Just a Soldier

Chapter 61 - Scarlett's birthday

Y/n's POV:

Leaving the hospital, I felt a relief wash over me. The doctor was really happy with my progress. I'm finally free of the brace, although he gave me a sling to use for periods through the day to help support my healing shoulder. He's referred me to the physio, and I start that next week.

He also gave me the all clear for my heart and rib. I've probably still got a month or so before I'm fully fit and longer than that before I'm back to my level of fitness before. But I'm feeling really positive about it all.

Sophie brought me to the check-up today as Scarlett had filming. It works out quite well as there is one last present I need to sort for Scarlett and Sophie is taking me there now. Sophie managed to convince Scarlett that we needed a bestie day, so she's none the wiser that I have alternative plans. It's Scarlett's birthday in two days and I'm really excited. She didn't want anything big. We're hosting thanksgiving two days after, so she asked for us just to spend it together as a family. Melanie extended her stay so we're going to have a relaxing day at the beach before I make Scarlett dinner and we have an 'at home' date. 

I wanted to take her out for dinner, but she insisted that we stayed in. I only compromised if she agreed that I cooked for her. It's her birthday and I want to treat her. If she won't let me take her out, then I will make the best of it at home.

Sophie parks up the car and we make the short walk to the tattoo shop that I have an appointment with. This is one part of Scarlett's present. I have been wanting to get another tattoo for a while and I thought that getting something for Scarlett would be the perfect opportunity.

As soon as we walk through the door, we're greeted by the receptionist. I give her my name and she informs us that the artist will be with me in just a moment. Before we can even take a seat, we're greeted by a tall blonde man with beautiful tattoos covering is arms. "Hi, I'm Max. You must be Y/n. It's nice to finally put a face to the name" He greets, holding his hand out to me which I take easily.

I have been talking with him for a couple of weeks to talk about the sort of design that I want. I told him the ideas I had, and he told me that he would work on some options. I quickly introduce him to Sophie, and he guides us to his station. He grabs a folder and opens it up to show the different drawings he had done for the previous designs.

He flicks through it, grabs out one and places it on the table in front of me. "So, after our last conversation, I made some changes as discussed. I also found a cool way to incorporate what you wanted." He says with a smile. I run my fingers over the drawing in front of me. It is incredible and I love it. It is everything that I wanted.

It is a compass with a lily at the north point. Then there were three dates against each of the others. West was Ava's birthday. East was Scarlett's and south was the date Scarlett asked me to be her girlfriend. 12th Feb 2016. The compass itself wasn't the traditional kind. He had designed this cool geometric style which is where I notice that he has included the Black Widow hourglass symbol. It was all perfect.

I turn to Sophie and indicate for her to come over and take a look. "Wow, that looks great!" She compliments. "It's very you." She observes, looking at me. "If you're happy with it, I'll get the stencil ready, and we can get started." He offers. "I'm more than happy. You've managed to capture everything I wanted. Let's do this." I respond with a huge smile on my face.

I was getting the tattoo on my ribs, so have dressed appropriately. As my shoulder still wasn't 100% with movement, Sophie helps me to get out of my t-shirt, leaving me in a sports bra. Max places the stencil on my ribs and I check it in the mirror, happy with the placement. "Ok, I'll get you up on the bed here. I know you've hurt your shoulder, so I've brought over some pillows to make it as comfortable for you as possible." He explains and I'm grateful for his consideration.