Sugar and Spice – Chapter 20 (Finale Part 1)

Cute Baking Assistant Required

Ichigo! You're the best!

Thanks for last night.

Ishida Uryū

Ichigo stared at the text on his phone and smiled even though he felt like he'd been run over by a bus. He lay sprawled out on the couch in a grey t-shirt and a pair of Byakuya's black pyjama pants. The television was on but he wasn't paying attention to the documentary on the life of Pacific salmon now as he text back Uryū.

Byakuya had put the DVD on for him with strict orders to relax and recuperate.

Byakuya was busy tidying up the apartment, especially after last night. Picking up clothing that was strewn all over the place from their heated endeavours before they went to the bar and from the overall neglect during the workweek. While he cleaned, he also made it his job to care for his hung over partner, urging Ichigo to sip on lemon ice water to re-hydrate him and settle his stomach.

He set a glass of fresh water on the coffee table and caught a glimpse of the text message on Ichigo's phone. "It would seem your friend had a good time last night. Him and Shūhei appeared to hit it off," he mentioned calmly, picking up the nearly empty glass.

"And for so long he denied being attracted to the same gender—I always knew he was full of it." Ichigo made an incredulous expression. "Uryū really didn't wait long to get his hands on Shūhei, did he? I might have been intoxicated but I remember most of last night." Ichigo set the phone on his chest and glanced up at Byakuya who stood looking down at him in his faded blue jeans and a light blue button-up shirt that wasn't tucked into his pants. He appeared relaxed.

"Sometimes it's difficult to admit such attractions at first." Byakuya closed his eyes in thought. "Until you find that special person, then gender has no restrictions."

"I'm with you on that one. I don't think real love should have any restrictions at all," Ichigo replied. He reached out and took Byakuya's free hand gently. "I mean... I love you more and more every single day. I didn't think such a thing was possible, but it's true. In fact, the more I get to know you and the more time we spend together, makes me realize how I could never live without you."

Byakuya's fingers curled tightly around Ichigo's fingers affectionately. "Even if it were twenty years from now, would you not grow tired of me?"

"Are you kidding?!" Ichigo blasted. "Not even after thirty years. Not even when your butt is old and wrinkled." He claimed with a silly chuckle. "Because even then it will still be the sexiest ass on the planet. To me anyways..."

At this Byakuya could not hold back a soft chuckle. "You certainly have a way of speaking, my sweet."

"It must be the hangover," Ichigo said playfully. He groaned tiredly and settled back against the pillow on the couch, releasing Byakuya's hand.

"You do say the oddest things when you're intoxicated." Byakuya still remembered what Ichigo said in the bathroom at the bar last night. "Last night you mentioned how you think about cooking all the time, so much so—yet, my father and I are not aware of it. What did you mean?"

Oh crap! Suddenly Ichigo's face paled even more than it always was. He had forgotten that he had said that last night. He wondered with slight alarm what else he might have said. He felt so guilty whenever he thought about his doubts, whether or not he should stay at the office or return to the kitchen and pursue an entirely new goal. He felt even guiltier because this man standing next to him was the love of his life, he felt so honoured to able to stand at his side, and Ichigo knew he should be able to talk to him about anything. He should be able to share all of his thoughts and fears.

Yet, he was hesitating.

It wasn't like Byakuya didn't go through something similar, leaving his father's company to pursue baking, taking off to France for two years—talking to him about his problem shouldn't be so difficult. Of all people, Byakuya should understand it the most. All Ichigo had to do was place his faith in the man he loved, tell him what is bothering him. That is what couples are supposed to do, right?

"Huh, I dunno what I was talking about. It was just rambling drunken nonsense." Ichigo really couldn't put the burden on Byakuya. Somehow, it felt like this quandary of his, was a struggle he needed to figure out for himself like a big boy.

The raven-haired baker took a long moment to reply, he closed his eyes in aggravation. "Perhaps... but do not think that I haven't noticed your increasing irritability in the last few weeks. The few times you are in a tolerable mood are on the weekends. I'm not blind, Ichigo," Byakuya said firmly. "Maybe you are working too much and maybe it would be better if you stopped coming to the bakery on Saturdays."

"What?!" Ichigo squawked. "No way! All week I look forward to Saturday."

"Then you leave me baffled." Byakuya said, directing his grey eyes down at his partner. "If something is bothering you, I trust that you know you can speak to me freely. It saddens me that you feel you cannot." He released a deep sigh and wandered off, taking the empty glass back to the kitchen.

