Authors Notes:

Hey everyone, so I decided to update a day early this week. I am going to try and do updates on Tuesdays from here on out, but I was too impatient to wait another day. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of there days to review, I also want to thank everyone who has added me to their favorites list, for either the story or me as an author. Much love to you for that. Thanks as always to my Editor/beta Catie, without her fic would be much harder to read. *cough cough* Shameless plug *cough* Okay everyone, I know that some of you are following my other fic The Dance, but I am sure that some of you had no clue I had more than one active fic going at the moment. So… show me some love and go and check it out. For thouse of you who read both fic's I bet you recognize these AN's. I know typically I write different notes for each fic, but I am being lazy this week, sue me. MWAH. Any ways, as always don't forget to leave a review, be it good, bad, or indifferent. Until next time, enjoy the chapter.

Tons of love,

Lilli

Chapter 5

**Sookie's POV**

Waking up in Eric's arms and not still trapped by that madman, my former beau, Bill Compton, is a huge relief. If I don't move around too much I can almost pretend that nothing has happened. Almost. I think it is time that I give myself a huge reality check on my life and the way things have been going. Right now though, I just don't want to think about it. Later, definitely later, I will need to examine things and decide what to do about, well, everything.

Godric is definitely not very happy with me when I try to make light of my current state, but really what am I supposed to do? Scream about how unfair my life is? Pout and cry and run off like a little girl? Pretend that things are 'normal' so that I can fool myself into believing that I fit in or that I am normal as well? What would any of that accomplish? Nothing. I would still be me, and my problems would still be wherever I ran to. So what is the point in behaving in such a way? Nope, I would just have to suck it up, face some hard realities, and cope with the situation that I find myself in. Just, not right this second.

I turn from looking at Godric and back to Eric; he smiles down at me warmly. God, how had I never noticed him looking at me that way? How had I never seen the love behind those piercing blue pools? How had I never noticed how truly beautiful he is? I think I have been deluding myself on a lot of things.

One of the biggest ones, and the one I had spent the last several months trying to convince myself of, is that Eric is a monster. Sure, he has his dark side, and he is capable of truly evil things, but aren't we all in a way? At least he has the excuse of being a vampire. What excuse do the rest of us have? I have never seen him treat anyone unfairly. I even had to admit, at least to myself, that Lafayette was trapped in Eric's little dungeon because he had chosen to sell V. Eric could have done so much worse to him than he did, but he didn't.

I tilt my head a little, taking in the total package that is Eric. He reminds me a bit of Angel, from that silly Buffy show. A vampire with a soul, tortured with self-hatred, for who and what he was. I almost laugh aloud when I picture Eric running around, all broody in a black trench coat, saving damsels in distress, and putting up with an insufferable snob that runs around saying stupid valley girl sayings. Somehow, I doubt Eric would ever put up with the likes of Buffy for very long.

"So, I assume that since I am awake that means ya'll are going to give me some of your blood right?" I ask Eric and Godric.

"Of course lover."

I can't help but to roll my eyes at the whole lover comment. Where does he come up with his terms of endearment? "Well, would you be so kind as to help me sit up please? I can't do it on my own yet and I would prefer not to choke."

Without a word he sort of picks me up and rocks me into a position that suits him, and me if I am perfectly being honest, with me cradled firmly against his chest. Godric takes a few steps towards me, his eyes blazing as he looks me over. There is such a mixture of emotions playing across his face so rapidly; I am having a hard time keeping up with them. When I see lust, I feel my body blush and I realize for the first time that I am still completely naked. I can't believe I am so comfortable with these two men that it hasn't even occurred to me that I am naked in front of them.

"Umm…Godric?"

He smiles kindly at me and says, "Yes little one?"

"Would it be all possible to get something to wear, something you wouldn't mind being ruined? Seeing as how I am not quite up for a bath yet, but would like to be somewhat covered." He chuckles lightly at me.

