I've aways liked Pam's relationship to Sookie in the books better than the show. This plays on that.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed the first chapter. You all are great!
Chapter 2 – Girl Talk
Sookie glared in her rearview mirror at the driver honking in the car behind her. She knew she was going too slow, but she had never driven in this area of Shreveport and she was looking for the apartment. Looking forward again she saw the street she needed, almost passing it and turned too quickly, causing her little car to fishtail slightly. The building looked very high end, but then vampires like style. She parked in an unmarked space and got her suitcase out of the back. Pam might be supplying her Fangtasia wardrobe, but if she needed to do any daywork she would need something appropriate.
It was becoming twilight as she entered the building and found the elevator. As the doors closed behind her she saw there was no button for the floor that she was supposed to be going to, but there was a place for a key. Pulling out the keyring Eric had left with her, she inserted an oddly shaped key whose purpose had eluded her until now. Once she turned it the elevator began moving. Of course, Eric had gotten the penthouse.
The doors opened on total darkness. She took the key and shifted her suitcase so it would block the elevator doors open and started feeling along the wall for a light switch. She knew it wasn't that dark out yet so the apartment was obviously light tight. Why bother getting the penthouse if you have no view? She wondered to herself. Her hand found a bank of switches and she flipped them all, reasoning she could turn them off one-by-one later to figure out what they do.
Lights began to flicker on, revealing a room the size of the entire ground floor of her house - including the porch. The room had two conversation areas, couches and chairs arranged in a horseshoe, each with a huge flatscreen TV. It also included a dining area and a kitchen separated by a bar. It was professionally decorated, looking luxurious but in the highest of taste. The walls were originally floor to ceiling windows, but they had been covered over by something on the outside.
Remembering her manners she realized she was still holding up the elevator and retrieved her suitcase.
The wall the elevator was on had a door so she headed to that. It led to a hall with three doors on the left and one on the right. She tried the first on the left and it led to a bathroom. It had the necessary facilities and a large modern shower. The countertops, the shower walls, as well as the floor were polished stone of a warm tan, the walls painted to match.
She moved on to the next room which was a bedroom larger than her own. Sliding mirrored doors ran the entire length of one wall, the dresser and armoire were sleek and modern. The only thing missing was a bed, where it should be was a coffin, Sookie hoped it was empty. The next room was the same.
She then backtracked up the hall to the door on the other wall. This room was almost the length of both of the other bedrooms. She noted thankfully that it did have a bed, the biggest bed she had ever seen. It was twice as wide and about half again as long as the king size bed that Jason had. She wondered why anyone would need a bed that big. She guessed probably at least six people could fit in it easily. Then the realized that that was probably what it was for and shuddered. Turning away from it, she looked around the rest of the room. There was a small sitting area and a desk with a computer.
The wall to the back of the room had two doors. The first held a walk-in closet that was almost the size of her kitchen. It had drawers and shelves, a lot of littles cubbies for shoes and plenty of rods for hanging clothes. She was sure that if she still-owned all the clothes she ever had it wouldn't even half fill it. She parked her suitcase there and went to the next door. The master bathroom took her breath away. It was bigger than her bedroom, there was a large shower stall that had multiple shower heads arranged vertically along three of the walls and she forced herself not to think of how many people could fit in it at once. The bathtub was really a hot tub complete with jets along the side. The whole room except the ceiling was done in the tan stone tiles with large black diamond-shaped stones inset every two feet or so. With relief she finally found the commode in an alcove that was almost impossible to see from the door.
As she opened the door leading to the bedroom and shrieked, jumping back. "Pam! You nearly scared me to death!" She admonished the grinning vampire. "Couldn't you have let me know you were here?"
"I'm here." she deadpanned with a shrug. Sookie rolled her eyes.
"Thanks a bunch." Her eyes fell upon the stack of packages on the bed "What is all that?" she asked moving to the bed as Pam turned to look.
"Didn't Eric tell you I was picking up a few things for you?" She looked surprised, or as surprised as Pam ever looked.
