A/N: Well we have reached their first date. We're twenty-eight chapters in but have finally gotten there, so should be advancing their relationship a little quicker now the first mile stone has been passed. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, and a big thanks to my beta for her amazing work.

Beta: Simi Nightmares

Disclaimer: I do not own True blood; I just borrowed the characters for a bit of fun!

Chapter Twenty-Eight
Fine Dining

As Eric pulled into the parking lot, it was hard for Sookie not to notice that they were clearly in a high end area of Shreveport. Not only the restaurant but the surrounding houses screamed that they had money, how else could people afford gated properties?

Who would have thought there was such an area so close to where she lived?

Bon Temps certainly didn't have anything similar. People got by how they could and while it would be an assumption on her part to refer to everyone as poor she couldn't be sure. For all she knew some people could have wealth but frankly it wasn't any of her business.

Her Gran did not raise her to be a nosey nelly!

Smiling in thanks as Godric held open her door for her like a true gentlemen, she didn't protest as both maker and childe guided her towards the brightly light entrance. Eric's hand rested on her lower back while Godric's rested lightly between her shoulder blades. The barely applied pressure quelled any annoyance she may have felt at the gesture.

Admittedly, it was nice.

Outwardly, the building looked to be old. She had always held a fondness for ancient buildings, even those which had been remodelled or renovated as long as aspects of their historic past still remained. This restaurant, however, looked as if it had just been taken out of an architecture magazine.

It was breath-taking.

As Eric held open the large glass doors her eyes ran over the young female dressed as if she was the one dining rather than being the hostess. The difference between the girl's uniform and hers at Merlotte's – there was no comparison. Merlotte's was about good food at an affordable price, this place was all about class, money and expenses. Immediately it made her feel out of place, her fingers nervously brushing against the cheap fabric of her own dress.

It's always the prettiest people…

Confused at the girl's stray thought Sookie tried not to dwell on it. It would be beyond rude to invade the young woman's privacy by reading her mind just to solve her own curiosity. She couldn't get into bad habits.

"Good evening ma'am, gentlemen-"

Ma'am?

Since when did she get called ma'am?

"-do you have a reservation?"

Eric shot her a charming smile that had Sookie rolling her eyes; she knew personally how thick Eric could lay in the charm when he wanted to.

"Northman."

Shaking her head, sensing Godric's amusement at the situation as well, Sookie decided to ignore the way the girl flushed and stammered out a response while instead choosing to take the time to look around the entrance lobby.

Even if she wasn't already aware from the outside exterior, it was clear this place only catered to a mixture of high clientele or special occasions. There was a chandelier in the lobby for goodness sake! The walls were a soft red, decorated with multiple works of art which were stunning to say the least.

Godric moved to stand behind her, a hand resting against her hip as he leaned in to whisper "Do you like it?"

The picture was of a city landscape, and while it was a beautiful piece of work Sookie couldn't see it in herself to rationalise spending so much money on one painting.

Still, "Is it by someone famous?"

Godric paused, taking in the brush strokes and technique. "I would guess it is from a new artist rather than a classic, I am not familiar with this particular piece of work. I do know, however, that it is a fake."

"You can tell just by looking at it?"

Godric nodded. "I can. The brush strokes are clearly practised, copied, rather than from an artist's imagination or skill. If I were to guess I would presume it was a copy, a fellow artist attempting to replicate another piece of work."

Sookie stared at Godric, impressed.

"You look surprised, älskling."

She shrugged. "I knew your eye-sight was good but I didn't realise just how good it was."

"Ah." Godric nodded in understanding.

They both continued to stare at the painting until Eric made an appearance on her left, staring at the same painting with an unimpressed expression. Sookie wasn't surprised, she figured that Eric wasn't the type of man who valued paintings, and while she wasn't either, she could appreciate the skill and beauty of a piece of work.

"Our table is ready."

Nodding, Sookie was once again blown away as they entered the main restaurant area. It was fair to say it looked even more amazing than the lobby did, in fact it made the lobby look plain in comparison to what she was greeted with.

The first thing she noticed was the lighting was dimmed. It made the atmosphere more private, more romantic. She didn't quite know how to take it, especially since she wasn't romantically involved with either vampire she had come to dinner with.

It was just dinner.

It was obvious the extravagance was for her benefit, a realisation which made her blush as the hostess led them towards their table. It was unnecessary, especially when she would have felt much more comfortable at somewhere which didn't seem so above her pay grade.

A diner would have been nice.

Taking note of the expensive linin table cloths, crystal glasses and even more chandeliers Sookie didn't need to glance at the other guests to know it was a high class establishment. Everyone within sight was dressed from head to toe in expensive jewellery and high brand clothing.

She didn't belong here.

"We hope this table is to your liking, it is our most private booth within the restaurant…"

Sookie's attention was once again drawn to the outside patio. She couldn't help but stare enviously at the tinkering lights and soft pink table cloths. It was more relaxed, gentle almost and she couldn't help but wonder if it would be possible to have a look.

Despite her nerves she couldn't help herself as she turned to face the hostess. "Would it be possible for me to have a quick look outside? It looks lovely." It was highly unlikely she would come here again; she didn't want to miss the opportunity to have a good look around.

The hostess looked shocked. "Urm…that area is usually intended for those who…uh…are eating on a budget," she spoke uncomfortably.

Why the fuck would she want to eat out there…shithole…poor people…

Shithole?

Poor people?

