on the edge of my seat -- [ ruesily ]

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style, background-color: #fff; width: 505px; border-top: 10px #000000 solid, bTable] for fools LOVE IS ONLY It seemed like Ruben frequented the tattoo place more and more recently, but of course that has something to do with the sexy pink haired girl, who also happened to be his friend with benefits, work there. So, sometime's he'd go in just to annoy her or distract her, but this time it was to get himself another tattoo. Ruben didn't know why he hadn't done it yet, but he had chosen his shifter form to be a fox, so he wanted a physical representation of it on his body. All of his tattoo's meant something, for example the birds on his ribs represented freedom, him flying away from the clutches of home. It was a big thing when he got it, so it only made sense to have a fox tattoo'd onto his skin. Brushing a hand through his thick brown hair, Ruben put on a shirt over the vest he had been wearing while working at the garage. He was often grease stained after work, but today he was alright. He washed his face and was ready to go in no time. He actually liked working at the garage, it was a place where he could relax because everything was so mechanical. He could think about things, and he especially liked it when pretty women brought their cars out, and well, Ruben liked to get his flirt on. Walking outside, the shapeshifter got into his motorcycle. Some say he was doing it to be 'cool' or 'badass' but really, it was just his preferred method of travelling. Cars were too stuffy, and he liked the open space. Also, when he has a girl on the back of it it was sexy. He liked the wind messing up his hair, it was freedom. A lot of things with Ruben came down to freedom. Starting up his vehicle, he started driving in the general direction of the heretics brand. Taking a few minutes to just relax before he was there, Ruben considered whether he should text Annette later. To check on her. Sure, he was irresponsible, but he still cared about his friend, who was carrying his child. A little human-shifter hybrid. He wasn't ready to be a dad, and he was always oh so careful to use protection whenever he has sex. Really, Rue was a commitmentphobe, and it seemed like a baby would just be too much for him to handle. He had hoped that the hunter would abort it, but she said she wouldn't, so now he had to hope she'd give it away because really, Ruben would not win any 'father of the year' awards. That made the male snort. When he was finally there, Ruben rolled up the sleeves of his red shirt, putting his helmet into the back of the motorcycle. Walking to the shop, he didn't even glance at the 'Open' sign before he was in familiar surroundings, a familiar smirk on his lips as he looked around. He couldn't see anyone around, so he must have been the last appointment. Great. He liked it like that, cause then he could get his hands on Jaz. Not that he minded doing that in front of people too, but you know. Walking over to the counter, he licked his lips and leaned against it. "Jaz? Get your sexy ass over here." He called to make his presence known, a grin on his lips. Ruben was a charmer. He knew just what to say to get into people's pants, and it was good that little miss Jazabelle was always so willing. He liked the friends with benefits types, because there was always someone to go back to, but you can also fuck anyone else you want. And one thing that Rue really, really likes was just that; fucking. "Seriously, don't make me come in there, you know we won't come out for a while." He teased. He was generally a very crude person, so whatever came out of his mouth wasn't shocking in the least. He swore, and cussed, and talked about sex cause it didn't matter to him. However, he waited patiently. 688 WORDS TAGGED: ASHLEY/THESSILY OUTFIT: CLICK CJHBCKD ASSITED TO START THEM <333 ---------------- CREDIT

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Thess and Jaz had an arrangement that worked: they covered each others’ asses. Ever since the day she’d been hired one plus years ago. Truth. They’d hit it off from the beginning, the witch slipping in like she’d worked there for a minute. Besides the fact that they got along like homies, ink flowed through her veins. It was just a part of who she was. So when Jazabelle had ‘something’ to do that day, Thessily happily agreed to take her appointments, but not without giving her static for it. Come on, seriously, just drop hours’ worth of work on a person without a legit reason? No way she was gonna get off with that scott-free. The violet-eyed woman smiled at the memory, and continued sanitizing her instruments and the chair, mouthing along to the song playing on the radio. Her last appointment had gotten out a few minutes ago, and now she was cleaning up in preparation for the last. Who was the last one, anyways? Her slight frame- made taller and more willowy by the heels on her feet- clicked its way to the front of the store and the computer they used to book and store appointments, process monetary exchanges, and other things necessary to run the shop. A quick flutter of her fingers over the keyboard, and she was logged in and looking at the app ‘book.’ All it said was ‘Callaway.’ Huh. ‘Kay. Click click click back to the back to retrieve the ink transfer sheet of the tat to be started this evening.

A fox. A lovely fox, extremely detailed with some of the most expressive eye work that Thess had ever seen Jaz do. She’d really pulled out all the stops for this one. It was superb. The witch was walking it back to her ‘station’ when she heard the little bell jingle, and glanced at her watch. Few minutes early. Nice. Well, she’d traipse out there after she finished her prep work. Thessily was meticulous in her life- it was part of why they’d so loved her in the Marine Corps. Meticulous. Neat. Tidy. The authority problem had been transformed fast as hell, after she understood why they were so demanding and expected such total obedience. But they don’t tell you that initially, do they? Nope. They make you figure it out. Which is actually the better way to do it. After that, she’d had no problems. They loved her, saw her potential, helped her strive to achieve it, and were sad to see her go. But they understood that that was not where her heart lay, so they sent her off with good wishes and an open invitation. It was after all of that that she came home to Poppy, and applied at Heretics’. Both of which had been oddly nerve-wracking, despite all the things she had already been through in her fairly short life. Materials organized according to her own method, she left her station to head to the front. Before she made it there though, she was greeted by that familiar flirty voice of Ruben.

Good lord. Ruben? Really? He was Jaz’s last appointment? She shouldn’t have been surprised- the two were joined at the crotch on a regular- but she was. Thess had never been alone with Ruben before. Don’t look at her like that was a stupid thing to say. She had no 'problem' with men. She had no issue with people. She was… she was attracted to Rue though. Which was problematic. The witch respected her boss too much to do anything about it. Usually, she’d be all over that. Flirtatious and sexy until he begged her for it, and then she’d screw him senseless and leave him wanting. End of story. She didn’t know why she did it, but that was her modus operandi. 'Not very street to know such big words, T.' Fuck y'all. Seriously. Know thine enemy. And knowing cop-speak is just smart. The old taunts bugged her sometimes, even now. But back to the matter in her lap... When Ruben was there, Jaz was there, and nothing happened. They maybe flirted a little and the pink-haired vixen didn’t seem to care, because he went home with her anyways. What was she gonna do with him there by himself?? Fer fuck’s sake. Perchance he wouldn’t be as hot as usual. Perchance he'd not be interested in her. Maybe she’d be that lucky.

