Disclaimer*** No copyright infringement intended. These characters are exclusive property of Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball and HBO.


Bill was anxious to arrive in Bon Temps. He and Eric had made it over halfway before they had to go to ground for the day, but it wasn't far enough. Now that the sun had finally set, he felt an even more urgent need to see Sookie. His only desire, besides keeping Sookie safe, was just to hold her in his arms. Her love is what helped him survive, what kept him from losing himself completely. Though there was still so much danger hanging over their heads, Bill knew that just seeing her would ease his mind.

Eric hadn't said much as they traveled the previous night. Once the security detail was taken care of, they hid the black SUV and procured another vehicle to continue on their way. In addition to Eric's desire to see Russell Edgington finally meet the true death... there would be no cement burials this time... Bill also knew he was worried about his sister. Eric was trying to figure out a way to break the spell the blood of Lilith seemed to hold over her, but it seemed to Bill that he was only growing more frustrated. He tried to hide it with his usual sarcastic demeanor, but Bill could see right through it. Bill's words, his promise to help Eric do whatever it took didn't seem to make much difference, so Bill instead stayed quiet, working through different plans in his head...

They would go back to the Authority... they would take out the other chancellors, save for Nora and find a way to free her. Bill was curious if the other authority members had been feeling the call of Lilith as Bill had. He knew it took all of his will to stay away from the blood when she called him to drink it... were the others fighting the same urges? If that were indeed the case, perhaps that was something they could use. Bill had gone to ground planning their eventual return to the Authority Headquarters... But as he rose for the night, Sookie was at the forefront of his mind.

They were going to take out Russell, but the question was how. Eric's desire for vengeance wasn't going to be enough... and Russell was back at full strength, so once they found him they needed to play it smart if they were truly going to bring him the true death. They had silver and stakes ready, but Russell was right when he had told the authority that he was more powerful than all of them combined... so how were just the two of them going to bring an end to Russell?

"Any ideas on how to end Russell without getting ourselves killed?" Bill asked, breaking the silence. He watched as Eric tightened his grip on the steering wheel... a gesture Bill found familiar from the last time they had been sent to track down Russell.

"We have to find him first," Eric said, keeping his eyes on the road.

"All we have to find is Sookie, Russell won't be far away."

"Are you suggesting using your precious Sookie as bait?" Eric glanced over at Bill with a sneer.

"Hardly, and you've already done that... remember?" Bill shot back, it seemed the tenuous truce they had forged while dealing with the Authority wasn't as strong as Bill had thought. While he had never expected to fully trust Eric, they had been a good team... and Bill knew that they would need to remain so if they were going to take out the authority.

Eric apparently didn't have anything to say to that, so Bill just let the silence settle around them yet again. Eric was most definitely not himself. Bill wasn't sure if it was all because of Nora and Russell, or if there was something else going on. Bill knew he had struggled with the visions and voices of Lilith and his own beliefs, but had Eric been dealing with the same things? Eric had seemed so sure that it was all fake from the start, that Lilith meant nothing. Bill could see the tension in Eric's jaw as they sped down the darkened highway. They didn't have far to go.

Bill focused on Sookie, trying to feel her, trying to find her. All he could get was the vague sense that they were getting closer to her, but that was about it. He supposed her house would be a reasonable place to start. As they approached Bon Temps Eric skidded to a stop along the side of the road just as Bill was about to demand he pull over. They were both out of the car and moving at top speed through the surrounding woods before either one could speak a word.

Bill could feel her and she was afraid, more than just nervous or a little bit scared, she was terrified, but thankfully, they weren't far. Though Bill couldn't fly the way Eric could, he moved faster than he'd ever moved before through the trees and as he came to a halt at the edge of a clearing, Eric was right beside him.

They both paused for a moment, taking in their surroundings, stunned by the sight before them. It was Russell, in the center of an empty field, walking towards a light. It was shooting out of him or maybe at him? Bill wasn't sure, but it was as if it came from nowhere... like someone had made a cut into the night and was shooting light from it. He could hear Russell's laughter, almost taunting the light. He could still feel Sookie, but he didn't see her... she was here somewhere, and she was still afraid. His eyes scanned the field, the trees surrounding it... where is she?

