Nina starts a tattoo for Neeva
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Rook — 05/01/2021
She was bored, which only meant good things for her (usually) and less so for others (not so much a possibility, but a fact). There were things she needed to get and she wasn't going to do so there, even if she likely could.
The drab bat-eared hat was the constant of her usually strange ensemble, but she kept her outfit casual that morning out of laziness. Something thrown on, just so she could leave and wander. The main decision now was where to go. Purple had its merits (read: entertainment), but instead, she wheeled her way into orange. There she could atleast go about generally unbothered. Maybe it'd be a job today.
Whenever she found people, likely by one of the markets, Nee immediately made her presence known. "Hello. Are there deals today? I have so much money, please tell me what there is to buy." As ever, her request came with an invasion of personal space by way of hovering too close and putting her hand on someone's arm. Ever anticipated, most people moved away.
Nina — 05/01/2021
Nina texted Marc just a moment ago as she braved the market streets, looking for something delicious to buy. None of that crap-o-noodles though, that was simply out of the question--
'Please tell me what there is to buy.'
It was like music to Nina's ears. She pulled herself from the colorful stall of plastic-wrapped macaroons, and rolled up next to Nee on her skateboard, an obvious 'Dito with a full body of sick tats. "Shoo, ya goddamn vultures," she snarled at the other prospective sellers, completely unafraid of them. "What this girl needs is some body art. An empty canvas ripe for drawing on!"
Nina smiled affably, then dug into her pockets, fishing out lined paper with her information: just her name, her place of business, the directions, and her number. "You wanna Get Inked? Stop by my side of town, near the Research District. Be there or... heh... be square. Geddit? Be Square? Actually don't be Square, though," she snorted, leaning in to whisper. "And watch yourself, the rest of these guys are fucking piranhas. They won't leave you alone since you practically advertised you've got money."
Rook — 05/01/2021
It didn't take long for people to take interest, but in rolled Nina and Neeva looked to her with a tired expression. Perhaps it was just a perpetual expression, because her body language was welcoming. "Hello. Yes, those would be good." Nina certainly had plenty to show off. "They are fine. Eventually they will get tired of me."
She wanted deals, not a lot thrown at her.
However, she noticed the macarons and split off mid-conversation while still talking to the fellow Bandito. "Oh." She noticed the card and came wheeling back. "I will go." The card was tucked away into a pocket. "Do you have...limitations?"
Nina — 05/02/2021
Nina was a bit taken aback by Nee’s deadpan expression. It was like the life was sapped right out of the girl, despite the rather open body language. It reminded Nina of her dead and monotone History teacher back in the day.
“Umm... okay...” She watched the girl split off for the macaroons. “Uhh... those look good, don’t they?” It was obvious Nee was still talking to her despite walking off. What weird behavior, just what kind of hole did Nee pop out of? “Yeah? Cool. You can just look at stuff I got. Books, magazines, all that... stuff.” Nina paid for some macaroons but sleight-of-handed some extra ones into her pocket while the seller wasn’t looking. Nina was a ‘Dito through and through. “Limitations? What do ya mean by that? I can do Disney characters, if that’s what you mean. I mean fuck’s sake, I have Spider-Man on my thigh.” She shrugged, not giving a single shit about copyrights.
Neeva — 05/02/2021
"Yes." Nee agreed with a nod and she turned to Nina, though it was also obvious she was paying attention to the seller. When he turned away to do something, she applied a five finger discount to a handful of them and into the pouch of her hoodie they'd go. "I would like to see your things if you'd let me." Taking it as an open invitation, she'd slip a hand into Nina's bag to take one of those mentioned books. "Are there any mysteries? Crime? I like reading about detectives. They are very analytical. Like me."
Not entirely.
When Nina asked about her own question and didn't take the book, Nee opened it up though kept her tired stare on her. "I meant, what do you not like to draw? What do you think you cannot draw? Some people do not like machines, or many intricate parts. I do not want a Disney Character." She'd look to her tattoos again, especially the mentioned Spider-Man, just to see which one she'd chosen.
