Alec hears her driving confession and winces a bit. "Just ahh just be careful." He smiles as he gets in, "Looking down your dress, love? I don't know what you are talking about." he says with a wink.
He reaches over and puts in a CD and music fills the car. "We have reservations at The Bistro, in about," he checks his watch, "Fifteen minutes."

"Fifteen minutes? No problem!" Nettle says, throwing the car into gear and peeling out of the parking spot. Looking at Alec's worried face, she tries to drive more carefully. "Don't worry, Alec. I'm a good driver-- if I remember right!" Pulling out into traffic, she starts singing and moving to the music as she checks the rear-view mirror and changes lanes repeatedly. After 14 minutes of white-knuckles driving, the gremlin pulls into the parking lot of the Bistro-- coincidentally, the spot right by the front door is vacant. Parking carefully, Nettle turns off the ignition and turns to Alec-- smiling and holding his keys out to him. "See? I got us here in record time!"

Alec gives her a sideglance smiles forcefully and takes the keys, "Ta, love." Alec pulls out a joint from his cigarette case and takes two quick tokes.
He stamps it out and offers Nettle his arm, "Shall we?" The two wander into the restaurant and wait for the maitre'd.

The man walks up to the two, "Excuse me, yes? You need a tie sir."

Alec looks at him with a hard look, "I am wearing a tie."

The man shakes his head, "Ah yes, so you are, my apologies. You have a reservation?"

"Gideon party of two," he says holding out a hundred.

"Ah it's right here sir," the Maitre'd says not even looking at the book. He motions for the two to follow.

Nettle gives a side-glance at Alec and whispers, "Nice reservations, mind-mage! I do like your style!" Nettle and Alec follow the Maitre'd to one of the special tables in back, and are seated and handed menus. Lighting the long, tapered candles, the Maitre'd says, "Your waiter will be with you in a moment," bows, and heads back to the front. Nettle grins and opens her menu-- scanning over the selections. "Have you been here before? Anything you recommend?"

"Hmmm," Alec says looking over the menu, "The escargot is nice, if you don't mind snails. The calamari is exquisite, give it a try." he says with a wink. Alec looks at the dance floor and smiles, perhaps after dinner he'll ask Nettle to dance.

"Calamari...isn't that octopus? I've heard the meat is very sweet...OK, I'll try that!" The waiter appears and takes their orders and their menus, and asks if they'd like anything to drink while they wait. Nettle smiles warmly and says, "Please bring us a bottle of your finest champagne! We're celebrating tonight!" The waiter perks up and asks warmly, "Aah, and what is it that this lovely couple is celebrating this evening?" Looking right at Alec, Nettle answers, "The first day of truly being alive." The waiter looks surprised, but nods. "Very good, madame! One bottle of our finest champagne-- right away!" and bows to the couple before leaving.

Alec smiles at her, "You're really enjoying this aren't you?"
Chuckling he takes her hand in his, "You are very beautiful this evening." he says.
The waiter returns bringing a bottle of Dom Perone, he uncorks it and hands the cork to Alec who sniffs it. He pours a bit of it in Alec's glass and he takes a sip. "Excellent, my good man."
The waiter nods and pours out some to Nettle.

Nettle watches Alec with big eyes, very impressed by his familiarity with the etiquette of the restaurant. She takes the glass and thanks the waiter-- giving the champagne a sniff before sipping it. "I'm not a big expert on champagne, but this is very nice! Alec, I feel like royalty when I'm with you! You really know your stuff!"

Alec smiles, "Balador has an extension into France and that was how Sylv and I went there," he says. Looking over the crowd he frowns a bit, but turns back to Nettle and the smile returns.
"I should take you there sometime, you might like it."

Nettle nods. "I've heard people talk a little bit about Balador at the Drum Circle-- I'd love to see it!" Trying to follow Alec's line-of-sight, Nettle leans forward and asks, "What wrong? What do you see?"

