A/N: And the moment we've all been waiting for...Sookie's date! Well...really, this is just part I of the date, as it was getting a bit long. So, we'll get part II of the date with Eric's POV next time.

As always, I am enthralled by the love this story is getting. Thank you all so much for the fabulous reviews, PMs and putting me and the story on alert! You all fricking rock and because I love you so dearly, you all get one fee slap of Eric's sweet a$$! (Gran doesn't get to have all the fun around here!).

As always, thanks to my beta extraordinaire, S. Meadows - she rocks hardcore and deserves a phone call from Eric Northman. *ring ring* hear him calling now! Meads, quick! go answer the phone!! :D any lingering mistakes are totally mine. What's not mine are the characters, as Charlaine Harris owns them all, I just take them out to play with. I also do not own The Princess Bride in any way shape or form besides DVD.


Sookie POV:

I'm still riding the high of Wednesday's lunch date with Eric, and it's enough to get me through the next few days of work. My bubbly attitude doesn't go unnoticed and Arlene pounces on me as soon as we both have a free moment.

"What's the deal, Sookie? You're acting like you're high, or drunk, or just won the lottery. What gives?"

I smile back at her, trying to figure out just how to describe what I'm feeling. I do feel a little punch drunk and kind of like I've won the lottery.

"I'm just happy; is that a crime?" I ask, my goofy grin growing exponentially.

"And what or who is the source of thishappiness?" Arlene presses, looking at me pointedly.

I just shrug, not sure if I'm ready to spill the beans to everyone, but figure Arlene would be a good confidant. Although, it can't hurt to tease her just a bit.

"I have a date," I say in a sing-songy voice.

Arlene gapes at me, then smiles widely, giving me a thumbs up. "Score, Sookie! Who's the lucky man?"

It's only then that I realize I never actually told her about last weekend. I was so nervous that Lafayette was really the only one from work that knew. I wonder what Arlene would think. She isn't Eric's biggest fan and never forgets to remind me of that when he shows up each Friday.

"I…uh…it's actually a customer." I pray that she'll leave me alone after that, but I'm sorely mistaken as her eyes bug out of her head and she lightly slaps my shoulder.

"Get out of town. Sookie Stackhouse actually dating a customer? Who is he? Oooh, is it that hot lawyer who came in last week? He was pretty sexy. Tell me!"

She is practically jumping up and down, and so I relent, hoping that she'll be cool about it.

"It's, um, Eric."

"Eric?"

"Yeah, Eric Northman. My Mr. Table for One."

Her eyes grow even larger and she stares me down to see if I'm pulling her leg. She crosses her arms over her chest and gives me the same look my tenth grade English teacher used to give me whenever I failed a test.

"I'm not sure what to say Sookie. He's a pretty big asshole. I mean, yeah, he's GQ quality hot, but with the attitude he carries around it drops his hottie factor by quite a bit."

I get where she is coming from, but that's no excuse. "Arlene, you don't know him, so cool it. He actually happens to be pretty sweet, and nice, and funny. He's very different outside of what we see in this restaurant."

She narrows her eyes at me then says, "what about last week when he had dinner with that skanky looking broad?"

I shudder, thinking of Debbie Pelt. "That was just a business acquaintance," I mumble, not really wanting to get into a full explanation of La Bitch.

Arlene smirks like she doesn't believe me then holds up her hands in defeat when she realizes I'm holding my ground. "Fine, whatever you say, Sooks. It's your life and you can ruin it as you see fit. For your sake, I hope he's as good as you say, and if not, hopefully you'll at least get a much needed lay out of it."

I don't have much of a comeback, because in all honesty I could use a good lay, but that's neither here nor there and I'm not about to get into it with Arlene. Her attitude is pissing me off so I just shrug my shoulders and head back to finish up with my tables, praying that the night goes by quickly.

I'm counting up my tips as the last customer heads home through the front door when I'm suddenly grabbed from behind. Two strong hands wrap around my waist, effortlessly picking me up and swing me around.

I slap away at the hands, shrieking like a little girl. "Put me down Lafayette! You're gonna make me hurl!"

"You better not," he snaps at me playfully. "I just changed into my club clothes and these Gucci shoes will remain puke free, thank you very much." He drops me down and I turn to him, swatting him on the arm in retaliation.

He just grins widely and claps his hands in excitement.

