#piercer

You felt the music blast in your ears and the crowd you were engulfed in felt the exact same, elbows and hips bumping into each other yet space was given where it was due. The people next to you giggling as the smell of nicotine and that shitty resin in cartridges filled your lungs.

The randoms you met earlier pulled you by your elbow, nabbing you off the dude who’d been giggling along with you ‘bout stories involving the guy up on the stage now. Some shit about knowing him as a kid and how stupid both of them were.

You almost yelped as you got pulled away, but honestly, you were too adrenaline filled and dopamine buffed to care. It’s been a good night so far.

“Hey, my girlfriend feels kinda overstimulated, and we’re gonna call it a night. We’re heading over to that diner that’s open till like… four? You wanna hang out or you gonna stay here a little longer?”

You paused to think about their offer, rubbing your eyes a bit and crouching down some to calm down from your serotonin high.

Your friend organized the event, asking if you’d do some piercings on the side before you decided to close it up pretty early, mostly just to enjoy what was going on and because there was a tattoo artist with a booth next to you who planned to be there until the last set.

You agreed after a short pause, and the couple helped you with getting your things before y’all began giggling and often stumbling into each other on the way to the diner.

“So you came alone?” The girl from the couple asks as her boyfriend devours the club sandwich on his plate like a starved peasant at a king's banquet beside her. You think he tried to repeat her question, but he was muffled by the food in his mouth until his girlfriend gave a look that you somewhat translated to “Shut up and eat before you talk.”

You nod in reply while munching on some slightly burnt fries, the diners specialty. The meal was moderately calm, mostly consisting of some very much needed decompressing as she tells you ‘bout the tattoos she’s been thinking about getting. You recommend some mutuals that you know did some amazing work while her boyfriend looked ready to fall asleep on the shitty booth’s table top. Despite the comfortable atmosphere the two had provided, you started to sense a pair of eyes on you. Not in the diner, but outside it. Your quick glances there told you otherwise, just awfully parked cars, a guy smoking, and some other people you recognized from the rave giggling by the curb on their phones.

“Alright, I think I’ll drive. I stayed sober tonight and he’s seconds away from passing out-“ The girl muttered, before being cut off by her sleepy partner,

“Nah, nah, I can drive you… You’re tired, trust-“ He cuts in, putting a small smile on your face at how tired this dude was. Jesus, you really should remember these two’s names by now.

“You’re gonna fall asleep behind the wheel.” She retorts, grabbing under his arms with one of hers and hoisting him up as you follow, “I’d rather walk alone in Gotham than crash tonight.”

She looks back as you lead them out the door,

“We’re parked a block away. You need a ride home?”

You decline, mostly because you planned to go back to the rave to say bye to your friend beforehand and to make sure all your stuff is in their car before you go home yourself.

“Get home safe, alright? You have my number, just let us know. It was great meeting you dude!” The guy says, grabbing your hand and forcing you into a chest bump. The girl gives you a side hug before dragging her boyfriend away, mimicking his sentiment. Nice couple, but the eyes you felt earlier never fucking left.

You sigh as you head over to the corner by the man smoking. Sometimes you feel like you cosplay as an extrovert, being a bit more reserved and keeping to yourself in your mind, but being too tired from overthinking constantly to care if someone judges you for speaking to them.

“Hey, sorry to bother you–You got a lighter?” You mutter, grabbing the box you had in your pocket before realizing it’s empty and grumbling. The high of the night was wearing off fast, and you knew you were about to be an ass to everyone who wasn’t your pet at home tonight.

The man beside you pauses. He's tall, definitely built with a hood shadowing a good amount of his scarred face, although it’s visible nonetheless. He had some cargos on, and probably the type of guy you’d text your friends saying: “Holy shit, I just saw someone who doesn’t look real” and try to describe him without sounding pathetic.

Green ass eyes too, Jesus.

But then again, you’re too tired to care or think about deeply right now.

He grabs his own box of cigarettes from his front pocket, holding it out to you.

“Here.” He says softly, his hands shaking a bit. You spot the scars on his fingers which makes you think that perhaps he’s some really impressive construction worker. Or that he runs an underground fighting ring.

Or maybe you’re placing the cigarette in between your fingers and thinking too deeply about this stranger as he gently brought his lighter to the end of your cigarette, but it’s then you realize the eyes that you’ve been feeling since the diner have moved to your lips.

Your intuition tells you it’s safe for now, but the realization has hit who’s been eyeing you now, so it’s better to have that guard up than never.

You sit down at the curb, popping in one of your headphones as you start taking hits from the cigarette. You swore he was like a goddamn ninja with how silent he is, you didn’t notice that he had also sat beside you.

He seems kind of weird. It’s okay though. You’re weird too.

“…Why’s there so many people dressed like that tonight?”

He asks after a beat, the smoke he blew out dissipating in the night air as he turns his head to face you.

