"𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚌𝚎."
~~~
𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕
"It's about time you brought your ass back he're boy." Buzz flicks his lighter, bringing it up to the cigarette locked between his lips.
"Long time no see Buzz." I lifted my chin in acknowledgment.
"Yeah, Yeah. Get in there Tristen's gonna let you have it." We shook hands and went in for a half hug before I passed by him as he blew another puff of smoke through his nostrils.
The door bell chimed as I walked in bringing all the attention towards myself. I instantly recognize the grungy aesthetic of the shop I used to spend countless evenings getting tatted in freshmen and sophomore year.
A large buff guy wearing biker gear sat in the corner getting his neck done by what seems to be a new employee. He winced as she applied pressure, giving her a glare soon after she lifted the pen. Neck jobs hurt. I knew firsthand because mine were covered in them.
The shop was small but always had frequent customers. Colorful artwork hung around all four walls creating a welcoming environment. My favorite being the distinct shaped pattern piece Mel had created for me that currently sat on my shoulder.
My eyes travel down the line of chairs and organized tables of supplies hoping to find Tristen getting inked or inking someone, seeing as she was the best tattoo artist in here but what I find instead doesn't shock me.
I noticed a younger looking boy bobbing his feet a million times a second clearly about to shit his pants in the waiting area. Around him, his friends joked about how scared he looked for his first tattoo.
He joined them but his laugh didn't reach his eyes as the boys continue to chuckle and imitate his frightened actions.
He was being peer pressured by them.
Typical
But definitely not on my watch. I knew how that shit felt firsthand. Trying to fit in with the older guys to prove something when the only person you had to please was yourself.
Not a second passes as I walk up to them in just a few strides. The boy timidly looks up twisting and untwisting a band on his wrist. The nerves were written all over his body language, practically revealing itself.
"How old are you?"
"I'm eighteen." His words were confident. I give him that but the look on his face revealed the lie coming out of his mouth. I cock my eyebrow showing him I knew he was bull shitting me and he caved instantly.
"Sixteen." He sighed, avoiding eye contact.
"Just as I expected. It's time for you to leave." As soon as those words left my mouth the ragged boys a few seats down, perked up. I knew they were listening. It was only a matter of time.
"Who the hell are you barking around orders. We're customers here and he wants to get inked."
"We don't ink minors without parental consent. But we can call the police since it seems you all have ditched fourth period." I finished, glancing at my watch, smirking smugly as the boys faces paled.
"What a dick."
"I'll show you one if you don't leave in the next five seconds."
The boy sends me a grateful nod before grabbing his book bag to leave. I get a few glares from the guys but nothing I can't handle.
As the door closed behind them a familiar scent fills my nostrils. The cherry blossom perfume I recognized as Tristen's was strong telling me she was nearby.
"Scaring customers away, stranger."
I turned around to find Tris sitting behind the front desk working on a couple of drawings in her sacred sketchbook. Some of her best designs came from that book and practically every picture in there was tattooed somewhere on my body.
Tristen was talented with her craft. Drawing came naturally to her and for someone with a bad ass personality like hers I couldn't have thought of a different career path she could've chosen. Her passion for the arts made her designs better than most artist I've visited in the past. Now she was the only one allowed with a tattoo gun around my body.
"Hello, to you too, Tris."
"Well if it isn't my old flame. Coming back for more?" she smirked, pulling out the red lollipop through her full lips covered in gloss.
"Back to memory lane that quickly huh?"
Tristen and I hooked up casually my freshman year at Syracuse. Miles and I came over to get a tattoo, we flirted, got drunk and spent endless nights together. Kind of did it in the back of the shop too. Was she great in bed? Hell yeah.
Taught me a lot of things too but I ended it when I got serious about football. I didn't need any feelings to be caught because I honestly saw her as a friend.
"Yeah yeah. What you getting today? Another quote? Please don't be another another quote" she added with a serious stare.
"Nah, I'm feeling something different."
"Oh thank god. Because you have enough of those already and you know letters aren't my strong suit. Because quite frankly the sizing and consistency has to be on point. I mean I do have those down pat but-"
"Tristen please stop talking. You are the best artist in this shop."
"Don't flirt with me, babe."
I let out a small chuckle. Tristen always knew how to cheer me up with her whiplash personality. One second she was full of self doubt and the next she was this bad ass ball of fire ready to tease any and everyone.
"So do you have any new ideas of- wait. It better not be a girls name Zach."
