CHAPTER FIVE

The Authority had given Steve wonderful accommodations. He was initially under the impression that all the living dead spent their days trapped inside a coffin, so he was wonderfully surprised when he was given a luxurious bed with silk sheets. Humans were available at his beck and call. Half the time, he didn't know what the heck he was craving, but every urge was satisfied.

At least he thought.

Russell had shown him the dazzling intimacy that he thought could have only been possible with Jason Stackhouse. Roman had convinced him to mainstream, but Russell introduced him to the thrill of the hunt. It was natural and gratifying and he did not realize how badly he depended on it until Russell lit the flame.

So, the last thing Steve wanted to do was disappoint him.

"I know what you're gonna say," Steve piped up before Russell could speak. "But I was being discreet. At least, I thought I was. I mean, I did the best I could. The best anyone could ask."

Steve knew he was in a progressively chatty mood whenever he was nervous, so he quickly bit his lip to hear what Russell had to say. Steve had already violated protocol by allowing Chelsea to follow him into the sanctum, but the incident with the Tru Blood cap was wholeheartedly an accident. He hoped Russell would understand. He knew the ancient vampire cared little about protocol. He was only concerned with discretion, which was anything that involved hep D or synthetic blood – no one could know he was sick.

However, when Russell still did not say a word, Steve's eyes glanced around him and he noticed something was off. His room didn't appear any different, but something was definitely amiss. Unfortunately, everything seemed out of sorts since he contracted hep D, so Steve didn't know if it was just his eyes playing tricks on him.

Russell continued to stay silent. He had a way of standing deathly still, but grisly intent would always emanated from within him. After what seemed like ages, he raised his hand and shook a bottle of vitamin D.

"I counted them," Russell announced as he tossed the bottle to Steve's feet.

Like Russell had said, it mattered little what a receptionist thought. The ancient vampire did not want to talk about discretion. His grievances lied elsewhere.

Steve's eyebrows rose when the bottle hit the ground and he debated whether or not he should bend down and retrieve the vitamins. Of course, that would just be an added strain. Steve was sore and he needed all his focus to come up with an acceptable excuse, since Russell was definitely a vampire who was not used to having his orders ignored.

"You probably think I'm lying like a legless dog," Steve began nervously while taking a step forward. "But the Tru Blood really does taste awful and I haven't been feeling all that hungry anyways."

He chanced a glimpse at the older vampire and noticed that his expression had changed. Unfortunately, the look he slanted him was no less unreadable.

"Well, it's only obvious you're going to experience a loss of appetite," Russell said. "But that's how vampires are weakened by hep D. Don't tell me you've eaten none at all."

"Here and there," Steve assured. "But when it comes time to taking vitamins, my throat is so sore that all that sugar in the Tru Blood makes it feel like I'm drinking no good sandpaper."

Russell snorted at that excuse. "You're lucky you feel so bad," he warned.

Russell had other plans for Steve if only he had felt better. By his observation, the younger vampire was still in pain. However, Russell couldn't stifle a grudging sense of admiration. A weaker baby vampire would have cowered at the face of hep D. Steve, on the other hand, chose to experience it to its extent, despite the twitching muscles, the swollen joints, and increasing pain.

Of course, none of that was necessary and Russell was determined to put an end to it. However, Steve shortly responded.

"I'm sorry," the reverend offered simply.

Russell tilted his chin up and inspected the young vampire. Steve did appear genuinely apologetic, but then he gave Russell one of his glorious smiles and Russell immediately realized how he had managed to captivate the hearts of millions of Americans. Steve had a charming manner that could distract anyone from the matter at hand.

"Aww, it's okay," Russell said with deceptive kindness as he approached him with slow steps. "I'm going to give you some incentive."

Doubtful of the softness of Russell's usually gruff tone, Steve took a single step back. "Incentive?"

"A sort of trade."

