AN: One of my best friends and internet daughter, Samanddean18, got me hooked on True Blood and I wanted to honor her <3 I hope you like it, honey! I love you!

Also, this starts in the end of episode 2 of season 4 and goes to episode 4.

♚

Bon Temps.

Nothing had ever really happened in Bon Temps before Bill Compton came back to the historic town in Louisiana, especially to Sookie Stackhouse and her cousin, Blake Hopper.

The craziest thing that had been in town were the two girls, who, for some reason, had been born with the telepathic ability to read people's minds and feel their moods.

Despite this power, Sookie and Blake were able to live a relatively normal life, finding a way to put a barrier between their minds and others to stay out of their thoughts.

However, the one mind Sookie Stackhouse wanted to read?

She couldn't.

Bill Compton captivated the blonde Louisiana native from the moment he walked into Merlotte's Grill and Bar one late, humid night.

Of course she immediately ran to Blake upon not being able to read his mind, the brunette waitress working her way through her doctorate having the same trouble. Sookie soon fell in love with the Civil War soldier, bringing the entire small town into the world full of vampires.

And with that happening, Blake caught one particular vampire's eye.

Eric Northman.

The blond, tall vampire was captivated by Blake Hopper, but the brunette kept to herself when she wasn't needed. Blake didn't necessarily want to be thrown into her new world, but wasn't against it, finding her place quickly within.

Which is what inherently got her in trouble now.

Blake was currently driving outside of town, the woman having just finished her long day at the hospital in Shreveport when she narrowed her eyes toward a shirtless man walking down the road. She sighed, shaking her head at what she could only chalk up to be something that would happen to her.

She slowly pulled beside the man in her restored Impala, furrowing her brows when she recognized the shirtless male, saying, "Eric?"

Eric Northman looked at her in a daze, simply turning before continuing to walk away from her. Blake deadpanned, foot barely on the gas to keep beside him.

"Eric? What the hell is wrong with you? You always listen to me when I call your name."

He finally turned back toward her and tilted his head to the side, a confused expression on his face, "Who are you?"

Blake rolled her eyes, tapping her thumbs on her steering wheel, "Very funny, Eric. It's Blake. You think you would remember the woman you have all the nicknames for."

"Who?" Eric whispered, Blake noting the softness in his voice she had only heard a few times.

The brunette softened as well, "Eric... you know me. You know, your 'mitt hjärta'?"

"No... no, I don't."

Blake watched in bewilderment as Eric turned back toward the sidewalk in front of him, taking a large intake of air in before pausing. The seminude man turned back to her, blue eyes a bit darker than normal.

She eyed him up and down as Eric walked over to the side of the car, hands pressed on the window sill as he sniffed in her direction once more.

"What the fuck are you doing, Eric?" Blake moved back slightly, uncomfortable with the look he had never given her with their time of knowing one another.

He tilted his head to the side and said, "Why do you smell so good?"

"You know why I smell so good to you, blondie."

Eric practically let out a growl as a brush of air sifted through Blake's hair, the wind tangling her curls.

"Like honeysuckle... sage and sunlight," He groaned, Blake noticing the way his fingers curled against the door.

The woman held her composure as his fangs suddenly protruded, her heart speeding up a bit at the sight.

Her fingers curled against the cranking device to close the window as she evenly spoke, "Eric, I am not in the mood. I just got off a twelve hour shift where one of my patients hit on me while his hairy stomach was out."

"What are you?"

Eric began to lean forward and Blake immediately pressed on the gas pedal, speeding off as she rolled her window up. Only after did she look in her rearview mirror, green eyes on Eric, who was standing in the middle of the road.

She turned back to the road after a moment and gasped when Eric suddenly appeared feet in front of her car, causing her to slam on her breaks enough to jerk herself back against the seatbelt. Blake growled and unbuckled her belt, ripping the door open as Eric walked closer.

"Okay, what the fuck is wrong with you?" She growled, causing him to stop in his tracks, "I'm tired of your silly games. I've dealt with them for enough years!"

Blake's lip curled into a snarl when Eric leered over her, her fist instinctively finding his nose as she yelled, "I'm not your fucking dinner!"

"What was that for?" Eric gave her a confused look, blood dripping onto his lips, "You broke my nose."

"Oh, god. It'll heal in less than five minutes. You're a vampire, as you so eloquently like to point out all of the goddamn time."

Eric hardened, "I know I'm a vampire, Blakely."

"It's Blake," She corrected immediately. Eric rolled his eyes, "I know what I am!"

He paused and Blake rose a brow, waving him on, "I just don't know who I am."

Blake bit her lip for a moment as her eyes closed, the woman looking up toward the sky and taking a deep breath to keep her composure.

Of course this would only happen to her.

She looked back at the blonde vampire, her green eyes meeting his blue as she said, "Okay. What's the last thing you remember, blondie?"

"I don't know," Eric sighed, voice wavering, "I don't know... the sea maybe. Home."

