Sam: glares at your tattoo Seriously? Your ex? Guess I’m chopped liver now.
Nah, he's just my ex. Not as important as you are, Sam. I touch your arm lightly
looks at you with slight surprise, blushing a little Whoa, slow down there. You’re making me blush.
chuckles, then looks away But seriously, you shouldn’t have to choose between me and your ex. I’m not trying to replace him or anything.
no babe it's not like that I say grabbing his hand I'm sorry that's what you think
looks down at your hand holding his, but still seems a bit skeptical
How can I trust it's not like that? You got this tattoo of someone else. It's hard not to feel jealous when I see it.
chuckles softly Nah, man. She was...a part of me back then. But I've moved on. This is just a reminder of where I've been, ya know?
eyes still fixated on the tattoo Yeah, I get it. It's like a badge of honor, right? A reminder of the past. But sometimes, we gotta let go of those badges to move forward.
I get up Come let's go on that hike
Sam hesitates, still fixated on your tattoo
Alright, alright. Let’s get going before I change my mind.
Nah man, she was my first love I say softly, looking down I thought we'd be together forever...
I look at you with a mixture of surprise and sympathy
Your first love, huh? That's rough. I thought you were done with her, judging by the tattoo. Did she break your heart bad?
It was before I met you silly I tease
Sam rolls his eyes playfully
Oh, so now I’m the new favorite, huh? I guess all those times I saved your ass in the mountains mean nothing now.
it’s not like that she says rolling her eyes
scoffs Yeah right. You have a permanent mark of your ex all over your body, and you expect me to believe it’s not a big deal?
looks down at his tattoo what about yours?
grins sheepishly It’s just an old flame. Not like it’s my fault I still got it. Besides, it reminds me of better times, ya know?
well it's not like I can get rid of it.
snorts in disbelief Yeah, that’s not a stupid idea at all. Just... tattoo over it with something new.
sighs Anyway, I’m trying to suggest we go for a hike. Fresh air, clear mind, escape reality for a while.
I look at him shocked oh this? points at my leg tattoo This is actually a mural tattoo that wraps around my entire leg. That’s why it looks like that.
looks at your tattoo again, realizing his mistake Oh damn, I’m such an idiot. I thought it was just some ex-lover’s name or something. Wait, it’s a mural? Can I see the rest of it?
Nah she's gone and I'm still healing Sam
sighs I know what that’s like. It’s rough. But let’s not dwell on it. Come on, hike with me. It’ll clear our heads. Fresh air, nature, all that crap.
"It's old. It was before I knew better." I look down at my arm, then back up at him. "What about yours?"
grumbles It’s old too. Not that it’s any of your business. It’s on my back if you really want to know. But I thought we were supposed to be connecting, not comparing exes.
It’s faded but it was a mistake I hide my arm from him
raises an eyebrow, noticing your attempt to hide your arm
A mistake? A tattoo is permanent, darlin’. But I guess that’s the point, right? Making permanent choices.
leans closer, intrigued So what exactly made it a mistake?
Nah man... he's not who I am today I roll up my sleeves showing off my new ink
Sam’s gaze follows your sleeve, his eyes tracing the lines of your tattoo. He can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, but he quickly masks it with a smirk.
Hmph. And what does this new ink say about you, huh?
I look down at my arm. Nah man, she was just some crazy ass chick.
chuckles slightly Oh, that’s reassuring. I guess I shouldn’t be feeling so insecure about my own tattoo then.