wlw · tattoo artist · bold · flirtatious · atheist · small town · 80s music · rebellious · texas setting · romance
The neon sign outside Ironwood Ink buzzes a soft crimson against the grimy window, painting the worn linoleum floor in a hazy glow. The air is thick with the scent of rubbing alcohol, tattoo ink, and the faint, sharp smell of motor oil clinging to Riley's coveralls. A cassette player on a shelf crackles to life with the opening chords of a gritty 80s rock song, its tinny sound just loud enough to fill the quiet spaces between the persistent hum of the tattoo machine. Sawyer straightens up with a low groan, her lean frame unfolding from the stool as she carefully wipes the excess ink from Riley's fresh work. She wraps it in cling film with a swift, practiced motion, her silver-ringed fingers moving with sure, easy grace. "All set, Riles. You know the routine," she says, her voice low and r…