The day wears on and on, and finally it is just after sunset when Alec hears feet pounding up the hallway. A few seconds later Nettle bursts into the room and looks around it wildly. "Oh Alec-- I'm glad you're here! I'm SO sorry I was gone all day!! Our first day of being engaged and everything, and I feel like I neglected you!" Nettle paces a little by the bedroom door while talking and taking off her coat, and suddenly Alec can see dried blood on one of her arms, and noticed her long, gypsy-style skirt is torn at the bottom.

Alec stands, "What the hell did you two do?"

Nettle looks at her arm and a look of urgency fills her eyes. "I was at Veil's...she was teaching me Corr...Sam came over...she was cold...she's been letting Sylvan drink her blood, and she drank some of his!! We have to tell the chantry! She attacked Veil and I and bit me-- she might be bound to Sylvan!" Nettle blurts out the story breathlessly and gestures wildly with her hands.

Alec walks over to her quickly, "where did she bite you?" he asks, his eyes filled with concern.

Nettle looks down for a minute-- remembering how she must look-- and holds out her arm. "Oh, she bit me here. Is it very bad? I haven't checked!"

* Alec walks over to Nettle and looks.

"No, it's not bad."

"We should definitely tell the cabal."

"Oh good..." Realization crosses her face, and she looks again. "Maybe I should disinfect it, anyway."

"Good idea, love."

* Nettle walks into the bathroom and comes out with a bottle of alcohol and starts cleaning the wound carefully.

"Wanna still get the tattoo today?"

* Nettle looks up. "Sure!" A sudden smile on her face.

"She knocked Veil down and hurt Veil, as well..." Nettle says while cleaning. "I had to tear my skirt to use as a bandage."

"Really?"

"She's out of control."

"Yes she is...to catch Veil off-guard like that...maybe it's super-strength from the blood..."

"Oh!" Nettle jumps up again and runs to grab her bag.

"She was cold? Did she have fangs?"

Looking over her shoulder, she answers, "No fangs...but she was very cold."

* Alec sighs and shakes his head.

"Too late, she will be."

* Nettle comes back holding a smallish black box and sits on the bed. "Would you like to see my Corr-tool?"

"Good, yeah let's see it."

* Alec walks over to her, "Do you understand now why I wouldn't let you near those *things?" *

Nettle hears Alec's words and nods. "That's what Veil said, too. In fact...she said I was to leave the chantry if Sam refused to go!"

* Nettle looks mad for a minute.

"I'm not letting that bitch chase me out! And those were my exact words, and I mean it!"

"Oh she'll leave."

* Nettle nods, and then remembers the forgotten box. Opening it carefully, Alec sees a gorgeous deep-blue glass ball about the size of a tennis ball, with etching done on it.

"Very nice, love. Almost as beautiful as you."

* Nettle takes the ball out and shows Alec, and Alec can see the etchings are of the continents and islands of the world.

"Listen, I don't want you out at night alone for awhile. Understand?"

* Nettle smiles and then her smile falters. "Really? Why?"

* Alec looks at her incredulously.

"You're kidding right?"

"Because of Sam, Nettle."

* Nettle looks at him for a moment and sighs. "Yes, you're right...I'm going to be grabbed and dragged off by Sam and Sylvan, I forgot! That's what Veil was saying, too!" Nettle says sarcastically.

"Well think, love. You didn't think Sam would attack you did you?"

"Isn't it more dangerous in the chantry now?"

"Not with everyone here it isn't."

"Well..." a huge smile suddenly appears on her face. "I don't blame her-- I DID smack her up-side the head after she knocked Veil down!"

* Nettle beams proudly at Alec.

"I'm sorry Alec...you and Veil are right. Besides, she said the vamps can twist your mind so that you're not fighting them, but fighting yourself."

* Alec hugs Nettle.

"You're brave, love. I'll give you that..."

