The young woman checked the piece of paper in her hand as she slowed down along a strip of shops. Comparing the paper to the shop names, she crept slowly down the sidewalk as she drew closer towards the fairly nondescript shop. The sign over the door was simplistic in that it only contained the name of the shop - Umbra Tattoo. She knew the sign had been designed and handcrafted by one of the owners and seeing it made her smile. The level of detail in the design of each letter spoke volumes towards the artistic abilities and creativity of those within. If their tattoo work was even half as good, she’d be satisfied, but the shop had come highly recommended by several friends, so she hadn’t been overly concerned about that anyway. There was an intrinsic trust to their opinion as each was well inked and all had been to a few different shops, but this was the only one to which they indicated they would all return.
Pulling the door open, the steady hum of tattoo machines hard at work greeted the red-head. Entering the shop, she found herself in what seemed to be a small waiting area with a couple semi-comfortable looking chairs and a table filled with binders holding various design ideas. There was a counter blocking the entrance to the back area, which was to be expected. The walls were neutral in color which allowed for the framed photos of finished pieces and their matching sketches to be displayed. Each of the displayed pieces was exquisitely designed with wonderful coloring and it seemed no detail had been overlooked. She was drawn to the back piece of a pair of intertwined dragons each done in a different color; one in green which breathed fire and the other in blue breathing an icy mist. It reminded the female a bit of yin and yang. She marveled at the detail and how each the artist had painstakingly outlined each and every scale rather than just a few here and there to give the illusion of the beasts being scaly.
Happily satisfied that she was practically guaranteed a wonderful piece of art, she took a seat in the corner to wait. Drawing one of the larger over-sized binders into her lap, she began to flip through the pages. Much like the pieces on the wall, each page included a sketch and at least one photo of a finished tattoo. These weren’t entirely custom designs, but rather more generic sketches that had been customized on the fly for each client. In their own way, they were quite impressive for being done on the fly from stock sketches making each tattoo an unique work of art.
She could definitely see why her friends had recommended the place. If the prices were as reasonable as they had claimed, she was surprised that there wasn’t currently a waiting room full of people. Then again, she had been looking for the sign. If she hadn’t, she probably would have never paid any attention to the storefront, which is how she suspected they preferred it. Word of mouth was powerful advertising and kept the unsavory types of customers from frequenting the shop while pulling in the type of clientele they were after, she supposed.
Not By Choice
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Nora (DELETED 5499)
- Posts: 33
- Joined: 17 Jun 2014, 06:24
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Nora (DELETED 5499)
- Posts: 33
- Joined: 17 Jun 2014, 06:24
Re: Not By Choice
The woman lost track of time as she flipped through the first binder and started a second. About halfway through it, she heard the chatter of one of the artists telling a client how to care for her new tattoo. Looking up, she caught sight of the clock above the entry to the back. She was surprised that just over an hour had passed since she had entered the shop, though she didn’t feel like it had been time wasted given the books had given her inspiration for more pieces. Nodding as the artist told her he’d be with her momentarily, she returned to the book, knowing from waiting for friends that the aftercare speeches, setting up follow-up appointments and payments could take a while if the customer had a lot of questions. Therefore, it was no surprise that it was another twenty minutes before the bell on the shop door rang as the girl left. Closing the binder she’d be going through, she placed it back on the table.
“I apologize again for making you wait so long. What can I do for you?”
She smiled as she stood, stretching gently to get the blood flowing after being seated so long. “I’m looking to get my left arm done,” she replied, taking the rough sketch from her pocket. Unfolding it, she handed it to the man before stepping back slightly. “Something like that, but in color.” He nodded as he took the paper and set it on the counter to look at it. While he did so, the red-head took the opportunity to study him. A good head taller than her, he had a nice fit build. He wasn’t overly muscular, but rather toned which was showcased by his skin-tight jeans and fitted black t-shirt. His startlingly green eyes seemed out of place with his short, spiky platinum blond hair. Unsurprisingly, his arms were covered in ink, though it was hard to tell precisely what the designs were given the sleeves partially covered them and they seemed more abstract.
“Did you do this?” He looked up at her with a bit of surprise. His gaze seemed to linger a bit too long to be casual.
“No,” she laughed, “I couldn’t draw a straight line if my life depended on it.” Shaking her head in amusement, she explained, “A friend of mine who’s a bit more artistically inclined did it up so I’d have something to work from.”
“It’s a good start. Tell me a bit more about what you’d like? Colors, design elements?”
