Christmas Special

by Inkness

It'd been so long since Ichigo last had someone in his bed and it was better then he expected. Yet, he forgot it was Christmas and he was expected home this year... with a boyfriend. The boyfriend Ichigo made up to get his father off his back. Who was he supposed to get on such short notice? ByaIchi, OOC, M/M, Cliches. Silly Christmas romcom.

Author's Note: Been away for a very long time, but I'm just doing stories when I have time to. I had the idea while watching and reading some silly romcom Christmas stories, so this is pretty much that. It's full of cliches and cuteness. I intended to have this done before Christmas but I was working every day up to Christmas and didn't have the time, then after I finished this one I had some other one-shot ideas, so didn't have time to edit it then work started back up in the New Year. Anyway, happy 2024 everyone, I hope you have a great year and enjoy this story.

Pairing: Byakuya (top) and Ichigo (bottom). ByaIchi.

Warnings: AU, OOC, BL. Explicit content. Sex between two men. Don't like, don't read. One-Shot.

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Ichigo banged the older man up against his wall, his mouth pressing firmly against the others as they battled. He moaned into the ravens' mouth as his hands fought to unbutton the man's shirt. When the orangette pulled back he trailed his mouth down to a chin and then the area where neck meets shoulder to suck and bite. Gosh, this felt so good, and it had been so long since he last had such a physical contact with another body, especially one so hot.

He got the buttons undone and yanked the shirt apart, to then rake his hands up and down hard pale skin. As his mouth moved over the skin, making marks where he could, his hands roved around and back up to the raven's shoulder blades. The older man groaned at his administrations.

"Ichigo…" The raven grunted out. It was extremely hot how aggressive Ichigo was being and he decided to do something as well, sex wasn't something that should be participated by just one. His hands travelled as well, down a slim, strong back and into tight jeans to massage firm buttocks.

"Yes, Byakuya… m-more." Ichigo gasped at the touches and moaned loudly when the raven pulled him flush against him. A thigh trust itself between his legs and strong hands guided his hips up and down in a trusting motion. Ichigo forgot what he was doing as his body succumbed to the pleasure.

Byakuya took that as his que to turn the tables and lifted Ichigo up, then guided legs around his hips. There was a small gasp from the other and arms wound around his neck to keep steady. The raven had spotted the bed in the corner of Ichigo's studio apartment when they first entered, before he was pushed up against the wall.

He laid the orangette down on the bed and got to work pulling clothes off, Ichigo followed his lead and started stripping him too. The younger's eagerness was making this so hot, and he almost felt his reason slip. Once their clothes were off Byakuya brought their bodies together again and they both moaned at the perfect sensation of skin against skin. Ichigo rocked his hip to ground their members together, then there were hands around both their members that moved in a steady rhythm. It felt so good having his cock stroked in those tanned, calloused hands. Byakuya connected them in another kiss, nibbling on Ichigo's lower lip and tongue.

Their hands and mouths moved in hunger, consuming each other with vigour.

"Bedside table, bottom draw." Ichigo gasped when a mouth wrapped over his nipples and a tongue did wicked things to it. "Condoms and lube… oh my go…"

Byakuya pulled back for only a moment to rummage through the bottom draw to grab the things they needed. Then he licked a trail down hard abs to delicious thighs, marking the skin with his teeth and mouth. His hands got to work pouring and coated his fingers in lube and traced around the orangette's entrance. Aroused black eyes met almost consumed brown, a question burning in them.

Ichigo knew what the raven wanted and he nodded, his arousal was through the roof. Byakuya was doing such amazing things to him and he no longer had control over his ability to hold back. "Yes… god yes…"

The raven took that definite agreement as a sign to continue and at the same time he pushed one finger into the other he took his member into his mouth.

If asked later Ichigo would never admit to the scream of pleasure that escaped his throat. His hand buried deep into raven hair and his hips started to involuntarily buck. Yet Byakuya was ready for his response and held him down while still massaging those milky smooth thighs. Many lewd sounds slipped through Ichigo's control as the raven did many things to him and he felt his release come. "St-stop… I'm gonna, gonna…"

Byakuya pulled back, despite his desire to keep going until the other finished, he would do his best to do as Ichigo wanted. He leaned up and kissed panting lips, he had three fingers in the other and he felt that was enough. "Why?"

Ichigo took in slow breaths, there were still fingers hitting his good spots and made it difficult to focus. "Because I tighten back up after… Also, I-I want us to cum t-together."

How did this beautiful specimen under him go from hot to cute in a second. Byakuya leaned down and kissed the orangette again, and again, getting deeper and steamier each time.

Ichigo gave into the pleasure, letting the sounds pass freely from his mouth with no restraint. "P-please, just hurry up."

Byakuya nibbled a nipple while he grabbed a condom packet, tore it open, and slipped it on. He teased the gaping entrance with his member, mildly breaching and then pulling out. It was fun watching the others face go from anticipated pleasure, to confusion, to pleasure again, and then to anger. It was wonderful teasing Ichigo. But he decided he couldn't wait anymore and thrust up, though at that same moment the impatience in brown eyes grew and Ichigo pushed himself down.

"FUCK!" Ichigo proclaimed as the cock inside him filled him up and then slammed into his good spot, and he came.

Byakuya grunted as the warmth enveloped him and then started to clench almost immediately around him in a vice grip. Shit. He almost came then as well, it felt so good. He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept with someone, and it seemed like it was going to be harder to control himself. As soon as Ichigo loosened a little and he could move again, he started thrusting. He watched as the orangettes face went from content to feral as he kept hitting that spot, he knew would make the other feel good.

"Fuck yes! Ah-ah, yes, yes…" Ichigo lost control and he didn't care anymore what came out of his mouth. He looked at a face slightly crunched in pleasure, one that looked at him as though he was the most beautiful thing in the world. "K-keep going, ah…"

The orangette was so hot, it made Byakuya loose his mind. Ichigo's begging turned him on so much and he couldn't stop his hips as they moved faster. He lifted the youngers gorgeous leg over his shoulder and relished as he was able to go deeper which caused Ichigo to scream again. The raven couldn't believe his luck when he had spotted the ethereal being at the bar when he was dragged into a gay club by his drunk colleagues. He simply had no choice but to abandon the drunkards to chat up the sexiest man he had ever seen in his life. It wasn't long after they talked for a little that Ichigo took him by the belt out of the building and said they were going to his place.

Byakuya reached down and stroked Ichigo's member and watched as the other bucked and moaned with this new friction. The raven leaned down to kiss gasping lips and pulled back to bite and suck the orangette's neck, savouring the taste on his tongue. He felt his end coming and hoped that Ichigo was almost there too.

"Cum with me…" He whispered into Ichigo's ear.

The orangette shivered and felt his release hit him a second time. "Yes, Byakuya!"

Their orgasms slammed into them, and they revelled in the anticipated euphoria. Byakuya pulled out and took off the filled condom, tied it and threw it in the bin. He laid down next to Ichigo and propped his head up with his hand, his eyes watching the faraway look in brown eyes. He couldn't help the impulse to trail his finger up and down soiled abs and chest, the skin was just so flawless. A huge part of him didn't want to go, yet that was how normal hook-ups went. Though something inside him said he shouldn't go, Ichigo was just too interesting a person to pass up getting to know more about.

Ichigo hadn't felt that good in like, forever. It had blown his mind and was glad he invited the godly man to his place. When Byakuya has approached him in the club he was getting drinks for him and his friends. Not long after the man was flirting and Ichigo welcomed the hand on his leg going higher and higher. It didn't take much to convince himself that this gorgeous man had to be in his bed. He caught Renji's eyes as he pulled the raven through the club and the other nodded in acknowledgement, letting Ichigo know he will get the drinks and make sure the others don't panic that he had gone missing. Now that he was lying there post pleasure, he really didn't want the other man to leave. He had to come up with something to keep him there. Then the idea struck. Ichigo turned, took the hand on his chest and placed the fingers into his mouth. Black eyes instantly grew darker and he loved the control he had. Once he had licked the fingers clean, he moved closer to the raven and licked, sucked, and bit a trail down hard pecks, nipples, and abs. He then pushed the raven slightly so the older was on his back and Ichigo straddled him, his eyes on the prize that was standing proud. He dipped his head and took the others member into his mouth entirely, opening his throat and hollowing his cheeks. Byakuya's eyes never left him, they watched as he swallowed, licked and sucked his cock like it was a lollipop. The raven let out gasps and moans and it turned Ichigo on knowing that it was him that was pulling those sounds out of the other.

