A/n: so sorry this took so long and once again it looks short. grr the wide screen format. Thank you once again to everyone who reviewed and are following this story. Hope you enjoy the chapter :)

"So I started drinkin' And took things that messed up my thinkin' I was sure sinkin' When you came along" The gruff notes of Hank WIlliams Jr. had the drunken locals wailing away as Sam stood behind the bar watching the scene with a furrowed brow. I was currently taking the order of Andy, a local detective, who looked like he had already had a few drinks at home before making his way here. I worried Sam's currently serious demeanor would cause problems tonight.

"What can I get you Andy?" I asked politely, hoping the fake smile I forced didn't look too ridiculous.

"It's Detective. I'm a detective Stackhouse, and don't you forget it." His words were slurred and it was getting harder to smile.

"But Andy your off duty and we've known each other forever. So do you want your usual or not?" I questioned shifting to lean on one foot.

He glowered at me, his pudgy face and receding hairline making him look much older than I knew him to be. "And a pint of whatever Sam had on tap tonight." He grumbled and I shook my head as I walked away.

Lafayette was in the kitchen, his heavily made up face and dangling gold earrings mismatched with his greasy apron. "Hey child, Andy's not givin' you any trouble is he? Man looks like he eats beer and bad mojo for breakfast." He questioned and I smiled genuinely for the first time since my shift started two hours ago. I was already tired and Sam's unusually dark attitude tonight wasn't helping. It was good to know that someone was watchin' out for me.

"Na, Andy's just like the rest of them. Hungry and thirsty. I need his usual." I answered.

He grinned cheekily, in a way only he can. It had me trying to contain a giggle before words even left his mouth. "And horny babydoll, a man who puts away that much alcohol ain't nuthin' but a horny man. I know from experience." He dragged the word 'experience' out and flourished his spatula before winking at me.

Giggling full out now at Lafayette's inappropriateness, I made my way behind the bar towards Sam. He set the mug he had been filling up on the bar and turned to smile at me, the first moderately happy expression he's had tonight.

"How's it going cher?" He questioned, a strand of sandy blond hair falling over his eyes. Sam had always been a little too protective, a little too eager, and just a little too much for me. Lafayette swore up and down that he was "a starving puppy in need of a nice blond doll like yer'self to follow home. Boy wants a full five course meal no doubt." It was always said with an overly suggestive wink and my embarrassed blush.

"It's alright. I see you're pullin' yourself outta that funk you've been in all night." I answered, making sure to keep some distance as I poured Andy's drink. I lifted an eyebrow to show him his bad mood had been serious. In case he hadn't already gotten it you know.

"Yeah sorry about that cher, just distracted. Worried bout you. Heard Jason got into some trouble at a vamp bar." Small towns. His brow seemed permanently fixed in a deep furrow above his blue eyes, which were staring at me so intently that maybe he could pull the answer straight from my head.

I blinked twice to clear the suspicious thoughts and mild anger I felt towards Sam and the gossip mongers of Bon Temps. "It's no big deal honestly. Drinkin' away his sorrows for Devyn or Dawn? The one with the brunette hair that usually works lunch shifts?" I felt bad for not knowing the girls name, but taking care of Gran was almost a full time job and being raised by such an amazing figure I didn't get along well with most of the younger population of Bon Temps and thier immature ways. Therefore, I found it difficult to keep the names of people I never interacted with straight.

"Dawn. They broke up again?" He questioned, shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. Which obviously isn't true because bless Jason's heart, he bed-hopped like it was his job.

"Apparently." I responded. Lafayette called for order up and I turned around, surprised so much time had passed and quickly delivered the food to Andy and then checked on the rest of the tables in my section. It was over an hour later before I had time to talk again and Sam immediately seized my attention.

"So you went and got him?" He questioned randomly. For a sec I didn't know what he was talking about, but then I recalled our previous conversation and he seemed to be continuing it as if no time had passed.

I nodded, filling a ketchup bottle. "Yes sir. Odd place that Fangtasia." I answered shaking my head and remembering the odd behavior and Gothic color scheme.

"Listen Sook. I don't know how I feel about you being 'round the vampires." He said slyly. I looked up and glared at him. He threw his hands up in defense. "Hey, they're dangerous folks cher. A good girl like you could get seriously messed up hangin' with them."

