Our Journey (the Fourth Book in the Her Weakness series)

Chapter 104

Lexa's POV

The tattoo artist decides to work on me first, since I am getting two. This way, they explained, I will get a short break in between tattoos. I appreciate their concern for me, however misplaced I think it may be. They find a good spot to give us tattoos and then they have me lie down. I comply and lie back on the couch, shifting to get more comfortable.

"Would you like something to numb the pain, Heda?" They ask.

"No mochof (no thank you)."

"You're not just saying that to be tough, right?" Clarke says, giving me a look.

I shake my head. "I am not. I do not like how it make me feel."

Clarke nods and sits next to the couch. "Is this enough out of your way?"

"Yes, thank you for asking. Now Heda, please tell me if there is too much pain. I am sure you know what that feels like, what with your back tattoo."

"I will tell you," I promise. "I do not want to incur the wrath of my new houmon (partner/wife)," I joke.

They chuckle. "I know the feeling. My houmon is the same way. Now relax, Heda. And try to keep still. You want it the same as the bottom one?"

"Sha (yes)."

They nod and pull out their instruments, spreading them on the table nearby. Clarke runs her fingers through my hair as they get ready. Then they move closer, raising the now-familiar tool. I mentally brace myself, my eyes half-lidded as I focus my attention on the fingers gently scratching at my scalp and combing through my hair.

Clarke hums softly and I open my eyes fully, turning my head to the side carefully so I do not disturb the tattoo artist's work. Looking at her soft expression is better than any pain reliever I have ever had. The song sounds familiar but it takes me a moment to realize which one it is.

"Clarke, is this our song?" I ask, my voice thick with amusement.

"Mm hmm," she confirms.

"You are very sappy."

"Like you aren't." Clarke reaches up with her hand that is not running through my hair and taps me on the nose with her pointer finger. Clarke calls that motion a "boop," though I do big have the faintest idea why. "And you know you love it."

"Mm. Maybe it is just you I love, and the sappiness is just an addition."

"I know you love me, but we both know you melt when I say sappy things." Clarke raises an eyebrow, wearing that soft smirk I find simultaneously cute and sexy.

The tattoo artist clears their throat. "Pardon me, Heda. Apologies. I just want to inform you that I am about half-way done with this tattoo. It should only be another half hour or so."

"Mochof (thank you)."

I turn my attention back to Clarke, smiling softly back at her. She scratches gently at my head again and my eyes close halfway in pleasure.

Clarke laughs delightedly. "Maybe I was wrong about you being a raccoon, now I'm thinking you're a cat. I'm surprised I haven't seen you lying around, letting sunlight warm you up, or that you're not currently purring."

"People cannot purr," I point out.

"Sure they can! Just roll your r's."

"How does one roll an r?"

"Like this." Clarke demonstrates.

"Perhaps you are the cat, then. Our friends have said that you remind them of a lion."

"I don't think big cats purr. But don't change the subject. Try it!" Clarke urges me with an encouraging smile.

I and up having to try it a couple times before I succeed and Clarke's beaming smile is worth every attempt.

"It is done, Heda. It will require time to heal, and I would recommend not putting a lot of strain on your arms, or too much pressure on the tattoo area. I am sure you know by now to contact a healer if you start feeling dizzy or in a lot of pain."

"Luckily, my houmon is a healer so I do not need to go far."

They smile at that. "Yes, that is good. I would like for you both to keep an eye on each other. And Wanheda, if you are not certain how to help, I would suggest contacting another healer to assist you."

Clarke nods. "I wouldn't bet her life on my healing abilities."

"Good. And Heda, please watch her as well. From what I understand, this is her first tattoo. She may not know what to look out for to see danger signs."

I nod seriously in response and sit up on the couch, looking down at my bicep. I smile up at them. "Mochof (thank you), it looks very good."

I stand and gesture for Clarke to sit down while the tattoo artist cleans and sanitizes their tools.

"Now Wanheda, I would like to make certain before I begin. You are sure about this tattoo?"

"I am."

They nod and gesture for Clarke to lie down. She lies down on her back and holds out her arm to them. They gently grasp it and maneuver it to a position that is easy to keep up and to keep still.

"Do you want anything for the pain?"

"No, thank you. And I'll tell you if I change my mind," Clarke says.

Now it is my job to keep her distracted and still. Clarke's eyes are already on me, so I do not have to get her attention. I decide to do what Clarke has been doing with me and begin combing my fingers through her hair gently. I know she finds this soothing too.

Clarke jokingly rolls her r's, making it sound like she is purring. I chuckle softly and lean down to press a quick kiss to her lips. Clarke grins dopily up at me. I scratch at her scalp gently and chuckle when she practically melts at my touch.

Cuteness!! Next chapter, the tattoos will be finished and then maybe they'll hang out with their friends? I don't know just yet. Thank you all for reading and for your lovely comments! Stay awesome!