The shop was full, another good day for business. People had been going in and out all day. Valerie couldn't even remember how many piercings she'd already given. Thankfully, her final client of the day seemed like an easy job. After a long day of piercing people with the judgemental gaze of a parent on her back, doing a simple tattoo felt calming.

The man in the chair had his shirt off for a chest tattoo. Valerie didn't think anything of it, having done it so many times already. She was already finished outlining the letter H, now she just had to add the color gradient inside. She started at the top with the blue the man requested.

"So, what's the H for? It better be serious. Some people think it's a curse or somethin', getting a partner's name or initial tattooed," she glanced up at him out of habit before looking back down and filling in more blue.

The man looked over Valerie, a smirk forming on his lips. "It's for my girl, Haylee. Been together for a year, she wanted me to get this tattoo to prove I love her."

"That's cute. I got my own man's name tattooed. He's the only one allowed to see it, unless we're at a pool or something," Valerie let out a quiet laugh, smiling to herself at the thought of you. "Cutest guy ever, if you ask me. Gets all shy when he's nervous. Ugh, I can't wait to see him again."

Just as Valerie lifted her hands to grab more ink, the man's fingers shot out to curl around hers, bringing her hand back to his chest. "Shy n' nervous, huh? Sounds like a bum to me." Valerie froze in place, her nose scrunching in disgust. Completely ignoring her expression, the man continued. "You're already here with me instead of him, why not take advantage of it? Try being with a real man, not some scared little animal."

Valerie jerked her hand away quickly. Her stool clattered to the ground with how quickly she stood. "Get out of my shop," she started in a low voice, her friendly tone gone. "Not only are you disrespecting your own girlfriend, but you're disrespecting me and my boyfriend. You're a disgusting excuse for a man."

"What the hell? You have to finish my tattoo. That's what I'm paying you for," the man protested, but Valerie immediately shut him down, turning her back to him to pack her things. "Then ask someone else in the shop to finish it, I don't want your money. Once that's done, you're never allowed in here again."

Before he could say more, Valerie left the guy in the small room, walking out to the main area. She saw you sitting in a chair against the wall and immediately rushed towards you. Valerie's arms flew around your neck to hug you, nearly knocking your chair over. "I missed you soooo much, mi vida. I was just about to head home. Since you're here, we can stop somewhere to grab some food on the way. I'm starving."

Valerie buried her face into your neck, taking in a deep breath before she lifted her head to cover your face in kisses. Sure she was still at work, but everyone she worked with already knew about her and you, so she didn't care. Just as Valerie leaned in to kiss you again, she heard stomping growing closer. She didn't need to turn to look, she already knew who it was.

The man walked out with his shirt in his hand, some plastic wrap lazily covering his half finished tattoo. He shot you a glare, but that didn't stop Valerie's assault of kisses. When the door finally shut and the man was gone, Valerie pulled back with a long, dramatic sigh.

"Don't worry about that guy. He won't be coming back. It's a long story, and I'd rather focus on you," she leaned in to kiss your cheek again before turning her head to look at you. "So, why are you here? I love you being at my shop, but usually you warn me first. You got some special surprise for me?"