He pulled back and crawled back up the ravens body. He sat up, Byakuyas member so close to his entrance, and cocked his head to the side. "Again?"

Byakuya almost lost control and shoved himself into that awaiting body, Ichigo was acting so cute. The way the orangette swapped from sensual to adorable was testament to how great he was in bed. He nodded and grabbed a condom, which was quickly snatched from him. Black eyes watched as the other tore it open and slipped it onto his aching need. Then Ichigo hovered above his cock, lined himself up and started slowly lowering himself. Byakuya watched with awe, the orangette taking control the way he did was so sexy.

It was much easier to do this since he was already loose and ready to go, but he still wanted to be cautious as he didn't want any of them releasing just get. Once full Ichigo waited a moment, then he lifted himself up and back down, his pace getting faster and faster. The moans and screams flowed freely, and they only got louder when Byakuya started a brutal pace of his own. Ichigo felt as though he was getting impaled, and he didn't want it to stop.

"Ah-hah, keep going..!"

Byakuya grabbed gorgeous thighs and used them as leverage to go harder, meeting the orangettes every thrust. He gave in to the pleasure and enjoyed every expression that passed over Ichigo's face. Nearly every part of him wanted to turn them around so that he could move without restraint, but Ichigo being in control was just not something he could give up. He gasped as he came and the orangette came just seconds after, spraying cum over his chest. The younger collapsed on him and Byakuya stroked his hand down a soft, toned back. After some time, he felt the other clench around him, he was still inside Ichigo's entrance. The other started to rock. The movement and soft moans got him hard again in an instant. He flipped them over so that he hovered above the orangette and saw his desire, that was all he needed to pull out chuck on another condom and start thrusting with vigour. A quick thought of wishing he could never leave this perfect man's side, invaded his mind but he shoved it away setting as too dangerous.

They kept going like animals all night until eventually they collapsed in exhaustion and passed out. Inadvertently getting their wishes to not leave the others side.

Ichigo woke to his phone ringing insistently. A feeling to kill peaked in his stomach and when he opened his eyes, he had planned to throw his phone across the room, yt all he could see was pale pink. Once his eyes focused, he realised that it was skin, and confusion filled him. Then the nights activities slammed into him, and it looked like he was watching a movie in reverse. Not long after the shame crept in did he hear a gentle breath release from above him. He looked up and there was the godly man in all his glory, asleep and satisfied. For the man to not wake at Ichigo's phone ringing was a skill on its own.

He looked at the caller ID, it was his father, and he groaned in annoyance. The orangette pulled back the covers to get out of the bed and saw that he was mildly clothed and clean. He didn't remember doing it which meant the gorgeous man warming his bed must have done it sometime after they had finished. How was he so perfect? Bad thing was their legs were entangled and strong pale arms were wrapped around his body. How was he going to get out without waking the peacefully sleeping man.

As he was in the midst of figuring out how to get out his phone rang again and that rage surged through him, if it wasn't for his annoying father he would still be happily asleep. He picked up the phone and answered it, a silent hiss tone came from his throat to convey how pissed he was. "What?"

"Ichigo, my wonderful son!" The orangette had to pull the phone away from his ear. "I need to know your eta for when you will get here today."

Today? Then it hit him, Christmas! Tomorrow was Christmas and he was supposed to go home to spend it with the family this year, since he missed the last few due to work. "Aaaaaah," he knew that if he left in an hour he would get there around midday, but that's if the trains weren't packed… though he knew they would be. Usually he would hire a car and drive, but he had forgotten what time of the year it was while so deep in his research. It was the reason his friends took him out the previous night, he was finally done and they were sick of him being a recluse for all these months.

"Also, you will need to bring your boyfriend."

"What?!" He yelled that time, and quickly glanced up to see if Byakuya woke, but he was still blissfully asleep. "Why do you want me to bring him?"

"Because we have yet to meet him and now is as good a time as any." His fathers logic made no sense, why ask day of for him to bring someone on a 5 hour drive to the countryside.

"This is too sudden to ask him to suddenly come on a trip with me to meet my family," Ichigo scrambled for reasons.

"If he truly cares for you as you say, then he can make the time to meet your family." There was yelling in the background, it was probably his sisters playing a video game and Karin getting too into it. "Anyway, what time will you be here by?"

"Will be there in the afternoon." Ichigo sounded defeated; he would have to tell them.

"Great, see you soon, my darling son." Then Isshin hung up.

He sighed and looked at the ceiling, wishing the world would disappear.

"So, you have a boyfriend?"

Ichigo almost jumped five feet in the air, his heart beating three times faster than normal. He looked to his side and Byakuya's eyes were on him, looking a little disappointed. Their legs still tangled and only in a pair of boxers. Ichigo shook his head, "no I don't."

Distant black eyes changed to confusion, an obvious question in them.

He sighed, wanting to crawl into the Earth and disappear. Ichigo had made up the boyfriend excuse when his father kept setting him up for marriage interviews and so he told his father he was gay. That didn't seem to change too much, instead of setting him up with women Isshin started making the meetings with men. So, he told him he already had a boyfriend that he had been with for a while and planned to marry someday when the time was right. His father backed off then, seemingly satisfied. Ichigo knew his father was doing it out of some sort of concern for his future, but it wasn't what he wanted. The orangette wanted to fall in love first and then marry, not the other way around.

Ichigo looked away. "I lied. I just told my father that to get him off my back about getting married."

"And now you're stuck with bringing this non-existent boyfriend for the weekend to spend Christmas with your family. Well, that seems like a huge mess." Byakuya grazed his hand down Ichigo's arm with the gentlest caress and interlocked their fingers.

Ichigo loved how kind the other was being, he didn't want their time to end… "Do you want to come?"

Byakuya was playing with the tip of Ichigo's index finger while he let the other muse, but then looked up in shock. "Like, as your pretend boyfriend?"

Ichigo hadn't meant it that way, he just wasn't thinking passed them not being parted. "Um, yeah… I mean, if you're alright with that. Did you have other plans?"

"No." Yes, he thought. Rukia would forgive him if he said it was for something like love or romance, she loved to hear about all that kind of stuff. He didn't know what this was between them, but he didn't want it to end so soon. Byakuya followed his gut impulse for the first time, and it told him to go. "I don't mind spending the next few days as your boyfriend. I can also drive us there."

Ichigo almost squealed with delight but held back. He had agreed to come and that meant more time together, more time to get to know each other. "It's such a long trip, you don't have to drive. We can take the train."

"No, I insist." Byakuya really did not want to sit on a crowded train for some number of hours to get to Ichigo's hometown, that would drive him insane.

"Okay, if you're sure." He started to untangle them from their comfortable embrace and got up to get ready. "I'll have a shower and pack, and then we can have breakfast before leaving."

Ichigo didn't wait for a reply and ran to the bathroom. He had to wash away the morning thoughts with the night's activities. He would have given anything for them to stay there, in bed, doing more of what they did last night. Yet, he promised he would attend Christmas this year, and he never went back on promises.

Once he finished in the shower, he dried his body quickly and wrapped a towel around his lower half before stepping out and being assaulted by the most wonderful smell to ever come from his kitchen. Ichigo walked over to the kitchen and saw Byakuya making some kind of bruschetta. It looked there was some kind of delicious paste on the bread, that had cheese on top, baked in the oven, and then some tomato slices, prosciutto, baby spinach and the dark haired man was drizzling some balsamic sauce over it. Ichigo felt his mouth water at the smell. He didn't even know you could make something with the random assortment of ingredients in his fridge.

Byakuya turned around and took in the half naked form in front of him. "I made breakfast. Get dressed quickly before it gets too cold."

Ichigo nodded and then raced to change into something more socially acceptable, which was a pair of black skinny jeans, a plain grey t-shirt and light grey button up over it. Then he went to sit at the table, where Byakuya waited patiently for him.

"Dig in." The raven said and Ichigo didn't need to be told twice, he said his thanks and bit into the best tasting thing he had ever had. "It was hard to find things to make anything with, but I found all I needed to make this."

Ichigo swallowed his mouthful before he replied, "yeah, sorry. I've been deep into research the past few months, so I really only had things that I could quickly eat."