She nodded, thinking for a moment, before replying, “I plan to later get a back piece and the lower half of the arm done, so I’d like the design to be able to flow into the next. I’d prefer it to be in color, but I’m not a design expert, so I’d prefer to defer to your expertise in that as well as to which colors.” She gestured to the photos on the wall, “After seeing these and going through your books, “I have no doubts that it will look amazing. In terms of design elements? I like things that have hidden meanings or possible secondary meanings like your entwined dragons piece that sort of resembles a yin-yang.”
He gaped at her slightly for her last statement, “Well done, most don’t realize the potential in that piece,” he praised lightly. “I think I can definitely design you what you’re looking for.” He paused, looking at the clock for a moment, “Would you prefer to wait or come back tomorrow?”
Nibbling on her lip, she debated her choices before checking the clock herself. That it was nearly time for the shop to close swayed her decision, “I can come back tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to hold you up. Would 1pm work?”
“If you come around noon,” he countered, “we can discuss the design over lunch and then get started afterward if you approve of the design. And,” he continued before she could object, “I will provide the food.”
“Noon it is then,” she replied with a smile, “Thank you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss…”
“Portia.”
“Until tomorrow then, Miss Portia.” She smiled and gave a slight wave as she slipped out the door to return tomorrow.
“I apologize again for making you wait so long. What can I do for you?”
She smiled as she stood, stretching gently to get the blood flowing after being seated so long. “I’m looking to get my left arm done,” she replied, taking the rough sketch from her pocket. Unfolding it, she handed it to the man before stepping back slightly. “Something like that, but in color.” He nodded as he took the paper and set it on the counter to look at it. While he did so, the red-head took the opportunity to study him. A good head taller than her, he had a nice fit build. He wasn’t overly muscular, but rather toned which was showcased by his skin-tight jeans and fitted black t-shirt. His startlingly green eyes seemed out of place with his short, spiky platinum blond hair. Unsurprisingly, his arms were covered in ink, though it was hard to tell precisely what the designs were given the sleeves partially covered them and they seemed more abstract.
“Did you do this?” He looked up at her with a bit of surprise. His gaze seemed to linger a bit too long to be casual.
“No,” she laughed, “I couldn’t draw a straight line if my life depended on it.” Shaking her head in amusement, she explained, “A friend of mine who’s a bit more artistically inclined did it up so I’d have something to work from.”
“It’s a good start. Tell me a bit more about what you’d like? Colors, design elements?”
She nodded, thinking for a moment, before replying, “I plan to later get a back piece and the lower half of the arm done, so I’d like the design to be able to flow into the next. I’d prefer it to be in color, but I’m not a design expert, so I’d prefer to defer to your expertise in that as well as to which colors.” She gestured to the photos on the wall, “After seeing these and going through your books, “I have no doubts that it will look amazing. In terms of design elements? I like things that have hidden meanings or possible secondary meanings like your entwined dragons piece that sort of resembles a yin-yang.”
He gaped at her slightly for her last statement, “Well done, most don’t realize the potential in that piece,” he praised lightly. “I think I can definitely design you what you’re looking for.” He paused, looking at the clock for a moment, “Would you prefer to wait or come back tomorrow?”
Nibbling on her lip, she debated her choices before checking the clock herself. That it was nearly time for the shop to close swayed her decision, “I can come back tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to hold you up. Would 1pm work?”
“If you come around noon,” he countered, “we can discuss the design over lunch and then get started afterward if you approve of the design. And,” he continued before she could object, “I will provide the food.”
“Noon it is then,” she replied with a smile, “Thank you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss…”
“Portia.”
“Until tomorrow then, Miss Portia.” She smiled and gave a slight wave as she slipped out the door to return tomorrow.
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Nora (DELETED 5499)
- Posts: 33
- Joined: 17 Jun 2014, 06:24
Re: Not By Choice
Just before noon the following day, the red-head returned to the shop. Not seeing the gentleman who had helped her the day before, she took her preferred corner seat to wait. Looking through the books, she found the one she had gotten half way through the day before. She settled in. Finding the place she had left off, she returned to the pages and their visual delights. Mostly, she was admiring the exquisite work, but at the same time was collecting ideas for her later pieces. It also served to expose her to different styles and placements she’d never considered.
The sound of his voice drew her from the photo she was currently scrutinizing. Looking up as she closed the book and slid it onto the table, she smiled. He gave her a slight nod acknowledging her presence before returning his full attention to his client. This one, she mused, must be a returning customer as the process was much quicker this time and lacking in the aftercare speech from the previous day.
