batlcver

[batlcver]

❝Ooh, been there. When I was a kid I was terrified of them.❞

Hard fear to get past, he's not even sure when he got past it himself. Just changed up one day, same with his fear of bugs.

❝Oh, but not to make it sound like it's a childish fear or anything. I mean foreign objects bein' inserted into your body is scary. Kinda digging my grave I feel, but yeah no you could look at it that way. I didn't choose more than half of my tattoos, so not really much of a meaning there other than: wow, I really love my best friend and trust him to not tattoo some fuck shit on my body forever.❞

THANK THE GODS... GOD... STARS... HEAVENS? Since Beltran, he started to question everything. Partly why he chose a mythology degree. There had to be something in the books about his world. It was hard to believe no one encountered THERna's race before.

"Aren't they all meaningful? I mean, you had to put some thought into them before— You know, marking your body." Ryan was quick to shake his head. "No. I'm scared to death of needles."

[batlcver]

"Okay, well that's not really a problem, so don't worry about that."

Throwing her hands up for emphasis. A lot of people came in without any solid plans, just knowing that he liked the nose studs and chain was more than some people offered. Was more than Mason offered sometimes too.

"You have your ears done already I see. If you want to just start with your nose, I think that's always a good starting point. I wouldn't pick a better spot honestly, a lot of people start at their mouth or lips first- I don't suggest that personally. Love the look of lip piercings, but the dental damage is scary."

     Eros looks between the two of them for a moment. Just watching as she starts her work. Like it's second nature to her. Easy enough to get done and then just move on and clean up. It's always quicker than getting a tattoo, he supposes. Those things take forever.

     “ I guess I jus' worry about how things look… ”

     A small shrug given in response. That was normal for most people though, wasn't it? To worry over if something was actually going to look good?

     “ Uh – I mean he's seen me have literal breakdowns so… I mean – s'prob'ly fine… ”

     He didn't get the joke…

     Besides the point! 

     Once she had cleaned up the chair and Mason had moved, Eros would get onto it. Hands wringing together absently as he looked anywhere but directly into her eyes. It always felt weird to do that.

     Was there too much eye contact or not enough?

     Not like it really mattered.

     “ Okay – sat down. I uh – I've never really thought about facial piercin's jus' like I didn't think about gettin' many other tattoos, so… ”

[batlcver]

❝No.❞

Grimacing slightly as he answers. Absolutely not.

❝If I show up to The Devil and then he goes missing, eyes are on me. That's not what we want, I've already been through a ton of questioning and trailing before with the first one, I don't wanna do that again.❞

Not only was it annoying, it ruined a lot of his plans. Not even plans about sets, but just general life plans.

     He never gets her jokes does he? Her shoulders sag for a moment before he speaks again. Suppose they could. As if he hadn't been planning this sort of thing anyway. He really is something else, trying to keep her on the edge of her seat!

     “ Suppose..? ”

     Her cheeks puff into a pout for a moment.

     “ So we are! Okay. Well – where are we goin' t' do it, though? I'd assume where y'work, but ain't it weird t' go int' y'er place of business on y'er off day? ”

     Maybe that's just her, though. She doesn't like going to the places she's worked when she wasn't, well, working. 

[batlcver]

A different kind of bail out, well, in a way he supposed. Shrugging at the joke. Whatever made her happy, right? That's what mattered. And speaking of things that made her happy, there it was the question. His turn to "think", humming and hawing for a second before speaking up.

❝I suppose we could.❞

Pretending to agree as if that wasn't his plan for the night anyway.

❝I don't work tonight. Kind of the main reason why I'd like to do it tonight, I'm going to be busy during nights for the next week.❞

Another pain in the ass. He liked his work! He liked being a bartender, but it did cut into his time to do generally anything. Especially his time to do sets.

     “ Mm, guess that means he's gettin' a different kind of bail out. ”

     She lets out a little hum as she takes a step away now. Walking a quiet little circle around Mason. Waiting for him to give her more information and then she nods.

     “ Let him think he's gettin' lucky, but s'not gonna be anywhere close t' what actually happens. Nobody gets t' put their hands on me ‘cept m’baby. ”

     Eros stops in front of the other now. Her back to him as she brings a hand to her cheek. Tap, tap, tapping as she pretends to think. The smaller tilts her head back enough to see him, a grin spreading across those painted lips.

     “ And we get t' do it t'night~? ”

[batlcver]

That's what he had hoped would happen, setting his eyes on Eros with a growing soft smile as he watches some of the nervousness melt away. Hand trailing off the other's back as he sits down on the chair.

