"So what do you think?" We've been walking around for over an hour

"Well, it's definitely changed" He replies, not wanting me to know that he, himself have been up here most recently.

I roll my eyes "Good or bad? You hate it here, don't you?"

"We've only been here for like an hour. The last time I set foot here, you'd swear dinosaurs were still roaming the earth, unless you count those stale business rooms with very little light. Don't rush me"

I giggle "Your such an old man. Thank god you don't have the nasty floor length beard or the wrinkles or the diapers for that matter. I don't think I could deal with it" We see a group of about five people come out from a noisy, dark door. Beams of different color light flash by it before it closes completely "Well they've changed quite a bit since I was last here" I can smell their blood flowing through them, and the hunger for the hunt returns like it never even left

Evi grabs my arm "It's too crowded. We'll wait and see if their are any stragglers"

I can sense in him the same need that now flows throughout my own body "But I don't have my powers, remember?"

"But you now have my blood flowing through yours. Don't worry, it'll work"

I look at him curiously. A group walks passed us talking and laughing, walking a little too clumsily. You can tell that they've definitely been partying. I grab Evi's hand and we walk towards the club "Can we at least go in?"

"If you promise to behave. The need is strong. Maybe too strong for you to contain yourself. It's too new for you. I don't think its a good idea, but if it gets to be too much, promise me you'll leave at once" I nod, not really caring, just wanting to go in and see what it looks like inside. He squeezes my hand harder until I finally look at him, actually paying attention "Dee, I mean it. We can't be found out. Promise me"

I smile at his seriousness "Yes, sir" I snap my heels together and salute. I kiss him "I promise I'll be a good girl. At least for tonight" He sighs, not liking how lightly I'm taking it. We head inside.

Ron, Dan, and Tom are heading back from the club on their way back to their apartment. They turn the corner onto the street that Ana is lying in and stop dead.

Tom asks in a British accent, "Do you guys see a girl lying in the middle of the road?" Ron and Dan both nod.

"Good, so I wasn't seeing things."

"We gotta call 9-1-1." Ron says as he sprints over to the limp body. He gently rolls the girl over and examines her. She's got a gash on her forehead and a broken arm that he can tell. "Tell me one of you guys brought your cell phones, because I didn't." The other two guys, now leaning over Ron and Ana, shake their heads no.

Ron sighs. "You shouldn't do this because you could hurt the person even more, but the clubs only a block away. If you guys run ahead and have one of the bouncers call..." He trails off as the girl's eyes flutter open.

"...Help me..." She whispers, hoarsely.

"Don't worry, we will. Come on Dan." Dan and Tom run off back to the club, while Ron picks Ana up slowly, making sure he doesn't hurt her even more. He starts to head back to the club. When he gets there about fifteen minutes later, the ambulance is already there. The paramedics take her and place her on a stretcher, tying Ana to it and then begin to wheel her back to the ambulance. When they have her in the ambulance they start plugging tubes and wires into her. Ron starts to follow.

"Ron, where are you going?" Tom asks

"I want to make sure she's okay." Ron answers as he climbs into the ambulance with the paramedics. "Meet me at the hospital."

"How are we going to know what room she's in?" Dan asks
Ron shrugs. "Ask for recent patients."

"...Anastasia..." Ana mumbles from under the breathing gear.

"Look up Anastasia." Ron tells them right before the doors close and the ambulance takes off for the hospital, while Dan and Tom sprint as fast as they can back to their apartment to get the car.

Evi and I go into the club, the lights flashing with the beat of the music. I squint slightly "Never been to one of these before" I yell to Evi, over all the noise "Is it supposed to be this loud?"

He nods, paying our entrance fee "Come on" He grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs so we can lean against the railing that overlooks the dance floor

"It's so different" I watch the girls just throwing themselves on guys, some even with groups surrounding one guy "Won't they get in trouble dancing like that?"

Evi shakes his head "That's how they do things now. They don't seem to care who sees them doing anything"

I watch, amazed that people are allowed to do that kind of thing in public now, but also very intrigued "Can we try it?" He looks shocked at my eagerness "Pleeease?!" I tug on his arm and drag him down the stairs onto the dance floor. I take a few seconds to watch what the others around me are doing and try imitating them. I listens to the music, finding the beat and dance closer to Evi, who just stands there, slightly moving from side to side, watching to see what I will do. I take my hands and run them down my body. When they reach my waist, I turn around and bend forward slightly, moving my rump against him. I slide down, spin and come up slowly, running my hands up my legs as I rise. The music slows down to a slow beat. I look around to see what the others do. I run my hands up Evi's chest until I clasps them around his neck. I move in close so our bodies gently grind against each other "Did I do it right?"

Evi looks at me and smiles, with a hint of lust behind his eyes "Oh yeah..." He nods "Definitely"

I smile, giving him a kiss. During the dance, there's a commotion. People start streaming outside to get a better look. "What's going on?" I ask, looking around.

He takes my hand and walk slowly towards the open door. He sniffs at the breeze that blows in "Fresh wounds. Someone must have gotten hurt" We give up trying to get through the door "Come on" He gently pulls me after him. We go into the men's bathroom. He goes to the window and cracks it open. He holds onto me and in a sudden jolt, we're whisked out the window into the side alley.

When we reform, I step back staggering slightly. Evi holds onto me, knowing I would lose my balance "How'd you do that?"

He smiles "As long as their is even a slight opening, I can make my molecules reappear to other places"

"Neat trick. Wait, if I have your blood, does that mean I can, too?" I ask hopefully

"With practice. It's a skill that takes time to master"

"Than teach me Evi. I want to learn"

"When we're back home. Come now, let's see what the matter is" We walk hand in hand into the crowd, squeezing our way to the front, just in time to hear '-sia' come from the back of the ambulance. The medic quickly closes the doors and they take off towards the hospital. We watch as two boys take off down the road

"Shouldn't they notify the authorities?"

"Maybe they're going with the ambulance. Maybe their friend got hurt. The hospital will notify the police about the accident" People start to go back into the club. Some laughing about the whole thing, while others murmur concerns and curiosity about what happened.

