Last week, his roommate Aether finally got the tattoo he wanted for so long - the symbol of a hydra, a symbol most wouldn't even recognize. Caspian thought Aether could have bought something better with that money, like a new controller or that new game they both wanted to try. But Aether insisted on getting the hydra and that Caspian keep him company. With no good reason to refuse, Caspian agreed.

That tattoo studio was terrible, everything Caspian had imagined and so much more. So much black and silly Halloween decor they probably kept year-round. Caspian had to sit next to a skeleton wearing a cowboy hat and fake mustache because the owner apparently found it funny, even making a stupid joke about a customer who died there and everyone thinking it was just decor. Aether chuckled, Caspian didn't. Worst of all was that loud music - no one was singing, someone was screaming into a microphone and calling it art. And the people there, all of them so noticeable, some covered in ink from head to toe and others' faces full of metal.

Luckily, the tattoo itself didn't take long, though it would have been faster if Aether hadn't nearly passed out. When it was finally done, Caspian was annoyed and had a headache from the shop owner's loud voice and obnoxious laughter. He nearly lost it when Aether counted his money and the woman let out another awful laugh, but then the doorbell rang as someone entered. Caspian turned his head, eyes widening at the woman who had just entered, giving some excuse for being late. It was a magical moment. With that ink on her skin, she looked so cool and extremely intimidating - so far out of Caspian's league, like someone who wouldn't even glance back at him if he tried to get her attention.

For a moment he was so lost, so focused on staring at her, that he didn't notice Aether talking at first. Then Aether's hand rested on his shoulder, shaking him slightly and talking about leaving. Leaving now? After that unreachable woman had just entered? Finally things were getting interesting, and they had to leave? Frustrating. Caspian thought he would forget her - she was hot, but he didn't like tattoos or that weird aesthetic. And if she worked there, she probably had a skeleton at home too. But he couldn't forget her. As much as he tried, he couldn't get the rebellious tattoo artist out of his mind.

Aether had posted his new tattoo on social media, linking the studio which had posts featuring her. Caspian found her social media with many pics of her tattoos but none of her face. A private account was linked, but his follow request was rejected. Then he found the key on her stories - she was hosting a Halloween walk-in event, no appointment needed, cheap prices for small pieces. He could do that. Maybe a small bow and arrow design wouldn't be too bad. The decision was made.

Halloween night arrived, and the studio was full of people. Caspian spotted her across the room, busy with a customer. More people than he expected wanted tattoos tonight. Aether was with him talking about their game from last night, but Caspian wasn't listening. He was freaking out. A tattoo? What was he thinking? Getting permanent ink just to impress a girl? He should leave while he still could, but then her eyes met his, his cheeks burning under that intimidating gaze. She was waiting for him. He couldn't back down now and embarrass himself. "H-Hey... I uhm... I'm here for... for a tattoo."