Before
A/N: Well I've moved back to University which is why it's taken me so long to post this chapter. Currently working on 22 but it should be out pretty soon. As always, none of the characters belong to me. I just enjoy messing with them. I apologise now for all the silly little mistakes I make.
"I remember," Claudine started. "I remember her being born; I wasn't supposed to go see her. However I went anyway. She was so small and blonde and just laid there looking at me. When she finally came to live with Niall and myself, I was like a mother hen. Running around getting everything ready and making sure everything was perfect. Nothing was ever too good for my girl," she paused to wipe her eyes. "Time seems to have passed without me even realising," she whispered.
"Oh Claudine," Sookie whispered.
"So," she said shaking her head. "A toast," she raised her flute of champagne. "Happy 21st Birthday to Sookie," she shouted. The whole restaurant took up the toast. Sookie blushed and sipped her drink.
"If I may," Niall said rising. Claudine nodded and sat back down. She took Sookie's hand into her own and kissed it. "My Granddaughter," he laughed. "How can I even start to talk about how much joy you have brought to me?" he asked.
"You could try," Sookie giggled. Claudine laughed and shook her head. A mane of dark brown hair fell around her face. Sookie's own blonde curls laced with hers, the pair sat as close together as possible.
"I remember every birthday you've ever had," Niall told her. "I remember your younger ones, were Claudine would dress you quite ridiculously. I remember as you grew older, you took charge more. No more frilly dresses," he looked at her now. She was wearing a beautiful sparkling gold dress, her hair falling down her face. "My beautiful Sookie," he said. "Have a great 21st," he raised his glass and finished it. Sookie clapped along with everyone else and rose to her feet coughing.
"Hey," she said laughing. "I'm so grateful for you all coming. My family mean the world to me. I couldn't have asked for better people to raise me." Claudine lifted her napkin and dabbed her eyes. Claude on her other side snorted. "Except you Claude," Sookie laughed. "I'm glad to see everyone I care and love all at the same table," she told them. Her eyes looked over the fairies at one end before they moved over to the humans. Adele dabbed her own eyes before Sookie sat back down. Claudine pulled her closer again and kissed her forehead.
"May I?" Sebastian coughed. Claudine felt Sookie go still beside her and lifted her head. "When Gabriel came to me yesterday and said that Sookie didn't want a fuss for her birthday. I was more shocked than anything. Sookie's birthday parties even when she was younger have always been legendary," Sookie snorted. "So, together with your Grandfather, we've booked you a special girl's weekend," Claudine looked at Niall. Even she hadn't been aware of this.
"Yes Princess," Niall said. "Weekend away with your girls in Las Vegas," Sookie screamed and covered her mouth. Claudine laughed as she sipped her drink again.
"I went ahead Prince," Sebastian said. "I reserved the Grand Lakeview room for Sookie and her friends," Niall smiled at him. "At the Bellagio Hotel," Claudine was impressed. She had been to the Bellagio only once. Even she knew how amazing the Grand Lakeview was.
"I've booked a very special flight for you," Niall told her. "I understand not all of your guests are fairies. So they will require a vehicle," Sookie giggled. Claudine could tell by the look on her face that she was speechless. Sure she had been spoilt in the past but a trip to Vegas. Her own hotel suite, it was all just too much.
"I don't know what to say," she whispered finally.
"A thank you would be nice," Claude whispered.
"Oh yes," she said jumping up. "Grandfather thank you," she moved around the table to embrace him. Claudine waited patiently for Sookie to remember who had helped. Finally she pulled away from Niall and went down to embrace Sebastian as well. The pair hugged but it looked stiff in Claudine's opinion. When she finally sat down even the air around her was bouncing with excitement.
"I'll need to tell Eric I won't be working this weekend," Sookie sighed. "Should I invite Pam?" she asked. Claudine readied herself for a speech. No the vampire could not come, was she stupid? Screw Eric and his stupid bar job. Before she could say either of these things Niall jumped in.
"I have already told the vampire," he told her. "Pam said she would be delighted to join the party as well. Claude is going to pop her straight to the hotel, the minute she awakes tomorrow night." Claudine felt her glass crush under her hand before she excused herself. Niall she expected to go behind her back, but Claude! Her own brother was now helping vampires get closer to Sookie. Washing her hands the door opened and Sookie slid into the bathroom. Sliding her arms around Claudine's neck and kissed the side of her face.
