Morva gently fussed with his hair as Hotaru traced a finger down his bicep, like she was drawing something on his skin. The sensation made him look at his arm.
"What? Are my tats showing?" He looked at his muscular arm. Hotaru looked at him curiously and he looked at her with a "what" kind of look. "Oh, you don't remember them, do you? We had to endure hours of pain to get them. They spelled our names down our biceps. The ink was made for each of us and made to keep our immune system from metabolizing the ink. I think I could bring mine up if I can try to avoid the scales…" He closed his eyes and tensed his muscles. Dark ink seeped to the surface of his skin but it was obvious he was trying to have only the ink show up. When the tattoos raised to his skin, he relaxed his body. "See? They read-"
"'Treachery' or 'Morva'." Hotaru's gentle touch made a shiver race down his spine. He shook his head, making his braids' beads clink together a bit. "What, did that tickle?"
Morva playfully flicked her nose. "You can't make me admit to anything of the sort. So, are you willing to try? Ready to bring yours out?" Hotaru nodded and he took her hand. "All right, close your eyes and tense up your muscles. Force the ink up, not your fur or claws. Only bring the ink up, Ame."
Hotaru's hands gripped his and she felt an odd shiver tingle to the surface of her skin. The effort made her light headed, collapsing against Morva's strong body. He gently cradled her against his older form and kissed her forehead tenderly.
"Come on, Ame. You need to finish that book." Morva swept her off her feet and carried her out of the bathroom. He nuzzled her lovingly and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.