Trading Places

by blathana

Roanne just wanted a normal life, but it was never going to be normal. It was never meant to be normal. As Roanne struggles to accept her life, grow up and find her place in the world, Godric has already accepted her into his life and Eric does everything he can to ignore the fact she exists. Can Roanne survive stepping into Eric's shoes? Will they ever resolve their differences?

4. Chapter 4

Trading Places

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the True Blood characters (*sigh* unfortunately). I only own my original story plots and characters.

Chapter 4

Roanne POV

Oh dear God…what do I do…fuck, he's gonna eat me? My heart was beating a million miles a minute. Godric didn't move. He just stood there; his fangs down, his body was completely still. His eyes were so dark. I was starting to panic….you know that type of panic….when your stomach starts to do little jitters and your chest feels so tight and your heart feels all fluttery? I started to back away; little baby steps. Godric didn't move….good. My wonderful sense of spatial awareness didn't do me any favours as I bumped into the door frame. Shit…..that frightened the hell out of me. My heart was pounding hard in my chest. I sidestepped carefully; backing into the kitchen; slowly reaching out…finding the door handle as last; I quickly closed the door.

But I didn't feel safe in the kitchen. Hell, I didn't even know if Godric was still standing in the hall, or making his way towards the door…..I looked around wildly trying to think of a plan…. I grabbed a knife from the block on the counter and went out the patio doors. I'm not quite sure where the logic for the second part of my plan came from… I put the knife in my mouth and started climbing up the drain pipe. I crept upwards towards the roof. Shit. I almost lost my footing and in the process the knife fell. I didn't get cut thankfully but it hit the ground with a loud clank. Fucking great Roanne…..cat burglar extraordinaire. Pulling myself upwards I perched myself up on the roof tiles. Looking down to the garden I suddenly realised how high up I was…..shit, how am I going to get down? This was now my primary thought….Godric didn't come after me so I assumed he wasn't going to eat me….at least for now, but getting down was now my new panic motivator. Besides…it was starting to get cold up here. I hugged myself; rubbing my arms up and down, trying to warm myself.

"Roanne…can I come up? I'm not going to hurt you" Godric called a little while later, and for some reason I actually believed him; although I can't for the life of me guess why.

"Em…OK?" Smart move? Dumb move?

"AGHHH…. Jesus Godric" ….what I was not expecting was for Godric to jump up onto the roof and land in a squat on the tiles. Well what did you think the vampire was going to do Roanne? Climb up the drainpipe like you dumbass? True….I hate it when logical me is right. Then my eyes flashed to the knife in Godric's hand. He's going to cut you open.

Godric must have sensed my panic. "Please Roanne, I promise not to hurt you. Please believe me".

"That's a little difficult to believe from someone holding a butcher knife". Realisation kicks in and Godric quickly threw the knife away; it went whizzing into the darkness.

"Can I sit beside you Roanne?"

"OK" You don't have a choice anyway…you need help getting off the roof moron.

"I am sorry if I frightened you Roanne. Please be assured that I would never hurt you. It's just…the offer of a drink…as a vampire…and your blood smells so good". I couldn't believe it; the two thousand year old vampire was stuttering over his words.

"Does that happen around every human…if they're stupid enough to offer a drink?" I asked. Guess I might as well learn about vampires if I'm going to be around them.

"No…it's just your blood. How …..how much did your mother tell you about me Roanne?"

Wow… I wasn't ready for that question. I could feel my cheeks heating up. Beetroot looks good on you Roanne. "Well….em…she said she had a vision that you and I, were…..well, we were destined to be with each other and that your son Eric was destined to be with me too…..but that the vision wasn't as clear about him. She said you were two thousand years old and Eric was one thousand years old…that you were both really powerful." I left out the part that she thought they were vampire scum and that Eric was a pompous arrogant asshole…. I'll leave that for another time perhaps.

"How do you feel about that?" he asked. Awkward much.

"Well…I think it sounds like old school arranged marriage. I don't even know you Godric and I'm only 16…I want to be normal….ya know….go out with boys my age….get my heart broken…enjoy life. I don't want to be forced into a situation…I want things to happen because I choose them….not because of some stupid vision".

"How do you feel about that?"

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Godric POV

How do I feel about that? You kissing other boys. You having your heart broken?

YOU. ARE. MINE

I will kill any boy who touches you…breaks your heart. I'll break their heart…squash it into a pulp…..

