Chapter Twenty One:

Henley felt like she was in a warm cocoon as she woke. A smile was spread across her lips as she curled closer to the source of the warmth, her arms tightening around…

"What the hell!" Henley quickly lifted herself, her eyes snapping open as she stared down at the ghost that lay beside her.

Godric's eyes slowly drew open, an eyebrow rising as he returned her stare. "Hm?"

"What the hell, Godric!" she made to jump off the bed, only for Godric to grasp onto her arm and keep her in place. "Were we just cuddling?"

"I'm not quite sure I'm familiar with this cuddling that you speak of."

Oh how she wanted to smack him! Actually, she likely could have. The thought was growing on her as she tried to tug free of him. "We're not supposed to cuddle, Casper. We're not supposed to cuddle at all. You're a ghost; I'm a human being. This whole touching thing shouldn't be happening!"

Godric had to contain his amusement, feeling her panic rising. "Calm down, little one."

"I'm not going to calm down!" this just wasn't right. None of this was right. They weren't supposed to be able to touch each other. And she certainly wasn't supposed to feel all warm and fuzzy when they did. "Why is this happening, Godric?"

"Is it truly that terrible?" the vampire frowned, though he didn't release her. Instead, he drew upwards until they were barely a millimeter away from one another. "Does it still feel as if death has claimed you?"

She had half a mind to lie to him, if only to get some breathing room. Being this close to Godric, it wasn't natural. She wasn't supposed to have these odd desires of wanting to be even closer. But Henley found that she couldn't lie to him. He seemed to know her better than she liked.

"Not exactly," Henley huffed with a pout. "Actually, it sort of feels nice, but…"

"I know this is strange for you, Henley," he cupped her cheek. Her eyes immediately fluttering close at the familiar contact. "And I know that you hate that you cannot explain this, but I did tell you I would get to the bottom of it."

"We have way too many problems," she grumbled, though her shoulders slumped in defeat. It was hard to complain when it really really did feel nice.

"A multitude of them, as it turns out," Godric chuckled. "But we will solve these mysteries. Together, if you would allow."

Henley sighed as she peeked an eye back open. "Why don't I hate you? I hate all of the ghosts that I see. I hate them all just purely because I can see them. But why not you?"

"You did," he reminded.

"Well you were also incredibly frustrating before," she pointed out.

"And now?"

"Not so much?"

"Well I can be quite charming," he snickered. "Now, shall we continue this cuddling?"

Both eyes were open as Henley slapped at the vampire's chest – or where it would have been. Her cheeks flushed a bright red when she felt the taut muscles before quickly snatching her hand back. Godric couldn't hide his amusement this time as he released his hold on her, the red head's cheeks as bright as her hair as she scurried off the bed and mumbled something about thanking Sookie for her hospitality before bursting from the room.

Oh yes, he would enjoy making her his – even if it was in unconventional methods.

Stopping by the bathroom to splash water on her face, Henley headed down the stairs and towards where the most delicious smelling bacon was coming from.

"Well someone is getting spoiled," her favourite companion paid her no attention as he focused entirely on the piece of bacon that Sookie was offering him between her humming and flipping of eggs.

"Oh I hope you don't mind," Sookie sent her an apologetic smile.

"Not at all," Henley shook her head. "Are you sure about him staying here? I can have my sister or brother-in-law pick him up this afternoon if you rather."

"Don't you dare," the telepath actually threatened her with a spatula before tossing Moony another treat. "I actually like the idea of a guard dog."

"I think you've turned him into a big softie," Henley snorted, Moony's tail knocking back and forth between the kitchen cupboards and the table happily. "Then again, I'm pretty sure he always has been."

"He's very loyal," the blonde commented as she washed up before serving the eggs on two plates and placing them on the table, nodding at her to dig in. "He was beside your bed the entire night until I started making breakfast."

"Food is all it takes," Henley mused, taking a bite and moaning a little too loudly. "For both of us it seems." Moony sent her his usual puppy dog eyes and it wasn't long before she was sharing her bacon with him as well. "Moony here is my closest friend though; he's a great companion."

Noticing the sad smile on her face, Sookie could relate. "You don't have many that you are close to then?"

"Unfortunately anytime I get too close to anyone, I slip up and they end up thinking I'm nuts," Henley frowned, gazing down at her plate of food. "It's hard keeping many relationships when ghosts don't exactly keep their distance."