"You do your own." It was a comment, spoken with intrigue in her tone. "I want....something bright and colorful." Because she wasn't.
Nina — 05/02/2021
Nina noticed that, but didn’t say anything about it. She wasn’t a snitch until she had to be.
“Bright and colorful, eh? Cool. I’ll let my books do the talking. It’ll show you what I can do, yeah? Sound fair to you?”
Neeva — 05/02/2021
Being a snitch would likely be bad for business! Thankfully, there was some mutual understand there and she'd have free snacks for later. "Yes, I would like that. Do you have time now? I will spend my money on the tattoo today."
Her kitten had food, so she was happy to go. As she waited for Nina's decision, she'd start reading the book she'd successfully taken from her bag.
Nina — 05/03/2021
“Um, sure, yeah, let’s go. You... don’t have to tell me you’re spending money. You’ll get mugged if you do. Um... put the book away.”
Nina pushed off the road and rolled slowly so that she could lead Nee to... heheh... Get Inked.
Rook — 05/03/2021
"No." Neeva was confident about that, perhaps too much. She'd slip the book back into Nina's bag and she wheeled along the way behind her, though there were moments when she sped up only to circle back. Once they were a good distance from the market, she'd open one of the bags of macarons and started eating.
"My name is Neeva," She said between munches.
Nina — 05/07/2021
“Your funeral.” Nina led the way, hands stuffed into her hoodie pockets and feeling the treats in them. Luckily, they hadn’t crossed anyone that would be likely to mug Neeva.
Nina rolled across the empty parking lot leading up to the large warehouse-turned-shop. “Not much,” she shrugged, skidding to a halt at the door as she fished out her keys to unlock it. The window to the left of the door looked as though someone smashed through.
Once opened, Nina would be greeted with a strange sight: the concrete floor had a nasty crack that led up to the window, which explained a little as to why it was broken. “Sorry about the mess. Had a bit of a disagreement with some ‘Ditos. You’d think we’re all on the same side, but nooo. Anarchy. Psh. Whatever.”
Luckily there was no more broken glass. Neeva was safe to roam. Soon, Nina would press some sketchbooks on Neeva. These contained some beautiful colored imagery of her own making.
Neeva — 05/07/2021
Since Nina didn't give her name in return or acknowledged hers, Neeva didn't proceed further with any other attempt to be chatty. It suited her well enough, really. She looked to the window and moved over, eyebrows raised. "I am surprised this is not boarded up." She said, with a tone that didn't sound surprised. Was she really?
In she went afterwards and she'd glance around the room, only to focus on that cracked floor. "It is unfortunate, but atleast the building is still intact." Nina could still work until it was fixed. And roam she did! Though, she'd remove her skates after she sat down. "Thank you." She flipped through the book curiously, but pointed to a picture of a dragon. "I want this, but small. My arm, maybe.."
Nina — 05/09/2021
"Nina." No surname, no nothing. Just one simple name given to Neeva. "It's on the card I gave you, too."
---
"It's not boarded up because it's occupied." She pointed at the sign by the front door. The dragon Neeva pointed at gave Nina a look of surprise. "Oh, yeah? That one? I can make it a bit more unique so that you have a one-of-a-kind dragon on your arm, but a similar style to that. Umm... I gotta get some stuff ready, so uh, have a seat while you wait. You're my only customer today so we can actually take our time with this, but we won't do color today, okay? I expect payment at the end of the sketch. If you're cool with it, we can do half now, half later when I do colors, yeah? Reason we don't wanna do colors immediately after the sketch is because we wanna give your arm some time to heal."
Nina gave Neeva more books to occupy herself with and gestured to a plush couch. It was threadbare and kind of worn, but unmistakably clean, and smelled nice. A radio was flipped on with some dope, thumpin' beats while the artist gathered her supplies. Despite the shabby-looking warehouse with the fucked up floor and window, Nina kept her tattoo corner clean and immaculate. Sanitation was clearly very important to her.
"Almost ready. You nervous?" Nina asked the other girl.
Neeva — 05/09/2021
"Okay." A simple response!
