True Colors Summary:
A different take on how things could have gone in Dallas when Bill's true colors start showing. Not Pro Bill. Eventual S/G or S/G/E.
Disclaimers: I own nothing. They all belong to someone else.
A/N: This is my first attempt at a fanfic, so please take a moment to review. A huge thanks to my wonderful beta, GibbsLover77. All mistakes are still my own.
Sorry for the long wait on this one, hopefully you'll think it was worth the wait. Reviews are greatly appreciated.
Chapter 14: First Date
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Stepping out of the limo, Sookie beamed up at her Viking god. Going to the symphony was one of those things she and Gran used to talk about doing, but never actually had the money.
Slipping her arm through Eric's, she let him lead her toward the entrance. "Aren't we late? Don't these things usually start around 7:30?"
Smiling down at her, he laughed quietly. "Technically yes, but they won't have started yet. When their primary benefactor requests a delayed start, they are generally quite willing to oblige."
"Wait. You sponsor the symphony?" Disbelief crossed her features. "I'll admit I wouldn't have pegged you as a patron of the arts." She managed to get the words out with a straight face before a laugh escaped.
"I wasn't always, but living in Europe in the early days of orchestras I fell in love with the music." Seeing her face, he could tell she was struggling with something. "What are you thinking?" He stopped walking to wait for her answer.
Biting her bottom lip, she wasn't sure how to express what she was thinking. Seeing his expectant look, she decided to try. "It's just hard to reconcile the version of you I thought I knew, you know the heartless killer running a fang banger bar with no thought for others, with the version of you I'm getting to know."
Quirking his brow he couldn't help but ask, "What version would that be?"
"The one that cares for his maker more than himself, that took in a stray telepath and young vampire, has a household staff that adores him, and occasionally even admits that he's not one hundred percent perfect or right all the time."
"Don't let anyone hear you say that. I have a reputation to protect." He laughed in mock horror. "We better get to our seats so they can start."
Following him through the corridor, a smile playing on her lips, she assured him, "Your secret is safe with me. Pretty sure most people wouldn't have the guts to question your badassness."
Their laughter fell silent as they approached his box. As they took their seats, a flurry of activity broke on out stage. It was obvious they'd been waiting on his arrival, especially when the conductor looked straight at him waiting for his nod before turning to begin.
Entranced by the music, the young fae leaned forward in her seat. The Viking sat back, his arm draped behind her, eyes never leaving her face. In the last few hundred years, he'd attended countless symphonies and events with a multitude of guests, but he'd never enjoyed one as much as this. Seeing her joy, he contemplated the need to have them actually schedule more events after dark.
When the lights brightened, signaling intermission, Sookie finally leaned back closer to the vampire. "That was beautiful." She sounded almost breathless.
Unable to resist, he leaned in close whispering so she felt his breath on her neck. "I'm glad you are enjoying it." Pulling back slightly, he asked, "Would you care for a drink? They have a full bar."
"Sure," she accepted his outstretched hand as he stood. Letting him pull her close, they exited the box.
Feeling her resistance as they emerged into the crowded lobby, the vampire looked down at her. "Lover, are you okay?"
"They're all staring at us," she replied in a strangled whisper.
"Of course they are. You are the most striking woman in the building."
Trying to stifle a laugh, she quickly retorted. "I suppose you're entitled to your opinion. I'm more inclined to think it's the Viking god that stepped off the pages of GQ into their midst." Unable to resist she dropped her mental shields to find out what they were thinking. Surprisingly she found a mix of lust and envy targeted at both of them.
Rolling his eyes at her refusal to accept how beautiful she was, he guided her toward the bar. "Come, the sooner we get our refreshments, the sooner we can be away from prying eyes."
Expecting to wait in the long line, Sookie was surprised when a bartender approached before they reached the line. "Mr. Northman, sir, what can we get for you this evening?"
Looking to the fae, he waited for her to respond first. "A gin and tonic would be great. Thank you."