You stare at the pigeon in front of you which was fighting some rat for a piece of toast that most likely fell out of someone's takeout,

“Rave happening a few blocks that way.” You point towards the direction, shrugging.

“That part of Gotham is just some old warehouses though? When has it been a venue?”

You chuckle a bit at his question, yet his words don’t go ignored. He perked up a bit when he said warehouse. Maybe you’re imagining it, but he seems a little nosy anyhow.

“Not officially. What? Are you gonna report it?” You smiled, taking another drag as he thinks about his next response,

“No- I… I was just curious.” He says, his eyes having averted from your face to also watch the semi interesting pigeon vs rat fight.

You take a moment to exhale, before looking back at him,

“Wanna come?”

“What?”

“Wanna check it out?”

“Oh, I don’t do that type of stuff-“

“Don’t have to get in the crowd or anything.” You reassured, checking your phone for a moment before continuing, “It’s almost time for the last set, so a good amount of people should have left. I want to make sure my friend put my piercing setup in her car.”

He pauses, tilting his head at you,

“Just if you want to see what it’s like.” You muse as you get up, finishing the cigarette before stomping it out on the curb.

There’s hesitation in his eyes, unsure whether or not to trust you. But he gets up after watching you walk away and begins to catch up, matching your pace.

“So, uh... you pierce?” He asks, almost tripping over himself. Jesus, you don’t think he’s an introvert, but he’s definitely out of his element right now.

“Yeah. Professionally obviously, but I’ve been doing it since I was sixteen so I don’t mind it at the raves. Lot safer in my opinion to just come to the parlor though.”

“Aren’t people, well… not all that sober?”

You shrug,

“I tell them to stay sober the whole night, usually ask if they have a friend with them to make sure. I mean, if you’re getting a piercing, you better not act stupid. Your face is in pain. Usually they just sit on the side with some friends after. It’s a nice community. It’s more of a favor to a friend, it’s why I closed up early. Now that I do it for work, I’m kind of annoyed that I was so unsafe with it.”

He lets out a small “oh.” as you lead him inside. The guy at the front recognizes you, not minding as you walk in. It’s NOTAFLOF anyways. There’s still a good crowd, and that familiar smell has yet to leave. You grab his hand, something he tenses up at slightly before following you as y’all weave through people.

You don’t have to think about it, but God, if it wasn’t your adrenaline blocking your inhibitions, you would’ve been shocked you even had the balls to talk to this guy.

You find someone’s booth, asking for your friend before being pointed in their direction.

The man stays beside you, looking around a bit as you weed out your friend. You eventually find them and now borrowing the keys, the two of you head to the car parked right outside and you let go of his hand to open the trunk to check if everything is in there.

He lets out a sigh behind you as you’re doing mental inventory.

“That’s…I didn’t think so many people would be there.”

You glance at him for a moment before going back,

“Yeah? How do you feel about it?”

“You’re cool.”

You pause, raising an eyebrow as you begin to stare back at him. His hood was off now, revealing a wavy black head of hair with large tufts of white on his bangs. He looks so badass, all the anxiety you’ve been suppressing came to you in an instant.

You try to disagree almost, reminding him you met him at a max of 20 minutes ago, unsure how to react, but he tilts his head at you, interrupting whatever sentiment you had,

“Can you pierce me?”

Okay, what the hell is wrong with him?

You ask him if he’s sure, not to just rush into a piercing, but he leans closer, almost trapping you in the trunk of your friends car as his arms are now placed on either side of you,

“I think you’re cool. And I’ve wanted an eyebrow piercing for a bit. Would you mind?”

Your right eye twitches a little. This guy has to be crazy.

“I do mind. How about you go to a professional?” You mutter, looking everywhere but that face.

“You’re a professional.”

“Yeah but like, an actual shop?” You try to insist, your eyes landing on the biceps, mind screaming to tear your eyes off them, but for the most stupid of reasons, you can’t. What can this dude lift? And why’s he suddenly acting confident?

“Too busy in the day. First night I’ve had off in a while.”

“Well, would you be able to even make sure it heals properly?” You grumble, his cologne smelling like vanilla with hints of the constant weed smell Gotham holds. You’ve at least gotten your eyes to look straight behind him, making your heart rate go from furious to just pretty fucking fast.

“Promise.” He whispers softly, his eyes trained on your lips.

You’re unsure why you agreed. Maybe because a handsome guy practically begged you for a piercing. And maybe because you both haven’t exchanged names even, it’s less personal.

You want to assume he’s just trying to get your number.

He’s bad at it.

And y’know what? it’s not your problem if he’s rushing into a piercing he doesn’t actually want.

Putting on your gloves, you disinfect everything you can, trying not to stare at his unnaturally long lashes. Never understood how so many dudes can have that.

You could notice his hands shaking slightly, gripping the edge of the trunk as your equipment touched his eyebrow.