The crude words about her friend left his mouth and her senses went on high alert. Fantastic. Fan-fucking-tastic. And she would get to play with his skin? She sighed and strolled down the hallway towards the entrance, an irrepressible grin on her mouth, because who could be unamused with him when he talked like that? A hip cocked and leaned against the side of the archway as she looked at him. ’The sexy ass is MIA, I’m afraid. So this skinny one’ll have to do ya. And I would assume that since you’re here for ink, ‘not coming out for a while,’ is kinda standard procedure.’ She couldn’t help the sass with him. His every look seemed to ask for it. ’Sign your life away right quick, and we can make you my next victim,’ she said with a little nod down the hall towards her tools and something a touch less ambiguous interaction-wise. If she had a mission with him, maybe she could ignore the way her stomach was clenching… Yeah. Right.

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clicketh for clothes!

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style, background-color: #fff; width: 505px; border-top: 10px #000000 solid, bTable] for fools LOVE IS ONLY Ruben was not blind, and it had never gone amiss the other girl who was always in the tattoo shop with Jaz. He had asked of her name, and learned it was Thessily, and damn any time he spoke to her he didn't really think anything of it because she didn't seem like the talkative kind of person. But now, when she walked out and not Jaz, Ruben didn't even blush at the words he'd said about the pink haired girl, only a larger smirk was on his face as he was leaning on the counter with both of his elbows, watching the girl leaned against the doorway, and hell if she wasn't hot. The words rung through the air, and Rue rolled his eyes a little. "Well fuck, what am I gonna do now?" Ruben said in such a dramatic and over the top manner that it brought a grin to his lips, her words weaving into his mind as something much dirtier than she had meant. "Seems like I'm gonna have to let you ... do me." He laughed, pushing his upper body off of the counter and walking towards the blonde. Well, Jazabelle had never said anything about not flirting with her friends, so he wouldn't hold back. And looking at this woman, hell, he didn't want to hold back. Ruben snorted a little because well, he could tell that this Thessily was not naive. "Ah, but you know ... there've been times where the back room wasn't left completely sanitary." He winked, completely unashamed because she knew that he and Jaz have fucked and will fuck some more. But they weren't dating, they were just friends, and away from each other, they could be with whoever they liked. Ruben had a few friends with benefits type people, and he really rather preferred not to think about one of them because ... well, it made him just a little less upbeat to think about the fact that she had his baby in her stomach, that hopefully she would be giving away. But anyway, his attention was back on Thessily, and at the mention her of 'skinny ass' his eyes roamed her body, an appreciative look in his eye, because damn. "The silly cow shoulda texted me." He snorted, and he only used insults in an affectionate manner. Mostly everyone he interacted with, you knew he was good friends with them by the way he spoke to them. Lots of insults thrown back and forth meant that he was close to them, but if the insults were thrown one way, there was usually a fight. That is the life that Rue led, and he wasn't a generally affectionate person, so insults would have to do. She then motioned to the room with the tools for his next tattoo, and he grinned at her choice of words, because if she was trying to flirt with him it was working. "I wouldn't mind being your victim any day, sweetheart." He walked by her through the doorway, much closer than it was necessary, but stopped in front of her for a moment and flashed a grin, breathing her in. She smelled really, really good, and Rue was a sucker for that, because after all he was a fox and his sense of smell was much improved. Then he walked by her and into the room, looking around casually, and moving to take off his jacket without a second thought, and shirt too since the tattoo he wanted would be opposite his tattoo's of the birds on his ribs. Ruben moved to take a seat, awaiting his next instructions as he watched. "So, it's Thess right?" He asked, and honestly he didn't particularly mind her doing his tattoo, because he trusted Jaz not to leave without Thess being as good as her. Therefore, he trusted her as well, no questions asked and no tantrums thrown, because he was looking forward to her working on his body. "Tell me, why you're never around why Jaz is here?" He could ask these questions because she couldn't go off and do what she needed, and he didn't have to go off and have his tattoo done. "Really, I wouldn't expect someone as gorgeous as you to stand in the background." He eyed her attire, and it was outspoken yes, and he just expected Thess to make herself stand out more for some reason, let herself known, and the fact that most of the time she didn't just made her interesting. Interesting enough for him to ask questions about her freely, and of course she wouldn't need to answer if she didn't want to. There was still a smile on his lips and he absently scratched at a spot on his neck, before smirking. "Are you sure just taking my shirt off it enough, because I wouldn't mind taking off other things too." He said with a soft hum, as if he was asking her what the time was, or talking about the weather. Ruben just had a way with words and he wasn't afraid to use them. 851 WORDS TAGGED: ASHLEY/THESSILY OUTFIT: CLICK JEEZ RUBEN, YOU NEED TO STOP THINKING WITH YOUR DICK. ---------------- CREDIT

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Well, Thess couldn’t say that she was surprised at Ruben’s flair for the dramatic. Jaz wouldn’t have liked anybody simple and boring, and she definitely liked Rue, judging by the number of times the two of them had hooked up in the back of the shop… The witch couldn’t quite suppress her giggle at the thought, and kinda hoped that the man in front of her wouldn’t get the wrong impression that she thought he was funny. Too late though, as her light voice just seemed to encourage him to further theatrics, and a dash of such blatant innuendo that it almost took her aback. Almost. Instead, it warmed her from the tips of her toes to the top of her scalp, as did the smile that briefly graced his mouth. Just fucking fabulous, she was gonna crush on Jaz’s boy toy. No, no she was not. She refused. Unless he wanted to crush on her first… Aw shit, stoppit Thess. Damn. Don’t let those pretty eyes get into your… um, head. God, she was hopeless. Time to move on to talking about something else, anything else, really. But her mouth just wouldn’t let that hang there happily. Oh no.

