Vocal Ink | Jack & Oli
“Don’t laugh, I’m completely serious.” Jack grinned brightly, all happiness and carefree teasing. The waitress was giggling, pausing from taking their order to smile softly at the two of them. They might have been a little bit tipsy already, even if they had only gotten to the restaurant not long ago. It was Thursday, which meant it was their day.
They nudged Oli with a smile, tapping their foot where they knew the identical tattoo was printed. Etched and pressed permanent alongside a multitude of other tattoos. Pictures and words and memories and jokes. Only the special stuff goes on the leg. More personal there. The thought always made Jack smile a little wider.
“Tell her, Oli. I ain’t lying, yeah? Soulmates.” The conversation had begun when the waitress had spotted the tattoo on the small of Jack’s back as they climbed into the booth and their shirt rode up. A question with the familiar answer that was as close to the truth as Jack got with strangers. ‘It’s a soulmate mark. Says I’m his and he’s mine. The better half of me and everything. Ain’t it romantic?’
The waitress turned her attention to Oli at the question, giving him a soft, indulgent smile. The smile, it seemed, that she gave to all couples and pairs and families she deemed sweet and adorable. They must make quite the picture. The overly affectionate friend, laughing and smiling enough for the both of them. The handsome boy, who looked like he belonged in a magazine with his dark hair and smile. Picture perfect.