Sugar and Spice – Chapter 11

Byakuya vs. the Buttercream

Rukia was preparing the café for a busy Tuesday morning already donning her customary black skirt, white blouse, and black apron. She stifled a yawn. She could not wait to steal a cup of coffee, which filled the place up with its delicious aroma as she waited for it to brew. One cup before the customers arrived.

She switched on the music, filling the place with soothing classical fare. Time was pressing on and she had gotten so focused on what she was doing that she didn't realize her brother wasn't there yet. The place was just too quiet for too long. It didn't feel right. When her eyes landed on the clock, her eyes widened.

It was half past eight! The café would open in thirty minutes.

Just as she was about to text Byakuya to find out where the heck he was, something she never had to do not even once in the past, she heard voices outside the café. Byakuya and Ichigo appeared out front of the café on the sidewalk.

"I have a great one to write down," Ichigo was saying, his voice somewhat muffled since he was outside, but Rukia could still hear what he said.

Ichigo had his hand on Byakuya's shoulder in a friendly fashion and Byakuya was looking affectionately over at Ichigo, warmly even as the younger man spoke. They had arrived together both carrying a motorcycle helmet in their free hand. It appeared as if Byakuya had given Ichigo a lift this morning.

There was a peculiar look in her brother's eye.

She watched as her brother dug something out of his jacket pocket and handed it over to Ichigo. It was hard to tell what it was, at first, but it all made sense as Ichigo knelt in front of the marquee that was propped outside of the café, the sign that Byakuya wrote his 'cooking tips of the day' on. Rukia had placed it outside first thing this morning.

She curiously wandered closer to the windows to spy on what they were up to. Astonished, she watched Ichigo writing something on the marquee. It read:

Byakuya and Ichigo's cooking tip du Jour!

Try adding a little spice to your chocolate. Come inside for details.

Welcome! :)

Rukia simply gaped. Byakuya had let Ichigo write on his precious sign. She could not believe it.

What was going on between those two exactly? She knew her brother, the sneaky devil, had a thing for Ichigo. She knew it the first time Ichigo had wandered into the café and saw Byakuya leering at him. You damn right he was leering. He wouldn't admit it though and that was fine, she knew what she saw.

The death of her sister nearly ruined her brother. All she wished for was for Byakuya to move on, for him to have happiness and the love he deserves. Because she knew, he had a lot of love still left inside of him to share. He already suffered enough and she knew her sister would hate to know that Byakuya had shut himself out from the rest of the world. Rukia couldn't count the number of times she told him that. Although now, it would seem as if he might have actually done it, he had found himself that special someone.

Rukia had to put a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle.

After Byakuya and Ichigo left the bar on Saturday, following the entire incident with the glasses creeper Aizen, Renji bet that Byakuya was gonna get lucky. Of course, Rukia smacked him across the head for that. However, her brother did look pretty relaxed right now, like relaxed with a capital 'R'. She could only imagine why and rolled her eyes melodramatically, as any sister would do.

Just wait until I tell Renji he was right!

Lost in her thoughts, Rukia felt like something was nagging at the back of her mind. Suddenly she remembered they had a job to do and those pinheads were outside slacking off. When they both finally wandered into the café, Rukia stood at the door waiting with her hands on her hips, ready to give them hell.

"Good morning, Rukia," Ichigo said cheerily, sounding so calm and content.

Byakuya just did his cool exterior thing.

"Well, good morning you two. I'm so glad you both had such a lovely weekend together," she offered pleasantly, so pleasantly that it dripped with sarcasm. "Let's get things straight. I know you're both seeing each other so don't act so coy about it. As for showing up thirty minutes before opening..." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Do it again and I'll make sure to sick Grimmjow on you both. I'll make sure to leave him with you two on every delivery day for the next month. Got it?"

That actually caused Byakuya to raise his delicate eyebrows. "My apologies, Rukia," he said genuinely. "It shall not happen again."

"Stop freaking out, Rukia. We'll get everything ready. Just please," Ichigo begged, "Don't sick that guy on us. You're the only one that controls him. I think he's afraid of you."