’I might be a little too rough for you there, Rue. Might wanna wait for the gentle attentions of Jaz if that sounds… objectionable.’ She quirked a slim eyebrow in his direction, practically daring him to refuse her. He didn’t, of course, trusting that Jaz wouldn’t leave him in the care of someone less than capable of completing the work he’d made a deposit on. And he had, in fact, made the deposit, based on what their computer up front had told her earlier. She really wished it had also told her the client’s first name, so that maybe she would have had a moment to prepare herself for his presence. There was a reason, after all, that she attempted to make herself scarce while he was there. Thing was, Thess didn’t attempt anything with unavailable men, as a rule. It was an honor thing. And to have a little, minor thing for a guy her friend was banging just rubbed the honor code the wrong way. As did his flippancy about his relationship with Jaz. His comment about the cleanliness of the back just piqued something in her. And Thess, she just couldn’t keep her mouth closed. ’Lemme ask you something, straight-up, just out of curiosity. What is up with you and Jaz?’ The second the words left her mouth, she kinda wished she hadn’t. It showed an interest she’d rather him not know she had. So she felt the need to clear it up a bit, or at least, refine it. ’I mean, you two seem to be each other’s type, all the way, and neitha one of you is interested in relationshipping it out? What is that?’ She handed him a clipboard and a pen, accidentally brushing his fingers in the process. Okay, apparently, she needed to get laid more than she had realized if this dude could make her so hyper-aware in just a few short minutes.

His words about the two of them didn’t really… set her at ease, considering it meant, in a roundabout way, that he was available, which made something inside her sit up and pay special attention. Siiiiigh. Then he said something about ‘the silly cow’ and Thessily couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head. The way he said it was endearing, rather than rude, and she knew that it was sweet. ’I really couldn’t tell you what was up with her today. Very mysterious, that pink-haired vixen..’ Her slight shoulders shrugged as she moved the curtain to the back, retrieving the clipboard after he’d signed it, unintentionally grinning at the ‘sweetheart.’ Shit. Luckily, the thin plastic holding the paper became a bit of a barrier when he walked much too close to her, smelling like… something she had no name for, but really appreciated. Oy vey. This was gonna be an interesting note to end her day on. Especially since he was oh-so-willing to take his clothes off while he asked her name. It sounded funny in her head, but it was a little less so as she got to freely ogle him for a few minutes. ’Yeah, Thess. Well, Thessily, but the shorter version works. Gotta love how I know your name better than you know mine.’ She smiled and walked around him, pulling her hair up into a high ponytail. ’Arm up honey, gotta see the canvas.’ As he complied, he asked her why she wasn’t around, like, ever. Um, what to say to that? There was this tendency, when getting tattoo work, much like when people went to a salon, to talk. Ink artists were as good as hairstylists or masseuses.

’Well, who would want to interrupt the cuteness between you and Jaz? Besides, you’re never here to see me, despite all dis ‘gorgeous’ you see.’ He wasn’t wrong, she wasn’t one for wallflower routine. But she really did try to avoid things that could be bad for her. Her meticulous fingers stroked over his skin, admiring some of the other work that had been done before. ’These are nice, ya know. Good choices, good artists. Jaz do any of them?’ She slipped on her gloves then, opening up the alcohol preps and pulling her stool in close. ’This is gonna be cold, brace yourself.’ She disinfected the area thoroughly, hitting the waistband of his pants, just barely. And it prompted a line that made her laugh out loud. ’I’m pretty sure you’re just looking for excuses to be naked, sir. Which I’m not providing. You can keep your ‘other things.’’ Her smile was bright, almost pixie-like as she looked up at him from her post by his ribcage, pursing her lips and blowing gently to dry the alcohol. ’Tell me, you notice me, how come you don’t say ‘hi’ or anything?’

