Five Times Tami Taylor Couldn't Sleep.

Summary: Just a little bit of pre series Eric/Tami fluff. Each chapter is a different time in their premarital relationship that Tami couldn't sleep, mainly focusing on their college years. I could continue if you guys like this and have other ideas.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything….

Three:

A few months later it was the anniversary of her fathers death. In the past Tami always went home to Dillon on the day no matter what was going on. Eric knew something was wrong with that day from Tami's past roommates and people around Dillon, but she'd never said much of anything to him except that she'd be leaving in the morning for a few days. Tami lay wide awake in bed with Eric the night before she was planning on leaving. It had been ten years, she was thirteen when it happened and she was now 23. She had managed to keep it from her boyfriend that was sleeping next to her, but she wasn't sure how long she could manage to keep it that way. She was thinking about what happened that day and a few stray tears escaped. Eric being the light sleeper and the protective boyfriend woke up to the sound of her sniffling and he offered his hand for her to hold. She took it and squeezed his tight. He opened his eyes, "babe?"

She sniffled again but took a shaky breath, "I'm fine sugar"

He squeezed her hand, rolling onto his side, "I'd know those sniffles anywhere. That's your cry"

she took in another sharp breath and he propped himself up to look at her. He brushed a beady tear away with his thumb and cupped her cheek with his hand, "tell me somethin, does this have to do with you goin home tomorrow?"

She gulped, unsure of how to answer him. She just blinked and a few fresh tears fell. He just continued to wipe her tears away and sighed, "I wanna know what's keepin you awake babe"

Tami whimpered and looked into his caring, concerned eyes.

Eric brushed a stray golden curl from her face and continued searching her eyes, "what is it sweetheart?"

Tami shuddered, "it does have to do with me going home..."

He continued to gently stroke her hair, "and whys that?"

She yawned, "ten years ago... My dad died"

Eric sighed, but nodded, "I'm sorry darlin"

She sniffled, "it was a drunk driving thing... My father was known as the town drunk, so it was just a matter of time..."

Eric sighed, and brushed the hair from her face, "I'm sorry. Let me drive you home tomorrow.."

She tried to smile, the drives back to Dillon were emotionally taxing this time of year. "Please"

He smiled, "right now I just want you to sleep" he gently pulled her into him and she rested her head on his chest, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders from telling him.

She started to relax and slowly drift off to sleep in his strong arms.

Thanks for the reviews! I have actually been thinking about doing this with someone else in the show, like Eric, or Julie. I think it would be interesting to adventure into. If you have ideas for something like that please feel free to share. Sorry this update took longer than I wanted, I just haven't had a chance to sit down in front of my computer recently.