I wasn't going to update so soon, but I think today is an appropriate occasion to post this chapter. (The next chapter will take a few days, sorry!)

This chapter is dedicated to my father, who passed away May 5th, 2010. Today is the one month anniversary of his burial. My dad was the one who introduced me to TB and the SVM books – he was forever getting me books – and he always encouraged me to write and do what I enjoyed, so this one is for him. Love you, dad.

So, I hope you enjoy 'daddy-Eric'!

Gigantic thanks to my beta: evenflo78, for her lightning fast services. Her agile fingers and sharp eyes leave me tingling with pleasure every time. *swoon*

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Southern Vampire Mysteries/True Blood! SVM belongs to Charlaine Harris & TB belongs to HBO. I make no profit from this story – I'm just manipulating the characters/storyline for fun!

I do NOT own any of the store/brand names mentioned in this chapter!

I do NOT own any of the Movies (or the characters within) mentioned in this chapter!

Chapter Four: Say

(Eric P.O.V.)

We arrived at the restaurant with ten minutes to spare, only to find Pam awaiting us with a toothy smile. She greeted Saga and Alexander enthusiastically – hugs and kisses all around – before turning her attention my way.

Her greeting was short and to the point.

"I win."

Bitch.

Our waitress, her name-tag proclaiming her as 'Leanne', was a pretty young woman; she wore her dark hair in a short bob, and she had lovely green eyes and a deep tan.

She giggled and cooed at the children, fawning over how 'polite' they were when giving their drink and meal choices, and she paid particular attention to my order. Pam was almost an afterthought, it seemed.

While we waited for our meal she brought us a basket of bread sticks, lingering around our table while the children regaled Pam and I with the stories of their 'adventures' from their time spent at their nanny's.

Our orders were brought to us about ten minutes after we placed them; a large platter of lasagna for me, cheese stuffed and smothered ravioli for the kids, and a heaping bowl of tortellini for Pam – and as Leanne apologized for the 'delay' her hand found it's way to my shoulder, a feather light touch.

"Do you need anything else?" Her hand was still on my shoulder, gaze fixed on me.

If it wasn't for the fact that I'd gotten used to women acting like this, I'd probably be flattered.

"We're fine," Pam waved a dismissive hand, sneering, "feel free to see to your other tables."

Flushing Leanne ducked her head and scurried off, Pam's glare following her until she disappeared around a corner. Rolling her eyes in disgust Pam turned her attention to her food, discreetly flipping me off as she grabbed her silverware.

About half an hour after we arrived we left the restaurant, Pam escorting the kids out and getting them settled into the car for me as I paid our bill. I signed my name to the credit card slip and tucked my receipt away, ignoring the slip of paper with the name and number scrawled across it that had lain beneath. I removed a few crisp bills from my wallet and left them on the table as a tip, grabbed my bag, and was out the door just as Pam finished buckling the kids in.

The moment we entered the mall Pam smiled widely, grabbed Alex and Saga by the hands, and dragged them towards the nearest store.

The hunt had begun.

Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Sears, Nieman Marcus, and Dillard's were nothing but a blur of colors and patterns as Pam modeled outfits for the children and selected outfits for them to model as well. Pam had brought her I-pod and had the volume turned up high, swinging her hips back and forth – the children breaking out into dance beside her - as they breezed through the selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

I have to admit, it was cute.

Saga paid particular attention to Pam as she explained the importance of 'complimenting and contrasting colors', so Alexander and I wandered off for a bit towards the Mens section so I could browse. Somehow I ended up having at least one bag from every store filled with things I'd bought – when I'd had no real intentions of buying anything from that store at the time – and several of Pam's bags as well.

I went from 'daddy' and 'brother' to pack-mule. Fantastic.

When Pam made her way to Victoria's Secret I decided that it could remain a secret and dragged the kids off to Radio Shack.

We played with what gadgets they had on display, grabbed a few things for my office, and had nearly exhausted our options in the store when Pam found us. I was glad she'd been less than thirty minutes because the kids were getting antsy.