Eric began speaking a foreign language and Blake grabbed his upper arms, gaining his attention once more.

"Focus, Eric. I know I speak several languages, but you know Swedish isn't one of them."

"Her eyes," Eric whispered, his staring directly into Blake's making her suppress a shiver, "Her cold, empty eyes. They were reaching into me... emptying me."

Blake nodded as he continued, "It was her, but it wasn't her. She was in a... circle. Chanting. And, uh, everything I was, was taken from me."

"Oh, god, witches?" Blake sighed, "No good in this town, I swear."

She was quiet for a moment, taking in Eric's expressions before she licked her lips, shaking her head a bit.

"I'll help you deal with this. You can come home with me, but here are some rules you're going to have to follow and they better not get broken or your ass is grass. Got it?"

She looked at him firmly, as though she was scolding a child, "You do not touch me and you most definitely will not be biting me."

Eric only looked down on her hands on his arms, softly murmuring, "But you're touching me."

"Oh," Blake stepped back, forgetting she had been touching him all this time, "I'm sorry."

"No... I like it," Eric whispered, a small smirk gracing his lips. Blake rolled her eyes, covering a smile with a smirk, "There's the Eric I know."

Blake began walking and looked over her shoulder when she didn't hear returning footsteps, giving Eric a look as she said, "Well, come on then."

The man let out a noise of embarrassment before she met her side, the two walking back to the car silently.

Blake looked at him, saying, "I'm so confused. Why no shirt?"

"Do you like it?" He questioned, causing Blake to scoff and point to the passenger side of her car.

"Just get your tall ass in my car."

Eric did as asked and Blake slipped into the driver side, shifting the car back to drive. She looked to Eric, who was already looking back at her and she rose a brow.

"Seatbelts."

"Oh," Eric gaped softly, turning back to do as asked.

Blake chuckled and did the same, starting to drive while saying, "This is interesting."

"Interesting?" Eric asked, glancing the woman up and down, "How?"

"It's just funny, I guess."

Twenty minutes later, Blake was watching Eric soak is feet in a basin full of warm water, shaking her head at the site of the man whose jeans were now rolled up his legs. She licked her lips before pulling her phone out of her white coat pocket, dialing the number to Fangtasia that was on speed dial.

The phone clicked on the second ring and Blake instantly recognized Pam's voice on the other line as she said, "Good evening, Fangtasia, northern Louisiana's most fangtastic club. What do you want?"

"One? You should definitely change the motto," Blake wrinkled her nose, "A little cheesy if you ask me."

"Well, I didn't, shorty. What do you want?"

Blake scoffed, "Wow, rude, Pam. Here I thought we were friends. I only wanted to tell you that Eris is here."

"So? It's his house?" Pam asked. Blake rolled her eyes, "Yes, well, he doesn't seem to remember that. Or much of anything for that matter."

A loud crash as heard through the phone before it went dead, Blake sighing as she pocketed her device. She walked over to Eric, gaining his attention from her heels clicking against the floor softly.

His eyes almost brightened at the sight of her and he went to sit up, Blake waving him back down.

"No, no. You're okay. Did you get the asphalt off your feet?" She gave him a light smile, earning the same.

Eric shook his head, "Oh, sorry, no."

The brunette woman practically went into doctor mode and bent to her knees, grabbing the washcloth beside his leg on her couch. She rolled up her sleeves before submerging the cloth in the water, wrinkling her nose at the cold.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it got cold already."

He smiled, "Doesn't bother me."

Blake picked up the bottom of Eric's foot and ran the cloth under it, the man jerking back lightly making the water splash in the basin. She met his eyes as he laughed, his smile growing more when she did so.

"It... it tickles," He explained softly. Blake bit her lip to conceal her chuckle, clearing her throat as she said, "So, Eric Northman is ticklish?"

"Well, aren't you?"

Blake shook her head, continuing to run the cloth over Eric's foot, "No. I never have been, thankfully."

Eric hummed and Blake simply looked back to her task, watching from the corner of her eye while he leaned forward a bit.

"You are really beautiful," Eric suddenly whispered, causing Blake to stop what she was doing.

"Um, thanks?" Blake tried, glancing back up at him.

Before Eric had time to respond, the door to Blake's small home bursting open causing Eric to stand up with his vampire speed.

"Who the fuck's she?!"

Pam's eyes widened as Blake stood up, between the two as the blonde said, "Fuck!"

"Sorry," Eric softly looked to Blake, the woman raising her brows in astonishment, "Sorry, that was rude. I'm sorry."

Blake only gave him a light smile before returning to the blonde woman who adorned a red one shoulder cocktail dress.

"What do you know about what happened to you?" Pam questioned her maker, the man only looking back at Blake to answer.

Pam noticed this and panicked, "You have to hide him."

"What? I have a job, you know. A life."

"He's in danger!" Pam pleaded, eyes wide. Blake scoffed, "Exactly. Which is why you would be able to protect him much better than I could."

