Work Text:
He looks at his reflection on the glass for a moment, blinking his eyes out of focus, feeling them burn from tiredness. Behind him, he can hear the little hiss of one of Konan's clients.
Then he looks farther, at the city sprawling under their office; The skyscrapers rising before them, the way it the sun reflects in the glasses and on the roofs under, the cars looking like ants below, and the fleuve farther.
Kakuzu leans back on his office chair, admiring the cityscape. He always had a love for seeing concrete jungles from above, the way it sprawled and the human architecture.
He thanks Konan every day for allowing him to work here.
He takes a sip from his coffee, glancing down at the drawing he made for a client. It's a large piece; the client asked for black-work and flowers. Kakuzu was currently mixing some fractal designs along the motif of marigolds. His last client had cancelled, so he used the free time to catch up on some designs.
The door opens, and two loud steps are heard. ''Yo, is it Red Moon tattoo?''
Kakuzu snaps his neck to the entrance, brows furrowed. There's a young punk at the entrance with slick silver hair and a beer in hand. He turns his head to Konan and she is looking at the young man with a raised brow. She shakes her head at Kakuzu to signify it's not her client.
''Yes.'' Responds Kakuzu, keeping his voice firm and calm. Perhaps this man had mixed up his date. ''You have an appointment?''
''Nope.''
Kakuzu makes an irritated sigh, crossing his arms. ''You want one?'' He asks in a dry tone.
''Yeah, now.''
''No walk-in.'' Kakuzu immediately points to the sign on the door, which is kept open by the punk. ''I'm feeling… generous, and I'll allow you to take one with us now. Tattoos or piercings?''
Konan is a professional piercer; she possesses fairy fingers. Her works on hypodermic piercings were works of arts and she was the highest rated piercer in Amegakure.
Kakuzu is a tattooist. He had years of practice in drawings and he managed to translate the skill on skin. He picked up tattoo has a hobby, then it turned into a career when he got noticed by the right people.
''I want a tattoo on my chest.'' Says the young entering the office after downing his beer in one go, removing his spiked leather vest and his white wifebeater without a care in the world.
Kakuzu can feel his temper flare. What in the-?! ''No walk-in! Put back your shirt!''
''Come on, man! I have cash.''
''I don't care!'' Spits back Kakuzu.
The young man looks at the empty tattoo chair in front of Kakuzu's desk, eyes narrowing. ''You got no one there. And I know you'll be closing soon. Deidara told me.''
''Deidara sent you here?'' Asks Konan, finishing with her client.
''Yep! Told me the Kakuzu guy was worth every penny for the tattoos. It's you?''
Kakuzu crosses his arms to prevent his fist from punching the punk. The Red Moon wasn't that easy to find. They were known through the grapevines, and the address wasn't on the internet, it had to be communicated after a rendezvous. They were in the higher price range, but Konan, him, Obito, and Zetsu made sure their works were perfect. ''Yes.''
''Cool. I'm Hidan.''
''I don't take walk-ins, Hidan.''
''There's always an exception to the rules.''
''Tell Deidara thank you for the recommendation, but if I allow you, other people will want an exception as well.'' Says Kakuzu between gritted teeth. He's trying his damnest to be polite and civilized in front of Konan's client. He cannot tarnish their reputation because of his short temper.
''I'm not telling anyone, big guy, promised. Not even Deidara.'' Says Hidan with a smirk Kakuzu wants to wipe off with sandpaper.
''No.''
''You want double? I'll pay triple hell!''
''Like there are no other tattoo parlors around for you to bug.''
''Yeah, but I've heard only good stuff about yours. My last tattoos were catastrophic, and since Deidara told me you were super sanitary and super nit-picky on the sterility of your stuff, I wanted something.''
Hidan lifts his tight black ripped pants to show his calve. And yeah… There's a smudged skeleton tattoo on it. The artist pressed way too hard, the ink spread into the skin, and it gave a horrible veil on the piece. There's also scarification, which means an infection has occurred. No wonder why Hidan is underlining the sterility.
Hidan shows the back of his neck, and there's a tribal tattoo. The lines are clean, and the pattern is inspired, but by the gods, did the tattoo artist ask Hidan to bend his head up or on the side because it's wonky in its shape?
''And guess what, they were made by professional artists.'' Says Hidan with a 'tss'. ''They both refused to correct their errors, and they both claimed I didn't follow their advice or something. But I did! Deidara told me it's certain I won't have an infection with you. Shit, it even looks like I could eat on the ground, it's so clean!''
Kakuzu glares at Hidan. He already feels a headache forming. ''No.''
''You stubborn asshole! You don't even know what I want! It won't even take an hour!''
Konan and her client are staring at the scene with rapt attention. Konan is not helping him. She is either entertained, or this is a silent consent for the tattoo to happen.
''Are you dumb or deaf? I said no, and you still insist. You're the most stubborn between us.'' Says Kakuzu.
''Come on! Are you scared you'll fuck up because you can't prepare beforehand?? I'll wait, man.''
Kakuzu sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is getting nowhere. ''What's the damn design! I am gone from this office at six O'clock wether you want it or not.''
''Jashin's symbol.''
''Who?''
Hidan has the audacity to roll his eyes. ''My god, Jashin. He's a god of death. It's a triangle inside a circle. Want it on my chest.''
''All that for a damn triangle in a circle?! Fucking ridiculous. Sit on the chair and shut up.''
Hidan lifts his arms in victory with a grin, and Kakuzu ardently wishes for a drink while he prepares the stencils. Konan has audibly snorted beside them, her client trying to hold a laugh.
''So… Since when have you worked with Konan??'' Asks Hidan to pass the time as Kakuzu collects his needle, his tattoo gun, and the rolling table.
''A year.'' Responds Kakuzu icily. ''I told you to shut up. You're distracting me.''
Hidan chuckles lowly, but doesn't talk further. He must have felt he was dangerously reaching Kakuzu's limit and have his slim chance of getting tattooed thrown out the window alongside him.
Kakuzu is grumbling under his breath as he puts on his nitrile gloves. He looks back at Hidan bare-chested, lying on the horizontal tattoo chair and staring at him with a satisfied expression, legs crossed, hip propped. There's something so provocative in the pose, in both senses of the term. The brat knows he's handsome and alluring; he's showing off.
Hidan's eyes fall on his forearms, checking his tattoos, then up to his chest, where they stay for a moment. Kakuzu knows he wears a tight black shirt and his chest must be quite prominent. He didn't think he would be ogled today.
''Point where you want the circle, punk.'' Orders Kakuzu.
Hidan grins, and his finger slides from his hip to the middle of his chest slowly, where a silver necklace of said symbol is. Kakuzu is biting his tongue to not strangle the brat.
He makes a quick circle with a triangle on his computer, then he turns the screen to Hidan for approval. The young man nods.
Kakuzu prints it on the stencil, meticulously disinfects Hidan's skin, then practically slams the stencil on Hidan's chest. He starts the tattoo gun and slowly traces the skin. He hates imperfection; he wants every piece to be up to his satisfaction, and the bar is high. He lied when he told Hidan he would be gone at six. He never finishes until it's up to his standards.
''Practiced tattoos in prison?'' Asks Hidan.
Kakuzu glances up, then shakes his head. His forearms' tattoos are easily identifiable. He doesn't hide them because he doesn't care what people think about him. ''I practiced drawing. Got good at it.''
