The flight to Dallas was turning out to be a pretty boring one considering Eric was in his day coffin for most of it, but at least I could catch up on all the sleeping I had missed. After a good nap I grab the iPad or as I've been calling it 'The Little Rectangle of Knowledge' Pam have given it to me before I left. She bestowed me a quick stiff hug and placed the contraption in my palms.
"It has all the hair styles we practiced in there along with some music and my cell number." she pulls me into another tight hug whispering "you better not die Combustagirl"
I smile hugging her back, hating that I wouldn't get to spend any more time with her. We had ended up becoming sort of friends. Her memories told me it was because it reminded her of her days as the owner of a whore house. I'm still not sure how I felt about reminding her of that, but I was in no position to pass down a friend or two; especially a friend who had the power to cut all my hair off if they felt like it. Eric sat watching with a slight smile. We had both come to the agreement that not talking about my visions would be our best bet. I wasn't thrilled about going, but I had told him I would go so here I was sitting alone on this private jet with a staff willing to do anything for Mr. Northman's special guest. Seriously, who has money for a private jet? Considering both he and I could fly it seemed a bit silly and over the top, but he insisted I not strain my wings. I sip my water and secretly slip the tiny bottles of vodka in my bag for later. I study the iPad trying to figure out what to do with it, but when I open the bright pink case a note pops up.
"Look in your bag."
I pull my green canvas backpack into my lap and hunt around the pockets feeling a package in my hands I pull it out examining the shinny light pink paper with an over large rosy bow on it. I really needed to broaden Pam's color spectrum. Opening it I find a beautiful necklace made of silver with a large feather amulet. It had an amber stone in the eye of the feather and engraving covering the piece. I see the note attached to the back
'figured you'd need something to protect yourself. The chain is white gold, but the feather is silver. Be safe.'
I smile pulling the long chain over my neck and tuck the piece into my bra noticing the satisfying weight of it. However, it made me uneasy knowing Pam thought I would need some extra protection from vampires. What type of primal beast were they? I know some vampires hadn't really bonded with the whole mainstreaming (Eric and Pam for example), but surely they had the common sense to feed on a 'fangbanger'? I try to ignore the thought and started messing with the toy in my lap. Pressing the music icon, I realize that 'some songs' was total understatement. Any possible genre you could think of had been put on there. I scroll through them trying to decide what to pick, but the whole collection was so extensive I had no clue where to start. The two crossing arrows lit up when I brushed it and a loud slow song burst through the little speaker. I listen to the sweet melody with a woman full of power sings about love and heartache. The voice fills the small enclosed space, I place the ear buds in the jacks and let the melancholy tone consume my mind. Without warning I hear myself singing along matching the pitch perfectly. The stewardess pops a head in
"Are you playing The Civil Wars?" She notices my headphones and looks astonished "You sound just like her! I thought you were playing it out loud, but you were singing! Oh my God, that's like amazing!" She grins at me as I blush and press my lips together thoroughly embarrassed.
Her thoughts swirled animatedly still interested about my 'crazy good singing voice' I had no idea what American Idol was, but apparently she thought I could win it hands down. I shrug nervously smiling shyly.
"Thank you, I'll try to keep quieter though." I click out of the song and close the case over the screen.
The woman looks disappointed, but nods asking if I needed anything else before going back into the small staff cabin thing.
I sigh and lean my head against the headrest. My thoughts drifted to Godric's face focusing on his features. Those perfect calm blue eyes framed with dark brown lashes that felt as if they could peer into my very core, He had a lovely nose. I have no idea how to describe it exactly. It just suited him. His lips were positively kissable. The thought was both bothersome and comforting. I wanted nothing more than to kiss him and because of this I was beyond confused. How can you love someone you only know in dreams? I did not know. I only hoped he looked the same as he did in my mind.
…..
As soon as the sky darkens Eric is out of his coffin and beside me. I gasp at his sudden arrival slipping the opened bottle in my lap. I silently curse the stupid bottle as I blot the cool water off my jeans and sweater.
"I blame you" I grumble closing the bottle as he rolls his eyes taking the book I had been reading and flipping through the pages.
"We should be in Dallas soon. What are you reading anyway?" he completely ignores my frustration about my unexpected bath, but I was pretty accustom to that now.
"I was reading about dreams and their meanings, but it seems a little silly now." I grab my book back and throw it back in my bag.
I wasn't expecting much when I grabbed it from Pam's bookshelf, but maybe some type of illumination on my current situation; however I what received was a bunch of nonsense about signs and nothing that helps phoenixes reliving their pass life.
