Eric made the decision to ban Arthur from Fangtasia from that point. He had sent Pam with a simple message: Come bear Thorn or Fangtasia and Eric would take it as a threat. And no one threatened Eric Northman. So, Eric waited. If Arthur decided his obsession was more important than his life then Eric would be delighted to provide him with an excruciating true death. And if he left Thorn alone, then he could continue existing.

Eric was more and more wrapped up in Thorn, asking her to sing more often at Fangtasia, enough that she'd been able to quit her lounge job and work for him. Granted, Eric paid her very well. To be fair, he paid all of his employees well. He just got the added bonus of Thorn in his bed. Often. Again, not exactly uncommon for him. Thorn hadn't been wrong about him having fucked every female employee at Fangtasia. He was, at the very least, no longer doing that. But he fed on them. Often. Because Thorn made him hungry.

She was shockingly popular amongst his clientele. Vampire and human alike. The way that she hypnotized with her voice and performance. She also seemed much happier now. She almost glowed when she sang, or she seemed that to Eric. But he found himself falling deeper and deeper into whatever trance she was putting him in. And he liked it that way.

Tonight, Eric had planned something special for Thorn. He'd asked her to dress up so they could go out. Semi-formal was appropriate. Eric had never been one for romance but he was learning. And he knew what women liked even if he thought a lot of the "romantic gestures" men made were utter nonsense. Back in his human life, you didn't need grand gestures for women. Not like the ones today, at least. You charmed them, sure. But he had seen so many men jump through hoops for women who didn't even truly care for them. He was happy to say that Thorn wasn't like that.

Eric stood at his front door, fixing a cuff link on his black button-down shirt that he wore beneath his light gray suit jacket. Eric smirked. He could smell Thorn walking up. He turned and she was dressed in a teal, vintage inspired, knee length dress that had black polka dots on it, black halter straps, a full skirt that was a little fluffy; meaning there was tile underneath; and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was curled and pulled to one side of her head and she wore a teal choker around her neck. That was odd. She didn't usually wear the chokers anymore. Not around Eric. He knew the big secret and he didn't care about her scars, so, she had stopped wearing them. "You look incredible," He licked his lips.

She smiled at him,"So do you. I've never seen you in a suit before. Usually, it's leather and black."

He smirked,"Do you dislike my style?"

"Not a bit. I'd fuck that leather jacket."

He appeared behind her and breathed into her ear,"I could fuck you wearing it."

"Yes please," She shivered.

"Good girl," He teased,"Come along now."

"Where are we going?" She took his hand.

"Inside," He pulled her toward the door.

"So, I had to dress up… to go to your house? Eric, you're getting full of yourself."

"Älskling, you are full of me on a regular enough basis that I don't need to be full of myself."

"I-" She blushed,"Fuck off."

"It's hilarious when you blush and talk dirty." He opened the door and let her come in ahead of him.

"Oh go to-" Thorn stopped and stared. Everything was lit with candles. There were, what looked like silver but were no doubt silver painted metal, candelabra everywhere. There were roses in vases and there was soft music playing. "I… Eric… what is all this?"

"It's just something I thought you'd enjoy." He led her inside to the dining room which had the table set and decorated much like the rest of the house. But there was food on the table. She looked at him. "Everything all right?"

"What's wrong?"

Eric blinked,"What do you mean?"

"Are you leaving? Is this some weird way for you to break it to me softly? Eric, if there's bad news, just tell me. I-"

Eric covered her mouth quickly,"There is nothing wrong and I'm not leaving. I wanted to make you happy. I thought you'd be pleased."

"I am," She said,"But any time I'm happy, it gets fucked up."

He smirked down at her,"Thorn, I'm a 1200-year-old vampire with a thing for torture and blood, I used to be a Viking, a soldier, and an undercover spy that infiltrated the German SS in WWII. My only family is a fifteen-year-old boy who is technically my father and actually over 2000 years old and a 150-year-old brothel Madame who looks to be my older sister but is my child. And my ex is half Fairy. Tell me how you could fuck this up. Tell me how you could possibly shock me enough to fuck this up."

"I don't know." She breathed softly. Eric kissed her cheek softly then led her to the table.

She sat down and watched him. He sat across from her and pushed the plate toward her. It had human food on it and smelled absolutely delicious. She sighed in pleasure. "Did you cook?"

"If you want to die, I could."

She laughed. It was baked chicken thighs in cream sauce with mushrooms. She smiled and began eating. He just watched her and sipped what looked like red wine but Thorn knew better. She finished eating and sat up straight,"So… What's tonight about?"

"It's about you being happy."

"I am happy, Eric." She got up and went around the table to him,"Something I'm not used to." She kissed him,"But you make it really hard not to be."

He rubbed her back gently,"Do I now?"

"Yes," She smirked. "And this romantic shit? I like it. But it's weird."

