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I chew on my lip as I glance around the room, eying thestunningart all over the walls: traditionalhannyamasks,onis, kitsune foxes, lettering, dragons, swords, and fish.
“I feel like I should get something Japanese, being here. But…” I shrug. “I don’t know. That also feels inauthentic. Or like, appropriation.”
Hanzo smiles, shaking his head. “Cultures and traditions are our own. We all have different ones. These,” he says, gesturing to his arms and the gorgeous, swirlingirezumistyle ink all over them, “are mine. That is yours,” he continues, pointing to theMemento Morion my ribs. “If you’re asking if I take exception to you honoring my traditions, I don’t. In fact, I welcome you to.”
I nod, mulling it over.
“What about both. Your traditions and mine.”
Hanzo smiles. “I like it.”
I glance at Mal before I look back to Hanzo. “What aboutMemento Vivereunderneath the Memento Mori.”
Hanzo nods.
“And then…” I chew on my lip before I glance back at him. “What would you pick? For the Japanese.”
Hanzo frowns. He takes a full minute, scanning his wall of art, tapping his finger on his chin before he turns back to me. His dark eyes search mine, like he’s reading my history.
“You’re brave,” he says quietly. “And you’ve overcome much.”
My mouth twists into an embarrassed smile as I lift a shoulder. “Oh, I don’t know about?—”
“She has,” Mal growls.
I glance at him and grin.
“A koi fish, then,” Hanzo nods. “It represents perseverance.”
“Perfect,” I say quietly. “Where?”
Hanzo smiles. “Ahh, now that is the important question. Traditionally,” he says slowly, “the fish swimming upstream, up the arm, represents a personal journey; growth and resilience. On the back, it means determination and a sense of personal self-power.”
I answer without even thinking.
“Do you have time to do both?”
Hanzo nods, glancing at Mal. “I have a room downstairs, without windows. It’s not a hotel, but you’re welcome to stay the day there after the sun rises.”
Oh. Apparently, part of that phone call in Japanese involved Mal telling Hanzo about my condition.
Mal nods.
“Thank you, Hanzo,” I say quietly.
He turns back to me and smiles. “Of course. In that case, we have plenty of time.” He glances back at Mal. “What about you? Are we finding some empty space on you tonight?”
Mal nods, his eyes darting to mine. “Yeah.”
“Have you decided what you’ll be getting?”
“The same,” Mal says quietly, looking right at me. “Memento Mori, Memento Vivere, and the two koi fish.”
Hanzo grins widely. “I’m so glad you called. This will be a fun one. Let’s begin.” He starts to ready his tools and the ink. Then, as he’s pulling on his gloves, he chuckles as he glances at Mal. “Do I need to worry about my personal safety? You understand that tattooing her means I’ll need to touch her.”
Mal looks like he’s swallowing raw sewage as his jaw works and his face sours. I laugh and slap his hip. Finally, he uncoils a little, his body visibly relaxing.
“Fine,” he grunts. “But only because I trust you.”