Byakuya finished his second bruschetta, happy that Ichigo ate his cooking so voraciously. "I understand that, if not for my sister coming by so often, I wouldn't have very nutritious meals when I was buried in work."

The raven had more questions, especially about what the other was researching, but he knew they didn't have much time and they still had to go to his place. So, they quickly finished their meal, then Byakuya who was mostly dressed already put his coat on which was discarded around the entrance. While he washed up, Ichigo gathered some things, clothes, toiletries, and presents, which Byakuya helped carry. Once outside he waved down a taxi and they piled in, telling the driver his address to his city apartment. It wasn't that far, so they arrived in about 10 minutes. Byakuya knew he looked a mess, but he didn't want to have a shower only to put on the clothes he sweated and had sex in the night before.

Once they got to the huge building Ichigo gaped a little but followed with no problem behind him. He was greeted by name from the concierge, and replied with a polite greeting back, the man asked if he would like them to take their bags up, but Byakuya didn't think it necessary. They got into the elevator and swiped his card, then clicked for the top floor. Ichigo remained in silent awe as they ascended the 23-story building. Once at the top Byakuya stepped out with the orangette close behind him. There were no other doors on the floor aside for his, which made it obvious that he had the whole floor to himself.

Ichigo was thoroughly impressed and slightly turned on, but he snuffed that out as soon as it appeared. Once the older man had opened his door and stepped in the most lavishly decorated interior the orangette had ever seen in life spread out before him. Ichigo just glanced around, it was all blacks and greys, designer brands and beautiful. Wait, that meant that Byakuya was loaded! And he had just dragged the man out of a gay bar and had his way with him in his dingy third floor studio apartment. That was embarrassing. Yet the man came up to him and also followed him home, which showed he didn't mind the treatment or Ichigo's living arrangements.

"I'm going to have a shower and get changed, please make yourself at home."

Ichigo numbly nodded and watched the mans retreated back as he opened a door and disappeared within. He looked around, the entrance opened into a dining room and kitchen to the left and a wide spaced entertainment area where the tv and hundreds of books travelled up from the floor to the ceiling on shelves. There was a balcony where Ichigo could see a bar full set up with alcohol and everything needed to mix drinks and, was that soft drink and beer on tap? Ichigo did a double take at that. The balcony looked down on the city, it was the tallest building on this side so there were no obstructions as he looked out at the endless city.

He started to realise how cold it was when he felt arms around him and a very warm body press against his back. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful, and your apartment is awesome."

"Thank you, but I can't take any credit, my sister decorated it, and she knew my style perfectly, so I didn't need to add much, just kitchen supplies." Byakuya laid his chin on the orangette's head, getting very comfortable.

Ichigo did think that they were a bit too close for people who had just met, but he also liked the feeling and so allowed it. "I see you have drinks on tap."

"Ah yes, that was also my sister. She likes to host, and my place is pretty perfect for it, and I don't mind as long as people stay out of my room and study. The parties are more business anyway, but she has fun planning them." Byakuya could feel the body tremble in his arms, "lets go inside, I'm ready to go."

Ichigo nodded and they headed back inside, from there the raven grabbed his small bag of stuff and he followed his lead. They left and walked back to the elevator; this time the raven clicked the button for the carpark. Once back down, Ichigo feeling a little queasy for the double trips in the elevator, they walked a short distance to the nicest car Ichigo had ever had the chance to step this close to unless as a raffle in the shopping malls. It was sleek and black, and screamed wealth. Ichigo still couldn't believe that he had snapped up such a prize last night. Though, money was never a factor in Ichigo's choice of mates, but it was just insane that he was able get such a perfect catch. Byakuya was hot, hardworking, brilliant in bed, a great cook, and had so much money that he owned a car that looked brand new and had the penthouse room of such a renowned apartment complex. What the hell was such a man doing in a gay bar on the middle-class side of the city?

They got in and Byakuya asked Ichigo to put in the address to his family's house in the gps. It then hit him that he was letting a complete stranger come home with him, yet his instincts told him he could trust the older man. He put the address in and then they were off.

Once they were out of the city Ichigo prompted that they should use the time to get to know each other since they would have to pretend to have been boyfriends for the past year. They first played 20 questions and once the ice was broken, they started talking about more deeper things. Ichigo mentioned about how he realised he was gay, he kept having very intimate dreams involving Wolverine which caused major problems for him most mornings in his early teens. Then about his first boyfriend and how toxic it was, that the other didn't want anyone to know they were together and would treat him like shit in public. Byakuya talked about the pressure his family put on him and that his sister was the only person he was close to after his first girlfriend got very ill and passed. Rukia was actually the real sister of his ex and he had insisted that the family adopt her since he was now all the petit women had left.

They also talked about silly things, about Ichigo almost getting caught at his second boyfriends house when his parents arrived home earlier than planned and Ichigo had to climb out the window barely dressed with his clothes in his hands. He had struggled down the pavilions roof, threw his clothes off and then hanged down with only his underwear on, if people saw they would probably think a streaker was trying to break into the house. It was one of the most embarrassing moments of his life, and he had sworn off dating in high school. Byakuya mentioned the day he was promoted; he accidentally knocked his coworker into the table that held the cake and he fell face first into it. Even though the raven came away clean, it was embarrassing because they all noticed how out of it he was that day and then that happened. He had done several out of character things, like spill his coffee on his desk, dropped his notes on the floor in a meeting, forgot to move his tie up and it dipped in his soup. People thought he finally went mad, but then the cake incident and everyone just chocked it up to being a bad day. It was still mentioned every now and then, the coworker was fine and found it funny.

Byakuya was glad he could make Ichigo laugh and it was his gaol to keep that smile on the others face for the weekend, even if they parted ways after it.

They filled the time talking, listening to music, and reading. Ichigo did offer to take over driving, though the thought made him nervous since it was clearly a very expensive car, but Byakuya said he was fine to keep going. After a bit, Ichigo started typing on his phone, he wanted to add some footnotes to his research paper and thought it would be a perfect time to do it. Another hour passed and the orangette stopped to give his eyes some rest.

"I wanted to ask," Byakuya started, which shocked Ichigo out of his daze. "What is your research on?"

"Oh." He blushed.

"You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable."

"No, it's not that, I don't usually talk about it. But it is something a boyfriend would know." Ichigo took in a deep breath, "it's about how sex feels different for people of the same sex compared to straight sex. I know it seems like a lot is known about it, but there really isn't much on it. Statistically same sex couples have more orgasms, but there is a greater risk for people with penises having penetrative sex. There isn't much research on it and so it's not talked about enough, I want for it to be properly taught to younger generations so they can be safe, and people who are new to the community, or those who have been in it for most of their lives.

"I had a friend who had major issues with their anus due to penetrative sex with their boyfriend, they're fine now, but it caused a lot of fear and worry. Though, there is a lot of good in it as well, being more explorative and finding yourself. Some people try it and don't like it. So, I've written many papers on queer love and sex addressing different things, just this most recent one spoke of the risks of same sex penetrative sex involving the rectum."

Ichigo stopped his rambling, and finally looked at the man next to him. Byakuya had a smile, a proper smile, and there was pride shinning in his eyes. Ichigo thought the man may look weirded out or at least give him a quizzical dismissive look. Definitely didn't expect pride, and all the orangette wanted to do was lean over and kiss him. Yet, this arrangement was a strictly business trip.

"That's amazing. You're completely amazing."

The words filled Ichigo with so much joy he couldn't help but smile too.

"Please, tell me more."

And that was how they spent the last hour of the trip, Ichigo talked about his research and Byakuya interjecting only to ask questions.

They arrived at Ichigo's family home, and he suddenly had the desire to run. Even though they had spent so much time getting to know each other, was that really enough to convince his family they were in love.

"Oh no, I forgot gifts." Byakuya said as they got the bags out of the boot.

"Don't worry, they know it was a last-minute invite." Ichigo assured him, but Byakuya still looked troubled by it. "I have plenty, so it's all good."

They walked up to the door, and Ichigo just stood there, not reaching up to knock or ring the bell. Byakuya gave him the time he needed. Yet, the door was yanked open and a foot came flying out in the direction of Ichigo's face. The orangette effortlessly dodged it, then grabbed the leg and turned to then toss it and the body attached to it over his shoulder. Once the body was dealt with, it laying facedown in the snow, Ichigo picked up his bags, walked in and gestured Byakuya in and then closed and locked the door behind him. The raven said nothing and decided he would find out what just happened eventually.