"Understandable" He grabs a Tru Blood from the fridge walking to the microwave pressing a button.
The machine makes a high whine before going black. He hits it with the side of his hand denting it.
"Yes, because when things don't work properly hitting them is always the answer." my sardonic remark gets me a glare from his annoyed eyes.
I reach out for his bottle
"Give it to me"
He gives me a skeptical look before handing the bottle over. I hold the glass bottle in my hands letting warmth seep from my palms, allowing it to turn the coagulated red goo into a runny, watery fluid. I turn the bottle in my hands swishing it making sure it was consistent. He watches in interest as steam leaves the neck of the bottle.
"Here you go, I hope its warm enough" I smile as he takes it cautiously slipping it making the worse face know to man.
My stomach sinks at his contorted face. Oh, dear… What did I do?
"Are you okay? What did I do wrong?" My voice was a light squeak as I rub the back of my neck uneasily.
Eric coughs and gags slightly before swallowing.
"It's nothing you did. The stuff will always taste like shit." He wipes his mouth scrunching up his nose.
I try to suppress a laugh at his face and watch as he tries another sip. He retches slightly before screwing the cap back on frowning. He slumps in the chair across from me looking a little glum. The stewardess comes in again grinning at Eric with lust filled thoughts. He barely gives her a glance when she said we would be a arriving in a few minutes.
"If you are still hungry I know a stewardess that would be very willing." I whisper smirking grabbing my bag hunting for another book.
Eric smiles slyly "Unfortunately, most mainstreaming vampires frown upon that, but thanks"
…..
The hotel was huge; when we enter I am in awe by the size and colors, vivid reds and shiny black. There were also beautiful steel sculptures with swirls and cut offs dividing the walls. Eric takes my arm gently pulling me along. I put my hand in his. He looks at me startled by the contact, but takes my hand in a firm grip. His thoughts were reeling, but he doesn't let go.
We head to the main desk, Eric discusses prices while I take in the thoughts and notice all the vampires and fangbangers. Lust was in the air and it reeked. I feel him let go of my hand to get something from his pocket. I notice a young guy staring at me; his mousy like features gave him a cute and shy appearance. He smiles at me before glancing back down, I return it modestly before returning my attention back to Eric who had a grip on my hand again and pulls me with him to an elevator.
"I have to discuss business with Sookie and Bill. I won't be in until later; you should eat something and relax." He ushers me out and escorts me to our room.
A red head pops out of the room across from ours.
"Hey Eric," her voice was shy and she kept her head low as she spoke to him.
I instantly recognize her as the girl that drove me to Fangtasia. She sees me and our hands
'Whoa...' her thought makes me smile.
Eric must never show emotions or something, but I didn't care. I liked the comfort of his touch.
I realize we must be around the same age and how much fun it would be to talk to someone besides Eric and Pam.
Sookie and Bill come out of their room looking a little dismantled. I see the look in both of their eyes and blush. You don't have to read minds to know what they were up to.
"Nix! It's great to see you again. You look really good."
Sookie looks at my new hair and jeans with a loose grey sweater on. I had let my hair stay down not in the mood to work on it in the plane. She pulls me into a tight hug catching me off guard
'Has he been nice? Do you need to stay with us?'
'I am fine and he has been fine, but if you could convince him to let me hangout with the other girl that would be very nice.'
"Eric, you should let Nix and Jessica spend some time together. I'm sure they would enjoy hanging out with each other" she gives him a sugary sweet smile.
He glances down at me lifting a brow and smirking, I give him a pleading look silently begging to not have to spend the night alone in our hotel room.
"Fine"
Jessica and I both perk up excitedly
"Oh, I would just love that! I haven't spent time with someone my age in ages!"She jumps a little grinning.
I look up at Eric making sure he was okay with it.
He nods "Be back before one" he warns.
I smile; Jessica grabs my arm and pulls me into her room before closing the door.
"They can be such a bore. I'm Jessica, you're Nix right?" she was the bubbliest vampire I've ever seen.
She hops on her bed giggling.
"Well, come on don't be a stranger. What do you wanna do?" she sits cross legged twisting her hair.
I join her on the bed slipping off my shoes. I was so out of my element, what do teenagers usually do? Luckily Jessica doesn't let me dwell on that for she starts talking a mile a minute
"Wow, your socks are like the coolest things ever! I love blue and green together." She smiles bouncing a little more.
