Chapter Four:

"You're making me uncomfortable." I put pressure against his chest in hope that he would take a step back. I was lying though, and he knew it. I was excited. He made me feel things that I hadn't in so long, if not ever before. And I hated him for causing this feelings and emotions to erupt inside of me. I would be leaving in a few days; I didn't need Eric Northman in my head like he was now. I needed to concentrate on school, on the career I've wanted since I was younger. This was my dream; I couldn't let him ruin that.

And yet as Eric stayed put, pressed against me, his fingertips teasing me as they glided all over, I didn't even try to stop him. I pushed at his chest half heartedly, but that was it. I didn't shout or yell or threaten to cut off his manhood. I just let his hands roam over my body, and I was ashamed to admit that it felt good, that I never wanted him to stop.

Maybe it was because I was submitting, or maybe something else entirely, but after a moment he did stop. I think he knew that I was enjoying his touch. I think he wanted to tease me, to drive me insane until I begged for his touch, for his body, for everything. A few more minutes of his hands on my body, and I would have done just that. But the moment his hands dropped to his sides and he took a step back, putting space between us, I came back to my senses. I shook my head, my curled hair falling into my face to hide my reddened cheeks that felt like they were on fire. I felt embarrassed by the way I acted, or rather the lack of what I should have done, and that was pushing him away.

"Sit with me." He held out a hand to me, that smirk still plastered across his face.

I let my gaze wander over to the stage where there was already an erotic dancer moving around the pole expertly, her hips moving seductively. Her gaze was solely on Eric as she moved around the pole, as if she could seduce him by the movements alone. Hell, she probably could. But as I stared back up at Eric, his eyes were on me, watching me in amusement.

"I promise to behave myself." He outstretched his hand further, waiting for me to oblige.

And I did.

Maybe I wasn't entirely back to my senses.

I was amazed at how the mass of bodies parted like the red sea as Eric began to lead me to the stage where his throne and two other chairs sat. I tried to keep my eyes focus on Eric's back, but I caught glimpses of the dirty looks being sent my way by both humans and vampires as if I just stole some precious prize from them. Actually, that was exactly what they were all thinking, I would bet. Every night that I had come here, I've seen the same fangbangers over and over again, all trying to draw Eric's attention onto them. And yet I just pop up and Eric seems fascinated with me when I wished he wouldn't be. I would much rather Eric find some other poor girl to pick on and pester, but unfortunately, until I left in a few days, I was forced to endure the frustrating, but absolutely gorgeous vampire.

As we stepped up onto the stage, Eric motioned me to the chair to his left as he draped himself in his throne. I raised an eyebrow but slid into the seat, pressing my dress down as I did so. I held my legs firmly together, like if I didn't, then I would be more prone to submit to Eric. That was a scary thought, but I wasn't about to give myself over to my hormones just yet. Maybe later on in the night.

Now that was an even scarier thought.

If I thought the glares and dirty looks from the fangbangers were nasty, the one the erotic dancer was sending me nearly had me leap back up to my feet and out of the bar. I gulped as I looked away, though I could feel the dancer boring holes through my head.

"You may go." Eric sounded amused as he dismissed the dancer, though a small part of me wished he would dismiss me instead. That seemed to be wishful thinking though.

I eyed the dancer (or should I just call her a stripper? She barely had any clothes on), watching as she tried to persuade Eric to let her stay, that she was the better choice out of the two of us. I agreed, just barely, but Eric just sent her a dark look that sent her running faster than I thought possible.

"Well don't you just have everyone loving you?" I rolled my eyes and turned my attention onto the vampire.

He smirked widely at me as he clasped his hands in front of him, his elbows resting on the arms of the throne. "I can't help it if I'm just that desirable. One day you will submit to my advances."

"I guess it a good thing that I'll be leaving soon then." I casually commented, hoping he would get the hint and leave me alone.

Again, wishful thinking.

"Oh, is that so?" he raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side.

"You claim to know so much about me, you should know then that I still have a semester left at school."

"Perhaps I can...persuade you to stay."

"As pretty as you are, Eric, you can't distract me for that long."

"Pretty?" he looked appalled that I had even thought to call him pretty. I had to stifle a laugh, sending the vampire a look of innocence. "I am anything but pretty."