"Of course little one." He sets something down on a small table that is next to the door and slips out of the room to find me something to wear. Eric runs his fingertips up and down my arms while we wait in companionable silence, every now and then kissing the top of my head or my shoulder. The gesture is so intimate, and doesn't feel awkward in any way.

It is really quite amazing how comfortable and happy I am, with both him and Godric after such a short period of time. My analytical side is screaming at me to question all of their motives for being so kind to me, for feeling so comfortable, for allowing myself to trust them so completely. But instead of listening to that stupid voice like I had my entire life, the one that kept me away from other people, the one that allowed me to be with Bill because he was nice and 'safe,' for the first time ever I am telling my stupid self-doubts to take a hike and shut the fuck up

Godric strolls casually back into the room carrying a cream colored, button up tunic, much like the one he was currently wearing. It won't be huge on me like a dress, but it will do the trick of covering the majority of my girly bits. Godric and I are after all fairly close to the same size. He wasn't feminine by any standard but he was petite compared to most men and he definitely looked petite if I compared him to Eric. Of course everyone looked tiny next to Eric. Godric's broad shoulders would allow some extra length in the shirt and his slightly taller frame, his 5'11" compared to my own 5'5", would also help to allow the shirt to hopefully cover my rear end.

I reach out to take the shirt, not really thinking about the fact that I am injured, and I cry out when pain shoots through my ribs, hips and chest. Eric pulls me tightly to his chest, cradling me against him, burying his nose in my neck and running his fingers through my hair. All the while he is shushing me softly, until I can breathe through the pain and calm myself.

I feel his lips moving softly over my shoulder as he whispers over and over again, "I'm so sorry Sookie, I'm so very sorry." I am shocked. I'm not really sure how to react to this display from him. This smug, arrogant bastard that I almost convinced myself to hate before this trip, is actually apologizing to me. Not only is he apologizing, but he also seems genuinely upset by what happened to me and remorseful that he wasn't able to stop it all sooner. I can't quite wrap my mind around it.

Didn't I always kind of know though that there was more to Eric than met the eye? If I am being really honest with myself, and if you can't be honest with yourself in your own thoughts then where can you be, I had figured out almost immediately after meeting him that a lot of the way he behaved was merely an act. Put on to intimidate those around him to keep them all in line. He has had to survive for over a thousand years in a cutthroat world, where it was a reality to eat or be eaten, and not just some stupid saying.

You cannot survive in that kind of environment night in and night out by being all puppies, rainbows, sunshine, unicorns, and love. No, he had to be hard, cruel, and even appear to have no positive, well at least what I view as positive, emotions. Eric is a good man; I need to stop taking him for granted just because I am scared of what a relationship with him might mean I squeeze his hand, which is currently residing on my belly, gently.

"It's not your fault," I say. I look up and find Godric's eyes searching me as if he could read my very soul. I want to make sure he knows that I include him in this sentiment. "Either of you. Do you two understand me? It isn't your fault he did this to me. You both saved me and I am positive that you both got to me as soon as you could. I appreciate what the two of you did for me this evening more than I have words for. Now stop blaming yourselves and help me with this shirt." I smile up at Godric and squeeze Eric's hand again softly.

Godric hands Eric the shirt and turns to get whatever it was that he had set down on the little table. Eric gingerly slips the shirt over my arms, barely jostling me as he slides it into place. His fingers ghost down the front of my body as he quickly buttons up the shirt, and it takes all of my concentration to force myself not to react to that light touch. On the one hand it was awesome that after the tragedy I endured tonight that my body could still react this way, but on the other I was very aware of how injured I actually was, and allowing myself to shiver with desire would not be a pleasant feeling in this particular instance.

A glitter of light reflecting off of a shiny surface in my peripheral vision catches my attention. I look up to find the source of the light, only to find that it is clasped tenderly between Godric's fingertips. "What is that?" I whisper so quietly that I have to wonder if Godric and Eric actually heard me. I know that supes have extra powerful hearing, but my words came out as a small breath of sound. Almost inaudible even to me, and I had spoken them.

