I'd not had to actively sneak out of my home since I was young. But, I had a feeling Eric wouldn't let me go otherwise. He was being far too possessive since the Missouri delegate showed up. Fae needed Sook time and aint nothing stoppin' that! Fae will have Sook time!

Godric may be dead to the world, but he did stir as I was shimmying into my jean shorts. It wasn't more than a light stir, but it got me to realize they really didn't die during the day. Going about it far quieter now, I grabbed my phone and purse. Shoes could go on later. I'll have to stop to get the meat and corn. I would take no risks in waking them on the way out.

So, note left with Godric, I tore off out of the garage with little care to waking any in the house. Sunlight was a good friend right now. It took a bit, but I made it with lots of sunlight to spare.

Sook looked up from the freshly painted wall of the house. She lit up at the sight of the SUV. I hopped out, things floating behind me in two boxes.

"Sook! Give Fae some love!"

She laughed, putting her brush down to come hug me at the steps. I let my arms curl around her, hugging tight.
"Ugh, I missed your crabby ass," I sigh into her hair.

She swatted my arm. "Words of endearment, Fae."

I pull back, laughing as she frowns playfully at me. Hands motion to me in defense. "They are so words of endearment, Sook! I said I missed you!"

"And called me crabby. They cancel each other out."

"Like that's anything new?"

We let it drop, grinning goofily at each other with soft eyes. She knew what I meant. I knew what she meant. Either way, we still loved each other. She waved me in.

"Come on then," she calls as she moves into the house and expecting me to follow. "We can get the stuff put up and you can help work."

"Sure sure, slave driver."

I may have spoken too soon. I was covered in sweat, multiple coats of sun block later. My skin was flush from the sunlight and heat. I was a fracking mess. I loved it. I was on the roof of the porch, humming as I danced in place while working. I was covered in sweat, sun block recently reapplied with Sook's help. She'd offered me a hat Jason had left too.

"Fae!"

I didn't hear Sook calling to me as I mouthed the song, getting in to it while one hand used a brush on the shutters to paint. The other held the small bucket. To my left a roller got the main of the wall in white.

"FAE!"

I paused, glancing a bit back to her in the drive then. She was laughing at me with her hands on her hips. Rolling my shoulder up, it dislodged the headset easily.

"Sup?"

"Your feet are going to burn on that tin roof."

I looked down to my feet, flip flops on the porch where I left them to get up here. One shoulder shrugged.

"Not really. Feels kinda nice."

Sook eyed me, looking at the flush on my skin from being in the sun so long.

"You sure you aint gonna get sun sick again?"

"Possibly will," I admit with little care. "Nothing lots of sleep won't help with."

Her eyes worriedly glanced over my shadowed face. "Don't make yourself sick from it, Fae."

I wink at her, pausing as we both look toward the far side of the yard. The woods that led to the cemetery and Bill's caught our eyes. I saw the movement from my height. Sook must have 'heard' them come in range of her.

"Who's that?" I question.

The man looked about Bill's height. He wore relaxed faded jeans, some boots, and a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows and top buttons open to show off a bit of chest. I couldn't see the face clearly from my place but I stepped closer to the edge. The brush and things were set down, roller slyly back in the pan of paint. Sook twisted about to cover her eyes and look toward him. She didn't have as clear a sight as I did.

My hands slid the headset to rest around my neck, frowning a little as my chin lifted.

"Hey!" I call out to the male as he ambled closer. He was looking about as if he was just taking in the pretty yard and happened to stumble across it.

It was possible. There were a number of out of towners that stopped to see the old cemetery and got lost while looking about. He paused, tilting his head up to fully take in the house. My stance shifted from lazy to offensive. My feet were firmly planted, shoulder width apart. Both hands were to my hips, jeans shorts slung low on them.