A man, in his mid 20's, breaks through the crowd "Dammit!" He grabs his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number. He paces, mumbling to himself "Hey! Come on, pick up the damn phone you idiots! Hello! I just saw you taking off, it ain't funny. Come on answ-" He snaps his phone shut. He shoves the phone back in his pocket and looks around. He notices Evi and Dee and walks over "Hey, did you see three guys take off?"

I shake my head "No, but we saw two guys head off that-a-way" She points to where the two guys ran off

"Only two? Are you sure?" She nods "Do you know who was in the ambulance?" He asks, his color slightly paling as a concerned, worried look comes over his face

Evi takes a breath and turns it into a sigh, so not to look suspicious "A girl. But a boy got in with her. He yelled something to the two blokes and they took off right after the ambulance left"

"Thanks!" The man crosses the street to the parking lot. Seconds later we hear a car fire up and squeal out

"Hmm...apparently friends of his" I grab Evi's hand "Come on, I want to practice some more" He follows, willingly

Ana's breathing is raspy as the medics bring her in. Her eyes flutter open and close as she passes in and out of consciousness. Her head hurts and her left arm feels like its on fire.

"Will she be alright?" He asks as he runs next to the stretcher.

"We won't know until we get her to a doctor." One of the medics answers

TWO HOURS LATER:

Ron's pacing the room while Ana's laying quietly on the bed, spacing. Rob, Tom and Dan are sitting in chairs next to the bed. A doctor comes in, closing the door quietly behind her. Ron's head jerks up to listen to the news.

"Anastasia will be alright. A minor concussion and a broken arm is all. She's got lucky. We'll release her once she seems fit to us. Are you her caretaker?"

Ron looks at her amazed "Huh?... No. Me and my friends found her in the middle of the road. I don't know who she is."

"It's alright Doc. Amanda will be able to look after me."

"I just phoned Amanda and she says she's swamped with work. One of the girls had come in earlier with a broken nose and jaw. She-"

"I'm assuming it was Rebecca again?"

She sighs. "Yes...Again. Doesn't that girl ever listen and do as she's told?"

"No." Ana spits out harshly. "I bet Amanda's dealing with the details as we speak. Well, I'm plenty capable to watch after myself."

"No, your not. You were intoxicated when you were walking home, weren't you?" The doctor asks

Ana scowls at her. "So? I have my reasons."

"Your mother's death is no reason to get drunk and then try to walk home by yourself." She says, somewhat concerned.

Ana shoots daggers at her. "It's better than driving." She sits up in her bed, her head spinning as she does so. "Your job is to take care of me and the girls, not tell me how to run my life."

The guys look from the doctor to Ana, confused.

"Who are the girls?" Ron asks

"I own a whore house." Ana states bluntly. They all stare shocked, Ron looking somewhat sick. "The Doc here is our own personal one. She only works for us, but her job doesn't include-"

"I can take a hint." The doctor says coldly. She sighs, as she hands some forms to Ron. "If you all can sign here."

"What is it?" Dan asks as Ron takes the papers

"Its a paper saying that Ana will be staying with you for a few days, until I see her fit to go back to her house."

"So your sticking the cold-hearted bitch with us?" Tom asks

"I love how you think I'm deaf. I can hear you, you know." She scowls at him as he looks back at her. She turns to the doctor. "Why can't I just stay at my house and have one of them stay with me?"

The doctor considers this and nods. "I guess it'll work. Pick the one you want and I'll have him sign the papers." Ana automatically points to Ron.

"Me?" He asks in disbelief

She shrugs "You seem to be the only one here who doesn't seem like an ass."

The doctor nods and shows Ron where to sign. He does and then she leaves, making everyone else leave as well, so Ana can have some peace and quiet.

OUTSIDE THE ROOM

"Lucky you" Rob teases

"I think its just an act" Ron replies. The guys laugh and joke.

"Their goes Ron being all sincere about things. Whatever man, lets just leave. We have a gig to practice for" Ron says. They all nod and leave the hospital, heading to the parking lot. All except Ron, who is now the official 'babysitter'

THREE HOURS AFTER THE INCIDENT:

By now, the club is getting pretty bare. A few groups of stragglers, who have definitely been doing something besides liquor, are dancing offbeat and seem like they're hypnotized by the lights. A few couples are at tables making out, not yet wanting the night to end. Evi and I are dancing to a slow song "Can we feed soon?" I ask him, watching a girl clumsily making her way to the bathroom, her friends just laugh as she rams into a table

"Soon. I promise" On the stage, three guys start setting up. One goes over to the bar and waits for, what looks like to be, the owner, to come back out

"Aren't they the ones with the accident? What are they doing here? It's going to close soon"

"Come on" He wraps an arm around my waist. We walk over to the bar and wait for the guy to finish talking to the owner. When he turns around to head back to the stage, we casually step in his way. I smile friendly "Your the bloke from earlier" Evi states "I see you've found your friends" The guy nods "The name's Evi, and this is Dee" He introduces us

"Nice to meet you. I'm Rob. Sorry about being rude earlier. It's just, I thought…well you get the idea"

"So where's the friend you were asking about? I see the two that were running" I gesture to the stage "The other's alright?" I ask concerned

"Yeah. Turns out this girl was in a hit and run. They found her pretty banged up on the street. Ron, that's the one whose missing, got conned into taking care of her for some reason. You'd think she'd have family or friends do it, but she asks a total stranger to come live with her and take care of her. If you ask me, I think a few things got knocked loose from the hit" He does the crazy sign with his finger by his ear

"So what are you guys doing? The club is practically deserted" Evi asks

He smiles "We're practicing for our debut tomorrow night. Our manager Shawn, was able to get us our first gig. You guys should check it out. We go on at 10. We'll be playing three sets. If you want, I can introduce you. You can even stick around if you'd like to hear us practice"

"That'd be great!" Evi applies a slight pressure to my side. We follow Rob to the stage "Don't worry.." I whisper over to Evi "I'll be good" I smile sweetly. We walk onto the stage where Rob makes introductions as the guys are setting up, so their not really paying attention "Hi. I hear your supposed to be good. What kind of music do you play?"

