Disclaimer: I don't own anything CSI:Miami and I am not making any profits off of this story. It all belongs to the CBS and whatnot, please don't sue and please don't be offended by the language or situations the characters find themselves in.

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Chapter 4:

New Reality and Much to Learn

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The warm golden rays of the new morning sun softly filtered into the bedroom. On the bed Eric Delko sighed deeply as he lay propped up on his elbow and stared down at his still sleeping lover. A tender smile spread across Eric's face as he took in Ryan's completely peaceful features. The night before had been a life altering event for both of them.

For Eric it had been rescue from certain death, for Ryan Wolfe it had been the death of his mortality, the very loss of the only life he had ever known.

Eric gazed down at Ryan till he simply couldn't stand to just admire with his eyes. Eric carefully lowered himself back onto the bed. Laying on his side the vampire slowly reached out with his hand and sought out his now equally immortal lover. The soft pads of Eric's fingers gently ghosted over Ryan's soft, pale skin, traveling over his cheek and then tracing over his lover's velvety lips. Eric felt pure and absolute joy course through his entire being. The Ryan laying before him was no longer his chosen mortal lover, he was a vampire now, and they could now spend the rest of eternity together. But, eternity had yet to unfold so Eric decided to focus instead on this, the first new morning of their lives together.

With some reluctance Eric drew his hand away from Ryan and carefully got up from the bed. With his eyes lingering longingly at a still sleeping Ryan, Eric picked up the sweat pants he had discarded the night before while in the throws of passionate lovemaking off the floor. He donned then quickly before reaching across the bed and gripping the bed sheets that were covering Ryan. He pulled them up further to better cover the newly made vampire. Then Eric forced himself to pull away, then he noticed the still half full vile of oil he had used on Ryan last night. He quickly grabbed it up and then walked out of the bedroom.

As he walked down the hallway Eric had to pull back on the reigns of his vampire instinct, mainly his possessive feelings towards Ryan now that he had been turned. In his eyes, Ryan was already his mate eventhough they had yet to be properly bonded to each other like true eternal mates. Eric's instincts to protect were also in overdrive becasue he could sense ow vulnerable and fragile at state Ryan was in right now. Eric made his way down the hall and then ducked into one of the door of the left, the bathroom.

Once inside Eric made his way to the large bath tub and put the stopper over the drain. Then he turned on the water, a roaring cascade erupted from the mouth of the faucet. As the water began to fill the tub and he drew a warm bath, Eric's mind immediately went to the only other person residing in the apartment. Eric felt almost giddy with excitement but he quickly reigned back the feeling, his first priority was to make sure that Ryan's first morning as a vampire was as comfortable as he had within in power to make it.

Once the bath tub had filled, Eric turned the water off and stood over the ready bath. He held out the half full vile of oil and pulled out the stopper. He tipped the little container over and watched its remaining contents spill out into the warm waters that filled the tub. When no more of the oil could spill freely from the vile, Eric lowered it into the waters and thoroughly washed it out. Then he set the now empty vile down on the edge of the sink and walked out of the bathroom. Eric eagerly made his way back to his bedroom. When he reached it he carefully made his way over to the bed where Ryan still lay. He leaned in close and with slight hesitance, looped an arm under Ryan's neck and gently lifted his up.

" Ryan, c'mon it's time to wake up now." Coaxed Eric softly while also giving the man he held a light shake to rouse him.

" Mmm." Ryan moaned softly as he was slowly brought back to consciousness. His eyes slowly fluttered open and blinked against the light.

" Eric?" He whispered and looked up at the vampire though his lashed.

" Yes, I'm here Ryan." Said Eric.

" I feel really strange... and I'm aching all over, What happened to me?" Asked Ryan slowly feeling every bit as drained as his voice sounded.

" Shh... I'll explain in a little bit, right now just take it easy." Said Eric.

Ryan nodded and Eric made his next move. With effortless ease he scooped up Ryan into his arms bedsheets and all. Holding the newborn vampire close Eric carefully walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway before carefully stepping into the bathroom with Ryan sideways.

