Disclaimer: I only own my own creations…but make them play in the True Blood world.

A/N: There's been a lot of questions about Hunter and Eric. In the show, they never meet, and Sookie doesn't tell Eric about him, so Eric has no idea who he is. Love the reviews...as always, you guys are awesome!

Chapter 12

New Orleans – Day 2 (cont.)

Eric POV

"A pleasure to meet you," I say while trying to get a read on the young vampire. His scent is clearly a mix of fairy and vampire. If I didn't know better I'd swear he was related to Sookie in some way...but all of her family, aside from her brother, are gone. He was clearly turned recently, I doubt he's been a vampire for more than a few years. More surprising is the fact that the Supernatural Council is unaware of his existence. One of the reasons I have remained so involved with them, was so I would know if any fairies became known. Sookie's safety is and will always be my priority. I don't like the fact that a fairy-vampire hybrid is in the Louisianan state court. He's too close to Sookie, and Ella, for my liking. I will need to learn more about the King's child.

My mind has wandered, and I rejoin the conversation in an attempt to wrap things up. I am anxious to see Sookie, and do not wish to miss our dinner reservation. The King is babbling something about ways NuBlood could help subsidize some of the state's continued rebuilding efforts...stating that Louisiana was one of the hardest hit states by Hep V, and therefore, it's citizens have contributed the most to the success of the company.

I intend to respond something to the effect that NuBlood is not a charity, when I have a change of heart. Suddenly, I am proposing a 1% profit share with the state, pending the California King's approval.

Where the hell did that come from?!

I notice Hunter's face has taken on a rather satisfied guise, and quickly realize why I have been asked here. It was about the money the whole time. Well played. It is not often that I am manipulated in such a manor. My distraction over Sookie must be to blame. No matter. It's an inconsequential amount, and there is some truth to their argument.

"I am glad we were able to come to an agreement. If there's nothing more, I would like to take my leave." Hearing no objection, I bow and turn on my heel.

"Wait!" It is a King's command, so I stop immediately.

"Your majesty?" I respond, hoping to mask my increasing frustration.

"I had thought you'd put up more of a fight than that...is the businessman in you taming the Viking?"

My initial response is nothing more than a smirk, as I reply, "Though my battles these past few years have been in the boardroom, and with no weapons other than my intellect and wit, make no mistake, I am EVERY bit the killer I ever was." I can see from the King's expression, that my not-so-veiled threat is clear. "That being said, you made a valid point regarding the needs of your state. My company is in a position to assist. I see no point in belaboring it."

"Well, I am glad of your support. Are you sure you can't stay and celebrate with us? I have some delectable donors on staff…" the King entreats.

"As delightful as that sounds, I do have plans for this evening, and will soon be late if I don't depart." I check my watch to see the time.

With a flourish of his hand, the King pronounces, "In that case, you are dismissed."

I bow, once again, and offer my thanks. I return to my room, grabbing the keys for my car. I drive rather than fly to meet my dinner guests.

Slower than expected, I find myself being buzzed in to Ella's building, and knocking at her door. It's Sookie who answers. By the gods. My hand is left suspended in the air, as my body ceases all movement.

I had known from her daughter's texts that she and Sookie had gone to the oceanside today, but nothing prepared me for the vision standing in the doorway. She is positively glowing. Her sun-bleached hair gently cascading over her beautifully bronzed shoulders and down her back. My involuntary intake of breath, has my lungs filling with the subtle scents of seawater and sunshine that her body has so recently bathed in. Gods, all I want to do is grab her, kiss her, and rub myself all over her. My cock hardens at the thought, as I struggle to keep my fangs from also making their presence known.

"You are stunning," the words have left my mouth of their own volition. Before I have the chance to add to my previous statement, Sookie has launched herself towards me, enclosing her arms around my neck. My body automatically wraps itself around hers in response. She fits so well, so perfectly in my arms. I hear her slight gasp of surprise when she discovers my arousal. Afraid that she will recoil, I am pleasantly surprised when instead, she buries her face into the crook of my neck, as I hear my name escape her mouth, on a breath that has my eyes widening in astonishment.

"Oh, Sookie." I feel my body relax as the moan escapes me. The words conveying so much more than she can imagine. My heart, once again, bared to the only person in a thousand years I ever felt safe enough to do so. Can she sense it? Can she feel the depth of my love for her? I tighten my embrace just slightly, hoping she will understand. I want her. I want all of her…her friendship, her trust, her body, and her love.

That has never wavered, never changed. From the moment she gave me my memories back, I have wanted nothing less. Pam and Nora knew. They chastised me for it, but it made no difference. I have never been so sure of anything in my undead life as I am about Sookie.

