Authorโs Note: Aah! The half-way point in this part. I am so pleased that so many of you have been taken with this story! It is great to hear from you and I love your take on the action.
Thank you Breathesgirl and Ms Buffy for your willingness to read my work so quickly! Where do you find the time (and I am so grateful that you do!)
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author.ย The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.ย No copyright infringement is intended.
Karin held her hand out before her, examining how the light reflected dully from her forming fingernails. Her fingers were still stubby, but unless someone was really looking, it wasnโt apparent. โYou are beautiful,โ Thomas kissed her ribs, and then nibbled at the side of her breast. Karin stretched contentedly, which caused Thierry to moan a little.
โI was comfortable!โ the Gallic Sheriff protested. He rolled from his back to his side and threw his arm over Karinโs belly, running his fingers through Thomasโ hair. Like his brother, he nuzzled Karinโs ribs, but then lifted his head long enough to smile at Thomas. โRound three?โ he asked.
Thomas shook his head slowly, โNo, not yet.โ He kissed Karinโs hipbone, and then likewise rose so he could reach Thierry lips. Karin watched them lazily pull at each otherโs mouths, giving and taking with the practiced and deliberate moves of lovers who knew each other well.This wasnโt the first time the three of them had bedded together, but it had been the most eventful. Thomas hadnโt expressed any concerns about Thierryโs jealousy, but it was hard not to notice at different points, the tender way the vampire had treated her mate. Now was not the time, but she would discuss it with Thomas. Karin knew that Thierry teased Thomas about her. Until recently, she had written it off as the harmless ribbing friends engaged in when they competed for bed fellows, but that had been before she realized that things were different. Now Thomas was hers as she was his. They werenโt bonded yet, but Karin suspected that would happen. She wondered if she would consider pledging herself to him. Somehow it seemed too permanent, too binding. They were vampire, they werenโt going anywhere. There was no need to enforce their choice through some contract. They werenโt royalty with kingdoms and vassals to consider.
The two men parted. Thierry grinned at her, but Thomasโ look spoke of adoration. The kiss he gave her next was not the playful nipping and jousting he exchanged with Thierry. It was the needy and demanding kiss of a man who was claiming her and making clear that she was to claim him in return. When Thomas parted from her, she met Thierryโs eyes again. She wondered if the Frenchman would also try to kiss her, but he didnโt. โWhen do you leave for the Summit?โ she asked him.
โMax, Jane, and I leave in three days. The King requires us to do a run-through of all the presentations with the audio-visual equipment before the official opening. Pam has promised everything will be waiting for us. It will also give Max a chance to do one more dry run with the Fangtasia material.โ He followed fingers with mouth, but Karin pulled his head back. She kissed him, her teeth nipping. He growled a little, smiling and nuzzling. Thomas leaned in to kiss her cheek and then Thierryโs.
When the men sat back to either side of her, Karin sighed, โWe are to travel there with the housekeeper and the bitchโs pet. Eric wants us settled in time to attend the movie thing.โ She sighed, โBill Compton will be there.โ
Thierry giggled, there was no other word for it. โYou werenโt in Jackson when the Mistress ruffled Blasรฉ Bill. It was a masterpiece. He sat on the couch in front of all of us, his mouth opening and closing like a fish! His hands were flapping,โ and the vampire waved his hands limply,โ and he kept leaning forward like he wanted to say something but didnโt have the balls to do it,โ Thierry illustrated by rocking back and forth and making grunting noises. Thomas was smiling and Karin started to laugh. She had seen Bill often enough during her year of guarding Sookie Stackhouse, that she could visualize the mannerisms easily.
โThere was always something a little wrong about him,โ she agreed. With a flounce and a bounce, she rose from the bed. There was bottled blood in the refrigerator and she pulled out bottles. She held one up, her eyebrow raised in question.
Thomas squinted, and then sat up and grabbed his phone, โI have a better idea. We can have donors here within twenty minutes. The last group was attractive and willing.โ
Thierry flipped over onto his stomach, his head now facing the foot of the large bed, โYou are a bad influence on him,โ he told Karin.
โHow so?โ she grinned. Thomas was texting quickly and then rose to start looking for clothing.
โHe is too happy,โ Thierry volunteered a quick shrug of his shoulder, โit keeps him from focusing on work. It gives him a taste for feeding and fucking and feeding and fuckingโฆโ Thierry also rose, grabbing his jeans and working them up over his lean hips. โAnd you, Oh Queen of Slaughter, you are much the same,โ and he poked her genially in the arm.
โPerhaps Iโm making up for lost time,โ Karin offered. โIโve spent the past year hunting and taking out other peopleโs garbage.โ She found herself watching Thomas as he buttoned his soft, striped Oxford shirt, โMaybe I deserve it.โ
โI donโt know why youโre complaining,โ Thierry teased. โYou must have had so many opportunities to improve things. You could have solved the problem of Felipe de Castro, for example, instead of ending his Mini Me.โ
Karin looked confused and Thierry gave her a quick recap on the premise of the movie character. She smiled briefly, but it was through clenched teeth. โIโm sure killing the Caped Crusader would have been easier than killing Horst,โ she offered thinly.
Thomas didnโt acknowledge her discomfort. He put his arm around her as he told Thierry, โIt would have made the upcoming week easier. I will be on tenterhooks watching De Castro strut around our King. His use of the North Man was infamous. The Mistress could have been killed.โ
There was something about how he held her that made Karin feel more whole. She looked at Thomas as she said, โI canโt wish anything different. I would not be here in this place if anything had changed.โ
Thierry made a retching noise and Thomas threw a vase at him, which the French vampire plucked from the air with ease. Thomas picked up Karinโs pants and tossed them at her. She returned the bottles to the refrigerator unopened and picked up the pants from where they landed. As she started to dress, standing gracefully on one leg, Thomas walked back to her and nuzzled her ear. She turned her head and they kissed as if they were the only ones in the room.
โBesotted,โ Thierry smirked, โBoth of you.โ When Thomas shot Karin a very satisfied smile he continued, โWhat good is either of you to me now? How will I convince you to leave your bed and help me fight?โ
โWhat fight is that?โ Karin asked. There was something about how he said it that made her think Thierry wasnโt totally joking. โIโm like an old warhorse,โ she thought, โeven tired and trembling; I still turn toward the sound of drums.โ
Thomasโ expression turned sour and almost unconsciously, he stepped between Karin and the Gallic vampire, โEnough, brother! She is only now recovering. She does not need to be brought into your crusade!โ
โToo late,โ Karin laid her hand on Thomasโ arm. โWhatโs going on? I can sense that you are not as easy with each other now. I was wondering if it was me,โ she caught Thomasโ eyes, โhow we are now to each other, but I donโt think so. What is it you arenโt telling me?โ She asked the question directly to Thomas. For his part, the English vampire turned to Thierry and gave him a blistering look.
