A/N: LOVE YA'LL for the fantastic, v helpful reviews; they seriously make my week!!!!...so Coach Quinn didn't make it into this chapter (I know how heartbroken ya'll must be!), but another antagonist did, so I guess it balanced out. Enjoy!!!
Disclaimer: All these awesome characters belong to the equally awesome Charlaine Harris, and I also borrowed a version of her phrase, "Oh, that Pam."
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Eric POV
The last few weeks had been a fantastic blur. I thought after Vivienne that there was no way I would ever be able to fall for someone again, but Sookie Stackhouse had completely changed everything. She was bright and vivacious and caring; whereas Viv had been like a dark, plaguing succubus, Sookie was the sun in the evening, warm, calming, and reassuring. Sometimes her reactions surprised me, (like how she had responded that first time in the bathroom, and at my house before we made love- who knew she could be such a convincing little minx?), but I trusted her implicitly. In a way that, I was realizing now, I had never trusted Vivienne.
Sookie seemed to emanate maturity that went beyond her eighteen years. I never worried that she might try to use our relationship as leverage in my class; if anything, it was the opposite. She continued to strive to earn my respect, more so now than ever, and God help me, I found that enthusiasm only increased her attractiveness. A gorgeous student who not only gives me "what for" when I'm wrong in the classroom, but also turns around for me to fuck her in almost the same breath? I surrender.
And despite that almost worldly wisdom of hers, she was still endearingly naive about sex and relationships in general. But God, it was fun to introduce her to new things and even better when she surprised me; it made me hard just thinking about that time in storage closet. Although she could be somewhat domineering before or after we fucked, it was about the most goddamn sexiest thing I'd ever witnessed whenever she yielded to me completely during the act itself. That I could bring her to her knees, quite literally, made me feel powerful and in control, something so vital to my personality, something that Viv had so casually taken from me, and it was just another reason I found myself so attracted to Sookie. This might seem selfish, but truly, there was a constant, mutual giving and taking between us, and it had allowed me to find a peace that had so eluded me after the divorce.
The only, and I mean only, thing that was obviously not ideal was that I was her teacher. We hadn't discussed anything serious about our relationship; it was almost like we were too afraid to contemplate what the other might possibly be thinking about it. Other than agreeing to basically keep it hidden at school, (well, trying to, at any rate), nothing further had been decided. But as our exploits grew in number and intensity, I knew beyond all doubt that I cared about Sookie very, very much. Certainly enough to risk my job and my reputation for her.
But it wasn't the sex or its illicit nature that I couldn't stop thinking about now, it was the time we spent together on the weekends, relaxing and just being. It was the most drama-free relationship I had ever been in, which was just the most fucking ironic thing ever considering the circumstances.
And of course, it was her non-verbal confession in the teacher's lounge that prompted me to reveal exactly how deep my feelings ran.
I hadn't even realized it until I felt her sobbing against me, and although I didn't know exactly why she was, I did know that I never wanted her to cry again. Our lovemaking had been so intense, I eventually assumed that might be the cause, and when she turned away from me in shame, I knew what I needed to do. As I uttered those three words, I could feel her contentedness returning, and for a blissful moment when she responded that she loved me too, it encompassed me entirely. I felt like the Grinch; an old, jaded bastard whose heart had been a few sizes too small until that instant, and then it was ready to jump out of my chest.
On one particularly gorgeous fall day, soon after the talent show, I decided that Sookie and I should go on a date. It seemed odd that we had inadvertently skipped over what was such a seemingly normal step in most relationships, but it was so refreshingly natural and comfortable to simply "hang out." Although naturally I hadn't spoken about us to anyone, Pam did know that something was going on (well, no shit) after the time she had caught us. She had the appropriate response (i.e. to call me an asshole the next day) but she was also surprisingly understanding when I accidentally mentioned Sookie in a romantic context a few days later, while we were hanging out in my classroom during our break. She made it clear that she was adamantly opposed to the inappropriateness of our relationship, but in her next sentiment, she seemed to have overcome her initial opinion tolerably well and started to offer advice.
"Eric, this is why I only date women. You are unbelievably obtuse. I don't care which woman you're talking about; pretty much all of us like to be wined and dined. For obvious reasons, I understand why you want to keep this under wraps, but I can guarantee there won't be anything to hide if you don't take her out on a date, like, yesterday."