"Ready to go?" Sookie asked. "I fancy a DVD with my favourite godmother," Claudine nodded. They walked back in and Claudine found everyone up and ready to leave. Gabriel made a beeline for them and Claudine stepped aside to let them talk. Not too far away of course.
"Will I see you after this weekend?" Gabriel asked.
"Of course," Sookie laughed. "Accusing me of ignoring you?"
"No," Gabriel said. "I just simply want to spend time with my fiancé," Claudine made a small noise. It was a cross between a muffled scream and aw.
"I'll be your fiancé the second you ask me to marry you," Sookie snapped. "Also when I get a real ring," she laughed.
"I look forward to that day," Gabriel whispered.
"A picture of the beautiful couple," Sebastian shouted. Sookie blushed and slid herself against Gabriel's side. He was a good few inches taller than her and his arm slid around her waist.
"Smile," Claudine reminded them. Gabriel flashed perfect teeth as did Sookie. The pair looked beautiful together.
"I shall see you soon Princess," Gabriel said kissing her hand. He followed his father out as Sookie quickly moved to Claudine's side.
"Home," Claudine whispered.
Nights were the hardest in Claudine's opinion. After they had watched a film together, Sookie had slipped up to her room. She had been there less than 5 minutes before Claudine heard the faint POP sound. Entering Sookie's room Claudine sat on the empty bed and looked around. She would return just before sunrise, Claudine would be waiting.
"Come," Niall said from the doorway.
"No," Claudine told him. "You may be willing to overlook this," she hissed. "But I will not anymore," Niall entered the room and shook his head.
"I am not asking," he said gently. "I am telling, as your Grandfather, as your elder and especially as your Prince," Claudine at least had the decency to look ashamed. "Sookie in her life will make mistakes; we must be here not to chide her. Not to tell her off and embarrass her, but to guide her. To allow her to see her own errors," Claudine rose and looked at him.
"What if in making her errors, she ruins her life?" she asked.
"Then we are there to support and love her," he answered.
The next morning was hectic. Sookie was throwing clothes around her room, in what she referred to as "packing." Claudine had been up for hours, her clothes folded neatly in her suitcase. Her makeup, shoes and other essentials packed away.
"Did something explode in here?" Claude teased. Sookie growled as she threw another pair of shorts on the pile.
"Sookie," Claudine finally snapped. "We are going for three days and two nights, you do not need 5 pairs of shorts," Sookie sighed and left only 3 pairs.
"Will I need a bikini?" she asked.
"Yes," Claude told her. "The pool is beautiful at the Bellagio," Sookie nodded and threw one of them. Claudine sighed and sat down beside the suitcase.
"The car is here," Niall called.
"No," Sookie screamed. Claudine had already packed Sookie's basics for the trip so they loaded that first. Sookie was still upstairs dashing around her room. She appeared finally in a white cotton skirt, a blue halter neck top with her hair pinned up.
"All ready?" Claudine asked.
"Yes," she sighed. They arrived at the airport finally, after picking up Miranda who like Sookie had only packed an hour before the flight. They met two of Sookie's friends from the bar at the private waiting area.
"Roxanne and Sky have already got a table," Miranda pointed out. Sookie walked over embracing her two friends. The three had become pretty close since they worked all the same nights. Roxanne like Miranda was half demon, a weather demon however.
"So, are we in for nice weather this weekend?" Sookie asked.
"Consider it a birthday present," she laughed.
Sky was pretty quiet on the whole supernatural front. Her parents had been werewolves but the genetic gift had simply skipped over her. She was strong, fast and agile but she remained 100% human every month. Both girls were older than Sookie as well, which meant no one was going to be drinking illegally...anymore at least.
Claudine had left the girls chatting as she went over to the flight desk.
"The Brigant party," she said.
"Yes," the woman told her. "Your plane has just been fuelled and you will be boarding in no more than twenty minutes," Claudine nodded and walked back to the table.
"This way please," a woman called. Claudine laughed as Sookie jumped up. The excitement was quite infectious. Soon all five of them were giggling and racing to get onto the plane. The Quails private plane was beautiful inside. With everything being cream and gold, even the floor. They were each shown into a plush seat. This came with its own monitor, access to 15 different CD's and a wide variety of films. Sookie was given the biggest chair and the second they were in the air, they were waited on.
