a/n: this is the longest chapter so far, I doubt you guys will mind that! oh and there might be some mild NSFW content in here too =P

Chapter 11

Falling into a rhythm with Eric was easy, almost too easy. It had been one week since he had come to stay with me. Neither of us had heard from his sister Pam and no one had come to attack him yet. My hope was that they gave up or had no idea where he was. Once in awhile Eric's strangely vivid dreams would have him telling me a strange story or wondering about elusive questions. He had asked me at dinner one night, what I thought it would be like to live forever. He brushed it off as just a weird dream but still was insistent on my answer. I told him it seemed like a sad existence since everything you knew and loved would eventually be gone. Another night when we were laying in my bed he told me that he thought there was more to the world than we knew. I guess I believed that and told him so. There was God, spirits, and plenty of scientific discoveries to be made right here on Earth still. I never thought he might have meant something much more specific.

So other than the occasional out there conversations things were quite normal. I told Amelia that Eric was staying with me and she promised to keep another one of my secrets. Octavia was back to her normal self at work. Most of the time when I came home from the hospital Eric had been up to something. I quickly discovered he was not lazy and needed to keep himself busy. He had finished painting the porch, weeded the garden, and stacked up the firewood Jason cut for me. It was something a girl could get used to.

"Eric?" I unlocked the backdoor and kicked off my shoes to leave them in the screened-in back deck.

"Hey Sook" Jason's voice came from the kitchen and I could hear them talking. I hope he was not interrogating Eric.

"Hi, how was work?" Eric asked from his seat across from my brother at the kitchen table.

"Fine... Jason what are you doing here?" It was just after seven. I figured he would be down at Merlotte's having a beer after work.

"Your brother just made me a really great offer." Eric seemed excited.

"Okay..."

"A spot opened up on the road crew. Bud Dearborn's nephew quit a couple days ago, and you said Eric had gotten laid off right?" Jason explained with quite a bit of pride.

"Oh that's a nice offer Jay. You don't have to accept if you don't want to." I eyed Eric, I didn't want him to feel like he had to take whatever my brother gave him.

"I already said yes. I get bored not doing anything and I would much rather be productive." He smiled.

Well it looked like my brother and...whatever Eric was to me, would be working together. This would either go well or blow up in our faces. I had no idea if they would get along. Jason was getting better each day but he still had his shallow and idiotic moments. Meanwhile Eric proved to be this deep and bottomless pit of thoughts and emotions.

"That's great then, thanks for thinking of him Jason." I smiled and really was glad Jason took the time to consider Eric.

"No prob sis. I'm gonna get out of here though. See you tomorrow at 7 Eric?" Jason stood up and headed to the door.

"Yes, I'll be ready." He nodded then Jason was out the door. I assumed Jason was going to pick Eric up since he had no car and I would be at work as well tomorrow.

"Sookie?" Eric seemed uncertain as he ran his fingers through his hair. "What does a construction worker wear?"

I chuckled "just wear jeans and those work boots you bought"

Later that night we were sitting in front of the television watching a program on the History channel called 'The Men Who Built America'. Eric was just as much of a history geek as I was, except he seemed to know a lot more than me. On nights I got out early we settled in front of the TV and certain things would spark Eric's memory and he'd tell me an entire story about how a skyscraper was built, or prohibition. We were like a boring old married couple already and it would probably make other people want to puke. I loved every second of it. I never got to enjoy this kind of companionship with anyone in my life. I could always hear my family's thoughts in the background. With Eric I felt normal.

I glanced over at him as a sketch of one of Andrew Carnegie's business partners popped up.

"That kind of looks like you. Maybe you're related to some famous family like the Vanderbilts."

"Now that would be interesting, I wouldn't mind being a part of a family that helped shape the country." The picture faded away and the narration said little about the man. People just knew Carnegie had some elusive business partner who made large investments in his steel companies, apparently no one ever saw much of him.

Sitting curled up on the couch with Eric's arm around me was completely comfortable. But tonight my mind kept focusing on the fact that I had not been completely honest with him. I was getting very attached to Eric because he accepted me and liked me for who I was. The only problem was he didn't know all of me. Right now Eric told me almost any thought or weird dream he had. I did not do the same in return and it was making me feel guilty. I was also insanely worried he would think I was a freak once he knew the truth. I did not want to lose him.

"Eric" I shifted enough so I was facing him.

"Hmm?" His eyes were still glued to the television.

"Eric, I need to tell you something." That got his attention.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" He turned to look at me, his concern obvious.

"Not exactly..." How the hell was I supposed to tell him this?

