Sugar and Spice – Chapter 17
The Weekend Warrior
News from the Front played loudly from his phone at 6:30am. Thankfully, silent mode didn't affect alarm clocks.
Ichigo bolted awake. He was on a mission today.
It was as if he were sleeping like a dragon, laying in wait until it was time to get up and go to Café on Sixth. Swiftly, he got ready, feeling more energized than he felt in days. He washed and got dressed, pulling on a pair of faded blue jeans and a t-shirt that he yanked out of his dresser. He then pulled a heavy grey sweater over top of it.
He grabbed his white chef coat, folded it neatly and stuffed it into his backpack.
There were no-worries now about big-boobied girls lurching at him unannounced off the street. Actually, he hadn't seen Orihime Inoue in quite some time. He guessed things must have been working out fairly well for her and that Ulquiorra guy. So now, Ichigo didn't have to skulk around anymore like an idiot.
It was freezing outside this morning, a chill made its way from his head to toe, but Ichigo was prepared with a blue scarf and a thick khaki jacket. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked briskly to the café hoping it would warm up later in the day. There was a devious smile on his face when he got to the café because he had gotten there way before Byakuya and Rukia were due to arrive. They wouldn't be here for another hour... and that's just what he wanted.
The keys that Byakuya gave him got an additional key, the café key that he still possessed. Byakuya had never asked for it back and so he used it now to enter the premises. Inside, he went about turning on the kitchen lights, the oven and the overhead fan above the stove. He even switched on the radio. However, he turned the station to some modern day rock instead of classical, so the music could invigorate him as he busted his butt working. Before he started work though, he went into the office and put on his work clothes. Today, he made sure to bring a change of regular clothes with him, because he knew that he would be leaving tonight with Byakuya.
There was no time to waste.
Ichigo did a quick inventory to see what Byakuya planned to bake this morning. Like each night, the pâtissier would have an entire roll rack filled with baking sheets, lined with pastry, cold proofing them so that they would be perfect by morning. He knew that every morning they needed to prepare fresh breakfast pastries for customers that wanted to come in and sit down, or for those that simply wanted to purchase goods to take with them. After that, they would tackle stuff that got prepared the day before. Goods that would be sold throughout the day—portioning slabs of cake or mousse into dainty squares and setting them into frilled paper linings. Filling baked tart shells with curds of lemon, lime or raspberry or maybe pastry cream. Pouring off bases of pannacottas into pretty glass dishes or glazing and filling éclairs that got baked fresh right after the breakfast pastries. When all that was finished, they would garnish all the petits fours, miniature treats, making them elegant and spectacular.
Ichigo wouldn't ruined Café on Sixth's reputation for elegance.
Ichigo grinned as he remembered Byakuya mentioned how his choux paste came out better than his did, that his éclairs and profiteroles always got more air and came out bigger. He remembered as Byakuya shadowed him to see what technique he was using. The only difference the chef claimed, as he watched, was that Ichigo cooked out the dough longer on the stove. And with further investigation, the chef discovered that Ichigo had written the recipe down wrong in his notebook. It turned out he had written two less eggs than Byakuya's recipe. Ichigo laughed at the memory and the sigh the chef made that day, Ichigo's error had turned out to be a good thing and the dough came out better. Byakuya decided he would make his choux paste with two less eggs from now on.
He pulled out all the trays and egg washed all the puffed pastry and yeast-based dough, sprinkled them with coarse sugar and slid them into the hot oven. Ichigo returned to the fridge and noticed Byakuya had three large tartlets that he called clafoutis, a black cherry custard-like tart, sitting on a tray that still required baking. To Ichigo it resembled a large pie. He pulled them out, too, pouring in the mixture. But he wouldn't put them into the oven until he could lower the temperature. If he remembered correctly, Byakuya always insisted that any baked custard like desserts needed to be baked on low, sometimes even in a water bath called a bain marie.
These terms and methods were still fresh in Ichigo's mind.
The hour passed by quickly. Byakuya and Rukia arrived at the café at the same time this morning. By then the sun was up and shone brightly over the city. They peered at the marquee that was somehow already outside next to the entrance with a message on it. It read:
Ichigo's cooking tip du jour!
Breakfast really IS the most important meal of the day :)
Welcome! Byakuya and Rukia!
The two Kuchiki's wandered into the café, their puzzled faces a little pink from the fresh air. They stopped short when they saw Ichigo behind the counter, filling up the pastry section with fresh baked chocolate-stuffed croissants.