Hidan nods, then lays his head back on the table, relaxed like a cat in the sun. Which Kakuzu is thankful for. His arterial pressure would have reached a dangerous level if Hidan had continued to blabber.
The buzz of the tattoo machine is the only sound in the studio once Konan's client is gone. Konan is quietly reading on her phone farther, sipping tea.
Kakuzu is focused, not seeing time pass as he fills up the circle and ensures every lines are equally thick. Hidan doesn't even move as the needle goes on the sternum, and he knows bones are more sensitive to tattoos.
''Here. Done.'' Says Kakuzu, lifting his head.
Kakuzu sighs when he notices Hidan has his eyes closed and is breathing evenly. Well, that's a first. He never had anyone sleeping in a session.
''Wake up.''
Hidan jolts awake as Kakuzu shakes him, and he looks down at his chest. ''Oh hell yeah, nice!''
''300$''
''That's-''
''You said you would pay double. Unless you want to pay triple?''
Hidan looks annoyed, then pouts, nodding as he gets his wallet out.
Kakuzu leans back and stretches his arms above his head, tattoo gun in hand. ''It's done. Mirror on the right.''
The client stands up, wincing from the prolonged position, and walks in front of the mirror to observe their new rib piece.
The door opens, and Hidan struts inside with a large smile. ''Hey, Kakuzu. Missed me?''
''I envy anyone who doesn't know you.'' Retorts Kakuzu dryly. ''Don't touch that! Sit on the chair, punk.''
Kakuzu stands up to see his client and ignores Hidan to the best of his ability. Once they paid, Kakuzu looks at Hidan with his arms crossed.
''What is it? I took a rendez-vous this time.'' Says Hidan, rolling his eyes with a playful smile.
''You did.'' Admits Kakuzu. He remembers seeing his schedule and turning around to get to the liquor store. ''But I don't have all day. What do you want?''
''A Cover-up. Especially the ankle.''
Kakuzu nods. Cover-ups are a great way to show talent as it require imagination and the ability to blend the older tattoo into the new one seamlessly. ''Show me again.''
Hidan tugs up his pants to show his disgraceful skeleton tattoo.
''You have a theme in mind?'' Asks Kakuzu, checking the scars with his thumb.
''Anything cool? And black. I don't really do colours.''
''You want to stay on a religious theme?''
Hidan shrugs. ''Don't be insulted, but I need to actually see what you do other than circle. I'm giving you a second chance because I'm that magnanimous.''
Kakuzu almost chokes on his saliva from the indignant gasp he took. Second chance???!! ''Show me your chest! Is it an infection??''
There's nothing Kakuzu hates more than his tattoos infecting. Sometimes he wonders if his clients take a dip in swamps right after the sessions for their infection. Hidan looks like a crust punk who takes a shower once a week. But his theory is quickly debunked by the impeccable hair.
''It healed, but it looks wrong, man. Did you use some special ink?'' Asks Hidan, irritated.
Kakuzu frowns, wondering what he is talking about as he lifts the shirt. The tattoo is healing, but the lines are…distorted, like Kakuzu's hand was trembling when he tattooed. ''What the hell?''
''Yeah. ''
''The circle was perfect when you went away.'' The only reasons Kakuzu can think of for how it happened is the skin healing to fast and a scalding hot shower after that took way the edge of the main lines. ''Let me do a touch-up to this first.''
Hidan frowns, looking dissatisfied. ''I only have the money-''
''Touch-ups are free, my pride is on the line. Guide me for the other tattoo while I arrange that.''
Hidan nods, then completely removes his shirt while Kakuzu prepares his material. The tattooist leans on Hidan's belly and gently straightens his lines while the younger man speaks.
''Black, uh… Not flowers. Not realistic. I don't like how it looks older. Not an irezumi leg sleeve, might do my arms for that.''
''What about animals?''
''Yeah… Maybe. A crow?''
''What about a panther? A sick ass panther?''
Konan loudly snorts on the other side of the studio.
Hidan stares at him with a raised brow and a 'are you serious' look, but he smiles. ''Anything is better than this mess. If it's lame, it's your fault.''
''Cover-up will be free if you don't like my panther.''
''HA! You have that much faith in it? I like that in a man!''
''Give me fifteen minutes to draw it. There's a coffee shop in front of the building.''
''Nah, I can wait here.''
Hidan takes one of the lifeless interior design magazines Konan brought and props his feet on the coffee table, his spiky boots on full display.
Kakuzu quickly sketches the drawing; his years of practice make him very efficient. ''Okay-'' Hidan lifts in a beat, putting away the magazine and lying on the tattoo table, on his belly, pants above the knee. ''You didn't even see the drawing.'' Deadpans Kakuzu.
''I trust you. Deidara swore by you. So if it's lame, I'll beat his ass after yours.''
''I'd like to see you try.''
''Maybe I didn't go to prison, but I know my way around a fight, you prick.''
Kakuzu rolls his eyes and gets his razor out to cut the hair on his calf before beginning his piece.
================
''Mmmm, panther.'' Says Konan, leaning above Hidan, arms crossed with a satisfied smile.
''Take a look.'' Says Kakuzu to the punk, removing his nitrile gloves.
Hidan hobble to the mirror. He stares at his reflection dumbly for a couple of seconds. ''It IS a sick ass panther. Cool!''
Kakuzu grins under his medical mask. The tattoo is in traditional style, and Hidan initially didn't want colours, but red was approved in the middle of the session. The claws are red, and the rest is black with the details carefully etched into the skin.
''You come back in a week.'' Says Kakuzu, bringing back Hidan to the table to apply hydrating cream. ''No hot shower tonight.''
''Oh yeah, want to see me again, uh?'' Asks Hidan with a grin. ''No one can get enough of me.''
''You love the sound of your fucking voice, do you? Stop yapping.'' Says Kakuzu dryly, glancing up to stare at the young man. He's beginning to wonder if Hidan is like this with everyone he meets or just him. ''You heal fast. I think it's why the lines on your chest piece went wavy.''
''I do heal fast.''
''I'll do the touch-up for free. Come back in a week.''
''Heeeey.''
Kakuzu doesn't answer, he continues to design on the computer a leg tattoo for one of his client. The brat damn right knows he can sit in the chair and wait instead of being an obnoxious bastard.
''I know you heard me, asshole. You can't ignore me forever.'' Says Hidan from behind.
''You're difficult to ignore, but it's well worth the effort." Retorts Kakuzu, not even turning back.
Hidan snorts. ''You're the one that told me to come back, you old grouch.''
''Can't you wait?? Just sit down.''
Kakuzu hears the metal spikes of Hidan's clothing colliding as he sits down. He focuses back on the design until he is halfway finished and saves the project. Then he turns to Hidan, the young man already having his calf bared with the panther. Same thing again, the lines are minutely scalloped. He immediately begins the touch-up after disinfecting the healing skin.
''So, I was thinking about my left arm.'' Says Hidan.
''What's your job?'' Asks Kakuzu.
''Why do you want to know that?''
''I know I'm pricier than other tattoo artists, so I'm wondering how come you got so much money lying around.'' The panther had been 400$.
''I'm in a punk band. I live from my music. And get tattoos.''
''Congrats. It's not everyone who can.''
''Thanks. Where's goth chick?''
''She's on vacation this week.''
''You do piercing too?''
