Author's note:
-Hello again! Yes, I created another story. I will do my best to keep most of my A/N's short and sweet, but first I must make a few announcements:
-This story contains an OC, probably more OC's later. If you're an OC hater, walk away now. Good bye! The rest of us will be fine without you. :]
-I'm not here to better my writing skills, I am here to have fun. I am not interested in a lesson on story telling, writing or grammar. If I was, I'd write an original story...not a fanfic. If you can't handle reading stories with typos, best to walk away. I slip up every now and again. Sorry!

-Settings are based off SVM & TB. Events are NOT assumed. I will not be following the timelines of SVM/TB whatsoever, but rather putting in events from both as I see fit for my own story.
-I will write about SVM/TB characters AS I PERCIEVE THEM. You may not see Eric/Bill/Sookie the way I do, so if you are unsatisfied you are more than welcome to not read. The only writer who will EVER do these characters justice is their creator, and I don't think I need to tell you who that is.
Now, on with the show!


Sookie sighed. Her soft exhale of contentment was the only sound to be heard in the entire house. Aside from her brief release of breath, the room was silent. No work, no Gran, no Jason, no Tara, no Sam. For the first time in a long time, Sookie Stackhouse was alone. It wasn't often that she could be left in solitude with her own thoughts. Being a telepath meant that everyone's minds were blaring like a room full of radios, each with their own station. At times Sookie would hear other's secrets, their desires, or complaints. Sometimes people's minds were innocent, sorting out their tasks for the day or thinking of what to make for dinner. Sometimes they were dirty, sending out swear words or sexual innuendos. On a few occasions, Sookie wouldn't hear thoughts at all. She would see images, almost like a clip from a movie; the scene would showcase a past memory or fantasy. All of these words, images, and feelings would come at her with full force. Hearing blasts of thoughts could be extremely tiresome. It took a lot of concentration to tune them all out - a task that took her years to master.

After dinner, Gran drove to old Mrs. Turner's for a game of bridge. Gran would gather there with a few other women from Bon Temps on Friday nights to play cards and catch up on the latest town gossip - not that there was much. Sookie half-smiled making her way into the kitchen, picturing Gran and Mary-Ann Wilkes talking about the latest news on the Bellefleur mansion while Mrs. Turner served a batch of her famous oatmeal cookies. It was no secret the Bellefleur's practically owned all of Bon Temps at one point. Their family was one of the first to settle in the area. But now, everyone couldn't help but notice how run-down the Bellefleur family home was getting. Gran had been talking about it for weeks. However, Sookie knew tonight may bring up a new topic - another something or rather someone that everyone couldn't help but notice: Bill Compton, Bon Temps' first vampire.

Ever since vampire Bill showed up at Merlotte's, the town was curious about him. And, just like the Bellefleur's family worth, it was also no secret that Bill had taken an interest in Sookie. The night he pulled her aside in the bar said it all. When he grabbed her hand and whispered into her ear, she was sure the entire bar had been watching with their mouths open. And in a place like Bon Temps, there were no secrets. Sookie knew with women like Arlene Fowler and Maxine Fortenberry, word traveled fast. So fast, in fact, it took the town less than a day to know about Bill Compton. Sookie was sure all the women at Mrs. Turner's would be asking Gran about him. She suspected Gran home much later than usual because of it.

Maybe she'll call Jason to come pick her up. Sookie wondered. Gran was used to staying up late, she often waited for Sookie to get off from work. However, Gran wasn't used to driving in the dark. Whenever she felt uncomfortable, Jason usually became chauffer. He didn't seem to mind though; he always drove her where she needed with a smile. His reliability impressed Sookie a great deal, seeing as though her brother Jason was a bit of a player and his Friday nights typically began with a seat at the bar and a girl on his arm. She and Jason did everything they could for Gran because Gran was all they had. She had raised them since their parents died, and the two of them never forgot it. Jason did what he could helping with rides or yard work, and Sookie did her part around the house. And even though tonight was her only night off, Sookie planned on making the house spotless before Gran arrived home.

She turned on the kitchen faucet and let the water run. Soon the water grew warm and the sink filled with liquid and suds. As she washed, Sookie looked outside. Through the window she could see the sun was beginning to set. It was a perfect summer night, and there weren't many summer nights left. The lawn was freshly mowed and there was a breeze in the air that was great for a walk. Even with dark approaching, she could see Gran's beloved roses swaying brightly with the breeze. Humming to herself, Sookie washed and dried each dish to perfection.

