The Tattoo

Disclaimer: I don't own any members of the Inu cast. This was an idea I actually came up with based off a drawing my fiancee did for me. It was a picture of Ayame, looking over her shoulder, her hair down, and in the middle of getting dressed. Her backside was exposed, and a pretty green tattoo was decorating the small of her back. Since no one ever really sees Ayame naked, let along her back, who's to say a tribal tattoo couldn't exist? This fic was actually written by both myself, Lilz(aka White Wolf Ayame)and my really good friend B-chan. With later contribution from my fiancee YourouzokuAlpha. Enjoy ^_^


Chapter 3- The Proposal


Ephiny knocked on the door gently. "Ayame-sama?" she asked, using the formal title just in case any of the Elders or their offspring still lingered. After all, she was merely her right-of-cast, lower than her, and it might stir some problems if others overheard.

Ayame wiped her eyes as she sat up, still half dazed in her sleepy state. She made her way to her door, opening it and staring at the female in front of her.

"Ephiny-chan... what is it?" Ayame asked as Ephiny bowed her head slightly.

"I just wanted to check up on you after the meeting... Are you alright?" she asked. Ayame sighed as she stepped aside, allowing the other girl to step inside the den.

"You know me well enough to guess for yourself," Ayame said forlornly. "I appreciate your concern my friend... but.... there's nothing you can do." Ayame said softly as Ephiny stepped inside and closed the door, frowning slightly at the redhead.

"Ayame... I know I'm not exactly an expert on politics, but I... Didn't you see Kouga-sama at the meeting? I thought that would make you happy."

Ayame choked back a sob as she shook her head at the other female. "Kouga was there..." She trailed off softly. Ephiny gently touched her princess's shoulder comfortingly.

"Ayame?... Ayame, what happened? He didn't, he didn't hurt you, did he?" she asked concerned. She didn't suspect the brown prince would do such a thing, but she didn't know what he could to make her so upset... unless he did bring that miko he claimed was his mate.

Ayame shook her head, collapsing unto her bed.

"No... I'm not Ephiny. I'm so tired of this... it hurts so much. Kouga and I got into a fight. I went to check on him after he rudely left the meeting. He and the black heir were... fighting about something. I don't even know what they were fighting about, no one knows. But Kouga and I... he was just so... I told him I wished I'd never met him." Ayame cried in an exasperated tone.

The other female frowned softly.

"Ayame..." she came over to the white princess and held her, much like a mother would with their child. "Shhh..." she whispered gently, stroking her hair. "It's okay... Men have a tendency to overreact. I'm sure he didn't mean to be so... harsh," she continued, trying to choose her words carefully. While Ayame was her leader and her best friend, Kouga was close friends with her mate, Takkun, and it was a conflict of interest. Ayame shook her head as she gently pushed back to look up at the other female.

"You don't understand Ephiny... I meant it, I wish I'd never met Kouga." Ayame insisted as Ephiny frowned softly at the young redhead.

"Ayame..." She was interrupted however, hearing a knock at the door and she glanced to the white princess as if asking if she was expecting anyone. Ayame looked up confused before shrugging and shaking her head.

"Who is it?" Ayame called.

"Ayame, it's me, Mikhail of the black tribe!" Mikhail responded. Ephiny looked at her princess curiously.

"Do you want him to come in?" she whispered to her friend. Ayame stood up, frowning in confusion before she nodded.

"He might as well. I wonder what he wants," She said. "Come in Mikhail-sama." Ayame said, as Ephiny went to open the door. Ephiny bowed in respect as the black heir stepped inside, and he nodded at her in greeting. Mikhail looked at Ayame and bowed, then stood, smiling at her gently.

"Ayame, I was wondering if I could have a word with you," he asked. Ephiny looked, noting that the tone in his voice meant what he had to say was private and looked at the white princess.

"I shall be outside if you need me, Ayame-sama," Ephiny replied, bowed in respect to both of them and left, shutting the door behind her. Ayame nodded slowly, crossing her arms over her chest as she regarded Mikhail with a curious expression.