''Obito can, but he doesn't have her talent.''
''Who made your inks?''
''Most of them are self-made.'' His left arm is an irezumi sleeve with a tengu.
Hidan whistles, impressed. ''Cool. Are you ambidextrous?''
''No. My right arm and back were inked by Zetsu. He's a colleague here, a pro in realism.'' He has 4 Ainus masks in his back and his realist sleeve is Buddha and lotus flowers.
''And the bars on your forearms? You didn't confirm if it was in prison you got them.''
His black bars are not integrated into the sleeves of his arms. Kakuzu didn't care about hiding them; he just treated them like any other piece. ''Why should I tell you that? Want to do soap jokes or what?''
''Ha! No. I just want to know how much of a bad boy my tattooist is. You know, so I can butter it up with my groupies.'' States Hidan with a point of sarcasm.
''I'm sure your fans would love to know you're rubbing shoulders with a reformed rapist. I was behind the guys with the soaps.'' Hidan's horrified face is worth the very crass joke. ''I did not. But I'm not telling you shit, brat. Especially if it's only to have a fucking reputation. You'll only turn the truth to -.''
''Fuck off, man, you don't know me.''
''You look dumb enough to spread rumors.''
Hidan flips him off.
Kakuzu finishes the tattoo touch-up in silence. He glances up sometimes to see if Hidan is sleeping again or if he looks at him. Hidan is definitely staring at his hands and face with his amethyst eyes. Kakuzu holds his stare for a moment. He wonders how Hidan is able to push so many of his buttons in such a short amount of time, but… he doesn't hate it. Most people call him unapproachable or the biggest 'bitch resting face' they have ever met despite his mask, but Hidan is not intimidated in the least. He comes back for more, while he could have gone to another parlor and left a scathing review on Red Moon.
Once the touch-up is done, Kakuzu swipes away the excess ink and applies hydrating cream.
''Thanks. This should hold up. See you next time.'' Says Hidan, exiting the studio with a glance back.
A week passes, but it takes three days for Kakuzu to pinpoint his… not unease, more like an expectation. Each patron who passed his door, he would glance at them and be ready to retort.
He was expecting Hidan each time the studio's door opened. He was awaiting his brash attitude, requiring his service this instant. Hidan spoke about an arm tattoo, and every day Kakuzu was checking the schedule to see his name pop. The back of his brain was subconsciously thinking about a sleeve tattoo or something to match the others the punk possesses, but the front of his brain was chastising himself to expect the bastard with a smidge of eagerness.
He was getting frustrated at himself for waiting for Hidan and at his patrons for not being Hidan, to the point that even Konan noticed his sour mood.
''Bad day?'' Asks Konan doing inventory.
''No. There's nothing.'' Responds Kakuzu sipping coffee.
''Mmmh, well, you look on edge. Expecting a package? A big client?''
Kakuzu shakes his head and feigns focusing back on his work. Konan will call him ridiculous if she learns the real reason. He thinks he is being ridiculous; the only thing they did was banter.
Still. It made his days way more entertaining. And now he cares about a patron that definitely won't come back since he got what he wanted. Furthermore, Hidan may have found somewhere less expensive and less disagreeable with some crust punks in a back alley, ready to do stick and poke for a pack of beer and cigarettes.
It's quiet in the afternoon except for the rain tapping against the glass. It's white-grey outside and Kakuzu muses artwork while looking at the skyscrapers. Konan has taken the rest of the day off to accompany Nagato at the hospital.
The door opens violently.
''Yo! Missed me?'' Asks Hidan, walking in the studio like he owns the place.
''Nothing lights a room like your absence.'' Deadpans Kakuzu, like he wasn't expecting Hidan for a week. ''Came for more, punk? And without an appointment again.''
''Fuck off!'' Hidan looks around. ''I don't think I'm disturbing anything, you grouchy ass. I chose what I wanted for my arm!''
It was a slow day. Kakuzu only had one rendezvous in the morning. ''What about the two others?''
''Spick and span! So. I want a scythe.''
Kakuzu blinks, digesting the small prompt he is given. ''Okay. Just the scythe? Or the Reaper?''
''Reaper is a bit on the nose.''
Kakuzu leans back on his office chair. ''I can stylize it.''
''Can you?''
''You think I don't know what I'm doing, Hidan?'' Asks Kakuzu, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
''I need to be sure I look good, okay! Got an image to give to the heathens! So a scythe, on all the arm.''
''That's dumb. The scythe is going to bend with your elbow.''
That makes Hidan cocks his head with a pensive look. ''You're kind of right… Okay. Just on the upper arm.''
''Want a farmer scythe or a particular scythe?''
They begin to discuss designs, which is Kakuzu's favorite part. They still exchange insults for good measure, but Hidan is open to all ideas. Hidan chooses a variant of the death tarot card, with a skeleton holding its scythe from his bicep to his elbow.
Kakuzu's schedule is free for the rest of the day, so he begins to work on the musician's arm immediately and plans to finish it as well.
Hidan speaks the entire session while immobile, his tolerance to pain higher than normal. He speaks about how he formed the group with the other members: Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara. The band was formed from some adolescent angst in Sasori’s garage, but said adolescent angst resonated with the scene in the city, and they managed to take off. Hidan lives with Itachi in a rough part of town. Deidara is a common friend of Nagato and Konan.
The musician chats about his faith as well, his church, his buttfuck nowhere natal village, and some punk bands he currently enjoys.
It allows Kakuzu to see who exactly is Hidan, apart from the bold, brash bastard he's used to see.
Hidan relates the story of when they were doing a concert in an abandoned hangar and the cops arrived to shut down the show and arrest them for trespassing, but they managed to escape with old beer bottles and set them on fire.
''You're stupid.'' Deadpans Kakuzu. It's a miracle they're still free men and women.
''Pff, I've been called worse by better, old man.'' Says Hidan with a smirk. ''The police can eat my ass.''
Kakuzu rolls his eyes, continuing the ribs of the skeleton. Stupid, bold, and brash.
But entertaining.
''So… Do you think a snake sleeve would be cool?'' Says Hidan, still munching on his extra-meat breakfast burrito.
''You got a rendez-vous without the slightest idea of what you wanted? '' Retorts Kakuzu flatly.
''You should be delighted, asshole. It's time to show off the design you always wanted to do or try something.''
''This is the kind of discussion we should be having on email or by text. I appreciate the money, but-''
''Well, you never gave me your number, did you?'' Asks Hidan with a smirk.
Kakuzu narrows his eyes. That was bold flirting. He knows he looks younger than he is, especially with the medical mask rarely leaving his face.
''E-mail should be easier for the pictures.'' Adds Kakuzu.
''Oh, yeah. I like pictures.'' Responds Hidan in the same playful tone as earlier.
Kakuzu rolls his eyes, thanking his mask for hiding his slight flush. ''You say that to all your tattooists.''
Hidan belly laughs, which makes Kakuzu a little proud. They discuss designs, either to match with the scythe or have a completely new art style, like geometric or negative space tattoos.
The weeks follow, Hidan always come back with more ludicrous tattoos ideas than the previous ones, making Kakuzu take time with him to discuss designs. Sometimes they order food while he tattoos the younger man.
Hidan is getting… touchy as well. Kakuzu knows he look intimidating and is stern in the way he talks, but Hidan isn't shy to enter his bubble or touch his fore-arms and shoulders, either slapping it after he tells a joke only himself laugh, in excitation for a new project or speaking about his shows and friends. And Kakuzu lets him.