Ichigo cringed.

It was true. He couldn't deny that he's been quite irritable lately, brooding more than usual. Now to have Byakuya point it out to him so obviously, especially after he thought he was concealing it pretty well—to have it pointed out from the man he adored, the one person he just told that he could not live without, that he was being cantankerous and intolerable—hurt. It hurt because Ichigo realized he was taking it out on his friends, his family and his lover. The people he cared about the most were feeling the effects of his sour attitude.

Ichigo rubbed his face in his hands with sheer frustration. The burden he wanted to avoid placing on Byakuya was already weighing heavily on his shoulders.

"I never meant to take it out on you," Ichigo murmured through his hands.

"Take what out?" Byakuya retort. "You say that but you do not elaborate."

"Ugh! It's nothing, Byakuya. Trust me... I'll figure it out."

Stubborn fool, Byakuya thought to himself as he put a few clean dishes into the cupboards. "How is Kuchiki Enterprises?' he inquired, clearly suspicious about what was truly bothering Ichigo. "You barely mention the office to me and I'm curious how my father's company fairing these days? From your perspective..."

Ichigo's hands dropped from his face. "Err... it's great," he answered carefully. "I still have the same annoying co-worker and my boss says I'm rocking at the office and that I could be looking at a promotion if I keep it up."

"Very good, I expect you'll be the one in management sooner than later. You should be proud."

"I guess." Ichigo answered half-heartedly. Then he scratched the back of his neck with a smirk when he thought of Sōjun. "I think your father has a crush on his secretary."

Byakuya sniffed. "Ah yes, the infamous Chiharu-san. He has mentioned her a few times." That old dog. "Tell me, is she pretty?" he questioned.

"Oh yes, very pretty and nice, too," Ichigo answered.

"Then I am happy for him."

Ichigo thought he would share some good news. "Have I told you, that with my next pay cheque, I'll be able to pay off the rest of my student loan?"

"No, you have not mentioned that," Byakuya said curtly while he washed the glass. He set it on a drying rack in the adjacent sink.

"Oh, well... I thought it would be better to start fresh when we move in together over the New Year. I'll be able to pull my weight. I'll be able to take care of you." Ichigo added.

The apartment became utterly silent, except for the narrator's voice on the TV, explaining how each year Pacific salmon returned to the place of their birth to lay their own eggs and die in the very same waters.

Byakuya's silence began to run cold through Ichigo's veins. He sat up and looked over. His lover had his back to him, fingers twisted tightly on the handle of a cupboard overhead. Byakuya shut it loudly.

The redhead flinched. "Have I said something wrong?" Ichigo asked, swallowing uncomfortably.

"You don't seem to get it, do you, Ichigo?" Byakuya's voice was cold and flat.

The redhead blinked. "Get what? What's wrong, what did I say?"

Byakuya turned around. His face was vacant and hard. "My asking you to live with me has nothing to do with how much money you earn—as you can see, I can take care of myself." He sounded angry, and rightly so. "I would like to believe that living with another person means that we protect each other—the responsibilities of life becoming a mutual duty. On the contrary, I appreciate your desire to want to care for me, but you must understand that I also wish to care for you. How can you selfishly deny me that?"

"I—I'm not," Ichigo answered feebly.

"I do not judge you based on your choice of career. It should not matter which has a higher monetary status." Byakuya scoffed. "Saying that, it doesn't matter how much you earn... I will probably always make more," he finished with a smarmy tone.

Ichigo closed his eyes and sighed. He understood. I am such a dumbass. Boy, did I deserve that. He could feel his cheeks flame after Byakuya's tongue-lashing.

"I have a really thick skull sometimes," Ichigo admitted with chagrin, eyes directed at the floor. "I'm sorry, you're right. I'm being foolish, I dunno what I was thinking when I spoke. I just don't want you to be disappointed or to think badly of me. I don't want you to think of me as some punk-ass. I had the crazy idea that I needed to prove that I could provide for you—take care of you. It's something ingrained in me—in my DNA. I... I have a hard time letting others take care of me."

Byakuya nodded. "You shouldn't see it as a shortcoming, Ichigo. It is not. You must understand that I admire your strength. I believe that you can accomplish anything you desire—there is no peak high enough to keep you from reaching it. I see that you are this kind of man."