----
She would offer the book back as she confirmed, and nodded to the suggestion, but soon shrugged off her hoodie. Once she straightened the shirt underneath, the Dito flopped her hoodie onto the seat. "I would like that, yes. Thank you." To the seat she'd go, but she sought out more things to read through as she waited. "I can pay half now." And she'd dig out her wallet in the meantime.
As she had mentioned in the market, Nee did have a decent amount of money on her. "I am a little." But only a little, so she could push that down incase she found herself overwhelmed. "How long have you been doing this?" Conversation would help.
Nina — 05/14/2021
Nina side-eyed her customer once the hoodie fell off. Pretty girl, she thought. All that white-blonde hair and blue eyes made Nina think of angels. What was a girl like Neeva doing with the Banditos?
"Cool, cool. Um... one hundred now, one hundred later." A cheap ass tattoo compared to some businesses rolling in the thousands. In Nina's experience, not a lot of people were willing to drop that much money for good, quality art. "Still getting a feel for prices 'round here." Nina applied a face mask and gloves from a little box. "You know what, I'll knock off fifty. You can just leave it on the counter. I'm ready for you, by the way." Nina pat the chair amidst the station all set up and ready to go. "I've been doing this for five years. The name's changed a lot, though."
Neeva — 05/14/2021
Her hair was fixed up, just after Nina returned and mentioned the price. "Of course, that is fine." Out came her wallet and she'd dig through her money, but then another price was given. "Oh, okay." That was great, too, and so the creds were set atop the counter.
Over to the chair she'd go after her wallet was tucked away and Neeva settled, waiting for the other Bandito to direct her arms in the proper spot. "Does it make you a lot of money? I have wondered what it would be like to have my own business."
Nina — 05/14/2021
"Yeah, I make alright money, it's just trying to get attention now that's the real trick." Nina gestured to where Neeva should rest her arm. "You might feel an odd sensation, like you're being pricked. Some folks describe it like getting stung by a bee. Just remain calm, you'll get used to it here in a bit." Nina's mask puffed and moved as she spoke, holding up the pen, attached to wires. She sat on a rolling chair and rolled up to the girl.
"Your own business, eh? Cool, cool. What is it you like to do, anyway?" Nina used a calm, soothing voice as she held Neeva's arm with one hand. Not gripping, just a gentle hold as she put the needle to Neeva's skin. "Here we go. This is gonna look awesome."
Neeva — 05/14/2021
"I understand." Little stings she could handle. Aside from a flinch, Nee was sure she wouldn't move. "Stay calm, yes, I can do that." That was daily life! She relaxed against the chair and stared forward as Nina prepared. As she felt, she did flinch when the needle was pressed in, but she didn't pull away.
"I like to make hats...but I can make other patterns. I made my hat." Neeva spoke through her teeth for a moment, but now, she focused on keeping herself apathetic. Thankfully, the needle work didn't encourage increased emotions.
Nina — 05/17/2021
Nina knew it was ridiculous to ask the ever-persisting calm that was Neeva to... well, stay calm. But in her experience, even the calmest people were like a ticking time bomb, liable to explode at any moment.
The sketching process has begun. Soon a dragon had begun to form, life breathed into the dynamic coil of its body around Neeva's arm and the sweet expression upon its face. It resembled the dragon in Nina's sketchbook, but Neeva had a one-of-a-kind beauty. "Whatchya think so far?" Nina would ask.
"Hats, huh? I like your hat. I want one. If you ever get your business booming, let me know and I'll happily display your business cards." Nina fell quiet a moment, thinking. "You know, this warehouse is pretty fucking huge. It's pretty much free real estate 'round here. Make enough hats to sell, you can open up a business right next to mine."
Neeva — 05/17/2021
Regardless, it was more difficult than she was letting on. While pain usually didn't open a lot of concerning emotions, it still unsettled her and she had to focus on what Nina was saying. Once the dragon was drawn out, she exhaled slowly and moved her arm to look at it. "It is very nice. I am very excited to see it in color!" At the comment, that minor slip of dread followed - emitted from her and not just in her.