Steve tipped his head slightly. He was intrigued in spite of himself. Of course Russell Edgington had a lot to offer him, but he had no idea what would be on the table.

Steve watched curiously as Russell dug into his pocket until he finally retrieved an item. He held something in his hand that didn't look too impressive at first, but as he continued to roll it between his fingertips, Steven recognized the black matte tape and a stunned silence fell upon his lips.

That was Jason's duct tape.

Steve immediately acknowledged that move as dirty pool. It was unethical to use that embarrassing night against him.

Keeping a keepsake from that night was silly, Steve could admit that, but it was a reminder of the sweeter moments. When he ripped the tape off Jason's mouth, the blond merely replied to the pain, 'that's okay.' And that was the point! Steve could never hurt Jason despite losing control every once and awhile, (which was nothing a little glamoring couldn't fix anyways).

Jason would have been the ultimate memento of that night, but Steve settled for folding the tape up and placing it inside his pocket instead. After all, that duct tape got closer to Jason than Steve ever could. It had traces of Jason's lip print on its adhesive and his intoxicating scent still trapped in its mesh.

As Russell held out the crumbled piece of tape, Steve knew it was too soon to part with it.

"Where did you get that?" Steve asked, hoping not to sound too horrified, but it was too late. Russell had already heard his choked cry of dismay.

"Oh, this?" Russell looked at the wrinkled piece of tape as if it was only trash, much to Steve's chagrin. "I found it in your pants pocket."

"You were snooping!" Steve pointed a reproachful finger at him. That was an accusation too juvenile for a 3000 year old vampire, but yet it had to be made.

Russell's mouth quirked slightly at one corner. "I do not snoop. I was merely tidying up." Then he examined the tape once more. "I assume this is the tape you used to tie up young Mr. Stackhouse, correct?"

Obviously, there was no need to admit to it, so Steve simply hung his head and winced at the thought of losing something so seemingly worthless to others. His scrap of tape couldn't compete with the trophies the older vampire used to collect. The comparison alone was embarrassing.

Steve eventually looked back up to meet Russell's eyes, but he instead followed the former king's hand as he waved the tape back and forth.

So close, yet so far away…

"Russell, baby, let's not do anything crazy," Steve tried to say calmly. Then he slowly held out his hand and willed himself not to shake. "Just give it back to me."

With a raised eyebrow, Russell took one look at Steve's outstretched hand. "I think not," he said plainly, then folded up the tape and placed it back into his pocket.

"Wha…?" Steve really hoped that sounded like a question, because it certainly felt like a sob.

"You can have it back once you've earned it."

Steve held his hand out for a few seconds longer before he was finally able to pull it away. Then he used that hand to cover his mouth and really wished that he could hyperventilate because he could think of no better way to react to the situation.

Now that the duct tape was securely tucked away from view, Steve was finally able to meet Russell's eyes. Not too clearly, though, as a wash of red began brimming around his eyes. He knew Russell was watching him more closely now. Probably disgusted. Steve couldn't be more humiliated, but to his surprise Russell appeared to be giving in.

"Oh, darling…" Russell sighed and dug into his pocket once more. "If you're going to cry about it…"

Russell held out the tape to Steve, but pulled it back just before he could grab it. It was a surprise move to Steve because the hep D slowed down all his reflexes.

"I'll give it back to you only if you promise to listen from now on." Russell said simply, but then he added with stern grimness, "I will not have my orders being brushed aside, even if it's over something as seemingly trivial as human vitamins."

Steve nodded, but only stared at the piece of tape that was still so close. "I promise!"

Russell held it out between two fingers and allowed the younger vampire to snatch it away.

Bubbling with open relief, Steve busied himself with smoothing out the wrinkles on the duct tape. Russell studied the happy expression that immediately appeared on the baby vampire's face.

"Feel better?" he asked.

Steve was so relieved that he could think of no better response than to throw himself down against Russell and desperately cling to his neck. Russell tried not to chuckle at the absurdity, but it appeared that he would be captive in that embrace until the baby vampire let go.

