Sugar and Spice – Chapter 21 (Finale Part 2)
Sealing the Deal with A Kiss
The chimes on the door of Café on Sixth rang.
Ichigo's head darted up from a table he was clearing. He was working the front while Rukia was on a washroom break. He groaned quietly when he saw who it was.
"Grimmjow..." He muttered under his breath. "Just leave the delivery behind the counter as usual." He told him, placing the cinnamon and sugar shakers back on the table after he wiped underneath them.
The blue-haired man looked taken aback. His blue eyes widened when he saw the cute redhead working in the café. "Pfft! What are you doing here?" He said. "I thought you quit, carrot-top."
Ichigo frowned and slung his hand towel over his left shoulder, picked up a tray loaded with dirty dishes from the table and moved around behind the display counter. Quietly, he placed the tray on the back counter. He didn't want to talk over the customers seated in the café and bother them.
"The name is Ichigo, got it?" He crossed his arms over his chest. "And I've decided I like it here—I think I'll stay."
It almost sounded like a threat.
"Tsk." Grimmjow sounded as he set a neatly stacked pile of baking supplies behind the counter. He rolled his dolly back around to go back out to the truck for a second load, looking around the café. "Where's Byakuya at? He's hiding from me, isn't he?"
It was as if Byakuya's ears were burning when he suddenly chose to make an appearance from the back. As soon as he saw Grimmjow, his expression went flat, more flat than usual. He turned right around and went back into the kitchen. The swinging door thumped softly in his wake.
Grimmjow only laughed. "Ya can't hide from me, pretty boy!"
Ichigo grit his teeth.
When the impertinent deliveryman returned, this time with two boxes of 35% cream, two buckets of canola oil and two enormous bags of sugar, Ichigo was still standing there with his arms crossed looking like a haughty chef in a foul mood. He had a scowl on his handsome face.
Grimmjow grunted. "What's got your panties in a bunch? Did your soufflé flop?" He chuckled roguishly and handed over the invoice. "Or maybe you don't like it when I flirt with your boss or something?"
Ichigo plucked a pen from the left sleeve of his chef coat and scribbled down his signature. When Grimmjow dropped the second load and came back to retrieve the invoice, Ichigo grabbed him from over top of the display counter like a shark lunging after a plump seal. He held Grimmjow tightly by the collar of his Jeagerjaques Supplies Ltd. work jacket.
Grimmjow cursed as he hung there, his feet hovering just above the tiled floor. The customers in the café gasped and looked over. At that moment, Rukia decided to return to the front and stumbled upon the scene, she gasped.
"Ichigo, what the..."
There was only so much Ichigo could take. It wasn't like he was insecure or jealous that another man found his boyfriend sexy, because dammit Byakuya was a horn dog magnet. However, there needed to be a certain amount of respect here. And clearly Byakuya didn't like being tormented by this pervy delivery guy and he was disrespecting Ichigo's man.
"Look buddy, if anyone is going to play with Byakuya's pots and pans... it's gonna be me. Got it?" Ichigo said in such dangerously cool reserve that Grimmjow actually nodded silently.
Ichigo let him go.
Grimmjow sniffed and fixed his collar. He smirked then. "I get it now. Haha! Why didn't you just say that you were already banging him?"
Ichigo's mouth parted with mild shock and embarrassment. He scratched at the back of his head awkwardly. "Well... I wouldn't put it that way exactly."
The customers were chatting noisily about the small commotion—clearly a lover's dispute. They turned their heads away now that the show was over and the chef and deliveryman seemed to be talking in a normal tone.
Grimmjow chuckled again. "I see. You know my offer still stands, now that I know for sure you play that way, carrot-top." He smiled devilishly, running his hand cockily through his wavy blue hair. "The three of us... I have no problem with you being bottom."
Ichigo sighed. "I'm not that kind of guy, Grimmjow. Sorry."
Out of nowhere, a fat elastic band snapped off Grimmjow's head, then another.
"Hey—oww!" he muttered, shielding his head from another elastic that whizzed past his ear.
"Go on, get out of here. I won't let you anywhere near my brother or Ichigo." Rukia warned and cracked the knuckles on both of her fists. "Beat it."
Grimmjow held up his hands now. "Hey, alright, I get it. Geesh!"
Both Ichigo and Rukia watched Grimmjow leave the café and climb back into his delivery truck. The rumbling truck engine roared to life.
Rukia swatted Ichigo's arm viciously as Grimmjow drove away.
"Oww, Rukia, what's that for?" Ichigo whined, rubbing his arm.
