Chapter Text
4
“Hasegawa Makoto! What in the ever loving fuck are you on?” Kazuma spat vehemently as he was dragged by his best friend towards Inkphoric a mere two weeks after his encounter with Fujiwara Itsuki.
“C’mon! I need moral support!” Makoto whined as he pulled Kazuma down the street towards the tattoo studio. Makoto had drawn out Kazuma on the ruse of them going out for coffee and to play video games but the latter of the plan fell apart as Makoto had been dragging a reluctant Kazuma from the coffee shop. Thankfully Makoto was able to make use of his lanky height and wiry limbs to move his immovable friend.
That is until Kazuma stopped dead with force, making Makoto fumble over his scuffed sneakers.
“Moral support?” Kazuma scoffed before shoving Makoto, “Look at you! You’re a fucking tattoo junkie. You’ve never needed support on any of those tattoos!”
“Yeah… well… this one is different! Itsuki is picking the tattoo for me. I don't have a say in it and it's scary.”
“Why is it scary?” Kazuma rolled his eyes.
“What if he puts something like “I’m Stupid” or something?” Makoto pouted.
“Then Itsuki wouldn’t be lying.” The raven haired huffed, exasperated with Makoto’s childish behaviour, especially since the younger had resumed pulling Kazuma by his hoodie sleeve.
“Hey! Why are you so mean to me?” The younger one whined.
“That’s because I like Itsuki!” Kazuma snorted.
“So then come with me!” Makoto urged enthusiastically.
“No.”
“C’mon! It’s not like you don’t know Itsuki and Kenta. Just wait out in the lobby and use the wifi to play games on your phone while Itsuki tortures me with needles. I promise to take you for iced coffee afterwards.”
“It wouldn't be torture if you didn't enjoy it, Makocchan.” Kazuma muttered.
“You know… I’d expect more support and indulgence from you considering I’ve been the one nice enough to help you with the aftercare of your tattoo for the last two weeks!” Makoto raises an eyebrow, a smug and triumphant expression on his face while Kazuma’s twists with annoyance.
“That’s not fucking fair! My back is hard to reach and it’s sensitive!” Kazuma spits heatedly, knowing it was a dirty trick to hold the tattoo aftercare against him.
“Too late! We’re here and you’re helping me make sure Itsuki doesn't put something stupid on my skin.” Makoto snickered as gestured to how they were standing outside the front doors of Inkphoric Studios.
“Hasegawa. Makoto. I know you’re an idiot but did you seriously bring me to your tattoo appointment on a day that the studio is closed ?” Kazuma whirled around and tilted his head back, growling out words with poorly contained rage as he threw a thumb over his shoulder to point at the sign.
“No. I was told to come by today. Kenta-san said I was the only client they had time for today.”
“You better be right.” Kazuma threatened under his breath as he marched up to the doors and knocked loudly.
“Welc- Kazu-chan!” Kenta chirped as his head popped out from behind the closed doors. He pushes the door to swing open wildly while he embraces Kazuma with a warm hug.
“Kenta-san…” Kazuma added shyly as he returned the hug, inhaling Kenta’s scent. Citrus and wood notes dance across Kazuma’s senses before his vision is filled with Kenta’s bright eyes and heart stopping smile.
“I really thought it would have been just Makocchan today. It’s so good to see you again so soon.” He chuckled as he stepped back from the hug and Kazuma could see how smartly Kenta was dressed.
Kazuma spent a moment too long admiring the deep plunge of the crisp and tight white dress shirt that clung to Kenta’s torso, three buttons undone to show off his tattoos while he had a row of pearls sitting in the hollow of his throat snugly. He had almost missed Kenta talking.
Huh… how about that… there's space for hickies on his collarbones after al- Kazuma no!
“Come on in! We need to get on with Makocchan’s appointment asap!” Kenta sniggered as he grabbed Makoto by the front of his pull over hoodie and drew the youngest inside.
“Kazuma, close the door behind you. We don’t want to attract any customers.” Kenta called out as he dragged Makoto through the reception area of the studio.
Kazuma obediently shut the door behind him all while keeping his gaze on Kenta’s waist. The white fabric had disappeared into his dark pants that wrapped around his hips, accented with a skinny leather belt with polished silver embellishments. The tongue of the belt and knots of the belt were all smooth, gleaming silver while the buckle was a sleek design.
