia said, Ichigo heard the café door jingle. He looked up and saw a tall guy with the reddest hair he'd ever seen tied back in a low ponytail and black tribal-like tattoos on his forehead. The man wore a brown leather suede jacket, white shirt and black pants over his big, muscled frame.
"Hey there, where's my cutie at?" He said mischievously with a deep voice even though he was looking right at her. "Let's blow this pop stand woman."
Rukia gave him an awkward wave of her hand, but she was smiling at him in any case.
Renji could be called intimidating; he had that rough look about him. But Ichigo knew that inside this guy was probably a big teddy bear, especially since his whole face lit up at the sight of Rukia and how his voice became softer.
At the sight of Ichigo, however, Renji straightened even taller, his face became a little harder, and his chest puffed out more as if he were gauging him as a threat. A threat to steal his woman, perhaps?
"Who's this?" Renji asked coolly, his hands slipping into his pants pockets.
"Renji Abarai, behave yourself." Rukia warned. "This is Ichigo Kurosaki. He works with us here at the bakery. He just started four days ago," she explained.
Suddenly Renji's behaviour and body language did a one-eighty. "Oh yeah," he exclaimed, "The new guy that your brother mentioned, the one with 'captivating' orange hair. Hee-hee-hee," Renji finished with a wide grin and a lewd chuckle. "Damn, for a second there I thought that you were one of those guys that comes to the bakery and sits here all day with a book, acting all academic and pretentious all while trying to pick up chicks. Can't keep those jerks from hitting on my girl..."
"Hanging out in cafés isn't exactly my thing," Ichigo replied dryly. What the heck did this guy mean? Has Byakuya been talking about him in front of Renji, too!
"Renji, I told you that happened to my brother. Especially this one delivery guy and that creepy guy with glasses," Rukia said tersely. Then she told Renji with a frown. "Stop being so pig-headed. You're acting paranoid."
Creepy guy with glasses…? Ichigo was going to ask about the guy with glasses until Byakuya came out from the back all ready to leave. He was wearing his stylish dark brown leather jacket that he'd left open revealing a white, button-up shirt underneath, black jeans, carrying his motorcycle helmet in his right hand.
"Hey there, Byakuya," Renji waved hello to his brother-in-law.
"Renji," Byakuya addressed politely.
"Nii-sama," Rukia began, "Are you coming out with us for a drink tonight? We were just about to head to the usual spot, The 78th District—your favourite place."
Byakuya glanced at Ichigo before he answered. "Have you invited, Ichigo?"
"I did but he doesn't want to go," Rukia explained.
"I believe I will pass on tonight as well," Byakuya answered coolly.
Renji and Rukia stole a secretive glance at each other and rolled their eyes. "Fine then, you can both be sticks in the mud," Rukia claimed, but she didn't seem overly bothered. "I'll be seeing you both on Tuesday morning. Stay out of trouble you two."
"Have a good time," Ichigo called as both Rukia and Renji left the café. He turned to Byakuya. "So..." Ichigo threw the washcloth into a laundry bag behind the counter. Then he walked back over to one of the café tables and reached for his jacket that hung off the back of a chair. "...any plans for this evening?"
A few ideas passed through Byakuya's mind but he didn't dare speak them aloud. "Not really," he answered evenly and dug out his cell phone, looking at the screen. "How about you, what does Ichigo Kurosaki do with his evenings?"
The question was simple yet, Ichigo could feel his ears grow hot. "I think I'll just take a bath." Gah! Why am I telling him this?
At that, Byakuya lifted his grey eyes to meet Ichigo's pretty brown ones.
There was something about that look that had Ichigo stumbling. "Err... ya know, to soak this s-stupid callus on my finger. You were right about that."
"All cooks have them, soaking it is a good idea," Byakuya affirmed. "You've had a hard week—just starting out. You have also made remarkable progress, Ichigo." He spoke softer than he wished to.
"Thanks," Ichigo said happily.
Byakuya was looking at his phone again. "May I get your phone number?"
Another simple question had Ichigo teetering on the edge.
"What?"
Byakuya sighed. "Your phone number," he repeated dryly. "In case there is a need to contact each other, since we are now co-workers after all. You can text me as well, if that suits you better."
Ichigo felt silly, he had to calm down. He breathed out. "Of course, Byakuya..."
They swapped telephone numbers.
"Do you live far from here? If you like, I could give you a lift," the pâtissier offered, his face completely unreadable.
"Oh, you don't have to do that. It's not really that far, maybe a thirty minute walk. But I don't mind, I like the fresh air. I appreciate the offer though." Ichigo slid his phone into the back pocket of his jeans, shifting his head to the side shyly. The idea of sitting behind Byakuya on his sexy motorcycle was overwhelming for him.
Dammit, what was he thinking? Byakuya just offered him a ride. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Ichigo was kicking himself.
"Very well, I—" Byakuya seemed to be the one hesitating to leave, as if he had something more to say to Ichigo but couldn't find the nerve. "Look, if you'd like we could—"
Just then, the café door jingled and in walked Inoue Orihime. She was wearing a mid-thigh beige coat over a pink skirt and stockings with tall brown boots. Her cheeks were rosy from the cool evening air.
"Orihime," Ichigo said, cutting off what Byakuya was about to say.
"Kurosaki-kun," she said sweetly. "I thought I'd come by to see you but...oh, it seems like you're closing for the night."
Ichigo flashed Byakuya a capricious look. "Yes, we're closed—I was just about to leave."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said softly.
Byakuya glanced from the girl with long, orange hair a shade darker than Ichigo's and then back to his new co-worker skeptically. Who was this?