"Because you told that guy off. You stood up for my brother," she said. Her eyes were gleaming proudly. "You did good, Ichigo. Real good..."
Ichigo laughed now and ruffled her hair like a little kid. Rukia swatted at him again for messing up her hair, but Ichigo dodged it this time and ran back to the safety of the kitchen.
Later in the day Byakuya made sure Ichigo and Rukia were dressed in spotless, pressed uniforms, clean aprons and urged them to perform at their highest level of professionalism. He had them all standing out front behind the counter like soldiers preparing for battle, inspecting them. Even Byakuya put on his whitest chef coat making sure his own uniform was pristine.
"Now let's make sure this café is spotless." The chef ordered.
"When is that TV show food journalist coming by today?" Ichigo questioned as he smoothed down the front of his coat.
"They are expected to arrive around five thirty." Byakuya explained. "They will have a camera man with them as well. The entire thing is to take about one hour."
"I'm so nervous about being on television, Nii-sama. I don't want to embarrass you." Rukia spoke softly with worry.
Byakuya placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "You could never embarrass me, Rukia. Without you, this café would be nothing. Our customers look forward to your exceptional service—you never let them down and your plating style has become works of art. Remember that, okay?"
Rukia beamed at her brother. "Thanks, Nii-sama. I'll do my best then."
"I've seen this show. It's called Japan's Hidden Treasures." Ichigo shared. "They go around to all the best eating spots and show five minutes segments at four different places all in half an hour. I guess they are doing an episode on pastry shops." He claimed, feeling a bit nervous now, but he would never admit that to his top chef, Byakuya.
"How exciting," Rukia squealed and narrowed her eyes at Ichigo. "Don't do anything stupid."
Ichigo balked. "What do mean? You say that like I do stupid things all day long."
Rukia merely grunted.
"Behave—both of you," Byakuya warned lightly. "Now go make sure the café is in top shape. I'm sure you'll both do fine. Be yourself."
At twenty minutes after five, the reporter and her camera man arrived. The customers in the café all looked on surprised, realizing they were about to be filmed inside the shop. A few people started to fix their hair and a man straightened his tie.
The reporter was the same woman Ichigo saw here about two months ago, the woman that had waved at him. Oh man! He had not realized then that it was the same woman from that TV show, Rangiku Mastumoto. The woman was dressed differently then and her hair had been tied back. This woman was tall and voluptuous, very attractive with thick wavy strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. She removed a long dark winter coat that revealed a simple yellow dress that gave everyone an eyeful of her serious cleavage. She wore a pair of high heels.
Her camera man, which she introduced as Gin, was a tall man with sharp pale features and short silver hair. He was a strange guy that constantly kept his eyes narrowed at them and wore a nefarious smile on his face.
Rangiku took a moment to explain to the customers that they were going to be doing a short segment on Café on Sixth. Everyone was happy to participate. Then she told Byakuya, Ichigo and Rukia to go about doing their normal stuff so they could get some clips of their daily routine, and then she would interview them afterwards.
Everyone went about his or her business while the reporter did her thing. She even talked to a few customers asking their opinion of the bakery and what they recommended were the best things to eat here.
One customer shared that she recently discovered the organic nib-crusted truffle, which appeared at the café over a month ago.
Byakuya nodded proudly at Ichigo.
Ichigo glowed with pride.
Rangiku asked to see the kitchen. Byakuya and Ichigo led her back there where they filmed a few minutes of Byakuya decorating some chocolate raspberry mousse squares with a delicate drizzling of chocolate. And Ichigo's show piece was him tempering chocolate on the new slab of marble he got from Byakuya as an early Christmas present.
With the footage captured, Rangiku had the staff come back to the front so she could interview everyone. She started with Byakuya and asked all the customary questions, where he started and why he does this work.
Ichigo watched his lover as he answered all the questions with nothing less than a proud air of dignity. Byakuya did so well under the spotlight as if he wasn't fazed at all. He spoke with that deep cool voice without faltering once. Mmm! And he was going to be so sexy on television. Ichigo could not wait to see it.
"And who is this new face standing next to your sister, Rukia Kuchiki?" She questioned the camera light on Ichigo and Rukia now.
"This is, Ichigo Kurosaki, my full-time apprentice. He is the one that created our cocoa-nib crusted truffle." Byakuya explained and added evenly, "He is also my partner."
At this Rangiku gasped with delight. "Well, well," she sing-songed. "It seems Café on Sixth is just the happenin' place now isn't it? Maybe that's the secret to this bakery's unbeatable confections—there is love in this kitchen."
