2015 Tattoo Expo at the Met (Open)

[Mona McGee]

Mona entered the building it was already bustling she looked around many brightly colored people were wandering about showing off their skin. Despite the cold weather out the Met was warm and she took off her over coat to reveal a pair of shorts and a loose T shirt with a bathing suit top underneath . She quickly spotted the Suns booth the bright yellow banner stood out quite clearly and Heavily tattooed models were actively handing out T shirts and hats . Mona had a smile on her face she loved to see all the various displays and all the Tattooed skin walking about .

[Temperance Avila]

Temperance’s stomach had been a wrecking ball of nerves. The Tattoo Expo was scheduled to run for a short three days would be the first real event which could bring multiple newcomers into The Metronome Club. Folks flaunting their wondrous curves dressed with colorful array of ink in varying designs. Her nerves stemmed from the fact as co-owner there were a few untidy items in need of resolve after the great storm smacked Harper Rock. Temperance and Cristina did their best to call top contractors and inspectors to ensure the building would be structurally sound due to the large number of guests they were expecting. Aside from cracks in the exterior brick and mortar, and the outdoor sign in need of repairs. The interior bar top had to be re-secured, few broken water sewage pipes in the bathrooms, a scrub of every single inch of wall, decor, furniture, glass and dish. They had to pass inspection with flying colors and they did.

Prior to the arrangement of this event, Temperance had no knowledge of The Harper Rock Sun magazine or its affiliations with the community. From this day forward she would make a personal note to be more conscious. For the stated event, she had taken a few calls and helped arranged delivery of extra tables and chairs, moving men to reposition some of The Metronome’s normal atmosphere to make room for any large displays in which others may need to show off their wares. There was a few designated areas with extra power outlets special for anyone in need of heavy machinery to perform sample or full bodied tattoos. Appetizer and drink list inventory was doubled along with an additional supply of toothpicks, plastic solo cups, napkins, and commercial garbage cans (strategically placed near eating counters). They even bumped up the staff and brought in soft yellow fluorescent lighting to illuminate the special works of art.

She knew she would make an appearance but was not quite sure what to wear, which was somewhat of a rare thing for Temperance. She always had just the right formal gown, flowing skirt, heeled shoes for any occasion. However, something as grounded as a tattoo expo would cater to those barely wearing rather than covered head to toe in material from a store. A hint of her wondered if a Henna booth would be here. She knew it was not the same as permanent ones. Nor the same level of pain (or passion for some) while receiving a design. She knew these artists took pride in their work. Often the same pride she took when dressing for occasions such as these. After a few moments in front of her closet, Temperance pulled a black number. It was made of patterned bead work, sheer black fabric over a nude base. Broad shoulder straps of the dress came down to a comfortable V pattern in both front and back across her shoulders. Revealing an edge of a simple drawing-a winged-cross tattoo on her right shoulder blade. It was black in color. The pattern of her A line dress repeated down the small of her waist, hips, and ending just above the knee. She wore strappy leather four inch heels and had a small silver clutch to finish the look. A few pins tucked short wavy locks into a cute pulled back style. She was ready to go.

The tightly wound ball sat at the pit of her stomach and unraveled slowly as she stepped foot into the main floor. There she could not miss the beaming yellow sign and red lettering for the local magazine. A smile lifted the corners of her lips. She hoped the event would be a success and perhaps bring additional patrons afterwards to enjoy the clubs normal scheduled entertainment. Crystal blue eyes roamed the room to seek out any imperfection that would spoil the affair. With a snap of her fingers she could simply have it removed. Even if it were to contact the local authorities for matters beyond the establishments control, though Crissy was much better with these types of situations.

Relief swarmed through her veins as low hustle and bustle carried on with a low hum. Few staff passed through to spot check areas for cleanliness. She was pleased with the service thus far. She walked towards the brightly dressed booth in which cotton shirts were being distributed to the passerby's. A woman in a simple 'day at the beach' outfit stood nearby. She did not recognize her at all and was not too sure if she was new in town or just another face in the crowd. "Greetings. I do hope you are enjoying your time here." She opened with a line of simple conversation. Then a thought came to mind, she may have overdressed for the occasion, however she was the co-owner of the establishment after-all and impressions were made in the first few seconds of a meet. The allurist would rather show her business-like style than fit into a specific crowd in which she most likely did not have that much in common, aside from admiring the art.

*repost to add: Tattoo
Best image i have with it.

[Zodiac]

A tattoo convention.

She supposed it made sense. Everything had a convention now from comic books to TV shows, so the subject of blood laced ink art as a rally point was not so strange. Even growing up when the tribe crossed paths with bikers in places like Daytona and Sturgis there were contests and such. It took her till she crossed the line between life and whatever she truly was now to get the nerve to do such things to herself. 'Mr. Bones' (as she called Psyche) had done exactly what she wanted. Normally she kept her art to herself but perhaps it was time to show off a bit.

She dressed in her normal confusion of colors style. Never one to pass up an opportunity to showcase herself and her own lines of commerce. Her bag was loaded with flyers and cards to pass out and trade with the vendors and exhibitors. Her hair was tied back to allow a direct view of her left ear of her tiny purple friend.




She had not been sure Psyche could do it, but she grinned every time she saw it. Its little paws lined up to appear it was walking across the earrings that flowed down the shape of her ear. Also, normally preferring opaque or dark hose (or tights/yoga pants/whatever in the cold weather) under her skirts, she donned a more translucent pair to reveal her other playmate on her right leg.



Finally, a more see through type of top she donned. Her shawl would preserve her modesty, but if she wished to show off her back, the purple tones would stand out easily enough under a good light.



A work in progress not finished, but she was totally content with what had been done so far. With a flurry of moments, she finished her preparations and headed to Wickbridge.

***

When she entered the Met, her nose noticed it at once. A faint hint of blood and ink as one. Nothing else made that particular aroma that she knew of, and she breathed it in in appreciation. Also around her the sounds of droning hornets busy creating new visions upon flesh. What the girl managed in cloth, others did in their very skin. A visual parade of colors and images parading about for any and all to see.

It was, possibly, the closest thing to a actual 'tribe' she had encountered in this town.

As she began to look about, she wove herself into a familiar 'dance' of smiles and admirations while handing out cards to others in exchange for cards and flyers from the various artists and observers. She made a few inquiries while others commented on her meager arts. Perhaps in time she would want more, and oh-thank you so much, but until she was sure the original artist would not be in a place to finish what he had begun she could not consider anyone else working on her back. Freebies were stuffed into her bag with ease as questions about processed ink was exchanged with inquiries of the metaphysical.

Eventually she spied a familiar face in the crowd and began to work her way to join the woman. In her view, perhaps the dress was a tad much, but she was one to talk when it came to how one adorned themselves in clothing? Hardly.

She approached the woman from behind and let her mindspeak announce herself as she began to 'sing' as she placed a hand on Temperance's shoulder gently.

"...cause I've got you.....under my skin...."

She batted her eyes and smiled brightly as she caught the woman's attention.