*contains some book series spoilers and takes a different path from what becomes Sookie's relationship with Eric. This is my first attempt at fan fiction, so I hope you like it *
Sookie couldn't sleep. It had been a rough night, and her mind was racing. It had been six months since she had shut Bill out of her life. She was so hurt after learning his courtship was ordered by the Queen, and whether he'd grown to actually love her or not, she could not forgive him. Her relationship with Bill had taught her one key lesson: she wanted a more normal life. Her own telepathic powers were enough to keep her life interesting, and she had vowed that the next man she dated would be human, at least partly. She smiled thinking about the shape shifter asleep on her couch downstairs. Sam Merlotte was supernatural, but the most human supernatural being she'd ever met. He was warm and laid-back, and he too wanted a normal life. Sam had kissed Sookie twice. Both were hot, but both were interrupted by Bill in some way or another. Sookie had gone back to waitressing after her break-up with Bill, and her flirtation with Sam had continued but not blossomed further, at least yet. Sookie knew how Sam felt about her. He'd been in love with her for years, but he hadn't pushed her for anything more than friendship since Bill had left Bon Temps.
Why not? Sookie wondered. Sam kept his guard up around Sookie, so it was harder to read his mind compared to most people. Sookie liked that. She had at one time ruled out dating altogether because of her telepathy, but with Sam, it didn't always work, and fortunately the glimpses she did catch were always sweet and positive when it came to her. One time, about a week ago, she had caught him looking at her while she wiped down the bar. She smiled, and he let his guard down, thinking maybe one day I'll get my chance.
This night had been much more grim. Sookie was again wiping down the bar when an unfamiliar stranger came in. Sookie could read his mind. He was going to rob Merlottes. Scared as she was, Sookie couldn't help but quickly wonder how or why trouble always managed to find her. "Sam," she yelled. "Call the police." Just then, the man pulled out a gun, screaming, give me all your money. Sam came rushing out from the back. Sookie knew Terry was still at work too and hoped he was calling 9-1-1.
Sam calmly inched toward Sookie behind the bar, pushing her behind him as at least some protection. "Let's talk about this," he said to the robber in a soft voice. "We don't' want any trouble here." The robber shouted, "the cash," and Sam moved toward the register. He opened the drawer and pulled out a wad of 20s handing them across the bar. The man grabbed the money, turned and ran out. Sam let out a sigh of relief, "Thank God," he said and turned to Sookie. "You okay?" he asked. "Yes," she said, "just a little shaken up."
About an hour later, Andy Bellfleur had been in to take statements from Sookie, Sam and Terry. He said the description they gave matched a fellow from Shreveport who had been robbing bars and gas stations all throughout Louisiana. "They'll catch him, don't worry," Andy said. Sookie hoped he was right. It was finally time to leave. Sam came over to Sookie. "How about I drive you home? I'd feel better if I saw you in safely." Sookie smiled. Sam was such a gentleman, and more than that, he really cared about her. "Sure. That would be great. I'll have Laffy bring me to work tomorrow since we are working the same shift."
They walked out into the parking lot and hopped into Sam's jeep heading for Sookie's house. Sookie thought about how lonely she would be tonight in that big house her Grandmother had left her. Her roommate Jessica would no doubt be spending the night with her sweetie Hoyt. As they were pulling into the drive way, Sookie impulsively turned to Sam and said, "Can you stay with me tonight?" Sam smiled, and she heard him think she needs me. "Of course," he said. "I'd be happy too." He hopped out, opened Sookie's door for her, and they walked up to the house together.