“Take deep breaths. Want me to count?”

“You can just do it.” He whispers. Doesn’t need to whisper but he’s getting a free piercing so whatever.

He somewhat flinched when the puncture first happened, but his face remained still. Trooper. Once the jewelry went in, you cleaned off what you could, leaning over him to grab a small bag with some cotton pads and a small saline spray you give to most people, his hands landing on your hips for a moment before he pulled them away panicked.

You give him a small smile at that as you hand him the bag,

“You good?”

“Yeah just-didn’t expect it to not hurt as much as I thought it would.”

You nod, trying to give some small talk as you clean up and close up your friend’s trunk, but he was so focused on staring at you, you don’t think he had it in him to even pay attention. Thank God he didn’t bleed, you’d feel real bad cleaning that up in your friend’s car.

“What’re you doing after this?” He asks, grabbing your wrist as you were about to head inside to return your friend’s keys.

You honestly couldn’t tell him. You didn’t want to end the night, but you didn’t really know what else to do.

It’s how you ended up in some abandoned factory by some shipyards. Graffiti painted against every surface caught your eyes in the dimly lit space as the man, who you learned was named Jason, was helping you climb some of the higher parts of the walls. You were afraid something would snag on his new piercing, but then he’d stupidly grab you and hoist you up onto a wall as he’d climb it, the action itself making you too nervous to remember your worries.

“C’mon, I know a great view of Gotham.” He’d chuckle as you walked along a connecting bridge to the next worn-down building, looking ready to collapse at any moment. You can’t deny the view of the Gotham night was incredible, though.

The lights, the faint view of all the places you can recognize, the constant honking of cars, and the sound of another criminal screaming “The goddamn bats!” barely audible, like a mouse’s squeak almost.

You try to tell him you can carry yourself, that you’re not someone to take care of, but he just shrugged, giving you a smile as he’d hold your hand while climbing up the graffiti covered stairs in the next building until you both reached the roof.

Jesus. You felt like Superman with how you could touch the night sky.

“You need to come here more often. Can’t believe I’m the first person to take you up here.” He smiled, standing behind you with one hand on your shoulder and the other holding your chin up to stare at the night sky.

You swat the hand on your chin away, earning him a small laugh out of him, although you can feel the hand on your shoulder shake again.

It’s stupid how nervous you were making this man, but you grab the hand you swatted, to hold it in yours, something to calm him. You felt stupid for trying to hide you were just as anxious.

It’s like he can’t tell when to be nervous around you and when to make a move. Indecisive; uneasy, but still willing to try. You can appreciate that.

It’s when his hands let go and moved to play with the hem of your top, like he’s unsure of what to do now, that you turned to face him,

You ask him if he plans to push you off, half jokingly, and the nervous side of him is back, shaking his head no. He’s almost upset he gave you that idea before you grab his right hand, squeezing it to calm him again, before bringing it to your hips.

So easy to read yet hard to understand.

You sit him down on the ledge, standing in front of him.

His mind is racing, and yours is too. You both grew silent and stared at the other like you were speaking telepathically as you led his other hand to your waist.

After a beat,

“It’s your move.” He murmurs, looking up at you like he’s seeing his dream come to fruition, to which you shake your head no in response.

He brought you up here, so it’s his move, and his move alone. Doesn’t matter if this is a fantasy of yours that becomes reality, and you honestly think if you did make the first move, you’d tackle him and probably lead y'all to your last fall.

His eyes finally tear from your face, giving you a once over, before he leans his head back, your body falling along with him until your lips connect after a moment of shaky breathing — from you or him you can’t tell — . You’re barely hit with the realization both of your heads are hanging off the ledge, your eyes are too afraid to open now as you felt the wind in your hair from hanging off the building. You can hear the sounds of honking cars under you, the neverending chatter of Gotham, and you can feel your heart pounding against his.

Your hands were gripping onto his hoodie for dear life as his hands squeezed your hips, in line with his own heartbeat. Why you weren’t shaking was beyond you, his tongue probably being the only reason you haven’t pulled off and asked him to kiss you in the thousands of normal ways. Standing, sitting down, in your bedroom, by an alley, anything but this.

It was strange how feeling his breathing against your face was keeping you calm enough to not push yourself off, it was strange that the two of you we’re making out with only attraction and 3 hours of proximity to be pulling you two together like this.

His left hand found the back of your neck, gently deepening the connection you found in each other before he stood up straight slowly, pulling you off of him like you were velcro.

Goddamn, he had to pull YOU off HIM when he was the one acting all shy all night?!

The hand on your neck moved to your face, his hands squeezing both your cheeks gently,

“You’re panting. Sorry if I scared you.” He murmured, leaning in for another kiss with you, one you reciprocated back, although begrudgingly for having pulled you off.