"This is not 'a few things'." It was more than she would buy in a year. "How long do you think this investigation is going to take?"
Pam just shrugged and started opening the packages. She moved to the bathroom with an armload of cosmetics and jerked her head for Sookie to follow. "I have my own make-up..." she began but Pam raised a skeptical eyebrow.
She pulled out a vanity chair. "Take off your shirt and bra and sit." She ordered in a no nonsense voice, but there was an excited gleam in her eye. She began to open the cosmetic packages.
"What? Why do I have to strip to the waist to put make-up on?" She was really uncomfortable with that.
Pam turned and looked at her imperiously. "I am going to attempt to cover your tan, the dress has some cleavage, I am assuming your tan is all over?" She was eyeing Sookie appraisingly.
"Not quite all over... Fine, I'll be right back." She went to the closet, opened her suitcase and pulled out a light half robe. Then stripped to the waist before pulling her robe on. Stomping back into the bathroom and sitting on the chair in a huff. "There."
"Still modest I see, how disappointing." Sookie blushed under Pam's lascivious look and reached for the foundation.
Pam held it up out of reach. "Ah, ah, ah, Eric said I would get to make you up, besides it will be faster if you cooperate." She smiled like a child about to get a treat and started applying the foundation before Sookie could argue further. Sookie had been afraid that anything that could cover up her tan would be thick and heavy but this felt very light. She looked at the packaging, it seemed fairly upscale, but she scoffed at the name "VampBait". Pam did move faster than a human and her hand was down between Sookie's breasts before she realized it. Sookie jerked back.
"Just how much cleavage does this dress have?" She asked nervously as Pam ran a stripe of make-up to her navel. Pam just curled her mouth in a wicked smile and moved back up spreading the opening of the robe and covering her upper chest in make-up down past Sookie's tan line.
"They're natural, how refreshing." Pam commented as her hands moved quickly over Sookie's breasts. Sookie cleared her throat indignantly. Rolling her eyes, Pam moved her hands up to spread make-up over Sookie's shoulders and across her back.
"Is there any dress to this dress?" Sookie asked archly, not expecting a response. "How do you know the blood is Thalia's?" Perhaps getting a little more information about the problem at hand would take her mind off the dress.
"I've tasted her blood before." Sookie decided not to ask how that came about. "It's definitely hers."
"Can we find this guy you questioned before? Maybe I can see the guy in his head."
"He'll be in the bar tonight. We glamored him to return every night until otherwise instructed." Sookie let out a silent sigh of relief, she had been afraid he was being held somewhere.
"Anything I need to know about the bar?"
"You must bow to Eric and call him 'Master'..." she said in her slow drawl.
"Master? I don't think so." Sookie huffed, "Of all the egotistical, arrogant, conceited things I have ever heard of." She was building up to a full head of steam.
"Sookie dear, don't get your panties in a bunch." She stepped back to look Sookie in the face. "It was not his idea, it was mine, the vermin eat it up. Eric hates it."
"He does?" Sookie asked deflating.
Pam set down the foundation and started dusting her with powder. "He hates servile women, he likes women with some moxie." Sookie snorted at the outdated term and Pam ventured "Spunk?" Sookie gave a slight nod. "It's probably part of what he finds so attractive in you." She gave Sookie a serious look. "You have become quite a distraction to him. It's affecting his work. Will you please just have sex with him so he can concentrate again?"
She did not want to have this conversation. "Pam, it's more complicated than that."
"I don't see why, you've had sex with him before, just do it again. Now hold still, I'm going to do your eyes." Sookie closed her eyes and thought about what Pam had said. Was she actually on Eric's mind enough to interfere with his work? Or had he confided in Pam what she had told him and she was telling her what she wanted to hear?
"Look up." Pam commanded and Sookie obeyed, trying not to move as the vampire applied eyeliner, followed by mascara. She tilted Sookie's head from side to side, examining her work. Sookie was getting tired of the makeover already, she tried to peek in the mirror but Pam pulled her head back. "Not until I'm done." Grabbing a blush brush she started applying more make-up to Sookie's face, it wasn't a normal shade, it looked grey from the peek Sookie got.