Thierry shrugged and laughed, โDonโt blame me! She is too smart and that is your choice, mon ami. You trust her. I trust you.โ
Thomas placed his hand over Karinโs, but he remained watching Thierry. โMy brother has been working toward a challenge. He would kill Mikhail, New Yorkโs King.โ
Karinโs eyes went round. Now she did look at Thierry. The smile was still there, but there was no laughter behind his eyes. โYou have a plan?โ she asked.
โNot yet,โ Thierry acknowledged, โbut there are pieces that are starting to fall into place.โ
โHe is currying favor with Nabila,โ Thomas supplied.
โShe and I have common cause,โ Thierry nodded. โShe fears for her position, and she is smart to do so. Misha would not strike at her directly, but I know he is involved with the new vampires! Why would he be making vampires in this rash way? Why is he sending them across the country? They are barely trained. What is the purpose?โ
Thomas tugged at her, โThis is not your fight, Karin. You are only now restored to your Maker. There is no need for you to get involved.โ
Karin looked at Thierry, โAnd you have a plan for me,โ she stated.
โYou have a singular talent,โ he told her, his expression never wavering.
โNo!โ Thomas exclaimed. When she resisted his pulling, he stepped in front of her and turned to block her view of Thierry. โThere is no need, Karin! This is not your fight. He has nothing but speculation.โ
โI love you,โ she said simply. She laid her hand against his cheek, โbut you are not the boss of me. I do one thing, and Thierry is right, I do it very well.โ Her eyes narrowed, โIs it your fight?โ she asked her lover, โwill you support him if he calls?โ
Thomasโ head dropped, โIf it does not break my vows to my King, then yes, I will support my brother.โ
Karin leaned forward and kissed his forehead, โWell, then,โ she smiled as if they were discussing a weekend outing or a party, โIโm in!โ
Eric insisted they drive the many hours to Shreveport starting just after noon. That left him in his travel coffin in the back of the specialized van and not available to talk with Sookie. He agreed to her request to add a day to their travel plans so they could attend the party being held in their honor at Jason and Micheleโs home. The point of the party was to have them bury a bottle of bourbon in Jasonโs backyard in the general vicinity of where they would be standing to be married, but Sookie knew Eric was pouting about it. She explained that it was a time-honored tradition. She explained the purpose and said โBut it’s fun!โ so often he could anticipate her and supplied the words himself, which just pissed her off.
โI put Pam off until after the pledging,โ he growled. โWhy canโt you do the same?โ
Sookie snapped back almost by reflex, โBecause real weddings are more than blood and a book, Eric. Real weddings take time!โ
She immediately regretted the words. She knew her refusal to acknowledge their married status the last time had been a sore spot between them. She could tell the wound was not entirely healed when he asked, โAnd does this mean that I canโt introduce you as my wife after we pledge? Will you make me wait until you have your โrealโ ceremony?โ
Sookie apologized. She assured him she would make the announcement herself the minute the Ancient Pythoness made it official. It hadnโt really helped. Eric told her he understood, but she could see she hurt him and the thought of having to spend time with Jason and her human friends, knowing he was the only vampire attending, was salt in the wound.
They stayed at Pamโs safe house again. It was the closest of the residences, which meant it was still a good half hour away from Jason and Micheleโs. On the other hand, it was only fifteen minutes from Fangtasia. As a way to help make the evening easier, Sookie assured Eric they werenโt expected to stay all night at Jasonโs. She suggested a stop at Fangtasia to see Indira on their way back to the safe house. โIt is sort of where we began,โ Sookie said gently, โIโd like to stand there again,โ and they agreed.
Charles and Owen brought Ericโs coffin into the house and secured things. Sookie found herself standing alone in the bedroom, her hand resting on the smooth, metal surface. It still disturbed her, this way of traveling. She found herself thinking back to every memory she had of relatives in their caskets, and the many memories that intruded on her from the thoughts of others that were shadows of this same picture. Of everything she had to accept or just overlook in order to make her relationship with Eric work, this was the hardest.
With a quick mental shake, Sookie busied herself, shaking out clothes, and picking an appropriate wardrobe for tonight. They needed to be casual, but still look presentable for pictures. Jason was hosting a pig pull and she was sure that the half pig had been slow roasting in its pit in the backyard for the better part of the day. Chances were good that Jason and his friend, Hoyt, started the whole process early and probably been drinking steadily since morning. They were good about pacing themselves, but if Jason was true to form, heโd be feeling no pain by the time they pulled up. That could go either way. If Eric recovered his sense of humor, Jason could be charming and funny. If Eric was going to be a crank ass, Jason would likely reciprocate, and Sookie could find herself wanting to bitch slap the both of them.
Sookie headed downstairs. On her way through the kitchen she found a large bowl of fruit salad and a note directing her to eat only the green salad in the refrigerator. โTwy!โ she thought sourly. The woman read Sookie the riot act about weight, photographs, and weddings before she left. It seemed she had taken the extra step of cluing in her guards. The telepath ripped up the note, knowing if Eric saw it, his mood would only deteriorate.
With a sigh, she restricted her choices and took her plate to the outside deck. The last rays of the sun were still reflecting from the bright, new leaves of the trees that bordered the edges of the property. The deck was positioned in such a way that it sat in shadow for most of the afternoon, leaving the decking tolerable to bare feet. Sookie set down her plate on the little table and continued right out into the yard until she stood fully in the bright light of the setting sun. It was that thin, promising light of spring.
Sookie found the seasons influenced the feel of the light as it moved over her. Summer light felt like heavy, gold blankets against her skin. When she closed her eyes, she would feel it moving through her like a slow river that made her feel full. Fall was smoky and changing. Some moments it felt as if Summer had returned. Other moments it felt almost too sweet, like tea that had steeped a bit too long. The feeling of Winter light was different. It was so welcome, but Sookie could feel there was something missing, something that was just around the corner if only she could stay and soak up enough. But Spring? Spring light felt like every promise she had even been given was about to be handed to her. There was a quickening in her, a quickening she could feel from everything around her.
She found herself drifting closer and closer to the border of woods that encircled the property. She knew the guards were there, patrolling as they always did. She didnโt realize she was walking with her eyes closed, but she didnโt feel any need to open them. Her hand reached up and she laid it against a large tupelo treeโs trunk. It was almost as though she could feel the coursing of its sap, a strong, steady thrum running through it. Sookie stilled, listening to the song that she could almost hear singing passing through the tree and into her hand.
โMistress?โ Sookie jumped, her hand on chest.
