therapy // oc story

2

a week has passed.

Colby was not really looking forward to going back to the support group. Honestly, the only people he actually liked in that group were Adrian, Hana, and Ethan. As for everyone else, he didn't want to get to know them, no offense. Since he was already not great at interacting with others, and the only form of communication he had was sign language and the Internet, which he hardly used. So, interaction was not his strong suite. His parents home schooled him, so it's not like he had any other form of making friends. He mentally noted that he would try to get there earlier so he could try to become friends with Adrian and Hana, and possibly Ethan.

Alexander was in even worse shape. He had woken up at three in the morning, after going to sleep at two. He didn't go to sleep afterward, not being able to fall asleep again. Instead, he went in early to the tattoo shop to get his back piece done. Yes. You read that correctly. Three in the morning.

Surprisingly enough, the tattoo shop he had been going to was open. The main girl working looked up from the client she was working on to greet Alexander.

"Hey, Alex! What brings you here at..." The manager looked at her watch, "...three in the morning?" He chuckled before continuing on the current client.

"Good to see you too, Dani. Wanna color my back. Couldn't sleep. I'm assuming you couldn't either." Alexander watched her finish the outline for the current client's tattoo. It looked sick as hell; a skull with blood pouring from the eyes, skin peeling from the chin. It was a badass tattoo, but Alexander started caring less and less and Dani continued her work. Eventually, he sat down, not knowing what else to do. He had tried to pick up a magazine to read, but instead resorted to his phone. At some point, he nodded off, not realizing he had been asleep until he felt someone, most likely Dani, shaking him awake.

"Alex! Wanna get your back piece colored now? I just finished Jude's tattoo and it turned out great, so I'm really in the mood to color something!" Dani said quickly, her words quick and enthusiastic. Alexander nodded his head and stood up, pulling his shirt off. He wasn't ripped, but he wasn't too chubby; just the right amount to make him look fit. He took off his glasses and placed them on the table next to the chair he would be sitting in, before placing himself stomach-first on the chair. Dani clapped enthusiastically.

"Okay, I know this is meant to be a broken rose, but what color do you want the rose? Pink? Red? Blue? Ye-"

Before Dani could ramble anymore, Alexander cut her off and mumbled, "White."

"Are you sure? I meant, I know you're pale and all, but that might not show up as well as-"

"You asked me what color. I told you what color." Alexander retorted quietly, already nodding off again. He was hoping that Dani would be able to work with him while he was asleep. "Wake me up before four. I have things to do today."

Dani shrugged, getting the colors she needed, placing them on her table of tools before turning the needle on. She then began to work.

~

A few hours and minor issues later, Alexander's back piece was finished. He couldn't believe what was there. He had asked for a white rose being split by glass into several pieces, with the glass reflecting the rose, and that's exactly what he got. He admired the ink in the mirror, gasping in awe at the intricate detail and perfection put into the piece.

"Dani. Holy fuck." Alexander whispered. "How much? I think I paid for the line art but I don't think I paid for the coloring yet." Dani smiled at Alexander. "On the house. I know it's been rough lately." Alexander gaped at her, mouth hanging open. He shut it quickly and hugged Dani, pulling away quickly and thanking her immensely.