By 'out,' Josef really meant errands. First to his office, she stayed in the car of her own volition, well partially because she was still wearing his shirt. She wasn't overly modest, she just didn't figure his associates wanted to see so much of her. Then on to her apartment.

"Get whatever will make you more comfortable at the house. If you forget anything, we can send someone for it," Josef said as she unlocked the door.

She looked around the apartment wistfully. She'd chosen it because it was so close to the university campus. It looked different, even though it was exactly as she'd left it. She was the changed party.

Charlie gestured toward her school books questioningly.

"It'll probably be several weeks before you feel like going out in the sun, but it's up to you whether you want to make arrangements with your professors or simply drop the classes."

When she pondered the fact that Josef probably had to be at the office at least part of the time, she grabbed the books, her laptop, ipod, and some novels she had laying around. Throwing some clothes and toiletries in her bag, she slung it and the bag with the books over her shoulder, and looked at Josef, "I'm ready."

Josef rolled his eyes as he took both bags from her. "I'll take these, while you change."

It was a warm night, so she slipped a coral halter dress and some flip flops on and met him outside.

Opening the car door, Charlie asked, "Where to now?"

"Oh I figured we'd walk around a bit, and then I think we'll initiate your first experience with humanity," Josef said.

It was a new experience, the night. Charlie had always liked the calm darkness, but now she found herself luxuriating in it. Only it wasn't so calm and it wasn't so dark. Her hearing and sight were so enhanced, the night it seemed was a living, sentient creature waiting to be discovered. She got caught up in listening the music of the ocean as it beat against the rocks. It was several moments before she realized Josef was looking at her expectantly.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" she asked, embarrassed.

"You didn't by any chance have ADD?"

"I don't think so," she answered fidgeting uncomfortably.

"Good, when they're turned it's really more difficult for them to concentrate on anything. Too easily distracted," Josef explained.

"What were you saying?" Charlie asked.

"It was nothing," Josef said, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. After all he didn't need to know about this girl. As soon as she was able she would most certainly leave, and they hardly ran in the same circles. No use getting emotional, he thought.

"Is it always like this? Every night so exhilarating?" she asked.

"In hundreds of years, it is one thing I've never tired of. The night as only we can perceive it. It truly is magnificent," Josef admitted. They had reached the ocean, and as he lead them closer, he said, "I suppose it is time to continue your lesson. Things to avoid, sunlight will weaken you, silver can kill you and stakes will paralyze you. Obviously fire and decapitation are fatal. Avoid those and you'll live a long healthy afterlife."

"What about incidentals? Any professions I should steer clear of?" Charlie prompted.

"Any profession that you can remain faceless is excellent. People tend to notice when someone doesn't change in twenty years. I for instance refrain from having my picture taken as much as possible. What do you wish to be? You could remain a college student forever if you like, Mick says it happens," Josef said honestly.

"That sounds like a new version of hell, repeating the same classes over and over. I always wanted to be a writer."

"That's good actually. You could use a pen name, or several over the years. And refuse public appearances. Over time you could create your own publishing company," Josef said, running with the idea.

"Maybe," she said. "After I sell a few million copies."

"What would you write? I hear vampire fiction is very popular these days. I give you full permission to use my personality as the devastatingly handsome love interest," Josef said seriously.

"Thank you, I may take you up on that," Charlie replied with a smile.

Josef nodded and looked down at his watch. "Well, we should get a move on. We have somewhere to be."

Charlie just looked at him speculatively.

"Your first experience with humans, remember? There's a bar around the corner," he smiled deviously.

She bit her lip nervously, but followed.

Before they entered the bar, Josef could already see her lightened eyes. "You can do this. It'll take some focus, but you've fed. You don't need the blood. And, just in case, I'll stay close," Josef said, whispering close to her ear.

She tried to let his words comfort her, but their importance was partially eclipsed by the sound of blood thundering in her ears.

Josef withdrew to the bar, and she stood woodenly next to a table near the dance floor. She found it was easier to reign in her impulses when no human was too near. Soon, though, a guy walked up and asked if she was alone.

"Sort of, I came here with a friend," Charlie replied politely, holding her breath.

The guy visibly brightened, "My name is Trent, do you want to dance–?"

"Charlie," she supplied.

"Do you want to dance Charlie?" he asked again, smiling ruefully.

"Sure," she replied. It was a salsa song, and she knew how to salsa.

She allowed him to lead her to the floor. Within moments, they were spinning around, and she was enthralled. The movements were second nature, and so she was able to focus on the feel of being weightless, practically flying on the dance floor. She thought for a moment that it was lucky that Trent was a good dancer. It was easier for her to enjoy her surroundings. He pulled her close, and she laughed lightly.

But the simple act of laughing made her inhale so very close to his jugular, and she immediately shut down. She closed her eyes, and bit her lip, and stopped dancing. "I'm sorry," she said, "I need some air." With that she ran out. Before she was two steps outside, Josef had caught her hand in his own and was leading her to the car.

"You did fine," he murmured. "You were able to hold on for a long time."

"I cheated," she admitted. "I was holding my breath."

"Whatever works," Josef said pragmatically.

"Was it this hard for you?" Charlie asked looking down.

"Harder and easier," he began. "There were fewer people where I lived, so I could easily avoid them, but at first it was also easier to kill and move on because things like the LAPD and the FBI didn't exist. It took a long time to get used to only taking a little blood. You will not have that problem."

Late Last Night by Cross Canadian Ragweed (A/N: Initially, this fic was an outline of Eli Young Band Songs, that is still the basic outline, but this chapter was just so long, that I needed to break it up. Hopefully though, the words keep coming. It's always good to have too much inspiration. )

Could you try to keep it down
I was up kinda late last night
I'm feeling like I usually feel
I never feel alright
Well I don't wanna hear another word about morning
I can't take the light
Could you try to keep it down
I was up kinda late last night