Sugar and Spice – Chapter 12

Halloween Kuchiki Style

After finishing up at Café on Sixth, Ichigo climbed off the back of Byakuya's motorcycle and pulled off his helmet. Before he left, he lifted up Byakuya's helmet, who sat on his bike his hands on the handlebars the engine still running, just enough to reveal his mouth. He leaned down and gave the man the world's sweetest kiss goodnight. When he pulled away, there was a hint of a smile on Byakuya's lips as Ichigo patted his helmet back down.

"Goodnight, my sweet," Byakuya murmured from behind the helmet.

"Goodnight, handsome." Ichigo watched his lover drive away.

Tired as hell, although thrumming with happiness in heart, Ichigo wandered into his building and up to his apartment. Tonight Ishida was home and with one of their other mutual friends, Sado Yasutora. It was 'Chad' to Ichigo though. He'd been calling him that ever since high school. This man saved his ass a whole bunch of times, when bullies would pick on Ichigo because of his orange hair. No one could stand up to a guy like Chad. He was easily the largest student in school and with fists as hard as cinder blocks. That's how they became great friends.

Right now, his friends were sitting on the couch watching some cheesy horror movie, by the sounds of it, which seemed filmed by a handheld camera.

Ishida put the movie on pause.

"Yo, Ichigo," Chad said with his rumbling deep voice. There was a hint of Spanish accent infused with his fluent Japanese.

Ichigo looked over at his big dark-haired friend, setting his borrowed motorcycle helmet on the countertop. "Hey, Chad, how you doing?" he said cheerfully.

"Wow, you're working late tonight," Ishida cut in before Chad could answer. "Aren't you usually home by now?"

"Yeah," Ichigo sighed. "There's this project that Byakuya's working on and I stayed to help him out." He looked at Chad apologetically. "Sorry, buddy." He gave Ishida an accusing look for cutting off their friend and acting like a mother hen. He clapped a hand to Chad's strong shoulder. "Tell me what you've been up to and how is everything. It really has been a while."

"I've been good. Things are busy on the site. I think I pulled my shoulder."

Ichigo looked stricken.

"Relax. It's not the one you just touched." Sado explained in his few words.

"That's no good," Ichigo said, relieved he had not hit Chad's sore spot. "You're still doing construction? It sounds like it's starting to take a toll on you. Hey, check this out." Ichigo showed Chad the callus on his finger. "Feel it, its rock solid now."

"You're beginning to have hands like mine," Chad claimed, touching the callus with his fingertip.

Ichigo laughed. "Not quite that bad."

For as long as Ichigo has known Chad, he has been a man that works physically hard. He seems built for it, built like a brick house standing at six-five, broad shouldered and big muscles. Inside though, Chad is just a big softy.

"You should join us, we just started this movie. Saturday is Halloween and since I work that night I'm participating tonight," Ishida claimed indignantly.

"It's called The Grim Reaper under Your Bed," Chad clarified. He didn't sound that enthusiastic about it.

"Sure, I'm in," Ichigo replied easily, chuckling at the title. It was a good reason to hang out with the guys even if it was over some lame scare tactics and spooky poltergeists. It really had been too long since they all hung out. He wandered over to the kitchen. "Did you guys want a beer or anything?"

Chad and Ishida picked up a bottle from the table in front of them and waved it around a little as Ichigo yanked the refrigerator door open.

Ichigo was looking over. "I see you guys are way ahead of me." He uncapped a bottle of Sapporo, walked back to the sitting area and filled up the middle space on the couch with his butt. He swigged from the bottle and sighed after he swallowed cold beer. Just what the doctor ordered.

"So Uryū says you're working in a kitchen, a bakery," Chad said next to Ichigo's right shoulder. "Are you enjoying it?"

"Pfft," Ishida sounded. "He's got to be enjoying it since his boss is his boyfriend." He squared his eyes at Ichigo who was looking back and forth between his friends on the couch. "I gather you two made up since you didn't come home last night." Ishida said cleverly.

