They say New York City was restless, that it was always moving; They say the city never sleeps. But there were small coves among the well known buildings that demanded routine rest. In one of those coves, it was almost unnaturally quiet. No whispers of people or creatures polluted the air. The usual skittering of rodents and whooshes of cars were missing in the dimlit streets. You could just barely imagine seeing the bright lit stars but pollution still reigned the sky, no matter how calm the land below it was.

On the corner of a dead end, snuggled tightly in-between an electronics pawnshop and a crosswalk sat a florescent diner. One could decipher the previous name if they squinted at the peeling paint on it's sign, but the block lettering that sat currently read, The Right Bite. A bit on the nose to those who knew what the darkness held but clever nonetheless. Inside music played softly, someone DJed a mix of alternative music, classic rock, and dark romantic classical. A few patrons were scattered along the single service counter while groups of two or more littered the booths.

"There's your two egg splatters with Hash, Honey." The tall pale skinned blond behind the serving window called out to me. I gave him a sickeningly sweet smile as I one handedly picked the tray up, "Thank you, Bone. Don't forget that pickle jam on table 8's burger." I watched his eyes close slowly before popping back open shyly, "Nearly did, thanks." I twirled softly to grab a coffee pot with my free hand.

As I passed by the nightly coffee drinkers at the counter, I refilled them with a silent smile. Approaching the newcomer, I put on a shy look before sliding the plate in front of him, "Egg with hash and sausage. Anything you need with that, Sir?" He silently shook his head as I studied him. He hid his face mostly but I recognized the slight glimmering of Blush of Life.

"You're not gonna taste it the way you used to," I softly whispered, hoping no one could hear. His eyes widened as he looked up at me, "I've no clue what you speak of." I gave him a small knowing smile before tapping my teeth where fangs would be had I been one of them. I shrugged as I watched his figure sag with defeat, "Not a big deal, this is a pretty well known spot. I can get this remade with 'tomatoes' no problem. That okay?" He nodded, staring at me confused, "That would be...I would appreciate that." I picked the plate back up and disappeared into the kitchen throwing the plate into the microwave for myself later. "Bone, Can you remake that Egg Splatter order heavy on the splatter?" I made eye contact with the vampire so that he would understand. He nodded before his jaw ticked, "Yup, Gotcha. That's your last table's order by the way." I gave him a smile and a wink as I picked up that table 8 order.

I took it to the table, slightly distracted by the thought of going home. "Excuse me, are you listening to me? That's not my order." The brunette woman hissed at me. She was pretty in a men's trophy kind of way. Very Pick Me, Mister vibes from the way she used her body to block the ugly ass man who was with her. "I apologize, what was your order?" She sneered at me before spitting out an insult, "I watched your dumbass write it down, Don't you know how to read?" I gave her a polite smile as I flipped in my notebook finding her order.

"Fang and Famish Salad, light vinaigrette with no pecans, eggs, grapes, or tomatoes. Grilled Chicken and a side of thousand island."

She crossed her arms, "Exactly, so what is this?" I look down at the salad that mostly was just lettuce, cheese, and chicken. "That's the correct order, ma'am. You removed the pecans, eggs, grapes and tomatoes." The man finally looked at the salad, "Kelsie, eat what you ordered. Thank you, ma'am, it's alright." I nodded as I walked away from the table.

As I returned into the kitchen, I noticed Ashley was already starting up her shift. "What was taking you so long?" She was adding straws to her apron pocket of the uniform. "Some lady didn't realize she took everything healthy off her salad." Ashley chuckled as she activated her Blush of Life. She was not only my co-worker but my best friend ever.

When she disappeared two years ago, I followed her tracks to New York where ultimately I learned about how terrifying the reality of our world really was. She had been turned and couldn't bare to lie to her family. I was the last of her old life and she held on to me dearly.

"Wow, Delusional, huh?" I nodded exhaustedly as Bone whistled at me. "There's that Splatter." I smiled as I gave him a two finger salute before taking the plate out of the kitchen. I made my way down to the newcomer and slid the plate to him, "There you go." He nodded and I made my way to the register to collect and pass out bills.

