Disclaimer*** No copyright infringement intended. These characters are exclusive property of Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball and HBO.
Sookie was finally finished with work... once she had made a her decision, time had seemed to slow down and she felt like she would never be done for the night. Arlene had seemed to pull things together enough to make it through the rest of her shift, and although it had remained busy, things actually went pretty smooth for Sam being away. Sam had called and let them know that he was being released from the hospital, but as promised he stayed away from Merlotte's. It would have only added to the gossip and he was much more focused on Luna and finding the shooters than checking on the bar.
Sookie took that as a good sign, he had faith in their abilities to keep things running, but it did also make her worry. He wasn't completely healed, and he could very easily be walking in to even more trouble with Andy. Relief and concern for Sam only added to the mounting things on her mind. She rushed through her closing prep, anxious to leave, which earned her an odd look from Tara.
"Sookie, what's gotten into you all of the sudden? You're grinning like a fool," Tara asked as she finished wiping down the bar.
"Nothing, I'm just... I'm happy to be done with work, it's been a long night... and Sam's okay... and Arlene... well, she's not okay, but she's doing better," Sookie told her, not quite sure if she was ready to tell Tara about what she had decided. She knew in her heart that it was right, but she just couldn't handle it for Tara to go off on some rant.
"Uh huh, being done with work's got you that excited?" Sookie knew Tara didn't believe her completely, especially when she looked at Sookie that way, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyebrow raised.
"What can I say? I'm tired of being all sad all the time... I've decided to let the little things make me happy," Sookie said... and actually kind of meant it. Since coming back from fairyland, her life had been pretty depressing and scary. She might as well enjoy the smaller moments.
"Hmm... well whatever has gotten in to you, I guess it's better than being all gloomy like some of the folks we've got around here," Tara said with a smile, but still shaking her head, telling Sookie that she'd give up for now, but she'd get the rest of the info out of her soon enough.
With one last smile to her friend, Sookie finished putting away all of her things and grabbed her purse and was on her way home. She hadn't even made it halfway home when that familiar guitar started playing on the radio.
"Seriously?" Sookie asked herself, glancing in the rearview mirror. She had to admit that she did really like this song, it was just the message that hit her so hard. Although as she listened, she couldn't help but smile, knowing that it was the truth. She wasn't going to give up, and she knew Bill wasn't going to either... well at least he had said as much last time they really talked about their relationship.
Sookie had a moment of panic, what if he didn't really mean it, or what if... what if she had already taken too much time and he had changed his mind? Sookie was frowning now, as she pulled up outside of her house. She knew he still loved her, she could feel it... but what if he didn't think she was worth all of the trouble? She dropped her head on the steering wheel, all of her excitement draining out of her.
"Fuck it," she said, surprising herself with the curse word coming out of her mouth, and got out of the car. The only way she'd know for sure is if she went and found out. She marched into her house, a new determination in her stride. She dropped her purse and her phone on the table, grabbed a zip up hoodie since it had gotten quite chilly at this late hour and was back out the door and walking through the cemetery before she could over think things even more. She passed by her Gran's grave, to make sure her flowers were still in the right place.
"I love you, Gran," She said, touching the stone before continuing down the familiar path to Bill's house. Something about his house, taking this path... it called to her. She pushed open the small gate separating his property from the cemetery and was again caught by surprise at how stately his home now looked. They really had fixed it up beautifully. She was expecting to be stopped by his guards like last time, but somehow, made it to the porch without any sign of another person.
She had another brief moment of panic as she approached the front door... what if he wasn't home? What if he was busy... maybe she should have called. Frustrated at herself, she knocked on the door. There was music playing, a hauntingly beautiful melody that stopped abruptly after she knocked on the door. Well, that should mean somebody's home right? She thought, taking in a big breath as she waited for the door to open.
A breath that caught in her throat as the door opened, and there he was. It was like the earth held still as he stared down at her with those cobalt blue eyes, his blue button down shirt making his eyes look even more blue.
"Sookie?" she could hear the confusion in his voice, but she couldn't find her own to answer him. She didn't know why she was so stunned, she had just seen him... heck, she had sat next to him, touching him, in her own bed just two nights ago. Maybe it was knowing why she was here this time... or it was just that effect he always had on her. He looked so handsome in his tailored shirt tucked neatly into a dark pair of jeans, his dark hair combed haphazardly, those lips forming just a hint of a frown.
