AN: Thank you for the reviews! (*´◡`*)

Warnings: fluff, fluff, and more fluff.

Eric spent the rest of the night in his office making calls in a variety of languages. He wasn't in a real good mood. I thought it best to leave well alone and when dawn approached I bedded down in one of the coffins in the cellar. I was worried about the situation, but I was confident that Eric would sort it out. Somehow.

I was awoken from downtime by Eric picking me up. I could feel the pull of dawn strongly and wasn't able to do much more than flop around in useless confusion while my mind tried to wake up. He threw me over his shoulder and started back towards the stairs, ignoring my undignified yelping and high pitched 'Hey!'

'What are you doing down here my lover?' he asked. He sounded tense and I decided to forgive him picking me up like luggage this one time. I belatedly realised that the butt I was staring down at was bare. He was naked. Admittedly it was really nice butt, but sill -the man was utterly shameless. If I'd still been alive I would've blushed crimson.

'I was tryin to sleep.' I huffed. 'But some big naked Viking seems to wanna make off with me so to speak.' At the conclusion of my little speech Eric tossed me down onto his bed. He made short work of my nightgown and panties before sliding under the covers beside me and pulling me into his arms.

'You are mighty presumptuous your majesty.' I said. It took a bit of effort not to laugh.

He pouted. Actually pouted. 'Don't call me that.' He buried his face against my neck and inhaled the scent of my skin. The dawn was tugging at my consciousness, but my body was trying valiantly to stay awake. 'I spent the entire evening placating fools and when I finally escaped to return to my Sookie I find she was not where I left her.'

I laughed. 'What, you expected me just to be laying around in bed naked waiting for you?'

'You expressed a desire to do exactly that when we arose this evening my lover.' Eric said, and well, he had me there.

'Well, it's no fun without company.' I mumbled. I felt Eric's fangs against my throat. I sighed dreamily and pressed myself closer. He scraped them teasingly across my skin without drawing blood. My own fangs descended with a snick. I felt like my body was filled with honey. I shifted, wrapping my legs around him so his gracious plenty was aligned with my suddenly aching centre. He groaned and pressed himself slowly into me, finally drawing my blood as he did so.

My head sank back into the pillows and I sighed in pleasure. He felt incredible. I held off for as long as I could before I sank my teeth into his shoulder. The sensation of having my fangs buried in his flesh as he was buried deep within me had me gasping my pleasure in no time. I felt him follow me in bliss as my body tensed around him, then I drifted off, dead for day.

Eric had begun again almost as soon as my eyes opened for the night. His ability to turn me in a shivering wet mess within seconds certainly hadn't been diminished by my turning. If anything it seemed much more pronounced. And I couldn't get over how good everything felt. It was very begrudgingly that I consented to leave the bed at all.

We showered and dressed before joining Pam and Tara in the kitchen to feed.

Tara smirked and shot me a knowing look when I made my appearance.

I heated some blood for Eric as he took a seat at the long bar that lined the gleaming kitchen. 'Pamela, Tara.' he greeted them casually.

Tara smiled at Eric but I could see that same teasing light in her eyes. 'Good evening your majesty.' She was grinning at him like he was the funniest thing she'd ever seen. He glanced at me and raised a brow. I handed him his blood and shrugged.

When Tara was still staring at him and grinning a minute later Eric caved. 'What Miss Thornton?'

She raised a hand defensively. 'I'm sorry, it's just hard to reconcile Mr Badass Viking Eric 'tear your head off' Northman with whoever was helping Sookie find religion half an hour ago.'

'Tara!' I gasped, mortified. I hadn't really given thought to vamp hearing and what Tara and Pam might have been listening in to.

Tara laughed gleefully. 'Oh god Eric! Never stop!' she moaned.

…Her impersonation of me was actually pretty accurate.

Luckily for Tara, Eric found her comment amusing. 'Is Pamela not satisfying you?' he asked. 'Did you wish to join us?'

'Eric!' I could tell he wasn't being serious, but still.

Tara rested her chin in her hand as if she was giving his offer serious consideration. 'Hmm…'

Pam appeared with vamp speed at Tara's side. She shot Eric a dark look. 'You already have one of my progeny Eric, if you think I'm going to let you have them both you are sadly mistaken.'