The camera focused on Ichigo who had a cute blush on his face. "What's it like working for Byakuya Kuchiki? How would you rate him as a pastry chef?"
Ichigo stole a quick glance at Byakuya thoughtfully before he answered. "My chef is a patient, talented man who has taught me more about pastry than I ever thought possible. He's amazing." The adoration was clear in Ichigo's voice. "I am indebted to the training he's given me and for the future training he'll be providing." Ichigo chuckled. "Even when I mess up a recipe, which is pretty often, he doesn't lose his shit."
Rangiku laughed and so did the customers and Rukia. Byakuya quietly sighed.
"Tell me, do you see yourself doing anything else with your career, Ichigo Kurosaki? Perhaps venturing off to other top restaurants and bakeries?"
There was a time when that kind of question would have left Ichigo stumbling for answers. A time when he wasn't sure what he wanted in his life exactly. But that wasn't the case anymore. He hasn't felt one ounce of regret leaving his office job. Ichigo answered proudly, "Nah, I'm happy right where I am, doing what I love with the person that I love. Byakuya gave me an opportunity to explore this profession—I cannot thank him enough. Together we are going to continue to work hard to make the best pastry in Karakura Town."
Silently Byakuya chuffed to himself as he watched Ichigo talk to the reporter. His pride... Oh, how the world was a sweeter place with him in it.
On the last week of December, three days before New Year's Eve, Byakuya waited patiently for Rukia and Ichigo to step out before he locked the door to Café on Sixth. It was the end of an exhausting two weeks with high demands for holiday pastry.
"I hope neither of you have forgotten anything important inside." Byakuya asked them.
The bakery would be closed for one week for the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Both Rukia and Ichigo assured him they had everything.
"Phew! One week off," Rukia stated cheerfully, her breath billowing around her face on the street in the winterish air. "I look forward to New Year's at father's place. I can't wait to see your family again, Ichigo. They are coming, right?"
"Yup, they can't wait either. I think they believe they are visiting a palace, even though I have never been to Sōjun's place."
"It is a beautiful residence they'll enjoy it for sure," Rukia promised. "It can be a bit of a drive, but you are both staying overnight, yes?"
Ichigo looked over at Byakuya. "I'm not sure about that yet."
"We can use my old room," Byakuya clarified.
"Then I guess that's a 'yes'." Ichigo smiled. "My sisters are also very excited that they are going to be picked up by a chauffeured car. I think that's a bit extravagant, but what do I know," he told them, pulling a knitted hat over his head with one hand while holding a motorcycle helmet in the other.
"My father would settle for nothing less," Byakuya alleged calmly.
"I guess there's no point in trying to stop Sōjun." He chuckled. "Your father sure knows how to spoil my family. I just hope my father doesn't embarrass me."
"Your father is not the only one I'm concerned with," Byakuya mentioned dryly.
"Do you think father will force Ichigo and his family to look at our childhood pictures, Nii-sama?" Rukia wrinkled her nose with the thought. "He always does that at New Years and Renji always gets a good laugh."
"I'm afraid of that as well." Byakuya answered.
Both siblings groaned.
Ichigo laughed at them. "Hey, we'll all have to deal with our parents telling age-old tales of our childhood, especially if they are all getting together under one roof. Just don't judge me, okay?"
Rukia chuckled. "Alright, I won't if you don't either."
"I was a well-behaved child," Byakuya commented with his usual tone of aloofness.
Both Ichigo and Rukia knew he was pulling their leg.
"That's not what father told me." Rukia sniffed and looked at Ichigo dramatically. "He said Byakuya had a terrible temper when things didn't go his way and he didn't want to eat his vegetables and often made a fuss," Rukia assured and rolled her eyes just as her phone began to ring. She pulled out her pink phone with its cute bunny charm dangling away. "It's Renji guys—I'll see you both in a couple of days. Don't get into any trouble."
They watched her walk towards the subway, chatting happily on her cell phone.
"You didn't like vegetables?" Ichigo looked over at Byakuya with a smirk.
All Byakuya could do was defend himself. "I like them now."
Ichigo laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I used to hate radishes and my father loves the damn things. He would give them to me almost every mealtime. Pickled, stewed, raw. Ugh!"
"So then you still hate radish it seems."
"Meh, I eat them if they are there mixed up among other things," Ichigo replied with a shrug. "So, are we still going to my old apartment?" he asked Byakuya, who took his hand in his warmly. They headed for the parking garage.
