Insecure

All we know is the sun will rise

Safe Inside - James Arthur

Ronnie was helping me carry my things in from the car, I can see why Liam likes him. He's kind and thoughtful but very funny, if I had a dick I'd totally go for him. By the time we finished bringing it all in it was nearing 12am so Ronnie told me to get some sleep before heading to his own room.

I couldn't sleep though, I was just too amp'd up I guess. After a while I made my way out to the kitchen and started some tea, "Can't sleep?" Ronnie's low voice sounds from behind me causing me to jump. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you." He adds offering a soft smile.

"Yea, I was just making tea. Do you want some?" I offer, he nods before sitting down at the counter and I notice that he's wearing paint splattered clothing. "You paint?" I ask curiously and he smiles.

"Most tattoo artists paint Sara." He smirks, his dry sarcasm reminds me so much of Harry and I find myself staring at him. "Did I say something wrong?" He asks.

I smile and shake my head, "No, you just remind me of someone."

"Someone important I take it, I mean if I were straight that dreamy look may get you somewhere love." He teases and I giggle.

"Someone very important, someone I love and lost." I reply, he offers me a soft smile and nods. 

"Sometimes things aren't lost, just misplaced." He says thoughtfully, "I noticed a canvas in your things, can I see it?" He asks.

"Sure, I'll go grab it." I say as I set down two mugs of tea, after grabbing it from my room I walk back into the kitchen and sit down next to him. "It's the first thing I've painted in years so be kind." I mumble as I hand him the canvas.

"This is beautiful Sara, it would make a killer tattoo." He says tracing the lines with his fingertips.

"Really? I've been thinking of getting one on my thigh." I reply after taking a sip of my tea.

"This would look amazing as a thigh piece, can I hold onto it?" He asks and I nod, "Come by the shop after school tomorrow, I'll draw it out and we can go from there."

"That sounds great Ronnie, thank you." I gush before sipping my tea again.

Ronnie takes one last long sip of tea before putting it down and picking his lips thoughtfully, "I want to show you something." He whispers, he takes the mug from my hands before leading me towards the back of the house.

"What is this place?" I ask, the dark hardwood floors set off the beautiful murals painted along the walls of the large mostly empty room.

"This is my art studio, I don't allow anyone in here but I think I can make an exception for you. There are canvases and supplies in the closet back there, just replenish whatever you use." He says and I can't help but wrap my arms around his torso and hug him.

"Thank you so much Ronnie, you have no clue what this means to me." I whisper as he rubs my back gently. Our height difference is almost comical, Harry's a full foot taller then me and Ronnie is even taller then him. I must look like a child hugging this giant.

For once in a long time I felt free, independent of everyone aside from my now roommate but I know I'll more then earn my keep. A roommate who is kind enough to share with me his escape from the world, someone who cares enough to support my passion even though he barely knows me.

**

The following day was Friday, thank fuck. All I wanted to do was look for my dog and paint, Mrs. Willows was amazing yet again and when I told her about the art studio at my new home she was ecstatic. Emily was over the moon for me too, she was so happy to see me as far away from my sister and Michael as possible.

The only person missing was Harry.

I drive through my old neighborhood for an hour or so after fifth period looking for Roxy but there was no trace of her so I headed towards the tattoo shop to see Ronnie. 

"Hey Sar-bear." Liam greets me using Emily's nickname for me, "How you settling?"

"Perfect Liam, I cannot that you enough." I gush as I give him a hug.

"Just do me a massive favor and actually talk to Harry when he gets back, I can't deal with his moping around much longer." He teases, I smile and nod at him.

"It's on my list Liam, I promise."

"Hey Sara! I got it all sketched out and I think it's amazing." Ronnie comes out holding a large stencil of my painting, "You didn't tell me what a gifted artist she was Payno."

"I had no clue, that's beautiful but who's going to get it?" Liam asks and Ronnie looks at me, Liam's eyes go to me as he widens his eyes. "Really?" He asks and I nod, "That's a massive tattoo for a beginner, are you sure?"

"With everything I've been through this will be a piece of cake Liam." I assure him as I walk over to Ronnie, "Where do you want me?" 

**

Ronnie had my lay down on a padded bench after setting the stencil, it was going to be a large tattoo taking up most of my right thigh but it covers all of my scars. As he's mixing the colors I notice how well he's nailing the depth of the reds, I loved the idea of the black swirls and filigree work with the rich red roses against my skin. The roses that remind me of not only Harry but the amazing time I had in England with his family.

The tattoo took almost three hours to complete and I won't lie, it hurt like a bitch. But sometimes pain is good, therapeutic almost. Every etching of the needle in my skin erased another line caused by Michael. 

After a while Liam came and sat with me, he took my hand and told me how brave I was for not only getting my first tattoo alone but for everything I've been through. I could tell he was holding something back though.

"I know you're not on good terms but have you seen or heard from my brother?" He asks and I shake my head.

"I haven't seen him since early Sunday morning, he called until Monday night but nothing since. I haven't seen him at school either." I tell him and he sighs.

"He's not answering his phone and he hasn't showed up for his shifts, I'm trying to get a hold of his mom." He replies in a somber tone.

"I hope he's alright Liam." I say softly as I squeeze his hand, Ronnie sprays down my tattoo and wipes it up.

"You're all done Sara." He says with a wide smile, "Go take a look." 

I hop off of the bench and walk over to the tall mirror, I was still wearing my uniform and the tattoo runs from a few inches above where my skirt hits to about four inches above my knee. It was large and would be impossible to hide in a lot of clothing.

And I fucking loved it.