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style, background-color: #fff; width: 505px; border-top: 10px #000000 solid, bTable] for fools LOVE IS ONLY Ruben loved to watch his ministrations take their effects on women. His perfectly sculpted words making their full, pouty lips quirk into smiles, and their legs quiver with dirty thoughts. Okay, so Ruben was arrogant, but he also had the right to be because he was not blind, he saw what he did to girls, what his voice and touches and charisma did to them and it only made the male more confident; in himself, in his body and in sex. It was always just that with him, sex and nothing more. He did have those few friends with benefits, but it was a deal for all of them to sleep with each other in the morning, and in the afternoon fuck someone else. It was a good solution for them all, and there was no strings attached. Ruben grinned at Thessily’s laugh, the grin turning into a smirk and he cocked an eyebrow at the words, his mind in sexy places. “Hm, you make a compelling argument.” He starts, and bites down on his lower lip for a moment, dark brown eyes wicked and mischievous, “But what if I like it rough?” He questioned, licking at the spot on his lip which he had bitten. “I really do hope you make good on your word there, babe.” He grinned, soft laughter in the back of his throat, as his eyes raked over her really, genuinely sexy and attractive form. Yum. He hoped Jaz wouldn’t mind him hitting on her friend, but he couldn’t help it. Rue took the clipboard from Thess’s slim fingers, not missing the touch and holding her gaze all the while, taking in the question she asked with a laugh. “Oh wow. If Jaz could hear this ... she’d be bent over laughing.” Ruben says as he eyes the paper in front of him, signing all the right lines because she was so not the first time he’s done it and knows the procedure and all. “Ever hear the term ‘friends with benefits’? We’re friends and we like to fuck ... and then we like to fuck other people. It’s perfect.” He explains, there was no censor on his mouth, there never has been. Ruben had always been so crude in the way he spoke, because he was just say it like it is kind of guy, and if you didn’t like him then it was your loss. “Why do you ask?” Ruben eyes her before handing back the clipboard, making sure that their skin touches once more, just to tease and flirt because her words were having almost as much effect on him as his were on her. “Checking to see if I’m available?” He snickered, really amused by this whole exchange, because since Thessily worked at Heretics Brand this was the most he had spoken to her, all in a space of about twenty minutes. It was like Ruben felt like he was at home everywhere he was, but maybe it was more like he didn’t really fit in everywhere. He was flighty. Even though he stayed in Manuka, and earned a living and things, he didn’t really feel like he had a place. Not even in the home which he left because he was going to be suppressed and pressured into marriage. Maybe that was why he couldn’t commit now, not even if there was a girl he’d like enough, he couldn’t settle down. Maybe it was that suppression that made commitment seem like such a scary thing. He was still so young, and only having had to take care of himself for so long when complications arise they make him afraid. Much like Annette getting pregnant with his baby, because God knows that Ruben would make the most terrible father. He drinks, and smokes, and rides a motorcycle. The only redeeming quality he has, really, is taking care of his cat and his passion for martial arts, which no one ever sees. No one really see’s his down side, the one where he isn’t confident and flirty because he keeps that to himself. Maybe it’s even because he doesn’t know how to be anything other but Ruben the guy who thinks with his dick. “I do know your name, just wanted to make sure that was what you wanted me to call you. For all I know, you might want to be called Oscar.” He shrugged and watched her tie up her hair, his eyes lingering on smooth curves of her body, barely hidden by scraps of clothing, and oh God the things that Ruben would do to that body. He smiled when she came closer, raising his arm as he was asked because he could behave when he needed to, and right now he needed a tattoo done. “Paint me like one of your French girls.” He snickered at the canvas comment, before listening to her next words, eyes on her as she spoke. “Mmm, don’t worry honey, next time I’ll make sure you don’t hide those pretty eyes and lips behind the scenes.” He smirks, eyeing up her lips and eyes for emphasis because he could appreciate those things as well as a well sculpted ass and a pair of breasts. Ruben looked down at his tattoo’s at her comments, and nodded with a smile. “Yeah, Jaz did the ones on my arms and the one just here.” He motioned to the one just above the waistband of his jeans, where protruding hipbones were sticking out. He shivered a little at the cold touch of the alcohol, but this was something he was used to, having had tattoo’s done many times. He was surprised by how soft her touch was, and it was actually pleasing, and relaxing all at the same time. He laughed at the fact that she isn’t providing him with opportunities to take off his clothes. “Aw, that’s a shame. Maybe I can try to get you out of yours, later.” He teased, an innuendo there, blatant and shameless, confident like Ruben always was without complication. “Well, maybe if you saw the rest of the canvas, you’d find some ideas to cover it with.” He smirked, noticing how nice her smile was, and her long fingers caressed his ribcage. Damn, it was nice. “Of course I do, you’re pretty hard to miss. Sometimes I just know when not to push something, since it seemed like you were avoiding anything to do with anything with me at the shop.” He snorted and licked his lips, running a hand through his thick, brown hair. “Tell me, Thess, would you be willing to come for a ride on my bike after we’re done?” He asked, a low hum at the back of his throat as he spoke, eyes closed as she worked on him, trusting her to do what she will. “I’d love to get to know you better.” Rue says, simply like he does, because he hates to over complicate things. “I’ll even let you pick the destination.” He opens one brown eye and wiggles his eyebrows in a funny manner. 1179 WORDS TAGGED: ASHLEY/THESSILY OUTFIT: CLICK LONG POST IS LONG. SEEMS LIKE I HAD RUE MUSE. ---------------- CREDIT

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Oh, he was straight-up pushing it. And he knew it. Jesus. There was no way she was gonna be able to keep herself from letting her mind wander to dirty places while she worked on him. Her spine was already sizzling every time she met his eyes or saw him smile at her. Spectacular. Fuck it, she was gonna flirt, and she damn well knew it. But no way was it going anywhere. A little flirting was good for her soul. She liked flirting. Dancing that razor’s edge between appropriate and blatant. That couldn’t get her in trouble, right? That was fine. Her mind rolled its eyes, knowing that was just her naughtier side making ‘plausible’ excuses for doing what she wanted to do. Okay, yeah, if he’d been in a relationship- a real, established one- she would’ve kept her mind and her mouthy self to herself. But Rue was grey area. That she wanted to explore. Find the lines and outlines. She worried, for the briefest second, that he was actually going to wait for Jaz when her words got the better of her. Instead, he turned it back on her, making her chuckle and roll her eyes.

’Then you are in the most perfect, talented hands in the building. Rough is how I roll.’ Her grin was cute and infectious, it seemed, because his heated answer, with the endearment at the end made her swallow hard, as well as the look he gave her. Oh, she knew that look really well, she did. People gave it to her when they wanted to jump her bones and screw around on the first available surface until everybody was a sweaty mess. She liked that look, savored it like it was something that sustained her. She found that it was no less appealing from Ruben… Hell, if she was honest, it was more so. Though at the moment, she couldn’t determine- or perhaps just wouldn’t- why that was. On a slightly more serious note, she answered his ‘hope.’ ’I’m always good on my word Rue. Always.’ She winked then, teasing and sweet, appreciating that she didn’t have to explain everything to him again as he signed the paperwork. She loved repeat customers. The ones who knew her were even better, used to her mouth and her sass, and most were appreciative of it. Appreciated her straightforward quality. Her newest victim seemed to also, but in a different way. His smart ass thought it was funny/ WHAT? She was curious. Ugh. She just… she wanted to know. Thess nodded at his answer, chuckling derisively at the idea that she was checking his availability. Psh. Maybe she was? No way she would tell him that, for one. For two, um, ‘available’ would imply for a relationship, and he sure as hell wasn’t going for that, Mister F with B. Neither was she, actually, Still, she was gonna consider him off-limits, what with Jaz. Sharing a sex friend with her boss would be awkward.

’Oh sweetie, no. Checking to see if I should report your cute, flirtatious ass to my friend Jaz.’ Was that true? Yes and no. She found that she liked his clear-cut answers though. If you were willing to spell shit out in black and white, it usually meant you were less likely to be lying. The witch appreciated honesty. She also appreciated Ruben... and his, um, candor about things. He didn’t make interest in either direction awkward. It was there, they could feel it, and that was okay. Whether to act on it or not, was the iffy part. Thess rarely had a moral issue with sleeping with somebody. See, if somebody picked her up- and it had to be them picking her up- she just had to make sure they weren’t married or some shit, and she was down. If they were hot, duh. The only reason she had any issue with this one was ‘cause it was Ruben, who was sleeping with her friend. Still, the knowledge that they weren’t technically together was working its way under her skin, making her a touch more daring. She was giving in to her desire to flirt with him, after all. And it was just so easy.