"You really think so?" Ichigo put his feet on the floor and sat up normally on the couch.

"Yes, my sweet—I really do. Stop underestimating yourself. We will take care of each other understand? Besides, I would let you know if you have disappointed me, Ichigo," Byakuya said matter-of-factly.

"I'm sure you would," Ichigo replied dryly.

"You need to rely on me too sometimes." Byakuya urged. "If I happen to present you with a gift, I don't want to hear complaints. This relationship is not a contest."

Ichigo ran a hand over his messy bedraggled hair. "I get it—we can both be 'the' man," he answered good-naturedly. Then he and made a baffled face. "What did you mean by you will 'always make more' though? I know that baking was a pay cut compared to Kuchiki Enterprises. So what does that mean? Are you saying that because you come from a wealthy family?"

Byakuya chuffed with amusement. "No, I'm not saying that because of my lineage. It means just because I now run a café and do what I enjoy most with my time doesn't mean that I haven't wisely invested. I worked for Kuchiki Enterprises and took helpful knowledge with me when I left. My investments bring agreeable dividends. My pretentious education has not gone to waste."

It felt like Ichigo was eating his own words. He remembered when he complained to his father and to Byakuya that if he did not take the accounting job it would feel like he was wasting his education. Although, this time Byakuya was not only throwing it back in his face—he was shoving it. And Ichigo finally got it, he finally understood how ridiculous he's been thinking. There was still so many ways, in which, he could benefit from his education no matter what he did with his life.

"You're amazing." Ichigo watched his lover now with adoring eyes, forgetting all about his hangover symptoms. "Sometimes I can't believe you put up with my shit."

"I do it because... I love you, Ichigo. More than anything..."

It was then that Ichigo knew he couldn't possibly love anyone as much as he loved this man. Not now. Not ever.

Suddenly a nefarious smirk appeared on Ichigo's face. He just couldn't help but wonder. "So, if one of us had to choose—just out of curiosity. Which one of us would be the girl in this relationship?" Ichigo just had to put it out there.

"Now you are only trying to provoke me." Byakuya did not look impressed. "I do not think that is funny nor am I going to respond to such nonsense."

Ichigo chuckled evilly. Yes, sometimes it was fun to provoke Byakuya but at least it had lightened the mood.

"It definitely would not be me."

Ichigo's mouth dropped open. "I can't believe you!" he cried incredulously. "You just couldn't resist, could you?"

"What did you wish for me to say?" Byakuya wondered sarcastically.

"You were supposed to say something like, neither of us are the girl or that we're both such handsome strong men that we could never be mistaken for girls. Pfft!"

And sometimes it was fun to provoke right back. Byakuya smirked cleverly. "Then you should not instigate such foolishness unless you're willing to accept the consequences."

Ichigo pouted silently.

Two days later on Tuesday morning, the weatherman warned that the commute to work would be a wet and possibly slushy one. The region expected very cold temperatures and heavy rain for most of the day. Ichigo shook his black umbrella before he entered the subway on his way to work, ears filled with a pair of headphones, fast music urging his brain to wake up.

It wasn't working yet. He yawned as he followed the queue through the underground facilities.

Like every workday morning, he got pushed and shoved around like an animal in a herd. He thought of what Arisawa said the other day, 'Have you joined a herd of sheep?'Only this herd consisted of people, all going to their jobs, ready to start their day, trying to earn a buck for their feed.

If Ichigo was lucky, he would get a seat and maybe he could close his eyes for a few minutes more. But today he wasn't so lucky and he stood, grasping onto the hand-hold while bodies weaved back and forth against him each time the train stopped and went from the platform. Sigh. Someone's bag was wedged right into his back, his carryall strap threatened to slip off his shoulder and another person's cologne assaulted his sense of smell.

Ichigo closed his eyes, wriggled his nose in distaste and tried to listen to his music.

Fifteen minutes later, he walked back out into the freezing cold rain, pushing his umbrella up, shaking off a chill. At once, the wind tried to take it, tugging on the umbrella as rain pelted off the backs of Ichigo's pant legs. The wind had picked up and was casting the rain down on a slant. The cheap umbrella was useless; he was going to be soaked by the time he walked the five minutes to work.

He milled through the streets filled with people, trying not to poke anyone with the tips of his umbrella, when a strong gust of wind ripped the umbrella right out of his hand. It went flying off into the street and without thinking, Ichigo ran after it.

