Chapter Text
The day was going like every other in Enjin's shop. He tattooed some people, had some smoking breaks, had a lunch and did the usual administration. He loved doing this, although it was a hard path for him and his kids.
When he turned 21 his parents kicked him out, because he wanted to become a tattoo artist instead of a doctor or a lawyer. He hated these ideas and still do. He worked three different jobs when he finally got the chance to open his own shop in the city. After, he adopted his kids who had the same past as him with a huge difference; they were still kids when they were kicked out of their home. He wanted them to have a better life than what he had to experience. His oldest son, Zanka was his first kid. He found him at the age of 4 living in the streets. He got kicked out by his family, and later he learnt that they were alcoholic and abusive towards Zanka. Later, he adopted his daughter Riyo, who was still a toddler. He found her in a trash bin and when he saw her his heart shattered into pieces. How could anyone do this to a baby? She was crying, wanting love from someone, anyone, so Enjin grabbed her and went home with her. She wasn’t even 2 years old, but she was abandoned by someone. It was unusual for him to have a baby around; he didn’t know what to do with her, because he didn’t have sibling or anything. His kind neighbour, Semiu helped him and told him how to raise a girl. Out of gratitude Enjin helped her and he hired her as his assistant in his tattoo salon. His last child, Rudo was older when he got adopted by Enjin. He was 10 when his father died and instead of staying in an orphanage he ran away. He met Enjin near his workplace when he was trying to find food in a trash bin. He fed him and took him home. His older siblings accepted him immediately, which was relieving for Enjin. He thought they would be mad if he found another sibling for them, but this was the easiest part of the family. Enjin have three kids now, the two younger ones are in middle school and Zanka is in university. He was proud of them, they have good grades, despite that they have some behaviour issues they’re good kids. Riyo and Rudo sometimes have arguments with their classmates, but all the time it wasn’t their fault. Favouritism takes place highly in their school, so other students often bully them.
“You good man?” Semiu asked him suddenly. He wasn’t aware that he was still watching the same e-mail on the computer.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming.”
He looked at the clock and sighed. “Are we having more customers?”
“No, only if someone walks in.” she replied.
Opposite of the street their salon was a barber shop opened a month ago. They had many customers; the business was running great there. Enjin usually see a tall, blond guy cutting hair and beards; he assumed he was the owner. The barber shop has more workers than them. He works alone with Semiu. In the future he wants to hire someone so they could make piercings then.
The bell disturbed his thoughts above the door. It was the blond guy from the barber shop.
“Hey there, how can we help you?” Enjin stood up immediately. The man was attractive, his sight made Enjin a bit flustered.
“Hi, I’m Gris, I’m the owner of the barber salon in front of yours.”
“Hi Gris, nice to meet you! I’m Enjin and she’s Semiu.” he shaked hands with him.
“I was wondering if you have a free appointment. I want to have a tattoo on my back.”
“Yes, I think we have a free appointment tomorrow morning, depends on what you want exactly.” Semiu checked the calendar.
“A big one to cover my back nearly half. I have some pictures of my ideas.”
He showed him some back tattoos. They had an eagle in the middle. The wings extended into the arms and Enjin had to admit that they were cool.
“Well, I need to draw a sketch first and if you like it, I will do it. I’m not sure if it will be finished tomorrow morning…” He didn’t want to disappoint him as soon as they met.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to do it too soon. I can wait. Maybe on Friday morning?”
“Yes, we have two free hours between the customers at 10 and 12. Is that okay?” Semiu asked.
“Perfect.” he smiled at him. Enjin smiled back with a red face and asked for his personal data’s before he waved a goodbye and left the shop.
“He seems nice.” Semiu commented looking at Enjin’s face to see his reaction.
“Yea, he is…” He was still blushing but tried to play it off.
“You like him already? Damn, it’s easy to make you fell in love.”
“What? No! I’m not!”
“Don’t lie Enjin, I know you too much. Why don’t you ask him out after tattooing him?” she asked while she started to pack her stuff. It was nearly closing time.
“I’m not the type of guy to date every man I met. First, we can be friends and then date. Maybe he has a wife or girlfriend!” he brushed his hair with his fingers.
“You worry too much.” she laughed. “I will go now; I have to go to the store to buy some food. You need anything?”
“No, I’m good. Have a nice afternoon!” he waved her as she left the salon. He then packed his own belongings, turned off the lights and closed the shop. He was still thinking about Gris; he wasn’t sure if he was the best for him. Not everyone wants to be with a single, overworked man with three kids.
He pulled out his cigarette pack and lighted one. As the smoke blew out from his mouth he felt the same comforting feelings, safeness and calmness. He was often stressed, but smoking calmed his thoughts down. He knew that it was unhealthy, but he was too addicted to care about it.
“You smoke, huh?” he heard Gris’ voice behind him.
“Yes.” he turned around to face the man. He was in a black leather jacket, just like Enjin. His long hair was tied up in a bun.
“I tried it once, but I didn’t smoke after it.” he laughed.
“You want one?” Enjin offered.
“Yea, one can’t hurt.” he accepted it and lighted it with Enjin’s lighter.
“Do you have tattoos?” Enjin asked as they walked together.
“Yes, many. To be honest, I was a tattoo artist myself for years.”
“Wow, why didn’t you tell me?” he was surprised at his confession. “And why did you change carrier?”
“I wanted to try something new. Being a barber was the other dream of mine and I had the chance to became one.”
As they were smoking Enjin and Gris talked about various topics. He found out that he was only two years older than him. They went to the same bus station while the topic was about their love life.
“Do you have someone?” Gris asked him.
“No.” he answered quietly.
“I’m surprised. You seem like a nice guy to have around.”
“Well, not everyone wants to be with a man like me. I have kids you know and yea…” he scratched his neck looking away from him.
“How many do you have?”
“Three. I adopted the oldest around 15 years ago.”
Gris nodded and patted his shoulder. “I bet you’re a great dad.”
“I hope you’re right. I want them to have a better life than I had at their age.”
He told him about his past. Gris was listening every word and at the end he smiled reassuringly.
“Thank you for telling me about you. I’m sorry that you had to experience all of these stuff.” he threw away his cigarette and looked at his phone.
“Enjin, can I ask you something personal?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“You really seem like a nice guy. Are you interested in…men?” Gris looked nervous while he asked him. Enjin got surprised at the question but answered.”
“You know, I’m gay so, yes.” he confessed.
“Me too.”
Both of them looked into each other’s eyes and burst out of laughter. After some minutes Gris coughed.
“So…I don’t want to hurry or something, because we’ve just met, but I wanted to ask you out on a date if you want to.”
Enjin’s heart started to beat faster at his words. “Yes, I would love to go out with you.”
“Great. Now, I think we should go home already, we can still talk tomorrow or call each other. It’s getting dark.” Gris looked around.
“Yea, we should. Good night, Gris!”
“Good night, Enjin!” he waved at him as he walked away.
As he was further Enjin smiled widely and wanted to scream of happiness. He couldn’t believe that this would happen! They’re dating now!
He took the bus listening to some romantic music on his headphones. He was so happy that he nearly forgot to get off the bus at his stop. Wow, what a day!