Our next stop was Bath & Body Works; Saga selected a new bubble bath and Alexander helped me pick out some candles for the house.

I like scented candles, sue me.

Pam was herding us towards another shop when I noticed that Alex and Saga were beginning to drag a bit. I called a break and we settled at the nearest play area. The kids gulped their juice down and devoured their pretzels before taking off to play, leaving Pam and I sitting on a bench with Starbucks cups in hand, bags piled around our feet.

I sipped at my vanilla-chai latte, watching Alex and Saga run, slide, and climb – basically barrel about at high speeds – around the play area, chasing after one another. My free hand slipped into my pocket, curled about my cell, and I pulled it out; checking for a text that wasn't there, for probably the tenth time in the last hour. I'd checked all day, practically willing my phone to chime.

I shoved it back into my pocket, huffing. I wasn't sure if I was more frustrated or grateful that Sookie hadn't been in contact with me yet. Now that I'd had a few hours away from her, spending time with my children, I was beginning to wonder if I was being wise about my interest in her.

"Who are you expecting a call from?" Pam was peering at me, a smirk stretched across her painted lips.

"No one," she raised her brow, silently calling me on my lie. Knowing she'd pester me until I fessed up I saved myself the annoyance and told her, "Sookie."

"Sookie – as in 'danced all night, had your loving sister ply her friends with free drinks and entertain them so you could have time alone with her', Sookie?"

"Ja." She knew who I meant. Was there really a need to be so aggravating about it?

"You've been talking?" At my nod she giggled like a school girl. "I still can't believe you sent me that text. I mean really," she dug out her phone and tapped a few buttons, shaking it at me once she found what she was looking for – my text from the previous night. You owe me, I took you shoe shopping! Free drinks on my tab for her friends, keep them busy. I want to get to know her. You'll get another pair of shoes if I get her number.

I cringed. I'd forgotten that I'd promised her another pair of shoes.

"You have her number." I huffed and she snickered. "I'll be nice and wait for a sale, but that means I get two pairs."

"Fine." I sulked for a moment before nudging her with my foot. It earned me a scathing glance, but I had her attention. "Can you control yourself?"

I'd been waffling back and forth over my options when it came to Sookie. I'd been serious when I'd asked if she thought 'that lovely woman' would go out with me if I called. I'd had every intention of asking her out when I talked to her later, but now that I'd had a few hours to think, I was beginning to wonder if I was really thinking things through.

A perfectly shaped brow arched in surprise. "It depends." Pam seemed to gauge my mood. "Why?"

"It concerns feelings." The word left a sour taste in my mouth.

"You mean I wont have to pull it out of you? You've been brooding all day." She rolled her eyes at my answering frown. "I swear I'll try to control myself."

"Three words; Jimmy Choo bonfire." I was reassured by the scandalized look she gave me, and felt better about her keeping herself in check.

I love my sister dearly, but she enjoys teasing me far too much.

We sat in silence for a while – I gathering my thoughts and Pam waiting, impatiently. She began to tap her nails against her knees and from there it progressed to exaggerated sighing and foot tapping.

Finally she exploded. "Well? Are you going to tell me or must I guess?"

The thought to drag my silence out a bit more was there, but I knew I needed to get it over with. "I want to ask Sookie out."

"Good." Snickering at my surprise Pam patted my arm softly. "She's pretty and seems sweet – I liked her well enough last night. She's a damn few hundred steps up from your normal booty calls."

Was it just a little sad that I agreed with her? Normally I'd hook-up with a woman from the club if I needed a bit of relief, but only a few times at most with the same woman and always at their place or a hotel. I wasn't into bringing strange women around my kids.

"I want to date her."

Pam sucked in a sharp breath of surprise, blinked once, and then beamed. "Then ask her out. You need a real relationship; it's been years since you tried."

"I have tried – it did not go so well." Taking a long swallow I waved at Saga as she ran past us within the play area, Alex tumbling after her. "It is not just myself I must worry about, yeah? What if they get hurt?"

