A/N: My chapter title was a bit too long for FF. So it appears a little different. The title below is the actual title *grins*
Sugar and Spice – Chapter 10
Soul Food with a Dash of Indecent Exposure
Ichigo was in a foul mood.
He had been ever since Byakuya snuck out of his apartment yesterday morning, leaving without a single word. There wasn't even a note for gawd sake! How incredibly cold, it was like a punch to the gut. Especially after, they had shared something so unbelievably amazing.
It made Ichigo, feel so dirty and used.
Ishida had mentioned how he'd run into Byakuya, while he was making his escape, and that he had seemed in such a hurry and said that he was 'sorry'. Well, that just made Ichigo feel a whole lot better. He snorted to himself as he walked along, one hand stuffed inside his jacket and the other carrying the spare motorcycle helmet that Byakuya had left behind, head hunkered under his hood.
A chilling rain fell from the grey skies again today. As it neared Halloween and the end of October, it wasn't unusual to get some precipitation this time of year. Even the temperature was dropping and the leaves turned colour and fell off the trees, gusts of wind scattering them across the sidewalk.
His breath was visible when he exhaled.
Ichigo was good on his word, it was only ten minutes past eleven o'clock and he was just approaching Byakuya's building. He had only seen the outside of it once and had no idea what floor the pastry chef actually lived on or even his apartment number.
He could have simply asked Byakuya for this information but Ichigo was being stubborn. He hadn't texted him once since last night.
He had to admit though; he was surprised when he got Byakuya's text, inviting him over. It was as if the man did not know if he was coming or going, and frankly, Ichigo was irritated. He understood that Byakuya had some internal struggles but he was willing to give the man all the damn space and time he required. Even so, was kissing him that difficult? If he recalled it was the pâtissier that had kissed him first. Byakuya had been the one who dared him into the shower—beckoning to him like the siren that he was. I'm only a man, dammit! What sane person would be able to resist?
Was Byakuya merely playing with him? Is that all this was?
Ichigo began to harbour doubts and it ate at him like gnawing insects. He didn't like being played for a fool. His heart had felt stabbed through when he realized that he'd been left behind like someone's old newspaper. His heart literally sank when he woke up to find the spot next to him on his bed empty and cold.
He pulled open a heavy brass-handled glass door and entered the fancy lobby. He saw a list of names on a panel and a buzz-in mechanism.
Kuchiki B. Apt. 6 - 28th floor Code 334
His stomach twisting with nerves, Ichigo pushed in the code. In seconds, he heard Byakuya's deep voice. "Ichigo...?"
It wasn't fair that Byakuya even sounded sexy over a speaker. "It's me. Open the door."
There was a click and Ichigo entered the building and headed up to his boss's place.
Byakuya was waiting impatiently, wiping his hands dry on his denim pants. He was unusually anxious. Then he heard a knock on his door. He didn't want to appear eager, but swung the door open before Ichigo landed his third knock. Ichigo stood there dressed in dark jeans and his brown jacket spotted with rain, his knuckles still poised up in the air. His hood was up and he wore a scowl on his beautiful face. Ichigo brought his hand down and he thrust the motorcycle helmet at Byakuya.
"Yo, Byakuya," Ichigo said sourly. "So here I am. Talk quickly cause I'm really upset with you and I'm not in the mood for your bullshit right now."
Byakuya felt terrible, he had never meant to hurt Ichigo this much. He took the helmet and set it aside. "I truly apologize, Ichigo. If you will just come in so I can shut the door. I promise to explain everything."
Begrudgingly, Ichigo walked in and Byakuya shut the door. His eyes hastily scanned the posh apartment, the lush black and white scheme, shiny white floors. He wasn't surprised to see that Byakuya lived in such a classy setting. If Ichigo wasn't so perturbed he might have expressed how amazing this place was. His eyes couldn't help but notice the large windows to his right that gave a breathtaking view of Karakura Town.
