FINDING MARS

IT ALL NEEDS TO GO

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Hey, beautiful."
Dean greets me in his usual manner, making me smile.
"Hi D, what can I do for you?" I ask and instantly regret it when he sucks in a gulp of air. I know exactly where he's going with it too.
"Stop it!" I demand and laugh when he pretends to choke while joining in and laughing.
"Damn, woman, cut me off why don't you." He's still laughing. Silly boy. "Nah, I'm just messing. I'm calling to tell you, I've finished the sketch. I'm in all day if you want to come and check it out?"
The second he said it, I got super excited.
"Holy shit! D, does a bear shit in the woods? I'll be there in about an hour."
Before I ended the call, he called my name.
"Yeah?"
"Bring food."
Yeah, I roll my eyes.
"You got tea bags?" I asked, and he paused way too long.
"Fuck sake, I'll bring the tea bags too."
"Ah, you're a star. Thanks, beautiful. See you soon."
I best take milk too. No doubt he doesn't have that either.
"Oh, and milk, please and thank you."
Ugh!

***

Almost two hours pass before I get to Dean's studio. That's because I had to not only hit the supermarket but had to wait for the bus to take me over the bridge. I missed the first one, so I had to wait another thirty minutes for the next one to arrive. Even that one was late. Honestly, for being a bus company you'd think they'd get their shit together. Of course, traffic could be a problem. Well, that's what I thought anyway. From what I could see, the roads were pretty clear, especially for a Saturday. I can't wait to get a car!
When the bus arrived, it had a big crown plastered on the side of it. It was an ad for some new perfume, but the Crown reminded me of my granny's story. You know, about finding your king or queen. I can't wait to meet my king. The thought of finding him is pretty exciting to me. Well, unless the universe is bringing me a bunch of cats then I'm done for. Strangely, I've seen these things a lot lately. Like signs about kings and queens. Sure, it's fascinating, but why the hell am I seeing it all the damn time? Not forgetting tattoos and magazines. Anyway, I shrug it off and step onto the bus...
Eventually, I arrive at my destination and step off the bus. When I walk inside of Deans studio, I once again take in that smell. It never gets old. This time, Dean's in the waiting room dealing with a client. So, I gave a little wave and he smiled, telling me to go to his office. I nod and go to it. Before I left though, I took a peek at the client's sketch. It's a stag, a big one with vines and birds all around it. It's black and grey, with mist and quite a spooky feel to it. I see a few gravestones in the background.
"Wow, that's incredible. Where's it going; on your back?" I asked, and the client smiled with a nod.
"Nice..." I pause and look again with a tilted head. "A few blacked-out trees with a bright moon, illuminating in the background would look sick," I tell them, and Dean looked at me. I'm thinking I'd overstepped, but the client looked down at the sketch. He thought about it and tapped the front desk.
"Could we add that?" He asked, and Dean grinned before looking down at the drawing.
"You're looking at more hours, but hey, it's your back. Sure, I'll add them in." He winked my way, making me smile.
When I left them to it, I entered his office. Well, before placing the shopping items in his kitchen first. Anyway, my picture was already on his artist's desk. Seeing the finished piece made me get excited with a little happy dance. You know when you get a good meal and it's so nice that you do a happy dance - that's me now.
"You like it then?"
"Holy shit! Dean!" I exclaimed. "It looks amazing."
Dean chuckled and moved in to stand by my side. With his finger, he moved over the curved lines. The look in his eyes, tells me he's pretty proud of it too.
"It's more curvy now, so it'll look perfect over your curves."
Oh boy.
"Dean,"
"Yeah," he responded but didn't look at me.
"Will this be awkward? You know, inking me with this?"
Now he's looking at me, with nipped brows. His intense stare made me squirm a little.
"What do you mean? Wait, are you backing out?" He asked, shocked I'd want to back out. Of course, I smiled and shook my head.
"No way. I want it. It's just, you know." I grin shyly and nudge his arm with my own. After a moment, his eyes open wide before chuckling.
"You're worried about me seeing your body, right?"
With a shy nod, I bit my lip.
"Mars, I've seen your body, remember... we went swimming with our friends?"
I roll my eyes.
"D, we were kids. I - we're not exactly the same now. You know, like we've grown stuff."
The moment I said it, my cheeks burned red. It only made Dean laugh before pulling me in for a hug. He then kissed my head, making me feel super shy.
"Mars, I think we're past the stage of being shy around each other. We kissed and remember what happened?"
I nodded again while he looked into my eyes. Dean grinned and assured me, it'll be strictly professional.
"You know, unless you..." The second he said it, I playfully poked his side, making him cry out with laughter.
"So," he said with his usual cocky grin. "Do you have a few hours?"
My brows nipped, confused about what he was asking.
"For what?" I asked, and he rolled his eyes.
"You want this done or not?" He's pointing at the sketch, and when it clicks, my smile beams.
"Fuck yes, I do! Wait, don't you have any clients in today? You're usually busy, so-"
Dean shook his head.
"Nah, I'm free all day. I've purposely done it to get this started." He winked, and I blushed with happiness.
"Dean, you're the best." I smiled, and he joined in.
"I know. Come on, let's get this done. Oh, how's the driving lessons going?" He asked as we walked towards his cubicle.
"Good. I'm going for my theory test next week."
Dean jumped with what I'm assuming was excitement.
"Whoa, that was so quick. You must be pretty good then, huh?"
With a shrug of my shoulders, I tell him, "I guess. Stephen says he's impressed at how quickly I've taken to it. Apparently, it took him way longer." I end that with a chuckle.
"Well, good luck anyway. I doubt you'll need it, but if you need any help, I'm here."
Dean smiled after placing his arm around my shoulder, giving it a little squeeze.
"Thanks, D."