Chapter Text
There was no reason to be nervous. Well, there was, but Vi wasn't the kind of person to get nervous over pain. Maybe it was the money that was causing her stomach to twist. This was the most Vi had dropped on anything. Almost a year of saving and she was gonna blow it all in one go. But then again, she was sure. She'd spent fuck knows how long thinking about this and planning for it even before she started saving. Hell, if she was gonna spend a couple of thousand on something it may as well be something goddam permanent.
Ok so maybe it was her. They'd exchanged a couple of emails sure, but this was the first time Vi was gonna meet the woman she was planning to entrust with her time, money and body. Well, and a certain amount of emotional vulnerability, given the meaning behind this whole endeavour.
Vi stopped as the studio came into sight. Fuck it, she was nervous.
She lingered a moment more, watching people walk by in the morning sunlight. It was summer and already hot despite the hour. It wasn't the best area of Zaun but it was also nice enough to not get mugged in. The shop looked well kept, big glass window, fresh paintwork making the name – Black Sheep – stand out. Vi ran a hand through her hair and tried to force her body to calm, focusing on the next step and only the next step. She blew out a long breath and started walking again, not even stopping to pause before pushing the glass door open and stepping in.
It was nicely cool inside, air conditioned, which was rare enough in Zaun. And the first thing Vi noticed aside from the temperature was how clean and fresh it felt. She was in a small waiting area with a reception desk. The coffee table had sample books and flash sheets to browse but the walls were taken up with large, framed pieces of body art. She recognised the styles from the resident artists' online portfolios.
“Welcome to Black Sheep, can I help you?” The receptionist drew her attention from the walls. She was sat behind the counter, a bland smile on her face. Vi felt her confidence grow as she assessed the woman. She was short, strawberry blonde bob and freckles, looking way too young, naïve and puppy-like to be working in a tattoo shop in Zaun.
Vi walked over. “I've got an appointment with Caitlyn at 10,” she said, eyes glancing down at the open appointment book on the desk. She could see her name in the upside down calendar.
When she glanced up she noticed the receptionist's smile had been taken down a couple of notches. She didn't look impressed.
“Sure, take a seat and I'll see if she's ready.”
Still polite though.
Vi took a seat in the waiting area as the woman hopped down off her stool and slipped through a curtain which must hide the artists workspaces. It was good to know she wouldn't have to worry about random passers by watching her. She realised her knee was jiggling and made an effort to clamp down on her body's betrayal of her mindset.
The receptionist returned just then, followed closely by a taller woman. Vi's brain fritzed out for a few long moments as she took in the woman. She was beautiful. Possibly the most gorgeous woman Vi had ever seen. Fuck. Vi's pulse thumped in her throat, her mouth hanging uselessly open as she took in the goddam goddess who was going to be touching her body.
“Vi, this is Caitlyn,” the receptionist spoke, her voice seeming distant and unimportant as Vi continued to stare at Caitlyn's perfect features.
“Hi,” Caitlyn said, “thanks Maddie, I'll take it from here”
Fuck. Vi tried to swallow and found her throat clicking painfully dry. Her accent was fancy and decidedly not Zaunite but beautiful for all that.
“It's a pleasure to meet you Vi,” Caitlyn smiled and stepped forwards a little, though the coffee table was between them. “Do you want to come through and I can show you some designs?”
Vi clenched her fists and dug her fingernails sharply into her palms, trying to ground herself and get her body and brain back under control. She stood, quickly, hyper aware that both Caitlyn and Maddie were watching her. Trying to recover some grace and confidence, Vi stepped around the table and held out her hand to Caitlyn.
“It's good to meet you too,” she said as their hands met for a brief but firm shake. Vi tried not to outwardly react as her body bloomed with heat from Caitlyn's palm on hers. Fuck.
Then Caitlyn was turning away and walking back through the curtain and Vi had to remind herself to move again. She followed hastily, feeling the receptionist's eyes on her back.