Hidan's arms are now decorated in beautiful patterns. Kakuzu noticed how extra meticulous he was being, how critical he was of his pieces with the punk. He tries his best so Hidan's body stays on a theme, a palette of colours and gradients.
Hidan asked for a thigh piece, an intricate oni in ukiyo-e style with red spider lilies. It will start from his hip bone and finish above his knee.
Kakuzu has been working on the lines for the last hour, but his hands aren't as steady as he wished, his eyes aren't entirely focused on the young man's leg. Even Hidan isn't chirpy like usual while he holds the towel on his groin tight. The position is on his side, his leg naked, and his shirt tugged up above his abs. If Kakuzu leans on the right, he'll have a view of Hidan's cheeks. It's very erotic from this point of view, and furthermore, Kakuzu can feel Hidan's slight shivers each time he presses his hand on his hip to stabilize or draw, the warm skin under his nitrile glove almost a balm, adding to the intimacy of the situation.
They're unusually silent. Just working, or sighing if it hurts slightly.
And it's getting Kakuzu overthinking about his situation, their situation. At this point, he knows Hidan is interested. And he can't lie to himself that Hidan is growing on him despite the crude attitude.
In the session, Hidan either smiles at him or looks like he's about to say something when they stare at each other, but he turns his eyes away. It makes Kakuzu's gut jump before he mentally beats it with a stick.
The lines are done. He rubs away the ink to look at it from afar and appreciate it, then he turns toward the door to allow Hidan to put back his brief.
''So, except tattoos, I never know what you do.'' Says Hidan, sitting on the chair and stretching, his shirt hiking up higher.
''I read. I pet my cats. I cook. I get drunk in nature.'' Responds Kakuzu off the bats.
''Wait, you got cats?''
''Yes.''
''Cat tax.''
Kakuzu side-glances him. There aren't a lot of photos of his cats in his phone; he doesn't see the need when he cuddles them every day. ''No.''
''What??! That's cruel!''
Kakuzu makes a 'mph' sound while storing away his materials. He hears Hidan dressing up in his ripped jeans and his stupid faux-furred coat.
''Wanna grab a bite, I'm starving.'' Asks Hidan.
Kakuzu looks outside the window. The city is illuminated by countless streetlamps and light from inside skyscrapers like a starry sky of cement. ''Sure. I know a cheap burger place.''
''Oh, I'm going to see you outside the studio. I almost thought you lived here.'' Jeers Hidan. ''Are the kitty cats in the cupboards?''
Kakuzu makes a silent chuckle. ''You wish. I live twenty minutes' walk away.''
''Downtown? With the price of apartments? Gee, tattoos pay better than I expected.''
The burger is greasy and salty, and it's all Kakuzu wanted. Hidan is licking his fingers from the sauce as they watch the passerby outside.
It's surprisingly easy to be with Hidan. Despite a rough, loudmouthed exterior, the young man is passionate. He loves his friends, he loves his craft, and he wears emotions on his sleeves. It's not something Kakuzu is used to, but the candor is welcome. He learnt to choose his friends carefully, and Hidan is carving himself a nice place in the list.
Kakuzu eyes the silver necklace reflecting the twilight rays. He's working on Hidan's tibia, a vulture to accompany the panther. Usually, patrons hiss and whimpers in pain, but Hidan just sighs like he's in a spa as the needle works on his skin.
''Who introduced you to Jashin?'' Asks Kakuzu. He knows Hidan's religion is very important for him, so he's genuinely curious.
''Oh?'' Hidan opens one eye with a mischievous expression. ''Interested in joining the greatest church?''
''No.''
''You would be amazing in it.''
Kakuzu lifts his eyes to meet Hidan's. ''I'll believe it when I see it.''
''Tch, that lack of faith will be your demise.''
''I've been doing good so far.''
Hidan makes a theatrical sigh so loud it could be heard from the street, then he shakes his head. ''I joined the church of Jashin because they accepted me even though I was a little shit, even though I preferred… boys.'' There's a blush on Hidan's face as he says the last word, his gaze very interested in an empty corner of the ceiling. ''They didn't chastise me because I was destroying or burning stuff… They just helped me redirect the rage and energy to something else. It's kind of a satanic church because we do some old chicken sacrifices, but…''
The picture of Hidan covered in blood, praying in the moonlight, paints an especially pretty picture in Kakuzu's mind. He nods.
''The main church is in the damn countryside, and it was a dead-end to stay there. So I came to the city. I've hung out with the punk scene and the goths. It was nice, met Itachi, then Sasori, whom Itachi met in school. Then the rest is history.'' Hidan looks directly into his eyes. ''You don't believe in anything?''
''It's hard to believe in anything when the world slants under you. I came out of the water by my own strength.''
There's a moment of seriousness in Hidan's expression. ''Then I admire you for it.'' Back to a snicker. ''But no fancy burial for you when death collects. I'll turn your ash into cat litter.''
Kakuzu pinches Hidan's shin. The punk yelps then laughs.
Konan is in akimbo in front of Kakuzu's new poster. She is very amused. She turns to Kakuzu with a smile on her lips and departs to her working chair as her patron is getting comfortable for bilateral industrial piercings and a belly piercing.
Kakuuz looks at the poster again with a smirk. He's not above teasing Hidan and his ego.
The buzz of his tattoo gun is loud in the studio, the silent hisses of his patron covered by it. Kakuzu wipes the ink of his piece, an intricate fractal mandala on the thigh. He allows his patron to admire before putting the hydrating cream.
The door opens violently, almost hitting the wall behind and holing it. ''Heeeey! Did you miss me bitch ass-!?'' Hidan's loud gasp almost makes Kakuzu's voluntary stoicism break.
''Your rendez-vous is in half an hour, Hidan.'' Says Kakuzu, trying his best not to snort at the musician's reaction.
Konan is attempting to stifle her cackles on the side. Emphasize attempting.
''Kakuzu! You wound me! Itachi?? Really!?'' Almost shouts Hidan pointing at the poster, the cup of coffee in his other hand spilling over from the abrupt movement. The accused poster is of Hidan's band, the Occultists, and it's Itachi on his knees with a tight black jean, shirtless, hair loose, a microphone stand leaning on his chest, and his face covered in running make-up.
''I couldn't find yours.'' Lies Kakuzu, having a good moment.
''You could have asked me, you bitch ass!!''
''I have a patron, Hidan. Watch your mouth.''
''Ooooh, you stodgy, uptight, presumptuous, contemptuous, conceited bastard!''
There's a silence in the room as they all stare at Hidan. Kakuzu raises his eyebrows. "Did it hurt attempting to fit your entire vocabulary into a sentence?"
"I've got just two more words: Fuck you."
Kakuzu snorts, shaking his head. He stands up to make his patron pay, and Hidan immediately takes the tattoo chair, not caring about the cleanliness of the piece of work furniture.
''My poster is way better.'' Pouts Hidan, exactly like a petulant child.
''Could I have a donation then?'' Asks Kakuzu, trying to keep his mirth low. ''You could even sign it.''
Hidan rolls his eyes and scoffs. But that attitude doesn't stay long. ''I mean… Sure. But only if you replace Itachi!''
''Perhaps Konan can take it on her side then.''