"Of course, I said I would help you pack. The movers are coming for your stuff the day after tomorrow. Did you get the boxes?"
"Yeah, I dropped them off yesterday. I don't think I'll need that many and I can throw my clothes into plastic bags," Ichigo explained as he followed Byakuya to his bike. "I don't need the furniture, unless there is anything you think I should keep."
"I don't think so," Byakuya responded.
As they walked down the street a woman walking towards them began waving and calling out, "Kurosaki-kun! Kurosaki-kun!"
"Hmrph, it's your friend," Byakuya muttered when he recognized the slim girl with dark orange hair and large bosoms. She was walking beside Ulquiorra.
"Really? You're still jealous?" Ichigo teased, hearing how Byakuya just spoke. "Look, she's still with that pale guy."
As they got closer, Byakuya and Ichigo noticed that Inoue and Ulquiorra were holding hands just as they were. They were wearing warm stylish winter jackets, bundled up with their scarves and gloves.
Byakuya made sure to tighten his grip on Ichigo's fingers.
Immediately, Inoue noticed how Ichigo was holding Byakuya's hand and she realized then, that they were a couple for the first time. Her eyes darted up at Ichigo's face with mild surprise. He was blushing, the crests of his cheeks rosy under her scrutiny.
Orihime smiled softly at him, she stifled a giggle. "Kurosaki-kun...I—I had no idea." Her voice took on a delicate note. "You look very happy."
Ichigo blushed hotter and wriggled his fingers in Byakuya's crushing grip. They were beginning to turn numb but Byakuya wouldn't let go. "Yeah, I am—we are," he said truthfully. "You guys look pretty happy as well."
Inoue just nodded and Ulquiorra said. "I should thank you for giving us the free pastry."
"Naw, it was nothing," Ichigo assured easily.
"Are you both ready for the holidays?" Inoue asked them. "Cifer is taking me out of town for a few days. We're actually headed to the train station."
"Yeah, we just closed the café for the holiday week," Ichigo replied. "My family and I will be spending our New Years Eve with Byakuya's family."
"Oh, that's so nice," she said sweetly.
"We are currently headed to Ichigo's old apartment to pack up his things." Byakuya had to share.
"Yeah... we're moving in together," Ichigo added, casting Byakuya a strange look that he had offered that information so freely.
Inoue's eyebrows rose. "Oh, wow... That's really special." She looked away shyly.
"Well, we really should be going." Ichigo explained. "Have a safe and happy holiday guys."
Inoue and Ulquiorra gave a light bow. "Same to you both," she said.
"Happy holidays," Ulquiorra offered.
They continued to the garage.
When Inoue and Ulquiorra were out of earshot, Ichigo twisted his hand out of Byakuya's grip fussily. "Geez, you're squeezing so hard. What the heck, what's wrong with you?"
Byakuya was wearing his stubborn front "There is nothing wrong, I assure you."
Ichigo could have taunted Byakuya over his blind jealously, but he didn't. In fact, it was kind of cute, in a painful way—Ichigo wriggled his smarting fingers—that Byakuya felt so possessive and protective of him.
He scoffed. "Come on, Byakuya. Let's go get this over with."
When they got to Ichigo's apartment on the 15th floor, there didn't seem to be anyone home. Or so they thought. Byakuya followed Ichigo inside. They took a moment to remove their shoes.
"Do you want a drink or anything before we start?" Ichigo asked.
Byakuya smiled softly with a thought. "Water if you have some."
Ichigo was curiously witnessing this magical smile. "What's up with you?" He wondered softly before he wandered into the kitchen to see if there was any water in the fridge.
"This is where we kissed for the first time..."
Ichigo chuffed as he removed two bottles of water. He handed one to Byakuya. It was like déjà vu. "The night you coerced me into the shower, using those horn dog vibes of yours. Don't lie now."
Byakuya 'tsk'd' him. He gave an amused sniff before he took a swallow of cold water. "Perhaps I can coerce you again," he mused coolly.
There came a familiar giggle from the other side of the room.
Ichigo's brows knotted instantly and Byakuya swung his head around to look behind him.
"I know that sound," Ichigo claimed. "Shūhei, is that you?"
Two heads appeared from the other side of the couch, Ishida Uryū and Hisagi Shūhei's.
"Wow, with the way you guys flirt with each other no wonder you were so late the last time we met at the bar." Shūhei taunted and grinned as if he'd just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"You're not the one that should be casting stones when you're making out on the couch with Uryū," Ichigo pointed out with a crooked grin.