Like I would ever get Winter's name tattooed on me.
Oh fuck
"If you aren't getting one, I can see you thinking about it. Who's the lucky girl?" The pencil in Tristen's hand now sat on the desk revealing to me I had her undivided attention.
"There is no girl and there will be no girl." I roughly ran my hand through my already tangled hair, sighing in the process.
"If you say so."
As she continues to flip through the pages of her book, I instantly spot a drawing of tiny flowers bunched together surrounded by fire in her journal. The flames looked realistic and although the roses were getting burned, they still looked lively and beautiful.
I wanted that one.
"Good choice" Tris spoke noticing I was eyeing that page for a few seconds too long. Truth is I've been eyeing it since I came over here.
She pushes up from the chair and begins setting the table with her equipment. It's only now that I get to admire the work she got down on her body that hadn't been there last time I seen her.
Along with the new blunt neck length haircut, Tristen had a patchwork tattoo sleeve of many different designs. Her body was like a canvas filled with quotes, drawings and roman numerals in discreet places only a few select guys and girls had the pleasure of seeing.
My favorite piece on her would be the one sitting nicely on her spine. I could see a portion of it peaking through her tank top and the familiar words bring me back to the late nights of pure pleasure we experienced together.
It was especially nice to look at when I was putting her in all those different positions she taught me.
Get your head out of the gutter, Zach.
The tattoo read 'There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.' It was a deep quote and I could tell it meant more to her than she put on.
"I actually made that one when I was burning sage in the shop" she exclaimed referring to the drawing I couldn't stop examining from her art book.
I hazily wiped my face with my free hand trying to rid my mind of the face I couldn't stop seeing.
This woman was everywhere. My counseling group, my gym, my best friend, my lunch table, the english class I had to repeat and now my fucking tattoo shop.
I don't know when her perfect little life seemed to clash with mine but I was going to make sure it didn't stay that way.
Noticing the expression on my face, Tristen smirks.
"You're so whipped."
"Start my tattoo Tristen." I mutter.
"So what's this Sage girl look like?" She teased while wiping my arm with an alcohol wipe. How the hell did she know?
Tristen grins. "Mama always knows."
Those words alone let me know this was going to be the longest two hours of my life.
___
"One two, One two, One two" I repeated in my head as I moved one foot and the next into the hula hoop on the ground. Footwork was very important on the field.
By doing excessive drills I exercised my brain to remember the patterns. They were engrained into my mind at this point. There was no room for error.
The first game of the season was approaching and in just about two weeks we would be heading out of town to play our biggest competitors. The Alabama Crimsons.
I had a cool demeanor for most practices but I was nervous as shit for this. Scouts would surely be in the crowd, watching, observing and picking players apart.
I needed them to notice me. My chances of getting drafted heavily depended on this season. Nothing else was more important. No one else was more important than this opportunity dangling right in front of me. I would make sure of it.
As I was heading out the locker room shower, Coach passed by giving me a rather disappointing look. Fuck what now.
"Stone, I expect none of my players to skip class. It's to early in the semester for this. You hear me?" he added sternly. Nodding in understanding I walk away to get dressed. Who the hell snitched ?
Seeing as I was already behind on school work, I decided to head to Miles so we could work together and knock out the assignments twice as fast.
Knocking on the door I expect to see Miles with Bria in his arms like always but Victoria stands there smiling, clearly expecting me.
"Oh hey Zach." She opened the door wider for me to come in.
"Hey."
You are definitely not Miles or Bria
"Miles said you'd be here soon. Come in."
Well I see things have definitely elevated for Miles while I was gone.
"Vic, who's at the door?" a voice I knew all to well spoke.
My life has officially become a shit show.
What the hell are they doing here and where is Miles?
"Oh it's just you." She whispered with Bria resting on her hip, who looked half asleep. Her hair was out in an afro and I rarely got to see it in this state.
I noticed she wasn't in those pair of leggings that made her ass look so-
"Miles went to go pick up takeout, so he left us to watch Bria." Vic stated interrupting my thoughts. She gave me a look secretly telling me she caught my dumb ass staring.
"Rhiaaaa!" Bria yelled still half asleep.
I guess someone isn't tired anymore. A large smile took over my face as I took her out of Winter's hands, our fingers touching slightly in the exchange.
She began playing with the chain around my neck as I lifted her up in the air.
"There's my favorite niece." I smile, swinging her side to side in the air with ease. Brias bubbly laughs fill the room and I could feel the two girls watching.
