PART TWO
New Relationship

A few days after Christmas, Sookie found herself happily back at work. She stowed away her purse in Sam's office and slipped her order pad and a pencil into the front pocket of her apron. She hadn't been scheduled to work, but Holly who was, had been visiting family in Colorado for the holidays and was now snowed in and stranded in Denver.

With her purse safely towed away and apron secured, she walked down the hallway that connected the office, store room, and bathrooms. From the hallway she could see Sam behind the bar. She waved to him when he looked up. He mouthed "Thank you" to her.

Merlotte's was packed with the post holiday lunch crowd. If it had been slower, he and Arlene could have managed it. He was just relieved Sookie was home when he called. He always could count on her to help out in a bind. As soon as Sookie stepped out from the hallway, she scanned the bar looking for Arlene to let her know she was there.

Her heart sank when she saw a group from the Fellowship of the Sun. She recognized them instantly by their T-shirts. Sookie despised them. They were intolerant and ignorant. Much to her chagrin, they were sitting in Holly's usual section. Arlene turned and made eye contact with Sookie. Waving her hand, Sookie pointed toward Holly's section. Arlene's face was set hard. She curtly nodded her head.

At one point in their acquaintance, Sookie had considered her a friend. But since Arlene became mixed up with the Fellowship of the Sun, she'd changed. She was hateful and plain rude. Sookie shook the thoughts aside, and made her rounds to all the customers in her section, refreshing drinks, making sure everyone had enough food and condiments, leaving the Fellowship of the Sun "asses," she mumbled under her breath, for last.

"Can I get you a refill?" Sookie pasted a smile on her face. They each gave her a hard stare. Thanks to Arlene and her big mouth, they knew her as the fangbanger with the unnatural peculiarities. And these were the kindest words they were thinking in relation to Sookie. Though she was use to hearing unkind thoughts, it still stung every time.

"We don't care to be served by a vampire's bitch," mumbled the thin man next to the window.

"I'm sorry—," Sookie's tone was sharp.

"We suddenly lost our appetites," snickered the round man. It hurt, but she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of cracking.

"Just give us our ticket." Sookie reached into her pocket and pulled out their ticket placing it on the table. The men threw down some bills and stood up to leave.

"I'll get you your change," she said.

"Don't bother." The three men stood up and left, but not before saying good-bye to Arlene.

"Jerks," Sookie whispered picking up the money. They left just enough to cover their meal with only a few cents left over for a tip.

Not many people thought well of her. Some thought she was a freak, and others considered her white trash. She wasn't sure what was harder. Mean thoughts or mean words. Sookie swallowed the lump in her throat threatening to make her cry as she walked the money to the register behind the bar.

"You alright Sookie?" Sam asked. He only heard the tail end of the conversation, but what he picked up was enough to know that if they hadn't left on their own accord, he would have asked them to leave. Sookie smiled brightly and nodded her head not answering his question. She knew she would start crying. Instead she went and did another round of her tables.

Sookie put her guard up, blocking out all the thoughts around her that tried to pass through her brain. It took a lot of energy and focus for her to do this, but she didn't want to have to listen to unwanted thoughts. Luckily, she didn't get any orders wrong, and her tables kept her busy enough that she didn't have time for a pity party of one. A few hours or so later, salt and pepper shakers and napkin holders refilled, she felt like herself again.

"Hey Sam," smiled Sookie handing him a ticket and a large bill. "Can you give me change?"

"Sure thing," said Sam. "Thanks for helping out today."

"I'm just glad I was able to help," said Sookie.

"Wow," gaped Arlene capturing Sam and Sookie's attention. They both looked over at her and then in the direction she was drooling in.

Sookie's heart leapt and sputtered.

It was Preston looking human and absolutely tantalizing. She spun around facing the bar. It was a knee jerk reaction. Her cheeks reddened. She expected never to see him again. Instantly, her thoughts went to the night he kissed her. The memory made her twitch in deep and private ways. He was an amazing kisser; toe curling, mouth watering. His kiss was the kind that made a woman forget her name.

"You alright Sookie?" asked Sam. Her expression bordered between panic and giddiness. Sam looked over again at the man sitting at the booth, and then back at Sookie. He hadn't noticed anything unusual about the guy. "Sookie?" Sam waved his hand in front of her. "Breath," he teased.

