lol, i thought that, too. since the whole manga is yaoi :D and then they make one couple with a bromance relationship - whaaaat? wasted potential :D
I don't know why but I always had a sense that rikiichi was straight and used kotodama rather than touch to transfer wounds to his 3 kami. The gay sex only started with the next generation when his two surviving kami got paired with his nephew and grandson.
To me, Rikiichi became Waki's father fig. he was bigger than life. he gave Waki purpose. they were close like brothers.
Why can't Waki stay in love with Rikiichi that would be perfect （/TДT)/