I pondered this (her idea and her sudden change of heart, which I could only try to attribute to her knowing that Sookie was a mature, balanced individual) for a moment before responding.
"I don't know, Pam, she hasn't said anything about going out on an actual date, and she seems to like spending time at my house..."
Pam rolled her eyes and sighed exasperatedly.
"Fine, Eric, don't listen. But I'm sure you've noticed, as I have, that Sookie seems to be attracting a lot of attention recently from that new student, Sam Merlotte. Who I actually overheard asking her out last week."
No, I had not noticed this. What the fuck??? I gripped my coffee cup so hard that I almost expected it to crumble into dust in my grasp. Pam raised an eyebrow as she observed my reaction. I glared at her a little and she just shrugged her shoulders cheekily before sailing out of the room and sing-songing, "You should read more Dear Abby."
Oh. That. Pam.
So anyway, here I was, looking at the gorgeous orange and yellow leaves on the tree outside of my classroom, while considering where to take Sookie for our first official date. When I mentioned it to her after class that day, she did respond favorably, which made me think that maybe Pam did sort of know what she was talking about. I made plans to pick Sookie up at seven on Friday. She was worried that someone might recognize my truck and she told me to meet her at the end of her driveway, but I said that I would be driving something different, anyway, and not to worry.
That night, I wore one of my only nice suits; a black, excellently fitted suit, with a white shirt and a black skinny tie. To keep it from seeming too "retro," the pants were more low-slung on my hips than a normal men's pant. I had actually put some effort into my hair, which after some experimentation, I had decided to leave loose. On the whole, I felt excited to be getting ready for a date with my girlfriend. While I anticipated the welcome change of pace and scenery, I slid into my cherry red Corvette; it had been Vivienne's and it was the only thing I had taken from our sham of a marriage. Not because I had been bitter (although I had), but because it was a gorgeous car and quite frankly, after what she had done, I decided that I deserved this little baby. Quickly, though, I shook off any negative thoughts and concentrated on having a wonderful date with Sookie.
******
Sookie POV
When Eric asked me out on an actual date, I'm pretty sure my mouth caught a fly or two, it was opened so wide. It was something I had thought about from time to time, but I didn't broach the subject before because there were plenty of reasons for him to be hesitant about the idea. And truthfully, I was a little old-fashioned in the sense that I wanted him to ask me, because he was the boy. (So sue me, I'm too romantic to be a feminist.)
Fortunately, Jason was at an "away" game a few towns over, and Gran's Descendents of the Glorious Dead club had convened for a special meeting that night; it was some anniversary or something. I casually mentioned that I might spend the night at Amelia's, and she responded distractedly that I had been spending a lot of time there recently, but it was A-Okay with her. As soon as she had pecked my cheek and left, I waited about half a beat before scrambling to my room and throwing off my ratty clothes. I showered and shaved, used my favorite smelling shampoo, blow-dried and curled my hair, and pampered the heck out of myself before finally slipping into my dress at a quarter till seven. Stepping back, I checked out my reflection in the mirror.
I had chosen a gold dress with a daringly (for me, at least) strapless bustier. The color was light and classy, and it complimented the particular shade of blonde that my hair was, while still emphasizing my tan. It was a pretty tight little number, and I silently thanked the creator of Spanx for helping me fit into a size 6 for the evening. My hair was glossy and cascaded over my shoulders in loose waves, slightly covering my delicate gold earrings, and my strappy matching heels completed the look. I touched up my lipgloss, checked the clock, and headed out the door. I stopped short, however, when I was confronted with a bright red...sexmobile in my driveway. My confusion turned to horniness when a handsome blonde man stepped out of the driver's side. Eric confidently walked around the hood of the car and I took the opportunity to unabashedly leer at him, and his gorgeous ass that wouldn't quit...making me horny. It was the first time I had seen him in a suit and, sweet Lord, he wore it well. He was so tall and smelled so good and my mind was turning to mush as he smirked and bent down to give me a kiss. I was ready to drag him inside and have my wicked way with him, but he gently disentangled himself and stepped back.
"Sookie, you look fantastic."
I gave him a pleased grin and did a little turn.
"You think so? You're not so bad yourself..." I moved to kiss him again and more deeply and felt him pulling away again.