"Sorry." Sookie gave him a shy smile. She was visibly affected by Preston's appearance.

"What a looker," whistled Arlene.

"Women," mumbled Sam. "Here you go Sookie." He handed her the change she had asked for.

"Thanks Sam." Sookie hauled in a breath, quickly taking an inventory of herself. The next instance she scolded herself for caring what she looked like. "He's nobody," she tried to convince herself. She turned and though she tried not to, she couldn't help but look up at him.

Preston smiled and nodded. "Oh help me Jesus," she prayed. Sookie turned and nervously walked over to her waiting customers, and deposited their change. For the last two days, she had worked really hard not to think about him. It didn't help that every time she saw her Gran's afghan, she remembered him.

From his seat, Preston had a clear view of Sookie. He watched her as she weaved between tables, her hips swaying, and her hair up in a pony tail bouncing as she moved. From a few stolen glances at Preston, Sookie knew he was watching her. Each time, she willed herself not to blush. She felt awkward about what she was wearing, how she was walking, and how she was breathing.

Self consciously, she approached the table where Preston was sitting. If Sookie didn't know better, she would have sworn she had stepped into a movie. Her forehead and underarms were damp. "Breath," she reminded herself. The customers in her area faded into the background leaving only Preston in focus. From her scalp to her toes, she tingled.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, and despite herself she admired how nice he looked in his new hair cut. It used to drape like chocolate silk over his shoulders. Now it touched the back of his neck. "Stop noticing," she silently reprimanded herself. But it was difficult for her not to. He looked good; gorgeous enough to be on one of those magazine covers like GQ.

"I wanted a hamburger." His smile convinced Sookie that it should be illegal.

"Serious." One of her brows arched and she gave him a crooked smile.

"I wanted to see you," he answered. A few thoughts raced across Sookie's mind. For one, why did someone who looked like he'd just walked off a modeling shoot be interested in her? Not only that, but he was a pureblood fairy. She'd always figured purebloods would just view her as a lowly by-product of their wonder-fulness; nothing more.

"Niall said you weren't to contact me," she reminded him. He had told himself the same thing before opening the door into Merlotte's.

"Would you like me to leave?" he asked. "Say yes. For my sake, please say yes."

Just the other day he had been summoned to Niall's court. As protocol had dictated he showed up dressed in his proper court attire. When he arrived, to his surprise, it was only Niall. His court had been dismissed, which was unusual and it had made Preston nervous.

Standing before the Prince, he had been reminded of his obligation to his people. However, the reminder had the same effect on Preston as it had on Niall when he was young and in love with Einin. Preston was sure he didn't have to reach too far to find the reason for Niall's reminder. This gave him a flicker of hope that maybe Sookie felt something for him. But before he could ponder that thought, Niall had launched into a conversation about Sookie. "My great-granddaughter hasn't requested an audience with you, has she?" asked the Prince.

"No, she has not," answered Preston.

"Being connected to me as you are through Enda," explained Niall. "Any attention you might give to a human, I believe, would not go unnoticed by my enemies; especially, during these challenging times." The Prince paused. "You do understand that my enemies would not hesitate to use her to get to me?"

"I understand," said Preston.

"Sookie means a great deal to me. I have taken great care not to draw attention to her existence," explained Niall. "If it's within my power I would withhold nothing from Sookie that would ensure both her safety and happiness. Are we clear?"

"Yes, your grace," hesitated Preston. Though he understood what Niall had said, he was unsure of Niall's full meaning.

"Sookie's safety is important to me; as is her happiness," said Niall. "Until I know differently of these things I've spoken, do not contact my great-grandchild." Niall had purposefully not mentioned which of his great-grandchildren he was referring to at that moment, for he had a few through his marriage with Enda.

"Nothing less would be expected," said Preston.

He knew that Niall's words were law, and if he knew what was good for him, he would have stayed as far away from Sookie as possible. Yet, his feet led him to her, as if he had left something with her that he needed back.

With a deep breath he had opened the door into Merlotte's, which now he saw as a confirmation that he had a death wish. But it wasn't too late. He could get up and he could leave, and that would be the end of it. He would just have to stand; put one foot in front of the other and walk out.

Silently though, he prayed that Sookie wouldn't turn him away.

