[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019beb40-29c9-76ff-ae4c-f99dde53af0e.webp[/img][/center]

Today was finally the day!! Casper had been waiting for all of sixteen hours and he was bursting at the seams, ready to go. He had even woken up early for this - at exactly ten thirteen in the morning, without prompting. He didn’t even demand for his sweet, doting husband to carry him into the shower and wake him up as he did every morning. He even went and fetched James, telling him that he was getting dressed for the day - clad in his fuzzy pink bathrobe and bootie shorts, per the house rules - and that he needed to know what accessories to pick. Of course, the piercer didn’t open until two in the afternoon but that didn’t matter. He was hyper! He’d forgotten he used to have his navel pierced and now, he was desperate to have it back! So when it had finally been time to go, he was bouncing up and down on his feet, so incredibly eager as he threw open the door to the piercer’s studio. 

Unlike his Papa, Danni had no qualms catching every bit of sleep he could. It'd been a long night of whining and crying and pleading and begging and then offering up extra chores and anything else that came to his, or his Papa's mind to try and get his Pop's approval. Because if Pops put his foot down with the Pops voice, he knew even Papa wouldn't be able to get him too budge. Thankfully, it hadn't gotten to that point but the mental work took its toll nevertheless. Danni happily slept in, curled around his favorite little dragon, and snored right up until his alarm at 11:27 woke him up. And then he'd screamed, gotten a little huffed of smoke for his efforts, screamed again, and bolted to get ready. He'd nearly run to Casper in tears trying to figure out what to wear. He'd never had a piercing and it was so exciting, he didn't want to look stupid because he wore a sundress to go swimming or something. But, as always, his Papa was a genius and he stole that worry right and got him all tidied up in some punky clothes. 

It was a small, cramped space. There was a tiny waiting area at the front, where magazines and books of flash tattoo samples were covering almost every available seat. The walls were covered with even more flash art, and photographs of tattoos done by the artists currently in residence. Every bare spot was covered with graffiti, including the floors. A little beyond the lobby was the front counter, where a short girl with frosted tips and lip piercings was scrolling through her phone. The glass counter doubled as a display case, with a variety of different jewelry options on display - from hoops and studs to industrials and septum piercings and more. A small binder kept on the counter showed a catalog of the different piercing options. Beyond the counter were a variety of workstations, set up for the tattoo artists - and lastly, a curtained off area in the very back held the piercing studio. 

[color=DBA1DE]“Ahhhh, Danni, this is so exciting!!! Your first piercing!!!”[/color] Casper squealed, kicking up one leg into the air behind him, and shooting his arms out. [color=DBA1DE]“I remember my first piercing - I was out with this girl, Slutty Suzy, from the foster home. We’d stolen $100 from our foster mom’s purse and taken three buses to get there. I wanted to get my tongue pierced, but they wouldn’t do it at Claires. I don’t actually remember this that well - BUT Suzy got her lobes pierced and when they went to pierce her, they were using a gun instead of a needle - which is why you never get pierced at a mall, btws - and IT GOT FUCKING CAUGHT IN HER EAR! Ahh! Super painful. But it looked so cute when it was done!”[/color]

Danni looked around the shop eagerly, bouncing from the display case to flipping through the binder to hiding behind his parents nervously. Danni cheered with Casper as he got excited, but then his eyes grew really wide at the ending of Casper's story. [color=E948FC] “Omg, is t'at gunna ‘appen ta me?! Is it gonna get stuck in my tummy?!”[/color] Danni stage-whispered, eyes darting to the lady at the counter. James laughed under his breath and tucked his husband into his shoulder. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“No, no. I won't let that happen.  Do you want to go talk to her about the process? That'll help you feel a little better, kiddo.”[/color] James nudged Danni into his favorite activity, talking, and kept Casper wrapped up in a one armed hug. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Maybe, we don't talk about the bad experiences people've had with piercing until Danni's done? You can laugh about them with him then, sweetheart.”[/color] James tilted Casper's head down and gave him a chaste kiss. 

Danni had taken the advice to heart and shed his nerves as he honed in on the girl at the counter. James shot her an apologetic look from behind his son's back. [color=E948FC]“‘i, ‘ello, ‘eyo! So tell me all ‘bout t'is? Did ya do your ‘air yourself or did ya ‘ave a studio do it? Do you like t'e frosted tips look? Kinda makes me t'ink of like, anime people or like, old boy bands ya know? Do you listen ta boy band music? Is t'at why you frosted your tips? I'm ‘ere for my first piercin’ and I t'ought ‘bout it ‘cause Spicy needed ‘elp and t'en I was tryin’ on ‘is clothes and I was myself and I was like [i]Damn, I look good[/i], but I need somet'in’ for my tummy ‘cause it's in good shape but a little borin’ ya know?”[/color]

“Oh hi!! This is your first piercing? And your belly? That’s so exciting!! Bold choice, but you’re going to love it!!” She then pulled out a little tray with different options for a new piercing, and set it out in front of Danni. “Take a look at these, let me know if any of them interest you - they’re all surgical grade titanium, so no need to worry about any metal allergies if you have those. I think this one here would look really cute on you - and no, I need to get into boy band music though!! I only listen to Swedish folk pop from the distant future. It’s really good!! I have a CD if you wanna take a listen. The hair I also do myself, if you believe it or not I actually use a special mixture of Elmer’s glue and bleach and it comes out PERF every time!!” 