A snarl left Pam and she twisted to face me. "The only thing that's going to hurt Alex and Saga, in the long run, is seeing their father lonely and unhappy."

Lonely? Unhappy? I bristled. "I am not," A stinging smack to my shoulder cut me off and left me gaping at Pam in surprise.

"I know you're happy being a father, and that you have them, me, and the bar to keep you busy and social, but you know that's not what I meant. Don't pretend to be as ignorant as the rest of the men in the world. We both know you're better than that."

Sometimes having someone know me so well was irritating, but Pam always knew when to call me out on my bullshit.

"You don't think it seems that I'm trying to replace their mother?" I rarely mentioned their mother, but she'd been on my mind today.

Several curses not fit for public slipped from Pam in a low hiss; a mix of Swedish, French, and German. She jabbed a manicured finger at me. "Eric – they don't even know her! You can't replace something they've never known!" She waved a dismissive hand when I made to speak. "Look, say you date her, fall in love; what's so bad about that? You'd be cheating both yourself and the kids if you didn't at least try. It's been almost four years, Eric. Enough is enough and you know it."

I mulled over that for a while and Pam allowed me a moment as she checked her phone messages. I waited until she was done to speak. "I wish to take her out this week."

She smiled. "Really?" She seemed to ponder something for a moment before nearly bouncing in her seat. "Take her out Monday, if she's free. It's my turn to watch the club tomorrow, so you can spend the day with my darlings and they can sleep over at my place when you two go out!"

"Sounds like a plan. They've been pestering me to stay with you as it is." I slouched against the bench, glad to have that settled. There was just one tiny snag however, to my whole 'see if I can date Sookie' plan.

Pam was looking through her purchases, "How did she take to you having kids? Is she fond of children?"

"Uh," I was at a loss, seeing as Pam had inadvertently stumbled right upon the 'snag'. "I'm not sure."

Pam's head snapped my was so fast, I was afraid she'd given herself whiplash. "You're not sure?"

"We did not have a chance to talk about it."

"You didn't tell her you have children?" Her eyes narrowed to slits and a low sound of anger left her lips. She looked ready to claw my face off. "What the fuck Eric! You were talking and dancing for hours, you got her number – how in the hell did you not get around to mentioning that you're a father?"

Shrinking into my seat a little I huffed. "I do not know, it just did not come up is all."

"Didn't come up!" She bit her lip to keep from screaming, face flushing red in anger. "How hard is it to say, 'By the way, I have kids,' exactly? Are you trying to hide it?"

"It wasn't intentional." I was both angry and offended. "I would never hide my children, I am proud to be their father, you know that!"

She deflated slightly when she noticed my ire and hurt at the insinuation. "You're right, I do know better." She sighed and leaned back, nursing her coffee for a minute before speaking again. "If you're serious about dating her then you need to be honest and upfront. I don't know how well she'll take to you having kids and that's the big question here, you know?"

"I am aware, yes." I scowled at my feet, angry with myself. "I intend to tell her, Pamela."

She flinched lightly, knowing the use of her full first name was intentional despite her distaste for it. "When?"

Good question. I didn't have the slightest clue. I could tell her tonight when I called or I could wait until we were on our date. The first was a safer option, letting her know before hand, but it also felt cowardly. What kind of man would I be to tell her something like that over the phone? However, the second option also left me with a host of problems. She could be furious and want to leave, our date ruined, and there was the distinct possibility that something would be thrown at me – it had happened before.

"I am," I hesitated for half a heartbeat, "unsure."

"No later than your date." Turning my way Pam eyed me critically. "If you don't tell her tonight then you need to tell her on your date. If you don't, I will."

Draining the last of my now cold latte I grunted, neither approving or disapproving her plan.

"You deserve to be happy, Eric."

For some reason the words only fueled my temper. Standing I snatched up her cup and stomped to the trash to dispose of it and my own. I left her, without a word, to watch over the children as I headed to the restroom. I took a piss while muttering obscenities under my breath, washed my hands as I snarled about 'bratty sisters', and stomped out of the restroom angry with the world.