"Godric?" Her sweet voice brought me out of my murderous thoughts. OK …. I need to be careful here; I can't scare her away. Besides, she didn't say she didn't want me….just that she had to choose for herself. CHOOSE MEEEE.

I turned to look at her…she was so beautiful; he wavy hair pushed behind her ears as she bites her bottom lip waiting for my answer. Focus. "I can't help the way I feel about you Roanne. Everything about you calls to me; your smell; your beauty, your wonderful smile, your voice….but I respect that you won't be forced into anything and I will respect you."

I watched how she blushed when I called her beautiful…the way her heart sped a little, the way the blood flushed to her cheeks.

"Please believe me when I say that I will never hurt you. I will work on my self control around you too"

"Can I see your fangs? I….I've never seen vampire fangs before" How could I say no to that. I let my fangs snick down and her eyes widened. Then she did something that if it had been any other human….they would now be dead. She lifted her hand and slowly brought a finger forward to touch my fang. It took every ounce of restraint not to moan with pleasure.

"Why did your fangs drop? Did you want to drink from me?" she asked. So innocent.

"Yes….. and no. My fangs dropped with the offer of a drink…you cannot imagine what the smell of your blood does to me…but I will never drink from you unless you offer willingly. And….well, a vampire's fangs drop when they are aroused too"

"oh" Her cheeks flushed redder still.

"You said you don't know me Roanne…but that's not going to change if you keep avoiding me. I will respect your wish to lead your own life, but can we at least get to know each other? And I can educate you about vampires?"

"Um…. I guess" I could tell she didn't fully feel comfortable. Normally my age and political position as sheriff would have been enough to earn respect from my underlings. This was different. I didn't want Roanne to be my underling. I wanted her to be my equal. I would just have to earn her respect and trust. That was definitely a new concept for me.

"So how were you planning to get down off the roof?"

"I was planning on being rescued by the resident vampire if he didn't eat me first" she giggled. "Will piggyback work?"

"Piggyback?"

"You know…I'll climb onto your back?"

Dear Gods woman; stop offering drinks and rides.

"Yes….that will work" I held my breath while she climbed on my back….too afraid I'd be tempted to smell her locks of hair that were resting on my shoulders. Her body felt so warm wrapped around mine.

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Roanne POV

His skin was so cold. I should have been terrified getting a piggyback to jump off a two story roof…but I felt safe. Godric just sort of glided down. "Well, I think tonight has been eventful enough. I think I'm gonna go to bed… school in the morning and all. Goodnight Godric"

"Goodnight Roanne"

I walked upstairs to my room; slumping on to my bed. What a night. Wow….I hadn't been prepared for that. Maybe he wasn't so bad…. We could be friends at least.

Oh god. I touched his fang. Then he said his fangs dropping meant he was aroused. Was that like touching a guys you-know-what? I wasn't a complete prude….. I'd kissed load of guys….had a few gropes over clothes…..nothing major. Did I just go to second base with a vampire? And more importantly…..why wasn't I more freaked out.

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Eric POV

I had to suffer though that conversation between my master and that insufferable teacup. I'd never seen a human have that kind of hold on him. Hell, I'd never seen anyone have that sort of hold. If I wanted her I would have just taken her….staked my claim. He's respecting her wish to be with other humans. What was going on?

I was getting more frustrated by the minute. I had only intended a very brief hello with Godric. Pamela was texting me every two minutes…we were supposed to be shopping…or at least I was supposed to be there with my credit card. She had cashed in big time on some property sales and I owed her a shopping trip. She was a cutthroat business woman and I trusted her completely. Pamela was a ruthless bitch….but she was my ruthless bitch, and …aside from Godric; I loved her above all else. She was my progeny but right now; she was an impatient pain in the ass. But I wasn't budging. Godric had told me to go to the basement. He didn't directly command me but it was a command all the same; his tone and power through our bond left nothing to argue. I had considered helping myself to a bag of blood I could smell in his fridge but didn't want to push my luck.

I let my thoughts wander to Roanne's little friend. Sookie was it? Ample breasts, small waist, great smell. Perhaps a midnight snack? Beep-Eric where the fuck are you? Pamela – persistent as ever… I felt a pull on the bond with her but it was overridden by an even stronger pull from Godric summoning me upstairs.

Godric was sitting in his office; the murderous look somewhat eased off his face. He was sitting behind a large mahogany desk, surrounded by shelves upon shelves of books. I felt like a naughty school boy sent to the principal's office as I stood in front of him…I'd role played that before with Nora… But somehow I didn't think the caning Godric could offer would be a 'turn on' in any way.

