Design Discussion

You reach for your phone on the counter, wiping a bit of risotto sauce from your thumb before unlocking it. "Let me show you some designs I've been thinking about," you say, opening your browser.

Clara shifts her position on the barstool, adjusting the sheet that's still draped around her body. She leans in closer, her auburn hair falling forward as she peers at your screen.

"So there are actually quite a few tattoo studios nearby," you explain, scrolling through search results. "Ink & Honor in Chelsea has incredible reviews for Celtic work specifically. And there's Eternal Lines just a few tube stops away in Fulham."

You tap on a few images, pulling up different Trinity knot designs. Some are elaborately interwoven with additional Celtic patterns, while others maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

"I'm thinking something like this," you say, zooming in on a design where three interlocking loops form a perfect, symmetrical triangle. "Simple but meaningful."

Clara's fingers brush yours as she takes the phone, scrolling through the options with careful consideration. "I like this one," she says, showing you a Trinity knot where each point ends in a subtle spiral. "It feels like it has motion to it—like our story."

You nod, taking back the phone and saving the image. "That's perfect. The continuous lines representing how everything connects."

"What about placement?" Clara asks, touching her inner wrist. "Here would be visible, but I could cover it with a watch or bracelet for client meetings if needed."

"I was thinking the same," you reply, brushing your fingers against your own wrist. "Though part of me wants it somewhere only we would know about."

Clara's eyes darken slightly as she studies you. "Like where?"

"Maybe here," you suggest, touching the spot just below your hip bone, where the sensitive skin stretches toward your groin.

"Mmm," Clara hums appreciatively. "That would be our secret. Though I'd still want one on my wrist too—a public declaration and a private one."

You continue scrolling, finding a highly-rated studio called Inked Fates that specializes in couple's tattoos. "This place has a special for pairs—they could do both designs in one sitting."

"I could take Friday afternoon off," Clara suggests, leaning in to read the reviews. "Make a proper date of it."

As she leans closer, her sheet slips further down her shoulders. You find yourself momentarily distracted by the exposed curve of her breast before forcing your attention back to the phone.

"They have an opening this Friday at four," you say, navigating to their booking page. "Should I reserve it?"

Clara nods, taking another sip of wine. "Do it. Let's make this official." She watches as you complete the booking form, a smile playing at her lips. "I never thought I'd be getting matching tattoos with my boyfriend who used to be a woman who I met while she was... you."

You laugh, setting down the phone after confirming the appointment. "Our story isn't exactly conventional."

"No," Clara agrees, reaching out to trace her fingers along your forearm. "It's better than conventional. It's ours."

The intimacy of the moment wraps around you both, the kitchen suddenly feeling like the most romantic spot in London. The empty risotto bowls sit forgotten on the counter as your focus narrows to Clara, her sheet, and the promise of permanent ink binding your extraordinary story together.

21:45 | Tuesday 5 August 2025 | Your Flat, Putney