Tattooed Heart - Part VI
SUMMARY: You are a cocktail waitress at a swanky lounge. Harry comes in one night, and you instantly dislike him. But another encounter eventually changes your opinion.
PAIRING: Waitress Y/N x Artist/Tattoo Artist Harry
TROPES: Enemies to Lovers
MUST BE 18+ TO READ
WORD COUNT: 8.9k
STORY PAGE
“Hey, gorgeous! How are you? I’ve been so worried about you!” John exclaimed enthusiastically into the phone.
“I’m pretty good, actually. How are things at Zelda’s?” While you didn’t necessarily want to know the answer, you’d always considered John a friend and knew he had your back. Which was why you decided to give him a call.
“Oh girl, things have changed dramatically since you left!”
“Really?”
“Yes! We got a new manager. His name is Rafael, but we’re allowed to call him Rafi. He’s a dish and a half, let me tell you! Not like that last asshole.”
You chuckled. “Good, I’m glad for you.”
“Yeah, sucks for you though! If only you could have stayed. Hey, want me to put a good in for you with Rafi?”
“Um…no, that’s okay, John. I’m kind of happy where I am.”
“Seriously? Where’s that?”
You told your friend about working at the cafe. Then proceeded to tell him how Harry got you the job.
“To make a long story short,” you said, trying to do just that, “he’s not the jerk he appeared to be. And…well…now we’re dating.”
“Hold up! Stop right there. Rewind! I need to hear everything, Y/N! EVERYTHING!”
You laughed at the way John enunciated every syllable. And you’d expected as much. For the next hour, you went into every detail with him like he requested (at least as much as you were willing to divulge), and by the time you finished, it was time to get ready for your date with Harry.
“Oh my God, girl, that’s so crazy!” squealed John. “But I’m happy for you. If you’re happy.”
“I am.”
“Good. Just don’t forget about me, okay? Pop in some time, maybe with Handsome.”
“I will,” you promised.
After pulling on a pair of jeans and a stylish top, you brushed your hair and touched up your makeup. You were meeting Harry at his place, where he was making you dinner again, and then you were going to a movie. It seemed to be the first Saturday you were both off since you’d met. And you were looking forward to having a normal, mundane date night.
The last couple weeks had been both hectic and amazing. Since that evening at the gallery, Harry had been extremely busy finishing up his moon series paintings. Donovan McNulty had still been showing interest in Harry’s art, and specifically voiced that he wanted to know the minute his newest pieces would be available. And you’d been picking up extra shifts at the diner to make a little extra money. But any moment you were both free had been spent together. You took turns, rotating your visits at each others’ apartments. You enjoyed leaning against his kitchen counter while you watched him cook, and Harry enjoyed teasing Shae when she was around, and nibbling on the soft spot behind your ear as you watched TV when she wasn’t there - and sometimes when she was.
Your feelings for him were growing daily, and while you told yourself it was still too soon to have such feelings, you used your free time away from him to write them down. You expressed every emotion from the way your heart skipped when you’d see him sitting in his usual chair at the cafe, to the way your body ached for him as you laid in your bed staring at the ceiling. You even included the way it had felt when you’d seen Nicolette at the cafe and at the gallery, even though Harry assured you tenfold that he had broken off all contact with her. You didn’t want to be jealous of his ex. You knew deep down that it would not bode well if you were going to take this relationship to the next level. And you definitely wanted to.
Harry greeted you with a smile as he opened the door, a glass of wine already in his hand waiting for you. When you stepped inside, you gave him a quick kiss before accepting the glass and taking a sip.
“Mmm, something smells yummy!,” you commented, turning for the kitchen.
“Chicken Piccata with roasted radicchio and sweet potatoes,” Harry announced proudly as he followed you. “It’s almost ready.”
“Chef Styles, when are you opening your own restaurant? This is way too impressive for just me.”
“You’re the only one I care to impress,” he said, pushing your hair from your neck to softly brush his lips across your tender flesh.
You reached behind you for his hands, bringing his arms around your waist. He hummed against your skin as he gave you a squeeze. The timer on the oven sounded then with a friendly chime, and Harry hesitantly released you in order to remove its contents. Watching him serve up the meal, you joined him at the table with your wine.
“I have some news,” he announced after you’d taken your first bite and raved about its deliciousness.
“Oh? What is it?” you asked enthusiastically.
“I’m having another gallery showing. For the moon series.” Harry stabbed his fork into his chicken before lifting his eyes to you.
“Are you kidding? That was quick!”
“Well, yeah,” he grinned. “I brought them yesterday for Sherrod to see. Apparently he phoned McNulty, gave him some rubbish about how brilliant they are, and he’s flying down Thursday to see for himself.”
Quickly dismissing the fact that he’d degraded his own art, because you knew he didn’t really think it was rubbish, you focused on the positive.
“Oh my God, Harry! That’s wonderful! I’m really proud of you.”
“I know, babe. And I appreciate all the support you’ve given me. You'll never know how much.”
“I have an idea,” you jested. “You spoil me with this delicious food.”
“That’s just because I can,” he winked. “And because I want to. It’s not a payment.”
“Good to know,” you said before popping a bite of sweet potato in your mouth.
“I would like your help with something, though.”
“Sure, anything.”
“Could you help spread the word about the exhibit?” Harry requested. “Maybe invite some friends? The more the better. The cocktail party was nice, but I’d like it to be a massive event.”
“Ooh, yes! I’d love to!”
Rising from your chair, you reached over the table to plant a kiss on Harry’s lips, to which he happily accepted.
“When would you like to get your tattoo?” Harry asked as you laid twisted in the sheets, his bare thigh crossed over yours, his fingertips tracing nonexistent lines down your arm.
You turned your head to the side to look at him. If it was possible, he appeared even more beautiful than ever, his eyelids heavy, his pillowy lips swollen, his scruffy jaw threatening to produce more facial hair now that the morning was nigh. The evening of lovemaking had been blissful, Harry having brought you to orgasm not once, not twice…but three times. And while you worried you’d never walk again, the man beside you looked completely fucked.
You couldn’t help but be elated by the knowledge that you’d made that happen.
“I’m not sure yet,” you whispered, reaching for his stubbly chin. “Soon, I guess.”
You felt Harry breathe out of his nose, and while he tried to hide it, you could detect the frown on his lips.
“Do you not want it?” he inquired after a beat.
“I…no, I do,” you nodded.
“‘Cause you don’t have to get it,” Harry added. “The one I designed, or any other one. If you don’t want a tattoo, it’s fine. I’ll understand.”
“No, I want one.”
Harry continued to draw his finger down your arm. You could tell the conversation wasn’t over, but you were unsure what else to say. So you let Harry gather his thoughts instead. Finally he sighed, his gaze returning to your face.
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“What for?” you asked.
“If I made you uncomfortable. It just dawned on me that I might have been a bit presumptuous with the tattoo. I know they can be very personal, and I…I should have just let you pick what you want.”
Blinking, you rolled over onto your side to face him. “Harry, no. That’s not it at all. I love the one you designed. I told you I loved that painting.”
“Then what is it?” Harry lifted a hand to brush your hair from your face, twisting the end of the strands between his fingers. “Any time I bring it up, you kind of hesitate or change the subject.”
“I…I didn’t realize,” you looked down at his chest. “I apologize.”
