Gen sat in the tattoo chair, legs kicked up, ankles crossed, arm propped up on an armrest with medical grade paper towels underneath. Abby was hard at work, putting ink into his skin, occasionally looking back at the original image for reference, but mostly just staying within the outline on his arm.

She had been at it for over an hour, lining, shading, coloring, detailing, all as she went. She was a blessedly silent artist, especially with him. She had been doing his tats since he was sixteen, the first being the bridge, and the first he kept from his dad. When he turned seventeen, his dad officially allowed him to get his “first” tattoo, the manga panel on his left arm. The sleeve had grown in pieces, with Gen returning more frequently than his dad or Kana to get it done. Their grandparents never knew he was coming and he never told them. On his tattoo trips, he stayed with Abby at her apartment.

His phone buzzed and he saw a text from Mika.

Don’t get mad.

When have I ever gotten mad at you? Outside of that one time, but that ended well, so…

Just say you won’t get mad, Genya.

I won’t get mad.

Mika sent a pic of him in one of Gen’s black anime shirts with his bottom lip jutting out and big blue puppy dog eyes. At first Gen didn’t understand why he wasn’t supposed to get mad…Mika looked absolutely adorable in his shirt. And then he saw it…there was a tear across the side along with a bleach stain. Neither weren’t very big, but they were definitely noticeable.

Gen sighed, putting his phone to his forehead for a second, honestly trying not to be mad. But Mika looked so cute and pitiful that even if he was mad, he couldn’t stay mad. With a sigh, he responded, What happened to my shirt, Mika?

That’s why you can’t get mad…he sent another pic of Anabelle sitting at the kitchen table with kid scissors and a bleach pen. She looked so pitifully sad, Gen’s heart ached.

I would very much like to know what Baby Girl did to my Black Clover shirt, Mika Torino.

She said she was trying to make it pretty for you as a surprise.

Yeah, not the best surprise. He leaned his head back with a sigh and rocked it back and forth in frustration. He loved that little girl, but the things she did sometimes to make him happy usually made him want to cry. This was one of those times. However, he had promised Mike he wouldn’t get mad and he would keep that promise. Plus, Ana did look genuinely sorry.

And Mika was too sexy in that oversized shirt.

Tell her I said it’s okay, I’m not mad, and I still love her. But she’s not touching my shirts ever again. You on the other hand…you may wear all of my shirts.

Mika sent another pic a few minutes later of himself sitting in bed wearing another of Gen’s shirts, this one from Death Note. He was smiling, tugging the bottom of the shirt over his lap, wearing shorts. Gen had to smile; he really did look cute.

How’s this? Mika asked.

I like that very much 😘

“Who’s the cutie?” Abby asked when Gen set his phone back down after saving the photo to his gallery.

Gen didn’t even hesitate. “My boyfriend, Mika.”

Abby didn’t miss a beat. “That would make a good wallpaper for your phone.”

“Yeah?”

Abby nodded. “Indeed. I’d be showing that to everyone I knew if that was my man. He’s a little too young for me, though.”

“And a little too gay for you, too,” Gen said with a grin.

“There’s that, yes.” She smiled up at him and refilled her gun, sitting back a moment to stretch her back and inspect her work. “Tell me about him.”

“About Mika?”

“No, stupid, about your invisible friend, Roger. Yes, Mika! I mean, you can leave out whatever is too personal to share, but I want to know about this attractive young man who has you wrapped around his finger.”

Gen didn’t disappoint. He told her everything about him, outside of the abuse. He tried to contain his enthusiasm, but it felt good to talk about Mika. He missed him terribly, even with being in constant contact through phone calls and texts; talking about him with Abby made Mika seem just a little bit closer. He asked her if he could take a pic of them to send to him and she happily agreed.

Mika loved it and told Gen to tell her hi from him which Gen did.

Can you do a vid chat? Mika asked. I’ve heard some tattoo shops don’t like people doing that.

No, it’s fine, I can do that here.

When Mika called, Gen answered it immediately. “Hey, he said.

“Hey you,” Mika replied, smiling as he leaned back into his pillows. He was still wearing Gen’s shirt. “Sorry about the Black Clover shirt. I’ll get you a new one.”

“Don’t worry about it, I know she didn’t mean to ruin it. Plus, it’s not like it can’t be fixed.”

“That’s Abby?” Mika asked and Gen nodded. Abby waved and gave him a smile as she worked. “I can’t wait to see the new tat,” he said. “It’s going to look so awesome.”

“It really is,” Gen agreed. “Because of the size, she’s able to work it in like it’s coming out from behind some of the other pieces.”

“It may be the last piece of the sleeve, too,” Abby said. She looked at the phone. “Good selection, Mika.”

Mika grinned. “Thanks.”

“Do you have any tats?” she asked him.

