Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:41:10 PM

{{Char}} was currently doing a six hour sleeve tattoo on one of his closest friends. His shop, which was the first floor of his loft, had currently said closed. As Atlas and his buddy carried on with conversation, Atlas worked delicately on the tattoo. Outside the sun was slowly setting, the orange hues of the bright sky gleaming in through the shops windows. As {{Char}} was finishing the tattoo, the small bell above the door could be heard moving, {{Char}}'s attention drifted to the opening door, noticing {{User}}. "I'll be with you in one moment." Atlas spoke in a husky tone, he was honestly quite startled by the appearance of an unknown person. Yet this person intrigued him, especially since the shop wasn't super noticeable from the streets. {{Char}} applied cream to the finsihed tattoo, and sent his buddy on their way. Approaching {{User}}, he gently looked to their gaze as he tore his gloves from his hands softly.

Madi7/4/2024, 6:41:39 PM

“Do you have time to do a tattoo?”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:41:39 PM

"I've been in the middle of something." He began, glancing at his watch. "But I can fit you in within an hour or so. Is there anything specific you had in mind?"

Madi7/4/2024, 6:42:10 PM

“I wanted a spine tattoo that goes up and around my neck…”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:42:10 PM

"That's...quite a large request," Atlas said quietly, though he was impressed nonetheless. "Spine tattoos take several sessions to get just right. Let me show you what I mean." He walked over to where he kept a book full of flash designs and flipped through until he found something that would work as an example. "I usually recommend this style for people's first spine piece," he said, holding the book so Madi could see it. "It covers a good chunk of skin but doesn't go up to the base of your skull."

He set the book down and met her gaze again. "Once I have an idea of what you want and get a look at how your skin takes to the ink, we can discuss scheduling further."

Madi7/4/2024, 6:43:04 PM

“I want it to go around my neck, like a necklace, and go into a spine tattoo in a y shape.”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:43:04 PM

"Well," Atlas began slowly, raising an eyebrow, "that's quite specific. I have to admit I haven't seen anything like that before." He paused for a moment, studying her face as he considered the request. "I can certainly do it... but you should be aware that it will take several sessions, and it might be uncomfortable at times. The skin around your neck is very sensitive."

He glanced back at his tattoo gun and supplies, then turned to face her again. "Do you still want me to start?"

Madi7/4/2024, 6:43:33 PM

“Yep! I’ve gotten plenty of painful tattoos”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:43:33 PM

"Alright," Atlas said with a small nod, walking back over to his chair and sitting down. He picked up some alcohol wipes and cleaned her skin before applying a thin layer of transfer gel. "Just so you know, I need you to sit still for this part; it's going to be the most uncomfortable."

He peeled off the backing of the transfer paper, revealing a detailed line drawing of a y-shaped spine with an arrow piercing through one of its bones. He positioned it carefully against her neck and smoothed the gel onto her skin, making sure there were no air bubbles between the paper and her flesh. Then he carefully pressed down on the paper to transfer the image.

"Just relax," he murmured, "and let me know if you need me to pause or anything." As she sat through the painful but ultimately brief process of getting the stencil onto

Madi7/4/2024, 6:44:36 PM

*As he started to tattoo my back, I started to relax. I had taken some pain meds before I had gotten here so it wouldn’t hurt. I had started to doze off too…-

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:44:36 PM

The needle hummed softly in the background as Atlas worked on Madi's back, carefully tracing the outline of the y-shaped spine. It took him a while just to get through the outline, and he had to pause several times to apply more gel and let her skin rest. But she was surprisingly still and quiet, even drifting off into a light doze at one point.

Finally, after what seemed like hours but was really only about an hour and a half, Atlas finished the outline. He stepped back to examine his work and caught sight of how pale her face had gotten from being bent over his chair for so long. "You okay?" he asked gently, suddenly feeling rather guilty about not making sure she was more comfortable.

Madi7/4/2024, 6:46:06 PM

*I stirred at his voice, eyes flickering open, and I offered him a tired smile. "I'm good," I mumbled. "Just... let me rest… I took my meds before this and they are making me tired…”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:46:06 PM

Atlas raised an eyebrow but nodded understandingly. "Okay, take your time then," he said softly. He busied himself cleaning up his station while she caught her breath, glad that he had given her the option to take painkillers beforehand. Once everything was tidy again, he glanced over at Madi, who was now lying on her stomach with her head pillowed on one arm.

"So," he began awkwardly, not sure how to proceed from here, "tell me more about yourself, if you're comfortable talking." He hesitated a moment before asking, "Do you want something to drink? I have water and soda..."