She rejected me before…a product of uncertainty, confusion, and naiveté. Even though she isn't that young girl anymore, and no longer under Compton's control, has she healed enough to move on? And if she is ready to move on, can she move on with me?

"Are you guys going to just stand there all night?" Ella jokingly asks. "Don't we have reservations to keep?"

Sookie pulls herself away from me, as her face reddens. My body misses the close contact immediately. I glance over to Ella, and notice her knowing grin. Meaning there is no point in trying to hide my "excited" state. I simply take Sookie's arm and lead her and Ella to my car.

We spend the evening enjoying each other's company, once again. The ladies seem to really enjoy the Cajun restaurant, and the jazz club we go to afterwards. Ella apologizes for cutting our evening short, since she must work in the morning. I drive us all back to the apartment, and am about to kiss Sookie goodnight, when she stops me by placing her hand on my chest.

I raise one of my eyebrows indicating my confusion as she shyly requests, "Won't you come inside for a bit? Ella has to go to bed, but I was hoping you would stay so we could talk some more. I'm not ready for this night to be over just yet."

The smile on my face is all the response she needs, as I soon find myself being led by the hand to the couch we had both occupied the previous night. I will follow you anywhere, you need only ask.

Sookie POV

The ride home from the beach had given me a lot to think about. As we made our way back to New Orleans, Ella's comment kept bouncing around in my head…you're already in a new relationship. Am I? And to what extent? His business advice has been a god-send. His acceptance and treatment of Ella, has warmed my heart. How is it then, that I am so deep in denial of his actions towards me?

Maybe, its our past. I spent a good number of years denying that I was even attracted to Eric. I fought so hard to ignore my feelings and impulses, where he was concerned. Once we were finally together, I didn't have enough faith in him or myself to think what we had was real. I let my fear (and Bill's blood) convince me that Eric only loved me for my body and fairy blood. I stubbornly believed he was incapable of loving me.

I know now, how wrong I was. Eric has proven time and time again, how much he truly cares for me. He has saved me, protected me, comforted me, and has even been willing to die for me…these are the acts of someone who loves, deeply. I didn't let myself see it before…but I can see it now. Eric Northman is in love with me.

We've returned to Ella's apartment, and I head to the bathroom to get ready. As I step under the spray of water in the shower, my mind drifts back to the time when Eric was living with me. He was so open and honest, wearing his heart on his sleeve…is it possible that this Eric, can be that way with me? As I continue to soap my stomach and chest, I close my eyes and remember when we cleaned off together in the shower after hours of love-making. My heart begins to race and feel a pleasant warmth travel through me to my core. There's no time for anything right now, I must get ready…but it amazes me still, how just the memory of him can elicit such a physical response.

I finish my shower, hair and makeup. I select a cotton sundress with thin spaghetti straps, as I am still feeling rather "heated" from my shower. I know being around the man, himself, will do nothing to help. I look at my reflection in the mirror, and note for the first time, the smile I can't seem to keep from my face. I may physically look like I did fifteen years ago, but I don't remember ever looking this happy.

I sit in the living room, waiting for Eric's arrival. I need to speak with him, about all these revelations, and I ask Ella if she'll help me out. We agree that she'll ask to head home early due to work, leaving Eric and I some time alone together. As we finish our discussion, the buzzer goes off announcing Eric's arrival.

My palms are sweating and my stomach flipping…I'm as nervous as a teenager on a first date! Ella smiles encouragingly at me, and steps back to allow me to be the one to answer the door. By the time the first knock can be heard, I am pulling open the door, and literally throwing myself at Eric. Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around his neck, clinging to him for dear life. I relax a bit as I feel him reciprocate the gesture, and can't help but snuggle into him as I utter his name.

My heart is pounding so fast, it's causing my ears to ring. My breath hitches, as I notice something hard pressing into me. Eric still wants me. The thought ignites the heat that has been slowly simmering under the surface. For a brief time, I consider skipping dinner and allowing us to be swept away by this wave of mutual attraction and need. The sound of Eric saying my name, brings me back to the moment. His embrace tightens a bit. The tone he used and the way he is clinging to me, speaks to something much greater than mere want. It's as if he is trying to reconnect, both physically and mentally with me. This vampire, who once told me he knew nothing of love…that it was a word he didn't understand, is now trying everything he can to show how much he loves me. Overwhelmed, all I can do is return the embrace, and hope he knows what it implies.

Ella interrupts, reminding us of our dinner reservations. I reluctantly pull away from Eric, and feel the heat of my embarrassment flood my cheeks. Avoiding any further humiliation, I quickly grab Eric's arm as he turns and makes his way to his car, with Ella in tow.

