Sugar and Spice – Chapter 7
Horn Dogs Wear Glasses Too
Time literally flies when you are with the person you care about, a person that makes everything feel right in your life, and that is how it felt for Ichigo. The workweek at the bakery was almost over once more, the days felt like minutes, seconds even—there was only two more hours left of this Saturday workday.
The kind of tension Ichigo felt when he started was replaced by a warm, fuzzy kind of tension. Every moment he spent working with Byakuya the more he was coming to love this job and even possibly... the man himself.
Ichigo was floating on a meringue cloud.
And he was floating even though nothing intimate has happened between them yet. Not even a kiss. Except for the nightly phone calls, that got a little steamier each time they spoke to each other. Who knew that Byakuya had ticklish ears?
Either way, it was fine by Ichigo. He would respect Byakuya's wishes until he was ready. Ichigo even managed to keep it professional in the kitchen and so did Byakuya, well, most of the time. In all honesty, it was hard to find time to fool around when they were so darn busy. Kitchen work was a lot tougher than he ever realized. Getting distracted meant ruining product, and Ichigo knew all about ruining a recipe. But Byakuya always reminded him that ruining recipes was something, as a cook, that he'd better get used to because it happens to even the best of chefs. However, it didn't mean Byakuya was thrilled about it. Ichigo always felt like shit when he messed up.
What Ichigo admired the most about his situation was that he felt that he got a chance to become friends with Byakuya. The pastry chef spoke to him more and he didn't always sound like he'd just sucked on a lemon, or three. Eleven days ago, Ichigo never would have dreamed such a thing.
There was only Grimmjow, the pervy deliveryman that insisted Byakuya was in love with him and wanted his babies but just didn't know it yet. It did not bother Ichigo. He was content with knowing that it was he, that Byakuya said 'goodnight' to every single night, whether by phone call or a text. So, he tried not to act or feel jealous when Byakuya attracted horn dogs into the café.
However, Ichigo could not say the same for Byakuya.
The pâtissier certainly wore a murderous glare on Thursday afternoon when someone started hitting on Ichigo, telling him how men in chef uniforms and orange hair turned him on. The man pointed out that Ichigo had a smudge of flour on his cheek and offered to clean it off with a handkerchief. He told Ichigo his name was Mizuiro Kojima.
And who still carries handkerchiefs? Ichigo wondered.
Byakuya thought that Mizuiro Kojima was, 'nothing more than a crafty little punk with an inflated sense of self.'
However, Rukia got to the man before Byakuya could say a single word. Ichigo stood back, snickering as a fat elastic band came out of nowhere and snapped off the Mizuiro's head. The smaller man blinked in surprise. Rukia, with hands on her small hips, told Kojima-san to take a walk if he knew 'what was good for him.'
Afterwards she complained. "What am I going to do with the both of you? Geesh!"
Tonight it was like déjà vu.
Ichigo was the one out front in the café dusting powdered sugar gently over some glazed fruit tarts, making them look all snowy and 'finished', as Byakuya might say in his chef speak. Tonight, Ichigo was the one who was dedicated and focused on his work, that he did not even notice a few customers admiring him.
"I hear that's Byakuya Kuchiki's new apprentice. I would love to do a write-up about him, find out what schools he went to or what other places he's worked at." One food journalist, who was sitting among the customers this evening, commented to her friend.
"I think he's only been here for two weeks, let him settle in and come back and ask him." The friend suggested.
"Well, the pastry is still fabulous, beautiful looking and it tastes soo good. By far, this is my favourite café in Karakura Town," said the reporter.
"Mine, too."
Ichigo was oblivious to them but enjoyed being out front. When it got monotonous being in the kitchen, where it could be hot and stuffy sometimes, he came to the front to check things out and to get a breath of fresh air—to be part of the action on the other side of the kitchen doors.
There were a few people quietly dining alone or with friends this evening. Ichigo looked up from his work and found himself watching their reactions to the confections that they tasted, and when they 'oooh'd' and 'ahhh'd' he felt this amazing sense of gratification.
The journalist woman waved happily at him and he waved back with a smile. It was a moment like this that Ichigo realized he helped bring a little joy into other people's lives. There was no better feeling...
All of a sudden, a hand smoothed up along Ichigo's back tenderly and came to rest on his shoulder. The gesture looked innocent to any bystander, as if a co-worker was patting his other co-worker on the shoulder, but the way the hand sensually moved up his back was not so innocent.