Uryū simply placed his glasses back on his face to get a better view of the intruders in his apartment. "I forgot you guys were coming over today."
"And what were you going to do, man, hide behind the couch the whole time?" Ichigo laughed. "I might've gone for round two in the shower just now. I might have been really loud, too."
Byakuya blushed lightly. Ichigo could be so brazen sometimes.
Shūhei simply laughed at Ichigo's pervy quip and Uryū rolled his eyes.
"Well, it seems you two are getting to know each other pretty well. Don't worry Byakuya and I will only be about an hour then we'll be out of your hair." Ichigo told them.
"You don't have to rush on our account," Uryū insisted.
"I hope you two aren't half naked over there." Ichigo coolly sipped his water, eyes twinkling with mischief. Hell, he was in a good mood. He was happy.
"That's so rude," Uryū said flatly.
Ichigo only chuckled.
"Once you empty your room, I'm taking it over," Shūhei shared somewhat impishly. "I wouldn't mind moving out of my band buddies' place. A man needs his sleep and I'm getting to old to party every night, ya know."
"That's really awesome," Ichigo said. "Uryū's a good guy, he needs a good roommate. Take care of him because now I know where you live, Shūhei." It was a tiny warning, but a warning nonetheless.
"Seriously, Ichigo..." Ishida Uryū groaned with embarrassment.
Ichigo ignored his bespectacled buddy. "Come Byakuya, I'll show you my music collection. Do you like L'Arc En Ciel?"
Byakuya followed Ichigo to his bedroom. "I have only heard a modest amount of their music. It's... it's interesting."
"When you say 'interesting' I'm not really sure." Ichigo mused.
Sōjun Kuchiki's impressive residence sat upon a hillside along a quiet winding road. The expensive homes along the road in this neighbourhood were few and in between, giving plenty of privacy and amity to those around them. An iron gate surrounded by lofty trees and vegetation shrouded the entrance to the property with majestic anonymity. Beyond that was a vast mansion of mortar, wood and brick, richly complemented by tended gardens and stone pathways.
It was like a picture from one of those fancy home magazines.
Ichigo was immediately in awe of the beautiful home belonging to Byakuya's family. The first thing he noticed was the vast panoramic view of the valley below the hillside and abroad. All he could see for miles was lush greenery and misty hillsides that surrounded this area.
"What a difference between here and the cityscape," Ichigo said as he absorbed the view. "This place is like another world—hard to believe it exists only an hour away. You grew up in a place like this?"
"Yes," Byakuya answered softly. "One does miss the tranquility of such surroundings, I must admit."
"Does Sōjun really travel an hour everyday to work in the city?" Ichigo asked.
"Of course not," Byakuya replied. "My father has a condo in the city where he stays during the work week. My grandfather also remains in the city when he is working, but stays here when he is not."
"It must be nice," Ichigo commented.
"What is nice?"
Ichigo sighed. "Ya know, to be that well-off that you have the luxury of having more than one home."
Byakuya nodded lightly, indeed that is nice. He could not dispute that. "Follow me, I'll show you my old bedroom when I was a child, before everyone else arrives."
"I'd like that." Ichigo smiled and followed Byakuya inside the house.
Everyone had arrived to celebrate the countdown into the New Year and gathered around the low-raised dinner table. They sat or knelt on comfortable cushions, the house style modern but with many traditional furnishings, shoji screens and tatami mats. Everyone was pecking at the food, the tabletop covered with platters, bowls of rice and small dishes containing a multitude of delicacies. Renji and Rukia sat together on one side along with Byakuya and Ichigo who sat closest to Sōjun, who sat at the end of the table. Ichigo's father and sisters sat along the other side, Genrei situated at the other end of the table.
Isshin's eyeballs nearly bugged out at the sight of all the wonderful food to eat. He was stuffing his face much to Karin, Yuzu and Ichigo's dismay. "Mmm! Whoever cooked all this is a world class chef!" Isshin glanced over at Byakuya and Ichigo speculatively.
"You have mistakenly guessed it was us, Isshin-san. It was neither of us that made this delightful feast." Byakuya looked over at Sōjun. "It was my father."
The Kurosaki's all glanced over at Sōjun with pleasant surprise.
"Seems like cooking runs in the family," Karin mentioned. "You have my thanks. This is a fantastic meal."
"You're welcome, Karin. I slaved all day over this stuff," Sōjun offered happily. "I didn't realize how long it would take to cook for nine people, usually it's just Rukia and Renji and Byakuya. My dad as well, of course..."
Genrei grunted.