Tom stands up from adjusting a drum and looks at me "Rock mostly. And we're not good, we're bloody brilliant!!"

I can't help but smile "Right" I say, trying hard to keep out the sarcasm.

Dan comes over from having plugged and tuned up both guitars "Where's your bass?" He asks Rob

"Shit! It's in the car. I'll be right back" He jogs out to go get it

"He's always forgetting shit. Hey.." He lends out his hand and shakes Evi's and mine. I hold onto his for a little longer than necessary, tilt my head slightly to the side and smile in a teasing way. Dan looks at me, slightly dazed "I'm Dan. I play the guitar"

"No shit Sherlock. Like they couldn't tell. What's wrong with you?" Tom asks sarcastically. Rob comes back in and hooks up "Can we get this shit crankin' already" Tom goes behind his drums and picks up his sticks, twirling them through his fingers

"What about Ron?" Dan asks, still a little dazed

"You know he has that chick now. He said he'll be here for the noon practice, but to get the tuning and sound check done for us. He wants us to run through the whole set to check the acoustics in here" Rob replies

"You've got to be shittin' me. Our first real gig, and he's off prodding some little bitch none of us even know. He better not fuck this up for us. I'll kill him" Tom says getting a little tiffed

Dan turns to Evi and Dee "You two can watch from the pit. Sorry, no one's allowed up here but the band when we're playing"

We get off the stage and watch as the band begins to do a sound check. Some of the slackers in the club come out onto the dance floor to get a better view of the band. Even though it's just a rough go, people still dance, liking the sound "I guess this is what they like now, too" I stand there taking turns, listening and watching each one play their instrument. I start swaying, not even realizing I am

"Be careful. Remember you're married now" He grins, teasing me

I slump slightly against him, pouting "But I can still have fun can't I? I love the hunt"

"I know, but these are humans. They're not like Rex. they'll give in"

I turn to him and dance slowly against him, going with the back beat "And that's a bad thing? I want to play with them" I whine playfully as I run my hands under his shirt and kiss his neck, my teeth grazing him gently "I may be married, but I can still share"

He steps back from me, glaring "Let's go"

"But I-" He pulls me with him. I turn to the guys, smiling. I blow them a kiss and wave. They look at each other, confused. When the two of us get outside, we head down the street we had taken earlier "Evi...What's wron-"

He pushes me against the side of a building "This is not a game Dee. These humans, they're not your play toys. Or your sex toys. You are my wife. I will not share you. I shouldn't have to. It's one thing for it to be Rex, you've known him since you arrived and he knows how to ignore you, but humans can't"

It shocks me to see him act this way "I'm sorry...I was only kidding" I say weakly

He steps back from me "No you weren't. You used to be a goddess of life, even in death old habits are hard to break. Bringing life to this world is what you used to help do. That means you still have those urges. You see men, and those urges start to boil under your skin. You're a very attractive woman Dee and you don't even realize what that can do to men. Your face, your body, the way you walk, your whole body movement is very sexual. You can't help it, but you can't break your vows to me either. We are man and wife, Lord and Lady, we share each other's blood. You cannot play with other men" He growls and his chest heaves in anger

"I 'cannot'? Excuse me, but when have I ever been put in shackles and branded your slave, to do and say as I'm told! Morsaevi, I am your wife, but I am also my own" I stand up straighter, the anger of his insults burning through me "I have always been this way, I will not change for you or for anyone! You knew this when you married me. I will play with, I will talk to, I will touch, anyone whom I choose, and if you have a problem with that, you can just go back to that stinkin' hell that you, your 'majesty..'" I say sarcastically, doing a mock imitation of a curtsey "..so dearly worship and leave me be!" I push him away and storm off

LATER THE NEXT MORNING:

Ron's sitting outside Ana's hospital room, waiting for her to get ready. The doctor told them that it was fine for her to leave, but to head straight home. Ana opens the door wearing a pair of clean jeans and a halter top that Amanda had brought over earlier. Her left arm is resting in a sling and their's a bandage stuck to the gash on her forehead.

"Ready?" Ron asks

She nods. He gets up, heading for the check out desk. The nurse nods, seeing Ana and waves good-bye.

"Don't you have to check out?" He asks, holding the door open for her.

"Sam already did it."

"Sam?"

"My doctor." They get to his car and Ana waits for him to go to the other side and unlock the doors. Ana opens her side of the car and slides into the seat. She has difficulty buckling up.

"You want me to help?" He asks, reaching over to help.

"No." She says coldly. "I can do it myself." After a few minutes, she buckles herself in and Ron starts the car. He pulls out of the parking lot and heads to the club.

"Where are we going?" She asks.

"To a club. I promised the guys that I would meet them for a noon practice. We have a gig coming up thanks to our friend Sh-"

"I don't care." She growls. "Just as long as I get some food."

He clears his throat and nods. "They should have food there." He pulls into the parking lot for the club and Ana climbs out of the car. She follows Ron in, and sees all the guys getting ready.

"Hey you made it!" Tom notices Ana. "Why'd you bring her?"

"She has to come. After practice I have to go to her house."

Tom scowls. "Still don't see why you have to stay with her."

"You think I want him to?" She asks harshly.

"Yeah." Tom replies, glaring at her.

"Well, your wrong. I don't!" They glare at each other until Ron clears his throat.

"Whether you like it or not, you two are going to have to get along."

"We'll see about that." Ana retorts

"You got that right." Tom turns away from her and looks at Ron "You better watch out with whores like her."

Ana jumps up from her seat, sending the chair falling behind her. She starts to go after Tom, but Ron holds her back. "Knock it off, Tom. You, too." He's still holding her back. She rips out of his grip and storms out of the club. A few minutes later they all hear a car start.

"No way." He dashes out of the club, followed by the guys to see his car speeding out of the clubs' parking lot with his car. "What the hell?!" He curses up a storm as he grabs Dan's cell phone. He dials his cell number and waits until she answers.

Ana picks up the ringing phone next to her "Hello?"

"What the fuck do you think your doing?!"

"Going home." She says simply, hanging up the phone

STILL THE NIGHT BEFORE/EARLY MORNING PART 1

Evi just watches as Dee storms off "No wife of mine will be a whore!" He yells after her.

