Tell me Dear Watson...(Tag china)

Selma was in one of her odd moments where the rest of the kiss would say that she was being too human. She currently had her nose stuck in a book, but it was no ordinary book. It was a cook, yes a cook book, and from what any one could see as they passed her she was rather focused on the context. She was currently wearing a black mini skirt with ice blue flames that went from the base up, and her top was a black leather belly shirt that revealed part of her rose tattoo and the beautifully crafted holy water mark on her body. Her face glittered now and then as the light reflected of the glitter that she had tattooed in to her face.

She took the left that she knew would be there, and glanced only long enough to see that China's door was open before glancing back down over the recipe. She was torn between a decision for the time when she could actually cook the food she read about, and needed a second opinion from someone she at least respected. As she reached the door, she gave a light tap on it as she walked in.

"China, Aye got a question for ye," Selma said as she then took a seat on the corner of his desk to at least be out of his way, her legs crossing at the knee that caused her knee high leather boots to creek slightly, "Aye can' decide on whether Aye should go with dah Cajun recipe or with dis zesty Mexican one on da shrimp dish here..." she said and then shoved the book under to the view of the Temoine, "whatcha t'ink lad?" Selma asked innocently as if she were not interrupting him in anything important.

China had been busily working on the accounts, bent over his desk as the almost circus like show went on in the auditorium, until a knock diverted his attention. Without looking up the Témoin knew who it was and he had to fight down the urge to groan. No doubt it as something trivial but the sooner he got it over and done with, the sooner he could get back to work. It appeared that Selma was in another one of her 'be more human' phases. Whilst China normally wouldn't have minded, she always seemed to have rotten timing. It appeared that this time, she was attempting to cook.

Sitting back as the book was thrust under his nose, he cursed silently in his mind before taking hold of the book and reading the recipes. They both sounded good though the cajun recipe won because he had had a certain fondness for spicy food when he was alive. In fact, the asian male had a slight food fetish and couldn't wait for Yuki to get the second mark so he could sort of eat again. Flicking his ice blue eyes to Selma, he took in her appearance before speaking softly and handing her back the book. She looked good but he had enough on his plate.

"The cajun. Now, if you would be so kind..."

Selma rolled her eyes at the very casual way that China had given his opinion. It was like he wasn't even trying! Ahh it's because he's been busy working on the accounts all day she thought as she leaned over a little more, "China, Lad, ye shouldn't work sah hard. Ye need to relax. Come take a wee break. Aye'm sure somet'ing can be arranged." She said as she started to move her hand towards the paper work.

"After all...all work and no play is a dull day," she said as she then did a little spin off the desk and came around behind him to drape her arms loosely around his shoulders as if to entice him further.

China eyed the hand that was reaching towards his paperwork, ready and willing to slap it away if the older vampire so much a touched it with a finger nail. He had been working hard on them all night and was very nearly done with them. He did not want the vibrant read head to mess them up, though he had to admit that a break sounded good. About to answer, the asian tensed as he felt arms around his shoulders before looking down nd finding Selma's arms drapped over him. Was that really any way to treat the Témoin? Apparently Selma thought so.

Slightly annoyed now, the blonde vampire thrust the cook book in Selma's face before pushing his chair back and standing up. He gathered the files and placed them in a drawer, locking them securely before moving to the door. He waited patiently like a good gentleman nd gestured to Selma.

"You wanted me to take a break and now i have to wait for you? Tsk, tsk, such bad manners Selma dear."

Selma laughed lightly as the cook book was thrust back into her face. Taking it she unwrapped her arms from around his neck and moved away. "Oh! You mean you are inviting me to assist you?" she teased him as she walked over to him, "you must like me more then you show China-Rose." Her eyes sparkled a little at the tease and as she slipped out of the room. For the most part Selma followed protocol. Did what she was told, and did it well. However every now and then, she felt people needed to lighten up, and that was about when she started on a 'I must be more human then usual' routine.