"You think I can't hear him from the washroom or from the office? His voice has a way of echoing." Rukia rolled her eyes again. "Well, maybe you should just agree with Grimmjow the next time he invites you for a ride on his truck—see what he does then? Maybe it would shut him up." Rukia offered hopefully. "Maybe it would scare him off."

Ichigo gaped. "It wouldn't work. That'd be adding fuel to the fire!"

Byakuya didn't want any part of this trivial conversation and wandered to the back.

Rukia knew Ichigo was right. There was no real way to thwart Grimmjow and his perverseness.

"Anyways, who cares about that sleaze ball!" she hollered. "You guys get those morning pastries ready. Pronto! You have twenty-five minutes now." She huffed and went back to preparing things on her side of the café.

Ichigo gave Rukia a quick salute and rushed to the back.

Today they got the morning pastry done before they even changed into their work clothes, there just wasn't enough time. Ichigo never felt such an adrenaline rush. It was insane, but oddly stimulating. He was literally out of breath after egg-washing and sliding tray of danish, croissants, turnovers and such into the oven.

It is definitely a good thing that Byakuya always makes tons of these and there were plenty for Tuesday mornings. It was clear Byakuya knew how to maintain his café.

In addition, the movement between them began to work like a well-oiled machine, a rhythm. Byakuya started a task and Ichigo finished it or took over while the baker started something else. Together they were multi-multitasking. It was like a dance, this teamwork of theirs.

When the morning rush was over, Ichigo wiped the sweat from his brow. He even caught his breath and inspected yet another tiny burn mark on his forearm that he got from the sides of the hot baking sheets. Byakuya told him once that it was the mark of a baker, the nicks and burns on the arms and hands. They were unavoidable sometimes.

"Wow," Ichigo breathed out, "That was crazy." He was chuckling incredulously. It felt something akin to the afterglow of sex that rush.

Byakuya headed for the office and Ichigo followed. He replied, "Yes, it was. It was not a good idea to show up later than usual, especially on a Tuesday morning. I really should know better. Come now, let's change and get some work done. We have plenty to do and there is a side project I need to work on."

"A side project...?" Ichigo asked curiously, as they entered the office, hung up their jackets and picked out their chef coats.

"I promised to make one thousand French macaron for my father's company fundraiser. They will be black and orange in light of Halloween," Byakuya explained calmly, doing up the buttons on his chef whites and smoothing a hand down the front.

"A thousand!" Ichigo blasted. "Wait... what's a macaron?"

Byakuya chuffed at Ichigo's dramatics. "It's a meringue wafer made with ground almonds, almost like a small cookie that gets sandwiched together with buttercream. They are tricky for many cooks, but I have a failsafe recipe that I developed that works well. I'll show you how to make them."

Ichigo smiled. "I can't wait," he said eagerly. "Will you let me write that recipe down in my notebook?" He gathered by now that it was always good to ask about borrowing another cook's recipes. Because Byakuya once explained that chefs were very protective of their recipes and that stealing them was a serious no-no.

"I will let you have it, but it stays between us," the baker told him firmly.

"Between us," Ichigo purred and added naughtily. "I wonder what kind of buttercream style we need to make a Byakuya-Ichigo sandwich. Would it be an American buttercream or a French buttercream? Maybe Italian or Swiss...?"

Byakuya couldn't stop the soft chuckle that escaped him as he imagined the best spots on Ichigo's body from which to lick it off. It also amazed him that Ichigo had remembered the four types of buttercream and his peculiar ability to use them in such a lewd manner.

"French buttercream will suffice best for this event." Then he leaned over and whispered next to Ichigo's ear. "However, hearing you speak like that is such a turn on."

Byakuya's hypnotic voice and his intoxicating cologne were making Ichigo dizzy. The man smelled good enough to eat. "Don't get me going, Byakuya," he warned breathlessly. "Mmm... you smell so good. I won't be able to focus."

"Thank you and so do you, Ichigo," Byakuya replied quietly, taking a step back so he could roll up the sleeves on his coat.

Chuckling again Ichigo said, "That's because I borrowed your cologne this morning, thank you for that by the way. I really need to change my clothes when I get home. If I had known I'd be staying at your place last night, I would have brought some fresh ones."