"'whore!'" She mutters to herself "I'll show him a whore. He thinks he can command me and I'll just do as he says, like some lap dog. Hello! Does he know who he married?! I change for no one!" She slams into someone, staggering back and landing on her butt "Ow.." She looks up and sees a tall, pale, brown-haired guy lending out his hand

"Sorry" he says in an Irish accent. She grabs his hand and he helps her up "Are you a'right?"

Dee nods "Yeah, just a sore bottom" She rubs it, noticing the man's eyes quickly flash to it, then back to her face. She smiles "Thanks for your help" She starts to walk away and goes into a limp "Ow, ow" She bends over slightly and rubs her ankle

The guy comes over while she's bent over. Dee hides her smile of victory. When she straightens up and looks at him, her face is contorted with pain "What's the matter?" The man asks, concerned

"I think I hurt my ankle. I must've landed on it"

He bends down on one knee and brings her leg onto his bent one. She holds onto his shoulders for support. He lifts her pants up a little, and unstraps the top of her shoe. When he touches her ankle, she takes in a breath "Well it's not swollen"

"Yet...Can you help me? I just got here and I don't know where anything is. I don't think it's too bad, just a sprain. If I could rest it, maybe put some ice on it..."

He looks down the street from where Dee had come from "Umm, I sorta have to be somewhere..."

"Please? It would be so nice of you" She smiles with just the right mixture of pleading, pain and innocence "Where are you headed?"

"To a club. The band I'm managing is practicing, and I have to talk with the owner"

"Oh! Are you Shawn? I met Dan, Rob and Tom at the club. Actually, I just came from the practice. My...boyfriend pulled me out. Which sucks, cause I was liking their sound"

He looks at me funny "You know them? Weird..."

"Well, no, not really. We helped Rob when he thought one of them got hurt in the accident"

"Accident? Are ya sure their all a'right?"

She nods "Yeah. Some girl got hurt, that's all. They just found her in the road. No big deal" She hobbles up against the wall "Look this is a really nice chat and all, but my ankle is really throbbing"

"Oh" He realizes she's still hurt "Right. Umm, well I'm sure the club will have ice and you can finish listening to the practice if you'd like"

She smiles "Thanks" She starts walking, leaning on him for support. She takes a few steps and her ankle 'gives way.' Shawn grabs her just before she falls "Would it be too much trouble, if..if you carried me? Its not far" She tilts her head to the side, acting all injured and sweet

He nods, picking her up, one hand supporting her back, while the other's beneath her knees.

Dee wraps an arm around his neck and lightly grabs his shirt with the other "Thanks" They reach the club a few minutes later. Shawn sets her down lightly on a chair and brings another to rest her foot on. He goes in the back to grab some ice. The guys stopped practicing when they came in. They come down off the stage and form a semi-circle around Dee, waiting for Shawn to get back. He gets back and kneels down by her foot. He rolls her pants up slightly and slowly takes off her shoe. Dee sucks in a breath

"Sorry" He puts the ice on it

"Don't tell me your taking care of a stranger too? What is this, a new fad?" Rob asks

"Where'd that guy go that you were with? Shouldn't he being helping you?" Tom asks a little bitter

"We rammed into each other. I knocked her down and she hurt her ankle" Shawn explains

"I'm new around here. I don't know where anything is. I was...on my way to find a hotel. We got to talking, and I figured out he was your manager. I knew you were back here at the club, so I figured I could rest it and finish listening to you practice. My.." She clears her throat, the lies becoming easier "..boyfriend was getting a little...I guess you'd call it jealous, maybe, I don't know, but we had a tiff"

"Jealous?" Tom laughs "Just because you were liking our music? Who doesn't?!" He says a little cocky

"I wasn't liking just the music" She looks from one to the other and makes herself blush lightly for show

They look at each other. Not being able to stop their lips from turning up slightly at the compliment

"Well I guess you can stay and listen, but what are you gonna do after?" Dan asks

Dee shrugs "Who knows. Do you think the owner will let me stay here until this afternoon? I'm sure my ankle will be fine by then"

"Umm, I don't think so. He's not real happy about strangers staying at his club...disabled or not"

Dee adjusts herself in the seat and grabs her ankle when she moves. She says through gritted teeth "Well if you could show me where a hotel is?" She lets a breath out and the 'pain' subsides slightly "I'm sure I can catch a trolley or something"

"Trolley? Lady, they're called cabs. They have engines and wheels and everything. We don't need railways or horse buggies anymore" Tom states rudely

"Tom, cut it out" Dan looks at Dee concerned "Hold on one sec. We'll be right back" He signals for the others to follow. They head to the other side of the floor "What if she went back with us?"

"To where?! I know you can't mean the apartment" Tom says, not believing his ears

Dan nods "Well, it's not like she'll be there long. Just a few hours. We'll all be up and with that ankle, it's not like she can do any harm"

"Tom, Dan does have a point. And I'd feel really guilty leaving her by herself. Her boyfriend ditched and I am the one that hurt her. We can take turns keeping an eye on her, while the others do whatever" Shawn adds. Tom just glares, unable to believe they really think this is a good idea

"We can set her up on the couch. Its not like she can get in our way or anything" Rob chimes in

"You too?" Tom throws his hands up in defeat "Fine! But I am not watching her. I didn't hurt her"

"Fine. I'll go tell her, you guys practice" Shawn looks at them, just finally realizing Ron's missing "Where's Ron?"

"Babysitting that chick who got hit. He said he'd be back for the noon practice. You know, if we're gonna start a babysitting service, we should at least charge for it" Tom climbs up on stage and gets behind his drums "Bloody fucking idiots! I live with bloody dumb ass imbeciles!" He mutters to himself. The others join him on stage while Shawn goes to tell Dee what they've decided. An hour later, after practice, they all head out. Shawn carries Dee back to their apartment

"What about your cars?"