"How are you doing?" Byakuya whispered from behind, unable to keep his hands off his cute baking assistant.
Ichigo trembled faintly from Byakuya's intimate contact. But since they were out front, he kept his cool. "Hey there, I'm alright. Just finishing these tarts—checking out the scenery."
Byakuya understood that, he did not like being cooped up inside the kitchen every minute of the day either and often wandered to the front, too.
"Do you need help with anything?" Ichigo wondered. "Is Rukia still working in the office?"
"No, I do not require your help. Everything is organized—I wrapped up almost everything. I'm just waiting for the oven to finish cleaning," he replied. "Rukia will be finished soon. She's working on payroll."
Ichigo's warm brown eyes lit up even more, "Oh right, its pay-day!"
One of the customers glanced over at Ichigo's outburst and he busied himself quickly. He patted a little more sugar over the tarts again for good measure.
Next to him, Byakuya scoffed gently.
Sometimes what livened things up, was when Ichigo got to deal with a customer. He would get to plate the dessert, which meant fancying up the plate itself—garnishing it with swirls of fruit coulis or paint stripes of chocolate ganache—he was able to add fun things like crumbs and tapioca pearls or shards of colourful sugar that looked like glass.
He now made most of these garnishes, thanks to Byakuya's guidance, which allowed the pâtissier to focus on the bigger things. This was part of the reason Byakuya needed an assistant to help him—the workload was just too much for one man to handle alone. Ichigo understood this now.
Normally Rukia was in charge of plating and serving, but right now, he was the one watching the counter while she did some paperwork.
Ichigo had a customer.
Byakuya moved aside and dealt with the tarts as Ichigo went to the cash to take the man's order. He was a very pale fellow with the greenest, most soulful eyes he'd ever seen. The man's black hair was shoulder length and tousled, his expression was vacant. He was dressed nicely though, in dark pants with a white belt and a snug, thin white t-shirt under a warm black coat that went past his hips with a greyish fur trim around the collar.
"I'll have two of those," the man said, pointing a black-painted fingernail at the same chocolate mousse that Ichigo had tasted on his first day here.
Ichigo's face lit up. "Those are my fav—"
Just then, the café door chimed again and Ichigo glanced over unable to finish his sentence. His stomach did a flop.
"Hiya, Kurosaki-kun!" It was Inoue Orihime, looking all cute tonight with her beige coat and pink scarf, white leggings and a long lavender knitted sweater.
Ichigo paled a little. He did not even dare to look over at Byakuya.
She walked up to the counter, standing next to the pallid customer. She told Ichigo. "You see, this time I made it my mission to get here before you closed on Saturday. Tonight, I got off early."
"I'm sorry Orihime but I have a customer. Can we talk after?" Ichigo politely requested.
She glanced at the man at the counter who stood waiting patiently. She almost looked away, but found herself staring back at him. He was also looking at her. "My favourite thing to eat here are those." She told the man shyly and pointed at the glass.
"Those are profiteroles or cream puffs, whatever you want to call them," Ichigo explained. "They are filled with pastry cream scented with vanilla beans."
"Why do you like them?" the man asked her in this solemn voice.
"Why...?" She repeated as if he were crazy. "Because they fill your mouth with happiness, that's why."
The man seemed to contemplate that for a moment. "Then I'll have two of those instead," he told Ichigo and looked over at Orihime. "You have my thanks, pretty lady."
Something momentous changed in Orihime's eyes then. It was like seeing night change into day in a split second. "What's your name?" She asked him, studying his handsome face.
"Ulquiorra Cifer," he replied almost sadly. "Would you like to share them with me, I can get a few more."
Now Orihime wore a strange, multifarious expression on her face as she glanced at Ichigo guiltily.
"Oh, I dunno if I—"
Ichigo quickly waved her off with a chuckle, "Go on and sit with the guy. In fact, consider the profiteroles on the house." He grabbed four profiteroles and placed them on a plate dusted with sugar that Byakuya promptly prepared and handed over to him, much to Ichigo's surprise.
"Oh wow, Ichigo and Byakuya, you two are the best!" squealed Orihime.
"Thank you," Ulquiorra murmured quietly and went to find a seat.
Inoue Orihime followed the green-eyed man and looked back at Ichigo. She mouthed an 'I'm sorry'. Ichigo only winked at her and mouthed back with a shrug of his shoulders 'For what'.
Orihime looked so relieved.