"I know what you mean," Sookie nodded sympathetically. "Everyone in town thinks I'm 'Crazy Sookie'. I don't always mean to blurt out what I hear; I've been getting better at my shields in the last year or so. But sometimes you can't help it, you know?"

It felt like a relief to be able to finally talk with someone who could understand how she felt. "Trying to be normal when you hear things that you're not supposed to isn't as easy as it sounds."

"Amen to that."

The two women sat in a comfortable silence, reveling in the comfort they were able to offer one another. Sookie may have a small group of friends that understood who she was and supported her, and Henley may have a sister that was there no matter what she may see or hear, but no one could truly understand their circumstances.

"How long have you been able to see Godric?" Sookie wondered, sneaking another piece of bacon to the suck of a dog.

"A few weeks. Feels like eons though. He was a rather frustrating ghost when we first met," Henley rolled her eyes. "Couldn't get rid of the guy."

"Still can't," the telepath mused, sliding into Henley's thoughts and catching sight of Godric hovering not to far from Henley. The ghost winked at her, bringing a finger up to his lips for her to be quiet. Sookie had to muffle a laugh with a fork full of eggs as Godric surprised the poor girl.

"Godric!" Henley roared in annoyance as a breeze knocked the fork from her hand and back onto the plate. Though that too was shaking it's way to the middle of the table and out of her reach. "Really, are you two, Casper?"

A playful grin spread across his lips as he leaned forward, his lips grazing across her ear. "Well you did leave me as I was trying to enjoy our cuddling."

Her cheeks were inflamed once again. She didn't need to be reminded of how close they had been this morning, especially in front of Sookie. The blonde was already looking at them strange.

"Shush!" Henley shot him a dark glare. "We are not mentioning that ever, Casper."

"Why do you keep calling me that? Who is this Casper that you speak of?" he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Sookie couldn't keep her laughter from escaping this time, her shoulders shaking as her lips formed a wide smile. Henley cracked as well, giggling at the sight of the confused ghost.

"Hm?" his eyebrows furrowed together now. "Who is this Casper?"

"Just your typical friendly ghost," Henley snorted.

"I do not like your amusement," he grumbled with a frown. "I have the feeling I should be insulted."

"You know, he really is Casper," Sookie tilted her head to the side. "The two of you just need to go dancing now."

"Who is this Casper?" Henley swore she saw steam coming out of the frustrated vampire's ears.

"No one, dear," she mocked, patting him on the arm. "No one at all."

Sookie chuckled again as she rose, grabbing the now empty plates and heading towards the sink. She stopped dead, however, halfway there, slowly turned towards the pair with wide eyes.

"Did you just touch him?" she stared at where she swore Henley's hand had just touched moments ago. It hadn't just gone through Godric like it should have. Oh no, her hand was met with a solid being.

But how was that possible?

"And wait, did you say you were cuddling earlier?" Sookie nearly dropped the plates when both averted her stare.

What the hell?

"Can you touch him, Henley?"

Henley sighed heavily as she sent the blonde a small nod. "It's a recent development."

"Wow," Sookie had to set the plates back down as she processed the fact that Henley could actually touch a ghost. "I mean, just wow. Is it just Godric, or any ghost?"

"Just Godric, thank god," Henley could only imagine what a nightmare her life would be like if she was able to touch and feel all ghosts like she was able to with Godric. "And just since Jackson."

Sookie nodded as she eyed the two closely. They were very close, Godric near enough to Henley that he could reach for her at any moment. For someone who needed tired of being surrounded by the dead, Henley seemed incredibly calm and serene in the vampire's presence.

"We don't really know why I can touch him," Henley admitted. "We haven't exactly had a moment to try and figure it out, either."

"One problem at a time, I guess."

"One too many unfortunately," she strained a smile before whisking the plates off the table before Sookie could reach for them again. "Let me. It's only fair since you cooked."

The room fell into silence again, as Henley filled the sink with soapy water, busying herself with the task at hand than with her thoughts. Sookie was in her own little head, though she kept a close eye on the medium and ghost. Godric, as if on instinct, moved along with Henley, placing himself within distance of the red head. It actually made her smile as she watched them. The two didn't even realize the small glances they sent one another, the small smiles that appeared on their faces. It was cute, and reminded Sookie of a time far too long ago when there had been another witch on the loose, another guest in her house.