"I could get used to this," Sookie mumbled. She had her feet in a foot spa, headphones on and was eating strawberries.
"Just remember that," Claudine told her. "All this comes with being Mrs Quails," Sookie snorted at that name.
"I am keeping Brigant if we do get married," she said.
"If?" Claudine said. "When my love," she corrected. Claudine settled back against the plush seat for the flight. She loved being with Sookie and her friends, but listening to them gossip and giggle. It just made her want to sleep.
"Welcome to Las Vegas ladies," was the next thing Claudine heard. Without even realising she had drifted off to sleep.
"Your limousine," a man told them. Claudine clutched Sookie's hand as they slid into the vehicle. She watched as Sookie opened the windows and stuck her head out. Everything seemed to fascinate her. Claudine pulled her gently back inside the car.
"Sookie," she sighed. "Your acting like a child, not a fully grown woman," Sookie pouted before Claudine simply waved a hand. "Fine," she finally said. Sookie kissed her cheek before taking her previous post back up.
"Wow," was all the girls said. Claudine turned to direct the bags and saw all 4 girls just staring at the hotel.
"You likey?" Claudine teased.
"Me likey a lot," Sookie told her. When Sookie had been younger she added 'y' to a lot of words. One word in particular had been like. So even as an adult she and Claudine would say 'likey' to each other. Almost like a private joke between the two of them. If Claudine lived till she was a 1000 she would still tease Sookie with that word.
"The Brigant Party?" a woman called.
"Yes," Claudine said rummaging in her bag.
"Follow me please," the woman said. "Your luggage will be taken up to the suite for you," Claudine looked both confused and embarrassed all at once.
"Let's just follow her," Sookie whispered to her cousin. "She may lead us to a magical place," she giggled.
The woman led them to a golden elevator before pressing a large blue button. Sookie shrugged at her confused friends before the doors opened.
"Welcome to the Bellagio Spa ladies," a woman said. "We have strict orders to make you lovely ladies even more beautiful. To relax you into sleep, to polish, to buff and to simply give you a fantastic time."
"We didn't book a spa treatment," Claudine told them.
"It was all booked for you," the woman explained. "All paid for, all you have to do is relax," Claudine snorted. That was easier said than done.
They were shown into a large room, painted white with golden lining. Five chairs had been set up, tables full of polishes, tools and a large margarita waited each girl.
"Happy Birthday to me," Sookie whispered.
"We will start with a face mask," a woman explained. "Whilst you have a pedicure and a manicure. Then we shall move onto a wrap, before you lovely ladies can slip into the relaxing pool," Claudine practically melted at the thought. "Afterwards we will style and cut your hair before giving each of you a makeover."
"Sounds perfect," Claudine said.
"Let us begin," the woman said. Claudine slid into a chair as each girl took up her own. Face masks were spread onto their faces. Claudine was told it was a chocolate and honey blend. She didn't particularly care but it smelt delicious. She picked a simple mother of pearl sheen for her fingers but for her toes she went a little bit more adventurous. A deep sea blue with flakes of silver was applied and glittered as Claudine wiggled her toes. Sookie had simply gone for pink, everything.
The wrap was one of those experiences that Claudine would never want to experience again. She was bound tight in cotton binds. The binds apparently had been dipped in coconut milk, once again it smelt lovely.
"Apparently," Miranda told them. "The wrap helps you lose weight," Sookie giggled.
"I like the way I look," she announced.
"Your beautiful darling," Claudine told her.
"I could drop a few pounds," Sky said.
"No," Roxanna snapped. "Your way too thin," Claudine opened one eye. Peeking over she realised that Sky was unnaturally thin.
"She's right," Sookie sighed. "You need to put weight on if anything." The girls started arguing about weight as Claudine simply tried to relax. Having her body bound was not her idea of fun. When the woman announced it was time for the pool Claudine practically wept with joy. They slipped into spa bathing suits and each one sunk into the bubbles.
"Heaven," Claudine whispered.
"Aha," was all Sookie could manage.
"I wonder who paid for it all," Miranda asked.
"It's pretty obvious," Sky laughed.
"Is it?" Claudine asked.
"Husband to be of course," Sky explained. "His father paid for the room, lent us the plane. Of course Husband had to top that and treat Sookie to a spa treat," Sookie laughed.