I paused by the soda machines, breathing deeply to calm myself. I played our conversation over in my head and her last words rung clearly.

You deserve to be happy, Eric.

The truth is, I am lonely. I miss the intimacy of knowing someone's mind, heart, and body. The little day to day things that pass between lovers – a look, touch, soft word or smile. Little gestures that meant more than extravagant gifts or empty words.

I wanted that so badly that I ached.

My anger left me suddenly and my shoulders slumped slightly. Great, now I'm turning into a fucking pansy.

I rejoined Pam, in a better mood, and leaned over to nudge her shoulder with mine. She looked up, hesitant, but smiled widely when I leaned my head against hers.

"You are a brat."

"I know." She bit her lip. "Promise me you'll tell her?"

"Ja." It was a sigh. "I will tell her when I take her out. Good enough, yeah?"

"It will do."

She really is a brat.

The Disney Store was our first stop once we'd captured the children and headed away from the play area.

Saga squealed with excitement when she caught sight of the bountiful array of costume supplies. She towed Pam over with her, giggling and clapping her hands, before promptly dressing my sister up with a feather boa, tiara, and nearly a pound of gaudy costume jewelry.

I would have laughed, but I was busily engaged in combat with Alex. Swords in hand we circled each other, growling out insults as we clashed - murdering our speech by speaking 'pirate'. As much as Saga was obsessed with dressing up and princesses Alex was enamored with swords and mock-warfare.

Saga shrieked in laughter when I ran over and 'captured the Princess' and Alex hacked me down quickly, snarling and swinging his sword wildly, at the request of the 'Queen'.

I didn't even give a damn that people were looking at us like we were crazy. It was just too funny seeing Alex turn three shades of red when he was given a thorough spattering of kisses for slaying the villain by both 'Queen' and 'Princess'.

We left the store with several outfits, three new DVDs, a pirate sword, a doll, and more costumes with all the accessories – for both Saga and Alex – than I cared to think about; five bags in total. Pam handed me another bag, wordlessly, as we left and I rolled my eyes. Again with this whole pack-mule thing.

Gap Kids, Gymboree, The Children's Place, and Osh Kosh B'gosh were nothing more than a blur of color to me. The kids were balls of energy, jetting from one side of the store to the other and back. Pam kept right up with them, giggling and teasing, as they modeled the outfits she chose for them. The children fidgeted a bit, but mostly cooperated with Pam and her fashion craze and I wondered exactly how she was earning their patience. I peeked into the bag she'd given me earlier; a DVD, two plush toys, a lace frilled doll, and a shiny red toy car were nestled within.

My sister isn't above bribery, it seems.

At a quarter till five I'd decided we'd done enough shopping for one day. The kids were beginning to tire, even if they were having fun, and I was more than ready to kick up my feet and relax; I still had to work tonight.

"Time to go."

Alex and Saga pouted and whined, looking close to revolting as the words left my lips. I was bogged down by bags so I wouldn't be able to run after them well or from them, for that matter, should they decide to hog-tie me and make a break for it.

Pam came to my rescue. "My darlings, you must be good for daddy." She leaned down to their level, smiling, "If you are good today and tomorrow, we can have a sleep over Monday!"

Instant happiness.

"Movies!"

"Dress up!"

"S'ord fight!"

"Tea party!"

Pam and I broke into laughter. They were jumping and bouncing about, waving their arms as they listed all the things they wanted to do at auntie Pam's.

"Yes, yes, yes, and yes! We'll eat snacks, watch movies, and play as long as we want!" Pam swung them up into her arms, each resting on a hip, and smothered them in kisses. "Now, lets get you in the car, so you can go watch a movie with daddy, alright?"

We were soon in the parking-lot, bags stuffed in the back and kids strapped into their seats, debating the dinner options I'd given them; Chinese or pizza.

I wrapped Pam in a hug – a silent apology for snapping at her – and she brushed a kiss across my cheek to show I was forgiven.

"I'll see you tonight."

