Page 100 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Where do you want it?” she asked.

“My wrist,” Ody said.

“Chest for me,” Mano added.

“Do you have a specific design in mind?”

“Something simple. Like the one on my neck, but thinner.” He tilted his head to show her.

She prepped the design and pressed the stencil onto Ody’s wrist before starting. Mano watched him wince, just slightly, but he handled it.

“All done,” she said, stepping back.

Ody looked down at his wrist. “I love it. It’s perfect.”

“Mano, you can take your shirt off now,” she said, preparing the next needle.

He pulled it off, revealing the tattoos across his body.

“Where do you want it?”

Mano pointed just above the center of his chest. “Here.” He glanced at Ody, who was watching him with a soft smile.

“Perfect. Lie back.”

The needle buzzed as she worked, Mano staying still. After a few minutes, she wiped the area clean and stepped back. Mano’s new tattoo sat right between his pecs, small and subtle, just like Ody’s on his wrist.

They paid, thanked the artist, and stepped out. She gave them the usual aftercare instructions, but Mano already knew the drill, so on the way to the movies, he filled Ody in.

Later, back home, they agreed to return to Athens in two days. They lay on the bed, Ody opening his arms as Mano slipped into them. Sleep soon took them.

The next morning in Volos came soft. Ody woke first, stretching before turning toward Mano’s back. He moved closer, brushing his fingers over his skin. “Mano…”

Mano flinched, groaning.

“Good morning…”

“Mm!” Mano swatted blindly near his ear, like something was bothering him.

Ody huffed a quiet laugh. “Wake up, sleepyhead…”

Mano rolled onto his back, eyes barely open. “You’re so annoying, you know that?” His voice was deep, rough with sleep.

“And you’re adorable, you know that?” Ody grinned.

Mano’s face scrunched. “Me, adorable? Are you out of your mind?”

“Yeah, you.” Ody pinched his cheek.

Mano smacked his hand away and climbed on top of him.

Ody looked up at him, smiling wide, while Mano studied his face like he was trying to memorize it.

“What?” Ody asked.

Mano didn’t answer. His gaze moved slowly, taking him in, the green of his eyes, the curve of his lips, the small beauty mark just above them.

“What?” Ody asked again, still smiling.