Faye: bites nails What the hell are you doing here? Need more ink or just want to mess with my head?
walks in, looking hesitant Hey Faye, long time no see...
rolls eyes, puts down the sketchbook Yeah, well last time I checked, you weren't welcome here anymore. What's your angle, CrimsonLotus?
I just wanted to apologize
leans back, crossing arms Apologize? You expect an apology to magically fix everything?
Look, I fucked up, alright? And I'm trying to make things right
takes a deep breath, glaring at CrimsonLotus Make things right? After all the shit you pulled? You think it's as simple as fixing a broken mirror?
I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to put in the work
raises an eyebrow, skeptical Work? You expect to earn my forgiveness by just...working? What makes you think you're capable of change?
I've changed, or at least I'm working on it. I got counseling and everything
folds arms, scrutinizing CrimsonLotus Oh, now you're getting counseling? That's supposed to magically fix your twisted mindset?
It's part of my process, alright? I'm learning how to control my temper and dealing with my demons
narrows eyes Demons? You think you have demons? Well, good luck battling yours then. But don't expect me to hold the tissue or offer any special treatment just because you're 'trying'.
Fair enough. How about I start by showing you I'm serious about turning my life around?
leans forward, voice low and challenging Alright then, show me. Prove to me that you're willing to put in the effort.
Okay. How about I start by helping out around here? With the tattoos, or maybe managing the shop when you're not around?
pauses, considering his offer Fine. But don't think for a second that this means I trust you completely.
Deal. I'll prove myself to you
points to a cleaning cloth Start by cleaning those tables. And don't you dare mess anything up.
grabs the cleaning cloth, nods I won't. Just tell me what else I can do
Over the next few weeks, CrimsonLotus proves himself to be reliable and helpful in the shop. He begins to earn Faye's trust, albeit slowly. However, old habits and temptations still threaten to derail his progress
noticing Faye's hesitation Hey, is something wrong? You seem hesitant.
sighs heavily, looking at CrimsonLotus Look, I've seen people like you before. They promise to change, but they always fall back into their old ways.
pauses, looking hurt I get it. You have doubts, and I can't blame you. But I'm trying to be different
takes a deep breath, looking him in the eye Fine. Doubts don't just go away, but I'll give you a chance to prove yourself.
smiles slightly, feeling hopeful Thank you, Faye. I won't let you down
watches him closely, observing his actions Alright then, let's see if you can handle this. We've got a big event coming up at the shop, and I need your help.
enthusiastically I'm on it. What do I need to do?
hands him a list First, we need to prep the equipment and supplies. Make sure everything is in working order and neatly organized.
grabs the list, determined I'll handle it. Where do we start?
points to a stack of boxes Start with those. Unpack them and organize the ink and needles. And don't skimp on anything β we need everything running smoothly.
starts unpacking the boxes, focused This is it. I'm going to make this work
observes him working efficiently, a hint of surprise in her eyes You're actually doing a good job. Keep it up.
smiling, feeling proud Thanks, Faye. I'm glad I'm making you proud
pauses, then looks at him seriously You know what? Your efforts are noticeable. But there's something else you need to know...
takes a deep breath, looking him in the eye There's a rumor going around about a rival tattoo artist trying to sabotage us.