"Ichigo," Rukia exclaimed with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"It looks like I'm putting croissants into the display case," Ichigo answered slyly, noting Byakuya's raised eyebrows with pleasure.
Rukia rolled her eyes at that response and sniffed the air. "Did you make the coffee as well?"
"I didn't just make coffee but I also made breakfast. Didn't you read the sign outside?" He wore a playful, confused expression as if they should clearly know. "Look over there." Ichigo nodded in the direction of the seating area across from him as he continued to finish stocking the display.
On one of the tables was a setting for three, complete with cutlery and coffee cups and an assortment of breakfast foods. Some rice, a bowl of miso soup and a platter of scrambled eggs, plus a bowl full of cubed fruit. There was also a teapot filled with green tea, because Ichigo knew Byakuya didn't like coffee that much. The entire set up was complete with an arrangement of bluebell flowers he bought from next door, which also happened to be a flower shop. The shopkeeper explained they represented 'gratitude' and Ichigo thought that was perfect.
"What about this morning's prep work?" Byakuya wondered disbelievingly, eyes steady on Ichigo.
"It's all finished, handsome." Ichigo nearly sing-songed, feeling really proud of himself. "All you guys need to do is sit down and enjoy breakfast before the café opens. I have everything else ready to go."
Rukia giggled at hearing her brother being called 'handsome' in front of her and urged him to take a seat. "Nii-sama, everything will get cold." She looked over at Ichigo. "Hurry up and come join us."
Quickly, Ichigo finished placing the breakfast pastry into the square wicker basket, shoved it into the display, and rushed over so he could pour Rukia and himself a cup of fresh coffee, and then a cup of tea for Byakuya. He returned the coffee carafe behind the counter and came back, sliding in next to Byakuya, grinning at Rukia who sat across from them.
"I can't believe you did all this, Ichigo. I'm so surprised, thank you," Rukia expressed happily. "I swear at first I thought someone had broken into the café, but I couldn't understand why they'd write something on the sign out front." She made a face and chuckled incredulously as she filled up a small bowl with fluffy white rice.
Ichigo told them. "You guys have been working so hard since I left and I wanted to give you both a break. My apologies if I worried you."
"You have been working hard as well," Byakuya mentioned coolly as he picked up his hot cup of tea. He held it between both his hands as if to warm them up, not looking at Ichigo. He brought the cup to his lips and sipped quietly. Then he said. "We have not spoken all week."
It was hard to tell if Byakuya was trying to say that he missed him or was unhappy with that fact. He sounded a little hurt. "I'm sorry, Byakuya. And I'm sorry I missed your call last night. I accidently left my phone on silent." Ichigo tried to explain. "I was swamped this week. I even had to bring some work home with me. It got pretty late—I really hope it won't be as bad next week."
The baker said nothing and began to peck at his breakfast.
Ichigo sighed.
"You do look kind of run down, Ichigo." Rukia pointed out like everyone else did.
"It's nothing." Ichigo insisted, waving her off. He was getting really tired of hearing that. "I'm just getting used to everything, the new job is great," he said much too cheerfully and began shovelling food into his mouth.
Byakuya and Rukia glanced at one another discreetly.
"Well, that's good to hear... I guess," Rukia said carefully. "Your father stopped by here yesterday. He seemed surprised that you were no longer working here. Didn't you tell him about your new job?"
With a mild groan, Ichigo explained that he had talked to his father last night and sorted it all out. Although, he didn't tell them that his father also gave him an earful about not thinking over his decisions a bit more carefully.
"So, have you found some extra help yet?" Ichigo couldn't bring himself to say 'assistant'. It made him feel irritable to do so. He didn't want Byakuya calling anyone else that.
Rukia sighed. "No, because everyone that comes in here, Nii-sama dislikes." She frowned in her brother's direction.
Byakuya seemed more absorbed in his soup, completely unmoved by this discussion.
Inside, Ichigo felt oddly relieved.
The three of them were silent as they enjoyed breakfast, the peppy rock music playing overhead.
As if she only just noticed, Rukia asked about it as she began to clear empty dishes when they finished. "Did you change the radio station?"
"Yeah, I'll change it back before we open," Ichigo promised. "That other stuff is so boring."
"I happen to like that 'other stuff'." Byakuya droned, mildly offended.