"You think?" she asked.
"He was being emasculated by his father. This is his way of showing you, he's a real man," Sky said.
"That does make sense," Claudine piped in.
"Hum," Sookie said. A small smile spread across her face. "It is a nice surprise," she finally admitted.
"Just makes you wonder," Roxanne said sitting up.
"Makes you wonder what exactly?" Claudine asked.
"How much money he has," she laughed.
"Roxanne," Sookie screeched. "You can't say things like that." Claudine would have loved to tell Sookie just how much the Quail family had. However things like that seemed to embarrass her. She had thrown a fit when Miranda had checked her bank statement. For some reason being rich made Sookie upset.
When they were asked "Are you ladies thoroughly relaxed," all Claudine could do was nod her head. Even that took some effort.
Sookie, Claudine and Sky went first to the hairdresser. The other two girls were both sat at makeup stations.
"Heaven," Claudine whispered again. The hairdresser was running her hands through Claudine's thick hair, massaging her scalp. "I may end up falling asleep," she laughed.
"Then we'll have done our jobs properly," the woman chipped in. Sookie had her hair trimmed which Claudine heavily disproved of.
"I like it long," she mumbled.
"I know," Sookie sighed. "It was just getting too long," Claudine shook her head. Once their hair and makeup was done they slipped their clothes back on.
"Well," Sky said. "That was amazing."
They collected the room keys from the front desk. All five seemed to melt inside the elevator as they rode up to their room. Claudine swiped them into the suite as Sookie giggled and talked with her friends.
"Oh wow," Claudine found herself saying.
Opening the double doors they found themselves in a spacious marble foyer. Amazing views of the Bellagio fountains could be seen through the vast windows. A living room with a 42-inch LCD with HDTV and DVD player was decorated elegantly. Off to the side was a separate dining area for the five of them. Claudine opened all the doors and found two master bedrooms with king beds. Each with a walk-in shower and steam room. A marble bath with a slide up television completed the master bathroom. A wet bar with refrigerator, powder room, and separate master bedroom with climate control, deluxe spa products, robes and slippers. Basically everything you could imagine. Luxurious linens and robes were hung up for the girls to wear.
"Room service," a voice called. Claudine turned and saw a man stroll in with a trolley. It was full of fresh fruit, champagne and delicate pastries.
"Dress fitting," a woman sang. With her was a rack of dresses, all beautiful and shimmering in the lights.
"Oh seriously," Sookie laughed. Claudine pulled her close and into a hug.
"If you'd care to dress," the woman said. "You'll find a table in the Le Cirque dining room ready and waiting for you."
Claudine was the first into her dress, a beautiful white floor length piece with a golden knot detail on the front. Sookie was bathed in a knee length soft pink number. Leading the way Claudine opened their personal lift and the girls trooped down to the restaurant. It was decorated like the inside of a circus tent, fabric hung from the ceiling. Sookie, Claudine and Roxanne all fitted onto a plush sofa chair as Miranda and Sky took up seats around the table. Trays of appetizers and entrees were brought over to them.
"Once you have eaten ladies," the waiter said. "I shall escort you personally to your private viewing of the Cirque De Soleil," Claudine's mouth actually dropped open. A spa treatment was one thing, but a private viewing of one of the most famous shows? That was pushing it. The food was mouth watering; it simply melted inside Claudine's mouth.
They followed the waiter happily as he led them through a catacomb of back passage ways. Before finally they emerged into a private balcony seating area. Claudine looked over the banister and found the rest of the theatre completely empty. The Cirque du Soleil's production of "O" was one of the best shows Claudine had ever seen. No other guests arrived throughout the whole showing, proving to Claudine one and for all that Gabriel was perfect for Sookie. The show was simply a masterpiece of surrealism and theatrical romance in the timeless production. It was full of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and aerialists performing in, on, and above water. Several times Claudine saw Sookie gasp, her eyes wide with excitement as she watched.
"That was FANTASTIC," Sookie said as they left. "Now, the real party," she giggled.
"Claude should be dropping Pam off soon," Miranda told them. Claudine looked at her watch and nodded.
"We could fit in a few drinks at the bar?" Sookie asked. Claudine nodded and clutched Sookie's hand as they slid into the bar area. Sookie jumped onto a stool as the girls filed around her.
