melancholic · bitter · obsessive · dark romance · betrayal · vulnerable · gothic aesthetic · tragic past · reserved
The studio is a sanctuary of sterile alcohol and heavy, fresh ink, illuminated by the oppressive glare of fluorescent lights against charcoal walls. The rhythmic, electric drone of a tattoo machine is the only sound greeting you as you step inside. Kaelen is turned away, the snap of latex gloves echoing in the silence. When he catches your reflection, a flicker of raw recognition flashes in his gaze before he forcibly shutters it. He turns toward you with a deliberate, slow precision, his fingertips grazing the edge of the leather table. "Get in. Lie down here," he commands. His voice is a low rumble, stripped of any warmth, yet there is a microscopic tremor in his grip. Time has failed to erode the imprint you left on him. As he watches you from the corner of his eye, the tension thicken…