"Mm-owe." My morning stretch was came to an abrupt end as my hand hit a wall, then my elbow hit another wall. 'Where am I, closet?"

'Oh, right. I am.' Yesterday's events were so fantastical as to appear a dream but that was true for so many yesterdays now that it was easier to accept it all happened.

I heard footsteps and asked, "Is it night out yet?"

"Yes deary. Sun just set, you can come right on out now."

That didn't sound like Sookie… but she did sound nice. Slowly I opened the door.

"Eek!" A fluffy furry demon face with glowing green eyes greeted me and I swiftly slammed the door shut.

On second thought it might've just been a cat, but I was still wary. Could cats talk in this universe? Devour souls? Anything was possible, and I didn't like the look of the furry beast.

"Oh my, did you get scared by little Tina?"

Tina? Was that the hellbeast's name? The voice seemed to be coming from high up off the floor but the cat could have jumped on something to trick me. Doubtful though. I had a feeling I'd just proven myself the lamest vampire on the planet, getting frightened back into a closet by a cat.

I opened the door again but not before sitting up and keeping one hand near my face to ward off claws. The cat was still there, but without Tina being in front of my face she was a lot smaller and less threatening. The purr she was making definitely helped as well. I gave her a hesitant pat on the head before climbing out of the closet.

I could smell Sookie but it was faint. My fangs lengthened in longing for a breakfast snack but that was it, no claws or glowing eyes. I was about as human as I'd been since I arrived in this world. It felt good. I wasn't as strong like this but I'd begun to fear I'd never revert so it was nice to be more human finally.

"Aren't you just the cutest thing. Sookie told me she brought a little vampire home but I hardly believed her."

"I'm not that little…" Honestly, the old woman only had four inches on me. "You must be Sookie's grandmother." She didn't smell nearly as tasty as Sookie. Perhaps it was an age thing. I wondered if any of Sookie's relative smelled like her, she was unusually tasty for a human. '... I really have to stop evaluating people I meet based on their flavor.'

"That's me. I brought some True Blood for you, I hope the temperature's okay."

Reluctantly I took the hated bottle from her. They'd let me stay the night, I could hardly refuse their hospitality.

The bottle was a little warmer than skin temperature but nowhere near the warmth of coffee. 'Coffee…' A coffee with eggs and pancakes sounded awfully good. Just how long was I going to have to put up with an all-blood diet anyways? I didn't actually think I'd mind if it was Sookie's blood all the time, but this? My human sensibilities were still strongly against drinking blood out of bottles and making it lukewarm just made that hesitance worse. But still, it wasn't as if I didn't greatly enjoy it when it came from a person's neck. I had to at least give it a try.

'Blech.' Nope, it was still terrible. To be polite I pretended to take another sip, pursing my lips to keep the blood out.

"Oh dear, you've got a little right there." She dabbed at my lips with a handkerchief, seemingly unconcerned about how the artificial blood would ruin it.

'This universe is so weird!' Sookie was one thing given her strange desire for vamp blood but having a granny dote on me while I drank True Blood was just too strange. Or maybe it was just Sookie's family that was out of whack? A number of other people at Merlotte's Bar and Grill were noticeably fearful of me at first. Then again, there had also been a lot of humans at Fangtasia that were thoroughly pro-vampire. None nearly so tasty as to lure me away from Sookie but I had to admit the bare-chested man with the bullseye tattooed on his neck caught my eye for a moment or two. Now there was a man who couldn't wait to be bitten.

"Umm, where's Sookie?"

"Outside, I think."

"Thanks, I'm going to go look for her."

The first thing I did once getting outside was stash the nearly full bottle in a bush. I was a bit peckish, but I wasn't that hungry. I had trouble believing that any vampire actually lived off the stuff, it had to be some sort of scam. Hadn't Eric mentioned something about donor blood from the hospital? I wasn't sure I liked the sound of refrigerated blood but it couldn't be any worse than the artificial stuff. Sookie might appreciate the break from me feeding on her as well, give her a little time to replenish the goods.

I caught sight of her blonde hair by the car and rushed over. "Sookie, hi." For some strange reason she blushed and refused to meet my eye at first but soon got over it and started babbling.

"Angela, good morning. Or good evening, I suppose. What do vampires say, anyways?"

"I'm not sure. Either is fine, I guess."