Pam stomped her foot on Blake's hardwood floor, "Blake, I'll be the first place they'll look."

"How is this my problem?" Blake practically whined, "He's your maker."

Pam narrowed her eyes at the woman and placed her hand on her hip, "Actually, you're living in his house, so it is your problem."

"It's my house?" Eric questioned Blake softly.

The woman let out a frustrated sigh, "It's a long story, but yes. You bought my cousin and I's homes when we went missing for a while. You said it was because you missed me and when I came back wanted me to be at home."

Blake looked back to Pam and said, "Couldn't we tell Bill? He would do anything Sookie said."

Pam was in front of Blake in an instant, the woman having to look up to see her as she said, "Tell Bill and I will rip you to pieces."

A hand shot out between them and Blake watched as Pam landed by her front door, glancing back to Eric who was right beside her defensively.

"Be nice to her," Eric commanded Pam darkly.

The vampire stood and walked back over to the pair, fixing her dress as she spoke, "Blake, I believe Bill set up Eric. And sent him into that coven in Shreveport knowing it was a trap. It wouldn't be the first time he tried to get rid of Eric."

"Yeah, because Eric drank my blood," Blake scoffed, "Sookie said I was in danger because of it and you know how hellbent that old guy is on protecting anything she deems protectable."

Eric smiled and his eyes widened, grabbing Blake's hand, "I did?"

"What was the rule?" Blake scolded softly, ignoring the warmth of his hand in her much smaller one. Eric gasped, pulling back, "Oh, sorry."

Blake sighed, "And yes, you did. Against my will. So, technically, you fang-raped me."

Eric's smile depleted and he frowned, "I'm sorry."

"Promise me you won't go to Bill," Pam almost pleaded, taking their attention from one another, "I'm sure he would use this as an excuse to get the AVL to sign off on assassinating Eric. I know he wants to. Eric has to stay here with you and no one can know.

The brunette woman was quiet for a moment as she took in Pam's words, inwardly knowing she was right. Blake eventually relented and nodded.

"Okay," She whispered, "But I'm gonna have to take off work... so you need to pay me for it. If I'm going to have to keep losing work over this shit, I might as well get something out of it."

Pam groaned and Blake smirked, saying, "I make one hundred and twenty-three dollars an hour. I expect the same in cash when this is all over."

"God damn it."

Twenty minutes later, Blake found herself in the underground bunker that Eric had discreetly designed as an armoire in her bedroom. She looked up at Eric, who was still in her room and waved him down the ladder.

"Come on, it's safe. You're the one that built this and then told me not to tell anyone when I came back."

Eric nodded and came down the ladder, chucking in amazement at the sight of a bed and desk in the bunker.

"Wow, it really is my house."

Blake hardened, "Not for long. This is still mine."

"So, you live in my house?" Eric questioned, making Blake sigh and run a hand through her hair while saying, "Like I said, unfortunate circumstances of me going missing with my cousin."

"Are you mine?"

Blake's eyes widened as she scoffed, "No!"

"Do you belong to another vampire?"

She shook her head, "No. I'm mine."

"Would you like to be mine?"

Blake let out a small laugh as a humous smile graced her lips, "Well, I am a fan of being my own. But thank you for asking blondie."

She went to walk away and Eric grabbed her hand, pushing her against the wall making her look at him with a now stern expression.

"Eric, let me go."

He licked him lips, taking her in before saying, "I just want to thank you for everything. That's, that's all."

"Seeing you in a dorky sleeveless sweater and the money your prodigy is giving me is enough," Blake gave him a sarcastic smile, "Now, rules."

Eric let go of her but stayed in front of her, taking in her scent once again, "What are you?"

"I am really getting sick of that question," Blake tiredly rolled her eyes, taking a step back fully against the wall when Eric's fangs protruded from his gums.

Eric gasped and immediately covered his mouth, "Sorry."

"As long as it was an accident," Blake whispered, moving to walk back toward the ladder. She stopped and gave him a light smile, "Goodnight, Eric. I'll come get you when it's time."

He gave her a small grin and nodded, "Sweet dreams, mitt hjärta."

Blake bit her lip as her face warmed, shaking her head before beginning to walk up the ladder, all while Eric watched her do so. She shut the armoire and locked it, letting out a sigh before leaning against the cool wood.

"God, I am in for it."

The next night, Blake walked into the small house with a paper bag full of Tru-Blood, throwing her keys and purse on the entry-way table before flipping on the living room light.

"Eric! I got you some Tru-Blood. B positive. Your favorite!"

When Eric didn't answer, Blake furrowed her brow, setting the drinks beside her purse before making her way to her room where she left the vampire.

"Eric, come on. This isn't funny. Just come out."

She paused when she entered the dark room, turning the light on making her curse at the sight of the armoire doors wide open.

"Oh, fuck me sideways."

Thirty minutes later, Blake was reading Pride and Prejudice, which was her favorite book, when a flash of light glared through her windows. She cautiously placed down her book before going to the corner of the room, grabbing a bat which was covered in silver dipped barbed wire.