"Mmm...now what to do to help the Temoine relax?" she thought lightly as she waited for him to take the lead, and for her to follow, "we could always enjoy one of the many songs we have for Opera's...or perhaps go about the many sweet stores and window shop as they call it. Especially for you China...being so close to that point as it is." she said chuckling lightly. Though she could bond with a human servant as well, she was jealous that the younger vampire had beaten her to finding his. Perhaps she was being too picky?

No, no she wanted the right one. The right man who would be willing to be with her for the rest of time...someone who would rather die for you, then because of you. She then pulled out of her private thoughts, her face having gone stone still like the old ones like her and China could do. As soon as she did, her face seemed to become less marble like...less doll like almost. "Or we could always find your Yuki, and I'm sure he'll be willing to help you," she said teasing him lightly once again. She never assumed if someone wanted her or not, it always led to embarrassing moments.

Shaking his head softly, China watched Selma in amusement. The woman was so flirty but she had always been that way. In his opinion she would have been better served as part of Belle Morte's line instead of Mr. Oliver's but it was just his luck that she wasn't, go figure. China liked her just fine and she knew that, she just liked to tease and sometimes it was annoying. All he could say was that it was a good job he was in a good mood.

Shutting and locking the door in silence, he stared at the red head for a moment before starting to lead the way through the corridors. He listened as she talked but made no move to answer her in any way. He wouldn't be able to get a word in even if he tried so it surprised him when the older female stopped talking. Turning to face her he noticed that she had pulled back in to herself. He had no idea what she was thinking and he wasn't bothered in the slightest to be quite honest. Seeing her come back to what passed as life, the asian smirked slightly as she mentioned Yuki. It would be fun to find Yuki and take him shopping but the youth had work to do, he was an employee and as such had a shift and would be treated like everyone else whilst he worked.

"Yuki's busy but shopping sounds good."

Plans in mind, the almost albino vampire headed for the Theatre's exit without waiting for Selma. She would catch up no doubt and as soon as he reached the outside air, China turned towards the shopping district. It was quite a chilly night but it didn't concern him in the least as he steadily made his way through the streets in his white shirt, black trousers and calf high leather boots.

"Selma, do you know where i can find a navel bar?"

Selma pouted a bit at the mention that Yuki was busy. At least the lad was working besides just free floating it as a human servant. She approved of them much better, as some she had seen through the centuries were just pets then anything. However on the mention of shopping, a smile spread her lips a bit, and her mind was already going through some options. She wanted to change up her ward robe a little bit...but not too much.

Selma quickly followed the Temoine out, thinking of perhaps getting a few styles from Ireland. She rather did miss her country, and at times had been tempted to visit. Then something would always come up and prevent...for instance the recant war. Nasty things they were. Upon stepping out into the night air she turned to follow after China and to the shopping district.

Selma blinked at the question that was asked, "Aye, Ah do." She said simply as her curiosity instantly rose, but resisted the urge to ask. After all she would more then likely find out. She enjoyed going there at times to see the type of trouble she could stir up as the result of who would fight over who got her. Or some times it was just to get in a fight, as now and then there would be another vampire or shifter lingering or amongst the numbers.

"Did ye want to go t'ere tonight as well? Or fer future reference?" she asked with a slight tilt of her head. The wind stirring her hair a little, and with her permnant make-up like tattooed almost looked like a punk Fae had she had the wings, or even a painted image of some of the more well known fantasy artists in the world.

"If ye do...Ah'd recommend doin' it farst," she said giggling a little, "they can be...quite excitin' so'times." She then waited to hear his response in order to know where they would be going to next.

Turning slightly as he walked, China spoke softly to his female companion as he could see she was intrigued. There was no point hiding his intentions as the older vampire would no doubt find out anyway, probably from Yuki's reaction or something along those lines. It wasn't really a secret anyway at least, not until he had given Yuki the present.

"Then we'll go there first, i want to pick something up for Yuki."

Stopping, China gestured for the red headed vampire to lead the way. Only when she was in front of him slightly did he start walking again. Of course he had lived in Venice for quite a while but he never had any reason to look for piercing shops or tattoo parlours or anything like that so he had no clue where he was going. Besides, what did Selma mean by saying they could get quite excited? It filled the Témoin with a little bit of dread and made him a little hesitant. They weren't going to be crazed fan girls or skin head bikers looking for a fight were they? He really didn't feel like going to jail tonight.