Cars screeched to a halt as an orange-haired man in a black suit skirted through traffic. The umbrella tumbled along as if possessed by something otherworldly. It flew across the street, ambled down the sidewalk on the opposite side, and then out onto another street. A few more cars screeched to a halt.

Ichigo was cursing when he finally caught up with the crazy umbrella, which ended up wedged underneath the front bumper of a blue Honda Civic taxicab that waited at the intersection for the light to change. Ichigo went to grab the black umbrella when his eyes caught something in his peripheral vision, an advert propped on top of the taxi's hood.

He looked back up at the advertisement.

His eyes widened. The message on the advert spoke loudly to him, so loudly it was as if a tiny man lived inside his head and was beating a gong. His breath felt like it stopped and he blinked softly as he stared at the words. The music in his ears went mute and the rain splattered off his head and clothes, but he could not feel it. He stood there completely mesmerized, standing in the middle of the street, holding up traffic at the intersection.

Cars began to honk their horns.

The advert on top of the taxi was for a travelling agency. Someone must have thought it cunning to have a white background with large black print simply stating: Don't dream it—DO IT! Sunny Airlines.

It wasn't the fact that it was for a travelling agency that roused him, it was the words that triggered something. It was as if this message was put here on purpose. It was as if his umbrella led him to discover it, as if it had the capability of understanding life better than he did.

...a simple message that made so much fucking sense.

Everything became so incredibly clear. Ichigo felt like he had gotten a kick in the pants, a really hard one. And he knew. He knew that he couldn't keep doing this—I don't want to work as an accountant.

"I've been such a fool," he spoke to himself.

All I do is sit around each day dreaming about the bakery, wishing that I were there instead of the office. When I'm making stuff with my hands I feel so good, I feel so alive. All day I dream and I can feel the bitterness taking over. I'm afraid of disappointing everyone...

Two days ago, Byakuya said he loved him no matter what career he chose, said that he admired his strength. Ichigo believed him after the baker got so upset with him about it—over their discussion about money and status. And Ichigo didn't realize until then how much he was upsetting his lover with his bitterness during the workweek. It ate at him that he could be so clueless and self-centred.

I felt bad and it made Byakuya feel bad, too.

Just then, he remembered what Byakuya said to him that night at the Halloween party, because it all made sense now. He said, '...this is a chance to discover what drives you.' Ichigo thought his partner meant something different at the time, but now... now, he knew it was not what Byakuya meant at all. What he was trying to say was, explore your options and find out what kind of work is best suited for you.

Ichigo smiled softly. He remembered what they said to each other that night in bed after the Halloween party.

"Byakuya, please don't ever doubt how much value I put into what you are. You are amazing and everything you do is amazing. I could never measure up to that."

"Do not say 'never', Ichigo."

Ichigo thought proudly. Byakuya really is a smarty-pants moth. He saw through me before I could see through myself. What kind of strength was he showing if he could not face Sōjun Kuchiki and tell him he wanted to go back to the bakery? None.

It was time to stop dreaming and do something already. Filled with a new kind of determination, Ichigo understood what he had to do.

"Get off the road you idiot!" Someone behind the taxi hollered.

Ichigo blinked. Well, first, he should get off the road.

"Hey mister, are you going to stand in front of my car all day?" The driver of the taxicab complained with bewilderment.

Ichigo gathered his bearings and immediately apologized to the driver. He picked up his umbrella and rushed out of the way, moving over to the sidewalk. He glanced down stupendously at his broken umbrella. The stupid thing nearly got him killed, however, if it was not for this stupid umbrella then...

He laughed incredulously. "I'm such an idiot!"

"You're certainly being one this morning, Kurosaki Ichigo," muttered an old man standing next to him.

Ichigo looked over with a scowl. "Hey! That's not very—" When he realized who it was he could not finish his smarmy remark. It was Byakuya's grandfather Genrei Kuchiki, dressed nicely in a dark suit and tie with a long black coat buttoned down the front and a pair of gloves keeping his hands warm, holding a functional and durable umbrella. Ichigo knew that white moustache anywhere, even if the last time he saw this man he was dressed like a feudal monk.

"You're standing here in the freezing rain with a broken umbrella, laughing like a fool. What is the matter with you, why were you standing in the middle of the street like a show clown? Have you lost your mind, boy?" The old man wondered.