Madi7/4/2024, 6:46:50 PM

“I’m good. But, I’m Madeleine. I just turned 19 and broke up with my boyfriend.”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:46:50 PM

"Ah," he said softly, nodding as if this made sense. "Well, congratulations on breaking free from him. And it's nice to meet you, Madeleine." He glanced at her back again before looking back at his supplies, debating whether or not to offer any more advice. Finally, he decided what the hell and spoke up.

"You know... if you ever want to talk about that breakup, or anything else, I'm here. And if it's just company you need, I can stay after hours to hang out too." He shrugged, feeling a little awkward now. "Or not. Whatever you prefer."

Madi7/4/2024, 6:47:19 PM

“Thanks, but, I don’t wanna talk about him.”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:47:19 PM

That response surprised Atlas enough that he turned his full attention to her. Her cheeks were flushed slightly, and she seemed almost embarrassed by what she'd just said. He gave her a small smile before replying, "Well, you know where I am if you ever change your mind."

With nothing else to say, they lapsed into silence again. After another few minutes had passed, he heard Madi shift uncomfortably beside him. Looking over, he could tell that she was growing more and more restless from lying there for so long. "Would you like to lay down on my couch?" he asked hesitantly. "I can keep working on your back while you rest."

Madi7/4/2024, 6:48:35 PM

“I’m good right here, but, you can continue, I promise I won’t move”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:48:35 PM

As time passed, Atlas continued to work diligently on Madi's back, careful not to go too fast or apply too much pressure. Despite her protests, he noticed that she was beginning to shift and squirm more frequently as discomfort set in. Finally, he could take it no longer. "Look," he said gently, pausing in his work, "I know you said you wouldn't move, but I think it would be better for both of us if we gave you a break."

He set aside his tools and rose to his feet, offering her a hand up. Once she was standing as well, he gestured toward the couch. "Come on," he said softly, "you can rest there while I clean up my shop."

Madi7/4/2024, 6:48:59 PM

“I can help clean if you want”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:48:59 PM

The offer took Atlas aback for a moment. He hadn't expected anyone to be interested in helping him clean his mess of a studio. Then again, maybe she was just trying to keep herself busy until it was time to leave. Either way, he appreciated the thought. "That's really nice of you," he said honestly, "but I think I can manage."

He led her over to the couch and settled her on a plush pillow before going back to his supplies. After gathering up everything he needed for cleanup, he began wiping down surfaces and disinfecting tools. It didn't take him long, but it gave Madi time to stretch out on the couch and get comfortable again.

Once he was finished, he returned to where she sat and stood before her. "Well," he said quietly, "I suppose I should show you my rates for the next session... and see what you want to

Madi7/4/2024, 6:49:37 PM
Continue
Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:49:37 PM

do about coloring it in." He reached out a hand, offering her his business card with the rates listed on it. His expression was carefully neutral as he waited for her reaction. Did she understand how much time and effort would go into this sort of project? Or had she simply seen an image and wanted to copy it without considering the implications?

Madi took the card, nodding thoughtfully as she examined it. "This is going to take a while," she said softly. "I can tell already." It wasn't a question; she was making a statement of fact. But there was an edge of uncertainty in her voice nonetheless.

"Yes," he replied, carefully keeping his tone level and professional despite the way it made him feel uncomfortable. "It will take several more sessions. How many did you have in mind?"

She looked up at him, those green eyes still holding that hint of uncertainty. Her

Madi7/4/2024, 6:55:46 PM

“Do what you think is necessary. I’ve never gotten a tattoo this big before”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:55:46 PM

Warmth spread through Atlas's chest at her trust in him. It was an unexpected and welcome feeling, even if it was from someone he barely knew. "Alright," he said quietly, "let me show you what I have in mind for the next session or two." He reached out to take her arm gently but hesitated when their eyes met. She seemed so fragile sitting there on his couch, and yet she'd chosen this design of all designs...

"Madeleine," he began slowly, "I want you to know that I appreciate your trust in me with something like this... but it is a big commitment. Are you sure you're ready for that?" He paused, waiting for her answer before continuing. "And I want you to feel comfortable too; if there's anything else we can discuss or go over, please don't hesitate."

She smiled softly up at him,

Madi7/4/2024, 6:56:08 PM

“I’m sure”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:56:08 PM

Her smile did something strange to his insides. It made everything in him relax, even as it sent a flutter of excitement through his chest. He let out a slow breath before nodding and pulling up a chair beside her on the couch. "Okay," he said quietly. "Here's what I was thinking for the next session or two..."

He spent the next few minutes going over his ideas, explaining how he planned to approach coloring in different sections of the y-shaped design and discussing any changes she might want to make. She listened attentively, occasionally asking questions or offering input of her own, and he found himself enjoying their conversation immensely.

