chapter one
James Potter had always been popular. He had the looks, he had the brains, and despite his arrogance, he had a heart that seemed to ooze love to anyone around him. Thus, it wasn't uncommon for him to be approached by strangers seeking help or simply his attention. However, since it got out that he is a piercer, even those who averted their gaze when he walked by on campus have approached him wanting to get a service done and every time he turns them down.
Today, James managed to make his way towards the library- uninterrupted for once- like clockwork at 3pm, so he expects everything will be the same. He’ll go in, find his favorite table, study for a few hours, then head out for dinner at 6pm.
No one bothers him during this time which he’s thankful for. It’s a well deserved break that he only gets twice a week. As he walks in and heads for the corner table, he notices two boys already sitting there. It’s an odd sight that makes James cock his head to the side before checking his watch- 3:01.
Maybe they’ll leave soon. He thinks before asking, “Is it alright if I join you guys?” The boys turn their heads in sync, giving James a once over before replying, “‘course mate.”
James takes the seat closest to the window, pulling out his laptop and headphones hoping for a quiet study session. It takes all of 2 minutes before his curiosity gets the best of him and he starts examining the pair before him. The one across from him looks familiar though James isn’t sure why. His hair is dark and messy, stark against his pale skin. He has a few piercings, though they’re nothing compared to his friends who he has personally covered in holes. James can tell which ones were done professionally, mostly due to the few very clearly botched ones he no doubt did himself. They remind James of the first ones he did on Sirius.
The next thing James notices is the tattoos covering the boy's arms. They’re nothing compared to the way he carries himself. Chaos trapped in a body, trying to escape, leaving its host to appear messy and tired. If rebellion and defiance had a baby, James imagines this is it. A boy trying to break a mold. The tattoos? They’re perfection. The picture of elegance. Despite the canvas's attempt to wreak havoc, the artist took care in their work, leaving soft lines and shades that brighten, not dull. They took chaos and turned it into order. Somehow, they made someone wild appear delicate.
The other boy was almost his opposite. His demeanor was calm, almost comforting. His blonde hair was styled in neat braids on his head. His skin dark, much like James’. He had no piercings that James could see but the tattoos visible on his forearms were almost alive under the sunlight shining through the window, casting a spotlight on them. James could tell he had the work of two different artists. One arm was like his friends, elegant and clean.
The other appeared more wild- free. This artist didn’t confine themselves in a box. They used different styles and techniques for each piece. Some messy, some neat. James couldn’t make out what some designs were which he assumed was deliberate. They were think pieces, made to draw the eye in and wonder just what may be going through their mind. Other designs were clear as day, lines bold, leaving no room for interpretation. They had something to say and everyone will know.
Day and night differences and yet they flowed together as if they were always meant to. Two different arms, two different artists, yet they were on the same person, never to be separated. Just like the artists. James can’t help but think they must know each other, if not personally then through their art.
“Are you done staring yet?” James snaps his head towards the voice that broke his concentration. Had he been starting that much? “Sorry. I was just looking at your tattoos.” James says sheepishly, turning his attention back to his work though he doesn’t miss the look the boys share.
“We can introduce you to our artist if you’re interested.” says the blonde one. “We were actually about to go see them. You’re more than welcome to join.” The boys stand up, waiting for a response. James wants to go, wants to see just what kind people are capable of this kind of art. 3:30. Wow, he really did stare a lot.
“I’m not sure I can today but maybe another time.” James responds when a hand suddenly lands on his shoulder. The boy that had been sat across from him was suddenly beside him. When did he move? Had I really been that deep in thought?
“Oh it wasn’t much of a question. Evan was just being nice.” So Evan is the blonde. James files that away as he gets the feeling that he’s going to be seeing them a lot. “Ease up Barty. You’re scaring him.” And this is- “Barty?” The name is out of his mouth before he can think it through. “Yeah, got a problem with it?” comes the response as the boy simultaneously squeezes his shoulder.
“Not at all. So where are we going?” James may not always think before he speaks but he isn’t stupid. He’ll go with Evan and Barty if it means saving himself from a fight. Besides, he really is curious about their artists. “You’ll see.” They say in unison, waiting for James to finish packing up before leading him away.
