Much to Eric's own shock, he found himself sending Thorn a message the very next evening. One he had gotten a response to almost instantly.

Eric had never been one for phones, honestly. They were essential, of course, but he didn't need his like humans did. All of them addicted to their devices. Sometimes, Eric truly missed the days when your only light was the flames from a torch and the sun. The days when there were no loud televisions or cars or music that sucked: only the sounds of the sea and the trees and the wind. It was probably one of the few things he missed about being human.

But just now, Eric liked modern day technology.

And as days turned into weeks, this was how he and Thorn communicated. Texting and calling, seeing as she worked two jobs and he was asleep during the day. Most of their conversations were casual enough. Eric had learned that she worked as a server in a lounge that was vintage themed, requiring her to wear retro clothing from any decade before the sixties. Depended on the night of the week. One night it may be 1920's, another it could be 1940's, sometimes they had an old Hollywood night where the staff dressed as stars from the silver screen like Veronica Lake and Marilyn Monroe. Eric was curious to see that.

The other job she worked was retail in a boutique. They sold high end clothing and leather goods, and she really enjoyed it.

Eric made an effort to see her on her nights off, if he wasn't busy at Fangtasia or dealing with area 5 matters. They usually just; if you can believe it; took walks together. They talked. Eric didn't stop offering to absolutely blow her mind in bed but he didn't mind much when she turned him down. Thorn made Eric laugh. He found himself delighted whenever they spoke. Well, as delighted as a cynical, 1,000+ year old vampire could allow himself to be.

His favorite conversation they'd had, to date, was when Thorn and he had been on the phone one night and Eric had told her,"You should think about coming by Fangtasia."

"Oh? And why is that?" Thorn had asked.

"Because I'll be there," Erik had replied with a smirk,"What other reason do you need?"

"OR," Thorn had countered,"You could just grow a dick and ask me out on a date already instead of trying to lure me to your blood bar."

It had taken Eric a minute of staring at his phone to laugh because he had been surprised. No one talked to him the way Thorn did. He really enjoyed it. "Well then, dinner?"

"I told you, I don't do biting."

"Fine. You'll eat and I'll watch," He chuckled. "Tell me when."

"I'll look at my calendar and get back to you." She sighed dramatically,"I AM a busy woman, after all."

"You're a tease."

"And you love it or you wouldn't come back for more. Have a good night, Mr. Northman. Not all of us get to sleep all day."

Eric had grinned,"One thing before you go."

"Yes?"

"Tell me what you're wearing tonight."

"Mr. Northman, that is inappropriate. You make me blush, Sir."

"After the way you moved the night we met, I highly doubt that." The memory of the hypnotizing way that Thorn had moved her body to the music made Eric hungry. "So, tell me."

"As you wish."

"Well then? What are you wearing to bed?"

"A cat t-shirt." She had hung up and a minute later, Eric had received a text from her. It had been a photo of Thorn in a big, loose, shirt that had kittens on it while she held her own gray and white kitten in one arm.

Eric had laughed but he genuinely liked the picture. She looked happy and subtle was sexy.

It had been two weeks since that conversation and a little over three months since they'd met. And tonight was the night they had agreed to go to dinner.

Eric waited outside Kara's Grill, a restaurant in Shreveport that Thorn had recommended. He couldn't understand why, though. It was just a little bar and restaurant, similar to Merlotte's, where country music played inside and the smell of steaks was heavy in the air. He had also offered to pick Thorn up but she had insisted that she drive herself. What an odd woman, she was.

Thorn walked up,"Hey." Eric looked over. She was dressed in a black, off the shoulder dress with three quarter length sleeves and a pleated skirt. It exposed all of her shoulders and legs just like when they'd first met. And she had a thick, black ribbon around her neck. That was something Eric had noticed was her own little fashion statement. She had silk ribbons in every color on earth and wore them as chokers.

He smirked,"Hello." Her flame hued hair was braided up again, as it usually was, but her had a few strands loose near her face this time. "You look great."

"Thanks," She smiled a little,"Let's go in," She led him inside and they were seated in a booth near the back.

"So, three months and we've finally gone on a date. It's a record for me."

"What do you mean?" Thorn looked at him.

"I mean that usually it takes a matter of hours for me to get bored of the women I'm around and I don't date. Ever. But you're different."

"I'm glad to hear that."

He smiled and when their waitress came over, he let Thorn order. "And what about you, Sir?" She smiled flirtatiously at him.

Eric Looked her over. Pretty girl, dark hair, dark eyes, nice figure. But he had met thousands like her. "True Blood. AB negative, if you have it."

The girl blinked, clearly shocked and walked away a little faster than she probably needed to. Thorn looked at him,"I thought you hated true blood."

"I do. But it's rude to come in and not buy a drink."

"Because Eric Northman cares so much about being rude."