Wow. This morning just couldn't get any crazier, Ichigo thought. "You… you saw that?" For a moment, Ichigo was speechless."W-what are you doing out here?" he stammered.

"Walking to work, what does it look like? Only men that wish for an early grave take the easy route and drive. They forget what hard work and a pair of legs are for—it keeps the mind and body sharp." Genrei explained in his old-fashioned stubborn kind of way. "You seem to be heading to the same place, Kurosaki Ichigo. However, something is not right with you this morning. What did you do to my grandson?" He finished suspiciously.

Ichigo held up his hands. "I didn't do anything. Byakuya is great… really great, sir. He's busy at the bakery this morning." Ichigo replied shyly. It felt weird speaking about his romantic involvement in front of Byakuya's grandfather. "It's your son Sōjun that I really need to talk to."

The oldest Kuchiki settled his slate grey eyes on Ichigo curiously. "Let's walk," Genrei suggested, offering to let Ichigo hold his sturdier umbrella for the both of them.

Ichigo threw his broken umbrella into the trash bin and took Genrei's umbrella. He thanked him kindly and held it over both their heads, more so on Genrei's side since Ichigo was already soaked and cold, water sloshing through his shoes miserably. They crossed the street and headed towards the Kuchiki building a few blocks away.

"Why do you need to speak to Sōjun so urgently?" Genrei inquired. "Perhaps I can be of help."

Ichigo answered nervously. "Err… I don't mean any disrespect sir, but what I have to tell him is already hard enough for me."

Genrei grunted to himself. "Understandable, we have met once. You have no reason to trust me," he said evenly. "One word of advice, Kurosaki Ichigo, us old men are not called wise only for the sake of presumption and because it sounds useful in poetry." He chuffed with amusement.

For a moment, Ichigo recalled how Sōjun compared both Byakuya and Genrei. How both had soft hearts under a hard shell. To look at this older man, Ichigo couldn't imagine that this was the same person that soothed a young Byakuya over the loss of his pet turtle. Nevertheless, this was the very man. Without giving it a second thought, Ichigo began spill his guts to Genrei Kuchiki.

The old man listened silently, his wrinkled face stern, eyes staring straight ahead.

"You must think I'm really foolish," Ichigo claimed tiredly when he finished.

As they entered the elegant building of Kuchiki Enterprises, people walking by them in a hurry to get to their jobs, Genrei took back his folded umbrella. He shook the water off it gently. "A foolish man is one that allows himself to get trapped in a cage. Have you ever heard of that saying?" he asked.

"I haven't." Ichigo answered.

"My grandson was right about you… you are not a man to let yourself be trapped. I can admire that. When I questioned Byakuya about his fixated interest in you, when I questioned your loyalty, he got very angry with me. Did he tell you about this?"

Ichigo shook his head. "No…"

"It was a few weeks ago. He came to see me one evening when you were working late at the office and we talked. It is very difficult to get a moment of Byakuya's time now that he is so busy with that café of his. Anyways, he is quite taken by you and I can certainly see why. A man needs someone to lean on and for my grandson, that person is you, Kurosaki Ichigo. He was correct about your loyalty and dependability." Genrei bowed lightly. "Take care of my grandson for me."

"Of course, I will. But aren't you disappointed?" Ichigo wondered, bowing in return.

"My only disappointments are that my grandson will not take over as head of this company when Sōjun retires, but that won't be for a long time. Sōjun has another good twenty years left in him I'm sure. Hopefully by then, we'll have a decent board of directors instead of that group of monkeys we have right now."

Ichigo smirked.

"My second disappointment is that Byakuya won't give me any grandchildren." Genrei narrowed his eyes at Ichigo accusingly. "Perhaps Rukia will correct this situation someday."

With a soft sigh, Ichigo apologized. "It's not that I don't like children. They usually like me a lot though." Ichigo hung his head. "I've got nothing else for you on that subject."

Genrei scoffed. "And my last disappointment…"

Ichigo inwardly groaned. Was the old man serious?

"…would be if you and your family did not join us for New Year's celebrations at my son's place this year. I do hope you will agree to join us." The older Kuchiki finished.

Ichigo let out an incredulous breath. He ran a hand over his wet hair. "Yes, yes, of course we'd love to join you. I will tell my family right away before they start making plans." He laughed at how wrongly he had judged Byakuya's grandfather. This man was an incredible Kuchiki, too.

"Well, then. Let's go visit Sōjun." Genrei proposed.