Now Ichigo glanced over at Byakuya triumphantly.
"Seems like her attention has been taken elsewhere," Byakuya said under his breath. There was no hiding the fact that he sounded grateful.
"Thank frickin' gawd," Ichigo replied facetiously and sighed with utter relief. "I have a feeling I won't have to tell her anything after all."
Byakuya nodded. "Sometimes things have a way of working themselves out."
Later, when the café closed Renji came by to pick up his wife. Once again, it was drink night.
"So, who's all coming out tonight," Rukia questioned as she placed a soft rose-coloured scarf around her neck and zipped up her warm jacket. Her deep blue eyes landed on one particular person. "Ichigo, you promised."
"Sure thing," Ichigo replied easily. "But I dunno how I'm getting there."
"Do not worry, I'll take Ichigo," Byakuya offered calmly. He, too, was prepared to leave, standing next to Ichigo, buttoning up a dark wool coat.
Renji chuckled shrewdly for some reason and Rukia softly frowned at him.
"It's pretty cold out there tonight so you better put on some layers," the redhead with tattoos warned. "I dunno how you ride that motorcycle when it's cold enough to freeze the snot on your face."
"Eww, gross!" cried Rukia.
"It isn't a problem when you wear a helmet with a visor. Also, I have riding gloves," Byakuya disclosed. Then he spoke to Ichigo without actually looking at him. "I have an extra helmet on the top of the shelf in the office if you wish to join me."
"He could just come with us in the car," Renji interjected. "We'll crank up the heat and blast tunes. We can all meet you at The 78th District."
Byakuya gave Renji a slight frown.
Ichigo looked from Renji to Byakuya. It was nice of Renji to offer to take him, but there was something very exciting about getting a ride on Byakuya's motorcycle. Not only he would be close to the man, which was definitely a hot boner-ific bonus, but also some childish part of him thought it would be fun.
"Nah, I'd rather stay with Byakuya." Ichigo replied and Byakuya clearly seemed smug about it.
"Very well, I'll go retrieve the other helmet then," Byakuya murmured and wandered out of earshot back into the kitchen.
Renji was staring in the direction Byakuya had gone. "Fuck me," he swore softly with disbelief. "He is absolutely smitten with you, man."
Still bashful about his new relationship in front of Renji and Rukia, Ichigo frowned. "Do you really have to talk about it?"
"Don't be such a cry baby," Renji scoffed. "I'm just telling it like it is."
Ichigo roared indignantly. "Cry baby? Just keep your mouth shut."
"I'm trying to give you a compliment, dumbass!"
Ichigo made a sour face.
"Shut up you idiots!" Rukia warned dangerously. "If you upset my brother it'll be both your asses. Ichigo, Renji is right, you're being childish."
Renji grinned arrogantly.
"Rukia, how can you say that?" Ichigo moaned.
She said unsympathetically, "Grow up, Ichigo,"
A moment later Byakuya returned and glanced at everyone guardedly. "Have I missed something?" he inquired. "I heard some raised voices."
Rukia chimed in quickly. "Oh, it's nothing Nii-sama. These two idiots were just whining about who gets to pay for the first round. And since both Renji and Ichigo offered so insistently, that's two rounds on them." She looked at them cunningly.
Ichigo's right eye began to twitch.
Renji hung his head.
"I see," Byakuya claimed and came over to Ichigo. He handed him the sleek, black motorcycle helmet. "Well, then. Shall we leave?"
"Yeah, let's get out of here," Ichigo spoke to Byakuya, his entire demeanor softened now.
"Okay, we'll see you soon," Rukia said and left with Renji tailing her.
"Drive carefully," Renji called to them.
"You, too," Ichigo replied.
Ichigo followed Byakuya outside and watched him lock up the café. They were going the opposite way that Renji and Rukia went. Ichigo shrugged into his thick brown jacket, hands deep in his pockets against the freezing temperatures. "Shit, it is really cold tonight."
His breath was fogging up around his face.
"Indeed," Byakuya said and assured, "I'll try my best to keep you warm."
The younger man replied with a wide toothy grin. "I like the sounds of that."
Byakuya had his bike parked in a multi-levelled garage two minutes from the café. It stayed dry and protected there. He used a pass to gain access and led Ichigo to the second level, their steps echoing slightly in the enclosed space.
This was the first time Byakuya showed Ichigo his motorcycle. It was a handsome black and chrome Kawasaki with silver accents on the teardrop tank and ducktail. It seemed an older style of bike than Ichigo was used to seeing these days.