"I see," Chad went quietly. That even got his eyebrows raised.

"I swear you're worse than my father, Uryū," Ichigo muttered tersely, "Keeping tabs on me. If you must know, yes, Byakuya apologized for Sunday morning. He was just freaking out—I understand what his problem was because he explained it to me. It is not a big deal. I'm not giving you guys any more details, so just forget about it."

"Geez, you say that like I want to know who tops who," Ishida said dryly, pushing up his glasses with his finger. He scoffed and looked away blushing after saying something like that, as usual.

Ichigo started to laugh. "Ya know, I really think you're a little bi-curious or something Uryū. You try to convince me your not but I think you are full of shit—trying so hard to be proper and not upsetting your old man. What age do you think we live in?"

Ishida scowled at Ichigo. "You don't know what you're talking about," he snapped, realizing too late, how dumb that statement was.

Chad began to study the ceiling. "I like girls. Just putting that out there..."

"Hey, I don't really care." Ichigo said candidly. "You are who you are and that's all there is to it. Besides Uryū, what your father doesn't know won't hurt him, we're not kids anymore. You have to do what feels right. Don't you agree, Chad?"

The big man in the red t-shirt merely said, "Yeah, he's right, Uryū."

"Whatever, I'm not discussing this with you two," Ishida claimed sourly. "We're supposed to be watching a movie here, not talking about ways to convert me or sneak around my father. He'd kill me!" He blinked aware of his final outburst and started to guzzle his beer uncharacteristically.

Ichigo continued to chuckle, highly amused by Ishida's behaviour. "And you say I overreact." He reminded his friend. "Listen, how about next time I go to the bar with my co-workers, you come along." Ichigo looked over at Chad as well. "You too, Chad. You both need some fun," he offered and looked back over at Ishida. "There's a person I met there this weekend that you might like, Uryū. I'll ask Rukia to make sure he comes along. I mean, he was asking Byakuya if he had brought any cute friends for him. Of course, we'll play it cool."

Ishida cut Ichigo a tentative sideways glance. "I'd be too nervous," he breathed out, looking ready to faint.

Wondering if he was finally going to win this battle with his roommate, something that was nearly impossible to do with someone like Ishida—the stubborn fool—Ichigo smugly offered his trump card. "He's got tattoos, eh. I know you have a thing for tattoos. I bet you like 'em rough looking and this guy is perfect. He has a nice butt also." He was having way too much fun with this!

"I've got tattoos," Chad murmured.

Ichigo tossed Chad a dry look. "I know but we're not trying to hook him up with you. Unless..." He began to scratch his head uncomfortably, considering the possibilities. Chad was kind of rough looking and manly, dark and mysterious.

"I don't really swing that way," Chad explained sincerely.

Ichigo let out a pent up breath of relief. He laughed. "You had me going there for a minute."

"I know," replied Chad coolly. "You should have seen your face."

"Smart ass," Ichigo snapped at him and laughed loudly. Then he looked back over at Ishida. "Anyways, just think about it. Let me know the next time you have a Saturday night free."

Uryū Ishida simply grunted his response.

That was as good as a win for Ichigo. He'd let the topic drop for now. "Oh, while I have you here, Uryū, I wondered if you could help me out with something. It involves Halloween costumes."

That got the med student's attention. Ishida had this unnerving skill with a needle and thread. Anything that had to do with costuming or textile—Ishida was the man. "What is it?" Uryū asked even though he still sounded a bit uptight, his tone blunt.

"You don't happen to have any costumes I could borrow, do you? I've been invited to a Halloween party—fundraiser sorta thing. I really think it's just Byakuya's excuse to get me into a costume though, and also..." He swallowed hard and a frown appeared on Ichigo's face, "To meet his father." He sighed and added, "And his grandfather."

Even Ishida had a hard time keeping a straight face at that. "Next you'll be telling me your four months pregnant with his baby."

Ichigo's mouth dropped open. "You're a sick twisted fuck! I'm asking about a costume—a costume."