Bill was overwhelmed by the scent in the field, it smelled almost like Sookie, only a thousand times stronger, it was sweeter and nearly intoxicating... but to Bill, it wasn't quite as enticing as just Sookie. He looked towards Eric, who was also breathing in the scent surrounding them... his fangs were fully extended, his eyes dilated to black pools. Bill could almost feel the warring emotions, anger, hunger... lust rolling off of Eric.

Russell's guard was down, he was distracted by whatever this light was... Bill knew this was their chance... maybe their only chance. He reached for Eric, lightly touching his shoulder until Eric met his gaze. Bill held out the sharpened piece of wood he had grabbed from the car and nodded. While Bill would have enjoyed bringing the true death to Russell, he knew it was something important to Eric... and really, as long as Russell was dead, Bill didn't care who wielded the stake.

Eric nodded in return and vanished before Bill could blink.

x


x

Sookie was afraid... and angry too! This wasn't what they had planned, and now Russell was getting closer, seemingly unaffected by their light. The plan had started off perfectly. Jason had done just as they expected and led Russell to the field. They had all heard the car approach, and were able to watch, hidden inside the club as Russell and Steve Newlin had zipped around the field moaning over the fairy scent that must permeate the area. The fairies beside her had grown even more nervous as the two vampires sped back and forth, trying to find the source of the intoxicating smell. Jason had remained standing near his cruiser. Sookie had been thankful just to see that he was okay, until Russell grew impatient and grabbed Jason by the arm, dragging him closer to the center of the field.

He had shouted out for them, demanding they show themselves, his fangs out and ready to sink into Jason's throat. Sookie had panicked then, knowing that they needed to do something. But instead of all of the fairies attacking Russell at once... the fae elder stepped forward, telling them that she was going to take care of it, instructing them to stay behind.

Sookie wasn't so sure that was a good idea, which was proven just a few short moments later. The elder stepped out into the field, calling out for Russell. Before he released Jason, Steve Newlin had appeared next to her, unable to resist her scent. She sent him flying with a blast of light from her hand before he could lay a finger on her.

Russell instead chose to approach slowly, speaking to her of how wonderful she smelled, of how he had been waiting his whole life for a full fairy.

"Russell Edgington," The elder had said, her hands held high in front of her, "I hereby banish you..."

An even bigger jolt of light shot from her hands, but Russell was too fast!

"Jason!" Sookie cried out as Russell used Jason as a shield, she screamed as her brother went flying from being hit by the light blast.

It hadn't taken more than a second for Russell to be on the fairy elder, Sookie and the other fairies watched in horror as he drained her in seconds... she turned to dust in his hands as Russell just laughed and laughed. Sookie recalled how drunk Bill had been after almost draining her fairy godmother... what was completely draining a fairy elder going to do to Russell?

She wasn't afforded much time to contemplate when Russell turned towards them, as if he could see them.

"Oh... so delicious... and... and I want more," He stepped towards them, almost stumbling, but somehow staying upright. "It's my very own fairy buffet."

He was heading straight for them, somehow, draining the elder had allowed him to see them... they weren't safe inside the club anymore.

"Quick, use your light, maybe we can stop him." Sookie said, holding up her hand, praying it would work. She couldn't help her fear... how did this plan go so wrong?

Russell kept coming towards them, despite the full force of all of their fairy light. "Ha ha ha... is that the best you can do? Seriously, I can't even feel it," He laughed, his fangs out and his mouth dripping with blood, "Except for a very slight tickling sensation... which unfortunately for you, only wets... my... appetite"

Sookie could feel her power running out, like she could only make sparks with her fingers. She paused a moment to shake her hands, saying a silent prayer before her light again shot out of her fingers towards Russell.

She didn't know how long they could keep this up. It had slowed his progress, but he was still getting closer to them. When suddenly, he was pulled away from them.

Sookie watched, her eyes wide as Eric snarled at Russell, Russell with a stake through his chest. Where the hell had he come from? Sookie wondered, although she was beyond glad he had shown up when he did.