"This isn't what I expected," he mentioned.
Byakuya jeered almost indignant. "What does that mean? What did you expect?"
Ichigo replied with a chuckle. "Relax, Byakuya. I just expected some kind of rice rocket, something more sporty. You surprised me with this kind of bike. This is way cooler, it's real nice."
"Thank you."
"Is it an older model?" Ichigo wondered.
"Yes, it is." Byakuya answered, sounding very pleased that Ichigo noticed. "It's a 1973 Z1 model, a high performance machine, a collectable. It has a five speed transmission and runs at 82bhp's, clocking at 130 kilometers an hour."
"Whoa! That's enough to nearly rip the sleeves off of your shirt," Ichigo exclaimed, truly amazed. "Promise me you won't kill me on this thing." He laughed a little nervously.
Byakuya gave a rueful chuckle. "I would never do anything to hurt you, Ichigo." He meant that.
The man always had a way of making Ichigo heat up like a steam kettle. "I never know what to say when you say stuff like that to me. Let's just get on it already and go," he murmured, yanking the helmet over his head.
Smirking softly at Ichigo's modesty, Byakuya pulled his own helmet over his head and sat astride the motorcycle. He keyed the engine and turned to look back at Ichigo.
"Get on," he ordered.
Ichigo climbed on the back of the purring motorcycle. His steam kettle began to scream as he placed his hands on Byakuya's waist.
"Hold me tighter," urged Byakuya over the engine.
The man was truly killing him, Ichigo thought hopelessly and groaned. He wrapped his arms around Byakuya's waist securely and he drove them out of the garage, out into the frigid night air.
They flew down the streets, weaved safely around traffic—it made Ichigo's adrenaline surge.
"This is amazing!" he hollered unable to keep his exhilaration locked up.
"Are you cold?" Byakuya asked with concern.
"Fucking freezing," Ichigo replied and laughed incredulously. He was having too much fun to worry about the cold.
"Place your hands in my pockets," demanded Byakuya.
No argument there, Ichigo slid his cold hands into the deep warm pockets of Byakuya's thick wool coat. He felt a few coins, a lint ball, a pack of gum and a cell phone. Getting over his shyness, he snugged up against Byakuya's back as cozy as he could get. Being this close to Byakuya's body on top of this sexy piece of machinery nearly drove Ichigo off the edge. The adrenaline rush and the heat created between them gave Ichigo a hard-on that he couldn't control, which pressed up against Byakuya's backside.
"This is making me hot," Ichigo mentioned boldly at a red light, "And a little bit uncomfortable."
"Mmm, I'll have to remember that," Byakuya cleverly replied. Knowing that Ichigo was turned-on and pressed up behind him made him swallow hard. "Don't worry, we're almost there."
The motorcycle stopped outside of The 78th District, its sign lit up by white glowing letters. It was a place connected to many other lounges, restaurants or clubs along the street, which was busy with Saturday night partygoers. However, this place appeared classier and Ichigo could see why Rukia and the gang might have picked such a place.
Byakuya parked the motorcycle on the curb of the street and Ichigo hopped off, pulling off his helmet. His ginger hair stood up in every direction in a haphazard mess. Ichigo ran a hand through it a few times and watched Byakuya remove his helmet, shaking out his hair.
Before Byakuya could protest—or Ichigo lost his nerve—he reached out and tidied the other man's hair affectionately. He gently pushed it out of his face, Byakuya's raven hair silky on his fingers.
"There," Ichigo murmured sweetly, drawing his hand back reluctantly. He was admiring the man with a thoughtful gaze and professed, "Damn, you're so beautiful."
Byakuya eyes warmed. "As are you, my Ichigo," he responded tenderly, letting his eyes wander over the younger man. His gaze slid over Ichigo's brown jacket and along his stylish faded jeans. Unfortunately, it was too dark to tell if Ichigo was still excited, what a pity.
Ichigo gave one of those charming bashful smiles, unsure how to respond to Byakuya's roaming eyes. He knew what he was looking for. Ichigo stuffed his hands into his pockets.
Byakuya smiled slyly. "Come on, let's go in," he said.
Music and voices filled up the bar as they walked in. Byakuya intuitively waggled his hand at his back discreetly for Ichigo to take so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd. He searched for his sister and Renji who were probably hanging out with Momo and Izuru again. Tonight there was a band playing, The Dead Journalist's they called themselves. Byakuya thought it was a strange name for a band, but they were very good, nonetheless.
