okay, so...I dont know how the tattooing process works. I did a bit of research online, and found the basics, and that sometimes it takes multiple sessions to finish a tattoo.

And Haru's signature tattoo actually has some signifigance. As we all know, Haru is the dolphin of the show, Rin is the shark and Makoto the orca. The position of the dolphin and shark are meant to kinda symbolize their rivalry, how they butt heads, but still care for the other. Or at least in my mind.

i wasn't too sure what the Yin-Yang symbolized, so I did research. I found a lot of results but one that I saw and liked was balance. It kinda suits Makoto. He is the glue that holds the MaRinKa relationship together. When Rin and Haru fight, Makoto picks up the pieces and helps them make up. Of course, I might be wrong, but whatever.

wow, that was a lot! I'm just gonna stop rambling and let you enjoy the chapter. I own nothing, obviously!

"What do you want?"

Haruka saw Rin look at him curiously as they entered the back room, where the chair and tattooing instruments were. The boy's red gaze examined the walls as Haruka picked up the rag and tossed it somewhere else. He heard Rin say "How about this?" and turned to see what he was pointing at.

The tattoo was the first one Haruka had perfected, one he updated each time his tattooing style changed. Makoto, Haruka's oldest friend, had once stated it was Haruka's signature tattoo.

It was of a dolphin and a shark. The shark was belly up, body curved, with the dolphin's body curved similarly so nose tip met nose tip and tail tips met tail tips, forming a circle. In between them was an orca whale with it's body folded and cleverly colored so it resembled a Yin-Yang symbol.

Haruka nodded and asked "where?"

Rin seemed to think about that for a moment before removing his jacket and shirt, revealing a very well muscled chest. He sat in the chair and leaned back against it, tapping the area near his left shoulder with his right hand, close to where the arm connected to the rest of his body. "How about here?" He rested his arm on he armrest. "And before you say anything, I know it'll hurt."

Haruka nodded and got ready.

...

Haruka flipped the sign in the window from "OPEN" to "CLOSED" before heading over to the counter to grab his keys and remove his apron, putting on his hoodie.

The tattooing session with Rin had gone well. Neither had made any attempts at small talk while Haruka worked. He had managed to get through inking the outline and shading. He had decided to do the coloring and finishing touches another day, partially because it had been close to closing time when he finished the shading.

Arms wrapped around Haruka's waist, making him lose his train of thought as a familiar voice said "Hey, Haru-chan."

"Drop the -chan," Haruka mumbled as he spun in the person's grasp, deep blue eyes staring into warm green ones.

Tachibana Makoto smiled at Haruka. "How was it today?"

Haruka shrugged. "Boring. Only one person came in."

Makoto smiled. "Well, not too many people want tattoos." He leaned down slightly and kissed the other's forehead before kissing his lips. After a moment, Haruka responded, kissing back.

Haruka and Makoto had been dating since senior year of high school. While Haruka became a tattoo artist, Makoto chose the path of a swimming coach, teaching aspiring swimmers to swim their best, and helping them improve. Makoto had been surprised Haruka hadn't taken a career related to swimming, considering his love of water, but accepted his boyfriend's tattooing career easily.

The kiss was eventually broken by Haruka, who pushed Makoto away gently so he could activate the security system and lock up.

As he locked the door, he heard Makoto say "You don't have work tomorrow, right?"

Haruka looked at him as he pulled the key out of the lock and shoved it into the pocket of his blue hoodie, nodding, wondering why Makoto would ask.

As though reading his thoughts, Makoto smiled and said "I don't have any classes tomorrow, so I figureed we could swim at the pool or something. Sound fun?"

Haruka's eyes sparkled at the mention of the pool, though his expression remained blank, and nodded, much to the olive-haired male's delight.

"Then it's a date." Makoto smiled, taking Haruka's hand as they began the trek to his house, where they separated with a final kiss.

Valeforwings: aww, thanks! :) it was an idea I had a while ago. The plot bunnies just wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote it. xD hope you like this chapter!

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