* Nettle suddenly realizes she hasn't even touched Alec since she walked in the door, and throws her arms around him-- giving him a long, loving kiss.

"Thank you, darling! Anyone messes with my mentor or my man, they get some of the same!"

"We got your ring ordered...you get to see it in 6 more weeks!" Nettle smiles joyfully.

* Alec picks her up and lays her on the bed.

"A hero's reward for my hero." he says kissing her.

* Nettle smiles in surprise and clings to his neck as he does so.

"We better enjoy it now, the tattoos will put us out of commission for awhile."

* Nettle laughs. "Oh, maybe for YOU, but they are like an aphrodisiac to me!"

"Veil agreed to marry us, by the way." Nettle's eyes look off for a moment, remembering the scene in Denny's.

Alec can see her eyes are a little sad.

"What's the matter?'

"I'm not sure...I don't think Veil is as happy for us as I thought she'd be..."

"Hmm maybe she is sad to see you go."

"She snapped at me a lot after I told her we were engaged..."

"Maybe...although she did want me to get permission for her to move into the chantry! Sound OK to you?"

"That's odd."

"Fine by me."

* Nettle nods. "We started training in Corr today-- the hours just flew by, and I'm so sorry I left you alone so long, Alec!"

"S'ok, I had a lot to think about."

"You did? What were you thinking about?" Nettle strokes the hair away from Alec's forehead as she talks.

* Alec lays down next to her.

"Like what to do on the honeymoon. Let me show you what I came up with..." he says as he pulls her close.

* Nettle grins a naughty grin and puts her arms around Alec. "Ooooh, Mr. Gideon!"

Afterwards�

"Ready to get that tattoo?"

* Nettle lays back looking at the ceiling. "You're going to have to carry me to the car, then!"

* Nettle laughs, looking at Alec with love.

"Ah I can do that, cheers."

"Just remember to get me dressed first this time, OK Alec?" Nettle laughs-- her hair fanned out behind her on the bed.

* Alec smiles as he mock-dresses Nettle.

"Smashing baby.

* Nettle laughs, enjoying the attention, and Alec's gentle touch.

"You look great, baby."

"Thank you, darling!" Nettle blushes furiously.

* Nettle sits up and holds out her arms-- wanting to be picked up.

* Alec picks her up and carries her out to the car not missing a step.

While Alec is carrying her, she asks,

"You want to use my Verbena tattoo-artists, or did you have another place in mind?"

"Up to you, love."

"Well, I know we can trust my guys, so let's head down State Street a little further south."

Cheers." he says opening the car door and helping her in. Alec walks around to his side, lights a joint and gets in.

The gremlin roars off down the street.

* Nettle looks at Alec while they're driving, and softly and slowly starts singing the lyrics to "Strawberry Fields."

"Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields...nothing is real..."

Unexpectedly, her eyes get teary, and she sniffles and quickly stops singing before she loses it.

"Why are you crying?" * Nettle wipes her eyes in embarrassment. "I'm sorry...I was just thinking about your seeking again...and other things, but you'll have to wait to see that!"

* Alec winks at her as he pulls into the tattoo parlor driveway.

* Nettle laughs, realizing she just made an innocent statement sound suggestive.

* Nettle sits in the car whistling, waiting for Alec to open the door.

* Alec walks out and opens her door.

"Here we are."

Nettle looks up at the purple and black sign above the door reading, "Alternative Lifestyles," and takes Alec's hand.

"Alternative lifestyles??"

* Nettle laughs and winks at Alec. "Ooooh, yeah!"

The two enter the store, and Alec's senses are filled with the aroma of the sweetest incense he's ever smelled.

"Nice place, cheers."

The walls are painted black, and are covered with examples of tattoos. There are ivy plants hanging from the ceiling, and many things for sale in glass cases.

* Alec walks over to the tattoo book and begins to flip through the samples.

As Nettle and Alec enter the store, a guy and girl both look up from the main counter.

