Disclaimer: I only own my own creations, and make them play in the True Blood world.
A/N Thanks for all the awesome reviews (don't worry Asrailefay, I would NEVER have Sookie's daughter and Eric become a thing…just EWWW). As I have said, this is an Eric and Sookie HEA story (eventually). My goal has always been to be as "true" to the TV Show canon as possible, with a slight twist. I like to think of this story as my own version of True Blood, Season 8.
Chapter 5
Bon Temps, 2027
Sooke POV
When Ella came into the house and said there were a couple of vampires waiting outside for me, I'd be lying if I said I knew who it would be. I hadn't seen Pam or Eric in over a decade. With my husband's work, he came into contact with vampires quite regularly, so I assumed it was a few of his now former clients coming to pay their respects. Word had traveled fast about the accident, so I expected there would be many visitors over the next couple of days.
I finish plating some appetizers on a tray, and make my way outside. I look out to the front yard and spot them immediately. Pam and I make eye contact as I hear her say some something vulgar. Seems some things haven't changed. From the look on her face, I assume she is thinking the same thing. Pam was expecting 40-year-old Sookie, not this version of my younger self. I'm not immortal, like her, but Dr. Ludwig assures me that I can look forward to a much longer than human life expectancy with decelerated aging. I'm sure most would see that as a perk. I see it as a bit of a burden, because like vampires, I am now doomed to live a long enough life that I will be forced to watch those around me grow old and die (with the exception of Ella, of course).
It's funny, really, the ironic funny. I am now experiencing the very thing I was terrified of putting Bill or Eric through. One of the reasons I hesitated to make any kind of long term commitment to a vampire was my fear of my own mortality. In the end, it was I who ended up staying young while I watched my husband grow older. Even though it was a tragedy that took his life and not old age, it would have happened eventually.
When he turned forty, and folks started thinking he was a cradle robber or worse, I could tell it was starting to take a toll on him. He'd laugh and say folks were just jealous he was married to such a hottie, but his inner thoughts betrayed him. On bad days, he'd actually feel some resentment towards me and Ella. Often feeling like he was the odd man out. He never put a voice to his thoughts, and I tried to stay out of his head as much as possible. Things were just better that way.
Now, I have no choice but to keep moving forward. Not just for myself, but for Ella too. She may be a young woman, but in many ways, she is still my little girl. Mother and daughter, even though we look like we could be twins. If nothing else, at least we have each other.
I am torn from my thoughts as my eyes slide from Pam to the man beside her. Eric. In an instant I find myself being drawn to his beautiful ocean blue orbs. My mind races through a kaleidoscope of images of the two of us together, until it stops on the moment of comfort he gave me the day Alcide had died. Even when he was faced with his own final death from Hep V, he offered me the compassion I craved. The feel of his embrace, the gentle stroking of his hands, the light kisses on the top of my head…that's what I need right now. Hadn't he always offered those things to me when it mattered? And now, I find myself again in need of his strength and support. It's selfish, I know, but without any conscious thought my hands and arms are already extending out towards him.
It takes mere seconds for him to make his way to me, and I find myself wrapped in his generous arms, my head pressed to his chest like a child. Comfort. Peace. Silence. I let a breath out I didn't know I was holding as I tell him how happy I am that he is here. My friends and family mean well, and they are all doing their best to provide their support during this terrible time. Eric knows what I need, without me asking. It seems we've always had that kind of connection.
Eric POV
"I wanted to be here for you, I know what you have been going through." I recognize the double meaning in my words. Little does she know that I have been sensing her pain from the start. Literally. I can feel her as she nuzzles into my chest, and I involuntarily tighten my hold. I errant thought enters my mind...this time, don't let her go. Before I can mull over what that may mean, the front door of the house opens as a string of people make their way to the waiting tables and chairs. Most have plates filled with food. I ask Sookie, "Have you eaten anything?"