Once the client had paid his bill and was approaching the exit, she stood, weaving through the chairs towards the counter. The gentleman smiled as she drew closer and holding the counter top up so she could pass through, he gestured for her to enter the back. Stepping through the doorway, she moved to the right out of the way. Her eyes roved over the room noting the two partitioned off work areas, the supply cabinets, and a sink area. She would be the first to admit that it was a lot nicer than she expected.
“I figured we could eat in my office while we go over the design, Miss Portia.”
“Just Portia, please,” she replied automatically, blinking in surprise that he had remembered her name.
“Of course,” he acknowledged, “I took the liberty of ordering some Chinese dishes - Teriyaki, General Gaos, and the house specialty which is a Sweet Ginger - all in chicken.” He stopped outside the office, allowing the red-head to proceed him.
“Thank you, that sounds wonderful,” she declared as she slipped into the small room. True to his word, set up along the sidebar were the dishes he mentioned along with what looked to be an assortment of rice, noodles and veggies. It looked to be enough for four or five people making her wonder if perhaps his partner would be joining them.
“Help yourself,” he invited, handing her a plate. Eying the selections, she spread a layer on her plate topping it with the steamed broccoli and carrot mix. Carefully, she added a scoop of each of the different types of chicken. Taking one of the sets of silverware and a couple napkins, she seated herself on the ‘guest’ side of the desk as he piled his own plate with food. Setting his plate down, he returned to the sidebar, opening the hidden fridge to remove a pair of bottles of water. As he handed one to her, he slid into his own seat, “Sorry, it’s all I keep on hand,” he apologized.
“Water is more than fine,” she replied, shaking her head lightly. She truly wasn’t fussy on these sorts of things and actually preferred to avoid the caffeine found in most other drinks. “Thank you for lunch, Mr…” she commented as they both opened their silverware and began to dig in.
“Kai, please,” he supplied. After a few moments, he reached for a folder and pulled it closer. Flipping it over, he removed a couple sketches and handed them to her. “If you don’t like either of them, I can use your feedback to create a different version,” he offered.
Curious, she took the papers, laying them out in front of her, mindful not to place them in her food. As she finished the last few bites, she glanced over them immediately noting that they were quite similar in design. Each had the same basic design elements but the details were different. The one on the right was more of a tribal style while the one of the left was more intricate in design, which immediately caught her attention. She loved the look of the over all design and could distinguish what looked to be small pictures within the details. While not entirely sure, they reminded her a bit of runes or ancient writings. “This one,” she declared, handing the intricate sketch back to Kai.
He had watched her as she looked over the sketches, curious of which she would pick. Typically, he had a good idea of which way a client would go, but not this one. She was a bit of enigma, which intrigued him. He had been more than surprised yesterday when she had given him a sketch and bare amount of details, trusting in his skill. It had been a refreshing change from some of their more usual clients who often had set ideas on what they wanted. He appreciated the chance to flex his creativity to the fullest and was pleased she had picked the more detailed design.
“If you’re finished, we can get started now, if you like?” At her nod, he picked up his empty plate, he held his hand out for hers which he deposited in the trashcan. Gesturing for her to bring her water, he walked her over to the door and indicated the bathroom on the far side, “Go ahead and wash your hands. I’d suggest using the facilities now. We can take a break, if needed, of course. When you’re done, we’ll be using the station on this side.”
The sound of his voice drew her from the photo she was currently scrutinizing. Looking up as she closed the book and slid it onto the table, she smiled. He gave her a slight nod acknowledging her presence before returning his full attention to his client. This one, she mused, must be a returning customer as the process was much quicker this time and lacking in the aftercare speech from the previous day.
Once the client had paid his bill and was approaching the exit, she stood, weaving through the chairs towards the counter. The gentleman smiled as she drew closer and holding the counter top up so she could pass through, he gestured for her to enter the back. Stepping through the doorway, she moved to the right out of the way. Her eyes roved over the room noting the two partitioned off work areas, the supply cabinets, and a sink area. She would be the first to admit that it was a lot nicer than she expected.
“I figured we could eat in my office while we go over the design, Miss Portia.”
“Just Portia, please,” she replied automatically, blinking in surprise that he had remembered her name.
“Of course,” he acknowledged, “I took the liberty of ordering some Chinese dishes - Teriyaki, General Gaos, and the house specialty which is a Sweet Ginger - all in chicken.” He stopped outside the office, allowing the red-head to proceed him.