"What do you mean they get excited? Have you been causing trouble down there Selma?"

Selma had the decant to blush with the fresh blood that was running through her. "Aye...maybe ah little," she admitted, "but only when da bikers and da wanna be goths start making lewd comments about meh." She said simply, and then smiled. "Ye don't need ta worry, China. Fer da most part it's just da music dat can be...different," she assured him with no tone of joking to it, "Ah'll take ye ta da one that's preter friendly and enforces neutrality."

With that said, she began to head to the section that was more known for the Rat territories. As they got closer to the parlor, China would notice the slight increase of people dressed like her, though perhaps with far more piercings then herself. She didn't like overly pierced people. Just enough to give them a look of edge was her preference if they desired it...much like herself.

A few blocks in, she turned down a side alley where there was only one sign in a light purple that simply said Piercings. No fancy name, and it sure didn't look fancy on the outside. Upon reaching the door, she pushed it open, and then held it for China. Upon entering the interior it self appeared to be brand new. There was some heavy metal playing at the moment, what band Selma didn't care, and there was racks of different options for each type of peircing available.

"Oi...Shantel..." Selma called out and a few moments later a girl that was dressed about the same way as Selma, only in pants, stepped out, "I have a new customer for you." Selma said smiling as she then looked to China.

Glancing around, China made sure to try and take everything in as he followed the older vampire through the city. He had been around these parts before, though he had never been as deep as they were going now. Noting the clothing styles the thought briefly entered his head that he had seen Yuki wearing similar clothing, though nothing to these extremes. He was also aware of the piercings he was seeing and had to give thanks that Yuki's beautiful face wasn't covered in metal. In China's opinion it woud have spoiled the view.

Spotting the rather simple looking store, China frowned to himself. It didn't look like a good quality place to shop but then again he had no real idea what piercing places were supposed to look like. He had to trust Selma's instincts after all, he had asked her for a favor. Following the vampire in, the blonde took a quick glance around as Selma called for who he presumed was the owner. He had just made his way over to the rack of navel piercings and was inspecing them when the woman came out of the back.

Turning to face her he took in her appearance and nodded in greeting. She was dressed much like Selma which creeped him out a little. Here was hoping they didn't have the same taste in hobbies or same annoying timing. When he spoke it was soft and slightly hesitant to those who knew him.

"Hello, i am looking for something or a friend..a navel bar if possible."

"Hello, i am looking for something or a friend..a navel bar if possible."

The woman smiled slightly, "ah yes I have a good selection. I take it that you need them to be vampire friendly?" she asked as the lilt of an Italian accent showed through to show she was local, "if you would follow me...all of the best items are in the back." She said as she went over to the door and held it open. Through the door they would both see that the back room was very well kept and had all the of the latest equipment to make piercings easy and safe. Right as they stepped through would be a large case with a variety of different piercings. These ones came from gold, to silver, to platinum and having genuine gem stones with in. They came from simple spikes, to butterflies, to dragons and lizards. There were even a few holiday ones for like Christmas and Halloween.

"Each of our specially designed navel bars come with a guaranteed layer of protection over the silver ones so that they do not burn shifter or vampire," she said in a lilting tone, "we also do custom ordered designs at a slightly higher price and are in with in the week of the order being paid for." If he looked through the rest of the case he would notice they also had the piercings for ears, brows, lips, tongue and even some nice selections for Prince Alberts...should the male decide to brave the pain to give that added pleasure.

Selma was looking through them all just to see if there were any new tongue ones that she wanted as she played with her current one a bit. She then straightened up and looked back to China. "Ah've been ta lots of da shops, and Shantel 'ere is da best in mah opinion," she assured her Temoine, "and she keeps 'er word on any bargain ye make wit' 'er." She then stepped back from the case so that China could have full reign of the case. She also pulled the rat owner aside to speak with her.