"Weird how?"

"Because we fuck and fight and laugh and we usually do it in jeans, not cocktail dresses and suits."

"Well, Älskling, I sent my cocktail dress in to the cleaners. The suit was all I had left." He smirked. She laughed again. "And the first time I fucked you, you were in a stunning dress."

"Yeah. You ripped the necklace off and fucked me in a dirty bar bathroom against a sink. Not exactly high class."

He raised a brow,"Oh? You have objections?"

"God no. Best sex of my life."

He grinned,"We must try to top it."

She smiled up at him,"Oh, must we?"

"Indeed." He nipped her lip,"But first." He took her hands and led her to the living room. Music played from there.

"Bon Jovi?" She blinked, "YOU listen to Bon Jovi?"

"Why is that shocking? I am also fond of Aerosmith." He grinned,"What'd you think I listened to after all this time together?"

"Classical. Or like, silence. You're not a very 'musical' guy, Eric."

Eric pulled her against him,"I love your music." He kissed her deeply as Aerosmith came over the speakers. He held her close and they moved together a little. Eric sang into her ear softly,"Don't wanna close my eyes.. I don't wanna fall asleep cuz I'd miss you baby and I don't wanna miss a thing."

Thorn laughed,"This is like, the least Eric Northman-esque song and you know it word for word. That's interesting."

"I am full of surprises, my sweet," He kissed her shoulder,"beautiful," He kissed her neck,"Song bird." His lips moved up her jaw to her lips.

"Eric, you're acting kind of funny tonight," She shivered a little.

"How should I be acting?" He purred against her ear softly.

"Like the Viking Vampire God, I know and worship," She nipped at his lip.

"Worship me, do you?" He kissed down her neck and chest and ran his hands down her body and sank to his knees,"Odd. Because I worship you and would be pleased to do so every night." He lifted her dress slowly and kissed her legs. "I dare say, I'm addicted."

Thorn pulled away quickly,"Woah. This isn't like... Are you... "

"Am I what?" He blinked.

"Proposing to me?"

Eric stood,"No offense, beautiful. But not in a million years. Marriage is pointless. People cheat, they get divorces, they backstab each other." He pulled her against him and pressed her to the wall behind her,"They even kill one another to get out of them. They may stay together but they're miserable and have affairs. If I commit to one woman, it will mean much more than any marriage ever could. Because back in my day we married but we owned each other forever. There was no divorce. You either loved each other or killed each other. On occasion both." He picked her up.

"That sounds barbaric," Thorn gulped and touched his cheeks.

"I'm a Viking, Thorn. Get used to it." He released his fangs. "Now I am going to ask as a courtesy because I care for you. May I?"

"And if I say no?"

"I'll be very sad," He brushed the tips of his fangs over her neck. "Have I not proven myself trustworthy?"

Thorn moaned softly,"Will you stop if I tell you to?"

Eric brought his large hand up to cup her cheek,"Yes."

She nodded. "I trust you, Eric."

Eric smirked then sank his fangs into her neck. She gasped and gripped his hair. Eric could taste her fear in her blood and it thrilled him… For a moment. Then he stopped and pulled away,"Thorn."

"Yes?" She asked softly.

"Are you afraid of me?"

"Not exactly of you." She sniffled. "Just… I never even let Godric bite me. After Arthur… I don't hold what he did to me against every vampire but it's hard to feel at ease when it comes to biting. Even if I trust you."

"Do you want me to stop?" He stroked her hips gently. "I can taste your fear."

"I'm sorry."

He lifted her chin,"Don't be. I know what's been done to you. Do you want me to stop?"

Thorn took a breath,"No. I trust you."

Eric nodded and bit her again, drinking a bit more gently this time. Thorn closed her eyes and held onto Eric again. She began relaxing and Eric moaned her blood was different. As her blood pumped through his veins he could feel himself losing control. He gripped her throat and pushed her head back a bit further. He moaned again then wrenched his head back,"My Gods.." Thorn was shaking. "What are you?" He breathed and kissed he lips,"Your blood is... It's perfection. Are you Fae?"

"No..." She gulped,"I'm human."

Eric cut his tongue on his fangs and ran it over her bites, sealing them. "No, no. You are not." He bit at her ear,"Don't make me beg."

"Eric, I mean it. I'm human." Her body trembled against him and Eric could hear her heartbeat. It was a little weaker than it should be. He had taken too much.

He bit into his wrist,"Drink."

"I'm not injured."

"You gave me yours, take some back."

She latched onto his wrist and sucked hard. She moaned as his blood slid down her throat. She could feel everything inside her lighting on fire in a delicious way. She felt much more alive now. When Eric pulled his wrist away, she groaned. Then she looked up at him. He was so. Fucking. Gorgeous. She gripped his throat and kissed him, hard. He kissed her back and held her against him. Thorn bit his lip hard enough to make him bleed and he hissed loudly. He moved like lightning and pinned her to the wall again by her throat. He bore his fangs and got close to her. "You're very aggressive. I enjoy that." He tore her dress clear off her body and turned her to face the wall. He kept his hand around her throat and ripped her panties off.