“Baby, look at me,” he insisted, urging your chin up. “Talk to me. Are you af-”
You stopped him mid-sentence with your finger on his lips. As you shook your head, Harry chuckled. Then tugging on your wrist, he released your hand from his mouth.
“You don’t even know what I was gonna say,” he remarked.
“Just don’t use that word.”
“Alright,” he softened his expression, returning his fingers to your hair. “Am I moving too fast for you? Is that it?”
You gulped and sucked in your lips. Then you let out a nervous chuckle of your own. “It seems ridiculous to admit that after what we just did.”
“Not really,” Harry shook his head. “Sex can be separate from feelings. Although…I’m going to confess right now…for me…it’s not. Not with you.”
“Harry…” you breathed.
“Babe…” he murmured, pulling you closer. “I reckon I’ve conveyed my feelings for you already…at least a little bit. But if you need me to back off…I will.”
You stared at him, this gorgeous man. You couldn’t believe in just a few weeks you’d gone from hating him to…whatever this was.
“No,” you argued. “I don’t want you to.”
“No?”
“No, because…I’m feeling…things too.”
Harry’s voluptuous mouth curved into a sexy grin. You felt his hand on your back, his fingers dancing up your flesh.
“I’m just…a little hesitant, I guess,” you added, “about getting the tattoo…because it’s such an intimate thing to do, you know? To get ink on my skin of something you gave me, art you designed for me. And it’s…forever.”
Harry blinked slowly with a nod. “I completely understand, love. I didn’t mean to pressure you.”
“You didn’t. It’s just me. Like you said, it’s personal. And I would feel horrible if something happened between us, and-”
“Shh, baby…” Harry interrupted you this time. “It’s okay. I get it. Take all the time you need.”
You gave him a gentle smile before he pulled you into a deep kiss. Your eyelids heavy, and sleep threatening to take over, you tugged on the sheets. Getting the hint, Harry grinned, situating the covers over you before reaching for the lamp.
“Goodnight, baby,” he whispered. “Sweet dreams.”
You hummed in agreement as he held you against his warm body, and before you could even think any more about tattoos, you were sound asleep in his arms.
The rest of Sunday and most of Monday was spent making phone calls. You promised Harry a grand party, and you were determined to deliver. After telling Shae your plan, she was more than happy to come through by offering to tell her coworkers as well as some of your mutual friends. You called John to let him know as well, and he said he was already going to ask for the night off, and maybe even bring Rafi with him…if he was available, as he put it. You also called the gallery Monday morning, unbeknownst to Harry, to speak with Sherrod yourself. He told you how excited he was for Harry’s new exhibit, which put your mind at ease a bit.
“I really want this to be special for him,” you explained. “Is there anything I can do to help? To get the word out? More advertising? Do I need to hire a caterer or something?”
“Don’t you worry about a thing, darling,” assured Sherrod. “I’m already having my secretary making contacts as we speak. And I personally phoned my caterer on Friday.”
“Oh, fantastic,” you said. “The more people we can get to come, the better. There’s just one thing…”
“Don’t worry about that either, my pet. You have my word Miss Waters will not get an invite.”
“Ohh. For some reason I thought…” you chuckled nervously. “I don’t know how art galleries work, forgive me.”
Sherrod laughed heartily through the phone, catching you off guard. “Nothing to forgive, darling. Harry and I have already spoken about this as well.”
You breathed through your nose. Of course they had.
“Thank you, Sherrod. I appreciate everything.”
“It’s going to be a splendid night, you can be sure!”
Hanging up, you felt a heavy weight lift off your chest. It was quickly replaced with a glittery excitement. You couldn’t wait.
When you arrived for your mid-day shift at the cafe, you made a beeline for Jill who was making a cold brew for a customer. The look on her face when you told her the news about Harry’s exhibit was priceless.
“Of course I’ll be there!” she squealed. “Are you kidding me?”
“Bring some friends too, okay? I want to show him all the support we can give.”
That night, you sat in front of the TV writing in your journal. You soon found yourself mindlessly doodling in the corners of the page. Harry was at work, and you didn’t want to bother him. Yet you couldn’t stop thinking about him. He truly had been the only thing on your mind all day.
“Pppfff, more like for the last month,” you admitted out loud.
Tossing your notebook to the side, you leaned back on the couch and ran your fingers through your hair, letting out an exasperated sigh.
“Jesus Christ, what am I doing?”
Getting up from the sofa, you slipped on your shoes, not bothering to change out of your lounge-at-home outfit - a dark green tunic and black leggings. The only effort you made was to brush your teeth and touch up your lip gloss before heading out the door.
The neon sign in the window seemed to glow brighter than you remembered, an enticing greeting to lure you in. Not that you hadn’t already planned to go inside.
Swinging the door open, you noticed an empty waiting area and counter. Smooth, instrumental jazz played through the speakers as you peeked your head through the doorway to scan the tattoo stations, but still saw no one. You were just about to walk through the shop to Harry’s office when you saw Kyle emerge.
“Oh, hey,” he grinned. “You’re Y/N, right?”
“Yes,” you nodded, happy that he knew. Surely he didn’t remember you from the last time he’d seen you in the shop, but perhaps Harry had told him about you and he put two and two together. The idea made you blush a little.
“Harry’s in the back. I’ll go get him for you.”
Before you could retort, Kyle disappeared through the doorway from which he’d just appeared. And within seconds, your handsome, cheery boyfriend replaced him.
“Hi, babe!” he beamed. “What are you doing here?”
You shrugged, shyly. “Came to get my tattoo.”
His eyes widening, Harry stepped closer to you. “Really? Are you sure?”
Licking your lips, you nodded. “Positive.”
His dimples on full display, Harry pulled you into an embrace. You could feel his heart beating in his chest as he whispered in your ear. “I’m so happy.”
Then stepping back, Harry gestured toward his station. “Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll get everything ready and tell Kyle he can go home.”
“Oh!” you mouthed, surprised. Harry disappeared into the back room again before you could argue.
Situating yourself in Harry’s chair, you gazed at the art on display around his station as well as photos of various clients’ tats. While a few pieces looked to be fairly common, most of them were exquisite, no doubt one-of-a-kind works of art. You were staring at a large dragon piece on someone’s back when you heard a voice behind you.
“Bye, Y/N,” Kyle called. “Have a nice night.”
“Oh, thanks. Same to you,” you waved just as Harry walked up.
“You didn’t have to make him leave,” you said under your breath. “You’re not closed yet, are you?”
“I am now,” Harry wiggled his brows before walking to the front door and locking it, turning the OPEN sign to the CLOSED side.
With pursed lips, you tried to hold back a smirk as Harry returned, his own smirk tugging on his mouth.
“Slow night?” you inquired when he sat down on his stool.
“You would not believe. That’s why we were in my office. Kyle helps me with my website.”
You hummed in acknowledgement as you watched Harry get his tray ready just like he had the day you’d brought Shae. That already felt like a lifetime ago.
“You always surprise me with your music choices,” you commented as you listened to the soft jazz.
Harry chuckled with a nod. “This is my focus, slash wind-down music. Since it was slow, I switched it from grunge whilst we worked on the website.”
“I like it,” you grinned.
Harry gazed up at you from under his lashes before his eyes roamed down your body. You felt a tingle as his gaze made its way back up to your face.
“What?” you couldn’t help but ask.
“Was just recalling the last time you were sat in this chair.”