"We live right down the street. No use wasting the gas. Besides we'll need them there to pack up the equipment after tomorrow's gig. We only play four nights a week. We switch off with another band" They arrive back at the apartment a little while later. Dan opens the door for them and Shawn carries her in

"Huh…hold on" Dan runs over to the couch and clears off the clothes. Shawn sets Dee down and puts one of the couch pillows under her foot

"Not much women company, huh?" She looks around at the mess "Or was there a flash tornado?"

Dan smiles shyly "We...uh…we don't have time for girls really"

She tilts her head "You don't say. Four young, very good-looking men like yourselves? What a pity to waste all that good breeding" She smiles at him. Rob comes out with a bag of ice and puts it on her ankle "Thanks" She says, still keeping eye contact with Dan

"Hey Dan, where'd you put my money? I gave it to you to hold, remember?" Tom comes out of Dan's room "Dan? Hello?!" He stares from Dee to Dan. He picks up a half eaten cookie and chucks it at him. Dan gets snapped out of the daze "Dumb ass, where'd you put my money?"

"Oh right" He reaches into his wallet and pulls out some money and hands it to Tom, still sneaking glimpses at Dee. She continues to watch him the entire time

Tom smacks him lightly in the face a couple times "Dude, snap out of it. She's just a chick" He calls out as he leaves "I'll be back with munchies"

Dee yawns and stretches, her shirt riding above her rib cage. She smiles as she notices Dan still watching her "Come here" She slides her bad foot closer to the couch and pats the space next to her. He comes over and sits down. Dee places her good leg over his lap "Could you?" She asks, shaking her foot with the shoe still on. It takes him a few minutes to realize what she means. He finally gets it and slips her shoe off "Thanks. Sooo much better" She moves her foot so it gently moves along his upper leg "Your really sweet" She sits up and trails her fingers over his arms. She looks him over "Do you taste just as sweet?" She asks inches from his mouth. She grabs the back of his head and pulls him into her. Her tongue roams his mouth. She nips at his lips. As she pulls back she licks them "Mmm. You do" She smiles. He stands up quickly, letting her leg flop to the ground "Don't be scared. I won't hurt you" Yet

"Uh...I-I have to go...do something" He heads to his room. He turns for one last quick look before closing the door, wanting to stay by her, but knowing he shouldn't. It was unnatural. He felt almost hypnotized, compelled to be by her side.

She just laughs to herself, not knowing how much she has truly affected him One down, three to go

NOON-ish:

As soon as Ana hangs up the phone, it rings again. She picks up. "Y'ello?"

"Give me back my car!" Ron screams "I swear I'll call the police." He says threateningly.

"Shut up. I'll bring back your car. Just not yet." She laughs when he curses up a storm. She heads to her apartment. She parks the car and heads to her floor, still listening to Ron rant and rave. She pulls off a notice taped to the door, saying that her mothers' lawyer will be over to give her the papers to her mothers' estate. "Holy shit." She almost drops Ron's cell phone.

"What?"

"I just got my mothers' estate... " She quickly rereads it. "Her lawyer will be over later on today to let me sign the papers and to give me a date to when I can move in."

"Kick ass. Now I don't have to live in your shit hole of an apartment."
"You don't even know what it looks like!" She yells. "Don't assume things!"

"You should follow your own advice."

"Fuck you." She hangs up on him and turns the phone off.

She heads into her apartment, grabs some clothes, her wallet and stuffs them into a duffel bag. She locks up and heads down to the car. She decides to head to the music store. A few hours later, she's leaving the store with a few bags full of cd's. She zooms off back to the club to meet Ron. She walks into the club and the music comes to a halt

"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?!?! YOU COULD'VE RUINED MY CAR!!!" Ron's voice blares over the speakers

"Boo hoo. Tell it to someone who cares." She says ignoring his outburst. He keeps ranting "Would you SHUT UP!!!" She tosses her bag of cds into an empty seat. "Aren't you supposed to be practicing?" She sits down

"We have been. Surprisingly well with some of the darker ones too." Dan gives a little smile knowing the reason for it

"I wonder why" Tom retorts mockingly "Ok the bitch is back, the car's all safe and sound. Can we get on with it already?" The guys get into position.

The music starts off with Dan and Ron playing the guitar. Then after a few seconds, Tom starts in with the drums behind. Then Ron's voice floods the room. Its hypnotizing. Ron sings "Sacred Lie" by Disturbed. The music stops and the room goes quiet again. Ana cant help it, she jumps up and starts clapping clumsily because of the sling. Ron and the guys laugh

"Shut up! Its hard to clap with a sling!" She shouts, a little embarrassed

"So you liked it?" Ron asks

"Liked it? Hell no!" She smiles "I loved it! You guys sound awesome!" She sits back down again and rests her left arm against her chest. It's throbbing, the pills she had taken before were wearing off. "How long's practice?" She asks smirking.

"Why?" Ron asks a little unsure

"Because I need to be at my moms' house to sign papers."

"A few hours. We'll probably be done by 4-ish." Ron looks at the guys and shrugs, "It's up to Shawn. We'll just have to wait until he gets here."

"I guess I can wait." She sighs, unhappily

STILL THE NIGHT BEFORE/EARLY MORNING PART 2

Shawn comes from the kitchen carrying a towel and some ice "Here" he places it on my leg, removing the old, melted one

Dee reaches over and holds it "Thanks. So..." She looks around the room. The quiet getting to be too much "How long have you guys been living together?"

"A few yearsfour, five years maybe. It saves on money and it helps, cause we all are with the band in some way, so its more easy to focus on that if everyone is around a lot"

"Whose idea was it?"

"Tom started the band. He's really into it, as if you couldn't tell. Nothing keeps him from his music. He has some really great material, it's just been hard to get it out there"

"Do the rest of the guys write?"

He nods "Yeah. But they always go through Tom and get his take on anything they come up with. The bands' Tom's baby, so they all feel he should sorta have last word on what stuff they all use"

"Can you play?"