"Rhia. I like it." Winters stated while smiling.
Fuck. I like how she sounded saying the last part of my name. Although I much rather her scr-
Okay, I definitely needed a lay.
Biting my lip, I refrain from answering her, going for a nod instead.
Victoria just looks between us smirking as if she knew something I didn't. The door bell rung interrupting her next few words.
Vic goes to open the door as Miles came into view with three big bags of chinese takeout. The toddler in my arms perked up, instantly recognizing her father.
"Daddy, I'm tired." Bria whined from my arms.
"I'll put her down for a nap."
"Thanks. Remember her-"
"Yellow bunny. I remember Miles." I glance at Sage who I had caught staring with a weird expression on her face. She looked away quickly pretending to wipe fake dust from her pants.
By the time I came back, the table was filled with open takeout containers of all kinds of foods. There wasn't an empty space on the table left.
Victoria had just about everything on her plate and so did Miles. From general tso chicken, vegetable fried rice, egg rolls, boneless ribs and more.
The smell was heavenly and I decided today would be my cheat day. Coach got on us about our diets more than he should've. One time he banned the cafe from serving us fatty foods as punishment for losing a game. I vividly remember eating salads for lunch for an entire week and it sucked.
I noticed Winters plated only an egg roll and some rice before sitting down to eat. Glancing a few times at Victoria's very full plate like she wished it was hers.
Was I really about to do this.
I grabbed two plates before realizing it and filled them with meat for two and sides for two.
Of course as I made my way into the living room there was only one empty seat available. Victoria and Miles too engrossed in the movie for me to glare at them. I knew exactly what they were trying to do.
Fucking great. My plan was to drop off the plate next to her and sit on the other side of the room. I take a seat and Sage sends me a tight lipped smile before facing the screen once again.
As she's eating and watching the scene of a girl getting murdered, I slide my second plate near her. She winces at the TV screen before looking down at the coffee table, noticing the food. Her face shows a tinge of pain and embarrassment as she gets up suddenly leaving the living room.
Victoria gives me a look from across the couch, glaring at me before getting up to follow after her.
"What the hell did you do?"
"Did you not see her plate. I was just helping her."
"Dude. You know girls and these things. If she wanted to eat it, she would."
"Yeah but I didn't th-"
Victoria and Sage walk back into the living room and the both of them avoid my eyes as they now switch seats.
Well this is not how I thought my night was going to go.
"What?" I whisper harshly. Every ten seconds I could feel her eyes burning holes into my skin and I'm pretty sure Miles tensed shoulders were the result of her actions.
"You're gonna fix this, Zach."
"I didn't do shit."
"Fix it." The death glare that came after those two words made me roll my eyes.
Fuck. I was rolling my eyes. I needed to get away from these two.
We're halfway through the movie and Miles big ass struggles to keep his legs crossed as he throws a couple popcorn pieces into his mouth, missing entirely.
Sage is holding back a laugh from the scene next to her, which makes me sigh in content. At least she wasn't still in a bad mood because of me.
Victoria glances across the couch smirking. She didn't think I noticed. But I notice everything. "Shoot. I'm so sorry guys. I just realized I had a last minute art project due tonight. I have to head out."
She was lying. Why?
Miles said it was fine but I could tell he was disappointed she was leaving early.
"Really Vic? Can't you do it later" replied Winters.
"This is the first assignment. I can't just not do it. You can stay if you want."
"You know I don't have a ride back to the dorms. C'mon let's just go" she begins packing up her food, glancing at the still full plate I made her, grimacing.
"Zach, can't you give Sage a ride back home later?" came Miles.
No I couldn't
"I guess I cou-"
"Definitely not." She began examining the couch for her bag. That's when I noticed Victoria took that free opportunity to leave the apartment when she told Sage she was going to the bathroom.
"Well sunshine, I don't think you have much of a choice."
"Excuse me. You know what, never mind. Vic let's go!"
She began looking around, noticing Vics shoes were gone and so were the car keys that sat on the table.
"She didn't."
"Oh, but she did."
A small smirk tugged on my lips as she sent dagger across the room into my direction. Her arms folded across her chest instantly grabbing my attention. I look back up to see her drop her arms while rolling her eyes.
I was caught, but I was not ashamed.
"Daddy" came a sleepy voice from the hallway. Bria was currently rubbing the sleep from her eyes with one hand while holding her stuffed bunny with the other.