Not ready to let the cool surroundings sway him just yet, Ichigo stood sentinel, arms going around his middle in a frustrated lock around his chest.
"So, why did you do it?" Ichigo demanded once more. "Were you just using me?"
What Byakuya was about to say, was not easy for him. He exhaled deeply and settled his slate-grey eyes directly on Ichigo. He spoke of the reasons why he had run away the morning after. As he talked, he saw a sadness appear in Ichigo's soft brown eyes and it drew him closer to the younger man. It wasn't the kind of reaction he expected to see. Byakuya reached over and gently pushed Ichigo's damp hood off his head, revealing his bush of vibrant orange hair.
Ichigo bristled at the touch.
Byakuya leaned in and kissed Ichigo's cheek. He kissed his jaw. Then he kissed his temple softly. "Let me kiss away the hurt I've caused you," he whispered tenderly. "I didn't mean to make you feel used. Please forgive me."
Everything that Ichigo was mad about began to melt away. The anger was slowly replaced by understanding and the overwhelming affection he felt for this damaged man. "Byakuya," he said. "I know I can never replace your wife and I would never ask you to forget about her. I am not an asshole. I get how this is hard for you and I told you I would be as patient as you need me to be, but don't shut me out. Don't mess with my heart, this new thing we have feels so amazing."
Byakuya inhaled Ichigo's scent, his nose close to the other's ear. "I know, it is, Ichigo," he murmured. "Promise... you will not mess with my heart either. Because..." His voice faded into a tiny whisper. "I don't think I could take it."
"I would never do that," Ichigo assured, his haughty stance softening. His shoulders dropped a little and his arms uncrossed, his eyes warmed. "It might sound crazy but I know exactly what you mean to me. I knew it the moment I saw you. I knew it that night in your office when you chose 'truth' from my t-shirt and I asked about those pictures. There was a look in your eye—you can't hide behind that tough act you play, Mr. Nasty Chef."
Byakuya nipped on Ichigo's ear lobe causing him to hiss. "That's no way to speak to your boss," he said.
"I'm not taking it back." Ichigo claimed firmly. "I'm not just your whipping boy any more. I'm your friend and your co-worker."
"You're more than that," Byakuya stated tenaciously.
"Oh?"
"I want you to be mine, exclusively," the chef purred drawing his tongue along the shell of Ichigo's ear.
Ichigo swallowed hard. "If we do this again are you going to freak out? If you need time—"
Just then, Byakuya thought about rollercoasters and guffawed discreetly as he remembered his father's advice. "I have had six years—I don't need any more time." He insisted and gasped when Ichigo fiercely embraced him, pressing a crushing kiss to his lips. Byakuya feverishly kissed Ichigo in return, holding onto the other man just as steadfast.
Clothing began to fly.
Still kissing, Byakuya pawed off piece after piece, Ichigo doing the same, until both stood only in their socks. They groped and fed off each other's energy like animals, beasts with carnal needs.
Ichigo roughly grabbed Byakuya's splendid ass, squeezing until the man whined sweetly against his mouth. But he didn't stop there. He even ventured further, slipping a finger up inside Byakuya's warm entrance, petting him until the man moaned out. He held back nothing. Ichigo wanted to show him just how crazy he made him, how much he meant to him and how much he needed him.
A blushing streak of pink, stung across Byakuya face, he was so aroused and impassioned. But he had to break their deep wet kiss.
"I need to go get something." His voice was husky and lustful.
Ichigo understood and panted, catching his breath, his lips wet from Byakuya's hungry kisses. He moved away from the door and wandered over to the windows, standing before a rainy Karakura Town completely naked and aroused. This was the tallest building in the neighbourhood so there were no other buildings high enough to see him, he hoped. But Ichigo felt so high internally that he didn't really see the view through his hazy lust-fogged vision, awaiting Byakuya's return.
