Duet

Flowers & Tats

Phil sighs, wiping down the marble counter. It's been a long day at the tattoo parlour he works in - not many people have visited.

Finally, he's able to go on a break. Heading down the secluded street, Phil makes his way to Greggs, buying lunch there.

As he sinks his teeth into the warm, flaky pastry, he dawdles back to the parlour: he doesn't particularly like his colleagues. Or boss, for that matter.

Just as Phil's finished eating and has sat down in a tall white chair back at the parlour, the bell rings, signalling another customer.

He looks up wearily at this new arrival, and is pleasantly surprised. This man: he's beautiful. Pastel blues, greens and pinks compliment his sweeping brown hair perfectly. His deep brown eyes, you could just melt looking into them.

As he gets closer, Phil notices a floral scent, and sees that he's wearing a florist's uniform - he can't help but picture the mysterious visitor giving him a bouquet of flowers on a romantic meal out.

And yes, Phil is gay - it's partly the reason why he doesn't get on with many other guys.

"Hi!" The visitor greets Phil.

"Hey." He replies, smiling. "What would you like today?"

Dan smiles shyly at Phil. "I wanted to get my first tattoo."

"Wow, that's uh..." Phil struggles to find the right words. "Are you sure about this?"

"Well, I'll probably regret it later, but..."

Phil chuckles. "Alright, do you have any designs in mind?"

Dan hesitantly sketches something out on the piece of paper Phil offers him. "Maybe, something like this?"

The doodle is a small but intricate dragon, breathing fire, and coloured in like a rainbow.

"That's amazing, I love it! But... I'm not sure I can do all the colours..." Phil scratches the back of his head.

"That's cool," Dan shrugs. "I just wanted something to show my gay, but... It'll be alright."

"You're gay?!" Phil exclaims. "Me too!"

"No way! Now we can hook up!" Dan winks, laughing, and they continue chatting while designing his tattoo. Soon it's ready.

"I want it between my shoulder blades." Dan states, beginning to take his baby blue T-shirt off.

"Damn, did it hurt when you fell from... Tennessee?" Phil smirks sarcastically, then fixes his mistake, flustered. "I'm sorry, I didn't - I meant-"

"It's fine." Dan giggles at the tattoo artist's dorkiness.

Following a brief safety talk and an ID check (just in case), Dan lies face down on the leather chair, its chilling surface sticking slightly to his skin, already sweating from nerves.

Accompanied by comforting words from Phil, the tattoo needle finally touches Dan's back. He winces in pain, clenching his fists.

"It's okay, baby, it's fine-"

"Did you just call me baby?!" Dan says indignantly, voice slightly muffled by the chair.

"I usually do the girls, I'm not used to this!" Phil defends, smiling.

A while later, Phil proclaims the tattoo finished.

"Can I see?" Dan asks - Phil complies, pulling out his phone to take a picture.

"Ohmygodthatsbrilliantthankyousomuch!" He gushes when he sees his new ink, making Phil smile his adorable smile.

After running through all the information about caring for a tattoo, Phil suddenly has an idea.

"My shift has just finished, and I'm in the mood for coffee... Do you want to, erm-"

He's cut off by Dan's gracious smile. "I'd love to."