Sage went to pause the movie as we sat in an awkward silence. Her eyes were glued to her phone, doing nothing I assumed by the continuous scrolling.
"Yes princess" Miles got up in instant, his fatherly senses coming alive.
"I-I had a nightman."
"You had a nightmare" he corrected softly. "Come on let's go back to your room. Daddy is gonna teach these monsters a lesson." Miles picked her up from the ground before walking out and she instantly rested her head on his shoulder.
And now there were two.
I turn my head in the opposite direction and catch her gazing at my arms, specifically the plastic sheet that covered my new ink.
I love when they stare.
"It's rude to stare."
"Did it hurt?" She ask eyeing my arms.
"It hurts if you think too much."
"Figured you'd say that." She looks back at the screen relishing in her thoughts. I can practically hear the wheels turning up there.
Miles comes rushing back to the living room. "Hey guys, sorry to cut movie night short but Bria won't let me leave her side."
"It's completely fine, we'll just go now." Sage suggested.
"Thank you for understanding Sage. I better go before Bria starts getting worried. I convinced her I was coming out here to get fruit snacks."
She began gathering her things as I stood up stretching my arms above my head. Miles grabbed my attention as I went over to him to say goodbye.
"Your telling me every detail tomorrow." He winked.
"Don't-"
Brias door shut in my face
"Start." I murmur.
___
"Where's your car?"
"This beauty is my car" I said staring at my traditional heavy duty motorcycle. I had gotten her my second year of college and it was the best decision I have ever made.
Her eyes widen extending the intriguing features of her face. She looked around the parking lot in hopes of seeing another car but it was empty. Only the streetlights illuminating the large empty space.
"Oh no, no, no. I can't get on that. I'm too heavy and it's scary looking. I don't think it's made for the both of us you know. You can go—I'll just call an uber or something."
Grabbing her phone before she could even unlock it, I stuff it into my jacket pocket and hop on the bike with ease.
"You go where your phone goes. Hop on."
"I-"
"I don't like to repeat myself Winters."
Sighing in defeat, she brings her long legs over the bike and uses her other to hoist herself up. I hand her my helmet and she obliges.
"Hold on."
"To what." She replies. Was she dense, hardheaded or simply just infatuated.
"What else, Winters. To me." I turn around and stare directly into her eyes. She doesn't break my gaze while bringing her arms around me. Somehow I feel at ease when her full chest presses against my back.
Turning back around, I start up the engine. The loud screeching sound whistled through the night. I don't give her a warning before we drive away from the apartment complex parking lot.
I feel her arms clutch me tighter and her breathing hitch. A tingling sensation runs through me but I forget the thought before it can even come.
You're just doing her a favor
It's completely quiet for the first few minutes but then the unexpected happens. In the rear view mirror I can tell a small grin is underneath that helmet as she begins screaming and laughing, I'm assuming due to the thrill of the ride.
This bubbly laugh only makes my body shiver under her arms. She notices and clutches me tighter than before.
"This is." The wind cuts her off. "So fun!" Sage yells in between laughs.
"We're here." I pull over to the girls dorms and put the bike in park. Our little joyride sadly coming to an end.
She gets off the bike and snatches the helmet over her head, swinging her hair side to side in order to tame her curls.
Her smile is so much different here compared to the blogs and articles I've seen online. This smile looks almost genuine as she wipes the tears from her cheeks that arrived there due to the strong wind slapping her face.
"That was literally the best ride of my entire life. I can't wait to tell Vic. She's gonna freak. Can we go again another time!" She blurted out all in one go.
Another time
"Um-"
Say yes already idiot.
"Nevermind, forget I asked." She added, noticing I was debating an answer. Her smile fades almost entirely as I hand her back the phone I stole twenty minutes ago.
Still standing there I feel like the dumbest person on the planet.
"Uhh, thank you for the ride Stone."
"Yeah, anytime." So why didn't you say yes idiot. Fuck.
She begins to walk away with an almost defeated look on her face.
"Wait!" I pinch the bridge of my nose in annoyance at what I'm about to do.
"Here's the business card for the tattoo shop I go to. I figured you wanted one and all the other shops around here are shit compared to Tris's."
"Oh, thank you."
"Yeah."
I wait till she enters the dorm to start the engine again.
I just wanted to finish my assignment. How the hell did I get here?
End of Chapter
This was my longest chapter yet. I felt obligated since I haven't been doing so well with updates. Hope you enjoyed !
QOTD: Rant about your day
• quit my job and I feel so much lighter
word count: 3875