Disclaimer: I only own my own creations, and love to make them play in the True Blood world.

A/N: Thanks to all of you for being patient with my absence…the wedding was wonderful! (But as most Mothers of the Bride will probably agree, it's a bit of a relief once it's over). So, I'm back now, as promised. A longer chapter, since you had to wait. Please continue to let me know what you think. Your response has been amazing, and encourages me to keep going!

Also. I just realized in writing this chapter that I had previously called Jason's wife Michelle (as in the books), not Bridgette (in True Blood). Oops! I went back and changed it. Sorry for the mix-up.

Chapter 7

Bon Temps, 2027

Sookie POV

I wake up for the second day in a row, unsure of exactly where I am. The room is pitch black, and I feel a weight on my chest making it slightly hard to breathe. Is it the emotional weight of this day? I check my mental state, and though sad, I am not overly emotional at the moment. I try shifting my weight to roll over, and find that I can't move! I begin to panic as my sleep addled brain finally registers I am being pinned down by the actual weight of an arm. I relax as I remember the decision I made to sleep in the cubby with Eric last night. My heart catches in my throat as I think about his selfless act.

I begin to reflect on our talk last night. It was a conversation that was long overdue. Perhaps it was a blessing that we hadn't tried to discuss things all those years ago. I've learned so much about love and relationships since then. That combined with the realization that Bill's blood had played such a large role in my feelings, made me see my relationship with Eric in a whole new light. Last night, I finally admitted to myself, and to Eric, that I had truly loved him.

If I'm being honest with myself, it wasn't just Bill's blood that kept me from admitting my love for him before. I was afraid. I was afraid that I could never be enough for him. I mean really, he's over a thousand years old and is the walking embodiment of sexy! Why would a man like that ever settle for someone like me? And if he did, how long would it take before he'd grow tired of me? The world is full of beautiful people, more beautiful than me…just look at his current girlfriend (for example). She's gorgeous! I wouldn't have stood a chance against someone like her. Or so I told myself back then.

My husband was the one that changed all that. He was one of the first people who ever made me feel like I was beautiful. Eric told me. Bill told me. But I always brushed it off as a vampire crack fairy thing. I didn't trust that it was real. It wasn't until I could put the actions together with the thoughts behind them, that I fully realized all the subtle ways a lover can make you feel adored and attractive. Being able to read my husband's thoughts, I could trust the sincerity of his actions. Something I was never able to do with a vampire.

In hindsight, I see now how much Eric cared for me. I see the ways he tried to show me. At the time, I was such a blind and inexperienced young girl, I couldn't see what was literally right in front of me.

I'm not that girl anymore. I am a woman who has had her share of love and loss. A woman who has years of experience under her belt…if you'll excuse the pun. The time with my husband taught me to accept a compliment, appreciate all the little things, and to never take another's love for granted. God, I miss him.

They say that people who lose a cherished love, will live to find love again. I'm not thinking about that now or anytime soon. Today I am burying my husband of 12 wonderful years…the father of my child...the man who taught me how to be loved…how to love in return…and how to love myself.

I wouldn't be the woman I am today, had he not come into my life. It still seems strange that he's gone. I keep thinking he'll come walking through the front door any minute. I wonder how long it will be before I stop waiting for that door to open?

Before I realize it, and hour or so has passed. I was completely swept away by my thoughts. I tell myself to focus, and head to the kitchen to make some coffee. I have a feeling I'll be needing it. After two cups and a bowl of cereal, I head back upstairs to get cleaned up. The service isn't starting until after dark, but I expect I'll be receiving visitors on and off throughout the day.

I shower and get dressed in a conservative black dress. Some things are tradition for a reason. I notice the color washes me out, so I decide to put on a little makeup to compensate. It still takes me by surprise some days, when I look into the mirror and see the same face staring back at me. The same face. No change. What. So. Ever. Over the years I've tried to take comfort from it, but it can still be shocking. I check myself in the mirror one last time and head back downstairs. I can hear Lafayette in the kitchen with Ella.

I'm greeted with, "Look at you, child. I thought I'd be up in yo room, draggin' your sorry looking ass outta bed. But here you iz looking all proper and puts togetha." He continues, "I'm proud of ya, baby girl. I know today iz gonna be real hard. You jus' let LaLa know whatcha need. You know I'z here for both y'all." With that, he reached his arm around Ella and gave her a squeeze.