"Are you all set for tomorrow?" I nod my head slowly, while mentally reviewing the list of everything that needs to get done before my date with Eric. I had told Lafayette my plan and he immediately loved it, promising me that he would help in any way that he could.

"So, I can come by around three tomorrow?" I ask, hoping that the earlier start time is fine.

"You bet, girl. I'll have everything all set up. Don't you worry your pretty little head about it. Bring a few outfit choices though, so I can help you look super sassy for your date."

I smile at him and nod, thanking him for all the help.

"No problem, Sook. But remember the deal. If he has a hot brother or any friends that look like him, you best be sending them in my direction! Until then, I am off to score some ass at the club! Later!"

I shake my head, hoping to the heavens that Lafayette won't trudge in with a massive hangover tomorrow and leave me high and dry. I follow him out the door and head home, eager to call Eric to finalize plans for tomorrow.

Once I get home I settle onto my couch, Amelia curled up in a ball next to me, staring at my cell phone. It shouldn't be this difficult but I still have some jitters about making this call. Finally I bite the bullet and dial Eric's number, almost praying that it goes to voicemail, almost.

"Hello?" His rich voice fills my ear and I breathe in deeply and a calm feeling washes over me.

"Hey Eric, it's Sookie."

"Hi Sookie, I'm so glad you called." Squee! He's glad I called. Oh hi, I've apparently transformed into a thirteen year old girl. As I speak, I try to sound a bit more mature than my inner dialogue.

"I just wanted to touch base with you about tomorrow. Are you game for going out?" Please say yes, please say yes.

"Definitely. I'm looking forward to it." Score!

"Great! Why don't you meet me right outside Merlotte's around six, does that work?"

"That should be fine. Do I get a clue as to what we're doing? Should I be dressing casually or will this date require a tux?" Well, I'd prefer you naked, but I guess you'll need to wear some clothes when we're in public.

"Hey now, I said this would be a surprise and that's the way it will remain! Feel free to dress casually and comfortably though. I'll see you tomorrow at six?"

"Perfect. See you then, Sookie. Good night."

"Good night, Eric."

I end the call and hug my phone to my chest as if somehow I'm hugging Eric across the phone line. I then realize that I need to figure out just what the heck I'm going to wear. I want to look my best so I rush upstairs to the bedroom, only to stare at my closet for two hours, lamenting the fact that I truly have nothing to wear.

***

I spend most of Friday morning primping and prepping for my date. I take a long, leisurely shower where I allow my mind to wander into Eric territory. My hands wander as well and after a good five minutes of fantasy, I've officially steamed up the shower with more efficiency than the hot water.

I decide to shave my legs, and then massage them with lotion afterwards, because even if Eric doesn't end up seeing them later, there is nothing sexier than feeling the smooth skin of my legs.

I stare at my closet for another hour or so, feeling like an utter failure for having no acceptable outfits in there, despite the amount of clothes I actually do own. I finally find a few things that look halfway decent and toss them in a bag to take with me. I throw on an old pair of jeans and a tank top so I have something to wear in the kitchen, and head to Merlotte's, hoping that Lafayette is actually there and not still passed out in the VIP room of a club somewhere.

I walk in and am surprised to see Lafayette, already in his cook's jacket, dancing around the kitchen, the radio blaring some old school Gloria Estefan. As soon as the chorus starts, Lafayette joins in, brandishing his spatula like a microphone.

"Come on shake your body, baby do that Conga, I know you can't control yourself any longer!!"

I come up next to him, joining in for a few verses, "Feel the rhythm of the music getting stronger. Don't you fight it till you've tried it. Do the conga beat!"

"Woohoo! That's it girl, now start shaking what your mama gave you. You need to feel it, get into the groove and own it!"

I shake my head, laughing. The little dance party definitely helps to work away some nerves, and I'm glad Lafayette encourages music in his kitchen. I set my bags on the counter, and go to grab an apron. Before I'm able to stop him, Lafayette heads to the bag, pulling out my outfits trying to find something wearable.

"Don't you worry Sooks, I can come up with something here. Let's get started on prepping your food first. Most of the stuff is ready, you just need to fire it up! I also brought you a basket, it's over by the walk in cooler."

I head over to the cooler and see a lovely wicker basket, with a blue paisley cloth sticking out from it.

"Thanks Lafayette, this looks great!"

He continues to prep for tonight's menu but shouts over his shoulder, "No problem, girl. I also left a treat for you crazy kids in the fridge."

