The matching Tattoo
MASAKIT ang ulo ko kinabukasan. I massage my temples as I let out a deep, heavy sigh. Nang ilibot ko ang tingin sa paligid, maraming tao ang nasa bawat sulok, tulog na tulog— Mga hubo't hubad pa. May mga gising na rin at paalis na.
The whole place reeks of sex.
I still remember what happened last night. I just had a threesome with the girls, and we did it in the cottage. I remember that while fucking them, we were drinking that liquor with a high alcohol content that added ecstasy to me. I was fucking wild last night. I felt like my body was burning, and the only thing I needed to do to release the heat was to unleash pleasurable toxins.
I feel like I am still drunk even after puking everything last night. I stood up from lying on the large sofa and glanced at myself. Luckily, I'm not fully naked, not like the others. Even if the polo shirt is not well-worn, at least it saves me from Pneumonia.
I walked outside the cottage and looked for my friends. I coughed in surprise to see Jethro on the floor, sleeping. Klinn was on the sun lounger, fully naked. Tangina ng dalawang 'to.
Mabilis ko silang nilapitan at ginising. "Tangina, gumising na kayo."
"Dustin, tol," sagot ni Jethro nang tuluyan nang nagising ang diwa.
I brushed my fingers on my hair as I took a sigh. "Stand up and fix yourself. I'm fucking starving."
Tumango siya at nilapitan na rin si Klinn. He slapped the latter's ass to wake him up. Napailing ako sa kagaguhan niya. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan ang damit ni Klinn kagabi kaya kahit anong damit na lang ang pinulot ko at inabot sa kanya.
"May naalala ka, tol?"
"Meron, tol. Nakipagsex ako kagabi." Klinn answered when he woke up.
"Tarantado! Ang ibig kong sabihin, naalala niyo ba nang bago tayo pinapasok, may pinainom sa atin. Nag-init katawan ko, tol. Tapos ayon, wala na ako masyadong maalala."
Suddenly, I got intrigued. Does it mean something is on the liquor? Don't tell me. . .
"Hindi naman siguro drugs, no?"
Mabilis na binatukan ni Klinn si Jethro. Napaisip naman ako na baka nga may hinalong kakaiba sa mga pinag-iinom namin kagabi. Tangina, kaya siguro hayok ang mga tao kagabi.
"Nagtatanong lang naman, tol!"
"Tol, tara na," I walked the way out of the place, and they instantly followed me. "I'm craving for smoking sex," I muttered dreamily.
"Tol, hanggang ngayon ba naman sex nasa isip mo?!"
Natigil ako sa paglalakad para batukan si Jethro.
"Tarantado! Sisig Express kasi!"
Nagtawanan sila. "Iba talaga ang isang Dustin Altamirano, ang daming babae kagabi, Master." Nagtaas pa ng dalawang kamay si Klinn.
Napapailing na lang ako sa dalawang 'to. Pareho kaming may dalang sasakyan ni Jethro kagabi kaya nagkanya kanya kami ng punta doon sa diner na nagtitinda ng masarap na sisig.
Doon kami pumwesto sa medyo malayo sa mga tao dahil pare-pareho kaming walang ligo. I ordered tosilog and sizzling sisig. Jethro ordered porksilog while tapsilog for Klinn. I also ordered goto, then coffee for the three of us.
"Tol, tingin mo totoo 'to?" Tinapat sa akin ni Jethro ang cellphone niya. Nabatukan ko siya dahil sobrang lapit at ang taas pa ng brightness niya. Balak yata akong bulagin ng hayop na 'to.
"Tangina mo, ang taas ng brightness mong gago ka,"
He chuckled and lowered the brightness of his phone. "Nali-link si Rara kay Khael Licauco."
Muntik nang pumalakpak ang tainga ko nang marinig ang pangalan ng babaeng laman ng isip at bibig ko kagabi. Pero teka, si Rara nali-link sa lalaki?! Sa tagal namin magkaibigan ni Rara, ngayon lang ako may nabalitaan na nali-link siya sa lalaki!
"Hindi 'yan totoo," I muttered with conviction.
"Totoo yata, tol. Si Mama Audie ang nagpost sa facebook."
I shook my head. "No, hindi iyan totoo," I could taste the bitterness on my tongue.
"Bakit parang apektado ka masyado, tol? Fan ka rin ba ni Rara?"
Hindi ako sumagot dahil naiinis ako. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa lagayan ng paminta sa sobrang inis. I don't think Rara would date someone without telling me. Saka bakit kailangan pa niya humanap ng iba kung nandito naman ako?
"Tol, umaapaw na iyang paminta sa goto mo," Napakurap-kurap ako nang hampasin ni Klinn ang kamay ko.
"Gago, tol, ayos ka lang?" Tanong ni Jethro.