I continue to glare. "Sam Merlotte, vampires are people too and they are no more dangerous than you or I." I defended, but knew I had to edit it immediately. "Granted they're a little odd, but that doesn't mean you have the right to tell me whether I can or can't hang with the vamps, and who ever said I was?" I demanded.

"Why I'm glad to hear you think of us as equals dear Sookie, I'd hate to be compared to Mr. Merlotte in scariness. And I'm moderately offended that you do not wish to 'hang out' with me as you say." The cool and aloof voice that sent a deep chill through my body had me spinning on my toes so fast I almost slipped, but I caught myself. In the perfect position to stare up into those gorgeous blue eyes.

"Eric." It was meant as an exclamation but it came out sounding like a question.

His smile was beatific. "Don't look so surprised Sookie. It's not like adorable blond waitresses come waltzing into my bar every night. I found myself intrigued by you. I had to learn more." He elegantly, for lack of a better word, posed himself on a bar stool, his head propped up on one hand and watching me intently. His outfit was much more simple tonight. A gorgeous night blue sweater that looked softer than sin and light wash denim jeans.

"Northman you're causing a scene in my bar." Sam practically spat out and I turned to him, shocked at his tone of voice and the amount of hatred leaking from his general area. A quick sweep around the bar showed that the few remaining patrons at such an early hour were paying us no attention.

"Merlotte, I am merely having a conversation. Certainly you can find it in your heart to be moderately civil." Eric responded with his usual detachment. He was much more focused on me and seemed to be watching my face for any reaction. I shifted back and forth, nervous under the scrutiny.

"Sookie has tables to wait on. Stop distracting my waitresses while they're on the clock." Sam snapped back.

"It-" I cut Eric off before he could even respond, fed up with Sam's attitude.

"Since it's so dead Sam, I'm going to go ahead and take my break." I said forcefully, daring him to argue with me. None of my three tables needed anything right now and he couldn't say no. I turned sharply once again, my Nike's squeaking a little on the wood floors, and marched towards the back door. I knew Eric was following me because the force of his eyes on my back was enough to cover my body in goosebumps.

The screen door slammed shut in that way that screen doors do and it seemed to echo in the silence that descended once we were both outside. I leaned against the wall, my tired feet grateful for the mild relief.

"I am dangerous."

Eric's voice was quiet and laced with determination. As if he wanted me to believe this, wanted me to run right this second.

"I guessed as much." I responded, trying and failing to match his aloofness from earlier.

"I could glamour you right now into giving me your body and blood and you wouldn't remember a thing." He admitted, his voice emotionless.

My breath hitched for a second before returning to normal, my brief moment of panic over ruled by my logic and common sense. "You won't though. Or else you would have done it the other night." I said with confidence I wasn't entirely certain I should have.

He let out a humorless chuckle. "True. You intrigue me. So innocent and uncorrupted in a society that feeds off of other's deviousness." I didn't know how to respond to that, but fortunately he kept going. "I find myself wanting to get to know you, wanting to know what makes you tick. I'm fascinated by the mere thought of corrupting you. Over and over again. And I want you to come to me willingly."

"Well that's blunt." I blurted, my brain on over drive trying to comprehend exactly what he was saying.

This chuckle was full of mirth. "Yes, when your as old as I am, mincing words becomes quite tedious."

His explanation gave me time to compose my thoughts a little, it required ignoring the burning question of his actual age and focusing on my previous problem. "Mr. Northman are you asking me on a date in some twisted vampire way?" I questioned. Once I looked past the corruption part that seemed to be what he was saying.

He thought about it for a second. "Maybe. I'm not really accustomed to dating and i'll probably hate it, but if it's what you want I'm willing to give it a try." He smiled.

"Okay then." I was still very confused.

"I will meet you at your house the next night you have off...which is?" He questioned, I wasn't sure I really liked his domineering tone very much.

"Thursday of next week. I'm working extra shifts through the weekend." I explained quickly. From what I noticed he had a short attention span and it was better to get to the point as fast as possible.

"Delightful. How is eight for you?" He questioned, somehow he had gotten closer. I just realized how very close he was. The tiny hairs on my hairs stood on end.

"Perfect." I squeaked.

He grinned broadly. "Wonderful. See you then Sookie." He then flew into the air and out of sight. He flew. Into the Air. He flew. Vampires can fly.

What a strange night.

I went back inside for the last hour and a half of my shift, trying to ignore the hurt looks Sam kept sending my way.