"Sookie, are you okay?" He asked again as she stood there mutely, his face so full of concern. He reached for her hand, pulling her into the house. She managed to take the few steps in so he could close the door behind her, but she still couldn't come up with anything to say. He was in front of her again in an instant, his hands tilting her face up towards his as he searched her eyes.
"Sookie, what happened? What's going on?" she could finally move, she reached up, her hands on his, pulling them from her face. He dropped his arms in what must have been defeat, she could see the frustration straining his face. Before he could speak again, she reached up and put her hands on his neck, pulling him towards her. Closing her eyes as her lips met his, she lost herself in his kiss. After the briefest moment of surprise, his arms came around her and he returned her kiss fully.
This... she thought... this felt right, as she continued kissing him. Her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer, their bodies touching in all of the right places. She kissed him until she was breathless and finally pulled away, breathing hard as she tucked her head into the crook of his neck, his soft, cool skin against her face. His scent, so familiar and comforting, so distinctly him. He reached up, stroking her hair, his other arm still around her, holding her tightly to him.
"Sookie," he said softly, in that way that made her shiver, "what was that for?"
After that kiss, Sookie's doubts that it was too late were almost completely gone, and as she pulled back from him so she could look into his eyes, they vanished completely. There was so much for her to see in his expressive face and he had just laid it all out for her. His uncertainty about why she was here right now, about what that kiss meant, his concern that something was wrong... and underneath all of those things, there was only love. She remembered that look, the way it made her feel to know that it was her... just her that could make him feel that way.
"I love you, Bill Compton... and..." Sookie started, tears welling in her eyes and making her pause, " and I can't stand not being with you for another day."
He looked at her, as a few tears escaped down her cheek, his eyes still searching hers. She hoped the love she felt for him was as clear on her face as it was on his. He touched her cheek with his right hand, brushing away her tears with his thumb, leaning down to kiss away the tears from her other cheek. His lips touching her so gently.
"Are you sure, Sookie?" He asked, his face guarded, as if he couldn't believe what she was saying. He dropped his arms to his sides, waiting for her answer.
"I'm sure... I don't want to live like this anymore... missing you, dreaming of you," she told him, pausing, "That is... if you still want me..."
"Sookie, there has not been a moment since I've met you that I don't want you... that I don't need you in my life. I meant what I said... I love you, and I will love you forever," he said, his voice thick with emotion. She could see the red tears rimming his eyes.
"I love you," She said, throwing herself back into his arms, kissing his lips, his face, her arms around him, her fingers in his hair as they kissed. His arms went around her, holding her against him, stroking her back, cupping her bottom as he pulled her pelvis into his. She could feel him pressing against her, the denim of his jeans rough on her shorts clad legs. It felt like coming home, being wrapped in his arms like this... like she could finally breathe again, that they could somehow start again.
The need she felt for him was so overwhelming... it had been so long... even if in number of days wise it hadn't been that long for her... a year had gone by since the last time she was with Bill... this Bill, who remembered everything. She had practically climbed him as they kissed, her back now pressed against the front door as she wrapped her legs around him. Still kissing... little sweet kisses, mixed with deep, soul shattering kisses. He tore his mouth away from hers as his fangs slid into place.
He kissed her gently, sweetly, his lips like satin against hers, before he leaned his forehead against hers, just looking into her eyes. She unwrapped her legs as he pushed back from the door enough that she could stand. She reached up, tracing his fangs with her thumb, before trailing it over his bottom lip. She loved him so much, needed him so much, how could she have not seen it before?
She smiled up at him, practically melting as he smiled back at her, that sexy smile that she knew was just for her, made just a little more dangerous thanks to his fangs.
"Come on," She said, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the stairs, she got one foot on the steps before he resisted.
"No," he said, causing her to frown. What does he mean no? she wondered, doubt again creeping in.
"I refuse to leave you alone in bed at dawn," he said stepping towards her, they were now eye to eye thanks to the step she was standing on. He pulled her back in to his arms, kissing her, lifting her so she was once again wrapped around him. She was puzzled, but honestly, when he was kissing her like that, she had a hard time focusing on anything else. He turned away from the steps, still kissing her. He carried her down the hallway behind his office, sort of in the direction of the kitchen, but instead of going through one of the doorways, he stopped at the end of the hall.
With one last kiss, his tongue tangling with hers and driving her wild, he set her down. She had managed to get a few of his buttons undone as they made their way down the hallway, longing to feel his skin on her skin. But her quest to get his shirt off was almost forgotten as he pushed on the wall and it swung outward, it was another hidden door... but with what looked like a wall behind it. She watched in fascination as he punched in a code in a small keypad and the wall slid to one side, revealing a narrow staircase.