Ichigo grinned over his shoulder at him. "I was teasing. I just wanted to get a reaction out of you." He chuckled because it worked.
Byakuya huffed quietly as he finished off the last mouthful of his tea.
They cleared the table and opened shop shortly after. Rukia began serving the customers out front and Byakuya and Ichigo disappeared into the kitchen in the back.
Byakuya was more than surprised to see his clafoutis baked to perfection, still hot to the touch and resting on the roll rack. He took note of the entire kitchen in a working state, and from the looks of the countertop to his right, Ichigo was measuring out a recipe.
"What are you making?" he questioned.
"Cinnamon roll dough so we can re-stock the breakfast pastries like you always do," Ichigo replied.
The chef noticed a pot on the stove. "And in the pot...?"
"I'm poaching apricots," Ichigo answered. "It was on your list. Don't worry it has one stick of cinnamon, half a lemon, two cups of sugar and one star anise."
Byakuya quietly nodded and headed to the office to get ready for work.
Ichigo watched him go with a frown. He followed him there. "Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? I hate when you get like this."
Shrugging on his chef coat, Byakuya murmured. "I truly did not expect to see you here. All of this is quite astonishing."
Letting out a breath of relief, Ichigo questioned. "Is that why you're acting this way?"
"I didn't think I was acting in any such way, Ichigo," Byakuya claimed evenly, tying up his hair into its customary lose knot. "You have my gratitude for what you've done this morning. It... It is a pleasant surprise. You've rendered me speechless."
"Phew, you really had me going there for a second. I thought you were angry with me."
"My apologies—don't think that." Byakuya assured and kicked off his outside shoes and slipped his feet into his Birkenstocks. He wondered. "Why did you come here this morning when you could be sleeping in, enjoying your day off? I wouldn't even mind if you wanted to spend your day at my place—you could borrow the bathtub."
Smiling softly, Ichigo thought it was almost tempting to spend the afternoon in Byakuya's glorious bathtub as he undid the buttons on his chef coat so he could flip it over to the clean side. He really understood now why chef coats were double-breasted.
"I miss this place, Byakuya." Ichigo told him honestly. "And I miss you and I wanted to do something nice for both you and Rukia. I miss getting my hands dirty, that's about enjoyable to me as your bathtub is." Well, almost. "I can't let myself get all soft and rusty, I'll lose this callus." Ichigo was inspecting the remnants of the callus on his index finger. "If you don't mind, I'd like to work every Saturday."
It's just as I thought, Ichigo cannot stay away from the kitchen. Byakuya commented gently. "I see. I suppose it would be fine if you want to work on Saturdays." As Ichigo opened the front of his chef coat, Byakuya noticed, in the flash second, that Ichigo was wearing his red 'truth or dare?' t-shirt underneath. Without saying a word, he chose. Dare.
As Ichigo did up the buttons, revealing the clean side of his coat now, he could feel the coffee he drank pleading to go right through him. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to drink two cups this morning. "Excuse me, Byakuya. I had way too much coffee this morning. I'll be right back and this time I don't want any help with that dough. I'll show you I can do it by myself this time." He headed for the washroom just outside the office.
Byakuya was about to put on his apron, but stopped. He knew just the kind of dare he wanted, even if technically Ichigo should be the one to choose the dare. However, it was a dare that would benefit them both, so he did not think Ichigo would fuss too much about it. He draped the apron over the back of the chair and left the office.
Ichigo was half way through his business when the washroom door opened again behind him. "Hey!" Ichigo cried. "Somebody's in—" When he looked back, his eyes shot open. "Byakuya...? Oh shit!" He had to readjust his aim. "Ugh, look what you made me do!"
"No need to be so jumpy. It is only me." Byakuya insisted calmly.
Ichigo zipped up and washed his hands quickly. He spun around on Byakuya wearing a crooked grin on his face. "What is this? Why did you come in here? Do you have to go, too?"
Byakuya turned a little and twisted the lock on the door, locking it. "That's not why I came in here." His grey eyes stared at his ginger-haired lover keenly. He backed Ichigo up against the sink gently with his body.
"You can't be serious," Ichigo said with astonishment all over his face.
Byakuya was dead serious. His hands fumbled underneath the younger man's apron. "You have no idea how much I have missed you," he murmured low and deep, loosening the material from around Ichigo's waist.
Black work pants dropped to Ichigo's knees.