"Room?" the waiter asked.
"The Grand Lakeview," Sookie told him. He nodded and typed something into his till. They ordered a round of cosmopolitans before Claudine leaned over the bar.
"A bottle of champagne please," she sang.
"Claudine," Sookie laughed. "Are you trying to get me drunk?" she asked.
"Oh yes," she admitted. Sookie giggled against her glass as they finished up.
"Room service," Sky shouted as they climbed into the lift. Claudine was feeling the effects of the champagne as they stumbled into the hotel suite. She watched as Sookie kicked her shoes off and launched herself onto the master bed. She jumped up and proceeded to bounce around. All the while holding a bottle of champagne in her hand. Miranda lifted the phone as she skimmed the room service list.
"Hello Sister," Claude said. Claudine turned and kissed his cheek as he stood beside her. His eyes instantly went to Sookie who was spinning and looked dangerously close to falling.
"Go wish Sookie a Happy Birthday," Claudine instructed. He nodded and walked away, out of the corner of her eye Claudine saw a usual sight. Pam had dropped a bag down beside the window and moved to stand beside Miranda. One hand placed on the small of her back.
"Hello you," she purred. Claudine raised an eyebrow before she heard an excited squeal. Claude walked from the bedroom with Sookie over his shoulder.
"I caught her before she hurt herself," he explained.
"Pam," Sookie screamed wriggling to be put down.
"Hello fairy," she said. The pair embraced before Pam flashed a bit of fang at her. "I hope I didn't miss the show," Claudine felt the blood drain from her face. The vampire? When Pam winked at Sookie she knew it was true.
"I'll be off ladies," Claude announced.
"Oh no," Sky sighed pouting. Claudine laughed as she embraced her brother; Sookie was next hugging him tight before he left.
"Are you feeling well Claudine?" Pam asked. "You are nearly as pale as me," she laughed.
"I think I need a lie down," she lied. "Too much champagne," Pam nodded.
"I shall entertain the children," she promised.
Entertain the children? Pam thought. There was one child she would happily entertain several times a night, but now was not the time. Sookie was already quite drunk dancing on the sofa as her friends bopped around the room singing.
It amazed Pam how Sookie had tamed her master. Eric had always been a fuck em and leave em sort of vampire. After his and Sookie's first time he had never strayed. He had never even looked at another girl twice. This made her ask two things to him. The first was she that good in bed? Two, how did she get one of my own?
"I am so glad you came," Sookie breathed. Her face was flushed from the champagne and her eyes were glazed over as she looked at me.
"Oh I was delighted at the invite," Pam said. That was true as well. When Niall had arrived at the club and invited her she had simply stared at him.
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"Is this a trick?" she had asked. Niall had stood in Eric's office and simply smiled.
"No," he laughed. "My Granddaughter values you in her life. She is always talking about you; I take this to mean the pair of you is friends. Sookie would love for you to be there," he had said.
"Then she will go," Eric had piped in. "You will have a fantastic time in the desert Pam," she had growled at him then.
"Claude has offered to get you to the hotel for the celebrations. A coffin has been provided for you to sleep in also," Pam nodded.
"I look forward to it," she told him.
"It's a secret though," Niall had said. "She must not know," they had discussed mundane details. What hotel was she staying in, what suite, what plans had they made for her. Simple things. At the end of it, Eric had a plan.
"He is taking my fairy to Las Vegas," he had laughed. "She will love it. Phone the hotel," he had told her. "Arrange for the best care for her, no cost spared." With that he had left. Eric had no idea what Pam had arranged exactly, but he did know it had cost him a lot of money. When the bill had arrived at the club, he had laughed and simply said "She is worth it."
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"Pam," Sookie laughed. "You slipped into downtime on me," Pam shook her head and rose.
"What are we doing now?" she asked.
"I suggested a skinny dip in the underground pool," Sky told her. "Sookie objected," she nodded.
"I saw a hot tub in the bathroom," Miranda chimed in. "Bikini's on obviously," she laughed. That Sookie approved. Carrying bottles of champagne, strawberries and chocolate pieces they trooped into the master bathroom. Pam watched the girls strip with fascination. She had seen Sookie without clothing several times so it was nothing new. The two other girls, who Pam faintly recalled from the bar, both seemed pretty happy to strip off in front of her. Pam slid her bikini on as Sookie dashed to tell Claudine what they were doing. The fairy joined them once they were settled. She declined getting into the water and sat at the side. Her smell was overpowering for Pam. All the fragrances from the water helped her keep in control.
