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 3

The next few hours passed in a flurry of activity. As soon as I fully realized that I had five days off, five whole days, I became totally and completely gleeful. I couldn't remember the last time I had taken a vacation. Whenever I asked for time off work it was because I was summoned by the vamps for my telepathic ability, or disability, depending on your point of view.

Eric had decided to stay on the porch to make some phone calls, while I went inside to pack and tell my roommates about the upcoming trip. Amelia and Octavia had been both excited for me and visibly relieved that I was taking a holiday. I guess they had sensed the fact that I was unhappy and wanted, like everyone else, for me to figure out if I really loved Eric or not.

I still didn't know where we were going, but since Eric hadn't given me specific instructions, I packed a little of everything and hoped it would be enough. Oh who am I kidding? I packed just about all I owned into three suitcases and even borrowed some dresses and shoes from Amelia. On my last trip, to Rhodes, I hadn't brought nearly enough. In retrospect it was a good thing I hadn't, as I would have lost it all, but still. I was determined to be prepared for whatever Eric was planning. In fact, I was determined to look damn good no matter what the occasion. All things considered, I had earned this time off and I sincerely hoped that I wouldn't be spending the whole trip arguing with Eric. I knew some disagreements were inevitable, of course, but I needed a break.

By the time I was finished packing and had said my goodbyes, Eric was leaning against his Corvette with a huge grin. Presumably, whatever plans he needed to make had worked out and he was ready to go. He took one look at me trying the drag three suitcases at once and started laughing.

"Sookie, we're only going away for five days. If you want to move in with me, however, I would be glad to bring two of your three suitcases to my house for safekeeping." Said Eric, as he grabbed my luggage and stored it all in his car with a quick wink. I ignored the remark about moving in.

"My new rule is to be prepared for anything, and that starts with how I pack. Actually, that maybethe motto for the Boy Scouts. Either way, no matter where you take me I will have an outfit that suits the occasion." I said with pride. "I haven't been on vacation, in, well, years." I added sheepishly.

"It's amusing to see you so excited, lover. We must hurry though, to catch our plane. I had Pam pack my things and she is waiting for us to pick it up at Fangtasia. As it is already 10:30pm, and our plane leaves at 12:15pm, we don't have much time." Eric said, opening the car door for me.

"Where are you taking me Eric, will you please just tell me now?" I demanded.

"I was going to, but have decided against it. I would much rather see the look of surprise on your face when we get there. I think it will be…what is the expression? Oh yes, priceless."

I had to wonder why that last comment instilled a feeling of dread.

*****

Eric's maniac driving got us to Fangtasia in record time. Having called ahead to tell Pam we were on the way, I wasn't surprised to see her standing in the parking lot with Eric's suitcase. If it annoyed her to be Eric's bellboy, she gave no indication of it. In fact, she seemed thrilled to see us and to be somehow involved in our going-away plans.

"Sookie, you're looking just rosy tonight." Pam said, kissing my cheek and running a fingernail over my neck jokingly.

I fought the urge to tell her that she looked like the little girl in frills who smiled while concealing a switchblade behind her back. She probably would have considered it a compliment. I thanked her politely instead. She then turned to Eric and bowed slightly, at which he nodded his head. Vampires.

"Is everything settled, Pam? " Eric asked.

"Yes. I had to pull a few strings…but it's all taken care of." Pam was clearly very pleased with herself.

"Excellent. We must go; see to it that I'm not disturbed" Eric said, motioning to his cell phone "except under dire circumstances."

Eric and Pam exchanged a cryptic glance, before Pam blew me a kiss and we got back in the car.

"Bring him home in one piece, Sookie." Pam called as we drove away. Eric scowled and turned on the radio.

* * * * *

We arrived at the airport just before midnight. As though entirely choreographed, a valet appeared out of nowhere to park Eric's car and an airport attendant arrived to take our luggage. I had never heard of an airport valet, but then I wasn't much of a traveler. I considered listening in on his thoughts, to find out if he knew where we were going, but decided against it.

"Mr. Northman? Miss Stackhouse?" An attendant asked, walking towards us.

Eric gave him an impatient expression and nodded.

"Your plane is ready. Right this way." I blinked in response.

"Did he just say your plane?" I asked, incredulous.

"I called in a favor." Eric replied simply, as though this sort of thing happened to him every day.

"Some favor" I muttered to myself. Eric must have heard me of course, as vampires have excellent hearing, but he said nothing. I felt a small flush of pride flow through the bond and had to smile. Eric was pulling out all the stops for our little trip and he was trying to act nonchalant about it. If he could get a private jet, with what, four hours notice, someone owed him big time.

We were led to the tarmac hurriedly by the attendant; being the only passengers didn't mean the pilot would wait all night I supposed. We quickly found our plane, a small Cessna. It didn't look like much from the outside, but was absolute luxury on the inside. There was ample room for about six people, I figured, and completely stocked for any occasion. A wide black leather couch hugged the walls of the plane, and each section had the option to individually recline. There was a huge flat screen television on one end of the plane and a fully stocked bar on the other. At first glance, I could see a bottle of champagne on ice, and a covered tray which I presumed was full of hors d'oeuvres. There was also a pole in the middle of the floor. Oh my God that's a stripper pole. Whoever usually flew on this plane must have liked to party.

At that moment, the pilot came out of the cockpit to speak with Eric about the safety features of the plane. After a few simple instructions, he told us to enjoy the flight which he said would take approximately five hours. That would barely give us enough time, I calculated, to check into a hotel before sunrise. Eric was taking an awful risk; I felt, by travelling without his coffin. I suddenly had to fight to suppress a terrible feeling of nausea as I contemplated what I would be able to do if something went wrong. Sensing my anxiety, Eric sat by my side and held my hand.

"Sookie, you can relax. A vampire owns this plane. He keeps a spare coffin in the cargo area and it is easily accessible to me if we are delayed or if something should go wrong. I want you to enjoy yourself; you are travelling in style my lover." He then stood up and touched the stripper pole. "Besides, I know how you love to dance and I thought that you might entertain me with a little show after a glass or two of champagne." Eric said, looking into my eyes with a smoldering intensity.

"Eric I am not your entertainment." I said, punching him in the arm. He actually chuckled and pretended to be hurt.

"You are a hard hearted woman. All I wanted was a little dance. At least let me pour you some champagne? It's supposed to be exquisite." His eyes glinted with playfulness and I couldn't pass it up.

"Thank you Eric that would be lovely." I said, my excitement building once again.

He walked over to the bar and it occurred to me that I wasn't sure what would taste better, Eric or the champagne. I watched him pick up the bottle and handle it delicately; it must have cost a fortune. A gentle shake and then pop! The cork sailed through the cabin of the plane and Eric looked positively delighted. Seeing a 6'5 Viking vampire thrilled over something so small was quite funny, but then Eric always found amusement in little things. I instantly felt warmth spread through me at the thought of spending time with Eric away from the stress and politics of the new regime. Instead of waiting for him to bring me the champagne flute, I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind.

"I'm glad you invited me to come on this trip." I said into his back. I sent my feelings of appreciation and calm through the bond and instantly felt him relax.

"It took a long time for me to ask." Eric said with a hint of sadness. "I'm very pleased you accepted."

With that, Eric turned around and kissed me full on the lips. It was a gentle and loving kiss, with no other intentions than simply to share his contentment. After a long moment in his arms, he pulled away and passed me my glass. I noticed that he had poured some True Blood in a second champagne flute for himself. Raising his glass, he said: "To times like this" and drained it.

"To times like this" I replied, draining my own glass, and more. I added silently to myself.

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!