When he felt a warm hand move along his thigh, scrupulously across his rear end and up along his back he smiled widely and turned around.
"You get what you needed?" he asked.
"Oh yes." Byakuya waved a bottle of lube in his hand.
"Nice," Ichigo replied breathily and let his eyes roam over Byakuya's delectable body. He was so gorgeous. Very slim and tight, but not overly muscled, just perfectly toned and manly. Ichigo ran his palm across Byakuya's smooth chest, thumbing over sensitive nipples, running a hand down along his hip and across the dark hair on his navel. The back of his knuckles brushed against the base of man's erection, Ichigo smirked and got to his knees.
His tongue licked wetly along his length, from base to tip.
Byakuya sighed and closed his eyes.
Saying nothing, Ichigo pleasured his lover, sucking and licking, tasting his sweet skin. His fingers fondled and stroked, causing Byakuya to grip into his hair. Grinning wickedly, Ichigo stroked him harder with his finger, marvelling at the torment creased on Byakuya's normally passive face.
He groaned around Byakuya's cock, which was still in his mouth, his tongue swirling around it.
Ichigo gave Byakuya a few long, deep sucks and then he stood up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He turned around and placed a hand on the window, demanding. "Take me, Byakuya."
Byakuya prepared himself and sidled up behind his assistant, guiding himself gently inside. Ichigo whimpered a little, he sucked air over his teeth.
"Fuck," Ichigo cursed blissfully.
Against the window, before the entire city, Byakuya took Ichigo, slamming into that fine cute ass. He could not hold back, this wasn't the time for sweet stroking and gentle lovemaking. Screw that, he gave Ichigo the hardest fuck he was capable of giving. Byakuya wore no pretenses and gave all of himself to the man who he thought had the sexiest hair.
And he told everyone that. Heh.
This time Byakuya's eyes glistened wetly from the approaching orgasm he was about to unleash. He held onto Ichigo's hips, thrusting like a jackhammer, grunting softly. Ichigo was mewling, his fingertips pressed against the glass so hard they were white, his knees were shaking—he placed both palms flat against the window so he wouldn't fall down. The redhead was on the verge.
Ichigo cried out his lover's name when he came.
Byakuya reached a hand around Ichigo's torso and squeezed him of every hot drop. He was almost there too, so close. He brought a sticky finger to his mouth and licked the sweetness from it as if he were licking off a dollop of whipped cream.
He returned his hand to grip onto Ichigo's hip and gave his final thrusts before climaxing rapturously. Byakuya sighed and panted sweetly, keeping himself buried inside of Ichigo even after he was utterly spent. He wrapped his arms around his lover's back and feathered kisses on Ichigo's skin, catching his breath and revelling in his state of complete contentment.
"Ichigo," he murmured deeply. "Don't ever doubt my feelings for you again."
"I—I won't," Ichigo promised, still breathing hard.
Ichigo felt so good that Byakuya did not want to let go. "Are you still angry with me?"
"Nope, I'm thinking about what's for dinner," Ichigo replied spryly.
Byakuya scoffed.
Ichigo rest his forehead against the window. He teased, "I didn't know you had a little exhibitionist in you, Byakuya. I think I can see my place from here." Ichigo could feel the smile on Byakuya's face that was resting against his back.
"It is a lovely view." Byakuya enlightened.
"I see." Ichigo quipped. "And do you often saunter in front of the window in the buff?"
"Only on Tuesdays and Fridays," he replied nonchalantly.
Ichigo laughed profoundly and turned around much to Byakuya's disappointment. "I'm beginning to understand the way you work," he said, moving some of his lover's damp hair out of his eyes.
"I wasn't finished holding you," Byakuya complained.
"I was starting to cramp, don't be so bossy."
"I do believe I am your boss though."
Ichigo chuffed indignantly. "Not when we're not working, you ain't."
Byakuya smirked softly. "You probably require a bath," he said, realizing how sweaty they both were. "Just don't make the floors all wet."