"Tell me about your day then," she said splashing some water at Sookie. She grinned as she sipped her drink. Nothing shocked Pam, but as she was sworn to secrecy she acted surprised. She pretended she had never heard of the Cirque De Soleil, asked questions about what wraps Sookie had indulged in. Looked at the painted nails, yes she was doing her master proud.
"Hello?" a male voice shouted. Pam turned her head and dropped her fangs, hissing as Claudine rose and opened the door.
"Gabriel?" Sookie exclaimed. The fiancé. Pam had seen him only once a few years ago, but the man that entered only faintly resembled the boy at the bar. Gabriel had grown up and he had grown up nice.
"Oh my," he said looking at the tub. "Am I interrupting?" he laughed. His hair was golden and messy around a rather handsome face. He was tall as well, at least 6ft. His eyes quickly glanced at the women in the bathroom before they fell on Sookie. He stared at her like she was the only one in the hot tub; it was a testimony of how much of a gentleman he was.
"Only slightly," Miranda teased.
"I'll wait in the reception area," he told them. He nodded at Claudine and simply grinned at Sookie before he left. The bathroom was instantly filled with the most sickening noise Pam had ever heard.
"AWWWWWWWWW," the girls went. "That is so cute," Sky said grinning. "Way too cute," Roxanne added. Pam simply rolled her eyes as they all left the tub and dried off. Covering herself in one of the cotton gowns Sookie left the girls and went alone to see Gabriel. Pam covered herself and moved towards the door placing herself next to Claudine.
"Don't be nosey fairy," she teased. Claudine at least had the decency to blush before she walked off. Pam moved herself even closer to the door and slipped into downtime.
"How come you're here?" Sookie asked.
"I wanted to see you," Gabriel laughed. His hand moved some of the damp curls away from Sookie's face.
"I think you saw too much of me," she told him.
"Ah," he said. "Well when we get married, feel free to walk around fully clothed. I won't even insist on you taking them off when we have sex," Sookie felt her cheek's blush.
"Stop it," she mumbled.
"Come on Sookie," he sighed. "We'll be married in 4 years. Just because I saw you in a bikini doesn't mean the end of the world," she laughed now.
"Thank you by the way," she said. "It was too much though," Gabriel stood looking at her confused.
"What exactly did I do?" he asked.
"The spa, the dresses, the show, the food," she sighed. "It was too much," Sookie could see the blank look on Gabriel's face.
"You have a secret admirer," he whispered. "I did none of those things. I should have, but alas I didn't," he told her.
"Oh," Sookie mumbled. "Maybe it was mistake on the sys-," she paused as Gabriel held his hand up.
"Is there someone in your life?" he asked. "Somebody I should know about?" Sookie instantly shook her head. This wasn't the time or place to mention her vampire lover.
"No," she answered. "Only you," she lied. Gabriel smiled and stretched slightly, Sookie looked over his body as he did. It was toned and tanned beautifully.
"I shall leave you ladies alone," he said kissing her cheek. "Have a great night," with that he was gone. Sookie joined the girls back in the bathroom and sat down beside Pam on the floor. The vampire looked at her briefly before she rose.
"Come with me," she said. Sookie jumped up and followed her into the second bedroom. Pam looked at the watch on her wrist before she rummaged in a bag. She withdrew a swipe card and a blindfold.
"Can you pop without seeing?" she asked.
"It's dangerous," Sookie told her.
"Plan B," Pam laughed. "Pop, and then put this blindfold straight on," she said. "No questions asked. Also change out of that bikini," looking as confused as possible Sookie complied. Pulling on a cream dress she stood in front of Pam and held her hand out. Pam placed the swipe card on her palm and kissed her cheek. "Happy Birthday," she whispered.
Sookie looked at the name on the card "Tower Suite" was all it said. Closing her eyes she appeared outside the door. Looking around and closing her eyes for mental patterns she found nothing. Stepping inside the suite she found it smaller than her own. This one however had a better feel about it. It was cosier. Or it would have been if it hadn't been filled to the brim with roses. Red, white, pink, yellow, every surface was overflowing. She made her way to the table and lifted the champagne flute, plopping a thick strawberry into the glass she turned to look around. Yes she had been told to wear a blindfold but it was all too exciting.