Revenge, it came in many forms, Ishida thought evilly. If Ichigo could harass him about his sexuality then he had ever right to tease him about his developing romance with his 'jerk' chef, Byakuya. "You're missing the point," he clarified self-righteously. "Anyways, I'm sure meeting his family will be fine. Just don't act like yourself and everything will be alright."

Uryū was snickering to himself.

"Are you done yet? " Ichigo nearly growled with frustration. "Because you are really starting to piss me off..."

"Yeah, I think so," Ishida claimed easily and set his blue eyes on Ichigo. "I have a costume I think that would be perfect but it's downstairs in storage. I'll bring it up later."

"That's great." Ichigo told him. "Thanks so much. You're a life saver."

Chad looked over at them both. "Can we watch this movie now?"

"Yes, finally," huffed Ishida.

On Saturday night, the night of the Halloween fundraiser, Ichigo and Byakuya were just finishing cleaning up the kitchen. The thousand French macaron were finished last night and sent to the banquet hall where the fundraiser is going to be.

It had been an exhausting week for both of them with all the overtime.

Ichigo was sweeping out the walk-in refrigerator when Byakuya came in to put some berry compote in the freezer, organizing inventory for the day.

"I'm anticipating this evening. Did you find your costume?" Byakuya questioned as the walk-in freezer door swung shut behind him.

Ichigo stopped sweeping and waited for Byakuya to come back out. When he did the baker was rubbing his arms a little, it was that cold in there. Ichigo set the broom against a roll cart and gathered his man into his arms, rubbing his warm hands up and down Byakuya's arms and his back.

They chortled at their foolishness but Byakuya did not turn away.

"Yes, I found a costume. And I can't wait to see yours," Ichigo admitted. "You're keeping me in suspense, so now you'll have to wait to see mine later." He leaned in to capture Byakuya's lips, never tired of seeking out his lover's touch.

Byakuya closed his eyes, Ichigo's lips felt especially warm at the moment.

"Nii-sama! I'm leaving now I'll—" Rukia opened the door to the fridge and froze at the sight of her brother kissing Ichigo in the walk-in. Rolling her eyes she turned on her heel, letting the door swing shut on them again. "—see you horn dogs at the fundraiser!"

Ichigo pulled back and chuckled. "Oops, sorry about that," he said.

Byakuya appeared slightly baffled. "She has never called me that."

"Don't beat yourself up about it." Ichigo advised, patting Byakuya on the shoulder apathetically.

The baker grunted softly, still moderately offended.

"Alright, let's hurry up and get out of here. I still have to go home so I can shower and change. What time did you say the car would pick me up, eight-thirty?" Ichigo retrieved his broom and swept his dirt pile into the dustpan.

"Yes, eight-thirty. Shall I give you a lift?"

Ichigo held up his hand in protest. "Not this time, Byakuya. You have enough to do without worrying about me. I'll use my own two legs."

"If you insist," he said. "I look forward to seeing you in costume." Byakuya mentioned as he walked out of the fridge. "And seeing you out of it later..."

Ichigo shook his head, a cheeky grin on his face. Rukia was totally right.

A black limo pulled up outside of Ichigo's apartment building exactly at eighty-thirty, not a minute sooner or a minute late. The people walking by all stared at the fancy black car as a driver got out in a hurry to get the door that Ichigo was about to open for himself.

"Don't mind that sir," the driver insisted, promptly grabbing the handle and ushering Ichigo inside the car.

Ichigo felt weird having someone opening a car door for him and all that fussy kind of stuff. It felt even weirder that he was getting into such a big car all by himself. Just one guy in a car that could fit ten. In fact, this was the first time he had ever even been inside a limousine.

"Watch your feather, sir," the driver urged as Ichigo climbed inside the limo.

The car pulled up to The Grand Hotel in the heart of downtown Karakura Town. It was a huge building made of glass and steel, very modern looking with its front lit up majestically amid multi-coloured lights, nestled between many other hotels and offices.