"Ichigo!" Yuzu came running into Ichigo's open arms and he scooped her up, "welcome home, big brother."

"Yeah, welcome, Ichigo." Another voice said by the staircase, where stood Karin. She had with her arms folded and a nonchalant look on her face, Ichigo walked over to her and scooped her up too, and she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck which she buried her face in.

"I'm glad to be home." Ichigo so effortlessly held these clearly young adult girls in each arm and Byakuya was very impressed.

Ichigo put them down, Karin whipping her eyes and looking away as though she wasn't crying a moment ago.

"Karin, Yuzu, I'd like you to meet someone." Ichigo gestured to the raven, not looking awkward in the least, just observing. "This is my boyfriend, Byakuya."

Yuzu held out her hand to shake, which Byakuya took professionally. "Hi, I am Yuzu Kurosaki, it's nice to meet you."

Karin looked at him, like she was appraising him. "How did my brother bag someone like you?"

"Karin." Ichigo and Yuzu said in unison. Yuzu continued, "that is rude."

Byakuya wrapped an arm around Ichigo and looked at Karin in the eye, "rather easily, I think he is the most amazing person I have had the pleasure of meeting."

Ichigo blushed, and willed so much for it to go away, maybe he should go bury his head in the snow as well.

"That was the answer I was waiting for." Came the deep disembodied voice of the man on the phone. They looked around until there was a cracking sound above Ichigo's head, which had the orangette pushing him and the raven out of the way as the ceiling gave way and the same body from before fell straight to the ground. Nobody moved to help the man, and once the dust settled Byakuya could see a brown-haired man with a few flecks of grey lying on his back looking in pain.

"I'll show you to my room Byakuya, you can put your coat on the rack there. Yuzu, could you put these under the tree, thank you." Ichigo grabbed his and Byakuya's bags then walked up the stairs, the raven following.

They entered Ichigo's childhood room, it was small, but it was clean and there was a double bed in the corner, a built-in closet, and a study desk. The orangette put the bags down and sat on the bed, then buried his head in his hands.

"I'm sorry about my family, I would say that they aren't usually like that but that is not the truth." Ichigo felt the bed dip next to him and an arm around him, he took the comfort and leaned into the others body.

"It's alright, I think they are just concerned about you living on your own so far away."

"They are, I don't visit often enough, and a phone call isn't enough to alleviate their concerns. Yet, they are happy for me." Ichigo brought his arm around Byakuya's torso and pushed them down, so they were lying side by side on the bed. "Can we just stay here? Like this? For the whole weekend."

Byakuya wrapped his other arm around the other, "whatever you want. Yet, it would be a shame to not spend time with your family."

There was no awkwardness between, even though they had only met the night before, it was like they had known each other for years.

"You're right, but can we lay for a little bit?"

"Sure." Byakuya stroked orange locks and they lay in peace for a few minutes, and then that peace was destroyed with a bang on the door like someone was trying to smash it down.

"It's fucking open." Ichigo yelled at the door.

The door slammed open and the older man from before flung himself in, looking as though he didn't fall from the ceiling a few minutes ago. "My darling son, lunch is prepared and some of the family have stopped by. They are all asking about the fancy car outside."

Ichigo groaned, "we'll be out soon."

Isshin seemed satisfied with that response and left just as flamboyantly was he entered.

"Seems you're going to meet some of the rest of my family, well, they aren't blood related but have been around since before I was born. Sorry in advance." Ichigo was reluctant to get out of the comfortable position they were in, he felt so warm and pampered. Yet, he got up and then reached out to the other man to take his hand. Once Byakuya took the offered hand Ichigo helped him up, but didn't release their hands, only squeezed tighter.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, they could hear new voices.

"It's fascinating, Isshin, it became crispy just by getting so cold and subjecting it to a vacuum that the water evaporated." Ichigo knew that voice, and he didn't feel his nerves disappear.

"Yes, he's very proud about the new machine and the kids love the new candy." The woman's voice actually seemed to calm him down, if she was here then he wouldn't do anything too stupid, Ichigo hoped.

They reached the entry way and there was a dark-skinned lady with purple hair pulled back in a ponytail and a man wearing a green and white striped hat that shadowed most of his face. The woman looked up and smiled, coming over with her arms open. She hugged Ichigo tightly.

"Theres my little sapling." She exclaimed and Ichigo wanted to die.

"Yoruichi, dear, he's not a child anymore. He's taller than me, so that nickname isn't right."

"I can call him whatever I want, Urahara. He's my dear princess and will forever be treated as such." The woman pulled back and looked him up and down. "You should have worn the skirt I got you last year."

"Oh my gosh." Could this get any more embarrassing, the fact that Yoruichi used to dress him up in girls' clothes as a kid was something he avoided when he was telling the raven about his life. The thing was, he couldn't kick the habit either, and would still buy and wear woman's clothes when he felt like it. He wanted to change the topic before more was said, "this is my boyfriend, Byakuya Kuchiki."

"Kuchiki," Urahara spoke up. "As in the Kuchiki family that own half the country?"

"Well, something like that." Byakuya spoke up.

Yoruichi placed a playful punch on Ichigo's arm. "I knew you could do it, Ichigo. You got yourself one of the most powerful people in the country. Byakuya here is set to inherit his whole family fortune and assets in a few years."

Ichigo looked at the man with so much shock. "W-why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't think it was relevant." Byakuya squeezed the orangette's hand reassuringly.

"Wait, you guys have been dating for a year and you didn't know who he was?" Isshin interjected, and then looked suspiciously between the two.

"I didn't want Ichigo to think differently of me because of my family. My family's wealth is not mine as of yet." Byakuya was quick on his feet with a plausible excuse. Ichigo silently berated himself, he forgot for a moment with the shock of the raven's parentage that he lost the lie.

Isshin seemed to buy it, yet it clearly wasn't a hundred percent a lie. The raven didn't want Ichigo to think or act differently around him. Part of him had already started planning on taking this one-night stand to something even more, that he hoped would last very long. Yet, he supposed it would hinge on this weekend and how successful it was.

They moved on from the topic and gathered in the screened porch, people spreading out and having their own conversations. Byakuya and Urahara were off near bar, the latter chattering about his new freeze dry machine his wife got him for an early Christmas present with a cocktail in his hand. Ichigo watched from the couch where his sisters had dragged him into a Mario Kart game on the small tv, then the raven looked at him with the hottest smirk that affected something in him he had to look away quickly. The orangette forced the blush that wanted to spread on his face away, and when he looked back at the screen noticed that he had been running Boo into a tree at full speed. He tried to get his head back in the game, but his body was on autopilot.

Ichigo took the moment to think about how absurd this was. He had asked a total stranger to travel 5 hours to his hometown and spend the weekend with him and his deranged family. He wouldn't ever usually risk the safety of his family like this, yet something about the raven had made him feel so trustworthy. When they were talking in the car he felt like he had never been so close to another person before, not any of his previous partners or his family. Last night was one of the best he ever had, and he felt they were so connected even though they just met and were only reaching in desperation towards satisfaction. He kind of started wanting more and the way the raven treated him since they met at the bar was so intimate, so delicate and loving. It was a feeling Ichigo was starved of for longer than he could remember.

Byakuya joined them and Ichigo just felt so complete with him by his side. Then the raven put a hand on Ichigo's knee and he just wanted the world to stop there so that he could keep this moment forever.

"What you guys playing?"

"Mario Kart," Yuzu said excitedly, looking away for a moment to glance at the raven and then sent Princess Peach straight off an ice cliff. "Oh gosh."

"It's an old-school game, but it's fun and Ichigo is usually really good at it, but he seems to be off his game today. Probably too many distractions." Karin smiled without taking her eyes off the screen.

"Shut up, I am not distracted." Ichigo said while leaning to the right and knocking into his sister to crush her while also doing it in the game, Boo's car crashed Bowsers bike up against an ice hill. Then, while they were busy struggling, Princess Peach came speeding by leaving some shells in her wake to crash into the struggling two and then crossed the finish line coming in first.

"Looks complicated." Byakuya said, trying to hold back the laughter at the display. Ichigo and Karin both gave Yuzu the evil eye, and Byakuya couldn't hold back the smile.

