It used to be Simple | ft.Cole Sprouse

Chapter 022:

I suppose people from across the street could hear my very panicked, "what?!" as Cole sat me exactly where he was placed seconds ago. His tattoo was wrapped and protected, all neatly done and perfect. He quickly reached for Liam's laptop and placed it on my lap.

'You have five minutes to think of what you're getting and then two for printing it the right size.' Demanded Cole. My mind raced and I could imagine how funny I must've looked; all wide-eyed and terrified. I cursed between my speeding thoughts, swearing that I will murder him when we step out. Or better, right there and then.

His finger tapped his watch as his cheeky smile played on his lips. I strongly felt the need to punch him. Nonetheless, I began my search. I clicked the search bar and got stuck between the jolting words that rumbled within my mind. At first, I planned it to be something meaningful. I thought and thought but couldn't think.

At first, I thought words and my instant idea was of the quote that Cole spoke to me earlier. "That's why I like the sea; it leaves, but with the certainty that it will always come back." Because, after all, I did mention it'd be a great tattoo idea. I really liked the quote, and how I could link it with people and things but also because I adored the sea, and it made me love it even more.

But I thought of being 56 years old and looking back at it and scoffing because I was stupid enough to do that. So, patterns. No words, just designs.

I thought of the sea, but then I couldn't think of how I could capture that in a small tattoo that I could hide easily. Then, what controlled the sea; the moon. The different phases of it, the difference between each one. But I guessed it'd look weird without details and even weirder with details. So I searched my mind of what I adore, something simple. The solar system. Yeah, yeah I sound like a nerd.

Precisely, I just love space and stars and galaxies and planets. It simply fascinates me. So, why not? Plus, it'd look so good done simply and without details. I typed my idea into google and found a simple looking tattoo of the aligned planets, all of them. "My very easy method just speeds up naming planets," I thought. The method I was thought for remembering the planets; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. I don't know why, but I loved everything about space and galaxies. It was, kind of, an amazing idea.

I measured the size with a ruler on my body before printing to check the size, cut it out, put it against my arm and looked in the mirror. I was, strictly speaking, very impressed with myself.

I gave them the piece of paper, to which Liam copied it onto tracing paper identically. I sat and waited for the piercing pain. To my very own surprise, and apparently to Cole's too as his hands were already covering his ears, I didn't scream. Not too loud, anyway. It was like a needle, picking at your skin repeatedly and after many trips to the hospital, I practically became immune to the pain.

Obviously, I still screeched when it first hit, but then I was fine and laughing. After a few minutes, Cole left and went outside to calmly smoke his cigarette and buy us some food. Some pizza with salads and fries was the majority of what we wanted, the usual.

The pain finished and I realised I've been holding my breath. I let out the biggest sigh ever and Liam laughed. Although it wasn't hurting enough for me to scream, it hurt alright. Frigging hurt a lot. He cleaned it up easily and wrapped my arm in cling foil, which squeezed me a little at first but then actually helped cease the stinginess of the after-tattoo pain.

Cole wandered in, the bell alerting us that our food has arrived, which we treated with cheers. Our stomachs rumbled and Liam groaned as he rubbed his hands together, eying his order. I mentally agreed.

Although we already started eating, Cole got up and grabbed a bag that he bought with him. He threw a brand new, fluffy, warm grey sweater. I breathed in the floral scent and let it rest on my face before taking it off and looking at it.

'My god,' I exclaimed briefly. 'It looks adorable.'

'I thought you'd like it since you're always damn cold.' He sarcastically rolled his eyes and took a huge bite of his pizza.

I put it on and dug into my food once again. The dough was still warm and the cheese was gooey and spilling, and even though it burned my mouth I ate with satisfaction. The salad was perfectly paired with the appropriate dressing and feta cheese. The fries, hot and crispy, were superb with the fresh and cold ketchup. Everything was simply perfect.

'By the way,' I interrupted, wiping the corners of my mouth. 'Since you're the one always taking me to places-' I paused to swallow my fries '- I decided it's my turn, so you're gonna have to pack for three days.' I finished before taking a big gulp of my cold Coca-Cola that fuzzed on my tongue and briefly chilled my throat.

His face was confused but I could see past that; he was intrigued, my very specific goal.

'We're leaving on Thursday.'

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2.3k ARGH THATS CRAZY!

Apologies again for the long pause. This time I actually felt motivated to write instead of forcing it out so it may be different. Constructive criticism would be highly appreciated.

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