"Ah just some yuppies who came into my store awhile ago," he says and then chuckles. "Nothin to worry about love."
"The Drum circle? I don't believe I've heard of that."

"Aaah..." Nettle nods in understanding. Well, the Drum Circle meets every Sunday afternoon in Liberty Park. They bang on drums, sing, dance, read poetry, do drugs-- after I Awakened, I realized that a good majority of them are Cult of Ecstasy, as well as some Verbena. I should take you there-- let you meet more Cultists in the area!"

Alec takes a big gulp of wine and looks about the restaurant once more. "Ahh yeah, maybe some time." he says as the waiter walks over carrying a big try of food. He places the meals in front of them, and Alec looks at his plate.

Nettle watches the waiter place all the food on the table, and smiles and nods at him as he bows before he goes. "OK, Alec! Tell me what this is you ordered for me!" Nettle says glancing at the variety of food that was brought.

"That's calamari, which is octopus. That is artechoke hearts, that's carrots, and that is holendaise sauce." he says pointing out the various food. "The french like to be colorful."
Alec smiles taking a bite of his food.

Nettle spends the rest of the meal trying to catch Alec off-guard by eating her food in different erotic ways, and rubbing her bare foot up his pant-leg. The champagne has made her passionate and giggly, and her cheeks are a brink pink color. "Alec, this has been the best dinner I've ever had!" she says laughing and dabbing at her mouth with her linen napkin.

Alec smiles at her and raises his glass, "To a wonderful meal, and the wonderful company."

Nettle grins and lifts her glass, as well. Her face getting serious, she says, "To the most beautiful evening and wonderful man the goddess could ever send a faithful priestess," and clinks her glass against Alec's. She drinks the entire glass in about 5 seconds, and puts it down in front of her plate with a sigh.

Alec watches her gulp down the drink and he takes gulps his. He stands and digs out a wad of cash counting it, and leaving a few bills to cover the meal and a generous tip.
"Come on, there's place I want to show you." he says escorting her out to the car.
He opens her door, and then gets in and the gremlin roars off into the street.

Sitting in the passenger's seat, Nettle smiles and says, "I see you don't trust me behind the wheel!" Thinking, she asks "So your last name is Gideon? Funny the things we don't bother to find out before...well, before!" Nettle laughs. "My given name isn't Nettle. It's Iris. Iris Seaton." she says, glancing at Alec's face as they drive.

Alec smiles at Nettle's observation. He gives her a wink and pats her leg. "Nice to meet you Iris, haven't we met somewhere before?"
At a light he puts the car in park and leans over and kisses her.
"Mmm I'm sure we've met somewhere, that kiss is familiar," he says with smile.

"Oooooh-- you're right, Mr. Gideon! But I'm going to need another sample to make sure!" Nettle says mischieviously, pulling him back for another kiss. After 10 seconds, suddenly Alec and Nettle hear cars honking behind them and angry shouts. "Oops!" Nettle laughs. "I believe the light is now green!" The couple can see cars passing them in the other lanes with the passengers staring at them curiously. Nettle thinks, "I'd sure love to give THEM a show!" but waits to see if Alec wants to move his car.

"I bet you would, love." he says as he moves the car down the street. A few more blocks and he pulls into a parking lot and points to the club. "Spiveys, I go here alot. I know the bartender, and he gives me free drinks." He gets out and opens Nettle's door for her. He looks her up and down one more time.
"Your'e the prettiest woman here."

Blushing and smiling radiantly while twisting the necklace Alec gave her earlier in her fingers, she answers, "Thank you, Alec!! You're going to give me a swelled head if you keep this up!" Leaning in, she whispers, "don't stop!" and smiles. "I hope we're not too over-dressed!" Taking his hand and starting to walk toward the club, she suddenly turns and gives a knowing grin. "And how long have you been able to read my thoughts, you naughty boy?" Nettle asks, referring to Alec answering the thought she had about giving the drivers a show.