He watched her lovely face as thoughts raced across it. In the days that he had observed her, he knew she was unattached, and he was glad for it. Only thing was that, he wanted her attached to him, if she was agreeable.

Looking into his handsome face, Sookie hesitated to answer him. She was more than glad to see him. Truth was that she was downright ecstatic. But she also didn't want to be disappointed, again. It'd only been a few months since her relationship with Quinn had ended. Maybe it was too soon, and then maybe it was time for her to move on. Granted, she hadn't wanted to be fancy-free, but she was single now, and Preston it would seem was interested.

"No," she admitted. "Don't go." Preston hadn't realized he was holding his breath. "But," said Sookie and he felt the tension return. "What are you really doing here?" she asked. Her voice was emphatic. Though she couldn't think of anyone in the bar who knew her great-grandfather, what if Claudine dropped in? Did she know him? And would she tell Niall? Even worse, what if Niall decided to pay her a visit at work? After all, he'd done so a few times before.

"I told you it wasn't over," he pointed out. Sookie's breath quivered at the memory.

"Well," she paused not sure what to say. "I didn't think you meant it."

"Usually when I say something," he said gently, "I mean it." Sookie hated how he was turning her into Jell-O.

"So what's your big plan now?" she asked sarcastically. She figured when in doubt go on the offensive. "Are you going to seduce me right here?"

"If it'll put you in the mood why not?" he grinned. Sookie's heart raced.

"Very funny," she snickered, and despite her effort not to, she blushed.

"Would you like to try?" he asked suddenly feeling shy.

"Here?" her voice squeaked. She felt herself turn several shades redder. Preston started chuckling. It took Sookie all of a few seconds to realize she'd jumped to a conclusion too quickly. She hadn't quite understood his question. Expectantly she held her breath waiting for Preston to clarify.

"I really don't want to have this conversation here," said Preston glancing toward the bar. They had an audience. Preston stood up.

"Wait," she pleaded. Anxiety suddenly swept through her. She was afraid she'd never see him again. "I'll take my break. There's a swing in the back. I'll meet you there."

"Ok," smiled Preston. Sookie watched him leave. She turned her attention to the few tables she had in her section and made sure they didn't need anything.

"Sam," Sookie smiled laying on the charm. "Is it okay if I take my break now?"

"What was that all about?" he asked gesturing to the booth where Preston had been sitting.

"He had an appointment he didn't want to be late to," she lied. She'd never lied to Sam before. Yes, she withheld information from him, but she never had lied directly to him.

"Sure," his brow lifted. "I'll keep an eye on your tables."

"Thanks Sam," Sookie smiled. Coming around the bar she kissed him on his cheek. It was all it took to soften him.

A quick trip to the bathroom, she patted down a few stray strands of hair, and made sure she looked decent. Satisfied that she couldn't do much else, she stepped outside. Preston was already on the swing. She took several slow and steadying breaths as she walked toward him.

"So what is it you wanted to try?" she asked as she sat next to him.

"You and me," said Preston.

"Oh," she breathed, her insides did a summersault. "Well…what's to say once you seduce me, you'll leave with no word?"

"There isn't," he said somberly. "What's to say when you get upset with me you won't throw me out again?" Sookie grinned.

"I don't know," Sookie bite her lower lip.

"It would seem we're both in the same boat," Preston said.

"I guess so." As much as she was scared of trusting someone again, she couldn't help wanting to say "Yes!".

After a short silence Sookie continued. "I've never been with a fairy before," she said softly.

She knew that it was physically possible. After all her grandfather and her dad were proof that it was possible. It was also apparent that they could love. She figured Fintan must have loved her Gran Adele enough to accept that he'd only ever be second in her life. She suddenly felt sad for him. The thought of loving someone so much that you could be happy in just having stolen moments with them was such a foreign idea to Sookie.

Each second that she pondered on this, she realized that Fintan probably wasn't completely happy, but what choice did he have? If he loved and wanted her Gran enough, he would have to accept what she could give him, or be left with nothing.

Preston's eyes were fixed on her soft hand. "Does the idea of being close to me frighten you?" he asked reaching with his finger and touching her. Sookie felt a shiver shoot up her hand and down her spine spreading to other areas. "Oh boy," she told herself. She was in so much trouble.

"No." Her voice was sexed up, which surprised her. "I," she swallowed, "I just assumed humans didn't hold much appeal to fairies."