❝I think it'd be nice.❞

Nodding in agreement as she gathers her things, pushing the little metal tray over to the side. Getting her dots placed on Mason's bridge, ushering him to the mirror to get a look before being given the go-ahead.

"I think that'd look good with you, my only hang-up- right- is are you ready to cry in front of your boyfriend? Even if the pain isn't that bad, it kinda just happens."

Joking really, it wasn't that serious.

"On three, you know the routine, I don't know why I even tell you anymore."

Shaking her head before counting down, putting in the jewelry, and finishing up. Not skimping on her clean-up process just 'cause they were dating! She wasn't gonna be that piercer, unlike some people.

"Okay. Come sit down and let me take a look at you."

     Eros looks between the two of them for a moment before trying for a nervous smile.

     Alright, not the friendship he usually saw, but – well, it was kind of how Nat could be when they were both avoiding breaks.

     Made sense.

     “ Oh – well, if y'er sure. ”

     He took Mason's hand as they followed back into the room. His eyes lit up at how cute everything looked, though. It almost reminded him of his room. So comfortable and pink. 

     “ Huh? Oh – um – well… I told Mas that maybe I could get uh – somethin' on m'nose? I saw this really pretty girl once where she had a chain across it? I thought that looked so good on her so – maybe… y'know? ”

[batlcver]

❝It's a little different.❞

Trying to joke a little bit, maybe try to lighten the mood a tad. And if Eros didn't feel it, then he wouldn't try again. It wasn't something to test too much, or at least that's how he thought, if it wasn't the move- it wasn't the move.

❝They're more action based, they are fighting games. Not a lot of blood from what I remember, except the most recent one.❞

Shifting to better allow Eros to sit where he pleases, without blocking access to the popcorn or the tv.

❝I never really read books associated with games or stuff like that. Too busy.❞

Being a slow reader didn't help either.

     “ Mhm. S'also um – like books, too? So this s' closer t' th' books I guess. I didn't read those, though. ”

     He moves the bowl of popcorn and shifts to get into Mason's lap instead. If it's uncomfortable, he'll move again. For right now, though? He just wants to be held. His head against the other's chest as he gives a little nod in response.

     “ We c'n watch those. I don't mind when movies are fun bad. I like a lot of um – really dumb horror movies, so… s' not that different. ”

     Eros takes the controller when it's handed his way and then looks up at the screen as the movie starts. Not that he thinks he'll pause it unless his boyfriend has questions.

     “ Okay. ”

[batlcver]

mason absolutely quotes the whole "my daughter was my sister was my throw pillow when he wouldn't look at me kindly les.tat les.tat les.tat les.tat les.tat les.tat les.tat les.tat THE NAME!! the name unuttered in our home for 23 years said over and over again until it was pounding in my brain like a hammer" crashout a lot

[batlcver]

❝Exactly.❞

A waste of space, that was the perfect descriptor for Jason.

❝Ever since high school he was just that. Not that this is a petty high school thing, we weren't friends or in the same circles. I'm not a sports guy.❞

That much was obvious, even just at a first glance. Jason very much fit the dumb jock to pushy frat guy image, 'cause that's exactly the road he went down. It really was a charity case this time round, the world would be so much better off with one less pushy asshole in it.

❝Save his parents the debt they'd no doubt pay down the line when they have to bail his ass out of jail for fucking with the wrong woman.❞

     Eros cants her head to the side as he speaks. Not dolled up – well, boo. Suppose it was fine, though. her Mason must think she was gorgeous even without it! And if she got the attention of this guy, then she'd get even more of his attention! And really, that was what she wanted more than anything in the world.

     “ Well, alright. ”

     Mason knew best for this.

     This guy sounded like a real piece of work.

     The type of guy Eros had seen again and again. The smale types that had gotten a bit too close to the thorned little rose and paid the price for it. The type of people that made wonderful fertilizer for the garden when prepared properly! Not to mention that the things she kept in the garden made it even better. Kept people from even thinking of trying to look for more.

     “ Oh, ew! What a total waste of space and oxygen! I c'n't wait! ”

[batlcver]

"I'm not asking you to."

A tongue sticking out in response, before turning her attention to Eros again.

"You're not a bother! I really like helping people find their piercings, it's a journey, everyone needs a guide."

❝Everyone needs a guide.❞

Repeating with another look towards Eros. Theirs was always a back and forth friendship, today was no different apparently. Poking and prodding, poking and prodding.