I peek in and see a bottle of champagne, chilling next to the cheese and grapes I had stashed earlier in the week.

"You're too sweet Lafayette. Thank you!"

I grab a few things out of the fridge, then head back to the prep station. After firing up the grill and tossing on some chicken I had marinated overnight, I grab a knife and go stand by Lafayette while I prep the salad stuff.

"You don't think Eric will find my idea lame?" I ask Lafayette as I start worrying that the date that I've planned will be a bust. Lafayette is skillfully shaking his hips, mouthing the words to the song blaring out from the radio.

"Naw, Sookie. I think he will enjoy it. First of all, he'll be with you and really, that's all the date really needs. Second, I think it will be a good chance to break him out of his shell a bit. You said he has funny moments underneath all that tailored Armani stuffiness? Well, this will be the chance to let it shine through. Plus, with all this amazing food, you're sure to win his heart through his stomach," says Lafayette as he reaches over and grabs a carrot slice before winking at me and shoving it in his mouth.

I go back to chopping up vegetables, and do my best to push the nerves out of my system. I finish preparing the meal just in time, as I look up at the clock and see that Eric will be here in fifteen minutes.

"Crap on a cracker! I still need to get dressed!" I look down at my jeans, which have a few rips and stains. Despite the casual nature of this date, I'd like to look a little better.

"Don't you worry Sookie. I rifled through that bag of yours and not all hope is lost. Keep the tank top you have on. There's nothing sexier than a girl in an old wife beater. Go change out of your jeans and put on the wine colored skirt you have. I saw you tossed in a turquoise necklace, that will look perfect. Pair it with your brown strappy sandals and voila! Boho chic to the max!" Lafayette is grinning at me like he just came up with the solution to world peace.

I don't really know what "Boho Chic" is, but I have to admit that Lafayette did put together a pretty great ensemble, and as I look in the mirror and try to tame my hair, I have to give him props for his fashion sense. I finally give up on my hair and pull it back into a braid and add a touch of shiny gloss to my lips. It's not perfect and it's not couture, but it's completely me and it will have to do.

I head back to the kitchen and a chorus of catcalls and whistles from the staff greet me. I am sure my cheeks are ruby red as I blush fiercely at their compliments. Lafayette engulfs me in a huge bear hug and whispers in my ear, "Have fun and don't be too good, girl," as he lightly slaps my behind. I give him a big smile, then go grab the fully loaded picnic basket and a blanket I had stashed by it. I head outside, hoping that Eric will be there soon.

I don't have to wait long, before I see him walking down the street towards me. Gah! The man is sex on legs. He looks incredible and I can't peel my eyes away. The casual look suits him well and he can most certainly fill out a pair of jeans as well as his fancypants suits. He's wearing dark wash jeans, that are snug in all the right places, along with a grey blazer and black v-neck t-shirt. A pair of Ray-Bans, to ward off the setting sun, complete the look. He's wearing his hair loose, and it falls in front of his face. He looks like the polar opposite of his straight laced, prim and proper business guy persona and I can't decide which I like more. Businessman Eric has a certain power and charisma about him that is absolutely intoxicating. The man walking towards me as an air of simplicity and comfort about him that seems familiar and utterly sexy. I guess I'm lucky that he can straddle both sides of the fence with ease.

"Hi Sookie!" He calls out as he runs his hand through his hair, pushing it out of his face. I chew on my bottom lip, all of a sudden nervous by this amazing man in front of me.

"Hey. Good to see you."

"Wow, you look really pretty."

"So do you." What? Oh, lord I'm such a dork. "No, I don't mean pretty. I mean, yes you look good, but handsome, not pretty." I stumble over my words, completely embarrassed.

Eric laughs and wraps his arms around me in a hug. I immediately relax and melt into his arms, placing the basket and blanket on the sidewalk next to us. I wrap my arms around his waist and burrow my head into his chest. He smells amazing and I allow myself to imprint his scent to memory.

Before I can fuse myself to his body, Eric lifts my face up to meet his and plants the softest kiss ever on my lips. I want nothing more than to take this kiss further, but we have plans, so I sadly pull back, lacing my fingers with his.

"Come on, we need to get going."

"And you're still leaving me in the dark?" A smirk playing on his lips.

I smile, glad that he's excited about our date. "Just for a little longer," I say as I bend down to grab the picnic basket and blanket. Eric holds his hand out, gesturing for me to hand him the basket.