Ichigo swallowed hard. Byakuya's voice was heavy, mesmerizing; he was obviously in a state. And in a mood to break some rules, it seemed. "Byakuya, your sister is out there. And customers."
"Tsk... don't ruin it, Ichigo." Byakuya reproached. "I cannot wait another minute or a day or a whole week. Do you not understand, Ichigo?"
Actually, sometimes he really didn't understand Byakuya at all, Ichigo thought amused. He gave a breathy sigh as Byakuya fondled him and pressed faint kisses along his neck with his lips. "We better be quick about it then." It wasn't like Ichigo didn't enjoy breaking some rules now and again, too.
"Your presence here has delighted me very much," Byakuya whispered, not really listening to Ichigo's demands that he hurry.
"Ah, Byakuya..." He sighed. "I can't stand that I haven't seen you in days," Ichigo said revelling in Byakuya's sudden sensual assault, revelling in the way he always made him feel when he was around him. The scent of his hair and his skin and the warmth coming off his body, the crisp cool feel of his chef coat beneath his fingertips, Ichigo soaked it all up. Perhaps absence really did make the heart grow fonder or... was it bitter? "I've been a terrible boyfriend this week," he claimed. "I'm really sorry. I should have called you."
"Yes, you should have."
"I didn't want to call you so late, I know you needed your rest that's why I only texted you," he reasoned. Ichigo wanted to kick himself for being so stupid.
Byakuya faced Ichigo and he told him directly. "There is no need to avoid me all week. I don't mind if you bring some work to my place. I assure... you won't be bothered by me. We do not have to spend each moment together in constant chatter or proximity." It just doesn't work that way. "Having you close by is preferable."
"You're right, I guess I'm just so used to doing it all by myself." Ichigo explained. "I didn't want to be a burden on you. But I understand that my judgement was wrong. I'm sorry."
The baker scoffed. "Stop apologizing, Ichigo. I am not upset with you. This week was tedious for both of us and right now... all I want is what's mine."
"What's yours, huh?"
Byakuya spoke almost poetically, "You are a flame and I... a lowly moth."
Ichigo had to chuckle softly and wriggle a little at how his lover's voice reverberated into his ear. Byakuya was a possessive man. But he didn't mind as long as he was the man's possession.
"Not just any kind of moth, a handsome moth," he teased cutely and gave himself completely to over to Byakuya, allowing this man to take what he wanted, because in truth, he wanted it just as much.
Then Ichigo suddenly startled, remembered something. "What about the poaching apricots? They'll turn mushy."
"Then we'll make apricot preserve," alleged Byakuya tenaciously. "Not to worry."
Ichigo wrapped his arms around the man he adored. "Such a smarty pants moth."
With a small chortle, Byakuya kissed Ichigo.
Unbeknownst to Rukia, or the customers happily enjoying the café's tasty delights, that 'other' tasty delights were taking place in the back. Over the relaxing classical music, stifled moans and exalted sighs were drowned out. Nor did they know that the door marked 'Washroom' rattled suspiciously for a good ten minutes, give or take.
There was something extraordinary determined over the course of the day...
Byakuya Kuchiki is a horn dog.
At least that is what Ichigo concluded as he worked, marvelling at the audacity of his naughty boyfriend. Rukia really did have everyone else pegged wrong. When in fact, her brother is the real horn dog, Ichigo realized. That probably explains why he attracts so many other horn dogs into the café. Ichigo promptly overlooked putting himself into that category, keeping his theory and laughter to himself.
Once again, his silly t-shirt was to blame. After Byakuya was finished with him, he confessed that he had chosen 'dare' this time. Ichigo knew he had to be more careful about wearing this shirt around that man. He couldn't believe he had sex in a bathroom during working hours. Although, he didn't really have much sex before Byakuya came along. Ichigo wondered if the man was making up for lost time or something.
Sigh. Ichigo wallowed in his state of post-coital bliss. Byakuya was amazing.
And it must have been pretty amazing for Byakuya, too, because a few times today, Ichigo heard faint humming. He said nothing because he adored hearing the pâtissier do that. He chuckled softly as he scaled out some sugar for the lemon pistachio biscotti that he was making. Earlier, Rukia stumbled into the kitchen looking for more napkins and caught her brother humming, too. Ichigo held a finger to his lips and she giggled quietly. Byakuya was in his zone as he glazed the fruit on top of some cakes, not even paying them any mind.
