(Charlie’s POV)

I curled up in Vic’s sheets, burying my face in his scent. I wasn’t trying to be creepy; I was simply savoring his memory, for tomorrow I moved into my new apartment, which had no welcoming smell at all. I never really realized how much I needed Vic until he was gone. With him, I didn’t have any nightmares. In his bed, the nightmares were faded and blurry images. I was sure, though, that the nightmares would hit me like a train the first night I spend in my new apartment.

I knew it was a necessary task, though. I had to get over all of the shit that has happened to me—all of my real life nightmares—by myself. I needed to learn how to cope on my own, though, for when Vic goes away in the future. I have only been in his life for a small, single month, but with every thing that has happened, it has felt like a lot longer—time really wasn’t important in that aspect. That was why him being away for touring was a little difficult for me—I barely even remembered what life was like before I knew him. That part of my life was so bland that it wasn’t even worth trying to remember. But knowing that he was coming back in a few weeks made the time a little more bearable. I shook my head as the thought of him being gone forever haunted my mind.

I woke up early the next day. Not only did I have to move into my new apartment, but I also had an interview at a local tattoo shop. It was a nice place, and they needed a new designer, and I definitely would not have been able to land this interview if it wasn’t for Vic. I initially didn’t like that he had to help me out to get it—I wanted to be able to do things for myself—but he reminded me that none of it would have mattered if I wasn’t truly good at what I did. I had the “talent”; he just knew the right people.

“Hi, how may I help you?” a tall, tattoo and piercing covered woman swiftly approached me, her friendly smile baring her white, shining teeth. I felt a little out of place—not having a single tattoo.

“Hey, my name’s Charlie Daniels, and I’m here—”

“Oh, Charlie! Yay!” she squealed before I could finish introducing myself. I smiled happily at her enthusiasm. “I looked at some of your designs already, and I love them. This whole interview thing is for official purposes, but, unless you turn out to be a creep, you’re hired,” she grinned.

“Wow, thank you,” I smiled.

“Thank yourself, Char. You’re the one who works hard to draw these designs,” she said, patting my shoulder. “I mean, seriously. How long did this take you? It’s so intricate,” she mused, holding up a sheet and squinting at the thumbnails of my designs that are printed on it.

I laughed lightly. “A while,” I mumbled awkwardly.

“Fantastic,” she smiled. “Well, my name is Lacy, and I own the place,” she introduced, opening her arms out to gesture to the decently sized and aesthetically appeasing shop.

“Hi, Lacy,” I grinned. I was relieved that the shop was female owned and run—I wasn’t very trusting of males in charge, imagine that.

“We have two other tattoo artists—Fallon and Seth—who use the guns. You, obviously, won’t be using the guns because you aren’t trained for that, yet. Maybe one day, though,” she said, a spark in her eyes. “So, you’ll just be designing them and doing all of the stenciling, making generic options and also taking requests,” she informed me.

“Sweet,” I said.

“And, I’m also a tattoo artist, so I’m usually busy with customers, as well. So you will also be doing some book keeping, too, so like organizing customers and making appointments and such,” she said. “Is that alright?”

“That sounds perfect,” I said.

“Great! So you’ll get eight dollars an hour for now, but you’ll also get commission on all of the tattoos you design. So the more you make, the more you make,” she wiggled her eyebrows, and I laughed.

“Wow, okay! That’s perfect,” I said, happily accepting.

“Good. You are hired, my dear!” she sang happily, and I beamed.

“This is going to be so much fun! Fallon and Seth are awesome people; you’re going to love them. They are on lunch break, right now, though,” she said. “We are pretty laid back here, it’s one big family. The shop does pretty well. Being mostly females, we get a lot of attention, that’s for sure,” she laughed.

“Poor Seth,” I noted.

“Nah, he loves it. But not in the nasty: I’m surrounded by hot girls all day way. He’s actually gay,” she informed me, and I nodded.

“Oh, I see,” I said.

“Yes! So,” she sighed, sitting down in a swivel chair, spinng around a few times before she spoke again.

“Are you tied down to anything else? Let’s talk hours,” she said.

“Um, not really. I’m, uh, kind of new to the area, and I have a very free schedule as of right now,” I told her.

“Aw, okay. That’s good then. I’m in here basically all day, six days a week. We are closed on Mondays, and we close early on Sundays,” she said, and I nodded, sitting down next to her in another chair after she gestured me to do so. “But you aren’t tied down to anything else? I’m shocked. What’s a pretty girl like you doing single?” she asked. “Well, I’m sure there could be many reasons. Like livin’ it up in the clubs. You look young enough for that. Embrace the beauty, girlfriend. Embrace it,” she said. I laughed.