At those words, Ichigo shifted a little uncomfortably. He felt a different kind of dirty now. "I think I'll take you up on that, but first..." He captured Byakuya's mouth gently and wrapped his arms around him thoughtfully.
"I think I'm falling for you, Ichigo," Byakuya whispered against his lips.
Ichigo sighed. "You think? Man... I've already fallen." He marvelled at the way Byakuya's eyes looked back at him affectionately. The pâtissier appeared even more beautiful like that.
"I'll be back quickly," Ichigo promised and wandered off to the bathroom to clean up. "By the way, you have an amazing place, Byakuya. I can't wait to see your bathroom."
Byakuya turned to watch Ichigo, his eyes finding the wet streaks staining the back of Ichigo's thighs and backside. Oh dear... Byakuya swallowed thickly and felt the stirring of arousal all over again. With a smug expression, he followed Ichigo to bathroom, not ready to get off the rollercoaster just yet.
The rest of the day was lazily spent on Byakuya's white leather couch, covered by a fleecy black blanket with Ichigo's head resting on the baker's lap. Byakuya played with soft orange hair as they watched movies on the big flat screen, ate popcorn lightly dusted with spicy curry powder—at Byakuya's suggestion, and drank tea. However, by the time the second movie was half way in, they both fell asleep.
At least an hour passed before Ichigo opened his eyes, he lay on his side now, hand curled around Byakuya's knee, his cheek against the man's leg. Above his head, he heard Byakuya breathing deeply and shifted slightly to see the man holding his head up in his hand, elbow on the arm of the couch, fast asleep. His hair splayed lazily across his face and draped along his neck, over his burgundy shirt, dark lashes resting on the crests of his cheeks.
Ichigo just smiled and settled down against Byakuya's thigh once more. He sighed with contentment.
I've died and this is heaven. I'm the luckiest bastard in the world—luckiest bastard with the sorest ass!
He closed his eyes, he felt ashamed for doubting Byakuya's intentions earlier, but he was glad they cleared the air. He felt honoured that Byakuya found the courage to tell him the truth. It meant so much to Ichigo. Right now, he could not imagine ever losing Byakuya. Simply thinking it brought a painful scowl to his face.
Fingers began to move into his hair again. Ichigo turned around to lay on his back staring up at the beautiful grey eyes that peered down at him.
"You're awake," Ichigo said.
Byakuya gave a rough, "Yes, I'm awake."
"You sound cute when you just wake up. Do you need some water, I'll go get it?"
Byakuya gently wet his lips. "In a minute," he said, watching as Ichigo gave him an adorable smile.
"Your lap is comfy. I'm sorry I fell asleep—you wore me out." Ichigo explained and used his feet to remove the blanket that covered him, kicking it off. He was dressed again in his jeans and white t-shirt, minus socks, which were probably in the bathroom.
"You have it wrong, Ichigo. It is you that wore me out," Byakuya replied.
Ichigo chuckled. "I guess we both wore each other out."
The sudden quiet was broken by Ichigo's growling tummy.
Byakuya looked a concerned. "You're hungry. I did promise you dinner."
"I dunno—food or stay here curled up on the couch with you. That's a tough decision," he said, scrunching up his face in thought. "I wish I could have both."
"Well as much as I adore having you in this position, you're heavy head is starting to make my leg numb," Byakuya stated. "Perhaps dinner is the best option."
Ichigo shot up to a sitting position. "Are you saying that I have a big head?" He sounded a little indignant.
Byakuya got off the couch and wandered over to the kitchen. "No," he started coolly, "I said your head was heavy. Don't act like a brat."
Shrugging it off, Ichigo followed Byakuya to his immaculate kitchen with granite countertops, all black appliances, chrome fixtures and the fancy set of German Wustof chef knives he had in a wooden block. Before the kitchen was a small dinette table with a white tablecloth, bamboo placemats for four and a today's newspaper. Ichigo noticed it lay opened on the business section and saw a headline about Kuchiki Enterprises hosting a Halloween fundraiser for a Children's Hospital.
