Chapter Text
It’s the middle of winter and it’s cold outside, and yet the only thing Madara feels is the scorching heat of his anger that he thinks he might explode. He wants to rage, to kick something, punch something – anything to release this hot burning feeling inside him. Stupid fucking meddling elders. What do they care if he doesn’t want to marry? If they want kids so bad, why don’t they make it themselves.
Probably because they can’t with their shriveled little dicks. He thought, amused.
He’s been walking for probably around 30 minutes in an attempt to tamp down his emotions. He can’t face his family like this. God knows how they will twist it into some kind of reason why he needs a wife—
‘It’ll soften you up Mada-kun’
‘When you find the right person and have your own family, you’ll not be so angry anymore’
Hmph. If they wouldn’t hound him every week about finding a wife, he might be less prone into raving and storming out. Which is what he did… for the third time this week. A new record; they should be proud. Despite the initial energy he felt when he took off, he’s now feeling the familiar resignation whenever these arguments happen.
He sighs. He knows that he’ll have to face them again eventually but having time to himself helps calm him down.
Maybe if he actually gets a partner, they’ll back off. Hah. A problem for another time. For now, he’s slowly feeling the cold seep into his bones. It might be a good idea to take a break somewhere before going back home.
He pauses, looking around for a café, or a bar–anywhere to get his mind off of this shitty situation. There’s not really much around here. Apparently, he ended up in some weird alley just outside the main square. He can see bright lights flashing just ahead, he’s sure he’ll have more luck finding a bar there but he feels oddly at peace in this small little alley.
Quiet. Just him and the slow falling snowfall.
Still, it’s probably a bad idea to stay here. He knows he can defend himself but the idea of being robbed is still an unpleasant thought.
He huffs, his breaths puffing into clouds, the cold making him grow more uncomfortable by the second. He looks around again and squints at an unremarkable door.
The shop was small, nondescript, and almost unnoticeable compared to a considerably larger flower shop next to it. It looked aged, its fading sign reading ‘Thunder tattoo’. The dim yellow lights coming from the inside and the small open sign hanging on the door are the only indications that it was still in business. If he hadn’t stopped beside this alley to air out his frustrations he may have missed it completely.
No one could’ve possibly noticed this if they were simply passing through the area, Madara thought. If he hadn’t stopped at this particular corner of the street, he certainly wouldn’t have either but one way or another, this shop has caught his attention, driving his feet to move forward.
Looking at the shop window reveals an empty room so Madara looks at his watch, making sure that it isn’t too late yet. Seeing the hands point at just around 8 pm, he decides to enter the shop and take a look around. He’s always been curious about tattoo shops, even seriously thought about getting one for himself in the past but for some reason or another, he just didn’t. Figured the earful he’s surely going to get wouldn’t be worth it.
Now though, temptation sinks. He’s just the right amount of petty and unbothered to actually go through with it. Maybe he will get his first tattoo or something, he huffs, that’ll show them soft.
--
The inside of the shop certainly fits its exterior. At the center is a large tattoo chair and a small stool on its side. On the corner, he sees a cupboard with gloves, sanitizers, and other cleaning supplies. A shelf on top of it contains inks and other stuff he wouldn’t even bother to decipher. Probably more tattoo stuff. This is exactly what he thinks he would see in a tattoo shop.
But what makes this different is that it looks less like a shop and more… makeshift studio of some college guy having a hobby. Like a home turned into a tattoo studio. Aside from the little tattoo corner, as he would like to call it, nothing in this shop screams tattoo. Bookshelves line the walls, an armchair on the corner, and plants. A lot of plants. So much that one would think this is an extension of the flower shop next door. The lights are a bit dim, cozy especially on a cold winter night. I thought tattoo shops need to be bright? Is this shop even real?
There isn’t even anyone here.
This is probably one of those shops the mafia use as front, he thinks amused. He’s a bit dejected though because despite this being a spur of the moment decision, he realizes he’s actually looking forward to getting a tattoo.
He looks around at the other side of the shop and takes in the several books displayed on the shelves, just waiting a bit more to see if someone’s actually managing this place. After a few minutes, he gives up and turns, making to leave when a door to the side burst open.