โOh, my goodness, you gave me a start!โ she shook her head and smiled at Owen. Sookieโs head was a little foggy and then her eyes flew open, โCheese and rice, I better get back and eat before Eric gets up! He is not crazy about tonight.โ Owen didnโt say anything, but his lifted eyebrow seemed to say enough. Sookie chose to interpret that as scolding, โI know! Itโs a lot to ask of him, but this means the world to me. Sam,โ and Sookie stopped walking. It had been a while since she had thought about Sam in this way. She clenched her hands and continued, โSam was from Texas. He had his own traditions and his momma made sure that the wedding was a real Texas party. We had the reception at Merlotteโs and we were married in a church. In the end, I didnโt have a lot to say about it.โ Sookie found herself looking at the house, โI want to do this right. I want to know that every part of this is my choice and that Iโm doing it because I really want to be married to him.โ She looked at Owen, โThat probably sounds selfish.โ
Owen smiled, โNo, Sookie. It doesnโt.โ
The telepath flashed a smile, sniffed back her too emotional reaction, and marched to the porch where she sat down and soldiered through her dinner. The dishes were all in the dishwasher and she was hanging the dish towel when she felt the low tension in her chest that meant Eric was rising. With a quick smile, she headed for the stairs, and took them two by two.
The backyard was hung with Christmas lights on poles. There was a wood dance floor laid out on the grass and torches were blazing near the pond. Small children ran across the front yard as they pulled up and the smell of roasting pork hung heavy in the night air. Sookie couldnโt help the big smile that sprang to her lips and she turned to Eric.
Eric Northman was not smiling. Sookieโs smile faltered as she reached through the bond to him. He was feelingโฆ repulsed? Appalled? He turned to her, โIt is very noisy,โ he said carefully, โand there are many smells.โ
Sookie felt a brief flash of temper, and then she stopped herself. She knew that his sense of both hearing and smell were sharp. They were traits that had saved her on more than one occasion. She thought about how difficult she found it when she was expected to walk into a crowd of strangers, and she realized that this was now Ericโs experience, but instead of being bombarded with thoughts, he was being thrown into sensory overload. โTake my hand,โ she reached for his. She made an effort to push calm and comfort through the bond, wishing that things would mute a little for him.
He squeezed her hand in return, โYou are good at that, Lover,โ he smirked. โI will have to determine how far your ability to push emotions extends some time. It has possibilities,โ and his smirk turned interested in a way that was about more than just research.
โKarin called it โfairy Prozac,โ she grinned back.
โMy child has a way with a phrase,โ Eric agreed, turning back to the scene around him. His expression took on a more skeptical look as he nodded once and Charles opened the door. They were immediately blanketed in the cacophony of sound that was a down home Louisiana backyard get-together.
โSookie!โ Taraโs voice cut across the noise. Sookie allowed Eric to pull her from the car and she smiled at him before half running to throw herself into Taraโs embrace. Eric pulled himself up to his full height, a polite smile on his face. If he thought to stand aloof from his future sister-in-law, he was mistaken.
Michele walked with purpose toward them. She was heavily pregnant and seemed to be carrying this child entirely in front of her. When she reached them, she put her arms up, grasped Ericโs upper arms, and in spite of his slightly alarmed look said, โYou lean right down here and let me get some sugar!โ Sookie could feel how unsettled Eric became. He leaned over slightly and Jasonโs wife pulled him lower still, and kissed him soundly on the cheek. The Viking rather awkwardly brought his arms up to touch the womanโs sides. โWhat?โ Michele exclaimed, โIs that all I get? I read stuff! I know you can do better by me!โ Eric tightened his grip to hug her a little more securely. He caught Sookieโs attention and sent her a combination of anxiety and annoyance, but before the telepath could do anything, Tara stepped closer and demanded she get a hug too.
Jason emerged from the backyard and he called from a good ten feet away, โHey! You made it!โ He was walking pretty well, but Sookie recognized the slight roll in his stroll. When he got close enough he held his hand out to Eric, forgetting that vampires generally donโt shake hands. Eric looked over Taraโs head and Jason interpreted correctly, โCome on, Tara, get off him!โ he said gruffly. When Tara detached herself, Jason stepped in closer and Eric feared that Sookieโs brother might try to hug him too. Instead he placed himself between the vampire and the women and said, โCome on, future brother-in-law! Letโs get you in the backyard and away from this hen house.โ He gripped Ericโs arm, stopping for a minute to mumble, โShit, guess you work out some,โ and proceeded to walk in his slightly rolling way toward the barbecue, pulling a bemused Viking in his wake. Tara looped her arm around Sookieโs waist again and together the three women watched as the men rounded the corner of the house.
โI still canโt believe you get to climb that tree every night,โ Tara whistled.
โWell, at least she wonโt find herself looking like this,โ Michele added, pointing at her belly. โAnother boy!โ she sighed.
Sookie smiled, โThatโs great, I guess.โ She knew Michele had been hoping for a girl.
โYeah, your brother seems hell bent on building his own Duck Dynasty,โ her sister-in-law sighed. She was close enough to the end of her term that she couldnโt travel. Sookie wanted both Jason and Michele to come to Indianapolis for the Summit, to stand with her for the pledging. Sookie asked her sister-in-law if she minded Jason being out of town so close to the birth but Michele just laughed. โPlease take him! Heโll do nothing but fuss and moan and promise me heโll never put me through this again. Iโll be better off with him away!โ Sookie knew that despite her brave words, Michele wouldnโt be alone. Halleigh Bellefleur would be staying at the house to help out with things until Jason returned. โI wouldnโt have that problem,โ Sookie found herself thinking as she watched her sister-in-law carefully climb the porch steps, โIโd be so surrounded by helpers Iโd feel claustrophobic.โ The telepath couldnโt keep the smile from her face. She knew in her heart that children were still a slim possibility, but being here, surrounded by family and friends, she could feel herself wishing hard.
Eric found himself maneuvered toward the pond. There was a knot of men and boys standing around a smoking square in the ground, and they lifted their eyes and jerked their chins in welcome, then they turned their eyes back toward the ground. Hoyt Fortenberry had a shovel and was lifting sod. Jason grabbed another shovel, and the two of them carefully lifted first grass, and then dirt. The smell intensified. Eric had a brief flashback to burying fresh bodies in new graves, but he suspected this crowd wouldnโt appreciate the joke. He found himself looking at the faces. Most of those here he recognized. He knew Taraโs husband, J.B. DuRone. He was the father of Sookieโs goddaughter, Sara. Then there was the policeman, Kevin Prior. He and Eric had had conversations in the past. Eric turned his head further to see Calvin Norris looking at him. The two men nodded formally and Calvin walked closer.