"Beautiful?"

His eyes began to narrow.

"Not that either, huh?" I couldn't stop my own smirk from appearing on my lips. Teasing Eric was more fun than I thought it would be. Looks like the tables have been turned. "I guess you want me to say that you're drop dead gorgeous, right? Maybe smoking hot, the sexiest man I've ever encountered. Do those descriptions better suit you?"

"Yes." He didn't sound amused at all.

"Hm, well someone is conceited." I settled back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other, drawing the hem of my skirt up a few inches. I watched Eric's gaze fall to my lap, to where my dress ended and my legs began. His fangs extended with a click, but he remained in his throne, a look of lust crossing those vibrant blue orbs. Maybe I shouldn't have been playing this game with Eric. But if I didn't, then I was going to lose all of my self control and just let Eric take me right then and there. And that was the last thing I wanted. I was sure it would have been mind blowing, I didn't deny that. But getting caught up in some sexual drama with a vampire was the last thing I needed right now. He didn't seem like the commitment type, which was a plus, but I was too afraid that I would find myself distracted by Eric, by the out of this world sex, that I wouldn't be able to get on a plane to Connecticut and concentrate on my studies. Maybe I'd come back in a few months and give Eric a whirl. But until then, I had to stay focused. That was my main goal.

Sex would come later.

Maybe.

"You shouldn't tease me, Savannah." His long arm drew out, his fingers lightly tracing over the hem of my skirt, his cool touch making me shudder. He traced invisible designs across the top of my crossed leg until his fingers reached my knee before they trailed back up my leg, dipping a bit lower until he was able to tease my thigh. I tensed in the chair, my hands gripping the arms of the chair as his fingertips lightly brushed across the bottom of my dress, gently pressing it upwards, showing off more of my leg. My heart was racing, my breath was caught in my throat. My eyes closed as his fingers moved further and further up my leg before stopping and beginning back down, across my knee and as far south as he could reach without leaving his throne. "Teasing me isn't fair."

"Life isn't fair." My voice sounded raspy as my eyes slowly opened. He cupped my knee in his large hand and squeezed gently, causing a soft gasp to emit from my lips.

"For you maybe." He leaned over the arm of his throne. I tried to lean away from him, but he squeezed my knee for a second time and I froze. I felt his breath on my cheek as he used his other hand to brush a few strands of hair back behind my ear. "I always get what I want, Savannah. It'd be best if you remembered that."

"A-and what do you want?" I stared straight ahead, very aware of the eyes that were locked on us from around the bar. We had an audience, something that hadn't fazed Eric one bit. He liked showing off, he liked everyone knowing that he was desirable, to make all the women and even some men, jealous that they were not the ones up here on this stage with him.

"You." His nose nuzzled into the curve of my neck, inhaling sharply. "Oh most definitely you."

I felt his fangs grazing across my neck before stopping just above my pulsing vein, poising to strike. My heart nearly stopped as I waited for it, waiting for him to sink his fangs deep within my neck. But he never did. Maybe it was because of the rule in the bar, that no biting was allowed. Or maybe he just wanted to tease me, make me beg for it just like everything else. It scared me to think that I wasn't sure what I would have done if he had bit me. Would I have screamed bloody murder and hope that someone would have helped me? Would I have enjoyed Eric slowly sucking my blood as he caressed my body?

"You are quite the puzzle." His voice vibrated against my neck as his lips brushed across the skin before reaching my earlobe. He gently nipped at my ear, coughing me to yelp out. But I hadn't yelped in pain. Oh no, quite the opposite. I was ashamed to admit it, but the soft noises that escaped my lips as Eric's lips and fangs teased my ear, my neck, and even ghosted over my jaw, they were all out of pleasure.

And I hated myself for that.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Why couldn't I control myself and my urges?

I wasn't supposed to be this girl, and yet around Eric, I felt like putty in his hands. I was supposed to be strong and free willed. But with him, I was beginning to feel like every other fan girl in this bar.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we have a slight problem."

I would be forever grateful to Pam for interrupting at that moment. A low growl sounded from the vampire beside me as he settled back in his chair, his eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze onto the other blonde.

"What?" he snapped.

Pam raised an eyebrow in amusement, her gaze falling to where his hand laid on my knee still. "Queen Bill is here."