Ichigo had seen this building many times but never once stepped foot inside of it.

As soon as the driver opened his door and he got out, his stomach began to churn with nerves. He gulped. I'm going to meet Byakuya's father. Oh my gawd, I'm going to meet his father... He's probably going to hate me and he's probably more stubborn and proud then his son.

Even though Ichigo was dating Byakuya, he wasn't going to sugar-coat some of that man's personality traits. But Ichigo did boast a little on the inside that he'd been able to crack Byakuya's mask. For a moment, he felt really good about himself. He knew that he had gained Byakuya's trust and he had a feeling that was not such an easy accomplishment. Ichigo knew that he would do whatever it took to keep it that way.

With white-gloved hands, Ichigo pulled open the door to the fancy hotel and entered the lobby, his polished white shoes clicking off the shiny floors. An attendant quickly guided him to the location of the fundraiser, a man checked his name off on a list and he entered an enormous hall.

Upon arrival, a glass of champagne with an orange gooseberry fizzling at the bottom was thrust into his hand.

Ichigo stood at the entrance of a large ballroom, dazzling spotlights shone orange, yellow, and reds across the high vaulted ceiling. The floor had dark carpeting under his feet except for an area in front of the stage where the band was playing, which was a polished wooden floor for dancing. All around, tall tables were set up and adorned with tiny tea-lights inside of small carved out pumpkins. People dressed in their costumes stood around the tables talking with their friends and enjoying the free champagne.

Everywhere Ichigo's eyes went there were people in costume. He saw pirates, witches, ghosts, fairies and a few costumes he did not really understand. He didn't feel so stupid in his own costume anymore, but he was still nervous about meeting Byakuya's family.

The music was actually good. Ichigo expected something more snooty and upscale, like violins or cellos or piano. However, the band, who was dressed up like bumble bees, played cool cover tunes of popular songs with guitars and drums and a singer with a great voice.

"Well, well, look at you. Where's your trumpet?"

Ichigo spun around and saw Byakuya's best friend, Yoruichi. She was wearing a one-piece black spandex that showed off her ample cleavage and sublime figure, which had black fur on the ankles and wrists and a black tail waggled behind her. Nestled in her violet hair was a pair of black cat ears. She had whiskers painted on her face. Her natural golden eyes suited the cat costume perfectly.

Next to her stood a man that looked like a mad scientist, his dusty blonde hair stood up messily as if he'd been electrocuted. He wore round spectacles and a long white lab coat—underneath he appeared to wear a pair of regular pants and shirt.

"I left it at home," Ichigo answered sarcastically. "You're Yoruichi-san, correct?"

"That's right but no need for formalities," she replied. Her beautiful exotic face lit up with a cunning smile. "And this mad man next to me is my husband, Kisuke Urahara."

Ichigo and Kisuke gave each other a friendly bow. "Nice to meet you," he said.

"It's a pleasure. You must be Byakuya's new friend at Café on Sixth?" Kisuke responded cleverly.

As Ichigo's brown eyes anxiously searched for the pâtissier, he took an exploratory sip of his champagne. It was really tart and not really his kind of drink. He was making a face.

Yoruichi answered for her husband observing Ichigo testing his champagne like a child. "Yes this is the young man that Byakuya's so smitten with. Can you blame him, Kisuke? He's as cute as a button." She purred and laced her arm around the mad scientist's elbow.

Kisuke only gave a devious chuckle as if he knew something they did not. On the other hand, maybe he was smug because he knew he had the hottest woman in the room on his arm.

Ichigo did not handle flattery well. Being 'cute as a button' made him uncomfortable. "Uh, do you know where I could find Byakuya?"

"I saw him on the other side of the room, why don't you hurry to him," Yoruichi insisted sweetly. "Last I saw he was being mobbed by old co-workers from Kuchiki Enterprises and it looked as if they were doing all the talking. Just wait until he sees your costume, he's going to want to bang on your drum."

"It's not that bad is it?" Ichigo wondered immediately.

