Team Tattoos

1.5K 27 1
                                    

This is the best idea Portman has ever had. It actually came from a conversation he had with Charlie when we graduated from Eden Hall. Tattoos. We decided we'd get our jersey numbers as small wrist tattoos. But as Dwayne pointed out, it wouldn't be right if we didn't get Bombay involved. Charlie was gonna call, but him and Dean are busy talking to a tattoo artist - who happens to be a friend of Dean's. Time to do my part and call Coach.

"Hey, Coach." I greet through the phone.

"Hi, Y/N. How are you?"

"I'm good, how're you?"

"I'm alright. What do ya need?" He wonders considering the unexpected call.

"We're all getting our numbers tattooed on our wrists as like a team tattoo. We want to see if you'll come get one too."

"Tattoos? I don't know Y/N." He says with a doubtful tone.

"Just our numbers pretty small on our wrists that's all it is. Come on, Coach, it's not the same without you."

"Look, I love you guys, but I don't really want a tattoo."

"I get it, I don't want to pressure you into it if you don't want to. If you're not gonna get one - will you at least come with us? We wouldn't be a team without you and everyone would love to see you. Dean's friend is doing them."

"Fine, I'll come. But only if you pick me up."

"Thank you so much, Coach. I'll swing by in about an hour."

"Okay, don't be late."

"Yeah, see you later." I hang up and head back to the Ducks - they all look at me with anticipation. "He'll come but he won't get anything."

"At least he agreed to come." Guy reasons.

Cut to 50 minutes later

"Who wants to come with me to get Bombay?"

Charlie, Dwayne and Ken quickly grab their things and head to my car. I give Dean a quick hug as he says:

"We'll meet you there."

"Don't let anyone get tatted without us or I'll make you tattoo my name on your ass."

"Don't keep us waiting then."

I roll my eyes and laugh as I grab my keys. Before I can get out of the door, I see Charlie eager to get the front seat. As the door closes, I shout:

"Get in the back, Spazway! Shotgun's reserved for Bombay!"

Like a toddler, he huffs and laughs as he joins Ken and Dwayne. It's a beautiful summer night - I'm definitely grateful for the cool breeze. With the windows down and the music blasting, we sing our hearts out on the way to Bombay's place. I tell the others to sink into their seats and stay quiet as Coach makes his way to the car.

"Hey, thanks for coming." I smile as he gets in the passenger seat.

"Well, you were right, it just wouldn't be right if I wasn't there. Besides, it'll be good to see everyone." There's a brief silence as I begin driving before Dwayne speaks up.

"Howdy."

"Jeez, Dwayne, you almost gave me a heart attack." We all laugh.

"It's good to see you." Charlie speaks up.

"Good to see you too. You alright, Ken?"

"Yeah, just a little nervous."

"Don't worry, Kenny. It'll be a few minutes max." I reassure him.

As we reach the tattoo studio, we're all pleasantly surprised by how clean and professional it looks. To be honest, we were a little weary at first, but Dean wouldn't screw us over. Walking to the door, Guy waves at us through the window. Once we're inside, Dean introduces us to his friend.

"Nice to meet you. Sorry we're late, had to pick up our first Coach."

"No problem. They've already told me everything - it's nice you brought him along." He shakes my hand before shaking Bombay's.

Before we get started, Julie suggests getting a small doodle next to our numbers if you want to match with someone. As everyone decides who to match with, Dean gets the first tattoo. He is quickly followed by myself and Fulton. Next to our numbers we each have a little lightning bolt - making the Bash Brigade match for life.

"I love it." Fulton smiles as he shares glances with us.

"Same. Thank you so much. Coach, take a picture." I rush over to him with Dean and Fulton following me.

We put our arms into frame so our inked link can be captured. Bombay begins to smile as he notices our joy and excitement. After taking the picture, he says:

"They look great."

"Aw, thanks, dad." I smile whilst gaining a few confused looks.

"Dad?" Coach questions.

"Well, we're the closest thing you have to kids - and you've been like a father to us over the years." He just smiles.

Connie and Guy get small hearts. Dwayne, Ken, Luis and Goldberg get tiny feathers (to reference the prank). Julie, Russ and Averman get small sunglasses. Charlie and Adam get crossing hockey sticks. As we're about to pay, Bombay comes forward and says:

"Before you pack up, do you mind if I get one?" Our faces light up.

"Sure."

"Really?" Charlie smiles.

"What made you change your mind?" I ask.

"As per usual, you were right. You Ducks are the closest thing I have to kids or even a family in general. I'm proud of all of you. My life changed for the better when I met you."

We all engulf him in a massive group hug, overwhelmed with joy. As he goes to sit in the chair, we all cheer and clap.

"So, what can I do for you?" The guy asks.

"66 with every doodle you did for them. The lightning bolt, the heart, the feather, the sunglasses and the crossed sticks. The works - all surrounding the 66. I want to match them all."

All of us are moved by his sudden change of heart. This includes the tattoo artist who let's Coach have his for free as a favour to Dean. Tonight was always gonna be something we'd always remember - but now, there's no way we'll ever forget it.

The Mighty Ducks Imagines Where stories live. Discover now