"My pleasure, ma'am. The usual AB positive for you, sir?" As Eric nodded, the waiter noticed his companion was clearly uncomfortable with all the attention focused on them. He offered, "I'd be glad to bring the drinks to your box, Mr. Northman."
"Please do. Thank you." Before she could ask, the vampire explained. "I may not attend often, but every member of the staff knows who I am. Most have at least seen me at the annual gala."
Returning to their seats, the telepath was surprised at how easily they fell into casual conversation. They barely seemed to notice the bartender delivering their drinks, although Eric was sure to give him a no doubt very generous tip.
As the lights dimmed, they returned their focus to the stage. Settling in, Eric reached across to cover her small hand with his as he slipped his other arm around her. Without hesitation, she rested her head on his shoulder.
Listening to the beautiful music from the orchestra gave the fae's mind a chance to wander. Sitting next to her vampire, she thought she might understand why Bill worked so hard to make sure she never gave the sheriff a chance.
In reality, while she never doubted his ability to be ruthless, he was a very complex person, full of a passion for life that was amazing to witness. Clearly not allowing himself to care for others easily, when he did the strength of his devotion was unparalleled. Pam and Godric were lucky to be on the receiving end. Could she count herself in that elite group?
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"Are you sure you want to do this?" The young red head couldn't resist asking the ancient vampire as the three entered the mall.
"Yes, I want your help picking out a couple things. Promise, I'll try not to get in your way while you give Eric's card a workout." Taking a suddenly serious tone he continued, "Not to mention, I get to see my precious granddaughter so rarely." When both women's jaws dropped, he erupted into laughter.
Not waiting for them to recover, he started heading toward the wireless store. "Why don't we start with the new phone?"
Barely inside the door, a young male hurried over to assist. "What can we do for you this evening?" he asked helpfully. Clearly focused on the two women he barely spared Godric a glance.
"We need to move her number over to different account and get a new phone."
"Why don't we start with the new phone, then we can take care of the rest." Guiding them towards a wall of phones, he asked. "What kind of phone are you looking at? Unfortunately, if you're just transferring service between accounts you'll end up paying full price."
He looked regretfully at Jessica. Not realizing the three were vampires, he assumed she and Godric were Pam's kids. Fortunately, he didn't voice his assumptions.
"I don't need anything fancy," the young vampire started. The idea of a smart phone was fun, but since she wasn't paying, it didn't feel right to ask for a more expensive option.
"Don't be stupid. If you come back with some piece of crap Eric will just send Bobby to get something better." Gesturing to the smart phones, she pointed to one similar to hers. "We'll take that one."
Seeing the young vampire look surprised Godric put his arm around her shoulder. "You'll get used to it; my childe does nothing by halves. He'll have nothing but the best for his children."
"But I'm not his. I appreciate everything he's doing, but I can't imagine he's going to want a baby vampire around once everything settles down."
The older female tried not to laugh at the look on the clerk's face when he realized they were vampires. Letting her fangs quickly extend she smiled at him, "Surprise."
Backing quickly away, he laughed awkwardly. "I'm just going to go get the phone from the back."
Turning back to the other two, Pam decided to settle the issue. "Listen, when Eric decides he's going to do something there's little point in arguing. He's obviously decided you are worth the effort of raising, so unless you have some serious objection you might as well accept that you've been adopted."
The ancient vampire laughed, squeezing her shoulder encouragingly. "Welcome to the family. I have no doubt your new big sister will have your vampire shopping training well underway tonight. "
Before the red head could say anything, the clerk appeared with her new phone. Fifteen minutes later, Pam was leading them to the next store.
Several stores later, as they perused the racks of clothing, the male finally asked, "Pamela, are you okay with all the changes?" She'd been the only woman in Eric's life for a long time.
"I'll admit it will be different if she decides to stay, which I think she will, but I've always wanted both of you to be happy. Our relationship has never been like that, so I can't resent him wanting it with someone else." Seeing her answer pleased him, she quipped, "If I decide I'm being neglected I'll just take it out on his Amex."
"I don't doubt you will." He was pleased to know she was okay with their possible future.
