Page 128 of Of Flesh & Bone

Big Bear: Dammit Evie!Give me a heads-up when you're texting in the group thread.

Eve: I have something to show you both.

Eve: I'll have the chicken fried steak meal and Adam will have the Shazam Chicken.

Big Bear: So, you've gotten me into trouble AND you're bringing the personality parade.Awesome.Just awesome.

Eve: Adam has personality.It's just drier than some people's.

Big Bear: (gif with guy holding up both thumbs and winking)

"Heyyyy Ope-" Something was definitely burned in here recently.It was quite possibly the carcass of a buzzard that had recently eaten three rotting trash pandas."Wow.That is pungent.I can't wait to try it."

"Ha ha.Very funny.You know we've ordered takeout.At least I try."Vaughn bites out from the kitchen, where she's flipping me off with one hand and spraying deodorizer with the other.

"I know my limitations.That's why I don't cook.I stay out of the kitchen for our safety.It's important to know when you've been beaten, V.I think it's safe to say that you've taken enough ass kickings from this kitchen that it's time to throw in the towel."

Eli walks out of their bedroom and smiles that Big Bear smile when he sees me.He comes straight for me with his arms outstretched, preparing to give me a bear hug.I hold up one finger in front of my body."About that.I have something to show you both.Are you ready?"

Eli gives us a wary look.I have never turned down a bear hug.Bear hugs are like healing for the soul.I'm just not sure how much touching is allowed in the first 24 hours post-tattoo.I was too wrapped up in my head when we got the aftercare lecture.I'm hoping that Adam was paying attention.

"Come on with it.Show us already."It's no surprise that Vaughn can't wait.The girl has the patience of whatever is the opposite of a saint.

Turning my back to them and facing Adam, I pull up the back of my shirt and Adam tugs on the front, making sure to cover my breasts.

He makes no attempt to not be heard."These are for me only."I roll my eyes and wait for my friends to say something.

"Wow, Evie Bear.That's...I don't know.It's incredible."Eli's tone is reverent.

"It's beautiful, Eve.How did you come up with this?"Vaughn thinking that I have this much creativity in me is so encouraging that I almost don't want to tell her that it was all Adam.

"Actually, Adam designed and sketched the whole thing.I saw it for the first time when I woke up after it was finished."

"Woke up?Damn it.What is it with you women and these unnaturally high pain tolerances?"

"Wait, you got a tattoo that you had never seen before?You got a tattoo at all?"She looks back and forth between us, sensing that something is amiss for me to have agreed to this.

"She shot me.About a dozen times.At close range.The tattoo is a peace offering."Adam's words are flat and matter of fact.

Jaws hit the floor at his declaration.Eli is the first to recover."That's my girl!"He raises his hand for a fiver, but Adam pulls me back.

"That's MY girl actually and I think you've done quite enough by supplying the weapon and ammunition.She also shot my two best friends."

Unhinged laughter rings out through the apartment.They both realize now that I used Eli's paintball gun and Adam has made it sound like I went on a spree shooting anyone in my path.

"Okay...so...I can explain.It's not as bad as it sounds."

Our takeout arrives as I'm explaining the events of the previous night and the tattoo experience.Eli and V listen with rapt attention to the retelling while we all eat around the small kitchen table.I'm a little nervous about their reactions.I know they would never judge me but as I say the words,'I pinged her face off the bar a couple of times' I see their eyes widen in shock.

"Soooo...anyway, that's the whole story."

No one says anything for longer than is comfortable.Eventually, Eli and Vaughn slowly turn to face each other.Their faces break out into overstated smiles before they jump to their feet and double high five one another.

Eli bellows, "Our Evie Bear is a badass!!"

"I told you she was full of piss and venom!I knew it!"Vaughn screams as she punches the air.

They both rush over to me, squeezing me in an airtight hug."We're so proud of you, Evie.For going, for making new friends, and for kicking ass when there's ass needing kicked."Eli has a way with words.

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