Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the sole property of Charlaine Harris and HBO. I am simply writing this fanfic to help pass the time while I wait for book 9 in May.

Chapter 2

I awoke in a tangle of sheets and Eric's limbs, completely disoriented. It was so dark in the room that I couldn't even guess at what time it was, or how long I had been sleeping. After we had finished getting to know each other again, Eric had blown out the candles and closed the curtains of his canopy bed. When he got back in and snuggled with me under his thick and heavy blankets, I instantly felt safer than I had ever felt before. This bed was our little impenetrable fortress; pitch black, warm, utterly disheveled and perfect. As I waited for my eyes to adjust, I peeked through the curtains looking for a digital clock. Wow, 5:15 pm. Eric would be waking up any minute. I didn't feel right exploring his home for the first time without him, but I had to pee so bad it didn't matter. I hoped the master bathroom was attached to his room. I didn't notice it last night, but then last night I didn't notice anything other than Eric and his bed. Carefully stepping down to the floor, it was so dark I couldn't see what may or may not have been strewn about; I walked towards the door to his room expecting a light switch on the wall nearby. I found one, and suddenly the room was filled with the same dim light that had emanated from his chandelier. Eric's entire house was about setting a mood. Even though he said that no human woman had ever been here, the thought that he lived in a veritable sex palace seemed to contradict him. Instantly I felt a little pang of jealousy. Irrational, I know.

It took me all of three seconds to find the bathroom now that my tunnel vision was no longer. To the far left of the bed was a door which led to a very impressive bathroom nearly as big as his room. I was in my glory. One half of the bathroom was dedicated to a stand up shower in which small nozzles and showerheads were lined up and down the entire granite wall for a full-body steaming and cleansing effect. The opposite shower wall was made of a single pane of glass. I had never seen anything like it and was positively giddy at the thought of my inevitable shower with Eric when he woke up. The other half consisted of a large tub built into the wall and tiled in the same granite as the inside of the shower, with lots of jets and room for two. There was also a toilet, sink, mirror and a few shelves but those things seemed inconsequential. This bathroom was not for its functionality but for pleasure. I wanted to wake Eric up now because it seemed unfair to enjoy any of this without him. The shower was, after all, where everything started between us. Everything sexual, that is. Oh boy. He can meet me here, I'm getting in. I glanced in the mirror at the sad state my hair was in and I figured it was necessary. Turning on the shower and noting some clean towels folded up on the shelf, I opened the door and stepped in. I quickly discovered that heaven was a place in Eric's bathroom.

"Miss me, lover?" Eric had gotten in behind me and I didn't even notice until he spoke.

"Eric, I want to move into your shower. I'm never leaving." I said, leaning back onto his body as he rubbed his soapy hands all over my stomach and arms.

"I hoped you would feel that way Sookie. I have spent many nights imagining you in this shower with me. I didn't, however, expect to find you in it without me." He said with a deep and hearty laugh.

"I'm sorry Eric, I couldn't help myself. Anyway I just got in so you didn't miss anything." I said, blushing.

He simply continued chuckling as he lathered my body, with his arms wrapped around me from behind.

"I think we need to talk before we make love again" Eric whispered into my neck as he washed me.

My jaw dropped open. These were not the words of a Viking vampire standing naked behind you in his shower.

"I'd like to discuss what I mentioned last night in the car, about going away for a few days. There are a lot of things we need to get out in the open, dear one, many topics to sort out. I would suggest staying here but we really need to be alone with as few distractions as possible." Eric said, kissing my cheek gently.

I could feel his apprehension through the bond, Eric the 1000 year old vampire was anxious about our impending conversation. I didn't want to hurt him, but everything was coming on a little quickly and I was getting overwhelmed.

"I know we need to talk, Eric, but will it really take that long? You know I hate asking Sam for time off with such short notice, if it isn't an emergency." I said, turning to face him. There was sadness in his eyes, sadness and a little gleam of irritation.