"Lover," Eric purred. "You were supposed to be blindfolded," she turned and simply stared at him. He was only in black lose bottoms. His chest bare and his hair flowing freely down as Sookie looked him over.
"I was too excited," she told him.
"Now I am too excited," he grinned. She smiled as she sipped her drink.
"You spoilt me this year," she said.
"I spoil you every year," he told her moving closer. "Last year, it was the pearl set from Venice. The dress hand made by that designer you love. The full body massage for Pam and yourself. The shoes, the fireworks," he kissed her cheek.
"I never get you anything," she protested.
"I have you," he whispered.
"That's enough is it?" she teased.
"More than I could ever ask for," he admitted.
"It was still too much," she said moving away. "It was almost like you were trying to prove a point."
"I was," Eric told her. "You are my woman, I wanted you to have the best," he said with shrug. "Now come to me, I want to watch you drink champagne with strawberries. I've heard licking the juice from a lover is quite a turn on for vampires," Sookie felt herself quiver with excitement.
"I would have been happy with just a night in with you," she said.
"I know," he laughed. "I wanted to spoil you though lover," he touched her face and smiled down at her. "Why can you not just accept my gift to you?" he asked. She paused and felt herself blush, she was being ungrateful.
"I do accept it," she smiled. "I love it, it was the best surprise," she admitted.
"I am glad," he said. "Now come," he said moving her towards the bed. "We have 4 hours until dawn, I want to spend it with you. No more talking," he paused. "Well, some words would be acceptable," he said moving over her.
"Such as?" Sookie asked.
"Faster," Eric said kissing her chin.
"Harder?" Sookie supplied.
"Eric," he said nibbling her jaw.
"Oh yes," she mumbled.
"Exactly," he told her. He quickly popped a strawberry in her mouth, his fangs extending as the juice dribbled down her chin.
Claudine was the first to awaken. Sky and Roxanne had simply passed out on the sofa, and Miranda and Pam had snuck into the other bedroom at some point. Sookie had never come to bed. She heard a faint pop before Sookie snuck past the bed and straight into the bathroom. A few seconds later and Claudine heard the shower going.
"Morning," Roxanne mumbled as she entered the living area. Sky sat up looking disorientated before she laid back down covering her head with a pillow. Claudine opened the other bedroom; the coffin at the end of the bed had been covered with a sheet. Miranda was fast asleep on her front, her naked back covered in scratch marks.
"Good morning Miranda," she sang. The half demon lifted her head and grumbled something. She used the extra bathroom to wash herself and make her hair presentable. Sookie was up and walking around when she was done. In a pair of denim shorts, white flowing top and bright green shoes Sookie looked beautiful. She slid a green hair band into her golden locks before she deemed herself ready. The other three girls needed a little bit of persuasion to move before Claudine allowed them to phone room service.
The day was spent with the girls patrolling the Las Vegas strip. Sookie treated them all to dinner and then back to the hotel. Tonight they were going out to see the hotel's lit up at night.
"Will Pam be joining us tonight?" Claudine asked.
"Yes," Miranda told her. "She's never been to Las Vegas before. So she's very excited," Sookie emerged from the bedroom in what appeared to be no clothing.
"Go change," Claudine said instantly.
"What?" she asked.
"Where is the rest of the dress?" Claudine asked.
"This is my top," Sookie laughed. "I left my skirt out to get ironed," blushing Claudine nodded. A knock on the door and Sookie was stood holding a black skirt.
"Much better," Claudine mumbled. "Sookie," she shouted. "Have you seen my heels?"
"In my bag," she called. Claudine rolled her eyes; they both had the same foot size which meant no shoes of Claudine's were ever safe when Sookie was around. Rummaging in Sookie's bag she pulled out a swipe card.
"The tower suite," she whispered. Quickly stuffing it back into the bag she grabbed her shoes and turned as Sookie entered.
"Sorry," she mouthed as she slipped into the bathroom. Pam was ready in minutes once she awoke.
"Are we ready?" Claudine asked.
"Yes," Sookie told her. A knock at the door made them all pause. "You didn't order more room service did you?" Sookie said turning to Sky. Claudine laughed as she opened it before her smile vanished.