"As for having an adopted sister," she elbowed Jessica in the side, "I'll teach her everything I know about how to keep Daddy dearest on his toes."
Finally exhausting the stores in the mall, the three headed back to the Escalade. The youngest vampire was sure her new wardrobe was easily twice the size of her old one and likely cost more than five times as much.
Eyeing the bags as they packed them into the back, Pam shook her head. "There are a few other great shops on the way home." Motioning to their purchases, she laughed. "This just isn't enough damage for one night."
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Entering the Hotel Carmilla, the two vampires scanned the lobby. Seeing no one they knew, they turned to the desk.
"Are you checking in," the receptionist asked.
"No, we're looking for an associate of ours. We've been unable to reach him and wanted to know if he was still here." Andre replied, attempting to feign genuine concern.
"Well, I'm not really allowed to give any information about guests, especially after the Fellowship attacks." The slender woman looked both apologetic and slightly scared.
"The Fellowship attacks?" Having left before the bomb, Lorena was unaware of what happened.
"Yes, ma'am, they bombed the vampire's headquarters here in Dallas. Killed several humans and vamps, even more were badly injured. It was all over the news."
"Thank you for your assistance." Grabbing his companion's arm, the male vampire strode away. "When was the last time you spoke to your progeny?"
"Five nights ago, when he escorted me from the Dallas nest," she ruefully admitted.
"This was before the explosion?"
"Yes, this is the first I've heard of any explosion." Suddenly more concerned about not having heard from Bill she wasn't sure what to do next.
"The Queen spoke to him just before dawn that same night, but he mentioned nothing about an attack." Andre contemplated their next steps. "Let's head to the Dallas nest, perhaps they can give us more information."
Seeing her slightly dazed expression he continued, "You would have felt it if he'd met his final death."
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Settling into the limo, the telepath was determined not to let the thoughts she'd heard as they left ruin her wonderful night with her Viking. Plastering a smile on her face, she let him help her into the limo.
"Lover, what's wrong?" The words were out of his mouth before the door shut behind them.
Slightly startled that he noticed, she tried to brush it off. "Nothing, the concert was wonderful." The look in his eyes told her he didn't buy it.
"Please don't lie to me. I've learned the difference between the fake smile you use when you're trying to hide something and the genuine one you had until a few minutes ago. Now, what did you hear that upset you?" Seeing her hesitancy to answer he tried to make her relax some. "I promise I won't kill them … unless they're planning to hurt you."
Unable to stop a real smile at his words she relented. "No need to kill them. If I hadn't been listening, I wouldn't have heard all the women wondering how I managed to end up with you when they each thought they would be a better match." Seeing his indignant expression, she couldn't resist. "I'm sure they're all still there. You could go pick one out, and I can call someone to get me."
"I don't want another woman. I want you." The steel in his voice left no room to argue. "I know I'm not as eloquent as Godric when it comes to explaining my feelings for you, but I promise to try. I'd like to believe my actions could make them clear and given enough time maybe they would."
Deciding to interrupt before the vampire determined he was in a hole too deep to escape, she put her finger to his lips. "Eric, your actions have told me volumes. Yes, it would be nice to know exactly where I stand with you, but I think I'm getting at least the gist of it."
Not wanting to force him into talking, she leaned quietly against his shoulder settling her hand on his thigh.
"Will you let me try over dessert?" The request was so quiet she barely heard it.
"Yes." She whispered in return. Slightly louder, she added, "What's for dessert?"
"You'll see. We should almost be there." After a few quiet moments, they felt the limo come to a stop.
Sookie was barely able to contain her curiosity. Trying to see where they were as she emerged from the limo, a wall of solid Viking blocked her view. Shooting a teasing glare at him, she stepped to the side to see. Letting out a surprised gasp, a quaint bed and breakfast was not what she expected.
"Don't worry, I don't plan to keep you hear all night, but Elizabeth assures me the desserts here are better than anything you could imagine. Plus, we'll have more privacy to talk than we would at a fancy restaurant."