"Ok..." Now he looked nervous while he waited for me to continue.

"I haven't been totally honest with you. There's a part of me I keep hidden from everyone...well except Amelia."

"I'm sure it couldn't be worse than having no memories." He gave me a small smile. I wondered if he would continue to feel that way in the next ten seconds.

"Icanreadpeople'sminds" I blurted out so fast he obviously didn't understand a thing I said.

"Um..."

"Sorry" I took a deep breath. "I can read people's minds Eric. You know, like telepathy?"

He just watched me and said nothing. It freaked me out. Was he going to get up and leave?

"Really? Like something we would see on your television?" He seemed curious.

"Yes."

"What am I thinking right now?" He leaned closer and seemed intent on having me recite his thoughts.

"I-I don't know. You're the only person I can't read. You're just quiet." I explained and had to look away from his piercing blue eyes.

"Why?" He was not running in the other direction so I took his questions as a good thing.

"I have no idea. But since the moment I found you outside the hospital you've been silent to me. It's nice... peaceful."

"Prove it then, let's go somewhere so I can see this at work." He was curious but not stupid. Eric was not calling me a liar or a freak, but he still wanted some type of confirmation. I couldn't blame him for that. Amelia had asked the same but in her case I just recited her thoughts back to her. Eric and I would need a test subject.

"Okay..." Where could we go? I was not going to Merlotte's to freak people out even more about me.

Fifteen minutes later Eric and I parked at a gas station on the edge of town. It was in a desolate area surrounded by swampy forest. I could hear all of the bugs making loud noises in the woods as we exited the car.

"Just watch" I said to Eric as I led the way into the convenience store.

I walked right up to the counter which had a scruffy, lanky looking man behind it. He was reading some Christian newsletter with that Newlin guy on the front. I'd heard of him before, he was one of those reverends that used his faith to become a celebrity. Gran always hated him.

"Can we get a box of those Magnums please?" I put a chipper smile on my face.

The guy looked down at my hands, obviously searching for a ring then glanced back up at me without moving.

"Excuse me, the condoms? You know right behind you?"

He glared at me and very slowly started to get up. She might be cute but as usual she's just a fucking blonde whore. Not married, probably not even dating this guy. Bet they met outside and he offered her fifty bucks for a blowjob. Slut.

I took the condoms as he slid them across the counter and paid for them before speaking up. After all, I might as well get something out of this trip. Who knows if I'd be needing them though...

"Thanks" I said as he handed my change over with a sneer. "By the way, I am not a blonde whore and I did not just meet this man outside. Nor did he pay me money for a blowjob." I put on my crazy smile. It was the only way to deal with people sometimes. I could practically feel Eric's shock rolling off him in waves.

"W-what? I didn't say that!" Scruffy guy yelled back. How the fuck did she know that?

"How the fuck did I know that? Well you were thinking it awfully loud. You shouldn't judge people." Of course I was going to give him some reprimanding too. He deserved it!

"I-I..." He stuttered and backed up into the wall of cigarettes behind the register.

Then the next thing I knew Eric was behind the counter and punching the guy in the face. He was fast for being so tall and seemed to place each punch with accuracy.

"Eric! Stop! What are you doing?!" This was not part of the plan!

"Get out of here! Freaks! I'll call the cops!" Scruffy was screaming and stumbling back from Eric in a panic, with a bloody nose.

"He called you a whore." Eric stated as if it was completely logical he go beat the guy to a pulp.

Okay time to go! I ran around the counter, grabbed Eric's hand and dragged him out into the parking lot behind me. When we reached the car he stopped me.

"I'm sorry I got carried away. But once I realized he really thought that about you, I just... it really pissed me off." Eric seemed to be calming down.

"It's fine we have to go though in case he does call the police." We got into my car and sped out of the lot. As we were driving home on the quiet back roads the tension from before faded some.

"So you really can read people's minds. That's fascinating..." Eric was watching me from the passenger seat.

"You don't think it's weird?" Even I thought it was weird.

"No, just different. But everything about you has always been different and I like that." He had always said that and I felt the wave of relief rush over me. Eric wasn't running away screaming over this.

He reached over and took my hand, lacing our fingers together. "If you can take a chance on the amnesia guy with a potentially psycho sister, I think I can handle telepathy."

God I just wanted to hug him and kiss him forever. I never told anyone outside my family except Amelia and even she took a few days to come around. Yet here Eric was being absolutely perfect and not blinking twice over it. Plus he sort of defended my honor in the store and even though it wasn't the smartest move, a girl could still appreciate such a basic gesture. It was nice to feel like someone was looking out for you.