I examine my tribal print socks with little orange dashes. They were my favorite and came up to my thighs. The hotel and plane had been freezing and the socks quickly became my favorite accessory.
"Thanks, I like them too. Your hair is really pretty by the way." I notice how the light reflects off the gingery color and makes it shine. The color made her blue eyes sparkle and pale complexion glow.
"Oh, thanks. I have to admit I'm pretty vain about my hair." She giggles twirling a strand causing it to curl.
I laugh "If I were you I would be vain about everything." It was true, she was beyond beautiful and she didn't even know.
She smiles "Please, I'll kill for your legs and complexion"
Is this what you do with friends? Sit and feed each other compliments? I can live with that.
"So, what do you like to watch on TV?" She flips through channels stopping on one where women are screaming at each other.
I watch Jessica staring at the screen clearly interested in the show. She notices my confusion
"Have you ever watched this?"
I look at the shrieking blonde woman yelling something crude to a large brunette woman. Little girls are quickly ushered out by another mom.
"I don't watch TV, but this looks—great?"
Jessica giggles scooting under covers sitting with her back against the head board.
"Its kind a like a guilty pleasure. Everyone talks about how terrible the show is, but everyone secretly watches it. Okay, let me catch you up. The Blonde woman is yelling because the lady with the bang's daughter always gets solos and private lessons. She doesn't think that is fair. The Lady with the short bobbed hair is the blonde's best friend. They always stick up for each other."
The bigger lady says something about crowns and titles. I give up and just watch the terrible nonsense in front of me braiding my hair absently. I let a yawn realizing it was almost twelve. I have yet to bond with staying up at night and all I wanted to do was curl up with blankets and sleep. Jessica looks over turning off the TV,
"Can't get use to the late nights?" she sits cross legged from me smiling
I shake my head hiding another yawn.
"So, what's it like living with Eric? He was a total prick when I stayed with him and Pam." She says the last part bitterly
"I suppose they're good. I don't spend any time with other people usually, so I guess I don't have anything to go off of." I never thought of them being anything, but kind and helpful.
"Does Eric hit on you or anything?" She says teasingly.
I think about it for a second,
"Well once he held me down when I said I wouldn't help find Godric, but no, he has never struck me."
Jessica burst out laughing
"Wow, I thought I was sheltered. I didn't mean literally hitting you; I meant has he ever flirted, put on the moves, come on to you, or any other cliché way to say he has a thing for you?" She is still laughing as I rub the bridge of my nose annoyed with my lack of understanding for slang.
"Well, in that case a little, but he's too worried about keeping me safe for Godric to flirt or 'put on the moves' as you called it." I roll my eyes stretching my arms out.
Jessica nods sympathetically, walking to the mini bar picking up a menu. She reads it
"Type O. Weird that's all it says." She studies the menu in turning it around trying to figure out.
"Is it not just Tru Blood?" I join her reading the menu.
Tru blood at the top cost 45 dollars, but the rest were just blood types.
"Hm, I guess we'll just have order it and see what happens." Jessica grins mischievously picking up the small red phone to order.
I pick up a bottled water and take a couple of sips. Within minutes there is a knock on our door. Jessica answers and the most the beautiful guy enters Jessica's room smiling at both of us shrugging out of his robe. Holy sheet, that guy is perfect and about to be Jessica's meal? I turn my attention to the floor, my usually companion during awkward situations. The carpet like everything else in this hotel was jet black; although this carpet had pretty red swirls like blood being diluted by water. The guy sits on Jessica's bed pulling her down with him, she giggles and plays along while I stay my distant, Eric would be furious if he saw this. He had already made it rather clear I wasn't supposed to interact with other guys.
When I was in Fangtasia walking through the bar just trying to have a little fun a vampire grabbed my wrist and cornered me against the wall. He had gross stringy black hair and dark eyes.
"What is a pretty thing like you doing alone in a place like this?" his breath smelt like death, he got unnecessarily close to my face.
I turn away from him pushing his chest hard. He stepped back shocked and annoyed by my strength.
"You do not touch me." I warned in an icy voice yanking my hand back starting to head to Eric's throne.
He grips my shoulder and slams me back against the wall. My wings pressed against a picture frame on the wall. My body started getting significantly warmer; I clench my teeth and keep my hands to my side afraid to touch him.
"No one talks to me that way bitch." he growls baring his fangs.
Eric is by my side instantly taking the vampire by his throat. Everyone's eyes were on the scene before them. I ignore them and focus on returning to my normal body temp. Eric lifts the vampire a few inches off the ground.
