A/N: Thank you for all your patience, I've had a rough couple of weeks but I won't bore you with the details. I do have the next few chapters drafted and practically written up so they shouldn't be long before I can post them. This chapter admittedly isn't my best work, but hopefully you enjoy it.

Thanks: Reviews are amazing as always.

Beta: unfortunately all mistakes are mine.

Disclaimer: I do not own True blood; I just borrowed the characters for a bit of fun!

Chapter Thirty-Two
Shoes, Money, & Shopping

The drive towards Shreveport gave Sookie a new perspective on Pam and Eric's relationship, their playful banter more amusing than she had predicted. She had been under the impression it would be a quiet and uneventful drive towards where Pam liked to shop the most, only to be pleasantly surprised as she watched Pam attempt to persuade Eric to allow her spending limit to be increased despite her being a very grown up woman.

She was a vampire for goodness sake!

Sookie honestly didn't know why Eric was bothering to argue back, it was obvious he wouldn't punish her even if she did go overboard. She didn't doubt if Eric decided enough was enough Pam wouldn't be bold enough to push his boundaries. She had seen Eric rip apart both vampires and humans alike for the slightest of errors.

She wrinkled her nose in disapproval.

"Keep an eye on her," Eric's eyes flickered in her direction as he pulled towards the curb, as if he was under the impression that she had gone momentarily deaf. She huffed. Since the vampires had come out of the coffin so to speak many shops found that if they stayed open all night they made a fortune from many unhuman customers. It would have been foolish not to cater to the undead. "I mean it, Pam."

Sookie rolled her eyes as Pam answered, "She is a fully grown woman, Eric" she snorted, though her expression soon turned into one more similar to a leer, "but I will happily keep a very close eye on her."

"I can look after myself, Eric." She was more than a little miffed off. His concern was touching, but unnecessary. "We're only going shopping."

Staring at her intently for a few moments Eric bend down to brush his lips gently across her own. Sookie froze, stunned at the sweet and intimate gesture, before her cheeks flushed with a light pink and she couldn't help but look away.

"I'll be fine," she murmured shyly.

Chuckling, Eric moved to brush a finger against her heated cheek before pulling away. "I will come and collect you after Pam informs me of when you have both had enough." Slipping into his car he rolled down the window. "Have fun, ladies" he winked before pulled off at a speed that had Sookie reflexively stepping further onto the pavement.

Pam snorted. "Show off."

The next thing Sookie knew she was being tugged into the first shop in what she knew would be one of many. It turned out to be a jewellery shop, Pam automatically heading towards what Sookie figured to be the more finer and expensive items much to the shop assistants delight. Shaking her head, Sookie made her way towards a wall display covered in what looked like handmade bracelets and necklaces. They were pretty.

Definitely more in her price range.

"Hi! Can I help you?"

Clearly gaining the attention of a newly trained store assistant, a bubbly young teenager, Sookie smiled before turning her attention towards the display. "I'm just looking, thank you."

The girl smiled brightly. It was clear she was eager to put her training to good use. "They are hand crafted by the children who run a donation department within an orphanage."

Surprised, Sookie turned to face the girl. "Really?"

She got a wide grin in return. "Yep! If you look at the tags you'll see a name scrawled on the bottom, it's whoever made the item. It's like a personal touch. I think it's cute."

It was.

Never having seen anything like it Sookie didn't stop herself from having a look, turning over a tag only for the name Joey to be scrawled on the bottom. She smiled before checking the prices, her eyes widening when she saw they were only a few dollars each.

"They also come with little pouches," the girl continued, reaching behind a counter to produce a small lightly coloured pouch.

"Good luck beads," Sookie read aloud at a soft green one. "Could I get a few, please?" she turned to face the girl who grinned widely, excitement in her tone.

"Really?" Grinning, Sookie nodded. "Oh great! I mean, of course" she tried to collect herself before rambling on about how it was her first purchase and her boss would be pleased. It only brightened Sookie's mood as she selected two bracelets, one green and one a soft pink before grabbing a necklace made with the same multi-coloured beads.

"There are diamonds in this store and your buying beads?" Pam surprised her over her shoulder as she stared at the young assistant who ever so carefully wrapped each item before placing it into the pouch.

"I like them," she defended her purchases, moving to grab her purse. Pam's nose wrinkled in distaste. "Did you get anything?"

She shook her head, her blonde hair tied neatly at the base of her neck. It was surreal how different Pam looked out of Fantasia get-up. Instead of leather or latex she was wearing a soft pink pantsuit. It made her look like a soccer mum rather than a deadly and sarcastic vampire who pretty much dispised everything.

