Sookie glanced around the cream-colored sitting room, taking in all the changes, reflecting on the days when the place had been dark and empty, bleak and drafty. Since Bill's promotion to the King of Louisiana, his home had undergone extensive refurbishment. It wasn't exactly decorated to Sookie's taste, but then she no longer had a say in the matter.

Sharp pain in her left wrist had the waitress flinching, Bill's fangs sinking in further. His pulls were becoming somewhat painful, and Sookie was finding it hard to focus.

On her right sat the only remaining Sheriff of Louisiana, who was also a former lover, and the awkwardness of the situation was almost palpable. His fangs were buried in her right wrist; however, his pulls were gentle, almost affectionate as he ran his fingers over her arm, caressing her. "Of course he can feel the slight pain I'm in, thanks to the bond. That's going to take some getting used to. At least he's attempting to soothe me like he did when he fang-raped me with Russell at Fangtasia before he…" Sookie stopped her train of thought, willing herself to shut off the memory. She could've lost Eric to the sunshine back then, and she'd nearly lost him again this evening to the fire.

"Okay, I think that's enough," Sookie demanded, already feeling a little light-headed. Eric was the first to stop, mid-pull, and made quick work of healing the puncture wounds. Bill, on the other hand, took two more greedy mouthfuls before reluctantly letting Sookie go, following suit by healing the marks on her wrist.

For a split second silence enveloped them. The waitress felt like screaming, shouting, or throwing a fit. She'd do anything to make them snap out of whatever was clouding their thoughts. As a child, Sookie had always dreamed of being fought over by two men, but now that she was living it she hated every moment. Sparing a look between the two vampires who'd turned her world upside down, she sighed.

"You saved my life, both our lives," Bill spoke first, gazing at Sookie with the tender eyes he had used from the moment they'd met, hoping to convey his immense gratitude.

Having no problem in holding Bill's gaze, Sookie still found it tough to forgive him for his betrayal. However, she wouldn't have left him to die. It wouldn't have been very Christian of her, and Gran would've been rolling in her grave if Sookie hadn't of done something. "It was my turn," The waitress responded gently, knowing that they were even now. Bill had saved her life in the past, even though the situations she'd found herself in had been his fault.

Not wanting Bill to steal the moment, Eric interjected, refusing to pull his gaze away from the fiercely strong woman sat by his side. "Thank you." He laced his voice with all of his sincerity, no longer afraid to show his emotions to Sookie.

"You don't have to thank me. I can't imagine the world without you in it." The response rolled off of Sookie's tongue with ease, and the smile that graced Eric's handsome features made butterflies erupt in her stomach. She was used to his smirk, maybe even a little fond of it, but his smile was breathtaking. "Both of you." Sookie tacked on as an afterthought, turning her head to look at Bill as she remembered his presence. Though she no longer felt any love for Bill, he'd still played a key role in her life.

Pulling her hands out of the grasps of the vampires, Sookie brought them to her lap. Eric let her go with ease, respecting her space, but Bill tried to cling to her for a little longer. "Personal space invasion." She mentally scolded the Civil War vampire, knowing he couldn't hear her. A wave of tiredness washed over her and all Sookie wanted to do was sleep, but she needed to get out of the house first.

Dragging the sleeves of her brown jacket down, hiding her wrists, Sookie turned her head as if watching a tennis match. First, she observed the 6'4" Viking and then the 5'10" Civil War veteran. Surprising both vampires, she quickly stood, crossing the room to put some space between them. "I can't stand this anymore." Sookie scowled, the tension in the room overwhelming. "It's like being ripped in half. No matter what I do, somebody gets hurt." She elaborated. Two clicks echoed around the room, and the waitress was silently thankful that the fangs had been put away.