Very distracting. Makes me want to look lower than his belt.
Kazuma tore his gaze away, already sensing he was charting within dangerous territory so he returned to Kenta’s eye level, only to find nothing but the copious lush locks of Kenta’s hair in the way. A very sexy messy styling of his hair made him appear wilder than the last time Kazuma had entered the studio.
“Did we miss the memo for the dress code?” Kazuma mumbled, feeling a little out of place with his soft oversized grey long sleeve shirt and thin black wire frame glasses. He hadn’t stopped to style his hair because Makoto had rudely woken him from his Saturday ritual of sleeping the entire morning away. He shifted a little, almost trying to seem a little confident in what he wore from the tips of his messy hair to his faded jeans to the tips of his scuffed sneakers.
Kenta picked up on this, utterly endeared with Kazuma’s shyness despite how effortlessly cute he was. He chuckled, “No. Absolutely not. Itsuki and I have a party to attend tonight and it’s a long way out and we’re expected to be there before it starts.”
“Oh? You’re close with whoever is throwing the party?” Makoto scoots into the conversation.
“It’s Rui’s birthday party!” Kenta sighed with a frown.
“That is literally your best friend! You don’t even see him that often anymore. Be nice, Kenta-san!” Makoto fussed.
“He’s being a pain all in the name of being the birthday boy. Fucking Leo men.” Kenta rolled his eyes.
Makoto immediately pulls a face, “Hey!”
Kazuma would have laughed but had been mildly entertained by the idea of being at a party with Kenta. He definitely would be quite the eye catcher and Kenta was someone Kazuma would love to be in company with, given how introverted Kazuma is but Kenta’s easy going comforting energy would help him relax.
“Come now, it's not all that bad. Rui-san throws the best parties. We would have never met had it not been because of Rui-san’s parties in the first place,” Itsuki’s voice floated into the room as he slid open the door between the lobby and his inner studio.
Kazuma nearly choked when he saw Itsuki's lazy cat smile when their eyes met and how Itsuki leaned against the doorframe, his head tilting endearingly to rest on the doorframe. It was almost jarring to see such a gentle look compared to how Itsuki’s hair was already styled. Slick with styling gel for a wet look. His dark fringe tumbled over his right eyebrow while the left side was artfully teased back, flashing the thin lines shaved into his undercut fade.
Itsuki’s soft expression was totally wasted on how he stood there, baggy pale blue jeans slung low on his hips and a soft white zip up hoodie that he hadn’t even bothered to zip up, exposing tattoos, nipple piercings and smooth skin.
Holy fuck-
Kazuma swallowed hard, he noticed it. The thinnest but most definitely noticeable sliver of jewellery. It wrapped around his neck, sitting in his clavicle before dangling in the cleft of his chest and down abs before tightly hugging the slimmest dimensions of his waist.
Fujiwara Itsuki was fucking using a body chain.
And that was hot.
Kazuma’s dick seemed to be in agreement with the sentiment.
His eyes widened, flicking between the dull rich coloured metal against Itsuki’s own golden skin and his bright eyes, alight with mischief.
“Itsu-” Kazuma’s jaw falls and Itsuki’s smile gets a little sharper at the way Kazuma’s lips struggle to form words and he’s pouting with the confused expression of his eyebrows knitted together adorably.
“Can you at least fucking decide on how to get ready for Makoto’s appointment?” Kenta called out before Kazuma caught the sight of Kenta heaving a sigh and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“What do you think the hoodie is for?” Itsuki grinned, making a show of sticking out his chest as he bowed his back off the doorframe to straighten up, the chain straining against Itsuki’s skin and catching the low light of the room before disappearing from sight with the action of Itsuki zipping up to mid torso. It still did nothing to deter the way Kazuma felt his cock twitch in his own jeans. He shifted weight from one foot to another as he averted his gaze from Itsuki.
He flinched when Kenta wrapped an arm around his shoulders, “Do you see my other problem, Kazu-chan? Icchan is an even bigger pain than Rui. He won’t get dressed. I’ve been trying all morning to get him to decide on an outfit for this party.” Kenta made a noise of disapproval.