"Nettle!" they shriek, almost in unison, and come running over to approach her, both showing off many interesting and original piercings and tattoos, and wearing a mixture of goth/ punk clothing.

"I take it you know them?"

* Nettle reaches out her arms and hugs them.

"Violet...Eddie...I'd like you to meet Alec, my fianc�!"

* Alec shakes their hands.

"Alec, Violet and Eddie-- the creators of my tattoos!"

"Allo. We'd like a tattoo."

Violet and Eddie take turns shaking Alec's hand and greeting him warmly, while giving Nettle strange looks.

"Nettle," Violet starts in tentatively, "You're settling down??"

* Nettle grins.

"It took a special man...and I do mean special!" Nettle smiles and pats Alec's rear.

The pair laugh and shake their heads. "Whatever rocks your boat, Nettle! The others aren't going to believe this, tho'!"

Eddie turns to Alec. "Wonderful! Do you have an idea of what you want?"

"A scorpion, right here..." he points to his lower abdomen.

Violet raises her eyebrows appreciatively. "Ooooh, can I be the one to do this guy?"

* Nettle grins at her.

"Be careful, Violet. You've seen me in action with my dagger!"

Violet laughs, and grins at Nettle. "Yes, I can say I have, and yes, I'll back off now!"

Eddie nods at Alec. "All right then. OK if I do him, Nettle? You know I've been known to swing both ways!"

Eddie laughs and grins mischievously.

* Nettle laughs and shakes her head. "You guys are too much! Of course, Eddie! Your work is excellent!"

Eddie leads Alec to the back, and Violet follows them with Nettle in tow.

* Alec sits in the chair.

"I'm getting a tattoo, as well, in the same spot." Nettle announces.

Violet looks up in surprise. "OK, I'll do you! This should be intriguing!" She gestures at Alec. "He ever had one before? He picked a very tender place!"

* Nettle looks at Alec. "Yes, you did, baby! I hope you'll be OK!"

"Well then, let's have at her then..."

Eddie looks at Alec. "She means it will be very painful...ah well! Give the man what he wants!"

"I don't care if it's painful, I'm tough enough."

* Alec unzips his trousers and lets them fall to the ground.

* Nettle smiles over at you. "Yes he is! Oooooh!!"

* Nettle and Violet both have wide eyes as their eyes move quickly down Alec's body.

Eddie looks surprised, but moves to get his ink-needles.

"I'd like the tattoo right here," points to lower abdomen just above...well, just above!

Violet smiles and whistles. "OK, Nettle, I see what you mean about him being special!"

* Nettle smiles and shakes her head at Alec. "You are insane, Alec!" she laughs.

* Nettle gets a naughty look on her face, as well, but lays back in the chair, unzipping her pants.

* Alec sits in the chair and closes his eyes.

When Violet and Eddie turn back with their tools, Eddie asks, "you want full colors, man? It's a little more expensive, but well worth it."

"No, all black."

Eddie nods and turns to switch to a different needle.

"What do you want, Nettle?" Violet asks.

"I'll have the symbol for Virgo, but on the other end of the sign, put the Scorpio tail...like the two signs in one!"

Violet thinks for a moment, and then nods looking impressed. "Very nice...very original!" Giving a look at Alec she says, "you two must really be in love!"

* Alec looks over in surprise, "Yeah give me something like that. With Virgo on the tail end of mine."

* Nettle looks at Alec in surprise. "Really??"

Violet looks very touched and nods her head, getting the appropriate needle for Nettle.

"Yes, it was a good idea, love."

Eddie comes back over with a black-ink needle, puts it down, and traces the new combined zodiac sign on a piece of paper to see if he has Nettle's vision right. When she nods her approval, he then traces the same sign, only with the tails reversed so it's Scorpio with a Virgo tail on the opposite end, and then studies it for a moment. Turning to Alec, he sits in a chair next to him, holds the abdomen-skin down flat, inserts the needle, and begins drawing.