"Yes, actually."

"Why?"

"I've learned tact over my very long life."

"Could've fooled me," She rolled her eyes.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" He raised a brow.

"Eric Northman, you are the most unashamed, outspoken, blunt person I've ever met."

"I really need to introduce you to Pam."

"My point is that you could care less about politeness."

"Only in certain situations," He smirked. "This is a special night."

"Oh? What's so special?" She smirked at him.

He leaned in close,"Tonight is the night I show you Heaven." Eric heard Thorn's heartbeat quicken.

She cleared her throat,"I believe I get a say in that, Don't I?"

"Of course. But you want it. The one thing you can't do to me is lie. I can always tell."

Thorn smiled a little shyly. That was the first time he had ever seen shyness or embarrassment on her face. "Well, just so you know, tonight is not that night. So, don't hold your breath."

"What breath?" Eric grinned,"And we shall see, Thorn Kolt."

Thorn pulled the loose strands of hair behind her ear and looked up when the waitress brought their drinks. Music began playing and her eyes slid closed again, the way they often did when she heard music she liked. Eric noticed that Thorn reacted to certain music the way that some women reacted to kisses on the neck or a sensual touch. "I love this song."

"I don't know it," Eric admitted,"What is it?"

"It's called Crazy. It's by an old singer named Patsy Cline and its amazing. I grew up singing this song."

"You sing? You never mentioned that."

"No I didn't."

"I wish you had."

"Why?"

"I like live music at Fangtasia once in a while. Maybe you could grace my humble business with your voice."

"Nice try," She chuckled,"But I'm still not going and to top it off, I don't sing anymore."

"And why not? Are you bad at it?"

"No. I love singing and I was really good. I just… I just don't do it anymore." She sipped her water.

"I bet I could help you hit high notes," Eric appeared beside her and breathed into her ear,"If you like."

Thorn shivered but jumped away from him, nearly into the window but Eric grabbed her arm and stopped her. She looked at him,"Eric… please don't do that again." She looked upset. Eric let go and went back to his own seat at a normal speed.

"My apologies. I didn't realize you're so jumpy."

"I… Yeah." She looked down,"Yeah. I guess I am."

Eric watched her. He didn't like this timid version of her. He liked her vibrant. A slow song came on again and Eric stood, taking her hand,"Come on."

"What?"

"You always seem to light up when you dance. So, let's dance." He led her to the small dance floor and pulled her into his arms.

I used to spend my nights out in a barroom… Liquor was the only Love I'd known. But you rescued me from for the bottom… You brought me back from being too far gone.. You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey… you're as sweet as strawberry wine… You're as warm as a glass of brandy… And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time…

Eric pressed her into his chest gently, one of his hands running down her back. Her skin was warm and soft, he loved the feel of it under his fingertips. He lifted her chin up so she had to look at him. He had almost a foot of height on her. He smirked at her, his ice blue eyes never leaving hers. Usually, he only looked at a woman like this to glamour her. But he didn't want to glamour Thorn into anything. He wanted to feel her desire for him that came from her. Because he knew it was there. He could feel it when she smiled at him.

Her scent was intoxicating to him, it filled him with hunger and he leaned down a bit and kissed her hair. He could imagine how she tasted. All sweetness and spicy at the same time.

I've looked for love in all the same old places.. Found the bottom of the bottles always dry… But when you poured out your heart I didn't waste it… 'Cause there's nothing like your love to get me high… You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey.. You're as sweet as strawberry wine… You're as warm as a glass of brandy… And darlin', I stay stoned.. On your love.. All the time…

Thorn looked up at Eric slowly. She was definitely feeling better because the joy that music brought her had lit up her eyes again. Eric grinned and when the music stopped, he stayed in place, bringing one of his large hands up to touch her cheek. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes," Her voice was soft. So soft that probably no one else could hear her. It was as if she didn't want to break whatever this connection between them was. Like it were glass and might shatter if her voice reached above a whisper.

However, Thorn was not the one to shatter their moment. A beer bottle came hurling at Thorn and Eric caught it with ease. He felt rage prickling his skin, filling him with heat of the wrong kind. He turned to the direction the bottle had been thrown from. A few men were standing near the bar, glaring at Eric. Stupid rednecks in their dirty work clothing and ugly trucker caps. Eric resisted the urge to comment on their awful style.

Thorn looked at Eric's hand and jumped when she realized the bottle had almost hit her. "Can I assist you gentlemen?" Eric asked in his usual calm voice. "I believe you've misplaced something." He set the bottle on the nearest table.

"Get the hell out of here, fucking fanger," One of the men snapped. He was dressed in a red, stained shirt with a few holes and dirty jeans with run of the mill work boots. Then he turned his attention to Thorn,"You disgusting slut. Fang banging bitch needs to learn to stick to her own." Eric wasn't really used to being spoken to like this because in his establishment, no one would dare. But he knew how the world thought of him and his kind. He didn't care much because they weren't entirely wrong. But they'd nearly hit Thorn and now they were daring to insult her. Asshats.