A huge smile spreads across Godric's face and Eric maneuvers an arm around my waist grasping the opposite hip lightly. "This is a chalice from my days as Chieftain of my tribe. Do you like it little one?"

I nod my head in the affirmative. "Good. Eric and I thought that it would be better if we gave you our blood this way, so as not to turn it into anything torrid. We want to ensure that you are completely ready when you yield to us."

I feel my anger flash through me quickly when I realizehe said 'when' and not 'if.' Damn cocky vampires. My irritation is quickly squelched though when another reflection of light, caused by Godric crawling up onto the bed, redirects my attention. I watch as Godric moves effortlessly over the mattress, stopping directly in front of me and settling himself by sitting on his claves and the heels of his feet.

I gasp in shock as I get a closer look at the goblet that caught my attention. I know that cup, and before I can stop myself I blurt out, "This has to be some kind of trick or something. I have never, ever told anyone about that cup." I point at the goblet as if to clarify which cup I mean, as if there were hundreds of other cups that just happened to be in the room with us.

Godric looks clearly confused and before he can even pose the question I say, "I have dreamt of that cup, in some capacity, every night for as long as I can remember." I can't believe that it actually exists.

Godric merely smiles at me kindly and says, "Perhaps it is fate then little one."

"Can I… I mean may I please hold it?"

"Of course little one," he says softly. I reach out with trembling fingers and grasp the goblet, interlocking my fingers with Godric's around the stem and base of it. A feeling of warmth and love washes over me and I gasp at the feeling. Eric lifts the hand, that wasn't currently grasping my hip, and places it on top of the goblet. A soft blue light engulfs the three of us and it feels like the universe let out a sigh of relief. It is as if it has been waiting for this moment in tense anticipation for millennia and now that it has occurred it can finally relax.

"Welcome home lover, we will always look out for you," Eric whispers softly in my ear. Although I know I should be bothered by his words, I just can't bring myself to be. It all just feels too perfect. It is as if the three of us had all been missing a piece of a puzzle that made up our very being. I know without a shadow of doubt that the three of us belong together. I would never leave their side and they would never leave mine. When one of us falls, the others will be there to help them back onto their feet. We will stand beside each other always.

"Now little one, we must get you healed," Godric says softly, a small smile gracing his beautiful features. And he was beautiful. He wasn't feminine in any way but his good looks were definitely softer, not like Eric's rugged sharp features. Eric was of course drop dead gorgeous, but Godric had the kind of male beauty that brought to mind tales of Adonis and Leonardo's David, more pretty than handsome. Eric and Godric were at opposite ends of the male beauty spectrum; they were like night and day.

"Take the chalice firmly in your grasp please Sookie," Godric says, interrupting my musings on his good looks. Godric pauses for but a moment to make sure that I have the cup firmly gripped between my fingers. As his hands leave the stem of the cup, I notice for the first time that it has a significant amount of weight to it. The metal is warm to the touch and the jewels that are deeply embedded throughout it are as soft as rose petals from being worn down with age.

Godric reaches behind him and pulls a dagger out of what seems to be thin air. It is the most beautiful piece of craftsmanship I have ever witnessed in a blade. It isn't like I have the opportunity to see a lot of daggers and swords and what not, but I would bet dollars to diamonds that this was the most beautiful dagger on the planet. The hilt is made of gold, but looks to be a bit tarnished from the wear and tear of time. What appears to be a dragon is winding its way up the hilt of dagger, almost as if it is cuddling and protecting the precious object it surrounds.

At the very tip of the hilt, the pommel I think it's called, the dragon's head faces up to the heavens and its mouth is thrown open in a silent roar. Clasped firmly between the dragon's teeth is a very large, very impressive, very beautiful, blood red ruby. The position of the stone and the deep color reminds me of fire escaping its lips, without all the bothersome orange to impede its seductive quality. I have always thought that fire had a seductive, sexy quality to it, but whenever I stand in front of a fire I always think that it would be much more beautiful if the fire was pure in color.