Sōjun was more than surprised to see his father accompanying Ichigo into his office this morning. It would appear as if these two had something fishy going on between them. And he wasn't wrong.

When Ichigo explained why he was here, as hard as it was for him to do so, Sōjun actually chuckled when Ichigo finished explaining. "So you finally figured it out—wow, you sure are a stubborn one," he said.

"Huh?" went Ichigo, perplexed.

"It's nothing. It's just I'm not that surprised to hear that you want to go back to the bakery, that's all. Let's just say, I had a feeling." He nodded to himself, realizing how right Byakuya was with his eye for talent. "But don't get me wrong, Ichigo. I still think you have the capability to go far in this company—perhaps even to board of directors one day." Sōjun enlightened.

"A monkey…?" It just slipped out.

Sōjun shot a strange look at his father.

Genrei, seated in one of the comfortable chairs situated in front of Sōjun's desk, appeared calm and unfazed. Inside he was simpering. Indeed, monkeys...

"I'm honoured you think so, Sōjun. And I apologize for any inconvenience I've caused you," Ichigo urged genuinely. "I… I hope this hasn't—I mean… you probably think—"

Sōjun sat back against his chair and held his hands out in front of him, pressing his fingertips together. He wore a soft smile on his face as this younger man fussed and bothered before him. "Ichigo, I assure you that Toshiro will understand." He chuckled softly. "You are not the first man to jump ship. As for what I think of you. Well, I really hope we can still get together occasionally for that coffee—I truly enjoyed our conversations. You are almost family now. Perhaps next time you will bring a snack, too." He smirked. "That was my subtle hint."

"Sōjun, the boy's lips are turning blue. Perhaps you two can chat more, later." Genrei mentioned, glancing at Ichigo who stood behind the chair instead of sitting in it since he was still soaking wet and clearly trying not to shiver.

"My father is right, Ichigo. Get out of here and go find some dry clothes. Then hurry to the bakery, Byakuya sounds as if he could use a hand. He works too hard, that stubborn son of mine." Sōjun waved Ichigo out.

"But… but don't you need like two weeks' notice?" Ichigo questioned.

"Toshiro will just divide the extra work among a few people, not to worry. Now go—scram. I will explain everything to Toshiro myself later. We'll see you at New Years, I hope."

Ichigo bowed deeply, thanking both Kuchiki's for their great understanding and support. "Yes, I look forward to New Years. I'm honoured and indebted to you both." Then he left the office with haste.

"Such a serious young man," Genrei commented cringing at the squishy sound Ichigo's wet shoes had made when he left the office.

"Funny you should say that father. I told him the very same thing once." Sōjun replied and narrowed his eyes at his father. "But at least I'm not going around calling our board of directors, monkeys."

The old man sniffed. "It would be disrespectful of me to lie to him."

There was one last thing Ichigo needed to do before he left Kuchiki Enterprises. He needed to pick up his laptop and a few things from his desk on the third floor. When he entered the office, like a man that looked as if he'd just jumped into a swimming pool in his suit, everyone peered over his or her cubicle at him.

The floor manager, Toshiro Hitsugaya scowled at him when he saw him. "You're very late, Kurosaki Ichigo, what is your excuse." He looked over Ichigo's attire. "And why are you so wet?"

"Well…" Ichigo began. "I do apologize for being late, sir, but you see I came to a decision this morning." He spoke as he wandered over to his cubicle and the manager followed him. Ichigo began to stuff his laptop into its case. "I've decided to quit this job."

Keigo's head popped up from the other side of the cubicle, his eyes were wide. "What?! Where are you going? You can't leave me here all alone."

"I see," said Toshiro quietly, ignoring Keigo. "It really is too bad to see you go, Kurosaki Ichigo. You were one of my best accountants." He said this and glared at Keigo who was still lingering over the cubicle.

"Thank you for your kind leadership, you were firm but honest. Thank you, for allowing me to work for you." Ichigo told him and handed over his ID card. "I'm really sorry."

"Well, I hope you're moving to a better place. Good luck to you, Kurosaki Ichigo." Toshiro gave him a final bow and turned to leave.

