The End

The leaves of the old oak rustle as the cool night air breezes past. Shivering at its coolness, Sookie’s eyes crack open sleepily. Sitting up carefully, she slips her feet into the worn pink slippers and shuffles towards the bedroom window. Her hands touching the top of the window pane as she mentally chides herself for leaving the window open in the beginning of March. That was the thing about nature’s cruel joke, otherwise known as Louisiana’s weather. Only in Louisiana could the temperatures range from nearly ninety to as low as the mid-twenties in just a few short hours.

Her brain registered the other sleeping brains within the house. Glad for the peace in which the nights yet again brought. It had been nearly twenty years since she had known true peace. Looking over her shoulder past her graying hair, she smiled softly at Randy. He was a good man, loving father and devoted husband. She had come to adore him over the years. Their eighteenth wedding anniversary was just a month away and she still was unable to understand how she had become so lucky.

Randy was a dependable man, good job, hard-working, loving, never one for a harsh word and always quick with a ounce of praise. She loved him and after all these years, she considered herself fortunate to have found someone to love her in return.

Eyes returning to gaze out into the night sky, her thoughts begin tumbling back through time. To an age when she had believed it was only with the onset of night, that her future began. Years had passed and yet his name resonated throughout her mind constantly still… Eric.

Sighing, she is overcome with guilt. Here she was, luckier than most and yet she still ached for him. As it had always been, it wasn’t the sexual relationship that she had longed for. Though enjoyable as it had been, she missed the intimacy. The companionship that had come from their relationship. He had been more than a lover to her, he had been her best friend. It was that which she missed most.

How many countless late nights or early mornings had they spent talking. Sometimes about nothing important at all. It was those times she missed most and her heart ached to once again experience one of those chats, even just once.

A tear rolling down her cheek, her now aging face showed the extent of the pain the years of longing had left on her. She loved her life, her husband and their three children. She had always prided herself in being a Christian, but it was that time in which her life was involved with the living undead, that allowed her to come to see more of the gray areas in life.

Her heart ached as she recalled the way they had parted. He had informed her of the Vampire Summit in Europe just a week after her family home had been set on fire. He’d promised to return by Christmas. But soon weeks passed and she began to worry. Confused as to what was keeping him, she made her way to Fangtasia and to the one connection she had access to… Pam.

She hadn’t meant to surprise Pam, in fact, she wasn’t sure it was possible. Normally poised, Sookie was surprised to see Pam’s face fall into a pained grimace at the sight of her. It was there, after ushering Sookie into her office in the back, that Pam informed her that all was loss. Ordered to cut all ties with her, Eric would never return. Not to Sookie,..

Angered and confused, she lashed out at Pam. Accusing her of lying, proclaiming he would never listen to the collective and abandon her.  Yet, as the realization of the truth in Pam’s words, Sookie collapsed to her knees, weeping. Weeping for the ache she felt at being betrayed and abandoned, without a word. As they parted ways hours later, the two “almost” friends hugged tightly, both knowing they would never again see each other.

Life had been a blur for Sookie, in the weeks following the news of Eric. Days turned into weeks and soon months had passed into years. Hunter was grown and engaged to a lovely woman from New Orleans. Sookie had been told that after spending several years as Sheriff of Area Five, Pam moved to the west coast. From time to time, Bill and Judith would stop for a visit if they were in the area. Though it was becoming clearer and clearer with each visit, the prospect of seeing Sookie age was making both Vampires uncomfortable.
Closing the window, her eyes scanned the surrounding wooden area, memories of Vampires and Weres fading from her mind as she silently whispered his name… Eric. Determined to no longer allow her past linger, she returns to her spot on the bed. A soft smile on her lips as Randy’s arm wraps around her and closing her eyes. Allowing herself one more night of dreams of the cool blue eyes that once made her heart race…

The wind rustled through his long golden locks as he watched her bedroom window from afar. Even now, after all this time, he was still mesmerized by everything that was Sookie Stackhouse. Time had only enhanced her beauty. Inhaling deeply, he could catch a faint whiff of her scent and it was by his on steel resolve, that he made no attempt closer to the house. Time had passed, she had moved on, but his unbeating heart belonged to Sookie and would forever more be hers alone.

