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Mine traced his fingers over Daigo's tattoo. To him, Daigo was Fudo Myoo, the deity of wisdom etched on his back. Mine had never been a man of faith; he did not believe that any god or deity could save him from the loneliness that plagued him, the whispers of inadequacy that echoed in his mind in his every waking moment. That no matter how much money he had, he could own a person's life but never their heart. Until he met Daigo. Daigo reached out to him, and reduced his insecurities to ashes. In Daigo's presence, he felt worth. More importantly, he felt loved for being himself, not for his money. He would serve this deity till the end of his time.
Beside him, Daigo gently stirred under his touch. Mine felt a tinge of guilt as it had been a long day for Chairman Daigo and he did not expect his touch to rouse Daigo from his sleep. Daigo slowly turned over to face Mine, his eyelids heavy from his tiredness, gently gazing into Mine's eyes.
"Can't sleep?" Daigo asked gently, his gaze trained on Mine. Mine felt himself flush red, a sight that he hoped Daigo did not notice in the dim light of the room. It might be due to the tender love that Daigo showered him with, or the realisation that Daigo caught him touching his tattoo.
"It's nothing, go back to sleep, you've had a long day," Mine replied, resting his fingers on Daigo's hand to reassure him that everything is fine, both of them should be going back to sleep. He felt Daigo grip his hand in response, bringing their hands closer to his chest.
"Yoshitaka. Ever thought of getting a tattoo?"
Mine was momentarily stunned. He broke away from Daigo's gaze. The idea had never crossed his mind. He thought elaborate tattoos were reserved for the upper echelons of the yakuza, a right he did not deserve to have since his Hakuho Clan was only just accepted into the Tojo Clan recently. In addition, he felt unqualified to own a tattoo on his back, especially after witnessing the majesty of Daigo's Fudo Myoo. However, he also envied Daigo for his tattoo. Mine was not superstitious, but what if Daigo's tattoo bestowed upon him his wisdom and charisma, the flames of Fudo Myoo engulfing any obstacle standing in his path. Would it be too much to wish for, to be even an inch closer to where Daigo reigned? He had no definite answer to Daigo's question.
"I don't kn-" Mine started, but he was interrupted by Daigo.
"I want you to have a tattoo. As an initiation into the Tojo Clan. As proof of being my sworn brother."
Sworn brother. Mine almost stopped breathing hearing those words. Daigo had mentioned those words to him before, but he had rejected the sentiment. He was simply content being Daigo's lover, enjoying his presence, he did not need more. Becoming sworn brothers was not something to be thought lightly of; it was a ritual most sacred. Mine had no doubts about his loyalty to Daigo, but a ritual binding Daigo's loyalty to him? He did not want to restrict Daigo to such a "contract".
As if Daigo could sense his insecurities, Daigo stroked his hair with his free hand. Mine was led back into Daigo's gaze, and all he saw in Daigo's brown eyes was pure determination. Mine smiled, feeling defeated by an opponent he could never hope to win against. He could do nothing in the face of Daigo's determination. After all, he had sworn to support every decision Daigo made.
"Fine. So what tattoo would suit me then?"
"A kirin. You've brought me prosperity and luck, besides, a fierce mythical beast would look great on your toned body." Daigo laughed, and Mine felt a surge of happiness rising up within him. A kirin, Mine ruminated on the idea. He loved it. After all, kirins only appeared with the arrival of an illustrious ruler.
"I want it," Mine replied.
In response, Daigo pulled Mine's head towards him, bringing their faces close together. He gave Mine a small peck on the lips. Mine snuggled in closer to Daigo's toned body, pulling himself in closer for a deeper kiss. Daigo matched the kiss with equal fervour. With every touch, Mine could feel Daigo's intense body heat which permeated throughout the entire fiber of his being, filling him with utmost warmth. In this space between them, Mine could hear Daigo's heart beating wildly. It was a comfort to find out that perhaps he was not the only one feeling the adrenaline from all the nervousness and excitement after all.
Daigo was the first to run out of breath, and he broke away from the kiss to catch his breath. In the dim light, Mine could see the shine in Daigo's eyes, which focused on him alone. Daigo accepted him for who he was as a person, and loved him regardless of his flaws. He felt Daigo's hand fumbling in the dark to hold his, and he returned the gesture, fingers interlocking with Daigo's. In his presence, Mine felt validated and loved.
Together, the Fudo Myoo and the Kirin would set Japan's underworld ablaze.