"Oo, kumain na nga tayo," pilit na sagot ko.
Hindi ako ayos, tol. Nagseselos ako kahit hindi dapat, tangina!
Pansamantalang nagtagal sa utak ko ang sinabi ni Jethro tungkol kay Rara. Kagabi, hindi ako pinatahimik ng isip ko sa kakaisip kung totoo ba iyon o hindi. So, I did my own research and Jethro's right, 'yong pambansang marites nga na si Audie Daza ang nagbalita.
According to his source, they saw Rara and that asshole in Zuriel lés arómes. They were having lunch, and both of them were extra sweet.
Nagngitngit ako sa inis nang makitang may picture nga sila na magkasama. Ang hinayupak ay sinusubuan si Rara.
I need to ask Rara about this, or else I'll die because of jealousy. . . Yes, I'm fucking jealous.
It's been days since the issue about her and that guy subsided. Rara told me it wasn't true that they were having a romantic date. Yes, they were eating together, but not in a romantic way.
Rara also clarified in an interview that Khael Licauco is not her boyfriend nor suitor, instead, 'to ang bago niyang kapareha sa bagong mini series na pagbibidahan niya. Naalis lahat ang mga kabwisitan ko sa katawan nang linawin niya ang issue na binabato sa kanya.
"I'm so excited to get inked!" Rara clutched my arm, hopping in excitement as we walked down to the tattoo parlour to get a tattoo.
We are going to get matching tattoos. I let Rara choose the design of the tattoo, and when she showed me the illustration, it amazed me.
"Okay, let's get these tattoos done," I muttered. Then, push the door open and let Rara enter first before me. We went straight to Blaire's inked room after Cyrene gave us a signal to pass.
"So, what tattoo are you getting?" Blaire asked when we entered the room.
"Go, Aphrodite, tell her." I muttered, squeezing Rara's waist. Ngumisi ako nang hindi niya ako pagbawalan sa ginawa ko. She's comfortable with my touch, I see.
"We will have a Claddagh from the Celtic symbol of friendship," Rara muttered, smiling.
I almost groaned when I heard the word 'Friendship' from her luscious lips. Ang sakit kasi sa pandinig. Blaire asked me to go first before Rara, and we agreed.
We are having a conversation while Blaire's inking the back of my palm below the thumb finger. That's where Rara and I decided to put our matching tattoos.
"Who chose this design?" Blaire asked while her eyes were fixed on tattooing my skin.
"Rara," I replied.
"Why Claddagh? This is my first time inking someone with this design," she muttered and glanced in the goddess's direction.
I glanced at Rara, who was licking her bottom lip before answering. "Well, Claddagh is a symbol that features two hands clasping a heart that bears a crown. It's a traditional Irish ring that is given as tokens of friendship, loyalty, and love."
"Really? Interesting. Are you an Irish, miss Rara?"
"Bloodline,"
Blaire wrapped my tattoo with a saniderm bandage. "Oh, cool, anyway, it's your turn."
Rara stood up and replaced me on the inkbed. She was sitting, obviously tense. Naupo ako sa may gilid niya para masuportahan siya.
"Aphrodite, if you don't want to go through with this, you don't have to," I muttered.
She shook her head and placed her hand on the inktable. Blaire started sanitizing the part of Rara's hand that would get ink.
"I'm certain about this, Tin." Her voice was low and gentle.
I sighed. "How about this— I'll let you hold my hand while Blaire's doing your tattoo, hmm?" I muttered softly.
"Okay," she mumbled out quietly.
I let her hold my ink-free hand. Yet, I unclasped her hands and slid my fingers between hers, intertwining my hand on her. She looks at me. I gently squeeze her hand and smile soothingly.
"Squeeze my hand if you feel the pain, okay?"
"Hmm," she nodded.
"The needle is going in now." Blaire butted in, smirking when our eyes met. I pressed my lips and looked away from her teasing gaze.
Rara closed one of her eyes tight and squeezed my hand. The machine started to make a noise as the needle pierced Rara's delicate skin.
"You alright, miss Rara?" Blaire asked.
"Mhmm. . ." she gradually opened her eyes and mumbled out quietly.
"Sure you are. . ." I muttered, chuckling slightly, noticing how nervous she was.
After an hour or so, Rara's tattoo was already done. Blaire wrapped the tattoo with the same bandage she wrapped onto me. Then, she started to tidy her tattoo supplies as she enumerate the aftercare.
"Make sure you follow the aftercare instructions. Since I used a Saniderm bandage on both of you, you can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Gentle rubbing with your fingers is all the abrasion your new ink needs. Pat dry with a paper towel or let air dry to keep things clean."
"Okay, noted," I answered.
"Thank you so much, Blaire." Rara smiled, and Blaire reciprocated it. Then, we make our way towards the counter to pay.