"Thank you, Lafayette. It means a lot. If you can just handle the food and refreshments, Ella and I can take care of the setup, the flowers and the Pastor." As if on cue, the florist knocks on the front door. I no sooner finish telling them where to put the flowers, when the rental company shows up. Two hours later, the tables and chairs are setup, the floral arrangements done, and Layfayette has the food ready to go. Ella excuses herself so she can get ready. She's put on a brave face all day, but I can see she is hurting. I've tried to be there for her, but I think we're both hurting too much to help the other right now.

Jason and Bridgette show up with their kids. We send them out back to play, with Bridgette promising to beat them senseless if they get their church clothes dirty. Soon, the rest of our friends and family make their way to the house. I planned an informal gathering in the front yard with the service in the cemetary. The weather is cooperating so far, with temperatures in the upper 70's and a slight breeze. When the sun fully sets, it should still be quite pleasant.

As the thought of sundown filters through my brain, another thought erupts suddenly! Cheese and Rice! Eric will be up any minute! With all the last-minute preparations, I forgot about Eric resting below my living room. I start to make my way back into the house, when I'm stopped by some new arrivals. The minutes drag by as one person after another offers their condolences. I appreciate it, I really do, but I fail to notice that the sun has set due to the distraction. I make a beeline for the front door when the opportunity presents itself, and as I walk into the foyer, I hear Ella scream upstairs. I run as fast as my legs will take me in the direction of the scream, only to find my red-faced daughter staring at an equally sheepish looking Eric, wearing nothing but a towel. Oh crap!

Eric POV

I wake up about an hour before sunset, as usual. I text Pam instructions to bring my belongings to Sookie's home as soon as she rises. I'll need to shower and get dressed before the funeral. I check my email, and take care of a few business-related items. I notice there still has been no attempt by Olivia to contact me. She must still be upset. I can't find it in me to care at the moment. I'll deal with her later.

I still have a bit of time to kill, so I decide to stretch back out on the bed. I can still smell her unique scent…I wonder, has it grown more noticeable? That sweet smell of sunshine and honey. I can't remember smelling it so strongly before. Perhaps, she is able to mask it somehow? I'll have to ask her about it sometime.

I can feel her sadness, but notice it being overshadowed by determination and strength through our bond. Gods, she's a stubborn woman. Instead of showing any weakness or vulnerability, she insists on rising to the occasion, and attempts to manage everything. I have no doubt of her success. When Sookie puts her mind to something, it is hard to get her to stop. How many times have I tried, and failed? She is a force of nature. It's best to just stay out of the way.

I can feel Pam making her way to me. I ascend the ladder and hope not to startle any unsuspecting mourners. As the doors open, I can see I am alone. Good. I would prefer if my underground room remained unknown. Pam blurs straight to me, with my bag in hand. I thank her, and make my way upstairs to the bathroom off Sookie's room, as I watch Pam make her way to the kitchen. Sookie had told me last night that she would leave some towels out for me.

I quickly shower, then step out and wrap a towel around my waist. I walk to the sink and as I just finish brushing my teeth and hair, I turn as Ella walks in to the bathroom. Her eyes go wide at the sight of me, and before I can say a word, she lets out an ear-splitting scream. Why do young women have to be so dramatic? I'm sure my presence was unexpected, but the scream was unnecessary. I immediately grab at the towel to make sure this scene doesn't become more embarrassing than it already is. As I'm reassured I have a good grip on it, I see Sookie come in looking slightly flushed and panting.

"Mom! Why is there a naked man in your bathroom?" Ella blurts out.

"Vampire." I say, and immediately regret it when I see the look I receive from BOTH fairies.

"Fine. Vampire. You know what I mean." Ella grumbles as she pierces her mother with a disapproving look. "Did he stay here last night…with you?" I could see the color make its way up Ella's neck all the way to her cheeks.

Sookie takes what I hope is a calming breath, and speaks, "Ella. It's not what you're thinking. Yes, Eric, I mean Mr. Northman, stayed here last night. As a supportive friend. Nothing more." She continues as if speaking to a child, "So you can stop looking at me like that, right now young lady." I have nearly forgotten that she IS talking to a child. Ella, to her credit, has the intelligence to at least act apologetic, though I'm unsure how genuine it is.

