A/N: Sorry for taking so long to update the next chapter I will try to have the next few up sooner. Hope you enjoy and like always do not own anything to do with Sookie Stackhouse OR True Blood

I dreamed of various things as I waited for Eric's return, nothing too abnormal, until everything went dark and I could not even see more than an inch in front of me. I screamed, but there was no answer. Then I realized it was because I could not talk. I ran aimlessly through the darkness looking for something or someone. When I fell, I buried my face into my hands and cried. I knew I was going to be lost in this abyss forever and would never get to see Jason, Eric, Tara or anyone ever again. At that moment, I heard a faint whisper. I wanted to run to that sweet voice, but I couldn't-- my legs had been shackled so I couldn't move. The voice grew further and further away until I thought I was going to split in two. Someone placed their hand on my shoulder and I turned around relieved, but this was not the person I wanted to see. This was the person who had shackled me to the ground. When I could almost make out the face, my eyes flew open.

Eric was at his desk when I sat up to look around. He looked concerned about something but I didn't know what.

"How long was I out?"

"Just a few hours."

A grin just barely touched his lips and then he looked back down at whatever was on his desk. It pained me more than words could describe to see him this way I just needed him to smile again. I got up and wrapped my arms around his chest; but before I could see what he was looking at, he turned it over.

"I have to leave for a few days," Eric said. His tone was harsher than usual, but I tried to ignore it.

"Alright, when do you have to leave?"

"Tonight, but I hate to leave you so soon so I decided to go tomorrow night."

"Why?"

"Just some sheriff duties, I shouldn't be gone too long and Pam will be around if you need anything. Feel free to stay at my place, as well, if you like."

He turned around in his chair and wrapped his arms around my waist while burying his face into my stomach. I could tell he didn't want to go and I wanted to beg him to stay. But I knew he would if I asked him to and this trip seemed like something he needed to do.

"Don't worry about me, Eric, I will be fine. When you return I will be waiting for you here."

He looked up at me at that moment, flashing me one of those infamous smirks I loved.

"Alright-- so long as you promise to be wearing something even more evil than you are wearing right now when I return."

I blushed, remembering what had just taken place a few hours ago.

"I forgot I am supposed to be mad at you," I said as I walked away with my arms crossed and the best pout I could manage without laughing. I didn't even hear him get up, but before I knew it, his arms were wrapped around me once more with his chin resting on my shoulder.

"Aw Sookie, my love, won't you forgive me for my horrible behavior earlier? Please?" he pleaded in the softest whisper against my ear.

This was entertaining. I would have to remember to make Eric beg for more things in the future.

"I…" but before I could finish, I was taken off guard as he swept me up into his arms and sat on the sofa with me cradled against his strong chest.

"Well this time I can forgive you," I said teasingly.

He chuckled a little as I snuggled closer to his chest, not even wanting to move.

"I will miss you, Sookie."

"Just hurry back when you can. I don't know how I will spend my nights with you gone.

Eric wrapped his arms tighter around me and before I knew it we were both fast asleep. When I woke up I was laying down on the sofa with Eric's arm draped over me. Hopefully I wouldn't wake him; at least this time I would get to leave him a note. When I got up, I realized I was still in that same ridiculous dress which I wanted to change out of immediately, but had no clothes here at Fangtasia. I tiptoed over to Eric's desk and found pen and paper to write a note with.

Sorry about having to take your car yet again. I will leave the keys under the driver's seat at my house for you to pick up. I will miss you while you're gone…just hurry back to me, my love.

Eternally Yours,

Sookie

I left the note on his desk and walked back to where Eric was sleeping to brush his long blonde hair out of his face. He looked so happy; I wonder if vampires can dream? I sat there a little while longer just watching him sleeping peacefully. I wanted to stay there forever, but I knew I couldn't. So before I wasted any more time, I kissed his hand and brushed it against my cheek. As I walked out the office door I glanced over my shoulder one last time to see him.

"I love you dearest Sookie" came out in just a mumble since he was still asleep, but it broke my heart and I suddenly had this absurd feeling that I might never see him again.

I headed back to Bon Temps with tears in my eyes. I just couldn't escape that feeling. I switched on the radio hoping that would ease my pain, but it was playing "First Love" by Utada Hikaru; that song always makes me cry, even on my best days, so I sped up while I switched off the radio. By the time I got home it was 9:15am and there was already a message on my answering machine.

"Hey Sook, it's me Sam…Um…I am sorry about last night…Could you come by the bar around twelve though? Arlene needed to take her kids to the doctor so I need someone to cover her shift. Thanks, bye."

Well that gave me enough time to have some relaxing time to myself. I turned on the bath water and let it fill up while I undressed from last night's clothes. When I slipped into the bath, I already felt better as the hot water caressed my skin. I let the water wash away all my worries and laid my head back closing my eyes. I had nothing to worry about-- I knew nothing could ever happen to my Eric and he would be back before I even had enough time to ache for his touch. Of course, who was I kidding? I already missed the way Eric caressed my skin ever so gently, sending shivers down my spine. I got out of the bath. At that moment, I didn't care what time it was, I couldn't be alone with my own thoughts. I needed to stay busy until Eric's return. I got dressed into my Merlotte's uniform and headed out the door. I placed Eric's keys where I said they would be then got into my own car and drove off.

Sam was surprised to see me when I walked through the door, but he didn't say anything. I guess he still felt bad about yesterday. Oh well, I didn't feel like talking anyway, I just needed to work. I kept working all through the lunch hour without a single break. I didn't want time to think. I even let everyone else's thoughts wash over me since they were better than my own. I barely even paid attention to who was thinking what and I did not care. When I noticed the sun going down I started to cry again and then everyone's thoughts were about me. It reminded me about my loneliness, which was ridiculous. I had not even been away from Eric that long. I sucked back my tears and put a smile on my face so no one would be wondering why I was crying. It worked. It had not been dark outside for more than three minutes when I heard someone walk through the door. I turned around and saw my Viking standing there out of place. I stopped what I was doing and ran into his arms, jumping up and wrapping my legs around his waist.

"I needed to see you before I left," Eric said.

"I am glad you did-- I was already starting to miss you!"

He wrapped his arms tighter around me while he kissed my neck. I did not care that everyone was staring, I did not care that everyone's thoughts were about me and Eric. I just needed this moment with him.

"I will try not to be gone longer than two days, Sookie."

"Alright, I will be waiting for you when you come back."

Eric squeezed me one last time and put me down, placing his hands on either side of my face. I stretched up to kiss his lips one last time before he left.

"I love you Eric."

He smiled and reluctantly walked out the door. Everyone's eyes were still on me, but I was happy now and that feeling I had earlier had completely diminished. Around 8 pm, Sam told me I could go home and I wasn't scared of being alone now, so I said my good-byes and walked out the employee entrance. As I got to the driver side of my car I felt a huge blow to the back of my head… then everything went dark.

A/N: Thank you Jodi