Ichigo sighed and slung his laptop case strap over his shoulder. Then he retrieved a few items he had pinned or taped up around his desk. A photo Izuru took of him just after he punched out that glasses creeper who tried to schmooze his boyfriend in the washroom. His recipe calendar he picked up shortly after starting at Kuchiki Enterprises, where all the Saturdays were highlighted with bright yellow squiggles. A now dried out red rose that Byakuya gave him a couple of weeks ago, Ichigo found it on the dinner table one night, next to a piece of chocolate mousse which had his name piped on top with chocolate, the kanji standing for 'strawberry'. Lastly, he picked up a half-eaten granola bar.

He could at least throw it out.

Keigo was watching Ichigo collect his things. And as soon as Ichigo was about to leave, he said. "Aren't you going to tell me why you're leaving?"

Ichigo thought about it for a moment. He turned around and told him. "I've decided to change careers, Keigo. I'm not cut out for this office job and I'm going back to baking. Take care of yourself… enjoy that vacation of yours when you finally take it. Go somewhere sunny and warm."

Before he left completely, Ichigo turned around and made sure the entire office heard him. "And yes, I am dating Byakuya Kuchiki—the CEO's son and the hottest pastry chef in Karakura Town. You should all stop by Café on Sixth one day." Ichigo gave a backwards wave, laughing as he left for good.

Byakuya and Rukia were both working out front, the café filled with people avoiding the cold rain, sipping on hot coffee or tea, enjoying some delectable pastries and cake. The place was bustling non-stop and Byakuya was more than happy to help his sister serve customers. He took care of the plating as she took care of the orders.

It remained steady for over two hours.

But once the morning rush was over, the two of them took a small break to enjoy a cup of tea themselves.

Byakuya found his solitude watching the rain, his back resting against the counter. He blew a lock of hair out his way before he sipped quietly on his cup of chai tea. He wondered peacefully to himself how he could incorporate the chai flavour into one of his desserts. It would be a perfect time of year for such a robust flavour, very savoury and soothing during the cold winter months.

Rukia set her tea down to go clear off one of the tables when a group of customers left. She cleaned off all the dishes and wiped down the table with a damp sanitizing cloth. When she returned from the dish pit, she retrieved her tea and resumed sipping it across from her brother, her eyes too, on the rain outside.

"Are you alright, Nii-sama?" She asked. "You seem kind of down today."

He looked over at her calmly. "I am fine, Rukia. I was just thinking about a new recipe."

"Oh, that's good," she said with relief. "Maybe it's this depressing weather. It's so chilly today, just looking out the window makes me shiver." She rubbed a hand over her arm.

Indeed. Even though it was nice and warm inside the café, just looking outside made one feel cold. Byakuya returned his gaze back outside. His eyes widened. It was snowing. "Look, Rukia, the rain has transformed into snow," he told her.

Quickly, Rukia looked outside again. Fat, fluffy snowflakes drifted down from the sky heavily. The sight of first snow was always so captivating. She smiled. "It's so pretty."

"Yes, it is." Byakuya agreed. They did not often get much snow around here during the winter.

As both Kuchiki's admired the falling snow, they got another unexpected surprise when Ichigo appeared outside, his hair sprinkled with snowflakes. He waved and smiled at them goofily, holding his hands out to show that it was snowing.

Byakuya gasped softly.

"What's Ichigo doing here?" Rukia wondered. "Isn't he usually at work today?"

Stunned, Byakuya returned a small wave. He could not believe his eyes and scoffed gently. He murmured. "He's come back to us."

"Are you serious?" She nearly cried. "Oh! This is great!"

Byakuya set his tea down, went around the counter, and opened the door for Ichigo. He urged him inside the café quickly. At first glance, Byakuya looked worriedly over his partner. Ichigo was soaked from head to toe and turning an alarming shade of blue.

"What happened to you?" Byakuya asked with concern.

Ichigo shrugged. "I had a problem with my umbrella today."

A few customers were looking over curiously to see the esteemed chef of Café on Sixth dotting over a man in a suit that had just entered the bakery.

"Go stand in front of the oven," Byakuya suggested. "I'll get you a change of clothing and a hot cup of tea." Having a sick baking assistant just wouldn't do.

Ichigo didn't argue and made his way to the kitchen. He went straight over to the tall standing oven and placed his cold hands and the side of his cheek on the warm glass. It looked like he was hugging the oven. "Oh yeah..." he groaned blissfully. He held himself there for a few moments and then turned, placing his back against the oven. He closed his eyes. This was perfect he could feel warmth returning to his extremities.

Byakuya returned to the kitchen with a hot cup of tea in his hands. He handed it to Ichigo, who took it gratefully and sipped on the hot liquid. "Thank you, Byakuya."

