City of Angels - K.L

TWO

When he starts on my ribs tattoo, and I'm reclined on the bed, he asks
"Why the Shakespeare quote?"
"I either wanna be an actress or a writer and Shakespeare did both so, yeah."
"I like that."
A new voice says, joining the conversation. I turn my head to investigate. Romeo doesn't stop tattooing but greets his friend
"Hey Kian man, I forgot you and JC were coming around."
The new guy, Kian shrugs
"Don't worry about it homie," he then looks back to me, at the tattoo "what's the quote?"
He reads the outline and nods his approval
"Classic. Very nice," his eyes rise to mine again "I'm Kian."
I smile up at him, extending a hand to shake his
"Zaya."
"Aussie?"
"You got it."
He laughs, pulling up another stool and leaning his arms on the bed beside my legs
"What brings you to LA? Chasing the California dream?"
I smirk
"The only California dream I'm chasing right now is this tattoo shop. I'm here on a family holiday."
He raises his eyebrows
"You aren't looking to be on the Boulevard of Broken dreams quite yet?"
I shrug
"If it happens it happens."
He smirks
"You are an actress."
"What gave you that idea? Besides the tattoo."
"Dramatic answers, mysterious. You're made for it."
I giggle
"Kian, you flatter me. And you sit on the throne of lies."
He winks
"I caught the Elf reference there. And I appreciate it."
Someone else calls
"Stop flirting with the Aussie dad!"
He rolls his eyes, retorting
"Stop embarrassing me JC!"
I laugh again, my real laugh, not my cute giggle laugh. My real one, unrefined and loud. Romeo tuts
"Easy girlie, still tattooing here."
I scoff
"Oops, forgot about that."
Kian laughs too
"You're laugh is amazing."
I nod at him
"Goes for you too."
Romeo sits back, announcing
"All done. Go have a look."
I slide off the bed and head over to the mirror on the wall, examining the tattoos. I exclaim
"I fucking love it. Thank you so much Romeo."
I see him grin in the mirror, and see Kian watching me too. Kian is undoubtedly attractive. His facial structure amazing, dimples, gorgeous honey brown eyes, brown hair effortlessly in that purposely mussed look, height, a perfect smile and tattoos to perfectly compliment him. Not to mention his style is envious, and his personality seems genuine, kind and the best humour to match. His nails are painted black, his nose pierced on the left side and his ears pierced, one singularly dangling on the left ear. I can't help but feel like he's the embodiment of the guy I've been dreaming about since I was old enough to dream about guys. The only thing that could make him better is if we share he same taste in music, which by a hunch, I presume we do.
"All good, Zi. Its been an honour."
I laugh
"Romeo you are truly a god of sorts."
"You're becoming my best friend Zi."
Kian stands, chuckling
"Don't make his head bigger than it already is, Zi."
I laugh with him, then notice the guy who must be JC setting up a camera. I ask
"Are you boys about to film something?"
JC behind the camera nods
"Uh huh- The Tattoo Pain Game."
I hum
"Ooh, sounds badass."
He retorts with a laugh
"Hardly. If you stick around you may just see a few grown men cry."
I raise my eyebrows
"May I?"
Kian joins me, walking closer
"Please do. We can give you a ride back to your hotel if you need one after?"
I sigh
"Are you sure? It could be out of your way."
He shakes his head
"I insist. It's not like any of us are going to let you ty to find your way around LA by yourself at night."
I tilt my head at him
"Sounds like you have little faith in me."
He holds his hands up
"Oh I'm not doubting you. Just trying to find excuses to hang out for longer."
The other boys make a hooting noise, and I laugh
"Well aren't you smooth."

I watch them film, and am almost cry-laughing the whole time. They're hilarious, and the video idea it brilliant. They answer trivia questions, and the loser picks a body part out of a cup- body parts that hurt the most to be tattooed on, and they must get tattooed there. No ink, but the needle just to feel it. These guys are fun, the most fun I think I have had. Period. True to his word, when they are done filming, Kian gets me in his car to drive me home. Dragging JC along as well, although neither seem to mind. From the passenger seat I repeat
"You guys really didn't need to do this. I feel horrible."
Kian scoffs
"Stop feeling horrible. You know my reasoning."
I'm grateful for the darkness of the car to hide my blush.
"Yeah I do."
JC chuckles
"Oh God, you guys are horrible."
I scoff, reaching behind me into the backseat to slap at him
"Oh shut up."
He laughs, slapping back at my hand. Kian asks as he drives
"What are you plans for the rest of the time you are in town?"
I shrug
"Tourist shit. Disney, Santa Monica Pier, walk of fame, Hollywood sign, Hollywood boulevard, Rodeo- Disney!"
Kian imposes over at me from the road
"Can I please meet you there when you go to Disneyland. Any excuse to go to Disneyland."
I grin
"Please do. Not tomorrow but the next day."
He hands me his phone
"Can I get your digits?"
I nod
"Yes, but just because you called them digits."
"Sickening."
JC again comments about us from the backseat.

When we reach the hotel, they get out and hug me goodnight. I'm excited to hang out with them again, at least I want to as much as I can before I have to leave. It's when I get up to the room mum wakes up with im creeping around getting ready for bed.
"Zaya? You're back late."
I nod, whispering back
"I know mumma. But I'm fine. No alcohol, no drugs, no sneaking off anywhere. Just hung out for a while."
She nods, accepting this
"Alright... hows you get back?"
I shrug
"A friend gave me a ride."
She opens her eyes again
"What friend?"
I know she won't like it, but I'm truthful with her as always
"A couple friends I met at the tattoo place. They're cool. I got home fine."
She pauses, then asks
"I recall teaching you not to get in the car with strangers, especially not in a different country. But maybe I'm mistaken."
I huff
"You did teach me mumma. But I'll be eighteen in a few days, it was a character judgement. You know I'm always right about people."
She nods, eyes closing again and her hand reaches out to touch my face
"I know darling. Get some sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow."
"I will mumma. Love you."
"Love you darling."