The Tattoo // Kellin Quinn

1. A Dark And Beautiful Affair

It all started with a tattoo. A fucking tattoo. If Kellin hadn't come to my tattoo parlour and get me to tattoo him, this mess would have never, ever, ever have happened. His band would not be falling apart at the seams and his marriage wouldn't be failing. Kellin's whole fall from grace would not have happened if we never met. I'll fill you in from the beginning of this story that we call Lottie and Kellin's affair.

I walked into my work place on Friday, a tattoo parlour called 'The Magicians Hat'. I was in a good mood today, I woke up on the right side of the bed and everything seemed to be going alright this morning. A white flowing singlet, green shredded skinny jeans and white ankle Converse adorned my petite frame. My septum and snake bites piercings were barbels and my hair was in a hair bow. I waved a hello to my boss Jason and sat at my tattoo station, adorned with photos of my two roommates; Emme and her boyfriend Austin Carlile.

My name is Charlotte Bailey, Lottie or Lot to every average schmuck and I'm 24 years old. My hair is black and hangs around mid back and my eyes are grey-blue. I've been a tattoo artist for about two years now and I love my job. Etching permanent designs into people's skin provides such a thrill and power. I have a three tattoos myself. I have the chorus to If I'm James Dean You're Audrey Hepburn- Sleeping With Sirens on this side of my thigh, LOVE on my left knuckles and HATE on my right knuckles. I'm single and I'm still decided whether that's by choice or by fate.

"LOTTIE! THE DESK!" Jason called from his station.

I walked over to the desk and lo and behold, Kellin Fucking Quinn was standing right there.

"Hi." I managed to breathe out. I'm a big SWS fan. Jesus I hope he didn't notice my fangirl tattoo peeking out from the shreds in my jeans. I preach about not regretting tattoos but right now I really wish I didn't get his lyrics tattooed on me so I didn't feel so embarrassed right now.

"Hey there! If anyone was free to tattoo me?" Kellin smiled.

Oh god. Try not to fangirl Lottie. "Um yeah! Come over to m-my station and we'll c-chat." I spluttered. I sounded like a fool. Just great.

I sat in my chair and Kellin sat on the tattooing bed. I grabbed out my sketchbook and pencil from a drawer in my station and tried to ignore the fact that my idol was sitting in front of me.

"Okay, so what would you like today?" I asked, staring intently at the blank sheet of paper in front of me.

"Okay so what I wanted was a mermaid on my foot. Full colour, blonde hair, green tail and red shell bra. With, like, water around her and shells and seaweed next to her."

I drew what he explained and when i was done, I showed him. "Like this?"

His tongue ran over his pink lips, studying my design. "It's perfect!"

I blushed. "Thanks. I'll stencil it up and I'll be right back."

When I came back, he was texting.

"Okay Mr. Quinn, I'll get you to take off your shoe and roll up your pants. Left or right foot?"

"Hey, we never exchanged names.. I'm guessing you're a fan? And right foot please." He took off his black Tom and rolled up his black skinny jeans.

"Yeah I'm a fan. I'm Lottie by the way." I placed the stencil on his foot.

"Wow a fan tattooing me. Didn't expect that."

I giggled and looked into the green orbs he had for eyes. "Always a first for everything I guess." I slapped gloves onto my hands, dipping the buzzing needle into black ink and went to work tracing.

A couple hours later, the masterpiece was done. I bandaged it up and he put his shoe back on. We walked up to the desk together, laughing about nothing.

"Hey, I'm not busy now and I was wondering if you'd, I don't know, wanna grab a coffee or lunch or something?" Kellin looked and sounded embarrassed. "You know, as a thank you. My treat?"

"JASON I'M GOING FOR MY BREAK!" I yelled.

Kellin beamed at me. "We'll take a walk."

We walked to a nearby café called Bella. It was practically deserted except for two other couples. A waitress came and took our order.

"So Lottie right?" Kellin asked.

I sipped my lemonade. "Right."

"How old are you?"

"24." I replied. "How's the band?"

"Really well! We're tracking at the moment! Very exciting and now were doing a bunch of shows just for fun." Kellin had a look of joy touch his lips when he spoke of SWS. You could tell it was his passion and his purpose.

"I'm actually going to one tomorrow." I admitted sheepishly.

Kellin cocked his head up and winked. "Nice." He slid his phone across the table. "Would you mind putting your number in my phone?"

I couldn't believe this was happening. I typed in my number and my contact name was Lottie Bailey with a lot of emoji's after. I handed my phone to him and he put his contact name as Diamond Love.

"Don't want people to go through your phone and steal my number." Kellin winked.

The waitress brought over my creamy chicken soup and Kellins toasted sandwich. We talked more about music and tattoos.

"You do anything musical?" Kellin asked between bites.

"I play guitar and write songs." I replied.

"What type of guitar you got? I love guitars."

I smiled. "I also have a AT-200 red electric. It's beautiful."

Kellin smiled. "You sing?"

I blushed. "A bit."

"You and I will have to jam sometime."

I looked into his eyes. "I'd like nothing more."

After a little while, I had to go back to work. Kellin looked more apprehensive to leave than I was.

"Call me?" Kellin pleaded.

"Tonight?" I asked.

Kellin looked at me pleadingly with his bulging eyes and nodded.

I sighed and grinned. "Of course."

He hugged me. "Thanks again Lottie. You're the best."

We walked out and headed in different directions.

Hey guys, it's your favourite author Hayley. I am actually disgusted at the sentence structure, grammar and spelling of this entire book. I'm editing every chapter right now for everyone's benefit. Enjoy nonetheless c:

I have also come up with a theme song for this book:

The One That Got Away- The Civil Wars

I don't know what you'd want to do with that information but I thought I'd let you know :3

ily all <3

Xoxo HayleySarahBruce

Playlist: Always- Blink 182

Picture: Lottie Bailey who is played by Yvonne Lidetke