Shawn shrugs "Sorta. I've picked up on how to play a few of the instruments, not really well, but good enough to fool around with. I'm more of the brains. I have connections with people, hence the manager"

"I used to write stuff. Not lyrics or anything, more thoughts, back..." She stops herself "Well when I was younger. But I don't know what happened to my journal. I remember what I wrote, but just haven't felt like rewriting it"

He looks at her "You should. You never know what could come out of it. Tom's a genius at this stuff. He just comes up with these ideas. Its like he knows from the get-go just how stuff should sound. Something just clicks in his head. Some of it sounds really out there, but that's what's great about a band. One person thinks of it one way, but someone else can picture it totally different. You should always write everything down. At least, it wouldn't hurt to try"

She shrugs "I guess, but it's not like I'll be around here long enough to worry about it anyway"

He grabs the ice as it starts to slide off her ankle and places it underneath gently. He takes a look at it "Your ankle seems to be better. You should be fine in time to hear our noon rehearsal. Does it hurt?" He places pressure on it. Dee shakes her head "How about here?" He touches a different place. She shakes her head again. He checks a few more spots and still she shakes her head "Yeah, you'll be fine. How come you won't be around? Going on a trip?"

"More like, going back home. I don't really want to, but I sort of don't have any choice"

Shawn nods "Family obligations. I get it"

"Well...sort of. I guess you could call it that, but it really sucks. I'm only here for a few more days and I haven't even had a chance to see anything. It has been so long since I've been here" Her gaze starts to dim, as she remembers centuries before when she was last here

"You could always come back. Do like an annual thing. It's not like we have a lot of sites to see anyway"

She looks at him, slightly spaced "Hmm?"

"Are you sure you hurt your ankle and not your head?"

She kicks him lightly with her good foot "Shut up. I was...just shut up. And no, I can't do an annual thing. More like, this was my one and only shot to come here"

"Families are such a pain"

"Anyways, I'm starving" She looks at his neck. The flow of his blood roaring in her ears, keeps getting louder "I really need to go get some food"

"Tom should be back soon"

She starts to get up "Yeah...but I don't think he's getting what I need. Will you still be here?" She grabs her shoes and starts putting them on

"If not me, someone will. Just bang hard, the doorbell's broken, Rob's conked and Dan's probably crashed. Tom should be up, but he'll most likely be working on his music"

She steps towards the door, still giving the effect of a slight limp "Thanks"

"Don't you need directions?"

"Oh I'm sure I'll manage. Do you have some eyeglasses I could borrow?" She can tell by the light peaking through the living room curtains that the sun was up and blaring

"Eyeglasses?" He looks at her funny "Oh! You mean shades. Yeah, hold on" He gets up and goes into Dan's room. He comes back out and hands her the black 'shades'

"Thanks" She closes the door behind her and heads out. When she gets to the street, she heads opposite the club. She walks for a good 10 minutes before passing a dark, boarded up building. Hands reach out and grab her. In seconds, she is inside a dusty room, sunlight streaming in through the cracks of the rotting wood

"Having fun?" Evi asks sarcastically

"Matter of fact, I am" She steps back from his grasp "Jealous?"

"Look Dee, I'm sorry about the whole whore thing, but we don't belong here. Don't make friends with their kind. You'll just be upset when we go back home"

"Upset? I'm already upset. This is the world I love Evi. The world I need. Not some dark, miserable, blood-filled dungeon"

"That 'blood-filled dungeon' is what keeps you alive. Well so-to-speak. You've been doing fine, and now this shit"

"Its not shit"

"Fine. Whatever. We leave in two days. Pout all you want, it won't do you any good"

"Two days?! But we're supposed to be here for a week. You said a week"

"That was before you threw your little tantrum. You misbehave, you don't get what you want"

She glares at him "Evi...You know you're making it really hard to stay married to you"

He steps closer to her "Same here, Davina. This was the life you chose when you said yes. You can't just change that"

"And i can't ignore my first life either. No matter how long you keep me down there, my memories are still mine to keep. and you, can't just change that" She turns around and looks out through the cracks. It hits her that she only has two days left "Evi..." She says quietly "Please don't make me go back" her shoulders slump and her head droops slightly "Please..." He steps closer and puts his hand on her shoulder. She tilts her head and rubs against it, her eyes half closed with all her mixed emotions

"Dee...I know you don't want to, but you have to. I'm sorry. I really am. It hurts to see you like this, but I have a duty to my throne. And you have a duty too, now that we're married. I can't just give that up because you miss this world"

"Its not just that i miss it, Evi, there's things to do here, people to talk to, places to actually go. There's so much here that I've never seen. Like these.." She pull the shades Shawn had given her, off her face and shows him "They call them 'shades' now. Evi, there's just so much to learn. Two days isn't long enough. A human's life-span isn't even long enough. If we aren't going to learn all these things..." She sighs, turning away from him. She puts the shades back on "I don't know why we bothered to come"

He kisses the back of her head "Because you wouldn't stop nagging me" She can feel his smile through her hair

"Now I wish you were more stubborn" She turns around needing to wrap her arms around him. She lays her head on his shoulder and he wraps his arms around her waist. They stay like this for a few minutes when suddenly Dee jerks back "What if...what if I stayed up here?"

He looks at me shocked "Dee, we just got married. I can't have my bride living in another world"

"But what if after these two days, you train me with my new powers. You can travel between worlds. I know you can, I've seen you do it. Then I can come and go as I please, and you can still rule. We can get a place here, and I can show you around after I learn more about it. we can take mini-vacations" A smile spreads across her face as the ideas keep popping into her head

Evi looks at her "You're serious?" She nods "I don't.." He sees her smile start to fade "I don't...know. I'd have to figure it out. When we get home, we'll talk"

She flings her arms around his neck, hugging him and gives him a kiss "That's all I ask. We'll figure it out, I know we will" She kisses and hugs him even harder

"Now what about those guys you spent the night with?" He cocks his eyebrow

She looks down slightly and bites her lip "They're nice"

"Yeah, I know. I meant what's with the flirting and that kiss?"

She glances at him quickly "How'd you...?"

He rolls his eyes "Must you ask"

"I'm sorry, Evi. I love you, but I can't help it. I just love men period. And he was so shy, and nice… I couldn't help it" She can see his jaw starting to tense "I know! I know. It's no excuse, I know. I didn't think I'd ever be somewhere where their are actually men to choose from...Wait! That didn't come out right" She says quickly as she sees a scowl on his face "You know what I mean...right?"