"Allow me," he says, playing the roll of a gentleman perfectly.

"Thanks. It is kind of heavy. Let's go. Our destination is just a few blocks this way." Our hands still together, we walk down the street making small talk. Without even realizing it, I've curved my body into his, and lean my head against his arm as we're walking. I think I hear a sigh escape his lips, but I'm not too sure and don't want to spend the next ten minutes analyzing what that means.

Finally we make it to the park, where crowds of people pour in through the gates. These events are pretty popular and I hope we can find a good spot. Eric turns and looks at me, cocking his eyebrow at me. "The park? Are we having a picnic?"

"Well, I thought since our first date was sort of a whirlwind experience, at least for me, our second date could follow a more traditional path. We're doing dinner," I pointed to the picnic basket, "and a movie!"

We walk further into the park and Eric sees what I'm talking about. There is a meadow surrounded by tall pine trees and patches of wildflowers. At one end is an old barn that stores all of the landscaping equipment for the park, but for tonight is doubling as a movie screen. A huge white cloth is pinned up against one of the barn walls to serve as a screen. Midway through the field a projector is set up and speakers are placed throughout the area for sound. Couples and families are already spread out on blankets, some of large picnic baskets and meals fit for kings, others with just a lawn chair or two and a bottle of wine. I nervously look towards Eric, wondering if he thinks my idea is completely and utterly lame.

His eyes widen and his smile is bright as he exclaims, "Sookie! This is great. I don't think I've ever been to an outdoor movie before. What have you packed for dinner? What movie are we going to see?"

I laugh as Eric peppers me with questions. We find a somewhat secluded spot by the edge of the meadow and I unfold the blanket onto the ground.

"Here, help me unpack the basket and you'll see what I've made. As for the movie, we're watching The Princess Bride, are you familiar with it? It's one of my favorites."

Eric makes a noncommittal sound and I hope he doesn't think that I've chosen to take him to a childish movie. I absolutely love The Princess Bride, and thought a romantic comedy would be a perfect date choice, hopefully I'm not mistaken. We start to take the various wrapped goodies out of the basket when all of a sudden I hear my name being shouted.

"Sookie! Sookie!" I turn my head to see who's loud, booming voice it could be.

"Hey! Babe!" I freeze. Only one person calls me babe and it is not somebody I really want to see at the moment.

"Oh, fuck me!" I mutter, cursing under my breath. Apparently I wasn't quite enough since Eric looks at me, concern in his eyes. I roll my eyes and shake my head, praying that whatever happens next isn't too annoying or embarrassing.

"Sookie! I knew it was you!" I look up as a hulk of a man creates a shadow over Eric and me.

"John, hey. How are you?" I do my best to be polite, hoping we'll make some small talk, and then he'll leave, quickly.

"I'm good babe. How are you? You sure are looking good." I can feel Eric stiffen up beside me and I groan internally, swearing to all that is holy that I will kick some ass if John Quinn ruins my date. I decide to just plunge ahead and make introductions.

"John, this is Eric Northman. Eric, this is John Quinn."

John takes in the setting and draws his hand up to his mouth, laughing loudly. "Oh, shit, Sookie! Are you on a date?"

Before I have a chance to answer, Eric is standing up, giving John's impressive stature a run for its money.

"Yes, she is." He thrusts his hand out, intending to shake John's. I can tell there is some macho bullshit going on as they shake hands firmly, staring into each other's eyes.

I had met John a few months ago, at this same park, actually. I was out for a jog when I stopped by to watch a soccer game. He was the ref and I stuck around after the game was over to chat with him. He seemed nice enough and he was pretty cute with his large, almost violet eyes, and well toned physique. The trouble came when after a couple of dates I knew there was absolutely no chemistry between us. John had another opinion, and hounded me to go on subsequent dates. I did my best to politely refuse, but he just wouldn't give up. And now, he's here. He's almost like a stray cat that will not leave you alone, no matter how many hints you give. I'm certainly not leaving out a bowl of tuna and some warm milk for him. I wished he would just pick up on my cues and leave me alone, but maybe now that he sees I'm with somebody else he'll just leave well enough alone.

Eric seems to have the same idea, despite not knowing John, because he is giving him a stone cold glare. I do not want to be on the receiving line of that look, and am sure it is the one he uses in the boardroom to get shit done. It's kind of hot to watch him.

Unfortunately, John can't seem to get a clue and he just looks at me and waggles his eyebrows.