Blake quietly opened her front door and glanced at her porch, holding the bat at her side when she saw Claudine, the faerie that had taken her and Sookie to the Faeire world. 

"Oh, what do you want now?

Claudine smiled, "I've come back for you."

"Like hell am I going back to that goblin Lord of the Rings wannabe," Blake scoffed, "No thanks. It wasn't that much fun the first time."

"Blake, I understand it must gave been frightening what you saw in Faerie, but please-"

Blake cut her off, "Frightening? You were stealing people and holding them captive in what looks like paradise, but is actually hell."

"We are your true family," Claudine put a hand over her heart, "You belong with us."

Blake rolled her eyes, turning to walk back to her front door, "No, thanks."

Claudine tried again, "Blake, we can keep you safe."

"Yeah, I highly doubt that considering what my life has been like from this point on."

"The night you and Sookie met Bill Compton, for one," Claudine admitted, "Do you remember when that horrible little man came to you two with his knife? Sookie wrapped that chain around his neck while you tied his ankles? I sent the energy that you sent to the chain, awakening the light inside you. I was there helping you."

Blake crossed her arms over her chest, hand still holding the barbed wire bat, "So, am I supposed to thank you, or something? Kiss your feet for my gratitude?"

When Claudine didn't answer, Blake scoffed, a dark chuckle leaving her lips, "Better yet, why haven't you saved Sookie or I from any vampires? Werewolves for that matter? There sure a hell of a lot of them around here."

"I can't risk it, being what I am," The fae explained. Blake rolled her eyes in annoyance, "All I am hearing is excuses, Claudine."

"Vampires would kill me and trust me, they will kill you," She put her hand out, "Now come with me while you still can."

Blake shook her head, "I'll take my chances with people who actually care about me, thank you. I thought the Queen closed all the portals anyways."

"Come with me, this is not a request."

"Stay the fuck away from Sookie and I," Blake sneered, a growl escaping her lips.

A flash crossed her vision and Claudine was suddenly gone, Blake turning to see Eric now feeing on the fae, who was twitching in his arms.

She ran over to him, eyes wide, "Eric! Eric, stop!"

The vampire didn't relent and Blake pushed on his shoulders, trying to pry him off the fae. The woman suddenly stopped moving and Blake watched as her body contorted into her true, ugly form.

Sparks began erupting from her corpse as Eric let go of her, blood dripping down his chin. Claudine's body disintegrated and Blake stood in shock for a moment, thoughts going a mile a minute.

She scoffed as Eric met her eyes, saying, "You just killed my Faerie-Godmother! I didn't like her, but fuck me, Eric!"

Eric only winced, giving her an apologetic, yet awkward smile, "Sorry."

"We're in deep shit out here if any of Claudine's friends show up," Blake ran her hands through her hair, gripping at her scalp, "Come on. In the house. Now."

The blonde vampire grudgingly nodded before he let out a long groan, falling to the ground face first. Blake winced, giving him a raised a brow, taking a step toward him.

"Did you hurt your face? If you're going to stay with me, you can't do that," Blake nudged him with her shoe, "Come on. Get up."

When Eric didn't answer, Blake bent down toward him, resting on her toes while saying, "Blondie?"

The man then groaned and lifted his head, pushing himself off the ground slightly. His eyes met Blake's and she looked at him for an explanation, a drunken smile crossing his lips as he did so.

"Hey," Eric chuckled bashfully.

Blake rose a brow and stood, giving the man her hands to help him stand. Eric clasped her smaller hands in his, shakily standing before he leaned on her, causing Blake to groan.

"Really, blondie?" She grunted, pushing Eric off her by his waist.

The man groaned at the feeling and wrapped his arms around Blake's hips, slightly lifting her while saying, "More. I need more."

"You can't have any more," Blake pushed him slightly, causing him to let her rest on her feet, "There isn't any more. You drank the whole faerie and now you're going in the closet."

"Drink you up," Eric slurred, moving Blake's curly hair to the side as he bent down and pressed his lips against her neck, "Need you."

Blake pushed Eric slightly, moving her head to ignore the feeling of his lips on her neck, "Eric, no. You'll kill me."

He immediately pulled back, still holding Blake close with a small, hurt frown, "I would never harm you, mitt hjärta."

Blake nodded, licking her lips before resting her hands between them as his fangs clicked away.

"Good. I like to think you like having me around for my sarcastic comments," Blake whispered, "Now, please, let me go. I thought we had a rule."

Eric nodded and let go of Blake's waist, taking a step back making her say, "Come on, I'll tuck you in."

Blake turned and began to walk away, letting out a gasp when she felt a sharp pain on her back side and Eric giggling to himself from beside her.

"Did you just pinch my ass?" Blake grit her teeth, eyes on his while he circled her.

He laughed, "Beautiful butt."

"Well, thanks, but no touching," She scoffed, shaking her head at his antics.