“Hello! Sorry we’re really busy back there. Are you a customer?” A man with long brown hair and an easy smile asked. He’s wearing a green apron with cute little daisies and a nametag saying ‘Hashirama’. Madara takes in his slightly disheveled appearance and the dirt in his hands before the man goes to wipe his hands on the small towel in his pocket.
Curious. Is this actually just an extension of the flower shop then?
“Uh, yeah, kind of. I’m here for the tattoo shop. I’m curious about getting my first tattoo and was just looking around. Are you the artist?”
“Really??” the man, Hashirama’s, eyes started sparkling with what he thinks are unshed tears. “That’s really nice. I’m glad you found us. You won’t regret going here for your first tattoo, I promise! My brother is amazing!”
“Your brother?”
“Yes! He’s the artist here. I run the flower shop next door and sometimes go in here to help. I’m Hashirama by the way. Nice to meet you!”
Hashirama turns toward the back door. “You just wait here. I’m going to get my brother. Honestly, I didn’t know he opened the shop today so I was a bit surprised when I saw you through the side door.” Now that Madara looks, there is indeed a small glass window on the door he failed to notice earlier. “I thought you were a thief.”, Hashirama laughed.
“Let me just call my brother. Honestly, he should’ve at least told me to watch the shop while he’s away, you know? I feel bad making you wait.” He said, pouting, in that chastising older sibling tone while making his way towards the back door.
“It’s no problem, I was just curious anyway.”
“Well, you’re Tobi’s first customer in a while so I’m just really excited.
First customer in a while, huh? Maybe this is a bad idea. He wouldn’t want someone who hasn’t had practice in a long time to make such permanent marks on his skin. What if it comes out wrong? Crooked? What if it deformed him? Madara doesn’t know what to expect but he knows he’ll never hear the end of it if he comes back to his house with a failed tattoo.
“Just stay put, I’m going to get him!” Hashirama goes to turn the door knob when the door opened to reveal a pale face.
A voice, low and velvety, followed, “What has gotten you so loud Anija? Don’t you have your own shop to take care of?” the man said, rubbing his temples. The first thing Madara noticed was his hair—it was white, not the type of blond hair that people color their hair with, but actual white hair. He’s never seen those before and he’s fascinated to say the least. It was fine, almost fluffy, and pointing in different directions, as if hands have been repeatedly run through it. I wonder how that feels. He discreetly shakes his head, urging unwelcome thoughts to vanish.
Bad Madara. You’re not here for that.
He was still begrudgingly staring with amazement at the man’s hair when the man’s eyes opened and the most beautiful red eyes stared at him. Red pupils focus, and dim overhead light shines on the irises. Beautiful. Suddenly, he’s much more willing to get his first tattoo today. If it gets those eyes to look at him more.
“And who are you?”
“Tobi! That’s rude! He came here to see you! Isn’t that nice?”
“To see me?” the man asks, incredulous. “I don’t think I have any appointments for today.”
“Actually, I’m thinking of getting a tattoo and passed by your little shop here. Your brother said you’re the artist?”
“Oh. Yes, I’m Tobirama.” Tobirama’s voice softened, apologetic. “Sorry, were you waiting long? I meant to close the shop before I got… distracted.” He said, looking a bit self-conscious. With the man’s rumpled appearance one would have thought that he just rolled out of bed.
“Tobi, it’s your day-off. You said you’d relax” Hashirama pouted. Honestly, seeing them both at the same time, one would think that Hashirama was the younger brother with how much he whines.
“I was but no one was coming and it’s near closing time so I decided to work on the idea I had for a bit. I didn’t realize it was getting late.”
Great, Madara sighs. First time he does a rash decision and he still fails at it.
“Uh, I can go if you’re closing.” Madara said, and suddenly both brother’s attention are on him.
“Tobi, you can’t let him go now! He waited for you for so long.”
Now that was a bit exaggerated. He’s only been waiting for about half an hour which is honestly a blessing, otherwise he thinks he might have frozen to death outside. He feels Tobirama’s eyes on him. He’s not easily embarrassed but having that piercing gaze on him makes him a bit self-conscious.