"I think I just lost feeling in my hand," I winced as I encircled my hand. I caught Rara pursing her lips.
"Sorry about your hand, Tin. . ." she muttered sheepishly.
I tilt my head to her side. "It's fine, aphrodite," I paused. "Was it that bad?" I asked.
She smiles a little, feeling little to no pain at all.
"That's the smile of a true warrior!" I cheered for her, and using my ink-free hand, I held the side of her head and kissed it.
She giggled. "I, for once, did something rebellious!"
"Do you regret it?"
She looked up at me and stared for a few seconds before shaking her head. The smile on her face widened as her eyes illuminated like a diamond.
"I'd do it a thousand times over," she answered with certainty.
I couldn't help but be amazed by her braveness.
Our plan to eat was interrupted when Duke called me. He was asking me if I was out and if I could pick him up at La Salle.
Nasiraan kasi ang driver niya kaya hindi siya nito masusundo. Rara overheard our conversation. She told me we should fetch my little brother and I don't have the guts to say otherwise. Sunod-sunuran ako, eh.
"Kuya, why did you take so long— hello po," Duke immediately lowered his voice when he saw Rara in the passenger.
I tsked when I saw him looking awestruck at her. Gusto ko siyang pagsabihan na huwag titigan masyado si Rara pero sino ba ako? Best friend lang naman ako.
I cleared my throat, causing Duke to blink and sheepishly look away. I started the engine when I saw my brother already settled on the back.
"Hi, I'm Rara." The Goddess offer a hand to my brother.
"Hello po." He accepted, and they shook hands. "I'm Duke,"
"Hello, Duke! Nice meeting you," Rara smiled, revealing her dimples.
Duke reciprocated the smile. "You too, ate. . ." Then, he glances at me through the mirror. "Kuya, I'm hungry."
I sighed. "You didn't eat earlier?"
"I did! Can't I be hungry?" he replied, sulking.
"Sa bahay kana lang—"
My lips parted when Rara hit me on the arm. "Gutom na rin ako, Tin. Let's just eat, the three of us," she says, looking at me.
I swallowed. I want to say no dahil gusto ko siyang ma-solo pero baka ma-bad shot naman ako kaya wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang tumango.
"Fine, where do you want to eat?"
I parked the car outside the famous fast-food restaurant. I embarked on the car, looking up, and saw a McDonald's sign. Rara and Duke look excited as we make our way inside. Napailing na lang ako sa dalawa.
"Go find us a spot to sit. I'll order." I declared. They both nodded and walked away towards the dining area.
Just like what I told, ako na nga nga nag-order para sa amin tatlo. Marami-rami ang in-order ko kaya kinailangan pa akong tulungan ng isang crew. Mukhang na starstruck pa nga ang crew nang makita si Rara.
"Here we are," I commented. I sat down across from Rara. Nasa tabi ko si Duke na mukhang gutom na gutom na nga.
Umalis naman agad ang crew pagkatapos kuhanin ang dalawang tray. Although, he gave Rara a second glance, but that's it. He didn't ask for a picture, which is great because we are about to eat.
"Thanks, kuya," Duke uttered while he gnawed the chicken nuggets I ordered for him.
"Eat well, come on," I gestured to the food. Then I looked at Rara, who was doing her happy dance while dipping the fries on her ice cream.
I lightly chuckled as I shook my hands. How could she look adorable and beautiful at the same time?
Nang matapos kaming kumain ay inuna kong ihatid si Duke kahit mas malapit naman ang kina Rara— wala lang para mas matagal kaming magkasama. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo, kaya ayos lang.
"Thank you, kuya, ate Rara," Duke waved his hand before heading inside the mansion.
I started the engine when Duke entered the mansion. I glance at Rara when she lets out an elegant chuckle.
"Your brother is cute," she praised.
"What?"
"I said Duke is cute," she repeated.
I snorted. "Mahilig ka pala sa cute. Baby Dustin and baby Rara baka gusto mo?" Biro ko habang may malapad na ngisi sa labi.
Her cheeks instantly blushed before she slightly pushed me out of embarrassment.
"Dustin! You know that I can't! Magulo ang buhay showbiz. Moreover, hindi pa rin ako handa magka-baby," she looked at me. "We're still young, you know."
I poked my inner cheek as I looked at her in a playful manner.
"Are you considering me as the father of your baby, hmm?" I teased her.
Her lips gradually parted, and she pushed me lightly again, obviously throwing the most adorable fit I've ever seen.
"Shut up, Dustin Bentley!"
I chuckled halfheartedly when she called me by my full name. She tsked and rolled her eyes at me. Mas lalo akong natawa. I leaned over to plant a kiss on the top of her head.
"I'm just kidding, Aphrodite," I sweetly consoled.
She just gave me a death stare. Hindi na ako nagsalita at baka magalit na talaga ang dyosa sa akin.