He groaned lightly as I gave him my best puppy-dog eyes. "Eric, we don't have to go out tonight. In fact, I'm not so sure I want any other women to see you looking this delicious. My house is empty, for at least another hour or so...." I cajoled.
He seemed to shake himself out of his reverie, and looked down at me with mock disapproval. "Now, Sookie, I have a very nice evening planned for us," (his accent became more apparent on the "very"), "and there will be plenty of time for that later."
I shivered a little and, swear to goodness, felt my panties dampen as he gave me an obvious look about what "that" exactly might be.
A little reluctantly, I allowed him to lead me to the car and I slid onto the buttery leather seat after he had opened the door for me. He closed it after I was securely seated, and strode around to his side while I continued to ogle him and wonder a little at my good fortune. Before he started the car, his blue eyes met mine and I noticed a boyish gleam in them.
"Hold on," he warned playfully, before roaring off towards our destination.
The drive was about forty-five minutes or so, but it was a pleasant one. I realized, but wisely didn't comment, on the fact that he had avoided the main roads going through Bon Temps. Instead, I focused on our conversation.
I already knew that Eric liked classic rock, (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc.) but he seemed to have a pretty eclectic playlist going at the moment. As we chatted about different things happening around school and in our personal lives, (more about his family and my friends), I vaguely recognized some Kings of Leon, Muse, Jack Johnson, the Eagles, and other miscellaneous artists.
However, I paused when Dave Matthews Band came on. My left hand moved to cover Eric's right hand, which was resting on the gearshift. With his eyes still on the road, he briefly brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. My breath caught and I smiled to myself as I thought about that night. We weren't even at the restaurant yet, and already this was the best date I had ever been on.
**********
Eric POV
Never again.
I was resolved never to take Sookie out in public again. She was too fucking gorgeous; every single man in the place was trying to eye-fuck her as we walked in. She practically glowed with happiness and youth. I wondered, not for the first time, how in the hell I had ended up with someone so incredibly honest and good.
After we were seated, she glanced at me excitedly and whispered, "I cannot believe that you got reservations here! I've heard so much about this restaurant, its supposed to be impossible to get a table; how did you do it?"
I was still a little angry about the attention she was continuing to receive and I replied coldly, "It wasn't too difficult to figure out that this was an excellent restaurant. And fortunately, I know the co-owners."
Almost immediately the glow faded and she faltered at my tone, looking at me with a slightly hurt expression. My inner voice reprimanded me for being such an ass; it wasn't her fault, I trust her, she's not Vivienne, I repeated in my mind, but somehow it wasn't computing.
A slight blush stained her cheeks and she looked down at the menu and slightly bit her lower lip. An awkward silence fell over our table. I knew I was ruining what had started out as a great night, and I hated myself for it. She seemed to be staring at the menu but not really looking at it; after a moment, she set it down and, without looking me in the eye, excused herself.
I leaned back in my chair and exhaled heavily. I had to get myself under control. This was ridiculous.
I ignored the pointed stares she was getting as she walked back to our table and focused on what was truly remarkable- the fact that she didn't seem to notice a single one of them. She ventured a glance at me and I couldn't help but smile, albeit a little bitterly.
"You don't even notice them, do you?"
She looked confused so I continued.
"Sookie, every single man in this room has been staring at you since we walked in."
Comprehension finally dawned in her features, and the glow returned as she maintained eye contact while replying, very matter-of-factly, "Yes, but that doesn't matter, because I'm here with you, stupid."
I laughed and leaned slightly against the table as I held her hands in mine. "Oh, Sookie, why do you put up with me?" While I was mostly kidding, part of me was curious and wanted a serious answer.
She fluttered her eyes and answered innocently, "Why, for your body, of course..."
I snorted softly.
"...and for all the little things you do, like the foot rubs you give me when we watch movies, and how you always open doors for me, and that you try so hard to make me happy, whether that means trying to cook or taking me to a fancy restaurant with French menus..." She paused and I felt my heart in my throat as she searched my eyes earnestly.
"I love you, Eric, so much. I just wish you would believe that I'd never hurt you."
She didn't even ask for the same reassurance, and guiltily, I realized I couldn't give it to her. God, I was a selfish jerk.