"What does he want?" Eric sounded less than pleased.

"I didn't ask." Pam shrugged her leather clad shoulders. "He was quite...insistent to speak with you. I've sent him to your office. I wouldn't keep him waiting long, he brought along some of his human ass kissers. The guns are starting to scare the humans, not that you would notice."

Eric sent her a look of warning, which only caused the female vampire to smirk even wider.

"Don't worry about your little plaything, Eric, I'll keep her company." She winked at me and I shuddered. "We'll have loads of fun, won't we sweetheart."

"Don't touch her, don't taste her. She's mine." Eric stood, his hand falling off of my knee.

Was it absolutely terrible that I already missed his touch?

"You haven't even tasted her." Pam rolled her eyes. "Please don't tell me we have another Sookie Stackhouse on our hands."

"Pam." He hissed, baring his fangs down at the vampire that was only a few inches shorter than he was. I shot a look down at her shoes and was impressed to find how tall her stiletto boots were. I never would have been able to walk in those.

"At least this one doesn't lower the IQ level of all humans." Pam snickered to herself. "But she doesn't have the same...delectable smell about her."

"That's enough Pam."

"Go deal with Bill, I'll watch over your little toy." Pam smirked over at me. "We'll have some girl talk."

Somehow I didn't think this girl talk would be a fun one."

"Get back to work Pam. She's mine." Eric's eyes narrowed into slits before his gaze roamed over the bar. Vampires and humans quickly looked away, but the message seemed to get across to them all. What that message was, I wasn't entirely sure. I didn't think I wanted to know either.

Pam pouted but left the stage, though not before sending me another sensual wink. I shuddered as I watched her stroll away, her hips swaying from side to side. Both men and women watched as she left with the same hunger they had for Eric.

"I'll return shortly." Eric had turned back to me, his hands slipped into his jean pockets. "I'll escort you to the bar, you'll be..." he paused for a moment, a frown settling on his lips. "More entertained while I meet with an associate of mine."

I had a feeling that 'entertained' wasn't the word he had intended on using. I didn't try to argue; his mood seemed to have gone south rather quickly. I didn't ask who Bill was; I could tell that Eric wasn't a fan of whoever he was. Instead, I just slipped my hand into his, goose bumps rising on my arms as he tugged me to my feet and led me across the room to the bar. With only a single frightening stare, half of the humans scattered away from the bar, leaving multiple seats empty. He led me to the one closest to the sticker and poster covered door at the end of the bar counter however, motioning the bartender over.

"Chow, this is Miss Kingsley. Whatever she asks for, you'll give. Her tab in on me tonight."

"Eric..."

"I'll return shortly." He lowered himself down, his gaze level with mine. "Perhaps when I return, we can have another little chat about submitting to me. I'd like to take you to my bed, Savannah."

"I have more self control than that."

"Do you?" he flashed me a smirk before rising and opened the door beside the bar. I watched as he slipped into what appeared to be a hallway before the door closed and I was left wondering just how right he was.

Two cocktails and an entire hour later, and Eric Northman was nowhere to be found. He had yet to return, and I was beginning to grow anxious. I had come here for him after all, I didn't like to just be kept here waiting. Then again, part of me wondered what was keeping Eric, and pathetically enough, I was worried. How could I be worried about a vampire I only just met a week and a half ago? Then again, how could I want to spread my legs for him after such a short period of time? There just weren't any answers to the questions that I had, and I found that I didn't exactly want the answers anyways. Soon I would be leaving and then I wouldn't have to think about Eric again. Ever.

Another hour passed by, leaving only thirty minutes before the clock would strike midnight and 2011 would be upon us. I tried to reflect on the past year, think about what was to come, but I hated to admit it, but Eric just wouldn't leave my thoughts. I couldn't wait to get out of town just so I could concentrate on something other than Eric friggin Northman.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone in a place like this?" a husky voice sounded to my left.