“Oh my God, Harry,” you blushed. “Please tell me you sanitized it!”
His eyes squinting as he giggled, Harry scooted closer to you. “You’re too much, babe.”
“Why, because I like cleanliness?”
“No, because that’s your first thought. It certainly wasn’t mine.”
You stared into his jade eyes that were now inches from your face, the irises appearing to have a dark line around them.
“That was…um, some kind of night,” you murmured softly.
“Indeed, it was.” Harry’s hand landed just above your knee then before he slid it slowly up your thigh.
“Hmm,” you nodded. “Are you trying to seduce me again?”
Harry puffed out a chuckle. “No. Don’t reckon I had to try then either.”
Dragging your tongue across your teeth, you focused on his mouth and the way his hand felt on your leg. “Fair enough. What do you remember most about that night?”
“How sweet your pussy tasted on my tongue,” he quickly replied, as if he’d had his answer ready before you’d even asked the question. “And how you tugged on my hair and your thighs trembled as you called my name.”
“Harry…”
“Oh, it was much louder than that.”
You blushed again, but this time you didn’t bother hiding it. Leaning towards you, Harry placed a soft kiss on your lips. Followed by a second, and a third. By the fourth, your fingers were in his hair, his tongue in your mouth. You reveled in the sensation, urging him with your own. When a gentle moan escaped your chest, Harry’s hand that had been on your thigh made its way between your legs. You began to grind against him in your seat, knowing your leggings and panties were already soaked through. His other hand traveled underneath your t-shirt, and when his fingers met your bare skin, you gasped.
“Are you…,” you gulped, “planning to eat me out again on this chair?”
“No,” Harry shook his head, a devilish smirk on his face.
“Oh.”
“I have other things in mind,” he added, echoing the exact words he’d said to you that night before taking you home.
“Oh…”
Harry sat back on his stool and raised a brow. “I thought you wanted a tattoo, love.”
“Harry Styles! Are you teasing me?” you exclaimed.
Giggling with glee, you noticed his eyes dancing. “Maybe.”
“Rude!” you frowned, tugging your shirt down. Your pussy still throbbing from his hand, you pouted.
“I’m sorry, baby. It’s my fault. Seeing you in this chair…it turned me on, and I got carried away. I do want to play. But I think we should get started on this tattoo, don’t you? It’s gonna take a bit.”
You nodded with a sigh. “Okay.”
Harry gave you a peck on the nose and one on the lips. “Now, did you decide where you want it? The ink, I mean,” he smirked.
“So, I had considered getting it on my side, like down my hip. There’s plenty of room to make it big. But then I changed my mind.”
“Too much?” Harry asked.
“Nope. Not enough.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nobody’s gonna see it there. Except you. And while the idea is sexy, I’d rather have the art my boyfriend designed to be in a spot everyone could see.”
“Baby…” Harry breathed, his hand over his heart.
“I know, I’ve been hesitant about this,” you explained. “About us. But I have no clue why. We’ve spent all this time together. You’ve shown me time again that you’re interested in more than just…a fling. Every time I’m with you, I feel butterflies and moonbeams and…all the cheesy things.” You let out a nervous sigh as you looked down at your hands, then back up to his gorgeous face. “The truth is…I’m crazy about you, Harry.”
“Sweetheart,” he cried, pulling you into another kiss. Then leaning his forehead against yours he murmured, “You make me so happy.”
“Good,” you grinned, your right hand on his cheek as you held out your left. “That’s why I think we should put it right here, below my elbow, down the inside of my arm.”
“I think that would be lovely,” he agreed, misty-eyed. Then he kissed the inside of your wrist before rising from his stool. “Let me go get the stencil, and I’ll be right back.”
When he stepped away, you suddenly felt butterflies in your tummy, and not just from the notion of getting a tattoo. You’d almost told him more than you’d planned. The truth was, you weren’t just crazy about him. You were falling for him. Hard. Perhaps you had been falling bit by bit every day. And you were finally willing to admit it to yourself. But you weren’t quite sure yet if you were ready to say it to him. It still felt too soon. But you loved the look on his face when you’d revealed what you had. His delight gave you hope that perhaps he felt the same.
Harry returned with a big smile on his face. Placing the stencil next to him, he pulled on his gloves. Then reaching for the rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad, he eyed you.
“Still wanna do this?” he asked.
“Definitely,” you beamed.
Taking your arm, he gently rubbed the soaked cotton pad down your arm, from the elbow to your wrist. Then he took a new disposable razor and gently shaved the area, just like you’d seen him do on Shae, back when you still hated him. The idea brought a sour taste to your mouth.
“You okay?” he asked again.
“Yeah, sorry. Was just…thinking.”
“About?” Harry raised a brow.
“How far we’ve come in just a short time.”
Harry’s face softened. “I think about that a lot.”
“You do?”
“I thank my lucky stars every fucking day that you forgave me. That you were able to see the real me and change your mind. I only wish…”
“What?” you asked.
His gaze seemed to burn into you as he looked deep into your eyes. “I wish we had met some other way. Like some random day at the cafe, or maybe here when you’d come with Shae. Or maybe even at Zelda’s on a night I was alone. Some other way that you could have met the real me instead of that prick I pretended to be.”
You sat in silence as you absorbed Harry’s words and watched him place the thermal paper on your arm with the stencil. When he peeled it off was when you spoke.
“What would you have said?”
“When?”
“If we had met in a different situation. What would you have said to me?”
“In which scenario?” he smirked.
“Let’s go with the first one. Obviously I wouldn’t be working at the cafe. But let’s say I came in one day that you were sitting there working on your iPad.”
Harry chuckled loudly, catching you off guard. “Well, I can’t really say for sure, can I? There are other factors involved.”
“Alright,” you agreed. “But you said you’ve thought about it. What happens in your…wish?”
You swore you caught a tiny bit of color in his cheeks as Harry pulled his tray closer to him. “We have to get serious now, babe. I’m about to stick a needle in your arm.”
You puffed out a breath in humor, then sat up straight in your chair. “Fine. Mark me.”
Harry’s nostrils flared as he chuckled at your joke. Then he made a few adjustments to his tattoo gun before getting to work. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt as bad as you thought it would. You watched as Harry traced the stencil, starting with the dripping moon at the top. After every stroke, he would wipe your skin. He seemed so focused, so gentle. You stared at his face for a little while, and every time he’d bite his lower lip, it sent your heart all aflutter. When he finished the outline, he looked up at you.
“Still doing okay?”
“Mmhmm,” you nodded.
He gave you a smile before returning his focus to your arm. You were both quiet for a moment until he spoke again.
“I probably would have stared at you for a bit.”
“Huh?”
“At the cafe. If you had been sat near me at a table by yourself. I would have kept sneaking glances at you, but making sure you didn’t notice.”
“Well then, how am I supposed-”
“At first,” he interrupted. “Then I would have wanted you to notice. When we finally made eye contact, I’d have smiled at you.”
Lifting his head, Harry gave you just the smile he was referring to. And your insides ignited.
“I would say that’s very cheesy and cliche, but it’s not. I like it.”
“So what would you have done if I’d come over to your table and asked you your name?”
“I would have told you, and hoped to God you’d ask me for my number too.”
“Alright then,” Harry snickered. “That’s one scenario. But it didn’t happen.”
“It’s fine, Harry,” you said. “Something else happened instead. And we’re here anyway.”