"I'm sorry, Byakuya. This is, Inoue Orihime, we went to high school together back in the day, she's just—"
"Oh my!" she proclaimed, not letting Ichigo finish. "You're Kuchiki Byakuya. I have read so much about you in the trendy newspapers and magazines. I come by here often—your pastries are super yummy!"
"Thank you," Byakuya offered respectfully.
Orihime continued like a video on fast forward. "And to think you started out as a stuffy businessman in a suit and tie and broke out of the chains to do what you love. That is so admirable and courageous! The pay cut must suck though..." She stopped then realizing she might be going overboard. "Oh my, I'm sorry I'm talking too much. I'll stop—stopping," she sang.
Ichigo saw that mask harden on Byakuya's face, a face that became so painfully apathetic. "I'm flattered you think so highly of me," he voiced evenly. "If you don't mind, I'll be leaving for the night."
Without even a second glance at Ichigo or Orihime, Byakuya left the café briskly.
Ichigo flinched when the jangle of the door chimes clanged. He sighed and gave Orihime a quaint look. He asked her patiently, "Have you come all the way here to see me?"
She nodded. "I hope you don't mind, Ichigo."
Ichigo was too nice of a person. He waved a hand at her. "Nah, I don't mind. Here, why don't you let me give you something I made today? A little tart with pastry cream and glazed fruit—we won't be able to keep them till Tuesday and will probably have to throw them out." He went around the counter and pulled out a take-away container.
Orihime's eyes glowed. "That's so awesome. Thank you, Ichigo."
He filled up the container with as many tarts as he could fit into it. "It's no trouble, Orihime. How about we head home?"
"Ok," she replied, smiling warmly.
After he wrapped up the container and placed it into a bag, he led Inoue Orihime outside and used his new key to lock the café door. It was the first time he had to use it. As he twisted the lock, he thought of Byakuya and sighed again. What was he going to ask me?
A/N: It was right there, the moment to make fun of bananas and strawberries. Have you had your Bya-nana today? I hope so ;) Oh Orihime. She doesn't give up does she? I'm sorry Byakuya for messing with your head. Good things will come to light next chapter, you'll see. As for Renji and Rukia. In my mind they are a couple, it's been that way since the early part of Bleach so they usually end up as such in my Bleach fics. Also, since one reviewer asked me about the length of this story I thought I should mention it here. This isn't going to be a short fic, probably 15+ chapters, give or take. I have a whole bunch of things lined up for Byakuya and Ichigo *winks*
Many thanks to all that have read this story! Much love! And just so you know all the cooking terms are genuine and factual. And any cooking tips are true, however, some cooks may dispute them depends on their tastes and what they were taught. For every one way of doing something there are ten other ways XD!
Reviewers
kashinosei: As mentioned above about 15+ chapters. I hope you enjoy the story!
lol: Sablé surely doesn't sound appetizing but alas it is the name of this dough in French cooking terms. It really means like a shortbread. You know the kind you dip in tea. YUM!
Paradise Eden: OMG! Your comments had me howling! LOL! I love it! I read this while at work and burst out laughing much to the confusion of my co-workers haha! Ichigo licking off chocolate and cream off Byakuya's coat... that's super fun. I like the idea 'bout Ichigo having to do all the paperwork. Very awesome idea! Weeee! You're an accountant. I love when people can relate to chars in a story. I apologize ahead if I mess anything up about accounting and office terms *sweatdrop* I may seek out your advice lol! Thanks hun for taking time to leave your thoughts they are very sweet *hugs*
CallMeSenseiKuchiki: Aww thank you for your comments on Going Down? and for reading this fic! So happy you are enjoying this story!
Usamimi Chan: Hehe, the horn dog thing is an ongoing joke in this fic lol! I'm SO happy you feel the same way I do about the 'truth' and the motorbike *evil fangirl chuckle* You're awesome! Aww thanks about Going Down? Yeah, I hear ya. Ever since writing Going Down? I have a soft spot for that crack pairing as well. Grimmjow is a fun character to write, he's crazy lol! Weee! Your comments are always so much fun to read. I await your updates as well super-awesome-fellow Bya/Ichi fan. *humps your leg*
Jushiro Ukitake 2013: I swear with a penname like yours you are cool already! lol! Ukitake makes a cameo in this fic later on and it will be surprising lol! I hope at least XD! Thanks so much for your reply!
Guest Pastry Chef: Yesh! Opera cake. I swear I will never forget this dessert since it is the first thing I had to portion in the kitchen. It is divine, no? And a real classic. Aww... I'm glad I can bring back memories for you, although I hope they are good ones lol! Oh the happenings inside a kitchen... I know it all too well *winks* There's a few memories I can do without XD! I hope you continue to enjoy my friend! Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts.
HimenoSakura90: Waaa! Thanks for pointing out my French spelling mistake! I have made all the necessary corrections *bows too* And yay! I hope to keep them in char as best possible, but it might be harder later on lol! The most trying part about Bya/Ichi is when they are finally a couple and imagining their character while in love. I love writing about them tho... so I will try my best! Thanks so much!
readyjetsetlag: Thanks so much for you comments! Oh, no worries about that mistake. Hell, I made the same one! XDD! Glad you enjoy the idea of the fic and there will be more flirting for sure. It's awesome you enjoy the characterization. That means a LOT! :)
Yonaka Kyoki: Hehe, thanks for the comments! Oh don't worry I like my Bya/Ichi switching top and bottom, it makes me happy. So there will be both, but probably more Bya topping than Ichigo. Just depends on the scene and what I feel needs to be written. It's hard to explain XD! But I LOVE that you like a topping Ichigo... YESH!