'Well if you can't please the poor girl I feel obligated to offer my services.' he returned smugly. 'As king it's my duty to see to the needs of the Vampires of Louisiana.'

Pam crossed her arms. 'Thoughtful as your offer is Eric, I assure you, I have not lost my touch.'

She gave Tara a thorough kiss by way of demonstration and I turned away to heat more blood in the microwave. 'Y'all are as bad as each other.' I muttered.

Eric smirked. 'I have it on authority that I am actually very good. In fact I seem to recall something about being put on earth purely to bring you pleasure?'

I gasped in embarrassment. 'Eric Northman! The things a lady says between the sheets are supposed to stay there!'

'What about things said in the shower?' he asked, wiggling his eyebrows at me. He clearly thought he was hilarious.

I rolled my eyes and focused on my glass of blood. I wasn't gonna encourage him.

'Sookie is correct Eric. You should not repeat such things. Besides, there is no need. We heard them all.' Pam smiled her particularly evil toothy smile and pulled her phone out of her pocket. 'And I took notes.'

I choked on my blood. Tara laughed.

We took another Mercedes. Tara drove and Pam rode shot gun. She spent a great deal of the trip with her hand on Tara's thigh. Eric sat in the back with me. Although he respected my modesty and didn't try to kiss me or anything, we forwent seat belts and I spent the journey curled up in his arms. I couldn't stop touching him.

Eric was tense, but confident.

We met at one of Eric's other houses half an hour's drive outta New Orleans. Apparently it was one he used to host gatherings when such things were necessary, as opposed to a house he actually used for himself. He didn't like other vamps knowing where he slept. Seemed smart to me.

There were an assortment of flashy cars parked in the circular drive and I could sense about twenty vampires within the building.

'Eric,' I said, '-let me try and read them before we go in?'

He nodded and we sat in the car for a minute as I tried to get a handle on the vamps in the house. Only about half of them were thinking in English, and of them only four I could read clearly. Vampire minds were still cold and strange. I was so used to vampires double crossing each other that I was honestly surprised not to sense any of that. But…'They're all scared of you Eric. None of em are plotting anything against you right now that I can tell.'

Pam snorted. 'Good. The last thing we need are idiots working for us.'

We climbed out of the car and I straightened my jacket and tugged at my nice dark jeans. I wasn't cold, I could have worn the skimpiest sun dress if I wanted too, but I was trying to look… Grown up. Capable I guess. Not like a silly blonde baby vamp. Pam led the way towards the big double doors.

I frowned, some stray thought jarring me. 'Wait.'

Pam, Eric and Tara froze and regarded me.

The last vamp I'd read was looking out the window at Pam. His gaze shifted to Tara and then me before settling back on Pam /I'll take out Pamela first. Then her black pet. They're stronger than Northman's little barbie/

I gasped.

/Without them in the picture Northman won't trust anyone to watch his back/

Eric and Pam both sensed my anger. I whispered softly so no vampire inside would overhear me. 'There's a guy in there planning to kill Pam, Tara and I. Not tonight but he's definite about it.'

Eric stiffened at my side. 'Locate him when we enter.' he murmured in my ear. 'Inform me as soon as you are certain.'

I was nervous about going in, but Pam and even Tara seemed unperturbed so I straightened my shoulders and followed them through the big double doors.

We crossed a small tiled foyer and passed into a long lounge. It was a nice house and expensively furnished, but it had that "display home" vibe rather than an Eric or Pam vibe.

Silent Vampires filled the room. I held onto Eric's arm and spread my mind over the vampires' minds. They were all impressed that Eric appeared so healed. Pam's new arm attracted interest too, whilst Tara and I were curiosities purely because we were Eric and Pam's.

I didn't pay attention to what Eric said. Instead I sifted through the vampires nearest the windows, looking for the one that wanted Pam, Tara and I dead. In the end it was pretty obvious. He didn't have a very good poker face he was practically glaring at Eric. /Infidel. Traitor to our kind. Lilith grant me strength./The vamp lifted his hand and pressed a finger to a pendant under his shirt as he thought his little half-prayer.

I had to struggle to keep the distaste from showing on my face. I reached for Eric through our bond. It seemed far stronger than when he'd first awoken. We'd shared blood several times since then however. I mentally pointed at the vampire and tried to indicate the pendant. I was certain it would be sanguinista symbol.

Eric raised my hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to it before releasing my grip and turning slightly so he was facing the vampire straight on. 'Phillips.' he said.

Every single vampire turned to stare at the man "Phillips". I felt his unease. Eric indicated that he should approach.

He came and bowed to Eric. 'Your Majesty.' he simpered.

Eric stared at him for a long moment and the vampire visibly paled in fear. Suddenly Eric's arm shot out and he was holding a necklace and Phillips was clutching his neck.

'Interesting.' Eric said conversationally.

The closest vampires recognised the pendant as the symbol of Lilith. A few hissed and stepped back. 'I must admit I am surprised you would wear such a mark in my presence Phillips.' Eric continued. 'Given recent events.'

'My liege… an old habit.' Philips said. 'I forgot I was even wearing it.'

Eric tsked. 'I have heard disturbing rumours about you Phillips. Apparently you think to weaken me by kill my progeny.'

I delved deeply into Phillips mind. I heard him panic and start assigning blame. Three other vampires were in on his plan, and one of them, a woman, was in the room with us. I scanned the room and quickly found her standing as far away from Phillips as possible. I indicated her mentally to both Eric and Pam.

Eric shot a look at his child. 'Pam, if you would be so kind?' he asked politely.

An instant later Pam crossed the room at vamp speed and returned with the now horrified vampires in a head lock. She forced her to her knees beside Phillips.

Pam passed another necklace to her maker. 'Master, she is sanguinista too.'

Eric sighed. 'How disappointing. I had hoped to avoid further bloodshed, enough of our kind are dead thanks to this Sanguinista shit.'

Eric disposed of the vampires in what I was beginning to assume was his preferred method of execution. He ripped off their heads. I flinched a little, but in my defence, I was in the "splash zone".

'Pamela, remind me to bring my sword next time.' Eric said, wiping his bloody hands off on his jeans.

Pam was smirking. 'Of course your majesty. I'll make sure it's sharpened.'

Eric stepped around the steaming vamp soup on the carpet and walked into the centre of the room.

'I have summoned you here because you are what remains of the Vampire hierarchy of Louisiana.' he said. 'Some of you served Bill, other's Sophie-Anne. Most of you I have known for decades, some much longer, and all of you swore fealty to me after I killed William Compton.'

I recognised relief from one vampiress. It was the Sheriff of area 2 who I'd listened in on in Bill's throne room. She'd been worried Eric would refuse the crown after all and she'd have to leave the state.

'I will not tolerate further stupidity in my kingdom.' Eric continued, his voice lowering. 'Even if I desired it, we cannot go back to the old ways. The humans have had too long to prepare. There are too many of them and they now know all our secrets. They have spent the last few years developing weapons against us. War would be bloody and pointless.'

I skimmed their thoughts. Most of the vamps seemed to be in agreement with Eric. They had businesses, pets, donors… before this whole mess they'd been respected and feared by their human neighbours. Coming out of the coffin had been a good thing for them. None of them wanted to go back to hiding.

'If you or any vampire in your area wishes to follow the teachings of Lilith fanatically, leave Louisiana or face the true death.' Eric said. 'Once I have dealt with the human government, you will be informed.'

I felt relief from many of the vampires when Eric spoke of "dealing with the human government". It was clear they were just as worried about the situation Bill and Russell Edgington had stirred up as I was. All in all I was relieved with what I'd learnt. It seemed no one was intending to do Eric any harm, and these vamps – the most powerful left in the state, were keen to get back to the status-quo.

Eric didn't hang around to chat. We were back on the road again within minutes.

Our next stop was way scarier than a house full of vampires.

We pulled up in front of a non-descript office building in the middle of New Orleans. The locked doors opened at our approach. There were heavily armed human and were guards posted throughout the foyer. I read from their minds that they were all armed for and trained to deal with vampires. Wooden core bullets and silver vapour gas rounds. I could feel that Eric wasn't too pleased about bringing us in here. The guards meanwhile were a bit put out by Pam, Tara and I. We were all young and pretty and they didn't like the idea of killing us, vamps or not.

We stood silently, ringed by the guards, until an elevator dinged and three men in fancy military uniforms got out.

The man who was obviously in charge stepped forward. He was scared as heck. Sophie-Anne's palace had been raided and the security footage from Bill's occupation seized. He'd seen footage of Eric being tortured and of Eric killing Bill. He was in turns horrified and impressed with him, but very, very, wary. Clever man.

'Good Evening Mr Northman.' He inclined his head politely. 'And your lovely companions of course.' He was scared of us as well. But he was also impressed that I could fly. And he thought Pam was real pretty.

'I'm Lieutenant Colonel Blake.' he said. He didn't bother introducing the two other officers behind him. 'If you'll follow me?'

'By all means Lieutenant Colonel.' Eric's voice sounded super smooth and reasonable. And totally nonchalant. Not at all like he was surrounded by heavily armed men just waiting to let loose on him. He could be so suave when the mood was on him.

We boarded a lift. Eric towered over everyone almost comically. I held his hand and focused on reading everyone's mind, looking for an ambush. I sensed that that there were lots of armed guards who'd been told to kill us if we attacked, but they weren't actively gonna attack us.

The Lieutenant Colonel led us to a large board room. There was a long table and guards lining the wall. There were other men in uniform, politicians, and a few FBI guys. There were seats for us down at one end of the table. Eric took the seat the head of the table, sprawling in it like a Roman emperor… or a calvin klein model. I stopped beside him, standing, and Pam and Tara stood to either side and a little behind us.

'Mr Northman. I am Senator Avery. This is Major General Trant and Agents West and Lee.' He indicated the men in turn. 'I won't waste time with further introductions, but rest assured all those present are eager to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation in our great state of Louisiana.' He glanced at me, then Pam and Tara in interest.

'A pleasure gentlemen.' Eric replied. 'These lovely ladies are my daughter Pamela Sywnford de Beauford,'

Pam smirked and drawled out a 'Charmed.'

'…Her child Tara Thornton,'

Tara jerked her head but offered no further greeting.

'… and my consort Sookie.' I felt a silly burst of happiness and surprise at his unexpected designation.

Avery smiled and inclined his head. The FBI agents were staring at me with great interest. I picked up from their minds that they knew who I was. They were both bummed that I was a vampire.

The senator sat back down. 'Now, It's our understanding that the vampire issue in Louisiana is now under your control?' The man wasn't scared at all. He'd seen the weapons the guards were armed with in use. He was confident we'd all be dead way before we could lay a hand on him.

'That is correct.' Eric returned.

Avery nodded. 'Good. So, I understand you served Queen Sophie-Anne previously to King William?'

'Yes.'

'Apart from a few run-ins with the IRS the Queen was quite accommodating.' Avery was trying to gauge what sort of man Eric was. They wanted someone who would keep the vampires in line and not cause them further headaches. It would be real convenient if Eric could be that someone.

Eric didn't say anything, just regarded the senator evenly.

'Mr Northman, you can understand our, reluctance, to deal with your regime publically until we have some reassurances that you aren't another William Compton in the making.'

'You know I am not or you would not have agreed to this meeting.' Eric glanced at the FBI agents. 'I am sure you have been provided a great deal of information on me already.' He turned back to the senator and smiled almost friendly-like. 'However, if you have any particular concerns, you may ask me and I will attempt to offer these "reassurances" you seek.'

Avery sat back in his chair and regarded Eric seriously. 'What happened to Compton? Was that whole mainstreaming line of his bull from the start?'

'If you wish me to explain the series of events which led Louisiana to this sorry state of affairs, I will require certain assurances of my own.' I restrained the urge to glance at Eric. I had no idea what he was talking about.

'What sort of assurances?' This came from one of the FBI agents. I dipped into his head. He knew all about Eric. And me. And Pam. He even sorta knew about Tara. He also knew way more about the Vampire Authority and the AVL than I thought any human could. He was also humming the national anthem as if that would stop me reading his mind. I wordless communicated the gist of my wool-gathering to Eric.

'It is a dangerous position,' Eric said. '- ruling a vampire kingdom, and one I have never sought. I have substantial holdings in Europe, I am considering a return. The New World begins to tire me.'

Behind me Tara muttered 'fukin' Oland…' under her breath and I had to hold in a laugh. Pam hissed at her child softly.

'If I am to stay and keep the vampires of Louisiana under control for you, I would prefer to do so without the inept Vampire Authority breathing down my neck so to speak.' The FBI agent was pretty surprised. He hadn't been expecting that.

'You'd break with the VA?' the agent asked, eyes narrowed suspiciously.

'I care little for the Authority.' Eric proclaimed. Yep. I wholeheartedly agreed. 'You are aware that this entire mess was perpetrated by chancellors of the authority?'

The Senator leant forward. 'We've had wildly differing reports Mr Northman." he said. "I for one would love to hear your version on how this catastrophe came about.'

Eric inclined his head graciously. 'Very well Senator. Sanguinsta's – religious fanatics - infiltrated the Authority. They believe they have a god given right to rule over humanity as they see fit, despite the fact that they were once humans themselves. Needless to say, most vampires are aware of the insanity of such a desire. We are greatly outnumbered and humans can be ingenious. Any attempt to conquer humanity as the Sanguinsta's desire would only end in vampires once more being forced into hiding.'

The humans were hanging onto Eric's every word, and I had to admit I was kinda curious as well.

'The Authority had in its possession some ancient vampire blood, believed to be the blood of Lilith herself, so called progenitor of our kind.' Eric continued. 'I am not convinced of its authenticity, but It was ancient and powerful blood regardless. The chancellors drank this blood, and for lack of a better word went mad. This resulted in Russell Edgington and Steve Newlin's little jaunt to that frat house. With the aid of a few companions, I endeavoured to minimize the damage. Unfortunately the blood had driven Bill quite insane by this point. The creature you saw last week held little resemblance to the vampire he had been previously. I believe you are aware of the events as they then unfolded.'

The senator nodded. 'These sanguinista's, how prevalent are they?'

Eric snorted. 'Very few vampires older than a century share such views.' He paused. 'I have already begun eradicating those that remain in my Kingdom. I will not have my livelihood threatened by imbeciles.'

'What of Russell Edginton?'

'He is dead.'

The FBI agent spoke up again. 'We have been told that before Mr Northman.'

'I assure you Russell has met the true death.' Eric stared down the agent, but I could tell the man didn't believe him.

'It's true! Russell tried to kill me. Again. So Eric killed him.' I blurted. Everyone turned to stare at me. 'Has it rained much the last fortnight or so? It was in a field near Bon Temps. Wouldn't be hard for you fellas to find what's left of him I think. Do some DNA testing on it or something.' Most of the people at the table seemed to believe me. Apparently I was pretty believable for a vampire.

The room was silent for a long moment. 'Is there anything else you wish to ask of me?' Eric asked. It was surreal seeing him being so polite to a room full of breathers.

The senator frowned. He was thinking real fast, trying to decide if he trusted Eric or not and if there was anything else he needed. 'You'll need to give a press conference. Or an interview. Something the news channels can play so we can get this to die down. People need to know that Russell and Bill are dead and that they were fanatics.'

Eric was not pleased with this idea. I squeezed his hand encouragingly. 'Fine.' he ground out then stood, signalling the end of the conference.

'One moment Mr Northman,' one of the FBI guys said. 'I'd like to speak to Miss Stackhouse alone for a moment.' It was the agent called West.

Eric openly glared at the man. 'What could you possibly need to discuss with my woman alone?' I felt another weird bubble of happiness at Eric's possessive proclamation. Mixed with a bit of irritation at his damned high-handedness. Viking.

I placed a hand against Eric's chest to calm him. 'It's okay Eric, I think he just wants to ask how I ended up a vampire. The FBI were keeping an eye on me apparently.'

Eric's eyes glowed menacingly for a few seconds. 'I will be outside.' He led Pam and Tara out. I felt my bond to him and my maker's bond to Pam stretch as they made their way down to the car. The two Agents and the Senator remained with me in the room.

I crossed my arms. 'It wasn't very wise of y'all to talk to a thousand year old Viking's girl like that.' The agents were trying to act like they weren't scared of Eric, but they were. 'Well. Spit it out.'

The senator still wasn't scared of Eric. He was just curious about me.