Medium brown hair. Didn't look anything special as he waved with what had to be a grin. He came closer, seeming to be looking to me then Sook. Sook was near to under me now, moved up onto the porch incase she needed to do something. We both knew the family luck. He was grinning like a good-ol'-boy as he came closer to stop in the drive with his hands in his front pockets.

"Hi."

My brows narrowed as I looked him over; unable to see Sook from where I was standing on the porch roof. One hand paint splattered arm lifted to motion toward the woods he came from.

"Cemetery is back that way. You're on private property, buddy."

"You lost?" Sook asks, going for the friendly approach to my less than welcoming air.

He grinned at her, not really flashing teeth. Dimples. Alright. Man had my favor in looks. I wasn't one for pretty boys. Had a hint to him that reminded me of Godric. Grey, blue eyes. Five o'clock shadow of stubble on those dimpled cheeks. I smirked a bit, eyes flicking over the male.

"I was just walking in the woods. Happened upon a trail. Sorry if I'm bothering."

"Come on down here, Fae," Sook lightly calls, head peeking out as if to look up at me.

My hips shifted, weight adjusting as I flicked my eyes to her.

"Then move."

The man didn't give off a threatening vibe. Rather friendly even. Kinda like I got from Sam the first time I met the man. He did look like he was going to offer me help down. Sook ducked back out of the way.

One hand gripped the edge of the roof as I squatted a bit before swinging off to drop in a crouch on the balls of my feet in the dirt. Sook was already holding out my flip flops, as if I would want them.

Her eyes quirked, brow lifting at the paint on me. I may have fought with the paint and lost. Blue and white splattered my grey tank and shorts. I had a huge splatter like streak down my left leg and a mass on my chest. I'd used the shirt to clear my face better. I grinned cheekily at her.

"Never said I was good at paintin'," I tease.

My eyes flicked from Sook to look at the male. I was closer to him now. At this distance, I could tell he had a blond brown, perhaps a dark blond? My own hair was sticking out of the loop in the back of the hat in a mass like bun, sloppy as it got. Sook looked far more put together with her long button up shirt over her own t-shirt and shorts. The outer shirt was a swell idea since it kept her clothes clear of the paint.

"Are you new to the area?" Sook moved to the steps, keeping on the porch. I took a few steps her way, snatching up my water glass that had gone hot.

He stepped a bit closer, if only to be polite. He seemed to realize that I was defensive and not fully trusting. He didn't seem bothered by it though. He kept that easy grin and attitude.

"Got a place on the other side of town." His eyes flicked over Sook, taking in her tan legs. His eyes slid to my pale legs and more exposed form. "Just checking out sites in town."

I kept my eyes on him, finally deigning to take a hearty drink of water. I was definitely getting sun sick. I could tell by the burning feel on my skin. Wasn't quite a burn, but like I was burning from the inside out. A typical thing for me.

He looked a bit worried as he took in the flush on my exposed skin. "Are you alright?"
Sook waves a hand, laughing as she steps down to stand on the last step and put a hand on my hat.

"Don't worry. Fae's prone to getting sun sick."

That's about the point I pulled the empty glass away from my face to offer out to her. "Don't give me that crap, Sook. You act like it's a choice."

She teasingly looked back at me with a challenging look, hands to her hips as she didn't take the cup.

"Could say it is."

"Could say it's not," I argue back, grinning at her.

"You chose to work nights."

I let out a sound like a snort. "Yeah. Cause that definitely caused this. I've been like this all my life."

"You hardly got sun sick when we were kids."

"I always did," I laugh back. "Why do you think I fell out of the tree that summer?"

She glanced to the side, thoughtful. "Huh. Now that you mention it. I do remember Gran snippin' at you about putting your sun block on."

"Yuuuuppp," I drawl with a smug smirk. "And I took lots of naps to sleep it off."

She shrugs. "Put some Crisco on and you'll be good after a few burns."

I roll my eyes, turning to offer out a hand to the man. "Well, welcome to the po'dunk town. I'm Fae."

