A/N- Spoilers ahead, i don't own anything.
As I approached Fangtasia, I found myself growing more nervous. It had been two months since I'd last seen Eric, since the momentous last battle in the fairy war. He'd stayed to see that I would live through my injuries but, upon my request, left to see that Bill survived his silver poisoning. My first boyfriend had been moved to Shreveport to better receive the care he needed, when we'd spoken on the phone he'd been staying with Pam, I'd assured him his house was being looked after by Amelia and myself. That had been weeks ago though, I'd been unusually busy, attending funerals, helping Amelia overcome her grief, healing from my injuries, helping Claude ready himself for his final leaving to the fairy world, working at Merlotte's, testifying against Arlene. On top of that I'd had to spend a few days with Hunter, my little telepathic cousin, teaching him to block his 'gift' in time for kindergarten. Eric, probably sensing my full plate, had kept away- trusting I would come to him once I was ready.
At least I hoped that was the case.
I didn't recognise the vampire manning the door; she looked at me without the faintest bit of interest, probably taking me for another fangbanger or foolish tourist. I paid the entry fee and then turned back to her.
"Is Eric in tonight?"
She stared at me incredulously, insulted that I dared address her and mentioned the sheriff of the area to boot. I gathered this from her face as her mind-as all vamps- was closed to me.
She didn't deign to answer and, more worked up then ever, I duck inside looking for either Eric or at least a familiar face to point me in the right direction. I headed to the bar where Felicia was serving; she noticed my approach and her eyes narrowed. I didn't really blame her, Fangtasia bartenders had been overturning in record numbers since I'd first steps through the doors. However when I placed my hands on the polished surface and waited patiently she sighed and turned to me,
"Yes?"
"Hello" I greet her, still managing to be polite despite everything. "Is Eric here tonight?"
She grinned at me and my hopes sank, "No"
I took a shuddering breath, "Do you know of any way I can reach..."
I didn't finish the sentence but jumped in surprise as I was embraced from behind, the chill of the body behind me telling me it was a vampire, but not Eric.
"Hello Sookie, my dear friend"
Instantly something inside me wells up and I find myself struggling to hold back tears,
"Pam..."
She darts around to look me in the face, "Are you alright?" I can hear her concern; she doesn't like it when I 'leak' around her.
I'm conscious of some of the patrons around watching our interaction with curiosity; I shake my head, "No"
With some motion to Felicia she takes my hand and leads me through the crowds to Eric's office, producing a key from her filmy black dress and letting us into the smaller room, locking us away and giving us privacy. She sat me down on the couch there and knelt in front of me,
"Why are you crying?" she asks more gently than I've ever seen her, and that sets me off more. I'm sobbing now and draw some tissues from my coat to try and clean myself up. She leans forward and what tears I don't catch she licks away with her tongue, like a cat lapping up milk. I smile in spite of myself, vampires enjoy bodily fluid and waste not want not.
"I need to speak to Eric really" I apologize, feeling guilty for taking her away from work, she shakes her head, "He's busy looking to Bill while I mind the bar, we alternate nights and there is no phone coverage where Bill is healing"
"Oh God" For some reason that sets me off more, I rest my head on my knees and take big gasping breaths,
"Sookie," Pam lectures sternly, "Now you are worrying me, what is it?"
"Oh Pam" I groan heavily, "I'm pregnant!"