โDidnโt know if you heard we were rebuilding the old house,โ the werepanther said as an opening. Eric had not heard, but he knew that Niall, the Prince of the Sky Fae, had made that promise to his Intended. He also knew the Prince wished Sookie to start coming back to Bon Temps regularly once the house was completed to work on developing her Fae skills. Calvin slid his eyes back toward the hole that was smoking more as the depression deepened. โGood thing they lined it with brick,โ Calvin said dryly, โor it would have collapsed altogether, they put it so deep.โ Eric nodded. In his day, meat was roasted over a fire or on a flat surface. Calvin shifted, โCourse it will look a little different.โ Eric glanced over, figuring the older man had returned to the topic of Sookieโs house, โDermot comes out most days, directing things.โ Calvin now looked directly at Eric, โLots of improvements. Light tight glass all around and four bedrooms with a master suite up top. Worked on installing the central air today.โ Eric knew there was a question in there, but before he replied he was pushed from below.
Bit had arrived and immediately wrapped his arms around the vampireโs leg. โUp!โ he demanded. Eric could sense the eyes of the men around him. Without breaking expression, he reached for the young boyโs outstretched arms and lifted him easily up and over his head to sit on his shoulders.
โWell, Iโll be God-damned and go to hell!โ Andy Bellefleur said, not bothering to be polite. Eric chose to continue watching the excavation. They had uncovered what looked to be chicken wire. Hoyt and Jason were pulling themselves out of the hole. J.B. was wheeling over the same mechanism Eric had seen used to lift an engine from a car. It was being positioned near the hole and lengths of chain were linked over the dangling hook.
โIโm going to have a brother,โ the small person on his shoulder whisper-shouted into Ericโs ear. The confession was accompanied by a loud sigh and a tugging on the vampireโs hair. โA brother!โ Bit sighed again and made a disgusted sound.
Eric raised his arms to press against the legs that dangled down his chest. Bit leaned his body so he could set his elbows on Ericโs head and put his chin on his hands. โYou have a brother,โ Eric said reasonably, โIt will not be different to have another.โ
โYes, it will!โ Bit whined, โHeโll want to play with my stuff and he will break everything. I wonโt be the baby anymore. Iโll have to grow up and learn to share.โ
Eric found himself smiling in spite of himself, โI also have difficulty sharing,โ he told Jasonโs son. โIt is a hard lesson. Perhaps if you choose what things you would share. Surely there are things that are only enjoyable when you have someone else to play with. Those things could be shared things.โ Eric felt himself in undiscovered country. He had spent time separating his sons when they fought. He had also been the disciplinarian when he was home. But these โfeelingโ conversations had been Audeโs. He wondered if he was giving the child good advice.
โI know!โ Bit said as if he had come up with a brilliant idea, but there was something in the childโs tone that told Eric the small human had finally come to his purpose, โI could come home with you! You donโt have any boys living with you, and I could be the only one!โ
โPam would never let me live this down!โ It was a quick thought that punctuated the disorientation Eric was feeling. This was a small human. He should be running away right now, not begging to come live with a vampire. There was something that had turned in Ericโs world, and standing here, surrounded by humans who were drinking and eating, being manhandled by a child was bringing it all to a head. No one bowed to him. They all seemed too comfortable touching him. There was no retinue surrounding him. It had been one thing when it was just Jasonโs family, but now, with this larger group?
โUncle Eric?โ the voice from above was less sure.
Eric reached up and lifted the young boy from his shoulders. As he lowered him to the ground he could see the look on Bitโs face, the fear of rejection. Eric saw a large rock nearer the pond and he took the boyโs hand. Together they walked to the rock and Eric watched as Bit climbed up a little so that he could sit next to the vampire, two men together, watching a smoking carcass get winched from the earth. โI think if you were to leave them, your parents would miss you a great deal,โ Eric said carefully.
โThey are getting a new me,โ the boy answered.
Ericโs eyebrows drew together, โYou believe this new child will be anything like you?โ he asked.
โIt will be a new baby,โ Bit shrugged.
Ericโs mouth twitched, โDo you think that I am like your father?โ he asked. Bit looked at him, his eyes suspicious and he shrugged. โNo,โ Eric supplied, โI am different, and Calvin Norris is different from me, and Hoyt, your fatherโs friend, is different too. Each of us were babies once, but each of us is different. You are different from your older brother. This new brother will also be different.โ
โHow do you know?โ Bit asked.
โI had sons,โ he heard himself say. โThey looked much the same, but they were very different. All children are different, only themselves. This new brother will be different from you. He may be louder or slower orโฆโ
โMore stupid!โ Bit supplied.
โPerhaps,โ Eric nodded.
โSo, I canโt go home with you,โ Bit sounded sad.
โI am not going home from here,โ Eric told him, โYour aunt and I will travel to Indiana next.โ
โOh,โ the child sighed as if that was a final answer. โWell, I figured Iโd ask,โ A minute later he turned, hugged Eric, and then slid off the rock and headed back toward the house at a run, leaving Eric wondering about the resiliency of children. As the child got closer to the house, Eric saw Sookie coming out the back door, a wrapped bottle in her hand. He remained seated, enjoying the way she swayed as she walked. People called out to her, and she smiled and called back in return. She was smiling as a slight, brown-haired woman he thought was Norrisโ mate hugged her. He could feel her happiness and when she looked at him, that happiness seemed to glow from her.
โI thought Iโd find you out here,โ she said as she approached and handed him the bottle of Royalty before sitting down and leaning against his arm. โHowโre you holding up?โ
โFine,โ Eric said automatically and found himself remembering when his Intended had used the same word with equal sincerity. โHow much longer?โ
Sookie shook her head, โA while,โ she said evenly. โThere is dinner, and then we bury the bottle. Folks will want to take photos, and then Hoytโs band will start. They are kind of auditioning to be the band for our wedding, so you need to let me know if you like them.โ
โIโm sure they will be fine,โ Eric told her. He watched the men pulling a childโs wagon loaded with the wire-wrapped half pig up the hill. They headed toward a series of tables that were set in a line along the back of the house. He and Sookie were the only ones in this part of the yard now, and there was something primal about watching humans moving back and forth in the evening light. It made him want to hunt. Sookie punched him in the arm, โI wouldnโt really hunt them,โ he said quickly, โItโs instinct.โ
โWell, you better not, Eric!โ she smiled up at him, โAt least not unless I tell you that you can. I do have that contract after all!โ and she screwed up her face into a Cheshire Cat smile that somehow made his good humor return. โOops, I think weโre being summoned,โ Sookie shoulder nudged him. JC and Bob, the DuRoneโs boy, were running down the hill. Eric stood and offered his hand and together they walked up to the crowd awaiting their chance to toast the happy couple.
