Hello once again everyone. First of all I would like to apologize (yet again) for the length of time between updates. Real life has been giving me some curve balls as of late and so those issues had to take precedence. I would like to promise you all once again that this story will not be abandoned; it is very near and dear to my heart and I will continue to write this story and, if people are interested, other stories as well.

Second, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who read and comment on my story. I love hearing your feedback and opinions and you encourage me to write. A special thank you goes out to those of you that continued to send me PMs and well-wishes even while I was away, though. You'll never know what it meant to me to read those messages and know that you care and are interested. Thank you.

Lastly, I would like to address a comment that I received last month. I couldn't address it in PM as it was sent as a Guest so I want to answer it here. The commenter basically told me that I need to post my story or hand it off to someone else because making readers wait is not fair. I would just like to point out that as the old proverb says, 'patience is a virtue.' I also would like to say that when I showed that message to my Dom we had a good laugh because we both know what kind of reaction that sort of comment/demand would have provoked from him. So, while I am happy that you love the story and are anxious to know what happens next, please understand that fanfiction is not always the number one priority in people's lives and that making demands usually doesn't garner the results that you desire.

Alright, I apologize for the mini-lecture as well as what has become an oversized author's note. I hope you all are still interested in the story and enjoy this next chapter. Thank you so very much!

Godric was already at the door, opening it to let Eric come in to the room the moment he felt his child rise for the evening. As soon as Eric entered the room he could see why; Sookie was still asleep on the bed, almost completely covered in blankets and snuggled into the pillows beneath her head. He looked back to Godric who motioned for Eric to sit.

"Did you want something to drink, my child?" Godric asked, keeping his voice low.

Eric raised an eyebrow, glancing fleetingly over at Sookie before looking back at Godric. "Nothing you are offering will suit my tastes…unless?"

"She is not a snack to be passed around, Eric."

Eric sighed heavily. "I am aware of that, Godric. I was not serious in my request. I will not deny, however, that it saddens me to know I will never taste her sweetness."

"You care for her," Godric said. "It is plain to me that you hold Sookie in high regard, that you have become attached to her. What else could make you disregard everything I have taught you over the centuries and feed your blood to her? I understand that you felt compelled to create a connection with her, however fleeting, even if it was against her will." Godric looked over to where Sookie was still sleeping soundly. "She is…quite special. It has been more than a millennia since the last time I found someone so enthralling," Godric said, quirking the corner of his mouth up in a sort of half-smile.

"You mean to turn her?" Eric asked quietly.

"Perhaps…in time. If she is amenable to the idea. I do not wish to do so against her will, and I do so love her scent and her warmth."

"You would let her age and die? Just because she is too stubborn to accept the gift of life?"

"I did not say that," Godric said.

They were silent for some time before Eric spoke again. "Why?" Eric asked, his hushed voice only just audible, even to Godric. "Why have you taken her for your own? You met her just days ago…I just cannot understand."

Godric sat in silence for several minutes before speaking. "From the moment I saw you, Eric, I knew you were mine. I knew I would have you by my side. Your viciousness on the battlefield, your obvious passion for life and everything it has to offer drew me to you immediately. I bided my time until the right moment presented itself but it only took that first glimpse of you for me to know. Spending time pondering over what I already know to be true is a pointless exercise."

"So you mean to, what? Date her?" Eric said contemptuously.

A goofy smile spread across Godric's face. "I would be happy to oblige her if Sookie wishes to be…courted," Godric said, his eyes sparkling, "…provided she is a good girl."

As one, both Godric and Eric turned toward the bed where Sookie was now sitting wide awake.

"Ah, and she awakens," Godric said. "I was beginning to think I was going to have to drag you from under the covers."

"Well, I was up earlier," Sookie said, swinging her legs over the side of the bed, "but since this slightly overbearing vampire I know insisted I couldn't even order something to eat until he rose for the night, I just decided to go back to sleep."

Eric chuckled at Sookie's sassy remark and Godric's lips curved up in amusement.

"This vampire you speak of," Godric said, his tone playful, "you say he is only slightly overbearing? Clearly this vampire – whoever he is – has been shirking his duties; I'll have to speak to him about this immediately."

"Oh, you," Sookie huffed in exasperation before standing up and marching over to the bathroom, hastily calling out, "human needs, excuse me," and shutting the door sharply behind her.

Eric waited until the shower turned on to comment. "Ah, now that is the Sookie I am more familiar with. What do you intend to do?" he asked Godric.