Thinking of Rukia, Ichigo suddenly remembered that he needed to tell her about Uryū. He wandered out to the front, eyeing the café and its customers. Rukia was busy wiping down the countertop near the coffee station. There was no one waiting for service.
Ichigo made himself look busy as well, but was actually filling two tall glasses with chilled tea. He might as well get a drink while he was out here—one for Byakuya, too. "How's it going, Rukia?" he said quietly.
The first thing she said was. "What did you do to him, Ichigo? He's humming again."
Confused for a moment, Ichigo wondered what she meant since he asked her something entirely different. "Oh, you mean, Byakuya." This time Ichigo scratched his head awkwardly. "I really didn't have to do a lot." There was so much double meaning to that statement, Ichigo knew. But Rukia wouldn't be the wiser.
"I guess he's really happy to have you here today. It's so cute." She gave a girlish squeal. "I'm glad you're here, too. Today is like a breeze thanks to you. Are you and my brother coming out with us tonight? Renji has been asking about you and so have our friends. They really liked you, especially after you gave them a show last time with that creep."
Now Ichigo could laugh about the incident with Aizen. Thankfully, no one has seen that guy around lately. Maybe he found someone else to stalk. "I really liked those people, too. But, I don't think we're coming out tonight. Byakuya said he has something planned for us tomorrow, and I dunno what it is yet. He says it's a surprise. I only know that it's out of town." Then Ichigo's cheeks turned pink. "I really want to spend some time alone with him."
Rukia's eyes were glazing over with the cuteness. "That's alright, Ichigo. I understand."
Ichigo glanced around the bakery to make sure they were not ignoring anyone. The coast was still clear. "But I definitely want to hang out with you guys a few weekends from now. In fact, that is why I came out here. To tell you about my roommate—"
"—roommate? I thought you were moving in with Nii-sama?" Rukia inquired bossily. "Why are you making him wait?"
Ichigo nearly sweat-dropped. He forgot that Byakuya actually talked to his sister about things. It seemed no matter where he was he was confronted by inquisitive Kuchiki's. Sōjun at work. Rukia at the bakery. Byakuya... well, he had a right to be as inquisitive as he wanted.
Ichigo sighed. He didn't think he needed to explain himself to Rukia, but he knew she was asking out of concern for her brother. "I'm planning on doing that sometime over the New Year. I just need to sort Uryū out and I want to give Byakuya some time."
"Of course," she answered reasonably. "So what do you think about my father? He's great, is he not?"
"I don't think I've met a cooler guy other than my own goofy father." Then he remembered what Sōjun told him about Rukia and her sister Hisana. For a moment, he stared at Rukia thoughtfully. "He's very kind and compassionate."
Rukia glanced away with a blush. She could tell by the look in Ichigo's face that Sōjun probably told him about her past. "Yes, he is. I have much to thank him for—thank you, Ichigo... for not judging me."
"I'm not that kind of guy, Rukia," Ichigo claimed directly. Then Ichigo lightened the mood and told her about how Sōjun invited him up for dinner last night in his office and his suspicions about the man's receptionist.
"Really...?" Rukia held the back of her hand to her mouth to hide her smiles and giggles. "That's funny hearing something like that about him."
They both twittered about it.
"So, what about your roommate...?" Rukia came back to the point when she was finished snickering.
Without giving details about Uryū's confession last night, Ichigo asked if Shūhei Hisagi was single and that he was thinking of introducing Ishida Uryū to him. "I was also thinking of inviting my buddy Chad along as well, that guy needs some fun."
Talking about possible romance and hooking people up, Rukia blushed again but she was eager to partake in the matchmaking. It was just too good to pass up. "Yeah, he's single. I'll make sure he comes out that night." Rukia pulled out her phone to mark the date down, three Saturdays from now. "You should definitely bring your friends. It sounds like it will be an interesting night."
"What will be an interesting night?"
Both Rukia and Ichigo startled wide-eyed as Byakuya snuck up behind them. They looked back at the dark-haired baker meekly.
Byakuya had a way of making them squirm just by the cool hard look in his grey eyes. "Are you both indulging in frivolous gossip? Tsk."
Ichigo regained his nerve again quickly. "It's was constructive conversation, I'll have you know. Actually, we were talking about you," he said stubbornly, a wicked gleam in his light brown eyes.
For a flash second Byakuya's eyes widen with alarm. "Not about..."