"The lead singer went to school with my sister and Renji and their friends who you will meet tonight," Byakuya disclosed to Ichigo who entwined his fingers with his, holding on securely. "His name is Shūhei Hisagi."
Ichigo glanced at the guy playing guitar and singing catchy rock music, who was wearing a full black suit with a thin black tie. However, the suit was a bit rumpled and the white dress shirt underneath was partly un-tucked. His dark dishevelled hair gave Shūhei a grunge look. Ichigo also noticed his face had a blue stripe tattoo across his left cheek that went just over the bridge of his nose. He also had the number '69' tattooed underneath the blue stripe on his left cheek.
"He sounds good," Ichigo replied.
Ichigo felt a tug on his fingers and Byakuya led him to the bar first. The place was dim and yet, cozy. The fixtures and bar were a dark lacquered wood and the place was tiered in levels. Stairs led the way to the back tables and the dance floor. There were a few neon signs behind the bar lined with various bottles of alcohol, accompanied by a few well-maintained bonsai trees. It was a simple place, not overly pretentious and it felt welcoming.
"Let me buy us a drink first," Byakuya suggested. "I see Rukia at their favourite booth, but I want to introduce you to two of my acquaintances."
"Alright," Ichigo agreed eager to meet friends of Byakuya's. "I'll have a beer, but please let me pay."
Whatever Rukia insisted of Ichigo, Byakuya would hear nothing of it. "Don't be ridiculous, Ichigo."
Ichigo sighed. "So, what do you drink?"
Byakuya thought about it. "Mostly a good quality scotch or brandy, but I'm rather tired of that now." He scoffed to himself thinking of last weekend. "I believe I'll try a beer as well. Just one, maybe two, because I still have to drive you home."
Ichigo squeezed Byakuya's fingers.
They made their way to the front of the busy bar where two tall, cheerful older bartenders were working behind it. One man had the whitest hair, long and curvy with a gentle face and deep green eyes and dark eyebrows. It was odd that he also wore a white button-up shirt that nearly matched his hair, with an open collar, exposing his pale throat.
The other bartender was much more masculine, broad, his face more chiselled with dark grey eyes and scruff growing on his chin. He had wavy brown hair tied back with a flowery ribbon. His shirt was pink with big red and white flowers on it and he was joking around.
"Free drinks for all the pretty ladies at the bar," he quipped, lining up a string of shot glasses and freely pouring some vodka into them, spilling some on the varnished surface.
The women at the bar cheered.
The bartender with white hair revealed a deep sexy voice that didn't seem to match his gentle-looking features. He laughed and teased his fellow bartender, "Shunsui's only trying to get you all drunk so that afterwards..."
"Ack! Don't listen to Jushiro my sweets, he has too big a gentlemanly heart." The man called Shunsui explained playfully and all the girls went 'awwww'.
Older men or not, they still had their game on.
Jushiro Ukitake was the first to notice Byakuya and the younger man next to him with orange hair. "Bya-kun!" he announced, smiling at them. "Long time no see, my young friend. I heard you stopped by last weekend but you didn't come over to say hello." He settled green eyes on Byakuya's companion. "And who is this?"
Ichigo held up a hand in a 'hello' to the white-haired bartender who was fixedly watching him.
Byakuya introduced Ichigo to a man he'd known for a few years—ever since he started coming to this place with Rukia and Renji. At times, it had been his salvation. Sometimes when it wasn't busy here during the mid-week nights, he'd stop by just to chat with Jushiro and Shunsui. A few times, they would chat while drinking tea instead of alcohol. They were men he looked up to because they were a lot wiser than they appeared at the moment—it was important to entertain their customers of course. They were the only gay couple Byakuya knew. They had been together for so long and their relationship was solid. He admired them.
Shunsui Kyoraku taunted from the other end of the bar. "That's a cute fish you've caught there, Byakuya."
Byakuya tried not to roll his eyes, but he did reply arrogantly. "And he's all mine."
A few women at the bar overheard this and went 'awwww' again.
Ichigo started blushing.
Ukitake and Kyoraku were laughing at the spectacle. "So what will it be?"
"Two Asahi—in the bottle not off tap," ordered Byakuya.
Ukitake nodded and grabbed two bottles from the fridge under the bar. Byakuya gave his thanks and paid, giving the friendly bartender a nice tip.