"What is it Mikhail-sama? If this is about what happened early, I apologize for Kouga. He's a little rough around the edges," Ayame said in an apologetic tone as Mikhail shook his head.

"It's not, but please Ayame, do not trouble yourself over that," he answered with a charming smile. Ayame blinked as she nodded at him, urging him to continue.

"Alright then... so was there something else you needed?" She asked politely. Mikhail bit his bottom lip, hesitating, his brown eyes have a nervous glint to them.

"Well, Ayame, if it wouldn't bother you, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind visiting my tribe," he answered. Ayame blinked in confusion before smiling at him, her eyes softening on him.

"Of course Mikhail. My Grandfather and I will surely have business traveling back and forth between the packs if these peace agreements are worked out," Ayame said with a warm smile. Mikhail smiled back at her nervously.

"Well, actually, Ayame... as much as my tribe would love a visit from both you and the Elder, I really was talking about... YOU coming to visit.... visit me," he said, summoning up his courage. Ayame blinked as she stared at him.

"Of course I'll be coming to visit. It's my duty as the white heir." She said with a light chuckle. He laughed lightly at her, it was adorable. He wasn't trying to make things difficult on her, but this wasn't where he was hoping the conversation would be heading.

"Ayame, I don't think you understand what I'm getting at," Mikhail began, now becoming nervous as the lovely red head blinked curiously at him. She stared at him, listening curiously as she waited for him to fully explain himself.

"Mikhail... I don't understand what you're asking me."

"Ayame... Ayame, would you mind us getting to know each other better?" Mikhail finally asked, blushing lightly. Ayame's eyes widened as she blushed faintly.

"I... what do you mean? Us getting to know each other better?" She asked shyly. He smiled, noting her blush and how cute she looked when her face brightened that lovely pink shade.

"I mean... Ayame, I want to get to know you better... I... it would be my honor if you'd allow me to court you."

Ayame 'eeped' in surprise, her eyes widening in stunned shock. "You... want to court... *me*?! But... why?" She asked, her face burning with her blush. Mikhail's gentle smile grew as he looked down, fighting back a blush on his own.

"You... you made an impression on me, Ayame," he answered. "And I'd really like to get to know you more. Perhaps... you could consent to being... my mate one day." He blushed. She blinked as she stared at him shyly, regarding him through her eyelashes.

"I... I don't know what to say, Mikhail-sama. I'm flattered. But, how could I have made an impression on you? I didn't do anything," Ayame insisted. Mikhail smiled as he looked at her, taking her hands into his own, and kissing them gently.

"You did... Ayame-sama, I have never met a woman like you before," he answered.

She lowered her head, fully embarrassed by his out right flattery. To say she wasn't used to it would have been an understatement. And after the fight with Kouga... She looked up at Mikhail with a determined look in her eyes, and a friendly smile on her lips.

"I would love to get to know you more Mikhail."

His eyes shot up in pleasant surprise. "Really?" he exclaimed, a happy smile upon his lips. Ayame smiled as she nodded at him.

"Really. A girl always likes... a little attention," She said with a blush. "Besides... who knows... maybe if things work out... it would benefit both of our packs."

He smiled kindly at her and nodded. "I look forward to meeting you soon, Ayame," he replied. "I would love to stay, but I promised my father that I would catch up with him soon. You are welcomed to visit our tribe any time, just send a messenger with the news. Until we meet again," He bowed in respect.

She smiled as she nodded, bowing her head back at him. "It was a pleasure meeting you Mikhail. And you be sure to do the same. Be sure to visit, alright?" She asked with a shy blush. She couldn't imagine for the life of her why she was acting like such a giddy adolescent.

He smiled. "As you wish," he replied, bowed, and left. Ephiny watched him leave and bowed in respect as he passed her, but he didn't even seem to notice her, a wistful and dumbfounded smile upon his face. She carefully knocked on the door.

