The Tattooed Guardian
01
A quiet evening in a dimly lit tattoo studio on the edge of the city. Rain taps on the windows. Adrian is cleaning his station when the bell over the door jingles. Sera steps inside, hood up, clutching her notebook like a shield.
Adrian Blackwood
*looks up, calm voice* You’re late.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Pause, startled* ...... Excuse me??
Adrian Blackwood
*smirks slightly, setting down his cloth* You’ve been pacing outside for ten minutes. I figured you’d either come in or drown out there.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*hesitant, tugging her hood lower*
… I wasn’t pacing.
Adrian Blackwood
*raising a brow*
Sure. Then the shadow twin of you has commitment issues.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*sighs, mutters*
Great. A tattoo artist with jokes.
She moves closer, eyes darting around the studio—inked sketches on the walls, the faint buzz of a machine lingering in the air. Adrian watches her carefully but not intrusively.
Adrian Blackwood
First time?
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*defensive*
What makes you think that?
Adrian Blackwood
*shrugs, wiping down his chair*
You’re standing like the floor might swallow you. People who’ve done this before walk straight to the chair.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*tight-lipped*
Maybe I’m just cautious.
Adrian Blackwood
Or maybe you are scared.
She narrows her eyes, clutching the strap of her bag tighter.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
I'm not scared. I just don't...... Trust easily.
Adrian Blackwood
*nodding slowly, voice steady*
Good. You shouldn’t. Trust should be earned.
The words hang in the air. She studies him, almost expecting a smirk or mockery, but his expression stays calm, unreadable. That unsettles her more than arrogance would have.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*looking away*
… I’m here for a tattoo. That’s all.
Adrian Blackwood
*Picking up his sketchbook*
Then sit. Tell me what you want, and I’ll draw it.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*reluctantly sits, her voice low*
… A phoenix.
Adrian Blackwood
*pen scratching lightly across paper*
Cliché choice.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*glares*
Excuse me?
Adrian Blackwood
*glances up, eyes steady but not mocking*
Most people want a phoenix for the aesthetics. Flames, rebirth, yada. But you-
He tilts his head, studying her like he sees too much.
Adrian Blackwood
You want it because you’ve burned before.
Her chest tightens. She grips her notebook until her knuckles whiten.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
… You don’t know anything about me.
Adrian Blackwood
*quiet, even*
True. But I read scars like pages. Yours are loud, even if you hide them.
Silence stretches. Rain drums harder against the glass. Sera swallows, torn between walking out and staying planted. Something in his tone isn’t prying—it’s observant, almost protective.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*finally*
… Do you always psychoanalyze your clients?
Adrian Blackwood
*half-smile*
Only the ones who pretend they’re here for ink when they’re really here for something else.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*sarcastic*
And what am I here for, oh wise one?
Adrian Blackwood
*meets her gaze steadily*
To be seen. Without anyone asking you to explain why you’re still standing.
Her throat tightens. She hates the way his words feel like they slice through her armor. She looks away, blinking fast.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*muttering*
...... You think too much.
Adrian Blackwood
*soft chuckles*
Guilty. Comes with the job.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
I thought your job was stabbing people with needles.
Adrian Blackwood
Only after they trust me enough to let me
She stares at him. The air feels heavier, charged. Her instinct screams to leave, but her body stays glued to the chair. For the first time in years, she doesn’t feel like prey...just… observed.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*whispers, almost to herself*
… And if I don’t trust you?
Adrian Blackwood
*leans back, voice calm, patient*
Then we don’t start. Simple as that. You call the shots.
Her lips part. No one has ever given her that choice before. It rattles her.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*after a long pause*
… Draw it anyway. I’ll decide later.
Adrian Blackwood
*nods, sketching quietly*
Fair enough.
For the next ten minutes, the only sound is the scratch of his pencil and the rain outside. Sera watches his hands steady, deliberate. She expects him to push, to ask questions, but he doesn’t. He just works. Finally, he turns the sketchbook around.
