A/N: I can't believe I haven't done this sooner. So many of the fantastically brilliant fanfic writers here take the time to address and thank their faithful readers. I guess in the excitement of getting yet another chapter published I always seem to forget to add these little tidbits. So I finally want to say a heartfelt thanks to those of you who have subscribed to my story and also to those that have taken the time to leave comments. At the risk of channeling a broken record…thank you so much for the encouragement. Your feedback is what makes us writers want to write. Seriously, you guys are awesome!
I hope this chapter is met with as much enthusiasm as it's predecessors. Though I try not to ramble, I'm sure I don't always succeed. The plot is getting somewhere folks, I promise! Still not sure if I'm totally happy with it but alas, I have yet to entice someone to beta for me. It would be an honor to have someone spare their free time for my little tale. But I suppose it's a pairing that should be nothing if not serendipitous and effortless. Or else I'll just have to wait until the right one falls into my web. *wicked grin* Heh. Anyway…hint hint.
Love and blood kisses to each and every one of you.
~Viking's Muse
Chapter 17
Floral Print
Sookie had, on multiple occasions, tried to imagine what Eric's home would look like. The reality before her eyes couldn't really be compared to a medieval castle surrounded by angry, pitch-fork wielding townsfolk or to a dark, dank Batcave. No. A log-cabin would not have been on the list of possible domiciles that Eric might have inhabited. But there it stood a few yards away in all it's wooden glory. The green front door and white trim contrasted perfectly against the red hue of the two-story building. The deck was reached by a few steps up and soft golden light poured fourth from two lanterns that flanked the front door. They swayed ever so slightly in the night breeze causing the shadows to shift and bend over the wood platform. The moonlight illuminated the sky behind the silhouette of domineering pine trees behind and to the sides of the house. The gravel driveway led past the house and towards a separate building that had to be a car port. Sookie trailed her gaze back towards the house and sighed with the unexpectedness of it all.
"Sookie?" Eric's voice was unsure and the sound, along with the unlikely sight before her, made her feel disorientated.
"Eric…I just…didn't expect your house to…" her words faded as she turned and found his eyes full of worry.
She hates it.
"No! Baby I'm not upset!" Sookie brought her hands up and cupped his face smiling warmly. "It's just so…not what I expected." Eric let his eyes fall shut but she pulled his face up to here's and lightly kissed his lips. Their eyes met again and she answered the question surging through his. "I love it! Eric, it's beautiful!"
Eric pulled in an unnecessary breath and kissed her again. "I am glad, for the house's sake. If it had not been to your liking I would have raised to the ground and built a replica of Tara for you." The gesture made Sookie's already gooey heart melt further. She let her fingers tangle into his hair and stole another kiss making this one filled to the brim with the adoration and joy she was feeling. The sensation was almost overwhelming for Eric and he gasped lightly before gently pushing her away. "Lover, I cannot wait another minute. As much as I would love to christen the backseat of this car with you, I want to show you the house." His child-like enthusiasm mystified Sookie but charmed her all the same. She nodded with glee and before she could turn around to reach for her seatbelt Eric had her door open with his hand outreached to her. It never ceased to amaze her human eyes when an immortal being used their supernatural speed. Sookie unbuckled herself and wrapped her fingers around his firm hand.
As they walked towards the cabin Sookie peered over her shoulder towards another line of enormous pine trees. The lower halves of the dense line of tree trunks were obscured by a tall brick wall and wrought iron gate. She hadn't noticed when they must have entered through the gate.
"Was all that pornographic talk in the car just a ruse to distract me so I wouldn't know how we got here?" But when she looked up into his eyes the typical smugness was absent.
"Sookie, I have looked forward to this moment so much I cannot believe you are actually here!"
She lifted the hand not clasped tightly in his palm and stoked his cheek. "It's real baby. I'm really here." The smile he gave her was wide and toothy. So rarely did she get to see that happy smile on his face and it chipped another crack in the wall still firmly set between them. The rush of pure joy from Eric made Sookie stagger backwards but the sensation subsided when he saw her reaction. He drew her into his arms apologizing.
"Lover, I am sorry. I know it's still too much for you. I will try harder." He looked down at her with seriousness and then lifted her up into his arms carrying her up the steps to the front door. Below her rear Sookie could feel his hands working the keys into the lock and then the door swung open from his booted foot.