The mirth was still clear in Godric's eyes. "Do?" Godric said, half listening to Eric and half listening to his Sookie turn on the shower. "I see no reason to 'do' anything, Eric, at least not in the context you seem to be implying. Sookie has done nothing wrong in this instance and I have no desire to strip her of her personality. Come to think of it, she very much reminds me of another fair haired, blue eyed, extremely stubborn creature I know." Godric paused, tilting his head to the side in an exaggerated gesture of contemplation. "Now I see, it makes perfect sense to me why you are so very drawn to Sookie," Godric smirked.

"You wound me," Eric said. His words held no true heat and his expression was more care-free and happy than Godric had seen him in several decades. "One would think you believe me to be narcissistic."

"Oh my child," Godric said, rising from his seat, "it is true that your ego has always been…well-developed, but I would not change you for all the world." Godric reached down, gently cupping the side of Eric's face with his hand. "Du är vacker, min son."

They stayed just like that a moment, allowing the silence to surround them completely before Godric spoke again. "Give me some time with Sookie. We will come to your room when we are ready to go visit Compton."

Godric waited until he heard Eric enter his own room before turning and opening the door to the bathroom. Truth be told, he'd love to spend some quality alone time with his Sookie, felt it necessary even to progress their relationship. He had been immediately drawn to Sookie from the moment he had heard and smelled her in that basement. He knew he wanted her even before he saw her pinned beneath that disgusting swine, fighting him with everything she had in her to keep him away.

He was still upset with Sookie for so rashly deciding to go into that church, a hate group disguising itself as religion, without consulting anyone first. Godric understood that her relationship with his child was strained, but nevertheless, she had still agreed to come with him to Dallas and assist. She knew the situation was precarious and yet she still walked into the Fellowship, potentially to her death, without a second thought. If he hadn't already snuck into the church the night before while looking from the missing vampire from his area...he shuddered to think about what Sookie's fate might have been.

A steam cloud from the shower filled most of the bathroom but Godric could still clearly see Sookie through the haze. He stood there a moment, taking in the sight of how Sookie held herself, unguarded and unaware of being watched.

Her hair was saturated, making it a shade or two darker than her usual bright sunshine blonde. The water made her hair heavy, allowing the ends to reach further down her back than normal. Godric's gaze fell then and, not for the first time, he took in the lucious way Sookie's waist curved, flairing out into wide, shapely hips. Sookie bent down slightly to pick up a bottle of something or another – body wash, shampoo – but Godric could not be sure of what since his eyes were fixed on the shapely bottom that he had so quickly come to adore. It was fleshy and rotund, perfect for spanking, Godric thought wickedly. He was captivated for a few more moments examining the way buttock turned into thigh but then Sookie turned slightly, giving him a new, almost perfect view of her body in profile. Her breasts were lovely, heavy and full. Her areolas were a perfect dusky pink surrounding nipples that were currently standing upright, hard from being exposed to the water. Godric's eyes trailed down to the expanse of Sookie's stomach. He was drawn from his musings, however, when he heard a startled gasp Godric looked up, taking in the startled expression on Sookie's face.

Sookie's eyes widened comically and she immediately turned her back to Godric, crossing her arms over her breasts and pressing her thighs together in an attempt at modesty that made him laugh out loud.

"What the hell, Godric," Sookie huffed indignantly to the tile in front of her. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"I have heard of it," Godric said, prowling toward Sookie, "I just chose not to do so."

Sookie sighed deeply, turning to look over her shoulder she saw Godric approaching and cringed slightly, almost unnoticeably if not for vampire senses, and pressed the front of her body up against the wall.

This reaction made Godric pause. He reached out and brushed his fingers against the curve of her shoulder, down her arm and against the back of her hand. Godric laced his fingers between Sookie's, staying like that a moment before squeezing her fingers lightly in his own to draw her attention.

"Here now," Godric said, his tone, as ever, understanding and patient. "Can you explain this reaction to me, little one?"

"It's nothing."

Godric just waited, allowing the silence to become stagnant and uncomfortable.

"Really," she insisted, turning to look Godric in the eye.

Godric stroked his fingers back and forth through Sookie's as he spoke. "I don't know that I believe you, sweet girl. If what you say is true, why are you cowering against the wall? Would you not rather be in my arms? I know that is where I would rather you be."

"I would love that Godric. Just let me finish up my shower and – "

"Why? I'm here now. Can I not enjoy my girl any time I please? Perhaps a hug, at least?" Godric's tone was playful but Sookie was sure his question was one that required an answer.

"Godric, your clothes are getting all wet. Why don't you wait for me in the room. I'll just be a minute."

