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Summary: Naruto, Ino, and a tattoo. A request-fic for LiquidAsh.
A/N: I hope this is to the liking of the person who requested it, and I would like to apologize for the delay in tackling said request, but life, as it so often does, got in the way.
Holding Hands
There is worse pain than that of getting a tattoo. Every ninja could attest to that. One look at Ibiki in the rare instances when he isn't covered from head to toe, or at Raidou's burn scars, or even at the long, thick, vertical scar that runs down the center of Iruka's tanned back is enough to drive that particular point home. It's common knowledge that the strain a leaf-nin puts upon their own bodies during missions of C-rank and above is more agonizing than the ache of a needle depositing ink underneath the skin. Still, it helps to have someone there… someone whose hand is warm and comforting. Someone who will squeeze back if need be.
Tanned skin wraps around paler flesh, fingers intertwining, as a mechanized needle tipped with black ink decends upon previously unmarked skin. Both hands press together firmly, seeking and giving comfort as the sharp tip makes the first few passes. Soon though the ache dulls, the individual pricks of the needle no longer distinguishable from one another, and the grip holding the two hands so tightly, loosens just a little as the masked man holding the sharp instrument finishes his work.
When the hum of the mechanized tool dies, and the excess ink is wiped away, salve applied, and a clean white bandage secured over the affected area to prevent infection or irritation, blue eyes smile into an even bluer pair.
"Congratulations on making ANBU, Naruto." Ino's voice lacks the irritating qualities it held in her youth during the times when she would argue with Sakura over Sasuke and who was more deserving of the Uchiha's affections; instead it is soft, and kind and warm… The way it is when she visits those important to her in the hospital, or when she's encouraging some young boy, to confess his feelings to some young girl with a flower from her family's shop.
Naruto nods, he knows that will be the last time his name, and ANBU are spoken together publicly, at least until his retirement from their ranks. He smiles back, squeezes the hand still holding his own, and raises the other to brush his fingertips ever so lightly across a white bandage identical to the one he now wears. "You too Ino," his smile is every bit as bright, and his voice every bit as warm as her's. "You too."
Hugs and Oreos!
Smurf