She wondered what was happening at Merlotte's. Although she was thankful for a night off, she worried how Arlene was doing without her. Arlene was a single mom with two kids and worked at Merlotte's to support them. The dream of child support had died long ago for her, along with all 3 of her marriages. She had a track record for dating no good men, none who'd ever support her financially. In other words, she was easily stressed. Sookie didn't like the thought of leaving Arlene overwhelmed with customers. But then, with a snort, she brushed it off. She reminded herself of Arlene's thoughts on Bill Compton and how disapproving and hateful some people can be. Arlene had never even spoken to Bill and yet she couldn't stand the sight of him. The woman had a mouth the size of a planet and she put it into orbit by badmouthing the man every chance she got. Bill was a vampire, but Sookie didn't think that made him a bad person. After all, he'd saved her from the Rattray's. Suddenly, a knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

Oh lord, Tara, just let me have one night alone please! She thought. If it were Jason or Gran they would have simply entered the house. Tara used to enter freely but ever since she met Bill, she hesitated before coming in. Sookie sighed. She loved Tara. They had been friends since grade school, but she wasn't going to answer the door. She needed the night alone - drama free. Drama was all she'd had with Tara lately, ever since Bill walked into the bar. The moment he had, Tara started watching Sookie like a hawk. Sometimes she wondered if Tara really disliked vampires and was watching out for her, or if Tara just wanted to rain on her happiness. Tara's life had always been rocky, and whenever she hit a hard patch Sookie knew it was in her friend's nature to take it out on everyone else. The knocking sound came again. Go away! Her mind screamed. With an eye roll, Sookie tossed the dishtowel on the counter waited for the knocking to cease.

"Sookie?" A voice called from behind her.

"Oh my God, Bill!" She shrieked, surprised.

"I'm sorry to have frightened or irritated you," he apologized. As vampire, he had a tendency for startling others.

"No, it's alright," she apologized back. When her eyes met his, she couldn't help but stare at his masculine features. Bill Compton looked incredibly charming. "It's just…well, what are you doing here?"

She hadn't seen Bill Compton since their escapade at Fangtasia, two nights ago. Their evening began on a mission, but ended eerily. Sookie had wanted to leave Fangtasia with clues about Maudette and Dawn's death, but instead left running from cops with Bill and a pissed off Eric Northman. She wanted to use her telepathy discretely but ended up drawing attention to herself. To top it off, the whole night with Bill ended on a sour note. A note so sour it still left a bad taste in her mouth. She remembered how he glamoured that policeman before speeding off with her in his BMW, taking the officer's gun with him. That night she had seen a darker side to the vampire world, and she wasn't sure if she liked it. So why was he here? Did he have something that would clear Jason's name from the murders? Was he here to apologize for his behavior? The vampire began to speak.

"Well…"

Bill stood before her in dark slacks and a simple grey button-up shirt. He let out a reluctant sigh, as if he were unsure of his next choice of words. What is his deal? Sookie wondered. Her new vampire neighbor always had such a mysterious charm about him, but now he just looked sheepish. She wondered if perhaps he was just nervous around her. But what could a vampire possibly be nervous about? She thought. Maybe he's going to ask me on a date. Sookie wondered if Bill wanted to take her out again and make up for the chaos that was their last outing. Hope swelled inside of her, a feeling she couldn't control. Dark side or not, she liked vampire Bill. She couldn't deny it; she was happy to see him.

"Do you have something to help Jason, or what?" She prodded.

"No, I'm afraid I'm here for another matter," he answered politely, clearing his throat. "Something rather…urgent."

"Well, spit it out Mr. Compton," Sookie responded impatiently. "You're looking nervous."

"Perhaps we should sit down first."

Oh lord, where are my manners! Sookie chided herself. She didn't properly greet Mr. Compton when he entered, nor did she offer him anything to drink. Gran wouldn't want her to behave this way. But then again, she considered, he didn't exactly enter properly himself, and it would be foolish to offer him some sweet tea…

"Of course, follow me into the living room."

Sookie guided her vampire friend out of the kitchen. The two of them sat comfortably on Gran's furniture; it was old and worn, but gave the room a cozy feeling. Pressing his hands together, Bill leaned forward and prepared to speak.

"It's about Fangtasia," he began. Bill decided to choose his words cautiously as to not disturb his new human friend. "Do you remember how Eric Northman 'summoned' us?"

Before Sookie could answer, another knock came. With a dissatisfied grumble, Sookie rose to answer the door. Bill trailed silently behind her, knowing exactly who would be on the front porch waiting. When Sookie answered the door, she was greeted by blonde locks and a wide grin.

"I heard my name?"

There, standing before her and Bill, was Eric Northman. Clad in dark wash denim jeans and a plain black beater, Sookie could feel the room get smaller. Which, she assumed, was because his ego was taking up all the space. After meeting him at Fangtasia, she was sure of at least two things: he was creepy as hell and completely full of himself. Looking her up and down with a devilish smirk, Eric ran a hand through his chin-length blonde hair before speaking.