Once they slipped through the curtain, there was a blessed amount of distractions to take Vi's focus off the woman walking ahead of her. The space opened up, and while there were no windows back here the place was well-lit and clean, with plants everywhere. The space was loosely divided up into four work areas, walls painted a plain whitet to pull the focus to the art of the tattooists who worked at each area. An arrangement of subtle curtains and screens were tucked away, waiting to close off a space for privacy if needed.
On the left was a workstation covered in geometric styles, intricate lines tracing patterns too complex to fully take in without time to study them. Even the way the artwork was arranged on the wall was balanced, precise. Vi didn't have time to take in much more than that. On her right, when she quickly glanced that way before they passed, she saw a much more colourful array of images – illustrative work, but also abstract, colour everywhere but made to look like painting instead of solid blocks of colour. It was undeniably beautiful work.
But Vi wasn't a beautiful person.
Caitlyn led her to the back right workstation, the back left being fairly empty as far as Vi could tell, with just a couple of generic artworks up and a couple of lamps to make it visible but not as bright as Caitlyn's area was. Maybe they were looking for a fourth artist to work here, she reasoned.
Caitlyn's work area was sectioned off from the empty workspace with a black leather sofa and a couple of drawer sets. There was a desk against the right hand wall, opposite the sofa, a couple of wheelie chairs sitting next to it. The adjustable tattoo chair and a cart of tattoo pens and inks were pushed up against the back wall. Even though the overhead light was bright enough to see, a couple of lamps and some plants made the space feel cosy. Vi glanced over the artwork on the wall above Caitlyn's desk, recognising a number of pieces from her online portfolio. She raised an eyebrow at the ornate looking rifle mounted up on the wall above the framed pictures.
Caitlyn grabbed one of the seats at her desk and gestured to the other.
“Please, take a seat.”
Vi did, her attention returning to Caitlyn. She felt a bit more relaxed after seeing the space. And Caitlyn seemed, well, hot, but also not intimidating. Vi took a moment while Caitlyn was sorting papers on her desk to give the woman a once over.
She was dressed pretty simply, a black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled, fitted blue jeans, white sneakers. Vi could see some kind of colourful abstract shape tattoo running down her right arm, and maybe something on the left but it was a little hidden behind Caitlyn's body as she sat an an angle to Vi. There were a couple of silver hoops on the outer shell of her ear, and a black stud in her lobe. A delicate silver chain necklace finished off the look.
Fuck. Vi was in trouble. She was effortlessly, ridiculously hot. Vi wanted to just sit there and study her. Ok maybe not just study her. But like, study her with her tongue maybe?
“Ok,” Caitlyn's voice snapped her out of it and Vi refocused on the woman's face instead. She looked at Vi, smiling a lovely, genuine smile that Vi thought looked a bit excited. She made a 'come here' gesture with her hand.
“I want to show you what I have so far, but obviously we can talk about what you like and what you don't.”
Vi wheeled her chair close to sit right next to Caitlyn so she could see the sheets of paper laid out on Caitlyn's desk. She tried to ignore the feel of the woman so close, and focused in on the paper.
“So this would be the top,” Caitlyn pointed, guiding Vi's eyeline, “and it runs down here to the bottom of your spine, and then these bits” she gestured out to two separate pages either side of the main design, “would go down the backs of your arms.”
Vi was blown away. Her eyes greedily drank in all the details, noticing the how Caitlyn had interpreted things she'd asked for.
“This bit,” Caitlyn pointed to the circular motif that was the central radiating point for the design, “would sort of sit between your shoulder blades, and these round sections on each side would be the backs of your shoulders, if that helps to get an idea of the way it will sit.”
She glanced at Vi. Vi could feel her eyes studying her. But she couldn't look away from the design, her eyes tracing each piece of paper in turn, returning again and again to find new details or revisit parts to put the image together in her mind as a whole.
“What do you think?” Caitlyn prompted after a minute. Vi managed to drag herself away from the drawing to meet Caitlyn's gaze. She hadn't realised how close they were sitting. Caitlyn's striking blue eyes filling her vision. They looked curious. A little shy. Excited though.