Adrian Blackwood
Here. Phoenix in ashes. Not rising yet just waiting. Thought that might suit you better.
She stares at the drawing. It’s raw, imperfect, but powerful. Her chest aches.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*softly*
it's.... beautiful..
Adrian Blackwood
*shrugs*
Just lines on paper until you decide it’s yours.
Her fingers trace the edge of the page. For a moment, she imagines it inked into her skin proof that she survived, even if she isn’t ready to rise. She looks up at him, searching for the catch, the hidden agenda. There isn’t one.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Hesitant, voice cracking slightly*
… Why do you care?
Adrian Blackwood
*Meeting her eyes, tone steady*
Because someone once cared enough to sit with me when I was burning. It saved me. Now I try to return the favor.
Her heart stumbles. She quickly looks away, biting her lip hard. She hates how much his words sink in. Hates even more that part of her doesn’t want to run.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*forcing sarcasm*
…Well, congratulations. You’ve officially made this the weirdest tattoo consultation ever.
Adrian Blackwood
*Grinning faintly*
Good. Means we’re off to a strong start.
The rain eases. Sera clutches her notebook, still debating whether to flee or stay. But for the first time in a long time, she doesn’t feel completely invisible. And that terrifies her more than anything.
See you in next chapter ｡◕‿◕｡
02
The next evening. Sera returns to the tattoo studio, though she told herself she wouldn’t. The rain has stopped, but the streets still glisten. Adrian is sketching when she walks in. The bell chimes.
Adrian Blackwood
*without looking up*
You came back.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*defensive*
.... Don't sound so smug about it
Adrian Blackwood
*Glances up, smirk tugging at his mouth*
Smug? No. Relieved, maybe.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*rolling her eyes, setting her notebook on the counter*
Relieved I’m giving you business?
Adrian Blackwood
*Closing his sketchbook calmly*
Relieved you didn’t let fear keep you away.
She freezes. He says it so casually, like it’s not a big deal, but it hits her like a punch. She looks away, fidgeting with her sleeve.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
I still haven't decided.
Adrian Blackwood
*Gesturing to the chair*
Then sit. No pressure. We’ll just… talk.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*snort*
Talk... In a tattoo studio.
Adrian Blackwood
*Smiling slightly*
Stranger things have happened.
She hesitates, then sits. Adrian doesn’t push, just leans back on his stool, watching her without prying. The silence stretches until she breaks it.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
Do people usually… tell you their life stories before you ink them?
Adrian Blackwood
*Shrugs lightly*
Sometimes. Skin holds more than blood. Some people need to let it out before they let me carve into it.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
And what if they don’t want to let it out?
Adrian Blackwood
*steady voice*
Then I don't ask. It's not my story to take.
She studies him, suspicious. She’s used to people pushing, demanding, forcing their way in. He doesn’t. That unsettles her more than questions would.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
You're weird.
Adrian Blackwood
*chuckles lowly*
Occupational hazard
She pulls out her notebook, flips it open, and slides it toward him without explanation. Inside is a rough sketch of a phoenix scribbled, raw, uneven. He looks at it quietly.
Adrian Blackwood
You drew this?
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
...... Yeah... Don't laugh.
Adrian Blackwood
*Gaze steady, serious*
Why would I laugh? It’s honest.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*surprised*
Honest?
Adrian Blackwood
*Tapping the page lightly*
Not polished. Not pretty. But it feels alive. That’s rare.
Her cheeks warm. She quickly looks away, hating the way his words stir something in her chest.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
It's just a doodle. Nothing special.
Adrian Blackwood
Everything you put your pain into is special.
The air thickens. She bites her lip, not sure what to say. Adrian doesn’t push, just closes the notebook gently and sets it aside.
Adrian Blackwood
You ready to see the stencil I drew from yesterday’s sketch?
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*hesitant, then nods*
… Fine.