His face was flushed, breathing heavy, and he was looking at you like he wasn’t sure if you’d do that with him again. Or want to see him again. He’s a hard read.

You grumbled a bit, moving your own hands off his chest to his waist,

“You should see it from my perspective this time.” You grumble, turning around, pulling him down on top of you as your heads hang over the ledge again. You’d rather fall in the fantasy he made with you than let this end.

Your whole life felt as if you had been walking on eggshells. Everything you did was criticized, every breath was monitored. Your family had attempted to shape you into what they wanted you to be, ever since you could remember. It hadn't stopped, not even when you moved out. You still heard their snarky comments in the back of your mind.

It had taken your whole entire college career to realize that they could no longer haunt you. You are an adult now. Yet that feeling of freedom was short-lived.

Just when you thought you might break free from your family's ideals, perhaps embrace your early adulthood: Life changed. You found out you were pregnant. You were going to be a single mother, since your boyfriend at the time soon vanished after hearing the news.

After your daughter was born, you mainly focused on providing her with a happy life. You were so focused on trying to be a good mom, that you forgot every other aspect of your life. Even your daughter noticed, despite only being eight.

"Mama, you should do something that makes you happy too. Not just for me. I like it when you smile."

Her words were simple, yet they struck something within you. They have made you realize that no matter how hard you try, you can't make someone happy if you're not happy yourself.

You were obviously happy with your daughter, you loved her to death. But she was right, there were also other things you wished to do. You wanted to go out, travel around the world, learn new things, and maybe even find someone to do those things with. Someone your daughter could call a second parent.

Consequently, you chose to put yourself out there and get to know other people. Not a lot of people were interested in a single mother, or that’s what you thought. After a couple of dates, you chose to settle down with your now-boyfriend— If you could even call him that. The both of you were constantly off-and-on. All because your boyfriend chose to start petty arguments whenever you wanted to do something regarding your appearance. Whenever you wanted to feel beautiful again.

Despite his flaws, you still wanted to give him a chance. He was sweet whenever he wanted to be, and he helped you out financially. He could be the perfect father for your daughter.

—

It all started with one video. Then, in just a matter of hours, your feed was full of all types of women, proudly showing off their pierced noses, ears, lips— you name it.

You've been wanting to decorate your body with all sorts of cute jewelry for ages. The idea of getting a piercing felt so distant, like an itch you couldn't scratch. You had been told your entire childhood that piercings and other types of body modifications were unladylike. That no man would ever want a woman who "went down that path." Therefore, you held back for years, decades even; Out of fear, out of shame.

It's been over two decades since you got your last piercing— You were in your mid-30s, and you had never gotten another piercing after your earlobes. Even then, you couldn't remember anything about an experience from three decades ago, when you were a toddler.

You went down a rabbit hole of researching different types of piercings. You scrolled through endless pictures, healing journeys, pain level rating of each piercing. The more you looked, the more certain you were. You wanted to fulfill that long-forgotten dream.

"Honey?"

You tiptoed to where your boyfriend laid on the couch, watching TV as your daughter played on her tablet. A small hum of acknowledgement grumbled from his throat, his eyes glued to the screen.

“I was thinking of maybe getting a belly button piercing…? I wanted you to come with me to the piercing studio down the street. I’d just like to have you there for support.”

He pauses the movie, slowly turning his face towards you. His eyes processing what you just said.

“Baby, don’t you think you need to like— I don’t know— lose some weight for it?”

Your smile falters ever so slightly. It feels like that’s all he does lately, find new ways to make you insecure.

“Are you joking? You know damn well this tummy is what’s left after my pregnancy.”

You scoff in disbelief, arms crossed over your chest. You see your boyfriend’s mouth opening as he gets ready to argue back.

“I think mama would look cute with a diamond piercing on her belly button.”

Your gaze softens when you see your daughter looking up from her tablet. You glance over at your boyfriend’s annoyed face, noticing the way his jaw is clenched in an attempt to bite back his words.

“Fine.”

Your smile returns almost as quickly as it left, your heart full of love for your daughter as you approach her.

“What if you help me pick out the jewelry for when it heals?”

The little girl pauses, lost in thought. She smiles mischievously before suggesting something.

“You should get it today so I can play with my friend next door! Pleeeasee mama? ”

Your boyfriend sits up. You can tell he’s about to say something, but you interrupt him just out of spite.

“That’s a great idea, sweetheart! The neighbor can watch you, while we go check out the piercing shop nearby. Well, if the neighbor has time to watch both you and her daughter, that is.”

You glanced at your boyfriend, holding back a smile. You knew that the only reason why he didn’t try arguing with you further was because of your daughter. He knew she’d obviously defend you, and he wasn't trying to waste his breath with the two of you.

After sending a quick text to the neighbor, you drop off your daughter next door and get going with your irritated boyfriend.