"Anyways. Rude boy aside, what do you have in mind? Actually come walk with me, while I jam a needle through your boy's face."

Turning on her heel as she walks back to her room. A bright one with many "cutesy" decorations, kind of didn't feel like it fit Rose- with how she dressed, much akin to Mason's style- but in a way? It was perfectly her.

     “ Yeah, tha's true. i jus' feel bad if ‘m wastin’ time, I guess. ”

     Still, that hand on his back always feels nice. mason knows the best way to make him feel better. As if everything will be fine. No matter how wound up his anxieties can get, there's Mason, lasso'ing him and bringing him back down to earth. It's nice. Relaxing.

     Not to mention that the pointed out studs certainly have his attention. Softly giving a little ‘ooh’ as he looks over the jewelry that's on display. He's been saving with no real idea for what in mind. Might as well get something a bit nicer, right?

     His attention turns at the sound of a voice and he gives a nervous wave, resting his head against the other's bicep. A glance up this way and a roll of his eyes to signal ‘nooo, I totally can’t.'

     “ Um – hi, tha's me. Sorry if s'a bit bothersome or anythin', I jus' always have a hard time choosin' things. ”

[batlcver]

❝Oh, it's a game series.❞

Movies based on games usually didn't translate well, not that that meant it was gonna be a bad movie. He liked game based movies, Mortal Kombat was one of his favorite game series and he enjoyed the movies for them. Were they bad? Yeah, but they were fun. That reminded him actually-

❝I have to make you sit through Mortal Kombat at one point. They're not good, the most recent one was actually pretty good, but the older ones are... bad. They're fun bad, but they're bad.❞

Leaning back against his pillows as he talks, putting the bowl of popcorn between them. Reaching for the controller to hand to Eros.

❝I'll let you control the movie. You know more than me, I know when we get to those movies I'll be pausing a lot to talk about the lore and characters, stuff like that.❞

     Eros lets out a soft sigh when Mason leaves the room. His hands rub over his mouth and he lets out a shuddering breath. Trying to calm himself back down from the hgih he'd been feeling. Adrenaline mixed with fear. Whatever had motivated to run straight here after instead of back home. Alexi would be worried sick if he told him – try and talk about how he needed to take more precautions. Be safer. bring more things than he already did to keep himself safe.

     Not that he didn't adore his father, but it was clear he could get a bit worked up. Worried beyond compare for his only child.

     When the door shuts again, he jumps on near instinct. Still wound tight before he tries to laugh it off as if it hadn't happened. He feels pathetic, actually. Eyes quickly darting away as he looks back at the dvd case on the table.

     “ Um – s' based on a game series but they changed a bit t' make it work f'er a movie… ”

[batlcver]

That's a good question, thinking over it for a moment. On one hand it could be helpful, on the other it could draw more attention than he wanted- or other than who he wanted. Eros was already beautiful, was likely to draw attention as is, but more eyes... Clicking his tongue.

❝No, not dolled up.❞

Better to keep eyes to a minimum, no?

❝Jason is a simple guy anyway, makeup or not he'll be interested.❞

That was something he was willing to bet on, an observation made from years of acquaintanceship. Why was his view on Jason now? Well, glad you asked.

❝He comes into the bar often, bothers the ladies I work with, bothers other women that are just trying to have fun with their friends or wind down. He sees you and he'll come your way. Try to talk to you, talk you up, buy you a drink- and that's the part that annoys me the most. He tries to make his "guest" get drunk, pushes their boundaries, and most people on their own aren't gonna say no. Really in a way it's a justified killing.❞

     How could she not be excited?! Usually this was the sort of thing they both did alone and for far different reasons! But to get to be invited to help for once, oh it had her heart practically leaping out of her chest! She just needed to be a good help!

     “ I'll do m'best, I swear! ”

     Hands clap together a bit more before she takes a breath to allow herself to calm down. Not everyone, even her beloved, is like her, after all. Excited by the prospect of something like this.

     “ Okay! Dependin', mhm, mhm. ”

     Her head cants to the side as he speaks. Luring in the target. Crooked grin spreads across her features as she nods all too eagerly. He needs help with that part! Of course, she's quite the catch to help reel others in, isn't she? Plenty of people found her to be just the cutest.