Kisuke chuckled again. "Oh no, it's suits you very well," he said.

"There you are, Ichigo."

Rukia came over and said hello to Yoruichi and her husband with Renji following her. She giggled when she checked out Ichigo's costume.

"Nice costume," Renji said. "Did you pick it out yourself?"

Ichigo couldn't help but smile at them both. Rukia was dressed up as a bunny rabbit with pink and white ears on her head. She wore a cute pink dress with white frilly layers underneath the skirt, baby pink stockings and white slip-ons. Renji was dressed up as a Roman warrior with gold-plated armour and headdress that had that red brush on top. In combination with his tattoos, he looked downright menacing.

"A friend lent it to me. Fits pretty well, huh?" Ichigo squared his shoulders and straightened up.

"It's really cute." Rukia told him. "My brother will love it."

Then he teased Renji because it just had to be done. "I'm digging those sandals you're wearing Renji and all that bare leg. How do you suppose those Trojan warriors ever fought in the winter?"

"Stop looking at my sexy legs, Ichigo," Renji replied with mock arrogance. "I'm a taken man."

Ichigo scowled. "Trust me, you're not my type."

"Do you two ever stop?" Rukia scoffed at them. "Have you met up with nii-sama yet, Ichigo?"

"No, I haven't. I just got—" Suddenly Ichigo's cell phone vibrated next to his butt. He slid the phone out of his back pocket. It read:

Are you here yet?

I'm at the bar in need of your rescue

Byakuya

"Looks like he needs me, if you'll excuse me," Ichigo told everyone and headed for the bar on the other side of the room. On his way there he wandered by the buffet tables that offered an amazing array of beautiful food. But he wasn't interested in anything except the macaron that Byakuya mentioned would be here. He saw them on elegant glass displays right in the middle of the buffet, proudly in the center. On one and two tiered platters, all the macaron were set in a black and orange pattern.

It felt really good to know he was a part of that. He kept moving in search of the baker.

Byakuya spotted Ichigo straight away. All the mind-numbing chatter about a business he had long left behind faded from his attention. He held up a hand absentmindedly, grateful to be able to find an excuse to end the tiresome conversations about the financial market.

He wandered from the bar crowded with guests, making his way to Ichigo. Even with the white shako cap with a large white plume sticking out of the top, covering most of his orange hair, he knew it was his Ichigo. Byakuya stopped and waited, bringing the champagne he held calmly to his lips, his eyes admiring Ichigo's costume. The younger man wore a military-styled marching band uniform. It was entirely white, even his shiny patent leather shoes. The only parts of his costume that were not white were the set of double brass buttons on the high waisted jacket, the golden rank cords around his shoulders and the blue sash across his front. The fitted jacket and straight-legged pants accentuated Ichigo's height and lean form.

Byakuya licked the champagne from his lips.

"Byakuya," Ichigo said breathily as he stood before him, eyes gazing over his lover's costume. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"You came just at the right time. These company events are quite brutal." Byakuya managed to tell him. His eyes were still roving over Ichigo delicious appearance. "My, you look dashing."

"Wow. So do you." A boyish smile appeared on Ichigo's face. Byakuya was dressed up like a magician in a black jacket with long coat tails, a silky black embroidered waistcoat and a smart black bow tie at the collar of a crisp white shirt underneath. He wore a long black cape with a red silk underlining and a black top hat with a shiny red band. He also wore a pair of white gloves and shiny black shoes.

"I willed you to my side with my magic," Byakuya whispered coyly.

"Oh, I got your magical text." Ichigo waved his phone in his hand and chuckled. "So, do you have anything inside that hat, like a rabbit or a dove?"

"Not exactly," Byakuya said in his even manner. He held out his glass for Ichigo to hold, and then he reached up and took off his hat. With one gloved hand, he pulled out a lumpy green plushie with brown arms and legs. It wore a beaded white crown and had beady black eyes and a weird grin on its face.

"Ta da."