Casper’s eyes widened. [color=DBA1DE]“Shit, I didn’t think about that - my bad, babe!”[/color] He wasn’t quiet at all. [color=DBA1DE]“I’m so sorry, Danni, I didn’t want to scare you!! It’s going to be great!! I’ll go first if you want so you can see it happen!!”[/color]

Danni's excitement came to a grinding halt and he tilted his head in confusion and then realization dawned on his face. [color=E948FC] “Glue?! Bleach?!”[/color] Danni whispered in horror, hands flying to his hair protectively. [color=E948FC]“Your poor hair. I just…”[/color] For once, Danni was speechless. 

Thankfully, his Pa broke the moment and his excitement from earlier returned in full force. [color=E948FC] “Yeah, no, yeah. T'ats def happenin’, Papa! And yeah, I tots want t'at CD, futrizist swedish pop sounds rad AF! T'ough, ‘ow easy is it ta change one of t'ese? Like do I ‘ave ta come back ta put a new piercin’ in if I wanna change up t’e fit or can I do it at ‘ome? I guess Pops could just fix me up if I ‘ave ta tear it out or somet'in’, t'at just ‘urt t'ough. My Papa is doin’ it too; am I allowed ta watch? Can t'ey be t'ere when I get t'e piercin’? Its kinda scary. Like, I probs won't burn anyt'in’ down, I'm waaaaaaay better at ‘oldin’ t'at stuff back now, but my ‘rents make me feel safe and all t'at, ya know?”[/color] 

James held back a sigh as Danni's nervous rambling brought up fire. He walked over with Casper and bopped his son gently on the head. [color=mediumspringgreen]"It's gunna be fine, kiddo. Remember, you can change your mind at any time and that'll be okay. Before you make any decisions, let your Papa pick out what he wants and then go through it all and then come back and pick our yours if you still want to.”[/color] James rubbed Danni's back reassuringly before he turned a soft smile to the girl. [color=mediumspringgreen]“If that's okay? And does your shop do custom naval jewelry or do you just have a base stock?”[/color] 

Hearing that there was a chance the client could catch on fire didn’t phase her one bit. Almost everyone who came to this shop was a mutant or had powers in some shape or form. Nessa was one too - she had a set of gils underneath her concert tee. “Mm, super good questions!! You can always come back here for us to look at it, usually you’ll want to let it heal for a bit before you change it out, your piercer will say how long - but if your dad is a healer, just let the piercer take a look at it before you leave today. They can show you how to swap out the jewelry if you want to at home. And yes!! Your dads can def be in there with you, and you can watch, we just ask no photography or filming! And the answer to that is it’s actually all custom made here in house! The owner makes the jewelry - we actually kept running out of pieces and it took too long to get new stuff in, so we started making it here! I’m apprenticing under her for it, so if there’s something specific you want just let me know and we can def help out - otherwise these are some pieces we made that we already have on hand!”

Casper raised an eyebrow. [color=DBA1DE]“Did you have something in mind, baby? Ooo! Ooo! What if we got one that somehow had little flames on it? Or HS for HotShot?”[/color] He slung an arm around Danni’s shoulder and pulled him in for a squeeze, before his eyes started to water. [color=DBA1DE]“My baby boy is growing up so fast!!! It feels like just yesterday your Pops and I were bringing you home from the hospital, with that really weird doctor with the exposed brain, and the poor lady your Pops kept having to ask for things from. It was like three trips back to bother Bee, it was so many.” [/color]

James nodded at Nessa's explanation. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Just a set of initials for my husband's piercing: JK. Just let me know how to place the order and I'll get it submitted. Danni here,”[/color] James ruffled his son's hair affectionately, [color=mediumspringgreen] “Can pick from the box for now and if he likes the piercing for longer than a few months, we can explore some custom ideas.”[/color] 

Danni squeaked in protest as his Pops messed with his hair, batted away his hand, and then rolled his eyes as he fixed his hair in the counters reflection. [color=E948FC]“Omg, Pops. ‘e already ‘as your name inked on ‘im. ‘ow many more times ya gunna do t'is?”[/color] Danni asked exasperatedly. [color=E948FC] “Papa, do ya even want t'at? Or do you want somet'in’ else.”[/color]

“Sounds perf!!” Nessa grabbed a form from a scattered pile behind her and a pen, and slid it across to James. “Just leave that with me when you’re all done and we’ll get it going! Should be about a week or so on our end to have it made. And if there’s any other jewelry you’re interested in, you can also add in that there - we’ve started doing permanent stuff which is super exciting!!!”

[color=DBA1DE]“Danni, my sweet baby boy, love of my life, apple of my eye… Your father can write his name on me as many times as he wishes,”[/color] he then cupped his hands over Danni’s ears. [color=DBA1DE]“Please do it more,”[/color] he then begged slightly, his eyes softening. 

