You couldn't calm your nerves.

You'd been preparing for your first tattoos for months, and despite others reaching out to let you know about aftercare or how it wouldn't hurt too bad if you got it in fattier places, you still were worried about the pain.

It was an anxiety you couldn't shake when you were going somewhere you knew there would be pain, no matter how little.

But as you walk into the store and confirm your appointment, the man who approaches you eases your nerves from his smile alone.

"Hey, thanks for coming." He greets you with a lopsided grin, lazily raising a hand to wave at you.

In his other hand is a tablet that he turns to face you.

"I've sketched out an idea for the tattoo you wanted based off of what we talked about. Is this what you were thinking?"