''No. Give it to Kisame.'' Responds Konan playfully.
''Who?'' Kakuzu inquires.
''A friend who's a cop. He comes to almost all our shows for the discounted beer.''
Admittedly, Kakuzu didn't listen to a lot of the Occultists' songs, just the most popular in the background while he worked. ''I'm pretty sure two of your songs say 'fuck the police'.''
''Well, for Itachi, it's in the literal sense.''
Kakuzu makes a low chuckle. ''So what is it going to be, a tramp stamp?''
''You just want to look at my ass for two hours, admit it. What about knuckle tattoos? DEATH and EATEN or something like that.''
''Four letters. The thumb isn't tattooed, because we can't see it.'' Kakuzu brushes Hidan's knuckles with his thumb, the gesture uncharacteristically tender. He has seen so many young people regretting their tattoos older. He's certain Hidan will never grow out of his punk phase, but it's still too cliché for his character, while he could have something much better. He deserved better. ''And I think pictograms are superior. It's timeless while words could lose their original meaning as you get older.''
''Wow, got sappy and poetic all the sudden, old man.''
Kakuzu scowls, defensive from being called-out. ''You're right, you're paying for whatever bullshit you want.''
Hidan clicks his tongue. ''Tell me about those pictograms.''
The tattooist swallows his annoyance with great difficulty, but he turns his computer to Hidan to show some tiny daggers, tattoos, skulls, moon phases, etc, that could easily elevate the knuckles.
''But if you want DEATH, let's go with DEATH, Hidan.'' Says Kakuzu flatly.
Hidan shrugs nonchalantly. ''I mean, it's not that serious. Yeah, I know it's permanent, but I don't think it'll be for long, you know…''
Kakuzu frowns. ''Think you'll die young, brat?''
''I mean, I enjoy living fast.''
''I did. And I'm still here. Don't count on a divine intervention to smite you while you still look pretty for your funeral photo.''
Hidan's smile widens. ''And how old are you exactly?''
''58. I have the wise old man card.''
''No way.''
''Yes way. I got tattoos older than you.''
''Shut up, man. You're not 58. Konan! How old is he?''
Konan leans back from her chair, eating a smelly fish stew. ''58. He was telling me about the rise of the first punk bands when we began to work together.''
''And now you're here for the rise of the new punk bands!'' Says Hidan, victorious, beaming with pride. ''You have no excuse not to come to our next show! Even Konan and Nagato will be there. I'll give you that new poster! Signed even!''
And Kakuzu goes with Konan and Nagato. It's a new place the band is playing at and not yet adapted for wheelchairs, so Nagato is thankful for Kakuzu helping Konan to get him inside. The place is in an industrial building, the room is dusty, and there is no bathroom inside. They have to walk fifty meters away to a chemical toilet at the construction site. The beer is dirt cheap and tastes like pool water, and it smells like cigarettes and leather inside.
It's fun. And Hidan has a great presence on the scene as the bassist, he is clearly having a blast pulling the strings while Itachi shouts his lungs out with a young blonde smashing the drums behind and a short red-head shredding the guitar.
Hidan greets him after the show, sweating, beaming, enthusiastically shoving into his hands a large poster.
''Did you enjoy the punk handover, old bastard?'' Asks Hidan, his amethyst eyes scintillating in excitement.
He enjoyed watching Hidan so happy. ''Yes. You'll be international, I'm sure.''
Hidan's smile widens even more, then he hugs him. It's sweaty and too hot, but Kakuzu happily responds. ''Come, let me present you the group!''
''Oh, so the back?'' Asks Kakuzu. His mind is already spinning from all the designs he could produce. He loves back pieces; those are like a placard to show off talent to the world.
''Yes.''
''Any ideas?''
''No.''
Kakuzu arches a brow. ''Ah? Anything?''
''I trust you.''
To say he isn't touched would be a blatant lie. Kakuzu makes an endeared sigh despite himself. ''I knew one day you would ask for it, so I have a design to propose to you. Would you like to cover your neck tattoo as well? I'll include it in the price.'
''Oh shit, you're sure?!''
''Take it, Hidan!'' Shouts Konan from behind. ''Before he rescinds his offer!''
''Okay! Yeah!'' Hidan has a beaming smile, then he's back to a more subdued and shy expression. ''Yeah… While you show me. I was wondering if you wanna go dance with us on Friday? It's Sasori's birthday and all…''
''You want to invite Kakuzu?'' Asks Konan surprised, sipping on her coffee.
''Yeah. Unless he's too good for nightclubs. Scared his hip broke or something?'' Responds Hidan.
''Sure. I'll come and dance. If I like the music, I'll stay.'' Responds Kakuzu.
''If you don't, you just need more booze!''
''Sure, sure.''
''Good! Now show me that piece!''
The club itself is on the second floor. There's no dress code, and the cover is free, which is always a plus for Kakuzu. He enters the premises with the blue and purple lights blinking inside the large, hot room. The bar is at the back, with the bottles illuminated and a blackboard with the prices.
The DJ booth is on the left, and the DJ is looking way too pumped while spinning his tracks on his CDJ.
It's packed with young people in varying states of intoxication, bits of conversations muffled by the bass of the music. Everyone is dressed differently, from preppy to goth. It's all very casual and made for a good time.
Kakuzu uses his height to scan the crowd and find Hidan or Konan. If Nagato is here, then he needs to check for a wheelchair.
Silver hair at the bar. Kakuzu bumps into the crowd to join him.
Hidan's back is facing him, with Deidara beside him. They are ordering a plate of shots while discussing animatedly, shouting above the music.
Kakuzu taps Hidan's shoulder. The punk turns around, his face morphs into happiness, seeing him. ''Kakuzu! Heey!’'
''Kakuzu?!'' Asks Deidara. ''Hey man!''
Hidan has rosy cheeks and a dumb smile. He hugs the tattooist, and Kakuzu deduces Hidan must already be tipsy.
Once Deidara lifts the plate of shots while the DJ drops a house beat and the crowd cheers, they penetrate the crowd, Kakuzu following them. The group is near the right wall, in the middle.
''Oh hey!'' Shouts Konan, opening her arms.
Konan is quick to hug him as well, and he greets Nagato.
''Yo! Itachi! Kakuzu came!'' Shouts Hidan, gesturing to his roommate and friend. Itachi still has impressive eyebags like he’s way past his bedtime, and his goth clothes look way too hot for a club setting. They make a quick shoulder hug.
''Hey! Hidan was really hoping you weren't going to flake.'' Says Itachi.
Behind Itachi is a very tall man, with enough muscles to intimidate a mountain and blue hair that tends his hand for a shake. ''Kisame, pleased to meet you. You're Hidan's tattooist, right?''
''Yes, Kakuzu.''
Sasori is three feet away, but he doesn't even turn to him as he is engrossed in a conversation with Nagato.
Wait, Zetsu and Obito are here as well.
''Yooooo no way! You're here! I never thought I would see you in a place like that.'' Says Obito, laughing with a sex on the Beach in hand.
''Calling me old, Obito?'' Snorts Kakuzu.
Zetsu vaguely waves at him, too occupied to dance and surely high out of his mind from weed.
''You want something to drink, 'kuzu!'' Asks Hidan above the music. ''Let me buy it! For coming!''