“Why do you need to be dressed so early?” Makoto asked with mild interest.
“Some of us have errands to run for the birthday boy and not just show up for a good time.” Kenta gave a mean smile, picking his phone up, speedily texting Rui that he’d be a little late.
“You didn’t tell me if we’re going dancing or we’re going to get shit faced. Those are two entirely different dress codes and I need to be pretty in both instances.” Itsuki rolled his eyes.
You’re always pretty, Itsuki, Kazuma’s mind supplies helpfully.
“It’s Rui’s party. The answer is both.” Kenta scoffed, as if that was the most obvious answer.
“Look, if you’re both so busy with this party, why don’t reschedule my appointment? It will give Itsuki-san a chance to rethink what he wants to do,” Makoto piped up.
“Absolutely not. You’re not escaping this. You should consider yourself lucky, I was about to put you on my pricest commissions and even make you sit through colour shading today.”
“Highly unfair when I’m the one supposed to be on a treat considering I get to use my discount for this tattoo.” Makoto fussed as he folded his arms. “Why are you so mean to me?” The youngest of the four whined as he threw a pleading look at Itsuki.
“Because you don't know how to say no to me and it’s so fun watching you squirm in my chair.” Itsuki smirked.
“You don't treat Kazuma like this.” Makoto pouted.
“That’s because I like Kazuma.” Itsuki's eyes flick back to Kazuma's and Kazuma feels a little lightheaded from the directness of Itsuki’s words.
Makoto scoffed, “Kazuma said the same thing. Talk about loyalty and friendship. Neither of you would know each other had it not been for me, yet you both treat me so badly. Now I get why Rui likes to take advantage, you probably treat him the same” Makoto yapped on, unaware of what seemed to be going on between his best friend and his tattoo artist, as he reminded Itsuki of when he began his venture about two years ago.
“Yes, yes. Very valiant, Makocchan. I’ll remember to pass on your number to Rui so you both can bitch about me. Get a move on. I still need to put on numbing cream for you so get in and take off your pants.” Itsuki ordered sharply.
“Pants?” Makoto paled.
“You're getting a pretty thigh piece today.” Itsuki grinned almost sadistically, "I hope you wore nice underwear because I will be taking pics."
Kazuma snorted, catching the pleased gleam in Itsuki's eyes.
“Kazu-heuk!” Makoto was about to protest but Itsuki had already walked over and grabbed Makoto by the cowl of his hoodie, making the taller gag in the process, and steered him into the studio before shutting the door and turning to Kazuma.
“It's always so nice to see Kazuma-san. Can I do anything for you today?” Itsuki asked with a grin playing up on his rosy lips.
Kazuma had almost forgotten how to breathe but Kenta got in between the line of sight between Kazuma and Itsuki, “Nuh uh. Off you go to Makocchan. I want to talk to Kazu-chan."
Itsuki smirked, “Sure… but I want to see you after I’m done with him.”
It was a moment of watching Itsuki disappear into the depths of his studio, the muffled sound Makoto and him conversing, before Kenta whirled Kazuma around and pulled him towards a new section of the studio.
“I hope you don’t mind that it’s just you and me for now, Kazu-chan, Itsuki’s been itching all morning to get his hands on Makocchan especially when he’s the one choosing what to put on Makoto’s skin.” Kenta chattered steadily, making up for Kazuma’s brain trying to gear up into being a functioning organ.
That was until he found himself right up in Kenta’s personal space. Rather the opposite way around as Kenta got close, worrying his lower lip with his teeth and holding Kazuma’s gaze.
“So, umm, don’t get mad at me but quick confession. The reason why Makocchan dragged you down here was my idea. It seemed rude to just suddenly call or send you emails outside of our actual business so it seemed like a much more comfortable idea to have you come back. Don't hold it against him. I do understand if you’re upset or we put off other plans that you had. I get that it’s the weekend and all that.”
Kazuma gave a nervous laugh, “Oh no- I didn’t have any pressing plans to speak off.” He internally cringes at the fact that all he had planned for the day was sleeping until he was woken by physical hunger and then planned to log on to play games online until the unholy hours of Sunday morning.
“Still. I appreciate you being here. It makes our tightly packed weekend all the more bearable. Itsuki gets bratty and I am incredibly not-fun when we’re on a timetable of sorts. Having you and Makoto here helps.”