The trio makes their way out of the library and they surprisingly find themselves in a comfortable silence on the way to the parking lot. They arrive in front of a black car, Evan climbing into the driver's seat while Barty makes a show of opening the back door for James, finally breaking the silence. “Oh! You’re a piercer right?” James stares at him for a moment, trying to put together pieces he doesn’t have before replying- “Yes? Why?” skepticism clear in his tone. “Just wondering.” is all Barty says before closing the door.
When he gets to the front seat, Barty and Evan fist bump. Well I’m dying today. Is all James thinks as they begin to drive away.
—
Regulus Black sat behind the receptionist desk in the tattoo shop, perfecting a design for one of his clients while Pandora was working on her last tattoo for the day. They had music playing softly in their studio, simply enjoying their craft as they typically do when the bell they have hung above the door rang, signalling someone coming in. They had decided to put it up after they accidentally ignored a client one too many times. Both parties get so engrossed in what they’re doing that the rest of the world just fades away. They need something to pull them back into reality when they’ve begun to slip too far away, hence the bell.
Regulus looks up, confusion clear on his face until he sees who disrupted his peace. As Barty walks toward the desk, sporting his shit eating grin which means he’s up to no good, Regulus rolls his eyes. “No.”
Barty falters as he reaches the desk. “But I didn’t even ask yet.” He whines as he peers down at Regulus, taking a moment to admire his art. “Before you say no again,” he says quickly, “I think you’ll really like this idea.” Regulus looks up at Barty through his eyelashes, doubt clear on his face, curiosity hidden in his gaze. For as long as they have known each other, Regulus can count on one hand how many times Barty’s ideas have actually been good. Typically they end in disaster and one hell of a punishment from their respective parents.
Yet, Regulus has never truly been able to tell Barty no. He has a soft spot for the boy and always hears him out, doesn’t matter the topic. Barty of course knows this and sometimes abuses his power.
Barty holds Regulus’ eye contact, never even blinking, smile unwavering now that he has Regulus’ attention. Regulus tries to hold out just a bit longer, hoping the other boy will break first, but under Barty’s piercing gaze, Regulus feels as though he’s going through an autopsy, lights blinding him, cold metal against his back, scalpel on his chest ready to cut him open, eager to reveal all of his secrets.
Regulus gives in, turning away first, shaking the chills away. “Fine. What is it?”
Barty’s smile only grows as he leans back and says, “you should learn how to pierce for me.” as casual as one would state the weather. It wasn’t the tone one would typically use when requesting their best friend learn yet another body modifying skill for them. Regulus wishes he was shocked at Barty’s audacity but alas, he isn’t. “No.”
“I knew you would say that.” Is Barty’s reply. “But luckily I came prepared.” Oh no. Regulus is half expecting a powerpoint presentation on all the ways Barty would benefit if he became a piercer and only a single slide on how it would benefit him and Pandora. As Barty turns towards the door, Regulus tries his best to get ahead of him so he isn’t really thinking when he says, “what if we just hire a piercer instead? Will that satisfy you?”
Barty slowly turns to face him, delight clear on his face. Realization dawns on Regulus too late; he fell right into his trap. Regulus face palms as Pandora’s laugh rises above the music, mixing with Barty’s. “Holy shit it worked.” Regulus just shakes his head in disbelief. He blames the fact that he’s been away from his mother for years now. When he lived at home he was able to smell a set up from a mile away. Now? His best friends are laughing at him, joy evident in the air, because he’s become weak.
Pandora had previously mentioned renting out the extra space in their studio to someone but Regulus had been reluctant, therefore she dropped it. He thought she had forgotten about it but the banter going on between her and Barty says otherwise. Well, it’s likely they won’t find someone who fits their standards so there’s no point in stressing. He’ll just have to sit through a few interviews, decline them, and convince the duo that it’s not going to work.
After calming himself, Regulus finally responds. “Fine. I’ll put up some ads and we’ll wait and see if anyone responds.” Barty makes a show of wiping away fake tears and Regulus thinks that’s that. “Don’t bother. Bring him in Evan.” Before Regulus can even begin to register what’s happening, Barty pulls out his phone and presumably hangs up a phone call, Pandora starts laughing yet again, and Evan walks in with an extremely attractive man following behind him.