“It's incredible,” Vi watched Caitlyn's eyes crinkle as a smile broke on her face.
“You like it then?” Caitlyn was studying her still. Vi swallowed again and turned back to the design, unable to keep up the overly intimate eye contact.
“Yeah, I mean, fuck it's amazing, thank you so much.” Vi felt at a loss. This was more than she'd ever hoped for. She didn't know how Caitlyn had gotten it so right. Sure they shared some inspiration photos and Vi had talked about wanting the mechanical design and the smoke, and the blackwork and stuff, but Caitlyn had taken that and created something so beautiful. Vi had no idea how to express what that meant.
“Is there anything you'd like to change or tweak a bit?” Caitlyn was looking back at the drawing again, Vi realised, and she felt herself breathe a bit easier. Being under Caitlyn's scrutiny felt way too revealing.
“No, I... I really don't think so,” Vi scanned the drawings again, trying to think if there was anything she didn't like. She just kept finding new bits she did like though. “I love the way you've done the smoke, I was worried that it would be too, y'know, flowy?”
Caitlyn nodded, “I'm glad you like it, I wondered if it would feel a bit too stylised or cartoonish, but I was trying to kind of keep the mechanical feel of the rest of the piece without going too unrealistic.”
“No, it's perfect. And I like with the arms especially that it's not matching, like from a distance the overall shape of each one means they're obviously a pair but the details make them different.”
“Yes, I thought,” Caitlyn glanced at her quickly, “well I guess from some of the things you said it made sense to me that even being mechanical in style that it was the human element that was important so that kind of messiness almost, the variability, is what felt vital to the whole piece.”
Vi grinned. Caitlyn sounded almost as excited about the piece as she was. It was nice. Validating. And also it was cool that Caitlyn was so into the work. She really hadn't wanted someone who was just following instructions, or in it for the money.
“I think after seeing you,” Caitlyn continued talking, this time looking Vi's torso over appraisingly, “that I'll probably stretch these bits out more, and add some more detail in here.” Vi watched where she pointed, nodding along. “You're um, well, quite a bit broader than average.”
Vi smirked and looked up to meet Caitlyn's gaze. She wasn't sure but she thought Caitlyn might be blushing. Just a little.
“So how far down on my arms will it come,” Vi asked, feeling like she ought to ask a question.
“Oh, not past the wrist, you know if you wore long sleeves it would be covered.” Caitlyn looked down at the design, a little frown appearing between her eyes.
Suddenly, Vi felt Caitlyn's fingers on her shoulder. She looked at them. How were they warm through her shirt? Vi's skin felt like is was buzzing. She looked back at Caitlyn, wondering if she realised the impact she was having on her. All her attention was on the design though.
“So if this is the shoulder cog,” her fingers moved to the back of Vi's shoulder where the cog design would be placed, “then this section goes here.”
Caitlyn traced the design with her left hand while the fingers of her right ran down Vi's tricep. Vi could feel her skin tingling as Caitlyn's fingers caressed her arm. She clenched her fists to suppress a shiver, but couldn't do anything about the warmth blooming low in her abdomen. She willed her skin not to break out in goosebumps.
“This is the elbow piece,” her fingers came to a pause on Vi's elbow, “and this will be the forearm,” she stroked down the outside edge of Vi's forearm, stopping about halfway along. “So it'll finish up about here.”
Fuck. How the fuck is she going to survive being tattooed by Caitlyn. Vi could feel the slow, heady warmth of arousal in her blood. She tried to slow her breathing, hoping Caitlyn hadn't noticed the way her heart was thumping harder and her chest was moving more rapidly.
“Does that sound ok?” Caitlyn asked, dropping her hand from Vi's arm and looking over. She seemed totally unaware of the effect she was having on Vi. Which Vi supposed she should be grateful for.
“Yeah,” Vi coughed, her mouth dry, “sounds perfect.” Even she knew she sounded weak as fuck right now.