“I’m very flattered, Kenta-san, but I don't know how I’m helping.” Kazuma blinked a little, his glasses falling, landing low on the bridge of his nose before he stuffs them back up with his knuckles pushing the bottom curve of the round frame up.
Smooth… I too am seduced with bad eyesight .
Kazuma berated himself, belatedly remembering he didn’t bother with contacts for the day because he believed he was dropping Makoto off before retreating back to his apartment.
“I think you'd be able to help me immensely. I need your input.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“I don’t need your best. I just want you to be honest with me, cutie!” Kenta gave Kazuma a soft smile, pinching Kazuma’s cheek before pulling him to an easel that had been modified with several new arms of wood spanning out in a tree like fashion with little cards dotting the arms.
“I believe the last time you were here I had mentioned how I handled the jewellery end of this business and until now all I’ve specialised in is piercing, That and well, a little something called corrective surgical piercings… So if anyone had a whack piercing and it healed badly I could fix it but Itsuki and I have been wanting to expand the business and basically I decided to introduce a range of jewellery exclusive to Inkphoric.”
“Ehhh… that’s very innovative of you, Kenta-san. It seems just like you.” Kazuma commented without even thinking as he was admiring each card which held a single set of earrings.
“Oh? How so?” Kenta appreciated the straightforward and unguarded answer from the younger man.
“Well, Kenta-san gives off quite the chic and artistic feel, even during a first impression.” Kazuma admitted, turning his head to meet Kenta’s eyes with a shy smile.
“Now it's my turn to feel flattered!” Kenta chuckled before introducing Kazuma to the cute little station designated for piercings.
Kazuma had spent another moment examining the range.
“These are all so stylish and charming.” Kazuma commented softly as he took in the gleaming pieces of stainless steel and silver.
“Right? I was aiming for a refreshing outlook on tattoo studio level jewellery.” Kenta piped up as he seemed eager to share more details with Kazuma.
“I like this one!” Kazuma picked a set of dangling earrings. They were hoops with several other rings threaded through the hoop with the drop pendant of an angel wing. He smiled at the black cat face shaped card that held the earrings.
“Cute, neh? I decided on the cat cards because Icchan has an obsession with cats.” Kenta shared.
“Very cute.” Kazuma murmured as he read over Inkphoric's trademark font in pretty silver print on the card along with the price.
“Come. Let’s get these on you!” Kenta motioned for Kazuma to sit in the plushy chair.
“Eh?” Kazuma’s eyes widened, “You mean now? I was going to change these a-”
“And rob me of the pleasure of seeing how these earrings look on you? No. Sit.” Kenta scolded lightly as he made Kazuma sit, “You need a new piercing because this will add to the current set you’re already using. I think mixing hoop sizes and the addition of this little statement piece will suit you.”
“Wait!” Kazuma protested frantically but Kenta had already pulled out a little stainless steel dish and dropped the earrings into it to sterilise while he pulled on a pair of gloves.
“Oh hush, Kazu-chan. Don't you trust me?”
Kazuma had immediately quietened down and watched with large puppy eyes as Kenta had pulled out a clean piercing gun and a set of swabs soaked in alcohol.
Kazuma had been too invested in watching Kenta’s station to realise Kenta had called him but Kenta had placed his hand under Kazuma’s chin and lifted to make the younger make eye contact with him.
“There you are, Kazu-chan,” Kenta hummed softly, taking in all the details of Kazuma's face while Kazuma felt his cheeks flare up. “Let’s take these off, okay?” Kenta reached up and pulled off the glasses, making Kazuma blink owlishly - pretty and confused for a moment with the disorientation as he had to adjust his eyesight.
Why the fuck is this piercing more sexually charged than any other fling I’ve ever had?! Holy fuck. He's so hot like this.
Kazuma breathed a little too sharply but Kenta gave a breathless laugh.
“Relax for me, Kazu-chan. I know this is going to be fun. Just focus on my voice if it can distract you,” Kenta murmured.
Easy for you to say. You’re not the one mentally panicking over being in such a small tight space with you!
“Keep talking to me… Do you always wear glasses?” Kenta chatted aimlessly while prepping Kazuma for the piercing. Truly, Kenta was a natural. He made Kazuma feel comfortable.