"Ayame-sama?" she asked as Ayame placed her hands against her warm cheeks, and muttered softly for Ephiny to enter. Her thoughts swam in her head, and her heart was fluttering in her chest. He'd been so sweet and charming... it melted her heart. Ephiny came in and blinked in surprise, seeing the white princess like this, and she smiled, liking her happy instead of depressed.

"What did Mikhail-sama want to discuss?" she asked curiously. Ayame blushed for what had to be the twenty time in the last twenty minutes as she looked at her friend. "He... wishes to court me..."

Ephiny's eyes raised in shock. "Really?" She smiled. "This is a surprise!" Ayame nodded silently as she sat down, folding her hands unto her lap.

"He was really sweet... I don't know... I think I could grow to like him. He wants to court me... and maybe... take me for his mate one day, if I approve."

Ephiny smiled, fighting back a laugh. "Well, it is certainly nice to see you happy," she replied. Ayame blinked as she stared at her friend before laughing softly.

"I guess you're right... I didn't even get to tell you what happened earlier," Ayame said with a blush. She didn't waste anymore time, telling her about what had happened before the meeting and the peep show she'd accidentally given Kouga of her backside.

"And he saw me naked Ephiny-chan!" She said, covering her face in embarrassment. "Even if it was just my back."

"Well..." Ephiny said, sitting back after the tale. "Well... that's um... I... that is interesting," she finally said, a surprised and confused look on her face. Ayame cocked her head to the side curiously.

"What's wrong? You look confused," Ayame stated. "It wasn't like I was *expecting* it to happen mind you... it was an accident, that's all," Ayame insisted softly.

"I know, it's just..." Ephiny shook her head. "It's not my place to say, nevermind Princess." Ayame shook her head, not fully curious.

"No... please Ephiny. Go ahead, we're friends after all right? We have no secrets between us."

"It was just... rather... ODD," Ephiny answered. "It doesn't shock me that much that Kouga-sama would walk in without knocking, but staring..." She shook her head. "You have to admit your story is not one that would occur everyday."

Ayame blushed as she hid her face in her hands "I know... I know... but I guess he was just surprised to see my tribal tattoo."

She laughed. "Ayame, I didn't know you could blush so much!" Ayame let out an exasperated cry, hiding her face.

"What do you expect Ephiny? First my life long crush stares at my naked ass, and then I find out another male wants to court me, all in the same, eventful day!" Ayame cried.

Ephiny chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Ayame, I didn't mean to embarrass you. I just found it amusing," She said as she smiled at her friend. "I am happy for you though," She patted her shoulder.

Ayame sighed as she nodded. "Thank you... I don't know if I'm happy exactly. Mikhail is a great guy... he's everything a girl could want in a mate... but... I don't know..." She said with a sigh.

"Just give it some time, you'll find out. Oh! I almost forgot! I was supposed to cook Takkun dinner tonight!" She smiled apologetically at Ayame. "I'm afraid I must go."

Ayame smiled as she nodded, standing up and giving Ephiny a hug. "It's quite alright my friend. It was a pleasure talking with you. Thank you very much."

Ephiny smiled as she returned the hug. "It was nothing, Ayame, I'm always here for you," she answered and left.

Ayame smiled as she stood in the doorway, watching her friend leave. Several minutes passed before she walked back into her room, sitting down by her bed and picking up her comb. She stared off into space as she began brushing her long red hair, thinking of the events of the day.

~*~*~*~

Kouga growled softly, watching the black heir finally leave from the direction of Ayame's personal den. 'What was he doing in her room, anyway?' he demanded mentally as he growled, storming over to the Princess's door and knocking loudly.

"Ayame!" he yelled impatiently. Ayame jumped at the sound of insistent pounding and the sound of a familiar voice, yelling just outside her door. She blinked in surprise as she opened it up, staring confusedly and slightly annoyingly at Kouga.

"What do you want?"

Kouga looked every bit as annoyed as her. "What was Mikhail doing in your room?!" he demanded quite loudly. He couldn't explain it, but he felt a sudden angry jolt go through his body at the thought of them spending time together, alone... in her personal chambers. Ayame blinked in utter shock at him, before her anger got the better of her.