Rising from his seat, Bill took a few steps towards Sookie. He wanted her to stay with him, she was his after all, but he knew how stubborn she could be. If he appeared to be gracious and care about her, she'd likely be more favorable to his advances. Ensuring his back was to Eric, Bill offered Sookie a soft smile. "Sookie I just want for you to be happy, and if being with Eric is what makes you happy, then you have my blessing."

Blinking, Sookie was stunned into silence, but not because Bill was finally acknowledging her feelings for Eric. The idea that she needed his blessing to be with the Viking and move on with her life was absurd. "I can date whoever the hell I want! I don't need your permission." She mentally screamed, scowling at him for a moment before she caught Eric rising from the sofa in her peripheral.

Though Eric didn't need Bill's blessing to woo Sookie, he was elated at the fact that the Civil War veteran was clearing the way for him. Bill had been a massive thorn in his side for years. Keeping his approach slow, Eric was worried that Sookie would bolt. She'd been through a lot, her heart battered and abused by the sniffling wimp of a King. If she'd give him a chance now his memories were back, the Viking would take good care of her.

Watching as Eric approached her, Sookie couldn't stop her small smile. His concern was evident, but Sookie stood her ground. She'd spent enough time running, but she wouldn't do it again. Sure, the Viking could be savage and cruel, he'd kept things from her, chained her up in the filthy basement of Fangtasia and then presented her to Russell Edgington like a shiny new toy, but he'd done it all for her, to save her.

Looking back on the time they'd known one another, Sookie couldn't recall a moment when Eric had been cruel towards her without good reason. He'd yelled at her in Russell's mansion, but that had been to make Russell believe he was willing to hand her over. Before Russell had forced him to drink from her, he'd looked at her with such tenderness that it had nearly broken her heart. He'd then chained himself to Russell outside Fangtasia in the sunshine moments later, willing to die alongside the 3000-year-old vampire so that he would never have her.

Stopping in front of Sookie, Eric held her gaze, softening his expression. Tentatively, unused to feeling such fear, he reached out for her, cupping her face in his large hands. She leaned into his touch, and Eric felt hope blossom in his chest. "See, it's okay Sookie. Bill's fine with it." He reassured her, stroking her jawline with a calloused thumb. "He had his chance, he blew it. H-He lied to you."

"To protect me, and I lied to him to protect you, and you've lied to both of us so many times we can't count." Sookie fired back, regretting her words immediately as Eric's hands slipped from her face. Wanting his hands back on her, the waitress instinctively reached out, grabbing at him. Bringing his hands back to her face, she leaned into his palms once more. "But then there's the side of you I've witnessed over the past week, there's good in you, so much of it. I know now that everything you ever said or did wasn't selfish. It was to keep me safe. You've never asked for anything in return, well, apart from the obvious. You've had that now though, granted you weren't yourself, but you still remember it." Sookie paused, needing a moment to think.

Disappointed in Sookie for believing that Eric actually cared about her, Bill didn't bother to conceal his saddened expression, eyebrows drawn together and lips curved downwards. The Viking had taken what he wanted from her, and Bill was confident that she wouldn't be enough to satisfy Eric's voracious appetite.

"When we made love, you never took my blood, you never even asked for it. When you were silvered for the day and needed to feed, you didn't ask for it, and you were unsure about taking it when I offered. I know now that you don't want me for my blood, that you care for me on a different level, and that's the best I could hope for." Sookie addressed Eric, knowing she was usually coveted for what ran through her veins.

Closing the gap between them, Eric brought his forehead to rest against Sookie's, still cradling her face in his hands. Perhaps at first, his interest in Sookie had been because of her gift and blood, but since he'd gotten to know the stubborn blonde his interest had changed, shifted into something else – something he hadn't felt in centuries. "I care for who you are, not what you are." He murmured, throwing Bill's words from over a year ago around. "I didn't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt you. I won't betray you, ever." Eric vowed, reciting the words he had used moments before Sookie had given him the gift of her blood to heal from the silvering.