James looked at Casper, full of adoration and affection. When he'd first seen Casper, he'd been just out of rehab, on his way to find his next high, running from Purifiers on the street, and James had barely gotten a hello from him before Casper was running his mouth about something absurd and talking to a ghost. James, despite everyone's concerns and everyone's warnings and everyone's confusion, fell in love at first sight. Because he knew who Casper could be if someone loved him the right way, if someone bothered to peer past the carefully crafted apathy and hedonism and James was in awe every single day that he managed to find someone as amazing as his husband. If Casper wanted the sun and the moon, James would give it to him. If Casper wanted the entirety of the federal reserve, James would steal it for him. If Casper wanted James's name on him, over and over and over until he couldn't even remember his own name… 

James took a steadying breath, put his hand over Danni's eyes, and kissed Casper much fiercer, pouring the love and care and affection boiling over in him into the kiss. [color=mediumspringgreen]“As many times as you want, darling. I love you and you're mine, forever, and I'll carve my name into your bones so everyone knows that's true.”[/color] James murmured softly to Casper. 

Casper growled quietly, pressing into his husband slightly as their son’s eyes and ears were both covered. It didn’t take much to get him in the mood. And the thought of having James’ name in his bones sent him quivering. [color=DBA1DE]“Then do it,”[/color] he urged. [color=DBA1DE]“I want you to own me, James. I want every person in this world to look at me and know that I belong to you. I want you to collar me and—“[/color]

Nessa politely looked away. 

[color=E948FC]“‘ey! Don't just ignore me! Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout? Why can't I ‘ear? I wanna be involved!”[/color] Danni whined and stomped his foot. [color=E948FC]“Come on! T'is is supposed ta be us time!”[/color] Danni's voice quivered as he got worked up. 

James had covered Casper's mouth with his other hand, couldn't down from five in his head, and put a quick kiss on his husband's cheek. [color=mediumspringgreen]“We are absolutely revisiting that at home.”[/color] James murmured and took his hands away from Casper and Danni, and apologetic smile already on his face as Danni batted away Casper's hands. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Sorry kiddo. You're right; Papa and I had to discuss an adult question real quick and you wouldn't have like it, but now we're done and we can get you and your Papa in there together, okay?”[/color] 

Danni's resolve to be upset wavered a little and he looked at Casper. 

Casper struck suddenly, his arms wrapping around Danni as he hoisted him up into the air and started to spin. [color=DBA1DE]“Are you readdddyyyyyyyyyyyyyy???”[/color] he trilled, refusing to stop spinning until he heard a yes and a giggle come from his darling boy. [color=DBA1DE]“I love youuuuuuu and you’re going to look so cuuuuuute and you’ll be so grown uuuuuuuuup and all your friends will be jeeeeeaaaaalooooous!”[/color]

Danni screamed as he was lifted and whirled around, laughing as he clung to his Papa. [color=E948FC]“Papaaaaa! Stoooop!l I wanna get the piercing! I wanna look goooood!”[/color] Danni protested weakly, breaking out in little snorts of laughter. [color=E948FC]“You gotta go first tho! I wanna see it!”[/color]

James laughed and quickly took a photo of the pair, pocketing the phone and writing down his ideas on the form Nessa provided. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Thank you. And when we're done, I have some questions on proper care and changing them. Do you have any info pamphlets or supplies we can get as well?”[/color] 

Casper spun Danni around a few extra times for good measure, before setting his son down. He then peppered the top of his head in kisses. [color=DBA1DE]“Have you picked out which one you want?”[/color] he then asked, turning Danni so that way they were looking at the box of jewelry again. He then lowered his voice to a whisper. [color=DBA1DE]“If you want something custom, let me know and we’ll convince your Pops, okay kiddo?”[/color] he added with a wink. 

“Yes, you actually will go away with one of these!” Nessa ducked behind the counter, before reemerging with a navy blue paper bag. She handed it on over to James so he could look through. “It includes care instructions for your piercing, info on what to expect and when to call us or a doc, healing times and when you’re ready to downsize, and a saline cleaning spray.”

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Oh, thank you. That's perfect.”[/color] James accepted the bag, going through it and pulling out the information on what to expect. 

Danni giggled mischievously. [color=E948FC]“I def need ta get a custom ‘otShot one. But maybe we get it first ta see if it looks good?”[/color] Danni said, uncharacteristically shy as he looked at the piercings in the box. [color=E948FC] “Which one do ya t'ink I should get? Maybe I should get an easy one? Is t'ere an easy versus a advanced one? Idk, I think t'at's t'e one I want? Ugh, I shoulda talked ta Dee but I was so worried about gettin’ Pops on board, idk what even ta pick. Is t'is one fine?”[/color] Danni picked up a little curved one with two balls on the end. 

[color=DBA1DE]“So you’ll want to get something simple to start with - the ones with more shapes and features are really cool, and I love them, but they hurt more during the healing process. They also can poke into you some. Now your Pops is going to take care of the healing for for you, so we don’t have to worry about that. But it’ll still be good for while you’re getting used to it,”[/color] Casper said, perusing the options in the case. [color=DBA1DE]“How about this one?”[/color] he suggested, pointing at a plain silver one. [color=DBA1DE]“It’ll go with your skin tone really well, and I can give you some more of my silver jewelry to match it. And when you’re ready, maybe we spice it up some with a gold, maybe some rubies on it - and I can help you swap it out so no need to worry about that! I used to change mine every day.”[/color]

Danni listened to his Papa seriously, putting away the little curved one and picking up the one Casper suggested. He turned it over and scrunched up his nose. [color=E948FC] “It's is kinda borin’ but… Papa knows best!”[/color] Danni decided and offered it to Nessa. [color=E948FC]“Can I do t'is one please? I t'ink we'll probs be back a lot ‘cause I like to accessorize but Papa made a good point. I def need ta try flyin’ ‘round wit’ t'is before I get anyt'in’ fancy ‘eroin’ comes first! Do you know if people who can fly ‘ave issues wit’ t'ese piercin's?”[/color] 

James glanced up between his husband and his son. Not only were they on task, they were making serious and valid points about more than how it looked. James blinked in surprise. Who knew it just took a piercing to get them there?