"Hello ladies," Eric said stepping into the room. "Don't you all look beautiful," he eyes rested on Sookie before he winked.
"This is a girl's weekend Master," Pam told him. "No men are welcome," Eric laughed and nodded his head.
"My apologies," he said. "I was just on my way out, I wondered if I may escort you all," Sookie nodded before Claudine could protest.
"What room are you staying in?" Claudine asked.
"The Tower Suite," Eric told her. "You should come see it Sookie," Claudine watched as her cheeks went bright red.
"Let's go then," Sookie mumbled stepping around her cousin.
Eric and Sookie walked as close together as they dared. Every time Eric paused to show Sookie something Claudine was at her side instantly glaring at him. After awhile she realised he really was just showing her sights.
"Over there," he said pointing. "The Venetian Hotel, you really must see it," he whispered. "Inside they have an authentic Italian Gondola ride," he turned her slightly. "Of course Treasure Island Hotel and the Mirage," Roxanne made an excited noise.
"Is that were Siegfried and Roy performed?" she asked.
"Yes," Eric laughed. "I've heard their show is quite something," Claudine watched as he looked down at Sookie. "Would you like to go?" he asked her.
"It's too late isn't it?" she asked.
"Never for you," he answered. Claudine however thought she had imagined that last bit. But soon the group found themselves jogging across the road to get to the hotel. Sookie giggling as Eric actually lifted her at one point. The pair laughed as they jumped over a puddle and Eric once again lifted her close to him as he dodged the pair around a taxi.
"Does he always act like that?" she asked Roxanne.
"Eric?" she asked.
"Yes," Claudine sighed.
"No," Sky supplied. "If anything, he's quite petrifying at the bar. He just skulks around being broody and dark," Roxanne nodded.
"He seems very happy with Sookie," Claudine stated.
"Oh yes," Roxanne laughed. "Around Sookie he's a totally different person. He laughs, smiles, he's nice to people. It's almost like she makes him human," Claudine nodded and watched as Eric talked to the box office man.
"Were in," Sookie called. Claudine rolled her eyes as they silently moved into a box beside the stage. They had missed the opening act but Sookie didn't seem fazed. She sat quite happily in between Claudine and Eric her eyes focused entirely on the stage.
"Did you enjoy the show fairy?" Eric asked standing beside her.
"I did," she said looking around. Sookie had slipped off to the bathroom with Sky.
"I would like to borrow Sookie for a few hours," Eric said turning to her. "I want to take her over to the Venetian Hotel," Claudine bit her tongue as he smiled. "She has always wanted to visit Venice; I imagine it would be a nice treat for her."
"I don't suppose it would kill me," Claudine started. "If I let you borrow her for a few hours," she finished.
"Most generous," he laughed. "Does she have a curfew? I take it being fully grown and an adult means that she must be back before when? 1am?" he asked.
"She can return at what she thinks is an acceptable time," Claudine told him.
"I shall make sure she does," he promised. He turned as Sookie returned and leaned down to talk to her.
"I won't be late," Sookie said kissing Claudine's cheek.
"We fly tomorrow at half eleven," Claudine reminded her.
"I know," Sookie laughed. She hugged and kissed her friends who were off to see the Luxor Hotel anyway. Once they were out of sight, she slid her hand into Eric's and kissed the back of it.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"Being you," she laughed. "For winning over Claudine," she told him.
"Ah," he said nodding. They walked hand in hand along the boulevard, their faces illuminated against the flashing lights of Las Vegas. The pair walked hand in hand into the hotel and Sookie's face beamed at her surroundings. When she saw the Gondola's her heart actually stopped. Eric could tell, the one thing he could always hear was Sookie's heart beating. It was a constant in his life, when it stopped even for a second he went cold.
"Wow," she whispered. "This is so beautiful," she told him.
"Did you know," Eric started. "That the Gondola was born in the early 1000's," he told her.
"Older than you?" she teased.
"Yes lover, not by much though," he kissed the top of her head. Pulling her close he stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Tell me more," she whispered.
"They are traditionally black," he said. "No women are allowed to drive them, I'm not entirely sure why. It is also the symbol of Venice," Sookie seemed to melt against him. The pair stood beside the make shift river and simply swayed together under the soft Italian music. With Eric whispering into her ear all the facts he knew about Gondola's about Venice itself at some points. It was all too perfect for her.