The nerves begin to kick in once you step foot inside the parlor. You almost forgot that you’re essentially stabbing your navel with a needle. It’s bound to be painful, maybe even bleed. Maybe piercings weren’t for you, after all.

“Oh, welcome. What can I do for you today?”

A woman spoke, leaning into the counter with her phone in hand. You had never seen her before. She had short black hair, various earrings, paired with a pierced nose and labret; she was beautiful, mesmerizingly so. You tightened your grip on your boyfriend’s hand, almost as if to remind yourself that he’s there. It felt so wrong to look at a woman you just met in such a lustful manner. You’ve never looked at other women this way before. Never wanted to kiss one either until now.

Your eyes unconsciously raked over her body, stopping on her chest as you noticed small barbells poking out under her tank top. You let out a shaky sigh as all sorts of thoughts began to flood your head. You imagined how your hand would feel tangled in her hair as your tongues moved against each other in a passionate dance. How your nipples would feel pressing and rubbing against hers— that gave you the perfect idea.

“Hi. Do you guys have an opening for a navel piercing? And maybe… Nipple piercings?”

You bit your lip nervously, embarrassed at the words that came out of your mouth. The girl in front of you was likely a decade younger, and she had a strong, yet slim build. The exact opposite from you. What makes you think you could suit nipple piercings the way she does?

“Are you fucking serious? You are not getting nipple piercings. That’s ridiculous.”

Your thoughts are interrupted by your boyfriend’s scoff, along with his discouraging words. The piercer’s expression looks thoughtful as she leans in closer to your boyfriend.

“Nipple piercings can be really hot, you know? They can look amazing on the right person, especially those who know how to show them off.”

You catch her briefly glancing at you, a small smirk on her face. You see her tongue subtly running over her teeth before she looks away. You’re so lost in her stare, that you don’t even feel your boyfriend’s hand letting go of yours as he crosses his arms.

“What are you insinuating?”

The black haired woman mimics his stance in an almost mocking way. She was clearly entertained by the situation.

“I'm saying that your wife getting her nipples pierced might not be a bad idea after all. A lot of people find them really sexy.”

“Well, I don’t think nipple piercings would look sexy on my girlfriend, so.”

Her smirk widened when she heard the way he said the words “my girlfriend.” It only made her want to poke at him further.

“Of course… Well, your girlfriend’s already getting her belly button. What 's two more?”

“Her tits are fine as they are. There’s no reason to ruin them with fucking piercings.”

You could tell her teasing was getting to him. You tried to calm him down with a few words, which quickly flew out his other ear as the piercer spoke again.

“Just ‘fine’? Would’ve expected more from a guy who’s so adamant about not ‘ruining’ them. I'd say your girlfriend has a real nice pair. Definitely more than ‘fine.’”

Your eyes widen at her comment. You knew she was trying to get under your boyfriend’s skin, and she’d done it perfectly. His fingers were clenched into fists, his knuckles white and his jaw tight in anger.

“Watch your fucking mouth."

The piercer grinned mischievously, enjoying the tension on the man’s shoulders. She ignored him and turned back to you, her gaze a lot softer.

“For what it’s worth, I think whatever you choose to get will look great on you, no matter what it may be.”

Part of you couldn’t help but be aroused. The way she looked at you with such gentleness, different from the challenging look she gave your boyfriend earlier. Her voice felt like silk, wrapped around your bare body— warm and encouraging.

“Funny for you to think I’ll let her get pierced in this place.”

He takes your hand, ready to drag you out of the piercing studio. When seeing this, the piercer walks over to the both of you, and steps in the middle. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“That 's a shame. Are you really that afraid that she’ll look hotter? That other guys might notice? That girls might notice?”

Even though the message was directed towards your boyfriend, she stared directly at you as she spoke. Her voice was low and full of unspoken intention, as if she was sharing a secret between you both. Well, mostly you. Your heart raced the moment you caught the way she emphasized the word ‘girls’.

“We’re leaving.”

Your boyfriend grabs your arm roughly, causing you to wince as he leads you towards the door.

“Already? Are you afraid she might consider getting those nipples pierced?”

“Fuck you bitch!”

He yells in anger, taking a menacing step closer to the woman before you grab his shoulder. You reprimand him to stop yelling and disturbing other customers, to which the piercer just smirks in amusement.

“You should listen to her more often, big guy.”

The man scowls at her words. You take a step closer to her and apologize profusely for your boyfriend’s behavior, and turn back to him.

“Babe, could you just— I don’t know— sit down while I get my belly button pierced? It’ll be quick.”

You plead with a tone that borders on desperate. You were embarrassed and you didn't want to cause another scene. The woman stands next to you, one hand on her hip.

“Just a little hole in her belly, what's the harm?”

She turns to you, a cunning smile in her face as she whispers directly at you.

“You’d look cute with a belly ring.”

You smile dumbfoundedly, entranced by her beauty and the way she was so subtly flirting with you in front of your boyfriend.

