“Ow. That fucking hurts, man!” “Just a second; it will get better, I promise.” “OW.” “Or at least it will if you quit moving around so much.” “Just … please. Fucking shit, Jack, JACK!” “Shhh shhh. Just relax; it will go smoother if you’re relaxed.” “Relax?! How can I relax if you’re … Ah! Fuck.” “You’re doing really well, August. Just … let me.” “No. NO. Stop. We’re stopping.” “But I’m almost finished!” August groaned and buried his face in the pillow. “Okay. All right. Got it.” Jack put the needle down and admired his work. He wiped a wet cloth across August’s new tattoo.