"Hey, isn't this your family's company?" Ichigo wondered, pointing to the article on the table. "I think that's really great, they must collect a huge donation from this."
Byakuya placed a wok on the stove and poured in a splash of walnut oil. "That fundraiser is held annually and brings in about five million, all of which is given to the Children's Hospital."
Ichigo whistled. "That's a large sum and it's going to such a good cause." He wandered into the kitchen, peeking at the chef knives more closely.
"Would you like to go to that fundraiser?" Byakuya inquired. "You could meet my father and grandfather. There is also a silent auction. You might enjoy the festivities."
Ichigo dropped the paring knife he was holding which clattered onto the countertop. "Err... meet your dad and grandfather?"
Byakuya 'tsk'd' as he pulled fresh soba noodles from the fridge, along with a package of shrimp and some vegetables. "Are you frightened to meet my family? I assure you have nothing to fear."
Ichigo pulled out the long chef knife from the block and stood next to Byakuya, retrieving the washed veggies, placing them on a cutting board. "Of course I want to meet them, but you can't expect me not to feel kinda nervous about it." He began to trim and prepare the vegetables.
Leaving Ichigo in charge of the veggies, Byakuya filled a pot with water to boil. He set it on the stove. "Of course," he said with reason. "We will also be required to go in costume. It is a Halloween party after all."
A grimace appeared on Ichigo's face. "A costume...? Isn't that stuff for kids?"
Byakuya seemed surprised by this. "I would have thought you'd enjoy dressing up."
Looking over at Byakuya carefully, Ichigo replied, "Why, do I seem childish to you?"
"Dressing up is not just for children." Byakuya sounded a little annoyed. "You are only as old as you feel. Hearing you speak like that, I'd say you sound about sixty-two."
"What?!" Ichigo cried, "Why has this turned into pick on me all of the sudden?"
Byakuya actually chuckled low and deep.
"Why are you laughing? What did I say that's so funny?" Ichigo spun around to chop a red pepper julienne style in a sulk.
"Ichigo, I would like it very much if you dressed up along with me," Byakuya revealed. "I would also like that you stop assuming what you think you know of me as well."
The slicing of the pepper slowed down. Ichigo frowned and blushed at being, put in his place. When he heard there would be dressing up, he immediately thought Byakuya would detest the idea. He didn't want to appear completely immature. "I'm sorry, Byakuya. I misjudged you. I'm not totally against costumes, I haven't put on a costume in a few years. I just thought..."
"You thought I would be against it." Byakuya turned his back on him and began zesting a gingerroot into the heating wok. He tapped the zester on the side of the pan. He added, "I've already chosen my costume."
Surprise was all over Ichigo's face as he glanced at Byakuya. "Really?" he said astonished. Now he actually wanted to know. "What is it?"
"I won't tell you. You'll have to come to find out."
Ichigo groaned. "You're killing me, Byakuya."
Oh yes, he knew. "So you will join me on Halloween night? I suggest we meet each other there," Byakuya said.
"You're evil," Ichigo teased. He huffed and brought the chopped veggies over to Byakuya in a bowl.
"I take it that you have agreed then?" Byakuya dropped in a handful of chopped garlic, which sizzled when it hit the oil. He added some soya sauce to caramelize it first before adding the veggies.
"Fine," Ichigo agreed and thought. "Geez, what the hell do I dress up as." He started to think about it. Not only did he have to dress up in front of Byakuya but his family, too! It couldn't be anything too crazy.
"You have a whole week to decide. The party is this Saturday."
"How convenient," Ichigo murmured on the sly. He had to think of something quick.
Dropping the noodles into the pot Byakuya spoke calmly. "Please don't worry yourself about it too much. It's just a fundraiser, it will be enjoyable."