Alec chuckles and gives her a quick kiss. "I'll never tell."
Alec leads her to the front door and nods to the doorman. He looks at Alec and nods opening the gate for him. The two enter the club to find it packed. The Cure blares 'Fascination Street' as the clubgoers dance and move themselves to the beat. Alec waves to Spivey and Willie by the bar. "I want you to meet Spivey."

Nettle smiles and nods-- moving to the music while holding Alec's hand as they make their way over to the bar. "Hey! Isn't that your friend Big Willie there next to him?" she asks, trying to repress a laugh.

"Yeah that's Slick Willie in the mohair jacket." he says as the two move between the clubbers. Siding up to the bar, Alec gives Willie a nod hello. "Spivey, this is Nettle, Nettle, Spivey. He owns the place." Spivey looks at Nettle and nods to Alec.
"Hey there, wanna drink?" he says.

"Nice to meet you, Spivey! Great ambience you have here," she says, motioning to the club behind them. Turning to Willie she says, "Willie-- nice to see you again," and nods. Turning back to Spivey, she says, "I'll have a shot of Bailey's if you don't mind!"

Spivey turns and pours the drink and hands it to Nettle. Willie smiles. Alec points to the bathroom, "Be right back!" he shouts over the music. "Looks like you've got a good hold on our boy there." Willie says as Spivey chuckles. "He's never ever brought someone here. Meets them here, sure, but never brings them." Spivey says thumbing at Alec.

"Oh really?" Nettle asks-- feeling a bit nervous as Alec leaves her alone with his friends. Taking a good swallow from her drink, she feels calmer. "I bet he's met a lot of girls here-- being as sexy as he is!" Nettle says smiling. "But I have a feeling he won't be leaving with any of them anymore!" Nettle turns the ring on her finger, and her eyes glaze over for a second as she relives the passion from earlier in the evening.

Spivey and Willie give each other a look and then back at Nettle.
"She knows something we don't." Spivey says. Willie laughs and pats her on the shoulder. "Give it up, what's with him? He picks someone up every time he's here, and now he's gonna stop? I'll believe it when I see it."

"You wouldn't believe it if you saw *it*!" Nettle says, smiling suggestively and leaning back against the counter and crossing one leg over the other. "And I don't need any Viagra to keep up with what he wants!
How's it been working for you, Willie?" she asks smirking good-naturedly.

Spivey laughs out loud and claps Willie on the back, "She knows!"

Willie shakes his head, "As good as ever..."

Alec walks back to the group and sits next to Nettle.
"What's all this then? You gentlemen tellin me girl here evil stories?"
"Yeah, we told her to watch out for you and that you'll break her little heart." Spivey says good naturedly.
The music changes to a slow number, Alec stands, "Let's dance."

Nettle takes his hand, and rises from the stool. Looking back at Spivey and Willie, she smiles. "'Twas a pleasure talking with you gentlemen. I'm sure I'll see you around!" She follows Alec-- doing her famous hip-wiggle-- and disappears into the crowd. "So, Alec!" she says leaning close to his ear while following him. "Those two are probably making wagers right now to see how long I'll last!"

Alec stops and take her in his arms and begins to lead. "I'll take that bet." he chuckles. He looks into her eyes and smiles.
"So how long do you think you'll last?"

Nettle looks steadily into his eyes-- a serious expression in her eyes and a slight smile curving her lips. "Would it frighten you if I answered that?" Her body flows smoothly from one move to the next in Alec's arms.

Alec's eyebrows raise, "I wouldn't have asked you if I were afraid to hear the answer, baby." He dips her and gives her a quick kiss, and raises her back.

Taking his head in both of her hands, she puts her forehead nearly against his and whispers, "I'll not leave you until the day you pack my suitcase and throw it and me out on the front lawn...and even then I'd probably start camping out there, or serenading your window every night." She kisses him forcefully-- wrapping one of her legs around one of his. When she pulls away from the kiss, she gazes at him and asks, "Is that what you would bet?"