"I might remind you of that someday." Sookie shot back playfully, earning a grin from Eric in response. Pulling back she glanced at Bill, finding an uncomfortable expression on his face. "Will you please be honest with me for once?" The waitress asked, watching as Bill gave a curt nod. "It was the blood, wasn't it? I know you care, but it was the blood that sealed the deal?" Once Sookie had the answer, she'd be able to close that chapter of her life.

Bill had tried to lie to Sookie many times before and it had backfired on him spectacularly. Now it was time to switch to honesty, in the hope that it would endear him to her. Refusing to meet her gaze, Bill gave a sharp nod, giving her the answer.

Falling silent, Sookie let the quietness settle over the three of them, giving her time to gather her thoughts. For so long she had been used as a pawn in the vampire world, her heart and body played like they were some sort of instrument. Now it was time for them to heal.

It hit Sookie, all of a sudden, that she would never heal so long as Bill was around. She would always know that he was in a relationship with her because she was a tasty treat. Sure, being with Eric would be tough, they clashed horns all the time over the smallest of things, and sometimes he infuriated her to the point where she wanted to smack the smirk off his face. Yet, with him, Sookie had a gut feeling that everything would be okay in the end, that Eric would use all of his 1000 years of experience to keep her safe and happy.

Making her decision, Sookie caught Eric's gaze, observing the small hopeful smile on his lips and the deep cerulean orbs watching her closely. In a firm tone, she finally voiced her decision. "Let's go home."

The moment those words slipped from Sookie's lips, Eric scooped her up in his arms, vamping them out of Compton's house and across the cemetery towards his lover's home. Technically, it was still Eric's house, but as Jason had pointed out before they'd been about to blow up Moon Goddess Emporium, it was Sookie's home. If the waitress wanted him to leave, then he would, no questions asked. She wouldn't be able to rescind his invitation, but Eric would honor her wishes. He silently prayed that she'd let him stay, though. After all, she'd picked him. "She picked me." The thought rattled around his brain, and he still couldn't believe that everything had turned out so well.

Swooping up the creaky porch steps, Eric placed her down gently. She held onto him for a moment to regain her center of balance, and Eric waited patiently. It had been a while since he'd ran with a human, so he offered her a sheepish smile by way of apology for making her dizzy.

Once her mind had stopped spinning, and she was in control of her body, Sookie reached into the pocket of her jacket, pulling out her keys and unlocking the door. "You should smile more you know. Makes you look younger, old man." She couldn't resist the jibe as she stepped over the threshold.

Laughing, Eric followed her into the house. Only Sookie would think it okay to tease him about his age, and she was the only one he'd ever let get away with it. Using his foot to close the door behind him, Eric looked down at the rug beneath his feet. Muddy footprints still decorated it, and the Viking made a mental note to have someone come in and deep clean it. He spared a moment to feel angry about the fact that she had seen him so weak and vulnerable, but that was soon replaced with relief. At least it had been Sookie who'd stumbled upon him and had taken him home, rather than some redneck V addict. Lifting his gaze, the vampire watched with delight as Sookie removed her jacket, revealing her lithe and tanned arms. "Ah yes lover, but with age comes experience." He purred, waggling his eyebrows at her suggestively.

Not having expected such a response, Sookie laughed, the sound charmingly melodic as it reverberated around the room. "Pray tell, Mr. Northman, what experience are you referring to?" She challenged with a quirk of her eyebrow.

Instinct took over and using his vampiric speed Eric had her pinned against the nearest wall, towering over her. One large hand came to rest against the wall beside her head, while the other sat comfortably upon her hip, kneading the firm flesh there. A rogue wave of sadness washed over the Viking as he came to the sobering realization that Sookie was meant to carry children. Her hips were wide, her chest ample and close to her forgiving heart, and her gentle nature would make motherhood so rewarding for her. Yet it was the one thing in the world he could not give her. Eric could give her the most beautiful home, a shiny car, a wardrobe fit for royalty, and the most incredible diamond ring, but the non-materialistic waitress probably wouldn't care for such things. It was one of the many reasons he loved her. She didn't care about how much wealth Eric had accumulated in his 1000 years; she didn't care for designer clothes and fast cars. All she wanted was to be loved and accepted, and Eric knew with complete certainty that he could give her that.