“Can’t you see she’s hitting on you?!"

Your boyfriend exclaims, gesturing with his hands as if you were struggling to see what’s in front of you. You knew that she was flirting with you, but what he didn’t know is that you liked it. It was the first time in years someone had looked at you as a woman — someone who’s more than just a mom, or a woman past her prime.

“Am I, though? I’m just pointing out that there’s nothing wrong with letting your girl do what she wants. To want her to feel hotter.”

She maintains direct eye contact with you, deliberately ignoring your boyfriend as she speaks to him. You force yourself to look away from her, and turn to your boyfriend.

“I’ll be back in a minute. Just… Sit for now, okay?”

You look back at your boyfriend one last time. He grudgingly sits back down with a displeased expression painted on his face. The woman goes behind the counter and pulls out a document for you to sign.

“May I have your ID? Oh, and here’s a pen.”

You hand her your driver’s license and take the pen with your other hand, fingers deliberately brushing against each other.

“Pretty name. I’m Se-mi, by the way.”

She smiles at you and hands you back your driver’s license.

“We’re all set. Follow me to the back.”

Se-mi beckons you over to the piercing area. You sit down on the piercing chair, arms folded over your lap.

“I’m sorry about him. He’s a little… Difficult. I think if it wasn’t for my daughter, he would’ve found a way to talk me out of it.”

She pauses, her hands hovering over the sterilized material before she turns around to face you.

“I guess not everyone understands body mods. As someone who not only does them on a daily basis, but also has multiple piercings… I think any piercing would look great on you.”

You looked down at your hands, suddenly feeling the heat rising on your cheeks at her comment.

“And uh… How old’s your daughter?”

“Oh, she’s nine. Literally the sweetest girl.”

You rave about your daughter as she brings her stool next to the piercing chair, adjusting it to face you perfectly.

“She seems great. You sound like a great mom, I’m sure you raised her well.”

You gave her a shy laugh, thanking her.

“Now, if you could just lift up your shirt for me…”

She says distractedly, putting on her gloves. Your own smile falters slightly at hearing those words. You nearly forgot that she needed to actually see your midriff to pierce your belly. With clammy hands, you lift up your shirt slowly, almost as if afraid she’d turn away in disgust at the sight of your stretch marks. Yet she didn’t. She looked at you like she would any other client— normal.

Why would it be different with you? She probably sees all types of bodies in her line of work, so what were you so afraid of?

Her gloved fingers rest over your skin, her other hand carefully disinfecting the area. After swiftly cleaning the area, she uncaps a purple marker with her teeth. Accidentally giving you a quick glance at her tongue piercing, which you hadn’t noticed until now. You could feel your face warming up at the unwanted thoughts that came along.

She draws a dot on each side of your belly button with scrutinizing precision. It made your heart race. It made it all feel more real as the nerves began to kick in.

“Perfect placement.”

Se-mi murmured, letting you check the marks with a small hand mirror.

“Great. Now, let’s get you that piercing, yeah?”

You nod. She tightens the metal forceps over the skin of your navel, causing your breath to hitch slightly. You watch as she lines up the needle, hovering the tip over the dots.

“Ready? Take in a deep breath with me.”

She inhales sharply through her nose, encouraging you to do the same. You replicate her exaggerated breath, unintentionally catching a whiff of her scent: A sweet, yet floral fragrance mixed with the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. The small distraction was quickly forgotten when you felt the needle go through you, causing a small whimper to leave your throat.

“Shh.. it’s okay, you did great.”

Se-mi quickly inserts the jewelry while removing the needle. She screws the barbel together and hands you the mirror once again.

“How does that look?”

You stare at the jewelry in awe, observing the way it catches the dim-lighting of the room. It looks perfect, maybe even better than you imagined.

“It’s lovely.”

You bite your lip, checking the way it looks in every angle. The pain you felt earlier now felt insignificant as you admired the piercing. Maybe you were losing your mind. After all, the last thing you wanted to do was argue with your boyfriend, but with the way she’d done your navel so flawlessly; you wondered how it’d look if she pierced your nipples too.

How would her hands feel on you?

Would she visibly react at seeing you completely shirtless?

Would she enjoy piercing such an intimate area?

“Do you think I could, uhm… get my nipples pierced too? I-If you have time, that is.”

You regretted the words as soon as they came out of your mouth. Your mouth had spoken before you could stop it. Sure, it was something you wanted; but the more you thought about it, the more you doubted if you really wanted nipple piercings. Although the uncertainty was shortly cleared when you happened to catch the barbells hidden under Se-mi’s top. They probably suited her nicely.

“Ah, so you are gonna do the nips? Great.”

She grinned playfully, her eyes giving you a subtle once-over that sent your heart flutter. She gathered her supplies, leaving you with just enough time to slip off your shirt. And there you were in front of your piercer, tits out and your heart racing.