“I usually use contacts… I use glasses when I’m at home and too lazy to wear my contacts,” Kenta watched Kazuma’s shoulders visibly relax with their flowing conversation before Kenta had tilted Kazuma’s head to the left a little to examine the piercings on his left ear and repeated the process for his right ear.
“It looks like I can fit just one more piercing on your left, Kazu-chan. You need another appointment with me and I’ll fix the alignment of your second piercing on your right lobe.” Kenta observed, his tone a little serious and Kazuma's eyes averted to the side.
“Is it that bad?” Kazuma bit on his lip, not realising how he was distracting Kenta, who had let his gaze drop to Kazuma’s soft lips. He had to suppress the little groan that threatened to creep out from the back of his throat.
“It's going to be crowded if I add the third piercing on your right side so let's fix that next time. For now I’ll add this one.” Kenta talked Kazuma through as he cleaned Kazuma’s left ear lobe and picked up a pen and marked where he would be piercing.
“Deep breath for me, Kazu-chan.”
It was over in a heartbeat. Kazuma barely registered the pinch as Kenta had pressed down on the gun. Kazuma was aware of his ear turning red and heat flooded to his ear. It was a clean smooth piercing and Kenta was already fixing the earring in place before Kazuma could ask what was going on.
“You did so well, Kazu-chan,” Kenta had tilted Kazuma’s head a little to the side so he could clean up the area with ointment.
He didn't miss the way Kazuma had stopped dead, not even daring to breathe when he heard the praise. Kenta smirked, deciding to play with Kazuma a little more.
“You’re all good to go. Why don't you take a look in the mirror?” Kenta went on as if he didn’t notice a thing and Kazuma wasn't sure if that was a blessing or not because he was so sure he was being a mess. With shaking hands, Kazuma had picked up his glasses, fixing them back on to inspect the new addition.
“Oh… Kenta-san, this looks so good. You can barely tell that this is a new piercing… it might be red and hot but it didn't bleed.”
“Bleed?” Kenta sounded concerned, eyebrows shooting up.
“Well… I had my ears pierced with pins back in high school. Makoto and I thought it was a good idea if we did it while I was drunk.” Kazuma sniggered.
Kenta chuckled, “No wonder you sounded guilty when I talked about the alignment.”
“I mean… it wasn't the safest way to do it… anyway - you need to give me the other earring so I can keep-” Kazuma had looked up to Kenta’s reflection who had been taking off his gloves.
“How about I keep it?” Kenta asked, as he picked up the earring and dried it off.
“You’d do that for me?” Kazuma asked breathlessly.
“Sure.” Kenta's reply came quietly while he walked up until Kazuma could feel his back brushing with Kenta’s chest, making Kazuma’s breath hitch.
He watched Kenta fix the earring on his left earlobe to match Kazuma, “This can be our little secret until your next appointment.” Kenta’s arms came up on either side of the mirror, caging Kazuma between him and the mirror.
“I think this looks great, Kazu-chan.” Kazuma can only watch Kenta’s lips spell out those words as they nearly brush against the shell of Kazuma’s un-pierced ear.
“I just wish I didn't disappoint you. It would have been nice to wear the entire set.” Kazuma fumbled to look everywhere else but the mirror until he hissed softly when Kenta nipped at the top of Kazuma’s already reddening ear.
“ Fuck… ” Kazuma hissed out, feeling all sense go out the window as arousal spiked violently, lining his tummy hot and heavy. It made Kazuma end off a shuddering hard breath. Kenta’s chuckle was a sinful sound, all low and throaty as he watched Kazuma’s reflection make the most fucked out expression; eyes shut and mouth parted after the unholy cuss fell from his pretty lips.
He backed off, stealing all the heat between the bodies, “Sorry, Kazu-chan. You’re too much fun to tease. Your face is cute when it's red like this. But consider this your punishment for not being able to wear the entire set for me.”
Kazuma turned around, a little dumb founded. He hadn’t realised that Kenta had a mean streak under that easy going facade. He leaned back against the mirror, trying to regulate his breathing. His breathing was too short and hard and he needed to calm down or maybe find a bathroom stall to get his hand down his pants to take the edge off.