"Eric…you continue to insult Roanne around me. This WILL stop. You will not do anything that could harm Roanne"

Drinking from her little friend won't harm her.

"And that includes harming her friends. Leave the little Stackhouse girl alone…Roanne likes her" damn it; he knows me too well.

"Yes Godric".

"You are getting off light Son. Don't push me again. Now go…I feel your impatience"

Phew….got off lightly. Leave Eric….before he changes his mind.

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Roanne POV

Riiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnggggggggg

Stupid god damn alarm clock…

Another glorious day of school…sarcasm definitely intended.

After pressing snooze 4 times I decide I'd better get my ass in gear. It wasn't a good start to the day…my hair looked like a bad clown wig and I wasn't in the mood of school. Hmpff. Breakfast first Roanne…my stomach was the ruling force and I dragged my ass down stairs to the kitchen.

There was a little post-it on the fridge

Roanne – thank you for listening to me last night and once again I am sorry about our little misunderstanding. I have business to attend to in Dallas tonight but expect to return around midnight. Please feel free to ask your friend Sookie to the house. I hope we can converse a little when I return and get to know each other better. I took the liberty of making you a sandwich for your breakfast as an offer of friendship – Godric.

I couldn't help giggling to myself…he was so formal. I walked towards the fridge, curious if nothing else about what type of sandwich Godric made. I didn't need to look for long…..there was a plate on the shelf, wrapped in about a million layers of tinfoil. It took a few minutes of unwrapping to get to the sandwich inside…I sniffed tentatively….hmmm…..egg sandwich. Not the worst I guess. I took a bite….

Now let me just stop here… a little piece of advice – if a vampire says they have cooked your food; be sure to firstly check their level of experience with preparing human foodstuffs, because as I began to chew…the little pieces of egg shells crunched away in my mouth… and i thought, well... euch. Important lesson learned there...look inside the sandwich first next time.

I spat the mouthful into the bin and just as I was about to through the sandwich in the bin, it occurred to me that I might hurt his feelings. Could his feelings be hurt? I wrapped the sandwich up into some of the tinfoil with intentions of throwing it into a big at school.

…..

School sucks. Sookie was there of course, but Kimberly and her little cronies keep throwing snide remarks out way and pointing, then laughing. Sookie kept saying to ignore it…but it's hard. Did I mention I hate school?

The only positive factor all morning was Austin. Yes, he was Kimberly's boyfriend…but there wasn't a law against enjoying the eye candy.

"See anything you like?"

"Shut up Sookie"

"Come on Roanne, you've been staring for ages" she said. "Staring….girl you been eye raping Austin for the past 10 minutes" Tara teased. Sookie had officially introduced me to Tara this morning. Tara, well Tara was a force of nature but I liked her…she was who she was – she didn't pretend to like you if she didn't like you. She was definitely defensive but I liked her, plus we had more security in numbers from the uber bitch and her following.

"Hey, do you guys want to come over for something to eat this evening?" I asked Sookie and Tara; still staring at Austin as I cleared my cafeteria tray.

….

The rest of the day was a bore. I had found out that I was way ahead in the school work. Of course, I didn't exactly offer up that information because I didn't want to be seen as a brown noser but I was bored as hell. I fell into a daze before math class started…staring at the back of Austin's head. "Dream on newbie bitch; he's my man" was snorted behind me and everyone in the class looked around to see Kimberly hovering over me; hands on her hips. My face lit up and I looked desperately to locate a shovel to dig myself a hole to hide in. "Back off you skinny ass white bitch motherfucker" – yey - Tara to the rescue. I should be fighting my own battle but I'd never had anything like this to deal with back in Ireland.

Everyone in their seats please.

I'd never been so glad to see a teacher.

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Godric POV

I woke well before sunset; Roanne must not be home yet. Slinking in the shadows; I made my way to the kitchen. Success. The sandwich was gone from the fridge; only a fraction put into the garbage. I smiled to myself. I was really trying to get in touch with Roanne's human needs. I had been wracking my brain for hours in my study last night on what little token of affection I could start with. Not coming up with any plans; I rang Eric….who suggested I give her a finger job.

After scolding Eric once again, I rang Isabelle; she suggested that human's like to eat. It was a great idea….and obviously very successful.