Nang ako na lang mag-isa ay napatingala ako sa langit at napabuntong hininga, tangina ano ba 'tong pinasok ko, unti-unti nang natitibag ang mataas at matibay na pundasyon ng paniniwala ko tungkol sa pag-ibig.
My phone suddenly flashed, so I took it from my pocket and checked who texted me— Duke.
From: Duke
Ate Rara is so pretty! If you won't make a move, I will.
I blinked as I reread the text all over again. May emoji pa na nakadila sa dulo. Aba, itong batang 'to! Mabilis akong nag-type ng reply.
To: Duke
Hindi pwede. Hanap ka ng iba, bro. Sa akin na 'to!
From: Duke
May kayo ba, kuya?
I gritted my teeth as I puffed a heavy breath. I immediately replied to his text.
To: Duke
Wala, pero, basta.
From: Duke
Hindi pala, eh!
My eyes widened upon reading his replied. Ito talagang batang 'to, binabanas ako!
To: Duke
Shut up, Duke! Hindi ako natutuwa sa pinagsasabi mo!
Hindi na ako nag-reply dahil nawalan na ako ng sa mood. Mabuti na lang at nasa malayo siya dahil baka natamaan na siya sa 'kin.
On my 22nd birthday, I celebrated the three days of the week with my family at an intimate out-of-town vacation in the province of Cebu. Then, when we went back to Manila— my cousin surprised me at my condo with a lots of balloon and cake.
Today, the last day of the week, was the day I was going to celebrate my birthday, this time in Subic with the one and only Rara. I want to show her what I got for my birthday. The gifts I never expected that I would receive— my parents gifted me a brand new customized enclosed motor yacht! Damn, my dream!
"Happy birthday, handsome," Rara sweetly cooed as she raised the cake she solely made for me. "Make a wish,"
Kaagad akong pumikit. Tangina, sobrang bilis nang tibok ng puso ko na parang anumang oras ay kakawala na sa dibdib ko. Shit.
Rara called me handsome. Tangina.
I took a breath as I opened my eyes, then blew the candle. She was smiling at me. But then, I gasped when I felt a thick, creamy and sweet feeling on top of my nose — Rara smeared an icing on me!
"Rara!"
She snuck her tongue out, obviously teasing me. She immediately placed the cake on the table on the deck and then ran away from me. I bit my bottom lips and chuckled. So fucking adorable.
I couldn't help but be amazed at her, especially when she shouted, 'Habulin mo ako!' and then ran to the port side. Natatawa akong hinabol siya. Hanggang sa tuluyan na kaming naghabulan sa buong deck.
"Fuck!"
Nang mahabol ko siya ay mabilis ko siyang kinulong sa bisig ko. She scream and wiggled on my hold, but it's no use.
"God, I love hearing the word fuck from your lips," I whispered huskily.
"Dustin, bitaw! I won't run again, I swear!"
I gave her a wolfish grin. "Nah-ah,"
I even shook my head. Then, mabilis akong naupo sa may deck kasama siya. I scoop an icing and wipe it on her cheeks, causing her eyes to widen.
"Oh my god! Dustin!"
She tried pushing me, but still no use. I chuckled loudly before swiping another icing on the tip of her nose. She pouted and wiggled more.
Napanganga ako nang mabilis niyang hawakan ang braso ko at kinagat 'yon. I cursed loudly and my grasp on her waist loosen. Akmang tatakas siya nang mahuli ko siya sa binti at sabay kaming napahiga sa sahig. Our eyes met, and my heart instantly went frenzied.
Pakiramdam ko biglang uminit ang hangin.
"D-Dustin. . ."
"What if we ruin the friendship?"
Tangina.
I saw how her expression changed. I bravely leaned closer until our faces were an inch apart.
"Dustin," her breathing went rugged.
Take the risk or lose the chance, Dustin. The back of my head whispered.
Napapikit ako pero kaagad din dumilat, ilang segundong nakipagtitigan bago bumaba ang mga mata ko sa kanyang labi. Napalunok ako at mas lumapit para masunggaban ang kanyang labi.
Rara stiffened when our lips met. She was about to pull away when I slid my hand on her nape to stop her. Then, I deepened the kiss by biting her bottom lip and sliding my tongue inside her sweet cherry-red lips.
Tangina. Ah, ang sarap.
Lumapat ang magkabila niyang kamay sa may dibdib ko, handa na siguro akong itulak pero hindi niya ginawa.
Rara gradually closes her eyes. Bahagya akong nakapatong sa kanya habang siya ang nasa ilalim ko. Hindi niya ako pinigilan sa paghalik sa kanya. My hand went to her waist, caressing it with so much tender.
Kissing her under the moon while sailing the sea is like kissing diamonds— the brilliance was blinding, too much in the eyes, but it was worth it.
© Fushia