"Aw, there, there," Russell soothed as he patted Steve's back. "You poor dear. That must have been awfully overwhelming for you."

Steve's fingers flexed around Russell's hair. That pitying statement only emphasized just how ridiculous he reacted to the situation, so he insisted with a mumble, "It wasn't…"

Russell didn't argue. Steve had already shown his cards. He just enjoyed the strong satisfaction that coursed through him as the baby vampire flung himself into his arms. Russell held him secure against himself until the last of Steve's shivers faded.

Steve eventually pushed himself away from Russell, but his hands were still holding tight to the duct tape that had been around Jason's mouth.

Russell knew it was important to him. That's why he held it for ransom. But Steve couldn't help but wonder why Russell didn't seem the least bit jealous over it.

As relieved as he was to have it back safely, Steve still wanted Russell to try and take it away.

"You're just feeling overemotional right now," Russell said as his fingers reached up to caress his cheek. He knew baby vampires did all sorts of things when they had hep D.

"Yeah," Steve agreed.

"Of course, now that you've taken away my bargaining chip, we're going to have to discuss further consequences for your actions."

Steve suddenly looked away from the tape long enough to meet Russell's eyes. "What was that, babe?"

A smile fleetingly appeared across Russell's face before he made his way to the leather chair. "We are men of our word, aren't we, Steven?" he asked casually as he sat down. "We follow a certain code of honor, wouldn't you say?"

Steve watched closely and tried to measure the other vampire's face, but Russell's expression was far too controlled. "Right, sure, absolutely."

Russell leaned his elbows against his knees as he studied Steve as well. "And you accepted my offer of guidance and protection, did you not?"

"Yeah."

"Then I think it is only fitting that I treat you as I would my own progeny." Russell's eyes were steady as he fixed Steve with a look of significant determination. "Someone must assist you as you transition into this new life, and I think we both agree that we've already established a deep connection to one another."

Steve looked down to hide his smile. "I reckon we have!"

Russell cleared his throat so Steve would look at him again. He needed the baby vampire to see all the purpose in his eyes. "As gentlemen," he continued firmly, "we do the right thing. At least, when it's between the two of us."

Steve sighed. He may have been dead, but there was a distinct chill in the air at the thought that he was just becoming a burden once more. "You don't owe me a thing," he said uneasily. "I know you slaughtered Roman and all, but it's not like he was my maker and I can assure you that there are plenty of the folks left in the Authority just waiting to boss me around—"

Russell held up one finger and Steve was immediately silent.

"I ceased doing anything out of obligation centuries ago," Russell said in a griminess that made Steve's eyes brighten. "There is no one in this world, much less in the Authority, who will care for you as much as I can. I gave you my word that I would protect you simply because I want to."

Steve held a hand to where his heart once beat. Russell didn't offer his care like it was something he could either accept or refuse. It was a special gift the ancient vampire bestowed upon him and Steve was honored to be the sole recipient.

"And," Russell continued swiftly, "you agreed to my care right alongside me. I'm certain we both know that a man's worth is only measured by his word."

Steve nodded along slowly; elated yet suspicious of Russell's calm voice. After all, he knew enough about Russell to know that he was a man of sophistication and surprise, and Russell sounded like he was heading somewhere of considerable shock.

"Like I said," Russell reminded sternly, "I will treat you as if you were my own progeny."

That was the second time Russell had said that, so Steve watched him as his lips tightened into a thin line. It was clear that the former king was of serious spirits tonight and wouldn't tolerate his words being spoken on deaf ears.

Captivated on that stern look, Steve fiddled with the duct tape in his hands. He became entirely too aware that there was some unwritten law about progenies and makers. The feeling he felt was instinctual and primal. It was as if the knowledge lay dormant in his veins until now. Steve never had a maker himself to find out, but he understood that there was an order in place. The vamp life was still overwhelming to him, but there seemed like there could be such a thing as a surrogate maker.