Unsure of this magical feat, Ichigo asked perplexed. "Uh... what is that?"

"It's the Seaweed Ambassador," Byakuya explained somewhat proudly.

This time Ichigo was the one with the expressionless face. "I'm not even going to ask," he said carefully, chuckling again. But this time at Byakuya's quirky interests. He was dating an eccentric.

Not the least bit ruffled, Byakuya placed his plushie back into his hat and set it back on top of his head. "You don't have to ask because I will tell you, Ichigo. It is a small toy from when I was a child. My mother made it for me—I'm sure you can understand its value."

Now it all made sense. Ichigo cast a warm smile at Byakuya. "So, no matter how ugly that thing is you will always love it."

Byakuya glared at him. "How dare you call him ugly?"

Yikes! Ichigo tried to take it back. "I didn't mean ugly—it's just different, very different. It looks old or something."

Taking back his champagne glass, Byakuya turned away and drank the entire glass, clearly miffed.

Ichigo felt bad even though he was chuckling softly to himself over his indignant lover's bad temper. He had no idea how attached Byakuya was to that old toy. He placed one hand on Byakuya's shoulder and cooed in his ear. "I'm sorry, Bya-nana. Please don't be mad at me."

The chef said nothing. He just grunted.

"Aww, come on. I was a jerk and I'm sorry," Ichigo explained. "That was the best magic trick I ever saw because you really did surprise me with that thing." He reached around and took Byakuya's empty glass, and replaced it with his nearly full glass of champagne. "See, I'm even giving you my champagne because I really don't like it."

Still, Byakuya did not reply. However, he sipped Ichigo's champagne.

"Oooh! You're so stubborn!" Ichigo hissed with frustration but he wasn't about to give up. He was not a quitter. "How about this, later we can do anything you want in our costumes?"

This had Byakuya's interest piqued. "Anything...?"

"Anything," repeated Ichigo. "I'll do whatever you want."

That does sound intriguing. Now Byakuya turned around, lifting his cool grey eyes to meet Ichigo's devilish russet ones. He tried to fight off a tiny smirk.

Ichigo had the gull to point it out, too. "I see that smile you're trying to hide. What do you want me to do? I know you like it when I—"

"You must be Ichigo Kurosaki." Someone spoke up. The voice was friendly.

Ichigo stood at attention and spun around. His eyes widened. A burning sensation rose to his cheeks when he spotted an older version of Byakuya standing before him. The only major difference was the bright happy smile on this man's face that also happened to be dressed up like Sherlock Holmes. Complete with a deerstalker cap and beige suit with brown patches on his elbows and a smoking pipe clasped in his right hand.

Sōjun Kuchiki took one look at Ichigo's face and laughed openly, loudly even. "Uh-oh, I believe I have interrupted the sharing of sweet nothings between you two." He chuckled again roguishly. "I do apologize, but I am quite anxious to meet the man that my son frequently speaks of."

"Tch, father..." Byakuya chastised as he came to stand next to Ichigo, frowning softly. "Do you have to be so blunt?"

"Come now, Byakuya, you can have Ichigo for the rest of the evening. It is my turn to introduce myself and have a little chat with him. I'm Sōjun Kuchiki, Byakuya's father and CEO of Kuchiki Enterprises. Byakuya's grandfather will be with us shortly."

Ichigo could not believe this was Byakuya's father. He was nothing like how he had imagined. Even though he was older than Byakuya, the man still had aged very well. There were no wrinkles on his handsome face and his eyes were warm, friendly. The sudden spike of nerves and embarrassment began to slide away. This man extruded such ease, that Ichigo actually felt himself calming down.

He gave a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kuchiki-sama. Thank you for letting me come to this event, I think it is a great thing you are doing tonight. Also, I can't help but imagine what kind of tax break this is for you."

"Thank you, Ichigo. May I call you that? You may call me Sōjun, I would prefer it."

Ichigo glanced at Byakuya for a moment, wondering how different father and son really were. He replied. "Of course you may call me that, Sōjun-san."