Ichigo thanked Byakuya for the drink as they made their way over to Rukia and Renji, accompanied by a young dark-haired woman and a blonde-haired man. They introduced them as Momo Hinamori and Izuru Kira.
Everyone shuffled down so that Ichigo and Byakuya could take a seat with them at the booth. Ichigo sat next to Byakuya and Byakuya was seated next to Renji, then Rukia, Izuru and Momo at the other end.
Byakuya introduced Ichigo to the group and everyone said hello. It was quiet for only a moment before Izuru continued what he was saying prior to when the two new comers arrived.
"Right, so, the last time I saw Hisagi he was passed out drunk on my bathroom floor."
Momo added. "He passed out beside the toilet."
"Nice," Renji said sarcastically, making a face. "Why don't I remember that night? Where was I?"
"You were too busy with Rukia in the..."
Momo's eyes widened and she shot a staggered glance at Byakuya.
"So then!" Rukia cried out suddenly, cutting Momo off at the quick. "Did you hear about how they might start feeding the polar bears so they don't die off? What's up with that? This global warming is getting out of control!" She took a long sip of her pink drink.
Renji just started nodding in a hurry. "Oh yeah that was on the news the other day."
This time Byakuya did roll his eyes. Ichigo watched him do it and chuckled before he sipped his beer.
The silly conversation continued and Ichigo found himself really enjoying the new people he met here. They were easygoing people just out blowing off some steam after a long week of work and stress. It was awesome that Rukia, Renji and Byakuya knew them and still hung out after so many years. Ichigo thought he'd have to invite his friend Chad one day, even Ishida. He was sure that they would love it.
When the band took a break, the singer Shūhei came over and squeezed in beside Ichigo. He was huffing a little from exertion and wiping the sweat from his brow with a napkin.
"Fucking hot up there," he said and grabbed a beer on the table that must have belonged to him. He drank nearly three-quarters of it before coming up for air.
Ichigo felt like a monkey in the middle. He glanced at Byakuya who probably felt worse than he did. But Byakuya just sat back, sipping on his beer tranquilly, his eyes on Ichigo and his hand smoothing over his leg. Byakuya gave Ichigo's thigh a squeeze underneath the table.
Ichigo nearly jumped.
"I see Byakuya's brought a date," Shūhei quipped and held out his hand to Ichigo. "Pleased to meet you, my name is, Shūhei Hisagi, but someone probably already told you that. And hey there Byakuya, haven't seen you in a while."
"Ichigo Kurosaki." He was slowly shaking Shūhei's warm hand. "How did you know... that I'm his date?" Ichigo was astounded.
Shūhei laughed. "Because you guys are playing footsie under the table," he answered mischievously.
"It's not footsie exactly." Byakuya corrected calmly.
Shūhei just chuckled loudly. "You're a funny man, Byakuya. Well, he looks good on you, this cute carrot top. You didn't happen to bring along a cute single friend for me, did ya?"
"I'm afraid I did not." Byakuya answered.
Shūhei only shrugged. Then he frowned playfully at the others as Ichigo frowned about the 'carrot top' remark and complained. "Why haven't any of you jerks come out on the dance floor yet? I'm singing my best stuff—what the hell?"
"I need a few more of these before you'll get me on a dance floor," Renji replied dryly, pointing at his beer bottle.
"What a pussy," Shūhei teased Renji.
Everyone laughed much to Renji's grumbling displeasure.
About twenty minutes later Shūhei returned to the stage and Momo and Rukia urged the others to dance. Just to make Shūhei happy. It was only Ichigo and Byakuya at the table now.
"Please don't make me get up and dance," Ichigo begged.
"Do you not like dancing?" Byakuya asked him thoughtfully.
"It's not really my thing. Why, do you like to dance?" Ichigo wondered in amazement.
"It's not really my thing either." Byakuya answered. "However, I'm quite proficient when it comes to formal dances. Then, if you want, I could sweep you off your feet."
Ichigo smiled playfully at his 'date'. "Why should you do that when you already have, Byakuya?" He spoke the other's name in a murmur. "Man, you have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now." The beer was definitely giving Ichigo some liquid courage.
They watched each other carefully as the music in the background began to fade away. Ichigo subtly licked his lips as they inched closer, he could feel Byakuya's breath against his face. Ichigo closed his eyes...
"I can't."
Byakuya turned away despairingly. A complex emotion came to his face then, as if he was fighting an internal struggle. "Please, don't be upset with me," he implored unusually.