“Yes, we are.”
You watched Harry continue on the tattoo, the moon starting to look realistic with the shading. As always you were in awe of him and his talent. Just like when you would watch him work at the cafe, you found yourself completely mesmerized. It was utterly sexy to you, from the way he focused on his project at hand, to the curls that framed his face and neck, and even down to the way his own tattooed arms flexed as he worked. As you studied him you let out a deep breath, feeling the wetness pooling in your panties again.
“Still okay?” Harry suddenly asked with a tiny smirk, as if he’d noticed.
“I’m wonderful,” you answered dreamily.
“You need to move your elbow a little?”
“Oh. Yeah, sure,” you nodded as Harry sat back to let you. Your arm had been in one position for a while, and you were starting to feel the effects.
“Okay, I’m good,” you commented as you reached your arm out again. “Tell me about your next project. What are you working on?”
“Just a second,” Harry muttered. As he scooted closer again, you wondered what he was doing until he beckoned you with his gloved hand. “Kiss me.”
You grinned widely before you happily obliged, giving him a few more kisses than he’d asked for just for good measure.
“Mmm, thanks babe. It’s hard to be around you for this long without touching your lips.”
“You’re welcome. And you’re the sweetest.”
With a wink, Harry returned to his task, this time moving onto the shading of the heart. “I actually haven’t started anything new yet,” he replied to your previous inquiry. “With the moon series now at the gallery, I’ve kind of been trying to finish up some older pieces.”
“Oh? I didn’t know you had anything that was incomplete.”
“Yeah. You saw the citiscape one, right?”
“Yes, that was gorgeous! That wasn’t finished?”
“Not yet. I keep feeling like there’s something missing, but…I dunno. I’m also not sure if I want it to be a series or a stand alone piece.”
“Well, whatever you decide, I know it’ll be amazing. As always,” you offered emphatically.
“Thanks, babe. This is why…” he left his thought unfinished as his tattoo gun rounded the edges of the heart.
“Why what?”
Harry lifted his head, giving you an easy grin. “Why you’re a wonderful lady.”
You watched Harry finish the heart on the tat while you thought your own heart could burst. You thought he was going to say it for a second, but you understood why he hadn’t. It seemed like such a mundane moment to express those three words.
Changing the subject, Harry chatted with you lightly about the upcoming exhibit, about the cafe, about food. You told him about your pal John, and how he was planning to come as well as Jill and Shae.
“Thanks again for doing this for me, babe,” he grinned. “I truly appreciate you.”
“Of course, Harry. I honestly think I’d do just about anything for you.”
Raising his eyebrows, Harry gave you a sexy look before quickly looking back down at your arm. “I think we’re done, babe.”
“Oh. Oh!” You tore your eyes from his to gaze down at your new tattoo. It was extraordinary to say the least.
“It’s…so beautiful, Harry,” you choked. “I love it!”
“It’s yours,” he commented. “And only yours.”
Your eyes began to well up with tears, making your vision too blurry to even see it. But you knew he was right. You had a one-of-a-kind Harry Styles work of art on your arm. And you couldn’t be more proud.
“C’mere, you can look in the mirror,” Harry beckoned, gesturing to the mirror behind him on the wall.
Standing in front of it, you wiped your eyes with your fingers until Harry handed you a tissue.
“Don’t cry, love,” he cooed. “You’ll make me think you made a mistake.”
“Of course not, silly man.” You stretched your arm down to look at the full length of the ink on your skin. “No mistakes here.”
“I’m glad,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around you and resting his chest on your shoulder as you took in the image of you both in the mirror. Grabbing his phone, Harry then took a couple of quick photos of your arm. “Let’s go ahead and put a covering on that so it won’t get infected.”
“Oh, how long do I have to do that? I wanna be able to show it off this weekend.”
Harry smirked at your pout. “Just a few days. You should be okay by then.”
Once again, you sat in his chair while he applied the dressing and bandage. Then he explained to you the aftercare, which made you giddy. You knew it was his job, but you enjoyed seeing him being professional.
“I’ll give you some information to take home with you as well,” he added as he removed his gloves, “but right now, I really need to touch you.”
You opened your mouth, but before you could make a syllable, Harry slid his hands under your jaw and pulled you into a warm kiss. He soon deepened it, his tongue invading your mouth as his hands traveled around your neck to your hair. When he finally released you enough to take a breath, you gasped.
“Wow.”
“Uh huh,” he voiced so low that you barely heard it. Then he licked his lips before sliding his hand up your thigh like before. “Exactly.”
You stared at Harry, his eyes darkening as he fingers began to tease you between your legs.
“So, what…mmm,” you swallowed at the sensation, “what other things did you have in mind?”
“Oh, you really wanna know?” he quirked a brow.
“Mmhmm. Yes, please.”
“Hmm, you ask so politely. But I might wanna keep teasing you like this. Make your legs tremble until you can’t stand it anymore. Until you’re begging for me to make you come.”
“Mmm,” you moaned again as he applied more pressure with his thumb, his hand cupping you, still over your clothes. “I don’t think I would be opposed to that.”
“No? You like being teased?”
“I like the way you tease,” you replied, breathy.
A low chuckle rose from his throat, and you felt the vibration as his face was just inches from yours. Then he surprised you by rising from his chair, his hand leaving your throbbing core to tug on the bottom of your t-shirt.
“Off, sweetheart,” he demanded.
You lifted your arms for him to remove your top, careful of your freshly tattooed area. You nearly came unglued at the sight of him biting his bottom lip.
“Sorry I don’t have on fancy undies,” you said, looking down at your cotton bralette.
“Are you kidding?” he snorted before he helped you remove that garment as well, his hands quickly palming your bare breasts.
You closed your eyes, reveling in the pleasure of his calloused thumbs skimming across your perky buds. He was so light and gentle with his touch, that you almost pouted, but you knew this was his intention. To drive you crazy.
He kissed you again, his hands still on you until he backed away suddenly. You opened your eyes to see him removing his own shirt, his tattooed torso on display. Your mouth watered instantly, an automatic reaction now.
You and Harry had good sex. There was no denying it. Not that you liked to compare, but Harry was the best in bed. He already knew what you liked, what buttons to press and which ones not to (not that there were many). But the best thing about the sexual part of your relationship was that it was never boring. Even when it was just quick fucking, it was amazing. Even when it was sweet, sleepy sex, you were left satisfied.
So Harry implying - albeit obviously - that he wanted to fuck you on that tattoo chair was no surprise. But the thrill was still as strong as ever. Everything he did excited you. Jesus, just looking at him sent a bolt of electricity down to your cunt, making you squeeze your muscles together.
Letting out a breath, you reached for his belt, pulling it from the loop and releasing it. He gave you another smirk as you tugged on his jeans with your non-tattooed arm, frustrated when the button wouldn’t come loose.
“Let me help, baby,” he growled, keeping your hand in position as he covered it with his own hand and helped you pull. The button popped open, the zipper separating along with it as your tug was determined. Then Harry assisted you further, his hand guiding yours down the front of his pants.
“As if you had to help me with that,” you scoffed with a grin.
“Maybe I wanted some help,” Harry eyed you.
“I don’t think that’s necessary either, big boy.”
His sexy low chuckle vibrated through your hand while you found you were a hundred percent correct. Standing from the chair, you pulled him from the confines of his jeans, the pink, bulbous head of his hard cock greeting you.