     “ Should I get dolled up all pretty, then? I know ‘m already so nice t’ look at that people stare too much, but I could look even nicer. ”

[batlcver]

❝It's your body, if you can't think of anything, or don't want the nose done anymore, and don't like any of Rose's suggestions you don't have to get anything.❞

Offering a reassuring hand on the back as they head towards the front. Paperwork always came first, no matter how many times you had been there before! Saying a quick "hey" to Lydia before explaining he was back, again, for another piercing- a bridge. Scooting over his ID and grabbing his clipboard over as he's handed it. He signs and initials where it's needed, pointing out a few pink studs with his pen to Eros before he's done, eyebrows raising as if to ask "huh??".

As soon as he's done with the consent form the clipboard is slid back over and his ID is tucked back into his wallet. Looking over the jewelry for a second, as if he was going to get anything special, before Rose all but skips out of her room and down the hall.

"Maaasssonnnn." A sing-song tone to her voice as she greets the other, green eyes falling on Eros with a brand new light. "And company! Company that isn't your brother?"

❝I'm not telling Asher you like him.❞ Shaking his head with a look to Eros as to silently ask him "you hearing this?" ❝This is Eros, my partner. He has some thoughts, but he's not sure, so I figure while I get mine done, you two can talk?❞

     “ Might be a good idea. ”

     Eros stretches out as they get out, adjusting his hair before heading to the door with Mason. The bow gets him a soft snicker in response before he moves behind Mason more on instinct than anything. new places always take a minute for him to feel comfortable without being pressed against someone familiar.

     “ Uh – I dunno… I suddenly feel like ‘m gonna be real annoyin’ cuz I don't have any ideas. ”

     A nervous wave before he's looking back up at Mason. He'd gotten his ears done, sure – but it had been different! Alexi had come with and helped him work out the ideas and everything that he got stuck on. Now he just sounded like a kid who couldn't do a single thing alone…

      “ I guess – I c'n go second? ”

[batlcver]

❝Sure.❞

Nodding as he gets back up, heading out the doorway and down the stairs. As much as it frustrated and infuriated him to know the other had gone through it, he was doing his best to remain a calming figure. Not letting the events repeat in his mind, Eros was safe- Agape had made sure of that-, he was somewhere he felt comfortable, that's what mattered. Instead trying to focus on the task at hand, shuffling through the pantry for the box of popcorn, unwrapping the plastic and tossing it into the bin. He stands there in front of the fridge for a solid minute as the bag cooked away in the microwave, thinking, thinking before finally getting a bottle of soda and the glass of water.

It takes a minute of shuffling and adjusting before he's able to comfortably carry the bowl and drinks up the stairs, shutting the door with his foot as he passes through. Setting down the water on the other nightstand, pausing for a second as he does, trying to not spill anything. A quick sigh of relief before moving to the other side of the bed.

❝Uh, so what is this movie about? I think Asher went to see it with his friends, but I was too busy to tag along.❞

     He'd never had something like that happen, really. Granted, it was the first time he'd had to run errands somewhere that wasn't school or in the areas he normally frequented, but – he'd lived here his entire life. Why was it just now that something happened? What would've happened if he hadn't had Agape with him? He struggled at the thought, shaking their head to try and clear it away. What mattered was that she'd kept him safe and she'd done her tasks to help calm him back down after the fact. She really was such a good dog, always alert and aware. Perhaps because Shiba Inu had been hunting dogs? A thought for another time, though.

     They lean against Mason for just a moment when he puts his hand on their back. At least now she'd also calmed down and had gone over to lie by Nocturne's little bed. Things were – they were fine now. They were somewhere safe with someone who loved them.

     “ I was so scared… I – um – I didn't even do what I needed t' I jus' – I came here… I didn't wanna worry Daddy while he was at work – th-that makes it sound like I did wanna worry you I jus' meant – y'know… ”

     Eros sat with a soft sigh, brushing their hair away from their face before they began getting their shoes off. Easier to tuck their feet beneath them and try to relax for whatever amount they could now that they were in a better place.

     “ Um – maybe popcorn? And – and a drink if tha's okay? Jus' – water maybe since 'm already worked up a bit. ”

@batlcver || c.

[batlcver]

❝Oh dude, don't even worry about it.❞

Waving it off with a "psshhh". Probably wasn't even his most interesting tattoo he could show, but it was kind of the only one with a little fun fact about him attached to it...

❝You know, now that I think about it? I don't really have any meaningful tattoos.❞

Not that it mattered, tattoos didn't need to have meaning or stories behind them. Kind of made it hard to talk about them without it though... Hm.