"Yes," I released her, "I will be in after they go to bed." With all the running about we'd done in the mall, that wouldn't take long. They'd missed their nap today.

I waited until Pam was in her car and had it started before slipping into my own and heading home, joking and laughing with the kids the entire way.

I was on the phone ordering pizza before we'd even made it in the door. I was loaded down with bags and the kids were carrying a bag each, but we made it in without any accidents or forgotten purchases, so I was in a good mood.

We laid our 'treasures' on the kitchen table, going through them and removing tags, before sorting them into their respective piles to be washed. Dark colors, light colors, whites, and delicate items now separated correctly I went to gather the laundry hampers from each bedroom and sorted through them.

Alex and Saga retreated to the living room to play with their new toys.

I'd had lessons about like colors, delicate wash cycle, and even proper item drying drilled into my head by different women in my life, so at least I knew I wouldn't ruin anything. The washer chugged to life and I poured the detergent and softener in, threw in the clothes, and shut the lid.

I am domesticated. Gods save us all.

I found the children sprawled out on the living-room floor, toys strewn from one end of the room to the other. It looked like their toy-box had exploded. Settling between them I grabbed a car in one hand; maneuvering it over the plastic track Alex had set out, and a Ken doll in the other; bending him at the waist and pitching my voice as I asked if 'Vicky Kristina Barcelona' would like to dance. I have no idea where my daughter came up with the name and I wasn't going to ask.

Yeah, I'm wrapped about their little fingers. So what?

We played like that until a knock echoed at the door. Saga and Alex went to wash up while I paid and collected the pizza, placing a slice on their plates after I'd washed my own hands. Three slices went onto my plate and by the time the children sat at the table I had our glasses filled with sweet tea and napkins laid beside the plates.

Dinner was a quick, but pleasant, affair; we ate plenty, joked and laughed.

"Daddy," I looked up, mouth full, and Saga giggled, "we wanna watch movie, 'kay?"

I nodded, swallowed and sipped my tea. "Which one?"

Alex nearly choked on his pizza to shout his request. "Nightmare!"

"Nightmare before Christmas?" We'd watched it at least fifteen times in the past two months – I knew the songs by heart and had even caught myself humming them when no one was around.

"Yeah!" Saga agreed, grinning widely.

"Alright." I captured the kids long enough to clean their face and hands before they raced off to the living-room while I emptied the dishwasher and then put our newly dirtied dishes into it.

They piled themselves onto the couch while I fussed with the DVD player, patting the seat between them impatiently until I sat down.

We sung along to the opening and when Jack started dancing I 'jumped' and 'hid' my face behind my hands, ducking down a bit. "Scary!"

Alex laughed at me. "Not scary, daddy! Just pretend."

"Oh," I nodded and sat back up, curling my arms about them as they got comfortable. "Daddy was silly and forgot. Jack is a good skeleton, yes?"

"Yeah!" Alex shushed Saga before settling down again.

We watched the movie in relative silence, save for when Saga or Alex broke into song with the characters, and once it was over they looked up at me with puppy dog eyes. I knew what they wanted without their having to ask.

"Bath time first, then we may watch another."

While the kids went to pick out their nightclothes I made my way to the hall bath. I started the water, threw a few toys in, and went to check on them.

They were laying on my bed, nightclothes piled to one side, discussing what movie they wanted to watch. I pulled out a pair of pull-ups for each of them and laid them on the bed as they undressed.

"Catch us!" Alex shouted, and they took off like a shot, naked backsides disappearing out the door, little feet slapping against the hardwood floors.

I chased after them, growling and snarling, hands curled into 'claws'. Saga squealed and passed her brother, but I was quick to catch them. I tossed Alex over my shoulder and hooked an arm about Saga, carting them to the bathroom.

"Bath time – you two are smelly!"

"Not smelly!" Alex wiggled against my shoulder.

"You smelly!" Saga huffed up at me, snickering at my 'shocked' face.

"Daddy isn't smelly!"

"Are too!" Alex cackled when I released them and Saga nodded her head vigorously, hands on her hips.