“Thank you, that sounds wonderful,” she declared as she slipped into the small room. True to his word, set up along the sidebar were the dishes he mentioned along with what looked to be an assortment of rice, noodles and veggies. It looked to be enough for four or five people making her wonder if perhaps his partner would be joining them.
“Help yourself,” he invited, handing her a plate. Eying the selections, she spread a layer on her plate topping it with the steamed broccoli and carrot mix. Carefully, she added a scoop of each of the different types of chicken. Taking one of the sets of silverware and a couple napkins, she seated herself on the ‘guest’ side of the desk as he piled his own plate with food. Setting his plate down, he returned to the sidebar, opening the hidden fridge to remove a pair of bottles of water. As he handed one to her, he slid into his own seat, “Sorry, it’s all I keep on hand,” he apologized.
“Water is more than fine,” she replied, shaking her head lightly. She truly wasn’t fussy on these sorts of things and actually preferred to avoid the caffeine found in most other drinks. “Thank you for lunch, Mr…” she commented as they both opened their silverware and began to dig in.
“Kai, please,” he supplied. After a few moments, he reached for a folder and pulled it closer. Flipping it over, he removed a couple sketches and handed them to her. “If you don’t like either of them, I can use your feedback to create a different version,” he offered.
Curious, she took the papers, laying them out in front of her, mindful not to place them in her food. As she finished the last few bites, she glanced over them immediately noting that they were quite similar in design. Each had the same basic design elements but the details were different. The one on the right was more of a tribal style while the one of the left was more intricate in design, which immediately caught her attention. She loved the look of the over all design and could distinguish what looked to be small pictures within the details. While not entirely sure, they reminded her a bit of runes or ancient writings. “This one,” she declared, handing the intricate sketch back to Kai.
He had watched her as she looked over the sketches, curious of which she would pick. Typically, he had a good idea of which way a client would go, but not this one. She was a bit of enigma, which intrigued him. He had been more than surprised yesterday when she had given him a sketch and bare amount of details, trusting in his skill. It had been a refreshing change from some of their more usual clients who often had set ideas on what they wanted. He appreciated the chance to flex his creativity to the fullest and was pleased she had picked the more detailed design.
“If you’re finished, we can get started now, if you like?” At her nod, he picked up his empty plate, he held his hand out for hers which he deposited in the trashcan. Gesturing for her to bring her water, he walked her over to the door and indicated the bathroom on the far side, “Go ahead and wash your hands. I’d suggest using the facilities now. We can take a break, if needed, of course. When you’re done, we’ll be using the station on this side.”
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Nora (DELETED 5499)
- Posts: 33
- Joined: 17 Jun 2014, 06:24
Re: Not By Choice
Taking Kai’s advice, she has used the restroom and washed her hands before returning the the station he had indicated. She arrived first, perching in the chair obviously meant for the client, getting comfortable. Figuring he was putting away the leftover food, she was content to wait though she was excited to get started. Hearing footsteps, she looked up as he entered the enclosure with a folder and a pen.
“Paperwork,” he commented as he handed her the folder, “Standard stuff. You’ll need to fill it out and I’ll need to see your ID so I can make a copy of it. We do things a bit differently in terms of payment, which I’m sure you were aware of already?” She nodded as her friends had explained that to her beforehand as he continued. “When you’re done with that, I’ll wipe down everything in here before using a marker to draw the outline on your skin. Then we’ll get to the ink. We won’t finish today beyond the outline, but it’ll be a good start.”
She nodded as she opened the folder, flipping through the pages, “Sounds good to me.” He nodded before leaving her to do the paperwork in piece. Pulling out the pages, she carefully filled each out, thankful that her friends had briefed her on this process beforehand as some of this information wasn’t entirely standard. Finishing with the paperwork, she slid the stack back into the folder and clipping the pen to the top. Twisting slightly, she withdrew her wallet from her back pocket to retrieve her ID, which she slid under the pen.
He returned not a moment later, taking the offered folder. Mindful of her ID, he opened the folder leaving through the pages to ensure they were properly and completely filled out. “I’ll add a copy of the sketch you chose as well as pictures of the final piece to this at the end,” he informed her, “But, I’ll be right back with your ID.” He left before she could acknowledge the comment and she could hear the whirl of the copier she had seen in his office earlier. It seemed as no time had passed before he was returning with her little plastic card, which she slid back into her wallet before replacing the leather folder in her pocket.