Thankfully the last of my shift ended peacefully, my last customer being the newcomer who tipped extremely well. I make my way into the kitchen to find Ashley and Bone wrapped up in each, "Ew I should have known better. Anyways, I'm heading home. Enjoy the Night shift, night walkers." I chuckled as I  grabbed my bag and head out the back door. I unlocked my car door keeping my surroundings in the forefront. Thankfully, the old mustang door swung open easily and I got into the vehicle without any distractions.

When I got back to my apartment complex, I was once again exhausted and sore. The trek up the stairs kept my knees in pain and burned my thigh muscles but at least I could feel them. I unlocked my door and entered dead on my feet. "Ugh, that's one pro to turning...no more bodily pain." I kicked off my shoes and tossed my apron on to an arm chair as I walked in to my kitchen.

This apartment was very luxurious for New York, a gift from the Vampire Baron of this district, Philo. A reward for keeping my mouth shut and being a good "Ally" to the Kin, he had said. Either way, I was grateful to have such space and only worry about other bills.

I reheated the food from the diner and grabbed a juice box from the fridge. As I go to sit down in front of my TV a knock echoed at my door. I look at the offending entrance before shuffling over. As I look in the peep hole, I see the very Baron I was thinking about. I swing open the door, "Good Evening, Baron." I curtsy low before looking up at the tall vampire. He is dashing in that noble historical way; His blonde white hair looks softened from years dusting it with powder, his pale skin holds a slight healthy sheen to it, and his physique bound with muscle. His face was soft yet sculpted, the kind of face you can only see in history books and classic period paintings nowadays. Stern and serious with a hint of ever present worry, He looked every bit the regent knight he once was.

"Hello, Blessing. I came to speak with you." I smiled softly, even outside my door he remains formal until privacy. "I invite you in, Baron Philo."  He nodded stiffly before entering my home with ease and grace. I gently shut the door behind him, locking it slowly giving him a moment. It takes a lot of energy for one of their kind to enter a home not of their own even with invitation.

"My Blessing, How was your workday?" He muttered with distain for the entire concept of me working in the diner. "Mmm, tiring. Not too many bad customers today though. How about your day?" I turned back to face him and he was sitting in the recliner he'd bought for my home warming. His legs were spread with his hands over his eyes and I took the opportunity to study his outfit. Outside of the long black cloak, he wore a rich blue suit with a black tie. "Some hands on work today, plus collections start next week. It was... exhausting and dreadfully dull. What have you eaten today?" I smiled shyly, "A bagel in the morning with cream cheese and veggies, I skipped lunch, and I was just about to eat dinner." He moved his heavily ringed hand from his eyes to peek at me. I'd never get used to his piercing white blue eyes. I went to grab the meal I'd ordered for him as well and handed it to him. "You are missing more and more meals. How am I to carry on if you starve to death?" I scoffed at his dramatics as I made my way around him and to my own food. I sat between his legs on the floor leaning against the recliner.

"Wait another thousand years to harass a blood bag into being your friend." He gasped playfully and gently poked the back of my head, "Take that back, harlot." "The only worker of the night is you," I shot back as I began to eat my dinner. "I'm not so much a whore as you seem to think I am, My Blessing." I snort gently, laughing at the idea. "No?" "No." "Amalia, Zoey, Nick, Turk, that one girl with the rainbow mullet. Need I continue last week's escapades?" He pet my hair gently careful not to disrupt my curls.

"You know it was feeding season, I don't understand why you seem to ignore that fact. I don't sleep with them as you seem to think. I ease the process by pleasuring them." I rolled my eyes, ignoring the rolling jealousy that heats my stomach. "How noble of you, such a task must be vexing," I hide my face in my food hoping he wouldn't notice the quiver in my voice. He does, I know he always knows, my body gives it away to his heightened senses. "They are volunteering but I don't wish to hurt them, dear. I will not feed from you so I can not stop the way I operate without clarity." He leaned down pressing his cold lips to the very crown of my head.

