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...