Ami and Carolina
Darren and Carolina were going through some problems a while back, and Carolina made the mistake of talking smack about Darren to Ami and his friends. That was unforgivable in Ami’s eyes and he wants nothing to do with her now. When she comes in the shop, the tension is thick and Carolina’s feelings are hurt because he won’t talk to her. Darren tells her to keep trying and maybe he’ll come around.
Chase's New Love
is a photographer and friend of Kat Von D. He brings in a huge painting of St. Rita for her to tattoo on him. This painting has been in his family since he was a baby, and he was told he would inherit it when he marries. Since he has no plans to marry any time soon, he stole it to get the tattoo. It’s a huge tattoo and takes over six hours over ribs and stomach, during which Chase does not complain once. When he sees the finished product in the mirror, he says he thinks he has a crush on himself and gets on his knees to thank Kat.
Ami and Miss Universe
Tina brings Ami a reference of some ancient Filipino writing that means Miss Universe. Her lola (grandmother) used to call her Miss Universe, which she thought was funny because she was a funny looking kid, which she obviously grew out of because now she is very beautiful and Ami wastes no time flirting with her. A rose is added above the lettering and it’s done in black and gray to compliment Tina’s tan skin.
Carolina's Invitation
Carolina and Darren are at home discussing the tension at the shop between her and Ami. Darren really wants them to get along because he cares for both of them and doesn’t like being caught in the middle. Darren asks Ami to listen to her when she comes into the shop to try to make amends. ‘Lina comes into the shop and invites the crew to come for dinner. At first Ami says no, but then he concedes.
Chad's Transformation
Chad wants a tattoo to reward himself for making some big changes in his life. He lost 100 pounds and changed his whole outlook on life, something that took a lot of strength and determination on his part. Darren tattoos a koi fish on his back that looks like it is swimming up a waterfall, which is the perfect symbol of the upstream battle Chad had to fight in order to change his life.
In Loving Memory
Erin sees a distinctly colored sparrow in her backyard from time to time that she feels carries the spirit of her grandfather, who passed away from colon cancer. She as Ami tattoo a traditional style sparrow in shades of green. The tattoo session is rather emotional for Erin and her mother, so Ami lightens the mood a little. Erin is surprised that “big, tough” Ami is actually a sweetheart, much like her grandfather was.
Christian comes in for his appointment with Nunez; a dragon tattoo in memory of his father who lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He gets an eastern style dragon on the cup of his shoulder, above another tattoo that he plans to have laser removal on. It limits how much they can do with this one, but Nunez does a great job.
Shop Manager
The guys decide it’s time to decide on a shop manager, and of course it comes back to their friend Lee who can handle the crew as well as the customers. I’m sure this was the plan all along, but it wouldn’t have been dramatic enough to just hire the guy.
Second Chances
Carolina makes dinner and the argument is brought to the surface. Ami tells Carolina that you never sell out family or friends, no matter how mad you may be at them. Carolina defends her actions because of the stress she was under during the move and says that if she and Darren could get past it, certainly Ami should be able to. Ami agrees to give her a second chance, mainly for Darren’s sake, but warns her if it ever happens again he’s done with her.