Alec runs a hand from her wrapped leg to her face, "Well then I should make that bet. You dance beautifully my dear."
The music fades and is replaced by a dance number. Alec twirls Nettle and brings her in, facing the crowd as he whispers in her ear, "Shall we show these clubbies the proper way to dance?"

Nettle grins a confident, sly grin and glances at Alec. "Good thing I have this little ol' slit in my dress, because I'm going to need it in a moment!" Taking both his hands in hers, she starts moving her hips around in a slow belly-dance and locks eyes with him.

At that moment-- unbeknownst to the couple-- two men wearing black suits and ties, Ray Ban sunglasses, and short-cropped hairstyles enter the club. They've been given a lead that two mages were seen entering Spivey's a short time ago, and these MIBs are in a foul mood. Having botched a mission earlier in the day, they left headquarters a couple hours before this feeling like they'd been mentally lashed by a hundred whips. Capturing these two supposed reality-benders would not be an option; they intended to kill them. The MIBs stand by the front door and begin scanning the crowd.

Alec smiles as he watches Nettle dance. The other clubgoers move out of their way as the two begin to dance together. A spotlight flashes out of nowhere and illuminate thier moves. Alec moves to the side and a frown crosses his face. He looks over and his eyes narrow as he see the two Men. He grabs Nettle's hand and brings her in close. Kissing her she feels his mind touch hers.
*There are Two technos here, be careful*

The crowd cheers as they watch the two dancers stop and kiss. Nettle's eyes fly open as she hears Alec's message in her head. Concentrating her level 2 Mind sphere, her voice flashes in Alec's head, "Where?" She continues to dance and smile. Spinning around and kicking her leg, she focuses her rote "Peril Alert" on the crowd, and begins to scan for the technocrats.

*By the bar* Nettle hears in her mind. *Follow my lead and don't stray*
Alec gently and slowly guides the dance towards the fire exit. Giving Spivey a wink he grabs Nettle's hand and runs towards the exit.

The two MIBs see a hand-holding couple suddenly make a run for the fire exit. Scanning the two, they realize that these are the reality-benders they've been looking for, and curse under their breaths. "MOVE!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!" The unsuspecting crowd doesn't respond-- they're either too busy dancing in the fringes, or watching the mysterious couple run off. Clubbers start being shoved back as the MIBs force their way through them. Seeing that the mages have reached the fire exit and are opening the door, one MIB pulls out a large pistol as the other keeps shoving people back left and right. The crowd gasps and struggles hastily to clear away from the man with the gun. The MIB squeezes off a shot, and it hits the green exit-sign right above Nettle and Alec's heads-- green plastic showering down on them.

Nettle gasps and begins to feel panic rise in her chest. It threatens to overwhelm her as she pictures a scene of Alec lying bleeding in her arms, but a slit-second later she remembers the first lesson of her seeking. "Put your fears aside and you can channel your power effectively no matter what is going on around you." Lowering her eyelids in determination, she clears her mind while still clutching Alec's hand.

The door swings wide open and the two run down the alley way. Alec skids to a stop. Looking at the brick wall in front of him.
"Dead end," he hears the MIB's in the club shouting. Looking around frantically. "Quick get behind the dumpster!"

Grabbing his arm, Nettle cries, "No, Alec! We'll be trapped like flies! We've got to use our magick to get out of this!" With that, she reaches down and pulls the slit-opening of her dress up higher to reveal her dagger tucked into a red garter. Smiling confidentally at Alec, she slides the dagger from its resting-place and cuts a quick cut into the palm of her left hand. Rubbing the blood across the blade, she aims the point at the fire exit and waits.

Alec pulls out his twin glocks and waits by the door, waiting for Nettle's effect to happen.