"This is important Sookie. As much as I hate to say so, the shifter cares about your well being. If you tell him the truth, he will grant you the time off. I won't even have to intervene."

Eric was, of course, completely right. Sam had indicated to me more than once that he was concerned about my happiness. Lately, he had said, I was distant and totally task driven as opposed to my usual friendly self. Sam was tired of my life being so entangled with vamp politics, but he also knew how important Eric was to me and me to him. Hadn't he called Eric a few weeks back when I was so upset with Jason? If taking a few days off meant resolving my relationship with Eric, Sam would allow it without batting an eyelash. I had no argument, except my own reservations about being alone with Eric for so long. I couldn't really tell him that, so I didn't know what to say at all.

"You've been quiet for some time now, Sookie. Have you come to a decision?" Eric asked.

"I'll call Sam after the dinner rush. First I'd like to know where you intend to take me and exactly how long you think we'll need." I said firmly, showing him I wasn't just going to bend to his will automatically.

"You are already off tomorrow, so I think asking for an extra three days will suffice. As to where we'll be going, I'll need to make a few arrangements before I disclose that information. Let's just say that I think it will appeal to you. Now, do I have your consent?" Eric asked, looking at me impatiently but with evident affection.

"Alright, but you'll need to take me to my car so I can go home and pack. I think I'd rather talk to Sam in person as well, instead of calling. Are we leaving tonight?" I asked with resignation. Eric wasn't going to let up and I guess we had to get this stupid conversation over with.

"Lover, don't sulk. You might actually find that you enjoy this little vacation. Yes, we will leave tonight. I will drive you to get your things and to talk to Sam, I'd rather not let you out of my sight. While you are packing, I will organize everything." Eric said, with just a little excitement in his voice.

I had spent one night with Eric and he was already taking complete control. I don't know why I expected any differently, perhaps it was because I took the first step by showing up at Fangtasia, but it frustrated me that I couldn't say no. Not only was he going to take me to some secret location, tonight, he wasn't going to let me drive myself home to pack. I know that being in control came naturally to Eric, and I didn't really want to argue with him about it, but I had spent the last three weeks completely alone and managed fine. He hadn't gone so far as to call me his, but already he had indicated that he didn't want to leave me alone long enough to get ready for the trip. If we were going to have a big long conversation, then by God he was going to know how I felt about being treated like a child. Suddenly I realized that if I could feel his enthusiasm through the bond, he could probably feel my irritation. I decided to relax and see what happens. He wants to take me away for a few days, I should be happy.

"Well I guess we have to leave your magnificent shower and get going." I said, trying to lighten my mood so as not to dishearten him.

"Yes lover, but first let me kiss you" said Eric, raising my mouth to meet his lips. "I'm pleased that you have decided to yield to me at last. We will come to an understanding very soon, and then we can revisit my magnificent shower. Rest assured that there will be much less talk when we do."

As Eric turned off the taps and went to the shelf for towels, I couldn't help but smile.

* * * * *

Merlotte's was slammed with patrons. If last night had been unusually dead, then tonight was unusually busy. I was glad I had been working time-and-a-half for the last few weeks; otherwise I imagine Sam would have called me in to help. As I approached the bar, I saw him smile with obvious relief.

"Sookie, I don't know why you're here but I am very happy to see you. Every section is full, Arlene called in sick, and we're way behind on orders. I wasn't going to call you, but since you're here would you mind helping out for a few hours? I know it's your first night off in weeks, but I'll owe you one." Sam said all this in one breath while filling a pitcher of beer. He was desperate, and I couldn't remember the last time he had actually asked me for a favor. It was the least I could do. Eric was going to kill me.

"Actually Sam, I came here to ask you if I could take a few extra days off. Eric wanted me to go away with him for a little while. You know, to sort things out." I said, embarrassed.