❝Well, anyway, you got anything?❞

RYAN'S HEAD TILTED. He tried to cock his head in a way to see it clearly. Blinking, he didn't see the design well enough. It just looked like lines intersecting to him. Honestly, he did not have an artistic bone in his body. Art looked confusing to him. Half the time, he didn't know what he was staring at. "Um. Yeah. I see it. Sorta."

[batlcver]

He expected a bit of excitement, but seeing it was different. So giddy like a child getting told they're going to the amusement park, it was cute, a chuckle escaping him as he listened. Turning to finally face her now that he's been released, who could say no to that face?

❝Well, maybe.❞

What? It wasn't a no. Thinking it over for a moment, it did sound fun, that's why he was inviting her this time. It just had to be a trial first time.

❝Depending on how this goes, we can see about going out more together.❞

No doubt in his mind that Eros would do just fine, be helpful, be mindful. But it was the smart thing to try it out first, to watch and observe, to oversee so things didn't get all messy and lead back to the both of them.

❝See I already have it all in mind, the hard part- luring him in. He's not very inclined to speak to me. I'm not a pretty little thing, there's no appeal, no reason, so I need help.❞

     She saw the way people looked at him sometimes. The people who's eyes caught sight of him. None of them lasted much longer than that. No whispers of his attractiveness or what chance they could stand got past her ears. No, he was meant only for Eros… that meant any possible competition was dealt with swiftly. Even if Mason didn't think there was ever a chance of that. While nobody else could catch his interest but her, she was well aware other people liked looking at him.

     There's a clear excitement that flashes in dark eyes at his question. Or – rather, it's a command, isn't it? Not a ‘will you’ but a ‘say that you will.' As if she would ever so no to him in the first place. But further more – he was inviting her! He wanted to have her there and helping him with it! Oh, how exciting that was. Hands come to clap together and she's bouncing on her heels.

     “ I get t' help? Oh, Mas, I'd love t'! I'll be th' best help ya've ever had! I'll be so good! We c'n do it together more often even! ”

[batlcver]

❝Could, but I never think about it.❞

If that wasn't evident enough by the fact that it hadn't been put up when they first got in. He never used one in the old car, it was gonna be hot regardless so there was little reason, but that wasn't the case anymore. Not now when he had an actual good car that was in working order.

❝I'll think about it, look at some while you and Rose talk.❞

Hopping out once he had the shade in place, might've been backwards... oh well. Too late to go back and fix it he was already out of the car and heading up to the door. Holding it open for Eros with a little bow, following in right after. Waving to the front of house just to get a teasing eye roll in response.

❝You wanna go first since you're gonna be a minute? Or do you want me to go first so you have a little bit more time to think?❞

  Or he just needed to get one you folded up instead of one that you had to force into a shape and pray that it stays that way. But who would think of that?

     “ Oh – maybe not then, yeah. ”

     It certainly sounded nice. Most of his actual jewelry was in rose or yellow gold, after all. Or – plated in it at the very least. His father knew how his son liked to match, so usually any gifts were of the same style that he was aware the other liked.

     Not liek he knew a lot about the differences when it came to facial piercings. He didn't have any.

     “ Y'have way more knowledge and experience. I'll um – I'll ask about her thoughts and suggestions when we get there. ”

     He let out a gentle breath as they drove. Gave him plenty of time to think over his options and what might be for the best. Maybe something pink for the topper while they waited for it to heal? Would that clash too much with how bright pink his hair was right now?

     Well, he had time. Though, he's trying to avoid the sun shade as soon as they're parked and Mason is getting it out. Soft laughter escaping as he swipes at the fur trying to fly past them.

     “ Y'could always get a different one, baby. ”

[batlcver]

Mason's first victim and first kill wasn't a very smart one, he knows this and he knew it right after it happened too. He wasn't thinking right, of course not, you never are 'cause murder isn't exactly logical, but especially not that night. He was already in a bad mood that day, but hearing from Asher about the guy that constantly harasses him and gives him shit over nothing really made something snap.

It wasn't a clean kill, it wasn't painless- the guy deserved to hurt after all-, but he still found a way to keep it together and clean up most of it once he came back around. When the veil of red had been lifted. 'Course that doesn't stop the line of questioning, and who else would they question first other than him and Asher? It took a few weeks before they finally moved on and stopped bothering him and his brother, he's not really sure what happened to the case after that, but it didn't matter he was in the clear. It did however start a new obsession in his brain, something he couldn't stop looking back on, the perfect display, the perfect model.