"I'm honoured that you invited us, Sōjun-sama." Yuzu said politely.
"Just call me Sōjun, my dear," he requested as usual.
Ichigo smiled at his younger sister. She probably thought the same thing he did when he first met Sōjun Kuchiki. She probably thought he would be this uptight rich guy, but in fact, he was one of the most down to earth people Ichigo ever met. Now the unmasked truth was evident in Yuzu's eyes.
"Oh, yes, Sōjun. Thank you." Yuzu corrected softly.
"I can't wait to see my sweetheart on television—what time does that program air tonight? Japan's Big Possessions or whatever," Renji wondered before grabbing some food with his chopsticks, popping a juicy piece of meat into this mouth.
"The show is called, Japan's Hidden Treasures," Rukia reminded him. "It's supposed to be at ten o'clock, right Nii-sama?"
"Yes," Byakuya answered. "That is correct."
"Oh! My boy is going to be on television," Isshin clamoured happily.
Ichigo sighed as he sipped some broth out of a small bowl.
"So, I'll have to wait until after that to show you all the photo albums," Sōjun claimed eagerly.
Rukia and Byakuya paused eating. "Father..." he groaned sadly.
"Now, now don't give me that, Byakuya." Sōjun told him with a small frown. "Each year we have a tradition and I'm not going to break it because we have additional family at our table this year." Sōjun carefully picked up his teacup and took a small sip. He glanced over at Isshin. "Isn't that right, Isshin? I'm dying to see what your little ones looked like as children. I bet Karin and Yuzu were very cute."
Karin and Yuzu giggled.
Ichigo almost choked on a grain of rice. He coughed mildly to clear his passage and frowned at his father. "Please tell me you didn't?" He urged.
"Listen, it's what parents do, Ichigo. Get over it, because I brought the entire stack of photo albums!" Isshin replied with great enthusiasm.
Sōjun and Isshin were practically gloating, nodding in agreement at each other from across the table.
Byakuya was smirking faintly as he side-glanced at Ichigo who was visibly pouting.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes at him as he filled his dish with some dumplings. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But don't forget I get to see your chubby toddler cheeks, too. So don't look so smug."
Byakuya chuffed with amusement as Ichigo sniffed at him indignantly and stuffed a whole dumpling into his mouth.
"I hear that our esteemed pastry chefs made dessert for us tonight," Genrei claimed, sounding eager to taste one of their confections. "What did you make for us?"
The pâtissier answered. "I made strawberry shortcake with layers of vanilla sponge."
"Yum!" Yuzu clapped her hands.
"And Ichigo made a French vanilla banana cream tart, one of the few sweet things I actually tolerate," Byakuya added.
"I made it for him," Ichigo enlightened, pointing his finger at Byakuya.
"No surprise there," Sōjun quipped, knowing his son well.
"Oh, I gotta make sure I leave room for dessert then," Isshin said as he contemplated trying the grilled fish calling his name with temptation from the table. Meh, he took a large chunk of fish anyways. "I'll make room! It's New Years eve after all."
"That's the right attitude," Sōjun claimed.
"Hehe, strawberry shortcake... get it, strawberry?" Renji teased as if he had only realized it for the first time.
Ichigo snapped. "Shut up, Renji!"
"Indeed, strawberry," Byakuya chimed in coolly.
Ichigo scoffed. "You guys suck."
Renji only laughed loudly and Byakuya simpered to himself.
When everybody was noticeably finished eating, a few servants came to clear the dishes. Tea was set out along with a few bottles of celebration saké, the good stuff. The odd thing, however, was that Ichigo noticed how a small drinking dish was set before each of them, and how a servant filled each dish for them with saké, as if a toast were about to be made.
"So are you both moved and settled into Byakuya's apartment?" Sōjun questioned.
"Yes father, we finished that up yesterday," Byakuya explained and quickly glanced at Isshin who was about to drink the saké. "Please, Isshin-san, if you could withhold from drinking that just yet, I would like to propose an important toast momentarily. But first I have something I would like to address with you all."
Carefully, Isshin set the drink back down sheepishly. "Oh, sorry, sorry," he said.
Ichigo looked over at his partner questionably and was surprised to see Byakuya watching him with such a serious down-to-business look on his face.
Then Byakuya glanced at everyone at the table. He stepped off the table cushion and took a few feet back from the table. Once again, he knelt as if he were bowing before each person at the table. He bowed low, with his head to the floor, his raven hair spilled over the parquet floors. He spoke. "You are all well aware that I have been seeing Kurosaki Ichigo for the last few months." He rose up now, resting back on his haunches and placed his hands on his lap. "I am honoured to have your support thus far. I am also pleased that you could all be here on this night so that I may speak to you all. I have but one request. Would you humbly give me your blessing—even though we cannot legally wed—for Ichigo's hand in marriage?"