"I think, if I do it, it will be by commission so I am not having to fill a quota. It is easier on me." And she didn't have to dedicate all of her time to hats. "Maybe I will make cards, anyway. I can make you a hat. Do you have a preference? You can also send me a pattern you find, I am able to buy fabric easily."
Nina — 05/20/2021
Nina felt it, and tentatively drew her hand up, eyes on Neeva. There was a drawn out silence as Nina assessed the girl, hand suspending the tattoo pen over Neeva’s arm. There was no mistaking that feeling.
“Emotion Vibe?” she asked casually, returning her hand on the girl’s arm. A non-threatening gesture, slow and comforting. “Almost done. Glad you like it so far. Just need to refine some of these lines. We’ll let your skin heal, and you can come back later for some coloring.”
Nina listened as she worked. “If you have someone you can trust, wouldn’t hurt to hire some employees. Thinking about doing that myself, you know? The more tat artists, the merrier.” Not really, Nina hated people, but it was ideal from a business standpoint.
Nina laughed. “You want to make me a hat? I’m flattered. If you so that, then keep the other half of the creds and consider that payment, sound fair? I like pandas,” she said, a little embarrassed to admit. “They’re my favorite animal. They’re so cute! Got a panda... somewhere on me...” A tinge of red blossomed over her nose.
Nina wondered how it was that Neeva happened to come by all her creds. Nina thought to ask, but wondered if it was a good idea.
Neeva — 05/20/2021
"Yes, sorry. I try to keep it controlled." Sometimes she slipped, as was the case here, but the offer of comfort was appreciated. She nodded as Nina described her work, while she eyed the lines. "How long is the healing process?"
She'd have to ensure she wouldn't bump her arm during that. "Hmm, I do not know many people for that." Which was fine, because hiring people and working out things like a manager sounded stressful. She'd rather avoid that whole mess.
"Oh, yes, I can make a panda for you." When Nina blushed, Nee half-closed her eyes. "I will not ask." A small tease, but she returned her stare to the tattoo. "It will be fine, I like monochrome designs."
Nina — 06/03/2021
Nina tried to smile, but it might look like she was squinting while her mask hid her features. “Seriously, don’t worry about it. Um... mmmmaybe two to three weeks. If you can find like... I dunno... someone with healing vibes, then honestly... probably in a day, heh. But you gotta be careful; in my experience the whole healing fast approach has a chance of warping your tattoo, so you gotta be careful and just... use your discretion. Maybe let it heal naturally. Up to you, though.”
Nina laughed again. “It’s just embarrassing, that’s all. I was drunk when I got it, thought I was being clever. Oh, another advice, but neeeeever get a tattoo if you’re high or drunk. Worst idea ever. Alright... just about finished. How you feelin’?”
Neeva — 06/04/2021
"No, I think I will let it heal normally. I do not want to risk ruining your work by doing that." The squint was dismissed, because there wasn't much she could do about that, she wagered. "I can handle taking it easy for three weeks or so, I've got a lot to keep me entertained." She even made a plan on what she would do.
"Oh, yes, I will never do that." Neeva said with an amused huff, but she refocused on the tattoo and looked over her arm. "I am feeling alright, still pretty sore. I am eager to see it after you're finished." Very much so, despite her relaxed tone. Still, her fingers clung tightly to the arm of the chair.
Nina — 06/12/2021
Nina laughed again. She had not done that in a while, no less with a stranger. “I’m glad to finally meet someone who listens and learns from other peoples’ mistakes, instead of their own, that’s good n’ healthy.”
Ten minutes later, Nina stopped, and leaned back to admire her own work. The dragon was styled cute, curled around Neeva’s arm. “Damn, girl, people are gonna look at this with ENVY. Just be sure to let ‘em know where ya got this, yeah? Heh. Anyway, it was a real pleasure to work on this with you.” Now Nina was wrapping a plasticy material around Neeva’s arm. “This will help with the healing, don’t take it off for a while. I’ll write you instructions for proper care and all that shit. Anyway, when you’re ready, I’ll meet you at the desk.”/collapse]
She was bored, which only meant good things for her (usually) and less so for others (not so much a possibility, but a fact). There were things she needed to get and she wasn't going to do so there, even if she likely could.
