for no one

I have to disagree considering mom wouldn’t let me leave yesterday because she didn’t want me to see you.

...At least she remembered my birthday. 

Sounds painful. If I’m going to get a tattoo, it’s going to be where someone will see it on the regular, not on my ass.

Wait. Are you telling people don't see your ass daily? People don't see my ass daily? I've been lied to!

Alright, let’s go. Time to do all the legal stuff. Tattoos, gambling, smoking, getting arrested, that’s what I’m here for. All or nothing. 

Okay, valid point. I feel even better now.

Good.

I think mom would rather see me dead.

I'm sure she already thinks I am. 

To spare my feelings. But I’m so glad you like it.

I'd sound a lot less interested than I sound right now if I was trying to spare your feelings. I'm awful at lying.

No way! Both of those things are awesome, at least in my book they are.

I mean, I guess. School isn't, really. Napping is no different from what I do any other day. 

I’ve thought a lot about it, too. Specifically, matching tattoos because that sounds awesome and there’s no one I’d rather have a matching tattoo with.

I think we should get 'ride or die' as a tramp stamp. What do you think?

Wait, really? Like you’re not just saying that?

Why would I just say that? That's probably one of the nicest things anybody has ever done for me. 

I’m only joking, Payton. You don’t have to get a tattoo for me. Thank you. I think you’re gonna like what I got you. I kinda went a little overboard, but y’know, it’s year 18 so I figure that’s okay. It’s a big year.

Are you kidding? You're my brother. You're my best friend. I want to get a tattoo for you. I've thought about it a lot, really. 

But it’d be super cool and when I turn 18, I could get a matching one that says that you rock. Happy belated birthday, by the way. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you yesterday. Mom kept a very close eye on me all day. I have gifts, but like, it’s hard to get away without mom noticing, y’know? I also have no idea where you’re living these days.

Maybe I can get one for you, but not like that, yeah? Thanks, baby bro. I get you. Uh, yeah. I can give you my address. You can come over any time you like. Any time you can. 

I realized I was gay because I had to paint a half naked girl in my art class over the summer, and I hated this painting at first but it helped me… become who I am. And I know it’s probably totally weird and I promise this isn’t me like, trying to give you porn because it’s art, but that’s a whole other argument but you also played… like a ridiculously huge part in me coming to terms with myself so I just. Want you to uh, have it. If you want it. It deserves to be displayed.

I have something for you. For your birthday, I mean. Happy birthday by the way. Anyway, it’s kind of strange and you might not even want it and it might be totally inappropriate, but I always want to deck out your apartment with art so…

Okay. Hit me with your best shot. 

Congratulations and happy birthday! Did you do anything special for the big day?

I went to school, then I took a nap. I'm a bit pathetic. 

You can get a tattoo now. You should get a tattoo that says Dev rocks. Just a suggestion.

That's super tacky, man. I'd want to put a little thought into a tattoo. Also, the fact I'm broke doesn't really help.