"Thought, yes. Yes, I have. Have I taken action on it? No." I laughed a bit as I replied.
He sighed. "Of course not."
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!" I snapped.
"Oh, testy, are we?"He said with a bit of a chuckle as he spoke. "Must be the junkie mood swings again..."
 
I growled lowly but said nothing. What could I say? He was right and we both knew it.
 
He came over and hugged me then kissed my head. "I'm sorry sweetie, I didn't mean that. I just hate watching you do this to yourself."
 
You and me both.
  I took a deep breath and hugged him back. Luke was my best friend. He knew me better than anyone, even better than I knew myself at times. If there was something wrong with me and I couldn't see it... or refused to, he let me know. I knew I could trust him.
 
"Oh, and... Your appointment is here a little early." He smiled pulling back tucking a strand behind my ear then chuckled ruffling my hair. "Go work your magic." He winked then patted my arm and walked out with two boxes of large gloves in one hand.
 
I pulled two bottles from the same drawer. One was a bottle of favorite perfume, the other was a bottle of Visine. I sprayed myself and then dropped a couple drops of Visine in my eyes, then pulled some mint gum to chew following out behind Lucas. I made sure to close the door behind me. I washed my hands after popping the gum into my mouth and went over to my station. I took fresh gloves from the box bin on the wall and readied my machine since Monica had already taken care of my station. Machines, needles, paper towels, caps, ink, cellophane wrap, tape, speed stick, and bacitracin. All the good stuff. Check and check. I slipped the needles into their tubes, attached them to their machines, and connected the clip chord to my liner. After tuning the machine, I tapped on the foot switch to test it.
 
Ready.
 
"Gates!" I heard Luke call out over the buzzing and music. "She's ready for ya."
His voice was followed by two others. "Hear that? she's ready for you..."
"Shut up, Jimmy!" retorted the other. "Thanks man, but it's Brian."
 
I turned just in time for him to flash me a warm smile as he made his way over while his friend followed. They were both pretty tall. By estimation, I'd guess one 5'10'' and the other 6'1'', maybe? The shorter of the two had medium length, black spiked hair, a nose ring, brilliant brown to almost honey eyes, and a bright white smile. He reached his hand out for me to take maintaining his smile. I stared blankly down at it for a second then blinked and shook his hand. He grinned shaking back and spoke again.
 
"Hi. I'm Brian."
"Hey." I returned his smile. "I'm‑"
"I know." He interrupted. "You're Toxsyn." He let go of my hand and sat in the chair before me.
 
Toxsyn. For some reason, I didn't like that he knew that. That he knew my by that name.
 
"Actually, you can just call me Rein." I smiled trying to hide the frown that wanted to reveal itself.
He nodded. "Sorry, I know what you mean." He chuckled nervously like he was apologizing for insulting me.
"Oh don't worry about it." I laughed a bit to show him it was alright. I shrugged. “It’s what most people know me by, I guess.” I half smiled.
 
He returned it. I wasn’t sure whether I should look at his gorgeous smile or his bright eyes.
 
Next thing I knew, there were arms wrapped around me and a chin was propped on my shoulder from behind.
 
"Hey baby, I ordered pizza. I figured you'd be hungry, and knowing you... you didn't eat anything before you got here."
I looked away from Brian's eyes down at Luke's arms around me and laughed a little. "Thanks Lulu." I smiled still looking down.
"Mhm." He turned me just enough to face him holding my chin with one hand as he kissed the corner of my mouth lingering a few seconds before pulling back smiling and releasing his embrace on me.
"Uhh... I'm gonna start on his tattoo now, okay?"
 
I didn't know how to react. Luke had kissed me before, but never passed the nose or cheek. It was a little odd.
 
The taller guy nudged Brian when he thought I hadn't seen and whispered something to him. I couldn't quite hear what he said, but I turned and watched Luke walk away. I turned to my station taking the sketch of Brian's tattoo out that I had drawn up a few days ago. I sat in my seat and showed it to him.
 