"Speechless, are we?" He asked, looking smug as ever. "Bill, perhaps you could instruct your beautiful friend to invite me in?"

"I told you I would handle this myself," Bill hissed. It was bad enough Eric had broken into his home and used his bathtub, but now he was barging in on Sookie? Bill couldn't let that happen. He narrowed his eyes at the tall vampire.

"Well, I'm here to make sure you do. Let me in," Eric raised a brow. "Now."

Sookie put a hand on her hip in preparation to protest, but she was quickly interrupted.

"Sookie…would you invite Eric in please?" Bill turned to her. He shot a glare at Eric before adding, "You are free to rescind it at any time."

Sookie scoffed. The last thing she wanted was another vampire in her house, but she could tell Eric was the type who didn't take "no" for an answer. After looking at Bill, she found her assumptions were right. She knew the strength Bill was capable of; she'd seen it at the Rattray's. In one night he'd practically turned their house upside down. Yet to her, Bill seemed almost afraid of Eric. Eric was older and probably much stronger. And if vampire Bill was too afraid to challenge him, Sookie decided it must be with good reason. Obeying Bill's request, Sookie turned on her southern hospitality and faced the other vampire with a smile. "Eric, would you please come in?"

Grinning with fang, the blonde vampire stepped inside. "What an obedient human you have, Bill."

Sookie and Bill stood silent as Eric paced around the entry way in flip-flops. "I was surprised to see you are neighbors. How…interesting." The tall vampire's voice grew soft. "Do you always keep your toys so close by, Bill?"

Sookie rolled her eyes at his sarcasm. Eric Northman had been in her house for two seconds and two seconds was far too long.

"Does anyone want to tell me what the hell is goin' on?" She grumbled.

With a tight smile, Bill grabbed Sookie's hand. "Let's sit."

The three seated themselves in the living room. Bill sat protectively next to Sookie while Eric sat opposite, stretched out and shamelessly resting his feet on Gran's coffee table. Bill leaned forward and opened his mouth to speak, but Eric quickly interrupted him and took the lead.

"Miss Stackhouse, I am aware of your abilities and I want you to use them for me."

"Oh?" Sookie leaned back, crossing her arms. "And what makes you think I will?"

A sly smile crept onto Eric's lips. "You owe me."

"For?"

"You came into my bar tossing around photos to anyone that would speak to you. I let you piddle around my patrons, and now you must do something in return. Think of it as a debt."

"Did she not return the favor by informing you of the raid?" Bill asked through gritted teeth.

The blonde vampire leaned back, a wide grin briefly spread across his face. For a moment, Sookie thought he may laugh, but Eric made no sound. Sookie wondered if he even possessed emotions. She had only seen him once before and it appeared that he had only a handful of expressions: blank, annoyed, smug, or angry - none of which she liked. The way he looked at her in the bar irked her and she knew she'd never forget it. Eric was a pig with an invisible crown and Sookie wanted to stay as far away from him as possible.

"Oh, Bill," Eric waved his hand nonchalantly, "that is hardly the same and you know it. Your human didn't stop anything. It was a useless observation at best, the bar was still cited anyway."

"A useless observation? It was useless enough to bring you here," Bill glared. Bill had been aware of Eric's business proposal to use Sookie, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. Eric only mentioned that he wanted her, but never what for. "What do you want her to do?"

"Both of you stop talkin' about me like I ain't here!" Sookie snapped. "Mr. Northman I don't owe you a God damn thing! What ever you want from me, I'm not doing it."

With widened eyes, Bill squeezed Sookie's hand.

"Listen to me, Miss Stackhouse." Eric leaned forward, piercing his eyes into her. "You may belong to Bill Compton, but Bill Compton belongs to me. I am the sheriff of this area and Bill will do whatever I tell him to." The vampire crept closer, shooting his fangs out before finishing huskily, "I think you'd find it in your best interest to do the same."

Sookie felt herself shrinking with his every word. When she snapped at Eric she was leaning forward, but now she could feel her back pressing against the sofa. After a low growl from Bill, Eric retreated ever so slightly, but kept his fangs visible. Sookie exhaled, letting out the breath that she had held in for so long. How could I get myself into this mess? She blinked. Here I am, sitting next to a vampire I barely know and another one in front of me ready to bite my head off. She had only just met Bill, and yet she found herself wrapped up in vampire affairs. Looking for a way out, she decided she'd get Bill alone. If there was any sort of loop hole to get her out of performing favors for a prick like Eric Northman, she was going to find one.