’Mm. Coulda fooled me. But if you’d prefer Oscar, or say, something else, you’re welcome to give it a whirl. No guarantees I’ll answer though. I’m not against nicknames.’ She looked at him over her shoulder as her hair slid into a secure ponytail, keeping it out of her face, where it needed to be. Her necklace softly jingled when she turned back around, noting with a mental sigh that he really was hawt under that red flannely thing he’d been wearing. She could’ve seen more. But that was traipsing into dangerous territory, and no sir, that… no. Just be good Thess, damn. It’s not hard. He’s not irresistible. Little mental adjustment, and she thought she was good. ‘Til he made the ‘French girl’ comment and she laughed out loud. Oh gawd. ’Only ‘cause you asked so nicely, sugar. Start calling you ‘mademoiselle,’ maybe?’ Her hand bumped him gently as she teased, before she moved to settle herself on her rolling stool and fetch her tools. Her heels clicked a little as pulled her way across the floor back to him and his honeyed words. Offense was the only way to keep herself sane. Still… ’Maybe you just come behind the scenes with me. It’s not hiding if we’re doing it together.’ She shrugged, popping the alcohol swabs out of their little individual packages. She gave him credit for not flinching as it touched him, even slipping into a more relaxed pose, like he was at peace, somehow. He answered her questions easily, letting the banter roll as she got to work, placing the transfer sheet on his skin, pressing for a few moments to let it settle. The offer for him to strip popped out of his mouth, and she about lost her cool, meeting those dark eyes over his own exposed skin. Especially when he offered to tempt her out of her own. Nope. Nopenopenope. ’I guess we’ll see. Unlikely though. They’re pretty tight today. Besides, plenty of my canvas is already visible.’ Her violet eyes rolled over him, and she remembered to pull the sheet off of his skin. ’That look right? Good placement?’ Business Thessily took over for a moment, because as much she was enjoying him, there was no way she’d get this wrong. ’I’m an arteest mademoiselle. Covering canvas is what I do,’ she said, a cute little French accent slipped in for kicks. ’Maybe you’ll let me do an original for you at some point, if you like how this goes, rough and all.’

With that, she dipped her needles into the ink and started the lining, figuring he didn’t need much in the way of warning, as he watched her from beneath half-closed lids. She hummed quietly as she worked on him, laughing softly when he mentioned her avoidance. ’I avoid trouble… kinda. But I’m gonna take that as a compliment.’ She dabbed at the ink/blood mix that was developing on the surface of his skin, surprised when he invited her out after their appointment. Her eyes flicked up to his face, a touch of shock oh her features. And acceptance out of her mouth before she could stop it. ’Sure Rue. Why not? I got nowhere in mind though. I mean, sometimes I hit up one of the bars after work… if you wanna do that.’ She forcibly pulled her eyes back down to what she was doing, the quiet buzzing continuing, a soft counterpoint to their words.

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style, background-color: #fff; width: 505px; border-top: 10px #000000 solid, bTable] for fools LOVE IS ONLY Ruben liked a woman who could sass him and hold her own when he flirts. It's a turn on as well as hella endearing and Thessily was managing to be just that and Ruben liked it. A lot. A grin spread across his lips as she responded to his words, a low laugh deep in his throat. "I really hope you might give me a chance to explore those perfect hands to their full potential." He smirks, innuendo clear but then again when was it not? And he was sure that she would appreciate his words because she was already. He was actually pleasantly surprised when she called him by his nickname, not being afraid to become familiar with a man she's barely spoken to. Ruben had to admit that confidence was one of the more desirable traits for him, and Thessily was becoming more and more appealing by the second, because damn he was regretting not speaking to her sooner. "Aw, are we going for nicknames now? What's the next step of familiarity?" He wiggled his eyebrows, grinning as he signed everything that needed signing, winking as he handed back the papers. "What do I get to call you? Sweetcheeks? T? Princess?" He teases with a bright laugh at his lips. This was actually fun. He'd had fun with Jaz tattooing him, but her not being here seemed not to make that much difference because he was enjoying the company. Ruben couldn't hide his amusement when she was checking to see if he should be reported to Jaz, because he could tell that her intentions were to see if he was available. But honestly, he and Jaz were nothing more than friends with benefits. She'd sleep with other guys and Ruben would sleep with other girls but when they didn't feel like picking people up it was just an easy booty call without the awkwardness. But he understood the fact that Thess and Jaz were friends, but he also knew that Jaz wouldn't mind that he flirted with her friend. "There is nothing to report. Jaz knows how to share, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind sharing my cute little ass with her friend?" He informed her with a nod and a quirk of his head to the side to regard her. Ruben's brown gaze followed her arm motions as she tied up her long hair, the necklace bringing attention to her chest for a moment as she joked about being called 'Oscar'. "It would be a good hooker name, but you're much too classy for that, so maybe not Oscar." He grinned as he took his place as she had asked, his shirt put to the side, he was glad that this room wasn't too cold, though he was used to working with only a thin shirt on at the garage. This banter he liked. It was free and easy going, and there were people that you just hit it off with, and it seemed like Thessily was one of them. "Oui, oui." He said, just about the only French he knows. "Make me look beautiful." He bats his eyelashes in an overly dramatic feminine gesture and grins as she bumped him with her hand, enjoying the small contact because it meant that she wanted to touch him and that pleased him. Means his flirting wasn't going unnoticed, though by her words she was clearly enjoying the attention that he was willing to give her. "Ah, that is very true." He muses at her comment that if they're going it together. "Forgive me, I will get better and join you behind the scenes." He promises and he knows he'll make good on his word even with Jaz there because he really liked Thessily. Her personality was something contageous, plus her body was also stunning and he would flirt his way into her clothes, he knew. Even if it took some time, the chase was the fun part and he was willing to spend time because it was simply fun, and they both seemed to be liking it. "Never quite enough to appreciate it in its entirety." Ruben grinned, a teasing note to his voice as she said that she had enough canvas on display, and he really did not think that she did. She had the perfect curves that Ruben would like to put under closer inspection. He smiled when she became serious about her work, he liked that she had passion for what she was doing.He looked at the outline of his tattoo in the mirror and . "That looks perfect." He , trusting her to make it look good because Jaz would never hire anyone incapable. Ruben chuckled at the French accent in her tone, and at her next question he cocked an eyebrow. "An original huh? Well, if that's the only way I can get your hands on me." He smirked, watching her work on his body, and he truly wouldn't mind a Thess original. He liked getting tattoo's and he had the money for it, so why not. Ruben grinned when she accepted his offer, licking his lips he held his gaze on her working hands. "Good. You get to ride my baby you know, you should feel honoured." He chuckles, trying not to move too much as not to distract her hands from the precise work she was doing on him. "I hope you're not regretting Jaz not being here today." He murmurs with amusement because he knows he can be a bit full on but most people just dealt with that. 929 WORDS TAGGED: ASHLEY/THESSILY OUTFIT: CLICK HBVDHNVKDFJ I LOVE THEM SO MUCH ASHLEY ---------------- CREDIT