“Oh my, you really are flattering,” I covered my face with my hands. “I’m actually… er, I guess you could say I’m… seeing someone,” I said quietly.

I wasn’t exactly sure how to label my relationship with Vic. I completely adored him, that was for sure. We just never really talked about “what we were”—it never seemed relevant. We seemed to be exclusive to each other, though—at least I hope so. I know that I wouldn’t hook up with anybody else, and I only hoped that he wouldn’t, either.

“And I have no clue where clubs even are, here, so that’s not true, either,” I added quickly.

“Ooh,” she said. “You have a boyfriend?”

I bit my lip. “I, uh, guess you could call him that,” I said, suddenly feeling insecure about my status with Vic. I mean, I knew how he felt towards me, and I definitely felt a lot for him. I guess I didn’t like to put a label on to our relationship—but I knew for sure that we had one. A strong relationship, in fact.

“Uh, oh,” she frowned. “Is everything okay with you guys?” she leaned forward curiously, concern in her eyes—I was really liking Lacy already. She seemed to be really genuine, and I could tell we were going to have a fun time working together.

“Oh, yes! Everything’s great! We just never really discussed what we are,” I said, deciding to be honest. Sometimes it felt good to talk about things like this to another girl. I didn’t really talk about anything serious on my day out with Jess. She was wonderful, and I liked her a lot, but she was too close to the guys for me to spill my soul to her. For now, at least.

“Oh, I get that. So, where is he now?” she tilted her head to the side.

“He’s away for a month,” I pouted. “Working,” I said. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to tell her about Vic.I didn’t know if he wanted people to know.

“A month long business trip? Oh, honey,” she shook her head.

“What?”

“Men don’t just go on month long business trips,” she frowned. She wasn’t trying to be rude or snappy to me—she had a look of pure concern in her feature. I smiled softly at her, appreciating her care.

And I nodded, seeing what she was insinuating. “No, that’s not what it is,” I said.“He’s, um, touring,” I said quietly.

“Touring? Like, in a band playing music touring?” she clarified, and I nodded.

“That’s so cool! That must be hard for you, though,” she said.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Yes, it kind of sucks, actually. This is the first time separating for us, too. You never really know how much you love someone until they aren’t with you every day,” I said. I widened my eyes and slapped my hands over my mouth—did I just say that?

“Aw! I get it! I get it! I get it!” Lacy jumped out of her chair and did a little dance—a victory dance, apparently, but I didn’t know what for.

I laughed, the blush in my cheeks fading. “What do you get?”

“You love him but you are afraid of your feelings,” she put her hand on her hips sassily.

I scrunched up my face. “I’m not afraid,” I said, even though the small voice inside of me was whispering that she was right.

“Bull shit,” she articulated each syllable precisely. “You love him, which is making you feel insecure about your relationship with him. It’s okay, babe. You don’t have to be confused anymore,” she said reassuringly. I furrowed my eyebrows, realizing she was right. Maybe I did love Vic. But wasn’t it too soon to feel that way?

“It’s too soon,” I informed her.

“No, I’m sure it’s not. How long have you guys been a ‘thing’?” she asked.

“Uh, about a month. We met under interesting circumstances, I guess you could say, and it’s gone from there,” I said.

“Aw, that’s okay, love. I promise. When he gets back, just tell him how you feel. I'm sure he feels the same way. And I bet you guys have a really special and different relationship, thanks to these interesting circumstances you mention,” she said.

“It’s like you can read me like a book,” I said.

“I just get it, doll,” she patted my shoulder.

I smiled. “Do you mind me asking what band your man plays in?” she asked carefully.

I bit my lip. “Er, just don’t tell anyone, okay? I’m not sure if he wants people to know,” I said.

“Of course, darling. I understand your privacy!”

“Thanks,” I smiled. “He’s in Pierce the—”

“Oh, my God, seriously?” she exclaimed. “I’m twenty-nine and I’m fangirling,” she said lowly, scolding herself and shaking her head.

I cracked up with laughter. “Yes, he is,” I smiled, Vic’s face popping up in my head again.

“Which one?” she beamed.

“Vic,” I said.

“Oh, my, goodness, gracious, Charlie, Daniels! Score!” she jumped up and down for a moment, and then she sighed, calming herself down. I blushed. “Wow. Sorry about that. That’s awesome, Charlie. He’s a nice dude,” she said.

“Have you ever met him?” I asked curiously.

“Nah, but I hear such good things about him, and the rest of the guys for that matter. How did you guys meet?” she asked excitedly.

I paused, not sure what to tell her. I definitely was not about to tell her what happened to me, though.

A bell rang from the front of the shop, indicating that someone was walking in.

“That’s a story for another time, perhaps,” I said, and she nodded.