Sōjun chuckled again lightly. "And yes you understand the necessity to participate in charities. However, I believe in participating only in charities I believe in the most, even if for the tax break. Don't you agree, Ichigo?"

"That makes sense and it brings a certain amount of respect to your company," Ichigo mentioned.

"That's a given," Sōjun replied easily. "So, I hear that you've recently acquired your Associate's degree in accounting but you haven't had any luck finding a position. What a shame, you seem like a smart young man."

"Thank you, sir." Ichigo stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yes, I did recently finish a two year course in accounting, I've been looking for a junior position but now..." He glanced at Byakuya again. "I've been fortunate to be able to work for your son. I'm grateful to him for putting up with me and teaching me how to work in a pastry kitchen."

This time Sōjun discreetly glanced at Byakuya. And Byakuya closed his eyes and nodded slightly in return.

"I have a proposal for you, Ichigo. There is a position that just opened up in our offices for a junior accountant. One of our staff has gone on maternity leave and we need to fill that position. I would like to give you that opportunity." Sōjun watched Ichigo carefully as he stuck the pipe he was holding between his teeth, acting sly as if he really was Sherlock Holmes.

It felt as if the world began to fall around him, as if the floor was about to disappear. Ichigo was not sure he heard that correctly. "You want to give me a job?"

"Yes," Sōjun replied.

"But I...I—" Ichigo began to stammer. He looked over at Byakuya who didn't appear surprised or upset. In fact, he seemed rather calm. "What about the café? I can't leave you to do all that work by yourself."

Byakuya levelled his eyes on Ichigo. "What do you mean? I managed without you for quite some time on my own. And I can do so again if you wish to take up my father's offer."

This was the ultimate decision that Ichigo had be avoiding since he started working at the café. Inside, he didn't want to stop working for Byakuya because he wanted to be close to him. On the other hand, he'd spent so much on school and it seemed sacrilegious to waste it. However, he had spent three weeks learning a new craft and loved every second of it. Ichigo had to wonder. Was it all because of Byakuya, or did he actually discover something he was truly and honestly good at?

Inside Ichigo's head, he could hear his own father praising him for finally landing a real job. Still he was hesitating.

"Ichigo, this is a rare opportunity," Byakuya reminded him. "I will not be angry with you if you decide to take it. Perhaps this is a chance to discover what drives you."

What drives me? Ichigo studied Byakuya's face for clarification of that statement. What did Byakuya mean exactly? Did he mean that finally he could begin a career that he had studied countless nights for?

Ichigo sighed heavily. "You're right, Byakuya. I've sat on the fence for too long and I'd be stupid not to take it," he said firmly, bowing at Sōjun deeply. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I will not fail you."

"Ha-ha, such a serious young man." Sōjun alleged. "I'm sure you'll do a splendid job. You can start Monday and report to the acting manager, Toshiro Hitsugaya. He is young like yourself but a spitfire worker. You do know where our offices are located, correct?"

"Of course," Ichigo answered quietly, his mind overloading with thoughts now.

"Grandfather," Byakuya announced. "I'm glad you could be here."

Ichigo swivelled his head at the new person. It's an even older Kuchiki. Man, it's just bomb after bomb being dropped on my head tonight, Ichigo thought incredibly. He felt a painful throb pulse in his head as he spotted the older Kuchiki with a bushy white moustache, a head of grey hair underneath a sakat and a stern wrinkled face. He was wearing a feudal styled Japanese monk costume, complete with black and yellow robes, white tabi socks and woven slippers.

"This is Genrei Kuchiki, my father and Byakuya's grandfather. He is still a fellow CEO of Kuchiki Enterprises and a stubborn old coot." Sōjun teased as both Byakuya and Genrei closed their eyes disapprovingly.

"Kurosaki Ichigo." Genrei Kuchiki regarded Ichigo with cool indifference, settling slate-grey eyes on him.