"Over the threshold we go, my lover." He whispered into her ear as they passed through the door sideways and into the dark hallway. Eric elbowed two light-switches just beyond the doorframe and the whole downstairs lit up with a warm inviting light. Sookie tried to take it all in at once. To their left was a small kitchen with glass front cabinets and stainless stele appliances. A marble bar separating it from the dining area. The chandelier hanging over the wood dining table had Tiffany lamp-shades, beautiful yet masculine. Straight ahead was the back of a brown micro-suede couch that set the perimeter of the living room. The tables were all light pine colored with the natural wood grain stained to a dramatic contrast. Beyond the comfy looking sitting area was the highlight of the room. The whole facing wall was a massive window over looking a forest of trees that surrounded a lake. A gasp hitched in Sookie's throat as she caught the silver shimmering off the water's surface.
Her happiness and instant comfort in this, his most prized dwelling, meant the world to Eric. "I am glad I brought you here first."
"What do you mean?" She was brought out of her wonderment when his words confused her.
"I have many homes, lover. But this is by far the most special to me. That is why bringing you here has been something I craved to do for some time." Sookie creased her eyebrows but smiled. Eric continued down the hallway towards the couch and lowered Sookie over the back. Some couches were stiff and too awkward to offer comfortable seating but this was one that felt as if it was giving you a hug as you nestle into it's embrace.
Eric bent down to remove his shoes and socks, catching Sookie enjoying the view on his way back up.
She cleared her throat and shifted her eyes away from him. "Huh-Mmm, I like this couch." She caressed the soft surface while snuggling further back into the armrest.
"That is just as well." Eric gripped the back-rest as his legs vaulted up and over coming down with a soft thud in front of Sookie. "It is one of many surfaces in here I intend to make use of. And your approval is most important to me." His meaning did not escape her as her cheeks flushed red. Eric rocked back and spread his legs open before trapping Sookie's feet in his hands. He unbuckled her Mary Janes and dropped them to the floor underneath the coffee table. When her cheeks and breastbone tinted even deeper red Eric asked, "Is something wrong?"
She gave him a sheepish grin and then focused back down to her exposed feet. "My toes! I guess it's been a while since they've seen a pedicure. Lord, I'm so embarrassed!" Sookie buried her face in her hands.
Eric laughed and lifted one of her feet to kiss a toe-nail half covered with chipped red polish. "Most offensive, lover. And to think I've been seen out in public with you in this current state!" He chided her which was met with a squeal and a jab to his shoulder with her upraised foot.
"You bastard!"
Eric played as if the kick had wounded him, grasping the 'injured' shoulder with both hands. "I believe you have dislocated it with your super-human strength, lover." Eric's false look of pain faded as his eyes focused on her hungrily.
It was already too late by the time Sookie realized she had lifted her leg high enough for Eric's line of sight to be in the direct path of her uncovered crotch. Her torn panties still hugged tight around her waist but the most essential part had been destroyed by her Viking's powerful fingers. Eric licked his lips and then bared his clenched teeth as Sookie slowly lowered her leg to join the other one stretched straight forward between his spread ones. She wiggled her toes which were two inches away from his groin. Before she could slide down the necessary distance Eric wrapped his hands around the balls of her feat and began messaging them as he scooted himself up and away from her advancing toes.
"It's is late. You should rest soon."
The pressure of his fingertips against her feet was so nice and soothed away the stress of the day but it did little to dampen the lust still building and coursing through the bond. "It's already past my bedtime…what's the point?" Her voice came out horse and strained. This time when she pushed herself down the couch Eric had no where to retreat. With his back now flush against the couch arm the soles of her feet managed to make contact with the tent growing between his thighs. With Eric only lightly holding onto the tops of her feet, one wedged itself between his thigh and bulge, the other stroked up and down his length. "Ngh, Sookie. You are maddening, you know that!" Eric's head fell back and he stared at the ceiling.
This newfound power once again emboldened her, "Still unable to make me heel, Eric?" She regretted the words even before they finished crossing her lips. The next words that quickly followed were "I'm sorry." but before the three syllables were complete Sookie was facing in the opposite direction draped over the soft couch arm with her skirt pushed up to her waist. She dug her fingers into the brown suede and prepared herself for impact. When nothing but still air hit her backside and slick center she counted the seconds. When too many passed without the feel of Eric's hands against her or the sound of his zipper she began to worry. But before she could peek over her shoulder two giant hands joined hers. She was pinned between her vampire's arms like two solid columns, unmoving and powerful enough to support the towering torso and frame that was pressing against her back. Without a thought Sookie pushed her hips back towards his and ground her backside against him. He groaned and she could hear pain and frustration in it.
