Chapter 1: Introduction
“Are we really doing this today, Sel?” Ella asked, wringing her hands nervously. She glanced back over her shoulder at the tattoos and piercing studio again, a little huff of white fogging the frosty November air. I nudged her forward gently, the two of us edging closer to the shop. “Ella, you said you wanted to do this for months.”
“Yeah, but when it’s now, right now, with the buzzing needles and everything...”
I gave her a reassuring smile. “Hey, look at me.
We’ve played around with earrings, dressed up, put on makeup, and experimented with ourselves. I think we can handle a couple of piercings.” I gazed at Selene’s determined yet nervous eyes beneath her dark lashes, my own heart slightly fluttering from the tacit agreement in her words. I steeled myself and nodded. “Okay, Sel, let’s do it.”
The inside of the parlor looked more comforting than the ominous exterior might lead one to believe.
The walls were painted in various, muted tones, highlighting the different pieces of tattoo and piercing art displayed. The buzzing of the needles became almost therapeutic—a reminder of the art being crafted and the experiences happening within those walls.
Ella and I stood just inside the doorway until our eyes adjusted to the dim lights. The proprietor, a tall and intimidating woman, approached us. She wiped her inked hands on a towel draped over her shoulder. “Ladies, welcome.
I’m Lily. What can I do for you today?” she asked in a deep, smoky voice.
I spoke up. “Hi, Lily. I’m Selene, and this is my friend Ella. We were hoping to get our ears pierced.”
Lily studied us with her sharp, discerning eyes. “Okay, well then—let’s have a look at what we can do for you.” She glanced at the two of us, taking in our fashion choices and personal expressions.
I fought the urge to fidget under her gaze as she said, “Okay, I have some suggestions for you.” Ella and I exchanged a hopeful glance, both silently praying that Lily wouldn’t embarrass us with any condescending remarks about our style. To my relief, she treated us with respect while offering her advice. “You both seem to appreciate playing with androgyny—you both have such beautiful feminine energy, yet you own your unique style.
I have a couple of options I think you’ll really enjoy,” Lily explained, leading us toward a glass case. She pointed out a selection of intricately designed earrings, some simple and elegant, others bold and playful.
Ella and I felt the nervous tension ease from our shoulders as Lily expertly helped us navigate the earrings. We picked out matching pair: a thin, silver barbell with a tiny crystal on one end, a constellation of diamonds on the other. The sparkle in Ella’s wide eyes mirrored my own excitement.
“These are perfect!” I whispered, catching my breath.
We made our way to the piercing chairs, and Lily began to prepare her equipment. Our hearts raced as we anticipation turned into something more urgent and essential. This was going to be a transformative experience for both of us, something we had talked about for so long now.
“Alright ladies,” Lily instructed with a gentle but firm tone. “Make sure you’re sitting up straight and taking deep breaths.
When I count back from three, we’ll do this together.” Lily explained with a confidence that brought us ease. “This will be a coordinated experience, Selene and Ella,” Lily’s words reverberated through the dimly lit studio.
As Lily spoke, her experienced eyes met ours, filling us with anticipation. My heart raced, beating between my thighs as Ella’s thigh pressed into mine the slightest bit.
My mind reeled at the sensation I felt between my legs, and I shifted, suddenly self-conscious.
Lily had prepared her instruments and asked us to make a final decision: did we want to do this, right here and now? Did we want to make this commitment to androgyny and femininity together? Ella and I exchanged a glance so profound it felt like the world spun between us. “Let’s do it, Sel.” Her voice was steady, if slightly higher pitched than usual.
“Three,” Lily began, her voice a soft whisper.
My mind reeled at the sensation I felt between my legs, and I shifted, suddenly self-conscious.
Lily had prepared her instruments and asked us to make a final decision: did we want to do this, right here and now? Did we want to make this commitment to androgyny and femininity together? Ella and I exchanged a glance so profound it felt like the world spun between us. “Let’s do it, Sel.” Her voice was steady, if slightly higher pitched than usual.
“Three,” Lily began, her voice a soft whisper.
As Lily prepared for the piercings, Ella and I swapped tentative glances, our excitement having grown palpable. We knew that this piercing session would be the start of something new for both of us. It was the culmination of months of conversation and exploration and the first step in embracing our full selves as androgynous feminine boys.
Ella pulled the strap of her tank top up, revealing her delicate neck and collar bones.
My gaze lingered there as anticipation coursed through my veins. Lily’s fingers brushed against my earlobe, the cold steel of the needle against my skin, sending shivers down my spine—but my eyes remained fixed on Ella. As Lily’s needle pierced the flesh of my ear, Ella winced in empathetic pain, her pale lips parted as a soft gasp escaped them. In that moment, I felt an inexplicable rush of desire—for her.
For Selene. My best friend.
As Lily finished our piercings, and we examined our new piercings in the reflection of the nearby mirror, I found myself overwhelmed with a sudden, intense need. The air between us seemed charged with electricity, the pulse of our hearts thrumming in synchronization as we gazed into each other’s eyes.
I knew this feeling was wrong, this surge of attraction, but I couldn’t ignore it. I had to do something, to indulge in this forbidden fantasy.
Without thinking, I leaned forward, pressing my lips to hers.