"Godric?" Sookie asked suddenly, chewing her bottom lip nervously. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Miss Stackhouse," Godric dragged his gaze away from Henley. "What can I assist you with?"

"Is he okay? Eric, I mean," Godric's hesitation was the only answer she needed. He had tried to mask his pain last night, but Sookie had seen right through the Viking's façade. He was in mourning still, grieving much more than he should ever have to. "He's not, is he?"

"He misses Nora greatly," Godric nodded sadly. "Her passing was very difficult for him."

"He's still mourning you too," she commented with a frown. "He never really got over what happened that morning. And then when she died…I don't think he feels like he has anyone else, you know? I just wish I knew how to help him. Because I get it, loosing everyone you've ever cared about. I get it way too well."

Godric could see her sorrow, the agony she was in as she watched the one she loved go through such atrocity. He had known even then in Dallas that the two cared for one greatly, Eric only needed to open up to her. It had taken losing his memory to do so, but even then, the two seemed further away from happiness.

"Do you still love him?" he already knew the answer, the way she looked away sheepishly, her hands curled around one another tightly. "Ah, I see that you do."

"I don't think I ever stopped," she admitted softly. "I just…I don't know how to love him. I don't know how to help him, either."

"He's going through a very troubled time. I'm sure just your presence would lift his spirits," Godric offered.

"Do you think that would be enough?" Sookie was just so worried for the Viking. "He's just so depressed. Even last night, he couldn't fool me. I saw how sad he was. He was just as sad as you were on that rooftop before you met the sun."

Godric suddenly stiffened at the mention of his death. Henley too froze as she tried to understand all the two had been talking about. She had zoned out, lost in her own worries about Eric. But then Sookie mentioned she loved Eric and Henley couldn't help the mental cheer about being right about her and Eric.

But then, what did she mean when she talked about Godric meeting the sun?

"He couldn't talk you out of it," Sookie didn't even realize the change in the two as she continued. "What if I can't talk him out of it either? I don't think I could handle losing someone else I love."

Henley slowly turned around, her gaze zeroing in on her vampire ghost. He refused to meet her stare, however, instead focused on the Faerie.

"I couldn't bear it if he met the sun too."

That did it. Henley couldn't help her intrigue, the nagging feeling resting in her stomach. "What do you mean?"

"Hm?" Sookie blinked, glancing up as if she hadn't even realized what she had said. "Sorry?"

"What do you mean, if he met the sun too?" Henley's orbs never left Godric's form, however.

"Oh," Sookie shot a look between the two before realization dawned. "You didn't know. Godric never told you."

"Godric never told me what? What didn't you tell me, Godric?"

Godric sighed, his eyes closing as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. It was entirely impossible for him to be getting a headache, but he was certain he could feel the twinge of pain between his eyes. "It never came up."

"It never came up?" she glared at him. "Between your maker being depressed, and my confession to you, and it never came up that you were suicidal?"

"It wasn't necessary that you knew," he insisted.

Henley was at loss for words, soundlessly tossing the dishcloth onto the counter before hurrying around the table and towards the door. "I need to get some air."

Sookie could only nod as Henley dashed out of the house. She only had a moment of peace and quiet as she scurried across the yard before Godric appeared before her, though he still wouldn't meet her gaze.

"It's not safe out here, Henley. You should return inside."

"Oh just leave me alone," she hissed, her eyes stinging. "Leave me the hell alone."

"I do remember making a promise of not leaving your side," he reminded.

"Well this is a moment you can break it. You like breaking promises anyways," she moved around him, only for him to be blocking her path yet again. "Stop it, Godric. Just go away."

"I didn't tell you because it wasn't important," he caught her chin.

Henley smacked his hand away. "How you died wasn't important?"

"You never asked," Godric countered.

"You never thought once to mention it after what I told you?" she felt a single tear slip down her cheek and she angrily brushed it away. "I've never told anyone my secret before, Godric. Not a single soul, not even my own sister, knew that I almost…that I almost…God, and you never thought to mention that it was how you died?"

His hand dropped to his side in shame as Henley pushed passed him. He didn't follow this time, only turned to watch her retreating back as she headed towards the cemetery.

"I'm sorry," he called to her.