Taking his offered arm, they started up the path to the porch. The idea that he'd plan something so sweet rather than trying to overwhelm her with fancy and expensive things touched her.
The door opened before they reached it, and a woman that bore a striking resemblance to Eric's head housekeeper stepped out.
"Welcome to our humble establishment." Gesturing them inside, she beamed brightly. "It's great to see you again, Mr. Northman. I was tickled pink when Lizzie called to say you would be coming by."
"It's good to see you too, Jane." Guessing Sookie had started to figure out the innkeeper's connection to him, he decided to introduce the women. "Sookie, this is Elizabeth's sister Jane."
Before he could continue, she grabbed the fae's hand, chatting away as she led her up the stairs. "Now dear, I'm sure standing around in those shoes is the last thing you want to do. I've arranged a table in our best room so you two can enjoy your dessert in peace."
Opening the door to a simple room, decorated with a distinctly southern charm, the woman told them to get comfortable while she ran down to get the dessert tray.
Standing somewhat awkwardly just inside the doorway, the Viking was suddenly at a loss for what to do. Usually being alone in a room with a bed and a beautiful woman meant only one thing with very little preamble. This was different. This was the woman he'd wanted since the first night he met her at Fangtasia; the woman that was reawakening his long lost humanity, as Godric so helpfully pointed out.
From the middle of the room, Sookie turned to look back at her vampire. Seeing him frozen near the door, she smirked. "Afraid I'm going to bite?"
Moving at vampire speed, he was suddenly next to her ear. "Lover, I would love nothing more than to feel your teeth against my skin." Trailing kisses from her ear to her bare shoulder, his fangs clicked out.
The knock at the door made them both jump. Regaining his composure, the vampire retracted his fangs and invited the innkeeper back into the room.
The woman was sweet, but very efficient as she explained to the fae what each of the desserts on the tray were. "You just help yourself, dear. I'll leave them all here so you can try as much as you want of each. I brought some water and tea along with some True Blood in case you two are thirsty."
"Thank you. They all look delicious." Mouth watering, the hardest decision was going to be where to start.
Heading toward the door, the woman paused. "You two are the only guests for the night, so you won't have any interruptions. Ring the bell if you need anything; otherwise, I'll leave you alone for the night. No need to say goodbye when you leave." Closing the door softly behind her, she couldn't help but smile. Elizabeth was right, their tough as nails vampire had fallen for the lovely young woman.
Stepping to the table, Eric pulled a seat back. "Ms. Stackhouse, would you care to take a seat."
Taking the offered seat, she allowed him to slide the chair toward the table. Unable to look away, she waited for him take his own seat before speaking. "I'm not sure where to start, they all look delectable."
The corner of his mouth curled up slightly just before the table became a blur of activity. "There, now I suggest you start alphabetically."
As he grinned irresistibly, pointing to the apple pie now sitting directly in front of her, she fell into a fit of giggles. He'd carefully arranged the desserts in the order he suggested. Unable to think of a better idea, she picked up her fork to take a bite.
Working her way through sampling the first few desserts, the two continued talking about little things, simply enjoying each other's company. Feeling a bit full, she set her fork down on the edge of a plate and sighed contentedly.
Realizing there were things he needed to say before their night alone ended, the Viking rose, moving his chair around the table next to hers. Resuming his seat, he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, eyes focused on the floor.
Scooting her chair around to face him, the telepath waited for him to speak. Reaching out, she carefully touched his cheek, prompting him to look up.
"Sookie," emotion was thick in his voice. "There are things about me that none but Godric know, not even Pam. Growing up when I did, war was a part of my life. I spent my entire human life killing or leading men to battle. I wasn't exactly a pacifist even before being made vampire."
"Sweetie, I think most people that have any idea how old you are assume you were a warrior. After all, muscles like that don't come from wielding a pen."
Reaching for her hands, he gave a small laugh. "Yes, that part is easily guessed, but there is more. Godric explained that I've cared for no one except my maker and my progeny since being turned. What he didn't mention is that was true even in my human life."