The drab bat-eared hat was the constant of her usually strange ensemble, but she kept her outfit casual that morning out of laziness. Something thrown on, just so she could leave and wander. The main decision now was where to go. Purple had its merits (read: entertainment), but instead, she wheeled her way into orange. There she could atleast go about generally unbothered. Maybe it'd be a job today.
Whenever she found people, likely by one of the markets, Nee immediately made her presence known. "Hello. Are there deals today? I have so much money, please tell me what there is to buy." As ever, her request came with an invasion of personal space by way of hovering too close and putting her hand on someone's arm. Ever anticipated, most people moved away.
Nina — 05/01/2021
Nina texted Marc just a moment ago as she braved the market streets, looking for something delicious to buy. None of that crap-o-noodles though, that was simply out of the question--
'Please tell me what there is to buy.'
It was like music to Nina's ears. She pulled herself from the colorful stall of plastic-wrapped macaroons, and rolled up next to Nee on her skateboard, an obvious 'Dito with a full body of sick tats. "Shoo, ya goddamn vultures," she snarled at the other prospective sellers, completely unafraid of them. "What this girl needs is some body art. An empty canvas ripe for drawing on!"
Nina smiled affably, then dug into her pockets, fishing out lined paper with her information: just her name, her place of business, the directions, and her number. "You wanna Get Inked? Stop by my side of town, near the Research District. Be there or... heh... be square. Geddit? Be Square? Actually don't be Square, though," she snorted, leaning in to whisper. "And watch yourself, the rest of these guys are fucking piranhas. They won't leave you alone since you practically advertised you've got money."
Rook — 05/01/2021
It didn't take long for people to take interest, but in rolled Nina and Neeva looked to her with a tired expression. Perhaps it was just a perpetual expression, because her body language was welcoming. "Hello. Yes, those would be good." Nina certainly had plenty to show off. "They are fine. Eventually they will get tired of me."
She wanted deals, not a lot thrown at her.
However, she noticed the macarons and split off mid-conversation while still talking to the fellow Bandito. "Oh." She noticed the card and came wheeling back. "I will go." The card was tucked away into a pocket. "Do you have...limitations?"
Nina — 05/02/2021
Nina was a bit taken aback by Nee’s deadpan expression. It was like the life was sapped right out of the girl, despite the rather open body language. It reminded Nina of her dead and monotone History teacher back in the day.
“Umm... okay...” She watched the girl split off for the macaroons. “Uhh... those look good, don’t they?” It was obvious Nee was still talking to her despite walking off. What weird behavior, just what kind of hole did Nee pop out of? “Yeah? Cool. You can just look at stuff I got. Books, magazines, all that... stuff.” Nina paid for some macaroons but sleight-of-handed some extra ones into her pocket while the seller wasn’t looking. Nina was a ‘Dito through and through. “Limitations? What do ya mean by that? I can do Disney characters, if that’s what you mean. I mean fuck’s sake, I have Spider-Man on my thigh.” She shrugged, not giving a single shit about copyrights.
Neeva — 05/02/2021
"Yes." Nee agreed with a nod and she turned to Nina, though it was also obvious she was paying attention to the seller. When he turned away to do something, she applied a five finger discount to a handful of them and into the pouch of her hoodie they'd go. "I would like to see your things if you'd let me." Taking it as an open invitation, she'd slip a hand into Nina's bag to take one of those mentioned books. "Are there any mysteries? Crime? I like reading about detectives. They are very analytical. Like me."
Not entirely.
When Nina asked about her own question and didn't take the book, Nee opened it up though kept her tired stare on her. "I meant, what do you not like to draw? What do you think you cannot draw? Some people do not like machines, or many intricate parts. I do not want a Disney Character." She'd look to her tattoos again, especially the mentioned Spider-Man, just to see which one she'd chosen.
"You do your own." It was a comment, spoken with intrigue in her tone. "I want....something bright and colorful." Because she wasn't.