Ichigo heard the low chuckle next to him and glanced over to see the raven smile, and he took back his later statement, this was the moment he wanted to freeze in time. Instinct moved his hands against their will and he placed them on either side of the ravens face, then pulled him into a kiss. Ichigo didn't usually subscribe to public displays of affection but couldn't control himself and this moment felt so beautiful.

"I take it this is the boyfriend." A soft airy voice spoke from the doorway, and Ichigo jumped back. He glanced to the entrance and saw an older silver haired man next to a man with brown curly hair in a low ponytail and beard. They looked the same age as Ichigo's father and had been a part of his life since he was a baby, they were like uncles to him. Then he noticed everyone was looking at him in confusion, like they just missed something, which told him they all missed the kiss, thank the gods. Juushirou walked in and gave Isshin a hug, then walked over to Ichigo who felt Byakuya stiffen next to him.

The raven was looking between the two men like he knew them, and his body sat like it would if they were in the army. Straight as a log and at the attention. It was weird and put Ichigo on edge.

"Good to see you Ichigo, haven't see you in a while."

Ichigo stood up, Byakuya following suit for some reason, yet he kept his eyes on the other man still by the door. They hugged. "Sorry about that Uncle Juu, I've just been so busy."

The man laughed and smiled, "I know, my boy. I read your last paper, and I thought your arguments were brilliant. I should introduce you to an acquaintance, they have some opinions that I think would interest you greatly."

"That would be brilliant and thank you." Ichigo looked at the raven, "and yes, this is my boyfriend, Bya…"

"Byakuya Kuchiki, yes, we've met." That was Shunsui, his expression did not betray his thoughts. Ichigo felt the tension in the room rise and he wasn't sure if he should jump to the defence. Then the man smiled and clapped Byakuya on the back, though that tension did not leave. "It's been a while, how are the old geezers going?"

"They are well, thank you for asking." Byakuya looked the man in the eye, but he did not drop the formal posture. How on Earth did Ichigo know these men, and was so familiar with them to call them uncle? The raven was at a loss, he hadn't expected to run into people he knew while at Ichigo's family Christmas. Especially these men. He does business with them often. They used to work with his father, in another company that went under once his families power spread so far. Since, there had been tension between all the powerful men in the business. He wasn't spared that attitude either since working at his family's company. They may be business partners and no open hostility, but that didn't mean the time together was pleasant.

Byakuya felt a hand in his and he relaxed slightly. He knew the other men noticed this and shared a look between each other but said nothing.

"So, Isshin, when is this food ready?" Shunsui turned away from them and walked over to the other man. Once that connection was broken the tension finally slipped away and everyone felt they could finally breath again.

"Not too much longer." Isshin replied and they began a conversation. Juushirou followed after giving Karin and Yuzu a hug, then one last look at the two men and their clasped hands.

Byakuya let out the breath he was holding and fell back onto the couch. Ichigo sat down next to him, still keeping their hands interlocked and his other hand itched to do something else to calm the other.

"What was that about?" Ichigo whispered.

Byakuya sighed. "I'll tell you about it later. How do you know those two?"

"They have been a part of my life since I was born, they are my father's childhood friends." Ichigo answered, he didn't feel a need to lie about this since it was what caused the raven so much distress. He thought he could strangle those two. Why invite such attitude into such a good vibe. Then there was the worry and distress in the ravens' eyes, something he didn't want to see in those brilliant eyes.

"Byakuya, did you want to play too?" Yuzu asked, "we can show you how to."

The raven and orangette looked over at the girls and Karin was holding out another controller. Ichigo could kiss them; they were being so sweet. His sisters were always so smart and great in picking up when someone was going through something.

"Sure." He gave the girls a small smile as he took the strange looking controller. His mind started running through everything that had happened in the past, the accusations he laid witness to, the hatred that was aimed at his father and elders was also projected at him. All of this had happened around the time his last partner was dying. It just filled him with doubt and regret. Then this sweet girl offered to pull him from this dark musing, and he gladly took it.

They stayed like this till the meal was finished around 5pm. Some may call this an early dinner, or late lunch, and it was, but Ichigo's dad was never good at time management when it came to cooking. Yuzu had offered to cook, but their father insisted that the first meal Ichigo eat in this house after so long would be made by him. It was a roast chicken with Isshin's signature seasoning that only he knew the secret off… and Ichigo who had heard his father perfecting it late one night. With roast vegetables, salads, and a berry pie for dessert. All some of Ichigo's favourites.

They sat down for the meal; a light chatter filled the room. Ichigo made sure that Juushirou and Shunsui wouldn't speak to Byakuya, who was listening to Yuzu and Karin speak about being in university. It was actually really sweet how well they got on, Byakuya listened to them attentively and gave great questions at right times. Though, Ichigo sensed something brewing and he hoped that it wouldn't be anything major.

Once dinner was over and all the extras bade their goodbyes, Ichigo trudged upstairs with Byakuya behind him. When they were safely in his room, which this time he locked, he turned and hugged the older man.

"Thank you for doing this, and sorry about my family." Ichigo spoke into his chest, feeling comforted by the raven's scent.

"It's alright, your family is lovely." Byakuya wrapped his arms around the orangette, and instantly felt all the tension fade from his body.

They were going too fast, becoming too attached too quickly and getting to know too much too soon. Yet, what schedule were they really on? Who said there was only one way to fall in love. Byakuya internally halted at that, love? Did he love Ichigo? He looked down at orange locks and felt the warmth fill his cold heart. He didn't want to put a word to it, but he felt something for the other and it made him uneasy and happy at the same time.

"Well, some of them. What was with Uncle Shuu tonight." Ichigo huffed, annoyed that they acted like that to his boyfriend. Wait, fake boyfriend, Ichigo, fake boyfriend. Though, he liked the thought that Byakuya was actually his completely.

Byakuya grabbed Ichigo's hands and guided him to the bed to sit them down. He steeled his nerves. "My family and they don't get on that well. My father was blamed for the downfall of a company they all worked at, then he went to work at the family's company after that. It all settled down and was later revealed that it was a higher management problem not keeping with the times. Don't worry though, all the people working there are doing well and the man who owned the company retired and lives by a lake fishing in peace. But the hostilities that were sent around had a huge impact on my father's reputation and was also directed to me as well. I was still young and grieving the illness of my partner. I had no idea what was going on with my father and the others. But I was still targeted as his child."

He paused, and Ichigo could see the turmoil wage in the man's eyes. The orangette just wanted to make all those bad memories disappear, but all he could do was provide this mild comfort and an ear to listen with. He started massaging the ravens' palms, which was tough with overwork.

"Anyway, it's alright now. But people still look at me in a certain way, even those I have worked with. Your uncles are actually very kind to me, but they choose silent resolution as opposed to unbridled annoyance. I know it will get better with time and I prove myself worthy of my status, yet that will take time." He felt himself calming again at Ichigo's administration. "It was a great shock seeing them here, usually I have time to prepare, this time I was caught off guard."

"Gosh, I'm really sorry about that." Ichigo interlocked their fingers and played with the digits. "Though, you should have seen Uncle Juu's face when he saw how Uncle Shuu was acting. He was real pissed; I think Uncle Shuu is going to get a real mouthful on their way home. But I felt like I saw concern in Uncle Shuu's face when he looked at you. Maybe there is more to the story then you know."

Byakuya wasn't so sure about that, but those two had never really treated him badly or looked at him in disgust. Yet, they never really stopped it from happening either. He leaned over and rested his head on Ichigo's shoulder, and then arms were around him. After a short time passed, he pulled back and gazed at understanding brown eyes, no one had ever looked at him like that before. It was nice. He leaned down and kissed the other lightly on the lips, he had no idea why he did it, but it just felt as though another force was compelling him to. Ichigo reciprocated and it was marvellous. It felt like the kiss before, different from the hunger from the previous night. It just felt right and perfect.

They pulled back and Ichigo smiled at him like it meant the world to him, this moment. He went for another, which was met in the middle by the orangette. They just kept going in and out for light kisses, then deepening, then just brushes, to something meaningful. Once they stopped Ichigo let out a light yawn, which made the raven smile.

"Sorry, car rides take it out of me." Ichigo wanted to go jump off a cliff, that was so embarrassing and at such a tender moment. He silently berated his body.