“Charlie, this is Seth and Fallon. Fallon and Seth, this is Charlie,” Lacy said.

“Hey, how’s it going?” I grinned at the two other workers, who held out their hands for a shake, which I gladly took.

“Great!” Fallon said. She was pretty, just like Lacy. She had jet-black hair and piercing green eyes. Her skin was pale, but covered in tattoos—except for her face. She also had a lip and nose ring.

“Hey gorgeous,” Seth smirked at me.

“Nice try, Seth. She already knows of your sexual preference,” Lacy informed him. Seth pouted.

“Damn you! I wanted to mess with her a bit,” he said, poking me in the side. He sent me a toothy grin. “I’m just kidding, kid. I’m Seth, and apparently you already know a few things about me,” he glared back at Lacy, and she giggled through a hand that covered her mouth.

“Hi, Seth,” I smiled, taking in his appearance, as well. Like the other two, he was covered in tattoos. He had full sleeves on both of his arms, a neck tattoo, and I could even see some tattoos peeking out through his v-neck. He had brown, hair, shaved lower on the sides than the top and brown eyes. This was definitely an attractive bunch of people—no wonder they got a lot of business.

“I feel like I need to get a tattoo,” I admitted. They laughed.

“No stress, Charlie,” Seth put an arm around my shoulder. “You don’t need to look the part to play the part,” he said.

“Unless you genuinely want one. We just don’t want to pressure you,” Fallon said. “It’s your body; do as you please,” she added. I smiled at their kindness.

“Hey, Charlie?” Lacy raised her eyebrows at me.

“Yes?”

She jogged over to me, cupping her hands around my ear. “Can I tell them? They’ll be so excited. What is said in the tattoo parlor stays in the tattoo parlor, I promise,” she said. I hesitated, but then I nodded affirmately.

“Yeah, sure,” I smiled, knowing already that I could trust him.

“Guess who this little beauty is dating?” she, being a few inches taller than me, put her hands on my shoulders, standing behind me. She shook me a little in excitement, causing me to giggle.

“Who, who, who?” Seth bounced.

“Vic Fuentes. Of Pierce the Veil!” she said.

“Oh, my god, he’s so hot!” Seth gushed.

Fallon smacked Seth's arm playfully. “Wow, Charlie! That’s so cool!” she grinned happily.

“Guys, enough about me!” I blushed.

“Yeah, tell us more about Vic,” Seth wiggled his eyebrows, and I rolled my eyes playfully. I wondered if they had any idea what Vic has gone through in the past few months. Was that information really public? Did fans know a lot?

My face must have fallen, though, and they noticed. “Yeah, seems like he was in a rough place for a while, though,” Lacy said lowly, and I nodded.

“We don’t mean to butt into your business. We’re just glad to see him happy,” she smiled softly, and I returned the smile.

“Anyway, back to work, minions!” Lacy shooed off Fallon and Seth, who laughed in response.

“Call me a minion one more time…” Fallon threatened.

“I’m sorry! I just loved the Despicable Me movies! You guys are so cute, just like the minions!” she pinched Fallon’s cheek, and Fallon swatted her away.

“You’re a goofball,” she shook her head, chuckling.

“You love me,” Lacy batted her eyelashes at her.

“Unfortunately,” Fallon muttered, and I chuckled to myself at their exchange.

“Today’s a slow day,” Seth chimed in. “I don’t have any more appointments today,” he added, collapsing on and sinking into a leather couch that was pressed up against the wall.

“You can go home if you want,” Lacy shrugged her shoulders. “I only have one more appointment today, we probably won’t need you,” she said.

“Seriously?” Seth perked up.

“I don’t see why not,” Lacy said.

“Thank you!” he cheered. “I have a date tonight, guys,” he grinned.

“Aw, good luck!” Fallon hugged him.

“Thanks, sweetie,” he blushed. He gave them both a kiss on the cheek, and then he hugged me gently, before darting out of the store.

Moments later, though, he returned. “Forgot my stuff,” he mumbled, laughing at himself as he scooped up his phone and bag. He skipped out of the shop again happily.

I smiled at the group—they seemed like such nice, genuine people, and I couldn’t wait to become friends with them.

This job was going to be really good for me, serving as a perfect distraction while Vic was away. I already missed him like crazy, and this was a distraction that I knew I was going to need really badly.

Notes

Yay can I get a woot woot for updating?!? hollaa

Sorry, this is a small, filler chapter, introducing new people and all of that fun shit! Sorry I couldn't think of a good ending for the chapter so I just kind of ended it haha

Hopefully more soon! I am really trying to write for my other one "starry eyes" but then i get random spurts of inspiration and just gotta go with the flow!

:)