'You were alive as of 15 days ago Miss Stackhouse, how did you come to be turned?' West asked. The agent had pulled out a tablet to refer to notes or something. Probably a big ol' file on me.

'If y'all were keeping tabs on me you probably knew I was in a bit of a pickle 15 days ago.' I said. 'What with Bill going insane and all. I knew he'd come for me, and he'd be able to find me cause I'd had his blood. So I asked Pam to turn me so he couldn't. It seemed my best bet at the time.'

West looked up in surprise. 'So Pamela Swynford de Beauford is your maker? Not Eric Northman?'

'I just said she was didn't I?' I snarked.

'And you were not changed against your will?'

I narrowed my eyes. 'Were y'all listening at all?'

The agent quickly typed out some notes. I could sense Eric's impatience.

'We done here?' I asked. 'His majesty is getting antsy.'

'Miss Stackhouse, if you so desire we can offer you protection.' West said. 'We have several vampire operatives and your particular skill set would make you an invaluable employee. The Bureau is willing to offer you an extremely generous salary.'

Wow. They actually thought I'd consider that? I delved into their minds a little. The two agents seemed to think that I was 'trapped' with Eric or something. Like some sorta… battered woman deal. I frowned. 'That's real nice of you, but I'm not interested.' I said.

The agents exchanged a look. Apparently they'd been told to try and give me the "hard sell" to get me to consider their offer.

'We are aware of the "compulsion" a vampire's maker holds over their offspring Miss Stackhouse. We are willing to negotiate with Miss Beauford and obtain her release for you.'

I was getting offended. 'I've got no desire to leave my home. So thanks but no thanks.' I glanced at the door, trying to make my impatience obvious.

'You wouldn't have to leave Louisiana Miss Stackhouse.' the agent continued. 'We would be happy to offer you a position based in one of several major cities in the state. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metaire, Lafayette... '

Wow they just weren't taking no for an answer.

'I'm not interested.' I interuptted. 'And you can write that down in your little file as my final answer.'

I caught a full thought from the agent that had been silent during our little interview./I wonder what those vamps are holding over her… File said she was pretty adamant that she didn't want to be turned. Northman or Beauford probably glamoured her into thinking it was her choice. What a waste. She's just a dead hole now./

I gasped in a mixture of shock and disgust and his last thought. 'You are a foul little man Thomas Lee!' His eyes widened at my use of his full name. 'For your information I am immune to vampire glamouring. Pam and Eric aren't holding me prisoner or anything stupid like that.'

Eric could feel my anger and I felt him moving towards me swiftly. There was a crunching noise and suddenly one of the big windows was gone. Eric was hovering outside looking in at the agents with his fangs out, his entire body glowing menacingly. It was windy so high up and his hair and jacket were blowing around all dramatically too.

The senator, like me, was enjoying the drama of the moment, the agents were petrified. One of them had pulled out a pistol that was loaded with silver bullets. Eric growled. 'If you even think about lifting that gun with my lover in the room I'll tear off your head.' He would. I had no doubt.

I shot the agents an angry glare before turning to the senator. 'Nice meeting you Senator. I'm sure you and Eric can sort this mess out.'

I floated vertically till I was level with Eric's face. He gave me a concerned look. 'Sváss. You are well?' he asked.

I smiled and took his hand. 'Let's get out of here.' He nodded and as one we flew out the window.

I felt the senator's giddy happiness. He watched us from the broken window. He'd used to have dreams about being able to fly when he was a little boy. He'd loved comic books. Seeing Eric and I fly had just improved his opinion of us by about a million precent.

Eric and I flew across New Orleans like Peter Pan and Wendy off to Neverland. It was beautiful. Since I was dead the cold air didn't bother me, and it seemed like the ability to fly had more or less overruled my fear of heights. The city lights below us looked real pretty. And it was quiet so high up.

Eric led the way, but I could feel us following Pam and Tara in the car. I took the opportunity of real privacy, I was aware that in the house Pam and Tara could eavesdrop on us pretty much everywhere, to talk to Eric. I started off small.

'What's s-vas mean Eric?'

He pulled us to a standstill so we were hovering way above the city and pulled me into his arms so we were embracing. 'It means,' he whispered in my ear. 'beloved.' I felt warm and gooey inside. I was a pretty poor excuse for a vampire. I kissed him gently. I didn't want him getting any ideas. If anyone was game to try sex a few thousand feet in the air, it would be Eric.