A light chuckle escaped Byakuya's lip as he said, "that's okay. Even though it's only 7:30pm, did you want to go to sleep?"

Ichigo brightened and sagged at this, he wanted so badly to sleep but he also didn't want tomorrow to come, which was going to be worse since there will be even more people around.

"Only if you need to as well."

Byakuya thought for a moment, he did push the other a lot last night and then they did such a long trip to get there. It only made sense Ichigo was so tired. He could see the silently begging in the orangette's expression and that made up his mind for him.

"Of course, I'm exhausted too. Let's go to sleep." Byakuya stood to get his bag out to change into PJ's, Ichigo following his example, but the raven did have to help some as the other was nodding off. He laid Ichigo in bed and then turned off the lights. Once he was under the covers the younger man turned around and cuddled up to him. It was cute and he adjusted them so that he could properly hold the other.

"G'night." Ichigo mumbled and was out.

"Night." The raven replied. Yeah, this was something he could get used to.

They woke the usual way Ichigo was woken in his household, with his father flying through the window. Luckly his annoyance of a father overestimated the distance and went flying into the orangettes cupboard. Ichigo did berate himself for not locking the window last night so that his father couldn't open it, but he was too tired and needed to air out the room. His sister kept his room clean but since it wasn't entered often it was a bit musty.

"Dad, can't you just be normal? At least on Christmas." Ichigo said while sitting up, reluctantly pulling himself away from the warmth and comfort of the raven.

"You wound me, my son. Christmas is precisely the day to act your weirdest." The man picked himself off the ground looking as though he didn't have a red spot on his face where he collided with the door. Then he got this look in his eye seeing his son look so comfortable and off-guard with the other man who was just opening his eyes too. This was perfect. He got himself ready and leapt again to kick Ichigo square in the chest and send him flying.

Yet, Ichigo saw it coming from a million miles away and laid back down, placed a hand on Byakuya's chest to stop him from sitting up and watched as his father sailed over them out the window. Ichigo immediately closed his window and locked it. Just as the lock was latched, he heard the sound of his father's body meeting a pile of snow on the ground and a grunt of pain.

He lay back down and placed his hand over his face as a sigh escaped his lips. "Today is going to be hard."

There was a comforting arm that wrapped around him, and Ichigo relaxed a little.

"It'll be alright. Whatever happens I'll be there." Byakuya knew that sounded sappy, but sometimes it was called for.

"Thanks. Or, I have a better idea, we just stay up here all day." Ichigo snuggled closer. "Or we leave through the window and escape back to the city."

"We could, but your family have been wanting to see you and spend Christmas with you." Byakuya stroked the others back.

"You're supposed to support me, not speak reason. You're a terrible fake boyfriend." He mumbled the last part, not meaning it at all.

Byakuya chuckled and kissed the top of orange bed head. "Come on, let's go."

Ichigo sighed again and got up. They got ready for the morning, Ichigo showed Byakuya where the shower was and then the orangette went in after him. Once they were dressed and ready, they went downstairs where they saw Yuzu cooking and preparing Christmas lunch, Karin at the breakfast bench scrolling on her phone and naming out steps to the recipes Yuzu was following. Ichigo's father was in front of the fire in a blanket, seemed he was stuck outside for a while until someone helped him.

"Ichigo! Good morning!" Yuzu yelled from over a bowl of batter. "Good morning as well, Byakuya. I'm making pancakes for breakfast, help yourself."

She gestured to a steaming pile of fluffy looking pancakes. There was cream, cut fruits, maple syrup, sugar, lemon, bacon, and an array of other toppings. "Whoa, are you planning on feeding the whole neighbourhood?"

"No silly, I wasn't sure how hungry people would be so I made a bunch." Yuzu pouted a little.

"Okay, okay, good morning and thank you for breakfast. It looks great." Ichigo grabbed a plate and handed it to Byakuya, then got another for himself. They started piling their plates and sat down to eat, Karin, Yuzu and Isshin wrapped in a blanket joined them as well. And despite how much was there, they did finish it all.

"Thanks for breakfast, Yuzu, it was lovely." Byakuya was the first to say anything after the meal and then everyone joined in.

"You're welcome." She was blushing, too much attention and praise would do that.

Ichigo and Byakuya helped clear the table and did the dishes. The orangette washing and the raven drying. Just talking about mindless things, books they had been reading or shows they'd been watching.

"You know, they say if you're the one who thinks your family is odd then it must be you that is the odd one." Byakuya said, a slight cheek in his tone and no basis for this statement whatsoever other than getting a reaction from the one next to him.

Ichigo instantly gasped in offense and slashed some water onto the other man's arm soaking his shirt sleeve. Byakuya looked aghast and reached into the sink to splash water up the orangettes torso, who tried to step back in escape but didn't succeed in time. Ichigo grabbed some bubbles in his hands and was going to smear it all over the others face when the ravens' strong hands grasp his wrists and held them back. They were stuck like that, Ichigo pushing and Byakuya halting. Ichigo couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous this was and Byakuya joined in with some chuckles of his own. Then there was a cough and they both glanced to where the voice was.

It was Juushirou, where the hell did he come from? There was a slight smirk on his lips and guilt for interrupting such a cute moment. "They're about to do the gift giving."

Ichigo could feel the raven tense through the grip he had on the orangettes wrists. They must have looked a sight, wet and both in battle poses. Byakuya loosed his grip and Ichigo pulled back his hands.

"Thank you, Uncle Juu. We'll be there soon." Ichigo said and the silver haired man nodded and then walked away. The orangette looked at the other, expecting to see reluctance in his grey eyes, but there was something else; maybe determination. He picked up a tea towel and started to wipe down the water from Byakuya's probably designer shirt that Ichigo so thoughtlessly ruined, then his own shirt. They weren't dry by any means but they were at least not dripping. "You ready?"

"Yeah," Byakuya said, actually feeling ready for once, and then slipped his hand into Ichigo's and they walked out into chaos.

There were more people now then last night and Ichigo wondered how he didn't notice anyone coming in. Usually he would be more alert to what was happening in his house, but he was very distracted by the gorgeous man obviously flirting with him. Kisuke and Yoruichi were already at the bar, it was 11am, with Juushirou standing with Shunsui nearby, Ichigo's high school friends were also there and he silently wondered why the hell they were there instead of with their own families, but that probably had something to do with him being home for once. They were crowded in the gathering of couches and chairs, that was where Ichigo decided to drag Byakuya. Away from his father trying to get the lights working on the tree with Karin reading out the instructions. He mildly heard, "they were working yesterday," "yeah, and then you decided to pick the tree up like a caveman to show off your meagre strength."

Ichigo didn't want to be anywhere near that, so his friends were the safest bet. As they approached Chad looked up and nodded a greeting, Orihime followed with a wave and "hi."

"Hey guys." Ichigo said and he felt a little nervous, but then Tatsuki jumped up from next to Orihime and punched the orangette in the gut. Which he did feel despite seeing in coming and tensing his abs in time, but she had a mean swing.

"You punk, you finally show your face after all this time. I know you're busy, but you could pick up our calls more often." She said and then clapped his back. "Welcome home."

Ichigo coughed, "yeah, I deserved that. I'll promise to do better. Sorry."

"It's okay Ichigo, we just miss you." Orihime piped up, currently dragging away her girlfriend so she didn't hit him again.

"I don't know what you guys are saying, I've barely noticed his absence." Keigo said as he looked at his phone, making it seem like he didn't really care even though he wasn't doing anything on his phone.

"Don't listen to him, he has been excited about you coming back since he found out."

"Shut up, Mizuiro, I have not."

"I missed you guys too, sorry about that." Ichigo apologised, "I'll make a better effort to come around."

"And if he doesn't, I'll make sure to bring him down." Byakuya's smooth voice spoke up and it seemed only then the others noticed the man and the handhold. There were eyes darting between the two and then a million questions came flying their way.

"You're dating?"

"Since when?"

"Tell us everything!"

"He's hot."

"How did you catch someone like that?"

"Is he under some kind of spell to be with you?"

"You guys look so cute."

"When are we doing the gift giving?"

Ichigo wanted to leave, but he just promised that he would make a better effort.

"Guys, if you just let me speak." They all quietened down. "This is my boyfriend, Byakuya Kuchiki. We stared dating a little over a year ago. And they will start the presents soon."

