Anime: Bleach
Genre: Romance
Pairing: IchiIshi
Neither of them are sure why or when it began. It is not something they talk about, it is not something they think about. It just happens.
Every night, at about eight thirty, Ichigo turns up at the door of Uryuu's flat and is allowed inside. It is a small, it is dark and Uryuu can barely afford to live there, but none of this is mentioned.
In silence, they lie together in the futon in the small room at the back of the flat and in the same silence, they sleep with each other. Ichigo leaves at ten and Rukia does not ask where he has been. The only times the silence is broken is for the occasional restrained grunt, or a quiet and wordless moan. They are not attached, they are not in love. They are simply just a part of each other.
There is some comfort to be found in the silence, and it was certainly everywhere between them. There are no greetings, good-byes or anything in between. Actions sometimes speak much louder than words.
Uryuu wonders if he is the only one to have seen this side of the Shinigami, where he is not being loud and boisterous. In turn, Ichigo wonders if he is the only one that has seen the Quincy be so submissive and desperate.
Eight thirty on the dot. The door opens before it is knocked upon. The pale spectacled face greets the tanned and slightly frowning one. A moment's pause and they are inside, the door is closed. They do not touch, they do not look at each other again and a bag of food is left on the kitchen counter as Ichigo walks past.
It is not until they are in the bedroom that Ichigo speaks.
"Oi…"
It is ignored as Uryuu sits on the sheets and looks up at him as the Shinigami automatically kneels down.
"Hey, listen."
It is clear the Quincy has no desire to. He is already shirtless and is beginning to help Ichigo out of his own clothes.
Swatting the hands away, Ichigo leans forward into Uryuu, his intentions clear and the latter slowly leans back. Insistently, Ichigo leans forward again, using his arms to support him as he moves his face toward Uryuu's.
Lips meet and Uryuu flinches. Ichigo does not let him break the kiss and holds him by the arms until the pale boy yields. In the familiar silence, they share their first ever kiss in the months they've been with each other. Ichigo's heart feels somewhat heavy as he pulls away.
"Kurosaki…" Uryuu breathes.
Ichigo smiles bitterly. All these months and he is still Kurosaki. He is so focused on not allowing himself to shed the tear forming in his eye that he only notices the two tears down Uryuu's cheek when the smaller boy moves to wipe them.
"Don't." The command is simple as Ichigo grabs Uryuu's wrists and stares into the dark eyes behind the glasses.
It is clear that the Quincy is scared. Of what, Ichigo does not know, and there are many possibilities. Without another word, Ichigo leans in for another kiss and it is willingly accepted. A strong pair of arms encircle Uryuu's lithe frame and he realises that he is being held for the first time in years. The stream of tears thickens but he remains silent as Ichigo continues to kiss him.
The pull apart and Ichigo looks at him in a manner one would when making sure something isn't broken.
"I—" Ishida begins but his mouth is covered by Ichigo's hand. Now is not the time for confessions of love or disagreements.
Removing his hand only for another brief kiss, Ichigo stands up and leaves. Uryuu is left sitting on his futon, his tears beginning to dry and an expression of understanding on his face.
At school, the two usually ignore each other. This time, Uryuu knows they will speak. The silence will slowly fade. Things are changing.
And for once, Ishida Uryuu is not frightened of change.