"You're fine," Byakuya assured.

"That's probably because I didn't wear them that much yesterday, thanks to you." Ichigo was blushing now, he couldn't help it.

Byakuya gave Ichigo a soft peck on the cheek. "You are much too cute. Let's go get some work done."

Much later in the day, around five o'clock, Rukia came in the back looking for Ichigo. "Hey Ichigo, there's a man here that says he's your father. And there are two younger women with him, are they your sisters?"

Ichigo stopped kneading a huge ball of dough, placed it into a buttered bowl, and covered it with plastic wrap. He shot Byakuya a glance. "I'll be back in a minute." He went out front, wiping his floured hands on his apron. He saw his family standing around the counter, ogling the desserts.

"Ooo, this peach tart looks scrumptious." Yuzu was saying.

"Girls, what do I try?" asked their father. "How can you bring me to a place like this and expect me to make such a serious decision. It's so hard."

"Seriously dad, don't be such a child." Karin was scolding their father.

Ichigo was silently snickering at them. They were all dressed in their own work clothes. Yuzu had on a long yellow skirt and a light blue blouse under her three-quarter length beige coat. Karin was in her police uniform. His dad, well... he didn't really have a uniform on. He wore black pants and a strange looking red printed shirt with his black jacket.

Yuzu noticed Ichigo first.

"Ichi-nii!" she cried. "We all decided to meet up after work and see the place you work at. It's really amazing!" She told him, her brown eyes shining.

Isshin looked up at his son. "So it's true, you really do work here."

"Like I'd make that up, dad," Ichigo spoke dryly, hands on his hips.

Karin was snickering. "You have flour on your cheek like a little housewife."

Ichigo scowled at her. "Shut up, Karin!"

"Now Karin," Isshin started, "Your brother is learning to make all this delicious stuff. If he is mad at us, he won't bring over any goodies when he comes to visit."

Karin rolled her eyes at that. However, she softened a bit. "I'm just messing with you, Ichi. Where is your sense of humour, geesh."

"Do you make all this stuff?" Yuzu asked him. "I never knew you had it in you, I'm so proud of you, Ichi." Her warm brown eyes studied over him with awe. "And just look at you all dressed up like a chef. You're so handsome!"

Ichigo looked at Yuzu thoughtfully. "I make a lot of it, but Byakuya makes most of it. He taught me how to make most of what you see here," he told them. "I'm not nearly as good at it as he is. Not yet."

Rukia was gently clearing her throat, trying to get Ichigo's attention.

Ichigo's eyes widened when he looked at Rukia apologetically. He introduced her to his dad and his two twin sisters.

"So where's the chef?" Karin wondered coolly, looking around.

"He's in the kitchen," Rukia answered and gestured at the pastry on display. "If you like, you can choose one thing each, on the house."

Isshin's eyes glazed over with joy. "What's that?" He pointed to a ramekin full of yellow custard.

"That's crème brûlée. I still have to burn the sugar on top if you choose that. It's one of my favourites," Rukia mentioned with a smile on her face.

"Sounds like a heart attack, I'll take it!"

Rukia laughed and went to prepare the brûlée.

Ichigo helped his sisters decide. He suggested the chocolate mousse, of course, and a fresh beignet that he prepared this morning. "It's filled with chocolate ganache scented with orange blossom and hazelnut chantilly. Byakuya wants to try this recipe with a cherry blossom liqueur." He was bragging, just a little bit.

Yuzu squealed happily. "That sounds so delicious."

The swinging door to the kitchen opened and Byakuya assessed the Kurosaki's that had laid siege on his bakery. He stood silently watching, a tug of enjoyment pulling at the corner of his mouth. He observed Ichigo as he dotted on his family, explaining the different things they sold and made. He had to come out and meet Ichigo's family. It would be rude to remain hiding in the kitchen. After all, this was his new lover's kin and he was curious to learn of his roots.

"Nii-sama," Rukia voiced aloud when she noticed him.

The three visiting Kurosaki's glanced over at him abruptly. So did Ichigo.

Byakuya wore his cool poker face.