Why isn't he responding? What's wrong with me?
"Sookie. I have done this all wrong." He whispered into her ear, pushing himself away from her. Eric pulled her skirt down over the backs of her thighs but not before taking one last look at her glistening folds with a sigh of regret.
My cock is definitely going to go on strike. What the fuck Northman? Are you mad?
"Eric…" she faced him with so much lacing her eyes, so much pouring through the bond. Confusion Hurt Anger…Shame.
"No. Sookie." She flinched as Eric lunged for her and clasped her jaw between two long fingers. "No Shame. Not that. Please. You misunderstand…"
"Then explain!"
"There is still much that needs to be said and I know that…now that you are here…in our home where I have wanted you for so long…Sookie, if I give in to my desires…if I allow myself to play out fantasies that have plagued so many of my waking hours in this house…I will never want to stop. That is not how we should begin."
"I thought I'd done something wr…"
Eric growled upwards and ran his hands through his hair. "Never, Sookie." He held her gaze and her shoulders. "Never have you done anything wrong, in my eyes. You were not even mistaken when you taunted me with another man as it was the kick up the ass I needed to pursue you properly." Eric's jaw clenched and he nodded to himself in recognition of some internal resolve. "You." Eric leaned in closer. Lips nearly brushing hers "Deserve." he placed a soft, chaste kiss on her as her eyes fluttered closed "To be treated." a second kiss "Properly." another peck "For once." the kiss deepened for a moment when their tongues met again before he added "And I plan on being the man who does that for you." His forehead was pressed firmly to hers as her eyes opened again. "My actions in the car were unforgivable and I am sorry I took advantage of you."
"Why? I don't regret it. I've never regretted any of my intimate moments with you." She almost felt dizzy from looking so intently into his bright blues at such close proximity.
"Nor do I, lover."
"Eric, you're really confusing me." Sookie pushed herself out of his embrace and sat back against the cozy couch. "Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm the one that took advantage of you seeing as you were the one driving and…wait a minute! Did you influence me somehow to make me do those things? Is that what you're trying to say? That my actions were yet again something out of my control."
Outrage and contempt filled the bond and stabbed into Eric. He winced and hissed with the physical manifestation of the hostility, clutching at the jab of pain in his chest. For a moment Sookie thought he was mocking her and the responding fury added another layer of intensity to the searing pain. All he could do now was beg.
This woman will be my undoing. It's only a matter of time.
"Sookie…" it was a struggle to speak but he continued, "…I have no more influence on you than anyone else." An intake of breath seemed to help quell the burn and he gulped down a few breaths.
Seeing Eric gasping for breath caught her off guard and her rage-inducing assumption was pushed back in an instant.
"Are you in pain?" She reach out and lightly touched his leg. "Am I causing that?" The look she received from him was answer enough and she clapped her hand over her mouth. "Eric! I'm sorry! I didn't…I don't know how…oh god, what have I done?" More apologies for all her wrongs against him were piling high and they just didn't seem to suffice. Sookie wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders. Not quite able to reach all the way round but as much as their length allowed.
The pain subsided and Eric pulled her into his chest. Her tears stained the shoulder of his shirt and he pulled her in tighter.
Just want to bury her there. I could protect her better if she could reside within my ribcage. Foolish. Such a lovely idea. But foolish.
He casually stroked her golden locks down her back, soothing her as you would a child. "Please forgive my foolishness. I wanted to start on the right foot but this is descending fast." Grasping her neck and pulling back lightly Eric wiped a crystal tear from her red cheek with his finger. As much as he wanted to taste her fae flavored tear he denied himself.
Her taste, too much of a temptation…for me.
He rubbed the tear between forefinger and thumb until it evaporated away. "Can we start over?"
After a couple sniffles she managed. "Yea, let's start over."
His smile lit up the room. Hell, it lit up her whole existence.
How does he do that? If that power could be bottled. No more wars. Happiness eternal. Damn it, I'm in deep!
"I want so much to have our talk, lover. To explain myself to you." Sookie tried to interrupt but she should have known better. He stopped her with one look. No gesture needed. Just one look and she shut her mouth. "There are many things that I need to lay bare for you. But dawn is approaching and I am not the only one that will soon be dead to the world." As if on cue Sookie couldn't hold down a yawn that erupted, followed by a long, high pitched sigh. She raised her loosely-fisted hand towards her mouth and shook her head. "How the hell do you that?"
Do what, lover? His eyes asked her innocently.
"Somehow, you just always know."