And he was lucky enough to have his be Russell Edgington.

Steve's eyes widened. It seemed very likely that mentor and protégé weren't so very different from maker and progeny. He had always felt a compulsory sense of respect for the older generations of vampires, but now he had a very special link to the oldest and strongest of heroes.

He couldn't wait until Suzanne heard that!

"That means, Steven, that you will not withhold anything from me," Russell said firmly to draw the baby vampire's attention back to where it belonged.

Steve choked at the implication. "I wouldn't dare keep anything from you!"

Russell snorted. "Like you didn't lie about feeling unwell or drinking the bottled blood?"

Steve winced and diverted his gaze when Russell pinned him with a reproachful eye.

Russell sighed at Steve's sheepish look. "You must understand; we do not possess the same supernatural bond between maker and child. Therefore, I can't ever sense if you are sick or in pain. I simple have to rely on your honesty. I could not tolerate it if something should ever happen to you; I won't allow it."

Steve felt his features wither. "I'm sorry about not drinking that bottled blood—"

"No matter," Russell brushed aside. "You're already sick. That's punishment enough, but I do intend for you to follow my orders hereafter."

"Not a problem!"

Russell watched as Steve straightened his back confidently. He had witnessed enough clips of TBBN to know Reverend Newlin had the knack for making promises, as well an innocent, youthful face that could instill the masses with unquestioning faith.

Russell pursed his lips as he assessed the baby vampire. "If I weren't so lenient before, you would never be in this predicament now. I can promise you I won't make that mistake twice."

Steve opened his mouth to apologize again, but Russell quickly hushed him:

"You gave me your word, Steven. Now I must give you mine."

Steve raised his eyebrows and waited eagerly for Russell to continue.

"The next time you disregard a single order of mine," the ancient vampire announced resolutely, "you will shortly find yourself bent across my knee."

Steve was silent for a moment afterward and simply stared at Russell in abashed amazement. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me correctly," Russell assured. "The next time you conduct yourself in such a manner, you will be over my knee for a sound spanking. Is that clear, Steven?"

While there was no more blood pumping through his veins, Steve still felt himself turn a shade of red. He couldn't have heard correctly! "That's… I mean… Roman never said—"

"We did agree that we are men of our word, didn't we? And I promised to treat you like my own progeny?"

Steve still stuttered. "Yeah, b-but… Rosalyn… never—"

"We've established that we follow a certain code of honor and you agreed to uphold it?"

"B-but… even Salome didn't—"

Russell sighed impatiently. "Quit trying to twist the rationality of our relationship. It couldn't be more straightforward."

Steve's eyes darted around the room quickly for a reply, his expression one of total disbelief. He tried to replay the conversation in his head, but he still came up floundering. However, if they were truly men of honor, he should be able to negotiate his way through the situation like any proper gentleman.

"Here!" Steve said as he thrust the duct tape toward Russell.

Russell looked down at the tape and chuckled. "Oh, it's a bit too late for that."

Steve's eyebrows drooped into a pathetic frown. "I… there's…" Then he blurted out, "you can't treat me like both your lover and your progeny!"

Russell looked surprise. "Who says?"

Steve blinked. But he attempted a shy smile when he felt Russell's hand on his chin.

"Our love is ablaze with a noble luminescence that leaves me blinded for words, too," Russell said slowly as he brushed his thumb across Steve's face.

"Love?" Steve echoed pleasantly. It was the one word he always wanted to hear. He suddenly realized that their relationship wasn't losing anything. They were merely adding to it.

Russell saw the new light in Steve's eyes and rewarded him with one of his devilish smiles as he continued to trace the youthful curves of Steve's face with his fingers. "I believe, Steven, that we have an understanding now?"

Steve grinned and simply leaned into the ancient vampire's touch.