As she was walking down the street, after a long night of partying, Nova stumbled upon a tattoo parlour. The morning had already broken, the shops started to re-open, and Nova was still under the impression of her night in the clubs. The many a times she had fantasised about getting a tattoo, more than just one tattoo... She had always loved the tattoos on her father's arms and shoulders, and she had always admired tattoos in strong, independent women. Her friends had been teasing her, to finally give in to temptation and just get her virgin skin broken into.
It was just... she knew, once she would start, there might be no stopping. Temptations did that for her, she was a girl of debauchery, not of restraint. Every addictive thing she tried, she had been struggling to shake off the desire, need, longing to repeat and repeat, to give herself completely to the experience. Her most recent sexual digressions were a case in point... Just thinking about it got her tingling between her legs again. She had never been really sure if she had wanted to finally give in to her craving for intricate lines of ink under her skin, but today was as good as any. 21 years old, a night to celebrate and reminisce.
Nova took a deep breath and slowly walked into the tattoo parlour. At first, she thought no one was in there, it was early after all, and she found herself mindlessly walking around the front lobby. As she was looking at all of the amazing art and awards that decorated the pale blue walls, someone clearing their throat caught her attention, and she turned to look at the source of the sound. Her breath got caught in the back of her throat as she met the icy blue gaze of aΒ veryΒ handsome man, his muscles and tattoos proudly on display as he smiled softly at her.Β "Hey there, early bird or late late night owl? You look like this is not her first hour of the day! I am Phoenix. How can I help you?"
"Oh, hi! Nova... I've been thinking about getting a tattoo or two... I just turned 21, I thought it is time to finally realise that fantasy of mine..."
His smile widened slightly, revealing perfectly straight teeth that only added to his overall charm. The tattoo artist nodded. His eyebrow shot up at the word "fantasy", what an unusual way of describing the wish to get inked... "Well, isn't that exciting? What kind of design are you thinking of getting?" Phoenix asked, stepping closer towards Nova. He moved with an ease that suggested he was used to being in control of such situations. He leant against the counter casually, crossing his muscular arms over his chest as his blue eyes seemed to sparkle with interest as he awaited her answer.
She shrugged her small shoulders nonchalantly, accentuating her petite frame. "I'm actually pretty open to suggestions, I don't have anything specific in mind yet." She felt some of her nerves betray her casual facade, as he shook his head slightly as if amused by her lack of preparedness."Oh, well that makes things interesting," he mumbled with a grin before pushing himself away from the counter and moving towards a large book filled with sketches of various designs.
"What kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern? Something else entirely?" He flipped through the pages slowly, stopping occasionally to point out certain pieces or designs that might catch her eye. Each page revealed another beautiful piece of artwork - intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and detailed illustrations all waiting patiently under layers of clear plastic.
"Honestly, I'm not sure... maybe something modern and daring?" Her voice trailed off into uncertainty as she watched him browse the sketchbook. Phoenix experienced deep delight in her willingness to embrace the bold. He closed the book with a soft thud and turned to face her fully now: "Daring, huh?" He repeated her choice of words, letting them roll off his tongue like tasting them. "Well, we've got plenty of those here."
With that said, he stepped forward and murmured "but those depend on the client entirely, they are very individual... the placement for instance..." He brushed her long hair aside and slowly pulled her blouse away to reveal her collar bone, just enough to reveal a small amount of skin. His touch was surprisingly gentle considering how imposing he looked otherwise. "So tell me," he continued softly, "do you have any particular symbols or meanings in mind? Or perhaps there's something special about this moment in time that you want captured forever? Or were you thinking of any particular phrases to ink into her skin?"
Feeling his hand on her collarbone send a shiver down her spine, making her realize just how close he now was. His proximity left her feeling both exposed and strangely excited. "Umm... Well, I guess it could represent freedom or independence..." Her voice came out softer than intended as she struggled to maintain eye contact with him. There's something about standing so close to someone who seems so confident and secure in themselves that makes you feel exposed in ways you hadn't anticipated. "Being 21, I am now fully emancipated. Nobody can tell me anymore what to do or not to do. Sexually or otherwise..." she almost swallowed the last part of her sentence.
The tattoo artist nodded along with each word that left her lips. There's a quiet understanding that this was the beginning of a journey for her that would be more profound than for most getting their first tattoo. "Emancipation... it's certainly a powerful concept." but then, Phoenix had to chuckle as his fingers traced lightly over the exposed skin of her neck, sending a wave of warmth coursing through her. "And sexually independent too..." He echoes softly, letting the words hang between them for a moment longer before adding, "That's definitely worth a tattoo."
Nova's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, realizing just how personal this conversation had become. She wasn't sure how seriously he was taking her, whether to feel embarrassed or flattered by his reaction. With a deep breath, she looked him into the eyes. "No one can stop me from doing whatever I want, and from enjoying every second of it." she paused for a moment "but I get a feeling you know that thought."
There was a spark in the tattoo artist's eyes as he heard her declaration. He couldn't help but react to her enticing beauty and strong will. "I can appreciate that," he replied smoothly, still maintaining eye contact with you. His hand moved lower, tracing along the edge of her collarbone where it meets the shoulder before slipping back up again. His fingers emphasised every one of his next words with light, deliberate touch. "Every second..."
Nova shifted under his gaze, suddenly aware of how flirtatious the meeting had become in just a few minutes - physically and emotionally. She heard herself whispering "Maybe my tattoo can be a declaration of that intent? Maybe even an invitation, or a way to make sure I am being held to my intent?"
Phoenix stopped for a second, surprised by her suggestion. An intrigued smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he considered her words. "A declaration, an invitation... That's quite a move," he admitted with a low chuckle. "I like it." His fingers continued their slow exploration across her skin, tracing patterns that seem to echo the things to come in an intimate dance. "You know," he continued softly, "there are many ways to symbolize such intentions within tattoo art."
"Tell me..." Nova whispered, suddenly somewhat short of breath. His fingers paused momentarily on her skin, allowing the silence to stretch between them. The tattoo artist leant in closer, "There are symbols associated with sexuality itself," he started, pointing towards a series of intricate designs adorning his own arm. "Ankh for life force and fertility, lotus for rebirth and renewal..."
As he spoke, he traced each symbol lightly with his fingertip - a delicate reminder of what lies beneath the surface. It was an education as much as it was an experience; Phoenix shared his knowledge while leaving room for interpretation and personal meaning. "But if you're looking for something more direct..." He glanced down at her bare neck again. "...we could always opt for something explicit."