Suddenly Ichigo paled. He could tell to what conclusion Byakuya was jumping, their activity inside the washroom earlier today. "Oh gawd!" he cried. "Why are you even thinking that?"He held up his hands. "We were not talking about you, all right. I was only joking. I was just being an ass."
Lost with this bizarre exchange between her brother and Ichigo, Rukia's eyes went back and forth between them.
Now Byakuya wore a superior look, annoyed by Ichigo's childish teasing. "Indeed, you are very proficient at being an ass," he said haughtily.
Ichigo's mouth dropped open. "Are you listening to this? You're brother is so mean to me, Rukia," he whined, looking very indignant.
Rukia rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you two are going on about but you're both acting like idiots." She told them bluntly. Then she frowned and put her hands on his hips. "If you're going to squabble go back to the kitchen and do it. You're going to upset our customers."
Ichigo withheld the urge to stick his tongue out at the smarmy chef.
Byakuya scoffed. "Yes, my apologies, Rukia." He squared his eyes at the troublemaker. "Ichigo, the biscotti will not make themselves. Come now." He turned and went back to the kitchen without another word.
"Yes, boss." Ichigo said with a salute at the swinging door, wearing a saucy grin. He ran back to the kitchen with the two glasses in his hands, splashing a little iced tea on the floor as he went.
From the back Rukia heard Ichigo openly laughing at Byakuya and saying loudly, "You just had to go there, didn't you? What kind of guy do you take me for? What happens in that bathroom stays in that bathroom—now how about you take back that 'ass' remark."
"I will not."
"Ugh! So mean!"
Rukia merely chuckled, hearing their continued banter on the other side of the door, thinking that her brother and Ichigo have lost their damned minds. She grabbed a towel to soak up the tea on the floor and smiled to herself. Squabbling or not, it was nice to have them two both in the café again, she thought.
A/N: News from the Front is a song by Bad Religion. It's the song Tite Kubo chose as Ichigo's character song. I thought I'd let you know :) How silly that Ichigo has it as his alarm tone haha! Anyways, the story progresses. Ichigo can't help himself, the kitchen is calling him. Teehee, I hope you liked the bathroom scene... Next chapter Byakuya takes Ichigo out of town on a little adventure and he'll discover the delicious world of chocolate. :) Until then! Enjoy.
Reviewers:
Castiel4life - Many thanks for your comments! I know, it was weird doing a chapter without Byakuya actually in it. But I thought it proved how lonely Ichigo's world is without him in it-it showed. Did you like the surprise that Ichigo gave him? Or maybe you enjoyed the surprise Byakuya gave Ichigo? Teeee!
fahaar - Sorry hun no lovely scene in the last chapter, sometimes its just about the story. But the wait makes the yummy scenes yummier though *winks* Thanks for commenting.
Guest - Too long? My apologies if you think so. I try not to skimp out on my fics.
Yonaka Kyoki - It's always get when others enjoy Sojun as much as I enjoy being able to write about him. You are SO right about the angst thing. I wanted everyone to feel how dreary Ichigo's days are without Byakuya :) I'm glad it seemed to work. Teehee and considering the bathroom scene here you were totally right about the sexual tension lulz! And thanks for the lovely things you said about my friend and myself. Last week was hellish. Thanks hun for your comments.
AngleasMaeAmatuzio - Aww! I'm so happy I could make you smile. Thank you for the awesome comments, they gave me faith! *hugs*
A fellow reader - Naw! Thanks my friend! *hugs* This week is much better.
igotmoneymoney - Haha! Thank you hun!
DinieLuvYunho - Keep the hobby alive! I think that's awesome. Thanks for your comments. Yeah, unfortunately office hours suck BUT so do kitchen hours. Sometimes you get stuck working over twelve hours and you're on your feet all day XD! There are no such thing as regular break times and sometimes you don't eat lunch. Just sayin' lol! But I hear ya, money is money sometimes, unless you can afford to take a less paying job. What is you favourite thing to make?
Shenigmatic - *squishes* Thanks so much hun! It thrills me that your still enjoying this story. Hehe, don't worry Byakuya gave Ichi what for in his Bya kind of way lol! Ichigo is so thick sometimes XD! They will find a medium in between. I haven't made this Bya and Ichigo so stubborn that they don't eventually talk to each other about what's on their minds. But 'eventually' is the key word LOL! Yay! I"m glad you enjoyed dinner with Sojun! It's funny that you said the night out with Ishida should be interesting, that's exactly what Rukia said, too! And it will be. Hehehe :)