He nods "But you are married. You can't do that anymore. Rex is one thing. I know it's just a game, but if you stay in contact with these men...Dee, its not a game up here. For them or for me."

Dee looks down and whispers "I know" She looks at her ring and starts playing with it "Evi...if we do figure a way for me to be able to come back up here… I know I won't be faithful. And I know that's not fair to you. And if you decide not to train me because you know that, then I think you should know...I'll move out"

He scoffs, his anger rising "You're giving me an ultimatum? You'll leave me if I don't, and cheat if I do. Some ultimatum Dee! Damned if I do, damned if I don't!"

She looks at him, her face tense with her own building anger "You're already damned. And thanks to one of your little fledglings, so am I! I could be with the rest of my family right now, living peacefully 'upstairs' instead of dreading 'downstairs' so don't talk to me about a fucking ultimatum. I never even got one!" She's breathing heavy, the anger getting to be too much "I need to leave" She turns and starts out

"Dee, wait!" In what seems like two quick strides, he's pushing against the door that she's trying to open

"Evi, if you don't want to fight, let me leave"

"At least you'd be with me" That stops her. She turns around "Dee, we've been here one night and look at us. It's like I'm trying to court you all over again. The first time was fun, but I'm already supposed to have you. I shouldn't have to fight for you again"

"That's the problem. You do have me, but I want more"

"Why?" He places his palm on the side of her face "I thought we were doing good"

"You were doing good. You love that world Evi. If you didn't, you sure as hell wouldn't be ruling it, but I don't. I love this world" she laughs lightly "What's that old saying about two separate worlds?.."

"Dee, my world is your world. It's where our kind goes. I am sorry for how you came to it, but I can't help being happy, too. It brought us together, I can't just give that up because you want to live here and have boy-toys" He sighs "I'm sorry, but, maybe it would be better if I didn't train you. I'd rather have you hate me, and be in our world, then leave me completely and be up here"

Dee covers his hand with her own "I would never leave you, but I need my own life. One that's not covered in black and red. I love you Evi. You know I love you, but my heart" She takes his other hand, kissing his palm lightly and places it over her heart "can only take so much pain. My heart is yours, no matter how many men I choose to be with. That...that is just me. My life, that I never got to try out, you get to live yours, why can't I live mine?" She kisses him and opens the door "When you figure something out, you know where I'll be" She turns, leaving and walks down the street.

She reaches a park where she can see kids playing, mothers, joggers, old men playing chess and feeding the birds. She walks over to a cluster of trees and waits for a lonely jogger. A few minutes later, one comes by. Dee grabs her, covering the woman's mouth with Dee's hand. She drags her into the trees and bites into her warm flesh. The thirst overwhelms her, and Dee sucks her dry within minutes. She plops her body, snapping the corpses neck. She wipes the blood with her fingers and lick them. She feels a little better, but is still hungry. She hides again and waits for her next victim. She does the same thing to a man who comes along a few minutes later. This time, she goes a little slower to make the flavor last. She takes the bodies and buries them deep in the woods. She cleans herself up and walks back out into the park, heading back to the apartment. When she arrives, she can hear music. Dee knocks on the door and waits. No answer. She knocks again, louder. Still no answer. She tries the door knob, but its locked. She bangs on the door "OPEN UP! IT'S ME!" Still no answer. She sighs/growls. She starts beating on the door and yelling for someone "GET OFF YOUR FUCKING ASSES AND OPEN UP!!" The music stops and she hears locks being undone "It's about ti-"

Tom opens up the door, bare-chested, wet haired, and a toothbrush clutched between his teeth. Dee just stares at him unmoving. He sighs aggravated. He takes out the toothbrush "Look, are you coming in, or are you just gonna stand there gawking?"

Dee steps in and he relocks the door behind her "I don't gawk"

"stare, drool, fantasize. Whatever you were doing, just cut it out" He walks back to the bathroom and finishes brushing his teeth.

She goes into the open bedroom. Lyrics, music posters, and instruments are scattered everywhere. She picks up a sheet off the bed and is just starting to read it when it gets jerked from her hands "Hey!"

"No touching. No reading. In fact just no strangers in my room period" He takes my elbow and starts walking/dragging her out of the room

"I was just looking. Jeez" He starts to close the door on her. She slips her foot in the door to stop him "I'm trying to apologize"

"Well do it from the other side of the door" He kicks her foot lightly and quickly slams it shut. She can hear a lock turn, then the music resumes

She bangs on the door in frustration "Ass!" The music gets a little louder. She looks around the apartment. Off the living room, there are three bedrooms, a bathroom and a small kitchen with a small folding table. She goes to the other closed door and peeks in. She can see Rob and Dan sprawled out on their beds, fast asleep. She closes it and goes to the open door. No one's in there, but she can see two beds with clothes and crap over them. On the desk, there are a ton of papers. "Gotta be Shawn's and that other guys'. I wonder if he'll make it to the rehearsal?" She asks herself out loud

"He sure as hell better" Shawn comes in the room and plops a laundry basket on the bed "Taking the tour?" Dee nods "Not much, but it works"

"Speaking of rehearsal, when is it?"

"In an hour. The guys should be getting up soon and heading over. Did you find food alright?"