"I will talk to you like that. Would you like to know why? Because when you are in my area and in my nest you are MY bitch. Apologize to my friend now." Eric grips tighter around the vampire's neck taking my hand with his other hand making sure I don't leave.
He turns the vampire to face me, I look into his face nervously trying to seem brave, but when all reality I'd like to run into the small office and lock the door.
"Apologize or I will rip your throat out for touching what isn't yours." Eric digs his nails into the vampire's skin.
"I'm sorry, to both of you. I did not know." He grimaces as Eric drops him unceremoniously on the hard floor.
"Good, now get the fuck out of my bar!"Eric roars making me jump.
The vampire rushes out with what little dignity he had left. Eric pulls/drags me into the office sitting me on his desk. He prods my wrist the disgusting vampire had grabbed and my shoulders
"Did he hurt you? Are you okay?" his voice filled with concern as he continues examining me.
I smile taking his hand to reassure him as I nodded
"I'm fine, but you must stop treating me like a precious piece of cargo."
He scoffs at my comment pulling his hands away from me.
"I only want you safe."
"Your friend must be shy." the guy tickles Jessica's side making her squeal in delight.
I smile and head to the door.
"I promised Eric I'd be back soon. Have a good lunch." I give Jessica a playful grin and head out of the room.
Checking the time I realize I still had about an hour before I had to get back. Not in the mood to sit around waiting for Eric, I head around a corner trying to think of something to do. My wings were still not up to par so flying was pretty much out of the question. I decide to just wander around for a little bit not really having a plan. I come around yet another corner startled when I'm near tackled by a bell boy. Looking up, I realize it's the same guy that smiled at me when we were checking in. He had been running and his thoughts were going a mile a minute
'Stupid blonde! She's going get me and herself killed! Vamps would kill us if they knew what we were. Aw, shit of all the people I could have run into it has to be her. She's going to think I'm insane!'
I smile as I help him regain his balance while he continues to curse himself. He had a very meek appearance, but I found him mildly attractive if only because of his shyness. I give him another smile making him swoon a little more than I intended. He's chocolate eyes relaxing from the fear that had previously taken its place.
"Barry, are you okay?" My voice sounded oddly calm and sweet. I place a hand on his shoulder sending a warm aura to him.
"How do you know my name?" He's eyes were bewildered, but his thoughts were capricious planning our first child's name… Okay, maybe I need to tone down his hormones…
"Um, it's on your name tag" talk about gauche. I don't know who was doing worse, me or him.
"Oh, right. Forget I said that. Do you anything?" He stands tactlessly in front of me shuffling his feet.
"Already forgotten,"
'And if you could learn to control your gift better you wouldn't feel so awkward around other people. Try to think about a wall, a huge stone wall that no one can enter.' I send the thought gently trying not to totally scare him to death.
"HOLY SHIT?!"
Some good that plan did. I decide to play dumb and lift a brow at his sudden outburst
"Is there something wrong Barry?"
"You know what is wrong!" He gasps taking a step back from me.
Well, clearly friendship is not something I can come by easily. I sigh exasperated by my lack of social know how.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you are talking about." With that I turn and head back to the room opening the door and sink on the couch.
Eric appears out of the bedroom checking his watch; he joins me on the couch sitting beside me rather close. He turns on the TV and flips to a cartoon show. A gray cat and adorable little brown mouse run about chasing each other with various objects. Eric watches with a slight smile as the mouse switches the cat's whistle with dynamite. He pulls an arm around my shoulders allowing my head to rest on his chest. We stay like this watching the fun cartoon until I drift asleep on his chest.
...
Hey everyone! Sorry, I haven't updated in so long, in between a ridiculous amount of homework from my night class and a minor cold I haven't had much spare time to devote to Godric. I know not much happened in this chapter, but I promise the next will start the process of rescuing Godric. Also, do you guys want some more flashbacks? I found an old journal that quite a few of older ideas. I was thinking of letting Nix and Eric have a mini romance thing going on, what are your views on that? Too much? Let me know I aim to please
Thank you guys for all the reviews, they are really helping me get a feel for what you guys want. If you have a minute definitely let me know what you think.
Last little thing, I adore The Civil Wars (that rhymed) and music in general plus, I figured since Nix is a bird why not let her be a song bird too! And ten coolness points to whoever guesses the TV shows.
Love you fansies! 3
I do not own True Blood, just Nix