Ella turns to leave the room as Sookie asks, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Ella mutters, "I'm sorry, Mr. Northman. I was rude. Forgive me." Though she maintains her eye contact with her mother, rather than risking another look at myself.

"There's nothing to forgive. I am sorry to have startled you." I offer. Ella takes this as her cue to leave, and turns and makes her way out of the room.

"I'm sorry too, Eric." Sookie says. I forgot to tell Ella you were here.

"Think nothing of it, you have far more important things to deal with tonight." I find it hard not to reach for her and hold her, as the truth of my words sink in. I notice how lovely she looks, even though the black dress is a bit harsh against her tan skin and fair hair. Black is not her color, it never was. My heart hurts as I think of all the times she has donned the oppressive color on other occasions like this.

"You look lovely." I say the words before I can stop myself, and am surprised when she graciously accepts the praise, without trying to deny or deflect it. Instead, I am gifted with her thanks accompanied by a slight blush. Delightful.

"Well, I best be getting back to my guests, and you need to get dressed. See you down there?" She questions.

"Yes, of course. I'll be down soon."

I finish dressing in my black two-piece suit. Unlike Sookie, the color becomes me. Besides, I'd learned long ago that humans prefer the color for mourning.

I join everyone in the front yard, and if anyone notices that I came out of the house before they saw me go in, no one mentions it. Pam is talking to Willa, and I walk over to join them. It isn't long before Ella makes the announcement that we should all start making our way to the cemetery.

Once everyone is settled, Reverend Daniels starts his service. I am seated in the row behind Sookie, as the front row was reserved for family. At least I can keep an eye on her from here.

Once he has read some passages from the Christian Bible, and a song is sung by someone I do not know, Ella is asked to come up front to deliver the eulogy.

She stands in front of this small gathering of people, with her head high and back straight. Yes, I think to myself, she really is Sookie's daughter. She has her mother's strength and courage. She begins with a few short stories about her childhood (such as it was) and as she begins to talk about the ways her father helped to make her the person she is, and how accepting he was of her "otherness" she starts to cry. The cries soon turn to sobs, and she barely whispers an apology as she runs off. Sookie stands, and I think for a moment that she plans to run after her, but she walks to the podium just vacated instead.

She is crying as well, but doesn't seem at all bothered by it. She begins, "I'm sorry about that folks, Ella is having a hard time handling all this, as I'm sure you can imagine. As many of you know, I've buried nearly my entire family in this graveyard. My momma and daddy. My Gran and Grampa Earl. And now my husband. You'd think burying so many loved ones, that it might get easier, but it doesn't." At this, a few more tears make their way down her cheeks. "Each and every time, it was just as hard to say goodbye. This time is no different. How do you say goodbye to the person who has been by your side for the past twelve years? Sure, I can stand up here and tell y'all stories about what a great dad and husband he was…but y'all know that about him already. I could tell you about all the good he did as a counselor, but you know that too. There's hardly a person in this town that he didn't touch in some way. He supported and loved us all, and was always there to help navigate through life's challenges, and lord knows we had our share of those. He was a good man. Plain and simple. He was taken too soon." That last word cracked a bit as she spoke it. "My Gran raised me and Jason with a strong faith, and that faith tells me that he has gone on to a better place. I only hope that if he is able to look down on Ella and me, that he will continue to be proud of us both. He always encouraged us to make the most of life. I know I speak for Ella and myself when I say that we will try our best. Goodbye my dear, sweet husband. May God bless you."

Sookie steps away from the podium and walks back to her seat. I watch as her shoulders begin to shake from crying, and I reach forward with a handkerchief. She accepts it gladly. It is the least I can do, and that's what is so frustrating. Her words were understated but eloquent. She looks every bit a woman composed, but only I can feel the emotions that are hidden below the surface. She's hurting, lost and lonely.

The service concludes, and everyone returns to the house. Her company is catering the event and it gives me another opportunity to try one of her vampire cocktails. It is the blood orange one this time. Delicious. I need to give some serious thought on how to help Sookie launch her brand, once this is all over. Though it pains me to have to leave, Pam and I are on borrowed time as it is. We can't let our businesses go too long without us. We are planning on flying back to LA tomorrow.