"I'm glad you're up, I wasn't sure you'd wake up before I had to leave for work. This was supposed to be my day off but with Dawn d-" Her voice choked off, a sorrow overtaking her so intense that I could almost feel it physically. I was hugging her before I knew it, though this time I didn't bite her.

"Thanks," she said after a few sobs. "One of the other waitresses was murdered recently." I tensed at that. A new universe but murderers were everywhere, it seemed. "They think it might be a serial killer, another woman was strangled a few nights before her."

I kept my hands at the small of her back but drew back enough to look at her. "Well I've got to come with you then. They already killed one waitress, I won't let them kill another one."

"Sweetie, I really don't think-"

"I'm a vampire, remember? I can protect you."

She hesitated but I could feel her body relax when she gave in. "Alright, but I really don't think there will be any trouble. You're just going to get bored sitting around while I work."

"Better bored there than here." A chance for conversation sounded good to me, and maybe I could pick up some info about this strange vampire-filled world as well.

"Fine, let's get going then."

Once we reached the road I asked, "You feeling okay? I didn't take too much blood from you, did I?"

"No, I feel great actually. I felt a little weak this morning but then I had a big breakfast and some time in the sun and I felt better than ever."

Well that was good. Both for her health and her future as my primary food source. Score one for the healing powers of half-vampire blood.

Thanks to missing breakfast and my normal routine I realized I'd forgotten something important. Thankfully Sookie had a spare sweater that I tugged on once we arrived. It did an adequate job covering up my bralessness and was long enough that I didn't need to worry so much about the borrowed shorts slipping occasionally. The sweater was hardly in line with vamp fashion but it was comfortable and fit better than any of Sookie's bras would have so ultimately I was glad for my mistake. The cute and totally disarming sweater might even keep customers at the bar from being frightened of me.

The sweater worked once we got inside, at least until I made the mistake of smiling back at a charming little five-year-old. She actually didn't seem to mind, but her mother took exception to my fangs. She pulled her daughter close and headed to the far side of the restaurant. She didn't actually leave though, so that was a plus. Hadn't technically scared off any customers yet, just moved them a bit.

The whispers started up as Sookie explained my presence to the bar owner, Sam. Gradually everyone around came to realize and accept that I was the feral-looking vampire that was flailing around in the sun yesterday. "Parking lot vamp" was a nickname I really hoped wouldn't stick. Then my ears picked up a few comments about Sookie and her relationships with vamps. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to bare my fangs on purpose.

Sookie came by carrying a full keg of beer, distracting me. "Do you need any help with that?" It looked heavy, and she wasn't all that much bigger than I was.

"No, I'm fine. I've been feeling really strong lately. I think it's thanks to your blood and Bill's."

My hand twitched at Bill's name but I was once again surprised at the extent of the beneficial effects my blood could have. If she was this strong I felt a lot more confident about her chances if the serial killer came calling. I wondered how much stronger she could get if I kept giving her blood. Strong enough to be safe even during the day when I couldn't protect her, I hoped. Was it strange to feel so protective of someone I still hardly knew?"

Sookie set the keg in the cooler behind the bar with casual ease. "Well I've got to get working now but just ask if you need a True Blood. There's pool and ping-pong over there if you're looking for something to do."

Right, that was why I was so protective. She was a genuinely awesome and good person and she was the tastiest woman I'd ever met. "Kay. Got it."

Merlotte's was filling up rapidly as the night deepened which should've given me a good shot at a game but I didn't stay near the pool table long. Not only was it surrounded by drunk guys and one very desperate blonde, I didn't like the looks they were giving me. The way they were gripping those pool sticks… I had a bad feeling they wanted to break them in half and shove the improvised stakes in my heart. Also, I had no idea how to play. It was a game I was pretty sure hadn't survived the apocalypse.

I took a seat in a booth instead but between Sam's dirty looks and the rapidly filling restaurant I soon realized that was a poor choice. Space was at a premium tonight and since I wasn't ordering meals I really didn't deserve a booth to myself. I started wandering around aimlessly instead, trying not to be underfoot. It was a surprisingly difficult task, and the crowd had me growing antsy. I wasn't good around so many people, I needed something to distract me.

The possibility of just walking outside occurred to me but I was reluctant to let Sookie out of of my sight. Instead I started collecting plates off of dirty tables. I didn't know much of anything about restaurants but I could do this much. Sookie and Arlene raised their eyebrows at my actions but they were both too busy to say no to free help.