Kakuzu nods, and they bump again in the crowd. He received a gin shot already, a welcome gift from Hidan, but a beer or a drink would help him cool down in the stuffy crowd. The music is picking up, bpm increasing, with now the spotlights moving fast and the smoke machine going crazy. He can barely see Hidan in the smoke, he feels like a plant into a way too humidified room.
''What do you want?'' Asks Hidan, getting his wallet out.
''Anything that isn't sweet.'' Responds Kakuzu.
''Beer it is.''
With a large beer in hand, Hidan is holding a double gin tonic, they go back to the group.
Kakuzu is leaning on the wall as the music is moving the joyous crowd. He watches Hidan dance with Itachi and Deidara. Their gazes meet a couple of times, and Hidan always flashes him a grin or a wink. Konan comes to accompany him on the wall with Obito, and they discuss jobs and designs for a moment. Kakuzu has to intimidate a man from hitting on Konan, and Obito has gone to pay for another round of gin shots for everyone.
Once the shots are taken, Deidara pulls Sasori onto the dance floor, and everyone chants his name to encourage him while he dances with the straightest face Kakuzu ever saw, which pulls a chuckle out of him.
The tattooist is on his third beer and knows he's tipsy because the music is getting him to bob his head and sway. He finishes his beer in one go and leaves the wall to dance near Hidan and Itachi.
Hidan is quick to face him, sweat plastering his silver hair on the side of his face. He removed his shirt to let it dangle on the side of his pants, his chest and silver necklace glittering in the club lights.
The music has turned to techno, high energy, and repetitive, but hypnotizing nonetheless. Kakuzu is feeling bold as his inhibitions are greatly lowered from his intoxication; the forced proximity with Hidan in the crowd spurs him to touch, to seek the young man. His hand glides to Hidan's waist, the other on his arm, and the musician does nothing to stop him. It's exhilarating
They dance together, legs following the rhythm of the music. Hidan wraps his arms around his neck, their bodies pressed together.
Kakuzu forgets they're in a group; he forgets the strangers gyrating around them. There's only bass, Hidan against him, and a moment he won't forget. Kakuzu hasn't put back his medical mask after the second beer, the club too hot. The shameless stares from Hidan are flattering, his fingers calloused from guitar having traced his cheek's scars numerous times.
Once the tune changes for something he doesn't like, Kakuzu proposes another beer. He pays for shots for the gang, as a thank you for the invitation. The plateau is brought, and everyone shouts 'Happy Birthday Sasori' while downing the shots.
''I'm coming back, I have to go to the bathroom.'' Says Kakuzu.
''Following you.'' Responds Hidan.
While zig-zagging in the crowd, Kaluzu notices how intoxicated he is. He drank a lot in a short amount of time, and it's beginning to affect him.
It's a unisex bathroom with two long rows of cabins. There are no lines, and the traffic is fluid. ''Damn, I'm used to lines, this is nice.'' Comments Hidan.
Once their business is done, they go back to the bar. Back to the crowd to dance. Deidara is getting sloshed, leaning on Sasori and having a debate with Obito above the music. Itachi looks the same except for staring at Kisame like the sun shining out of his ass.
''Hey, don't forget to drink water, people!'' Shouts Kisame with three bottles he hands out to Obito, Konan, and Sasori.
Hidan pulls him back to dance after they drink water, arms around his shoulders. Kakuzu leans down, face near the musician.
Woman tribal vocalization echoes in the club, then there’s a housy-techno drop, and he kisses him.
The response is immediate, Hidan exhales and opens his mouth to deepen the kiss. His hand buries into his dark hair, and he tilts his head. Kakuzu groans, emboldened. Hidan follows his tongue as they gently sway with the music, the bass vibrating in their bones.
He can't stop kissing him; he doesn't want to stop. His gut tightened from excitement, and he don’t care if anyone see. Hidan is chasing his lips just as ardently.
Kakuzu tilts his head to kiss Hidan's sweaty neck, pressing his lips on his pulse point, his hands grabbing Hidan's ass.
Their kisses are becoming messy, and they move to the side, where he can pin Hidan against the wall to prevent him from escaping, because he’s getting addicted and he could spend the rest of the night making out.
''Hey… I need to go to the bathroom.'' Says Hidan, in between kisses.
Kakuzu nods, following him out of instinct instead of needing to pee. He knows it would be awkward to stay in the crowd or with the others because he'll only be waiting for Hidan to come back.
They enter the toilet, and Kakuzu realizes he is drunk. The voices echo in the bathroom, and his head feels woozy.
''Having fun, 'kuzu?'' Asks Hidan, kissing his neck.
''Because of you… yeah.'' Responds Kakuzu, voice slurring.
''Glad to hear it.''
Hidan looks composed, apart from his dishevelled hair. He must regularly drink. A stall opens in the far back, and Hidan pulls him inside with him.
Kakuzu is pushed in the back, and Hidan kisses him after locking the stall. The punk's hand is on his belt, his other hand slides under his shirt.
For a single instant, Kakuzu hesitates to stop there, knowing they are hogging the toilet. But he hears three people in the adjacent stall discussing whether they should do ketamine or coke, and his worries fuck off.
He groans when he feels Hidan grinding against his thigh. His belt in undone and his pants are open.
''Didn't you need to pee?'' Asks Kakuzu lowly.
''Mmmh, I wanted to see if you would follow me.'' Responds Hidan, slicking back his hair.
Hidan palms his brief while they kiss. Kakuzu does the same, his hand sliding against bare skin once he unbuckled the musician's belt.
Hidan groans, biting his lower lip. They begin to nip each other, hands leaving their groin to grope each other. The tattooist groans, his skin heated by touches and caresses. It feels good.
Then, Hidan kneels, tugging down his pants to his knees. Kakuzu exhales, shivering from Hidan's breath of his half-hard erection, from watching Hidan lick his lips excitedly. There's the sound of stalls opening and closing, voices in echo, and the distant bass of the music above their heavy breaths resonating in the cabin.
Kakuzu groans, more loudly than he intended, when Hidan immediately swallows half of his cock, then swallows more of his length, his lips pressing against his lower stomach with a heated gaze. Kakuzu bites his lower lip, feeling his lower guts tighten at the jolt of pleasure from the velvet heat and instant tongue.
His gland is lavished by attention, and Hidan is happily sighing as he bobs his head, the musician's hands grabbing his thighs and his thumbs rubbing the skin. It feels good, the attention, the enthusiasm, the way Hidan's tongue cradles his cock.
But he can't stay hard. Kakuzu makes an aggravated sigh, pushing away Hidan.
''Too drunk…'' Slurs Kakuzu, his cock still half-hard despite Hidan's lovely attention.
''Whisky dicks happen to all of us.'' Chuckles Hidan. ''Want to go dance?''
''You…'' Responds Kakuzu, hands on Hidan's pants.
''You don't have to, old man.''
In one tug, Kakuzu slides Hidan's pants down and he squats. Hidan's hands go in his hair, scratching his scalp. He stares at the musician's half-erection, licking the interior of his mouth accumulate saliva. He never had anything sexual in public, where anyone could bang on the stall and demand they exit, but his inhibitions took a vacation, and he hears the adjacent stall debating about the lines not being straight enough.
Kakuzu leans and grabs the base before putting the tip in his mouth with an exhale. It doesn't taste like anything, so he swallows more, earning a very aroused, very sexy groan from Hidan.
''Shit, man.'' Whispers Hidan, eyes closing.