One by one, the mourners make their ways home, leaving just a small group of us. Ella has rejoined us, and is helping Layfayette as she had done the night before. So much like her mother…always doing something, never slowing down…avoiding something she doesn't want to deal with. That's unfair of me. It occurs to me that Sookie isn't the one acting that way now. Perhaps it's another example of how much she has matured.

Pam comes and wishes me goodnight, advising me that she is returning to the old Compton place with Jessica and Hoyt.

"I don't suppose we'll see you later?" she snarks with a raised eyebrow.

"No, probably not." I reply.

"Just be careful, Eric. She's in a very emotional place right now." Pam seems genuinely concerned for Sookie's well-being, and I must say that it touches me. It didn't happen overnight, but I believe Pam has learned to respect Sookie. I could even see them as friends one day.

"I will, Pam. I've been in those shoes. I remember well how it feels." And I did. Much like Sookie, I have buried my share of loved ones, human and vampire alike. It's just another thing we have in common, though at times like this, I wish it wasn't. "Have a good night. I will come over tomorrow evening so we can head to the airport together."

Sookie says goodbye to the last of her guests. I climb the front porch and step to the side of the front door waiting. She soon joins me, and I follow as she leads me to her Living Room. She takes a seat on the sofa, and slide in next to her. The night has taken on a chill. She wraps her arms around her, I suspect for warmth more than comfort. She has the same ugly afghan over the back of the couch, and I pull it around her shoulders.

Ella and Lafayette say their goodbyes, and I watch as Ella makes her way up to her room. Once again, Sookie and I find ourselves alone. I ask if she needs anything…Kleenex, a warm drink, anything at all? She says that she's ok, and then changes her mind.

"Do you think you could just hold me?" she asks shyly. "I feel so weak asking you this, again, but it really did make me feel better. That's pathetic of me, isn't it?"

"Sookie, there is nothing pathetic about you. Why would you say such a thing?"

"I don't know. It's an old habit I thought I'd outgrown…blaming myself for everything. I'm just so confused, and I'm sad, and feel so alone. Even just having you hold me makes me feel less lonely somehow." She turns away from me avoiding eye contact.

"Sookie, look at me." I demand softly. I reach over and gently cup her cheek. "I am here for you, you know that. Whatever it is you need, I'll gladly give it." Before I can continue, she surprises me by closing the distance between us as she presses her lips to mine. The kiss is urgent, and I can feel her desire building. She parts her lips and her tongue begs for mine to open to her. I waste no time, and soon our tongues meet and I can taste her. My fangs nearly drop as the memories of her flood my mind. Her hands snake up my neck and her fingers stroke through the strands of my hair. I pull her close to me, unaware of what I'm doing. I am lost, no rational thought remains…it's just the two of us in this moment. I feel her pull one of her hands from my hair, as she slowly drags her fingers down my chest, across my abdomen, stopping at my belt. She deftly unbuckles the belt one-handed, and I know she isn't going to stop there.

I shift slightly to allow a bit of space between us. I move my lips to her cheek, and taste the trail left behind by her tears. Their salty taste hits me like a tidal wave…this is wrong. As much as I would love to let things progress further, this isn't right. It's her grief. If I let things happen between us tonight, she will never forgive me.

I reach down for her hand to still it. Her eyes snap open, and she stares me in the face, her breathing still hard. "What is it?" she asks.

"Sookie, we can't do this. Not now. Not like this." Her expression changes to one of pain, and then her face flushes with embarrassment as she quickly covers it with both hands. She shakes her head not wanting to accept what just happened. Her hands make their way slowly over her mouth as she utters, "Oh my god, what am I doing?" the shock now evident on her face. She clearly is disgusted by her actions, as her eyes fill with bitter tears of regret.

I take Sookie's hands in mine, and look her in the eyes. "As I said earlier tonight to your offspring, you have nothing to apologize for. You are grieving, and you acted on impulse. Please don't take my refusal as anything other than me trying to do what's best for you. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to reacquaint myself with every inch of your body, to kiss every bit of your skin, to make love to you in every way that I can…when you are ready."

I could tell that my words had flustered her, but I didn't care. I was leaving to go back to California, but it wouldn't be for long. I knew Sookie would need time to mourn, and time to heal. I would give her that. But I was never going to walk out of her life again. I'd made the mistake before, and I wasn't about to repeat it. I would be a friend to her now, and gods willing, her lover once again when the time comes.