Claiming her lips with his own, Eric poured all of his affection for the blonde waitress into their kiss. There was no haste, no demanding, just the gentle caress of mouths. He'd nearly lost her at Moon Goddess Emporium. If anything had of happened to her, then heads would've rolled and blood would've been spilled. Savoring the warm body pinned beneath his cold one, Eric listened to the skittering of her heartbeat and inhaled the smell of sunshine upon her skin.

The sound of another heartbeat in the house made Eric frown, and as it drew closer, he pulled back from Sookie, turning on the spot to shield her, to protect her.

Surprised, the waitress frowned, not sure what the blonde vampire was doing. "Eric, what the hell?" She demanded, attempting to get out from behind him. However, she froze as Eric let out a low growl, chest rumbling as his fangs snapped down. Peeking out from around him, Sookie gasped. Emerging from the shadows with a shotgun in her hands was the one person Sookie had never wanted to see again.

"Debbie Pelt. Hasn't someone managed to kill this Werebitch yet?" Eric mentally groaned. He didn't have much time to dwell on the fact that Debbie had broken into his lover's home though, as she'd already pulled the trigger several times. Instinct had the Viking remaining in the path of the bullets, taking the shots so that Sookie wouldn't be hit. Pain erupted in his chest as they hit him, and Eric growled as the smell of burning flesh flooded his nostrils. Silver bullets.

Falling to his knees, Eric groaned. This wasn't how he'd wanted the evening to go. Sookie's scream pierced his sensitive eardrums, the fear and anger rolling off her through their bond was enough to force Eric back up onto his feet to protect her. He would deal with the silver later.

Fear was the overriding emotion Sookie felt as she watched Eric go down. Hadn't he already been through enough this evening? Frozen to the spot, she watched in horror as Debbie took her Viking down again, this time in her wolf form. Unable to look away she witnessed him sinking his fangs into her neck, tearing the skin and making Debbie bleed before he threw her across the room. The thud as she impacted with the wall made Sookie shudder, and it prompted the waitress to look around the room for a weapon, anything she could use to help her Viking.

Debbie rose to her feet once more, blood from the impact and wound smeared across her snout and neck, and a large chunk of fur missing from her hide. She snapped her jaws at Eric, unchartered rage filling her. Killing the girl was all Debbie wanted, and if that meant going through the vampire then go be it. Launching herself at Eric, she sailed through the air, but her attack was cut short.

A gunshot rang around the room and milliseconds later a bullet connected with the side of Debbie's head. Metal met bone, and the wolf went down. Turning, Eric found Sookie in the darkened room, poised with the previously abandoned shotgun, barrel aimed at Debbie. Looking back at the werewolf, the Viking watched as blood pooled out of her head wound, spreading across Sookie's floor. Another gunshot rang out as Sookie made sure the wolf wouldn't get back up again.

Righting himself so that he was kneeling, Eric hissed as the silver bullets continued to weaken him further, though the pain didn't stop him from giving his lover a quizzical look. She'd always said that she hated killing.

"Double-tap. Jason taught me." Sookie explained quietly, shaking as the gun clattered to the ground at her feet. Overwhelmed, the waitress buried her head in her hands, her breathing labored as everything finally caught up with her. "I'd like to go one night without someone or something trying to kill me." She cried out.

Not willing to risk anything, Eric took in the now human form of Debbie Pelt, satisfied when he no longer heard her heartbeat. With a sigh, the Viking returned his focus to his lover. "She deserved it. She would've killed you, knowing that either myself or Bill would've been the first to get here and that we would both be unable to get the silver out of you." He winced, trying to will the silver bullets out. Clearly, Debbie had planned this. What other reason would she have to carry and use silver bullets?