Sam looked at me as though he had been struck with a mallet. I couldn't tell if he was mad at me, hurt that I hadn't agreed to help, or just plain surprised.

"Sookie, any other time I would agree. You know I would. It's just that right now we're completely full and I really don't have time to talk about this. Will you help us out or not?" Sam said, in a strangely cold and authoritative voice.

"Of course I will. But if I work tonight, can I have the next five days off? I was supposed to be off today and tomorrow anyway." I pointed out, my voice quivering.

"Fine, Sookie, whatever. Just go help Holly by taking over Arlene's section. I've been trying to give her a hand, but it is hard when I also have to tend bar." He glared at me. With a wave of his hand, I knew the conversation was over. I really needed to explain the situation to Eric, who was waiting outside, but Sam would be pissed if he saw me leave the bar after the talk we just had. I had to hustle drinks, and fast. Holly seemed to be losing steam with every step and I hadn't seen the bar this busy in months. As fast as I could manage, I ran back to Sam's office and changed into the spare uniform I left for emergencies. By the time I made it over to Arlene's section to relieve Holly, I noticed Eric was sitting at the bar with a deadly expression on his face. I could feel his overwhelming anger through the bond and I couldn't go over to him until I had been to all my tables. He was staring at me with such intensity that I wanted to run over to him and explain everything, but that wouldn't be fair to Sam. Great, this is just great. I had successfully angered two of the most important men in my life in the last five minutes and it wasn't even my fault. I wasn't one to pout, but I really didn't like this sudden turn of events.

It took nearly two hours to get everyone caught up, by which time I noticed that Eric was drinking a True Blood and giving Sam a look of pure loathing. This did nothing to improve my mood, and, I imagined, it did nothing to improve Sam's. I walked up to the bar and braced myself for the inevitable argument the three of us were about to have, regardless of the huge crowd at Merlotte's. Sam didn't like my attachment to Eric, Eric didn't like my loyalty to Sam, and I didn't like their protectiveness over me as though I were a possession as opposed to a person.

"Before either of you speak, I have something to say. Eric, I didn't know tonight was going to be packed and Sam asked me for a simple favor. He never asks for anything so it was the least I could do. If I had known that you wanted to spend a few days with me sooner, this might not have happened."

Eric looked positively stricken and I could feel his anger, now combined with a little grief, flow through the bond. He was about to speak, but I interrupted him.

"Sam, you're the one who has been telling me to sort my personal life out because it was affecting my work. I was supposed to be off tonight and I came here to ask a favor which would allow me to do just that. You needed my help and I agreed, but you have been short with me since I got here and I'm just not in the mood. You're all caught up; I'm going home to pack. Okay?"

My tone of voice and expression indicated that it wasn't really a question, but Sam was still my boss. When he saw that I was finished talking, he simply nodded. Eric's mood instantly lifted, and his expression became somewhat smug.

"Thank you Sam, I really appreciate it. I'll be back in to work next Friday." I wasn't going to apologize for my outburst; sometimes you just had to stand up for yourself. I still had my manners, though. I smiled at him and waved as Eric and I left the bar. Sam looked blown away. Well, he would get over it. As I left the bar, I couldn't help but wonder if Eric's anger had contributed to my need to give them both a piece of my mind. I guess it's too late to worry about that now. At least Eric had the good sense to stay quiet as we walked through the parking lot to his car. It was just after 9:00pm and I still had to pack. I wasn't sure if Eric had proceeded with arrangements while I was serving or not, but I wasn't going to ask him until I calmed down. As we pulled into my driveway and came to a stop, Eric looked at me and leaned over to kiss my cheek.

"You are an amazing woman, Sookie Stackhouse, and we are going to have a wonderful time together." Eric said with sincerity.

Looking into his eyes and letting all my frustration drain away, I knew that I believed him.

TBC – This is my first attempt at fanfiction so all comments or criticisms are appreciated! Thanks to everyone who has shown interest in the fic!