Nina — 05/02/2021
Nina noticed that, but didn’t say anything about it. She wasn’t a snitch until she had to be.
“Bright and colorful, eh? Cool. I’ll let my books do the talking. It’ll show you what I can do, yeah? Sound fair to you?”
Neeva — 05/02/2021
Being a snitch would likely be bad for business! Thankfully, there was some mutual understand there and she'd have free snacks for later. "Yes, I would like that. Do you have time now? I will spend my money on the tattoo today."
Her kitten had food, so she was happy to go. As she waited for Nina's decision, she'd start reading the book she'd successfully taken from her bag.
Nina — 05/03/2021
“Um, sure, yeah, let’s go. You... don’t have to tell me you’re spending money. You’ll get mugged if you do. Um... put the book away.”
Nina pushed off the road and rolled slowly so that she could lead Nee to... heheh... Get Inked.
Rook — 05/03/2021
"No." Neeva was confident about that, perhaps too much. She'd slip the book back into Nina's bag and she wheeled along the way behind her, though there were moments when she sped up only to circle back. Once they were a good distance from the market, she'd open one of the bags of macarons and started eating.
"My name is Neeva," She said between munches.
Nina — 05/07/2021
“Your funeral.” Nina led the way, hands stuffed into her hoodie pockets and feeling the treats in them. Luckily, they hadn’t crossed anyone that would be likely to mug Neeva.
Nina rolled across the empty parking lot leading up to the large warehouse-turned-shop. “Not much,” she shrugged, skidding to a halt at the door as she fished out her keys to unlock it. The window to the left of the door looked as though someone smashed through.
Once opened, Nina would be greeted with a strange sight: the concrete floor had a nasty crack that led up to the window, which explained a little as to why it was broken. “Sorry about the mess. Had a bit of a disagreement with some ‘Ditos. You’d think we’re all on the same side, but nooo. Anarchy. Psh. Whatever.”
Luckily there was no more broken glass. Neeva was safe to roam. Soon, Nina would press some sketchbooks on Neeva. These contained some beautiful colored imagery of her own making.
Neeva — 05/07/2021
Since Nina didn't give her name in return or acknowledged hers, Neeva didn't proceed further with any other attempt to be chatty. It suited her well enough, really. She looked to the window and moved over, eyebrows raised. "I am surprised this is not boarded up." She said, with a tone that didn't sound surprised. Was she really?
In she went afterwards and she'd glance around the room, only to focus on that cracked floor. "It is unfortunate, but atleast the building is still intact." Nina could still work until it was fixed. And roam she did! Though, she'd remove her skates after she sat down. "Thank you." She flipped through the book curiously, but pointed to a picture of a dragon. "I want this, but small. My arm, maybe.."
Nina — 05/09/2021
"Nina." No surname, no nothing. Just one simple name given to Neeva. "It's on the card I gave you, too."
---
"It's not boarded up because it's occupied." She pointed at the sign by the front door. The dragon Neeva pointed at gave Nina a look of surprise. "Oh, yeah? That one? I can make it a bit more unique so that you have a one-of-a-kind dragon on your arm, but a similar style to that. Umm... I gotta get some stuff ready, so uh, have a seat while you wait. You're my only customer today so we can actually take our time with this, but we won't do color today, okay? I expect payment at the end of the sketch. If you're cool with it, we can do half now, half later when I do colors, yeah? Reason we don't wanna do colors immediately after the sketch is because we wanna give your arm some time to heal."
Nina gave Neeva more books to occupy herself with and gestured to a plush couch. It was threadbare and kind of worn, but unmistakably clean, and smelled nice. A radio was flipped on with some dope, thumpin' beats while the artist gathered her supplies. Despite the shabby-looking warehouse with the fucked up floor and window, Nina kept her tattoo corner clean and immaculate. Sanitation was clearly very important to her.
"Almost ready. You nervous?" Nina asked the other girl.
Neeva — 05/09/2021
"Okay." A simple response!