Ichigo relaxed a little bit. "You're right. Thank you for inviting me and I look forward to it."
"Good," Byakuya answered. "Could you pass me the cayenne pepper from the spice rack?"
Now Ichigo busted out with laughter.
"What's so funny?" Byakuya wondered suspiciously. "Have I said something amusing?"
Twittering with giggles, Ichigo handed Byakuya his cayenne pepper. "It's nothing—really, I just had a thought."
"So share it."
Ichigo came up behind Byakuya as he added the bowl of vegetables, inhaling the scent from his hair at the base of his neck. He whispered next to Byakuya's ear. "I hear cayenne makes the blood flow faster."
Smiling softly Byakuya added, "And I hear it creates endorphins. All hot spices do."
"You make me create endorphins, because you're so spicy, Byakuya," Ichigo murmured smoothing his hands around Byakuya's body.
"Now, who is the one being evil? I'm trying to cook dinner here."
Ichigo chuckled. "I know and I'm starving but I can't keep my hands off you."
"You're too much," Byakuya said with banter. "Anyways, I made you something for after dinner. It is your favourite, I believe. Why don't you look in the refrigerator?"
Oh? Ichigo let go of Byakuya and pulled open the heavy door to the fridge. Inside he saw an entire chocolate mousse cake covered with strawberries. I larger version of the mini mousse cake that they sold at the café.
"I'm drooling already!" he exclaimed.
Byakuya felt delighted. "Chocolate makes endorphins, too."
Ichigo gave his lover a crafty grin. "But sweets aren't your thing."
"True, but you're all the sugar I'll ever need."
Ichigo looked away shyly and blushed.
Byakuya turned off the stove and dished out two bowls of spicy noodles with crisp veggies. He never felt more ravenous in his life. Riding rollercoasters really wears out a man. "Come now, I'm famished." He paused after he set the bowls on the table, a thoughtful look on his face. He looked over at Ichigo. "Why don't you stay here with me tonight, Ichigo?"
"Stay..." Ichigo repeated. He blinked utterly taken aback by Byakuya's proposal. A soft smile formed on his face, his heart filling with so much love. "I'd like that," he answered. "I'd really like to stay here with you tonight."
"That pleases me," Byakuya said and motioned for Ichigo to come sit. "I hope that you enjoy your meal."
"It was prepared with love, right. So no matter what it's gonna be good."
Indeed, Byakuya thought.
A/N: A fluff fest XD! I hope you enjoyed the smut lol! Warning: Byakuya and Ichigo are busy boys in this story har har. Make up sex is the best haha! I'd say more but so tired XD! I hope you enjoy!
Reviewers:
Waaa! You guys are all so amazing. I can't believe how many are liking this *bows* Thank you *gives you all cupcakes!*
TokenAsian, ForeverBlackSun, hollykaye, fahaar, ctofi1, Niji Akahana (Wweeee! Fellow Bya/Ichi fan *squishes*), Cerulean Twin (Awww, I'm sorry hun *hands you a tissue*), A Fellow Reader (Lulz! It was 69 there for a bit. Toooo Funny!), Shenigmatic (OMFG! When I read you comments I was like "Has this person read my mind?" LOL! Because you nailed it on the head XD! That's exactly what I had planned. Man, you RAWK! Or you're psychic teeehee), Yonaka Kyoki (Thanks so much about the comments on Sojun. I was nervous about my portrayal of him but I'm sooo happy you liked him! He shows up much more later on. I just wanted to give Byakuya an amazing father!), Usamimi Chan (Bunny! *huggles* Aww thanks so much for all your lovely words. I'm so glad you liked Sojun! Exactly, he is completely open to our fangirl devices. And I so much wanted this Sojun to be exceptional and caring, even a little funny, something totally different than all the other Kuchiki's), CallMeSenseiKuchiki, Stormypeach1396, igotmoneymoney.