Awake
Chapter 1
Sookie's POV:
I was walking toward my suite.
A meeting with a vampire entourage that would have no reserve over killing me and watching Godric die, by the sun's rays, took everything out of me. I couldn't even bear the emotions I was receiving from, Eric.
"Eric." The thought aloud actually sobered me up. I stopped in the hallway and shook my head to clear the murk that was obscuring my humanity. I was pitying myself and I completely forgot Eric must be in extreme pain. I reached Eric's door and I hesitated thinking of the Viking and Bill who must have been dead to the world. I took a deep breath and entered the door that was slightly ajar. To my surprise, Eric was on his bed, his back facing me. I couldn't hear anything, and only knew he was awake by the tremors running through his body. I slowly walked to his side, sneaking up on a vampire is not a good idea, something I had learned from Bill.
Eric's eyes are glazed over and staring off into nowhere, red streaks that start from his eyes end on his chiseled chest. I looked away knowing Eric didn't like to be seen as vulnerable and headed to the bathroom. I returned with a cup filled with warm water and a towel from the available basket near the sink. I kneeled where Eric was sitting and began to tenderly clean the blood smears that covered his beautiful face. I began working down to his chest, at this point, the fact that Eric hadn't made an innuendo or even a simple smirk disturbed me. I finished, leaving his skin spotless, the way it ought to be, I thought. I mentally slapped myself for thinking of his body when he was hurting. I started thinking of how I felt when Gran died and the things no one did for me but I secretly had yearned for. I placed the bloody rag back in the sink and threw the cup out.
I gently sat next to Eric and for the first time he actually moved and grabbed my hand. We sat there and I kept to my own thoughts and Eric had the silent, far away gaze. After time continued to pass I looked over at Eric and noticed a single tear falling from his eye. I was weary and didn't want to disturb him by getting up; I licked the tear that was strolling down his cheek.
I was alarmed at my action but didn't show it. I replayed Godric's words.
"You'll care for him, Eric?"
They rang in my ears and I felt myself resolve as I swept my fingers through Eric's hair and calmly pushed him back in the bed. Eric fell and his head touched the soft white sheets.
I left his side and Eric whispered,"Will you stay?" I looked at him in disbelief because I couldn't comprehend what Eric was asking of me. I was just a human, after all.
He seemed to notice my hesitation and looked away once again leaving only his back in view. I berated myself and quickly laid next to him and pulled the blanket up to his torso. I continued to run my fingers through his hair and few minutes later my faced was nuzzled in his neck and Eric had his arm around my waist. There was nothing amorous about it, just comfort. His touch brought a simple comfort and I hoped he was experiencing at least a fourth of my peace.
"Eric, you must sleep. Staying awake just brings you pain and you will not feel the better tonight. Now, sleep." I mumbled as I could feel a daze drift over my own thoughts. Eric fell into his stupor and I was as dead as he was.
I awoke with a growl. My instincts shot me out of my sleep and I took in my surroundings. Bill and Eric were in the receiving area having a conversation filled with snarls. I raced to them immediately and found Eric's lips were healing. I shot a disgusted look at Bill, which was returning one to match. A sneer left Bill's lips and his eyes had a dark, closed glare. Bill was showing me his ugly, inhumane side more with each fight we were having lately.
"Sookie when you went to help Godric I had no idea sleeping with Eric was included." Bill slapped me hard, and bit each word, his tone clearly implying I had done more than just sleep. I was enraged and I had a metallic taste in my mouth, the taste was blood. Eric was about to lunge at Bill when I raised my hand.
I met his eyes with ice, "You have been showing me you're true face more and more each day. No man touches me! I don't want so see you anymore. Ever." I turned away, ignoring Bill's pleads and I went back to the sleeping area of the room where I began to cry. I thought about the night's events and was second guessing my actions. I physically pinched myself and nodded… I had needed that. I didn't regret anything I had done to help Eric.
I went into the bathroom and ignored my swollen face as I rinsed out and brushed my teeth. Eric came in the bathroom with a confused look. His face quickly changed when he saw my face and fury played across his features. I reached up and kissed his cheek, his face went back to confused.