He chuckled, shaking my hand. "Ben Flynn. Nice to meet you."

"Fae," Sook sighs as if praying for help. She stepped closer, hand offered out. "I'm Sookie Stackhouse. Pleasure to meet ya." Soon as he let go of her hand she motioned to me. "This fool is my cousin Faelyn Lynwood. I should apologize now for anything she does in advance."

I grin mischievously at him with a wink. "Apparently I'm a terrible person and need re-education."

"You certainly do!" Sook calls as I dodge the swat she was giving for the comment.

I laughed as I ducked and palmed her face. She let out an indignant sound, already rushing after me as I took off in a leap around her.

"Faelyn!"

"Too slow, Sook!"

"Faelyn! You're getting dirty foot prints all over the place!"

I dodged her around the house, popping up with my hat missing and shirt clearly showing signs she had tugged at it. I came up around the far side, peeking out. Ben turned, spotting me instantly. He chuckled as I made a show of listening for her.

"Faelyn! That was my tea!"

Said tea was in my hand, half full. It was clearly a rushed fill with only a little ice. I paced closer to Ben, checking that she wasn't going for the hose again.

"If she goes for the hose, run," I mutter as I near him, offering out the glass.

"Keeping her on her toes?"

I shrug with a happy grin in place. I loved getting Sook worked up. Sad that Jason wasn't here to help. He took the glass, silently thanking me with the glass. He took a drink from it, both of us listening as Sook stomped in the house.

Sook swung the door open loudly, glaring at me. Her eyes caught Ben lowering the glass and seemed to ease up. I had my hands at the small of my back, letting out a few breaths after that mad dash in the house from Sook. She had a clear advantage of knowing the house better than me.

"Well, come on in. Before Fae faints or something."

"One time!" I cry out, marching ahead to step into the shade of the porch and cool of the house. It was clear that it was greatly needed. My form seemed to slump a bit and let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd held. He followed behind, thanking Sook for the offer.

She motioned him to sit on the couch. I was shoved to the side as I went to sit.

"Not you. Go change."

"Come on. I'm going right back out to paint after this break."

She gave me a stern look as she dropped slowly to her favored chair. I huffed, putting my hands to my head to brush strands from my neck.

"Fine. Fine. I won't sit."

"You sure you're fine?"

Sook actually gave me a second look. Her brow lowered as she looked concerned. "You're still flush, Fae."

I shrug. Sook stood, moving around Ben on the couch to look clearly at my eyes. It didn't seem to please her. I pull my head away, grinning brightly at her.

"Calm down, Sook. Perfectly fine." My eyes flick to Ben, his glass was empty. I look back to her. She was touching my forehead.

I jerked back, stumbling over my feet to glower at her. "Aw come on, Sook. I'm fine. I'm getting a beer. Ben? Want one?"

He had an odd look between us before he gave an easy smile. "Sounds fantastic."

I clicked my tongue and gave a thumbs up. "Brewski it is. Pepsi, Sook?"

She looked reluctant to let me push it off, but nodded. "Sure."

I stepped out, moving to the kitchen.

"Sorry," Sook utters to him. "She's stubborn."

"It's fine," Ben cedes with a light tone. "Not my place to interfere."

I downed two shots from a whiskey Sook kept for me.

"She just gets migraines easy," Sook explains further.

"Frequently?"

He sounded worried. I let my steps sound as I rounded into the foyer and into the living room with my hands full. Sook had put a sheet over a chair, motioning for me to sit. I dropped with less grace than Sook had, leaning forward to offer out the drinks.

A smile was aimed at Sook. "You're out of whiskey."

A bland look was given. "I just bought that today."

One shoulder shrugs without remorse. "I just finished it today too, was a co-winky-dink."

She let out a breath, rolling her eyes but smiling still. Annoying as Hell, but we both still loved each other. I rest my beer in my lap, eyes shutting with a content sigh.