"I can only speak for myself." Sookie turned and met his gaze. "You're more appealing to me than the air I breathe."

"I am?" she was breathless; dizzy.

"You've stolen my heart," he smiled resisting the temptation to draw her toward him. "And the thing is," he said. "I don't want it back." What does a girl say? She remembered her great-grandfather telling her how persuasive fairies were.

"What about Niall?" she had to ask. He seemed to be the only one who would have something to say about her and Preston. She didn't think the Shreveport vampires would care. She hadn't heard anything from them in two months. And Christmas Eve was the first time she'd spoken to Bill in some time.

"I know," he said in an undertone. They both let out a coordinated sigh. Time stretched quietly as they sat on the swing.

Technically, Preston hadn't actually said he would stay away from her. He only acknowledged what he had been told by simply saying, 'I understand.' Maybe that would be enough to avoid an iron guillotine.

"Preston," Sookie was the first to break the silence.

"Yeah," he breathed.

"Yes," she smiled brightly. Niall had never disapproved of any of her former boyfriends, why would he now? And did he really get a say in the matter? As far as Sookie was concerned, that was an emphatic, "No".

"I'm honored," he smiled letting out an audible breath of relief.

"Good." Sookie beamed.

"I was hoping you would be hungry tonight." Sookie definitely was hungry in a carnal way, but she wasn't about to tell him that. If she could help it, they would take things slow.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked.

"Yes," he said. "Would you have dinner with me tonight?" Sookie grinned mischievously, biting the inside of her cheek.

"Well," she paused playfully. "I just happen to be off tonight," she said. "I would love to have dinner with you." She liked him, a lot.

"I can pick you up at five."

"Ok," she smiled brightly. "Where are we going?"

"The warehouse district in Shreveport," he answered.

"Really?" she smiled genuinely excited. She'd never been to the warehouse district before. It was supposed to be a posh area for young professionals.

"Dress comfortably," he said standing up, holding Sookie's hand in his. Her heart raced, and she wondered if he would kiss her. She wanted to kiss him. "I hear your boss," he warned her. "I'll let you get back," he said though he wasn't ready to leave her. Sookie nodded her head, but she didn't move.

Preston leaned toward her. Her insides fluttered. For two nights she had dreamt about their first kiss. Instinctively, she tilted her chin. She wanted to kiss him more than anything.

Gently, Preston touched her lips. They kissed for some time, both lost in the adventure and pleasure of the contact. Sookie wrapped her arms around his neck. She wasn't sure if it was a fairy thing, but like a few nights before, she felt his kiss over her entire body. Everything seemed to be involved in this kiss. As they continued this delicate dance, they began to want other things. Their breathing sped up.

The sound of the Employees Only door closing reminded Preston where they were. Reluctantly, he pulled back.

"Good-bye," Preston's voice sounded shaken. It pleased Sookie. Slowly, he pulled away. Her kisses had tasted faintly of sweet nectar. Sookie nodded her head unable to find her voice. She watched him disappear through some invisible door.

Suddenly she questioned her sanity.

She missed her Gran; she would know what to tell her and whether or not she was making the right decision to see Preston.

Awkwardly she glanced around and went back inside.

"Everything ok?" asked Sam the second she opened the door. She let out a scream.

"Jesus Christ Sheppard of Judea," cried Sookie.

"Sorry." Sam quickly adjusted himself.

"You gave me a fright." Her voice was short. Sam leaned forward and inhaled her sweet tempting scent. It was something Sookie was use to seeing. Quickly, she made her way around him and down the hall and returned to her tables.

Sam had noticed the exchange between her and the stranger. He felt confused. His mind went into overdrive for several minutes. He thought she never dated the regular human type with her telepathy and all. Something didn't add up. Sam frowned.

Ever since Sookie got herself involved with vampires, she didn't always think through her actions. So naturally, Sam was concerned about this new man suddenly showing up.

Though Sookie had picked up a few flashes from Sam's mind, she knew by the looks he kept shooting at her after Preston had left that he wasn't too happy. For the rest of her shift, Sookie avoided Sam. As soon as she finished debriefing her replacement, she slipped into Sam's office and retrieved her purse. Without a word, with her apron still on, Sookie left through the Employees Only door. Once in her car she hurried home. ~