Oh if only, Sookie. If that were true you would not be wearing those scars along your perfect thighs. Stop it, dammit! Away with those thoughts! Not tonight!
"I would not give me so much credit, lover. I can simply see how much of a toll this day has taken on you. I have contributed to that toll and I want to give you the good night's rest you desperately need."
"And I take it that good night's rest is not going to include any funny business?"
"Do you wish me to tell you jokes as you fall asleep, lover?" he waggled his eyebrows at her and it was more than she could take. Sookie launched herself into his arms as they toppled backwards against the couch. He tickled her sides before her hands could reach any of his appendages. "I tell a mean knock knock joke!" Eric's fingers mercifully ceased their tickling her laughs finally died down. The burst of energy had taken the last ounce she had left and soon after just laid still against her vampires as not to startle her from the sleep already taking hold he whispered softly "Sookie, I am going to take you upstairs to a room I have prepared for you."
"Mmmm. Kaaaay." Without having to be asked she wrapper her arms around his neck and Eric rose from the couch.
Up the stairs and down the hall were dark but when Eric pressed a light switch Sookie opened her eyes to a ghostly white room. Every surface was covered with a large white sheet. He shifted Sookie to the side and cradled her in one arm as he reached for the first sheet.
"Baby, if ya put me down I could help." She was at eye level with him and smiled when he didn't speak right away.
"Must I?"
No. Absolutely no. I'm considering the logistics of living the rest of my life in your arms.
She shook her head and nuzzled her face into his long and slender neck. "No. I don't think I ever want you to put me down again."
"As you wish."
She inhaled deeply to gather more of his scent. It quite simply comforted and calmed her. Another yawn took hold as Eric quickly removed all the dusty sheets from the bed, dresser and tables.
"I wish I could have done this before your arrival, lover, but I did not know to expect you tonight. It was a most…" Eric tapped a finger tip against the tip of Sookie's nose. "…pleasant surprise." She wrinkled it in response and turned to take in the now uncovered room.
It was a floral room! Her room. Obviously made for her. Wallpaper, bed clothes, curtains, even the bath mat that peeked out from the darkened bathroom were covered in a delicate floral print. "Oh Eric, it's just lovely! Thank you."
"No thanks are necessary, lover. I meant what I said before. For some time now I have considered this as our home." Eric took a long hard look, trying to detect the first signs of her 'fight or flight' knee-jerk reaction Sookie had become so famous for. But nothing. No uneasiness through the bond, no argument in her eyes.
Such progress! Excellent!
"I must admit, I was surprised when you refused to come and stay with me that night we spent together. But if I am truly honest I soon realized it was my own disappointment and less of shock that you turned me down. I guess I wanted this more than I was willing to admit."
"I wish now, that I hadn't turned you down." Her words heavily laden with the pain of regret. "And the last few months…Eric…I missed you so much more than I ever have." She buried her face into his neck again and fought against the panic and agony of 'what ifs'.
"Shhh, Sookie. Shush now. These words must wait for tomorrow night when we have the time and energy to talk. And we will talk…about everything." He promised as he gently placed her down onto the soft pillow-top mattress. It tore at him to see the wetness forming along her eyelids yet again.
Failure. You're a fucking failure! Just tuck her in and go meet the sun so she can be rid of you finally. You will only let her down again, you selfish prick! But yes…oh yes…so selfish…just as always I will claw to me what is mine and never relinquish it. Not even for her will I do this. Selfish prick? So be it.
Sookie crawled underneath the covers and look expectantly at him wanting to ask him something. She quickly took in her surroundings again. "Not light-tight." she mumbled to herself.
"Lover?"
"The room, it isn't light-tight, is it?"
"No." Realization didn't take hold until the distinct look of disappointment flickered through her eyes.
Of course she would want to sleep with me. Fuck I can't leave her. Can I? Shit, there's not enough time!
His inner turmoil must have manifested itself outwardly because Sookie placed a hand against his cheek and soothed "It's alright. It's okay. But…will you lie with me…for as long as you can?"
What a question! Blasphemous to think I would have it any other way!
But instead of berating her he flew to her side and spooned behind her looping his arm over her tiny shoulders to pull her in.
Closer…must get her closer.
Having her there in his arms, on her bed, in their house, with the sound of her breathing, her sweet smell, the hum of their bond, the beat of her heart…all of it brought comfort to Eric and finally the emotions he now passed to Sookie did not cause her to recoil in pain….she felt his comfort just as sweetly and soothingly as he did. And with that last bit of warmth…she was asleep.