"Give 'im a good deal, ya? He's new ta dis Ah believe and he is Temoine...dun pull one o'er 'im," she said with a firm look, and Shantel gave a nod of her head to show she understood before turning her attention back to China in a more respectful and determined look to get a sale.

China listened carefully as Shantel spoke and made sure to carefully look over everything he was being shown. It was good to know that whatever he bought Yuki, China himself would not suffer for it. It would be bad if he decided to buy a nipple ring as well then ended up burning himself the next time they had sex, not to mention embarrassing. Nodding to Selma, the younger vampire took his elders word and began inspecting the navel bars as the more experienced vampire spoke to the owner. Surely she realised China could hear them.

Deciding to ignore it, China kept looking through the navel bars and found he had a problem. He wanted something that meant something to the both of them but he didn't really know what Yuki liked when it came to something like this. It had to have meaning though and with a little bit of hope, the vampire kept looking. He was looking for almost half an hour and ready to give up and go back to try and learn more about it when he spotted the perfect bar. It was a silver colour but had a gem encrusted strawberry as the charm and a red gem on the ball. It was perfect for Yuki and China knew that his human servant would get the meaning of the gift without a second thought.

Straightening, China plucked the bar from the case and wandered over to Selma.

"I'll take this one and i want a nipple ring as well. I want descreet flowers on the nipple ring though."

"I'll take this one and i want a nipple ring as well. I want descreet flowers on the nipple ring though."

The two of them waited in silence as China-Rose looked through the options. Selma knew that China had heard her talking, but she also knew how Shantel could be if not spoken to firmly before hand. She leaned up against a wall, and silently waited as the time went back. Shantel was starting to get twitchy though. She was not use to someone taking their time in the more expensive case as normally the item they wanted would jump out.

Just when it seemed Selma would have to pull Shantel out to discuss anything else other then waiting, China finally came back with his choice, and an additional order. "Very well I'll be right back," Shantel said as she stepped out of the room and to the front again to retrieve the special order form. Selma turned to look at China.

"I apologize for discussing with Shantel on price in the same room. However I know that if she could she would try and get a much higher price out of you, thinking you were one of the lower ranking vampires," she explained, "anyone I bring in here I try to make it a fair deal for them, but you...I like you, and I like Shantel. I did not want you coming back to...deal with her for milking you." She said grinning a bit.

At that moment Shantel returned with the order form, "I just need a few more details. Did you want it in silver or gold? Any specific way you would like the flower to look...angled, bloomed, closed?" she asked with a pen poised ready to write down the order.

Seeing Shantel leave the room, China raised an eyebrow before turning to look at Selma. Whilst he knew the reasons were good ones that she was giving, he couldn't help but be a little angry. It seemed to him that Selma thought he had no idea of the price of jewellery and how much he should and shouldn't pay. It was a little deflating, especially considering his trade when he was younger, buying and selling anything and everything with his mother and father. Perhaps however, Selma didn't know of his romany background and natural ability with jewellery and trade.

Shaking his head with a sigh, China spoke softly and low enough that Shantel wouldn't hear from wherever she had disappeared to. Surely they kept the forms on hand instead of making the customers wait?

"My father was a travelling merchant, my grandmother was a romany gypsy. I could price this jewellery with my eyes closed, especially as it isn't silver, it's surgical steel. The gems are fake and will probably fall out within a year meaning i will have to buy another eventually. Due to the size and work put in to manufacture it, the most i would pay for this is twenty."

Leaving his little lcture on that note, China turned back in time to see Shantel return. She needed detail apparently and if he wanted this doen nicely then he would give her every bit of detail he could think of. He would get the navel bar for now and take it to a jewellers to be custom made in gold.

"I want a nipple ring, 18 carrot, quite a thick ring. The flowers i want bloomed and trailing the ring, followig the contours like ivy. I also want leaves and vines in the gaps between the flowers, roses if possible. Think you can do that in a week?"

As soon as he started to turn towards her, Selma was sure she was going to get an angry lecture from the way China was holding himself. However as it was more annoyed with a touch of anger she could understand why. However she had not known this about China, and she stored it away for future shopping trips. She was about to offer an apology, when Shantel returned and resumed business.