Eric lifts his hand from the cup and turns his wrist from flat to sideways, and Godric mirrors his movements with the opposite hand and wrist. I realize suddenly that Godric is going to cut both of their wrists; I'm not sure why it has not occurred to me before now. The blood that will heal me had to leave their bodies somehow and I suddenly don't want them harming themselves in any way. Before I even have an opportunity to voice my objections though, Godric quickly slices up Eric's extended wrist and then down his own. The movement is so quick that the first drops of their blood fall into the cup at the exact same moment. Perhaps Godric did it this way intentionally, I really wasn't sure, but it was impressive to say the least.

I watch in silence as their blood slowly flows from their veins filling the cup. It trickles from them at an almost agonizingly slow pace and I am reminded of the time that I had tried making molasses cookies with Gran one year. Jason, for some unknown reason, got it in his head to stick the molasses in the fridge. It took forever to get out the proper amount of the thick, sticky liquid to make the darn cookies. Finally after what felt like an eternity, their wounds slowly come to a close and the trickle of blood ceases.

Eric and Godric, moving in unison as if rehearsed, bring their hands down, gently grab one of my own, and guide the cup to my lips. As the first drop of the concoction passes over my tongue I am almost overwhelmed by a burst of flavor that explodes along my senses. When I had their blood previously, while trying to save their lives at the nest, I noted the unique flavors that made up their blood. I had however been so busy that I did nothing more but take note of it and move on.

Now though, in the privacy of Godric's bedchamber, with the both of them pressing so closely to me, I savor every last drop. I can distinctly taste both of them in the blood concoction, and their flavors combine so perfectly to form what I could only imagine Ambrosia tastes like. Godric's warm spicy flavors reminds me of hot Chai tea. All of that lovely ginger, cinnamon, star of anise, and just a hint of nutmeg that always warms me down to my toes, with just the smallest bit of heavy cream.

Eric's flavor is entirely different, and unlike anything I have ever tasted before. It has the distinct taste of warm clover honey, combined with a plethora of different berries. Not those crappy berries they sell in the store either, but good berries picked fresh from the vine. They always taste so much better to me when I pop them in my mouth right off the vine on a hot summer's day. I can taste the tangy sweetness of blackberries, the warm subtle flavors of marion and alder, and just a small tinge of raspberries. All of this interlaced with just a tinge of hoppy flavor that reminds me of good red ale.

I would have thought that the two contrasting flavors that made up the very essence of Godric and Eric would clash and taste horrible when combined, but it does things to my senses that make me feel like I am drinking liquid fire. I gulp down every last drop of the heavenly liquid and greedily lick away the insignificant residue that still lingers within the cup. Pulling the cup away from my mouth I lick and smack my lips in satisfaction. Godric's dark chocolate eyes glow in satisfaction, as he watches me take one long swipe across my bottom lip.

I feel the slow familiar burn of orgasm slowly creep up my body, weighing me down, and growing rapidly by the second. My head falls backwards against Eric's firm muscular chest and a loud moan escapes my lips as the orgasm quickly reaches its peak. My eyelids close as I relish the impending sweet release and just as I am about to reach the crescendo, I feel Godric and Eric sink their fangs deep into my neck, on opposite sides. With the first pull of my blood, my orgasm bursts forth and I scream their names for the entire world to hear. I want everyone to know who has brought me to such heights of passion, without ever laying a single finger on me. With the second pull I feel them both shudder against me and I know that they too have experienced the same sweet release.

They pull away at the exact same moment, taking their time licking the matching marks they have bestowed on me. When they are finished they each rest their heads on one of my shoulders, and the three of us just sit there wrapped up in each other's arms. Waiting patiently for my breathing and heart rate to return to normal, we bask in the afterglow that washes over us from this most amazing experience. I feel like I can finally form semi-coherent sentences and say, "Wow… that was..."