" Ryan wake up." Said Eric with another gently shake to rouse Ryan who had drifted off.

" Mmph, what Eric?" Breathed Ryan.

" I'm gonna need you to stand for me, can you do that Ryan?" Asked Eric.

Ryan nodded against Eric's shoulder, then the older vampire carefully set Ryan's down on his feet on the tiled floor. Ryan instantly swayed a little so Eric wrapped a steady arm around the young vampire's waist to keep him steady. Then Eric sought out the bedsheets tangled around Ryan, pulling then way so that they fell to the floor in a small heap. Eric would put then in the hamper later, right now he was focused of half carrying half dragging Ryan over to the waiting tub.

" Ryan you're gonna have to step over this to get inside." Said Eric.

Ryan blinked and then with the speed of an old man he forced his legs to work and stepped over the edge of the tub. The second his legs were submerged up to the calves in the warm waters, Ryan's knees buckled under his weight. Luckily Eric tightened his hold around Ryan to keep his now immortal lover from crashing down into the tub. He gently eased Ryan down the rest of the way into the tub. Ryan groaned as his body slowly sank into the heavenly warm waters. Eric held lightly to Ryan and guided him so that he was sitting propped up by the tub, the waters coming to just above his shoulders. Eric quickly took off the sweat pants he was wearing and carefully climbed into the tub with Ryan.

The tub was more than accommodating enough for them both. Eric eased his way in behind Ryan and turned his lover onto his side. Ryan gave no resistance as Eric manipulated his body as he saw fit. For Ryan it felt like he was made of jelly. Ryan nuzzled his cheek weakly against Eric's chest. All of his senses felt muddled, like there was a thick wool blanket wrapped tightly around everything. Erc held Ryan close, one hand rubbing back and forth over his lovers pale, flawless back while eith the other he carded his fingers through the soft, short chocolate brown locks of hair.

" Eric?" Asked Ryan dimly.

" I'm here." Answered Eric against the top of Ryan's head.

" Did you... Did you do it? Did you change me?" Asked Ryan softly, his voice no more than a whisper.

Eric paused for a moment before he answered.

" Yes Ryan, I turned you." He whispered.

Then he went on to explain the life changing events of last night.

" You came here, you came to me. I made myself scarce and let you search for me." Began Eric when Ryan softly cut in.

" I went out onto the balcony to look for you, you were there when I turned around. You didn't say anything, just held out your hand to me." Said Ryan softly.

" You remember then, that you took my hand and I took you to the bedroom." Said Eric. Ryan nodded before speaking again.

" You took off my shirt and threw me on the bed. Then we made love. It was so wonderful. We come together and just laid there afterward. Then you got up and look at me. I knew then that it was time." Said Ryan as he looked up at Eric.

As they talked Ryan felt the lethargy that encompassed his body lessen and he became more and more alert.

" You bared your neck, you surrendered yourself to me. I bit you and drank from you till you were at the point of death. Then I bit my wrist and made you drink from me. You resisted at first but then I begged you to drink for both our sakes. After you drunk enough of my blood, your body started to die. I held you in my arms as your heart stopped beating. You were dead for just a few second but for me it had felt like hours. Then you came back to me and the change had started. After you had fully turned you passed out. I held you and went to sleep. Now here we are." Finished Eric.

" What do I have to do now?" Asked Ryan, feelings of uncertainty rising up inside him.

" Don't worry I will teach you everything you need to know to survive and when the time is right, we will bond together." Said Eric.

" Wait, we aren't bonded? Then what about you, are you alright?" Asked Ryan suddenly, anxiety radiating off of him.

" What do you mean Ryan?" Asked Eric slightly confused.

" You've turned me, does it mean that you aren't weakening anymore? Are you safe now?" Asked Ryan urgently.

The second Ryan's words registered in his mind Eric surged forward and kissed Ryan fiercely. He pulled away before Ryan could respond and yanked him into a full embrace, burying his face into Ryan's neck as he spoke.

" Oh Ryan, I'm fine absolutely fine. You saved me, by giving yourself to me, you saved me Ryan."