"Bill…" Sookie managed to squeak out, her eyes still locked with Eric's, "can I speak to you privately?"

"Certainly," vampire Bill responded with a simple nod.

The two walked upstairs together, leaving Eric alone in his seat. He smiled to himself, knowing that Sookie clearly wasn't aware of the hearing vampires had and it appeared Bill hadn't told her. He sat patiently, tuning in the details of their conversation.

"Sookie, I told you," Bill tried to reason with her. "There isn't anything I can do. He is my sheriff. He arranged a meeting with me and told me he wanted to use your abilities, but he did not say what for."

"And what am I supposed to do Bill, just drop my life and do whatever he asks?"

"Sookie, it is only one time. I will make sure that you are safe. As long as you are mine, he cannot harm you."

Eric rolled his eyes. He thought Bill was foolish to care so much for a human and even more foolish to think he could protect one. But, Bill was young. He was weak and to Eric, he was a coward. He wondered if he'd ever learn. As Eric listened to their conversation drone on, he began to grow bored. It had been a few days since he fed and tonight was single's night at Fangtasia. Pam said the deals on drinks would bring in many attractive humans and he wasn't about to miss out.

"I don't have all night, Bill!" Eric called up to the other vampire. "If you want to comfort your human do it on your own time, we have business to discuss."

Eric leaned back in his seat. A sigh of annoyance crept from his chest as he stared at the ceiling. He noted how old Sookie's house was and concluded it had probably been in her family for years. He wondered if the Stackhouse family had ever considered repainting, as the place seemed to be falling apart. There was something to be said about a home with southern charm, but the old water he was smelling in her home proved that she would be needing a new roof come spring time. Tired of hearing Sookie's complaints to Bill, Eric decided to take action. But just as he stood to retrieve the arguing couple, a voice burst in the other room.

"Gran!" It shouted. "Gran, where are you?"

Eric stood quietly listening, observing the voice to be female. The scent of the outdoors had grown stronger, it was obvious to him whoever it was had left the door wide open. Careless. He rolled his eyes. Footsteps padded into the kitchen before skidding back into the entry way.

"Gran, I had the craziest dream! Where are you? Hadley?"

The voice grew louder until suddenly it was in the living room.

"Hadley? Hello, where the hell is everyone?"

Standing in the doorway with muddy tennis shoes was a young female. She was looking towards the dining area and hadn't noticed him yet. Eric smirked. Wearing denim cut-offs and a high school football t-shirt, she looked like a younger version of Sookie. He knew they had to be related. The girl practically reeked of sunlight. She stood but a few inches shorter than Sookie and had a petite frame. Her skin was lightly tanned, complimented by long blonde hair, waving freely past her shoulders. It was only when their eyes met that he noticed a difference in appearance - unlike miss Stackhouse, this girl had blue eyes.

"Who are you?" He asked.

The girl gasped from being startled, but she quickly recovered.

"Who am I?" She marched up to him, looking fearless. "Who are you? Another boyfriend of my mom's? Where are you taking her, Mexico?" Her eyes darted towards the stairs before shouting, "Gran!"

Before he could respond, the girl stomped into the entry way. Just as she was about to reach the stairs, however, Eric pulled her by the arm.

"Let me go!" She shrieked.

"Who are you?" He asked again.

Ignoring his question, she tried to pull away and head for the second story of the house. The vampire tightened his grip, stalling her efforts.

"Get your hands off me!" She yelled as loud as her lungs would allow. The look in the man's eyes was unforgettable. His blue irises were cold and dangerous. She began to wonder if he was an intruder. "Where is my family?" She jerked back and forth in hopes of breaking away, "Help! Someone help me!"

"What is all the commotion down here?" Sookie barked, trotting down the stairs.

While the girl continued to struggle, Eric kept his grip on her arm. He watched with curiosity as Sookie took in the sight before her. When Sookie saw the girl, the color in Sookie's face drained immediately and he thought she might faint. She stumbled on her own feet, but Bill prevented her fall.

"Let her go!" Sookie shouted with possible tears lining her eyes. "Let her go."

Eric released his grip from the girl and watched her wobble a bit before regaining her balance.

"What the hell is your problem?" She snapped at him. "Where is my Gran?" Her eyes scanned the group of people standing before her.

In complete shock, Sookie pressed a hand over her mouth. "Oh my God…" She breathed, shaking her head. "This isn't possible."

"What's wrong, Sookie?" Bill placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "What is it?"

"Sookie?" The girl scoffed. "That isn't Sookie. What kind of joke is this? Where is my family?"

Bill shook Sookie's shoulders lightly. "Sookie, what's going on? Do you know this girl?"

"Yes," she croaked. "That's Sylvie. She's my cousin. She died about 10 years ago."