I leaned over to kiss her and as I began to pull back, I felt her deepen the kiss for a few moments longer than necessary. Finally, she released me and as I sat back in my seat, I asked, "What was that for?"
She nodded towards the bar area behind me, and I turned to see a woman sitting there who looked about sixty-five. She was wearing too much make-up, her face had been expertly Botoxed, and she was clutching a martini glass (probably not her first of the night). She winked exaggeratedly at me and as I turned back, horrified, to Sookie, she giggled and said, "Because I'm not the only one who has admirers."
*******
Sookie POV
After that initial hiccup, dinner had been fabulous. The fish was the best I had ever tasted in my life, and the dessert was practically an aphrodisiac. I felt punch-drunk on food and love and happiness as we left. It was a perfect fall evening, cool with a very slight breeze. The stars were out, the moon was full, and I snuggled a little closer to Eric as we headed towards his car. His arm was wrapped around my waist and he had thoughtfully draped his coat around me before we went outside. He made me laugh about something and I started to reply until I felt him stiffen next to me. There was a couple walking towards us; the woman was brunette and tall and thin and supermodel gorgeous, the man was good-looking, but in a more rugged sort of way.
Despite being slightly in awe of the woman's statuesque beauty, I immediately disliked her because of her disdainful expression. She hadn't spoken yet, but my bitch-meter reading was already off the charts.
Eric seemed to consider walking right past them, but they stopped in front of us.
"Eric, what a surprise to see you here," Brunette Bitch said, "I can't believe you can afford it on your teacher's salary," and here she stage-whispered the word "teacher," as if it was dirty. The man she was with, who seemed a lot hairier up close, looked a little uncomfortable and fidgeted.
Eric answered tersely, and his accent was more pronounced than I had ever heard it before, "Vivienne, don't be ridiculous, you know I am friendly with both of the owners. And I believe that teaching is more honorable than your profession- wait, what is that again? I believe the euphemism is, 'the oldest one in the book?'"
She smiled wickedly and seemed undeterred. Turning to me, she sneered, "I don't know, but I'm sure your escort probably does. Why don't you ask her? Or is it that she's not old enough to speak? Jesus Christ, Eric, she really does look young enough to be one of your students."
Eric blanched slightly at this, but I quickly drew her attention back to me.
"Oh, you must be the ex-wife that I haven't heard anything about. I'm so glad to finally meet you," I gushed with sincerity.
She looked confused for a moment, but I continued with my Southern-girl simple.
"Well, it's just that I've been wanting to thank you. Because you cheated on Eric, now I get to have great sex with him all of the time, and everywhere, and in more positions than I could have ever imagined. So thanks!" I wrapped my arm more firmly around Eric's waist and steered him towards the car.
He seemed a little shell-shocked as he fumbled for his keys. I smoothly took them out of his hand and he recovered long enough to open my door before getting in on his side and starting the car. It ran for a moment as we sat in silence.
Suddenly he turned and smashed his lips to mine. I pushed back eagerly and moved to straddle him. In between kisses, he murmured, "God, I love you."
I unzipped his pants and his large hands pushed up my dress and undergarments. I thought to myself that I was happy that I hadn't worn the full body Spanx, and I immediately placed him at my entrance. His eyes were dark and worshipful as I slowly slid onto him.
His hands moved to the back of my dress and he pulled down the zipper, caressing and feasting on my collarbone and shoulders and neck as my dress crumpled down, baring my breasts to him. He took one hard nipple into his mouth and then moved to the other, while still lavishing attention on them with his fingers. Finally, I couldn't wait anymore and I began to ride him, hard. I came twice before Eric thrust into me one last time and I could feel him spill his hot seed into me. We were both breathing heavily and sweating against each other, but his hands continued to rub my shoulders and back and arms, as if he needed reassurance that I was still there.
I caressed his face with my hands. I could see pain there, and for the first time in my life, I felt pure hatred for someone. His ex-wife had almost ruined him; I was finally beginning to see just how deep and raw those wounds were. His vulnerability in that moment made me love him even more, and I resolved that nothing would come between us.
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Coming up: Sadly, less quality time for Sooric (Erikie?). The dastardly Quinn will unveil his plan, and the students of Bon Temps celebrate Halloween! I'm still trying to decide what costume to place Mr. Northman in, so suggestions are certainly appreciated :D