I got some more curious looks from staff as I brought the dishes back to the kitchen for cleaning but it seemed that so long as I stayed busy and didn't muck about, none of them minded me walking through the staff-only areas of the restaurant. Either that or they just didn't fancy getting in the way of a vampire, even one as unthreatening as myself.

Things continued on that way for what must've been a couple hours before business slowed down. The bar was still full and there were still a number of people at the tables but far fewer families now. Most of the orders now were just chicken wings and beer refills so it was easier for the waitresses to catch a break here and there. They hardly seemed to need my help clearing tables anymore.

I caught Sookie as she finished some banter with Lafayette, one of the cooks. "I think I'm going to take a break," I said. "I'm starting to get hungry."

"Oh, want me to warm you up some True Blood? We've got all the flavors."

"I guess." My reluctance to drink the awful-tasting artificial blood wasn't very well hidden.

She pursed her lips, almost as if she were getting ready to admonish me for being so picky. She changed her mind though and said, "Well, I have a moment. I guess you can have a little sip from me, so long as you don't take too much."

I nodded my head eagerly. Even a sip was better than nothing. She led me to dry storage for some semblance of privacy. The door was permanently propped open but if we were quick no one would see. I feared that might show shame on her part that she led us here but truthfully I didn't mind the privacy. There was something about taking and giving blood that felt very personal. It was as intimate as a kiss, though in a very different way. Or perhaps not so different given the involvement of our lips, albeit at different times and places.

I had to stand up on my toes some to get in the proper position but once I was there it was easy to hold myself to her body to stay in place. Flavor burst on my tongue and the whole room seemed brighter, magical even, potatoes and all. Obediently though I detached after what seemed only seconds. I'd taken five or six gulps and a few licks that made her shiver against me instead of the single sip she'd suggested but I still thought I did fairly well controlling myself. I was capable of drinking a whole lot more, but the worst part of my hunger was gone.

Briefly I contemplated just cutting my finger instead of my wrist this time but I knew it would be wrong to be so stingy with someone who just provided me such a tasty meal. As always she spared no time latching on once my wrist started again I was struck by the oddness of the experience. It was incredibly draining to have her suck the life force right out of me but satisfying and surprisingly pleasant as well. I wondered for a moment what it would feel like if I let her drink from the neck instead of my wrist… but no, that wasn't a good idea. Unlike me, she had yet to prove she could pull away without guidance. If she drank from my neck I was unsure I'd have the strength to stop her from sucking me dry, or for that matter, if it would feel so good I wouldn't want to stop her.

Overall I felt like giving the standing position a seven. It was definitely easier to feed like this than while seatbelted in the car, but was less comfy than the bed. It was also harder to cuddle afterwards while standing. And while it was a bit awkward to cuddle in bed with another woman and I was still curious about why we were growing so close so quickly, last night was a pleasant and soft experience.

Gently I pulled her off my arm, my cut and her punctures all swiftly healing. As was becoming our custom I leaned in to clean up the remaining blood on her neck.

"Sookie! What's gotten into you, you're just letting vamps feed on you at work now!?"

I spun at her words, claws tensing but then relaxing as I realized the black girl was not an immediate threat. Blood still lay on Sookie's pale, golden neck and I couldn't decide whether to go for it again. Was it more incriminating to leave it there or actually look like I was feeding from her again, I couldn't decide.

"Tara, it's not like that," pleaded Sookie. "She's not like Bill, she's a good vampire." She stepped closer to her friend and I came along for the ride. I wasn't sure when we started holding hands but I didn't let go.

"All vampires are the same. She's just going to use you and leave you dead somewhere."

"Tara! That's racist."

"Racist? I'm black, and you're going to tell me what's racist?"

I could hear Tara's heart beating fast like a rabbit's. From her face it wasn't obvious but she almost seemed like she was on the verge of a panic attack. That, along with being nervous about getting in an argument between friends, was why I was reluctant to speak up against her as she said such hurtful things. Sookie was less encumbered.

"You don't understand. I'm taking care of her; she's got not one else."

"Sookie, open your eyes! She's not some puppy that you can take home and tame." Tara grabbed a napkin and started dabbing at at Sookie's throat. A growl rose in my throat as the napkin stole blood that was rightfully mine but mindful of the circumstances I kept it low enough that neither of them noticed. "Just look at what she's done to you already, ripping up your poor - huh?" She wiped the napkin around more forcefully just to make sure. "Where? There's no wound?"