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Being in the same room with him was like being in the same room as a cheesecake she couldn’t have. It was just wrong. The little ‘don’t eat me sign,’ sitting on the table next to it, testing all the willpower you had. Especially because you knew the cake belonged to somebody you actually liked. And there stood her cheesecake, in all his pale perfection, trying to tempt her into sticking him with a fork. It was just wrong. Because he kept flirting with her too, beckoning her over to him with witty lines and blatant innuendo that she was a sucker for. She liked flirting. What could she say? Lot s of things, apparently, as her brain had no problem coming up with responses to his phrases and cleverly turning sentences.

’Well, when I get you laid back in the chair… We’ll see what I can do about that.’ Oh sweet mother of pearl. Had that really just come out of her mouth? Yeah. And easily, too. He was a dangerous individual, Ruben. Thess was convinced there was nothing wrong with a little light flirting, something to keep the brain and libido active, get the chemicals pumping through her system, making her think and react more quickly. But there was also a point when she knew she was likely pushing it too far. The dark-haired hottie across from her didn’t seem to care though- actually, he seemed to like it, rather a lot- and she appreciated that. She appreciated it, even when a small part of her was wishing he’d be offended or some shit, so she’d slow her roll. For now though, he was being too appealing, and too smart for her to knock it off just yet. The witch was already comfy enough with him to call him by his nickname. But that’s just who he was in her head. Like, Jaz called him ‘Rue’ and so that was the label that went with the staggeringly attractive form. Good thing he liked it, right? Even offered to call her a couple different nicknames of her own, and she couldn’t help her laugh. ’If you really must try those, feel free. But you realize that ‘Thess’ is already a nickname… So technically, I’m just matching you, sweetcheeks.’ And she finally realized, in that moment, that she was flirting entirely too much to not be interested. She had to ask about him and Jaz, ‘cause if she said something particularly dirty- even though she kinda already had- that would’ve bugged her boss/friend, she woulda felt really bad. So yes, okay, she disguised it as checking up on him, but they both knew better. The witch just wanted to know. ’Well, she’s not sharing anything yet, cute ass. Although we are friends… Maybe you’re a toy she won’t want to share. I know I might wanna keep you for me, if I were her.’ It was a joke. A blatant lie, because Thessily was no more the staying kind than Ruben was. At least, from what she knew of his reputation. Although, apparently her reputation included some class… She grinned at the bass-ackwards compliment, and shook her head with a giggle. ’At least I’d be a high-class hooker… of course, that name might give the impression that I was a cross-dressin’ hooker. Hm. So yeah, maybe not.’ This was going surprisingly well, for it being with a man she had purposefully ignored before now.

And he was just so funny. He made her laugh without even trying. The ‘french girl’ thing just gave him an opening- gave them one, really- to continue being ridiculous. ’Oui, mademoiselle. I will do my very best.’ She really would too, because it was something she took pride and joy in. Her very best started with spreading the transfer sheet on his skin, after sanitizing the area he was more than happy to expose to her greedy violet eyes. Um. Dayum. And she was so distracted, she almost missed that little line about agreeing to join her. ’Now Rue, that might get you in trouble!’ She wagged her finger at him with a chuckle, and then bit her thumb gently, thinking. ’Though I- for some inexplicable reason- get the feeling you’re more than a little familiar with trouble…’ It was a clear tease. But come on. That man practically screamed ‘sin’ with every little cheeky grin and hot one-liner. ‘Trouble’ likely could’ve been his middle name. Especially as he kept flirting with her. But now that she was aware Jaz had no actual claim on him, she felt free enough to flirt back. Not that it had impeded her much before, but she could take the offers and comments with a tinge of pride now, rather than one of guilt. The witch was always flattered when somebody bothered to notice her. And Rue was noticing, and vice versa. Made her happy, light. It also made her burn and tingle with awareness as he essentially offered to get naked for her so she could ‘appreciate’ him. Whoa. She was glad to be look away from him in that moment, as the blush cooled from her cheeks and her pupils returned to a normal size. She cleared her throat as she turned around, shaking her head. ’As much appreciation as I’m sure I’d have, let’s keep you mostly clothed on the first meeting, huh?’ Maybe later, if he played his cards right, they’d expose more of that sexy pale skin. For now though, for her sanity, he needed to keep ‘em on. He was happy with her placement, and she got to work, dipping her gun in the ink and starting the outlines. Ruben was totally comfortable in that moment, she could tell. And she realized she’d love to work on him again. Not everyone took to tattoos so well. Or her. Goodness gracious. ’There are lots of ways to get my hands on you, honey. Not all of them so pleasant, though.’ She winked at him, moving on to the next section as he offered to take her out after their appointment, and she accepted. The woman was surprised, but certainly flattered. Besides, she was already having a good time with him, and this was her workplace. Outside of here, she knew she could have more. And oh, she was gonna go there with him already, she knew, the moment the line about ‘riding his baby’ popped out of his mouth. She just couldn’t stop herself. Lucky she wasn’t looking at him. ’I think I’d be more honored to ride something else you own, rather than a baby…’ Her voice was a soft purr, in contrast to the buzz of the needle in her hands, and she smiled at his next comment. ’Nah. Not at all. I’m thinking it’s a bit serendipitous, actually. Something had to get us talkin’. Especially since I actually like talking to you.’