When we got back to the house I headed straight for my bedroom. Eric followed along behind me. I tossed our only purchase into my nightstand, then went to get ready for bed. I had work in the morning after all and so did Eric.

"Can I stay here with you tonight?"

I looked over my shoulder as I pulled off my shirt. He had seen it all before so it wasn't a big deal. "Why are you asking? You definitely have just ended up in here a few nights already." He would just slip into bed with me a few hours after I went to sleep, then get up before he thought I was awake. He was lucky I didn't find it creepy and just enjoyed the cuddles.

"You knew about that?" He ran his fingers over his hair and his bashfulness was back in full force. He was so cute like that.

"Yes, a giant sneaking into my bed tends to make me wake up a little." I giggled and pulled me nightshirt on along with a pair of cotton shorts to sleep in.

"oh... well I didn't want to have to sneak in and out then." He replied.

"Yes you can sleep here. Now hurry up and change so I can sleep before the morning shift!" I tossed my shirt at him and that got him moving.

I pulled down the blankets and got tucked into my bed. Eric came in a few minutes later wearing black boxer briefs and nothing else. I was sure my eyes bugged out of my head. I reminded myself I had seen all of him before, so why was I getting my panties in a bunch over this? I guess it just surprised me how comfortable he was around me already. I remembered it taking me forever to feel that comfortable around JB back in college.

"You're taking up all the sleeping space." He leered at me as he crawled into bed.

"Hey you're the one over six feet tall. That's not my fault." I smiled and moved over some for him. But Eric just grabbed me and pulled me back so I was practically on top of him.

"I thought you needed space?"

"Hmm, well I changed my mind." His fingers were moving over my lower back and leaving a trail of goose bumps on my skin. "You can sleep right here."

I bit back my grin and rested my head on his chest. I could hear his steady heartbeat and the warmth of his skin against mine. We stayed like that for awhile and I could hear the even sounds of his breathing. The room was completely dark except for the bit of moonlight filtering through the window.

"Do you like me because I'm silent to you?" His voice was barely a whisper.

"Yes" I admitted honestly. "But I like a lot of other things about you too."

"Like what?" Both of our voices were quiet as if we did not want to disturb the peaceful darkness surrounding us.

"I like how gentle you are, that you're kind and always seem to be hopeful. I like the sound of your laugh, and how you make me feel like I know every part of you...when you don't even know yourself yet." I ran my fingers down his bare arm, fingers tracing the outlines of his muscle in the milky lighting. "Most of all I like that you accepted me right away tonight. You didn't have to think twice about me being different, it didn't change anything for you."

"I don't know how such a small detail could make anyone not want to be a part of your life." His hand cupped my face pulling me closer until our noses were touching. "I'm still grateful that the night I lost everything, you found me."

I was sure his eyes were glowing with their intensity. I don't know how he managed to express so much with just a look.

Being right here in this moment with him felt right. I don't know how he stumbled into my life but I was so thankful it had happened. I could not remember ever feeling this way about anyone and now I realized I had been missing out on something. This need to be closer to him all the time must be what other people feel when they first start dating and are obsessed with each other. I had never had that in my life.

My face was still only an inch from his so I slowly closed the distance between us. His hand was still gently holding me, his thumb grazing over my cheek when my lips met his. Eric was a great kisser but this had to be the best one yet. It was slow, burning, but full of much more than just sexual energy. I could feel everything he felt for me in that kiss.

Eric carefully rolled us over so he was on top, his tongue sweeping across my bottom lip, asking for permission. I willingly parted my lips and pulled him closer. He was being careful with his weight on me when that was the last thing I wanted. I wanted to feel every inch of his body against mine. My hands moved over his back to pull him closer, I sighed with satisfaction as he responded and pressed himself against me.

His hand hooked under my knee, pulling my leg up around his hips. I wrapped my other leg around him, ridding us of any space between. Eric started to flex his hips against me. It was a slow and almost patient movement. As if he was in absolutely no rush at all. I was fine with the slow pace and wasting away my sleeping hours on him. I could go to work tired. I ran my fingers down his back freely for once, feeling each muscle shift beneath his skin as he moved. His cuts were healed now so his back was bandage free.

Eric moved down to my neck where he quickly found the spot that drove me crazy. I moaned as his tongue swirled over my skin and then he started sucking. I could be as loud as I wanted since we weren't in a supply closet. His hands started to slide under my shirt, grabbing the hem as they slid their way up my body. I leaned forward so he could finish pulling the article of clothing off. Then I looped my arms around his neck and pulled him back down onto the bed with me, our tongues dueling. His bare skin against mine was like heaven. I could feel the heat radiating off our bodies but it only made me want to be closer despite the late summer heat.

