Page 177 of Pretty ’n Peak

Richard slipped back in through the back. “Any questions, Teo? Are you happy with the placement?”

He looked around. The first painting by the front door was the largest, and the only one that showed Austin. In it, Teo was strapped to the St. Andrew’s Cross, red lashes striped across his shoulders, with a pair of white panties revealing more of his round butt cheeks than they covered. Daddy, shown only from the back, was decked out in his favorite leather pants and harness, wielding a flogger. Intertwined flowers formed the border, with bright butterflies to symbolize rebirth and hummingbirds for happiness.

Just looking at the painting made Teo pulse with need and adoration.

“I’m happy with everything.” He could still barely imagine that this was his life. Anyone walking by would know about his deepest desires and… he was feeling pretty good about that.

“Great. I’ve just got three left to hang. Austin got here early, so we’re almost done.”

Between the three of them, the canvasses were up in no time.

Teo darted into the bathroom to change his shirt, sloughing off his boring brown coat and paint-splattered t-shirt for a shimmery green button-down and a silvery scarf. With a bit of glittering green eyeshadow to match and some glistening rose lip gloss, the look was complete. He slid a slick gray peacoat on top to combat the autumn winds.

He felt like he could breathe again.

Every morning that he put on those same baggy t-shirts was getting harder, but here he could transform.

Metamorphosize.

Like the butterflies in his paintings.

He came back to Richard and Austin discussing flower arrangements, which Austin had promised to provide over Teo’s rather weak objections.

Daddy loved spoiling him. And although the river of gifts had slowed considerably now that he had a full closet of pretty clothes at Daddy’s apartment and a few at home, there was always some trinket or scarf that Daddy would produce at just the right moment.

After shaking Richard’s hand a final time, they wandered out to the street to find dinner. There were a few places they liked, but Teo’s feet kept pulling him somewhere else.

He pulled Austin to a stop.

“What is it?” Daddy asked. “Is this the tattoo parlor?”

“Yeah, I was thinking about going in.” He’d been thinking about it a lot.

His fingers shook.

Daddy just squeezed his hand, supporting with his calm presence like he had from the beginning. “Lead the way.”

Inside, the same cheerful man sat behind the counter. Dan, according to his nametag, was sporting a thick beard dyed in rainbow streaks, and dozens of piercings and tattoos. “Hey,” he greeted them. “Back for those earrings?”

It was sweet that he’d remembered.

“Yes,” Teo put forth confidently, though his breath felt a little thin and a thousand thoughts were crashing through his head. “Can I see them again?”

Daddy wrapped his arms around him from the back, offering support and, most likely, enjoying his backside.

Teo certainly couldn’t complain. Daddy’s attraction to him was comforting and empowering, too.

Dan set the two trays in front of them, and Teo’s eyes were drawn to the same pair as last time. The glittering gems with a square cut in a subtle pink color. A slightly classier version of the ones that his niece Maya had picked out at the mall.

He was going to do it. This was the moment. He was just… ready. “These ones. For both ears.”

Dan grinned at him. “Good choice. They’ll suit your face.”

Daddy kissed the back of his neck. “So proud of you, baby. And if you like these, maybe we can think about a few other places…”

Dan must have heard, because he was ready. “If you want to talk body or genital piercings, just let me know.”

Daddy squeezed his waist. “How long do genital piercings take to heal?”