Pausing to gather himself, he looked into her eyes. Half-expecting mockery at his weakness, her expression encouraged him instead. "Sookie, my parents were murdered when I was a teenager. I was being selfish and wasn't there to protect them when evil came."
"Eric, nobody is going to expect a teenager to save their parents from a murderer." The pain in his voice tore at her.
"I was old enough to fight, I should have stopped them. I was there to see the man who took my father's crown and the wolves that helped him. From that day on my only focus was vengeance. My entire existence, I've never give up that quest."
"But that was over a thousand years ago, surely the man died a long time ago." Seeing him shake his head, she waited for the explanation.
"The man was a vampire, although I didn't understand that until after I was as well."
"So, you're telling me that you've been so focused on revenge that you never let yourself be happy, you never gave yourself a chance to open up." Tears streamed down her face, sadness for the lonely existence he forced on himself.
Using his thumb to wipe the tears from her eyes, he slid to his knees, pushing the chair back. Kneeling in front of her, he spoke, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Lover, I don't tell you this to make you sad, but because you deserve to know what you getting with me. I cannot change my history and may never completely control the desire for vengeance. At the same time, in the millennium I have walked this earth, I have never cared for another being. I have never loved. I don't say the words not because the feelings aren't there, but simply because I don't know how to tell you."
Placing her hands on either side of his face, Sookie brought her lips to his. Pushing her chair away with her foot, she came to her knees in front of him, never breaking their kiss. It would take years to understand her Viking vampire completely, but she was quickly realizing she couldn't walk away. For all his imperfections, he was hers.
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As the guard escorted him in, Bill heard the telltale sound of dice. 'Not another game of Yahtzee,' he thought. The young queen's obsession with the game was maddening.
"Your Majesty, the procurer has arrived." The guard spoke loudly, stopping across the room from the queen.
Standing from the table where they played, she approached. A disappointed pout on her lips as she spoke. "You've had us worried sick, Bill. You promised to be here within 72 hours, but you didn't show and didn't even bother to call."
Looking past him, to the remaining guards she hoped to see the telepath. As the guards indicated he came alone, she returned her focus to him. "Where is my present? You promised me the girl would be with you."
Refusing to meet her gaze, he spoke quietly. "I fear the telepath is no longer available." Before he could explain, he felt her grip on his neck, fangs bared at his this throat.
"You stupid fool," she spat, poised to rip his neck out. "I suppose I'm just going to have to order Sheriff Northman to hand the girl over. His fealty is still sworn to me."
"You misunderstand, Majesty." He choked out beneath her fingers. "She is dead."
"What?" The enraged queen shrieked, causing everyone present to duck for cover. There was nothing worse than the tantrum of a five hundred year old, teenage, monarch.
Throwing him to the floor, she stomped her foot. "What did you do, you stupid imbecile? I send you to acquire one measly telepath and you get her killed!"
Turning to the guards she screeched, "Get him out of my sight! Use the silver."
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Starting so tender, the kiss quickly evolved into something more. Desperate to touch him, Sookie lowered her hands; reaching inside his tuxedo jacket, she pushed it off his shoulders.
As soon as his arms were free, he curled his fingers into her hair, deepening their kiss as she struggled with the buttons of his shirt. His tongue explored her mouth, tangling intimately with hers.
Frustrated with the slow progress on his shirt, the fae pulled back slightly. Breathless, she pleaded, "Please." The word barely left her mouth when he released her to rip the shirt off, sending buttons flying. As he pulled his hands free, she tugged his undershirt out of his pants, relishing the feel of the smooth skin of his stomach.
Wanting to give her free reign, the Viking jerked the shirt over his head, leaving her staring at his bare chest. Before he could pull her in for another kiss, she moved her mouth over his nipple. Drawing slow circles with her tongue before nipping gently at him, the sensation made him throw his head back, exclaiming in a language she didn't recognize.
As she worked her way slowly up his chest and neck, she felt his hand caressing her bottom, his fingers seemingly sending flames through her flesh. Reaching his mouth, she licked his bottom lip, encouraging him to open his mouth. Letting her tongue slither across his fangs, the moan that escaped the vampire sent shivers down her spine.