Nessa blinked, trying to comprehend what Danni had said so proudly in front of his dads. “Heroin comes first…?” she muttered under her breath. And then her eyes widened. “Oh. OH. Heroing comes first!! Sorry, sorry - yes! This one should def work out for you. It’ll be great! I started with one like this myself, and tbh, I still wear it from time to time - well the downsized version of it, once it healed - but same diff! Okay perf, I’m going to take this on back to the piercer, I have some forms for you to sign, and then you can go on back! Yay! Exciting! Wait - did you pick one to start with too?”

Ordinarily, Casper wouldn’t have followed his own advice - he’d had one before and he mostly remembered how it would feel to have in. But he didn’t want Danni to feel jealous or unsure, so he pointed at the gold version of the one Danni had selected. [color=DBA1DE]“This one would be perf, thank youuuuu!”[/color]

Nessa nodded, taking the other piece of jewelry. “Awesome choice, I’ll be right back!!” She handed over a clipboard with some standard waivers, before taking the jewelry and going on to the back room. 

Casper stared at the form. And then he stared at James. And hit him with the signature puppy dog eyes. [color=DBA1DE]“Pweeeease?”[/color]

Danni did exactly the same, picking up the forms, and holding them out to his Pops with wide eyes threatening tears and a trembling lip. [color=E948FC] “Pretty pwease wit’ ice cream on top?”[/color] Danni begged almost in tandem. 

James looked up from the slim booklet at the whining and glanced between the pair of them. He didn't bother hiding his amusement. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Glad to know your acting classes went to good use. Manipulating your poor, helpless father. Whatever will I do?”[/color] James laughed, happily taking both their forms. [color=mediumspringgreen] “I didn't expect anything; turn off those weapons before I drop dead.”[/color] 

[color=DBA1DE]“Yayyyy!!! Thank you baby!!!! I love you!!!”[/color] Casper pressed a kiss to James’ cheek, before holding his hand out to Danni for a high five. It was way easier to get out of responsibilities when he had a partner in crime. [color=DBA1DE]“I’m so proud of you, you’re growing up to be such a menace,”[/color] he sniffled, looking at his son with complete adoration. 

Danni beamed, wiping the tears out of his eyes, and high fiving his Papa before hugging him excitedly. [color=E948FC]“I am t'e best menance!”[/color] Danni puffed out his chest proudly. [color=E948FC] “Soon, t'ey'll want my photos instead of Spidermans! Muwhahahaha!”[/color] 

James accepted the kiss and rolled his eyes fondly, settling in to read and fill out the forms. Mostly just waivers, authorizations, liability clauses. Really just the usual. He held the pen out to Casper. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Sweetheart, sign here and you're good. Danni, if anyone asks you for photos, please tell me so I can bury them in litigation. You're a minor and I'm not having weirdos get their hands on your photos.”[/color] 

[color=DBA1DE]“Danni boy is famous, people already want his photos!”[/color] Casper argued. [color=DBA1DE]“Ooo wait Danni Danni Danni - have you decided what your autograph signature is going to look like? We should workshop it. It’s very important hmm maybe something with hearts?? Or ooo could you draw a little fire? No, HotShot with hearts for one or both o’s would be good! Do you like that? I can come up with more ideas, it took me a while to come up with a good one for Cassie Caskets. Your Pops didn’t like my first idea of just kissing and putting a lipstick stain.”[/color] He signed his name neatly in cursive where indicated.

Danni frowned from where he was hanging off Casper. [color=E948FC]“Idk, I ‘aven't t'ought ‘bout it all. I guess I shoula but t'ere's so much ta t'ink ‘bout and my ‘ead is so full already!”[/color] Danni whinned. [color=E948FC] “Oh, oh. What if I I do little fire for t'e o's and t'en after t'e tea is a little ‘eart wit’ a ‘appy mark? And t'e maybe little smokey bits around it? I feel like that'll be fun! Do you t'ink I could get a stamp wit’ it on it? Save .y ‘ands or would it be mean? Like, people wait in line and t'en just [i]blap[/i]. No, yeah t'ats kinda mean. I'd be kinda upsetti if I waited in line for merch and t'ey just stamped it instead of signin’ it.”[/color] Danni let go of his Papa and tilted his head at Pops. [Color=E948FC] “Why can't Papa do t'at? T'at sounds kinda cute, like you're tellin’ each of t'em you love t'em!”[/color] 

James finished filling out Danni's paperwork, Casper's already settled back on the counter, but he paused and looked up at Danni with mild amusement. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I know. But how can anyone prove it was your Papa who left the kiss mark on whatever… stuff they brought to be signed? Easier with a name you know?”[/color] Danni could have sworn he saw a little green in James's eyes but waived it away as the trick of the light. 

Casper didn’t miss that though, as he reached out and took James’ hand, and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. [color=DBA1DE]“Hmm. What if you signed your name and then got a stamp for the art?”[/color] he mused. [color=DBA1DE]“You’ve seen mine - it’s just Cassie with a heart over the i and a tiny coffin for the a. But you can change it too if you want to! It just dates when the signature happened but that can be a fun keepsake! And tbh, all signatures are gonna change a little when you’re hours deep into a signing.”[/color]

Nessa then poked her head around the corner. “We’re ready for you guys now!!!”