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style, background-color: #fff; width: 505px; border-top: 10px #000000 solid, bTable] for fools LOVE IS ONLY Everyone knew Ruben was a flirt, it was no secret at all. But Ruben liked it when they flirted back, and God, Thessily was giving back. It made a sense of satisfaction settle within Rue's stomach, because even though she wasn't letting him touch, she was flirting back, and that's the kind of teasing the shapeshifter thoroughly enjoyed. And then she said such innuendos like the chair comment, and Ruben was a goner. "Thessily, your mouth is making a certain part of me very happy, don't make me beg you to make it even happier." His voice was a teasing purr, a sexy smirk wavering along his lips because this was way too much fun, and he loved the reaction he was getting, as well as the responses that he hoped to hell Thessily would make true or he'd have to lock her in a room with him until she did. He was sure that wouldn't be taken too well, so he really hoped it didn't come to that. But Ruben was pleasantly surprised by how this was going. A sexy woman was going to mark his body, and God knows he wants it, but it's more than that because right now, he wants her, and Ruben tends to think with his dick more than his head, and that really really is a problem sometimes. "You do have an extremely pretty mouth." He adds the compliment, genuine if flirty, because he'd love get a taste of that mouth. And to have it on him. And yes, he just needs to get his brain out of the gutter. He laughed a little at her reasoning at the nickname thing, and nodded. "Thess it is for now, but I'll most likely spice it up every once in a while. I hope you don't mind." Not like he was actually asking her for permission, but it was more teasing than anything else. Few things that came out of Ruben's mouth were serious. That wasn't an entirely good thing, because he failed to take necessary situations seriously, but generally, Ruben hated being serious. He avoided those kinds of situations by making jokes. Hell, that was his first instinct when he found out about Annette being pregnant. That was just how he dealt with things. Martial Arts were just about the only thing he ever took seriously. He loved the sensation of pushing his body to its limits when he wasn't in his fox form, loved the feeling of muscles pulling when he kicked, or skin rippling when he punched. His mind was better for it too. He wasn't as stupid as people assumed him to be, just cause he'd quit school and became a mechanic. Nevertheless, the joking with Thess sent his stomach aflutter, and that was a positive sign in his eyes. He liked women for their minds as much as their bodies, and Thess certainly had one hell of a mind. It was a turn on, and Ruben realised in the short space of time, that much about her was a turn on. Ruben right out snorted. 'Toy' that was a first, though it was to be expected. It was funny nonetheless. "You wound me! Am I nothing more than a pretty piece of ass to play with?" He feigned offence, when naturally not much could offend him, he had made himself not care about meaningless things like that, especially when they were in good humour, and goodness knows the man can take a joke. "I want to be seen as pretty on the inside too!" He pouted, looking to the ground, hair falling over his forehead and eyes, looking like a kicked puppy which made him hope for more flirtatious remarks from Thessily. "If you were a hooker, babe, I would care for the price, I'd pay instantly." He winked and liked his lips, eyes blatantly on her body, admiring her curves once more, because Thess was a feast for the eyes and Ruben knew it. Maybe it was the want for her, but he didn't think so. "But you're too good to be a hooker." He said, because women like Thessily wouldn't do something like that for money. The fact that she was a tattoo artist was very attractive to him. It was one of the first things that drew him to Jaz, but they were more friends with benefits now. Nevertheless, the tattoo artist part was a part of Thess that he'd always appreciate because it took skill, and talent, no matter how much he wanted those hands all over him. Ruben gave Thess a bright grin when they were onto 'trouble'. Rue was no stranger to it. Hell, he enjoyed it sometimes, more than he cared to admit, and that was a funny thought. "I wouldn't mind getting into into trouble with you, gorgeous, I'd feel lucky to get punished by you." He said this with ease, eyes closed as she put the outline onto his skin, for which he was excited for. The whole thing would look great. He was confident in Thess's abilities, even if she's never done work on him. If Jaz trusted her, Rue would trust her too. "Aw, that's no fun. But I suppose we don't want you distracted when you're working on perfection." He teases, chuckling softly, because he was nowhere near perfect, yet his charm and charisma made up for what he lacked in personal taste of appearance. "It's okay, I do enjoy the unpleasant sometimes. Really, you should have expected as much." He snickers a little, he could be kinky when he wanted. Not to an obscene extent, but he liked some of it really, so the teasing was at least partially true. Well shit. How could she say things like that and not expecta reaction from him. He couldn't move though, not if he wanted no mistakes in the word. "Damn you for having me pinned to a chair when you offer to ride me, because damn, sweetheart, you get me got and bothered." His voice is low, almost husky as he flicks his tongue out to wet his lower lip to try and be a tease right back. "Oh, so now you like talking to me, after you've spent a good amount of time ignoring me?" He laughs a little and simply allows her to work, the buzz off the needle and the stin familiar, comforting in reminding him that he was his own person. "Tell me, Thess, what got you into tattooing, hm?" He asked, showing that he wasn't just interested in her body. The funny thing was, Ruben was also very interested in the answer. Curious about it anyway, so the question wasn't just to get into her good graces, but there was aa genuine want to know. And they had time to talk while she worked on him. 1142 WORDS TAGGED: ASHLEY/THESSILY OUTFIT: CLICK gawd help me i can't. ---------------- CREDIT

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Her mouth? Yes, she did that silly thing, in that moment, and attempted to look down t her own lips. Just what had her mouth done that was so spectacular? Oh, words, duh. Dumbass… He just seemed intent on complimenting lots of parts of her, didn’t he? Not that she minded. Thess soaked up praise like a flower took nutrients out of the dirt; it was a natural process that she practically needed to thrive. Though how her mouth had become relevant was a mystery, until she considered the fact that it was her mouth saying all the almost-blatant things about him and her, well, them. The dirty-esque words that was forcing her brain to keep firing at an accelerated pace to keep up. God, she loved flirting. She liked some things that could result from flirting a bit more, but the start was fun too. And Ruben was nothing short of fluent in the language of Flirt. She shook her head with a little eye roll at his words, waving them off like he didn’t really mean it. Truth be told, she had no idea if he’d actually beg, but she thought not. Didn’t seem his style, in her personal opinion. And her opinions tended to be pretty accurate. So yeah, she acted like they didn’t ring true, and successfully managed to brush off the tone he’d used to deliver them. Wicked creature. ’It’s your ears, right honey? My voice, being oh so pleasant?’ A wink followed the mild sarcasm, before she continued. ’Or would that be ‘ear,’ singular, since you said ‘it?’’ Hey, she thought she was funny. Yet to be determined if Ruben would actually agree with her. Though he seemed to find her pretty amusing at that point.