Reminded that her vampire was in pain, Sookie stopped throwing her own pity party, and instead focused on helping him. Crossing to his side and falling to her knees so they'd be level, she pulled her hair up, wrapping it around itself several times, so that it formed a tight bun. "Looks like I'm sucking bullets out of you once again." She tried to make light of the situation.

Unable to keep the grim expression from his features, Eric shifted to sit on his behind, letting Sookie straddle his lap. He moved the horrendous dressing gown that Compton had given him out of the way to give her better access.

No longer so squeamish around blood, Sookie placed her mouth just below Eric's collarbone, where the first bullet had embedded itself. As she began to take lazy pulls, trying to work the bullet out, Eric stroked her arm.

"I'm sorry about that. It was cruel of me to trick you, to betray your trust like that. I know you probably don't want to hear it, but I thought at the time that having my blood in your system would make other vampires less interested in you and that it would keep you safe. I'll admit, I did want to take you from Bill, but at the same time I wanted you to start to see the truth about him." The Viking explained, knowing it wouldn't excuse him but hoping it would be enough for Sookie. Eric was used to never having to explain himself, but with Sookie currently in control of how much pain he would have to endure, he figured it would be a good idea. Feeling the first bullet come loose, he let out a sigh of relief, watching as Sookie removed it from her mouth and discarded it onto the floor, no longer bothered about consuming his blood.

With her mouth empty, Sookie figured it would be wise to address Eric's apology. "I won't lie, it was a very underhanded thing to do. I was furious with you for a while, but I guess I owe you for it. I started to question Bill from that moment on." Sookie admitted.

Surprised, Eric ensured the emotion didn't cross his face. He'd never thought that Sookie would start to question Bill and his motives so quickly, especially as she'd stormed into the basement at Fangtasia and had demanded to know what he'd done with Compton, all while wearing the most ridiculously ill-fitting ring Eric had ever seen.

"You started to remove the rose-tinted glasses for me, so thank you. Thank you for taking these bullets for me, too." Sookie spoke with complete sincerity, knowing that if Eric hadn't of been there, then she would be dead now. Taking the opportunity to return to her task, Sookie focused on the next bullet, this one lodged in Eric's sternum.

Eric slipped his arms around her waist, needing more physical contact. "I won't let any harm come to you, I promise," He vowed, feeling her smile against his chest as she pulled another bullet from his body.

It seemed to be a common occurrence at present for Sookie to kill to defend herself. First, there had been René, and his death was the worst in her opinion. It was her first, and it would stick with her forever. Then there had been Gabe, and though he hadn't died by her hands, she still felt partially responsible for the fact Godric had snapped his neck. The third had been Lorena, and Sookie couldn't muster up a speck of regret for killing her. She'd deserved it for everything she'd put Bill and her through. Now Debbie Pelt brought that total up to four, and it was apparent to the blonde that this was her life now. She would have to kill to survive.

Eric's promise rang clearly in her ears, and Sookie couldn't help but smile against his broad chest as another bullet entered her mouth. Spitting it out on to the floor with the others, she watched as the hole began to heal. Eric had put himself in danger for her countless times since they'd first met, and now more than ever she felt the need to learn how to use her powers and how to defend herself. She couldn't spend the rest of her life relying so heavily on her vampire. It was time he started to worry less about her.

Examining his chest, Sookie found no more bullets lodged there, and she gave a nod of approval. "All gone." Her declaration was a happy one as she lifted her head to look at the handsome man before her. She was still in awe that someone as old and compelling as Eric, as beautiful and wealthy, could ever love her. She was a barmaid from a backwater town, of average appearance, and with little money.