They were seated between Tara and Jason. Once Michele sat down, Jason tapped his fork against his glass and the noisy table fell quiet. โI want to welcome everyone who came out tonight to help us celebrate Sookie and Ericโs engagement.โ There were some murmurs, but most folks were smiling. โI know some folks donโt hold with mixing species,โ Jason looked around the table in a movement that had Michele placing her hand against him to make sure he wouldnโt sway too far, โbut I am here to tell you, as God is my witness, that I couldnโt think of a better man for my sister. He has fought for her. Hell! Heโs fought with her! Heโs taken bullets for her. He has chased her and taken all the sass she could dish out, and let me tell you, she can dish a lot!โ There was some general laughter around the table. Sookie had her Crazy Sookie smile pasted on her face and Eric was poised to step over his future brother-in-law if things got too out of hand. โBut one thing I do know is that he will be there for her, no matter what. He could have given up on her, but he never did.โ Jason turned toward them and raised his glass, โTo Eric and Sookie!โ
โTo Eric and Sookie,โ the others echoed.
It wasnโt Jasonโs best speech, but it was genuine, and Sookie felt tears in her eyes. Jason winked at Eric, and then leaned over, โI love you, sis.โ
Eric squeezed her hand as Sookie said, โI love you too, Jase.โ
There was some applause and Jason started to take a bow, but Michele grabbed the back of his shirt just in time and he fell backward onto his chair, hard. Tara took the opportunity to lean across Sookie and say, โIโm going to need your guest list, Eric.โ
โMy guest list?โ the Viking heard himself repeating.
โAnd who is your best man? Are you all set for tuxes?โ Sookie turned to him, her face expectant, and Eric realized he had no clear idea as to what exactly was involved. Of course, he knew humans married using some ritual, but it had been many centuries since he had actually attended one. Still, the idea of another man who stood with you for the ceremony was easy enough to understand. But who would that be?
Eric ran through the options. To have one of his Sheriffs standing beside him would set one ahead of the other. He didnโt dare invite Pam to fill the role. She would be merciless and was doubtless already conspiring with Sookie. He briefly considered Thalia, but dismissed it just as quickly. The thought of the fierce woman standing in this crowd didnโt lend itself to any happy outcome. He even briefly considered ordering Bill Compton to fill the role. Eric glanced at Jason, โI was thinking Stackhouse,โ he said.
He could feel Sookieโs disappointment beside him, โBut Jason is going to walk me to you.โ.
Eric looked down the table. While JC had not gone out of his way to spend time with Eric this evening, it was hard not to see the way the young manโs eyes followed the vampire. Eric made a point of looking hard at the teenager, then smiled slowly, โNo, Sookie, I meant the younger Stackhouse.โ
The table was getting quiet and from his seat, JC said, โReally? Holy shit!โ
The teenagerโs profanity was immediately followed by laughter and a hissing from his mother who said, โJason Corbett Stackhouse! We will be talking about your language once our guests leave, but you will apologize right now!โ
โSorry, Mom,โ he said, but he didnโt look sorry at all. โYou mean it?โ he asked Eric again.
Eric turned to Tara, โI recall you have a clothing store. Perhaps you can help my best man with a suit. I will be wearing Armani.โ Eric glanced at Michele, โAnd, of course, the suit will be my gift for his standing with me.โ Last, he turned back to JC, โEvery young man should have one good suit.โ
Next to him, Bob DuRone, Tara and JBโs son, punched him in the arm and said, โYou are so lucky!โ
Tara seemed to have a list of sorts, and she turned right back to Sookie, firing off questions about table settings, lights, and then she asked about colors. Sookie looked puzzled for a moment, Eric turned to her, โPerhaps it would be best to be consistent.โ He turned to Tara, โThe colors for our pledging are purple and silver.โ
Tara frowned, and then said to Sookie, โThose sound like great accent colors. The dress you liked is cream, right? It might be okay if we make it more lavender than purple. You know, I saw a really nice morning coat that was sort of grayish lavenderโฆโ
Sookie turned to Eric, โYouโll be wearing black, right?โ Eric nodded and Sookie turned to Tara and shrugged, decision made. She wasnโt going to ask Eric to wear lavender, no matter how secure she was in his masculinity. She was sure if she asked he would. Hell, heโd worn pink lycra without being asked, and that had left some folks around here thinking he was gay until she set them straight.
Tara moved on to food and something called favors, and Eric wondered if anyone would notice if he slipped into downtime. He was about to sit back and do just that when Sookie turned toward him, Hoyt and Hollyโs youngest in her arms. The girl was little more than three and clearly exhausted. Her eyes were glazed and she had her thumb securely stuck in her mouth. Tara was asking Sookie if she would just come in the house for a second and apparently with no thought at all, Sookie handed the girl to Eric and walked away. The girl looked up at Eric, and the vampire looked right back. Finally, she seemed to come to some kind of conclusion and leaned a little more into him and shut her eyes. At that moment, Bit reappeared and made an effort to find room in Ericโs lap as well. Jasonโs son settled on the opposite knee, turned his forehead into the Vikingโs chest and grabbed a handful of shirt before shutting his eyes too.
From beside him, Jason laughed, โYou sure do look natural doing that.โ Eric didnโt know what to say. He was afraid if he said anything it would be taken the wrong way. What he wanted to say was โplease take your children off me,โ and โtell Sookie itโs time to leave.โ Then he remembered that he had agreed to this, and he stayed silent. Jason stopped laughing. His face took on a thoughtful expression. โSay, Ericโฆ you think you and Sookie might want to stand as godparents to our next one?โ Eric could feel Sookie behind him. โI mean, you can say no if you like, but I can see you like kids and, well, Iโd be honored if you would both consider it.โ
Eric turned to Sookie and he could see she wanted this, so he told Jason, โI am not certain what is involved. If Sookie feels this is a good idea, I am agreeable.โ In the back of his head, he could hear Pam howling with laughter and he knew he would feel Thaliaโs disapproval. Still, Sookie was clearly happy and he decided to focus on that.
โWell, hell, now that thatโs settled!โ and Jason stood up. โCome on everyone! We got a bottle to bury!โ
The crowd around the table stood. Sleepy children were shifted to shoulders. J.B. DuRone retrieved his daughter and Jason took Bit. Tara walked forward with a sealed bottle of bourbon. She handed it to Sookie, โHere you go, girl. Good, quality George Dickel. You bury this good and no rain will dare fall on you!โ Andy Bellefleur handed Eric a shovel and Tara led the way to the area where the small tent would be erected and the ceremony conducted. โDig here!โ she pointed to a place in the ground. Eric dug what appeared to be a suitable hole. He expected Sookie to open the bottle and pour in the spirits. Instead, she placed the sealed bottle, upside down, in the hole and pushed it a little to make sure it was standing firmly on its head.
