A/N Okay, I know what you really really want is the next chapter to Danger is a Dame, but this story has been rattling around in my head for a while now. I finally got the inspiration to throw together the first chapter, and wanted to post it ASAP.

WHAT IF: During Dead to the World, Eric never regained his memories? What would life be like for Sookie and Eric if he stayed Her Eric instead of going back to being Sheriff of Area 5? What would this mean for everyone else involved?

I'm taking some liberties here in regards to the Debbie Pelt storyline (aka her getting shot by Sookie) and the Jason storyline (him being kidnapped and turned into a werepanther). This is set mid-Dead to the World and explores an alternate path that could have been followed. I really hope you'll stick with me down this rabbit hole and are as interested in reading as I am in writing it.

This also marks something new for me. This is my first attempt at writing from a first person perspective. I wanted to try something new after my omniscient approach to Dame.

I was so happy when my amazing beta, chisaii-kitty, agreed to stick with me with my new project. She helps me get through the insanity of the writing process.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Charlaine Harris. I'm simply taking them down a different fork in the road.

I stared down at Hallow's face, feeling my stomach churning, and I knew if I didn't get away soon, I would be throwing up in front of a whole lot of people. It wasn't that Hallow was an ugly girl; it was the expression that was twisting her features that made it gross. Sadly, it would remain that way for a very long time, considering that she was dead. Definitely dead, never coming back. In fact, her head was over here, but her body was over there.

I looked over at Pam and was shocked that I could see emotions on her usually blank face. It wasn't hard to figure it out either, she was afraid. Meanwhile, Eric was looking at me, waiting for me to decide what to do next.

I think I might have gotten ahead of myself. I should probably provide a little back story. My name is Sookie Stackhouse, and I'm a telepathic barmaid. This past New Year's Eve, I came across a near-naked man running down Hummingbird Lane and being the good-natured person I am, I stopped my car to offer him assistance. Turned out not to be a person at all, but a thousand year old vampire named Eric Northman. He's the head honcho around these parts, the vamps call it Area 5. He's also my now ex-boyfriend's boss and not too hard on the eyes.

Long story short, he was cursed by a were-witch who wanted a share in his business. When he wouldn't play nice, she stripped him of his memories and sent him running. By some act of God, he found his way to my house instead of a drainer's. I took him in and took care of him while the other vamps, namely his second in command, Pam, tried to figure out what to do.

Having a marginal knowledge about Supes, I assumed this meant war, and oh boy did it ever. Pam had gathered up the local vamps that were loyal to Eric, my friend and werewolf Alcide Herveaux got a group of weres together, and a coven of Wiccans had come out to help with the magical end. It was a gruesome battle, but Hallow wasn't supposed to end up dead. Since she was the one to place the curse, she was needed to remove it. She and Pam had been struggling against each other and in the end it was kill or be killed. Pam literally tore Hallow's head off her shoulders.

During all of this, my brother had gone missing and Alcide's ex-girlfriend was abjured from the pack for her involvement in Bill's torture. She, of course, blames me for this so it looks like I can add another person to the "Supes Who Hate Sookie" list. Plus, my Visa bill was due and I had missed a lot of work. I wonder if I can get paid for helping out with Eric?

That brings the story back to the present. I'm still standing with Hallow's head at my feet, Pam is still worried, and Eric is still confused without any of his old memories. He walked over to my side, taking my hand in his in a very comforting gesture. Did I fail to mention that during our time together Eric and I had gotten very well acquainted with each other's bodies?

"Didn't we need her alive to reverse the spell to get my memories back?"

"Yep." I couldn't take my eyes off her pained expression. Eric picked up on this, and kicked her head clear to the other side of the room. That took care of that distraction.

"So what do we do now?"

I looked to Pam for a little guidance. She had taken over Eric's duties while was incapacitated. She took an unnecessary breath, probably to clear her head. "I suppose I'll call the Queen. She will need to be informed of what has happened now that we have no way of getting Eric's memories back. She'll know what to do. Until she makes a decision, I'll take Eric back to my house…"

"No. I'm going home with Sookie. That's where I feel right."