He pulls a sheet from his folder and places it in front of her. The phoenix is half-risen, wings scorched but powerful. Not triumphant yet but surviving. Her throat tightens.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*quietly*
You changed it.
Adrian Blackwood
Made it yours.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Staring at it*
It looks.... strong.
Adrian Blackwood
*softly*
So are you.
She flinches, shaking her head quickly.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
No... I'm not.
Adrian Blackwood
*Voice steady, not arguing, just stating*
Yes. You are. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.
Silence. She grips her knees, fighting the ache in her chest. She hates that his words make her want to cry.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Forcing sarcasm*
Are you always this… Hallmark-quote poetic with your clients?
Adrian Blackwood
*Smirks faintly*
Only with the ones who pretend they don’t need it.
She huffs, trying not to smile. He watches her carefully, his gaze intense but gentle. Finally, she exhales sharply.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
.....fine. Let's do it.
Adrian Blackwood
*Steady, confirmed*
You're sure?
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Nods, clutching her sleeves*
Yes I want it.
He doesn’t rush. He sets up the machine slowly, explaining every step: gloves, ink, needle. His voice is calm, grounding. She watches, nerves crawling up her spine.
Adrian Blackwood
*Gently*
First tattoo feels like a sting. You’ll want to flinch. Don’t fight it...just breathe.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Mutters*
Easier said than done.
Adrian Blackwood
I'll guide you.
She pulls up her sleeve, revealing faint scars along her forearm. Adrian doesn’t stare, doesn’t comment...he just nods and presses the stencil gently onto her skin. His touch is steady, respectful. She shivers.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Whispers*
… You’re not going to ask about them?
Adrian Blackwood
*Meeting her eyes, voice low*
No. You’ll tell me if you ever want to. Until then, they’re just part of your story.
Her breath catches. For the first time, someone doesn’t demand her pain as currency. Her chest aches with relief she didn’t know she needed.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Softly*
… Thank you.
Adrian Blackwood
*Quiet smile*
Don’t thank me yet. The needle’s next.
The machine buzzes to life, sharp and electric. She stiffens. Adrian leans close, voice calm in her ear.
Adrian Blackwood
Breathe in… breathe out. That’s it. Stay with me.
The needle touches her skin. She gasps, almost jerks, but his hand steadies her wrist not restraining, just anchoring. She forces herself to breathe, focusing on his voice instead of the sting.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Hissing through teeth*
… Hurts.
Adrian Blackwood
*Steady, soothing*
Pain means it’s real. You’re stronger than it.
Minutes pass. Slowly, the pain evens into a rhythm. Her heartbeat syncs with the buzzing. Adrian keeps talking softly..not about her scars, not about trauma, but about music, art, mundane things..grounding her.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*After a while, voice low*
…It’s not as bad as I thought.
Adrian Blackwood
*Smiling slightly*
Most things aren’t, once you face them.
She looks at him, really looks. The intensity in his eyes isn’t pity...it’s respect. Her throat tightens again. She quickly looks away, but the heat in her chest lingers.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Murmuring*
…You’re dangerous.
Adrian Blackwood
*Brows raising*
Dangerous?
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Whispers, more to herself than him*
Because you make me feel like I’m not broken.
He doesn’t answer right away. Just keeps working, steady, patient. Finally, he murmurs.
Adrian Blackwood
You’re not. You’re just healing.
See you in next Chapter ◉‿◉
03
The tattoo session is over. Sera stares at the freshly inked phoenix on her forearm, still throbbing but already familiar. Adrian cleans his station. The rain has stopped completely, leaving the streets glistening outside.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Whispering to herself, tracing the outline*
… It’s… mine.
Adrian Blackwood
*Leaning on the counter, observing quietly*
Yours and only yours. Nobody else can claim it.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Startled*
… You don’t say things like that lightly, do you?
Adrian Blackwood
*Shrugging, calm*
Not often. Only when they’re true.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Smirking, hiding her nervousness*
… Smooth. Is that part of the tattoo artist charm?
Adrian Blackwood
*Soft chuckle*
Depends on whom you ask. But I prefer honesty to charm.
She glances at him, her chest tight. No one has ever spoken to her this way—grounded, attentive, patient. She wants to leave, but something in her refuses.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*quietly*
Why do you care?
Adrian Blackwood
*Meeting her gaze steadily*
Because someone once cared about me the same way. I want to return the favor. That’s all.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Voice small*
…You’re weirdly selfless for someone with tattoos.
Adrian Blackwood
*Smirks faintly*
Tattoos don’t make people cruel. Only life can do that.
She sits back, studying him. Her defenses are twitching, yet part of her wants to reach out, to trust but it’s terrifying.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
.....you make it sound so simple.
Adrian Blackwood
*Softly*
It isn’t. But it starts with small things. Breathing, choosing, trusting me not to hurt you.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Dry laugh*
Not hurt me? That’s a bold promise.
Adrian Blackwood
I don’t make promises I can’t keep. You’ll see.
She shifts uncomfortably, brushing the sleeve of her jacket over the phoenix. Adrian notices but doesn’t comment he lets her decide what to reveal, what to hide. The silence between them is not awkward. It’s heavy, charged.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*After a long pause, muttering*
…Do you do this with everyone?
Adrian Blackwood
*Tilting his head, considering*
Care? No. I save that for the ones who need it and let me.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Raising an eyebrow*
…And how many have let you?
Adrian Blackwood
*Shrugs lightly, looking away*
Few. And even fewer stay.
Her chest tightens at the honesty. She doesn’t look at him, but her fingers tap against the counter.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Quietly*
…I don’t know if I’ll stay.
Adrian Blackwood
*Nodding, calm*
You don’t have to decide yet. I’ll wait.
Her heart stumbles. Waiting without pressure is not something she’s used to.
The silence stretches. Finally, she blurts out:
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
you talk a lot for someone who works with needles all day.
Adrian Blackwood
*smiling faintly*
I talk when it matters. You're.... different.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Defensive, crossing her arms*
Different? That’s… not exactly a compliment.
Adrian Blackwood
*Leaning slightly, tone gentle*
Then I’ll rephrase: You’re complicated. I like that.
She freezes, caught off guard. Complicated is closer to broken than she wants to admit.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Whispering*
… You don’t scare me as much as I thought you would.
Adrian Blackwood
*soft chuckles*
That's progress.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Glances at her tattoo*
… Maybe. But I’m still scared of me.
Adrian Blackwood
*Voice quiet but firm*
That’s okay. I’ll be here. You don’t have to face it alone.
The moment stretches. She feels a strange warmth, almost shameful. Her instincts scream to leave, but part of her wants to stay, to see if he means it. Slowly, she uncrosses her arms.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Muttering*
… I’ve never let anyone see me like this.
Adrian Blackwood
*Softly*
You’re letting me see a part. That’s enough for now.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Half-smile, almost bitter*
… I guess small steps are your thing, huh?
Adrian Blackwood
*Nods*
Small steps. Always. Rushing only breaks things.
She laughs quietly, a sound she hasn’t heard herself make in months. It’s sharp, nervous, but real. Adrian watches, still calm, patient. His gaze lingers but not in a predatory way, in a grounding, safe way.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Muttering*
You are impossible.
Adrian Blackwood
*Soft grin*
Maybe. But I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Her chest tightens. She wants to protest, to push him away, but the words won’t come. For the first time, she doesn’t want them to.
The night winds down. She gathers her things, moving to the door. Adrian follows, silently holding it open.
Seraphina Hale (Sera)
*Pausing at the threshold, voice low*
… Thanks. For… everything.
Adrian Blackwood
*Meeting her gaze, softly*
Don’t thank me. Just… come back when you’re ready.
She steps into the night, coat pulled tight, heart racing. For the first time in a long time, she feels the stirrings of something dangerous, thrilling, and… maybe even hope.
See you in next chapter ( ◜‿◝ )♡
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