"Sookie – "

"Ugh, fine. I didn't want you to see me completely naked, okay? You came in here without warning and I wasn't ready and you were looking at my…" Sookie trailed off but Godric did not let her off the hook.

"What was I looking at, little one?"

"Nothing little, that's for sure," Sookie mumbled.

"What did you say?"

Sookie just sighed again and said nothing in response.

"You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, Sookie," Godric said, reaching around to lay the palm of his free hand on her stomach. "You have a beautiful feminine figure which you should be proud of. I know I certainly am proud that a girl with curves such as yours belongs to me. I will come to be the envy of many."

"The envy of many? I didn't know you knew so many chubby chasers, Godric." It was her attempt to joke about the situation and deflect, but there was no mirth in her voice.

"You believe yourself to be overweight?"

"I know I am," Sookie said with a shrug. "I've always been heavier than most other girls. It's just something I've had to learn to live with."

Godric leaned forward resting his forehead against the back of Sookie's neck. "Oh my lovely girl, you are absolutely stunning. There is nothing at all wrong with the way you look. Females are supposed to be curvy and soft. I love that when I look at you there are no angles, when I touch you I feel flesh rather than excessive muscle or bones. You are the epitome of womanhood, Sookie. It is today's society that has it all wrong."

Sookie spun around to face Godric, throwing herself into his waiting arms, pressing her breasts fully against his solid chest. She flung her arms around Godric's neck, catching his gaze a moment before leaning in to brush a gentle kiss against his cheek.

"That's really nice of you to say, Godric," Sookie said. "Thank you."

Godric trailed his fingers up Sookie's spine, tickling over the skin of her neck and threading through her hair from underneath. He tightened his hold on the strands, then, pulling back gently so he could look at her face. "You do not believe me," he said, disappointment clear in his voice. "You have not known me long little one, this is true, but in the time you have, tell me, have you known me to lie? Have you known me to issue meaningless platitudes in order to placate others?"

Recognizing how very serious Godric had become so quickly, Sookie did not hesitate to answer. "No. No, I haven't…heard you say stuff just to humor people, I mean," she rushed to clarify.

"And have I given you reason to doubt my word? Is there some reason you believe me to be less than genuine?"

Sookie's eyes narrowed then and she stepped back out of Godric's embrace, her arms coming back up to cover her chest. "You're really questioning why I think you might be fibbing just a bit?" Sookie said incredulously.

The water from the shower had begun to cool. Godric remained silent but the look in his eyes urged Sookie to continue. "Well? May I speak freely or am I gonna get turned over your knee for havin' an opinion that doesn't belong to you?" Sookie bit out.

She was shocked when Godric's lips quirked into that lopsided smile of his, seemingly in response to her.

"Your accent is more pronounced when you are emotional, little one. Did you know?"

Sookie's brow furrowed, profoundly confused. After a second's deliberation, she just shook her head, turning to the faucet to shut the water off.

"Ya know what?" she said, more to herself than to Godric, "I really need to get some clothes on. I can't think clearly when all I'm worried about is if you're lookin' at my belly fat."

"What belly fat?" Godric asked, following her out of the shower and watching her wrap a bathrobe hastily around herself.

"Oh spare me," Sookie said a little testily. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed. I practically jiggle all over!" she said, her voice getting louder with her ire.

"You don't jiggle all over," said Godric the look on his face turning slightly more predatory, "but I can assure you that the places where you do, I quite enjoy."

Sookie opened her mouth, no doubt to shoot another tart remark at him, but before she could get another word in Godric grabbed her around the middle, spinning her around so her back was to his chest, his other hand coming up to rest against the column of her neck. Turning her to face the mirror, Godric caught her eyes in the reflection.

"That will be quite enough from you for the moment, girl," Godric said into Sookie's ear.

Godric felt Sookie draw breath as if to speak and he tightened the grip he had on her neck ever so slightly, not enough to restrict her air in any way, but enough to serve as a warning. Sookie's eyes widened at the sensation and her mouth closed instantly. Her breathing began to speed up and became audible, even by human standards. Godric could feel little puffs of air blowing against his forearm and began to stroke his fingers soothingly against her still damp skin until the sensation began to calm her.

"That's my good girl," Godric said when Sookie's breathing rate had returned to normal. "Now I am going to speak. When I ask you a question you will answer it clearly and honestly to the best of your ability. Do you understand? Answer me."

"Yes…" Sookie said, trailing off and looking into Godric's eyes. Godric understood the implicit question being asked. She was testing him, seeing if he would correct her apparent mistake.