"So you're Byakuya Kuchiki." Karin said much too deviously which made Ichigo narrow his eyes dangerously at her. "My brother speaks highly of you. I hope he's not a nuisance. He can be really thick at times."

"He's proven to be a fine assistant," Byakuya responded evenly. "But he can be thick, yes."

"Hey!" Ichigo made a face.

"I am joking." Byakuya said whimsically and pointed a long finger at a truffle inside the counter. "I recommend you try one of those, Ichigo created them himself today. He should be proud."

Ichigo watched as Byakuya selected three cocoa nib-crusted truffles and handed them over inside a pink paper cupcake liner.

Isshin declared. "Wow, you're alright, Byakuya. I'm Isshin Kurosaki and this is Yuzu and Karin, Ichigo's sisters."

"It really is no trouble. I am glad we could finally meet, Isshin Kurosaki, Yuzu, and Karin." Byakuya offered respectfully, sneaking a sideways glance at Ichigo who was watching him closely.

Isshin gave a throaty chuckle then. "As a parent I have to ask. Are you dating my son?"

Appearing completely unfazed by such a question, Byakuya nodded his head once. "Yes, I am," he replied without hesitation.

"Dad!" Ichigo hissed, his face beginning to burn hot. "You came here to spy on me, didn't you?"

"Yes I—"

Karin slapped a hand to her father's mouth. "Don't mind him he's old and his mind is going soft."

Yuzu was giggling and Ichigo huffed and crossed his arms. Rukia was also stifling a chuckle.

Byakuya scoffed mildly with amusement. "It is alright. I'm surprised my own father has not yet come to check up on me. I suspect he will soon since I told him about Ichigo. However, I assure you that I will take good care of your son." Byakuya appeared to have a new thought. He said now looking at Isshin. "Perhaps you and your daughters could join me and my family for dinner one evening—Ichigo too, of course."

Rukia stood staring, simply floored by her brother's boldness. And Ichigo couldn't help but wonder if Byakuya was already planning what kind of wine to serve at their wedding the way he was going on here.

Yuzu could not contain herself. "That's so sweet of you," she cooed.

Sweet? Ichigo thought ruefully. She should have seen how Byakuya woke him up this morning.

"We'll definitely have to do that," Isshin agreed. He handed Byakuya his business card that had his phone number on it.

Ichigo wanted to die a million times over. "Can you guys please stop," he pleaded.

"Well, I must return to my work, I have much to finish. If you'll excuse me," Byakuya said pleasantly and went back to the kitchen.

"Nice meeting you," Yuzu called out.

Karin whispered to Ichigo. "He's frickin' cute, Ichi-nii. No wonder you like working here so much."

With a loud sigh, Ichigo retort. "That is not the only reason. Now will you guys just go and stuff your faces already."

"You're so mean, Ichigo. I can't believe your twenty-five sometimes," Karin growled.

Brother and sister glared at each other.

"Come now girls, we've tortured your brother enough," Isshin said with an evil wink at his son. He thanked Rukia for the treats and then they found a seat and began chatting amongst themselves.

Rukia eyed Ichigo who stood there with a drained expression on his face. "Don't worry too much. Your family cares about you a lot. That's important," she told him quietly. And then out of the blue, she swatted his arm which snapped loudly.

"Oww, Rukia," Ichigo complained. "What was that for?"

"Because my brother really likes you—I mean really, really likes you." She told him in amazement and suddenly frowned, pointing a finger at him like a bad dog. "Hurt him and you're mince meat."

Ichigo's left eye began to twitch.

At the end of the day, the café closed and Ichigo stayed behind to help Byakuya make his French macaron. Rukia had already left and it was just the two of them in the kitchen. Busily working like bees in a hive.

"So you're telling me we have to actually make two thousand so we can get one thousand?" Ichigo moaned.

"They are little sandwiches, remember?"

"Right," Ichigo replied with a sigh as he folded in the almond flour into a third batch of these things.

"I know it is one of those tasks," Byakuya said. "It can be very trying—you need patience. However, the outcome will be rewarding. We are going to get our own display for them—it will be like a center piece." Byakuya explained as he piped orange circles the size of large coins onto baking sheet lined with silicon mats.