Ichigo saw the odd look and quickly said, "I'm not mad, don't worry, Byakuya. I'll be patient."
Byakuya seemed relieved and yet he was annoyed with himself for his ridiculous hesitation. He excused himself so that he could use the men's room.
"Don't fall in!" Ichigo called trying to lighten the mood, watching the funny look Byakuya gave him for that.
Seeing that Ichigo was alone, Rukia hurried over and yanked on his arm gently. "I can't stand seeing you sitting here all by yourself, Ichigo." She urged him up. "Come dance with us until my brother comes back."
Ichigo began to protest loudly, but nothing he said or did would deter her. He grumbled and walked over to the dance floor and just sort of stood there as everyone danced around him. Ichigo began to shuffle from foot to foot uncomfortably, eyeing the EXIT sign where the washrooms were down a dark hallway, looking for Byakuya's return.
Byakuya was washing his hands and just when he turned off the tap and started to shake them dry, someone schmoozed up behind him. They purred in his ear, their lips brushing the soft flesh of his lobe.
"My, my, if heaven had angels like you, I'd gladly let you slay me right here, right now, Byakuya Kuchiki."
Without any expression on his face, Byakuya spun around on the man who was whispering the lame pick up line. He levelled cold grey eyes on a tall man with natural brown hair, wearing square-shaped glasses and equally brown eyes behind them. His handsome face appeared very intellectual but his clothing said otherwise. He was dressed rather attractively, almost flaunting, with a half-opened black, button-up shirt showing off much of his upper chest. He also wore black dress pants with a shiny belt around his slim waist and wore expensive leather shoes.
Byakuya was nearly choking on the man's cologne. He coughed delicately. "You know my name," he said coolly and somewhat surprised.
The tall man smiled cockily, taking off his glasses and smoothing his hair back with his hand, leaving a few strands hanging in front of his face. Instantly, he went from plain to wham!—sexy.
"Of course I know your name," the man said with a smooth, almost hypnotic voice. "I've been watching you for quite some time. You own Café on Sixth—I come there often. I'm wounded that you don't remember me, but I remember you. Byakuya Kuchiki, renowned pastry chef and budding entrepreneur."
Byakuya stitched his delicate brows together. "Who are you?"
The man placed a nicely manicured hand to his own chest. "My name is Aizen Sousuke," he announced with a crafty glint in his eye. "I'm the man who you'll be leaving this bar with tonight instead of that tramp I saw you with." He gave a charming smile. "He is not part of my plan, you on the other hand—are. I know that you can't resist a man such as myself. I'm better suited to be with someone as refined as you, Byakuya."
This guy sure liked to talk, Byakuya thought and released an irritated sigh, trying to push his way past Aizen. "You assess me incorrectly then because I find you... nauseating," Byakuya sneered as bitter as he could muster.
The man cornered Byakuya against the glass sink.
"But you haven't given me a chance to explain, no need to talk so harshly now," Aizen said with a little less patience.
Byakuya was beginning to feel alarmed at the forceful way this man was trying to corner him. "If you do not remove yourself from my space I will be forced to deal with you in a severe manner," he warned. Byakuya was not against physical violence if he needed to use it. Not giving Aizen the chance to speak again, he stubbornly shoved his way past him and left the washroom.
He headed back to the bar, brushing his sleeves and smoothing his shirt indignantly with his hands.
Ichigo was two stepping with zero style when he saw Byakuya appear under the EXIT sign and stopped his feeble dancing. His chef was looking a little upset, probably because of their almost-kiss earlier on. The thing was, was that Ichigo wasn't upset with the baker, he understood that the timing had to be right. It had to feel right. Besides, first kisses were supposed to be special, not inside of bars surrounded by tons of noisy people. Ichigo felt bad for putting Byakuya on the spot like that, but he could not stop what his body was demanding.
His heart thumped wildly just looking at Byakuya from across the way.
Then his heart nearly stopped, Ichigo frowned as some handsome man with glasses resting up in his hair, began speaking with Byakuya. Of course, he couldn't hear what they were saying but the look on Byakuya's face was unsettling. He looked positively angry.
"Hey, who's that jerk hitting on Rukia's brother?" Renji said loudly next to Ichigo's ear, trying to escape the dance floor by seeking out the fellow redhead.
"I dunno but I'm beginning to lose my cool," Ichigo muttered darkly.
