“If you didn’t work for Charles, I’d say you should work at a strip club.” Mercy said, giving Chance’s thigh a playful pat. “I mean, you wouldn’t even have to strip down all the way or anything. Basically, it’s an easy way to eat and make money.” she said, a wily grin on her face.
“You don’t think Charles is upset by this turn of events, do you?” he asked.
“Don’t know – you’d have to ask him. We may be lovers, but that doesn’t mean I know all his depths.”
“Are you okay?” he asked her.
“I feel fine.” she assured him. “I’m just sorry I couldn’t feed you more initially. She shoved her hands in her back jean pockets, and started walking in the direction of her shop.
“It’s okay.” he said, falling into step behind her, still in awe as he adapted to his new lifestyle.
“I should go over the whole vampire thing with you.” she admitted. “We’re Toreador, you and I. The Clan of the Rose. The Artists. We excel in matters of enchanting others, of being quick, and matters of the senses.” she said.
“I have no idea what any of that means, exactly.”
“You know Potence – you got that one from being ghouled. That makes you stronger. Presence enchants people, Auspex can do interesting thing with your senses, and Celerity makes you faster. I’m not a master at any of them – what I am a master at, is a different clans treasure of a Discipline.”
“What Discipline is that?”
“Vicissitude.” she responded. “It’s what allows me to make tattoos permanent on vampires, or to mold flesh and bone as though it were clay.”
“I’ve seen you do it.” he said, shuddering. “I don’t want to be a victim to that.”
“Nor will you, if I can help it.” she said cheerfully. Her tone grew more somber after a moment or two. “It will be harder to be around Trish and the baby. The Beast wants what it wants. I’ll teach you what I can, as far as riding the wave goes, so it doesn’t ride you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means they could end up dead, if you’re not careful.”
“They have protection.” he said quietly.
“They do. You’re right. But it’s better to be safe, yes?”
“Yes.” he nodded, looking up as they reached her shop.
She stopped, one hand on the door. “Is Trish going to mind you staying late?”
“Probably not.” he said. After he answered, she pulled open the door and had him follow her inside, leading him to Adam.
“Adam.” she stated. “Anyone here?”
He shook his head. “Customer left just before you got here. No one but us here now.”
“Good. Adam, I want you to extend to Chance here the same courtesies you would extend to me. Is that understood.”
“Yes.” he responded. “But why?”
“Chance is my childe.” she replied.
“Oh.” was the only response. Mercy turned to inspect the books, and Chance caught Adam giving him the dirtiest, nastiest, you’re dead kind of look.
“What the hell man?” Chance asked, annoyed.
Mercy looked up, catching the remnants of the look. She whacked Adam over the head with one of the appointment books. “idiot. He’s blood bound to Charles, same as you are to me. He was made because he was dying and Charles asked it of me.”
“I don’t like it.” he muttered.
“Adam, Adam, Adam.” she said, sighing. “I’m not replacing you, ok? You’re valuable to me.” she said, and Adam smiled, looking like he’d just been presented with a puppy.
Mercy sighed and patted him on the head for a minute before returning her attentions to Chance. “You should have plenty of time to make it home before the sun.” she stated. “However, I’m not sure how long it’ll take to sun proof a room for you.”
“Oh…well, I think Samuel has that covered, admittedly.”
“All right.” she said. “But if you need a safe haven at any point, you’re welcome here, and I’m sure you’re always welcome at Charles’. By all means, continue to work for him if you wish – your not a tattoo artist so I can’t have you work here. I’ll still work on teaching you though – gradually. I don’t want to flood you with too much information.”
“I appreciate that. And Mercy?” he said, heading for the door.
“Yea?”
“Thanks.” he said, exchanging a smile with her before making his way home.