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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