James smiled appreciatively at the affection Casper showed him, jealousy settling down for now. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Okay, kiddo. Let's get going and you can see how it goes with your Papa.”[/color] Danni turned on his heels and James brought Capser's hand to his face, pressed his cheek against it, and took a moment to enjoy the contact. He pressed a kiss back to Casper's palm and then tangled his fingers in Casper's, following Danni's energetic lead. 

[color=E948FC] “A'ight! T'is is gunna ne great! ‘ow much does it ‘urt? Like, is it like Dee or Rillie ounchin’ me in trainin’ or like, Leah punchin’ me in trainin’?”[/color] Danni asked over his shoulder as he whipped around the corner. He bounced up to Nessa when he saw her. [color=E948FC] “Do a lotta people cry when t'ey get a peircin’? Ngl, cryin’ is like my instinct when I'm stressed so I might cry even if it doesn't ‘urt. Ooooh do people pass out? What ‘appenels when people pass out like mid-pierce or like mid-tattoo? Do you keep goin’ or do ya gotta stop?”[/color] 

Nessa was about to answer Danni’s questions, but instead Casper cut in. [color=DBA1DE]“Hmm. Tbh, I don’t remember most of my piercings. I was - well as you said earlier, heroin first. But! The ones I do remember were my lobes - it hurt, but only for a second. And I used to have my nostril done - that one I didn’t even feel, although it might have been the cocaine… but it doesn’t hurt as much as getting shot! Bullets are worse. And it doesn’t hurt as much as when I…”[/color] he realized what he was about to say wasn’t appropriate for Danni. [color=DBA1DE]“when I sat on something sharp by accident. It’s kinda like a pinch, but with a needle! And they’ll stop if you pass out, or at least, I think they do? I cried for all of these, btw. You get your crying from me.”[/color] Casper did not, in fact, cry at any of these piercings. 

“…. Yeah, so if you pass out we will stop! It doesn’t happen much with piercings but it does happen with tattoos, particularly in long sessions when people haven’t hydrated or eaten beforehand. Some people cry, but most are surprised by how quickly it’s over with!”

Danni nodded along with his Papa's notes, grimacing a little at some of it. [color=E948FC] “Papa, why are you sittin’ on sharp t'in's?! T'at's dangerous! Do we ‘ave tissues? If Imma cry, we need ta be prepared.”[/color] Danni informed Nessa. [color=E948FC] “I don't t'ink I'll pass out but if I do, Pops you'll be ‘ere when I wake up right? I'd be real spooked ta wake up wit’ bot’ ya. Omg, is titanium ‘eat resistant? Is t'is gunna burn me when I go flamey?!”[/color]

James sent a prayer up as Casper brought up hard drugs and pain. [color=mediumspringgreen] “I'm not walking out of here without both of my favorite people so don't stress, Danni. Your clothes don't burn with your own fire, so the piercing will be fine. Just stay focused on how you're going to look and how many new outfit combinations you can try out.”[/color] As prepared as this place may be, a panicked Danni was a burny Danni and he did not want to have to cover the insurance premiums after that. 

Casper didn’t know the answer to Danni’s question there. But Danni already wore jewelry and it seemed fine, so he figured it would be okay! Metals and their heat capacities seemed more like a James topic. [color=DBA1DE]“Your necklaces and rings and stuff don’t hurt you when you flame on, right?”[/color] Casper confirmed. [color=DBA1DE]“Hmm. Maybe Maxie can put some sort of magic sparkle on your piercing, make it so it doesn’t get too hot? I’ve never run into fires with mine on - at least, I don’t… wait there was that one time in Vegas… with Ricky… hmm. Yeah, idk baby boy, but it’s gonna be fine!!! Your Pops is right, think of all the cute fits!!!”[/color]

The curtain to the piercing area opened up, revealing an old timer with thinning white hair, arms covered in intricate tattoo sleeves, large gauges in his ears, and a smile that was strangely reminiscent of Santa Claus. “Who’s first? Oh, pardon - name’s Jean-Claude, nice ta meet ya,” he said, taking off a latex glove to shake the hand of each Kingston-Gray. “Navel piercings, eh? Any special reason or just cause?”

[color=E948FC]“Okay, well, t'at's cause I was ‘elpin’ my friend wit’ Fred - we named ‘is zit t'at cause it basically ‘ad it's own zip code - and I ‘ad ta borrow a shirt but he's like… teeny tiny. Pocket sized. I t'ink Dee said bite sized once but I didn't really get t'at but Spicy got real red, so it was funny. Anyways, I ‘ad ta borrow a shirt which was more like a crop top and after I finished gettin’ dressed, I realized t'e fit was kinda borin’ cause it didn't ‘ave anyt'in’ sparkly on it and didn't really ‘ave a way ta work on t'at so I t'ought [i]what would make my tummy pop?[/i] and I decided that t'is was t'e best option! T'en if I get kidnapped from my ‘ouse again, I won't ‘ave an issue wit’ t'at no matter t'e fit!”[/color] Danni explained, latching onto the piercer's hand as he spoke. [color=E948FC] “And t'en when I ask t'e rents, Pops originally told me no but t'en Papa also wanted ta get is and Pops is weka for ‘is family and t'at's why we love ‘im so much! Cause ‘e just wants ta make us ‘appy, and now we're ‘ere! Papa is gunna do it first so I can watch and t'en its me but I’m real nervous ‘cause its my first piercin’ but it can't ‘urt any worse t'an gettin’ floored by a giantess, right?”[/color] 

James very gently took Danni's hands away from Jean-Claude's and shook it in return. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Just because.”[/color] James offered a more succinct response. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I can heal them up after. Just let me know when they're ready.”[/color] 

“Hell yeah, brother - I’m gonna be honest, I only processed like ten percent of what you just said - but I love the energy!” Jean-Claude clapped his hands together, before gesturing at the table behind him. “Let’s do ya first then, dad.”