Or maybe that was just ‘pretty.’ Those lips he’d complimented moved into a happy smile, flattered. What? Just because she knew it was true, and just because she used it to her advantage and reveled in being attractive, didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate being told so by someone that she considered dead sexy in his own right. Somehow, hearing it from a person that was just as hot as you made the praise even more weighted. Her slim fingers briefly touched her own mouth, as if confirming that those were indeed the ones he’d been referencing, tilting her head at him sweetly. ’Thanks, sweetheart. Evidently, it’s more than just pretty. According to most, it’s fairly talented, too. Any parts of you that are particularly skilled?’ She arched an eyebrow, curious as to what parts of himself Ruben had the most confidence in. Sort of a double-check. Did he like his hands the most? His hips? She just wanted to know if the things she had mentally catalogued made his list. Yes, that meant she had taken stock of him, like a prized thoroughbred. It was just a thing. When you checked a person out- as she’d been doing, practically since she’d seen him- you made little observations about the things you liked best. Thess was no different, and she already had some favorite pieces of Ruben. Absently, the thought that followed close behind that wondered just what his favorite pieces of her might already be. And the witch had almost no shame, so she asked. ’Any other parts of me you’re particularly fond of?’


Maybe her name, since they had a little interlude about that for a couple. It was actually about nicknames, and the application thereof, ridiculous and not. They- she guessed- finally settled on the standards that worked for them, but not without him offering up some variety to the mainstay. Not that Thessily minded, of course. Just like he said. It tempted her to be ornery and tell him that he couldn’t call her anything but her name… and it also tempted her to say that he could call her whatever he wanted, long as he used that low, sexy tone that had likely curled plenty of toes in bliss in its day. But she refrained, shrugging lightly, quirking her lips and nodding. ’I’m not super-picky. Long as it ain’t derogatory, hotness, I don’t mind at all.’ But he didn’t seemed inclined to be anything less than flattering with her during their entire interaction. And not only ‘cause she was about to wield needles against his skin. Oh, she was thinking a dangerous thing: they just genuinely like each other. Certainly liked each other enough to tease, and for Thessily to actually risk asking him about Jaz.

His response to her inquiry made her laugh out loud, covering her mouth with her hand in surprise. Very nice, Mr. Carraway. ’Oh, more than likely, Rue. But only by your own choice, hmm?’ Her wink was pointed, making not-so-vague allusions to his own choice to be more than a little promiscuous. If he was a toy, it was only because he wanted to be. No, if Ruben had really wanted to be with someone, belong to someone, she was sure there were more than a few people that would’ve been happy to snag that one. ’It has nothing to do with your pretty insides, which I’m sure are lovely.’ And he just kept piling onto that impression, offering to pay her prices as a hooker. She blinked, both flattered and amused. ’Aww, Ruben, you flatterer. After this tat though, I doubt you’d have that kind of money. You have expensive tastes all the way around, it seems.’ And risky ones, since he was perfectly fine with the idea of getting into trouble with her, causing a grin and a headshake. Silly man. ’Who said I’d be doing the punishing? I’d be in just as much trouble as you, and Jaz might spank us both, the vixen.’ Of course, that wasn’t entirely true. Jaz wouldn’t actually spank Thess… Maybe Rue though, if he liked that sort of thing. She really didn’t know, but she was now the tiniest bit curious. Curiosity wasn’t enough to pull her away from her job though, and she got to work, chuckling at Ruben’s newest comment, before it seemed like he answered her mental question about the spankings without even meaning to. ‘Enjoy the unpleasant,’ huh? She might’ve guessed...

’You gonna be one of the weirdos who comes in here looking for pain, Rue? Don’t be a creeper, okay? I don’t know if I could handle that… You want your masochistic kicks, head elsewhere.’ Her entire tone was silly and teasing as she pointed to the door. Thessily had nothing against masochists, had even played with a few in her time. To like pain was just another expression of nerve endings. She wasn’t a fan, particularly, but meh? To each their own, as far as she was concerned. And Rue, he was such a good sport about all her teasing, and she was becoming increasingly attracted to him, that yes, she pushed heavy, innuendo-laden words in his direction, voice thick with potential. But she never blatantly came out and said that it was him she’d been considering. ’Tsk tsk, Rue. Reading into things.’ She stuck her tongue out, stomach twisting with lust that she was desperately trying to play off a little while she looked at him, the heated expression on his face making her crazy. ’Nobody said it was gonna be you I was riding.’ She couldn’t quite pull the tones of want out of her voice, but it didn’t matter. They both knew they were hot for each other at that point. And enjoying the time in each other’s company, which he saw fit to tease her about while she continued with the tattoo gun, his skin taking the ink very well. It would swell some, after, but right now, it was still in enough shock that it stayed flat. ’Yep. Gotta make nice with the clients, and you’re easier than most,’ she said, clearly playing with him while her nimble fingers moved in precise, practiced motions, bringing the art to life, soothing her somehow, like it always did. His question pulled her eyes back up, curiosity on her face before she glanced down, answering him. ’At first, it was just art, mostly. Drawing and painting and stuff. But uh… well, in foster homes, that stuff tends to get chucked out. Nobody’s really interested except for a few moments. And in some of the worse ones, nobody cares, period, but to throw it away. It finally dawned on me I could keep some of my art around forever if it stayed in my skin. They couldn’t take it away from me, tell me it was trash. Took to it like a fish to water, been addicted ever since.’ It was, she hoped, a quick and pitiless answer to his question. She wouldn’t lie to him, but she didn’t want his pity, either. She’d done very well for herself, despite some questionable upbringing.