What It's All About

Her eyes drifted down to gaze at the shimmering diamond ring on her finger again. Just the sight of the ring, left her entire face into a glowing smile. She had known Eric was up to something, but she never would have expected him to propose. She had expected to find her home still covered in dust from the contractors and only half finished. Somehow, he had managed to convince them to finish the job in half the time.

She was still uncomfortable with him assisting in helping pay for her repairs. In her eyes, that was her responsibility, but his reasoning did ring true. It was going to be their home and that being said, he had a say in what could be done to it, didn’t he? He only chose the things she had originally wanted when she had hoped the insurance would cover more of the cost. Sighing she knew it was pointless to argue with it. The house was finished and she loved everything about it.

Slamming the trunk door on her car before making her way back into his house to see if she had missed anything. It had been nearly three months since the fire and she finally felt as if she was heading home for good. She always felt selfish and ungrateful at the thought of only “staying” with Eric. But she could never truly feel at home in his house. It was foreign to her. Though it was perfectly suited to Eric’s needs, it didn’t have that familiar homey feeling she always had when she walked through the front door of her family’s old farmhouse.

Placing Midnight in the pet carrier, she whistled for Sky to follow her as she heads back outside. Placing the carrier in the backseat and allowing Sky to occupy the passenger seat.

“Ready to go home, guys?”

Realizing she’s talking to the animals, she laughs as her fingers move to grasp the seat belt. Pulling it tightly across her chest, her eye gaze back to the house she had spent the past several months in. Her heart aching at the fact Eric was still inside, dead to the world until nightfall. It was the one aspect of their relationship that she both loved and hated in equal measure. She enjoyed her time away from him and would never be the type who only spent time with their significant other. Sometimes one just has to get away, even for a few hours. That being said, she hated the idea that she would never see him during the day. It was truly impossible. As much as she loved waking up in his arms, sometimes she wished he could awake at the same time. Their work schedules seemed to always leave much to be desired as well. Sometimes they would go weeks without having a real conversation, just for the simple fact of the conflicts of schedules. She had begun to request Monday evenings off so they could spend one night a week together.

Sighing, she put the key in the ignition, shaking away all the negative feelings as her eyes catch the glint of the sunlight off the ring once more. She loved Eric and while things would never be simple or convenient for them, nothing would change that. He was as much hers and she was his…

Just a Barside Chat...

Her feet were slowly moving across the bar as she stopped by the front entrance to lock the door and turn off the "Merlotte's" sign, located on the roof to the bar. She couldn't help but yawn. Her hand instinctively going to cover her mouth as she did. The bar was empty, she was the last one left.

The knowledge of heading home for the evening couldn't even comfort her. What with her home being unlivable and the looming one hour drive to Eric's before her. Sighing she turns off the lights in the bar area and makes her way into the office. Her mind murky, filled with so many random thoughts that she felt as if she were wading through a thick marsh. All she wanted, at the moment, was sleep.

Grabbing her purse, from the bottom drawer of Sam's desk, she couldn't help but be reminded of the conversation she had in the office the previous evening. Sookie had awoke the previous morning to a text from Sam. He had asked if she'd be willing to watch over the bar while he had to go out of town for a family emergency. She wasn't exactly sure what was wrong... Sam never really discussed his family.

Sookie hadn't really planned on going into Merlotte's on her night off. But after the fire and the horrible Thanksgiving, she wanted a sense of normalcy. It was the one thing Eric's home didn't offer her. That sense of familiarity just wasn't there. She actually welcome the onslaught of thoughts that bombarded her as she stepped into the bar.

She made her way to the bar and proceeded to try and act cordial. Things were awkward between them, they had been ever since Bill... Sookie wasn't sure exactly what it was that Tara had a problem with Vampires, but she just didn't like them at all. When Tara asked to speak to her in Sam's office, Sookie immediately knew it was going to be about Eric. What she hadn't expected was Tara's sudden outburst before she even had a chance to close the door.