"I don't like anything enough to risk Eric's wrath," she sniffed.

Sookie laughed, handing over the money as the girl ran them through the till with the help of her manager who stared at teen with amusement.

"You know just because an item is expensive doesn't make it better than something that looks genuinely beautiful, Pam."

She received an eye roll in return. "So if I was to buy some of those beads," she waved her had towards the display, "you think they would suit me?"

Sookie shrugged, "to be honest when your dressed like that, yes."

Pam pursed her lips. "I'll buy some if you allow me to select you something for Fantasia."

"There is no way I am giving you free range over that type of attire, Pam. I trust you, but not when it comes to my outfits."

Sookie hadn't expected Pam to look honestly taken aback. "You trust me?"

"Well, yeah. With my life I do," she shrugged before smiling as she took her change.

"But, why?"

Still confused as to why Pam looked so stunned at her admission Sookie shrugged before turning to face her fully. "You moved to save me when Longshadow tried to attack me. I've noticed how you make sure I am always under watch when I am at Fantasia, and you stood up for me when Tara and Arlene were being less than friendly."

Pam stared.

"Here is your purchase." Turning back to the counter Sookie smiled brightly as she reached for the small bag. "Thank you for coming, and I hope we see you again" she added, glancing towards her manager who smiled at her approvingly.

"Perhaps I shall have another look at the jewellery. You," Pam gestured to the young girl, "can assist me" she demanded before spinning on her heel and making her way back towards the cabinet.

Sookie turned to face the manager when the older woman addressed her, "we don't usually allow the new employees to serve, uh…"

"Vampires?" Sookie offered kindly.

The manager nodded in response. "It isn't that we have any prejudice, but as a safety precaution. We can't afford to offend any customers and risk losing their business, or, uh…blood…" she trailed off nervously.

Sookie was confused as to the look on the woman's face until it clicked. "Oh, you're asking if Pam is friendly enough? Oh sure, Pam will be fine."

Practically bursting with excitement the young shop assistant dashed over towards the more high class counter, slipping behind it next to the previous assistant who had hoped to handle Pam's purchase only to look dejected after being snuffed the first time.

"They work on commission," the manger spoke after seeing her confused expression. "Annabelle, our new night time assistant hasn't had much luck as of late, so this will be a bonus for her."

"Oh."

Heading over towards Pam, Sookie glanced curiously at the more expensive items. They were pretty, that she couldn't deny, but for the prices she just couldn't accept them being worth so much. Then again she had never held much interest in diamonds.

"Is this all you have?" Pam asked annoyed even at the large display.

"We have some more stock in the back we haven't had the chance to put out yet," Annabelle smiled nervously before scurrying off after catching sight of Pams expression.

Sookies frowned. "Be nice."

"I am being nice, Sookie" Pam rolled her eyes. "You know me well enough that this is me being on my best behaviour when it comes to humans."

That Sookie couldn't deny, unfortunately.

Soon returning back with several more trays of jewellery, some of which were frankly unattractive to look at, it was hard not to notice how truly beautiful some of the little charms were. In the end Pam chose two pieces, a ring and a bracelet, both of which were clearly eye catchers.

The total, however, had Sookie looking away while Annabelle's eyes widened in shock as she mentally tallied up her commission.

With a "come again" directed at them as they left Pam was soon tugging her into the next store. Shoes this time.

"I thought you said you didn't want to upset Eric with any major purchases?" Sookie asked absently as she scanned the shelves, following behind Pam who pretty much dismissed them all with one look.

"I'll just tell him it made you happy," she waved off her comment while eying a pair of black boots.

Sookie stared at her, confused. "How did you buying jewellery make me happy?"

"The young girl, whatever her name was, you took pleasure at the fact she was making a sale, yes?"

"Well, yeah." Who wouldn't?

"Well, there we go then."

Staring at her in bewilderment Sookie decided to let it go, doubting the excuse would stick with Eric but figuring Pam would be able to spin it to her advantage anyway. Why Eric could care about her enjoying the fact a young girl was managing to make a living she didn't know.

She clutched her own purchase closer to her chest almost instinctively.

The next few shops saw to Pam making her fair share of purchases while Sookie couldn't find anything that took her fancy for a price that she didn't find too expensive. She needed some new clothes, but some of the prices were ridiculous.

Pam, however, had no such problem.

Surprisingly, it turned out to be a fun experience shopping with Pam. While Pam may say she loathed humans she wasn't aggressive towards them in any manner, sarcastic and impatient yes, but not outwardly scary.

"Next shop," Pam linked arms with her before leading her down a small but lightly lit alley. Sookie blushed as soon as she caught sight of the interior. This was definitely where the majority of Pam's club wear came from.