Kakuzu puts one hand on the stall behind for his balance, then moves his head, focusing on his tongue. He's drunk, so finesse is out of the question, but Hidan isn't complaining. He tries his best to keep it silent as he shoves the dick in the back of his throat. Hands in his hair tightens and he does it again. A swirl of tongue at the tip gets Hidan's thighs shaking. He leans down to suck on one of Hidan's ball and the young man curses under his breath.
Kakuzu puts back the weeping erection in his mouth, bobbing his head clumsily. Hidan grabs the side of his face, then rolls his hips. One hand on the stall, then one of Hidan's hips as he slackens his jaw to let his lover fuck his face.
Kakuzu grunts as saliva runs on his chin, his hair tugged a bit too hard, but hearing Hidan is going to fuel his nocturnal fantasies for weeks.
''Kakuzu-'' Chokes Hidan, hips thrusting erratically inside Kakuzu's mouth.
He quickly, almost too quickly as he almost falls on his ass, gets the cock out of his mouth and rapidly strokes it. Hidan bites his fist with a muffled groan as he spills. Kakuzu watches the drops of cum land on the floor, then focuses back on stroking Hidan to completion.
Kakuzu grabs toilet paper to swipe the floor clean, before getting up with Hidan's help since his balance is affected.
Hidan kisses him, not minding the taste. ''Want to sleep together? So I can suck you in the morning?''
''Okay…'' Breathes out Kakuzu, kissing Hidan some more. ''You allergic to cats?''
Hidan shakes his head negatively, and the tattooist nods. Itachi will surely appreciate to have the apartment for himself to himself, or himself and Kisame. Who knows.
Kakuzu follows Hidan back in the crowd after drinking some water from the bathroom sinks. Most of the group is properly smashed, with Zetsu already gone, along with Nagato and Konan. The club is about to close in half an hour, and Hidan proposes to go.
They make a brief byes to everyone, Deidara teasing Hidan endlessly about him, and they are gone from the club. The night is fresh outside, the wind welcome against his overheating face.
They take a taxi.
''Oh, your place?'' Says Hidan once Kakuzu has said his address. ''Ooooh, that's why you asked about the cats!!''
Kakuzu nods, feeling boneless in the back seat. He turns his head to Hidan, looking at the young man's every detail in his drunk haze. He is incredibly handsome. Hidan flashes him a playful grin.
They get out of the taxi after Hidan pays because Kakuzu doesn't have the proper coordination to get cards from his wallet and tap his nip. They enter the lobby of the condo building, and they ride the elevator to the twelfth floor.
Kakuzu unlocks his door, albeit slowly, and enters his condo with Hidan following. Immediately, he hears a loud meow and a plop on the floor.
''Oooooh, hello.'' Coos Hidan, squatting to pet a tortie cat on her back, stretching.
''That's Pombero. Monai is the orange one, Tui is the grey one you might not see, and Ao is the white fluffy one.'' Drawls Kakuzu, dragging his feet across his apartment. He needs a shower.
He manages to enter the shower without ripping his clothes in his drunkenness and lets the hot water clean him from the night. The warmth almost lulls him to sleep. He gets out of the bathroom, dressed in loose pants and a shirt, and sees Hidan in the kitchen, preparing some frozen fries.
''Hey, handsome. Something to eat before you crash down.'' Says Hidan, already shirtless with loose pants from Kakuzu's wardrobe. ''And your apartment is so freaking nice! I love the view! How much a month??''
''It's a condo… Already paid.''
''A condo?? Shit, you do a tattoo factory to pay it off or something.''
Kakuzu shrugs. He's too drunk to talk about his investments that flourished from before prison.
They eat, then Kakuzu crashes into his bed, vision spinning. He shouldn't drink this much; he's past the age. Hidan slides under the cover beside him, and Kakuzu pulls him for a cuddle, enjoying the feeling.
Kakuzu wakes up, the sunlight filtering through his curtains. He sits up with a groan, expecting a throbbing headache or some nausea, but he's happily surprised to be decently in shape, just a bit tired from his drinking binge. Tui stretches between his legs before jumping off the bed. There's the sound of his shower in the bathroom. He sighs, slumping down in bed.
The shower stops, and Kakuzu hears the rustling of a towel and the door opening with the fan of the bathroom running. He stands up to pee and rinse his mouth.
''Good morning!'' Chirps Hidan, looking refreshed and way too energized.
Kakuzu nods and does his business before coming back to bed, where Hidan is waiting for him, the towel low on his hips.
''You're a sight for sore eyes.'' Comments Kakuzu.
Hidan grins, turning on his side. ''Want to continue what we were doing yesterday? Or you want to eat first?''
The musician's wet hair falls on the side instead of the usual slicked back style, and his tattoos are glistening in the sunlight. Kakuzu climbs on the bed, hovering above Hidan to kiss him.
They make out for a while, Kakuzu enjoying the feeling sober, and getting excited as Hidan's hands are caressing his back and scalp. He feels like a horny adolescent once more. Furthermore, seeing Hidan's muscles and frame adorned with tattoos of his making provokes a visceral response in his mind, a wave of possessiveness he never had with anyone. Hidan is marked by him forever.
The towel is thrown off the bed, and his loose pants are discarded. Hidan tastes like mint from the toothpaste, he tastes like bad decisions and passion, the best.
Kakuzu presses down against Hidan, their erections gliding together while the arousal mounts. The musician's lips are getting swollen from kisses, and he can't wait to have them wrapped around his cock.
''You got condoms?'' Asks Hidan in between kisses.
That sounds good too. Kakuzu rolls off his lover to dig in his nightstand for condoms and lube. Hidan takes the opportunity to grab his ass with a chuckle. Kakuzu rolls on his back and Hidan straddles him, taking the lube.
''Not too tired? You were drunk off your ass yesterday.'' Comments Hidan.
''You're making it difficult to be tired.'' Says Kakuzu, stroking Hidan's erection.
The musician bends down to kiss him, and he kisses Hidan's jaw and neck while grabbing his ass with his free hand. He feels more than sees Hidan preparing himself, his short gasps and grunts exciting him tremendously. The young man's hand brushes his erection, twitching in impatience.
Then Hidan rips the condom and rolls it on his erection with a lascivious grin.
Kakuzu makes a choked moan when Hidan sinks down on his lubed cock, the heat and tightness absolutely luxurious. Hidan moans as well, taking a moment to adjust, head thrown back, revealing the column of his sweaty neck in the sunlight.
Kakuzu groans, hands tightening on Hidan's hips as he begins to lift and down and up his erection. Pleasure creeps up his pelvis, his balls getting taut from the motions. He lifts his hips each time Hidan sinks down, chasing the pleasure. They both groan and produce breathy moans, staring at each other with lust while they fuck.
Kakuzu brings his hand to Hidan's erection to stroke him in rhythm, and the clench of his sphincter on the head of his cock accelerates his imminent orgasm with jolts of electric pleasure from the tip of his cock to his groin.
''Hidan.'' Grunts out Kakuzu, clenching his teeth and trying to stave off his climax as Hidan is flexing his thighs at a rapid pace.
''Yeah?'' Says Hidan, licking his lips, his necklace bouncing on his chest.