Ryan felt white hot relief course through him and eagerly returned Eric's embrace now that he had regained full used of his arms. Eric smiled as he heard a small sniffle against his shoulder. He didn't make a sound just held Ryan tight and let his lover give in to the emotions inside him. Eric knew that Ryan needed this, to weep in relief but also in mourning for the mortal life he had willingly given up for the sake of the one he loved.

An hour later...

Eric sighed as he ran his hand through Ryan's baby soft hair. They were back in Eric's bedroom lounging on the bed. Eric could tell that Ryan was very overwhelmed by everything that had happened, it was a lot to process and a lot to physically feel. Eric leaned in close and pressed a kiss to Ryan's cheek before he spoke close to his ear.

" Do you feel better now?" He asked.

Ryan looked up at Eric and answered.

" Yes, I feel alright."

They smiled at each other for several long minutes before Ryan frowned and spoke.

" Eric, I'm hungry."

The grin that spread across Eric's face at these words could've put the very sun itself to shame. Chuckling deeply Eric quickly got up from the bed and pulled a startled Ryan up after him into a full bear-hug. Though he was confused, Ryan returned the hug. The brunette's now supernaturally heightened sense instantly kicked in making Ryan hyper aware of Eric. From the smooth warmth of his skin to his very scent, Ryan could feel Eric in every aspect.

" C'mon, it's time you had your first proper breakfast." Rumbled Eric before breaking the embrace and leading Ryan out of the bedroom by the hand. They walked down the hallway hand in hand and entered the kitchen. Eric motioned for Ryan to have a seat at the counter. Ryan obeyed and sat down, the fledgling vampire watched on curiously as his more experienced lover moved about the kitchen.

Eric quickly set up two large coffee mugs. Then he quickly stepped over to the refrigerator and opened the door for the freezer side. It looked like any other freezer, stocked with ice and frozen food items, and there was a large box inside at the very top that at first glance seemed a regular ice maker. Eric knew it was something else entirely. Eric reached in behind the box and felt about with his fingers till he found the small hidden button. He pressed it and drew back, stepping aside to let Ryan see.

" Woah." Said Ryan as he watched the ice maker's front suddenly open and retract to reveal a second, smaller freezing unit that held several cylinders the size of long soda cans inside it. The liquid these containers held within them was a dark, purplish maroon color. Eric reached in and pulled out two of these containers and unscrewed the black lid off of them. His eyes flashed golden for a brief second and he turned his head to look at Ryan and saw the way he was fidgeting nervously. Eric could tell that Ryan too had caught the scent of the stored blood he had just opened.

Eric knew that he had to be very careful now that he had exposed blood sustenance to a newly born vampire.

Eric quickly poured the cold blood from the containers into the waiting coffee mugs, setting the empty containers down into the sink he carefully picked up the now blood filled mugs and stepped over to the microwave. Momentarily setting one of the mugs down, Eric opened the microwave door and deposited the mug he was still hold inside it, then the other mug followed. He shut the door and pressed the necessary buttons. With a loud beep the microwave started.

" Why are you microwaving the blood Eric?" Asked Ryan curiously.

Eric turned and smiled warmly at his almost full mate before he answered.

" Warm blood tastes better, and it makes it easier to drink too. No coagulation."

Ryan nodded and the two vampire tapered off into comfortable silence as they waited, the low hum from the microwave filling the space between them till it chimed softly after a good minute and a half.

Eric retrieved the mugs from the microwave and made his way across the kitchen. He came to a stop halfway to the counter where Ryan sat and stared at the younger man in all seriousness as he spoke.

" Ryan, I gotta warn you. Since this is your first meal as a vampire, your senses and your basic instincts are gonna go into overdrive. Just know that I'm here and that it's gonna get better with time." He warned and reassured.