But Henley only continued until she felt she was safely far enough from the ghost. When she glanced over her shoulder, she found that she was finally alone, though she had a feeling that Godric was still close by. And that thought infuriated her. How could he not tell her? He was so worried about Eric, so worried about what he might do, and he never once admitted that it was how he died in the first place? She had confessed to him her deepest darkest secret, and still, he had said nothing.

"You're such a hypocrite," she grunted to the sky, glaring up at the blanket of grey.

No response. Not even a breeze to indicate he heard or cared.

"Not wanting him to do just what you did," she shook her head, kicking at the ground. "You probably don't even regret it."

Silence. Again.

"Try not to be too hard on him dear, men tend to be foolish."

Henley's head snapped up at the sudden voice. She hadn't taken a moment to tell if she was alone in the cemetery. There could have been anyone there, visiting a loved one. And she likely just made a fool of herself. Great. Just another person to think she was crazy.

Slowly turning, Henley prepared herself for a round of apologies and excuses as to why she was just talking to herself. She wasn't, of course, expecting the transparent image of a kind old woman.

"Sorry for startling you, dear; you looked like you needed someone to talk to," the ghost sat on a nearby bench, patting the seat beside her.

Henley wasn't sure if she should turn around and run back to the house, or to take the woman up on her offer. She felt different than the others, but much different than Godric. Like she was at peace, despite the fact that she was still there. Most spirits she came across had unfinished business. It was the reason they were still roaming the earth, after all. Most needed to say goodbye, or even a few had important messages to send along. But not this woman. She seemed content to just sit there on that bench, knitting a transparent blanket.

Knitting in the afterlife, it was difficult to hide the snot as Henley found herself moving towards the bench, taking a seat beside the woman. She reminded her of her grandmother, the only other person who understood Henley and her gifts. She unfortunately didn't have much time with her, but it was a time that Henley just felt okay. When it became too much, all she had to do was run to her grandmother, and everything would just be fine. Henley missed that.

"Now tell me, dear, what troubles you? Other than your vampire," the woman gave her a knocking wink.

Henley blushed as she looked down at her hands. "It sort of feels like the entire world is crumbling down around me. Like it's suffocating me."

"Well you do have a serious witch problem on your hands," she nodded, shocking Henley. Sensing the girl's confusion, the woman tapped her ear with a smile. "I heard you and my granddaughter talking."

"Wait, granddaughter?" Henley shot a look over her shoulder at the aged home. "You're Sookie's grandmother?"

"That I am."

"Oh wow," Henley blinked. Now that she thought about it, she had seen photographs of this woman with a younger Sookie. She had just never brought it up to the telepath. She knew better than anyone the pain of losing someone. "Is there, is there anything you liked me to say to her?"

The woman's smile widened. "I was under the impression you did not enjoy being the bearer of messages?"

And she didn't. Not normally, anyways. "Sookie's putting her life in danger to help me; it's the least I can do."

"Hm," the woman thought, tilting her head to the side. "Perhaps just tell my girl to not be afraid to follow her heart. It will tell her what to do."

It didn't take very long for Henley to know what the ghost was talking about. "You mean with Eric, don't you?"

The woman's eyes crinkled in happiness. "He cares for my granddaughter very much. Nothing like that Compton boy. No, he only brought Sookie a great deal of pain. Eric loves her. I'm just afraid she's been hurt one too many times that she doesn't know how to let anyone else in."

Seeing her concern, Henley offered a smile of her own. "I'll tell her."

"Thank you dear," the knitting soon disappeared from the woman's lap as she twisted to face her. "Now, how about you? What can I do for you?"

Henley's shoulders slumped. She was nearly certain she would rather talk to this ghost for the rest of the day about Sookie than her own problems. But one glance at the woman, and she felt that same safety net that she had felt with her own grandmother.

"I just feel so helpless," Henley admitted. "I'm just sitting here, waiting for Eric or Godric to figure out some plan. I can't do anything. I can't stop Jackson. I can't help figure out why any of this is happening. I'm just useless. And I hate it."

"You are anything but useless, my dear," the ghost insisted. "You are a very strong girl."

"I don't feel very strong."

"This gift of yours was thrust upon you at such a young age, and somehow, you've survived. That is strength," Henley wanted to argue that she had nearly given up one too many times, that it couldn't possibly be called strength that she had. "None of that. You are strong, no matter what may have occurred in the past. Don't let anyone tell you any differently. Most importantly, don't let yourself beat down the fight that's inside of you."