Before I can even finish my thought, both Godric and Eric cut me off and say, "I'm so sorry Sookie," at the exact same moment. I can't help but to giggle. They are apologizing for giving me the most amazing sexual experience of my young life. I can't believe it.

Godric pulls away from my shoulder and looks at me; he has a stern yet troubled look on his face. "I really don't see anything funny about this. The whole reason we wanted you to drink from the chalice was to avoid the situation from becoming sexual."

I laugh again lightly and reach up smoothing away the worry lines that are forming between his eyebrows. Does he always scowl this much? "I have never felt anything more amazing in my life and you're apologizing for it? You both have got to admit that's kind of funny." Godric scowls at me again, opening his mouth to form another protest. "Yes, yes," I say cutting off his thought and waving my hand dismissively at him. "I know, the timing isn't exactly perfect, but what's done is done. It isn't like we had actual sex and I guarantee that if I didn't have broken ribs and a whole slew of bruises right now, I would be having you and Eric for dinner and dessert," I giggle again.

A huge smile spreads across his face; he is clearly very pleased with my openness and willingness to pursue some kind of sexual relationship with them. After all that I have been through tonight and the last several nights, I have to admit I am a bit surprised myself, but what can I say? Eric and Godric are different. Eric kisses my shoulder lightly and says, "Those broken ribs and your other injuries are the only things stopping me as well lover. You're getting off easy, at least this time." I couldn't help myself but to laugh again, and shake my head lightly at Eric's playfulness.

I open my arms wide and Godric crawls back against me, resting his head over my heart and wrapping his legs around both Eric and me. We sit for a long time in comfortable silence, simply enjoying being wrapped in each other's arms and the perfect intimacy of it all. I wish more than anything in the world that nothing will come and take this feeling, this moment, away from us. I have never felt such a feeling of completeness before and I want it to go on forever. I am completely and utterly happy and safe, and it feels wonderful.

Godric, being the responsible one, breaks the spell that has fallen over us first, by saying, "Little one, I think you need to rest. You have had a long and trying couple of days and your body needs time to recover from what has happened. Our blood may work miracles, but it still takes time." He reaches up and strokes my cheek gently; it is a very tender and loving gesture. Eric manages to work his fingers under my shirt and softly strokes my abdomen. I feel my eyes growing heavy and my mind begins to wander over all the events that have occurred over the last few days.

Flashes of Bill standing over my beaten body with his head thrown back in laughter, race across my thoughts and suddenly my body tenses dramatically. I feel the hot tears burning at the back of my eyes and I clear my throat roughly to force them away and speak without a quiver in my voice. "I think that I would like a bath before I go to sleep. Do you two think you can help me in and out of the tub?"

Eric kisses my temple lightly and says, "Of course lover." He lifts me up off the bed and carries me towards what I can only assume is the bathroom, following behind Godric. While Godric busies himself filling the tub and adding various bath salts and essential oils to the water, Eric helps me attend to my 'human needs.' It embarrasses me to no end that Eric is tending to me in such a way and I try to protest but find my arguments quickly rebuked. Eric just shrugs and says, "It is all a part of caring for you love. Let us take care of you. There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

All I can do is nod in acceptance; his gesture moved me. It is very sweet, and what I would have said is that it is out of character for him, but perhaps I have just never looked at him clearly before. I guess this isn't the first time I have had thought that this evening. He helps me remove the now ruined shirt that Godric leant to me and then helps me brush my teeth. When he does this I almost yell at him that I am not a child after all, but he gives me a look that speaks volumes about how much this simple act means to him.

My protests die instantly before they even make it to my lips. By the time he is done the tub is filled and he picks me up gently, like I am made of spun glass, and lowers me into the bath. The hot water covers every inch of me and I feel my body's tensions instantly start to slip away.