"I see." Ichigo answered. "Sorry, I'm just hungry I guess. It's hard to be patient when my stomach is growling and I feel like chewing on my arm. I'm tired of eating sugary stuff."

Byakuya grunted softly. Indeed, if felt like each time he looked over at Ichigo the man was licking his fingers or sampling something. Byakuya had no idea how Ichigo did that. He must be sick of the confections by now. "Why don't you go get us something for dinner down the street? There is a fine bistro selling American cuisine four shops over."

"Oh, like French fries and sandwiches?"

It was not Byakuya's everyday choice but occasionally he indulged. "Yes," he said.

"Sold." Ichigo practically sang and ran to the office to get his jacket. He put it on over his work clothes. "I'll be right back."

Ten minutes later Ichigo returned with food. He handed Byakuya his portions, parked his butt right on top of the stainless steel work surface, and began to devour his dinner.

Byakuya silently ate his own dinner, with more grace than Ichigo, while leaning against the dishwasher countertop across from Ichigo.

"This was needed. I was hungrier than I realized," Byakuya claimed.

He was shoving the last of his delicious fried potatoes into his mouth. "That's cause you don't know when to take a break, you're like a machine or something," Ichigo explained with amazement. "What would you do without me?"

Byakuya swirled a French fry into a small paper cup filled with ketchup. "Indeed," he murmured and ate the fry. "I will need to burn this unhealthy food off though. Can you think of anything?" There was come-hither of wickedness in his smoldering grey eyes.

At once, Ichigo stopped eating and looked up at Byakuya. "There's only one way I can think of," he suggested coyly.

Byakuya licked the salt from his lips. "Really...? And what way is that?"

Picking up his water bottle, Ichigo washed his food down, his eyes never venturing off the baker. When he finished, he said. "Come over here and I'll show you."

Having Ichigo all to himself alone inside his kitchen, Byakuya could not stop his own perversions. He set what was left of his dinner aside. All he could think about today while he worked was bending Ichigo over one of the counters and...

"I'm going to have my way with you," Byakuya explained coolly.

"Right here...?" Ichigo wondered taken aback, his brown eyes went wide. "Now...?"

"Now," repeated Byakuya evenly as he came to stand between Ichigo's legs in front of the counter that he sat on. He smoothed his hands up along Ichigo's thighs.

Ichigo was studying Byakuya's face. "Just for a kiss, right? I mean... we can't do that, can we?"

"Be quiet, Ichigo," he told him. "I want to do that."

And Byakuya did just that.

He wasn't interested in kisses, although that did come as he yanked Ichigo down from the countertop. But it wasn't a long kiss since he turned Ichigo around afterwards, loosened the man's work pants and pushed him down against the stainless steel countertop. This made Ichigo's backside readily available and perfectly on display.

Byakuya removed his apron and tossed it next to Ichigo on the countertop. Then he fumbled with his pants and opened his own fly.

The kitchen filled with Ichigo's cries, whimpers, and the horny patissier's scummy moans.

The sheer thrill of doing it in the kitchen had Ichigo ready to blow in no time. Byakuya didn't want to defile his kitchen so he got to his knees and finished Ichigo off with his mouth, swallowing it all. Now it was only fair that Ichigo finish off the baker. Byakuya removed the condom he wore and suspiciously had in his pocket today and closed his eyes as Ichigo tended him.

In moments he came, too.

Byakuya glanced down at Ichigo's lovely brown eyes that looked up at him as he licked his swollen spent tip. "Very nice," he murmured deeply, petting a hand over Ichigo's hair. "Do you think that was a sufficient break?"

Ichigo wiped his mouth and stood back up. He began to fix his clothing. "Definitely..." His voice staggered. He was gobsmacked. "Wow, anytime you need a break, boss. Let's make macaron every week." He chuckled stupendously, his exhilaration making his cheeks pink and flushed still.

The baker smiled and had a thought. "I do believe I've been taking advantage of you. I want to be fair—you may need a break as well. Next time I will offer myself," he mentioned in perfect monotone.

Ichigo groaned as if in deep pain. "Are you saying that next time I get to steer the car?"