“Regulus, meet your new piercer.” Evan says, standing to the side so Regulus can take the man in. Dear god. Regulus has never seen someone quite as attractive as him. He’s taller than both Barty and Evan, meaning he’s at least 5 inches taller than Regulus, making him around six feet tall. His skin is perfectly tan, black hair a curly mess on top of his head, round glasses framing beautiful brown eyes. His shirt is tight around his arms indicating he works out, and his jeans fit him just right, although Regulus will bet they’re tight in some areas depending on his movement. He appears to be an athlete which would explain it. Regulus doesn’t see a single piece of jewelry in his body, just a single chain around his neck, mostly covered by his shirt. He doesn’t seem like the type to have tattoos either but with most of skin covered Regulus can’t be sure. He really should stop staring but he can’t pull his eyes away. If he gets questioned later he’ll just blame it on the shock of it all.
“I’m sorry, who even is this?” Regulus asks with an authoritative tone, switching into manager mode. His friends look at each other then at the boy, making it clear they never even thought to ask his name, nor anything information on him. “Oh, um, sorry. I’m James, James Potter.” He says, stepping up to the desk, hand outstretched towards Regulus. He stares at it, confusion flashing across his face before he takes James’ hand in his.
Regulus looks up at James, meeting his gaze as he shakes his hand, introducing himself. “Regulus Black.” Neither boy moves after that. They both seem to be searching for something in the other's eyes, looking for answers to questions they don’t even have yet. Regulus feels himself getting pulled in by some invisible force, drawing him closer to James, curiosity at the forefront of his mind. Just who is he?
“Uhm,” Barty clears his throat, causing Regulus to finally pull away, attention back to the topic at hand. James takes a moment longer before checking back in. Barty continues once he does, “Sooo you’ll hire him?” All three boys now look at Regulus, so much hope in their eyes. Regulus almost feels bad when he says, “No.” as he sits back down, grabbing his Ipad as he gets comfortable, ready to resume drawing.
“What?!”
“Why not?”
“Bitch.”
The replies come all at once and Regulus sighs, rubbing his temples after setting his stuff down yet again. He’s starting to get annoyed. “Where did you find him? How do you know he can actually pierce? Does he have all of the certifications and licenses needed to perform these services? Has he ever even worked in a studio? Does he have his own materials? Does he have the money to rent a space here? Shall I keep going?”
Barty and Evan look down defeated. They really did not think this through at all. Regulus can only sigh again as Pandora comes up behind him placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Let me take care of her and then we can all talk about this. Okay?” She says, looking at everyone, getting nods all around as they move out of their way.
“I’ll see you next time dear.” Pandora calls after her client before closing and locking the door. “Gather ‘round.” And they do. Regulus has always been thankful for Pandora, the only person who can remain the voice of reason in any situation. As she leans back on the front of the desk, her friends stiffen, immediately sensing the shift in her. Even James seems to hold his breath as her eyes land on him.
Pandora is often seen as whimsical and airy until you're caught under gaze. Her eyes are startlingly clear, mirrors reflecting your most intimate self. It’s as if she’s undressing you, pulling back each piece to reveal your core. Something so unnerving but strangely intimate. A test. If you can handle it, you pass. If you can’t, you aren’t worth her time. Strangers call her odd, intimidating, maybe even scary. Her friends call it her charm. “So?” is all she says, cocking an eyebrow at him while awaiting his response.
As if he knew exactly what she was asking, he began to answer, standing tall despite her scrutiny. “They kidnapped me from the library on campus where I’ve kind of become known as a piercer though the only people I’ve serviced are my friends. I have all of my certifications and did an apprenticeship when I was 19, so about two years ago. That is the only studio experience I have and currently just use my apartment or a friend's dorm. I have plenty of needles and varying types of jewelry and depending on what you’ll charge for rent I have the money. Anything I missed?”
To his credit, James kept his chin up the whole time, never wavering as Pandora took her time considering him. Barty and Evan had matching smug expressions adorning their faces, victory now within their grasp. “Reg?” Pandora doesn’t face him, instead waits for him to join her side, and he does. Finally, she spares him a quick glance, confirming what they both know. All eyes fall on James. “Welcome to Studio 4.” Says Regulus, followed by Pandora, “now offering tattoo and piercing services.”