"What was that?" I smiled over at the tall man seated beside Brian. Brian studied the sketch while the other looked like a deer in the headlights.
"Oh. I... Uh... I said, I'm Jimmy, by the way." His blue eyes sparkled as a smile appeared on his lips, though he had looked like he had secretly hoped that I believed him.
 
I knew that wasn't really what he had said, but I let it go.
 
"Well then, hello Jimmy." I smiled back.
Brian chuckled at Jimmy and me as he handed back the sketch. "I love it. It's perfect."
"Thanks." I said taking it from him and handing it to Monica to make a stencil. "So, left calf, right?"
"Right. The left, not the right." He chuckled then furrowed his brows smiling up from the chair before positioning himself comfortably in it.
 
I took the razor that I had set out with my other equipment, then began shaving the spot on his leg where the tattoo was to be.
 
"So how long have you been tattooing?" Brian muffled out after Jimmy began slapping him for no reason.
"Eleven years." I replied trying not to laugh taking the stencil from Monica and laying the razor down on my station table.
 
From the corner of my eye, I could see the look on his face while he quickly calculated what he thought my age was. I pulled the top off the Speed Stick and rubbed it along his calf before I laid the stencil. “Something wrong?”
"You're 29?!" he blurted out loud making Jimmy jump and fall out of his seat.
I couldn't help but laugh now. "Oh, you meant professionally?" I smiled. "Professionally and legally, nine years. I'm 26"
He chuckled. "Oh, okay.”
"How long have you been playing guitar?" I dipped the needle in ink then pushed the foot switch as I pressed the needle to his skin.
He winced a little as he replied. "A few years... I was... mostly self taught... but I went to... school for it."
I laughed a little. "Are you okay? Am I hurting you?"
"No, it's not you. This dumb-fuck keeps pin‑ Damnit! Pinching me." He slapped at Jimmy.
Jimmy laughed and pulled back. "Alright, well, I'm gonna go meet Shadz and short‑shit at the bar a few blocks down, I'll see you two crazy kids later." He waved us both off then quickly winked over at Brian as he got up then walked to the door to leave.
I called out goodbye then heard the door close shortly after and continued on Brian's calf humming Dr. Feelgood  by Motley Crue which was playing off Justin's ipod on the dock on his station.
 
"You know..." He paused for a second and sat up a little. "You're much more beautiful in person..."
I stopped for a second feeling the blood rush to my cheeks. "Oh… Heh. Thanks, but I think air brush works wonders."
He smirked seeing my blush then laughed a little. "Well... I still think they don’t do you justice."
 
Just then Luke came over carrying the pizza box he ordered for.
 
"Food's here, baby girl." He glared at Brian but then quickly smiled over at me as I looked up at him just catching his glare.
"Okay hun, just let me finish him up." I gave him a look telling him to be nice with my eyes.
 
He always said he could read my mind if he looked deep enough into my eyes. I hoped this was one of those times.
 
"Yeah..." He growled lowly then nodded once and walked away taking the box with him.
 
I turned back to Brian and continued on his tattoo. "Sorry about him. I don't know why he's acting like that today." I smiled warmly up at him then pressed on the foot switch again making the machine buzz.
He nodded then was silent for a few minutes before speaking again. "So how long have you and your boyfriend been together?"
"My boyfriend...?" I furrowed my brows as I switched machines then dipped the new machine in ink starting on his shading.
"Yeah, cupcake over there." He chuckled and I saw him nod over to Luke from the corner of my eye.
I laughed. "Lulu?" I laughed again. "He's not my boyfriend!"
"He isn't? Then what's with all the claiming and 'back off my girl' shit?"
"Oh, he's just over protective as hell is all. We're just good friends and he watches out for me. He's a real sweetheart. Known him forever."
"He seems to think he's more..." He grumbled and I wondered if he thought I couldn't hear him. "Well, since he's just a friend..." He began then paused with a smirk looking down at me.
I stopped and looked up at him. "Hmm...?" I shivered internally seeing his smirk.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we went out to dinner." He smiled and leaned over moving some hair out of my face. "Well, if you'd like."
I felt my cheeks go hot again. "No, I don't mind..." I looked down then back up at him a bit sheepishly feeling like a five year old with her first crush.
He chuckled then leaned back with a bigger smirk than before. "Great. Plus, you know, I wanna make sure you eat since uh... your buddy over there said something about you skipping meals." He winked.
 