"Man, why did you choose today to paint, Sook?"

"Sam makes my schedule. Talk to him about it."

I peek an eye open, grin a bit too wide and slow growing. "Well I think I will. Been awhile since I've bothered him."

"Fae, don't go leading him on," she playfully chides. "Arlene will be livid if I get special treatment."

I lift my brows and half roll my eyes to the side as I cover it with a drink from my bottle. Ben caught it, looking a little curious but not questioning.

"Do the both of you live here?"

"Goodness, no," Sook laughs as she looks to him. "Fae moved out a while back."

"Heh…heh.. Yeah," I let out, sounding a bit nervous.

Sook's eyes snapped to me. "What?" Her eyes widened in realization. "What? That's what was in that second box?! Fae…"

I put my hands up defensively. "Hey! Hey! I refuse to stay at Jason's. He's all mopey and crap."

"I thought you were perfectly fine where you were?"

"It's not permanent. It's just complicated and I may or may not attempt to murder one or two people. So, I thoughts I just stay here for a short bit." I put the beer down quick. "I'll paint the whole house in payment."

The look was bland and unforgiving. Unmoved.

"I'll mow the lawn too."

Nothing.

"Come on, Sook. You know I wouldn't come back like this if it wasn't serious."

"Everything alright?" Ben asks, grin gone to show that worry. I waved a hand at him, dismissing.

"Did he hurt you?" Sook pushes, ready to turn to anger.

"What?! Chsh," I snort with laughter. "Like he would try. No, he's got a guest."

She leaned a bit back, look not trusting but curious.

"Boyfriend?" Ben questions.

Sook laughs loud as I pout. Ben glances between us, a little lost.

"Sorry," Sook laughs, attempting to calm herself. After a breath as I downed my bottle grumpily, she looked to him. She was beaming like an idiot. "Fae's too stubborn to settle with a boyfriend. Her boss, she's a personal secretary in Shreveport."

He relaxes as if relived he hadn't offended either of us. He grinned a bit. The bottle tipped toward me in salute. "Stay stubborn. Men are dogs."

I gave a toothy grin. "Don't I know it."

Sook covered her giggle. "Don't get her started. She's a pervert."

I twirl the empty bottle, glancing toward the front yard absently. "Pervert. Provert. No complaints yet."

"As I said," Sook playfully pushes. "I apologize in advance for her. But what do you mean he has guests, Fae?" She wasn't letting it go.

I huff, shooting her a dry look. "Their trying for some political alliance and I refuse to get in the middle of it."

"Political? I thought he didn't have anything to do with it."

We both kind of forgot about Ben. I shift forwards as if leaning closer to talk to her.

"Usually he wouldn't. But that crap storm from home seems harder to escape than I thought."

Sook's eyes went wide. Her glass thumped hard as she almost dropped it to lean in closer to me. "What?" She sounded a bit short on breath. "What the Devil do you mean crap storm? Fae, what aren't you telling me."

I look away, tapping the bottle on my knee as I watch the lawn. "Aint nothing to worry over, Sook." My eyes stubbornly met hers force and determination there.

"Is this what Sam was talking about?"

My next words were cut short with a startled yelp. The bottle dropped, rolling from me on the rug as my hands swung up to my face as it to block it. Ben was up, at my side faster than Sook due to his closer location. I panted a breath out, hands pressing over my face. One hand was decidedly covering and pinching my nose.

"Fae?"

"Fine," I grumble while getting up. Ben moved out of the way, hand gentle on my shoulder as if to steady.

The hand that had been on my eyes grasped the chair as I passed it.

"Just a bloody nose," Ben explains to Sook as she follows. I went to the kitchen.

Ben leant around me, turning the water on. My free hand patted his arm before I shoved my face into the stream of water. Sook came in with a few rags, slipping to my other side as I lifted my head. She shoved one at my nose to dry it and stem while I rinsed my hand.