"No, I'm not under any spell." Byakuya added, looking very amused.

"Cool, but you're going to have to give us more details than that." Uryu said while he was patching up a tear in someone's skirt. He was always so detail orientated, and it seemed he still hadn't changed much.

Ichigo was about to make up some other lie about how they met, but then his father announced, "okay, tree is fixed, we can do presents now."

When he turned, Ichigo's father was covered in Christmas lights. Yet he was right, the tree was fixed and lit up. He vaguely wondered where the lights tangled around his father came from but decided it didn't matter much. Isshin then passed a bowl to Yuzu, "Okay, everyone take a number and in order you can pick a gift from under the tree."

Byakuya leaned down and whispered into Ichigo's ear, which made him shiver slightly. "I didn't bring anything; do you just not pick a number?"

Ichigo looked up to him and whispered back, "don't worry, I brought a few extras just in case."

Yuzu walked around the room, and everyone picked a number. Ichigo got 10, and he saw Byakuya drew 15. Which may seem unlucky to others but the raven looked relieved, seemed he was anxious about this whole thing. It was interesting to see what everyone got since it had to be something that anyone could use and pretty generic. Yuzu got a handmade ornamental figure which she loved. Orihime got a Cricut which was perfect for her, and Ichigo suspected Tatsuki got and wrapped in pink knowing the woman would pick it. Karin got some jerseys and shorts, Ichigo wondered if some kind of luck was befalling the house seeming as the gifts were perfect so far. Isshin got a lump of coal that had a smiley face on it, yet the card attached had a $200 gift card to any store in the area. Yoruichi had a handmade dress, which every knew was made by Uryuu, that fit her almost perfectly.

It kept going, everyone getting something seemingly perfect for them. Ichigo got a bag of freeze-dried candy and a few questionable health concoctions. Eventually it got to the last gift, which Yuzu handed to Byakuya who was comfortably seated next to Ichigo on the couch with an arm draped over the couch. It was an artist kit, with some expensive paints and pencils, drawing pads and a portable easel. He smiled at the contents; it had been a while since he had done art.

Ichigo warmed at the smile, it was lucky that one of the gifts he brought was left to last and was something the other would like.

"Okay, that concludes the gifts. We'll get to lunch soon." Isshin said and glanced at his daughter who held up three fingers and then an '0' with the other, "in 30 minutes or so."

The orangette leaned into the mans body more and whispered, "you seem to like that gift."

"I haven't done any art in years, I used to love doing it before I had to start working at the family company. It's sort of nice to be reminded of an old hobby."

"I'm glad you like it."

"So, Byakuya, what possessed you to pick Ichigo. He's great and all, but he's Ichigo." Tatsuki blurted out and Ichigo sent her a scathing look which was challenged back with a tongue pointing at him.

"Well, he was just such a vision when I saw him, I just had to talk to him." He played with orange locks, twirling them in his fingers. Ichigo didn't shy away from the touch, but he did look embarrassed by the words and affection in front of his friends.

Did this man really have no shame?

"Awe, that's so cute." Orihime said and then jumped into the story of how her and Tatsuki met but it wasn't until after high school did she fall for the other women. When she finally let go of her crush on Ichigo, who no one knew was a raging homosexual at the time, did she see how much she loved the other woman and how different it felt.

Everyone went into a story of how they first met Ichigo and their significant others, and Byakuya listened attentively. They all seemed to relax around the newcomer more and it made Ichigo happy to see all the people he loved get on so well with his boyfriend… there it was again. They were supposed to be pretending, but it just felt so natural being with each other. He started to wish that Byakuya was his real boyfriend.

"Okay everyone, lunch is ready." Yuzu said and people started getting up and making their way into the dining room, where a huge table had been set up and food piled on top. Everyone took their seats, Ichigo choosing opposite ends of his uncles and seating Byakuya on the edge facing Chad.

"Thank you all for joining us today on this day of giving and being with family," Isshin sent a pointed look to Ichigo, who had the decency to look reprimanded, "and I hope that it has been a wonderful day for you and that the new year will bring even better days. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" Everyone cheered and dug into the meal. Ichigo took Byakuya's plate and started to load it with everything on the table, everyone reaching and standing or asking to get to something out of reach. It was so chaotic that he didn't want to trouble the other man with all of it. Once he filled his and Byakuya's plate, he sat them down and they started eating.

"If there is something you don't like, let me know and I can take it." Ichigo said to the other, hoping he was heard over all the chatter and conversations going on.

"I will, thank you." Despite saying that Byakuya still ate everything on the plate, looking satisfied.

Once everyone was finished, Yuzu got up and had everyone pile up their plates onto the bench after clearing the scraps while she and Karin placed the leftovers on the kitchen island. Once the table was cleared, she brought out a huge three-tiered cake that looked marvellous, it was white with a buttercream icing and light coconut dusting, it looked like a Christmas dream. Ichigo wondered where she had hidden that and how long it took to make.

"I know you're all full, but I went a little overboard since we finally had everyone together for Christmas." Yuzu said, "Ichigo, could you cut it?"

Ichigo was shocked and honoured that his sister, who would have spent hours and days making this cake, asked him to cut it. He stood up and gave his sister a one-armed hug and she passed him the knife. The orangette took it, feeling terrible for avoiding his family for so long, and made the first cut in the top tier and then the next. He was handed a plate where he placed the piece on, it was a layer vanilla cake with a lemon custard between the layers. Ichigo kept cutting until he wasn't given another plate. Once he looked up, everyone was munching and appreciating a piece. They were all scattered and he looked for the raven amongst everyone.

"This is for you." Came that creamy voice from behind him as a slice of cake was brought into his vision.

"Thank you." Ichigo took it and turned to see the raven still holding his own slice. When Ichigo ate some so did the other.

Once they finished Ichigo was dragged off and placed on washing duty again, yet Byakuya wasn't permitted to help. So, the older man leaned on the wall in the kitchen watching Ichigo and his sisters bicker over the cleaning. This sight made him miss his own sister, he wanted to give her a call and when he pulled out his phone to do that he was tapped on the shoulder. Once he saw who it was, he started to feel uneasy again.

"Could we have a word." Juushirou said, gesturing over to where Shunsui sat lounging on the couch, a toothpick in his mouth and his arm covering his eyes.

"Sure." Byakuya followed the man and wished he could have a certain orange head next to him.

Once they crossed the room, he noticed that no one else was within earshot. The raven wondered if that was on purpose or just circumstantial. Juushirou kicked the relaxing man slightly to get his attention, which it did. Shunsui dropped his arm and looked up in annoyance at whoever dared disturb his digesting, then he sat up when he saw that it was the silver haired man looking at him in expectation. Juushirou turned and looked at Byakuya, who stood a respectful distance away.

"We would like to apologise, Byakuya. Upon some self-reflecting we realised that we were treating you unfairly all these years." The older man continued, "and we did so again yesterday. I am sorry you had to put up with so much for something that was not your fault at all. We should have said something or done something to stop it, but we didn't in hopes that it would eventually stop. That is no excuse for inaction. Sorry about everything."

There was a long pause, Byakuya wasn't sure how to respond or if he should. Then an expectant cough came from the man, yet it wasn't directed at him. Juushirou was looking at the other man like he would kill him if he didn't do something.

Shunsui looked away and then sighed. "I'm sorry too. I hadn't realised we were treating you similar to the others. It wasn't until we were driving home that Juushirou brought it up. It was actually the shock of Ichigo's reaction to us; he had never looked at us with contempt before. He really cares about you. Please, look after him."

Byakuya could finally find his words at the mention of Ichigo. "I will, he is too precious."

That wasn't him pretending, Ichigo had carved a place in his heart and if he wasn't with him that place would forever be empty.

The other two smiled and it was directed at him. It was strange, he had never seen them smile at him before. "We are grateful that you were both able to find each other. You both deserve someone who will stand by you. You really found a good one in Ichigo. Don't break his heart."

Shunsui left a slight tone of threat in the air which got him another kick, this time harder and in the shin. Which had the other man grab his leg and croak out a pained gasp. "What he means to say, is that we're happy you're together and are rooting for you. Thank you for speaking with us and we better let you go before the place is burned down."

He wasn't looking at Byakuya during that last sentence, but behind him. When he turned, he saw the orangette marching towards them with the flames of hell in his eyes.