Sookie shakes her head no. Though it pains me to do so, I unwrap my arms from around her, and I take a step back. "You need to eat something...to keep up your strength." Reluctantly, she turns to make her way back inside, but hesitates before leaving.
"I'll wait right here for you." I say as a way of encouragement.
Sookie smiles and replies, "Actually, I was going to ask if you wanted to get yourself and Pam a drink?" She continues, "I have some vampire-friendly refreshments inside."
My curiosity was getting the better of me. What kind of vampire refreshments, I wondered? As usual, Sookie has managed to pique my curiosity.
As we make our way to her kitchen together, we pass by her daughter. Sookie appears to be glaring at Ella and mouths the word "Stop" at her. I imagine they are carrying on some kind of telepathic conversation. It seems to be harmless, however, as Sookie is once again looking as relaxed as she is able to be at a time like this.
The kitchen has been recently updated, and is much larger than I remembered. The room has been expanded out the back of the house, where the back porch once stood. I notice the appliances have been upgraded to a more professional grade. The refrigerator is at least twice the size of her old one. The stove, which is piled with food containers of varying sizes, is a six burner with a built-in griddle. It has the brand name 'Viking' on the front, and I can't help but smile to myself. On closer inspection, I notice the food containers have labels on them from 'Bellefleur's Too Catering'.
At that precise moment, Lafayette comes walking in from the back and upon seeing Sookie drawls, "Hey Boss lady, I just put out the last of them mini crab cakes, I'z gunna go grab a couple of them lemon tarts you made. Laf's got things all under control, baby girl." Then turning to me, "I guess I'z should be sayin' welcome back to ya. See if maybe YOU can keep her outta here. But make her eat somthin' first."
Frowning, Sookie responds, "Stop talking like I'm not standing right here. I came in to get some food and to get a drink for Eric and Pam. Is the pitcher in the fridge?"
"Sure is. Them vamps ain't gonna know what's hit em'" Lafayette confirms.
Sookie starts putting a plate of food together for herself, and then grabs two tall glasses. She walks over to the fridge and pulls out a pitcher filled with a dark burgundy fluid, I assume is blood. She pours both glasses and hands them to me, then after adding a few more things to her plate, she begins walking back outside. I follow.
"Lafayette referred to you as "Boss Lady", what's that all about?" I inquire as I continue to eye the glasses in my hands.
Sookie laughs briefly and answers, "Well, that's what I am." By now we have reached one of the tables, and she motions for me to take a seat. Pam has stepped away while speaking on her cellphone, so I place her glass at the spot to my right. Sookie sits down across from me and begins, "After you and Pam left to get NuBlood started, and after all the damage Hep V did, I figured I needed to do my part. With as much as I could scrape together, I invested in NuBlood, hoping if enough people did, it would help get the cure out there."
I stared at it her in disbelief. "You're an investor in my company?"
"Of course. I always believed in you Eric, and I believed in what you were doing." She added, "As the stock price continued to rise, I reinvested some, and then sold some off eventually. I had earned enough that I was able to earn a degree online, and then start my own catering business."
"Bellefleur's Too, that's you?" I questioned. "That explains the kitchen remodel."
"Yes, and Lafayettte works for me now. I made an arrangement with Arlene, so we can cater events at the restaurant, as well as outside venues. Bellefleur's gets a small part of the profit. Plus, I get to be my own boss. We've been in business for nearly 8 years now."
"I'm impressed. I always knew you were destined to do more than just wait tables," I finished. And I meant it.
"Lafayette and I have been working on something new to augment our existing business. Targeting an untapped market…vampires." She watched as my eyebrow rose to my hairline. I made a gesture with my hand to indicate she should continue.
"Well, Lafayette really came up with the idea. Being with James and all, he noticed that certain foods he ate could lend a different flavor to his blood. So, I wondered if it was possible to somehow capture flavor essences in a way that could be added to manufactured blood products like NuBlood." She waited for me to respond.
"I'm intrigued, give me an example." I said.