Sook, I know you're thinking it's best but.. this is CRAZY!

It took everything Sookie had to force herself out of her friend's head. She startled and confused by the outburst that she couldn't help but to ask:

What's crazy?

Her anger began to build as Tara questioned her decision to live with Eric and Hunter's safety. The more Tara pushed the issue, the angrier Sookie became. She was appalled her friend could be so closed-minded, would think so little of her. She tried to no avail to refute Tara's claims. Her face pained as she tried to explain.

You can't understand because you can't feel him like I can, Tara. Because you believe he can't feel, but he does feel. For me, for Hunter. He only wants me to be happy. We have bonded. It's not a full bond, but I have had his blood as well... It was done freely. I made that decision. He doesn't use me as a feeder. It's not like that with Eric and I. It's like a commitment.

Sookie couldn't help but imagine Tara's eyes bugging out... almost like a cartoons as she processed what she had just been told.

Commitment!? Like a prenup away from marriage?!

Sookie watched for a moment as Tara rose and pulled out a bottle scotch a fixed a drink. She hated the fact her best friend resorted to drinking. Sighing softly, Sookie tried to explain that Eric and her were just a couple. That they had even been discussing moving in together for several months... well Eric had. Sookie had refused at every step. But all that did was push Tara to her breaking point and she proceeded to storm out of the office, leaving Sookie feeling hurt and abandoned.

Sookie made her way out of the bar, the hurt clearly written on her face as she ducked her head. The following evening wasn't any easier for her as she worked her station. Mondays during football season were always busy. She knew Eric was off that night and thought it might be a good idea for Hunter and him to come down for a bit. Immediately, she began to question that decision when Hunter asked for a Tru:Blood. She tried as calmly as she could to explain that the blood substitute wasn't something he needed. This only led to him exclaiming he wanted to grow up and be a Vampire like Eric. Perhaps out of sheer shock, or maybe out surprise, she glared at Eric as she tried to sway the young boy.

A soft smile crossed her lips as Hunter explained his reason for wanting to be a Vampire was so he could marry her. Once she explained that they couldn't marry, but that they would always be family she figured the entire subject would be dropped. For the most part, it had been. But it was then that Hunter focused his sweet little face on Eric and asked:

Eric, are you going to marry my Aunt Sookie?

Sookie could feel her cheeks redden and then when Eric's reply was yes, her eyes turned to him, full of question. Surely, she had misheard him? Or perhaps he was teasing? Before she could respond Tara stormed out of the bar. Sookie was so angered, she went after her. Tara's word having no affect on her this time as she proclaimed:

That's it! Tara, get ONE thing straight. I love Eric and that's not going to change. You think my being with him settling? I am not settling. I want to be with him. Eric makes me happy and obviously even Hunter is happy... so please give Eric a real chance. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

After once again being insulted about her ability to make her own decisions, Sookie walked away. Tears filling her eyes, though she tried to hide them, especially from Eric. But it had grown late and Hunter needed to be taken home. She kissed her boys goodbye with a promise that she and Eric were in need of a discussion. They knew it would have to wait until the next evening. She was due first thing at the bar and would need every moment of sleep she could get, but she couldn't help but think of his answer... Did Eric really want to marry her...

Pulling into the driveway, she sighed softly before turning off the car and removing the key from the ignition. Leaving the paperwork on the passenger seat, she locks the doors and makes her way inside. Smiling as she enters the kitchen, finding Eric heating up a Tru:Blood. The assumption of the exhaustion scrawled across her face, confirmed as his drink is forgotten and he scoops her up into his arms. Kissing her brow softly, he makes his way into the bedroom. Easing her out of her clothing before placing her amongst the mass of covers. Slipping into the bed next to her, his arms pulling her warm body flush with his in a gentle yet protective manner. Whispering softly to her as her heavy eyelids betray her and sleep takes her under its wing. His words never registering with her...

From the Rubble, It will Rise

Sookie woke the morning after Thanksgiving with a heavy heart. The night before had been short of a natural disaster. She still couldn't believe how rude Tara had been to Eric. Snuggling closer in his arms, the thought of his face at Tara's comments, left her haunted. She had felt his anger and she knew he appreciated her defense of him. But for the life her, she couldn't figure out how two of the most important people in her life, couldn't get along.