“That was a cruel joke, Kenta-san.” Kazuma tried to school his features into a grimace but all it had achieved was Kazuma sulking and his pretty lips pouting.
Pretty lips that are capable of filthy words, Kenta noted.
“Maybe you should get used to it, Kazu-chan.” Kenta had found Kazuma’s chin again, lifting slowly to hold the younger one’s eye contact.
“Why? Do you think I’m always going to be this easy to tease?” Kazuma couldn’t believe that was his own voice taunting Kenta back.
“Ara?” Kenta’s eyebrow raises, quite impressed.
Under normal circumstances, Itsuki would be bratty and fussy but Kazuma stared back, almost calm despite how he could pick up on Kazuma’s heart racing as they stood chest to chest. Kenta wanted to push Kazuma’s boundaries, see how far he’d go to make him crumble. Maybe go as far as kissing Kazuma into a blushing mess.
And that’s when it hit Kenta.
This was exciting to him. He liked being in this situation with Kazuma. He liked that he was considering kissing Kazuma. It wasn’t hard to work out. Kazuma was attractive. That was saying a lot, given that Kenta never looked in anyone else’s direction after he found Itsuki but this was exciting . He wanted Kazuma. Maybe even as much as Itsuki wanted him.
“Itsuki-san, stop!” Makoto’s protest came loud enough to make Kazuma straighten up and clear his throat. He stared at the earring, catching the light of the room as Kenta’s head turned in the direction of the sound of Makoto.
It was then the two of them lapsed into silence - mostly Kazuma overthinking what the fuck had just happened and Kenta observing Kazuma’s behaviour change to an almost skittish mannerism.
“Anyway you need to tell me how much I need to pay for this,” Kazuma looked for a way to fill the silence before Kenta waved him off regarding the payment.
“Absolutely not. I won’t take money for this. I think it's payment enough knowing you like the jewellery and Inkphoric is going to have a very successful accessory launch.” Kenta hummed.
“Hm.” Kazuma made a non-committal sound as he stared a hole in his sneakers. Kenta knew he’d have to spend a moment more easing Kazuma through what just happened but he didn’t want to spook the younger one any further. He shook his wrist to make his watch slide down his arm to the right spot before glancing at the time.
“How about we go save Makocchan?” Kenta’s voice coaxed Kazuma. Light, easy and soft to not startle Kazuma. Perfect to pretend like nothing happened and Kazuma takes the opportunity to nod aggressively to escape the tiny space he had been sharing with Kenta.
“Fujiwara Itsuki. Stop tormenting Makocchan. You don’t have time for drawn out foreplay, you mean fucker.” Kenta walks up to the door, dull heavy knocks on the material dividing the room as he drummed his fist against it.
“But he’s going to be so pretty when he cries, Kenta-san.” Itsuki chuckled as he called out and said that it was unlocked and they could come in.
Hasegawa Makoto sat there a trembling mess and his thigh a bloody and blotchy red mess as Itsuki finished up the touch ups between linework and shading.
“The numbing cream wore off.” Makoto looked at Kenta with a hurt expression before knocking his head back to rest on the headrest on Itsuki’s chair.
“Isn’t supposed to not hurt as much in the thigh area?” Kazuma frowned, not understanding why Makoto was in such a state.
“My thighs are sensitive. He did it on purpose.” Makoto sniffled.
Itsuki chuckled, swatting Makoto’s other bare smooth thigh fast and firm and watched the younger flinch with a high pitched yelp before he started swearing about the red handprint on his thigh.
“Clean him up and get his skin wrapped. We have to leave soon and I know you need another hour in the bathroom before you’re remotely ready to leave. Don’t forget we have a long drive to the hotel.” Kenta scolded lightly as he already pushed Itsuki’s cart of clean up supplies towards him.
Itsuki considered saying something bratty in response but he spied the new earrings on both his boyfriend and their new interest.
Hmm…
Itsuki spares a moment to share a look with Kenta. Said older male rolled his eyes with a grin. Itsuki only swivels in his chair, suppressing his smirk while making a start to clean Makoto up and ready him for pics before giving him the rundown of aftercare instructions.
“Kazuma-san… don’t forget I want to see you after I’m done with Makocchan.” Itsuki called out casually.