This is a terrific piece. I've actually been thinking about the idea of monogamy with this pairing, because I feel like, at least in the beginning of their relationship, Ikkaku wouldn't be used to the idea of putting boundaries on himself when it came to adrenaline induced encounters like affairs. This was pretty spot on with how I would expect the situation to play out. It would be pretty neat if you added onto this universe simply considering that Yumichika's insinuation that he would leave soul society was pretty foreboding.

Great work!

Aw, poor Yumi. What a place to be in! And stupid Ikkaku, it's because it means something to Yumichika that you're hurting him!

Great writing on this fic! Short but very well done and manages to wring all kinds of emotions in such few words. Loved it! Thanks for writing!

I really hope you write a sequel to this oneshot someday! It's really good!

"At least he wasn't broken-hearted yet, but it was coming. He could feel it lurking just behind his anger and hurt, ready to crack all of his perceptions and let his fears rush in."

This one had me teary-eyed. How tragic!

My initial reaction was 'poor Yumichika, why does he stay with such an inconsiderate, cheating brute?!'. But then re-reading this story, it would be so disrespectful to view Yumichika as a victim in this situation. He knows exactly what he is getting into by being with Ikkaku, and he knows that Ikkaku would never hurt him deliberately. Ikkaku values Yumichika as well. Sex with other people for Ikkaku is just that - sex. But with Yumichika, Ikkaku acknowledges that it means something.

Their level of friendship and regard for each other (in this story) is beyond notions of 'fidelity' and 'monogamy'. Yumichika knows that. Although he wants a monogamous relationship with Ikkaku, for him it's not enough to risk being without Ikkaku to risk demanding that.

Again, tragic.

I would love to see this story continued. Perhaps with Ikkaku getting together with Nemu again, and Yumichika holding true to his promise of leaving Ikkaku, and Ikkaku realising how he has unknowingly hurt Yumichika. I guess, I really just want Yumichika to find out what he's worth and not to base everything he is on Ikkaku's regard for him.

I seriously almost cryed :'( I would love for this to continue. It touched my heart and I love that yumichika is so forgiving. I think Ikkaku is a jerk but I would love to see him change his ways. This is just a wonderfully sad piece. Well done.

I would love to see the next chapter, if this isn't a one shot? This story is pretty well written and has enough depth to show promise.

wow, I can't really speak of what I want to express because I don't think I have the words, but I truly love this piece. Just wow.

Wow, what a lovely story. That was one hell of a "test-drive" you posted here.

I love how you described their emotions. My heart ached for Yumichika, and I just wanted to hit Ikkaku for making him hurt. IkkaYumi is my Bleach OTP, and I'm so glad I found this little gem of a story.

Have you thought about writing a continuation where Yumichika does leave Ikkaku? I'd be very interested to see where you'd take that, as well as whether you'd have it go toward a reconciliation or a complete break of their relationship.

Thanks for writing this. :)

Annie-chan

You got me all teary eyed at the end. Is there more? *big puppy eyes*

It's SO GOOD to hear from you, purefoysgirl! I have missed you. You have a touch, a panache that pleases me no matter who you write about. Yumichika seemed too pouty, too jealous, at first-and Ikkaku seemed like a total blockhead. How could he NOT understand how hurtful it would be to come to Yumi's bed smelling of another...but Yumichika knows it will open again so why doesn't he break it (he allows himself to fantasize about cutting Ikkaku's HEAD off, not daring, I suppose, to let himself think what he probably really means)... And yet, I know this is how it happens lots of times. Logically protecting our fragile hearts isn't how we do. We keep reading the same words, hoping they've changed and we'll get our HEA (happy ever after) only to find that it's still the same old words and hurts. You're still on top of your game, you. I don't read fanfic so much these days-but when a favorite writer shakes her/himself off and pushes a story thru the intertubes, I am most pleased to get lost in their product. Greetings, and thx, mc