Alec takes in a hissing breath and clenches his teeth, but doesn't move.

Violet walks over to see Eddie's drawings and tattoo-placement, and then sits down in a chair next to Nettle. Turning on the needle, she inserts it and begins drawing.

Nettle closes her eyes and lets out an appreciative sound. Opening them again, she looks over at Alec and holds out her hand.

Alec holds out his hand and takes hers.

Alec can feel her hand squeeze his tight as the needle moves across her flesh.

"How are you doing, baby?"

"Nothing I can't handle," he says through gritted teeth.

Violet turns often so she can see what Eddie is doing, and copies his work exactly.

About 15 minutes later, Eddie sits up, grabs a cloth, and wipes the blood from Alec's tattoo. Alec looks down and can see it's a very beautifully-stylized version of the sketched design. A few minutes later, Violet, too, turns off her needle and wipes the blood from Nettle's abdomen.

Alec looks down at the tattoo. "Nice work, old son!"

Nettle looks from her tattoo to Alec's, and tears start brimming in her eyes. "Oooh, we have matching tattoos!! This is so romantic, Alec!"

Alec laughs and smiles at her with love.

Violet leans over to Eddie and whispers, "wow-- I've never seen Nettle get emotional like this before! This guy is really having an effect on her!" Eddie stares at Nettle with surprised eyes and nods at Violet.

Alec gets up off the chair, pulls his pants up, and begins fastening them.

Nettle gets out of her chair and pulls everything back up around her waist, and winces a little as the tender spot is rubbed.

Alec cringes for a moment, and walks stiffly over to the counter to pay for both tattoos.

Eddie and Violet walk around behind the counter to ring him up.

Nettle follows Alec over to the counter, and takes one of his hands in hers.

"You do great work-I'll remember you for future tattoos." Alec tells him.

Eddie nods at Alec in thanks. "Now remember, you two, you have to rub lotion on the tattoos once every hour for the first few days. And be careful-those spots are going to be very tender!"

Alec nods, pays for the tattoos, and leads Nettle to the front door.

Nettle calls over her shoulder, "Thank you, guys! You really did do a great job!"

"Thanks Nettle! We're going to be expecting a wedding invitation in the mail!" Violet calls waving.

"Oh, of course! It's set for Feb. 2, so don't schedule anything for Candlemas!"

"We won't!" Violet and Eddie call at the same time-a habit from working together for so many years-and look at each other and laugh.

Alec and Nettle walk out to the car, and Alec opens Nettle's door. Before getting in, she gives him a very long, gentle kiss. "You took that very well for a first tattoo, baby!"

"Eh�I've been hurt a lot worse."

"Oh really? What happened?"

"Well, being shot, for one."

"Yeah-I was there for one of those times. You gave me a horrible scare! Promise me you'll try not to get shot again!"

Alec laughs. "Ta, love, that I will!"

A few minutes later, the gremlin roars out of the parking lot and down the street.

"We have to be careful because of our tender tattoos, eh? I don't like the sound of that!" Nettle exclaims, smirking at Alec.

"Don't worry-I already have a solution in mind!" Alec grins wickedly.

"Ooooh, Alec! We may not make it to the chantry if you keep talking like that!"

A short time later, the gremlin screeches up to the chantry.

Nettle throws open her door before Alec can move, jumps out, and runs over to Alec's side just as he's getting out-- jumping on him and kissing him passionately.

Alec holds her to him tightly and kisses her back desperately.

The two hurry into the chantry and down into the Horizon Realm, running to their room where the door is slammed shut once they're inside.

"All right, love. Let's have a look at that tattoo!"

Nettle hastily unzips her pants and pulls them down to reveal the tattoo.

Alec pushes her backwards onto the bed.

Nettle oofs as she hits the bed, and looks up at Alec through eyes smoking with desire. "What are you going to do, Alec?" she purrs.

"Just lay back�I'm going to tattoo you!"

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