Title: Starlit Path
Theme: Set #1, #70- Tattoo
Genre Drama/Introspective/General
Pairing: Jakotsu/Bankotsu
Word Count: 299
Rating: PG
Summary: Live your own life and follow your own star.
They'd debated for hours, perhaps more. This was their commencement, their personal ceremony to induct themselves into their two-man army.
Jakotsu had decided fairly quickly; his sword-technique, his cunning and sly ways all becoming of a snake-like adornment. Now, the blue fangs were bared on his cheeks- smiling sadistically when he did and dripping invisible blood into the red-dye of his lips.
But Bankotsu just couldn't pinpoint a mark that felt right for him.
"Neh Jakotsu, what do you think?"
"It's your tattoo, Aniki. You should be the one to choose."
"I want your opinion. What do you think works best?"
Looking up from his mirror, Jakotsu tilted his head to the side in thought.
Mine's snake-like fangs, it fits me. So what…what symbolizes Bankotsu?
Tapping the center of his forehead in hopes it would spark an idea, Jakotsu reflected on all the memories he had of the other man. From their chance meeting, to their laughter and celebration after a good day's work, to his inward appreciation of the younger man's fine body; all of it had to add up to something, but what?
Then it hit him.
"A star."
"A… star?" Bankotsu questioned.
Jakotsu nodded.
Bankotsu was his direction, the signal up ahead that he could follow knowing that it would never lead him astray. He was the light in the darkness, a beacon shining through the murkiest night. Always just out of reach, he was too hot to be touched, yet something that Jakotsu constantly admired from afar and hoped one day to capture for himself.
"It fits you, trust me."
The younger man smiled, picking up the purple ink.
"If you say so, Jakotsu; I trust your judgment."
And as the purple star was emblazoned onto Bankotsu's forehead, Jakotsu knew- he'd follow that star forever.