"Now your hair."
"What about my hair?" She raised a hand self consciously.
"It is too soft and light." Pam stated flatly.
"You are not dying my hair." Sookie insisted.
"No, I didn't think you would let me." Pam picked up a flat iron. "Don't worry, I'll just do the ends, and it will wash right out." Pam then straightened Sookie's hair and applied some black, just to the bottom couple of inches.
As Pam stepped back to get the effect Sookie asked. "Is my head done yet?"
"Just the lips left." Pam picked up a tube and applied something that felt thick and glossy. Admiring her masterpiece, she gestured for Sookie to turn around. "You may look now."
Curious despite herself Sookie turned and looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. Her skin was pale, her tan completely covered and yet the make-up did not look thick or fake. Her eyeshadow and blush were in shades of grey but it was applied with just the right touch, any heavier and it would look ridiculous. Now it almost looked like she was in a black and white movie, except her lips, which looked like they were covered in fresh blood. She brought a finger up to them expecting the gloss to wipe right off, thinking she would have to reapply it constantly through the night, but it was dry though it still looked wet. Her hair was parted in the middle and framed her face. The bottom three inches were jet black and it reminded her of feathers.
"Well?" Pam waited impatiently for her opinion.
"Wow, I can hardly tell it's me."
"That's the idea, if whoever it is has been hanging around the bar for a while, they might have seen you talking to Eric before and be suspicious. Which brings me to your name."
"My name?" She looked away from her strange reflection to look at Pam.
"Yes, your name is odd and distinctive. While you are at the bar you will go by a different name."
"Like Mary or something?"
Or something," Pam agreed. "You will answer to Desirée. Now let me get your clothes."
"Desirée?" Sookie turned back to the mirror. Well I definitely don't look like me, but Desirée? Is that even a name?
She saw Pam come back in and hang a dress bag on a hook and bring her a small box. "Your undergarments."
"Thank you." Sookie said as she took the box. Pam did not move and Sookie cleared her throat.
Rolling her eyes Pam said "Fine, I'll hang up your other things." Pam turned and left the bathroom, but she left the door open. Sookie followed and closed it. Opening the box with mixed emotions, she reopened the door to call to Pam.
"There's no bra in here." she pointed out.
"You don't need one."
"Pam, I need a bra." she stated emphatically. Nature had been generous with her, she always wore a bra.
"The dress will take care of it," She was carrying several garment bags to the closet. "trust me."
Closing the bathroom door again, Sookie started untying her robe as she walked back over to the vanity chair. Then she examined the contents of the box. There was a black lace thong, a garter belt and black hose that had teardrop shaped red crystals in a line down the side. She put them on then approached the dress bag with some trepidation. As expected the dress was black and though it had a zipper in the back it was slit down the front to her navel and would lace up, of course it didn't cover the skin in that gap, but at least it would be closed. The neckline was broad, barely sitting on her shoulders and it dipped low in both the front and back. The skirt was floor length but was no more than a tapered front and back panel sewn together high on the thigh. Her legs would be exposed almost to the top of the stockings. The sleeves however were long and had extra material hanging down. She stepped into the dress and since it was not tightly laced she was able to zip it up, but she could not seem to get the laces right. Setting her jaw in frustration she opened the bathroom door, not surprised to find Pam standing right there.
"Can you lace this please?"
"With pleasure." She said with a twinkle in her eye, she was enjoying this way too much. She pulled the laces tight enough that the dress would stay up while she settled it on Sookie's shoulders and then started at the bottom again pulling them tighter.
"Pam, how did you know my size?" it had only just dawned on her that somehow the vamp had to have known.
"Eric told me."
"How did he know?"
"Last night while he was waiting for you to get home he called and told me." She stated matter-of-factly. "Hold still."
"He went through my closet? My dresser?" She felt invaded. "How long was he at my house?"