Blake stopped walking once more when Eric slapped her back side, causing her to let out a sharp gasp, face turning warm in slight ire. She watched as Eric laughed to himself, making her tilt her head to the side in question.

"You're drunk as a skunk," Her accent was heavily heard. Eric giggled again, "Why do you have an Australian accent if you live in Louisiana?"

Blake rolled her eyes, "We've talked about this, Eric. My mom was Sookie's aunt and meant my dad, who worked in Australia and I grew up there until they got into a car crash and died. I came to live with Gran before Sookie and Jason's parents died."

"It's cute," Eric continued his light-hearted snicker, Blake not being able to hold back the smile that came to her face.

It only fell when Eric said, "Catch me."

"Eric, get back here!" She yelled, eyes wide as he vanished. He appeared in front of her and Blake huffed, "God damn it, Eric. We don't have time for this. I'm trying to help you."

Blake watched as he zipped through the yard, gasping when she felt his hands on her stomach from behind.

His breath sent shivers up her spine as he said, "Never."

"Eric Northman!" Blake growled as he disappeared once more into the darkness.

When he didn't come back after a moment, Blake's heart sank. She gulped, looking around into the foliage.

"Fuck me."

The next morning, Blake held a large green quilt in her hand as she walked back into her front yard, ears perking at the sound of a male's voice. She looked up to see Alcide Herveaux at her door, causing her to let out a relived sigh.

The man looked toward her when he heard her footsteps, giving her a light smile, "Blake."

"Alcide, what're you doing here?"

"Well, Sookie said you weren't answering your phone, so I wanted to come check up on you," He explained, earning a nod. Blake gave him a grin, "And why're you concerned about me Alcide when you have Debbie?"

Alcide sighed, "Trying to look good for Sookie."

Blake shook her head, rolling her eyes a bit, "Alcide, look, I love you, you're a great friend. But get your head out of your ass. If you like Sook, stop leading Debbie on. She can't handle the unstableness."

"Yeah, you're right," He laughed to himself, "Enough about me, why're you coming from the woods?"

Blake shook her head, "I can't tell you."

"Come on, Blake," He put his hand on her shoulder, "I'm your friend. I'm not gonna run along to tell someone like anyone else would in this town."

Blake gave him a look and Alcide gave her a light smile, "You can trust me."

"You have to swear," Blake gulped, waving a finger accusingly at him, "Because I'll be dead if you tell someone. And you can't have my lasagna if I'm dead."

Alcide put his hands up defensively, "I swear it on the ground we walk on."

"Okay," Blake sighed, inwardly knowing he was telling the truth, "I'm looking for Eric Northman. He lost his memory and killed my Faerie-Godmother by drinking her blood. So, now he's running around."

The much taller man blinked and his brows furrowed, "I don't... I don't even know how to respond to that."

"Can you get his scent?" Blake asked hopefully.

He nodded and began unbuttoning his shirt, making Blake's eyes widen. Alcide undid his belt and jeans button, looking up to Blake who was still staring.

"Blake?"

She blinked, turning around so he could remove his clothing, "Sorry, I wasn't thinking. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

"I want a pan of lasagna and some of those brownie cookies you dip in your coffee before bed."

"You aren't supposed to tell people I drink coffee before bed... make me sound like a fucking weirdo."

Alcide shrugged, slipping his shoes off, "You are."

Blake scoffed and only turned when she heard a soft whimpering, seeing Alcide in his wolf form with bright golden eyes.

"You got a scent?" Blake questioned, clutching onto the quilt tighter.

Alcide growled and began to run off, Blake's stammering as she tried to go after him, "Wait for me! Damn!"

Ten minutes later, Blake was walking beside Alcide, his nose sniffing through the dirt of Bon Temps as she explained exactly why Eric could walk in the daylight.

"Eric can day walk with the faerie blood, but he's drunker than the prom queen on prom night. He's hammered and who knows how long before he turns into fried chicken."

Alcide stopped beside the waterside of a small pond, making Blake say, "Are you thirsty, or is he here?"

Blake's question was answered when Eric jumped from below the water, a loud splash being heard throughout the woods. Her eyes widened at the water rippling around his body, the vampire's face holding the brightest smile he ever had.

"Hey, Blake! Where have you been?" He waved around, gesturing for her, "Come. Come play with me. It's wonderful here."

Blake shook her head at his antics as he continued, bowing slightly toward her, "I am Aegir, God of the Sea, and you are Ran, my sea goddess."

"Look," Blake scoffed, holding back a slight laugh, "We can talk Norse mythology all you want when we get home. But right now? You need to come with me and get out of the sun. Plus, there are big gators in there, you crazy Viking. We don't need your dick being bitten off."

Eric began wading in the water and dunked his head under, spitting out the liquid after a moment to say, "Leave the sun to the water? Nope. I'll just kill all the sea monsters."

Blake ran a hand down her face as Eric continued, "Gators, krokodiler! Show yourselves! Cowards!"

