Bankotsu blinked.
In the water, his reflection also blinked.
Sapphire blue eyes stared back at him, watching as tentative fingers reached towards the surface of the pond, then drew back.
The young man studied himself for a moment. Curious blue eyes, quirked eyebrows; an inquisitive expression lit his tanned face. Thin bangs fell across his forehead, parting in the middle to reveal a violet cross.
His eyebrows twitched.
Bankotsu leaned over farther, his braid sliding over his shoulder, the end nearly hitting the pond's surface.
With one hand, the young man pushed his hair back, never breaking the gaze of his mirrored image.
A fish slid by under the surface, causing a ripple. The reflection contorted, becoming grotesque for a moment, then bounced back to its original pleasing appearance.
Leaning over further still, Bankotsu could see the collar of his shirt. White faded into blue. His neck was slender, as tanned as his face. He swallowed, watching in wonder as the muscles beneath the skin of his throat constricted and retracted.
He sat back on his heals for a moment, then leaned forwards again, taking in his reflection as if seeing it for the first time, studying himself intently, his eyebrows knit together.
What, the seventeen-year-old wondered, Do people think when they look at me? Do they see the insecure little boy that I really am? Or do they see the fearless leader I pretend to be? I know I act all tough and I'm in charge and all…But sometimes I get lonely. He bit his lip, contemplating this.
"Oi! Aniki!"
Bankotsu's head jerked up at the sound of Jakotsu's voice. The other man sauntered towards him, yukata flapping, and settled down carefully, joining him at the edge of the pond.
Jakotsu peered at the glassy water for a bit; taking in both his and Bankotsu's reflections. Tanned, short Bankotsu, his brilliant blue eyes and that long braid…He was so hot! Then his own reflection, pale, willowy and absolutely gorgeous. He smiled pleasantly, then looked up at Bankotsu.
"Aniki, what are you doing staring at yourself?" His voice became teasing, "Wouldn't you rather look at something -or some one- else?"
"Like what?" Bankotsu asked absently, glancing at his companion, then turned back to the pond.
"Oh, I don't know." Jakotsu flopped down on his back in the soft grass, his pink yukata bunching up beneath him. A wicked smile crossed his face and he ran a hand lazily through his hair. "How 'bout you stare at me for a while?"
"Jakotsu…" The young leader's eyes rolled. He was used to his friend's uniqueness and all of the quirks that came with his sexual orientation.
"I mean it." Came the sincere reply, "I know I'd rather look at you than myself."
Bankotsu's head snapped up again and he stared at the effeminate man, trying to figure out if he meant it or not.
Jakotsu simply smiled secretively, his eyebrows waggling slightly.
And Bankotsu blushed.
*
See the pattern yet? X3
Again, I'm accepting suggestions…