I fixed the error. Sorry

An hour later Ian and Faith were still on the couch. With significantly less clothing. Faith had removed her shirt and was clad in Ian's flannel pants and her black lace bra. Ian was only wearing a pair of loose black jeans. Faith sat on Ian, gazing at his body. Judging by the appearance, Ian had had a hard life. Pale white scars cris-crossed his chest, stomach, and arms. Many of them looked as if they had been painful. She knew that the ones on his back were even worse. The only other things marring his body were a series of tattoos. They all seemed to hold some meaning. Only one had her attention at the moment. Rosary beads were inked around his neck and lead down to a crucifix on his left pec. The crucifix was odd, in that it consisted of several diamond shapes, alternating black and green.

Seeing where Faith's eyes laid, Ian smirked. He tensed, making the muscle jump. Faith smirked back. "Show off." She leaned down, capturing Ian's lower lip in her teeth. Before Ian could retaliate she resumed her previous vertical position. "So, what's it mean?"

"It's a personal mark. Richard had a rosary he used to wear that looked similar. I had this done so that everyone knew where my loyalty lied. Now anyone under my personal protection will have a similar one."

Faith thought for a moment. "I want one."

"Not that I wasn't planning on offering, but why? You sound as if you need it or something."

"I do." Faith lay down with her head under Ian's chin. Yet again Faith looked like a scared little girl. Unsheathing his claws Ian ran them through her long dark hair, causing her to relax. Ian was struck again by how alike the two of them were. Both needed to feel as if they belonged to someone. He was just more used to being alone. "Shh. You're still worried that I', going to leave, aren't you? You're worried that you'll be alone again."

Sniffling Faith spoke. "Everyone I love either dies or leaves. I lost Richard. I can't lose you. Not now."

Raising her head Ian looked into her eyes. "Faith, I'll always be by your side."

"Till when?" she asked nervously. She knew he was trying to comfort her. She knew she was being silly, constantly needing reassurance. "How long are you willing to put up with my emotional problems? How long till you realize you love a psycho who has everyone and their mother after her ass?"

"Till after the sun burns out and grows cold. Till after the stars are all gone and the universe is gone. And even then I'll love you. It'll just be too dark to see you." Ian grinned.

Faith laughed giddily.

"And they can't have it. Your ass is mine and I am not known for my sharing ability."

Before Faith could join their mouths again Ian was lifting her up and setting her down. At her quizzical look Ian smirked. "You said you wanted the mark. Well, let's go give it to you.'

"Now" Faith said surprised.

"Is that a problem?"

"No, just surprised that you'd want to be tied to me so quickly."

"No time like the present. But there is one condition. Everyone will know you belong to me, but how will they know I belong to you?"

"Are you telling me that you want my mark?" At his nod and smirk (he does that an awful lot). "But I don't have one."

"Make one. Pick something that symbolizes you. Doesn't have to be ornate, just something that screams 'Faith'"

"Like you will be soon?" Faith leered.

Once again Ian blushed like a school boy. "Just go get dressed." As Faith ran up the stairs top get dressed Ian's eyes never left her ass. Shaking his head to look at Ersus, "I am in control. She can not get me to lose my cool." Ersus's look conveyed Ian's thoughts. "Yeah, who am I kidding?"

A half hour later the duo was standing in Diablo's Room, a tattoo parlor catering to more exotic individuals. Despite the fact that it was located in a rough part of town Ian knew the place did quality work. This was where he had been inked originally.

All around them were hundreds of pictures, ranging from the mundane to the obscene. As Faith looked at the various pictures the two artists watched her. To the untrained eye they looked like extremely beautiful women. Tall, slender, with long dark hair, they looked like a wet dream come to life. However, if you looked closely you would notice two things. First, their eyes were much like a cat's, in that bright light made them slits. Second, hidden intentionally within their hair were two small horns. Ian never understood why they hid them; he always thought the succubi's horns were cute.

Walking up to the ladies, Ian pulled his shirt off, revealing the tattoo. "This is what she wants. You'll have to ask her how big she wants it."

Both succubi grinned. "So, you've finally decided to take a mate." The first one said musically.

"Better late then never." The other chimed in.

Ian chose to ignore their teasing. "She's choosing a mark of her own." Looking to make sure Faith was occupied Ian pulled out of his overcoat a small bottle of red liquid. "I want this mixed in with her ink."

"Is that what I think it is?" the first said wide eyed.

Ian nodded.

"You really are serious."

"Shh." Ian quieted them as Faith walked up. When she was at Ian's side she pinched him on the ass, daring either woman to say anything. They just grinned. Ian found it funny. 'Guess I'm not the only territorial one' he thought.

"Pick something nice, Pussy Cat?" At Faith's nod and the ladies chuckle, "Well, what is it?"

"It's a surprise." Faith grinned.

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"That's paramount to a secret."

Ian rubbed his face. Grinning he shook his head. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"A whole lot of trouble."

Shaking his head Ian went into one of the rooms, leaving Faith to explain to the succubi what she wanted done to Ian. As she finished both smiled. This was going to be fun.

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Ninety minutes later both left the building, gauze covering their additions. Faith had chosen to have the crucifix directly between her breasts. Ian's right upper arm was covered. Faith had a mischievous grin on her face while Ian was grumbling under his breath.

"Ohh, you big baby. It's not that bad."

"I can't believe you'd choose that. That you'd put that on my arm."

Faith couldn't help it. She grabbed her sides, she was laughing so hard.

"It's not funny." Ian boomed. However, he was having a hard time keeping his own smile under wraps. It was just so difficult to stay angry when she was laughing so hard.