"He headed over at sunset, I don't know if he stayed at your house the whole time." She shrugged, "Stand up straight." Sookie straightened, then jumped when Pam reached into the dress and lifted a breast.
"Pam!" Her hand came up to remove Pam's, but Pam grabbed it and moved it up under the breast outside the dress.
"Hold this." she demanded and repeated the procedure on the other side. So there Sookie stood, holding both breasts very high as Pam adjusted the dress and lacings around them. She could feel her face burn and looked up to silently ask for strength. "Okay, let go." she was instructed as Pam stood back.
Sookie let go and looked down in surprise when she realized they did not move when she dropped them. "Oh my God! I can't go out like this." Her breasts were very high and out there, she doubted if even a quarter inch of material kept her legal.
"Oh Sookie, you are such a prude. Here, sit on the bed I'll get your shoes." Pam went into the closet as Sookie moved to the bed. She found she had to sit very straight since the dress was laced so tight. Pam came out holding a shoebox. She recognized the brand from magazines and knew the shoes had to cost more than one of her paychecks.
"Pam, those are way too expensive. I can't wear those ."
"Nonsense, I got them on sale." She opened the box and pulled out one of the shoes. If ever there were shoes worthy of the name "fuck-me" shoes these were it. They had multiple ankle straps and way too high a heel.
"I'm going to break my neck if I try to walk in these, and even if I don't, I won't be able to walk for a week. I wore heels less than half that high to work and I could barely walk from my car to my house."
Pam was already kneeling and strapping them to her feet. Straightening she commanded "Up." gesturing for Sookie to do so. Planting her feet solidly she carefully stood, working to find her balance as she did. While her feet felt odd in this new position, the shoes were not as uncomfortable as she expected. Pam indicated she should walk, so she took a few short, stilted steps. Shaking her head Pam instructed. "Walk, like you normally do." Sookie glared at her but took a few longer strides and managed to keep her balance as she did. Pam nodded approval. Then rotated her finger, signaling Sookie to turn for her. Obeying, she slowly began to turn, but stopped when she caught sight of herself in the full-size mirror. She was awestruck. She didn't think anyone who had just seen her in passing would have recognized her. In fact, she was pretty sure a few people from home would have to do a double take.
"Wow, Pam, I don't even recognize me."
"Am I good or am I good?" Pam asked with a self-satisfied smile as she walked up next to her dress-up doll. "Now the only thing is your expression."
"My expression?"
"Yes, none of your half-crazed smile, remember, you are a pathetic fangbanger. Your only goal is to get a vampire, any vampire, to pay attention to you. You must look tragic and melancholy." Her voice dripped with disdain.
"Gee, how do you really feel about them?"
Ignoring Sookie's snark, the vampire picked up her purse. "Are you ready to go?"
"I just need a drink of water before we go, that won't smudge the lipstick will it?"
Before she knew what happened, Pam was kissing her, Sookie's gasp of surprise allowed Pam to sneak her tongue in. After a moment of shock Sookie pulled her head back. "Pam!" Great, just what I need, another vampire after me, although she had to admit Pam was a good kisser.
Pam ran a finger across her lips and held it up. "See no smudging." She had a wicked smile and her fangs were slightly out.
"A simple 'no' will do just fine next time." She would have stomped to the kitchen but couldn't in those shoes. She walked with as much dignity as she could and started opening cupboards. Only one had any contents, wineglasses, but at least it was something to drink from. Moving to the refrigerator she found two shelves of artificial blood but nothing else. The freezer did not even have any ice cubes. Sookie decided that if she could walk tomorrow, not a certainty with these shoes, she would have to do some shopping. She filled the wineglass at the tap and drank. There was no lipstick on the glass when she brought it down. Taking a deep breath she turned to Pam, "Okay, let's go." she grabbed her own purse, which definitely did not go with the outfit at all.
They rode down the elevator in silence, Pam looking smug at how rattled Sookie looked, Sookie trying to calm herself to prepare mentally for the night ahead. She usually shielded herself at Fangtasia, since everyone's mind was usually shouting sexual thoughts. She really wasn't looking forward to scanning the crowd.