She was in love with Eric. She'd do anything to protect him and longed for every moment with him. Tara was her best friend and basically had been since the first day of Kindergarten. Back then, her "disability" was near impossible to control and was overwhelming. When Hadley and her friends began picking on her, it was Tara who came to her defense. Being one of the only three black children in school, Hadley and her friends were somewhat shocked by this act. But Sookie was forever thankful for her friend... her sister. So why could they not come to an understanding? Some mutual ground and just be civil.

Slipping out of the bed, she made her way around the darkened room and fumbled her way through the process of dressing. She had only gotten some basic clothing after the fire. She felt the moment Hunter awoke, sending him a Good morning, Hunter, before making her way to the bathroom to finish getting ready. It was fairly early, but the drive to Bon Temps took nearly an hour and she had wanted to ensure she arrived before everyone else.

Heading into the kitchen, Sookie started a pot of coffee and poured Hunter a bowl of cereal. Her soft smile greeting him as he stumbled into the kitchen, his tousled hair and Spider Man pajamas clear evidence of how recently he had woken.

Did you sleep well?

Her thoughts directed at him as she pulls a mug from the cabinet. She always enjoyed their morning routine. As much as she longed to spend time with Eric during the day, his presence would only allow him access to the knowledge of the one of the few secrets she kept from him. It wasn't her lack of trust in Eric, that refrained her from confiding in him. It was her fear that eventually others would learn of Hunter's "disability" and what they would do to him.

I guess. Sky keeps whining at night. I think he misses Midnight.

His thoughts were laced with sadness and she couldn't help but scoop him up into her arms. She too, had been worried about the nearly black kitten they had rescued from the animal shelter. But the sight of Hunter curled up on the couch, sobbing into Sky's fur the night before had broken her heart. Offering him a small reassuring smile, she thought:

We will find him. Now, eat your breakfast while I get your clothes ready and we'll drive home to find him, okay?

His head nodding solemnly as he eases into a chair and picks up his spoon. Pressing her lips to his forehead, she can't help but pray that she is right about the kitten. Heading into the guest bedroom that he now was using as his own, she couldn't help thinking he had been through way too much in the past year. He had never known his mother. Hadley had been a wild child. Men, alcohol and drugs had been her life. Sookie had been surprised to find Hadley had settled down long enough to marry and have a child before practically enslaving herself to Sophie-Anne LeClerq, the Vampire Queen of Louisiana. Hunter's father, Remy had disappeared during the summer. Hunter couldn't even recall how he had found his way into Merlotte's and Sookie couldn't help but fear the worst for Remy.

After setting out an outfit for Hunter, she grabbed her coat and Sky's leash. She knew Eric was worried about her safety, but who would know to find her there? Walking him around the block, she breathed the cool November deeply as the wiggling puppy pulled on the leash and tried to walk circles around her legs. Once back at the house, she and Hunter piled into her car, their destination her now damaged home.

Making her way down the familiar Hummingbird Rd and turning into her drive, she was startled by the sight of the house. She had seen it the morning after the fire, but she didn't think she would ever get use to seeing it in the state it was. The windows blackened with smoke and moisture, made her once, comfortable safe haven seem almost daunting. She had been instructed not to enter the house until the fire inspector and insurance agent had given her approval.

As she exited the car, she was pleased to her the soft cries of Midnight from under the front porch. Hunter ran from the car and scooped up the frightened kitten. Tears swelled up in her eyes as she watched his face light up with joy and relief. At that very moment, she heard the crunch of gravel as a pick-up truck made its way down the drive.

Greg Aubert was a middle aged man, who served as an elder in the local Presbyterian Church. He had been her Gran's agent for twenty years and it was by her example, that Sookie continued to maintain the same coverage on the house, no matter how often money became tight. His sandy blond hair and clear blue eyes, covered by rimless glasses, gave the Agent the appearance of being an average man. But one look into his thoughts and Sookie was surprised he carried a secret.