Sookie stared at the patio, stunned that it was directed towards 'poor people' as the hostess had worded it in her head. She frowned, wondering just how different the people who had less money were treated to those compared with who were already sitting inside and eating.

And people accused vampires of thinking themselves better!

Shame on them!

"Why don't we go and have a look, älskling?" Godric was already directing her towards the outside entrance.

The hostess quickly protested, "But…but…"

It didn't surprise Sookie when Eric lost his patience even after a few seconds. While he managed to present himself in a calm and collected manner when it came to vampires, when it came to humans he was commonly short tempered.

"Are you saying we are unable to look outside?" he quirked a brow, expression revealing nothing.

The hostess flustered. "It's just…we're fully booked tonight; the last outside table is already reserved."

"Oh, I only want to have a look-"

"When are they scheduled to arrive?"

The hostess shifted nervously, eyes drifting towards the entrance where Sookie took note of a young couple looking around it awe. Roughly in their twenties, Sookies' smile widened when she caught a stray thought that had happiness curling in her lower stomach.

Playfully tapping Godric on the chest she grinned, "He's going to propose" she practically squealed.

Godric chuckled fondly before sharing a look with Eric who nodded in understanding. Without a second thought the tall Viking was turning to face the younger couple who looked startled and anxious about being greeted with a vampire over six foot. Sookie winced at the fear suddenly present on their faces.

Why was everyone so judgemental of vampires?

Still, she couldn't help but be curious about what Eric had planned.

"C-can I help you?" a younger hostess asked nervously.

Sookie noted that she was dressed slightly less elegantly than the one who had guided them towards their booth, a frown in place when she realised just how distinctive the staff made it. Those who had more money clearly got treated a hell of a lot better than those who didn't.

Suddenly the restaurant didn't seem as incredible as it first seemed.

"The table on the patio, we want it" Eric demanded much to Sookies embarrassment. What on earth was he thinking, he was going to ruin the couples' night. The man was going to propose for heaven's sake!

"Eric-"

Her protest was cut short as the young couples faces fell before Eric continued, sensing his lover's unhappiness. He supposed he could soften the blow. "They can have our table, and I will settle their bill."

Sookie positively melted at Eric's generosity.

"Oh, we couldn't accept that" the young man stuttered out, clearly uncomfortable with accepting such an offer from a vampire. Sensing this Sookie decided to step forward, the fact she was clearly not a vampire calming them down somewhat. She had a tan after all.

"Please?" she pleaded, knowing from their thoughts they wanted to accept but were anxious to. "I really would like to sit outside; Eric here doesn't mind settling your bill." She internally winced at her casual use of his money; still, if it got them to agree…"Made of money, this fella" she patted Eric on the chest much to his amusement.

Her Gran had to be rolling in her grave.

The beautiful brunette chewed her bottom lip shyly, glancing towards her hopefully soon-to-be fiancé, "What do you think, baby?"

Clearly conflicted but wanting to make this an amazing experience for his girlfriend he relented. "Thank you," he stuttered out, pulling his girlfriend close, "If you're sure?"

Eric jerked his head in a nod. "Order what you like, Louise here will look after you, won't you Louise" he narrowed his eyes at the hostess who stuttered out a yes.

Heading outside Sookie couldn't help but smile as she took in the bright lights and more casual atmosphere. It looked like a fairy-tale come true. Godric's lips curved up in a smile as he watched her practically glowing with happiness. It only enhanced her beauty.

"You like it?"

Sookie nodded happily before turning to Eric. "Thank you for that," she gestured to the young couple who were looking mystified by their surroundings. "It was really sweet."

Eric pulled out her chair, another surprise. "Your happiness made it worthwhile," he admitted causing her to flush brightly before she took a seat. "Had I know you were the type of lady to prefer a more casual setting I would have chosen this table beforehand."

Sookie couldn't help but roll her eyes, "I work in a diner, this" she gestured to her surroundings, "is more than slightly above that."

Godric frowned. "If you do not like working at Merlotte's perhaps you should quit."

"And do what?" she frowned.

"You work for me," Eric stated.

Sookie quirked a brow, "I would hardly call our agreement me working for you, Eric" she took a sip from her glass of water. "I offered to help in order to keep you from hurting my brother." Oh, that reminded her. "Also he knows where that Amy is staying, here" she rummaged in her purse to find the small card she had written the address down on.

Eric simply pocketed it. "Business is business."

Sookie rolled her eyes, "Exactly."

As expected the food was delicious, and against her better judgement and manners Sookie couldn't help but keep glancing towards the young couple clearly enjoying their extravagant meal inside. She smiled fondly; only slightly envious that she had never had the opportunity to be in love like that.

"Did you give any more thought to our previous discussion in my office, lover?"

Sookies startled slightly at the abruptness of the question, but really she shouldn't have expected anything less. Eric wasn't the type of man who was subtle. She glanced between Eric and Godric with a sickening feeling in her stomach, her desire for both maker and childe making her feel sick.

She wasn't ready to deal with this.

She didn't want to.

Sensing her distress Godric shared a look of understanding with his childe. They needed to tread carefully; one slip up could have them missing the chance they both wanted. It wouldn't be a conventional relationship by far, especially through the eyes of a human, but when it came to his own kind they were unjudging when it came to both sex and relationships. It wasn't how their minds worked.

Knowing this, Godric chose his words carefully. "We would both like you to consider us seriously. We are very interested in an intimate relationship with you, Sookie."

Reviews = Sookies reaction!

xxx