“Let me get you some water,” Caitlyn said. She stood up and took a few steps to the back right corner, where Vi suddenly clocked there was a small fridge. Caitlyn pulled the door open and bent over to grab something. Vi tried not to stare at her ass. Fuck. What an ass.
A moment later and Caitlyn was back handing her a bottle of chilled water. Vi gratefully popped the cap and downed half the bottle in a few gulps.
Caitlyn sat back down, turning to face Vi this time. She was smiling, and Vi felt the energy bouncing off her. She was excited, Vi realised.
“Ok well, obviously it's never too late if you do think of something you'd like to change but seeing as you're happy with where we are let's go ahead and get you booked in for the initial line work.”
Vi nodded and pulled out her phone to get her calendar app open. Caitlyn meanwhile pulled a laptop from a little drawer under the desk and took a few moments to load a calendar.
“So, I can see you've had at least one tattoo before,” Vi watched as Caitlyn's eyes flicked to the VI on her cheek, “but have you had any larger pieces?”
Vi shook her head.
“No problem. So it's a good idea with this kind of size work to spend a few days before you come in really resting, eating well, drinking water, moisturising your back, neck and arms. Even though you're not physically moving around, your body will be taking a lot of injury for long periods of time so it's really important that you take care of yourself.”
Vi nodded this time. She felt like a puppet. “Sounds good,” she said, just to have something to say. Caitlyn's warm smile and watchful eyes had her pinned in place.
“Also I'd recommend staying away from any intense workouts or lots of physical exertion if at all possible. You'll need to rest after too, so no heavy lifting at the gym for a week or so. I hope that won't be too much of a problem?”
Vi didn't want to let on that she would be bummed about dropping her workouts but she reminded herself that this was part of the journey. She wanted this. This was something she'd planned for years. Working out could wait. And maybe she could do some light exercise still.
“No it's cool. I think my muscles will survive for a week.” She cracked a grin, trying for charming.
“Great.” Caitlyn beamed. “I'll give you proper aftercare instructions when you're in for the appointment but it's worth stocking up on healthy food and moisturiser before you come in so you don't need to go grocery shopping. Do you have someone at home who can help look after you?”
Vi wasn't sure how to respond to that. No, she wanted to say, but also she could probably guilt trip Ekko or Loris into coming over to help her out. So maybe yes?
“I'll figure it out,” she said eventually.
“Alright then, let's see,” Caitlyn had turned to her laptop and was scrolling past appointments. How would next Thursday suit you? It'll probably take most of the day so you'll need a clear calendar.”
Vi looked at her phone calendar. She had a shift Thursday night but she could swap it out.
“Yeah sounds good. Anything I need to bring?”
Caitlyn tapped away at her keyboard adding a calendar entry while she spoke. “Hmm, yes bring water, food and snacks.” She finished booking in the appointment and turned back to Vi, smiling “I'll send you an email with all the details and preparation, but generally bringing something to entertain or distract yourself is good. I don't mind if you want to wear headphones, listen to music or anything.”
Vi nodded, already mentally cataloguing the entertainment options she might want.
“Any other questions just now?” Caitlyn asked. “You can always email me if you think of anything before next Thursday too.”
Vi was about to say no, she had no questions, then she remembered the money burning a hole in her bank account.
“Well, I guess just about how to pay?”
She felt a bit embarrassed bringing it up, which was weird because Zaunites were usually very up front about owing or being owed money. She felt like she was somehow inconveniencing Caitlyn by bringing money into the equation even though that was literally why Caitlyn was even talking to her.
“Oh god, yes sorry I should have said, we usually do half up front and half on completion.”
Vi relaxed again. It was ridiculous that she'd even felt weird about it. “Sounds good to me. I guess that's everything though. I'll keep an eye out for your email.”
Caitlyn stood up with a small grin. “Come on, I'll show you out and let you get on with your day.”
And just like that, five minutes later Vi was back out on the sunny street. She walked away quickly, not wanting Caitlyn to see her mentally processing everything through the window. But there was a definite bounce in her step as she headed off.