As soon as China started speaking, Shantel was writing. After he was done she seemed to continue a moment later before flipping the sheet to him. There was a box for her to draw said item, and there was a drawing of what he wanted. "Is this designed to what you want?" She asked making sure that the order would be done correctly. Selma remained where she was as this order had nothing to do with her.

Bending to examine the drawing, China made sure to take a good look at it and imagine it on Yuki's nipple before nodding once. The design was exactly what he had asked for ad with it, Yuki would never forget who gave it to him. If his human servant out lived him, which was highly unlkely, or they ended up seperating as lovers, more likely though not much, then at least Yuki would always have a little something to remember the vampire by.

Straightening, the pale male took his wallet from his pocket before counting out a little more than the estimated price and laying it on the table. That would cover the cost of both and anything that was left over could be kept by Shantel. If the job wasn't a good one or wasn't completed within a week then he wouldn't go back. It was simple really and he had plenty of money to spare which made him a valuable customer if his loyalty was gained.

"Can you wrap the navel bar for me? It's a gift after all."

Turning to Selma he gave her a look that was unreadable before speaking softly to her.

"You have a similar clothing taste to Yuki, he needs some new clothes. Help me out and i'll pay you a good sum and get you a cooking lesson."

The gift was all wrapped and not waiting for an answer, China nodded in thanks to Shantel and exited the store, waiting outside for the older vampire.

Selma watched as Shantel wandered off to wrap the navel bar, and then blinked as China made his request and offer. Shantel was back before she could say anything. Perhaps the money that was laid down was determination enough to try and succeed in her best hospitality. She watched China walk out, and she looked over as Shantel headed to the phone to place the order.

Pushing herself off the wall, she followed after china, and was at his side again only a few seconds later. She simply gave a nod of her head to show that she accepted the deal that was offered. "Do you know where you'd like to go first?" she asked as there were a few options for their type of clothing style. She was also once more behind him, and for the time being she was not trying to pass off as human anymore. She figured it was the least she could do after her blunder with in the piercing shop.

Throwing a glance back at Selma, China shook his head. He had no idea about this type of clothing, usually going for suits or if he was having a lazy day, his sweater and jeans combo. He honestly had no idea what kind of thing Yuki liked but he had noticed that his servants and Selma's tastes ran very similar so it was a good thing his elder knew what she was doing and where she was going. If China was honest with himself then he could quite easily say that he was at a loss and he was annoyed because of it.

Shaking it off mentally, the vampire stopped and turned to face Selma fully, finally noticing she had stopped her human act. Well that was a relief, they were too old in his opinion to hide after centuries of hiding. It was time for a little freedom. Twirling the wrapped box in his hands, the taller vampire pursed his lips in thought.

"I want something red i know that.....he looks good in red.......red and black.....but a casual variety and a smart variety."

She thought on the combination that he wanted, and she took on that still statue appearance that those their age took on. For a moment she looked more like a manaquin that was showing off the style of today. "There is a place in our district that caters more to those colors any where else," she answered and life seemed to flow back into her limbs and she looked less dead. Her Irish accent now only a light thing before she started to lead them back.

"They will have the widest range in the color red, as well as style," she said more in a thoughtful tone then really speaking, "They even have the jewelry...bracelets and such." She said waving her hand as if that type didn't really get her attention. She lead them on silently, taking the quickest way there. It was only a matter of a few minutes of travel again before they were at the store. The owner being one of their own kiss.

"Here we are," she said as she walked in first, and then held the door open for China.

China followed Selma at a sedate pace. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, shopping without Yuki. After all he didn't really know what kind of thing Yuki liked, he had an idea yes but he didn't want to buy something and have Yuki not like it. It would be counter productive and a waste of money, not to mention he didn't want Yuki to be mad at him. It made him feel guilty when Yuki got mad enough to shout.

Reaching the store, China stepped inside and took a look around at the clothes. There were some very nice things and some things that China would like to try out in the bedroom but he would deffinately need Yuki here to choose those. Maybe Selma could help?

"Selma.....what do you think he would like?"

