My Bandage

Old Scars

                  .*Kaeds POV*.

Its December in Europe; Which means its below freezing. I turn up the heating in the studio and set the kettle off as I begin to open up. I sigh as I put the shutter up for the day, watching my own breath as it floats away. I unlock the door and turn the radio up to hear the daily overrated music thats engraved into my mind. I run a hand through my short wolfcut, feeling the layers slide through my fingers in the dim light. After washing my hands and preparing for the first client of the day, I sip my instant coffee. The ring of the bell makes me flinch and I turn my head to look at the doorway. 

Most of my clients are overweight middle aged men whom are clinging to their fading hairline. I let my eyes linger a little too long as I saw the handsome face walk into the studio. I greeted him with a small smile and gestured towards the bed beside me. I curse myself for staring at him. he sits down and removes his shirt. I must have let my eyes wander because he chuckled. I smirk and ask him all the normal questions, what design, location, etc. I shave the area on his chest and blush as my palm runs over his chest. He was chatty, the perfect client. He didnt wince or flinch as i ran my tattoo gun over his skin. He compliments my piercings and i let a grin slip. I was getting frustrated with myself. I was letting his pretty face get the better of me. I finished up his tattoo and he asked about my own tattoos, specifically the one on my forearm. I force a smile.

I cover the tattoo breifly and force an awkward laugh. I have a semi-colon ; tattoo on my forearm, its a symbol of a suicide attempt. I dont like to often talk about my mental health and I certainly wasn't going to talk about it to a stranger with a nice smile. It was a little over a year ago since the tattoo and I was encouraged to get the tattoo by my past therapist. "I suppose you could say Im a fan of grammar" I didnt know what else to say. It sounds so idiotic repeating it now. He chuckled but with a different tone than before. I notice his eyes lingering on my forearms as I wrap his new tattoo. I pull my sleeves down and tie my shaggy hair up before telling him the total. 

He doesnt wait for me to tell him the total as he hands me a thick wad of cash. I look at him confused and spread the cash in my hand. "Keep the change" he repeats in his musky voice. I look at him with curiosity and smirk. "Your joking" I ask with a shocked expression. He nods and slides another piece of paper. I laugh as i look at his number on a buisness card. "Maddox, Baron?"