All the girls' eyes widened. Yuzu squealed in happy shock and Rukia gaped at her brother. She did not see this coming. Genrei scoffed and Isshin raised his eyebrows. Renji coughed a little after choking on his own spit. And Sōjun declared knowingly with a soft smile, "I knew it was only a matter of time. Nothing gets in Byakuya's way when he's set his heart on something."
Ichigo just stared at his lover, blinking to make sure what he just heard was real. "Byakuya..." he whispered tentatively. "What are you doing?"
"But why bother even asking for blessings when it's not even legal?" Isshin wondered. "Hell, I'd give it to you... you don't even have to ask. I just want to know."
Completely unfazed, Byakuya explained calmly. "Thank you, Isshin-san. It is not a matter of whether it is legal or not. What is important to me is that I have you all here as a witness to my pledge to Ichigo, my pledge to honour him like a spouse. I petition further for this support from the people closest to us, as it truly only matters to be blessed by family. This is my proclamation."
Everyone the table nodded or voiced their blessing without question. Even Genrei Kuchiki, "I understand what you are saying, my grandson. Even though it isn't viewed as legal you still understand the honour and respect that comes with knowing you have your family's permission and blessings." The old man sighed. "Who am I to stop you—you've obviously made up your mind."
It was good enough for Byakuya. He stood up again and dug a small pink velvet box out of his pants pocket. Then he got on one knee next to Ichigo whose cheeks burned with the understanding of what was happening rushing through his veins. He felt frozen to the spot.
"Are...are you really doing this?" Ichigo stumbled nervously, shifting himself to kneel face to face with Byakuya, eyes sketchily looking at everyone around the table.
Byakuya gave him one of those soft, subtle smiles of his and opened the box, inside nestled two golden bands. "Yes, I am doing this," he said. "Ichigo, will you accept my promise of marriage? To allow me to have you as my spouse and me be yours for as long as we live this life. There is nothing I desire as much as I desire you—I do not need a year or two to understand this. Life is much too short—Hisana understands this only too well, I know that she would agree," he voiced softly. At one time, he never could have uttered such words, but Ichigo gave him a newfound strength. The man that he was asking to marry him shone sunlight onto his heart and soul and gave it the strength to blossom again.
Byakuya continued. "I ask that you take my name and wear this ring as a symbol of our promise."
"No weddings and weird shit like that?" Ichigo wondered warily, scratching the back of his head awkwardly as everyone stared at them.
With a small scoff, Byakuya replied. "Unless you wish for a ceremony, then no, nothing like that." He remained on one knee, still holding out the rings.
"Aww, come on," Sōjun interjected. "I could throw you two a splendid wedding with all the frills. Just because our government does not recognize such a union doesn't mean you aren't allowed to celebrate it like everyone else. There are even priests in Kyoto that provide wedding ceremonies now days."
"What do you mean 'frills', Sōjun? Straight and simple in a nice hall or maybe even outdoors would do. Cake, music and guests with red carnations on the table—Byakuya could wear a black suit and Ichigo a white one," Isshin suggested with a direct nod of his head, suddenly excited with the wedding image in his mind.
Sōjun made a face of disagreement. "Hmm, no, red carnations are completely improper, what would everyone think? I'd go with peach blossoms. And Ichigo should be the one in black and Byakuya in white, kimono not suits."
"Tsk, old fashioned," Isshin disagreed with a wave of his hand. "Who still follows the meanings of flowers?"
"Flowers are very—"
"—father." Byakuya cut in, his eyes narrowed at him.
"Both of you shut up," Genrei put it plainly. "Leave them boys alone."
Rukia looked down and stifled a giggle behind her hand.
Trying to ignore the ruckus around them, Ichigo took in his lover who knelt in front of him on one knee. His gaze went from the long nimble fingers that held out the velvet box, down along his white shirtsleeve to the open collar at Byakuya's smooth throat. When Ichigo gazed into Byakuya's eyes, he quickly forgot about everyone around them. In those beautiful grey eyes, he saw a promise, the love and he saw himself. There was no question that he could spend an eternity staring into them. Everything that Byakuya was came from the expression in his eyes.
Ichigo nodded. "I'll be yours forever, Byakuya. I don't need a legal document to prove my devotion to you. I'll wear this ring with pride."