Russell didn't explode quite like normal, it must have had something to do with the fae he had just drained... his face almost cracked like porcelain, light coming out of his face before he finally exploded into the expected pile of vampire goo.

Sookie had stepped out into the field as she watched Russell explode, a sense of relief washed over her as she knew that he was finally dead. Still surprised to see Eric there... hadn't he been in New Orleans with Bill?

"Well... that felt even better than I thought it would," She heard Eric say, as he stood over the mess that used to be Russell Edgington.

"Jason," Sookie's thoughts turned to her brother, she'd deal with Eric later... once she knew Jason was okay. She changed direction, looking towards where Jason had been thrown by the light and her heart caught in her throat... Bill... he was helping Jason up, offering him a hand, a shoulder to lean on while his head cleared. Sookie was frozen in place until Bill looked up from her brother, his blue eyes meeting hers across the field.

x


x

After Eric had driven the stake into Russell, Bill had noticed Jason on the ground at the edge of the field. Knowing that Russell was no longer a threat, he sped over to Jason, to make sure he was alright. They had never been the best of friends, but Bill knew how important Jason was to Sookie, and how devastated she would be if he was hurt. As Bill approached, he could see that Jason was alive, and just coming to. Bill reached out to steady him as he sat up, offering a hand. Jason hesitated, only briefly, but enough that Bill noticed before he took the offered hand. Bill helped him stand, only to find that Jason wasn't too steady on his feet. Bill gave a shoulder for Jason to lean on, so they could make their way towards the center of the field.

That's when Bill looked up, his eyes meeting Sookie's across the yards that separated them. It was if time had froze, the relief of seeing her... alive and unharmed, had he been human, his legs would have buckled beneath him. Instead, he moved forward, helping Jason as Sookie, who had been rooted to her spot, finally ran towards them. She was wearing some sort of bright pink dress, like nothing Bill had ever seen her wear before... it was almost like a costume. Her blonde hair framing her beautiful face as she crossed the distance separating them.

Bill had always been captivated by her, and after all of his worry and what he had been through since he had left her, she remained the most enticing creature he'd ever laid eyes on. Jason had been getting stronger with every step, shaking off the effects of whatever had happened to him. Bill let him take the lead as Sookie approached. Bill knew she had been worried about him since he had left for New Orleans, and was surprised to see him there... but he also knew that she needed to be sure her brother was okay. He tried not to let it bother him when she went to Jason's arms instead of his.

"Jason, are you alright?" She asked as she released him, her eyes searching his face.

"Yeah... I... I think so... I'm just a little fuzzy. Everything okay? Did you get him?" he asked, his hands on her shoulders.

"We got him... everything's okay..." She looked past Jason, her dark eyes again finding Bill's and a small smile formed on her lips, "Everything's very okay."

Bill wanted to reach for her, he wanted to pull her into his arms and never let go... although he didn't know if Sookie had really told anybody about their reconciliation. It had happened so fast, and he'd had to leave so quickly... though he had dreamt of her, and her words of love, he still wasn't sure where things stood... they hadn't really been connecting in their dreams, had they? So Bill just waited, watching her, keeping his hands fisted at his sides to keep from reaching out for her. He didn't doubt that she loved him, but he also knew that they still had things to work through and Sookie had been through quite an ordeal tonight.

"Jason... can you... I need just a minute to talk to Bill," She said, pulling her gaze from Bill and looking back at Jason. He nodded, letting go of her shoulders and heading towards the center of the field.

Before Bill could say a word, before he could even say hello, she had flung herself into her arms. Her mouth crushing against his, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her body pressed against him. Bill loved the feel of her warm, soft lips on his... the way she fit so perfectly in his arms. He couldn't help himself as he deepened the kiss. He had missed her so much, he almost didn't believe that this was real, that she was actual flesh and blood and not just another dream.

He would have continued to kiss her, oh, how he had missed kissing her... had they not been interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Bill knew this wasn't the place or time, but it was torture to pull his lips from hers. He finally pulled away, placing another soft kiss against her lips as he looked into her incredible eyes, glowing faintly in the moonlight.