"So, you miss me Sookie?"

"No, John, I haven't. You don't give me time to miss you since you keep calling, even when I tell you to stop." I try and give him my best scowl. Thankfully Eric steps in and tries to get John to leave.

"Alright, Sookie has made it crystal clear that she doesn't want anything to do with you. So, please leave." Eric is being way nicer than I would ever be and I silently thank him for his patience.

John actually has the audacity to growl at me. Who does that? Eric steps between us, almost daring John to do something. I reach out and put my hand on Eric's arm, and step up on my tiptoes to whisper in his ear, "Trust me, he is so not worth it."

After what seems like an eternity, John finally gets it through his thick skull that he's not wanted there and heads off, but not before rolling up his sleeves, flexing his muscles and giving each bicep a kiss. "It's a shame Sookie. You had a free standing ticket to the gun show, but you can kiss these puppies goodbye!"

I stare at him in disbelief, shocked that anyone would actually do that apart from some steroid laced freak in the WWF. I am almost afraid to look at Eric, and hope he doesn't want to end our date before it even really begins.

"So, yeah. Sorry about that."

"Sookie, no need to apologize."

"No, I do. John is pretty bad. We went a few dates, but I didn't really feel anything for him, and he didn't handle the rejection well and still tries to convince me we're made for each other. I'm hoping that with your help tonight, he'll give up his quest." I look into Eric's eyes and see the corners of them crinkle up as he smiles.

"Well, I'm certainly glad you don't have feelings for that jerk. He really was a douche." As soon as the words come out of his mouth, he gasps, realizing what he just said.

"I'm so sorry, I don't normally use language like that around beautiful women."

I blush at the compliment and smile at Eric, letting him know I'm not offended.

"Nah, it's okay. He is a total douche."

We both break into laughter as we settle back down onto the blanket, to eat our meal before the movie starts. Eric asks me what I've prepared and I give him a quick description of all the food, hoping he'll enjoy it. There is grilled, marinated chicken, sliced thinly so we can eat it over a salad of fresh spinach, carrots, orange slices, raisins, jicama and almonds. I even made my own lemony vinaigrette to pour on top. I also brought some crusty bread, brie cheese, grapes, and some strawberries for dessert. Along with the champagne Lafayette gave me, this is quite the picnic.

"This all looks delicious, Sookie," Eric says as he pours me a glass of champagne. He pours one for himself as well, before digging in to his meal. He eats with such vigor and enthusiasm, it makes me proud. One of the many reasons I want to be a chef is to create enjoyment for others. I stop staring long enough to eat some of my own food.

We finish eating and pack away the dinner, leaving out the fruit, cheese, bread and champagne. Eric pours us each another glass, and I see that somebody up at the projector starts to get the movie ready. I stand up, go toss our trash in a nearby can, and when I come back I see that Eric has changed positions and is now sitting with his legs opened wide. He beckons for me to come towards him and it doesn't take much convincing before I'm seated between his legs, my back up against his chest. I absentmindedly draw some circles on his thigh as we wait for the movie to start. The movie starts, and as we watch Columbo read a special bedtime story to Kevin Arnold, I feel Eric's finger brush across my face as he offers me a strawberry.

"Dessert?" he huskily whispers in my ear. I thickly swallow before nodding yes, because I don't quite trust myself to talk. I part my lips, taking in the ripe, juicy strawberry. Some juice escapes my mouth, and before I can wipe it off my face Eric sweeps his fingers over my chin. In a move that shocks even me, I grab his wrist before he is able to move his hand, and I lick the juice from the tips of his fingers, taking one finger in and gently sucking it. I have to stop there, or else we're going to be arrested for indecent exposure in a minute or two. As I release his hand I have a feeling Eric is thinking similar thoughts as I hear a low groan. His arms wrap around my waist, and I snuggle back into him, laying my head against his chest.

Despite having watched it almost one hundred times, I do my best to pay attention to the movie. We're just meeting Westley and Buttercup for the first time, and just as Westley says one of my most favorite movie lines ever, Eric leans over, gives my ear a lick that sends shivers down my entire body, and whispers, "As you wish."


A/N: The Princess Bride is truly one of my favorite films, and I thought it would be a good date movie. and gah...I get goose bumps when I hear "As youuuuuuuuuuuu wiiiiiiiiiiiiish." If you've never seen this movie, I highly recommend it!

What's your favorite date movie?