Tattoo You
By: Michelle T
© April 2000
With a mixture of true excitement, anticipation and
a smidgen of fear, I pulled my car into the parking lot of the little, dirty
pink staccato building and aimed for the furthest available space. I backed my
car in so that I could sit and assess my surroundings and, to be honest, decide
whether or not I was actually going through with this venture. The day was hot
as usual, and I had the air conditioning on full blown, however, I eased my
side window down a couple of inches to allow my cigarette smoke to escape.
While absentmindedly drawing on my cig, my eye was suddenly drawn to the sleek
purple corvette which had just pulled into the space directly across the aisle
from mine. I was a bit surprised to see a vehicle of this caliber in this
section of town. I laughed out loud to myself over my silliness. Of course,
where else would one come for a tattoo if not Big Jake’s?
The beautiful sight that unfolded itself from the
confines of the corvette caused me to draw in small sharp breath. Lordy, he was
beautiful. A vision of the perfect man stood before me; soulful brown eyes,
wavy long hair clasped in a pony tail, a golden stud in his left ear,
sleeveless white tee shirt clinging to his fine, muscular frame, light khaki’s
snug against his hips. I watched him, fascinated, captured, for I had seen that
man before. Oh yes, I knew in a second that he was the one and only Howie Dorough,
my favorite BackStreet Boy.
My legs involuntarily started shaking and I placed
my left hand on my knee to still it, to no avail of course. I decided instantly
that I needed to go through with my earlier intentions. No matter how skeptical
my friends were over my latest endeavor, I needed to go in there now. Whether
or not I actually got the tattoo would remain to be seen, but there was no way
I was backing out without at least entering the establishment to see if the
sexy, gorgeous man nicknamed Sweet D was there for the same reason as I.
I waited just a few moments before crushing out my
cigarette, popping in a breath mint and gathering my shoulder bag. I chided
myself briefly over my slight hesitation upon first arriving and strode towards
the main door with a renewed sense of courage.
Upon entering the seedy looking building, I was
pleasantly surprised to find it to be a fun-filled, welcoming atmosphere, with
the Rolling Stones blaring through the speakers, and the walls covered in noisy
patterns. I stood a little taller and advanced to the counter.
“May I help you?” asked the large burly man without
even glancing up from his paperwork.
“I’d like to get a tattoo, please.” I said it
proudly, while looking around the small area for a glimpse of Howie.
“Sign here, Lady. Then go through that door and
pick out what you want. There’s an hour wait.” I thought he could have been a
bit more pleasant! I signed the release form and tossed it back down on the
counter in front of him causing him to look up quickly at me. I just smiled
nicely, thanked him and made my way to the next room.
The moment I entered the selections room I saw him.
How could I not, he was the only other person in there. He turned quickly upon
hearing me enter and flashed a quick smile. Oh, that smile did things to me,
I’ll tell you! I began scanning the walls looking at the multitude of designs,
however, it was unnecessary, I’d known for months what I would have engraved
upon my flesh for the remainder of my life. The scanning of the wall was merely
a distraction, while my brain wracked itself trying to find just the right
words to speak to him.
I sighed loudly out of frustration.
“It’s tough deciding, isn’t it?” I spun towards him
in surprise. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed easily
against his chest, watching me. I blushed slightly and admired him.
Ok, this is my chance, I thought, don’t blow it.
“There are too many to choose from, aren’t there? Do you have something picked
out?” I walked purposely towards him. He nodded and pointed to an oriental
design near him. I gasped and widened my eyes.
“Seriously?” I questioned him. He nodded and pushed
himself away from the wall, towards me.
“Yes, why do you look so surprised?”
“Well, that’s the exact same design I was going
for.” God, he probably thought I was making that one up!
“You know what this means?” he seemed impressed. I
nodded and smiled, remembering my old friend, Tam, drawing it for me and
explaining the history behind it.
“Of course. Once upon a time, I had a good friend
who embellished my love of the Orient and eagerly taught me so many lovely
sayings, such as this one.” I gazed upon the design while picturing Tam in my
mind, lovingly pouring over old books in the library, trying to find just the
right thing to make me smile.
“I can tell he was very special to you.” His hand
was softly placed upon my shoulder, drawing me out of my reverie.
I turned to face him and realized we were just
inches apart. My body shivered slightly and he felt it. “I’m sorry.” he said
softly.
I looked deeply into his caring eyes and stepped
back a bit before answering. “SHE was indeed very special to me, my best friend
in fact. I’m getting this design in her memory.”
He nodded, raised his hand to my cheek and stroked
it lightly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be intrusive.”
I quickly assured him that was not the case and
brought my hand up to cover his. “And, why are you settling on this design?”
He turned his hand away from my face and squeezed
mine gently, “A good friend suggested it. I’m the only one left among my
friends without a tattoo and I get ribbed about it often. I have wanted one for
quite a while, but truth be told, the idea of having a needle puncturing my
skin repeatedly was never too appealing.”
I smiled widely at him, knowing who his friends
were. “Well, I’m sure your friends will be quite impressed when you get back
and show it off for them, eh?”
He chuckled and led me over to a row of plastic
seats. “What about you? Who will you be showing yours off to?” He asked coyly.
I laughed out loud and shook my head. “I don’t
know! Whomever knows and asks I suppose.”
“Really, your boyfriend won’t be eagerly awaiting
your return to feast his eyes upon it?”
“Oh, you think you’re smooth, don’t you?” I laughed
at his playful expression and his nod, loving the way he moved so seductively
without realizing it. “There is no boyfriend at the moment, thank you very
much! I’ve been too involved with a rather nasty law suit at work to focus any
attention on anyone else but myself and my job lately. However, the case was
settled yesterday and our client won, so I’m celebrating by taking the rest of
the week off and doing something I’ve dreamed of for ages!”