Aunt Sookie, what's a witch?

Hunter's voice rang out from behind her and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Greg's face paling at the question. Great, she thought, not only does everyone know about me, but soon, they'll know about Hunter. Greg had paused just a few feet shy of her, his hand half-way extended.

So it's true? You can do... his voice trembling softly, what they say and so can he? His head nodding in the direction of Hunter. Fear coursing through my veins, I nod slightly, gathering every ounce of strength I have as I keep my voice calm and steady.

And you are a witch?

He shifted his stance uncomfortably, his hand moving up to run through his hair as his gaze dropped to my feet. The entire story playing through his head, almost as if I were watching a movie. Images of a woman, who I could only assume was his mother sneaking behind his father's back to pass on the knowledge of the power she possessed, to their son. The extent of just why he was known as being so lucky and how he used spells as a way to back up his insurance claims.

Sookie stood there in awe. She had never met a witch before. Sure she had met the wannabes. The ones who wore all black, never bathed and were "Wiccan" as they had put it. But a real, honest-to-God witch? She was so overwhelmed, she eased onto the top step of the porch before speaking. After several moments of uncomfortable conversation, he led her in through the front door of the house.

The first thing she noticed was the smell. The air around them was heavy with the smell of smoke. She cringed at the thought of all the work she would have to put in, just to clean the sturdy parts of the house. The furniture, the linings, their clothes... it was going to take a lot to clean up the majority of the house. Greg, Hunter and I opened the windows throughout the safe portion of the house, in hopes it would help diminish the wet smokey smell. Most of the house was in fairly good condition. But the kitchen and porch needed to be completely replaced.

All of the major appliances would have to be replaced, as evident since both her water heater and washer were now residing halfway through the floor board. The entire east side of the kitchen was destroyed. Her eyes fell upon the window above the sink and her heart broke. Hanging there in tattered shreds, were the remnants of the curtains her Gran had spent several hours to make. It was the loss of items like the curtains, a set of fine china and other relics of her family's history that was tearing her up inside. Things that were irreplaceable... their value lay in the memories and history.

Once their tour through the house was complete, Greg went over all the details of the upcoming steps. How much her coverage would entitle her to, the amount of the deductible and the time frame in which she would have to wait to receive the funds. She knew she would have to contact a contractor to come and give her an estimate, but even with the remains of the Dallas money in her account, she was pretty sure she'd have to take out a loan. She hated the idea of borrowing money or even selling some of the land that was in her name, but it was better than her other option... Eric.

They'd been together long enough for her to know he'd help her. But she couldn't... no... wouldn't go there. She could take care of this on her own. Even if it meant extra shifts at Merlotte's and going without extras, she would make sure she made her way through this ordeal on her own. She placed the stack of insurance paperwork onto the passenger seat before buckling up. Her mind a million miles away, worrying about how all of this was going to work out and praying silently for the strength to keep from breaking down. She eased out of her drive way, looking one final time at the image in the review mirror, a sharp pain in her heart at the picture of her house, her home... tarnished and in a sense broken.

A Thankless Thanksgiving

Waving goodbye to Jason and Tara as they pulled out of the driveway, her smile fell. Shaking her head, she closed the front door, a sigh escaping her lips.

That was horrible.

As if the fire hadn't been enough to ruin her Thanksgiving. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes as she leaned back against the door. What had she been thinking. She knew good and well about Tara's distaste for Eric... for ALL Vampires and yet, she didn't think twice about inviting her over. She loved Tara like a sister and for the life of her, she couldn't fathom why Tara couldn't just accept Eric. He had never done anything to warrant her snide remarks. Sookie had been appalled by Tara's blatantly obvious display of discontent for him.

She understood how it might be uncomfortable to eat around a Vampire... she had experienced it herself. But did Tara really have to be so rude. She knew Tara and her were in dire need of a VERY long and thorough conversation about Eric... Surely, Tara would try harder if she realized Eric loved Sookie... wouldn't she?

