{{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.

"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?"

"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."

"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?"

"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

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.

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..."

"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."

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."

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."

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

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

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,

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

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...

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...

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

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.

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

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

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

palm. "Because I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw you today." He bent down and took her nipple into his mouth, sucking gently at first before increasing the pressure until she arched off the bed with a soft cry.

Her hands fisted in the sheets beneath her as he lavished attention on her breasts, moving his lips and tongue over her skin with expertise born of countless previous encounters. She knew that this was only the beginning; there would be so much more to come once they finally moved past this point... if they ever did.

When at last he released her breast, she gasped for air as he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers once more. His tongue slipped between her teeth and teased the roof of her mouth before sliding slowly down her throat to circle around her nipple again. "Madeleine," he murmured

Her voice only served to heighten his arousal, sending a jolt of pleasure through him that made it difficult to think straight. He groaned against her skin and lifted himself up onto one elbow, trailing kisses and nips down her stomach toward her panties.

When he reached them, he paused for a moment, looking up at her with hooded eyes. She was so beautiful, laid out before him like this, ready for him to take as much of her as he wanted. He licked his lips nervously before reaching between their bodies and sliding his fingers under the waistband of her panties.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" he whispered, hesitating for a moment before gently pushing them down her hips. As she revealed herself to him, he couldn't help but marvel at how perfect she was; smooth and hot and wet. He bent forward

and took one of her folds into his mouth, sucking gently while using his fingers to part her even further. Her hips bucked off the bed beneath him as she moaned his name, driving him on with her unspoken need for release. He couldn't get enough; he wanted every inch of her taste on his tongue, wanted to devour her until she screamed and cried out his name over and over again.

He kept going until he felt her shudder beneath him, body tensing as she reached her peak and let out a long, satisfied moan that echoed through the room like music.

Hearing her plea sent a shaft of pure lust straight to his cock, and he groaned as he struggled to maintain control. Sliding his hand up between their bodies, he cupped her breast once more, squeezing gently before moving his thumb over the hardened bud. As she arched into him, moaning his name hoarsely, he smiled against her skin and slid two fingers inside her wet heat.

He thrust them in and out, mirroring the rhythm of his hand on her breast as she grew closer to another orgasm. "That's it," he murmured huskily, "let go for me." Her body tensed once more before relaxing, allowing her release to flow through her in a series of tremors that made him growl with satisfaction.

With one final thrust of his fingers deep inside her, he brought over the edge.

"Yes!" His voice was hoarse from restraint as he pumped his hand faster and faster, watching her face as she cried out his name and shuddered beneath him. The feel of her body contracting around his fingers sent a wave of heat coursing through him, almost too intense to bear, but just enough. As her climax subsided, he withdrew his hand and rolled onto his back beside her, their chests rising and falling in unison as they caught their breath.

"That was...," she gasped, "...incredible." He smiled at the ceiling above them, nodding slightly before looking down to where his fingers were still coated in her juices. With a sigh, he leaned over and licked them clean, letting out a satisfied moan as the flavor of her filled his mouth once more.

As they lay there in silence, their hearts racing and their skin fl

wet with sweat, she had the distinct impression that this wasn't going to be just another night for either of them. They were crossing a line now; a line neither of them could ever uncross or undo. And yet... somehow it felt right. Perfect, even. As if they were meant to be together like this, in this moment, forever.

She reached out and traced a circle around his nipple with her fingertip before leaning forward and taking him into her mouth, sucking gently as she teased the sensitive tip with her tongue. Atlas let out a low groan that vibrated through her entire body, urging her on. Her hand moved lower, finding the base of his cock already hardening once more. She stroked him slowly, watching as he closed his eyes and moaned

She reached down to stroke his length, feeling it growing harder beneath her touch. "I could take you deeper," she whispered into the darkness. "Let me feel how much I can handle." He nodded, trusting her to know what they both needed. His hand went to her hip, guiding her in rhythm as she began to stroke him faster and harder.

Their bodies moved together as one, lost in the pleasure of each other's touch. The room was filled with their moans and gasps as they climbed closer and closer to that elusive edge, feeling each thrust and caress sending shockwaves of desire through them. And then, finally, with a cry that echoed around the room, she felt him release inside her mouth, tasting the sweetness of his seed on her tongue as he came unraveled in her arms.

She lay there for a moment, her chest heaving from the

exertion and her body still humming from their shared climax. When she finally found the strength to speak again, she whispered into the darkness, "I think you should take me now."

He nodded slowly, his eyes locked on hers. Slowly he pulled her up until they were kneeling side by side before leaning forward and taking her in a long, deep kiss that left them both breathless. Then, without another word, he positioned himself behind her and slid his hard length into her aching pussy.

She cried out as he filled her completely, the stretch was almost enough to make her come all over again. He paused for a moment, allowing them both to adjust before beginning to move slowly within her, their bodies moving in perfect sync as they found their rhythm together once more. She moaned his name as

he drove into her hard and deep, each thrust sending a shockwave of pleasure through them both. He could feel her walls begin to tighten around him, preparing for another orgasm, and with one final thrust he let go, spilling himself inside her as his own release claimed him. They collapsed together onto the bed in a tangle of limbs and sweat-slicked skin, their breath coming in ragged gasps as they tried to catch their

breath after that intense bout of passion.

It seemed like an eternity before either of them moved again, but eventually Atlas found the strength to roll off her and onto his back, staring up at the ceiling once more as he tried to catch his breath. He glanced over at her and smiled weakly, thinking that even though she'd been hurt so badly, there was something about her that made him feel better simply by being near her. She returned his smile with one of her own, a slow blush creeping up her neck and into her cheeks as they both lay there in silence for what seemed like hours.

Eventually he rolled back onto his side facing her once more, propping himself up on one elbow as he gazed down at her features lit softly by the moonlight filtering through the window. "Do you want me to stay?" he asked hesitantly, unsure if she'd be comfortable with

"Well...," he started slowly, clearing his throat before continuing. "I wasn't sure if you had somewhere else to go or..." She smiled and shook her head slightly.

"No, I don't. And honestly... I'd really like it if you stayed." She blushed as she said the words, glancing away briefly before looking back at him tentatively. "If that's okay with you?"

He couldn't help but return her smile as he nodded slowly. "Yeah," he said quietly, "it's definitely okay with me." They lay there in silence for a while longer, the only sound coming from their ragged breathing as they recovered from their intense lovemaking. Eventually, when their heart rates had slowed and they were able to think more clearly once again, he spoke up.

"So... now what?"

Her words hung in the air between them, and for a moment neither of them said anything else. He was struck by the realization that their time together wasn't just about finishing her tattoo; it had become so much more than that. It was about the connection they'd formed over the past few days, the intensity of the feelings they'd shared and explored... It was about them finding something in each other that they'd never expected to find.

He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers tracing the outline of her jaw before coming to rest on her cheek. "Maybe," he said slowly, searching her eyes for any sign of disapproval or doubt, "maybe we should just see where this goes." She leaned into his touch, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she closed her eyes and nestled closer to him.

"Yeah..."