Casper hopped up onto the table, and immediately assumed the position, laying on his back. He was wearing a crop top so his belly was already exposed, and Jean-Claude set about cleaning the area, before putting the jewelry gently onto his skin. “How’s this look, dad?”

Casper tilted his head. [color=DBA1DE]“Perf!!! Jamesy what’re your thoughts? You good with that placement?”[/color]

James clicked his tongue quietly, a simmering annoyance making itself known, but he looked at it as objectively possible. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I think that's great”[/color] He wasn't gritting his teeth, no white knuckles - James was quite proud of how well he was keeping his cool. 

Danni scampered around James's other side and watched with wide eyes, holding onto his Pop's arm tightly. 

Casper knew his husband. He knew him incredibly well. He [i]loved[/i] how adorably possessive and jealous he could be - it just made him want to melt. It also made it all too easy to rile him up and get him ready for the activities Casper had in mind. So while James was fooling the piercer, and maybe even Danni, he wasn’t fooling Casper. [color=DBA1DE]“Sweetheart, can you come hold my hand while he does it? I’m a little scared,”[/color] Casper lied, pouting a bit as he held his hands out for James. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Scared?”[/color] James snorted, reaching out and claiming Casper's hands and tangling their fingers together. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Anything for you, my love.”[/color] 

Danni grabbed Casper's other hand, trembling a little and going teary eyed. [color=E948FC]“Papa, I'll hold your ot'er one! We're ‘ere for you!”[/color] 

Casper gave James’ hand a reassuring squeeze, before grinning up at Danni. [color=DBA1DE]“Awww, thank you, my two precious boys,”[/color] he said softly. He didn’t want to scare Danni - but he’d wanted the pretense to give James some skin-to-skin contact. [color=DBA1DE]“I feel so much braver with both of you here, I’m not scared at all anymore!”[/color] Was he a good actor? Maybe. Probably not. But he just needed to sell it enough for Danni, and he could do that. Hopefully.

“Alright, take a deep breath for me,” Jean-Claude instructed. “On the count of three - one… two… three!” 

The pain honestly wasn’t that bad - Casper hadn’t been lying when he said he had had worse. It was just a bit of a pinch, really, in the grand scheme of things. And as Jean-Claude finished and pulled away, Casper beamed as he looked down at his belly. [color=DBA1DE]“Ahhh, it looks so good!!! I can’t wait to put in some bling!!!”[/color]

Danni had shut his eyes instinctively as the count down happened and he peaked one eye open as his Papa hadn't winced or flinched, and started talking. Seeing no pain, Danni squealed at the piercing. [color=E948FC]“Omg, t'at looks so good! I def gotta ‘ave one! T'at wasn't t'at spooky and I was def right; I'mma look craaazy ‘ot wit’ t'is. ‘ow does it feel, does it feel weird? Does it feel like a really ‘ard worm in your tummy? It kinda looks like t'at ya know? Deeeef gettin’ a custom piece. Pops, just start gettin’ ready ‘cause Imma do it, okay? Don't answer t'at now, I'm not ready for t'e convincin’ yet.”[/color] 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“You're waiting at least three months. Then, we can talk about it, kiddo.”[/color] James sighed, activating his power to soothe the sting away from the piercing and eliminate the swelling and redness. James let his gaze linger on the piercing, imagining a very different piece of jewelry there and then trailed his eyes further up. Something to consider in the future. James ran his finger down Casper's stomach and hugged gently at the edge of the piercing. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Danni, you ready to swap out?”[/color] 

Danni nodded eagerly. [color=E948FC]“Yes, please! Let's get t'is rollin’! Ready for t'is glow up!”[/color] 

Casper twitched slightly from the finger moving down his stomach, and he hoisted himself up, hopping off of the table. Once Danni was up, Jean-Claude disinfected the same area, picking up the silver piercing this time instead. He held it above the spot that looked good to him. “Well, dads? Kiddo? What do we think? We like this or nah?”

[color=DBA1DE]“It looks good to me, Danni boy!!”[/color] Casper affirmed, taking one of his son’s hands to hold. He didn’t wait to be asked, and he gave Danni another squeeze. It was all going to be over soon, the anxiety and the dread could go away to excitement - and a whole new world of fashion options and possibilities! He wouldn’t be shocked if this became the first of many piercings - his son would look so great with an eyebrow piercing, with some lip piercings - a tongue piercing would be fun! And his lobes, maybe some cartilage, an industrial or a helix would be great - and nose rings, how could he forget nose rings! He squealed a bit in excitement. 