From across the way they watched in astonishment as the tall dark-haired man pinned Byakuya against the wall with his body, his hands snaking around Byakuya's lean hips, grabbing his ass. The man was laughing, bending his head down to try and steal a kiss.
"Shit! That's the creepy guy with glasses!" Rukia cried as she met up with Renji.
Ichigo was already shoving his way through the crowd towards them like a charging bull.
Byakuya could not shake Aizen off and protested. "What is wrong with you?"
"Just one kiss and you'll be all mine," Aizen assured, his mouth almost on top of Byakuya's lips.
"Get off him!" Ichigo cried, grabbing the guy off Byakuya and pinning him up against the opposite wall roughly. He stormed, "He's saving that kiss for me, you jerk!"
Aizen's glasses fell from his hair and landed on the hard floor. He looked very surprised at Ichigo, who was a lot stronger than he appeared. The redhead held him nearly off his feet by his shirt in two angry fists, his eyes on fire with rage.
"Oh, if it isn't the orange-haired tramp," Aizen murmured serenely as he hung in Ichigo's grip. "You see, Byakuya should belong to me, not you. So why don't you just take a hike."
Ichigo growled in his face. "What did you call me?"
"A tramp..."
Ichigo socked the guy before anyone could blink. He let go of Aizen who slid to the floor, sitting against the wall, one hand securing his bloody nose.
Everyone came running over. Izuru took a picture with his phone and Rukia bravely held Ichigo's arm back so he wouldn't hit the guy again. "Calm down Ichigo. He got what he deserved, now let it go."
"How can I calm down when this guy was all over Byakuya? I can't stand that he was forcing himself on him." Ichigo was breathing hard with anger, rubbing his sore fist. He finally looked at Byakuya who was watching him silently with wide eyes.
Ichigo relaxed a little. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have done that."
Byakuya scowled softly. "Sorry..." He gave a loud sniff. "Sorry for what? You should have hit him twice."
Ichigo just stared at Byakuya for a moment and then he began to chuckle. He held out his good hand to Byakuya. "Come on, let's get out of here," he suggested.
Byakuya took Ichigo's hand and neither of them looked back as they made their way out of the bar.
Renji 'accidently' crunched his heavy-booted foot over a pair of glasses. "If you know what's good for you you'll stay away from them and Café on Sixth. Because, I swear I will do worse to you then Ichigo did," he threatened. Then Renji picked up the broken glasses and handed them over to Aizen who took them feebly, still sitting on the floor, dazed.
A/N: This was a really hard chapter to write with so much going on and Byakuya's issues lol! There is a reason for that and it will be resolved, I promise. I wanted to give some insight to Ichigo's progress in the café and get Orihime out of his hair hahaha! Fweee! Ulquiorra ftw! I love that guy. I couldn't resist Byakuya's motorcycle and adding Jushiro and Shunsui into this fic as bartenders! I have a small weakness for those two. And lastly Aizen teehee! Ichigo wasn't part of his plan *snerk* Why doesn't that ever get old?
Next chapter I bring you warm lemons, because Byakuya suggests you get more juice out of them when you warm them remember? *winks* Also! I almost forgot. I did a cover picture for this fic with Byakuya and Ichigo as chefs-one has a café background and the other a simple background. You can find a link to these pictures in my profile :)
Reviewers:
ctofi1 - Flirting in the kitchen is the most fun lol! Thanks again for commenting!
Cerulean Twin - Lulz! Corny jokes are cute tho :) I'm so happy you enjoyed the last chapter.
Paon - Awww! *big hugs* Thanks so much for taking the time to read so many of my fics and leaving me wonderful comments on them. It really means a lot. Us fans need to stick together. There wasn't too much interaction with Rukia's friends, but a little. There was so much going on haha!
Yonaka Kyoki - Hehehe... yes love is definitely in the air and more so next chapter lol! *squishes you*
MrsByaKuchiki - Thanks so much! I really wanted a cute story with humour and romance, but not too crazy that it steers away from Byakuya and Ichigo's personalities. That's the hardest thing about AU's.
Jushiro Ukitake 2013 - Aww, thanks hun! I hope you continue to enjoy! Can you see Jushiro as a bartender? XD! He's so cute!
Sekai95 - Fluff and totally be more intense than the lemon, I fully agree! It makes you all warm and fuzzy XD! Lame joke, I know. Teehee, glad you got worked up-I aim to please! Thanks for your comments!
igotmoneymoney - Thanks so much hun! :)