Sparing a glance over Eric's shoulder, Sookie caught sight of the living room and sighed. It was an absolute mess. Taking in Debbie's naked and still form, her eyes trailed to the pool of blood and a shudder ran through her as images started to bombard her mind of Gran, laying alone on the cold kitchen floor as blood seeped out of her and onto the linoleum. A strangled sob escaped her lips at the memory, yet reassurance poured through the weak bond.

Eric hadn't made 1000 years old without learning how to read people, and the bond he had with Sookie made the job a little easier for him. It wasn't hard to figure out what had pulled such an intense emotional response from her. Though he appreciated her removing the bullets from his body, she was now in need of his attention. "I'm sorry about your Gran, truly. I wish I could have met her." He soothed, sincerity pouring out with his words. The old lady had been the sole person Sookie had been able to turn to, the woman she'd confided in and grew up with. Eric wished dearly that he could've met her, heard about her life, and Sookie's childhood, and once they had known one another well enough, he would've asked her for Sookie's hand.

His remark broke Sookie from memory, and she turned her focus to the cerulean eyes of her Viking. "She would've loved you. Not at first, mind, but I can tell you would've grown on her." She offered him a small smile. Gran would've been skeptical at first, would've had Eric prove he could take care of Sookie, and share his vast knowledge of the past with her before she would've brought him into the family.

The jolt of amusement Eric felt was unstoppable, and it must've shown on his face for Sookie's brows drew together in confusion. He tried to keep a straight face but it was futile, and the guffaw that fled his lips echoed around the room. "Perhaps I'll grow on you." He started, pausing for a split second for effect before continuing. "I'd prefer cancer." He tried to mimic Sookie's voice, and it was so awful that the waitress broke into peals of laughter.

All of the sadness Sookie had been feeling disappeared. Giving Eric's chest a playful thump as their laughter subsided, she wriggled off his lap, rising to her tiny 5'4" height. "Could you get rid of the body, please? I think they had a funeral yesterday so there should be a fresh grave. I'll clean up the blood." Sookie put her practical head on.

Eric rose too, and he pulled the dressing gown back around his torso. "You're not to clean up the blood. I'll take care of it. Please go and shower, I'll join you shortly." He instructed in return, earning himself a scowl from Sookie.

"I can clean blood off the floor you know. I cleaned up Gran's." Sookie pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest. She wasn't going to sit back and let Eric do all the work. If they were serious about this, about being a couple, then the work would be split evenly between them.

Blinking, Eric was momentarily stunned into silence. He could feel Sookie's victory in their bond, and he let her have it for a second before he spoke in disbelief. "Compton left you to clean up your grandmother's blood, alone? He didn't offer to help or hire a professional?" He quizzed, the fire building in his eyes.

Shaking her head in response, Sookie's arms fell to her side as she offered Eric a shrug. "It wasn't his job to clean it up. Besides, I didn't really want anyone but myself to do it. She was my grandmother, and if anyone else had done it, I'd have felt like they were violating her." The waitress explained quietly, scuffing her left foot along the wooden flooring.

In two quick strides, Eric moved to stand before Sookie, needing to comfort her. His large hands moved up to cup her face as he caught her gaze. "It's because of him that your grandmother was taken from you. I would've protected her just as I protect you. I promise you now that I'll protect your brother." He vowed, ensuring Sookie understood just how serious he was before he moved on. "I understand that you felt the need to clean up her blood; after all, it runs through your veins too. However, this is not a family member. This is a Were who would have killed you without a second thought, and I will not have you near her blood. I'll take care of it while you shower. Go, I'll join you shortly." He spoke the last part softly, caressing her face.

All of Sookie's resolve disappeared. Eric made a fair point. Debbie was nothing to her. Sliding her arms around his waist she buried her face in his freshly healed chest, inhaling the scent she'd come to associate with him – pinewood, fresh air, and the stormy sea he'd grown up near. Sookie felt her vampire drop a kiss to the top of her head before he patted her butt, sending her in the direction of the stairs. As Sookie began to climb them, she heard Eric opening the back door.