"Do I get a kiss, too?" Eric said from behind them. Sookie shot Eric a look... a look Bill had seen before that definitely meant danger. But to his surprise, Sookie held her temper.

"What are you doing here?" She asked instead, still holding on to Bill, her hands gripped his leather jacket along his sides.

"We came to find you... to stop Russell," Bill said, turning slightly to include Eric. Bill continued to stroke his hands up her bare arms, not ready to let her go.

"Your fear led us here... and allowed me to repay a very old debt." Eric added, his face somber and partially splattered with blood thanks to Russell's messy demise.

"Sookie, what happened here? There's something here... it almost smells like you, only more... different somehow. And where was that light coming from?" Bill looked past her towards the empty field, wondering where Jason had gone. He knew that there was more going on than it seemed, and needed some answers from Sookie.

"Um..." She hesitated, biting her lip as she let go of his jacket. "You remember Claudine?"

"The fairy? Yes," He said, recalling his two run ins with Sookie's supposed fae guardian. The second time, he had nearly drained her... although he had been without his memories at the time.

"Well... there are more fairies like her... although not like her, since they don't want to kidnap me or anything. But they found a way to make like a safe house and it's hidden in this field."

"That's why I couldn't find you? I could feel you when we arrived, that you were somewhere close... but you were hidden." Bill found this whole thing very interesting, and of course concerning... after what had happened with Sookie disappearing for a year, he wasn't sure just how much she could trust these fairies. "Sookie, how did Russell find you?"

Bill knew he and Eric had been able to find this empty field because of their blood connection to Sookie, but Russell wouldn't have had any such connection. How had he managed to find a random field in the middle of nowhere?

"We... uh..." Sookie dropped Bill's gaze, looking down at her feet before she looked back up at him, "We used Jason to lure him here so we could kill him."

"What?!" Bill couldn't stop from yelling, she had brought Russell to her on purpose? "Sookie, what were you thinking? He could have killed you!" He was furious, at Sookie for doing something so dangerous... at Russell for being Russell, he was even a bit angry at Eric for not having killed Russell the first time he had the chance.

"I wasn't going to just sit around and hide, just being afraid and waiting for Russell to find me. Didn't you tell me that you wanted me to protect myself?" She crossed her arms over her chest, her chin up as she got just as angry.

"Protect yourself as in find a safe place... a place where Russell couldn't find you. I didn't want you to offer yourself up to him like a snack!"

"He would never stop trying to find me, this had to end. We had a plan, we were going to stop him." She shot back, her eyes shooting daggers at Bill.

"Yes, that seemed to be working so well when we arrived." Eric chimed in, earning his own glare from Sookie.

"Well, it would have worked if she'd followed the plan," Sookie said under her breath. She took a deep breath, shifting her hands to her hips. "Look, I know it was dangerous and I'm glad you're here... I'm glad Russell is dead. but I knew that I couldn't expect either of you to just come to my rescue... I had to do something."

Bill did his best to reign in his anger, he knew Sookie never liked feeling like she had to be protected or that she couldn't make her own decisions... and Bill also knew that most of the danger she was always in was because he had come into her life. Bill could see beneath her anger that she was exhausted. As bad as things had been for him over the past few days, he knew Sookie had been going through just as much. He wished there was a way for this to just be over, that he could just pull her into his arms and never let go.

"I need to go check on Jason... and then I'm going home." She said, looking at Bill for just a moment before she turned and walked away from both of them.

Bill and Eric stood side by side, watching her as she crossed the field and suddenly vanished. Bill found it a bit disconcerting, that she just disappeared, but he could still feel her...

"I need to go to Fangtasia, to Pam. There are arrangements that need to be made." Eric broke the silence that had surrounded them.

"I'll find Jessica, she'll come with us, too." Bill told Eric, still staring at the spot where Sookie had been.

"We should leave at sundown."

"We'll get her out, Eric... and then we'll put an end to all of this." Bill said with finality. He could see the determined set of Eric's jaw. They were going to end the madness that this new Authority had become, even if it killed them both.

