AN: Another sadistic short one. There will be more tomorrow morning, CA time. Now it's 11:30, and I'm getting ready to sleep for the first time in three days! :)
Disclaimer: Words are mine. Character are Charlaine Harris'.
Chapter 29
As soon as they were alone, Sookie slumped in her chair, regarding Quinn warily.
"For the record, I think I get it," Quinn's deep voice rumbled. "It wasn't just you wanting to be 'first,' but also some... disgust at how easily the vampire's manipulated me, using my mom. It was a fear that they'd use you, or take you as payment, wasn't it? When did you first begin to fear me?" Sookie scoffed.
"I have never feared you, I just understood that you could never make me your world," she retorted, with as much dignity as she could muster. "I love Eric."
"And you never gave me the time to see if you could love me. My life isn't stable, but I know when I am being screwed out of a great opportunity." Sookie winced at his language.
"It's not like that," she protested again.
"Then how is it Sookie? I don't see how it could be any other way."
"Please, Quinn, stop!" Sookie put effort into keeping her voice and her emotions level, not wanting to alert Eric. "I understand that you regrest the circumstances that led to us breaking up, but please stop obsessing. That chapter of my life is over."
"Sookie, I am not obsessing," Quinn began again, speaking in a low voice, calm enough to be frightening. A voice that reminded Sookie she was dealing with a tiger. "I am trying to explain that I understand. I get your reason for being with Eric, at least some of it, and I think he's a good match for you. You smile with him - genuinely smile - a lot more than I have seen you do in all the time I've known you. We were hot together, and for each other, but that wasn't enough to make it work. You deserved better. As much as I dislike him, I know Eric will do what he can to keep you safe and happy." Quinn finally looked up from his hands, thinking himself ready to face her, but was taken aback by her expression. "Babe, what's wrong? You look like you're about to cry." She gave him a wobbly smile and took a deep breath.
"Forget it, please. I am very sorry we didn't work," Sookie said, unsure of whether she was trying to convince him or herself. "I do love Eric, for many reasons beyond what you've mentioned." Quinn looked away, sure she was going to go into detail about the Viking's positive qualities, and he was going to have to work to keep his lunch down. She surprised him, however, as she changed the subject. "But, I didn't come here to argue with you about what might have been, or to talk about my relationship with Eric." Sookie paused, planning her next sentence and Quinn cut in.
"Why did you come then?" His voice was demanding, displaying his discomfort in confusion. She paused for a moment longer.
"I have a few questions to ask you and, depending on the answers, a possible favor."