We have an amazing meal in the French quarter and take in a Jazz club, as well. The three of us garner the attention of several people. In part due to folks that recognize Eric from the NuBlood commercials. However, after hearing some other thoughts, it was because they think Eric is on a date with two beautiful women. I still forget how alike in age Ella and I appear. To me, this is more of a family outing…not the assumed polyamorous adventure people think it is. When Ella and I acknowledge what we're hearing to Eric, he laughs heartedly, thinking the whole misunderstanding is hilarious. Before long, Ella and I join in the laughter as well. I guess the joke is on them.

As we pre-arranged, Ella reminds us of her need to go to sleep early for work, and we make our way back to her apartment. She quickly dismisses herself, and Eric and I find ourselves alone. He looks like he is going to leave, so I stop him, and ask if he'll stay. I grab his hand and lead him to the couch, before he has a chance to say no.

Still holding on to Eric's hand, I turn slightly to face him, "I had such a wonderful time tonight, thank you. This has been an amazing day, I haven't felt this good in a long time."

Eric nods his head, and pulling on my hand slightly, gliding over closer to me. "I'm so glad to hear it. I love seeing you so content." At that, he reaches his other hand, and slowly strokes my check. Our eyes lock onto one another's, and I see his silent question, the approval he is seeking. My answer is the closing of my eyes, and the slight parting of my lips. He spares no time, in a heartbeat, his lips are gently caressing mine. The kiss deepens as his hand travels from my cheek back into my hair. Our other hands have broken away to allow them to travel around the other.

His tongue gently probes the seam of my lips and I open my mouth further, allowing him full access. I feel myself being drawn into him, as he cradles me in his lap, and I feel the rumble of Eric's chest as he moans in response. Our tongues begin a dance that will continue for several long minutes. Soon, I have to take a breath or two, and try slowing things down, saying as much in between toe curling kisses. To emphasize my point, I push slightly against his chest. That does the trick, and we break away, leaning our foreheads together, panting slightly.

I had forgotten what an amazing kisser Eric was. He loses himself so completely into a kiss, that you have no choice but to follow. As much as I would like to continue what we've started, I know that there are some things I need to talk to him about. With that in mind, I push back a little more, and remove my hands back to my own lap.

"Eric, I really do need to talk to you. Not that I didn't enjoy what we were just doing," I add with a smile, as I see his face start to fall slightly. "I just know that if I don't stop now, I may not be able to." I watch this time as his eyebrows rise in surprise. "That's part of what I want to talk about," I finish.

"Of course. You know you can say anything to me." Eric offers.

"I know. And I want you to know that it means the world to me. You have become such an important part of my life. I told myself, after my husband died, that I would be ok on my own. And I am…for the most part. But these past months, I've been reminded how different things are when you have someone to share them with." At my admission, I began to tear up.

"Sookie," Eric starts, as he reaches over and gently wipes a tear from my cheek.

Before he can continue, I ask him to let me go on, before I lose my nerve. His nods his agreement, as I begin, "You and I have a history. And I think it's because of that history, that it is easy for me to fall into denial of what we are to each other. I had done such a good job of denying my feelings for you in the past, that it is easy for me to do that again. It took Ella pointing it out to me, to see the truth." I have to stop and take a deep breath at this point.

I reach back over to Eric and take both of his hands in mine. Looking him in the eyes, I continue, "I loved my husband. He was my partner and friend. But there were times that I found myself thinking of you…missing you. I once told you I couldn't imagine a world without you in it. Those words are as true today as they were back then." Eric blinks as the words I am saying are absorbed. "You have been the one constant I my life since I first discovered the world wasn't what I thought it was. You showed me the world through the eyes of a vampire, and opened them to so many things. You helped me discover what I was, and you made me think of my abilities as a gift, and not a curse. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Most of all, you accepted me, warts and all, in a way no one else ever has."

"Sookie, I did all those things because I love you…I always have. I thought the notion of love at first sight was a stupid human belief…right up until the night you came to Fangtasia for the first time." Eric affirms. "In a thousand years, no one has ever made me feel the way that you do."

The words go straight to my heart. I feel my heart racing, and my hands begin to shake slightly. "Eric, I only recently realized the truth of my feelings for you before, as you know. And now, after everything, I find myself falling for you all over again."

I draw in a final deep breath, "Eric, I love you. And I think I'm ready to give this another try."

His lips find mine once again, as he takes hold of my face between his hands. The pressure is firm, but not unpleasant. My head begins to swim as his kiss steals the breath from me. Aware of my need to breathe, he pulls back from the kiss, and my eyes open to the look of pure joy adorning his face.

"I have waited 16 years to hear you say those words, my lover," he reveals as he lays another soft kiss on my lips, "I promise you, you will not regret it."