She nods "Yeah. It was really good. I haven't had a meal like that in years. I was wondering...well...do you think I could stay here tonight? I don't have any money...left over from the meal, I can't afford a motel and I know its really pushing things. I mean you guys don't know anything about me. For all you know, I could be a murderer or something"

Shawn chuckles "I highly doubt that" He puts away the jeans he was folding "I'll have to talk to the guys. They should be getting up anyways. You stay here, I'll be right back" He goes into Tom's room and has him follow him into Rob's and Dan's. 15 minutes pass and they're still in the room. Dee starts to work on the laundry. Another 10 minutes pass and they finally come out, Tom spitting mad. He goes into his room and comes out 2 minutes later, dressed and leaves, slamming the front door. Rob and Dan are getting ready and a few minutes later they rush out after Tom "Well you can stay" Shawn informs her

"Look, if it's going to cause a problem"

"Nah. don't worry. Tom's an ass 24/7 anyways. Now, he just actually has a reason. He'll get over it. Who knows, maybe a few good songs will come out of this"

Dee smiles "Well in that case, let me work it off" She looks at his room and the living room "Rob's and Dan's is just as bad as yours. I can get this place cleaned up and actually livable. The guys will be surprised when they get back"

"Sure. Why not. I just have to go out for a few, but if you'd like, I can come back here and then we can walk over to the club. You can hear at least half of rehearsal"

She nods "Sure. That'd be great. Just lead me to the cleaning items and I'll get started"

"Uh...I don't know if we have any" He goes into the bathroom and checks. Then goes into the kitchen and checks under the sink "Aha! Your in luck" He hands her the two bottles and goes back into the bathroom and grabs a couple of towels "As long as they're washed, the guys will never know" He smiles devilishly "It'll be our little secret" She laughs and starts to pick up the living room. He goes into his room and grabs a few things. "I'll be back in two hours"

She gives him a quick wave and continues cleaning. An hour later, bathroom, kitchen, and living room are done. She gets to work on the bedrooms. When Shawn comes back to pick her up, she's in Tom's room doing last minute straightening.

He comes into Tom's room and gasps "Oh no"

"What?" She looks around "Did I forget a spot?"

"More like, you cleaned it spotless" She looks at him confused "You don't touch Tom's music. He's gonna be pissed. He's really gonna hate us now"

"But I did it. Look, I'll just spread stuff out, he'll never know"

Shawn scoffs "That's what you'd think. All's well. So he'll yell and scream and bitch, nothing new. Are you ready?"

"Is it alright if I take a shower?"

He shrugs "Sure"

"Can I borrow something to wear?"

He nods "I'll leave it here. You can change here in Tom's room. If we're gonna make him mad, we might as well do it right. Right?" he chuckles

Dee laughs, smiling "Right. Oh, I did a couple loads of towels. The guys will never know" She winks and heads to the bathroom. She gets changed in Tom's room, than she and Shawn head to the club. They enter the club and the guys are practicing. Dee notices a new face at the mic "Who's that other one again?" She asks Shawn

"That's Ron. He does vocals and guitar"

She looks around the club. It looks weird during the day. Deserted, chairs up, dark. "It's so different from last night. Even this morning seemed to have more to it"

"People will be coming to set up soon. Than it'll get busy" He notices a girl sitting towards the stage "Whose that?" He asks out loud, but more to himself. They walk over and he waves at the guys to cut it. The music stops and the place becomes too quiet "Who's she?" He points to Ana

Ana turns to look at him. "The name's Anastasia, but you can call me Ana. I'm assuming your Shawn. Good. When's practice over? I need to leave soon." She adjusts her sling.

"Hi. Why would their practice stop you from leaving?"

"Because I need Ron with me." She states, casually. Ron jumps down off the stage, after placing his guitar in its stand.

"And you need Ron for what?" Shawn asks, still confused

"He's taking care of me." She stares at Shawn for a few minutes, than it clicks that he wasn't there. "I got into an accident last night. I decided that Ron had to take care of me, since he looks like he wouldn't be an asshole." She glares at Tom, but continues talking to Shawn. "I need to go to my mothers' house and sign the papers saying that I'll rightfully own it. Since Ron will be living with me for a while, I figured he could come along and check the place out"

"Can the others come, too?" Ron asks

"I don't see why not."

She turns back to Shawn. "So when's practice over?"

"I don't know. How long have you been practicing?" He asks the guys

"Almost 2 and 1/2 hours." Dan answers

"Then another hour or so should be fine."

"Good. Works out perfectly." She says looking at her watch. "I have to meet the lawyer at 6, so if you end at 4-ish, Ron can swing by his place, do what he has to do, then we can head over there. Nice." She rolls her neck in a circular motion. "Hurry up, so we can get out of here." She groans at Ron. He sighs and rolls his eyes, getting up and climbing back up onstage. He grabs his guitar and starts to play.

"Impatient aren't we...Ana was it?" Dee says as she picks up the cd's from the empty chair and sits down. She starts rummaging through Ana's cd's and picks one out "What are these?" She waves the cd. She looks at it and it accidentally opens and the cd drops out "Oops, sorry. Are they supposed to do that?"

Shawn's in back with the owner, making final preparations for tonight

'Please' by Staind cranks through the sound system. Ron's closing his eyes to the song, letting the music course through him. Dee watches him, getting wrapped up in the lyrics. She hears the music and thoughts of her and Evi come running through her mind. It's almost as if he's there with her. She looks back, and she sees a shadow move. She blinks and the room looks normal. Her head gets drawn back towards Ron's voice. She sits there listening, her gaze never moving from his face. Her eyes tear up and a tear slides down one side of her face. She watches Dan as he steps up to the mic for the chorus backup. She watches his fingers move along the guitar, her thoughts rerunning her and Evi's conversation, and the tears come down more steadily. Dan looks over at us. He sees her wipe at her eyes and when the song ends he whispers something back at Tom. He looks over at her. Dan puts the guitar down and hops off the stage and comes over "Hey, you ok?"

She nods, smiling. She wipes her eyes and sniffles "Yeah...just...stuff. That was a really great song. I'll be right back" She gets up and goes to the bathroom. She goes to the wall by the window and slides down it crying, her arms resting on her knees. She rests her head down onto them, crying.

"Yes." Ana says, grabbing her bag of cd's. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't touch them. Thank you." She listens to the music, her eyes glued to Ron's face. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Dee wiping her face. She doesn't say anything, but it dawns on her that the song is a sad one. She hadn't really been listening to it, just bits and pieces here and there. She watches Dee as she gets up and goes to the bathroom. The song wasn't that sad. She follows her into the bathroom. She quietly opens the door and leans against the wall opposite Dee. "What's up with you?" Ana asks, somewhat concerned. "Was the song really that sad? To tell you the truth I wasn't really listening. I was staring at Ron. I must confess, he's very cute. I'm so glad I have him all to myself in my new home." A glint of mischief flickers in her eyes before she remembers Dee is still crying. She stands there, leaning against the counter, waiting