"My own suck worse than the vampires," Thorn stepped closer to them. "Examples A, B, and C," She gestured to them.

"Why you-!" The asshat standing beside the red clad asshat stormed over to her and raised his hand to hit her.

Thorn didn't shy away until he actually swung but Eric tossed him into a table. "Now, that is just bad manners to hit a lady," Eric said and stepped in front of Thorn.

"Eric, you don't need to do that. I can fight my own battles," Thorn frowned.

"Yes, I'm aware, gorgeous," He glanced at her,"But they made me angry." Thorn seemed to soften. He wasn't coming to her rescue, insinuating that she needed saving. He was pissed off and doing something about it. He turned back to the other two asshats,"Now, my companion and I simple came to enjoy some social interaction and a meal. We haven't done anything wrong. So, I suggest you go back to your beers and leave us alone."

"Fuck you, you bloodsucking sicko. You and your filthy cunt need to-!" He couldn't finish the sentence because Eric, moving like lightning, had grabbed his face and slammed it into the bar.

"Apologies, gentlemen. I don't take kindly to people talking poorly of my lady here." Eric shook the blood off his hand. The asshat would live but he probably had a concussion and broken nose. He wiped his hand clean on the final asshat's shirt then offered his hand to Thorn,"I think it best we take our leave." Thorn took his hand and didn't argue. Eric laid some money on their table for the one drink they'd managed to order and a sizeable tip for the waitress, who may've been alarmed to be serving a vampire but had the common decency not to be a bigot.

Thorn followed Eric outside. He cracked his knuckles,"I'm sorry you had to witness that."

"It wasn't your fault. People are assholes, Eric. They always have been and are always going to be. I'm just pissed off they ruined our date."

Eric turned to her,"Perhaps it can be salvaged." He touched her cheek and leaned down,"What do you think?" His whispered words washed over her lips and all of her body shuddered. She touched the hand on her cheek and gulped, nodding. Eric tilted her head back a little more and, finally, pressed his lips to hers. Thorn gasped softly as one of her hands gripped his black shirt, pulling him closer to her. He purred into her mouth, pressing her against his car.

Thorn pulled away only for a moment to say,"M-Maybe not in the parking lot of the place you just bashed some moron's face in?"

He grinned and nipped her lower lip,"Afraid for me?"

"Well, yeah… What if they come out here?"

Eric got into his car and pulled Thorn into his lap, laying the seat back. He kissed her again and ran his hands up the back of her neck, holding her against him. She kissed him back, her fingers running into his golden locks, messing them from their perfect, slicked back style. She ground against him and he hissed happily. His hands moved to her hips, one resting on her lower back, pressing her more firmly to him. Eric sat up and kissed her jawline then her neck and shoulders. "Take off your choker," He breathed to her.

She shook her head,"No." He kissed just under her ear and she moaned.

"I want to kiss every part of you," He bit the ribbon lightly. "Or my fangs could pierce it." He released his fangs.

The moment Thorn felt the pricks of his teeth, she wrenched back,"Eric, I said no biting."

"I'll be gentle," He grinned and reached for her again.

"I said NO!" She snapped and pushed him back.

Eric frowned,"What's the problem? This is what I am, which you know."

"Because I said no," She hissed at him.

"Don't be so ridiculous," He gripped the ribbon ties and yanked them until the choker came off. She reached to cover her throat but Eric stopped her when he saw them. Bite marks. "Do you belong to another vampire?" He hissed viciously.

"No!" She snatched her ribbon back and punched him,"I don't belong to ANY vampire. Including you." Eric held his nose. Okay. Ow. She pushed his car door open and hurriedly got out. "You're such a fucking asshole, Eric Northman." She stormed over to her car and drove off.

What the actual fuck had just happened? Was she seeing another vampire? The thought enraged him. And why hide the bites? Then again, if she had a possessive vampire, as most were, hiding the bites made sense. It would certainly explain why she refused to let him taste her. Now he was just angry.

"Hi there," A woman walked over to him, dressed in a soft pink blouse and beige pencil skirt. She had naturally auburn hair and gentle eyes,"Are you all right? I saw what happened inside and just wanted to make sure you and your friend are okay."

"If you saw what happened then you know I handled them."

"Well, yes. But your friend-" She glanced around,"Where'd she go?"

"Home to her partner, I assume."

"Oh so… you two aren't..?"

"No."

"Oh. I just assumed… I mean.. The way you two danced together… It as very.. Intimate."

Eric ran his eyes over her. She'd do. "I could show you intimate if you like." The woman grinned. "Get in," He grinned back. And she did.

-

A/N: The song was "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton.