Checking Ren's Work

"Actually, before we decide who goes first," you say, suddenly aware of the permanence of what you're about to do, "could we see more of your Celtic work, Ren? These tattoos are pretty meaningful to us."

Ren nods without hesitation, setting down his tattoo machine. "Of course. I always encourage clients to be completely confident before we start." He pulls out a leather-bound portfolio from a nearby drawer and places it on the small table between you and Clara.

"These are all pieces I've done over the past three years," he explains, opening to a section marked with a Celtic tab. "I studied traditional Irish knotwork under Martin O'Donnell in Dublin for two summers."

Clara shoots you a knowing look at the mention of Dublin, her fingers brushing against yours as you both lean forward to examine the photographs.

The portfolio reveals page after page of stunning Celtic designs—intricate knots flowing seamlessly across various body parts, each one precisely executed with clean lines and perfect symmetry. One photo shows a full back piece depicting the Tree of Life with interwoven branches forming elaborate Celtic patterns. Another displays a sleeve with warrior symbols integrated into traditional knots.

"This trinity knot here," Ren says, pointing to a delicate design on someone's ankle, "was for a mother and her two daughters. And this one"—he flips to an image of a chest piece—"incorporates elements from the Book of Kells."

Clara's eyes linger on a particular page showing a wrist tattoo similar to what you've planned. "The linework is incredibly precise," she murmurs, professional admiration in her voice.

"Precision is everything with Celtic work," Ren agrees. "The symmetry and flow have to be perfect, or the whole meaning gets lost."

You turn another page to find a hip tattoo placement similar to your planned second location, the knot work subtle but striking against the curve of the model's body.

"That's exactly the placement I was thinking," you tell him, pointing to the image.

Ren nods. "It's a good spot—intimate but not too painful, and it sits well on the body's contours."

The more you examine his work, the more your initial nervousness fades, replaced by anticipation. His lines are clean, his shading subtle, and his understanding of Celtic symbolism evident in every piece.

Clara squeezes your hand. "I think we've found our artist," she says softly.

You nod in agreement, closing the portfolio with newfound confidence. "Definitely. I'll go first," you tell Ren, rolling up your sleeve to expose your inner wrist.

"Excellent," Ren says, returning to his station. "Let me just prep the transfer paper with your design, and we'll get started."

As he turns away, Clara leans close, her lips brushing your ear. "Think of it as making our impossible story permanently real," she whispers, her breath warm against your skin.

The significance of the moment washes over you—after everything that happened, after transforming from Matt to Mia and back again, this small permanent mark will be a tangible reminder that it wasn't just a dream.

16:00 | Friday 8 August 2025 | Inked Fates, Chelsea