A/N: So, this has been gathering dust on my hard-drive until recently when I decided I should get my butt in gear and get the ball rolling properly on my (strictly Paric) Season 5 AU. I haven't finished it yet (in fact, I have only finished 'fixing' episode one), but there are some other chapters floating around that may come to light should people show an interest in seeing more :) Also, if people are interested it will keep me motivated - please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see! x

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Dedication: I posted this earlier than I was intending for hansprincessa on her birthday - I thought she might appreciate the turn this chapter takes ;)

Back To You

"Somebody please help me!"

Sookie's cry echoed around the house, rousing Lafayette from his fitful slumber and sending him rushing down the stairs.

Three vampires also heard her cry: two ignored it, one came running.

In the meantime, Lafayette made it to the kitchen and came skidding to a halt in the doorway as he caught sight of Sookie kneeling on the floor, a dying Tara cradled in her arms.

"Shit," he muttered as he tried to process what he was seeing, "Sook…she…Tara…"

He dropped to his knees beside Sookie, barely aware of the rambling explanation she could barely choke out through her sobs: all of his attention was focused on Tara.

He became aware of someone else crying and realised with a start that it was him: there was no hope for her, any fool could see that.

He reached out a trembling had to touch her cheek, "Tara?" he whispered.

"I think…I think she's…she…" Sookie broke off, sobbing.

Lafayette got to his feet, "No," he said firmly, pointing an accusing finger at Sookie, "don't you say it. She can't be gone," he made an exasperated motion with his hands, "don't you have vampires on speed dial? Where the hell are they?"

As if on cue the front door slammed and a desperate looking Pam burst into the kitchen, "Eric?"

Sookie sniffed, "You're too late."

Pam looked around, "Where did he go?"

"He didn't come," Sookie said miserably, "and you're too late to save Tara."

Lafayette made a noise like a wounded animal, Sookie glanced over at him but Pam ignored the interruption.

"Well, that's a shame," Pam said, sounding unconcerned and turning to go.

"That's it?" Sookie called after her.

Pam stopped and looked at her over her shoulder, "Not everyone's willing to clean up your messes, Tinkerbell," she spat and was gone.