He sees Tobirama mulling the thought then sigh, resigned. “I guess it’s the least I could do. I really am sorry for making you wait. You said you want a tattoo, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, if you have a design in mind we can do it now. I like to keep my work unique for every person so I don’t keep a pre-selection of tattoos so I’ll have to quickly draw what you have in mind, is that okay?”
“That’s fine. I haven’t really thought about a design yet.” Madara thinks quickly. “Maybe a dragon or a hawk?” Those are probably safe choices, right? He’s seen a lot of animal tattoos.
At that, Hashirama speaks up. Madara was so engrossed in his new company, he forgot the other man was there completely. “Well, I’ll leave you both here and let you both talk shop. I’ll better get back anyway. Lots of flower to arrange, you know.”
“Sure.” Tobirama acknowledges his brother then stares at him, assessing. “Where do you want to put it?”
“He looks at his body, wondering what it would look like with ink on it. “Upper arm. On my right.” He smiles, inwardly satisfied with his idea. That placement would make it a subtle but still noticeable when he turns his arm or raises it. Heh, he can imagine his family’s reactions already.
“Hmm. A dragon would suit you better—“, Tobirama suggests. Madara thinks about how it would look like and yes, he likes the idea of a dragon. He thinks it suits him well, if he says so himself. Powerful. Unwavering. Protective.
Tobirama eyes him again, oddly fixating on his head. “On second thought, a porcupine is also a great choice. Really embodies you.” He continues, a smirk just dancing on the tip of his lips.
This little rascal. Madara glares at the tattoo artist. How dare he? He takes care of his hair, it’s just naturally… spiky. “Hey, shut your mouth. You don’t treat your paying customers like that!” His little retort earns him a small laugh from Tobirama. As if he wasn’t handsome enough already, he goes and do something like that. How dare that face be so charming.
He scowled, “Don’t do that!”
“What, laugh?”
“Yes!”
“I can’t help it. I guess you just bring it out in me.” And just like that the cold ice of professionalism is broken, making the atmosphere lighter and more carefree. Madara thinks he sees something in Tobirama’s narrowed eyes, though he’s not sure what it is so he decides to change the subject.
“Shut up. So… a dragon. Any suggestions?” He’s curious as to what Tobirama will design for him. He doesn’t really look like the artsy type.
“Come here.” Tobirama beckons him to a wide desk table full of paper, pencils, and other various types of drawing materials. The white-haired man sits on chair, motioning for him to sit on the adjacent one as well, and pulls up a thick, well-loved sketchpad and a pencil. He twists the pencil on his finger, stares at him for a moment, then closes his eyes.
What a weird man.
When Tobirama opens his eyes again, he makes several motions as if plotting the pencil’s course before he started drawing. Watching the man work was amazing to see. Lines seem to flow gracefully from his hands to the paper, slowly forming recognizable structures to Madara’s untrained eye—the body, the head, then the wings, and finally, a long winding tail. It was beautiful. He looks at the other man, captivated with the concentration and care he puts into making this design.
After a few final touches, Tobirama finishes and shows him the final design. “What do you think?”
“That’s amazing!” Madara didn’t really have any expectations when he said he wanted a dragon. He mostly just want a statement piece that looks cool and will make him more confident. Tobirama did that and more. Somehow, even a just few minutes with the man enabled the artist to make something that reflects his personality and suits his taste.
“Hmm… I guess I’ll just add a few more details. Just to suit you better.” The man grabs the tin of colored pencils and adds a few more lines accentuating the dragon’s otherworldly appearance—a fire dragon. Madara smiles. This is perfect! He doesn’t know why but he just knows that this tattoo is exactly what he wanted.
“Somehow you made it even better.”
“Thank you.” Tobirama smiles, looking at the paper demurely. “Now, since you’re satisfied with the design… I have all the materials here and I still have the day off tomorrow so I can stay late, if you’re available?”
“I’m sorry?” What? He heard that wrong, surely.
“I’m saying, if you wanted to get your tattoo now we could start. It’s definitely manageable with one session. I usually do appointments only but since I made you wait and already promised I’ll work on you, I can make an exception.”
“Unless, of course, you have somewhere else to be. It’s getting quite late after all.” Tobirama continues.
“No, I’m free. We can start now.”
“Good. Just take a seat over there while I prepare the materials.”