โOkay, Eric,โ she said. โFill it up.โ Eric shoveled the dirt back into the hole and when it looked level, Sookie stepped on it to make sure the soil was firm. Phones were taking photos and Eric was sure there was at least one video. Sookie smiled up at him and he realized he was expected to kiss her here, in front of her friends. It had been an evening, so he handed the shovel to Hoyt, who happened to be standing closest, and then he gathered his telepath into his arms and kissed her until he could feel the heat of her blush through his lips. There was cat-calling and Sookie playfully slapped him on the chest when he finally released her.
โNow can we go?โ he whispered against her lips.
โSure can,โ she sighed in return.
In the end it took another hour before they were able to leave, and they leaned against each other in the back of the car. Their next stop was Fangtasia. Charles texted as soon as they were on the road, alerting Indira that they would see her in about an hour.
As they passed the town borders and eased onto the highway, Sookie turned to Eric. โDid you tell Bit he could come and live with us?โ
Ericโs eyes narrowed, โWhy are you asking? Do you have the impression I would welcome small humans into our home?โ He had meant it as a joke, but the tone in his voice was classic Sheriff of Area 5 Eric Northman.
Sookieโs eyes narrowed right back, โWell, I was just asking! Bit came running in the house and told Michele that he had talked with you, and you said it was okay.โ
โTheir child lies,โ Eric snapped.
Sookie smiled, โAll children lie,โ she agreed.
โI donโt remember,โ Eric told her, and then he realized he was answering more than her question. There was something about tonight, the proximity to children and human families that had stirred something in him, something he had buried long ago, and he wasnโt comfortable with it.
Fortunately, Sookie changed the direction of the conversation. โDo you think it looks the same?โ
โWhat?โ the vampire asked.
โFangtasia,โ Sookie answered, โI havenโt been there since, well, since the divorce.โ Eric turned to look at her. The telepath was resting easily against him, but she was watching the road ahead, her thoughts racing. He could almost hear her replaying that night in her head.
โI did not think it would hurt you,โ and Eric looped his arm around her, remembering how distraught she had been at her house when he flew to see her.
โIf someone had asked me before it happened? I probably would have said the same thing. It wasnโt until it happened that I realized how muchโฆ well, how much I really cared about you. I was so angry and unhappy. I couldnโt see anything then.โ Sookie turned into him, burying her face in his chest. โYou know I wake up every day thanking God that things worked out. Some days I still canโt believe this is real. I wonder if itโs all just some dream and Iโll wake up and find myself back at Hummingbird Lane with Sam pounding up the steps ready to beat the tar out of me again.โ
Eric squeezed her and kissed her head. โWell, perhaps I should find a way to convince you this isnโt a dream,โ he murmured against her head. โI could have them pull the car over and we could find a tree. Iโll even pinch you, If you like.โ
โHush!โ Sookie giggled and swatted Ericโs shoulder.
โIโm sure that Indira would let us use the office. Perhaps that would convince you,โ he persisted. โOr there is the employee bathroom. I seem to recall that sink was fairly sturdy.โ
โCut it out!โ Sookie giggled some more. Eric could smell the heat of her blush on her skin.
โThe bar was interesting. Then there was the throne that once. I couldnโt believe I convinced you.โ
โThe bar was closed and locked. Would you stop?โ Sookie jerked her chin toward the front seat, โI donโt need to be sharing all my secrets!โ
โIโm sure it was no secret to the cleaning crew,โ Eric nibbled her neck. โThe basementโฆโ
โEnough, Eric Northman!โ Sookie sat up and started to pull away, but Eric pulled her back with one arm and tickled her side with his other hand until she climbed on top of him and started to tickle him back. He slid down on the seat, allowing her to rub across him and it didnโt take long for her to notice his interest was manifesting in other ways. โStop it!โ she hissed and shuffled back to sit on the seat.
โI intend to continue this conversation when we arrive,โ he said, adding a leer to his look.
โLet me know how that turns out for you,โ Sookie huffed, but he saw the smile playing across her lips.
Sookie could see the familiar sign when they took the exit. The outside shape also looked the same, but most other things did not. The color of the exterior was different. The parking lot had expanded and it was packed. There was a lanai over the front door and the line of people stretched into the lot. Owen pulled the car around back. The door was already open and Indira was standing in the parking lot waiting to greet them. She was not wearing her sari tonight. Instead she had on a well-cut black dress and fashionable flats. As soon as Eric exited the vehicle, she bowed low, โYour Majesty,โ she said respectfully, โI welcome you back to Area 5.โ
Eric inclined his head, and then held out his hand to Sookie, assisting her from the car. Indira bowed her head to Sookie and smiled. โHow are you?โ Sookie asked by way of greeting. She glanced at her clothes and Ericโs, โIโm afraid we may be a little underdressed.โ
โYou are always dressed perfectly,โ Indira replied graciously, and then indicated with her arm that they should precede her into the club.
Sookie found she was nervous. How many times had she walked down this same hall? How many times had it broken her heart? She found herself remembering the night they killed Victor. She wasnโt sure why that was the memory that came hardest, but she found herself glancing at the walls as they walked past, looking for each blood stain or piece of residue. She could feel Ericโs concern and she gave herself a mental shake. She was being ridiculous. The wall colors were different. The lights were different. She could be in an entirely different place.
As they emerged into the club itself, Sookie appreciated just how much things had changed. Most of the booths were gone, replaced by high-tops and elegant stools. The club was sleek and sophisticated. The bar was backlit in neon, and the heavier lines were gone. It looked almost too upscale to be sitting in Shreveport, but then again, with the money flowing in from gas exploration, maybe it was on scale with Dallas or New York these days. The music was being provided by a DJ and Sookie could tell she was vampire. The dance floor was crowded and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Heads turned their way, supernatural heads. Sookie confirmed they were underdressed for the crowd, but there was not one minute of self-consciousness coming from Eric Northman. He strode through the crowd, accepting bows, and giving the obligatory head nod, the amount of acknowledgement precisely dictated by the relative importance of the person receiving it. Not for the first time, Sookie found herself thinking that this was a role Eric had been born to play.
Sookie looked away from Eric and realized that they were headed to a place that she did recognize. The corner booth, Ericโs booth, was still here. Rubio slid out from the seat, straightened, and made his obligatory bow.
โI thank you for agreeing to watch over the kingdom in my absence,โ Eric acknowledged formally.
โIt is my pleasure, Majesty,โ the Sheriff of Area 6 replied.
A waitress arrived and Eric ordered the telepath her gin and tonic. Eric looked briefly at Indira and Rubio, โI have things I need to tell my Sheriffs, Lover,โ he told her. โI wonโt be long.โ
โSure,โ she found herself nodding. It seemed strange, being back in this place where she had been forbidden. She almost felt that Felipe de Castro would come marching around the corner, or Freyda would look up from a table and hiss at her to leave. It was silly, really. Sookie decided, instead, to catalogue everything that was different. The wall coloring, of course, and the table designs. The lighting had changed and the ceilings were still dark, but the Hollywood gone bad vibe was definitely missing. There were no more Dracula movie posters on the walls. There was a gift shop, though, and that seemed to be doing brisk business. When her drink arrived, Sookie slid out of booth and headed over to that corner of the bar.