I looked up from my empty glass and looked to my side, not happy at all to find a vampire visibly flashing around his fangs leaning against the bar beside me. I caught sight of the bartender eying this new vampire and I, and I knew that Eric had all but ordered him to keep an eye on me. I shook my head slightly, letting him know that I was fine. This vampire wouldn't hurt me. Eric seemed to be fascinated by me for some reason, or at least until he got into my pants. But until that did or didn't happen, I felt safe knowing that he would break a few bones if the wrong vampire touched me. He had seemed possessive enough when Pam, who he seemed to have a fairly good relationship with, had offered to keep me company.

Of course, I would have felt safer if that damn vampire was here with me instead of doing god even knows what.

Scary to think that I felt safer with Eric than anyone else in this bar.

"You're a shy little thing." I felt a cold finger run down the length of my bare arm.

I yanked my arm away from him, turning around in my seat to glare at the vampire. "I'm not interested."

"Are you sure about that, little girl?" he smirked widely as he leaned towards me, his hand circling around my upper arm. He was handsome, but not nearly as good looking and drop dead gorgeous as Eric was. His attitude was what made him ugly. Eric's persistence was calculated and while annoying, was generally harmless. This vampire however, was trying everything possible to get me to look into his eyes. I tried to fight him, tried to squirm out of his grasp. But his grip only seemed to tighten as he grasped onto my chin, forcing me to remain still. I squeezed my eyes shut, but the vampire hissed and held onto my arm so tightly, I knew I would have a bruise there in the morning. "Look at me, little girl, look into my eyes. You and I will have so much fun."

My eyes were forced open as his hand squeezed my arm so hard that I thought he was just going to snap my arm off. The moment I stared into those murky green eyes, I felt the fog beginning to stretch across my subconscious, the vampire slowly stealing away my self control.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" an enraged Eric Northman came flying out of the door beside the bar, breaking the vampire's concentration and freeing me from his control. I sighed in relief but jumped off of the bar stool as Eric grabbed onto the vampire by the throat and threw him right on top of the bar counter. My eyes grew wide as silence crept over the bar, all eyes on the vampire they all admired defending a mere little human girl. I snuck a glance towards the entrance of the bar and found a surprised Pam slowly beginning towards us, just above shoving humans left and right to create herself a path. The bartender stayed at the far end of the bar, shaking his head and watching as Eric nearly ripped the head off of the other vampire. "Are you aware that you were glamouring my human? Do you know who I am, what I can do to you?"

"Yes sheriff, sorry sheriff. I didn't know she was yours." The vampire gulped, his eyes wide as he apologized profusely.

"Pam." Eric straightened, though he kept his hand wrapped around the vampire's neck, holding him on top of the bar.

"Yes, Eric?" She appeared at his side, her gaze falling on me for a moment before rising to meet Eric's glare.

"Does Savannah not have my scent all over her?"

A smirk crossed Pam's lips as she leaned towards me, sniffing the air. "She certainly does."

"Then why," Eric turned back to the vampire who's face, if he had been a human, would have turned a sickly red and purple colour. "Were you even talking to my human? I'm within my rights to punish you for laying a hand on her, do you understand me?"

"But I-I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'm sorry sheriff."

I was terrified. Watching Eric as this predator was unnerving. But I also wasn't about to jump in and tell him to stop. If he hadn't come along, this vampire could have...what did Eric call it? Oh right, he could have glamoured me into doing whatever he wanted. He could have had me leave with him. He could have drained me until I was lying dead somewhere. Eric had saved my life, and I knew I would have to owe him for that.

"If you even look at her again, it'll give me a reason to rip your head off." Eric seethed, growling at the vampire who was shaking in fear. I wasn't sure how old Eric was, or just how important he was, but he seemed to be some sort of authority around here, and if I were a vampire, I certainly wouldn't want to piss Eric off. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-yes Sheriff." The vampire nodded wildly.

Eric's eyes were narrowed but he released the vampire and stepped back beside Pam. The vampire was off of the bar in seconds, and quickly sped out of the bar before I could even blink. Humans and vampires alike just stood around us, watching in interesting, whispering to one another all wondering why Eric had gotten so touchy at a vampire for talking to a human.

"There's nothing to see here." Pam rolled her eyes and turned to the rest of the bar, waving them all away. She flashed her fangs at some nearby humans and they hurried away until all was back to normal in the bar.

"He hurt you." Eric murmured as he gazed down at my arm, his fingertips lightly brushing over where the vampire had grabbed me. I gazed down at my arm and was surprised to find it was already bruising. I winced a he cradled my arm in his hands, a frown on his face.