"Phi, I hold no power over you, I don't own you, you are free to do as you please." The words were so commonplace for us, my constant denial, his frequent guilt always blocking something. "As you have told me previously." He sighed and leaned back into the seat lounging, nibbling on the specialty food. "Are you spending the night with me? I don't have work tomorrow." He smiled sadly at the offer, "I'd love to. But you need to rest, my dear." I frowned and turned to face him on my knees. He quickly set his food aside, barely interested in the first place. I laid my head on his knee gently, looking up at him. His fingers grazed my cheek softly trailing my jaw to my chin. He held my chin with a delicate touch, "You are thinking very hard, my dear." I pouted playfully before looking at him seriously again. "Rest with me. Lay with me tonight. You can watch movies on my TV on low volume while I sleep. Please stay, Philodos." I rarely asked things of him, but something about tonight felt off. I needed him here, "I'll even go to that opera thing with you this weekend." He chuckled before nodding, "Very Well. It could not  hurt to spend more time with you."

I sighed pleased as I relaxed against his powerful thighs. "Blessing?" I hummed softly answering him, "Why not...why haven't we tried at the very least?" I close my eyes slowly, a sad smile crossed my features. "Phi, you are several thousands years old to start. Your immortal condition makes this difficult, your lack of respect for boundaries, and you belong to the streets. Plus look at me, when I stand next to you the primordials laugh." I felt a tight grip on the back of my neck as Phi lifted me into his lap.

"H-hey. Stop I'm heavy." He took my lower face in his hand turning me to face him. My face was hot with embarrassment looking anywhere but at the man in front of me. "Look at me, Blessing. I will slay down the gods above before the sound exits their throats. I will relish in the blood of those who dare to do anything but worship the being that is you. I will burn all of New York without remorse for you. Do you understand that? Have you truly thought about what it means for you to be my friend and confidant?"

I shook my head shyly, enraptured by his speaking. He smiled almost cruelly but in his eyes a spark of admiration shined, "It means there is nothing else in this world that can reach you without me in the way. It means you are mine and mine alone to protect. I've rarely known morals both in life and death, I've no use for it. Know that I will kill for you."

He stared me down as I nodded, "Philo...I—." He released me gently laying his cold forehead against mine, his fingertips sliding down my throat to my collar bone. "I would spend eternity whispering your name into my pillows, longing for a warmth I will never have again." He pulled away after whispering softly, revealing a single trail of a blood tear. I quickly grabbed a tissue, wiping it away.

"I know, I'm just...scared. To be seen at your side, even as just a confidant, is putting a target on us. I don't belong in your world, Phi. But I want to stay by you." He sighed and pulled me closer, it didn't take much effort on his part despite my weight. "Just one kiss, my Blessing, one. That's all I ask." He nuzzled his nose into my neck as he often did but this felt like more. "Just one."

A rumble in his chest shook me to my core as he sat up straight and stared at me. I bit my lip gently before meeting his gaze. His ruby lips twitched upwards before he leaned forward and settled on mine. His hands gripped my hips gently and his tongue grazed my bottom lip asking permission to deepen the kiss. It doesn't take much coaxing for me to open for him. He quickly took control of the kiss, placing my brain on a foggy lock as I returned his kiss with eagerness. His hands roamed and groped all over my body while he pulled me down on his lap. I felt his length hard and grinding against me and small pain on my lip that made me moan into his mouth.

All of a sudden he snatched away from me, his once frosty glare is replaced with a soft ring of violet in the iris. His lips purse around accidental fangs exposed. All four were on display and I couldn't help but stare at them. Pearly and iridescent, I'd never seen them up close.

He seemed to turn away embarrassed, "I...damn it...I'm not a damn fledgling. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No quite the opposite. Your teeth, they're prettier than I expected..are you... okay?"

"The best I've felt since I was turned if I'm honest. Excited...Nervous...Hopeful."

After sitting in silence for a moment, He stood lifting me with no issue and carrying me to my bed. "You're tired." He set me in it gently like a glass doll and crawled in without another word. I felt the coolness of his skin against my back as I drifted off to sleep. It may have been a dream when I heard him whispering into my hair. "I'm afraid one day you'll hate me, like the monster I am." Then he sat in stillness, holding me through the night.