Pouting at them I turned the water off and tested the temperature. It was just warm enough so I put them in, sticking my tongue out at them when they laughed at me for being a 'smelly daddy'.

I let them play for a few minutes before washing and rinsing their hair. I made waves for their toys and even used my hand to make a 'shark'.

I caught Saga's foot in my hand, causing her to squeal. "Nom nom, little girl feet!"

"I save you!" Alex tickled at my arm until I released Saga, both of them laughing as the 'shark' swam away 'crying'.

After a bit more play time I helped them wash their bodies, rinse off, and drained the tub. Once they stepped out I wrapped them in towels and we waddled like ducks back to my room. I helped them dry off and put on their pull-ups, and they finished dressing themselves; Alex in blue pajama bottoms and a matching shirt, and Saga in a glittering purple nightgown.

When everyone was ready we piled back on the couch, pulling a cover over our laps as we watched Coraline.

They were sound asleep within ten minutes. Turning off the TV I carried Saga to her room and tucked her in and then went back for Alex, tucking him in as I had his sister.

It was only a little after eight so I went to my bathroom and took a quick shower. I dressed in dark jeans, a black wife-beater, and pulled on a pair of boots. I brushed my hair and grabbed my cell before heading to the living room to clean up. Toys put away I replaced the DVDs in their cases and put them among the others already on the entertainment center shelves.

A quick rap sounded at the door and I opened it, greeting the nanny with a smile. "Good evening, Octavia. Please, come in."

Octavia is an older African-American woman, with no children of her own, and when Pam, the children, and I had moved from New Orleans to Shreveport she'd followed after us, wishing to stay on as nanny to the children. She's sweet, yet practical, and the children adore her. She's always been good about keeping them overnight at her home or coming over to stay with them while I work, and her services came at a reasonable price, so I was more than glad to have her.

Pam's former lover, Amelia, worked at the child care agency Octavia had previously belonged to and had recommended the woman – who'd been her mentor when she'd first started – to Pam for my use. She'd been working for me now for nearly three years; I'd hired her just after the twins turned one.

"Evening Mr. Northman." She strode past me and deposited her bag – what is it with older women and carrying huge bags full of god knows what? - at the kitchen table.

"They've just went to sleep. I'll be on my way after checking on them. Feel free to help yourself to anything. There is pizza from dinner if you'd like."

She waved me off with a smile so I went to Alex's room and knelt by his bed. I ran my fingers over his cheek, just watching him sleep.

"Sov gott, min son." I murmured softly, placing a kiss at his temple. He sighed and curled towards me. I pulled the cover up around him and stood, leaving the door cracked behind me.

Saga was stretched out over her bed, hair splayed out in a cloud around her head. I brushed a few stray strands from her face, kneeling at her bedside as I had Alex's, just watching her for a few moments. I hated to leave, but I had work to do.

"Sov gott, min dotter." I placed a featherlight kiss on her forehead, and left her door cracked as well when I left.

Octavia saw me off and locked up behind me.

Since I was kid-free I took the Corvette; racing down the streets, engine purring, feeling a thrill of excitement. Tonight I'd ask Sookie out and if things went well, come Monday, I'd be seeing her again.

The prospect alone was enough to excite me – in more ways than one.

The bar was already open, the front getting crowded with cars and I could tell it would be a busy night. I pulled in back where the employee entrance was and parked. I had paperwork to do – invoices, signing off on orders, and payroll to double check.

It was going to be a long night.

I hope you all enjoyed it! Feel free to let me know what you thought! (Hint hint!)

Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Review reply:

TeaCupHuman: I'm glad you liked Eric's POV. I just couldn't see him with only one child, for some reason, thus twins. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. (Normally I reply personally, via PM, but that option wasn't available, sorry!)

Translations:

Ja – Yes

Pam's cursing: Fucking cunt! God damn it! Fucking hell! Shit! Mother fucking son of a fucking bitch!

Eric to Alex: Sweet dreams, my son.

Eric to Saga: Sweet dreams, my daughter.