"I'm fine." I assured him. And I was fine. I was more spooked than anything, more fearful at what could have happened. "Thank you."

His gaze rose until his blue orbs met mine. I wanted to look away, in fear that he too would try to glamour me, but as I stared into those eyes, I found nothing but Eric Northman staring back at me. I sighed and let my body relax, finding that I enjoyed as the backs of his fingers caressed the bruised skin. I was surprised to find a hint of furry in his orbs though, mixed with a touch of sadness. I could understand why he was angry. I was his interest tonight, I was who intrigued him and another vampire had come along and tried to ruin his fun. But I couldn't quite figure out why he was sad.

I couldn't think upon it for long however, as he quickly masked his emotions, that smirk returning to his lips, though it looked lacklustre compared to earlier. "The damsel in distress tends to thank her saviour with a kiss, as I'm made aware."

"You need better sources." I couldn't help but smile as I rolled my eyes. That was more like the annoying Eric I've gotten to know.

"But I was your...knight in shining armour." He chuckled, shaking his head at the very human term. "That deserves a token of gratitude, does it not?"

He was right. Sort of.

"How about a thank you."

"I was thinking of something a little more...intimate." he drew himself closer, causing me to back up into the bar. He clasped his hands on either side of me, trapping me between the bar and his very nicely toned body. He licked his lips as he lowered his gaze over my body, and there was no hiding the fact that he apparently wanted me. Why, I still couldn't understand. Besides my light blue-grey eyes, there was nothing special about me, nothing unusual or enticing. I was average, at best. I voiced this to Eric, assuring him that he didn't want me because I was so ordinary, but he only chuckled in response. "You are so much more that ordinary, Savannah. There's more to you than even you know. I don't know what it is yet, but I will find out, I will learn what it is about you that intrigues me."

"I-I'm not going to sleep with you, Eric." I whispered, our gazes never wavering.

"All I'm asking for is one kiss." He raised a hand up to cup my cheek. "One little kiss."

"Why do I somehow doubt it'll just be one kiss with you?"

He snickered. "One kiss is all it will take for you to spread those lovely legs of yours for me."

"I don't doubt that." I surprised myself by saying. But it was the truth. I was afraid to kiss him because I was afraid that I would lose the last bit of my self control and hand myself over to this vampire to do with as he will. And that scared the hell out of me.

"One kiss, Savannah. I promise you nothing more." he caressed my cheek with his thumb. I could feel the eyes on me from around us, but I ignored them. I could only focus on Eric.

"No." I shook my head, trying my best to keep myself together.

"It's nearly midnight, you'll have to kiss someone, it's tradition." He was pressed against me now, his lips lowering until this were ghosting across mine. A moan escaped my lips, and I wanted to slap myself for it. "When the clock strikes midnight, kiss me, Savannah. I know you want to. I can taste your desire. You want to kiss me."

If we had been looking one another in the eye, I would have said he was trying to glamour me. But as my eyes had fluttered close, I knew that wasn't the case. Oh no, this was just a case of hormones and very weak self control.

"A sweet little kiss, that's all I'm asking for." He brushed his lips across my jaw until he reached my ear. "One kiss."

I couldn't utter a word, not trusting myself to, and instead just nodded quickly. I was going against everything I stood for, but it was just a kiss, right? Just one kiss and then I could boot it out of here and never see this vampire again. I would be leaving soon; I would be saying goodbye to all of this. I just wouldn't show my face for a few holidays. Eventually Eric would forget about me and I could come back to Shreveport in peace.

I felt Eric slip his hand into mine as he took a step away from me. That smirk never left his face as he silently began leading me back through the bar and to the stage. My cheeks were a bright red as I followed behind him, too embarrassed to look up at those who had parted to create a path for the vampire. I felt the dirty looks, I felt the glares, but I didn't care about them. I couldn't please everyone. If I could, I wouldn't have even come tonight. Though I knew a small part of me would always wonder 'what if' if I had never come.