No longer able to maintain a passive role, Eric pulled her body firmly against his. Feeling the sweet pressure of her body against his throbbing erection, he lifted them off the floor, flying straight to the edge of the bed. Lowering her gently to the mattress, he held himself over her with one arm as the other ran up her thigh.
"Maybe I should take the dress off before it gets damaged." Even nearly incoherent from desire, the dress was too expensive to hurt.
Not caring about the price of the gown, he relented to avoid upsetting her. Raising himself from her, he pulled her up and quickly slid the dress over her head, leaving nothing but a lace thong covering her tanned skin.
Capturing her chin in his hand, he pulled her eyes to his. "Lover, are you sure." With emotion thick in his voice, it came out as a strangled whisper.
"Yes." She met his gaze, the decision clear in her voice. Lowering herself to the edge of the bed, she focused on getting the rest of his tuxedo off, her impatience growing.
Stepping just out of her reach, the Viking stripped almost before she realized he was out of contact. Slowing to give her time to realize he was now naked, he stepped back between her legs, pushing them further apart.
Unable to remove her eyes from his obvious arousal she licked her lips as she reached to touch him. Running a finger gently up his length, she jumped at the growl the erupted from him.
The feel of her hot hand against his cool flesh sent the vampire over the edge. Pushing her back onto the bed, he claimed her lips possessively. Sliding his hand over her bare skin, he snagged the thong. With a quick flick of his wrist, the thin lace was gone.
Stroking lightly along her hips and outer thigh, he increased the pressure as he traveled back up her inner thigh. Finally reaching her soft flesh, he pressed one finger toward her center, capturing her groan with his mouth as he felt her wetness.
Kissing a trail down her neck and stomach, he finally reached his destination. Before she could object, he began teasing her with his tongue. Gently lapping at her core, he reached one hand to massage her breast, brushing this thumb over her hard nipple.
As he continued his ministrations, she felt the pressure build inside her. Arching her back, she urged him on with moans of pleasure. Feeling his tongue flicking more insistently against her, she felt herself start to come apart.
Feeling her body almost vibrating beneath his touch, he pushed on. Wanting to feel her come, he pushed a finger deep inside her, stroking her as he continued flicking his tongue against her.
Unable to control the heat that consumed her any longer, her body pulsed around his finger. "Eric, please," she screamed his name, begging for more.
Quickly moving up her body, he covered her lips with his as he positioned himself above her. Slowly guiding himself into position, he pressed his tip against her before pausing, giving her one last chance to stop.
Wanting to feel him inside her, she raised her hips, pushing against him. Accepting her signal, he thrust slowly, giving her time to accommodate his size. Fighting to keep his last shred of control, he pulled slowly back, making her whimper at the loss.
Nuzzling at her neck, he grazed his fangs over her skin as he plunged back in. Feeling her meet his thrust as she nipped as his ear, he caved to his desire to move faster and harder against her.
Digging her nails into his back, she urged him on, wanting more. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him deeper as he reached between them to stroke her. Keeping the rhythm steady it was only moments before she shattered around him, triggering his own nail curling orgasm.
Before she could recover, she felt him pulling her off the bed, turning her away from him. Quickly understanding, she placed her hands on the bed, leaning provocatively over. Claudine's aptly dubbed 'fuck me heels' were about to live up to their name, putting her at the perfect height.
Leaning back slightly, she wiggled against him. Shuddering against her soft skin, he gripped her hips firmly, impaling her on his length. Pumping against her as if his very existence depended on it, he quickly felt his climax approaching. Leaning over her back, he kissed her neck.
Breathing heavily, on the brink of her third orgasm, the fae panted, "Eric, bite me."
Her words pushing him closer to the edge, he licked her neck before sinking his fangs into her flesh. As her blood hit his lips they both came erupted, his hold the only thing keeping her from collapsing.
Licking the wound closed, he whispered quietly. "Lover, you are absolute perfection."