As she did so, he washed and dried his hands before removing a pair of gloves from the box on the counter, pulling them on. As she watched, he opened the container of disinfecting wipes and withdrawing one which he used to wipe down the counter, cabinets, tray table and the stool he would use. At his gesture, she slid off the chair so he could wipe that down as well. Stepping lightly on the trash can petal, he discarded the used wipe and his gloves. “You can get comfortable again,” he commented as he returned to the cabinets. Opening the one on the furthest right, he left it open as he again washed, dried and gloved up his hands. He withdrew the bottle of rubbing alcohol, the box of gauze and a new disposable razor and returned to her, placing everything on the tray table.
Stepping back, he eyed her critically for a moment. He was pleased that she had the foresight to wear a strapless top, saving her from having to remove it entirely. After debating, he returned to the cupboard to retrieve a small disposable paper blanket which he handed to her. “You’ll want to cover your left side with that, just to ensure your top doesn't gather any stray bits of ink. I don’t expect there to be, but better safe than seeing your top ruined.” She nodded taking the package and opening it. Unfolding it, she placed it where she thought best as he watched.
With a nod, he gently took her left arm to examine it. “I’m going to wipe down your arm, run the razor over it to catch any stray fuzz and then re-clean the arm. Don’t worry, I have no intentions of cutting you, but it would be best if you didn’t fidget.”
“Paperwork,” he commented as he handed her the folder, “Standard stuff. You’ll need to fill it out and I’ll need to see your ID so I can make a copy of it. We do things a bit differently in terms of payment, which I’m sure you were aware of already?” She nodded as her friends had explained that to her beforehand as he continued. “When you’re done with that, I’ll wipe down everything in here before using a marker to draw the outline on your skin. Then we’ll get to the ink. We won’t finish today beyond the outline, but it’ll be a good start.”
She nodded as she opened the folder, flipping through the pages, “Sounds good to me.” He nodded before leaving her to do the paperwork in piece. Pulling out the pages, she carefully filled each out, thankful that her friends had briefed her on this process beforehand as some of this information wasn’t entirely standard. Finishing with the paperwork, she slid the stack back into the folder and clipping the pen to the top. Twisting slightly, she withdrew her wallet from her back pocket to retrieve her ID, which she slid under the pen.
He returned not a moment later, taking the offered folder. Mindful of her ID, he opened the folder leaving through the pages to ensure they were properly and completely filled out. “I’ll add a copy of the sketch you chose as well as pictures of the final piece to this at the end,” he informed her, “But, I’ll be right back with your ID.” He left before she could acknowledge the comment and she could hear the whirl of the copier she had seen in his office earlier. It seemed as no time had passed before he was returning with her little plastic card, which she slid back into her wallet before replacing the leather folder in her pocket.
As she did so, he washed and dried his hands before removing a pair of gloves from the box on the counter, pulling them on. As she watched, he opened the container of disinfecting wipes and withdrawing one which he used to wipe down the counter, cabinets, tray table and the stool he would use. At his gesture, she slid off the chair so he could wipe that down as well. Stepping lightly on the trash can petal, he discarded the used wipe and his gloves. “You can get comfortable again,” he commented as he returned to the cabinets. Opening the one on the furthest right, he left it open as he again washed, dried and gloved up his hands. He withdrew the bottle of rubbing alcohol, the box of gauze and a new disposable razor and returned to her, placing everything on the tray table.
Stepping back, he eyed her critically for a moment. He was pleased that she had the foresight to wear a strapless top, saving her from having to remove it entirely. After debating, he returned to the cupboard to retrieve a small disposable paper blanket which he handed to her. “You’ll want to cover your left side with that, just to ensure your top doesn't gather any stray bits of ink. I don’t expect there to be, but better safe than seeing your top ruined.” She nodded taking the package and opening it. Unfolding it, she placed it where she thought best as he watched.
With a nod, he gently took her left arm to examine it. “I’m going to wipe down your arm, run the razor over it to catch any stray fuzz and then re-clean the arm. Don’t worry, I have no intentions of cutting you, but it would be best if you didn’t fidget.”
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Nora (DELETED 5499)
- Posts: 33
- Joined: 17 Jun 2014, 06:24
Re: Not By Choice
The red-head bit her lip as Kai took her arm. His touch was like a gentle electric current waking her senses. She almost believed that it was in her head as his fingers gently traced along her skin as he explained what he was about to do. All she could do was nod as he opened the box of gauze, pulling out and opening one of the thick pads. Watching as he squirted an ample amount of the clear liquid onto the porous material, she marveled at his precise, sure movements. The light touch he used in swiping the saturated cloth over her skin was surprising as she was expecting firmer strokes given the intent was to clean. She assumed, of course, that he knew what he was doing and what was needed to ensure that there was no infection.