Byakuya chuckled softly and went to wash his hands. "Something like that. Clean up now and let's bake this last batch and call it a night already." Because all Byakuya could think about was how inviting his bed seemed right now. He stifled a yawn. "Does that sound alright?"

"Yes, chef!"

A/N: Pervy Bya? *looks away innocently* I HAD to XD! The kitchen was all theirs. I promise there is a plot here, in fact, this story is turning out to be much longer than I originally thought lol! I also had to add Ichigo's family, have them come and visit the bakery because they are so cute. And anyone that's made French macaron knows they can be a pain lulz! Oh and seriously, next time you make something with chocolate, like a cake or chocolate sauce even, try sprinkling in some cinnamon or cayenne OR chilli powder! YUM! Oh and sea salt, but just a pinch will make your chocolate happy :)) Byakuya and Ichigo say so! lol!

On a more serious non-pervy fangirl note: Someone asked me to share recipes for the stuff that Bya and Ichi are making. If you're interested I may post a recipe chapter at the end of this OR maybe I'll stick the recipes on my journal or something. I gotta think about it. But would it be cool?

Next chapter is the Halloween party and some new events unfold in the plot. Ja ne!

Reviewers: *Mega huggles to all those that fav'd or alerted and are following this fic*

Yonaka Kyoki - Pie! I love pie lol! At times when I'm being super silly, which isn't uncommon, I copy Weeble and Bob's way of saying "Pieeee..." If you haven't seen Weeble and Bob they are a riot. Silly flash videos that make no sense XD! YAY! It excites me that you like how I wrote the cooking. Teehee you have guessed a little part of the next chapter. I won't tell you what, you will be surprised teehee! Thanks again for reading and leaving wonderful comments. *hearts on*

MrsByaKuchiki - Yes, I don't do angst well, so I tend to fix things fairly quickly in the story. I'm glad you liked it! I want this story to be one where Bya and Ichi are more loving and develop a real relationship among the trials and errors of life. Thanks so much for your comments!

Guest - Weee! Yes I'm glad you liked it HA! Thanks muchly!

CallMeSenseiKuchiki - Awww, thanks so much hun! I love reading your comments :) Ah, well, the Family meeting will be in the next chapter. I had to do a little build up for it first. Thanks again!

fahaar - Teehee! Byakuya shows his possessive side alright when he does that to Ichigo lulz! Ok.. I'm being crude here. I dunno if Aizen will show up again...I hadn't thought of it, but maybe ;) Thanks so much for your comments!

A fellow reader - Don't we all wish for that lol! But that's the fun of daydreaming *sigh* It is why I write fics, so I can daydream out loud lol! Thanks so much for reading!

hollykaye - Naw! Thanks hun! And you are amazing for reading this. Thank you!

Shenigmatic - Your comments always make my day! I really love how you feel like I've put you in the room with them. That is sooo cool! After re-reading and editing, everything just starts to sound the same to me lol! So it's neat to hear what people think. Weeee! Thanks! YOU are awesome my friend!

igotmoneymoney - YAY! Thank you! :)

imastrawberryIchigo - Byakuya and Ichigo would be proud if you tried their recipes :) Actually, I LOVED your comment here and they really made me think. I totally have recipes to all this stuff they are making and I wonder how I could share them with you all. I wonder if at the end of the story would it be cool to add a recipe chapter? Just recipes with methods and directions. Would that be cool? And I'm sure whatever you make would be AWESOME! Invite me over lol!

Jushiro Ukitake 2013 - YAY! Thanks so much hunnie! I'm so happy you enjoyed the last chapter :))

Usamimi chan - Again I must write: Bunny! LOL! You said it in your review and now I have images of Bya and Ichi as bunnies. Yesh, I swear there is a plot among all this citrus haha! It's sooo fun knowing that you're nosebleedin' lulz! There are just so many yummy moments to take advantage of here and this being AU I have this unlocked freedom of making hot Bya/Ichi lemons! Seems more easy when it's in AU XD! Does that make sense? *hands you a squeegee for cleaning windows* I'm sure Bya will appreciate the clear view ;) Thanks so much hun for being lovely *hearts*