Sookie suddenly reappeared, with Jason by her side. She glanced briefly in their direction, before walking towards Jason's cruiser that was parked haphazardly at the edge of the field. Bill stepped forward to follow after her, they still needed to talk... and he just needed to be with her, even if she was mad at him.

"Compton," Eric said gruffly, stopping Bill in his tracks. He turned, meeting Eric's gaze with a raised eyebrow, "About Russell..."

"You're welcome." Bill said, knowing that the rest of Eric's thought would never cross his lips... Eric simply nodded in acknowledgement and shot up and into the night.

x


x

Sookie was overwhelmed, she wasn't sure what she was feeling or what to do next. Amidst her fright and shock over what had happened with Russell and the elder, she had been elated to see Bill. Being in his arms had almost made all of her worries melt away. Of course it hadn't lasted and they had somehow managed to get into a fight. Although, Sookie did know that she might have overreacted just a little... she knew Bill's anger wasn't at her, it was just because he was worried about her. He knew first hand how dangerous Russell Edgington was. That seemed to always be the cause of the fights they'd had in the past... he was worried for her or trying to protect her... all because he loved her. She probably shouldn't hold that against him, but she hated it when people made her feel like she couldn't take care of herself... like she was just some thing that needed to be protected.

She was very glad that he and Eric had still been waiting for her when she and Jason came out of the fairy club... and she hoped that Bill was going to stay with her tonight, that everything with the Authority was finally over and they could really work on their fresh start. But first, she had to make sure that Jason was really okay. He had been hit full blast by the fae elder, that had to do something to a person.

He had sworn, while they were back inside the fairy club, that he was okay. He just had a little headache was all. Claude hadn't been too concerned, he didn't think the light from the elder would have much effect on a human. What he was concerned about were the two vampires outside the club. Despite Sookie's claim that neither vampire was there to harm them, Claude and the others were quite nervous. Sookie quickly said her goodbyes, knowing that they would have to talk sometime soon, since she still knew next to nothing more about Warlow... But that could wait for another night.

"Are you sure you're okay to drive?" She asked Jason as they approached his car. She glanced over her shoulder again, a warmth spreading through her as she watched Bill walk towards them. She had been afraid that he wouldn't want to see her after her outburst... when really, the only thing she needed right now was him. She loved him so much, and she knew he loved her, too... but everything had been such a mess and she was so worried about him... about herself... about everybody.

"Yeah... I'm fine, Sook. Really." Jason pulled open the car door and slid behind the wheel. Sookie waited for Bill before she opened her car door. He was so handsome as he walked towards her. Although the look on his face wasn't exactly welcoming... it was more that blank look he wore when he was trying to keep his thoughts to himself. His jeans fit in all the right places and Sookie always loved the way he looked in a henley shirt. The leather jacket he wore just added to that mysterious allure that she found so attractive. But his eyes... she could get so lost in his eyes, the way the blue deepened when he was aroused, they way they could focus on her with such intensity. She must have been crazy to think she could live her life without him.

She couldn't help but smile, despite all of the drama surrounding her. And just like that, whatever tension had been between them was gone as he returned her smile with a small upturn of his lips.

"Are you really back?" She asked, not ready to be without him yet again.

"Unfortunately, no." He shook his head sadly, "Eric and I are going back to New Orleans tomorrow... it's not over yet."

"What's happened now?" Sookie asked, fear gripping her once more.

"Why don't I meet you at your home, and I'll explain everything?" he reached for her then, he must have seen her fear, her worry. His hand touched her face, a soft caress of his thumb over her cheek. "It will be okay, we've made it this far... I love you."

Sookie simply nodded, she could feel the tears pooling in her eyes. She wanted to believe him, she wanted everything to be okay. He leaned down and kissed her... the sweetest kiss, with just a hint of fire. He stepped back from her, pulling open the car door so she could get in.

"I'll be there soon."

"Wait, where..." But it was too late, he was already gone. As she got in the car, Jason gave her an odd look. She was still worried about him... something wasn't right.

"So... you and Bill, huh?" He asked, his voice strained... he didn't sound happy.