The way her eyes stared so intently at your nipples made your breath catch in your throat. Not even your own boyfriend looked at you with such probing eyes — Majority of the times he rathered just not looking at your naked body. You knew this was nothing special; she was just cleaning the area. Yet your heart only beat faster as she cupped your left breast upwards, keeping it firm so she can mark it. She repeated the process on the right counterpart.

“Alright, I’m gonna need your nipples to get a little harder before I start.”

This was your first time getting a piercing, sure. But even you were confused on why you had instinctively thought to make them hard yourself. It wasn’t until you noticed the temperature getting colder and Se-mi watching in slight shock in front of the thermostat. That was when you realized that the idea was to harden them naturally by making the room cooler. Not having you practically playing with yourself in front of your piercer.

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry I thought I had to-”

A small laugh escaped her lips as she saw how you yanked your hand away from your breast. You were mortified. It quite literally felt as if someone had walked in on you touching yourself, which wasn’t necessarily far off from what just happened.

“I mean, that’s one way to do it.”

She takes a seat on the stool and continues where your hand had left off. Wasting no time, she pinched both nipples between the knuckles of her index and middle fingers. You bite back a whine, the pressure on your little buds sending vibrations right to your core. At this point, you didn’t think it was about the piercings anymore.

“Is this okay?”

The two of you look into each other’s eyes. You’ve been holding back the urge to kiss her ever since you stepped foot in the piercing parlor, but now the desire seemed stronger than ever. Your lips met and before you knew it, her tongue coaxed your mouth to open.

You knew this was wrong; making out with your piercer at her job while your boyfriend waits outside. However, you couldn't seem to stop. Her cheap mint flavored chapstick tasted so good against your lips, and the way her fingers tweaked your nipples was even better. Your body unconsciously arched onto her touch.

She couldn't stop herself. Your little peaks were practically begging for her attention. And of course, what else was she supposed to do if not please you? She leans down, her face hovering over your tits as her eyes gauge at your reaction. Your chest heaves with ragged breaths. Lust reverberated through your loins. It was evident on your face. She lowered her face and captured your nipple into her mouth.

The warmth of her mouth felt unreal. You couldn't believe how satisfied she seemed by just worshipping your body. It was something your boyfriend rarely did— you couldn't even remember the last time he genuinely tried getting you off. Her voice vibrated against your skin as she let out pleased hums. Her hands traveled through your body as if they couldn't get enough of you: one worked on your free nipple while the other one gripped the soft skin of your waist.

Breaking the suction with a wet pop, she pulls away to look at you. She trails a slow path down your torso, her fingers slowly lifting up your skirt. You helped her hike up your skirt as you parted your thighs.

Your heart pounded against your chest. This was the first one you messed around with a woman or… Cheated on anyone. Yet the way her hands held you so reverently made you feel more cared for than your boyfriend ever did. Her fingertips slowly crawled up your legs, meeting the warmth formed by your pussy.

The thin fabric of your underwear was practically see-through with all the wetness that had accumulated. With a shaky breath, she hooks her fingers over your panties, slowly dragging them down your legs. She looks up at you, checking for any sign of hesitation.

At seeing nothing but an expectant look, she tosses them aside. Guilt gnawed at the back of your neck for the man who sat outside, but you couldn't stop. Her fingers circled your clit so deliciously and her lips kissed every inch of skin that your man never bothered to reach.

“You’re soaked."

Se-mi mumbled as she dipped one finger inside your oozing hole. A gasp left your throat at the slow breaching of your entrance. You let your hand wander up her body until they stop over her breast; you wanted to hold onto something as she fingered you, especially if it was the same chest you've been ogling at your entire time at the shop.

Her breath hitched at the grip on her boob. You were squeezing it gently, while your thumb traced the jewelry poking out from her tank top. It only made her want to play with you more. She slipped another finger inside, causing you to gasp.

She marveled at the way your wetness coated her skin with each pump of her fingers. You both knew this was wrong, but neither of you seemed to get enough of each other. Your hands had pulled down Se-mi’s top to twist her pierced nipple freely. All while she circled your clit with her thumb at the same rhythm of her fingers curling in and out. Your tongues were messily moving around each other in a searing kiss.

She pulled back slightly from your face. You whimpered at the sudden emptiness in your cunt as she pulled out her fingers. Se-mi stared at her hand, relishing how your wetness coated her fingers.

“Taste yourself.”

You part your lips, allowing her to slide her fingers in your mouth. She watches, completely entranced, as you suck her fingers clean. Your tongue flicks over her knuckle, sending a shiver down her spine as she imagines how you would lap at her clit.

The two of you were completely lost in that little game of yours. You hadn’t even heard footsteps approaching.

“What is taking so long?!”