----
She would offer the book back as she confirmed, and nodded to the suggestion, but soon shrugged off her hoodie. Once she straightened the shirt underneath, the Dito flopped her hoodie onto the seat. "I would like that, yes. Thank you." To the seat she'd go, but she sought out more things to read through as she waited. "I can pay half now." And she'd dig out her wallet in the meantime.
As she had mentioned in the market, Nee did have a decent amount of money on her. "I am a little." But only a little, so she could push that down incase she found herself overwhelmed. "How long have you been doing this?" Conversation would help.
Nina — 05/14/2021
Nina side-eyed her customer once the hoodie fell off. Pretty girl, she thought. All that white-blonde hair and blue eyes made Nina think of angels. What was a girl like Neeva doing with the Banditos?
"Cool, cool. Um... one hundred now, one hundred later." A cheap ass tattoo compared to some businesses rolling in the thousands. In Nina's experience, not a lot of people were willing to drop that much money for good, quality art. "Still getting a feel for prices 'round here." Nina applied a face mask and gloves from a little box. "You know what, I'll knock off fifty. You can just leave it on the counter. I'm ready for you, by the way." Nina pat the chair amidst the station all set up and ready to go. "I've been doing this for five years. The name's changed a lot, though."
Neeva — 05/14/2021
Her hair was fixed up, just after Nina returned and mentioned the price. "Of course, that is fine." Out came her wallet and she'd dig through her money, but then another price was given. "Oh, okay." That was great, too, and so the creds were set atop the counter.
Over to the chair she'd go after her wallet was tucked away and Neeva settled, waiting for the other Bandito to direct her arms in the proper spot. "Does it make you a lot of money? I have wondered what it would be like to have my own business."
Nina — 05/14/2021
"Yeah, I make alright money, it's just trying to get attention now that's the real trick." Nina gestured to where Neeva should rest her arm. "You might feel an odd sensation, like you're being pricked. Some folks describe it like getting stung by a bee. Just remain calm, you'll get used to it here in a bit." Nina's mask puffed and moved as she spoke, holding up the pen, attached to wires. She sat on a rolling chair and rolled up to the girl.
"Your own business, eh? Cool, cool. What is it you like to do, anyway?" Nina used a calm, soothing voice as she held Neeva's arm with one hand. Not gripping, just a gentle hold as she put the needle to Neeva's skin. "Here we go. This is gonna look awesome."
Neeva — 05/14/2021
"I understand." Little stings she could handle. Aside from a flinch, Nee was sure she wouldn't move. "Stay calm, yes, I can do that." That was daily life! She relaxed against the chair and stared forward as Nina prepared. As she felt, she did flinch when the needle was pressed in, but she didn't pull away.
"I like to make hats...but I can make other patterns. I made my hat." Neeva spoke through her teeth for a moment, but now, she focused on keeping herself apathetic. Thankfully, the needle work didn't encourage increased emotions.
Nina — 05/17/2021
Nina knew it was ridiculous to ask the ever-persisting calm that was Neeva to... well, stay calm. But in her experience, even the calmest people were like a ticking time bomb, liable to explode at any moment.
The sketching process has begun. Soon a dragon had begun to form, life breathed into the dynamic coil of its body around Neeva's arm and the sweet expression upon its face. It resembled the dragon in Nina's sketchbook, but Neeva had a one-of-a-kind beauty. "Whatchya think so far?" Nina would ask.
"Hats, huh? I like your hat. I want one. If you ever get your business booming, let me know and I'll happily display your business cards." Nina fell quiet a moment, thinking. "You know, this warehouse is pretty fucking huge. It's pretty much free real estate 'round here. Make enough hats to sell, you can open up a business right next to mine."
Neeva — 05/17/2021
Regardless, it was more difficult than she was letting on. While pain usually didn't open a lot of concerning emotions, it still unsettled her and she had to focus on what Nina was saying. Once the dragon was drawn out, she exhaled slowly and moved her arm to look at it. "It is very nice. I am very excited to see it in color!" At the comment, that minor slip of dread followed - emitted from her and not just in her.
"I think, if I do it, it will be by commission so I am not having to fill a quota. It is easier on me." And she didn't have to dedicate all of her time to hats. "Maybe I will make cards, anyway. I can make you a hat. Do you have a preference? You can also send me a pattern you find, I am able to buy fabric easily."