Ichigo knew now where Byakuya inherited his eye colour from among other things. Even though this man was elderly, he in no way showed any signs of weakness, he stood straight and proud and his voice was clear and direct. Ichigo could not help but smile.

"Pleased to meet you, Genrei Kuchiki-sama," he said politely, bowing.

The old man got right to the point. "What are your intentions with my grandson?"

Ichigo's eyes widened at the hint of suspicion in Genrei's voice. "I... ahh, well..."

"Grandfather..." Byakuya cut in coolly. "Do not embarrass him with inquiries like that. I am no longer a boy—I can take care of myself. Ichigo is my partner and I hope for him to remain as such for a long time."

Genrei scoffed.

Ichigo was embarrassed but also irritated that anyone—yes, even Byakuya's grandfather, dare question his loyalties to him. The more he played over that accusing tone of Genrei's in his mind the angrier he felt. "I'm in love with Byakuya." He blurted cockily.

That caught the old man by surprise, his eyes widened significantly.

Sōjun's eyes crested warmly.

Byakuya was silently staring at Ichigo, awed by his audacity in front of his esteemed grandfather and awed by his revelation of his feelings towards him. For once, Byakuya could not stop a blush that heated up his face.

Unexpectedly, Genrei chuffed with amusement, surprising both Sōjun and Byakuya. "I see," he muttered. "Then you will appease each other's nature. I can see that about you."

Ichigo flustered at that.

Sōjun clapped a hand on Ichigo's shoulder. "What can I say? You have made my old man laugh and caused my son to blush. What's your secret?"

And Ichigo thought his family was crazy. "I don't know what you mean, Sōjun-san. I just spoke the truth."

"Oh, I know it is. That's infrequent these days." Sōjun expressed knowingly. "You see very little honesty with the kind of sharks I deal with everyday." He added. "Well, I will leave you two alone now. Good luck on your first day, Ichigo. And thank you both for the delicious macaron—I ate about half a dozen of them." Lastly, Sōjun glanced at his son. "Byakuya, may I speak with you privately for a moment?"

Byakuya nodded and followed his father.

Ichigo watched them go and waited patiently for Byakuya's return. Then he glanced at Genrei who was studying him with a rigid haughty stare.

Ichigo sweat dropped. It must be a Kuchiki trait.

A/N: This turned out to be a long chapter and it introduces some development to the story. This chapter was so much fun to write! Hehe, Uyru. Ichigo is going to fix him lol! Finally, Ichigo has met the Kuchiki's. Also, it took me a long time to decide on everyone's costumes, I hope you enjoy them!

Next chapter there is some angst, fluff and major lemon. I say major because I try to offer different levels of lemon in a story, some are not so descriptive and quick paced. While others are quite detailed, long and very naughty. That's part of the fun! Enjoy!

Oh! And thank you for giving me some thoughts about the recipe idea. I will think of something fun and put it at the end of the story for you. Until next time!

Reviewers: Thank you for all your amazing comments! *huggles and squishes to you all*

Yonaka Kyoki (haha your comments are so fun! I like the idea of the cooking competition, but I dunno if it will fit into this story. I will put it in my notes. It could come in handy lol!), Niji Akahana (Oh yes! I love that the last chapter got you into fangirl mode), hollykaye, Jushiro Ukitake 2013, fahaar (Wouldn't we all like to know how Byakuya woke Ichigo up lulz!), igotmoneymoney, Shenigmatic (Your comments are always full of wonderful insight! Thanks so much! I'm over the moon that you think I portray Isshin well and that you love how I portray Byakuya in this fic! Weee! *humps your leg* You made my week!), A fellow reader (LEMONS! TEEHEE *hugs*), Sabaku-No-Gaara1994, Kags21, Usamimi chan (Thanks so much dear friend for all your thoughts. I love the details you single out for each chapter! Your comments make me giggle. YAY! I'm so happy you like this seme Byakuya... makes me wonder how you'll like him in the next chapter as an uke :P And many thanks on the recipe suggestion, I'm brainstorming on it! Haha! The chapter titles... I try lol!)