Beneath the Ink (COMPLETE)

Its On Me

Cecelia May

After the text I woke up to this afternoon, I heard nothing from Thomas.

So I decided to go the tattoo shop.

I hoped I wasn't going to interrupt anything.

And I hoped he was there because if not that feels slightly embarrassing.

I walked in, a lady at the desk smiling at me.

"Hey love! What can I do for you?" She smiled.

"Hi I'd-" I began but the silent man I'd only ever seen in a hoodie came behind the desk in a tight long sleeve, his arms absolutely giant.

She looked at him and at me.

I pointed to him.

"Alright, if you need anything, let anyone know." She chuckled weirdly, walking away.

"Hi." I smiled.

I almost forgot he didn't really interact.

"Alright, are you busy?" I asked.

He turned, looking at his I suppose station is the word.

"Do I have to make an appointment for a tattoo consultation or something? I don't know how this really works." I smiled.

He turned, beginning to walk away and to his station.

I followed, his back muscles flexing under the shirt.

I tried to not get distracted because I lacked all things man.

He sat on his rolling stool, looking at the table and I sat.

I pulled out my phone, showing a photo of a Pink Dogwood tree.

"On my ribs." I said and he nodded, chewing his lip.

He put on black latex gloves, scooting forward.

He looked up at me then my shirt.

"Ah, right." I pulled the arm of the side I wanted out of the sleeve.

"From about mid chest to here." I showed him how large I wanted it.

He grabbed a marker.

"Are we starting now? Aren't you busy? Don't I need to make an appointment or something?" I asked.

He just looked at me, bored.

"A-alright." I mumbled.

He moved up the strap of my bra, marking.

"Will I have to remove that for the tattoo?" I asked.

He marked the bottom of it, then the sides.

I took that as a yes.

He reached up, snapping off the strap with a hand like it were nothing.

I felt my face redden.

He walked away and I waited there. He grabbed the giant stencil.

"You already have it printed?" I asked and he ignored me, not even looking at me as he patted the seat, having me lie down on my side.

He set the stencil down, grabbing a bottle, rubbing some sort of something onto my skin.

I felt my skin tingle but it was now numb.

"Is that numbing cream?" I looked at him.

He nodded once, setting it back.

"I seriously wonder how you do this without speaking." I said.

He didn't answer as he laid the stencil on my side, wetting it, before peeling it off.

He handed me a mirror and I looked, seeing the beautiful tree on my side.

"That's so pretty." I whispered.

He put the mirror back, grabbing the tattoo gun and I panicked.

He put his gloved hand on my arm, raising his eyebrows.

"Sorry, I've never had a tattoo." I shut my eyes.

He removed his hand from my arm, beginning to tattoo my ribs.

I shut my eyes, relaxing.

I felt nothing but pressure.

-

I turned, groaning when I couldn't find a comfortable position.

I opened my eyes, panicking.

A hand laid itself on my stomach.

I turned, looking at Rhodes and I sat up.

"What time is it?" I looked for a clock, he handed me my phone.

"Thank fuck." I groaned.

It was only 3.

I had 2 hours.

"Is it done?" I reached for my side but I was covered in Saran Wrap.

He showed me his phone, he had taken a picture of it.

I smiled, loving it. It was absolutely incredible.

"You're a talented man." I sighed.

"How much?" I stood, going to my bag.

"It's on me." He whispered, looking around awkwardly to see if anyone else heard him.

I blinked.

"A-re you sure?" I stuttered.

His voice was such a turn on.

He nodded, putting his hands in his Jean pockets.

"How about a free meal then at the Pub?" I asked.

He cleared his throat.

"A date." He said.

I swore this was impossible.

"Are you sure? I won't lie I think it'll be strange to sit somewhere and stare at you trying to figure you out as a date." I frowned.

He took a deep breath, really struggling.

"Mine. I'll cook." He stared at me, his dark eyes boring into my lighter ones.

"When?"

He just looked at me, he wasted his daily words I suppose.

"Uhm... are you free Friday night?" I asked.

He looked at me.

"Good. Alright. Uhm, here." I walked to the desk, grabbing one of their cards and scribbling down my number.

I handed it to him and he glanced at it.

"Send me your address then, have a good rest of your day Rhodes, I really appreciate the tattoo." I smiled.

He gave only a slight nod.

I had a date with the silent man.