“That sounds wonderful. Congratulations.” His
lovely full lips were stretched nicely in a grand smile. “I’m Howie by the
way.”
I nodded my head, “I know who you are Howie!” I
could have bitten my tongue.
He was taken aback momentarily. “You knew who I
was?” I nodded and sheepishly grinned back at him, “No fair!”
“Fair? What’s not fair? I’m sorry I didn’t let you
know right off that I recognized you, but I got caught up in our chat.” I
tensed somewhat hoping I hadn’t just killed any chance of further conversation.
I really liked him, as a person, he was kind, friendly and a bit flirty,
nevermind that he made me go weak in the knees, made my heart beat faster, made
my desires kindle deeply from within.
“It’s not fair that you know me and I’ve no idea of
your name?” His infectious grin eased me immediately.
“Whew! I thought you were mad at being recognized.
I’m Michelle and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I held out my right hand to
shake his. He chuckled tightly and brought my hand up to his lips rather than
shaking it.
“Pleasure is all mine, Michelle. So, you nervous?”
I quivered and tingled as his lips met my flesh. I watched transfixed as his
mouth pulled away from my hand and resumed it’s gorgeous smile.
“Mmm, what?” I tore my eyes from his lips, and
found myself caught yet again, but by his sparkling eyes this time.
“I asked if you were nervous, about the tattoo I
mean,” His eyes roamed my face and I felt myself warming beneath his
inspection.
“Oh, yes, I am. Hate the sight of blood!”
“Blood?” his expression took a quick turn and
transformed itself into one of trepidation.
“Well, of course, Howie.” I laughed and dropped my
hand onto his forearm. “I hear it can be quite painful as well. And then itchy
as hell afterwards.” I was enjoying being naughty, teasing him in this manner.
I made a quick face at him and laughed more heartily as he realized my
playfulness.
"That's it! You're going first!" He
attempted to tickle my ribs, however, his fingers accidentally brushed the
underside of my breast. The desire within caught and quickly spread throughout
my body. I blushed and met his eyes, he was blushing slightly as well, but the
smile was still there.
"First? Oh, now that's not fair! You were here
first!" I attempted to cover up my longings with light hearted attitude.
To my relief, or frustration, depends on how you want to look at it, we
continued chatting amicably for another half hour. We got along famously and
somehow eased into a very chummy conversation, much so that it was soon second
nature to place a hand on the other's arm or leg or even around a shoulder.
All too soon, we were called into the backroom. As
promised Howie made me go first. I tried wrangling out of it, but he slid his
warm strong arms around my shoulders and eased me into the chair. With a sudden
decline in courage, I begged him with my eyes to reconsider. He laughed merrily
at me and grabbed my right hand for support. I explained to "Jake",
the burly bad attitude owner, which design I wanted. He nodded brusquely and
set about organizing his tools and dyes.
When he was finally ready, I turned slightly to my
left side and raised my skirt to uncover my upper thigh. With a mixture of
embarrassment and hesitation, I looked up to Howie who had taken a seat near my
waist. His gaze was lingering upon my thigh and he seemed entranced as Jake
began swiping it with an alcohol swab. I smirked and grabbed his hand once
again. He looked down upon me with a sexy smile and eyes full of desire. My
heart stood still and my throat constricted. I was only brought out of my
silence by the painful stinging of the needle as it entered my tender flesh.
"OUCH!" I screamed involuntarily. Howie
gripped my hand tighter and winced in pain for me. I shot him a grateful look
before closing my eyes to keep the tears from falling. I felt him lean closer,
felt his warm breath a mere inch away. He murmured sweet soothing words, which
I didn't readily comprehend. I felt his hand gently caressing the top of my
head, pushing my blonde hair away from my face.
Minutes later I must have become accustomed to the
pain and opened my eyes. His beautiful face was hovering just above me. My eyes
were drawn to his full moist lips and I licked mine subconsciously. As if
reading my thoughts, he lowered his mouth to mine and lightly brushed his lips
across them. Needing no further invitation, I rose my head slightly to allow
his lips to press firmer against me.
The kiss was enthralling, sweet, left much to be
desired. We pulled away at the same time and smiled upon each other.
"We can't distract Jake. Who knows what kind
of tattoo you'd end up having."
I laughed along with him and kept my gaze trained
upon his beautiful face. I wanted to go on kissing him, having him kissing me,
but he was right. No need to show such a public display of affection,
especially when the public had a terrifying needle gripped tightly in his
hands. For the duration of my bold quest, we did, however, manage to continue
speaking quietly to each other and share a few sweet stolen kisses.
All too soon my tattoo was complete. Having Howie
so close, touching me, me touching him, had made it seem so effortless in the
long run. We both admired Jake's work and I felt an incredible sense of pride
in my new work of art. After hearing Jake's instructions on caring for it,
Howie and I switched places. He was having his done on his upper left arm. I
sat next to his right, as he had done for me. His grip on my hand was filled
with excitement, anticipation and a smidgen of fear. There were no tears for
him. We lost ourselves in each other's eyes once again and I fell in love,
truly in love for the first time in my whole life. I swayed slightly from the
emotions flowing through me, hoping, craving, desiring a continued
relationship. He did not disappointment me. He graciously invited me to join
him for dinner afterwards and my heart swelled. We finished up, paid for our
tattoos and walked arm in arm out of the little, dirty pink staccato building
that would forever now be remembered in my mind as the most wonderful building
that I have ever entered.
The End
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