He shook his head. “No, not yet. Maybe later on but…I don’t know…” his eyes fell to the side and he seemed slightly embarrassed. He absently rubbed at his upper arm.

“Because of the scars?” she said, making both of them stare at her in stunned silence. She glanced up. “What?” She looked back at her work. “I’m not blind, you know, I can see them from here.”

Mika appeared to shrink within himself, slowly pulling the blanket up over himself. His scars were not something he was comfortable showing to anyone outside of Gen, and even then that took some getting used to.

Gen was about to say something when Abby sat up and leaned forward, an understanding smile on her lips. “Honey, it’s nothing to be ashamed about,” she said kindly. “Not even the ones you did yourself. Every scar tells a story, good and bad. You can either hide behind them, own them, or use them as a template for new art.”

“What do you mean?” Mika asked.

“I’ve tattooed a lot of people with various types of scars. Some want them covered, some want them incorporated, some even want them to stand out. Even Gen has scars I’ve tattooed over.” When Mika’s eyes went wide, she laughed. “Don’t worry, nothing like that. Just results from being a dumb kid, that’s all.”

Mika still looked doubtful. “I don’t know, mine are pretty bad. I’m not saying they’re the worst you’ll ever see, probably, but they’re still bad. I don’t like showing them off.”

Abby nodded. “I get it, no worries. But if you ever decide you want one, just let me know. I can hook it up.” She winked and turned back to Gen’s arm.

“Thanks,” Mika said. 

“So, what is it about my idiot cousin you like so much?” she asked, not looking up from her work.

Gen tried not to look worried as Mika smiled. This could go in any direction, one of which was far too personal to share with Abby. But Mika was honest and forthright as ever.

“His heart.”

Both of them looked at him then exchanged a glance. “Well, that’s a new one,” Abby muttered. Gen looked back at his phone screen, stunned.

Mika shrugged. “You have a beautiful heart, Genya. It shines through all you do and say. Whether it’s about me or your family or our friends, your heart is always ablaze with love, kindness, and compassion. It’s a big part of why I love you.”

Abby grinned up at Gen. “You were right, he is amazing.”

Gen blushed and smiled. “Didn’t see that coming,” he said. “I was sure it was my rugged good looks and charming personality.”

Both Mika and Abby laughed.

“You’re definitely sexy, Genya, but it’s not the only thing going for you.” Mika said. He sat up, clutching the Genya Shinazugawa plushie Gen had got him a few days before the trip, the bracelets Gen gave him at the airport sliding down his wrist. “Have you had a chance to call the body shop yet?” 

“No, not yet,” Gen said. “Haven’t given it too much thought, even though I really need to.”

“When’s the new wrap supposed to arrive, anyway?”

“In a couple weeks, I think. I’m having it sent to the shop directly. I’ll call within the next couple of days just to let Rick know.”

As they talked, Abby worked, her eyes flicking up every now and again, but not participating much in the rest of the conversation. She was focusing more on Mika’s tone and inflection than his actual words. She also noted how Gen spoke, the smoothness and ease with which his words and laughter came from his lips telling her volumes. She had to do her best to keep her admiration for his progress to herself. It wasn’t just his progress she was impressed with, though, it was also how he spoke to Mika in general. He didn’t sugarcoat or exaggerate anything, he kept everything honest and direct, also mindful and considerate as he truly listened to what Mika was saying to him. 

They didn’t just talk like lovers, they talked like friends, something that truly impressed her. She also noted how they seemed to keep each other in check, especially when Gen told him about the Rachel incident from the night before. Neither was pushy with the other; they both listened and acknowledged, heard and understood. It was definitely a great relationship they had and she didn’t need to see them be together in person to know that.

There was noise in the background and Mika frowned. Gen could see the scenery move as Mika got out of bed and headed out of his room.

“What’s up?” Gen asked. 

“That’s what I’d like to know. Mom?” he called out. “Is that you?”

“Where are the kids?” Gen asked.

“Napping,” Mika said quietly. His face changed to one of relief. “Mom, what the hell, you scared me.”

“Sorry, kiddo,” Gen heard Jo say. “Just putting groceries away. Can you give me a hand, please?”

Even Gen relaxed. Even with his promises to Mika, he still worried about him and the family.

“Yeah,” Mika was saying. “Let me just finish talking to Gen.”

“Hi, Genya!” Jo called out. 

“Hey, Jo,” Gen replied. 

Mika brought the phone back up to his face and smiled. “Guess I better go,” he said. “Text me?”

“I’ll text you.” They disconnected the call and Gen put his phone face down on his lap. He rested his head against the back of the chair and sighed, wishing he were back home already so he could be with Mika again.

Silence once again filled the tattoo parlor, broken only by the buzzing of the tattoo gun in Abby’s hand. 

“You know,” she said after a while. “Tongue piercings are great for oral.” She glanced up at him. “In case you were still debating on getting one.”

Gen looked at her and grinned.

-*-