The shop was really kind of clever. It was built out like it was a different establishment. There were doors you passed through and the lighting inside was brighter. You could hear the music and the crowd noise, but there was also Muzak playing. The shelf closest to the door was lined with Fangtasia-branded items like coffee mugs and paper weights. Sookie looked up to see T-shirts hanging on display. There were shirts with the Fangtasia logo, but there were also t-shirts with Ericโs image. Then she saw a shirt that had their official wedding portrait on it. Sookie had been avoiding the news just so she didnโt have to see her own face looking out at her. She thought she looked terrible and her hair was too flat, but Eric had been complimentary. It was one thing seeing the portrait looking out at her from a frame on a table at home, but seeing it stretched across someoneโs tatas felt different. There was a t-shirt with Ericโs Mr. January pose, too. She noticed that image was also available in poster size. Sookie started to feel as if she was in a fishbowl and too many people were pressed up against the glass. The vampire behind the cash register was watching her in that too silent way vampires had. When she turned to leave he bowed, โIt was an honor to have you in my presence, Mistress,โ he said formally. His recognizing her added to her feeling of being surveilled.
From the store she drifted over to the bar. She didnโt recognize any of the bartenders, but she hadnโt really expected she would. The traffic was heavy and there were three vampires working the drink orders in addition to a fourth at the far end whose job appeared to be handling the waiters. A seat opened and Sookie hoisted herself up, losing herself in watching the action around the bar. It was something she did when she was managing Merlotteโs and she found herself settling into the old routine. As she watched the way one of the bartenders was ringing out, she noticed a sign beside the register. It looked like her but there was a red circle around the photo with a slash across it. โWhat the hell?โ she said out loud. Immediately all three heads behind the bar turned her way. They had given no indication that theyโd noticed her before, but she could see that had been for her benefit. They were clearly aware of her and now she had their attention. The one closest to her walked over.
โIs there something that troubles you, Mistress?โ she asked with a bow. The man sitting next to her was now also paying attention. Sookie could โhearโ him racking his brain to see if he could figure out whom she was and why she was commanding this kind of respect.
Sookie swallowed, pasted her nicest smile on and pointed, โIs that a picture of me?โ she asked.
The vampire didnโt look back, โYes, Mistress,โ she replied.
From behind her Eric said, โPam tells me it was put there many years ago. The bartenders here believe it deflects the evil eye.โ Sookie jumped a little at the sound of his voice and turned around.
โEvil eye? Me? Thatโs not very funny, Eric. Itโs kind of mean!โ
Eric didnโt smile as he stroked her cheek, โYou did have a habit of getting bartenders killed, Lover.โ
โI did not!โ Sookie protested, โIt just kind of happened!โ
โExactly,โ her Viking smirked. Then he took her hand, โDance with me,โ he commanded.
โWell, I wouldnโt if I didnโt want to,โ she automatically sassed, pulling a toothy smile from the vampire. He led her out to the dancefloor and they found that they could still bounce their bon bons like it was ten years ago and they were just Eric and Sookie, two beings that had Rhodes and Fairies and Felipe de Castro ahead of them.
The music slowed and Eric drew her close, holding her hand against his chest as he gazed into her eyes. โYou are most beautiful to me,โ he said steadily.
โEven though Iโm skinny and scarred and not anywhere near as naive as I used to be?โ she asked as she clutched his shirt just a little.
โYou will always be that young woman who walked into my club in a white dress,โ he told her, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
Very nice. Eric as a child magnet is too cute. I’ ve never heard of burying a bottle of bourbon, but it looked like a fun party. I see Sookie’ s reputation as a killer of bartenders is still in force. Great chapter.
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Just because she hasn’t been around doesn’t mean the bartenders would forget! She sure had a way of being around when they found stakes…
Eric may doubt his ability with children but actions talk!
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Eric and Bit crack me up! As well as the pic with her face and the slash through it.
Thomas isn’t very happy to see Karin get drawn into a fight is he? Can’t say I blame him though.
Glad to see that they still dance together.
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Dancing is the second best thing they do!
Eric is finding himself getting hedged in – perhaps past his comfort point, but he’ll go a long way to keep Sookie happy.
Thomas is still a knight- no matter how long he lives
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What, pray tell, is the best thing they do? ๐ Lmao
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Sheet mambo two stepping is one way to put it!๐
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Snicker
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Re-read Chapter 4 for the experiment with the chair and the window.
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I love that children are drawn to Eric. Kids can tell things about people. Eric is not comfortable…….yet. It is really very sweet.
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Kids and dogs, but don’t look for puppies to warm up to him. Apex predator and all that. He’s better at handling kids than he thinks.
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I hope Thierry doesn’t drag Karin into anything that will get her killed or ruin her fragile relationship with Eric.
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She will go where Thomas goes. Right now it is looking like it’s headed for a bad place.
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Oh so sweet that Eric asked JC to be his best man!
Eric is still uncomfortable around children but time will tell. ..
I laughed my heart out when Sookie saw her picture with a slash on it…Hehe!
Well Fangtasia bartenders seemed to die around her.
I hope Karen doesn’t get in trouble , she is still recovering.
Nice speech from Jason , yeah Eric never gives up on his sister.
Jackie69
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JC was probably a rush decision, but everyone is pleased so Eric’s instincts are still working well. Yeah, Sookie sure has one hell of a reputation! Vampire killer for sure!
Hee, Hee- that Jason! He’s okay for a breather.
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More examples of how much they are willing to step out of their comfort zone to make each other happy. Kids always like adults that listen to them and talk to them like people, not like they’re stupid cos they’re little. Eric is slowly getting back in touch with his own humanity. No wonder he feels uncomfortable at times, its been over a thousand years.
Loved the evil eye Sookie pic. It seems to be working for the bartenders so far.
They seem so content with each other but the outside forces do tend to intrude on their idyll. Twy’s note, merchandising etc. but these are part of their life now, and they seem to be doing well at balancing everything.
I wish he had Thalia as his groomsman as well. I’d pay to see that, lol.
How in the world are they going to get all the supernaturals to accept and tolerate each other and humans when they all look down on humans and barely tolerate each other. Thalia and Pam come to mind. They are reasonable people, but still prejudice at a instinctive level. Hmm. The big picture is going to be a long time coming I think.