"Are you really speaking Swedish right now?" Blake questioned, watching as Eric splashed around like a child.

Eric ran his hand through the water and splashed for a moment before a whimper was heard, Blake turning to see Alcide turn into his human form, causing her to look up at him due to his height.

"He really is different," Alcide's brows were scrunched together in confusion.

Blake only nodded before Eric turned back toward them, roaring with his fangs out, "Get away from her!"

"Fuck you! She wants me here," Alcide scoffed, watching as Eric's chest moved rapidly in anger.

Blake rolled her eyes, "God, the testosterone is disgusting. Look, Eric, this is Alcide. He's our friend, remember? He's going to help you and, trust me, you don't want to fight him."

"Yes, I do," The vampire hissed, meeting Alcide's eyes, "Now prepare to die, you stinking dog."

"Take your shot, you dumbshit fanger."

Blake hit Alcide with the quilt she was still holding, jaw clenched as her eyes were on Eric, who was hissing, "Grow up, you giant jackasses! We have better things to be doing with our time."

She turned to Alcide, "Cujo, stop making that noise."

Blake looked back to Eric when the brunette man did as she asked, "Eric, put those fangs away and do what I say!"

Everyone's eyes widened as a scorching noise came off Eric's skin, Blake gaping as he said, "I don't feel so good."

"Come on, Eric. Please," She began panicking, opening the guilt as she came to the edge of the water, "Please listen to me, you can't die."

When Eric didn't move, Blake sighed, stepping into the lake fully clothed to get to him.

"Blake, I hurt. My blood is burning."

The woman quickly made her way through the murky water, the liquid going past her chest as she waded. She wrapped the quilt around Eric's shoulders and grabbed his now red hands.

"I know, blondie. Let's go home. Vamp speed."

Eric sighed, looking down at her as she practically had to pull him through the water, "I don't want to go back to the darkness. I want to stay."

He stammered as Blake got them to the edge of the water, Alcide saying, "Just keep that blanket on and the sun at your back."

"Blake," Eric almost sobbed, "I'm..."

She softened, bringing her wet hand to his cheek before kissing his other, whispering, "Go on. Run. We'll be right behind you at home. I'll be with you."

Eric smiled a bit before he vanished, Blake turning to grab her shoes as Alcide turned back into a wolf and ran off after the man.

The brunette woman sighed, shaking her head.

"I am not getting paid enough for this. I'm making Pam fucking double it."

After ten minutes of walking back, Blake was back in the bunker Eric had built before he lost his memory, wrapping the blanket on him fully.

"Blake," She looked up at him, "I don't want to go to sleep."

"I know, but you have to rest. You got all burned today and you'll start bleeding soon if you're up much longer."

She helped him sit down on the bed and pulled at the blanket, "Can I check to see if you healed?"

Eric nodded and Blake shifted the quilt, leaning over him to check his back and shoulders for burns. She halted her movements when Eric placed his hands on her hips, intaking a deep breath beside her neck.

She closed her eyes at the feeling of cold air on her skin, blinking after a moment to pull herself together. Blake wrapped him once more and moved a stray hair out of his eyes.

"All healed. Now, let's get you rested, okay? Lay down."

Eric kept his hands on her, "No. No."

"Blondie, if you stay awake, you're gonna start bleeding all over this hardwood floor. It's hard getting that shit out."

"I know what the bleeds are," Eric's jaw clenched. Blake nodded, taking a step back from his hands, "Okay, then you can clean it up."

She turned and only paused when Eric reached for her hand, the man whispering, "Stay with me, mitt hjärta. Please."

"I can't, Eric," Blake softened, "I have to make sure you're protected while you're asleep."

She chuckled, "And I have to wash my hair now that I have gator water in it."

"Oh," Eric sounded defeated.

Blake sighed and licked her lips, guilt washing over her at the tone of his voice. She eventually gave him a light smile, walking back over and kissing the top of his head.

"Maybe tonight, okay?" Blake held his chin, voice low, "I might even sleep here with you. But now, rest."

Eric gave her a small nod, lips curled upwards before Blake stepped back, resting her hands on the ladder.

"Sweet dreams, Eric."

She then walked back up the ladder and locked the armoire after she finished. Alcide turned to her, the man having waiting outside of it.

"This is nuts," He hissed, causing Blake shush him with a small smack to the chest.

She pointed to her ear and waved him along, the pair not saying anything until they got to her porch. Blake's arms were crossed over her chest as the front door shut, Alcide immediately speaking.

"He can't stay here. What are you thinkin'?"

Blake shrugged, "Alcide, you saw it with your own two eyes. He's not the same. It probably won't even be for long anyways. Just until Pam can figure out what to do."

"He's still a killer," The man scoffed, only concerned for his friend's safety, "Eric Northman at your house, you must have a death wish. Isn't this the man who tortured your friend for how many days?"

"Look, I know what he did to Lafayette," Blake sighed in frustration, running a hand through her now puffed up hair from the humidity, "I know that some of his actions are unspeakable, but look at him. He's changed. This could be the Eric that he was before."

