Reddie for Something New #5

Uploading the same thing twice? Hmmm...

Jokes aside, I mentioned I would try out some stuff and re-render it. And I think it's definitely an improvement of my first attempt. Where inside and outside had pretty much equal brightness. I'll have to toy around with it some more on future images. But anyway, here's the story!

FORGOT THE ANGLES. Sorry, whoops. 

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ARKane: Li's trying to set me up with a girl from our engineering class. It's super annoying.

Reddie: That's cool. Is she cute at least?

Reddie: With huge boobs?

ARKane: Yeah I- ggaaarrgh

ARKane: WHY!? Why do you do this?!

Reddie: I'm just messing with you. 😝

ARKane: So how's the con?

Reddie: Pretty great. My art is really selling well. I might just go into this full time.

ARKane: So how many boys have you made your mark on forevermore?

Reddie: Should I count you?

ARKane: Nah, just the ones you've actually drawn on.

Reddie: None. They wouldn't let me near the tattoo machine. I had to give the designs to the tattooists assigned to us.

ARKane: Lame.

ARKane: How long are you here for? Maybe we can meet up while your in town?

Nicky was sucked out of the conversation for the first time since it had started. They had started talking before sunrise but they sun was fully out now, light trailing in through her hotel window. The constant pressure on her chest, edged it's way into her mind, growing in her thoughts.

Reddie: I don't think I can. I'm going to be busy helping with setup till the con starts. Then I have to go home right after. 

ARKane: Ah... Well that sucks. Maybe next time? 

Reddie: Definitely. 

ARKane: Well I have to get to class. Later. 

Reddie: Later

Nicky sighed. She tossed her phone, watching as it skipped across the bed and got caught in the covers. Clenching her eyes shut she rolled over and screamed into her pillow.

"Hey Nicky, we are heading over to a nearby bar. Wanna join us?"

Nicky looked up from the box of art she was packing to see Sean, the tattoo artist who was assigned to her row of booths. He was in his late 60s, tall and thin with a grey mustache. "Sure, just let me finish packing up here."

She wrapped the strap around the box and rolled it with her as they headed outside.

"So you local?" Sean asked as they walked, near the back of the group.

"When I was younger. We moved a couple towns away when I was in elementary school. Cider Valley."

"Ah. Nice. I'm from Violet Steppe. About the same distance but in the opposite direction."

"I thought that was a company town. How do you manage to stay in business with the Bleu Corp there?"

Sean laughed. "You'd be surprised how many of those nerds like tattoos. Always trying to stand out, to be unique. It works out for all of us. Not that I understand half of what they actually want me to put on them... But I make my mark." He winked at her with a chuckle.

"So how long have you been doing the good art Missy?"

Nicky rolled her eyes. "Since about High School. Though doing tattoo designs is new."

"You're very good. Nice clean lines. Makes my job a hell of a lot easier."

Nicky blushed. "Thanks."

They came to a fairly crowded intersection. As she peered across the street she noticed someone staring directly at her. They locked eyes and he seemed familiar. He was elbowing his mirror image standing next to him. The twin was distracted, talking to someone next to them, gesturing as he did so. It's Li... and Ark. Nicky felt her arm stretch out toward them but froze. I have to go. I can't let Ark see me.

When Ark didn't respond, Li broke eye contact to grab him. Nicky moved to back up but hesitated. Just go say hi, you know you want to.... But what if he asks why I lied... The fear made her back herself around the corner of the building, out of sight.

"Hey Nick, where ya going?" Sean called to her.

"Oh s-sorry! I jus-just realized I need to do some stuff when I get home! I can't stay late, have to head home already. Sorry!"

"Ah, okay then. You be safe."

Nicky ran out of sight. Around the other corner, she shuffled into the subway with her heart still racing. She checked in, going down the stairs to barely make the subway that would pass her house. Once the door closed and she sat down, Nicky sighed deeply. She already knew she would fret about it for the entire duration of the trip. Playing out the various scenarios in her head, including the one where she actually did raise her hand all the way. Maybe they could've all gone out for a drink. But instead she chose the one where she ran away. Again.