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Roanne POV

I waited until well after sunrise before going back to the house. I was strategically avoiding Godric when Tara and Sookie were around. We busied ourselves by finishing homework at Sookie's house. Her Gran fed us with lemonade and cookies. It was there I met Sookie's brother Jason.

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Sookie POV

"Jason" Tara practically squealed, as she bounded over to the kitchen door. I looked and Roanne and we both smirked and rolled our eyes.

"Hey Tara. Sook. And nice piece of ass"

"Jason Stackhouse don't you even think about it" I hissed; throwing my brother a pointed look. I loved him to bits but he was a complete dog.

"Damn it Sook"

"Jason, meet Roanne. She's my friend from school"

Roanne smiled and Tara injected herself between her and Jason before my brother could even get another word to Roanne. Roanne looked relieved…. I think. I've been so used to reading people that it's strange tryin to work out what she thinking.

"OK guys. Homework's all done. My house? Pizza?" Both Tara and I nodded eagerly but Gran just made a tutting noise from the sink. Roanne's didn't miss a beat though "and vegetables…we'll order some vegetables too!" Gran sort of nodded to herself and we walked outside bursting out laughing.

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Ronne POV

Dinner actually went great. Sookie, Tara and I had yummy pizza and a good ole girly chat. Aside from how crappy school was, I was so glad to have made friends.

"Bye guys….see you tomorrow in school" I waved as Jason drove down the driveway with Sookie and Tara in his pickup.

Hmmm…10pm.

I sat drumming my fingers on the counter in the kitchen. Godric wouldn't be back for at least two more hours. I suppose I could just relax.

"Hmmm…at least you're not fat anymore" said a male voice behind me. I whipped around to face a blonde giant. Shit …..burglar. "I'll give you my wallet…I haven't much but you can take it all"

And he burst out laughing. "I don't want your money human. Judging by your clothes; you need it more than I do" he smirked. I started to back away … human? Shit….vampire. Hang on…at least you're not fat anymore….. "Do I know you?" I asked, surprising even myself with my bravery.

"Unfortunately…I've had the misfortune of meeting you as a child. I am Eric"

Ohhhh… well damn, this was Eric. My mother never said anything about him being so good looking but she was spot on by saying he was an arrogant asshole. I suddenly felt a little more confident. "Why did you scare me like that?" He just looked me up and down and smirked. Prick. "I'm sure Godric wouldn't appreciate you scaring his house guest half to death". Yes- score one for Roanne, I thought as I watched his smile falter. "Listen teacup" he snarled, vamping right up into my face "you are nothing more than a blood bag…a poor excuse for a guest of my maker's. Perhaps I should give you s lesson in how a pet should behave for her master" he growled at me.

"ERIC" I'm not sure how the hell Godric appeared so quickly but I was never as happy to see him here. I immediately scooted away from Eric and made my way around behind Godric.

"Eric. My office. Now"

Glad to see Eric leave I looked to Godric who had turned to face me. "So that's Eric eh?" I laughed, trying to sound nonplussed but failing miserably; the fear still clearly evident in my voice. "Roanne. I returned a little early in the hope of spending more time with you. Please excuse me while I deal with my son." I just nodded; glad for the first time that Godric was around. I hope Eric gets in shit loads of trouble.

It was about ten minutes later that Godric and Eric came back into the kitchen. "Roanne. Please accept my apology. I did not mean to frighten you. It will not happen again" Eric just about choked out. I could tell he didn't mean it one little bit…it was as if there was an invisible hand twisting his ear to force the apology out of him. All I could do was nod…then he was gone…the door swinging back and forth from the pure speed of his departure.

"Roanne. I must apologise"

"Godric…you have nothing to be sorry about. You came to my rescue" he seemed pleased with this and then diverted the conversation "So, what shall we do then?" he asked nervously.

"Well…. I was thinking about giving you a cooking lesson. Thank you for the sandwich this morning by the way. I not sure about most human preferences…but I'm going to show you how to scramble eggs without shells…that my favourite way! And you can teach me a little about vampire culture".

My mother would have laughed at the scene in the kitchen. Me….Roanne Whitford….teaching someone to cook! I'd finally found someone worse than me! It wasn't a bad night after all…Godric watched in rapt attention as I taught him the finer subtitles of making toast, scrambled eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice. I, in turn listened to him tell me about vampire politics. Can you believe they have kings and queens? I wasn't exactly impressed about the way they viewed humans but then again, I'm sure of humans knew about vampires, not every person would be so accepting.

Perhaps living with Godric won't be so bad after all.