"I'm fine, Sook," I garble through the rag on my face. She shot me a harsh look while shoving the other with ice at me.

"Fae, last time you got a nose bleed like that we ended up having to call a doctor."

My eyes narrowed at her in challenge as I slipped a cube under my upper lip. The rest sent to the back of my neck.

"No, Fae," Sook stubbornly pushes, understanding the look.

"Here, sit down," Ben gently speaks up, taking me by my elbow and shoulder.

He guided me to sit at the table. One hand used his knuckles to tilt my head by pushing at my chin.

"Tilt back."

Soon as the ice in my mouth melted I spoke again. Both were sat at the table with me.

"It's nothing, Sook. I've been getting them a lot since coming back to Louisiana."

I couldn't see her with my head back, but I knew she was glowering.

"You shouldn't be having them, Fae. It's not like you have sensitive sinus cavities or anything."

"Just stop fretting over nothing, Sook. I'm perfectly fine."

"I wont take that until you see a doctor."

"Nothing to see," I snip, tilting my head to see her out of the corner of my eye.

"It couldn't hurt," Ben tries to ease our arguing.

I tilt my head forward again, not looking at them as I pull the rag away to fold and put a clear bit back to my nose.

"Fae, you gotta talk about it some time."

I met her eyes after a long silence, pulling the rag away to test. It was mostly stopped. I dabbed and attempted to clean up the mess. Only one side was at it now.

"It's a lot of political crap, Sook."

Her eyes widened, hand shooting out to take mine. "Have you talked to Bill? He could help."

I scoff, pulling my hand away. "Why would I ask Long-fang the Brooding? Nothing to ask. I'm just staying here until they leave."

"And what if that isn't enough?" Sook pushes, voice forceful but hushed. "That wont stop nothin'. You know it, Fae."

I smack my hand loudly to the table with the rag. She jumped, hand stubbornly holding on to my other. I didn't look to her. I looked to the rag hidden in my hand. It was too vibrant a shade of red.

"I'm not talking about it, Sook. I'm going back to work."

The chair gave a shriek on the floor as it slid. Ben looked awkward. Letting out a breath, I motioned him to follow.

"Come on, Ben. I'll walk you back to the cemetery."

"Fae," Sook softly calls my name.

I shot her a grin as I turned the water on and dropped the dirty rag under it. I used the other, damp from melted ice, to wipe at my nose.

"I'll be back, Sook."

She sighs, sending a slightly sad smile at Ben.

"Sorry about the drama. It was nice to meet you. Come to Mertlottes some time."

"Pleasure was all mine, Sookie," he says with a jovial tone and shaking her hand.

Moved to the back door, wincing a bit at the onslaught of sunlight. The urge to jokingly hiss was there, but not worth it with the rag cleaning at my face still. Ben stepped out behind me. Sook waved us off from the door.

"I'll start the meal!" She calls as I cross with Ben at my side.

One hand waves a bit in the air to show I heard. I lowered my hand, shifting my nose a bit as if to rid the feeling. Ben glanced to me as we neared the trees.

"I know it's not my business, but why wont you tell her?"

I shoot him a grin, rag clenched in my fist at my side before stuffed in my pocket. "Sook's a trouble magnet of the highest caliber."

He shot me a teasing grin. "And political trouble isn't on that level?"

I shrug. "Not my fault. Blame my mother and her big mouth."

He put his hands in his pockets, walking at my side as we finally hit that path to the cemetery. I relaxed a bit without the onslaught of sunlight directly on me.

"Honestly," I speak up after a short pause. "Sook's got her own stuff to worry over. Her own relationship and life. Plus, I really don't like her boyfriend."

He said nothing, letting me speak. "Not sure why I'm saying it. But, eh. It's not the fact Bill is a vampire." I look up, frowning a bit at the thought of the man. "Somethin' just aint right with that man. He's too..calculating. Too aware of everything. It's all too plotted out between them."