Alcide shook his head, "Are you really going to believe that? That man is uncapable of change."

"Oh, so is it fair to say that Debbie Pelt couldn't change then, too?" Blake questioned, jaw clenched in anger. He rose a brow, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that she's an addict and an attempted murderer," Blake scoffed, waving a hand around as she spoke, "She lives in your house. Look, I'm not the one saying people are incapable of change here. If Debbie can change after everything, why can't Eric?"

Alcide was quiet for a moment before he sighed, understanding her point making him chuckle lightly. He softened and put a hand out toward his friend.

"Come here."

Blake's grin was small as she punched his chest lightly, taking his hand before wrapping her arms around the man. Alcide patted her back, running his fingers through her hair.

"I'm on your side, Blake. Whatever happens."

She pulled back and looked up to him, saying, "Then I need you to go back and tell Sookie I'm okay. I'm sick. With an awful flu I picked up at the hospital. So contagious I didn't even open the door all the way. I don't want her coming here."

"Can't she get Bill to help, or something?" He questioned, letting her go gently.

Blake shook her head rapidly, "No. He's especially not allowed to know, Al. He will have Eric killed. Please, promise me you won't tell anyone."

Alcide licked his lips before he looked back to her, nodding a bit, "Okay. Between you and me."

"Thank you, Alcide. I hope you know I would do the same for you," She gave him a whole-hearted look, "I do appreciate this."

"Don't say I never did anything for you, kid."

Blake laughed as she watched him turn and walk away, only stopping to turn and say, "Why didn't you tell me you loved him?"

"Who?" Blake gave him a confused expression, inwardly knowing exactly what he was talking about.

Alcide gave her a knowing look, "You know exactly what I'm telling you, Blake Hopper."

"Whatever," Blake scoffed, rolling her eyes playfully, "Go on so I can take a shower. I smell like swamp and algae."

Alcide began walking away and called over his shoulder, "I was gonna say."

"Fuck you, you wet-dog smelling wanker!"

After a much needed shower and sleep for several hours, Blake was reading her favorite book when the sun went down, unusually excited for Eric to join her. When he didn't, she couldn't help but be suspicious, facing the direction of the door Eric would come through.

Within ten minutes, Blake was making her way back to her room, eyes on the armoire. She swiftly unlocked it and climbed down the ladder, hands on her hips at the sight of Eric laying in bed.

"Aren't you coming up? You've been unusually quiet. It's not like you."

Eric didn't even turn to her as he said, "Yes, it is."

"No, it's not. Not the real Eric-"

He cut her off, finally meeting her eyes, "I am real."

"Right," Blake corrected herself, "I'm sorry. You are real. I just meant... you're not acting the same way that I know you to do. The Eric with his memories."

Eric only stayed quiet and Blake sighed, walking over to the other side of his bed and laying with him. She rested her hands on her stomach, eyes facing the ceiling.

"Not much ever gets you down. Yeah, you're a real shit and troublemaker, but you're sweet to me. Even if I do want to smack that smirk off your face half the time. You seem happy."

Eric sighed, taking in her words but only managed to whisper, "I'll never swim in the sun again."

Blake turned to meet his eyes and listened silently as he continued, "Never feel the heat on my skin. Never see the daylight in your hair."

"Well," Blake whispered, turning on her side to face him, warmth flushing her face, "Night isn't so bad. You have the stars and sky, the moon."

"Don't," Eric murmured, closing his eyes in grievance, "I'm not a child."

Blake grabbed his hand softly, pulling herself closer to him as she kept her lower tone, "I know that, Eric. I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better, but... if all you are is blind by the bad, how are you going to see the magic of the good?"

"Do you think I'm weak?" He met her eyes, Blake taking his emotion in.

She shook her head after a moment, consciously aware of his thumb running over her knuckles, "No. Why would you say that?"

"You want the Eric who doesn't feel."

Blake softened, "No, Eric. It's not that."

"If you kiss me, I promise to be happy," Eric suddenly smirked, his brow teasingly raising.

The woman before him scoffed out a laugh, rolling her eyes, "Of course that's something you would say."

Eric pulled her closer with his other hand, causing Blake to look up at him from the way they were laying. The woman's heart quickened, Blake unknowingly wetting her lips as his eyes were on hers.

"You've kissed me before," Blake admitted, causing Eric to nudge their noses together and say, "Remind me then."

Blake's eyes fluttered as Eric's hand slid up her side, cupping her jaw before pressing their lips together softly. Eric's fingers tangled themselves in Blake's still wet hair, the woman pushing herself against the cold man.

Their mouths moved slightly and Blake let out a sigh, firmly wrapping her arms around his neck. Though it wasn't the first time they had kissed, since Eric stole one the night they had to spend together in a hotel before his maker, Godric, died, it felt electrifying.

It was as if every nerve was sparking in Blake's body, every inch of her skin on fire.

She never would have imagined she would be in this moment, having vowed after the things he had done that there never was a chance. However, the past two days with Eric made her mind change, hoping that if they were able to get Eric's memories back, maybe their time together could be the thing that changed his mind.

He never directly did anything to her, even admitting that he made her drink his blood to keep her safe so he knew if she was in danger; something Blake was still furious over, but soon got over when he was able to save her in the minor mishaps that have happened in Bon Temps.

Eric brought Blake back to reality, the woman not even noticing that she had funny straddled Eric's lap when he whispered, "Someone's at your door."

"What?" Blake was almost in a haze, semi-understanding why Eric seemed drunk earlier in the day if this was how he was feeling.

Eric chuckled and kissed her swollen lips once more, saying, "Door."

Blake's eyes then enlarged, the woman scrambling to climb off him.

She stopped then she was at the ladder, saying, "Don't come up. It could be Bill."

She hurriedly went up the ladder and ran to her bathroom, grabbing her toothbrush and toothpaste to cover her swollen lips. She began brushing her teeth as she rushed to the door, another knock echoing throughout the home.

Blake opened the door, toothpaste at the edge of her lips when she met Bill Compton's eyes. She hummed, smiling around her toothbrush.

"Hey, Bill," She spoke through the substance in her mouth, moving outside the door to shut it so he couldn't walk in.

Blake leaned over her rail and spit some of the toothpaste into a bush, looking at Bill and saying, "Sorry, you caught me at an unladylike moment I suppose. I threw up and was brushing the bile taste from my mouth."

"Oh, you're okay, Blake," The vampire sheriff smiled, "Sookie said you were feeling under the weather?"

Blake instantly shook her head, "I caught the fucking flu from work. A patient had it and coughed all over me a few days ago. I thought I was clear but woke up yesterday morning puking. I called in sick since I couldn't even keep down water."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Bill actually looked concern, "I can run and get you some soup?"

"Oh, no," Blake waved him off, holding her toothbrush in her hand as she pulled her long cardigan closer, "I wouldn't want to impose. You being the sheriff, you must have so many responsibilities."

Bill chuckled, his southern accent thick, "You're a friend. It's the least I could do."

"I promise, I'm okay," Blake had to hold back her frustration, only wanting the man to leave, "I don't think I could keep it down anyways."

The man nodded and said, "Well, if you change your mind, you have my number."

"Thanks, Bill."

Blake then went to walk toward her door and Bill stepped in front of her, saying, "Actually, I have to admit, I came here for another reason as well."

"Oh?" Blake cursed herself inwardly, giving him a false concerned look, "Is something wrong, Bill?'

"Eric."

Blake furrowed her brows, "What about him? Something happen with the rental agreement thing you had an idea for?"

"No, no. Not that. He's missing."

"Missing?" Blake shook her head, Bill never once believing that she was acting, "Eric Northman missing? He's probably just in his creepy basement fucking some random woman who's chained up. Weird kinks, but whatever."

Bill chuckled, "Unfortunately, we searched his farm in Oland and his apartment in Paris, the Plantation and Barbados. I mean, we looked everywhere, even Sookie's house since he owns it, as well. This is the one place that he owns that my guards haven't searched, so... with your permission?"

"I don't know, Bill," Blake winced, rubbing her nose so it went to a sickly red, "I'm not really comfortable with weird men in my house."

"I could search it if you like," He tired, "Friend and all."

Blake sighed, rubbing her head before coughing roughly, causing her to choke a bit, "You're sweet, Bill, but I'm really not feeling good. I've barely had any energy and I kind of just want to sleep, if that's okay? If I see him, I'll call you?"

Bill was silent for a moment before meeting her eyes, Blake noting his jaw clenching slightly as he said, "You would?"

"When have I ever lied, Bill?" Blake hoarsely chuckled, ending it with a cough to clear her throat, "I thought we were friends."

Bill chuckled and stepped backwards, saying, "That we are. I suppose I will see you soon then?"

"As soon as this shitty bug is gone. Tell Sookie to stay away, I don't want her to get this. She's always had bad lungs and it'll be hard for her to get this shit up," Blake explained, "Same with Jason."

Bill nodded and said, "I will. You feel better, Miss Hopper."

"Doctor's orders," Blake pressed her back against the door, twisting the nob only after Bill sped off.

She let out a small sigh and walked back into her house, locking the door quickly. Blake checked every window, locking it before closing the blinds and curtains.

The woman put her toothbrush back and opened the armoire, smiling lightly as she looked down the ladder.

"Eric?"

Within a moment, the blonde man was grinning up at her, saying, "You are a tremendous actor."

Blake laughed lightly and winked before crawling back down to him. Eric wrapped his arms around her and Blake did the same, the two pressed against one another.

"So, want to recreate the time I kissed you the first time?'

Blake hummed, quirking a brow, "I don't know, I slapped you after."

"And you said I have weird kinks."

Blake could only laugh.

♚

AN: Apparently this is going to have to be two parts since it's already 8,000 words.