Suddenly the door flies outward and crashes loudly against the wall of the building. The two MIBs emerge and look around for a second before spotting the couple over by a garbage bin. Both pulling out large, black pistols, they cock them and take aim. Alec feels a pulse of magick from Nettle, and suddenly the MIB to the left drops his gun and howls in pain while clutching his hand. A smile plays the corner of Nettle's mouth as she drops the dagger to waist-level. The uninjured MIB is momentarily distracted by his companion's sudden disablement.

The twin glocks fire hitting the MIB, as he spins around aiming his gun at Alec. The gun goes off knocking Alec to the ground. Alec lays there, and aims one more time firing both glocks. The MIB's head disappears in a red haze.

Seeing the MIB's head explode, Nettle smiles, "Nice work, Mr. Gideon!" Turning to look at him, her smile falters as she sees him laying on the ground. Remembering what happened to the seeking-David while she ran to help the seeking-Tania, she doesn't miss a beat, but runs straight at the other MIB-- who was about to pick up his fallen gun with his uninjured hand. Kicking the gun away from his reaching fingers, she brings up her knee and feels the satisfying crunch of bones as she breaks his nose. Squinting out at her through his pain, he brings his hands from his gushing nose and wraps them around her neck in a strangle-hold. Swaying and struggling with the MIB, she remembers the dagger still clenched in her hands, and brings it up violently into his ribcage. Groaning in pain, the MIB begins to stagger as she twists it determinedly, but his weight knocks her back over the prone form of the headless techno, and she starts to fall backwards with the MIB on top of her.

Alec sits up gingerly, and makes one last attempt at getting to Nettle. He scuttles forward and pulls her out from the MIB. Looking to see if she is ok, he smiles and then falls to the ground.

Nettle-- finally able to take a deep breath again after being crushed under the MIB-- clears her head and sees Alec laying near her. With a strangled cry, she reaches up to her neck out of reflex to grab the hematite choker. Panicking when she doesn't feel it there, she suddenly remembers taking it off and leaving it on her dresser when she put on her ruby necklace. "No..." she moans softly as she fingers the carved necklace Alec gave her earlier in the evening. Suddenly stopping, she carefully unhooks it from around her neck, pulls Alec's collar down and places it over his neck. Pressing her blood-stained hands over it, she begins murmuring with a deep concentration-- going deeper into her mind than she's ever been able to go before-- and swaying forward and backward a little. Suddenly she feels power flow from her hands and suffuse through Alec's motionless body. Opening her eyes and chanting faster and louder, she concetrates on his eyelids until she finally sees them flicker and open.

Alec looks up with pain filled eyes at Nettle. He touches her cheek.
"You alright?" he asks in a dry voice. "Alec!!" she cries, and throws her arms around his body. "It was all worth it-- all those hours of training...everything-- that I was able to save your life!" Taking his face in her hands, she covers it with emotional kisses. Still a little paranoid, she starts opening his clothing until she finds the freshly-healed bullet entry. Taking the necklace from Alec's throat, she curls it up and places it over the new skin. Shifting to the Matter sphere, she scans for the bullet. Finding it, she curses and holds onto its location while shifting part of her mind to emrace the Forces sphere. "Hold on, Alec-- I've never done this before," she warns, and takes a deep breath. Creating a magnetic field around the bullet, she shifts a final part of her mind to embrace the Life sphere. Blocking the nerve impulses from sending pain-messages from the wound to his brain, Nettle weakens the healed flesh and makes it open up again. In a split-second she whips the bullet through the opening and into her hand using the magnetism, and then quickly begins healing the wound while dropping the connection to the Matter and Forces spheres. When the wound is as healed as she can get it, she stops blocking the nerve-impulses from the wound, and slumps back tiredly.

Alec sits up and helps Nettle to the gremlin. Once inside, the car roars off towards home. He wearily looks over.
"Do I know how to show a girl a good time?"

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