I tried to remember the other things he'd called me. 'Aster?' I felt his emotions give a little jump through our bond. 'Ástir' he corrected me. He was giving me that look of his again. 'Love.'

I was getting teary. I smiled and waved my hand to fan my eyes like I'd seen Lafayette do a thousand times. It didn't seem to do much. 'You know, for a Viking you are pretty romantic Eric Northman.'

'Hmm. Do not let it get out, my reputation will be ruined.' He kissed me, sending electricity shooting through my body.

'Mmm Eric. You are such a good kisser. I could kiss you forever.' There I went again. At least Pam wasn't around to hear.

I felt Eric smile against my lips. 'That will be a challenge if you keep interrupting me.' He tried to kiss me again but I was laughing and kissing and laughing doesn't really work. I pulled away from Eric and still giggling headed off towards where I felt my maker. He seemed to take it as an invitation to play tag with me or something. He darted after me and I obligingly squealed and tried to run, or in this case fly, away.

He'd let me elude him for a while, then catch me and kiss me until I could manage to escape and fly off again laughing madly. It took us a good hour to make it back to the Garden Quarter mansion. I flew into the courtyard squealing and laughing and ran inside with as much vamp speed as I could. Eric was right behind me doing a pretty good impersonation of the bogey man coming to eat me or something.

I shot past Pam and Tara in a living room, ignoring their mocking laughter, and made my way upstairs to Eric's bedroom. Incredibly I managed to beat him. I shut the door and bent over, my stomach twisting with my laughter.

I couldn't remember when I'd last laughed so hard. The doorknob rattled ominously. 'Ohhh Sookie… I know you are in there.' At Eric's voice, dramatic and pretend spooky like an old Dracula movie, I lost it again laughing. 'I'm coming to get you Sookie!' The door rocked a little. I wondered if he was going to break it down. I wouldn't have put it past him. With my vamp hearing I heard Pam downstairs. '…acting like five year olds. A disgrace to vampires everywhere.' Tara was laughing.

'Pamela! I am your King!' Eric's voice boomed with authority but I felt his amusement.

'Oh no, sounds like somebody's cranky' Tara quipped before whispering very loudly to Pam, 'Might be time for his majesty's nap.'

'I will deal with your disrespect later woman!' I could hear Eric's smile despite his words. His voice lowered. 'Sooookiee… I'm going to get yoouu.'

He scratched at the door.

It was a good thing I didn't breathe, because I was laughing so hard I probably would have passed out. I backed away from the door. I glanced around the room for a place to hide. I was contemplating the wardrobe when I heart Eric's voice right by my ear. 'Boo!'

His arms shot around me before I could escape. I squealed. He laughed and tumbled us onto the bed before mercilessly tickling me. 'No No! please!' I gasped between gales of laughter. I was terribly ticklish. Eric was laughing like an evil maniac. His eyes were bright with amusement. I'd finally managed to get my giggles under control when he lent forward and blew a raspberry on my stomach.

I shrieked anew, scandalised. 'ERIC!'

He was laughing loudly now, totally undignified but very pleased with himself.

I launched a counter attack. I was amazed to discover that Eric practically jumped he flinched so hard when I wiggled my fingers into his sides.

'Oh my god! Eric! You're ticklish!' I yelled. It was like Christmas had come early.

'I most certainly am not!' he stubbornly insisted.

I poked him in the sides and grinned as he flinched again, 'You most definitely are!' I gave my best evil laugh and attacked him 'The tables have turned Viking!' Eric twisted and wiggled and tried to tickle me back, but I was on a mission. Eventually I managed to dig my fingers into his sides and he giggled.

The image of Eric Northman giggling was enough to send me back into hysterics.

I cried tears of blood and ended up collapsed on him until my laughter calmed.

'I've discovered your Kryptonite Eric.' I whispered. 'You'll have to be real nice to me from now on.'

'I am already "real nice" to you as you put it lover.' He flipped us and smirked down at me. 'Would you like a demonstration?'

I smiled. The muscles around my mouth were starting to ache from smiling so much.

I kissed him.

'A demonstration would be 'real nice''