"We will leave you to relax little one," Godric says softly. I notice Eric giving him a death glare; he is clearly unhappy with the idea of leaving me alone for any length of time. Godric just stares at him and I can see Eric's shoulders slump slightly at his acceptance of Godric's statement.

Eric being Eric though adds his own little rebellion to the moment. "But, if you need anything, ANYTHING, just call for us. We will be just outside the door."

I nod my head and say, "thank you" softly to them. They just smile, nod, and leave the room, pulling the door shut behind them. I close my eyes and let the soothing hot water do its job, washing away all my stress and tension that has been accumulating for the last seventy-two hours. The combination of lavender, rose, and just a hint of earthy sandalwood, relax my mind perfectly.

Unfortunately though, my mind always does its sorting out of things past and present while I am relaxing in a tub. I am not sure why I can always sort out life's great mysteries whilst in a shower or bath, but it seems that although my body relaxes my mind goes into overdrive. I have always perceived it as the time when I can view things with the most clarity, and see things as they really are.

Bill's evil words from the evening begin to twist and swirl in my mind. Everything I thought I knew for certain was indeed an elaborate ruse. He never loved me; from his actions it seemed to me that he could barely tolerate me. He was only around me because he was ordered to do so by this uppity queen of his, who had her eye on acquiring me. He had no intention of being with me forever, and I had spent so many hours dreaming and planning our happily ever after. He thought of me as nothing more than dog shit on the bottom of his shoe that he had unfortunately stepped in and now had to deal with. No, it was worse than that. I was a toy, a plaything, to be used, abused, and cast aside at his fancy. I feel a terrible pain of realization rip through me and I know that he not only broke my body, but my mind, spirit, and heart as well with his terrible actions.

I ignore the pain in my aching body and curl up in a little ball, in the middle of the huge tub. I clutch my knees tightly to my chest as the tears flowing freely down my face, and I try to sob as quietly as possible. The last thing I want is for Eric and Godric to hear me have my miniature breakdown. Lord knows that they would not want to deal with a weeping woman. No, I will have a good long cry and fall apart somewhere they will never have to witness it. I will try my damndest to be put back together when I am in their presence.

I yearn though so badly to lean on them, but why would they even want to do that for me? If the man I thought I loved couldn't stomach me, how could two strong, powerful, beautiful men like Eric and Godric deal with me, regardless of how close we felt earlier? I close my eyes and begin to rock myself gently as I ponder this. What am I going to do? I don't have anyone.

Before I am too far into my cycle of self-doubt and despair I feel the water around me slosh in small waves, pushing my limp body to and fro. I open my eyes and see that Eric and Godric have decided to join me in the tub, apparently. Before I can get angry or freak out, they jump into the conversation I have been having with myself as if they had been there and actively participating in it the entire time. "Compton was a fool little one," Godric says softly, brushing a few of my tears off of my face.

"We will always be here for you lover, you don't even have to ask. You will just turn around and see us standing here supporting you," Eric smiles at me, and pulls my damp locks out of my eyes. Godric pulls me just as I am, curled up in a tiny ball, and tucks me into his chest and lap, whispering soft words into my ear in some language I don't understand. Eric reaches forward and pulls us both into his large arms rocking us slightly and kissing the crown of my head softly.

At this point I don't care if they look down on me for being weak. Wrapped in their arms I feel I have to let it all out. I let it all go and sob loudly at the injustice of it all. Cuddled firmly between my two vampires I cry for everything I have lost in my life. Every hurt that has been pushed upon me, everything that I have lost, I cry and cry until there are no more tears left.

For the first time I feel the burden of it all lifting off of my shoulders. Yes, all those memories, all that hurt is still there, but it feels lighter now. Having these two amazing men, these two Atlases to help bear the weight of the world, makes my life a little easier. Slowly my eyes grow heavy and I drift off into a dreamless sleep. I don't even notice when they take me out of the tub and lay me down in the large bed.