Once again, thank you for writing such an engaging tale that has me thinking about it at odd moments during my days. I feel so connected to these characters and can’t help but correlate the big picture of ancient races having to evolve and leave behind their antiquated ideals. (We have a lot of issues in Australia with Muslims trying to bend our government to their sharia law, we can’t display any Christian Xmas displays or have any references to Christianity in schools etc)
I look forward to more.
Blessings
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My own country is a case study on the effects of new cultures and assimilation. If our history is any indication it takes one to two generations to find a new normal. But during each transition period there is a varying amount of upheaval and confusion. I see the supernaturals as being on the front edge of that.
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I just love it when Eric has to go to Jason’s. His interactions with the kids and with Jason are so fun to read! I thought asking JC to stand up with him was really sweet. And it was sure nice to see them back at Fangtasia. The sign by the cash register of Sookie was hilarious!
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Eric’s time among humans is clearly causing him some mixed feelings. How can it not remind him of his own human times? he is a creature who had to come to terms with losing everything and becoming a prisoner. How hard it must be to have those feelings resurrected?
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This chapter reminds me a bit of a large and complex oil painting. When you look at a small section of it, you see incredible detail (Eric holding the 2 children for example) that is beautiful. And then you step back and view the entire picture..that is when you see how amazing it really is. Both Sookie & Eric deal with things that are outside their comfort zone, doing it because they love each other (what better motivation is there?). Eric’s epiphany that their world has shifted was an aha moment, seeing how casual everyone was about being in the presence of what was once considered a nightmare for nearly all of them.And then you add that touch of humor at the bar with her picture, reminding us that the bartenders at Fangtasia had once been warned about her “deadening” effect on those in their line of work.
Such a rich and satisfying chapter..
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Thank you. It is a shifting culture they inhabit. One minute he’s a monster. Next he’s being welcomed into their circle. It’s possible he’ll find himself on the outside again. The constant seems to be them. Now their world revolves around them instead of the other way around.
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Ah, memories. I kinda sniffled at the end there… ๐
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Isn’t it what we hope from those we love? That no matter how long or what happens that who they see will always be that person they first loved?
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Of course. With real, enduring love, that never changes. I don’t see his graying hair or the weight he’s put on; I see the man I fell in love with 18 years ago on our first date. Eric and Sookie may never age, but he will always see her as the girl in the white dress.
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I deliberated on this one–slept on it….
Oh Eric, you really are being a bit of a brat on this. Yes, its about burying a stupid bottle of liquor in the ground… but no, its not. Step back and don’t just see yourself suffering silently at this loud and smelly redneck gathering centered on burying things. Step back and see the real reason for this gathering, surely the sight of a long table filled with loved ones of varying ages and temperaments, roasted meats, breads spirits in celebration of a marriage contract cant be lost on you? Yes Eric, you have 2 drooling babies on you. They’re not yours, so i’ll forgive you that. If you insisted on an animal sacrifice or some obscure ritual of your time to make it real for you…dont you think she would embrace that for you?
He really was missing the big picture in light of his comfort. missing how she needed this, like she told Owen, to be her choice. he’s missing how happy it makes her not that they’re doing the stupid ritual, but that they’ve accepted him. that makes her happier beyond words, i think….even though it really doesn’t make any difference to him. at least he’s taking cues from her. Oh and I really had to appreciate Calvin talking to Eric, he knew what was running through his head and even tried to reach out, but Eric missed a lot of those cues too.
loved seeing them go back and forth over the places they had screwed in Fangtasia in the past…lol
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Eric is a fish out of water, that’s for sure. As he’s demonstrated in past those aren’t always his best moments. Still, I think he’s doing okay. He hasn’t hurt anyone or felt the need to bully. He is more comfortable with Calvin, true. He may also be feeling a little pressured by all this. He’s usually the one in control. He’s definitely not in the drivers seat on this one!
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agreed on that. but it makes cookie feel really put upon, and like her wants are a bit childish. He could stand to reign it in a bit, and he did by the end of the night..but up to it..
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He eventually got it though, I think. He came to realize the symbolism of it and somehow made the connection, even with the babies on his lap, which I can’t blame him for being a little annoyed over. Who wants someone else’s kids just plopped in your lap? No one even asks?
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No doubt. He’s being a bit of a dickhead!
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Great chapter – fun to see the Thierry-Thomas-Karin dynamic in action… They seem to be very mature about all things… I am beginning to hope for Thierry’s mission and especially for him not meeting his true death which going against that crazy Misha is not an unlikely scenario…
Eric’s being a jerk complaining and being so dismissive of a relatively short sacrifice of his time to meet Sookie’s human family expectations (random and silly as they may seem/be) when it comes to a wedding… Considering all the hoops Sookie has to jump through to ‘fit’ within the vampire world esp. with Eric being so visible thanks to his PR offensive, his grudge is frankly petty and not a good look… Has he forgotten that for a while Sookie had to be cool about all the marriage proposals her boyfriend would get from Vampire queens right left and centre? And that’s just one example…
Eric’s salvation came from his ability to not be a jerk to little kids who seem strangely keen to have him as improvised nanny (in Bit’s case even a foster daddy!)… Well at least that bodes well for the future Northman children…
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Granted, Sookie did put up with a bit of stuff when every Mary, Jill and Jane showed up at the doorstep, but in all fairness, it’s not like Eric asked them. Of course, Eric could be the PERFECT boyfriend… never tired, always welcoming, loving her family, loving her friends, being totally interested in wedding plans and color swatches… but I don’t think he is. I think he’s a vampire under stress behaving less than perfectly. She is giving more at the moment in terms of support and understanding… but he did do his fair share when she really needed him in Jackson. They may be almost (almost) even… Of course, he is going to be a bit of a dickhead. He is a guy, after all – that whole Y/X thing.
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Another fabulous one. I love this story so it helps that I jump on a chapter as soon as I see one in my email. ๐ Well, not jumping these days! Not so much to do right now with broken butt, so send them as soon as they’re written and I’ll get them back to you asap! I’m not going anywhere!
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You are the best (even with a rattle in your caboose!). Thanks again for everything. Working on Chapter 7 (the line with the knife…)
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YAY! Can’t wait for that one! ๐
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Not that I want too many details on your broken butt….but I hope you are on the mend. ๐
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Thanks! I think I am. Not many details, just think stairs & Tigger! ๐
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Me too!
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this was a very fun chapter. love it! ๐
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Having too much fun writing these little pieces. Appreciate it!
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That was so funny. Eric’s POV of the digging, hoist and wagon was so matter of fact it was hysterical. It’s funny to see his ego and confidence take a back seat when it comes to dealing with children. The fact that he wondered if he had given good advice to Bit, proves he has their best interests at heart and who can do better than that. Both of them are suffering a bit of culture shock, Eric with humanity and Sookie with the fame. So much fun.
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He is a natural, even if he doesn’t believe it of himself.
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