Kakuzu thrusts up harder, burying himself balls deep into Hidan's welcoming body, relishing the clenches of his lover's body. He grunts, his lower abdomen flexing, his hand stroking the musician faster as he teeters on the edge. He bends his knees to use his feet and push his pelvis up, making Hidan wantonly moan as their skins slap together loudly. He wants to hold off so bad, but Hidan is making it impossible. He looks ravishing, he looks enraptured in pleasure from bouncing on his cock.
Kakuzu climaxes with a choked moan as Hidan's body clenches tight around him from a deep thrust, his hand never stopping the strokes on Hidan's erection. He arches his back, balls tightening, and pleasure flaring in his pelvis as Hidan continues to ride him.
Hidan stops, panting, swiping his hair back as Kakuzu continues to tug his cock. The musician grunts and bucks his hips, biting his lower lip in pleasure.
''Fuck! Fuckfuck!'' Moans Hidan. He spills in Kakuzu's hand, ass clenching around Kakuzu's softening cock.
They separate with an exhale once the pleasure dissipated, both taking a breather on the cover. It was short, but fuck was it what they needed. And he hopes there will be many more occasions.
Kakuzu hands tissues to wash themselves and a glass of water. They turn to face each other to kiss, their hands idly caressing their bodies. He kisses Hidan's neck, inhaling his scent, and his hand gropes his hip. Hidan kisses his scarred cheek, then his forearms, his purple eyes on his fading tattoos.
''You still want to know what happened, don't you?'' Ask Kakuzu in a soft voice.
''Well, I'm imagining you in an orange jumpsuit, and I like it.''
Kakuzu makes an endeared scoff. He hesitates for a moment as it is a charged subject, but Hidan has slashed himself a place in his life; he deserves to know who he was. ''I killed my cousin.''
Hidan's eyes lift to his face, his face neutral, devoid of judgment but expecting him to continue.
''We were close, almost like brothers. I was a businessman, I wanted to be rich, Torama was a man who loved to have troubles. He ended up working with crooks, and I had a dry cleaning business.''
''Dry cleaning??'' Cracks up Hidan.
''Yeah, and I was making bank from all the sheets and clothes needing to be washed from blood and the many, many cheques I had to not talk. My hands were clean, so if the police came, I could be exonerated from crimes related. It was the deal with Torama. The less I knew, the better. However… He began to gamble. He gambled away both our lives, and the yakuza he worked with took everything from my house and both our mothers' houses.''
Even after the decades of anger managements, Kakuzu still taste the fury at the back of his tongue.
''I was an angry man. Violent. I took a rented car and ran over him. Eight times.'' Continues the tattooist.
''I mean, I understand. Doesn't excuse it, but comprehensible.'' Says Hidan.
''Well, the jury thought the same. I got twelve years instead of a lifetime. I… I'm better with my temper than I used to be.''
Kakuzu searches for some rejection or recalcitrance in Hidan's eyes, but there's none. He used to break plates, doors, and TVs in his younger years. The only ones who could talk to him without provoking his ire were his mother and Torama. His patrons at the dry cleaners were terrified of him, and most yakuza learnt to leave him alone because he knew how to fight, and guns didn't impress him as much as they hoped for. His mother died two years later. He learnt it behind bars, and it made him spiral into even more fury.
He's been rejected by possible friends and lovers because of his past anger; to have killed because of it is a legit deterrent, and he can't fault anyone's worries for it.
However, Hidan seems unfazed.
Hidan lifts his hand to brush his cheek. ''Well, I know you have a short fuse, but I have a feeling you never want to go back to the levels you were.''
''No. Never.'' He's ashamed of the man he once was. ''I learnt to draw in prison. It was practically my only hobby, along with fighting the other prisoners. But my lawyer told me I had to calm down if I didn't want my sentence elongated. They had two programs in prison to help me. First were the anger therapy sessions. I thought it was for wusses at first. My anger served me. I fought and made a reputation behind bars. My scars were from rough fights or cliques trying to fuck with me. It's the second program that made me take the first…''
''Which is?''
''They had an animal program… Cats and dogs from kill shelters. Prisoners were used to care for them, and we could have something to take care of until they get adopted.''
Hidan's eyes widen. ''Oh, this is so cute.''
''I knew I had to be on my best behavior if I wanted to enter the program, so…'' Kakuzu sits, then taps the bed four times with his open palm. Monai jumps on the bed to be petted. ''Monai arrived a year before I was released. He was a scaredy cat and only had the skin on his bones. We bonded; he fluffed under my care. I was the only one who could approach him. I signed the adoption papers once I could prove I wasn't about to be homeless getting out.''
''NO WAY! HE'S YOUR SON! YOUR REAL BIOLOGICAL SON!''
Kakuzu barks a laugh, cradling Monai into his arms, his soft fur against his bare chest. ''He sure feels like it. I wasn't homeless because my bank account before I was incarcerated was well furnished, and I had investments. So… The condo came from that. Then I became a construction worker for a couple of years, because they don't give two shits about your past, then I met Konan when I went to get tattoos to accompany those ones. We became friends, and you know the rest.''
Hidan sits up to nuzzle his face into Monai's belly with a giggle. ''I'm staying here all day. This is too nice.''
''Oh yeah, you jobless bum?''
''Hey! You're not better!''
Kakuzu makes a soft smile. Having Hidan wanting to stay with him after knowing his past makes his chest feels lighter, like a coil inside it loosened. ''Make yourself at home.''
Konan opens the shop, and she sees her reflection in the windows. It's raining cats and dogs today, and her hair is sticking to her face and neck. She snorts, seeing Hidan's poster for the first time. It's provocative to say the least. Hidan is having a guitar pick between his teeth, his pants are the lowest legally allowed, and his chest is wet along his hair.
Patrons are arriving in less than fifteen minutes for 'snake bites' and industrial piercings.
The door opens once more, and Kakuzu is entering, steaming coffee in hand. They vaguely greet each other, too focused to get ready for the day. She puts on some music and checks their social media to ensure there's no catastrophe.
Their first patrons enter, and Konan readies her instruments.
A couple of minutes later, the door opens once more despite the schedule being taken. It's Hidan, shirtless, with two bagels and a coffee.
''Put a shirt, dumbass.'' Gruffly says Kakuzu, not lifting his eyes from his work.
''I didn't want to wet it.'' Responds Hidan with a snort.
''You're going to get sick, and you won't stop complaining.''
Konan internally smirks at their old married couple banter. She looks at Hidan's back, his tattoo having almost completely healed.
The back piece had been an event. The whole band and Red Moon studio had hung out here. They drank beers, played games, and chilled together while Kakuzu was doing art on Hidan’s back.
It was a beautiful piece, even if it was grim. It fitted Hidan perfectly; it was the scene of a man piercing another kneeling man's heart in medieval etching style, with all the crisscross lines used to make shading. It looked like 14th century manuscript had been drawn on Hidan's back, and his neck tattoo had been turned into a biblical angel.
However, Konan's eyes are quickly drawn to something else. Kakuzu has a new tattoo. She blinks. Kakuzu's last tattoo was five years ago, so this was particular. She looks at Hidan, and… oh, he has the same.
Hidan went away after eating his bagel, telling Kakuzu to call him. Kakuzu had that annoyed scowl like he had 90% of the time, but the way his eyes lingered on the door to soften told another story.
Konan turns back to her workstation with an endeared smile.
They both had a knuckle tattoo: a dagger and an anatomical heart on the fourth finger of the left hand.