Danni squeezed his Papa's hand and reached for his Pop's hand as well, making a little happy noise at having both his dad's there for him in this incredibly stressful time. He knew it would look great - he really, really did - but volunteering to have someone shove a really sharp thing in him was still nerve wrecking. Danni took a few steady breaths. [color=E948FC] “Yeah, it looks great!”[/color] Danni's voice was higher than usual. 

James made a sympathetic noise at Danni's voice. He squeezed Danni's hand tight and got a nervous smile for his efforts. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I'm right here. It'll just be the pinch and it'll be fine. And if you don't want to do it, that's okay too. You still up for this?”[/color] James wished he could reach in and soothe Danni, calm his heart beat and relax the tension, but that would make a piercing impossible. Danni nodded quickly and repetitively. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Use your words kiddo. We need to hear it just to be safe.”[/color] 

Danni took a few calming breaths, eyes closed and focused.He'd taken on a villain, he'd taken on the Contest of Champions, he could take a little piercing! He was HotShot and a little needle or whatever wasn't going to hold him back. Danni opened his eyes, calmer and more focused. [color=E948FC]“Yeah, let's do t'is![/color]

“Okay, kiddo - deep breath - in three… two… one!” 

Jean-Claude pierced Danni’s navel. “And we’re done!” He sat back, beaming as he looked at his work. 

Danni squeaked, eyes shut and hand squeezing his parents hands [i]hard[/i], and took a deep breath when told to. It was just a pinch and Danni had experienced far worse in training. Heck, Nemo's training accidents were worse. But offering himself up to be hurt made it seem so much worse in the moment and he let out a pathetic little sob when the needle passed through, but almost immediately cracked his eye open. [color=E948FC]“T'at's it? Not'in’ else?”[/color] Danni whimpered. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“It's all done, kiddo.”[/color] James promised, his healing reaching out and soothing away the lingering bite.

Casper’s heart broke when he heard the tiny sob escape from Danni. He was a reactive crier when it came to his son. But he managed to steady himself, wiping away the tears that threatened to form on the back of his arm. [color=DBA1DE]“You did so good!!! So brave!!! My sweet precious boy!!!”[/color] he gushed. And then he dropped his voice. [color=DBA1DE]“Let me know what you want for custom pieces, I’ll get it through your Pops,”[/color] he promised, before putting a kiss on Danni’s forehead. [color=DBA1DE]“Wait, do you want a picture for your socials? I can take one!! Wait, fuck, they said no pictures - we can find somewhere cool and aesthetic to do it elsewhere? Really show off your new bling?”[/color]

Danni preened under his parents' attention and beamed at his piercing. He pushed up off the table and beeline it across the room, framing his new piercing with his hands as he admired it. [color=E948FC]“OMG IT'S SO COOOL! I LOOK AMAZIN’! I WAS RIGHT! WE DEF HAVE TO DO A PHOTOSHOOT! I HAFTA UPDATE MY SOCIALS, KINGSTON KITCHEN, EVERYTHING!”[/color] Danni was practically vibrating with excitement as he swooped over his piercing.

James, meanwhile, took Casper by the chin and gave his husband a fondly exasperated look. [color=mediumspringgreen]“The three months are real. I don't want us to get him things he'll hate in a few minutes, okay? We can get him custom pieces then.”[/color] James turned to the piercer. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Thank you very much. I know we can be a little overwhelming."[/color] 

Casper’s shoulders slumped slightly, as he nodded. He usually could try to wiggle things past James to spoil Danni, but whenever he was taken by the chin, he knew that his husband wouldn’t budge. There wasn’t any amount of puppy dog eyes that would help here. [color=DBA1DE]“Okay, okay, okaaaay,”[/color] he sulked. [color=DBA1DE]“We’ll wait three months to get the sick ass jewelry.”[/color]

Jean-Claude chuckled, shaking his head. “No worries, man. I’ve had ta deal with far worse.” He went about putting his tools away, before rattling off information for Danni and Casper about care for their new piercings, what to do if things weren’t healing correctly (as more of a formality, given James’ work), and other pertinent information. “See Nessa on the way out, she’ll get ya a bag of goodies.”

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Thanks, man.”[/color] James gave Casper an appreciative kiss, hooked his arm in his husband's, and called out to Danni [color=mediumspringgreen] “Come on, kiddo. Let's get out of here; otherwise, you won't have enough time to do all the outfit changes you want.”[/color] Danni gasped and bolted for the door, already muttering about which outfits to do first. James just laughed and leaned in to Casper as they left.

[color=mediumspringgreen]“My family's the best.”[/color] 

Casper had to restrain himself from running off after Danni - he [i]also[/i] was suddenly gripped with a world of fashion possibilities. He was in his early thirties (perpetually) and hadn’t even touched this accessory since his early thirties!! He whimpered slightly, and looked at his husband. He wanted to have James leaning on him. But his walk in closet, the size of a family home in its own right at this point, was calling to him. [color=DBA1DE]“Jaaaames… is it okay if we run too?”[/color] he begged. [color=DBA1DE]“I have this two piece, the black one with the sparkles and the top with the boob windows - the one that shows the tattoo that you like - that I think will look reeeeally good. Ooo!! Maybe with my fur coat?? Have you seen that one btw? I haven’t seen it in like three years and I miiiiiss it.”[/color] He had worn it last week. 