Ichigo was about to tear the two a new one for kidnapping his boyfriend and secluding him away in a corner out his sight, when Juushirou lifted his arms in surrender. Then he felt a hand on his wrist, stopping him from advancing.

"It's okay."

That soft tone was enough to cool the flames inside the orangette. "You sure?"

A nod was all Ichigo needed. He glared at his uncles and pulled the raven away. He sat them at the same couch set in the screened porch as earlier. "You really okay?"

"Yeah, they… they apologised…" Ichigo was shocked and kind of felt bad at how he reacted to the two stealing Byakuya away, then he stamped in down with the knowledge that they were still jerks. Yet, he knew he could never stay angry at them. "They said it was because of you and how you reacted to them yesterday."

"Me? I helped?"

Byakuya nodded again, loving the orangette getting brighter at the fact he was able to help him. They leaned back on the couch and from this position they could see into the dining room. Everyone was chatting, Orihime was holding Tatsuki's hand, Uryu was already using his Christmas gift which was an embroidery set, the other guys chatting away, Yoruichi held up her all too drunk husband while talking to Isshin, Yuzu and Karin were placing the leftovers away which was the job Ichigo abandoned to go save his boyfriend. The orangette sighed in content. Yeah, this was what he needed. Seeing them all so happy.

"See you sometime soon, yeah?" Ichigo's friends gathered at the door, ready to leave and looking at him expectantly.

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll make a better effort." Ichigo said.

"You're not the only one at fault." Chad said, placing a hand on the orangette's shoulder reassuringly. "We should have put in effort to see you too."

"Okay, bye Ichigo."

The orangette felt a little empty when they all left, but he comforted himself at the fact they were all going to come see him soon.

"Ichigo! Ichigo! You're going to come too." Yuzu said rushing down the stair to catch him at the door.

"Where are you going?"

"We're going for a walk down to the Christmas Festival." Karin said following after her sister.

He would have liked to relax after the craziness of the afternoon, but he knew he should spend as much time with his family. "Alright, I'll let Byakuya know and we will get ready."

"Great!"

Byakuya was in Ichigo's room on the phone. When the orangette opened the door the raven was mid-sentence, "…I'll make it up to you. Merry Christmas, Rukia."

There was a reply on the other end and then Byakuya turned around having finished the call. The raven walked over to the other and took his hands in his. "How did it go with your friends?"

"It went fine, we agreed to meet up more and some of them will be making their way down my way to see the sights." He blushed slightly at the touch, Byakuya was surprisingly affectionate for a pretend boyfriend especially when there was no one else around to see. "My sisters asked me to go to the town festival, would you like to come? If you would like to rest after this afternoon that is also completely fine, I wish I could."

"Of course I would love to go with you to this festival."

"Great, we should get ready for the colder weather outside."

They put on extra layers and went downstairs with their jackets in hand. Isshin, Karin and Yuzu were all waiting around the door, the older man acting silly and Karin yelling at him to calm down.

"Alright, ready to go?" Ichigo said to his family.

"Yup!" Yuzu said.

"My son, help your father." Isshins' pained voice groaned out. In the second that he looked away Karin had put their father in a headlock, probably hoping to knock him out so that he could stop being so annoying and they can go out in peace.

Ichigo sighed as he reluctantly pulled his sister off his father, he would also prefer the man to be quiet too, but this was not the way they should do it. At least on Christmas.

They made their way out; Ichigo being dragged along by his sisters. Once they arrived at the town centre, they all gasped. There were so many lights and decorations scattered about, a huge tree sat in the centre, there was also food venders selling a whole variety of different foods. All the lights reflected off the snow and the glistening made it seem as though they were in amongst the stars. There were so many people around, all of them playing games and trying the food.

"Why are there so many people?" Byakuya whispered in the orangettes ears when they began walking through the crowd.

"There will be fireworks tonight. The town puts the festival on every year during Christmas. People from nearby towns come to enjoy and see the festivities."

"Come on, Ichigo." Karin and Yuzu grabbed each of his hands and pulled him along, leaving Byakuya and Isshin to bring up the rear.

Byakuya softened watching Ichigo interact with his sisters, pulling him around from stall to stall. He thought about how this would be great to do regularly. To watch the expressions on the others face, to try new experiences with him, and also to just enjoy time together. Wow, when did he become such a sap.

"I can see you truly love my son." Isshin said from beside Byakuya, the raven had completely forgotten the man was standing with him. "I was a little worried on what kind of person you would be, and I also suspected if Ichigo had lied about having a boyfriend."

The raven felt the respect for the man, he was more observant than he was letting on. Seemed the man knew his son very well, especially to believe that he would make up the existence of a fake boyfriend.

"But watching you two together these past few days tells me that he has found someone who cares a great deal for him and that brings me a great deal of happiness."

Byakuya wasn't sure what expression he had on his face to elicit the man's words, but also could not deny them. The time he had spent with Ichigo had caused emotions to arise in him that he hadn't felt in so long and the orangette was so endearing. He looked back at the three, where the two girls were making him buy them fairy floss despite them being University students with jobs. A small smile graced his lips.

"Yeah, I do."

Ichigo was about ready to pass right out when his head hit the pillow. His sisters had dragged him around the festival like when they were still young. They had plenty of fun and Ichigo was happy to see their smiles, but he was utterly exhausted. He started to nod off when he felt the bed dip next to him as Byakuya got into the bed, then he felt arms around him. The warmth that enveloped his body at the touch made the worlds tension disappear.

"Ichigo."

"Mm?" Was all that could come from his sleepy mouth as he slipped into sleep with his head on the others man chest, the gentle rising lulling him into the alluring call of the dream world.

"There's something I want to talk about later, if you're able."

"Sure." Ichigo's hand came up to interlock with the ravens. "Night, love."

Then the orangette was out. Byakuya's heart slammed into his chest. He knew it was just a slip up since the younger was so tired, but it still made him very happy. He wanted to talk about their future together after they get back to the city. Though, if Ichigo was going to turn him down, he really didn't want to make the trip back so awkward.

He lied awake for a few more minutes, his mind racing about running through all the worst scenarios going through his head before sleep beckoned him into its embrace.

Ichigo was the first to wake again. For such a serious man, Byakuya tend to sleep in a lot. He just wanted to take the moment to memorise the man's features, those sharp jaw and cheek bones, the lashes that were much longer than you would expect, perfectly shaped lips. Byakuya was a beautiful specimen of a human being and he wasn't sure how he was able to not only convince him into his bed but also to this weekend holiday with his crazy family. His hand, that had been holding the others all night, reached up and caressed elegant features.

In that atmosphere, with the sunlight passing through his thin curtains onto the bed, casting a feint glow onto their small world. It just pulled him into impulse, this perfect feeling. "Will you date me?"

It was foolish to say, since the man was asleep, but he didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Yes."

The deep, warm voice shocked him from his entranced state. His thumb was tracing over a delicate brow when he saw the steel black looking back at him. He whipped his hand back like he touched a hot stove and hid his face in embarrassment. Simply startled about being caught saying something so outrages out loud. But did he hear that right? Did Byakuya say 'yes.'

"Really?" He peaked out from his hiding spot and looked up into warm steel eyes.

"Of course." Byakuya's heart was ready to leap from his chest. "You are simply wonderful, and I would love to learn more about you."

Ichigo couldn't believe his ears; this god of a man really wanted to spend more time with him. It made him happy to think that there was someone out there that really wanted to be with him. All his previous relationships really did suck and the guys treated him terribly. Yet Byakuya, from the moment they met, had treated him with kindness and love. Which was surprising for a man who never showed much emotion on his face.

"Thank you." He said shyly, how was one supposed to react to such a confession. "Would you like to go on a date when we get back?"

Byakuya was surprised by the initiative of the other, but it shouldn't have since Ichigo had always done things there were unexpected. "I would love to."

Ichigo was just about to kiss the man when he heard the low creaking of floorboards outside his door, and then the loud bang as a body collided with it. He sighed, "we'd better get up."

Byakuya pushed back the hair that had fallen into the orangette's face. Gazing at him as though he imagined their entire life together. "Yeah."

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Author's Note: I hope you liked it. It was just meant to be something silly and cliche for Christmas, nothing major. Sorry for any spelling or grammar mistakes. If you liked it leave a review or favourite. Thanks again. Inkness out.