"Ohh yes it is. Big, bad assassin, scared his masculinity is in jeopardy."

Ohh, your going to pay for that, little girl. Placing his hands under her arms he lifted her until she was eye level with him. She wasn't worried, judging by the big smile on his face.

"Faith, you had a kitten placed on my arm."

"But it's so cute." she said between giggles. "Just like me."

"Someone has a high opinion of themselves."

"Hey, I am everyman's wet dream. Long legs, firm breasts, tight body. What man could resist me?"

"N'Sync?"

"Yeah, who would have thought that all five members were gay. Hey!!" Ian had thrown Faith over his shoulder and was carrying her down the street. "what are you doing?"

"Carrying my woman down the street. What did you think I was doing?"

"Your woman!. Who said I was your woman?"

"You did. Remember?"

"Oh yeah. But that doesn't give you the excuse to carry me over your shoulder."

"Am I hurting you?" Ian sounded mildly worried.

"NO, it's just embarrassing. What if something happens?"

"Like what?"

"Vampires, demons, Jehovah's Witnesses. I'm kind of vulnerable here.'

Ian's grip on her tightened. He spoke in a soft voice. "Faith, I told you I'd always keep you safe. I don't lie."

"I know."

"Anyway, we're here." Placing her on her feet, he pointed to a building.

"We're going clubbing?" she asked questionably.

"No, I bought it."

"Why?" Faith looked astonished.

"Well, it'll give me something to do while you're gone all day. I do need something to occupy my time with."

Faith spun. "what do you mean, while I'm gone all day?"

"You told me you always wished you could've finished school. I made a call. You start in September."

"You're kidding?" Faith said excitedly. "Do you mean it?"

"I do not kid. You're a senior at St. Lucas."

"Oh Ian!" Faith launched herself into Ian's arms, knocking him down. Straddling him she attacked his mouth until both were breathless.

"I'm going to do more for you if that's my reward."

"Might get a better reward soon, Puppy." AT this Ian's eyebrows raised. A look of dawning crossed Faith's face. "Isn't St. Lucas a ...." At Ian's smirk and nod Faith leered as well. "You kinky boy."

Before they could continue their previous activities they heard the sounds of a struggle nearby. Groaning they both got up to investigate. What they found was both strange and amusing. Standing in an alley were some 30 vampires accompanied by three Zoracs, which are 4 foot imps. What was funny was the fact that the three fighting them were kicking some serious ass. The slender blond man was armed only with a stake, though that didn't seem to keep him from staking one vampire while almost kicking the head off another. The dark haired man next to him didn't have the moves but Ian had to admire his brutal efficiency with a large handaxe. The person guarding their rear gave him pause. She was wearing a cloak covering her face and the only reason he knew she was female was by her scent. What really surprised him was the fact that she fought empty-handed. She defended herself completely hand to hand. She did well for herself, breaking one of the Zoracs necks with a flick. The faint blue light outlining her told Ian how she was able to do this.

However, the trio was outnumbered nearly 10 to 1. Ian could tell the dark haired man was tiring(No surprise. That axe looked heavy.)

"If you guys leave now we'll forget we saw you."

The large vampire he was addressing responded by grabbing him under the arms and throwing him over his head. The man flew through the air, expecting to impact with the wall. Imagine his surprise when he was caught in strong arms. Looking up his face lit up. "Faith, fancy meeting you here."

"Xander, what are you doing here?"

Looking over at his comrades he said "Getting our asses kicked."

"Scuse me" Ian chimed in. "Mind if I borrow your axe?"

"Knock yourself out."

Giving out something that sounded like a howl of joy Ian leaped into the fray. A short time later all the undead and demonic were no more, cept Spike. He was fine.

(While the fight is going on)

"So Harris, what are you doing in our neck of the woods?"

"Well Faith, my dear, let me tell you this is not been a good week. First, Riley engineered it so that I lost my job. Now no construction or carpentry company will hire me. Then, we three were pretty much banished from the Dale that is sunny. So we thought we'd travel, see the sights, maybe see Disney World. All of this before we run out of money and get killed by something.

"I see your sarcasm is still firmly intact."

"Well, us getting banished and jumped has not exactly done a great deal for my mood."

(After the fight)

Spike and Ian faced each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. The cloaked figure stood between the two, protecting SPike. Blue light emanated in her hands. Ian couldn't help but grin. He dropped the axe and raised his hands in a gesture of harmlessness.

"I'm not going to hurt the vampire, little girl. I'm just trying to figure this all out. No need to singe me."

The light ceased, but her hands remained up, ready in case. The blonde vampire looked behind Ian and saw Faith. "So I take it you're Ian."

"That would be me. How'd you know?"

"The Whelp and the Rogue have been exchanging letters. She writes about you."

"And who might I ask are you?"

Pulling out a cigarette, Spike spoke. "Got a light?" Ian pulled out the zippo he used to light his rare cigars. "Thanks Mate. As for me, name's Spike."

"Hmm, heard of you. You're supposed to be the most dangerous vampire in the world, even with the hardware." looking at the girl, who hadn't made a noise since the fight had stopped. "And who's the girl?"

As if on cue the girl in question began to wobble. Apparently the fight had taken a lot out of her. As she started falling Spike rushed and caught her. Xander was by their sides in an instant, joining Spike in murmuring softly to the woman. Ian had no doubt what kind of relationship these three had. As Faith joined Ian she looked under the hood and saw the girls face. The look on her face was as if she had seen the last person expected. "You!!."

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So, who she it be? I've already started writing one, but if enough people choose another I might change my mind. Might! The choices are Dawn, Tara, and Willow. Send your choice to DarkJester@saintly.com