Your boyfriend pounded on the door from the other side, startling you both. Se-mi pulled her top back up. She took her fingers out of your mouth and clumsily wiped them on her shirt. She puts a finger to your lips, silencing you before opening the door just a crack.

“What? Can’t you see I’m busy?”

He narrows his eyes at Se-mi’s attitude. He was not only irritated, but curious as to what was taking so long.

“How long does it take to get a piercing? I thought you were just putting a needle through her belly button.”

“Well, last time I remembered, you’re not the piercer here.”

The man had enough. He pushed the door open, curious to see what was taking so long. He couldn’t believe his eyes at finding you in such a compromising position. You were sitting on the piercing chair, laid back slightly almost completely naked.

Enraged, he stepped inside and slammed the door behind him. His eyes linger over your exposed body, noticing the tiny hoop on your belly button. Se-mi stands calmly between him and the piercing chair, blocking out part of the view.

“What the fuck are you doing?!”

He accuses Se-mi, his face red with anger. She simply shrugs and speaks calmly.

“Me? I’m giving her what you clearly couldn’t.”

Your boyfriend's eyes drop to your crotch, noticing the dewy skin glinting under the light. He scoffs and looks back at Se-mi.

“You fucking whore. What? You couldn’t get a good dick, so you chose to go for my girlfriend?”

Her eyes flashed with anger at his words. She looks him up and down with disdain before taking a step closer.

“Why would I be interested in annoying little cockblocks like you when I can have your gorgeous girlfriend? Especially if I can make her feel good in ways you clearly couldn't.”

Your boyfriend looks at her, then at you. He swallows hard at the sight of your flushed cheeks, your hard nipples, and especially your wet lower lips. Just remembering how he had to squirt lube onto his length to be able to slide inside you made him jealous at seeing how utterly soaked you were for this woman. Yet at the same time, it’s not like he ever took his time with you. It was always lights off, face down, ass up. He couldn't bear to look at your imperfect body, but now…

“You want this slut to fuck you?”

He asked harshly, holding onto the small chance that you would once again choose him. You always did. But this time it was different, you didn’t hesitate once when answering his question with a firm “yes." But even if you hadn’t said anything— he could tell what the answer was gonna be. Your spread legs easily showed your desire for a woman.

His jaw tightens as she stands behind you. She places her hands on your shoulders and begins to massage them gently. You push your head back to look up at her, a soft moan escaping your lips. He sees as she leans down and softly kisses your lips, her hands moving down to cup your breasts.

“You heard that, boyfriend? Your lovely girl wants me to fuck her.”

Your boyfriend watches as you spread your legs wider, whimpering softly as Se-mi plays with your breasts. He’s never seen you more turned on in your whole entire relationship.

“You fucking whore!"

He yells, trying to get a reaction out of you. He felt frustrated at the intense focus you had on Se-mi. She briefly glanced at him before tilting your chin up and pulling you into a slow kiss. He didn't know what was more infuriating: Finding you this desperate over a woman or how you easily acted as if he wasn't there. It didn't matter though, she was going to fuck you regardless.

“Get out.”

He couldn’t believe his eyes. For once in your life you were doing something for yourself, uncaring of what he or others might think.

“Are you fuckihg serious?”

Se-mi smirked at his words, not wasting one second to keep groping you in front of him.

“Deadass.”

His jaw clenched in anger, taking a step back before pointing at the both of you.

“Fuck you both! That bitch never got me off anyways. And just you wait until your boss finds out about this little incident of workplace indecency.”

“Go do that. Nam-gyu barely gives a fuck about this place, I’m practically the one running it. And while you focus on trying to find him… I’m going to make your girlfriend come so hard she’ll forget you ever existed. Maybe I’ll even record it so you can jerk off to it later.”

Se-mi quickly responds, her eyes never leaving your face as she works her way down your body even as the man slams the door and storms out the premises.

“Now that he’s gone…"

She mumbles against your lips, her hand moving down your body. She reached out to your breasts, flicking each peak before continuing her path down. She slowly dragged two fingers between your folds, gathering the moisture that she brought up to her lips.

Your voice caught in your throat as she brought her palm back down, this time in a gentle slap. You squirmed under her touch, enjoying the way her fingers tapped on your clit.

“Aren't there any— nngh— customers waiting outside?”

She pauses for a second, considering your question. It didn’t matter. She shrugged, and continued to draw slow circles over your hood. Her lips pressed against your forehead before answering.

“I’m sure Gyeong-su will cover for me. I’ll just slip him some cash and Nam-gyu won’t find out.”

Her chest brushed against your shoulder with each flick of her wrist. Each torturous circle feels like fire slowly spreading across your skin, only making you wetter in the end.

“Does that make you feel better?

You hum absentmindedly, your focus mainly on the arousal pooling between your thighs. Unable to hold back anymore, your hips began to move in sync with her hand. She got the message: you wanted more of her touch, and that's exactly what she’ll give you.