Day 4 of @sterekweek-2020 & @acesterek week
ace ring that bc I want that
The pleasant buzz in the room chases a thrill through Stiles' limbs as he steps into the studio. Ever since his first tattoo at 17 he's become a bit of a tattoo addict, constantly coming up with new ideas and getting new designs.
He breathes in deeply with satisfaction, even though there's no particular nice smell in the air; it's mostly metallic and like disinfectant. Nonetheless, this is where he feels at home. Stepping up to the counter, his gaze falls on the young blonde who's inking a tall dude. She doesn't even look up, only stops her machine for a second.
"Just a second, someone will be right with you," she says before raising her voice considerably to yell, "Derek! Get out here!"
Stiles hums his agreement and let's his gaze trail the studio. It's small and tidy, pretty standard and low-key, dark walls and pleasant lighting displaying beautiful artworks. Nothing particular special but regardless, Stiles is fluttering with excited energy. His fingers drum on the counter subconsciously. They will be the target of his painful pleasure tonight. Well, one of them.
"I'm tattooing my boyfriend! So get your fine ass up here for the cute guy before he decides he'd rather go to Jackson's studio!" Erica - telling by the fact there are only two artists showcased and Derek was in the back - shouts and Stiles jerks a little, fleeing his face flush. She winks at him before returning to the piece she was working on the smiling young man's muscled arm.
Stiles isn't sure where to look because he doesn't want to get beat to a pulp… unless this was a thing for the couple and they liked inviting a third party, which is almost just as awkward because he'd have to somehow respectfully decline.
"I'm sure Boyd could wait a few minutes," a loud grumble comes from behind the doorframe, and a second later, a tall, dark-haired and handsome (because of course life had to be a cliche like that) man walked through. Aesthetically very pleasing, despite his personal cloud of hanging gloom.
Derek steps up to the counter in front of Stiles, storm-washed eyes meeting his. There's a beat of silence, wherein Stiles throws all his previous beliefs out the window. Asexuals could totally fall in love at first sight, it seems.
"What can I do for you?" Derek asks, voice low and soothing, setting a hand on the countertop.
"I- um.." he lifts his hand and wiggles his fingers. "I just wanted some finger tats. Now, or whenever. Just some small- like… a black band around here."
He points across his right middle finger, trying to single it out without flipping the guy off.
"Sorry, I- it's not meant for anything lewd. And maybe some spades, like one the card decks? Y'know?" He's never been so nervous asking for a design.
To his surprise Derek smiles.
"Like this?" The man asks, raising his own right hand to display a matter black ring on his middle finger. Stiles' chest surges.
"You came to the right place," Derek tells him and steps along the counter to the open side, holding the same hand out.
"Yeah, I really think I did," Stiles replies breathlessly, knowing he'd found home. He takes Derek's hand. Turns out soulmates are actually a thing after all, too.