Delighted, Byakuya took one of the rings from the velvet box and reached over for Ichigo's left hand. He slipped the ring gently onto his forefinger. Ichigo took a moment to inspect the gold band on his hand.
"Wow..." he murmured. "It's hard to believe that the handsome baker I saw in the window that night is now asking me to marry him." Ichigo said thoughtfully, his lips turned up with a soft smirk. "Then or now, it wouldn't have mattered, I still would have said, 'yes'."
"Perhaps it was fate," Byakuya whispered in return. "Fate that we were able to meet and for you to discover that you are destined for baking, Ichigo."
"Whatever it is, I'm a lucky man," Ichigo assured. "How about you let me place the other ring on your finger?"
Byakuya handed Ichigo the little box.
Ichigo repeated the action and slipped the second matching golden band on Byakuya's left forefinger. "I can't believe we're doing this," he spoke faintly, "And in front of everybody."
"It is not so unusual," Byakuya replied softly.
"When did you buy these rings?" Ichigo wondered incredulously. "How did I not notice? Sneaky..."
"The day after you returned to the café," Byakuya told him.
"The night you went out for tapas with Yoruichi. When you came home that night you headed straight for your underwear drawer to hide the rings." It all made sense to Ichigo now. "Haha, I see."
"You should kiss him, Byakuya." Renji suggested cleverly. "Seal the deal."
Ichigo grinned, his face turning pink again. "He's right. We should seal this deal." He moved in closer tilting his head a little to the side. "Bya-nana..." he whispered cutely just before he kissed his 'spouse'.
Byakuya met Ichigo's lips tenderly for a short sweet kiss as everyone around the table applauded for them.
"Well, you're family now Ichigo. How does it feel?" Sōjun questioned with mirth.
Ichigo rubbed a hand over his hair. "I dunno... kinda the same," he said with an awkward chuckle.
Across the table, Isshin was crying openly while Yuzu rubbed his shoulder. "I never thought I'd say this but that was beautiful, I can see how much you guys love each other. It's like butter on warm toast, it melted my heart. I wish your mother could be here to see it."
"Geez Dad! Why do you have to go and say sappy crap like that?" Karin scolded. She looked over at Ichigo and Byakuya. "He's such a weirdo."
Genrei was looking at his watch. "That television program you've all been waiting for starts in ten minutes, by the way."
"So soon!" Renji cried out. "I didn't realize proposing took so long." He reached around Byakuya and smacked Ichigo's arm playfully.
Byakuya sighed at all the maddening family commotion. But it was all good. He raised his drink for the toast he had prepared. "To my love who fortunately said 'yes'." The family chuckled. "And to a fresh start in the New Year with all of your blessings, thank you."
"To my love," Ichigo offered happily, holding his cup towards Byakuya.
Every one cheered together.
"To love!"
FIN
A/N: Well there you have it everyone :) I will post an Epilogue. A fun chapter with recipes and some lemony goodness. So this isn't the very end yet lol!
I must apologize for taking a little longer to post this chapter. Life threw me a curve ball when my brother got put in the hospital a week and a half ago, I swear I found out an hour after my last update. How messed up is that XD It was really serious and scary but he's alright now and is at home. However, writing took a back seat for a little while. I felt I needed to share this with you. Thanks for understanding!
I know, I know... some cheese and fluff here in the ending lol! All I could picture in my mind was Byakuya asking Ichigo to marry him. I realized it would be so cute to have him do so at New Years with the family. I wanted to give it some traditional flair... I imagine Byakuya follows respectful traditions and would ask the family for permission before he asked Ichigo. I didn't make it all angsty dramatic... I didn't want this story to become something like that. Teehee Grimmjow :) I was happy I could have him in here one more time. Ishida and Hisagi too, of course. Those horn dogs :P
As for another part to this. I really dunno at this time. I had some ideas in my head but I'm still not sure. Either way, I'll still be brainstorming more Ichigo and Byakuya. Fweeee!
Reviewers: Many thanks to you all that read and fav'd, followed or commented on this fic. It's great to know there are so many ByaxIchi fans out there! Your support was like a warm blanket lol! For real tho :) Don't go to far tho! I still need to add the Epilogue.
Thanks goes out to: Cerulean Twin, Yaoifangirl666, NowComesTheNight, fahaar, Yonaka Kyoki Prince, fuyublue, funnyanime24, Red Cr0w, Castiel4life, A fellow reader, CallMeSenseiKuchiki, Shenigmatic, and igotmoneymoney. *hugs to you all!*