"Yup," was her only response. She knew Jason had been struggling with his feelings about vampires again lately, especially with what they had learned about their parent's deaths... but she wasn't in the mood to argue about it. Thankfully, Jason didn't seem to be either, and he stayed quiet as they made their way back to Sookie's house.

x


x

"I'm going with you, that's all there is to it."

"Sookie, you can't... it's far too dangerous... I won't put you at risk." Bill pleaded as he paced Sookie's small living room. He'd arrived about thirty minutes after Sookie and Jason had gotten home, and he'd spent the last while filling them in on what had happened in New Orleans.

"I can and I will be going with you. Sam is trapped there, he needs help... You and Eric need my help too." Sookie couldn't believe the things Bill had told her about this Authority and what had happened with Russell. Although she was glad that he seemed to have laid out everything for her... no more secrets, which made her happy. But what he had told her sounded awful.

"Hey, if Sookie's going, I sure as hell ain't staying behind," Jason said from where he sat on the couch, "Those damn fangers have already done too much killin' "

Sookie was shocked by the vehemence from Jason, granted she agreed that these authority vampires sounded like really bad news... but she didn't miss the look on Bill's face at Jason's words. She was still worried about him, he'd been strange since they'd arrived home. He was looking around the room with suspicion and she'd even caught him talking to himself... that fairy blast did more than just give him a headache, Sookie could only hope it wasn't anything permanent. She even wanted to take him to the hospital, but he'd refused.

They all jumped when there was a sudden banging on the door. Sookie's eyes darted to Bill's. Who would be here at this hour? She wondered... sure the question was clear on her face. Bill silently moved to the door. She saw him visibly relax as he reached for the door. Curious, she walked closer. It was Eric... she wondered where he had disappeared to after killing Russell. He had managed to clean himself up and find a change of clothes... but his face was pure murder.

Sookie was almost glad he couldn't enter her house without an invitation, but the expectant look from Bill had her talking.

"Eric, come in." He pushed into the house as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

"What happened, Eric?" Bill asked, following him back towards the living room.

"They took Pam."

"Pam? Why would they take Pam?" Bill leaned against the doorway between the living room and the foyer, in what Sookie thought of as a favorite pose of his.

"According to Ginger and our new bartender, they sent someone to replace me... a new sheriff... but he didn't exactly... fit in. He went missing and the Authority came to find out why. We must have just missed her... they had to be bringing her in while we were on our way back here." Sookie had never seen Eric this tense. He was always so calm and collected. He had been emotional in Dallas, but this seemed like he was even more out of sorts. It made Sookie even more worried if someone like Eric was this shaken... and it made her even more determined to help.

"Jessica is at the house, she's caught up on the situation, she'll be ready."

"I'm going, too." Sookie said as she sat down next to Jason on the couch.

"You're not going anywhere without me," Jason added.

x


x

Bill knew he was stuck in another losing situation. Sookie was determined to go with them... and short of locking her up somewhere, he had a feeling she was going to end up in New Orleans with or without them. She'd be much safer with them, instead of following them and trying to help on her own, but he still hated that she was going to be in even more danger.

Eric raised an eyebrow at Bill as Sookie and Jason declared that they wouldn't be left behind. Bill couldn't do more than shrug... if they were determined to come, then they better come up with a damn good plan.

"If you're coming with us, then we can leave before the sun sets. You," he pointed at Jason, barking out orders, "Bring your truck to Fangtasia, we'll have coffins ready... But we're going to need more than just stakes if we expect to survive the authority."

"I know just the place... those vampires don't stand a chance." Jason said, a murderous look in his eye that took Bill by surprise. He knew Jason hadn't the best of experiences with vampires, but the all out hatred... especially with what Bill knew had been happening with Jessica, seemed a little out of place.

As they continued to plan, Bill had a small hope that this might actually work. The main goal was to at least get Sam out of there, and Pam and Nora as well. Ideally, they wanted to take down the rest of the authority... but Bill was afraid that might be a bigger task then they alone could accomplish. And he really didn't want Sookie to get stuck in the middle of that. He knew as long as Sam was in danger, there would be no swaying of Sookie to stay out of harms way. Bill didn't begrudge Sookie her friend and boss... but he couldn't help the small spark of jealousy at her concern for Sam. He knew she would do the same to save him... but it still bothered him... just a little...

Thirty minutes later, they had a solid plan in place and Eric was headed back to Shreveport to make the rest of the travel arrangements. Bill and Jessica would join him there just before sunrise and wait for Sookie and Jason to collect them in the early afternoon. It would get them to New Orleans just after the sun set, and hopefully give them an slight advantage over the rest of the Authority.

That left Bill a few precious hours that he hoped he could spend with Sookie in his arms. He had seen signs of her exhaustion and frustration as the night went on... and he knew she needed rest, but a selfish part of him couldn't help but want her... need her. Although, just being able to hold her while she slept would do wonders to soothe all of the doubts and fears that had been chasing him since the night they drank that blood.

Bill hung back as Sookie said her goodbyes to Jason... he could see she was far from convinced that Jason was okay. He leaned against the door frame leading to the living room, just watching her tell her brother goodbye, not moving as she closed the door behind him and turned to face him. Bill just watched her... he loved looking at her. It was almost surreal, he had a hard time believing this wasn't just another dream where he would wake up alone.

Sookie watched him for a moment... looking at him as he had been looking at her. She clasped her hands in front of her, such a sweet, innocent gesture... made even more charming given the pink frilly dress she still wore.

"How long until you have to leave for Shreveport?" She asked, her dark eyes wide as she waited for his answer.

"A few hours," he replied softly, keeping his casual pose. A few hours that would never be enough... but more than he had thought he would ever get to spend with Sookie.

"So do you have other stuff you need to go do... or...?"

"No," He moved towards her then, just taking a few steps as he shook his head, "I'm not going anywhere."

She met him halfway, her arms closing around his neck as he reached for her. Their lips meeting in fervent kisses, as if they had both been starving for each other. She felt so good against him, her warmth spreading the length of his body.

He finally pulled his mouth from hers and lifted her up into his arms, carrying her up the stairs to her bedroom. She kept kissing him as he carried her, her lips on his jaw, his neck... it seemed any place she could reach.

"Please tell me this is real this time," She whispered, as she buried her face against his neck, "That you're really here and I'm not going to wake up alone."

Her words made him pause... he had just been thinking that same thing, which made him wonder just what to make of the dreams he'd had of them together.

"Sookie," he set her down in her room, his hands cradling her face to look into her eyes. "Did you dream about me? About us?"

"I'm always dreaming of you," She replied as she slid her hands under the edge of his shirt to touch his skin.

"But did you have strange dreams while I was gone, dreams where it was like we both knew we were dreaming?" He was having a hard time concentrating with the way she was touching him... she was just lightly stroking his back, but it was somehow so erotic. She paused her movements as he spoke.

"I... I did dream of you... when I stayed over at your house... we made love, and then you warned me about Russell, we even talked about how we were both so sure we were dreaming. Bill... did we... were we really both having the same dream? I was almost sure of it after I had woken... but it just seems so impossible."

"It does seem that way, I don't know how or why... but that's what happened in my dream as well." He kissed her then, unable to resist... knowing that he had really connected with her, even while they were hundreds of miles apart. He had never heard of such a connection between vampire and human. "I've missed you so much... needed you so much. You have no idea how you've saved me, Sookie."

Whatever he had believed in, or would come to believe in... he knew that Sookie had kept him sane, had given him something real to hold onto. His dream of her had come at the exact moment that he had needed it... a dream that was far more than just a dream. He didn't know how but it was nothing short of another miracle she had brought into his life.

"I love you, Sookie." He shrugged out of his leather jacket as he kissed her, barely able to tolerate having to take his hands off of her for even a second, "I love you."

He couldn't stop himself from saying it, he just needed to tell her... he needed to show her. She returned his kisses fully, her small hands tugging at his clothes as he ran his hands over her soft skin.

"I love you, I missed you... I need you, Bill." She pulled his shirt over his head, her voice breathy with desire, "I need you so much."