"That's none of your damn business," She snapped at him, her eyes narrowed firmly on him. Kouga's eyes narrowed slightly, growling at her and her defiance.

"What?!"

"I'm sorry... did I not say that clear enough for you?" She asked sweetly, before growling and shouting at him. "I said it was NONE of YOUR business!" She cried before resuming her sweet demeanor. "There, was that better Kouga?"

He growled, getting more pissed at her, but mostly at the situation. How dare she act this way to HIM. "Keh, did anyone tell you that you are a stubborn bitch?" he growled.

"Well gee, if that was supposed to upset me I'm sorry to say you'll be disappointed. Because it seems YOU'RE the only one that feels that way about me. I'll have you know Mikhail likes me a lot and treats me with a hell of a lot more respect than you could ever dream up," Ayame declared, her hands on her hips as she growled at the brown ookami prince.

"He... He WHAT?!" Kouga demand, not believing what he heard. Ayame blinked at him, clearly confused and surprised by the way he was acting.

"What is your problem? God... Yes Kouga, there are actually males that are nice to me, that maybe even like me, and might even show an interest in me. And yes, there are even those that wish to court me and take me for their mate," Ayame snapped, silently adding to herself. 'Since you don't seem to want to....'

Kouga's mind was spinning with rapid thoughts. "He... He can't... Why I should.... Ayame! You... You can't!" he snapped, sadly coming up with nothing else for this defense. What the hell was happening to him? Ayame stared at him in complete shock.

"And why the hell not? I can do with my life as I please Kouga," Ayame reminded him. "And if Mikhail wishes to court me, it's my decision to allow him to."

"You... I... Grrr...!" Words for once were failing the wolf prince, and he had to come up with something fast. However, he couldn't come up with ANYTHING to say in his defense. Hell, he didn't know fully why he was doing this or why he was so frustrated and angry in the first place.

"Keh... Fine. You want to ruin your life... Go for it," he growled and stormed off, not even bothering to say goodbye.

"Now wait a damn minute!" Ayame shouted, chasing out after him. Her eyes blazed with fury as she stormed outside after him, catching up to him and grabbing his tail and giving it a yank to stop him in his tracks. "You have something to say, then say it!" She growled.

"What is your problem with me? With Mikhail?" Kouga turned, glaring coldly at her, and snatching back his tail out of her grasp.

"NEVER touch my tail Ayame... ever..." he growled. He stiffened slightly and stood up straight, glaring down at her. "And like you said Princess," he sneered sarcastically. "It's none of your damn business!"

Ayame stared at him, the anger melting from her expression as she looked at him pleadingly, her green eyes begging him. "Kouga... please..." Kouga growled, still slightly angry, and he looked away, knowing that in this state, he would fall into her green depths.

"Why don't you go to Mikhail, if you like him so much?" Kouga growled and began to walk.

"I never said that..." She bit her lip as she trailed off before turning around, her back to him. "I'm sorry... I don't know what else you want me to say Kouga," Ayame sighed in defeat. Kouga paused for a moment and sighed heavily before he kept on walking. His two betas blinked in surprise at him as he passed them without a word.

"Kouga, what's wrong?" Ginta asked curiously.

"Shut up," Kouga growled and walked past them. Ginta and Hakkaku shrugged and followed him out.

Ayame knew he'd left... but she couldn't bring herself to move from her spot. She clutched her fist to her heart, closing her eyes as she fought back the tears. She had to move on. She knew Kouga was no good for her, no matter how desperate she was for that not to be the truth. All he did was hurt her.

Mikhail could make her happy... at least she knew he'd try... He'd be kind to her, sweet and caring. She would give him a chance. It was the least she could do. Silently she wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and headed back for her room.


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AN: To check out the cover art for "The Tattoo", specifically the image that inspired this story, please visit my fiancee's deviantArt page at the following link below. I want to thank YourouzokuAlpha for the time and patience put into this work. It's beautiful.

http://yourou.deviantart.com/#/d2qdp3f