My first contribution to this place. This was originally posted on my LJ.

To like
(Ikkaku/Yumichika)

Ikkaku had always liked Yumichika's hair, and not because he was bald himself or any form of jealousy, he just loved the way Yumichika would brush it every morning until it shined, only to be dirtied again as soon as they got out to the street.

He loved the way it would splay across Yumichika's back when the man woke up and stretched. Ikkaku would take the chance and caress those silky tresses, touch them softly and then receive a look from over Yumichika's shoulder, a sort of indulgent smile, still lazy from waking up.

Ikkaku also liked Yumichika's hands, despite the calluses from training and holding a sword, they always felt soft and gentle to the bald man. And warm, oh so warm when healing his wounds from particularly tough opponents, careful to heal him in a way that would leave as less scaring as possible. Ikkaku could've cared less but he appreciated the effort.

He also liked Yumichika's body warmth. During cold nights or when the money wouldn't be enough to rent two beds, Yumichika would press up against him, mixing and sharing each other's heat. Ikkaku would sometimes wrap his arms around him whenever Yumichika snuggled against his chest, basking into the gentle warmth the soft skin offered.

And that skin, the beautiful skin that Ikkaku didn't envy but instead admired, how it always seemed so clean and soft to the touch. Ikkaku yearned to feel it, but feared it could be marred under his gruff hands.

As much as Ikkaku knows that Yumichika will never leave or forsake him, he can't help but desire that which is within reach, yet so unattainable.

"Ikkaku, don't think too hard, you'll frown and that'll give you wrinkles." A lovely voice speaks, teasing, yet laced with well hidden worry.

Ikkaku just stares, stares at the pretty face of his companion. Those eyes, that nose, those lips. Yumichika notices and his face contorts visibly into a worrisome face.

"Ikkaku?"

"Nothing...sorry."

The bald warrior turns his face down, away. He feels Yumichika shuffle until he is sitting next to him, slightly pressed together, trying to be comforting. Yumichika doesn't ask or say anything, because he is sure that Ikkaku will say it's nothing and he thinks he can guess what it is.

He'd be surprised to know he's wrong, but Ikkaku doesn't say anything just the same and lets Yumichika sit there, enjoying the closeness.

Ikkaku knows he's falling in love with Yumichika, but he can't do anything about it and Yumichika will never love him, because he only loves beauty. But that's not the worst thing, the worst is that he can't be brave enough to tell Yumichika. Maybe someday, the day he wants to protect Yumichika the most, that's the day he'll tell him.

END