Shrugging slightly, she makes her way to the kitchen and sighs as she begins to put away the leftovers. Covering the food with foil and sliding it onto the shelves of the fridge, she was reminded of how unfamiliar this place was to her. Sure, she had been to Eric's house before. Several times, actually. But this wasn't home to her... Tears swelled up in her eyes as she recalled how her house... her home looked. She hadn't yet been inside... but the outside was blackened and the kitchen was clearly in need of being replaced.


She didn't know what was worse... the image of the house in flames, as she had seen them just two nights prior after a long night at work... or the results of those flames.

Placing the last of the leftovers in the fridge, she closes the door and rests her head against its cool metal. She had to be strong. Hunter depended on her for it. But somehow she was struggling to find that strength within her. The destruction to her home had left her... shattered. She knew everyone would expect her to be the same cheerful Sookie she had always been... and she would try... for their sakes. But she knew in her heart... this holiday season was going to be hell for her.

Normally, she would be setting up there Christmas tree right now. The night of Thanksgiving marking the beginning of the Christmas season. In all the years she had lived with her Gran, they had always gone on Thanksgiving night, after dinner and gotten a live tree... a tradition that had held steady for eighteen years... until last year...

The reminder of her first Christmas without Gran only further broke Sookie's heart. Nothing could have prepared her for that experience. Jason had tried his best to make up the difference... but he was never good at the things that reminded Sookie most of Gran... the baking... the decorating of the tree...

Sighing loudly, she moves from the fridge and starts to fill the sink with dish water. She couldn't do this... she wouldn't allow herself to wallow.

Get it together, Sookie.

She would do whatever it took to make this Christmas special for Hunter... for herself. This was her first Christmas with Hunter... hell, with Eric, for that matter. She knew he probably didn't celebrate the holiday and was actually nervous about asking if she could decorate his home for it. But the image of Hunter curled up with Sky on the couch, sobbing into the puppy's fur, filled her head and she knew she had to. She hated seeing him so lost... scared. She wanted him to know that no matter what, she would be there for him. She loved him... not only because he was her cousin... but because, in a way... he was like a son to her.

The images of the fire... it's destruction... Gran... and Hunter were overwhelming her. The tears in her eyes swelling up and over, streaming down her cheeks. Her hands moving over the dishes in an almost automatic way as she cried...

That's how Eric found her, when he returned home. Sobbing as she scrubbed the last of the dishes. It pained him to see her like this. He was always discomforted to see her "leaking", as he called it. He quickly and smoothly made his way across the kitchen and pulled her to him.

"Shh"

His cool voice whispered against her ear as his hands rubbed along her back in a soothing motion. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, his mere presence easing some of the anxiety she was feeling. He had that affect on her. For a while she had thought it was the bond. But those weeks without her memories... without their bond... it didn't matter. Eric had that affect on her. Her heart had ached for him... for the loss she felt... even when she didn't remember him. She loved him and standing there with wet soapy hands, she was once again reminded of how much she did.

He knew better than to inquire about what was bothering her. He knew she was shaken up by the fire. She had taken the threat to her very existence so lightly and reality had smacked her in the face for it. Nonetheless, he hated to see her this way... hated the way it made him feel... the bond giving him insight to her emotions...to the pain she was feeling. His big arms scooped her up and carried her into his bedroom. He laid her gently onto the bed, before sliding in and pulling her close. Her sobs, wetting his shirt as he held her. The tears never ending until she was pulled under by the darkness of sleep.

Describe something that has made you happy.

-smiles- Can I name a few? @EricNorthman @HunterSavoySC ... my friends... just to name a few.

I can read your mind, care to know what's on mine?

Makeover

So as you can tell, I have had a makeover. I understand this may cause many to become upset. Unfortunately, this is a decision that was thought over thoroughly before being made and I can only hope to have the same continued support of my friends and followers. Other than my new look, SookieSC will remain the same.

Since my character is a book Sookie and not a show Sookie, I do not believe it is wrong for me to use another avi other than Anna Paquin-Moyer. I have no affiliation with HBO, the creator of True Blood, or Charlaine Harris. My human is merely a fan of the books and show, who happens to enjoy role playing.So my desire to change is my decision alone. Please respect and support my decision.

~SookieSC