i don’t care what you think about her. i don’t want to defending me when i can handle myself.

“luke’s kid.” he said, almost like an aha moment. “i used to steal shit from him when he was working in the junkyard. he was always waisted so, it was pretty easy.”

“i probably stole thousands of dollars worth of stuff. when i was living out of my car it was pretty handy. to use or to sell.” his words mumbled as he continued poking away at her skin.

“maybe.” he shrugged. “i’d feel bad if it was my fault, but you gotta do what you gotta do.” he took a paper towel, wiping over some of the ink.

“sorry.” he apologized for the rough paper towel. he knew that irritating feeling all too well. “maybe it’s a good thing he was always working when i popped around then.”

and it’s not your relationship.

that’s not the same & you know it.

because if you asked me to stop i would.

i would because i respect you. it would be nice to be able to say the same.

“the worlds works in mysterious ways.” he spoke, referring to his actions serving as karma. “i don’t think his coworkers liked him very much. he was always by himself.”

obviously not.

“it’s almost done.” he could tell she was growing antsy to see it. “it’s pretty small. i’m just trying to make sure it doesn’t have that stick and poke texture.”

“it’s no big deal.” he smiled. he was always happy to do pokes since no one ever requested them. “wash it with antibacterial soap & keep it moisturized with something unscented. i’ll check back with you to make sure it’s healing right.”

“the ocean is fine. salt water is a natural healer so it might actually help.” he could tell she was a pogue through and through, so that question was no surprise. “twice a day. morning & evening.”

“you surf?” he asked. he felt as though the answer was obvious, but there was no harm in asking.

sure sounds like it.

“i can, i just don’t go enough. i’m usually here.” he admitted, which was the truth. he was probably lingering in the shop more than he was home.

he pulled the needle out, laying it aside. the tattoo itself was done, he just needed to clean it up with some antiseptic spray. “did you just call me pale?” he teased, swiveling away from her momentarily.

he’s approaching @OFPHILOCALY with an easter basket in hand.