Byakuya simply stared at him.

Ichigo chuckled. "Surprised to see me?"

"Yes," the pâtissier answered.

"Hmm, I couldn't help but notice the 'Help Wanted' sign out front and the handsome chef that works here," Ichigo started to say. "I'm fairly experienced in the kitchen, but I'm only at basic level and I'm still working on my mise en place. I'm a hard worker and eager to learn under your guidance. I hope you are still looking for a baking assistant." Ichigo spoke softly, his warm brown eyes meeting an enigmatic pair of cool grey ones.

Byakuya thought about it and chuckled lightly. He said evenly, his face complacent. "Why yes, I am looking for a cute baking assistant to help me in the kitchen. I require that he be a tall, red-haired man with an adorable smile that clearly has a talent for the culinary arts."

Ichigo wore the wry smile in mention. "Hmm... I'm fairly certain I'm that guy. But maybe you should perform a background check."

"It would be inexcusable not to give you a thorough interview." Byakuya took the cup of tea from Ichigo and set it aside. Then he took Ichigo's cold hands into his. "Ah yes, it appears you have worked in a kitchen," he said as he brushed his thumb over the small callus on Ichigo's index finger.

Suddenly Ichigo pulled Byakuya up against him, their hands still clasped together. "This time I'm here to stay."

"Then I guess you're hired." Byakuya stated deeply.

Ichigo let go of Byakuya's hands and wrapped his arms around the baker. They kissed softly against the hot oven and Byakuya thought to himself.

I just knew you'd come back to me, Ichigo Kurosaki. And I'm so very happy that you did.

A/N: I apologize for the extra wait on this first Final part(One more Final part coming). I haven't had much time for play lately and I'm currently still working on the last parts of this fic. It won't be that long of a wait tho :)

YAY! Finally Ichigo realized he belongs in the kitchen. At first I wasn't going to have Byakuya's grandfather Genrei appear but it hit me that it could be awesome lol! The old man turned out to be a big help, go figure. The 'Don't Dream it-DO IT!' line comes from the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A good friend of mine had to listen to me complain about how I needed something like an epiphany for Ichigo in this story and a few days later she told me about this line. Everything fell into place after that lol! Sometimes a person just needs a sign like a strike of lightning. Without the real lightning that is :P

I hope you enjoyed the first part. The second I will post up as soon as I finish writing it. Thanks so much for reading!

Reviewers:

Castiel4life - Wow! Thanks so much hun for your kind words. I'm soo happy to liked my small amount of Chad. I kinda felt bad that I didn't give him more screen time. He's pretty cool that guy, people don't give him enough credit. Hehehe...now he has two gay friends from high school.. well bi-friends XD! I mean Ichigo and Uyru still like girls too, but now they have Bya and Shuu *winks*

MrsByaKuchiki - Aww, thanks hun your comments make writing this really worth it. It's fun that I can share the experience with others that love this pair as much as I do. I definitely have ideas in my head for other Bya/Ichi stories. And a maybe for a part 2 for Sugar and Spice, I have been thinking about it. I have to plot a lot... it won't be very soon. Haha! It's so cool that you enjoy the Shuhei/Uyru stuff. w00t!

Cerulean Twin - I'll be sad, too! lol! Thanks for the comment!

A fellow reader - Awww *hugs* I'm positive I'm not a pretty crier either XD! But you are very cute and sweet. *hugs* Thanks for reading my friend!

khnoir - YAY! I'm very glad you enjoyed that silly ending with drunk Ichigo lol! It was fun to write that :)

Yaoifangirl666 - Thank you hun I appreciate your comments!

Yonaka Kyoki Prince - LULZ! You always have the zaniest posts with those little omakes. Have I told you that you're awesome? My favourite part is when Byakuya says, 'Ah! Someone pinched me!' Just imagining him saying that cracks me up. Thanks for your comments friend! I'm also happy you liked that dojo part. You earned a toasted marshmallow :P

igotmoneymoney - Woo! Thanks so much friend for always leaving me a comment. *hugs*

Shenigmatic - I was at work when I read this review of yours and I complained to my co-workers that I'm jealous that I'm not on a 7th floor balcony watching waves crash on the beach lulz! I hope you had a lovely vacation :) And I'm thrilled you enjoyed that crazy chapter full of shenanigans lol! Thanks hun for your comments :)