"If I have to remind you, Sookie, this evening will not begin well for you, and that would be a shame," Godric said, his tone measured.

Sookie did not respond right away. She kept her gaze on Godric's in the mirror, wearing a mask of defiance in an instinctive attempt to keep from being even more exposed before him than she already had been in the shower. But Godric was patient and steadfast, waiting her out until finally, many minutes later she went slack in his arms, the tension in her features fading into acceptance.

"Master," Sookie breathed.

"My sweet lovely Sookie," Godric said. "Are you ready to answer some questions for me, sweet girl?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good girl." Godric began gliding his fingertips against Sookie's skin once again and leaned forward, resting his chin on her shoulder before he spoke again. "Now Sookie, I want you to tell me why you believe yourself to be less than perfection. Look at yourself in the mirror, Sookie. Explain how the girl you see is so vastly different than the one I see."

Sookie sighed but did ask Godric asked. She shifted her eyes to her own reflection in the mirror and spent a moment just looking at herself. Her eyes flickered back up to meet Godric's after a few seconds, although she dropped her gaze before she began to speak.

"Godric…Master, I've never had to wonder what people thought about me. I know. I hear most people's opinions of me and while it's not pleasant at least I'm not deluded into believing I'm something that I'm not. I know people think I'm stupid, crazy, and chubby. Those are the more flattering thoughts I overhear, believe me."

Sookie might have said more, but was struck silent by a rumbling growl that broke free.

Through the reflection Sookie watched as the arm Godric had wrapped around her waist moved, his fingers grasping the belt of her hastily donned bathrobe and deftly unknotting it. Slowly, Godric moved each side of the robe away from her body, exposing her naked skin to the mirror. Sookie's eyes immediately dropped from her reflection, not wanting to look at herself for so long.

"Sookie," Godric said softly, rubbing his cheek against the now revealed skin of her shoulder, "look back at your reflection, please."

Sookie shook her head no, but immediately she felt a gentle pressure underneath her chin urging her to look forward once more. Godric's eyes locked on hers.

"Look at yourself, sweet girl. I want you to see what I see when I look at you since your vision seems to be so very clouded when it comes to your own image."

"Godric, please," Sookie said. "Can't we just drop it? I don't want to talk about this anymore and –"

"Well then, it is good luck for me that I did not ask what you wanted, is it not?"

Sookie huffed, trying to seem unaffected, trying to pull herself together and reign in her emotions – for him, he realized – but it was obvious in the way that her eyes tried desperately not to look down at herself that she was becoming more and more distressed. Godric wrapped the fabric of her robe around her once more, his hands then curving around her waist and turning her away from the mirror. As soon as she was facing him, Sookie collapsed into his chest, completely deflated.

"We will be having this discussion again, little one. I will not have you thinking so lowly of yourself."

Sookie leaned back away from Godric so she could look into his eyes. Her resignation was apparent and it seemed she had no intention of commenting at all, which disturbed Godric all the more. His hands came up to cradle her face, the familiar gesture bringing some life back into Sookie's gaze and breathed a mental sigh of relief. Godric brought her forward until she was leaning into him once again and tilted her head, pressing his lips against her forehead in a chaste kiss.

"My intention was not to make you uncomfortable or unhappy," Godric said, his lips moving against her skin. "In fact, just as it is my responsibility to teach you and help you grow, both discipline you and see to your pleasure, be your companion so your never have to be alone, it is also my responsibility to see to your comfort and happiness. It would be my greatest failure as a Master to let you down in this regard."

Sookie leaned back again so she could see Godric's face, and Godric just waited.

"And you still don't feel like I'm more trouble than I'm worth," Sookie finally said, her voice small and hesitant. "I mean, I feel like you're spendin' all your time dealing with my issues," at this she gestured indistinctively toward her head, "and that really can't be all that interesting for you." She paused a moment before adding, "And you haven't even gotten to see what it's like with my disability."

Godric drew her completely into an embrace, then, tucking her head underneath his chin. "You listen to me, Sookie. Are you listening? If I did not want to spend the time on you, I would not spend the time on you. It is just that simple. I see value in you, even if you do not currently see value in yourself. But do not worry; I will help you to see."

"Godric," Sookie began to protest yet again, but she was cut off before she even began.

"Not right this moment, sweet girl," Godric said, squeezing her tightly once more. "Right now, we have to go talk to a rat."

"And then home?" Sookie asked, still nuzzling into the crook of his neck.

"And then home," Godric promised.