"You are going to start replacing the shit you rip off me, Viking."

"I told you before," He bit her ear,"I won't buy you something I intend to destroy." She shuddered. He could smell her arousal. His eyes slid closed. Yes. This was how he wanted her. High on him, dripping for him. Eric undid his belt and pants quickly and spread her legs wider. "You are perfection," He slid inside her and moved deeply. Thorn gasped and dug her nails into the wall. He pressed her fully to the wall and kissed her shoulder,"Do you want me to bite you again?" She nodded. "Say it. Say you want me to bite you while my cock is buried inside you." His grip tightened on her throat a little.

She gasped,"Bite me, Eric. Please." Eric sank his fangs into her again and he felt her whole-body jolt. He moved faster, drinking for only a few moments before sealing the bites. He had to be careful. He'd drain her if he wasn't. Eric turned her head to the side and kissed her, hard. She kissed him back and yanked his golden colored hair a little. He grunted and moved harder into her. He lifted her up a little to change his angle and she moaned against his lips,"Oh fuck! Right there, Eric! Yes!" Eric growled and pounded inside her, feeling her tighten up around him. He could feel the pressure building inside them both and the tighter Eric's grip got on her throat, the more he felt her pleasure increase. "Please!" She begged breathlessly. Eric bit her again and she screamed as her body clenched around him, her orgasm washing over her. Eric tossed his head back and emptied inside her.

Only when Eric came down from the high of Thorn's blood and his own orgasm did he seal the bites. He licked every drop of blood from her flesh, slowly. She panted, hard, her heart rate going crazy. He kissed her again and she kissed him back. She didn't speak but neither did he. He couldn't. He had no words. They were perfect like this. Entwined, both of them absolutely intoxicated with each other's blood and bodies and kisses and touches. He turned her to face him and picked her up, kissing her. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.

Sitting here wasted and wounded with this old piano.. Trying hard to capture the moment, this morning I don't know… But this bottle of vodka's still lodged in my head.. Some blond gave me nightmares, I think that she's still in my bed.. As I dream about movies they won't make of me when I'm dead…

Eric ran his hands down her back slowly, feeling every inch of her skin. He never tired of how amazing her skin could feel against his. He loved that it always felt good and warm. His lips ran over her jaw lightly, ghosting over the flesh of her neck. The sound of pulse rang in his ears and it drove him wild.

With an ironclad fist, I wake up and French kiss the morning… While some marching band keeps its own beat my head while we're talking… About all of the things that I long to believe about Love, the truth, what you mean to me, and the truth is… Baby, you're all that I need.

Eric carried Thorn upstairs to his bedroom and she pushed his suit jacket off his shoulders, not breaking their kiss. She undid the black button down that he wore and he tossed it away, gripping her hips again. He laid her back on his bed, which he'd covered in rose petals. Thorn had made a comment about loving roses, their scent, their softness… And how she thought it'd be interesting to make love covered in them. Eric had done some kinky things but he realized he'd never done anything so romantic as this It was new for him.

I wanna lay you down on a bed of roses... For tonight I sleep on a bed of nails... I wanna be just as close as the Holy ghost is… And lay you down… On a bed of roses…

He slid inside her again and moved slowly. He kissed her again, stroking her hair, his hips moving deeply. Thorn wrapped her legs around his waist and dragged her nails down his back. He hissed softly and kissed her again. Their lips didn't seem to part the entire time they were making love and Eric enjoyed that. He didn't think he could stop even if he had wanted to. Her scent enveloped him, the taste of her kiss, the feel of her body against his… He kissed her throat and chest and moaned when she rolled her hips in time with his thrusts and he kissed her lips again. Her fingers dragged through his hair and pulled him close to her again.

When they'd finished again, Eric kissed her hair softly. She held him close to her so he could listen to her heart again. "Sunrise will be soon..." He breathed softly. "I'll have to go to ground."

She kissed him softly,"Then stay until you can't anymore." He kissed her back. She ran her hands down his arms. He kissed her forehead. Thorn closed her eyes, laying on his chest, her breathing even, her heart a steady and beautiful beat.

When you close your eyes, know I'll be thinking about you… While my mistress she calls me to stand in her spotlight again... Tonight, I won't be alone but know that don't mean I'm not lonely… I've got nothing to prove for it's you, that I'd die to befriend…

Eric left her in bed when it was just a few minutes before sunrise. He left her in the rose petals and the warm sheets and covered her with a light blanket. And as he climbed into his coffin down in his basement, that was the image that he kept in his mind. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep, his body still feeling alive from her blood.

A/N: The song is "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi