Suggest Some Memorial Ink

You watch Clara take another bite of risotto, savoring the moment of domestic bliss after such a chaotic few days. The thought that's been brewing in your mind finally finds its voice.

"You know, you mentioned missing parts of Mia," you begin, setting down your fork. "What would you say about getting matching Celtic knots? Different than the one you have for Siobhan, but similar in a way—as a remembrance of this amazing adventure and a promise for our future together."

Clara's eyes widen slightly, her fork pausing midway to her mouth. "Matching tattoos? That's quite a commitment for someone I've only officially been dating for..." she checks an imaginary watch, "about eight hours as Matt."

You laugh, feeling heat rise to your face. "When you put it that way, it sounds crazy. But then again, this whole situation has been anything but normal."

She sets down her fork, expression growing thoughtful. "What kind of knot were you thinking?"

"Maybe a Trinity knot? Three points, representing past, present, and future." You trace the pattern in the air with your finger. "Or us before, during, and after all this."

Clara's expression softens, something **** flickering across her features. "That's actually beautiful, Matt."

Encouraged, you continue with a playful smirk. "Also, I could get some gold nipple rings. You know, for old times' sake."

This breaks the seriousness, and Clara bursts into laughter, nearly **** on her wine. "Oh my god," she gasps between fits of giggles. "Can you imagine? 'Yes, I got these to remember when I had breasts for three days.'"

You join her laughter, though part of you is actually considering it. "Hey, they looked good on Mia. Maybe they'd work on Matt too."

Clara reaches across the counter, her fingers tracing where your nipple ring would be through the open shirt. "They might," she admits, her voice dropping to a sultry tone. "Though I think the tattoo idea is perfect on its own."

She pulls her hand back, wrapping the sheet more securely around herself. "I love the Trinity knot idea. Where would we get them?"

"Somewhere that means something to both of us," you suggest. "Maybe not too visible for work, but somewhere we'd each know it's there."

"Inner wrist?" Clara suggests. "I could see it during meetings when I need a reminder of... all this."

"Perfect," you agree, something warm blooming in your chest at the idea of carrying this permanent marker of your shared experience. "We could look up tattoo studios tomorrow."

Clara nods, a smile playing on her lips. "I never thought I'd be getting matching tattoos with my boyfriend who used to be a woman who used to be my boyfriend's flatmate."

"When you say it like that..." you begin.

"It's still perfect," she finishes, reaching for your hand across the counter. "A perfect reminder of an impossible story."

The moment stretches between you, full of possibility and connection. Outside, dusk has fallen over London, the kitchen bathed in the warm glow of pendant lights. In this space, with risotto half-eaten and plans for permanent ink on your skin, something new and precious is taking shape between you.

21:00 | Tuesday 5 August 2025 | Your Flat, Putney