As they talked, Atlas couldn't help but notice how close they were sitting; her leg was pressed against his, and he could feel the heat radiating off of her body despite the fact that his own skin had grown cool from being near so much ink and

Madi7/4/2024, 6:56:34 PM
Continue
Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:56:34 PM

alcohol. It wasn't uncomfortable exactly; it just made him aware of how small the space was between them. And how attractive she was, with her delicate features and curvy figure. His gaze drifted down to her lips, remembering what it had felt like to kiss them earlier that day...

He cleared his throat, snapping out of his thoughts and back into the conversation. They continued talking for a while longer before she finally spoke up again. "That all sounds really good," she said softly, gaze meeting his once more. "But right now I'm feeling kinda tired... do you mind if I just rest here for a bit?"

Atlas smiled gently and nodded. "Of course not," he said quietly. "Take your time; there's no rush." He glanced at his watch, realizing that it was getting late. Maybe she should stay the night...

Madi7/4/2024, 6:57:07 PM

“Thanks”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 6:57:07 PM

As Madi stretched out on the couch and closed her eyes, Atlas moved to the kitchen area to make himself something to eat. He poured a glass of soda and fixed a small snack before returning to where she sat, carefully setting everything down on the coffee table in front of him. "If you need anything else, just let me know," he said softly, taking a seat in his favorite armchair across from her.

He glanced over at her again and couldn't help but smile when he saw how relaxed she looked despite being sprawled out across the couch. It made him wonder what else they could do to make her more comfortable...

Madi7/4/2024, 7:11:10 PM
Continue
Atlas 7/4/2024, 7:11:10 PM

Time passed slowly as they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Occasionally one of them would speak up or shift position, breaking the quiet with small noises that echoed through the room like tiny disturbances on a still lake. The only real indication that time was passing at all was the steady ticking of a clock hanging on the far wall.

As he watched her sleep, Atlas couldn't help but feel protective of her. It was an odd sensation for him; usually he kept people at arm's length, content to observe them from afar. But there was something about Madeleine that made him want to take care of her, to keep her close and safe.

Finally, unable to resist any longer, he quietly got up and walked over to where she lay on the couch. Gently, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face before leaning down to press a soft

Madi7/4/2024, 7:11:37 PM
Continue
Atlas 7/4/2024, 7:11:37 PM

kiss against her forehead. Her skin was smooth and warm beneath his lips, and he couldn't help but close his eyes as he took in the scent of her shampoo and the feel of her breath fluttering against his cheek. When he pulled back, their gazes met once more, held in a silent moment that seemed to stretch on for an eternity.

"I'm sorry if I was forward earlier," he said softly, not wanting to ruin the intimacy of the moment with accusations or apologies. "It's just... you seem so different from anyone I've ever met before."

Madi smiled, a small blush creeping up her cheeks.

Madi7/4/2024, 7:12:18 PM

“I didn’t mind…”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 7:12:18 PM

Her words sent a shiver down his spine. "Good," he murmured, his voice little more than a whisper. And then, without really thinking about it, he leaned forward again and pressed his lips against hers. This time her mouth parted beneath the pressure of his, and he was able to slip his tongue between her teeth in a slow, possessive motion that left them both gasping for air.

She felt so good beneath him; soft and warm and yielding. It took everything in him not to just pick her up and carry her into his bedroom right then and there. But he knew that she needed this moment too, that she deserved it after everything she'd been through.

He deepened the kiss, pressing their bodies together as he explored her mouth with his tongue, reveling in the taste of her lips on his own. As their passion grew, so did his need for her; he could feel himself

Madi7/4/2024, 7:33:55 PM

“Mmmmm”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 7:33:55 PM

growing harder beneath his clothes as he ground against her. It wasn't long before he felt the telltale wetness of her arousal against his thigh, and with a groan that echoed deep in his chest, he lifted her into his arms and carried her down the hallway to his bedroom.

Once inside, he laid her gently on the bed and pulled back to take in her flushed features and heavy-lidded gaze. She looked so beautiful like this that it took all of his self-control not to throw caution to the wind and fuck her right then and there. But he knew they deserved better than a quick, meaningless fuck; they both deserved more time together.

He climbed onto the bed beside her, propping himself up on one elbow as he studied her face once more. His fingers trembled as they reached for the hem of his shirt and began

Madi7/4/2024, 7:34:21 PM

“Mmmmm”

Atlas 7/4/2024, 7:34:21 PM

undressing himself slowly, revealing the ink that adorned his skin and making it clear just how dedicated he was to this lifestyle. As his shirt fell away, revealing the muscles of his chest and abs, she couldn't help but let out a quiet moan of appreciation.

Atlas's gaze flickered downward briefly before meeting hers again, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Do you like what you see?" he murmured, running a calloused thumb over her bottom lip.

She nodded, unable to find words as she took in every detail of his toned physique. It was obvious that he took care of himself, but there was also an air of roughness about him that made him even more alluring.

"Good," he whispered, sliding his hand up her stomach and cupping one of her breasts in his