I shook my head with a bit of a laugh. I didn't know whether to smack Luke or hug him for saying what he did earlier.
  I started filling in the color on the tattoo now and we planned the date then carried on talking about that and other things till I finished.
 
We got along well like I did with all my clients, but he was different... something with him just... clicked. I guess our lifestyles being similar made it easier. I tend to really relate to musicians. Tattooers are rockstars as well! We just play our instruments in a shop. We also play more of a private gig. But, just as well, our performance sticks with you forever.

I wasn’t sure I liked the feeling at first. In all honesty... It kinda scared me. I’ve been trying to avoid anything of this sort. I am in love with love, but I dislike being in it. Guys that don’t understand the business get so jealous. There’s obviously touching of another person happening in tattooing, but they don’t seem to understand that business is business. They just can't differentiate it. But even with all these thoughts crowding my mind, one particular verse from one very fitting song began playing over in my head…
 
If you bore me then I’m comfortable,
If you interest me, I’m scared.
My attraction paralyzes me
No courage to show my true colors that exist.
 
I removed my gloves, wrapped him up, and handed him some bacitracin, as Monica cleaned up. I went to wash my hands then lead Brian to the register taking  his money then handing him his change.
 
"See you tomorrow at 8?" He said smiling at me handing me a tip. I looked at his hand and shook my head  telling him to put the change into his wallet. He looked down at his new tattoo then back up at me with raised brows giving me a moment to change the time if needed. "You sure?"
 
"Yeah, save it for tomorrow. At 8." I laughed then handed him a card with my name and business information and tattoo care instructions on the back. “My number’s on the back.”
 
"Great." He said smiling at me before walking to the door. “So…” He walked halfway through the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow night then!” he smirked and waved as I nodded smiling.
 
"What was that about?" I heard the voice in my ear as arms wrapped around my waist pulling me to him.
"I have a date." I grinned then broke away from him. "And now, I need a smoke." I said then turned walking back to the artist's hangout then my office with a slice in hand. “Mmm...” I moaned biting into the pineapple and cheesy goodness.
 
Not a moment later the door snapped open and Luke’s voice was sure to follow. “Wait, you what?! Excuse me, can you repeat that again?!”
I swallowed the bite then licked my lips. “I. Have. A. Date. Are you following?” I took another big bite going back to the same drawer from earlier grabbing a pack of cigs and my lighter once again, shaking the cigarette carton in my hand. I set it down for a second to finish my pizza as Luke spoke again.
 
“What the fu- When did this happen? You don’t ever... Ever fucking date clients! Why start now? I mean...”
I chewed and swallowed letting him get out what he needed till the last bite was gone. “Why are you freaking out?” I giggled.
 
“I’m not fucking freaking out! I’m looking out for you! He’s a fucking rock star, as in guy in fucking band, as in major fucking player-do-not-mess-with-him-he’ll-break-your-heart-or-worse! Are you following?!” I couldn’t help but laugh. It was kind of cute how protective he got.
 