Nina — 05/20/2021
Nina felt it, and tentatively drew her hand up, eyes on Neeva. There was a drawn out silence as Nina assessed the girl, hand suspending the tattoo pen over Neeva’s arm. There was no mistaking that feeling.
“Emotion Vibe?” she asked casually, returning her hand on the girl’s arm. A non-threatening gesture, slow and comforting. “Almost done. Glad you like it so far. Just need to refine some of these lines. We’ll let your skin heal, and you can come back later for some coloring.”
Nina listened as she worked. “If you have someone you can trust, wouldn’t hurt to hire some employees. Thinking about doing that myself, you know? The more tat artists, the merrier.” Not really, Nina hated people, but it was ideal from a business standpoint.
Nina laughed. “You want to make me a hat? I’m flattered. If you so that, then keep the other half of the creds and consider that payment, sound fair? I like pandas,” she said, a little embarrassed to admit. “They’re my favorite animal. They’re so cute! Got a panda... somewhere on me...” A tinge of red blossomed over her nose.
Nina wondered how it was that Neeva happened to come by all her creds. Nina thought to ask, but wondered if it was a good idea.
Neeva — 05/20/2021
"Yes, sorry. I try to keep it controlled." Sometimes she slipped, as was the case here, but the offer of comfort was appreciated. She nodded as Nina described her work, while she eyed the lines. "How long is the healing process?"
She'd have to ensure she wouldn't bump her arm during that. "Hmm, I do not know many people for that." Which was fine, because hiring people and working out things like a manager sounded stressful. She'd rather avoid that whole mess.
"Oh, yes, I can make a panda for you." When Nina blushed, Nee half-closed her eyes. "I will not ask." A small tease, but she returned her stare to the tattoo. "It will be fine, I like monochrome designs."
Nina — 06/03/2021
Nina tried to smile, but it might look like she was squinting while her mask hid her features. “Seriously, don’t worry about it. Um... mmmmaybe two to three weeks. If you can find like... I dunno... someone with healing vibes, then honestly... probably in a day, heh. But you gotta be careful; in my experience the whole healing fast approach has a chance of warping your tattoo, so you gotta be careful and just... use your discretion. Maybe let it heal naturally. Up to you, though.”
Nina laughed again. “It’s just embarrassing, that’s all. I was drunk when I got it, thought I was being clever. Oh, another advice, but neeeeever get a tattoo if you’re high or drunk. Worst idea ever. Alright... just about finished. How you feelin’?”
Neeva — 06/04/2021
"No, I think I will let it heal normally. I do not want to risk ruining your work by doing that." The squint was dismissed, because there wasn't much she could do about that, she wagered. "I can handle taking it easy for three weeks or so, I've got a lot to keep me entertained." She even made a plan on what she would do.
"Oh, yes, I will never do that." Neeva said with an amused huff, but she refocused on the tattoo and looked over her arm. "I am feeling alright, still pretty sore. I am eager to see it after you're finished." Very much so, despite her relaxed tone. Still, her fingers clung tightly to the arm of the chair.
Nina — 06/12/2021
Nina laughed again. She had not done that in a while, no less with a stranger. “I’m glad to finally meet someone who listens and learns from other peoples’ mistakes, instead of their own, that’s good n’ healthy.”
Ten minutes later, Nina stopped, and leaned back to admire her own work. The dragon was styled cute, curled around Neeva’s arm. “Damn, girl, people are gonna look at this with ENVY. Just be sure to let ‘em know where ya got this, yeah? Heh. Anyway, it was a real pleasure to work on this with you.” Now Nina was wrapping a plasticy material around Neeva’s arm. “This will help with the healing, don’t take it off for a while. I’ll write you instructions for proper care and all that shit. Anyway, when you’re ready, I’ll meet you at the desk.”/collapse]
Moderators: AJ_89 Steven (played by Robo-Craig) QnQ Hide Miyagawa (played by Monoclejack) Chroma (played by lewsey)