[color=mediumspringgreen] “After we check out with Nessa, then sure we can run baby.”[/color] James assured Casper gently touching the piercing. [color=mediumspringgreen] “You sure its safe to run with?”[/color]

[color=E948FC] “Papaaaaa, Pops! ‘urry up!”[/color] Danni shouted from the front of the store.

[color=DBA1DE]“You healed me, babes,”[/color] Casper reminded him, before leaning over and nipping at James’ ear. [color=DBA1DE]“Also, I would and have run with piercings that were fresh that you didn’t heal! Just gotta spray them with saline to cool ‘em off a bit and you’re all good!”[/color] he cackled. 

James bopped Casper on the nose when he got close, a pleasant shiver running down his spine. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Thank God we're past those days. I'm just thankful you made it long enough to meet me.”[/color] James sighed at the thought of Casper neglecting his piercings. 

At the front of the store, Nessa gasped and squealed, clapping her hands. “It looks so good!!!” She praised Danni. “Not too bad I hope? I know it can be scary to get your first, but now the world is your octopus! Or whatever the saying is! I bet you’ll be back to get more soon!!”

[color=E948FC] “OMG, I know!”[/color] Danni struck a pose once, twice. [Color=E948FC] “I might, I might but Pops I'll make me wait. It wasn't t’at bad at all! It was def a little spooky but 10/10, would recommend ‘is ‘ands on me again! If I want more, def comin’ ‘ere! Is Jeanie t'e only piercer? Can I ask for ‘im specifically if I come back? Or do I ‘ave ta like, take whoever is ‘ere?”[/color]

James raised his eyebrows as they passed into the front of the store. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Three months waiting period.”[/color] James reminded Danni firmly. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Jean-Claude asked us to check out with you before we left. Anything you guys need or do you know how to call when you need some help?”[/color] 

“Right on!! So we have Jean-Claude most of the time, if he’s not around it’ll be the owner, Stardust. You’ll love them, they’re super chill,” Nessa explained. “But if you call ahead to make an appointment - which we recommend so you don’t have to wait a while - let us know you want JC and you’ll get him!!” She then nodded, turning to James. “Hell yeah we do - sorry if this is weird but… we actually met before,” she admitted, before tapping the side of her stomach. “You got some bullets out of me. So we’re all good on our end.”

[color=DBA1DE]“Top tier dad behavior,”[/color] Casper murmured under his breath, before grinning widely. [color=DBA1DE]“You’ve probably pulled things out of everyone in the French Quarter by now. Me most of all.”[/color]

James did not show blushes very well, but he could feel his face flame up. Not only had he not recognized this woman after he'd apparently helped her, but then he practically made out with Casper in front of her. That's [i]not[/i] top tier dad behavior. James chuckled awkwardly, a handful coming up to rub at the back of his neck. [color=mediumspringgreen]“I'm glad you're doing well then. I am so sorry I didn't realize that. But please don't hesitate to call if you need anything or just flag me down if you all see me.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“You got shot?!”[/color] Danni screeched [color=E948FC]“What ‘appened? Did a villain try ta snatch ya? Did ya run inta an evil clone of yourself? Did ya-”[/color] James firmly clapped his hands over Danni's mouth. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“We don't ask people that. Everyone deserves their privacy.”[/color] James scolded Danni before offering an apologetic smile. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Thank you again. I'll pop by in a week for the custom pieces?”[/color] Danni licked his Pop's hand and James fixed him with an unamused look. He'd been this kid's dad for 17 years and Casper's partner for longer. He was not afraid of a little saliva. 

Nessa smiled somewhat weakly. “Yeah, a villain tried to snatch me - and it’s fine!! I’ve changed my hair and a lot of stuff since then, trying to leave that past in the past y’know?” Her smile brightened, but it was a little forced. “Oh! Almost forgot!” She then presented Danni with a CD, and a social handle was attached to it. “Message me with what you think once you’ve listened! And next week should be perf!! Have fun guys!!”

[color=DBA1DE]“Jaaaames Danniiiiii it’s ooooooutfit tiiiiiiiiiiiimeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!”[/color]

Danni took the CD once James had let go and beamed at her. [color=E948FC] “T'ank you! I'll let ya know when I listen! I'm glad a villian didn't getcha - come over for dinner sometime!”[/color] Danni bolted out the door. [color=E948FC] “Last one home's a rotten egg!”[/color] 

James watched his son speed away. Before he ran to catch up, he put a hand over Nessa’s and gave her just a touch of his power, just enough to remind her she was alive and well and away from where she was, and he looked at his husband. [color=E948FC] “Well, we don't want to be a rotten eggs, do we?”[/color] James laughed, pushed his husband back into the shop, and took off after Danni, sticking his tongue out at Casper over his shoulder. 

Casper gasped. [color=DBA1DE]“Betrayed??? By my own husband????”[/color] he screeched, as he dramatically fell to the floor of the shop. [color=DBA1DE]“I’ll just die here, then… All alone… Unloved… Broken… Sexy…”[/color] 

He played dead for a moment, waiting to see if any attention would be bestowed on him, before his eyes flashed an electric blue. [color=DBA1DE]“C’mon, horsie, let’s show them you can’t mess with a master of the grave!!”[/color] he urged, doing his best to summon a valiant ghostly steed he could use to rapidly overtake his family with. 

Instead, a faint, glowing blue duck appeared on top of his head. 

And it was love at first sight. 

[color=DBA1DE]“Imma name you… Ben Jr!”[/color]