Chapter 65 - Permanently Tied

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Like they discussed Mikage had gotten the tattoo, the artist who appeared was inked, from head to toe. He was plastered in intricate and detailed works of art making him in Mikage's eyes appear somewhat like an Oni.

An Oni was A particular Yokai race who are very distinct for their large build and particular red, blue or black skin. They were also very distinguishable with the runes Imbedded in their skin, they quite enjoyed marking their skin with art depicting each of their achievements in the form of words or symbols, so Mikage couldn't help but stare at him – shortly prompting Ryuu's newfound distaste for the tattooist.

With the tattoo's Mikage had several in mind he wanted, a nice flower design, an Oni or even a fox would do nicely. But as Ryuu's was the main decider he had to compromise on the man's decision. However, In the end, it didn't irk him much, as Ryuu's choice wasn't bad at all, actually, he quite liked it.

The tattooist placed the art in the opposite place to where Ryuu had his, and for the first hour, he struggled to mark the boy's skin effectively.

Eventually causing him to spend over a day and a half with the design. in the end, the finished result was more than impressive, it had an intimidating but dignified sharpness to it, yet it didn't affect the boy 'image' instead perfectly complimented the boy's soft features, giving him a unique dynamic of a good boy rebelling.

"It must've hurt," Ryuu said, recalling Mikage's slight jerking when the needle would touch his skin, "I'm sorry". He carefully dabbed the boy's reddened area with ointment carefully making sure he wasn't stressing the inflamed skin. Though the man didn't regret inking Mikage, but it wasn't his intention to purposefully inflict pain on the boy.

"It did not, at most it tickled", The boy recalled nonchalantly, indulging in the man's strong touch.

"So", Mikage started, "were tied together just as you wanted". He sat up and turned to face Ryuu, his eyes focused calmly, but with a sceptic frown, "It was never that simple was it?".

Ryuu who'd had his guard completely lowered got caught completely out, he displayed a look of uncertainty and guilt before quickly covering it up with his usual stoic look. Unfortunately to Ryuu's dismay, his small-expression was immediately taken in by Mikage.

On that singular note, Mikage pushed a little further, "Tattoos are never straightforward around here, are they?" he asked knowingly. Actually, he was already aware that the tattoos were much more complicated and symbolic than Ryuu was truly letting on. For example, Ryuu the Boss had the highest status, therefore, of course, the most powerful mark, the dragon. The immediate and personal representation of the gang's symbol was the dragon itself.

On the other hand, those working below the dragon have their own unique system with symbols that would eventually build-up into a sleeve, of course, their place was determined based of their merits, achievements, commitments and sacrifice towards the gangs. And if their loyalty was proven high enough, they would be raised in prestige and of course income.

Ryuu remained silent, however, Mikage didn't allow him to get away with feigning ignorance, "don't you think your intentions are a little too obvious". That information Mikage grasped could've been easily discovered, simply from looking around.

Rather than a simple ring, his tattoo now permanently tied him to not only the gang but to Ryuu personally. Similar to a stamp of ownership, his tattoo more than established that fact. The dragon represented Ryuu, and on Mikage it was reflected in a place opposite of Ryuu's, it showed who the dragon favoured.

"I said you'll be mine", Ryuu muttered barely keeping eye-contact.

Mikage sighed, despite everything he wasn't mad. In fact, he was more fascinated by Ryuu than anything "...but it's not that simple is it" he repeated.

"If you are already aware, why aren't you angrier", Ryuu knew the boy was decisive so figuring out was as easy as breathing for him, but he figured out straight away. But the inconsistencies in his behaviour threw Ryuu slightly off.

"Though your methods are coarse when put into practicality your intentions were somewhat pure, I've come to understand that this is a trait that you exhibit."

"I don't think you realise this, but I've noticed, you have a bad habit of burdening yourself. So, I couldn't help but mess with you". In fact, the tattoo acted as protection, it was immediate protection against anyone stupid enough to mess with the Seiryuu-kai

"...and" Mikage added in a quieter tone, "If it wasn't you, I wouldn't have had the same sentiments"

No longer holding back Ryuu picked the boy up in a tight hug, "but" Mikage tapped the man's arm "don't you think you should be more honest if of course, this is a partnership. I'm not a princess in need of protecting", in addition to the fact his age far exceeds Ryuu's.

Despite Mikage clear mild suffocation, Ryuu didn't soften his grasp he couldn't find it within himself to channel his excitement elsewhere.

"none of the heads in the circle agreed to this sudden partnership"

"And you're surprised?", it wasn't a secret that both him and Ryuu have been intimate, much less the fact that he's a man. But it wouldn't be a lie that he was taken aback by the member's casualness towards it.

"It's more, that it comes with burdens as much as it does with the benefits," Ryuu said in a darker tone." They'll try to hit back" he warned.

"A blade won't hurt me", Mikage added.

Ryuu put Mikage in front of himself to meet his eyes, he was worried.

"but a bullet could. I know your special like me but you're not invincible". Ryuu knew that fact deep down. And Mikage didn't deny it.

Ryuu breathed a heavy sigh, taking Mikage back into his arms and leant his head on the boy's shoulder, "Now, I'm going to be flooded with work, your appearance has caused quite the stir", he joked changing the topic.

Mikage remained silent rubbing Ryuu's back, if before wasn't classed as busy then Ryuu has a lot in store for himself now.  



GUESS WHO'S Back??
Me guys it has been longggg but I persevere!
I'm not going anywhere because I'm like a cockroach. 

Anywho  whether it's faith that kept Strong or pure addiction Thank you as always my most loyal and new readers

Wait.......more chapters???What? Yesss moreee
ill try my hardest to get back to weekly releases because I have been planning a new story(more like ten) that you guys are going to lose your knickers over...anywho stay tunned more drama is about to happen

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