Devotion

Nervously she sits. Her mind swimming. But is it the rum? Is it the anticipation? Not sure. Don't care. Hungry. A falafal from her purse. Mmmm...foods. He comes, sits down. We're next He tells her. Yes, it is excitement.

Tonight they prove their love, their devotion. She remembers the other two. Remembers what they stand for. Thinks of what this one will stand for. Her heart beats with joy. And nervousness. That last one hurt. Bad. She's afraid to cry. He won't judge but that doesn't matter. She judges herself. Harshly.

Come He calls. She sits on a stool before Chung. The men talk, bullshit over nonsense. The work about to be done. Other works. Names. Awesome Danger.  See babe, everyone likes it. She smiles...too nervous to speak. Not accustomed to conversation. Far from social.

"Is this how you want it?" Yeah He says. She looks. Fills with...pride? happiness? joy? love? all of these and more?

She lies down, making sure her body is covered by her coat. Her back is to Him, ankle in Chung's hand. Eyes closed. Ready for the pain. He reaches over her tensed body. Wraps His fingers around hers. She responds. He holds her hand firmly. Tightly. Gently. Tenderly.

The needle buzzes. Burns. Stings. It doesn't hurt. She doesn't feel pain. The last one hurt. Bad. She swore to never get another. The one on her back still needed to be fixed. She opens her eyes. It doesn't hurt. Her body relaxes. Her fingers ease up. She lifts her head. What's he up to? The S and L are done. "I did the outline. Now I'm just filling in." She's almost done. He lets go of her. Her mood has shifted. Nervousness gone. Excitement lingering. Joy overwhelming. He's done. She sits up. There it is. Small. Simple. Profound. Nothing else will feel like this. So much...pride, happiness, joy, love. She loves Him. She is devoted to Him. She adores Him. This is it. This is true love. And He loves her back...