Author's Note
This story is set just before the end of Season 2, after Maryann's death but before Bill's proposal. When I wrote it, there were no details of Season 3 so it doesn't reflect any of the recent plot developments.
This was the first Fan Fiction story that I posted, but I am glad that people are still reading, and hopefully enjoying it. Comments on the story are very welcome, even though it has been complete for some time.
This is just for fun, the characters don't belong to me they belong to Charlaine Harris and Alan Ball, I just want Eric and Sookie to be happy!
In the darkness of my room I sensed rather than saw a presence. Silent: A vampire then. Not Bill, the scent was wrong, and the size. A body like stone pressed against my back, hands riding up under my flannel nightdress. My body started to heat up and a familiar sensation flowed down from my stomach. It would be so easy to give in and just enjoy the feelings but I forced myself to turn to face him and push him away, only to meet …nothing
I sat up suddenly – it was nearly dawn and I was alone. Another of those damn dreams. At least Bill wasn't here; the embarrassment I had felt night after night as I woke up calling out Eric's name rushed through me. Bill tried to be understanding; he knew the dreams were caused by the blood and didn't reflect my real feelings, but he had a hard time controlling his anger. Bill was prone to be pretty sulky and the dreams weren't improving his temper any.
Things were only just getting back to normal in Bon Temps. Maryann was dead. Most people seemed to have forgotten the terrible things that had happened, although sometimes you caught a strange look on someone's face, as if they were having a flashback. Usually the look was of embarrassment, sometimes horror. If I let my shields down I might get an image of one of my neighbours naked. Unfortunately Bon Temps is not the natural home of the beautiful people – honestly, some of the sights were enough to put you off your supper.
Of course things would never be normal for my poor best friend Tara. Perennially unlucky in love, she had finally found someone she had really cared for, only to see him shot in the back. I hoped she had the strength to get through it. She couldn't bear to be in my house after everything that had happened so was staying with her mother, who was doing a great job of being strong for her – that was the only good thing in her life right now.
I had hoped to spend some quality time with Bill but no sooner were we back in Bon Temps than he was summoned to New Orleans on business. I couldn't offer to go with him as Sam needed me to cover at Merlotte's, but even if I had I'm not sure Bill would have accepted. He could be so secretive. I had no idea how he made his money, or even how much money he had. His house was pretty shabby but he had a top of the range BMW, and fancy home cinema system.
I certainly had no intention of asking him. I was determined to keep my independence. Bill's possessive streak only increased my determination.
My resolve to be independent was sorely tested later that day when I went out to buy groceries. There was nothing in the house and I had a picked up a cart-full. The humiliation when my card was refused at the check out was witnessed by at least three of my neighbours. Great, now it would be all over Bon Temps that Sookie was broke. I had $30 dollars in my purse, just enough for a few essentials. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.
I was going to have to contact Eric to get the money he owed me from Dallas. I thought about calling him, which would be sensible thing to do. But I only had the number of Fangtasia, and that could mean anyone knowing my business. It wasn't a very sensible choice, but I would drive over to Shreveport and see him in person.
I chose a plain outfit, jeans and black t-shirt. They weren't my oldest jeans, and they did fit quite snugly but I convinced myself that I wasn't dressing up for anyone, I just didn't want to look like a complete slut.
At Fangtasia I walked towards the back of the line but immediately heard a cool female voice call me. "Why if it isn't Sookie Stackhouse, the Master will be pleased to see you, and no Bill holding your leash."
I glared at her. "Thank you Pam," I said with exaggerated politeness. "I would like to see Eric, if he's not too busy." Pam pulled a face and took me through the bar to an office out back. Eric was sitting behind his desk busy with his computer.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Eric motioned me to sit on the couch.
"Well…" I paused feeling embarrassed at having to ask," I haven't been paid for Dallas yet and I'm a bit short of money…" I trailed off, feeling just a little teary as I remembered my humiliation in the grocery store. In an instant he was sitting beside me holding my hands.
"Sookie, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing,…really….. I'm just being stupid."
"It was most remiss of me not to pay you earlier, I'm afraid I have been a little preoccupied. I have your check here but it will take a few days to clear. I could wire the money direct to your bank if you prefer. Also I will give you a cash advance. Ten thousand was the figure we agreed?"
"Thank you Eric, that would be very helpful. I wasn't going to ask for that much, it was only because I was so angry about Lafayette. And I think Bill just wanted to annoy you. I only need to cover my loss of earnings at Merlotte's."
"I am well aware that Bill wanted to annoy me, but Sookie, what you did in Dallas earned every cent and more."
We sat in silence for a few moments, Eric still holding my small hands in his. It was a strange feeling. He seemed more like the Eric I had seen on the hotel roof in Dallas, than the dangerous, manipulative creature I normally thought him. I knew I shouldn't say anything but the words slipped out without conscious thought.
"How have you been?"
"Vampires do not change, Sookie, I am the same as always."
" I meant, after what happened….."
"We will not speak of it." His voice was harsh. He pulled away and stood up, walking round to the back of his desk.
"I'm sorry, its just that Godric asked me to look out for you". I couldn't quite bring myself to repeat what he had actually said, but it was close enough.
"Look out for me?" repeated Eric with a look of complete surprise on his face. "I fail to see what you could do for me. Well there is one thing of course but I don't think that is what he was meaning." Now he was smirking – back to the Eric I knew best.
I got up to leave. "Well thank you for sorting out the money, I won't take up any more of your time." I gave him my bank details, and he went to a safe and pulled out a wedge of notes. I let him give me $50. I needed gas to get back to Bon Temps.
"Where is Bill?" he asked suddenly. "It's not like him to let you out alone."
"Bill doesn't control me, I'm my own person. But if you must know he is in New Orleans on business."
"Really?" Eric looked interested.
"I have no idea what he is doing there, He can be pretty….secretive…. about Vampire business. But he has Jessica with him so I'm sure he is in no trouble. And I call him every night."
"How touching," said Eric, sarcastically.
I was at the door, ready to leave when a thought popped into my head. As usual I spoke without thinking.
"Eric, the dreams, can you do anything to stop them?"
"Why my dear one, do you not enjoy dreaming of me. I hope you find me very…..satisfying."
"Eric I am not your dear one, and no I do not enjoy them. It's downright embarrassing, especially when I am with Bill."
He just smirked, looking very pleased with himself. "I am sorry to hear this. I will see what I can do. Perhaps if I don't think lustful thoughts of you so often it will help."
I had heard enough, I was out of there. I sincerely hoped that it would be a long time before I saw him again.