He turned to her, just a hint of a smile on his face," I.. uh... got a little upgrade from where I used to spend my days."
"As long as I'm with you, I don't care where you take me," She said, as another surge of lust shot through her... remembering their first time, and how hard it had been to say goodbye to him at dawn.
She was kissing him again, as he carried her down the stairs. She had managed to pull his shirt from his jeans and get all of the buttons undone by the time they reached yet another door. She barely noticed, thanks to the distraction of his kisses and his body beneath her hands.
He set her on her feet as they entered the small room, their kisses more urgent now. She pushed his shirt down off of his shoulders. He let go of her long enough to finish taking off his shirt, and his hands were again on her face, guiding her mouth to his. Oh, how he could kiss. She had missed this so much, his kisses were almost like a drug, she was so addicted.
Her hands played over his skin, the hard muscles of his shoulders, his arms. He unzipped her sweatshirt, sliding it off her shoulders before he trailed his hands down her body to the hem of her work shirt. He lifted it up over her head, tossing it away as they continued to kiss. Her hands again found him as her mouth met his, playing over the soft hair on his chest, she rubbed her hands down his chest to his abs... enjoying the feel of his strong muscles. Muscles that were born from a life of hard work and not time spent at a gym. She loved his body, the perfect combination of hard and soft, rough and smooth.
She reached for his belt buckle as he unhooked her bra. Still kissing, he backed her up until the back of her legs hit something, a bed. She reached back, feeling the soft blanket and scooted herself up onto the bed before she really looked at it. She was surprised at what she found when she pulled herself away from kissing him long enough to look at where they had ended up.
It was the bed... his bed... the carved four poster bed that she had noticed was gone when she saw his newly remodeled master bedroom. She had always loved that bed, not to mention the memories they had made in it.
"You still have it," she said astonished as she traced her fingers down one of the posts.
"No one else has shared this bed with me," he said, looking into her eyes with so much love... and lust as he leaned down to kiss her again.
x
x
Bill had to be dreaming... didn't he? Was she really here with him, taking his clothes off? Telling him that she loved him and wanted to be with him again?
He was dumfounded when he opened the door and she was standing there. And then of course he was worried when she didn't say anything. But when she kissed him... really kissed him, he didn't know what was going on. He loved her, and needed her, but he didn't want to hurt her. If she wanted him in return, needed him... loved him, he wasn't going to turn that down, he couldn't.
He had been waiting for this moment for over a year. Even though he could remember all of the times they had made love when he had amnesia, it wasn't quite the same. This was different, it was more important... it was the first step in rebuilding what they had lost. He just hoped that this time, what they were building would be so much stronger.
He loved seeing her on his bed... their bed. He couldn't help but smile at her surprise that he still had this bed, during the remodel of his home, after she had disappeared... he couldn't bear to part with it. But he knew he would never bring anyone down here or so he had thought, until tonight.
She again reached for his belt buckle, her small fingers fumbling with it as he kissed her soft lips. He kissed his way down her neck, trailing his lips along her golden skin, inhaling the scent of her. A scent he would have recognized anywhere. He paused to pay attention to her beautiful breasts, taking first one and then the other nipple into his mouth, sucking gently as her hands found their way into his hair.
He continued his journey downward, kissing her stomach, nuzzling his face in her soft skin. He hooked his fingers inside her shorts and panties, pulling them both off together in a quick move, tossing them over his shoulder so he could again kiss her. She was so amazing... and now she was naked, in front of him. He couldn't help the growl that escaped his lips as she went to work on the button of his jeans. She eased the zipper down over his hardness before she pushed them off of his hips. He kept kissing her, careful of his fangs, not wanting to hurt her. She felt so good, her mouth on his, her soft skin beneath his hands. She was so warm as she rubbed up against him, her soft moans making him crazy.
He pulled her up against him as she sat on the edge of his bed, her soft breasts pressing against his chest. He couldn't get enough of her, he kissed her mouth, her forehead, he planted tiny kisses along her jaw line as she moved her hips against him. The friction of their bodies almost pushing him over the edge. She wrapped her legs around him, but he wasn't quite ready to give in to her just yet. He moved his hips to create even more friction between them without entering her, her moans of pleasure the response he was looking for. He trailed his lips down her neck, kissing her along her collar bone before again kissing her breasts. He cupped one breast in his hand, laving the other with his tongue as her movements against him became more urgent.
"Bill, please," She begged, right where he wanted her. As crazy for him as he was for her. He finally gave her what she wanted. He put his hands on her hips, pulling her even closer to where he was standing at the edge of the bed and with one smooth, slow thrust he pushed inside of her. Their moans mingling as they kissed. Her legs tightened around him as he continued to tease her with slow, deep thrusts.
She felt so good, her slick heat surrounding him, pulsing around him as he continued to make love to her. Being with her had always been different, somehow more than anything he had ever experienced before... but this, he couldn't even come up with words to describe how perfect this felt.
She was kissing him again, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he continued to lose himself inside of her. She nipped at his lower lip before she looked up and into his eyes. He could get so lost in her dark eyes... the ever changing flecks of gold that reminded him of the night sky. The love he could see in her eyes making his heart soar. If this was just a dream... he didn't want to ever wake up. She planted a quick kiss on his lips before falling back on the bed, smiling up at him, her hair surrounding her like a golden halo on the dark bedspread.
He pulled her hips up even farther, slightly changing the angle between them, making her moan even more. He was so close, after waiting all this time... and he could tell she was on the edge too, her breath now coming in ragged pants and her heart racing. Her hands fisted on the bedspread as he trailed one hand over her stomach, reaching between them to gently touch her most sensitive spot. He moved his thumb in slow circles as she began writhing and shuddering beneath him. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her fly apart.
She pulled his hand away, pulling herself up to kiss him, moving her hips into his even faster. She cried out, screaming his name before burying her face in his neck, her teeth scraping his skin He could feel her convulsing around him as he too, moaned her name, his arms tightening around her as they both saw stars.
Sookie had ended up almost completely off the bed, clinging to him while they were making love, so once he could actually move again, he lifted her from the edge of the bed carried her around to the side. He gently laid her down after pulling back the covers. She was still breathing hard, he could hear her heart pounding. She looked up at him, placing her hands on his face and pulling him down for a sweet kiss as he slid into the bed beside her. He still couldn't believe that she was here with him, in his bed... loving him. She settled into his arms, her head on his shoulder as he pulled the covers up around them, her golden skin and hair almost glowing against the dark blue of the linens. It was a position so familiar, yet it felt almost new again.
"Now that... was make up sex," Sookie said around a yawn. He could hear the smile in her voice. He could also feel her happiness through their connection and it was an amazing thing.
"Was that what that was?" he asked jokingly as he kissed her forehead. He knew she was tired... but they also had some talking to do. He just wasn't sure if now was the right time, or if it could wait for tomorrow.
"Mm hmm... or whatever you want to call it... it was great," she said with a giggle as she snuggled even closer to him. He loved the feel of her warmth against him, all of that smooth skin on his, the rhythm of her heart beating in his ears. She lazily traced her fingers through his chest hair as they just lay there in the afterglow.
"I love you," he said softly, just because he felt like saying it. Knowing that he would always love her, and hoping that she knew it too.
"I love you, too... I don't think I ever stopped loving you, even when I wanted to," she said, opening the door for him to talk to her about some of those things they needed to talk about.
"Sookie... about what happened... everything that happened... I need to explain," he started, but she shushed him. Sitting up on her elbow she kissed his lips, her hand resting on his chest.
"You do need to explain, but... can it wait until tomorrow?" She said, stifling another yawn, "I'm just so tired... and I want to enjoy this for a little while longer. I will be able to see you tomorrow, won't I?"
"It can wait... and I would love nothing more than to call on you tomorrow evening, if you don't have other plans," He said, looking into her eyes, unable to stop himself from tracing his finger down her cheek.
She smiled, laying her head back down on his shoulder, and throwing her leg over his, "I think that would be lovely."
That's how she fell asleep, a smile on her lips as she snuggled into him. He knew dawn wasn't more than an hour or two away... and he definitely wasn't getting anything else done tonight, so he too settled in after turning out the bedside light. He closed his eyes, not quite ready to rest, but content to just hold her, listening to her breathing, to her heart beat. He still couldn't believe this had happened, he had never lost hope that someday, maybe they would work things out... but he didn't think it would happen anytime soon, if at all.
Of course, this didn't mean everything was fixed between them, but it was a huge step in the right direction, as far as he was concerned. He couldn't stop touching her as he lay there thinking... just softly stroking her arm, her hair, dropping the occasional feather light kiss on her forehead.
He did fall into a light sleep for a little bit, waking only to make love with Sookie one more time before dawn... this time it was a slow, sleepy coupling that left them both beyond satisfied as they drifted to sleep in each other's arms. Not once did Bill think of the phone he had left sitting on the piano upstairs... nor did he hear it ring when Eric finally called.
x
x
Sookie came awake slowly, a smile on her lips before she was even fully awake. She was curled up on her side next to Bill, she must have turned in the night, as he was now behind her. His arm was draped over her waist and she was tucked up snugly into him, skin to skin, like spoons. She just enjoyed being with him for a few minutes, remembering their lovemaking. She somehow felt lighter, in her heart... telling her that she had made the right decision. She would listen to his explanations and they would work through them, whatever they were. This was far too precious to give up on.
She finally scooted out from under his arm, sitting up in the bed, trying to get her bearings in the darkened room. There was a clock on the nightstand behind Bill, it's red numbers telling her it was already after 11am. She had slept later than she thought, although in this room with no windows, it was very hard to figure out what time of day it was. But she was glad for it, for being able to wake up beside him. The only other time he hadn't needed to leave her all alone in bed as the sun rose had been at that vampire hotel in Dallas... but there was so much else going on, they hadn't much chance to enjoy it.
She took a closer look around the room, it was the size of a small bedroom, with just enough space for the bed a nightstand and it looked like a small dresser in the shadows. there was a light on in some kind of room off to the right, a closet perhaps? Had Bill turned that light on for her? He certainly wouldn't need it. She couldn't see much else of the room with just that faint light, but it was enough that she could get around. Her biggest concern was going to be how to get out of there... she saw Bill use two separate key pads to get in, but could she just walk out? She was hungry, and definitely needed a bathroom.
She couldn't resist touching his face and placing a soft kiss on his cool lips before she climbed out of the bed. She picked up whatever clothes she could feel on the floor, and hoped enough of them were hers as she walked into the room with the light on. To her surprise it was a bathroom, it wasn't a large bathroom, but all of the important stuff was there, including a shower. She did find it a little odd that he would have a bathroom built into his new hidey hole... it's not like he would ever use more than the shower... but she was thankful for it anyway.
She had managed to find her shorts and panties... and even her bra, but her shirt wasn't amongst the clothes she had found. So she put on Bill's blue shirt instead. As she rolled up the cuffs, she finally looked in the mirror and saw a note taped there. She pulled it off the mirror so she could read it, recognizing Bill's old fashioned script.
Sookie,
Please feel free to make yourself comfortable in this space, however I do understand you likely have a need to find something to eat or go about your normal daily business. I have set codes for you at both the doors, just punch them in and the door will open automatically. The same codes will get you back in, should you wish to return before I rise for the day. I am still overwhelmed that you have chosen to give me, and us another chance. I sincerely hope that I do not disappoint you yet again. I look forward to seeing you this evening.
All my love,
Bill
He had written the alarm and door codes for her at the bottom of the note. She was glad he had the foresight to give her a way to go home, should she need to. Although having all of these codes written down made her very nervous. What if she lost the note? That would leave Bill vulnerable to anybody just walking right in. He had told her once that a vampire's resting place was one of their most closely guarded secrets... she was afraid for him at just the thought of misplacing this note. One more thing to add to the list of things they needed to talk about tonight.
She knew they needed to talk about a lot of things, but last night was just too wonderful to ruin it by bringing up all of the past hurts and arguments. So she was going to enjoy her day, and then they would talk about whatever they needed to talk about... and then he would make love to her again... and again. She smiled at that thought, still feeling little tingles from the night before.
Bill had always been a wonderful lover, the fire and frenzy to the slow and gentle with everything in between... When he had been without his memories, he had not forgotten any of those amazing skills, although it had been different. What had happened last night... was even more incredible than anything she had experienced before. She couldn't put her finger exactly on why... and not like she was going to complain about it. But it had just been so intense, knowing that he remembered everything... yet the real him, with all of his memories, had still waited over a year to be with her again.
She walked back out into the room, the note clutched tightly in her hand. Bill was still on his side, his muscled back to the doorway she had come out of. She couldn't resist walking over to the bed, tracing her fingers along his shoulder, over the muscles of his arm and placing one more kiss on his cheek. She loved him, no question about it. Whatever they had, whatever this was, it was most definitely worth it.
"Sweet dreams, Bill," she whispered with a smile as she made her way to the door with the little keypad next to it. She punched in the code he had written down for her, and the door slid silently open. An automatic light came on in the narrow stairwell. That's convenient, she thought as the door behind her shut. The same thing happened with the upper door. She made sure to close the hidden wall panel behind her, amazed at how invisible it was. After punching in one last code to reset the alarm system at the front door, she was out into the sunlit morning.