“Yeah, you done? I’ve had my heart broken before, Lucas. Any guy can be a player. It isn't only a thing among musicians. He didn’t ask me to marry him or have his fucking children for Christ’s sake. He asked me to dinner. If you wanna flip out, take a look in the mirror. You sparked it.”
“I SPARKED THIS?! HOW?!”
“That comment you made about me skipping meals? I have to admit, he threw it in there very smoothly... ‘Plus, you know, I wanna make sure you eat since uh... your buddy over there said something about you skipping meals.’” I mocked feeling a smile creep onto my lips.
Luke paced back and forth like he was in trouble or something. “Fuck!”
I watched him for a second then shook my head and took a cig from its carton bringing it to my lips lighting it and inhaling then pulled it out holding it between my fingers blowing out the smoke. “Mmm... I love Marlboros... such a fucking quality smoke.”
He looked over at me then came over taking it as I was bringing it back up to my lips and put it out in the ashtray.
“Hey!” I groaned.
 
He stood in front of me and licked his lips looking down at mine then back into my eyes. He placed his hands on my hips and lightly slid one hand up over my shirt where my ribs were. “Luke, what the fuck are you doing, you weirdo? You’re getting really tou-“
 
“Hey asshole, back off my wifey!” I rolled my eyes smiling hearing Justin’s voice. “Your client is here Lulu.” He chuckled crossing his arms standing in the doorway.
 
Luke sighed then leaned in kissing the corner of my mouth again. “Stop that smoking, it’s not good for you.” He leaned back in, to what looked like rub noses, but I’m not sure... I turned my head away and rolled my eyes removing his hands on me.
 
“Hey bitch, what part of back off my girl did you not understand?” Justin said. It even sounded like he had a smirk or grin of some sort on his face as he said it.
“Knock it off Justin”
“Aww, baby, I don’t like the way he’s touching you! You’re mine to touch.”
 
Luke shook his head then backed away and turned walking out passed Justin turning his head looking at him for a second then disappearing from view. Justin came in and closed the door behind him then walked over taking the place Luke was just in. “Seriously, what the fuck is up with you guys today? There’s too much damn testosterone in this fucking sho-“
 
“Shhh...” He said then leaned in and kissed me. I pulled away.
“Justin! What the fuck are you doing?” I tried to push him away but he only held on tighter then tilted my neck and began kissing it.
“Finishing what we started the other night...” He continued kissing lightly along the skin.
 
I moaned lightly then shivered and pushed him back. “The other night? We didn’t start anything! What are you trying to finish?!” He moved back in.
“Let me show you...” He grinned.
I pushed him away. “How about not?”
 
He raised his brows. “You really don’t remember, do you...?”
“I don’t even remotely have the slightest idea what you’re talking about!”
“Oh God,” He laughed. “You don’t remember what happened? At all?”
  My eyes widened and I felt embarrassed. I couldn’t for the life of me, fucking remember what I had done that night. I remember showing up to a house... and that was it. Which obviously isn’t fucking good. I can’t keep doing that shit. I frowned and looked over at him shaking my head slowly. “Nope... nothing. I just figured since I couldn’t remember, I must’ve had one fucking amazing time.”
He smiled a little, “Oh yeah, we did.”
 
What was all this ‘we’ bullshit? This is why I don’t like relationships, they’re too damn complicated... I suppose any relationship is complicated really... It just takes the right amount of tolerance and will to go through with it. Why do we put ourselves through this?
 
“Rein, don’t you wanna know what happened?” I snapped out of thought.
“Huh? Oh, no.” I bit my lip for a second. “No. I don’t.”
He looked confused. “Why not babe?” He tried snaking in closer again.
“Because I don’t. Now stop trying to kiss on your boss and go back to work.”
“You were my friend before you were my boss.”
“Yeah, well right now, during the time you are here and on the clock, I am your boss before your friend.”
“Wanna be my friend with special privileges later?”
 
Wait, excuse me... Did he just ask me to fuck?
 
“What?! OUT.”
“Wait, that sounded bad, I mean-“
“Out. Now.”
 
He sighed and walked out closing the door behind him. I rubbed my face then sighed getting off my desk sitting at my seat and started going through the stuff on it. Bills, great.

Notes

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