There was still a good fifteen minutes until midnight, until Eric and I would kiss. We sat as we waited for the time to tick by. Neither of us spoke, though Eric kept his hand clasped around mine, his thumb rubbing small circles in the palm of my hand. Every so often I would risk a glance at the vampire, only to find him staring right back at me with that knowing look in his eyes, like he knew exactly how I was feeling at that moment. And he probably did. Vampires seemed more in tune with those sorts of things. Of course, they used it to their advantage in whatever way that they can.

The excitement began to grow in the bar as time passed quickly until we were minutes from the New Year. I used to be so excited about New Years Eve. It was the end of one year and the beginning of another. It gave you the chance to close the door to all of your mistakes, all of your regrets, and open up to a whole new world of possibilities. But this year, this year I was nervous as hell. Because the moment that clock struck midnight, I knew everything would change. As much as I wanted it to be, that kiss would never just be some silly little kiss.

"Are you ready my little mystery?" Eric was standing before me, causing me to blink in surprise. I had been lost in my own little world and hadn't even noticed he was no longer sitting. I craned my neck up to stare at him, his hand outstretching for me to take. I inhaled sharply before slipping my hand into his and letting the vampire tug me to my feet. His arm immediately went around my waist while his other danced across my arm, his fingers hovering over the darkening bruise. "I will kill him for this."

"It's just a bruise and I'm just a human girl." I pointed out.

"No." He stared me straight in the eye as he cupped my cheek. I could vaguely hear the countdown begin. I forgot in that moment where I was. I forgot that I was standing in the middle of a vampire bar. All that mattered was this vampire before me as he drew me against him, his thumb brushing across my bottom lip. "You are not just a silly little human girl."

"Then what am I?" my voice wavered.

"5...4...3...2...1!"

"You are mine." His lips twisted into a smirk before they came crashing down against mine.

I couldn't breathe at first. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs as his lips captured mine in a kiss I would surely never forget. I felt frozen as his tongue darted out, swiping across my bottom lip, gently nipping with his fangs. The colour rose on my face as I came back into my body from some out of body experience. I felt the fiery passion burst through his lips and into mine. It felt as if my heart was just going to leap out of my chest. Fireworks were going off, but I was more than certain we weren't outside or near any sort of firework display. But that's exactly what it felt like. While all those around us celebrated the New Year, Eric and I had our own celebration with one another, one that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

The kiss became needier as he pried my lips apart with his tongue, asking for access. I moaned in response, his tongue immediately darting into my mouth, dominating my tongue that barely even knew what was going on. I had never been kissed like this. No human could ever kiss in this way before, with the sheer power and pleasure sliding around me, rolling into my mouth as we became one at that single moment. It felt a part of me had been unleashed, cursing through me like some unknown drug that was leaving me high on the thrill of it all.

My hands began to work as they slid up his strong arms and to the back of his neck. I held him against me, pressing my body harder against his as we moved together rhythmically. This was more than just a kiss; this was so much more than a silly little kiss.

This was everything.

I had to pull away after a moment, not because I couldn't breathe, but because of the sheer intensity of the kiss, the kiss that had literally taken away my breath, stopped my heart, and every other cliché in the world. It took a moment for my lungs to remember how to function, my breaths coming out raspy and unsteady. Eric leaned his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as he too breathed in and out, almost as if he was trying to control himself.

"What are you?" Eric asked, his voice so low, I had to strain to hear him.

I pulled away from him at that question, not knowing what to think. My hands rested on his chest as we stared at one another, his blue orbs boring into mine. I couldn't think straight, and I knew that wasn't because of an attempt to glamour me. I was literally left speechless. That kiss was out of this world. Literally. I had had pretty fantastic kisses in the past. But that, that just blew everything out of the park. My lips still tingled; I could still feel his hands on my body even as they fell to his side. And most of all, I still felt that power, that rush of energy that surged through me so strongly that I stumbled backwards and away from the vampire.

"Savannah." He reached out to me but I quickly darted off of the stage before he could touch me. I began backing away from him, our gazes never leaving one another.

"I-I have to go." I rushed out before twisting on my heel and pushing through the mass of celebrating bodies.

I needed out of that bar, I needed away from that vampire.

Before I lost my entire self control and went crawling back for more.

A/N: just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who's reading this, the response I'm getting is great, and makes me want to write write write! oh and to those that have asked, Godric will be appearing very very soon...his introduction into Savannah's life is just around the corner...