I spare him a look. "Bill can be nice, don't let me spoil that. Old fashioned in some of the most sickening ways."

He chuckles. "I won't hold it against him." He was teasing me.

I laugh, lightly tapping him with an elbow as we walk. "So. Bon Temps?"

"Seemed quaint."

"Quaint," I scoff with a grin. "Yeah. One word for it."

"I'm not much for big towns."

Total agreement there. "Agreed. I'd rather just make the drive than live in the city."

"So, cousins?"

I grin fondly at the thought of my family. "Yeah. Little of an off shoot. My grandmother was the sister to Earl Stackhouse, her grandfather."

He nods. "There is a hint of a resemblance."

I wince a bit, glancing my hand that was stained around the creases and nails with dried blood.

"The pale hair is mostly it. I get my coloring mostly from who ever my father was."

He looked curious. "You don't know him?"

My smile was big as I looked at him. "Not the least bit. I am the result of a one night stand."

"You haven't tried to look for him?"

I chuckle a bit, tapping my side against him playfully. "It wouldn't matter. I've got Sook and Jason. All I know about the man is that he was pale in coloring like me. Though, I think she said he had white hair and tall." I wink at Ben. "Think I got the crap end of genetics there. Could have been tall with a skin tone like Sook."

He chuckles. "It works well for you."

"Flattery, flattery."

He didn't say more, both happily walking with smiles.

"If you don't mind my asking," Ben finally asks as we hit the edge of the cemetery.

I glance from the trees with the hanging moss I had been eyeing. My eyes focused on him, slowing a bit as he did. He looked down.

"What kind of political problem could it be? If it includes hiding out."

"I work for a vampire," I admit with little care.

His eyes snapped up, focus sharp as I didn't look. By time I looked back, those sharp eyes seemed sincere and a little worried again. I gave a half grin with a shrug. My hands slid into my pockets with a breathe.

"I grew up around vampires," I admit with little hesitation or care. "I get what goes on there. So, when mom went missing and my step father told me to get out of dodge, I listened. I thought that was it, and moved on down here to help keep an eye on Sook with Jason."

"And you decided to work for a vampire?"

I wink at him. "Don't worry. It was a bit of a trade. I work for him; he helps make sure I' not taken like my mom. Plus, I get paid pretty well and lots of eye candy."

He chuckled with me, ducking his head a bit before meeting my eyes again. "Eye candy, huh?"

I give a sly grin, letting my eyes flick over him. "Somebody has to appreciate it. No double standards here."

"I'm getting the feeling that you're a player, Fae."

I lean in and hit him with my hip. "Hardly a game. Do as I please, when I please, with who I please."

"Bet that's a hassle on your boss."

Ah, the light and teasing atmosphere was something I missed. My hands pull from my pockets, moving to the back of my head as I stretch a bit and look up at a bird call.

"Nah. He's worse than I am. Puts me to shame with his playboy attitude. Kinda a game to pester him."

He didn't answer, I glance toward him. A bit of sun was shining through the trees into my eyes, causing me to squint a bit. He was looking up as I was, watching the bird that had called merrily.

"How about I show you some places around Bon Temps I used to frequent. I'm still getting to know the town again," I offer.

He glances back. "Should I worry for my modesty?"
"Ooh, apply burn cream as needed," I laugh, letting my arms drop.

He laughs, winking at me. "Where would you like to meet?"

"I guess we can meet here or I could pick you up some place."

The sun was actually a bit low in the sky. "Sook works tomorrow, I can meet you here around..say one?"

He nods. "Here at one."

I turn, starting to head out back down the trail. I twist back, smiling as I wave.

"Bye, Ben! And bring a change of clothes! I'm prone to finding ways to ruin clothing!"

He laughed, waving back. I turned again after that last look and took off at a jog before going faster.