"Jesus Pam." Eyes wide Sookie couldn't help but stare at a manikin in particular, the only thing covering the model being a pair of nipple tassels and what looked to be a G-string thong and garter belt. "There is no way I am wearing anything like this."

"Shame," Pam purred. "We wouldn't get any complaints."

Sookie highly doubted that.

"What do you feel comfortable in?" Pam surprised her by asking. "We need to show your boobs off."

Flushing, "I'm not going to be seen practically naked, Pam."

"There is nothing wrong with exploring your feminine side, Sookie" Pam looked through the rails with a critical eye. "You've been turning up at Fantasia much more lately and you simply do not fit in."

"I'm not exactly there for fun, Pam."

"Exactly," Sookie watched as Pam waved away what looked to be the owner as she looked through the rails. "You are an employee, you need to make an effort like the rest of the staff."

"I don't think I dress badly," she frowned.

"You don't, but you also dress as if you are going to church when you are entering a vampire club," Pam shot Sookie a condescending look. "Can you honestly tell me that is appropriate."

Sookie had to give her that. She did wear those clothes to church after all.

Sighing, she cringed away from another manikin, this one's wearing a dress that looked to be completely sheer, she reluctantly followed Pam around the store.

"So, what do you feel comfortable in?"

Surprised at the fact she was actually being asked Sookie shrugged, brushing her fingers over a silk corset. "As long as it doesn't reveal more than I'm comfortable with and doesn't make me look like a complete tramp I'm sure it will be fine."

Pam smirked. "Lovely. Sit there," she pointed to a soft looking chair, "and I'll bring you back some appropriate outfits."

Already worrying about what type of clothes someone like Pam would deem appropriate Sookie stayed put, crossing one leg over the other. It couldn't have been more than a few minutes before Pam was back, arms filled with multiple outfits. Sookie was pleasantly surprised when she noted there was some colour hidden in the pile.

"There's a changing room in the back." Taking that as her cue Sookie grabbed her bag before following after the bossy blonde. "Right, there are some corsets where assistance will be needed," Pam made a show of licking her lips, "and I would be more than happy to assist."

Sookie flushed. "Thank you, I guess."

Pam nodded before picking out the first two items with a smirk. "Dress and boots, try them on."

Waiting up she left Sookie stared at the black dress with a critical eye. There didn't seem to be anything sleazy about it, and while it was certainly shorter and tighter than she was used to at least it wasn't latex.

She shuddered at the thought.

Hanging up her bag, Sookie quickly shrugged off her jacket before unzipping her dress. Standing in front of a mirror wearing nothing but a pair of baby blue bra and panties she self-consciously looked away, grabbing the dress before stepping into it.

It wasn't until she had pulled it on that she realised why Pam had been drawn to it, the fact it hugged her curves tightly while displaying a decent amount of cleavage making her cringe.

"Are you done yet?"

Sookie rolled her eyes at Pam's impatient tone. "It's only been a few minutes," she shouted back only to suddenly have a face full of Pam.

Looking at her approvingly Sookie flushed as Pam smiled with fang, "perfect, put on the boots."

Not wanting to argue, Sookie took a seat on the small shelf before pulling on the boots, all the while trying to keep her legs closed as not to flash Pam. While she doubted Pam would mind getting an eye full, she did.

"You look hot," Pam leered, fangs still glistening as she scanned her up and down.

Sookie shrugged her off, though found it impossible to rid herself of the blush decorating her cheeks. "Don't you think it's a little too frisky?"

Pam snorted. "If you think this is risky then prepare yourself for the other outfits. This is tame in comparison."

Unfortunately, Pam hadn't been lying. It was a surprise, however, that some of the choices Pam had picked out for her were actually nice, as well as including tight fitting jeans which she hadn't expected.

In the end she had picked out three outfits that she was comfortable in and were Pam approved, though when it came to paying Sookie couldn't help but find herself become frustrated when Pam refused to allow her to purchase her own things.

"Eric will cover it."

She scowled in response. "He shouldn't have to!"

"Why not?" Pam passed the woman her, no Eric's, credit card. "It's for Fangtasia. Are you going to wear these anywhere else?" she quirked a brow.

Sookie stared at the short ruffled skirt and yellow lined corset silently. No, it was fair to say she wouldn't be wearing it anywhere other than Fantasia.

Turning to look at Pam she rolled her eyes when she took note that the vampire was already paying. It was only the fact she didn't want to make a scene that would leave her more embarrassed than Pamela that she relented and didn't protect, however much she wanted to.

Despite enjoying herself immensely, it was fair to say that Sookie was not looking forward to her next arrival at Fangtasia.

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