The soft click of the cap coming off the razor caused the woman to shudder a bit. Ironic that she was a bit nervous about him wielding a razor when she had consented to let him stab her repeatedly with a needle. “Relax,” his soft voice calmed her nerves allowing her to sink into the chair as he run the plastic enclosed metal along her arms, pausing every other pass to wipe the blades on a fresh piece of gauze. A few moments later, she heard another click of the cap, looking over to see him replace the cap on the razor and set it aside. Using fresh alcohol soaked clothes, he re-wiped her arm before collected the used razor and clothes. Disposing of them and his gloves, he washed his hands again.
“I’ll be right back with the stencil,” he informed her as he left the enclosed area. She could hear voices drift over the barrier and figured from the sound that he and his partner were having a quick discussion. The sound of footsteps a minute or so later marked his return with the design. “I’m going to draw it on with marker,” he explain, “I know most places just use transfers, but I don’t find it to be as neat and flexible.”
She nodded. “Whatever works for you,” she commented lightly as she watched him prepare his gloved hands again. Idly, she wondered how many boxes of gloves they went through here in a week, never mind a month. If her math was correct, he was already on his third set and the needles hadn’t even come into play yet. She watched as he held the drawing against her arm trying to decide the best placement.
Seeing that she was paying attention, he asked, “Do you have a preference?”
She was silent for a moment as he moved the drawing to each of the positions he was considering. Chewing her lip, she finally looked at him, “Not really, honestly. Each worked for me and I really couldn’t tell from this angle which would be best.”
“I can get a mirror for you to see?”
“No, it’s alright. I trust your judgement on this,” she hurridly assured him. “Whatever you think looks best and would mesh well with later pieces is fine with me. You’re the expert here.”
He smiled at her as he finally took a seat, “As you insist.” Uncapping the marker, he cautioned, “Hold still. It’s going to tickle slightly, but the straighter the lines, the better the finished product.”
Nodding, she tried to relax as he began to draw on her arm. Slow, deep breaths lulled the female into a state of deep calm as the marker ran along her skin. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to get lost in the relaxing motions.
The soft click of the cap coming off the razor caused the woman to shudder a bit. Ironic that she was a bit nervous about him wielding a razor when she had consented to let him stab her repeatedly with a needle. “Relax,” his soft voice calmed her nerves allowing her to sink into the chair as he run the plastic enclosed metal along her arms, pausing every other pass to wipe the blades on a fresh piece of gauze. A few moments later, she heard another click of the cap, looking over to see him replace the cap on the razor and set it aside. Using fresh alcohol soaked clothes, he re-wiped her arm before collected the used razor and clothes. Disposing of them and his gloves, he washed his hands again.
“I’ll be right back with the stencil,” he informed her as he left the enclosed area. She could hear voices drift over the barrier and figured from the sound that he and his partner were having a quick discussion. The sound of footsteps a minute or so later marked his return with the design. “I’m going to draw it on with marker,” he explain, “I know most places just use transfers, but I don’t find it to be as neat and flexible.”
She nodded. “Whatever works for you,” she commented lightly as she watched him prepare his gloved hands again. Idly, she wondered how many boxes of gloves they went through here in a week, never mind a month. If her math was correct, he was already on his third set and the needles hadn’t even come into play yet. She watched as he held the drawing against her arm trying to decide the best placement.
Seeing that she was paying attention, he asked, “Do you have a preference?”
She was silent for a moment as he moved the drawing to each of the positions he was considering. Chewing her lip, she finally looked at him, “Not really, honestly. Each worked for me and I really couldn’t tell from this angle which would be best.”
“I can get a mirror for you to see?”
“No, it’s alright. I trust your judgement on this,” she hurridly assured him. “Whatever you think looks best and would mesh well with later pieces is fine with me. You’re the expert here.”
He smiled at her as he finally took a seat, “As you insist.” Uncapping the marker, he cautioned, “Hold still. It’s going to tickle slightly, but the straighter the lines, the better the finished product.”
Nodding, she tried to relax as he began to draw on her arm. Slow, deep breaths lulled the female into a state of deep calm as the marker ran along her skin. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to get lost in the relaxing motions.