She hmmmed thoughtfully as she looked around at the clothes on China's question of her opinion of what Yuki would like. "Well he seems to be more into studs then chains, and more of that rebellious look then goth or emo..." she said thinking over China's human servant, "he likes to appear some what in style as well..." After a moment she went over to a wall that held a variety of studded bracelets.

"Any of these I think he'd like for jewelry like items," she then moved on to the clothing and came to a section where the clothing were a bit more standing out as if someone were making a statement but still with in Yuki's liking, and the pants with in had a variety of different stud designs on them as well as plain, "and I'd suggest looking in this rack of clothing. Any would work I believe." She said smiling as she gave her opinion. Her eyes then widened as she saw a piece of clothing across and she moved to it as she waited for China to look over her suggestions.

The dress was lime green underneath, but the black netting design over it cause it to look like spider webs over the material. Next to it was another lime green dress that had the black netting again only with roses and thorns. She looked between the two, and decided the first looked too Halloween-ish and took out the dress with the roses. It came down to about two inches above her knee, but she rather did like it.

China valued Selma's opinion on things like this. She often had an eye for dressing others whereas China had an eye for dressing himself. She was also able to determine what people would like after a glance or two. With a smile of thanks, China began to look over everything that had been pointed out. Eventually he picked out a few mix and match outfits and jewellery before paying for them. He also picked out a few things for himself and made his way back to Selma in silence, raising an eyebrow at the dress.

"I had no idea you were so......flambouyant. Perhaps the six in spike boots in the window would go well with that...?"

Selma looked up as China-Rose spoke, and she smiled oh so lightly. "Well...normally I am not, but this dress caught my eye," she said as she gave a little flick of her wrist, "besides...the style I follow isn't all about the black and red, and pain hinting style. At least not those that truly like it." She said chuckling a bit, and then raised her eyebrows a bit as she thought on his suggestion for the boots.

She then moved her way over to the window to observe the boots, and held the dress up to it before shaking her head. "No...I think this one requires a slight more..." she waved her hand as he tried to think of the word she wanted, "more of a feminine touch to it." She said as it came to her. She then began to stroll through the boots until she found a pair that were nearly the same as the ones that China pointed out, only the small spikes were ringed at the top, and there were only four each...and then had a nice six inch heel spike to it.

"Now these," she said quickly taking them off their stand, "is more suited for it I think." She said as she then glided up to the register, and paid for her items. Once done she rejoined China.

"Did your own shopping going well?" she asked him curiously once she was with in hearing distance of him.

China raised a delicate eyebrow as he eyed the boots that Selma had chosen. He was sure that had he been female his feet would have been hurting wthin thrty seconds and he would not be able to walk straight for a whole month if he wore those. Some of the shoes during the French Revolution were bad enough, especially the ones Belle Morte made him wear, but fashion nowadays seemed to verge on the ridiculous. He had seen fashion come and go but in all of his years he had never seen fashoin as pain inducing as this centuries styles.

Hearing Selm's question, China snapped out of his little trip down memory lane, pushing his comparison to the back of his mind for now. It was rude to ignore a lady and though Selma was a vampire she was stll quite the refined woman despite some appearances.

"Yes, thank you it went well. I think i have enough here to keep Yuki occupied for a little while at least. When he is not woking i will take him shopping for something more akin to his tastes."

Running a pale hand through equally pale hair, the younger vampire turned to the door.

"I believe it is about time we returned to the theatre. It would not do for me to be away from my work for too long."

Selma could not help the chuckle that had escaped her on China's expression. She liked the weird and odd, and for her these shoes were normal. Already quite use to them. Upon hearing his positive answer to his shopping, she smiled that pleased but closed lip grin. She watched as he ran a hand through his hair, and wondered if if that was a habit of his at times. Oh well, at this moment it did not matter, and she would not dwell on it either.

At the mention of returning to the theatre she could not help but smile just a bit. He was so up tight at times, that it was a miracle he did not explode just from the stress he caused himself at times. She hoped that his human servant would help balance that out a bit. "Very well China...I hope that you at least enjoyed your break?" she asked him curiously as she fell in line at his side and slightly behind.