Henley let out a long sigh. Yes, this woman was exactly like her grandmother.

"There is nothing wrong in needing help, especially now. Those vampires are a force to be reckoned with. They will go to great lengths for the ones they care about. But don't let yourself believe that there is nothing you can do. You have a gift, dear, use it."

"Use it?" her eyebrows furrowed together. "What do you mean, use it?"

"That is up for you to figure out," the woman's gaze rose to over the girl's shoulder. "Enough for this old woman. Your vampire is becoming impatient."

Henley rolled her eyes as she followed the woman's gaze, only to find Godric materializing on the edge of the cemetery.

"Don't be afraid to use the gifts you have been given. God gave you them for a reason," the woman stood then, brushing imaginary dirt off of herself as she gave Henley one last smile. "I must be off. Tell my girl I said hello."

"I will...I don't even know your name."

"Just call me, Gran, dear."

The woman faded then, leaving Henley alone with an approaching Godric. "Thank you, Gran."

Godric didn't speak at first, holding his tongue as he waiting for Henley to compose herself. When she did, her shoulders tensed, and he knew her anger had returned.

"You're still angry with me."

"Yes," she didn't bother to hide her annoyance as she turned towards him, her arms crossed over her chest. "I don't understand why you didn't tell me. What I told you…"

"You were wrong," Godric sighed, his orbs drifting to the ground. "When you said I did not regret it. I did. I do. Every single day I regret my decision to meet the true death."

Henley hadn't been expecting that confession. Her mouth went dry as she watched Godric, his body turning but looking lost at what to do.

"I thought I was no longer needed. I thought there was nothing left for me. But I was wrong. I was so very wrong, as it turned out," he closed his eyes as he remembered the pain of his children since his demise. They had been so lost, just wishing for their maker to take away their anguish. And he couldn't. "I had to watch as they lost their way, as Nora died and Eric fell into depression. And there was nothing I could do. Because the only thing that could have changed their fate, I couldn't take back."

Her heart broke. She hadn't meant to dig up his own pain. She had just been frustrated that she had opened up to the vampire, and he hadn't trusted her to do the same. Henley hadn't meant for him to relive all those horrible memories over again.

"Godric, I'm…"

"No, I'm sorry," he turned back towards her, closing the distance between them. "I should have told you; you were right."

"Like you said, it wasn't exactly necessary," she shrugged, unnerved at how close he was getting. She wanted to step back, but she felt frozen to the ground. Soon, his hand was reaching out, capturing her cheek. She nearly melted at the mere touch. "It doesn't matter now, anyways. We have bigger things to care about."

"I still upset you," her eyes fluttered close, but she still knew that he had grown even closer. "I never intended for that."

"It's okay," she squeaked out. "We should, um, head back to the…"

"Hm?" a hand encased her hip. "Yes, soon."

His hand snaked up her back, causing her to shudder. It seemed her clothing were not exempt, and his hand went right through her shirt and to her bare skin. She had to suppress a moan from escaping.

But Godric knew what he was doing to her, and his fingers danced across the unblemished skin, working their way up and down her spine.

"Godric…"

The snapping of a twig halted both of them.

"Sorry!" Sookie held a hand to her mouth to stifle the giggles. "So sorry, I was just worried and wanted to make sure you were okay."

A low, barely audible growl sounded from Godric as he slowly drew away. There was fire in his gaze as he stared at only Henley, despite the growing distance. She wished she understood the intensity in his stare, or why she would have gladly enjoyed if they hadn't been interrupted.

Godric was a friggin ghost for crying out loud!

"But obviously everything here is fine," Sookie couldn't hide her grin, even when Henley shot her a glare. "Should I go back inside?"

"Yes."

"No."

"Godric!"

The heated gaze never left, only intensifying as she hurried past the vampire and shoved the telepath towards the house.

"So what was what about…" Sookie wondered.

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

What a lie that was.

A/N: I never meant for this chapter to be this long. Oh well, I'm sure no one minds. I couldn't help myself with Gran. I felt like Henley needed a nice old grandmother to help her through this difficult time and get in her head. Because our dear girl is most definitely not useless.

Also, Casper...it was necessary, because Godric is totally Casper and I can never unthink this (okay, besides the possessive vampire part that is getting very very naughty with his hands).