"She healed me," replied Sookie. Sookie was looking flustered from having us both in such close contact with her but she was growing calmer now that Tara was starting to see the truth. My own tenseness was also easing as if Sookie's calm was contagious.

"She can do that?" asked Tara, drawing back a step. "So why do so many fangbangers walk around with holes in their neck?"

Fangbangers… I wasn't quite sure what she meant by it but I didn't like the word. Neither did Sookie, though she hid it well. "I guess their vampires were just less polite."

Tara looked down at me. "So she's really taking care of you?"

"Something like that. It's not like I'm a kid though. I'm older than I look."

"Like what, you a hundred years old?"

I boggled at the number but I supposed that in a world where vampires were so common it was understandable. "No, nineteen." Twenty-six, technically, but for a number of reasons nineteen was a better answer.

"And you've been a vampire for how long?"

"Like… a week?"

"Oh."

Both Sookie and Tara stared at me then and I tried not to squirm. "Don't you two have tables or something?"

With that the group talk ended as they got back to business and I took up a seat in the back. The music helped but I was still pretty bored as I waited for things to finish up. I really needed to find a book to read at times like this, or maybe some wood to whittle. As it was I had my mind stuck on how annoying it was that I missed out on that last little lick of Sookie's blood thanks to Tara's interruption.

Right towards the end the redhead, Arlene I thought, broke me out of my thoughts. She put a ten down on the table before backing up a few steps like she needed to be a safe distance from me. "What's this for?"

"Your help with my tables. Please don't eat me!"

"W-what? I'm not going to eat you." I wondered if she was always this frightened around vampires or if something had set her off. Had she just noticed my claws or had my eyes flashed at her, I wondered. Personally I thought my glowing all-purple eyes were pretty but I understood how they could look look intimidating to others. "It's hard to turn this off since I just fed from Sookie," I said, gesturing at my inhuman aspects. For a moment it looked like she was curious about my ability to not always look like a killer vampire but unfortunately she wasn't the only one who heard me.

"You fed from Sookie?" Sam Merlotte sounded far from happy about it. Admitting what I'd done might not have been the best idea. I couldn't even blame Sookie's blood for the mistake. The heady drunk feeling I got from drinking her sweet essence had worn off an hour ago. "I won't have it! I want you out of my bar, and don't come back!"

I was trained as a police officer so I knew some self defense and I had vampire powers besides but his sudden anger had me a little frightened. The rough-shaven man had to weigh at least double what I did, tall and muscular besides. There was also a strength in him that seemed to dwell just beneath the surface, though I couldn't say what it was. Besides which, he was the rightful owner of the bar. With cautious steps I left without taking my eye off of him.

Once I was outside in the night I slumped against the side of the building. I had the distinct feeling I'd screwed up. Feeding from her inside the restaurant had definitely crossed the line. She wasn't on the menu and it was probably a health code violation besides. And with my claws and fangs, well, I could hardly fault him for not wanting a predator of humans putting his customers off their feed.

I should have come out here sooner, I realized. Despite the niggling fear of zombies creeping up on me it was far easier to relax. Without the scents of so many humans around me my claws were finally starting to shrink back to normal human nails. My eyes must've been changing back as well because the night was growing darker and I could no longer see the auras of people getting into their cars. I could still see plenty better than normal humans though.

A loud argument started up inside the bar between Merlotte and Sookie. I was torn, dearly wanting to rush in and save her but also wary of annoying her boss anymore than I already had. though it pained me, I decided to let her handle it. She seemed to be holding up her end of things well and thanks to my blood I knew she was physically strong as well. Tara, for better or worse, seemed to be staying out of the argument.

Not too long later Sookie came stomping out. "Sorry for messing things up with your boss, Sookie. I won't go in there again."

"Nonsense. He needs to get his head straight. You're coming with me to work tomorrow and every day thereafter until he gets over himself. Umm, assuming you want to of course."

"Okay then." The bar wasn't the funnest place in the world but it wasn't the worst either. The music alone put it well above sentry shifts in the militia. It also made me feel better to know I'd be able to continue keeping an eye on Sookie. I wasn't going to antagonize Sam on purpose though. Next time we'd go outside before I drank from her, even if she begged me. Well, unless it was raining or something and she really didn't want to go outside.