He wouldn't know it, but he had a very Eric-like expression on his face and tone in his voice. It was one that made it very clear whatever he was saying was to be done. He still hadn't let go of my hand.

"Sookie, is that okay with you? It would only be until we get in touch with the Queen."

"That's fine. I don't mind him at all." He looked down at me with a smile on his face. We certainly had grown close these few days. "But we're leaving now. I'm exhausted and hurting all over. I just want to go home and go to sleep."

We parted ways, Pam promising to keep me updated on any progress. She looked at Eric with an expression I couldn't quite place. He was her maker, I couldn't even begin to imagine how she felt about this whole ordeal.

The drive back to Bon Temps was a quiet one. Eric didn't have much to say, and I was too tired to form words. Within five minutes of leaving Shreveport, Eric's hand found mine again. Vampires as a whole are not a touchy-feely group of individuals. They never shake hands or hug, but since Eric lost his memories, he clings to me like a baby to his security blanket. I guess that's what I've become; I was the one who kept him safe, at least tried to keep him safe.

As we walked through my back door, I finally got a good look at my clothes. My coat was covered in blood and I doubt that any amount of soaking or pretreatments would get it clean again. My jeans could probably be salvaged, there was only a light splattering on them.

Eric helped himself to a blood from the fridge, warming it up in the microwave. He sat down at the kitchen table, sipping it slowly. "You never answered my question at the warehouse. What are we going to do now?"

"You heard Pam. She's calling the Queen and..."

"That's not what I asked. I want to know what's going to happen to us. I meant what I said in the car. We can start a new life together. I don't need to ever go back to that vampire world, it would just be you and me."

I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a deep breath. "I can't think about that right now. I just want to take a shower and go to bed. Dawn's nearly here. You should finish your blood and go in the closet."

I tried to walk past him, but with his quick reflexes, he pulled me into his embrace, positioning me between his legs while he held my hips. He tugged gently, forcing me to step forward as he wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his head on my stomach. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, stroking his hair as I held him close to me.

"I could love you forever. I could be a good husband and provide for you." He placed a kiss to my stomach. "At least consider my offer."

He released me and went back to drinking his True Blood. I walked to my bedroom, locking the door behind me. I wanted to sit down and try to sort through all the thoughts swirling around in my head, but I knew if I did I would never make it to the shower or my bed. Sleeping on the hardwood floor didn't sound all that appealing right now.

I finally made it to the tub, letting the hot water pelt down on my back. After that battle, this mess with Eric was supposed to be off my plate so I could focus on finding Jason. There was too much happening all at once, and for the millionth time since Bill Compton walked into my life, I found myself dreaming about a world without Supes and their stupid politics.

After scrubbing myself raw in an attempt to wash all the remnants of the Witch War off me, I slid on my favorite flannel nightgown. I sat down on my bed to brush my hair out. I could hear Eric walking through the house making his way toward the bedrooms. I said a silent prayer that he would just walk into the spare room, leaving me to my thoughts. My body had other desires, wanting to feel him wrap his arms around me, holding me close to him. I didn't know if I could handle that right now.

By the sound of the squeaking floorboards, I could tell he had stopped in front of my door. I heard him speak through the wooden door, "Good night, my lover. Sweet dreams."

I walked across my room, suddenly wanting to see him once again before I went to bed. I opened the door slowly, standing before him. "Good night, Eric. Don't worry, we'll figure everything out."

He placed his hands on either side of my face, leaning down for a soft kiss. "I know, I'm not worried."

He gave me another kiss, and went into his bedroom to the light tight space beneath the closet. I went back to my bed, laying down and wrapping the blankets around me. I stared at the ceiling for a while, trying to sort my thoughts out. It only lasted a few moments, and before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

A/N2: So what do you think? This is a scenario I, nor chisaii-kitty, had never come across while reading fanfic. I think it could be a really interesting perspective to explore and hope you think so too. Leave me a review with your thoughts!!

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to finishing our little murder mystery night. Expect it soon!