“Mmm,” you sounded. “Maybe I could help a little.”
You released his erection for just a moment to run your hands down his chest, your fingernails raking over his pecs and the light dusting of chest hair around his nipples. But it didn’t take long for Harry to reach for your tits again, squeezing them in his hands.
“Wait…I thought I was supposed to be teasing you,” he groaned.
“So you don’t want your cock in my mouth?” you teased back.
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “Fuck, babe, I don’t know anymore. You’re so hot. I’m so turned on.”
“I can see that,” you grinned, wrapping your palm around his cock again. Before he could protest, you fell to your knees.
“Babe…” you heard as you barely licked the tip.
“Just let me, Harry. Please? I’m begging,” you looked up at him with puppy dog eyes, batting your lashes.
Letting out a breathy chuckle, Harry gave you permission with a nod and heavy eyelids. You took your time, wetting the head first, then slowly dragging your tongue underneath his length, from the base to the tip. Then licking your lips, you wrapped them around his hard cock, giving a generous amount of suction.
You heard his heavy breathing get louder and faster as you steadied yourself with your other hand on his hip. His own hands were everywhere at first, starting in your hair, then trying to paw at your breasts, then finally settling back on your head, gently urging and guiding you.
“Fuck, baby, you’re so good at this.”
You’d never considered yourself a pro at giving head. You couldn’t even take all of him, for fear of choking. But he didn’t seem to mind. Your mouth and tongue along with your hand seemed to do the trick. After a few more swirls of your tongue, you allowed your other hand to reach underneath, grabbing his balls. He moaned loudly, another expletive rising from his chest.
“Baby. Baby, baby, stop. I don’t wanna come yet.”
Popping off of him, you smiled up at him, saliva dripping from your chin. You enjoyed pleasuring him, but you were excited to move on to phase two. With another low groan, Harry ran his thumb across your chin, guiding you back up to your feet.
“Y/N. I need to be inside you. Now.”
“Aw, you mean I don’t have to beg?”
Harry didn’t bother replying with words. Instead, he pulled down your leggings with fervor, your panties clinging to them so they slipped down together, pooling around your ankles just like Harry’s jeans.
“Turn around, sweetheart,” he patted your hip while wiggling his brows.
More electricity surging through you, you happily did as you were told, bending over the tattoo chair. You felt Harry run his hands down your ass before grabbing your hip and situating himself at your entrance. He slid in slowly at first, like he always did in order to get adjusted. But as soon as he let out a gasp that echoed your own, you knew it wouldn’t be long before he started to move faster.
Harder. His fingers dug into your flesh as he pounded into you. You bit your lip at first, then thought it silly since you were alone. As you began to moan, so did Harry. The sounds intertwined with the sexy, slow jazz were intoxicating. And when Harry bent over to grab your hair and talk in your ear, you thought you might come.
“Pussy’s so good, baby. Been thinking about it all day. Always so wet for me.”
“Mmmm,” was all you could manage.
“You like me fucking you like this?”
“Yes!”
“You like my hard cock pounding into you, my balls slamming against your wet pussy?”
“God, yes!”
“Yeah. It’s mine, innit? Your gorgeous cunt is all mine.”
“Mmhm.”
“Tell me.”
“It’s all yours, Harry. I’m all yours.”
Moaning in your ear, Harry slowed down. You wondered for a moment what was happening as you knew he hadn’t come yet. Then you felt a chill on your back as he stood up, his hands at your hips.
“Let’s get these off the rest of the way,” he said with heavy breaths, indicating your pants.
Blinking, you wiped your eyes and toed off your shoes, stepping out of the leggings as you watched Harry do the same with his jeans.
“Sorry, babe, for the interlude,” his voice cracked. “I wanna try something else.”
“Okay.”
You watched as he readjusted the chair to lay flat. Then he laid down on it.
“C’mere, babe,” he beckoned. “Climb on top of me.”
You shifted your eyes nervously. “Are you sure we won’t break it?”
“Only one way to find out,” he smirked.
Sucking in your lips, you climbed on with Harry’s assistance. You giggled at the awkwardness of it all as you straddled him.
“Just a second, honey,” he said when you were about to aim his cock. “Let me look at you.”
You glared at him, once again wondering what was going through his head. He acted as if he’d never looked at you before. But as you smiled down at him, his own lips grew into his dimpled grin, making you warm all over. He brushed your hair from your face, his thumb grazing across your cheek.
“You’re like an angel,” he murmured. “You take my breath away.”
“Harry…” you exhaled.
“I’m all yours too, honey.”
You beamed at him, knowing it was a reply to your previous admission. Then lifting yourself onto your knees, you looked into his eyes as you sank down onto his cock. You hissed as he closed his eyes, both of you already sensitive.
You rode him with determination, needing to chase the release. After bouncing on him a few times, Harry took your left hand and held it to his chest, making sure you didn’t put too much pressure on that arm. You giggled awkwardly as you tried to keep your balance, but your boyfriend was good at helping.
As you started to reach your high, the burn imminent both in your thighs and your core, you began to cry out.
“Harry….it’s so good, baby…oh, God…Harryyyyy.”
Bucking his hips against you, his hands both now on your own hips, he stared you in the eyes.
“I know, honey. Tell me.”
“Mmmmm…I’m all yours, Harry,” you bit your lip, throwing your head back.
“Y/N. Look at me.”
Blinking, you gazed down at him, his gorgeous face flushed. He groaned in pleasure before wrapping his arms around you.
“Tell me, baby. I wanna hear you say it.”
“What?”
“Tell me you love me.”
Your eyes widening, you stared at him in…no, not disbelief. Because you absolutely believed it.
“I know you feel it, baby. Just like I do. Tell me. Please.”
You’d slowed down your hips, Harry having paused his thrusts. But as you began to resume, moving faster, his gorgeous mouth hanging open, you nodded.
“I love you, Harry.”
His lips twitched before he licked them, then pulled you to him for a kiss.
“I love you, too, Y/N.”
A tiny giggle escaped your throat as realization kicked in. You were in love. And all his.
You rode Harry to the finish, reaching orgasm just before he cried out those three words again. He kissed you deeply, his tongue letting you know how pleased he was. His head falling back, his eyes closed in complete bliss, the biggest, dopiest grin on his face.
“Say it again, babe.”
You kissed his salty chest and neck, then gnawed on his stubbly chin.
“I love you,” you sang softly before kissing his lips.
“And I love you,” he echoed while your face hovered over his, your hair surrounding you both like a secret garden. “So much.”
Chatter filled the room and your ears as you suddenly heard the clink of a fork against glass.
"Ladies and gentlemen! A toast! To our man of the evening!" announced Sherrod. Harry turned to him with a bashful grin. "It has been my utmost pleasure to host this soiree for such an incredible artist. He is a viable part of this community, and I know you all join me in congratulating him at completing another remarkable series. To Harry Styles!"
As everyone clapped and cheered, raising their glasses, you heard Stan shout, "Hear, hear!"
Smiling at your boss, whom you had been thrilled to see arrive with his wife, you watched him make a taste of his own.
"Harry, my son, I've watched you sit at that same table in my cafe for over a year, doodling on your notepads and…thingamajig…" he gestured, making the guests chuckle. "To be honest, I didn't understand why my coffee shop, or why that table…or why only flat white lattes…" more laughs erupted as he patted Harry on the shoulder. "But I knew you had talent. And ambition. I'm proud of you, son. And I'm proud to say I knew you when."
"Hear, hear!" Sherrod and others cheered, raising their glasses again.
"Thank you, Stan. Thank you Sherrod," Harry choked. "This whole night means more to me than you'll ever know. All of you. I'm so humbled that each of you came tonight. This truly was special. I'll never forget it."
Harry's eyes met yours during his final words. Then as the chatter resumed, he stepped forward and pulled you into a long kiss.
"Alright you two," said Jill behind you. "Don't go find a room just yet. I need to take pictures."
You giggled as your friend held her phone up and you posed for several photos with Harry, including one where you were kissing him on the cheek. Satisfied with her shots, Jill squealed with joy and announced she had to take some more with her other friends next to Harry’s art.
A waiter came by then with more champagne, and you gladly took another glass, handing him your empty one.
“I’m so happy to see you having a good time,” beamed Harry, his arm still around you.
“I may have had a few too many of these,” you snickered, covering your mouth with your hand.
“No matter. We have that limo, thanks to you.”
“You can actually thank Shae. It was her idea.”
“Where is Shae, by the way?” Harry turned his head to search for your roommate. He spotted her next to the shrimp, talking to Kyle. His chest shook with laughter as he turned back to you.
“What?” you asked. “Kyle’s a nice guy, right?”
“Yeah. Too nice. She’s probably giving him an earful, and I’ll have to hear about it later.”
You playfully slapped his arm in your friend’s defense, though you knew he was right.
“Good idea, by the way, showing off your tattoo right away. I already have some clients lined up.”
“That’s awesome!” you cheered. You figured one of them was the nice lady you were talking to last time, since you saw her again soon after you’d arrived.
“Harry, my good man, congratulations!” another voice sounded. You both swiveled to see Carlo, his arm already stretched to give Harry a hug.
“Thank you so much for coming, Carlo.”
“Anything for you, my friend! Y/N, I don’t believe you’ve met my beautiful wife, Jossalyn.” Carlo gestured to the stunning tattooed brunette to his right.
You both gave each other salutations before Harry pulled her into a hug as well. Then they announced their exit and said their goodbyes.
“You have a lot of friends and admirers, Harry,” you commented.
He nodded. “Seems that way. I need to remember to count my blessings.”
You lifted your hand to his handsome face, and he covered it with his own, gently shutting his eyes.
“Y/N! We have to be going, guys!” John shouted, breaking your reverie.
“John, thank you so much for coming!” you told him as you squeezed him. “And for bringing Rafi.”
“Told you he’s a dish,” he whispered in your ear.
You nodded as you watched his partner shake hands with Harry, then you did the same. As soon as they left, Harry leaned into you.
“Rafael is interested in my art.”
“Your art, or something else?” you quirked a brow. “I saw how he looked at you earlier.”
Harry cackled. “I promise it was strictly a professional conversation. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ll remind him I’m taken.”
As he slid his arm back around your waist, you shook your head as you smiled up at him. “I was teasing you. I wouldn’t blame anyone in this room for wanting a piece of you…professionally or otherwise. But I appreciate the sentiment. Also, I trust you.”
“Yeah? I’m glad, baby.”
Harry brought his hand up to slide under your jaw, and he was just about to kiss you when the other man of the hour interrupted.
“Harry, lad, I have an early flight in the morning, so I must bid farewell,” said Donovan McNulty. This evening he wore a black suit with a red bowtie. You smiled at him, holding out your hand.
“Mr. Nulty, thank you so much for coming. You’ve made Harry so happy.”
Donovan leaned in and kissed your cheek, then the other. “My dear, I reckon it’s the other way around. Besides, it looks like he’s found his happiness right here, with his muse.”
He gave you a wink as he squeezed your tattooed arm before shaking Harry’s hand and waving goodbye.
The party continued for another hour or so. You and Harry both gave a lot more thank yous and farewells. Then when no other guests remained (Harry insisted on seeing everyone out to show his appreciation), Sherrod finally shooed you out to the limo.
“Thanks for helping with everything, sweetheart,” cooed Harry as he necked you in the back of the car.
“I didn’t do much,” you conveyed. “Sherrod set up most of it.”
“No, you did more than you know. I love and appreciate you.”
“Same here, handsome,” you grinned before caressing his soft lips. “By the way, I have something to show you when we get to your place.”
“Yeah? Is it under your dress?”
You giggled as his hand wandered under the flimsy fabric of the new dress you’d purchased just for this occasion.
“No,” you playfully tugged at his wrist. “It’s something I left there while we were getting ready. It’s in your nightstand.”
“Handcuffs?”
“No! Harry Styles, I’m trying to be romantic and open, and you’re being naughty.”
“Oh. I’m sorry, babe. I can’t help it. It’s just where my mind went.”
“It’s okay,” you tutted.
“What is it?”
“You’ll see.”
Harry held your hand as he walked you to his apartment. The glow of the moon shone through the balcony doors, punctuating the end of the moon-themed evening like a full stop. Although you weren’t ready for it to end just yet.
You laid your clutch bag on the counter next to his keys and wallet before he pulled you in for yet another kiss. Throwing your arms around his neck, you let his tongue tangle with yours, tasting the champagne you’d both consumed. Then he lifted you up, wrapping your legs around his waist as he carried you into the bedroom.
“Are you gonna show me now?” he asked between kisses after he laid you down.
You simply nodded, then reached for the bedside table, opening the top drawer. You retrieved a small notebook, the one you’d been writing in. Opening it, you flipped to the page you wanted to show him. When you handed it to him, he looked at you inquisitively.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“Remember when you asked me if I had a hobby, something that I was passionate about? And I mentioned I used to write?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“You inspired me.”
With an easy grin, Harry sat back on the pillows, crossing his ankles. You sat next to him, your legs tucked underneath you as you bit your bottom lip nervously.
Brilliant, blazing, glistening, glittering
The celestial satellite shines by the light reflected from the sun
Its beautiful mystery soothingly captivates us
All aglow, seemingly from within
Feminine energy that affects the rise and fall of the tides
A big balloon, luminous and serene
These are words used to describe the moon
But they are also words to describe my heart
For my heart is now a big balloon
All aglow and alight from within
From the light of your heart, the sun
Brilliant, blazing, beautiful
Wondrous and astral, my heart is now home
Lowering the notebook after reading your poem, Harry looked at you.
“It’s kinda short,” you offered with a hesitant chuckle. “But it took me forever.”
“Baby,” he said, scooting closer to you and reaching for you. “This is beautiful.”
“Really?” you crinkled your nose, still not completely confident.
“Yes, baby, really. I love it. I love you.”
Your expression softened, easing into a smile. Harry pulled you to his chest, brushing your hair back from your face.
“Thank you for writing it, but even more, for sharing it with me.”
“I figured I should, since you share so much with me.”
“That’s what I mean, love. Not only did you share your heart with me, but you put it into words on paper. It’s stunning. I’m…”
His hands still in your hair, he paused his words.
“What?” you asked as you saw a tiny tear escape from the corner of his eye and down his cheek. “Harry…”
“Can’t help it, baby,” he choked as you wiped the tear. “I’ve fallen so hard for you.”
“Me too,” you whispered.
“Tell me again, Y/N.”
“I love you…” you said, his lips capturing yours once again before you could say his name.
You didn’t mind that he asked you to say those words. In fact, you liked it. You would tattoo it on your heart if you could.
THE END
And there we have it :). Please like, comment and consider following me if you enjoyed it! Feedback is love x.
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24
“I'm so excited to be here!”
“We're so excited to have you, dear! Have a seat!”
Having been on edge all day about making a good first impression, once she'd gotten to the facility and saw five women that looked like her, their warm energy calmed her instantly.
“We got you a latte, didn't want you to feel left out.”
“Oh, I really appreciate it! I hope everyone's morning has been good!”
The ladies nod in agreement before the leader begins her ice breaker.
“This may seem a bit school-ish, but I like to go around the group and get a fun fact from each of you, and it wouldn't be fair if I didn't kick it off! So, I’m Roni and I started this group a few years ago so black women could have a creative space of our own.”
“And we love you for it! I'm Leia and I'm one of thirteen kids!���
“Oh my gosh, really? What's that like??” Zora asks, which makes everyone laugh.
“Girl, hectic! We're all two years apart, too.”
“My word. Well, I'm Zora and I actually had given up on wanting my own art career, but I'm getting back out there!”
“We're all so proud of you for doing that, it takes courage!”
“Thank you!”
“Of course, doll. I'm Fran and I'm fifty-five, sitting on a pretty pension from my dead husband.” She says, before cracking up, making the girls do the same.
“A hoot, that one is! I'm Trina and I collect rocks and turn them into little scenes.”
“They're really cool, she's gotta show y'all her latest one before we leave! But I'm Dina, and I'm a photography finatic! I'll take a picture of anything!”
She pulls out her phone and swipes through her gallery to emphasize her point. Nothing but trees, cocktails, food spots, selfies, her cat Toby, the sky and moon and clouds in between.
“You're just like me, for real.” Zora laughs. “Also I've never seen a black cat named Toby, how adorable.”
“She's a girl, too!”
“Really?? That's so adorable, too!”
“I know!” She giggles.
Roni and the others laugh at their interaction, knowing Dina and her infectious personality would pull her right in.
The activity of the day was to take your feelings and turn them into a scene. Any theme. People or no people.
Zora painted a vibrant sunset on her new balcony. Two glowy orbs side by side, overlooking the breathtaking view.
“Can I just say wow!?” Fran gasps as she looks over from her own masterpiece, a never ending garden of bright tulips and wildflowers.
“Oh,” Zora covers her face, “thank you!”
“I've never seen anything like this before. How'd you do that, with the shading around the orbs and stuff??” Trina asks, as the group moves in to see her work.
Still flustered by their sweet reception, she blows out a breath. “I actually tried something out while painting. Took the shades around it and made a color and outlined them, it adds some depth to it.”
“Hell yeah, it does!” Roni agrees, making the ladies laugh.
“Thanks, you guys! Now let me see what everyone else is working on!”
“Ooh, come look at mine!” Dina says, pulling them over to her portrait of Toby, his big green eyes making them gasp.
“Wow, those are her eyes, alright!” Trina says, giving her a high five.
“They took me like twenty minutes, they better be her eyes!” Dina laughs.
“She's so cute! Her and vday gotta do a playdate!”
“Absolutely!”
“Uh oh, miss Fran! Let's talk about these flowers!”
“Oh, my pride and joy! I've been gardening for about twenty years, and this is what my garden looked like until a couple years ago. The last time I was able to get out and tend to it all, I took a picture of it and now it's memorialized in this painting.”
“Who knew flowers could make you cry,” Zora frowns.
“That's beautiful, Fran.” Roni says. “Wildflowers are your favorite, huh?”
This makes everyone laugh.
“How'd you guess, you smart cookie??”
“Come look at my pretty rock!”
Trina painted a giant black obsidian rock that was cracked in half, indigo and violet on the inside, pale yellow twinkling in certain spots.
“Wow! I like this one better than my own!” Dina says, punching her arm.
“Y'all are the most talented women ever, I'm convinced.” Roni compliments.
“Wait, let's see yours!”
An up close view of a rib cage, pink and green butterflies litter the inside and linger at the garden planted in the center of her chest.
“Rooted in love?”
“Absolutely!” She smiles. “It's how I've been feeling since getting engaged. Just a love plant.”
“Awww, that's so sweet!”
“Yeah! Are we invited to the wedding??”
“Absolutely! It'll be in the fall, sometime. It's our favorite season.”
“Leia, what did you paint?”
A silhouette of a woman behind a rose colored sheet.
“What's the story behind this?”
“Hollowness, really. I feel hidden most times.”
“Oh, babe,” Trina frowns, hugging her.
Welcoming the gesture, she softly laughs.
“Thanks, but I'm okay, I'm just a middle child.”
✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿
“Honey, I'm home!” Leon yells from the front door, chuckling as Zora damn near crashes into him, hopping into his arms.
“Hey, baby!” She squeals, inhaling his woodsy scent.
“Hey, my love. I see you missed me!”
Carrying her over to the couch, he plops down with her still attached to him.
“I did! I couldn't wait til you got here so I could tell you how my day went!”
“Oh yeah, I'm all ears! How'd everything go??”
She fills him in on all her sweet new friends, shares their paintings, and gives him a rundown of how their next few meetings are gonna go.
“Look at you,” he cheeses, “my artiste!”
Her nose crinkled as she covered her face.
“I'm good, I guess!”
“Zora Jean, please. You're the best.”
“The best, huh??” She uncovers her face as they both laugh.
“And you know this, lady bug!”
“Thank you, best chef and photographer ever!”
He humbly dusts off his shoulder, making her giggle.
“Speaking of! I can share this with you now,” he says, placing his hands on hers, “today was my last day of work at the warehouse.”
Her mouth drops open in surprise. He smiles widely at her reaction, proud that it was worth keeping to himself.
“You quit?!! Finally??”
“That, I did!”
“I'm so happy for you!” She beams, squeezing his hands now.
“Thank you, my sweet lady.” He smiles, leaning in to kiss her face.
“Aw, you're so happy about this, I love it! What's your plan??”
“Well, I think I can kick off my vlogging now. Not sure if it'll be more than just cuts of me cooking, but it's a start! Also, my boys said they'd support me with whatever I needed while I'm getting started.”
“That's really sweet of them! I can't wait to see your first video! I've got a thing for cameras now ‘cause of you, so if you need any help.. I'm here too!” She cheeses, earning three kisses on the lips.
“Thank you, baby. I may need you to be my camerawoman from time to time, when you're not busy with your own artiste dreams, that is.”
“I'm proud of us. We quit our regular-degular jobs to focus on our passions! How many people, our age especially, get to say that!!”
“We must be god's favorite, huh?”
“Oh, yeah!” She nods, meeting him halfway for a high-five.
✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿
“Alright ladies, today we are meeting with a few investors and they are very fond of each of your portfolios, so if all goes well, your names will be on front street before the weekend!” Roni squeals as the ladies do the same.
“I'm a little nervous, wow!” Zora huffs, placing her hand over her heart.
“Don't worry honey, your art is divine! If these suits don't like it, they don't know talent. Okay?” Fran says, rubbing her back.
“O-okay. I'm gonna head to the bathroom.”
Excusing herself, she heads down the hall and into the biggest stall of the bathroom, immediately calling Nique.
“Hello?” Her best friend sings into the phone.
“Girl, investors are coming to chat with us today! They've seen our work and are apparently impressed, which is great! This is what I've always wanted… but what if they get here and see our latest pieces and their opinions change? W-what if they don't wanna—”
“Zora! Hey! Calm down, sweetie!” She coos, snapping her out of her spiral.
Inhaling deeply and exhaling roughly a few times, she places her hand back over her heart. It wasn't beating nearly as fast, but she was still frazzled.
“I– it's been such a long time coming, ya know? I'm just… I don't know!”
“It's okay to be nervous, Jean. This has been like ten years in the making! Those investors already like your work, right?? So, you're in there! Don't worry about anything else. It would be remiss if you didn't celebrate your wins. You put yourself out there. You found an art group and they welcomed you with open arms! Investors know who you are!! They know what you're capable of and they're coming to see you and your work. Hell, let's call up that ex whore of yours and rub it in his face, cause you're killing this shit and you haven't even really started yet!”
By this time, Zora’s face was covered in salty tears at her friend's sweet and true words.
“And stop that crying before them girls think sumn wrong with you!” She jokes, making Zora laugh.
“Shut up, man.” She sniffles, wiping her face.
“I appreciate you for saying all of that. You're right. I've waited so long for things to fall into place. It's my time to show what I'm capable of!”
“Hell yeah, it is!” She agrees. “And I know it's rough, but you have to know– believe that you've already done the hard part. Get yourself together and walk out there with your head up high, mmkay?”
“Thank you, Nique Nique!” She coos, making kissy noises.
“Ah, what would you do without me! You're always welcome, Jeanie! I'll be sitting at home, waiting for you to tell me how it went!”
“Expect my knock, later!”
They squeal and talk a bit more to calm her nerves, before bidding each other farewell.
Thankful for her deep brown complexion, she wasn't as flushed as she feared. She wets a napkin and wipes her eyes and cheeks, before washing hands again.
Rejoining the group and assuring them that she's okay, they fall into conversation to ease the leftover pressure even further.
“I've been curious about this for a minute, but I didn't wanna be that crazy old lady that asks too many questions,” Fran laughs, before looking over at Zora.
“You've got a boyfriend, don't ya?”
The instant smile that covers her entire face makes the ladies coo and giggle at her.
“I knew it!” Dina adds. “Caught her smiling at her phone the other day, but I let her live.”
“Y'all,” Zora laughs, shaking her head, “y'all remind me of my sisters so much! Only, they wouldn't let me live anything down, so thank y'all for that.”
“We had to ease you in, first!” Roni pats her shoulder.
“But now that we know you're in loooove,” Trina sings, making them crack up.
“Yes, tell us allll about it!” Leia chimes in.
“He's so sweet, y'all,” she gushes, unable to help the bright smile on her lips as she goes on about her man.
How smart he is. How generous. Rugged. Driven. Hardworking. Dedicated. Inspiring.
“Does he have any brothers??”
“I had to hook my sisters up! But I'll see if he's got any cousins or uncles up for grabs! A young uncle for you, Frannie.”
“That's my girl!” Fran claps.
Soon the investors arrived and Zora was ready to let her work do the talking, her nerves steady.
There were only two people, a white man and woman, which helped a lot. Not too many people to interact with. Zora wasn't the only one who internally felt that way, either.
“Ladies, this is Roberts and Williams, senior investors from Canvas & Company. They came by to talk to us about their experience with buying and selling art, how the market works and how to invest in it.” Roni introduces.
“We are very excited to meet you ladies! In fact, on the way over, we pulled up each of your files one more time, just blown away with the talent we've seen!” Roberts exclaims, clasping her hands together.
“Indeed! Haven't seen much talent like this in a while. Definitely refreshing.” Williams adds, before they get into their spiel.
“Now the art industry has definitely changed in the last thirty years, pushing boundaries on how we capture an image and paint it for others to see. It's very interesting what one can do with a paintbrush or pencil. Speaking of, what's everyone's favorite medium and why?” Williams asks, looking around the room, his finger pointed at Dina.
“Pencil. There's an eraser always close by.” She laughs, and he fondly shakes his head.
“Gotta love the mistakes, too.” He says, pointing to her twin sister.
“Charcoal. I love the mess of it!”
“See? My kinda girl!” He claps, pointing to Fran.
“Watercolor! I love how lightweight it is.”
“I agree, it's probably the lightest type of paint.” Next was Zora.
“Acrylic paint. It's so vibrant and rich, experimental even! Perfect for my pieces.”
“Acrylic is best for that type of thing. Building color, texture.. it's a hassle to preserve, though.”
“Oh, tell me about it! My poor palette has never been the same.” She laughs and so does he, before pointing to Leia.
“Oil pastel, I love the way it glides!”
“As do I!”
Moving on to a slideshow of how investing in art works, the ladies quickly realized they were on the fun side of things, seeing how much people empty their banks for it.
“Seven grand on one painting?? That would take care of so many things.” Fran mumbles, shaking her head.
“Imagine!” Roni whispers back.
“You'd be surprised how much one would spin! One impression is all it takes, a lot of the time.” Roberts says, looking over to her colleague who agrees.
“They try to scare you with the emerging and well known artists as top sellers, but we don't all curate art the same way, which is why we're here. We see potential in every one of you, even your lead! Phenomenal work, ladies, really.” She adds, to which they all graciously thank her.
After the meeting is over, Zora feels a ton lighter than she did when her day began. She was proud of herself.
Making it home, she showers, changes into her sweats and heads across the hall, not even getting to knock before Nique opens the door.
“Hey, girl!”
“How did you–”
“I was sitting on my patio and saw you pull up! Knew the knock was coming!” She answers, pulling her inside and closing the door behind them.
Plopping down on her oversized sofa, Zora lets out a sigh of relief and grabs a handful of popcorn, stuffing her mouth.
“Tired?”
“Mmhm! It's been a long day,” she says with a mouthful, tucking her feet underneath her.
“Well, how'd everything go??”
“Great! There were only two people, a man and a woman, both white and like our mamas’ age. Cool people, though! Super friendly. They asked us about our favorite mediums and told us about how they can help and hinder, how the investment market works and girl, these people spend money!”
How much we talkin’?”
“Anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple hundred thousand!”
“Really??” Nique asks with wide eyes. “Let me go paint sumn real quick.”
Zora laughs, stuffing another handful of popcorn in her mouth.
“No, but seriously I'm glad it went great! No stress, no mess, just you and your unbelievable talent showcasing itself!”
“Me too, it's nice having people with loaded pockets take more than a glance at your work! Hell, I might have met potential buyers!”
“Fingers crossed! Your artwork is gonna be in everybody's living room! Just you wait!”
“You better be in the first ten people to buy sumn!!”
“Like I haven't been buying your artwork since we've known each other! Ima be the first! Next piece you cook up, it's mine!” She declares before grabbing her remote.
“I know that's right! What we watchin’?”
“Beauty shop!!”
“Oh, my movie!!”
@ghostfacekill-monger @thegifstories @blackerthings @planetblaque @blowmymbackout @henneseyhoe @honestpreference @blackpinup22 @abeautifulmindexposed @nayaxwrites @twistedcharismaaa @kindofaintrovert @sageispunk @madamzola @soufcakmistress @megamindsecretlair @starcrossedxwriter @slippinninque
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