"I'll drive." Pam volunteered when Sookie started heading to her car, when she opened her mouth to protest Pam asked, "Can you drive in those shoes?" and Sookie shut-up.
As they were underway Sookie asked, "Are you and Thalia close?"
Pam shrugged, "Not really. We had sex a couple of times but nothing serious."
"Oh." Sookie knew lots of people thought about sex that way but she just couldn't wrap her brain around it.
Pam chuckled and rolled her eyes.
The apartment was close to Fangtasia and the drive was short. As they got out of the car Pam began with instructions. "I'll take you in the employees entrance to your locker, then I will take you to Eric to introduce you. Remember you are Desirée and he is Master. You are to bow to him and show respect."
"If I bow in this dress, I'll fall out of it."
"Eric should enjoy that." Sookie shot her a searing look and Pam said impatiently, "Fine curtsy then, just be deferential to all the vampires, you may treat the vermin as scum."
Storing her purse in the locker, she took a deep breath and let down her shields, fighting to keep the nervous smile off her face. She nodded to Pam, "I'm ready."
"Stay behind me." Pam told her, Sookie huffed but stayed a few steps back.
As they entered the bar area she collided with a wall of lust. It was overwhelming and pervasive and her body reacted as if it were her own. It was almost like the madness the Maenad had used at the lakehouse but instead of being driven insane by others' emotions she was highly aroused. "Pam." she murmured her voice hoarse with passion, and backed up against the wall.
She heard Pam turn and come toward her. "What's the matter?"
"I can't go out there without blocking. All the sexual energy is too overwhelming." She had her eyes closed and was breathing heavy as she tried to raise her blocks and banish the unwanted feelings. When she again opened her eyes Pam was mere inches from her face. Her fangs were out and her eyes glazed.
"You smell delicious." She was breathing in deeply and getting closer to Sookie's neck. "Like a fairy."
"Oh for..., Pam snap out of it." She snapped in front of the vampire's face, but Pam didn't even blink. Sookie tried to sidestep her but Pam grabbed her wrist and with a little tug Sookie lost her balance and fell back toward her. Sookie was near-panicked now. She knew she couldn't break Pam's grip. Pam was again closing in on Sookie's neck, Sookie tried to cover it with her free hand but Pam grabbed it as well and brought both hands up over Sookie's head where she held them with one hand in a vice-like grip. She struggled, but Pam seemed to enjoy that. The vampire smiled at the fear in her eyes and again began moving her face to Sookie's throat. Sookie braced herself for the bite, but Pam inhaled deeply and started licking her skin. Inhaling deeply as she went, she was licking down Sookie's chest and Sookie could feel Pam's free hand unlacing the front of her dress.
"Pam, please! Don't do this! It's Sookie!" She felt the fear battering at her shields and fought to keep them up. She knew if they fell again the lust would overcome her and she would submit to Pam, but with the vampire's current lack of control she didn't think she would survive the encounter. She hadn't screamed up til now because she had hoped Pam would snap out of it and she hadn't wanted to blow her cover, but dead she couldn't help Thalia. As she felt the cold hand grab her breast she took a deep breath to scream but Pam's mouth covered hers, swallowing the scream in a kiss. Sookie felt fangs cut into her lips and knew those few drops of blood would only fuel Pam's blood lust. Pam's hand left her breast and moved to the slit in her skirt, hiking it up and grabbing Sookie's butt. Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! Ran through her head.
"Pam!" Eric's voice boomed and Sookie almost wept with relief. But Pam did not release her, rather she pulled her head back to lunge at Sookie's throat. Eric's hand appeared in the space and Pam's fangs sank into it. He let out a hiss and grabbed the hand that was holding Sookie's. When Pam didn't let go he snapped her wrist. Pam's howl of pain was muffled by Eric's hand which he seemed to be purposefully keeping there. Sookie finding herself free stood there for a moment in shock. He looked at her and said urgently, "Go out the back door and wait for me."
Sookie didn't have to be told twice.