Ryan nodded and steeled himself for whatever it was that would happen. Eric readied himself as well and closed the remaining distance to the counter and set the mugs down before Ryan. In a split second Ryan was crying out as a dull ache erupted suddenly inside his mouth, followed by a sharp sting as something shifted in his teeth, and on top of that his vision seemed to zoom in on the two mugs before him at 10x magnification. The tangy metallic taste that already filled his mouth and the aroma wafting from the two mugs made the slight feelings of hunger in him turn into a full, ravenous, gut-wrenching thirst.

Before he could stop himself Ryan roared like an enraged beast, his mouth opening to reveal deadly sharp fangs where his normal canine teeth were supposed to be. His hazel green eyes morphed seamlessly into the pale milky cobalt blue orbs of his new nature. With a low growl Ryan moved to lunge over the counter to get at the mugs of blood when solid arms wrapped around him suddenly and tightly, halting his actions.

Ryan hissed inhumanly and violently struggled against Eric's hold. But Eric had more than a centuries worth of strength in him and easily restrained Ryan who had been turned only hours ago.

" Ryan?... Ryan look at me." Ordered Eric loudly, his own eyes turning golden yellow and his own fangs descending. Eric strong voice cut through the haze of animal instinct that Ryan had gone into. With a gasp Ryan stopped struggling against Eric and went limp in his arms. Ryan felt completely drained of all the strength in his body. Ryan's teeth retracted slightly back into his gums and he looked up at Eric dimly with eyes that had grown dull and grayish instead of the brilliant cobalt blue they were supposed to be. They were now struggling to stay open.

" Er-Eric... what?" Ryan began to ask softly when Eric pressed his fingers to his lips, silencing him.

" Your instincts, they rose up inside you all at once, that coupled with not having eaten yet, your body wore itself out when it was already weakened to begin with." Explained Eric.

Then he pulled Ryan impossibly closer and tightened his already near crushing hold around him with one arm while he reached across the counter for one of the blood filled mugs. Looping his fingers through the handle Eric picked up the mug and swiftly brought it to Ryan's lips. Eric tipped the mug a little so that a small bit of the blood flowed past his severely weakened lover's lips. The moment the blood filled Ryan's mouth the newborn vampire jerked in Eric's hold and swallowed convulsively, taking in the first mouthful of vital sustenance.

Eric tipped the mug further increasing the flow of blood. After a few faltering swallows Ryan began to drink smoothly ad hungrily. Eric felt relief course through him as he watched Ryan feed for the first time. He kept a slow, steady pace in tipping the mug until Ryan had finished off the blood it held. Ryan made a small noise of protest when Eric pulled the empty mug away. Eric quickly set the spent mug aside and picked up the remaining mug.

This time when he brought it to Ryan's lips the young vampire reached up with his own hands and held the mug with Eric, drinking deeply with renewed strength. Once this mug was finished it too was left forgotten on the counter.

" Eric, I want more." Growled Ryan, his eyes now strong and almost glowing in a rich cobalt blue hue and the points of his fang were protruding lightly past red smeared lips.

To Eric he was absolutely breathtaking, more gorgeous than he had been to Eric as a mere mortal

" I know you do Ryan. But you gotta understand that you can't have so much so quickly after being changed. You've just had two mugs, so after an hour or so you'll have two more. You've got to give yourself time to adjust or else you might end up rejecting the blood. Neither of us can have that happening. So please Ryan, just hold on for me." Said Eric.

The near maddened expression of hunger on Ryan's face melted away, one of understanding and acquiescence taking its place as he nodded in agreement.

Eric smiled down at Ryan tenderly before leaning in and sealing his mouth over Ryan's bloodstained lips in a deep kiss. Ryan groaned deep and kissed Eric back hungrily, wrapping his arms around the older vampire as he stood from his seat at the counter. Without breaking the kiss the two immortal lovers slowly started moving out of the kitchen area into the living room.

Eric backed into the arm of one of the plush leather sofas and light fell over it taking Ryan with him as he went. They laid there together in an tangle of arms and legs, now completely at ease.

There was still much left for Eric to teach and for Ryan to learn about life as a vampire. And on top of that they still had yet to completely bond as eternal mates.

But they weren't worried.

After all, they had plenty of time.