"I kinda already did," she explains as she indicates the glass in front of me. "That is one of our signature flavors, Saveur à la Vie's Bloody Mary. Go on, give it a try."
I raise the glass to my lips and take a taste. I can tell immediately that this is not a normal blood substitute. Its NuBlood, without question, but with a spicy almost smoky note. Surprised, I tell her, "It's actually quite good. What other flavors have you developed?"
She smiles brightly at that, pleased that I liked it. "We have a few others. A fruity variety we've called Blood Orange, and a savory variety named Blood au Jus. I'm also working on a sweet variety using a honey essence." I notice the blush making its way across her face as she adds, "We're really just getting the company off the ground, barely past the test market phase."
"So, what's your next step for…what was the name again?" I ask as I try not to think about her own "honey essence" …its nearly making my fangs drop. Not now, Northman, this isn't the time! I mentally scold myself.
She answers, "We'd like to try a few Vampire events locally, and eventually plan an official launch of Saveur à la Vie in New Orleans."
"Flavor to Life…it's a good name, I like it." I noticed Sookie had nearly finished her plate of food while we had been talking. I hoped it was because I helped take her mind off the pain, even if only for a few minutes. It was nice learning about her life these past years. I am deeply impressed by what she has accomplished, profoundly grateful for her faith in me, and happy that my company played a part in her success.
Ella steps up to Sookie to let her know there a few new people who have arrived that want to give her their best. Sookie excuses herself, just as Pam finally rejoins me. I ask her to sit down and tell her she should really try the drink Sookie made. My child looks skeptical at first, shrugs, and proceeds to take a sip.
"Hot Damn, Eric! What is this?" she demands. Apparently, Pam likes it. Before I can blink, Pam is chugging the concoction down like a frat boy chugs a beer. I'm practically expecting her to belch when she reaches the bottom of her glass. "That was delicious!" she exclaims, "not quite as good as fresh from the source, but altogether, not bad. Sookie made it?"
I go on to explain what Sookie and Lafayette have been up to in our absence. Like me, Pam seems impressed. Moreover, she suggests the very thing I'd been thinking since I tasted the Bloody Mary…that once the funeral is over and Sookie has had some time, we should offer to help her company launch itself nationally by cross-marketing it with NuBlood. It could be a win-win situation for everyone.
We decide to table the matter for now, and take the opportunity to walk around re-acquainting ourselves with the people of Bon Temps. Vampires, supes and humans alike. The only less-than-warm reception we get is from Willa. She is obviously harboring some resentment towards Pam and I, but she still remains civil. We end the night speaking with Jessica and Hoyt who have kindly offered to let us stay with them.
Soon, the group of mourners begins to disperse, and just a few of us remain. I start to make my way over to Sookie and her daughter to bid them goodnight.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Ella." I offer a slight bow of my head. "I'm sorry it had to be under these circumstances. My condolences."
"Thank you," she says sweetly. "I'm sorry as well. I'm sure my Mom appreciates you coming all this way."
"Yes, I do," I hear her say. "Do you really have to go so soon? I was hoping you'd stay so we can finish getting caught up. I'm sure Pam won't mind."
Ella tells her mother that she and Lafayette will finish cleaning up everything, and encourages her to sit out on the porch swing since it's such a nice night. I assume its because it provides some privacy as well.
Sookie takes my hand and leads us to the swing. We sit side by side, silently, at first. Sookie staring up at the stars in the sky. I notice that she hasn't let go of my hand yet. I focus on the feel of it in my own. The softness of her skin, the warmth I can feel in her touch. I remember it. I remember everything. Nora once sat right where we are now, and told me she knew I loved Sookie. I had responded that it was in another life. True as my words were then, I can't deny that I part of me has always loved her, and loves her still.
Gods, I have missed this woman. And though I have no intention of pursuing her in her time of grief, I vow to myself that I will NOT walk out of her life again.
A/N Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know I may not post again for a week or so, as my daughter is getting married next week. Don't worry. There's lots more to come. To quote Eric, "This is the beginning."
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