It was one in the yin yang form but replaced with the form of two koi fish. The intricate patterns are what got to me the most. They look so beautiful that I hope the artist doesn't mess a thing else I'll sue.
"At the back of my neck."
I'd have gotten it on my bicep but I have an unfinished dragon there. I want it somewhere people would see and admire. Even with the school uniform on, anyone could have a peak at such delicate details of his brought to life.
**********
Right, did I ever say he was the reason I got interested in tattoos? We got the matching ones that morning, went to a park feeding birds, ducks and fish before having dinner with the rest that evening. The first time since we came from home.
The boys are cool, they are family. Over the months I've gotten to know more about them and why Riley feels more close to them but I am more close to mama, Jennie and Paula plus Taffy, my best friend.
They were people I could turn to after everything which means I need to be more open to them about my own family. They knew about my little girl secret and didn't even flinch or show disgust. Taffy held onto me and never let go when he found me once and it was okay ever since.
The other three want to see me in skirts but Riley is very adamant. He doesn't care but apparently no one is going to look at my legs or they no longer have eye balls.
"We're engaged!"
I thought of waiting but not anymore.
"Congratulations!"
But there still had to be a sore thumb from Barnard.
"Aren't you still a kid?"
True, I'm still eighteen but who cares?
"If I were, would he be playing bed games with me every other night?"
"TMI!"
"Should we call you mom now?"
"You want to call me aunt then?"
"No! No moms. We've always had no mom...no need to find a new one now... congratulations! Brother-in-law, when's the wedding?"
"Don't mind him, congratulations, should I prepare gifts or something?"
"What's the value radar?"
Being around them had made me learn the value of these guys. To their families and the world they were second generation heirs or even throw outs. But here, they squm in luxury enough that they let it sit stale. I want my own money like that.
"A bank card it is then!"
"No need, people get gifts on birthdays, Christmas, when they cross a milestone. Get us one when we get married or get a kid."
"Okay!"
"I think the moment Quint gets someone, I will get him a present."
The chuckles that followed made said guy frown before clicking his tongue.
"Stop that!"
"I might just need you to help me deal with guns though."
There was silence as they turned to look at Riley who was busy deboning my fish for me though he himself was eating steak.
"That I can easily do."
"Perfect!"
"Not going to ask me?"
"He said you were on the legal side of things. I also want to avoid temptations."
"I might be on the legal side but I get these people out of their messes. Though I don't mind, have Taffy follow as well. I noticed his stance was poor."
"I'll teach Taffy myself."
"Sorry man but no, Quint should be the best teacher or else Riley wouldn't have agreed."
Living with them seemed to have made him more expressive...though wasn't he always like this when he wanted to? It's just that since Barnard told him he likes him he's been too silent for my liking. It's long since he's been blunt Infront of others I guess. Like he's trying to tune down the other side of his own self.
I seem to realize the reason he agreed was because Quint was a careless teacher. Taffy had called it the most dangerous a teacher could get. But I think it's okay. Before long you know how to hold even the heaviest machine, how to disarm, how to shoot then assemble and disassemble a firearm and he was fast.
I think it was great we did this far away from home because Taffy could also be very careless with his handling. I got my first piece once he thought I was great at it. How can you be great when you metaphorically died and came to life numerous times.
Over the week we had a good number of black splotches, pain from being tackled because he was also teaching us defense and an urge to beat him up so much.
Now we could go to the black marker with only two guards following us. Atleast those we knew were there.
Watching people gamble with stones, looking at the goods on display from wild animals to human slaves...this was where I'd gotten that panda idea from. I tried stone gambling once and failed terribly. Didn't dare to get at it ever again.
We'd asked about the humans and it seemed those involved were at the top of the food chain. Eith enough influence to move cities. One minute you'd be happy with your family, the next you'd be in bits in an ice bucket, a gurney or a cage.
We paid a visit to Paula's home and I realized guns really were a necessity. Or the family's necessity. Paula had come over for a while to get the kid to meet her great grandpa. She really was cute now...looked to be getting her mom's features more than her dad's, well except the eyes that Paula had been happy about.
Apparently the eyes of the Shore family was what had reeled her in and she wanted her kid to have it. Infact, when she woke up, it was the first thing she'd looked at then smiled before going back to sleep.
This time I didn't get a suitcase, just a pouch that I had taken weeks crocheting. I had never learnt to crotchet before so this was new ground. I got bored then I revived myself and went on. Before getting a hung of it...it looked cute, I liked it. The little panda I can't get was on the pouch.
I hadn't known the reason Riley had pushed me to finish it was because a gift like that for a child was seen as one asking for a good omen according to their culture. I am glad for that...should have made more.
Grandpa was very easy going, teaching us board games then giving us home brewed rice barley and grape to take with us. He was very homey to people he didn't know though I think his relation with Riley paved way but it felt nice whichever way one put it.