Under The Lights

One- Record Lee

I finish the last line before I straighten my back and stretch groaning, damn my back hurts. "Alright, you're all done." I say as I pull off my black gloves and the man in my chair turns his head with an excited smile on his face. "Can you take a picture?"

I nod grabbing his phone as he lies back down on his belly and I stand from my stool for a more clear image, my butt aching when I realize I've been sitting for far too long.

The guy in my chair, Antonio, wanted a back tattoo full of Greek mythology, and that's what he got, three sessions and 8 hours later. Some of my favorite pieces really, i have a few myself.

I love my job, I do, but when I have to do a long session like this, all i want to do is lay in bed.

Especially now that my neck hurts when I look straight.

Driving home will be a bitch.

I hand his phone back to him.

"Thanks." He says as he gets up and hisses while trying to put on his shirt.

I internally shake my head, that's what you get for not spacing out your sessions and giving your body time to heal.

"Do you want me to put Saniderm on that?" I squint at his pain.

"Nope." His voice tight as he finally pulls his shirt over his head and his back straightens as it falls to his waist.

He pays me, we say our goodbyes, then he leaves.

I sigh and sit back down, starting to clean up my area while I let my hair down from the puff it's in.

It's quiet even though another tattoo artist is here, Red.

He doesn't talk much unless it's with his girlfriend.

She's been in here a few times, they make a cute couple and it's entertaining seeing her tease him.

I never knew he was so soft spoken and nice. He's tried to make casual conversation while doing one of my tattoos but he sucks at it. His artwork is great though.

Liz, the receptionist, left awhile ago. I'm usually the last one here because I like to torture myself and take long sessions but Red's here too finishing up a client.

I'm almost finished cleaning when I hear the bell ring.

I don't look up because I'm not expecting anyone and it's 9pm, assuming it's one of Reds clients and he booked late.

I see movement in front of me and I finally look up to see a large man crying in front of me.

His sniffle startles me and I tilt my head.

"Yes?" I question.

He seems to visibly freeze when we lock eyes.

His face suddenly redder before, he lifts his glasses up to wipe his tears on his sleeve. "Can I get a tattoo?"

This is just a sad picture. A handsome man crying in my tattoo shop, i feel like I'm looking at something I shouldn't .

"Sorry, im done for the day and you need to make an appointment." I tell him and swivel in my chair to grab him a business card with my name on it.

He tentatively takes it and I realize how big he actually is as his hand comes next to mine.

He reads the card. "Record Lee?" He sniffs again, his cheeks flushed.

"That's me." I say as I continue cleaning up.

"Can I just please get a tattoo, it's small and I'll pay you whatever." He tells me and I turn back to him.

His big brown eyes water again as we stare at each other.

"Look, your clearly upset, i recommend a rational head when getting a tattoo."

The tear's finally fall as his big body takes a seat on my chair.

"My dog died, I wanna get a tattoo of the outline of his face."

My face morphs into compassion. So that's why he's crying. "I'm sorry about your dog." I say as he looks down.

I take this time to notice the giant in front of me, he's a little tan, has shaggy, black hair, he's wearing a dark beige turtleneck that fits snug against his muscles and black khakis straining against his big thighs. I nod taking note of his biceps.

Don't think I didn't notice how ripped this nerd looking fella is.

"You good?" I look up to see Red with his backpack slung over his shoulder and the man who's name I realized I don't know, gulps while looking up at him even though they look to be the same height.

I realize that Red's client left and he's about to leave as well.

He's glancing between me and the cute weeping man suspiciously and I nod, "yea I'm good."

It seems that's all he needs before practically running out of the shop, and I'd bet money that he's going to see his girlfriend. I think her name is Roe or something.

The guy still sits there pitifully and he reminds me of a sad Superman.

I feel bad turning down his request but I'm tired and just want to go home.

"How about this," I break the silence and his brown eyes connect to my own. "You come back tomorrow and I'll do the tattoo free of charge." I do feel bad for some reason.

His eyes light up."What time?"

"12pm." I tell him my lunch break.

He smiles at me as I turn around in my seat and grab something in the cabinet before turning back around, standing up.

I notice that my head reaches his shoulder and i don't know why but I'm surprised, I'm usually the same height as the guys that come in this shop. I extend my hand and give him a lollipop. "Here."

"Candy?" He questions.

I shrug. "It cheers up the children." I smile as his face turns red and he slowly takes it, muttering a "thanks."

We stand there silent, a little awkward until he clears his throat. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

I nod and he turns around, heading for the door.

And I watch his ass in those dark khakis all the way out.

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Words- 1149

Let's talk about her name, Record Lee.

I actually got it from this YouTuber I watch.

If you know Bailey Sarian, then you know she talks about murder mystery, dark history and just killers in general. And if your a loyal reader then you know I named one of my other characters from her as well. 😭

Anyway, I got Record Lee from this granny killer because it was her actual name and I thought it was cute especially for an MC lookin tattoo artist. 💀

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Would you guys be interested in seeing some lesbian books from me? I already started writing one 🤭.-dk if ill finish it send me some motivational thoughts