His lips traveled down my neck, covering my skin in light kisses until he reached my breasts. He kissed and sucked on one breast while his hand fondled the other. He was driving me insane but in the best way. His thrusts against me were getting more forceful and my hips were moving with his, trying to grind myself against him for more friction. I could feel he was already hard. I decided to make the move and let one of my hands slide down between us, and into his boxer briefs so I could get a hold of him. I pulled him free of his underwear and my grip tightened around his cock, stroking him steadily. Eric grunted and I could feel his breathing getting heavier against my neck.

He started pulling my shorts down and for a few seconds we stopped touching in order to get rid of the rest of our clothes. Once they were gone Eric was on me in a second, attacking me with his mouth and ready to thrust in.

"Wait… Condom.." I pointed to the nightstand and the light bulb seemed to go off in his head. He quickly opened the box and grabbed one. He was back in front of me and tore it open, then paused. His face was rather blank and I seriously wanted to know why out of all common sense things Eric forgot about condoms completely. My best guess was he didn't want to rip it while putting it on, since he didn't remember ever using one. I took it from his hand, and could feel him watching my every move. I rolled the condom onto him and was glad I got the Magnums. He definitely needed it.

We easily fell back into rhythm but instead of pushing into me like I expected, Eric started making his way down my body again. Apparently he only forgot birth control, and remembered all of the mechanics of sex. When his tongue swirled around my clit I was sure I'd died and gone to heaven. He could do amazing things with his mouth. His tongue swept over my center and my entire body shivered. I could feel that pressure building, much more of this and I would be one happy woman. But then Eric stopped. I looked down at him with frown and found him looking back up at me with a small smirk on his lips.

"Since I don't remember anything, I don't know how long this will last. And I want you to cum while I'm inside you." His voice was husky and deep as he made his way back up my body. I think I might have an orgasm just from those words.

Eric positioned himself between my legs, his weight resting on his elbows on either side of me. His forehead was against mine and my fingers wove into his hair.

"I'm so glad you found me." I felt his lips brush against mine with each word he said. Then he slowly pushed into me. It was painful at first but Eric went slow without me even having to ask. Once he was fully sheathed inside of me the discomfort started to ebb away while my body adjusted to him.

"I'm okay" I whispered to him and he started to move his hips. So this was what sex was like for everyone else. I couldn't hear what Eric was thinking, I got to just feel every inch of him. His movements were steady and gradually building up to more. My body was already humming with excitement from him going down on me, so it wasn't going to take much. My fingers were digging into his back as he thrust a bit harder and grinded himself against me just right. I pushed my head back into the pillows, closing my eyes and letting the sensations wash over me.

"Open your eyes." His deep voice purred right next to my ear.

I forced my eyes open and found him so close all I could see were his blue eyes, darkened by lust and passion. I don't know if it was his husky command, his eyes, or everything he was doing to me down below but my orgasm hit me hard and I was seeing stars. My body tightened around him over and over as he continued to thrust into me, sending waves of pleasant aftershocks through my body.

"You feel so good." He growled, his voice ragged with his heavy breathing. Eric came soon after, his body tensing but he kept his eyes on mine the entire time. Eventually he relaxed and I could feel his entire weight resting on top of me as he buried his face in my neck. We were a sweaty and entangled mess. I still had my arms and legs around him. I just wanted this feeling to last forever. We stayed like that until our breathing returned to normal and Eric started covering my neck in kisses again. These were playful as he nipped at my skin.

"Hey…. None of that mister. We have to sleep, you have work in the morning too." I giggled and pushed him back some.

"I can't keep you here naked all day?" He frowned and started to get up.

"Unfortunately no." I laughed.

Eric and I both took turns to quickly clean up in the bathroom before returning to bed. I slid in next to him and he pulled me back against his chest. Neither of us bothered putting clothes back on. I enjoyed feeling his skin on mine far too much for that.

"Night Eric" I gently squeezed the hand that was resting on my stomach.

"Goodnight Sookie" I felt him hug me a little closer.

a/n: This is the fastest update I've had in ages. Thank my work being super slow for that. I'm actually a chapter and a half ahead for once in my life! You guys will definitely get an update by Sunday, maybe earlier if I get time to finish chapter 14 before then. We get back into some more of the mystery plot next chapter. As always reviews and thoughts are appreciated! Thanks so much to everyone already reviewing and faving this story!