A/N: *peeks out nervously from behind a curtain* oh, hey there. I haven't forgotten about TFO - we're still here and kickin'! I've just been sideswiped by a million and one things. I've got Tense & Release going, I wrote a one shot for a Twilight fic contest, I wrapped up the Eric & his Great Pumpkin contest (judges picks to be announced by next week!), and have been plotting a new contest as well. On top of all that, I battled a stomach bug and now have the flu. So...you could say I've been busy. But, before I succumbed to a case of the oinkers (sounds nicer than swine flu, no?) I got this chappy finished, so here it is! Sorry again for the wait, I hope the few of you still along for the ride enjoy it :)

A huge, massive thanks to my beautiful beta s. Meadows xoxo

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Sookie POV:

I stand in front of the restaurant for what feels like ten minutes. I debate whether or not to go in, wondering what will happen. Is he going to act like nothing happened? Is he going to apologize and then what? Could I allow myself to be used again?

With way too many thoughts clutter my brain, I end up pushing the door open; the warmth and peacefulness of the restaurant envelops me. I can see him from where I am, but he can’t see me. I use the opportunity to watch him for a bit. He looks pretty shitty and it actually makes me feel a bit better. Good, let him feel like crap too. I wonder if his deal fell through and then I feel horrible for even thinking that.

I watch as he glares at the waitress, causing her to run away in fear. Sadly, I know that look all too well. It makes my insides curl in revulsion. I debate leaving and then see Eric shove a bunch of bills on the table, and I start to get angry. Is that his m.o? Pissing off young waitresses and then placating them with money? As if money was enough to solve all the problems in the world.

I walk up behind him and spit out a snarky remark about leaving a large tip. He doesn’t react at first, and instead takes his time turning around. When he does I am surprised to see how awful he looks. His face is pale and his eyes look dull and tired.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d come,” he whispers, and I shrug because what else can I do? Hearing his voice causes my resolve to waver, and I know I need to be strong. We sit and I order some wine, hoping that will help give me enough liquid courage to get through this evening.

He asks me why I didn’t call him back if I got his message, and I can’t take it anymore. I launch into a tirade; I’m not even sure what I’m saying, but clearly it rattles him as his eyes grow wider with each word that comes out of my mouth. He asks for a chance to explain himself. I nod, not able to look at him at the moment. Anger and rejection is coursing through my veins, and I’m afraid if I look at his face I’ll break down in tears.

Before he’s able to answer our wine arrives; I fill the silence by gulping quickly, allowing the liquid to warm me up inside. The waitress finally leaves after Eric insists on ordering some food and then he starts talking.

“Sookie, I fucked up yesterday, I admit that. I want to start off by apologizing for hurting you, that wasn’t my intention. But I also think you’ve got a few things mistaken. My biggest mistake was ignoring you yesterday.”

I quietly snort, glad that he at least gets how he fucked up.

“I was blindsided into having the meeting at Merlotte’s. I had no idea that Pam had scheduled it for your restaurant, let alone your table. When I got there I was in business mode, with one thing on my mind – sealing the deal. Mr. LeClerc, the business associate I met up with, had already had a drink or two when I got there. As soon as we were seated in your section he began making horribly inappropriate comments about you.”

I shudder as I recall the disgusting things Mr. LeClerc had said in my presence. I had no idea he continued with his horrible remarks when I went away. Tears start to prick at the corner of my eyes as I realize Eric was caught between a rock and a hard place yesterday. It’s no excuse, but the pieces are finally making some semblance of sense to me.

“I should have said something to LeClerc, but I was afraid that if I did it would have resulted to me being placed behind bars after I put him in the ER, and I would have lost the deal. I sat there, like a shit, while he disrespected you. My blood boiled when he touched you Sookie. He had no right.”

When he says that it took everything in his power not to fight for my honor I’m taken aback, not having realized how angry he really was. I knew something was wrong, but I thought he was mad at me, not at Mr. LeClerc. I look down and realize my wine glass is empty and my head starts to get a little fuzzy since there’s nothing in my stomach besides the Cabernet. I try to process everything he’s said but something still seems off to me. What about that large tip he left me? I need to know so I ask him, praying that the answer doesn’t hurt me.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Sookie. LeClerc asked to leave the tip. I have no clue how much he left you.”

I sit there, stunned, realizing what happened. Last night now seems to be a series of poor choices, miscommunication, and horrible assumptions. While Eric certainly still has some explaining to do, and while he’s not off the hook entirely just yet, I feel bad that I’ve assumed the worst.

“I’m sorry Eric.”

I know that we can’t fix this situation with a simple apology, but I figure it’s a start. He apologized for his stupid choice in behavior, and I need to apologize for jumping to conclusions. I look up at Eric, wondering where we go from here. He’s staring at me, confused, and asks me what I’m apologizing for.

Before I answer, I notice that there is now food on the table between us. Knowing that I need to fill my stomach with something besides wine, I pick at it. While I do, I explain to Eric how I can be stubborn and hotheaded. I quickly followed it up by saying that I still need more from him if our relationship is going to continue, however. Despite the miscommunication and the assumptions on my part, there is a greater underlying issue here that needs to be addressed.

I’m pleasantly surprised when Eric agrees that more talking is in order. I know it needs to be done, but I’m exhausted and don’t want to have this discussion in a swanky little bistro. In fact, I decide I want it to take place on my turf, where I know I’ll be comfortable and in control. I wonder if Eric will be game.

“What do you know about horses?” I ask him, and watch as he flounders a bit, shrugging his shoulders. I bite back a smile, thinking that this will be the perfect way for both of us to let loose and open up, hopefully leaving any inhibitions at the door. I write down an address on a napkin and slide it over to him.

“Be here on Sunday around noon. Wear something comfortable that you won’t mind getting dirty.”

If he wants to try and push me for more details, he doesn’t and I’m glad. The man can use a little mystery in his life. After a second glass of wine is drained and the food in front of us has been thoroughly picked at, we leave, walking out together. There’s a brief moment of awkwardness when we’re standing outside the restaurant, so I lean in and give Eric a quick hug. He bends down to give me a kiss on the top of my head and I revel in his scent.

I hurry home, where I pour myself another glass of wine and take a long, hot bubble bath. There is a lot that needs to be discussed but I’d rather not think about it all right now; Sunday will come soon enough.

***

I wake up and toss on an old pair of jeans, a tight white tank top and a fitted flannel button down over it. I eat a small breakfast before I poke around the kitchen for some food to take with me. I prepare a simple but tasty lunch for Eric and me. Unsure of how long we will be out, I make sure to toss in plenty of snacks. I also grab a bag of apples, knowing the horses will appreciate a treat like that.

I hunt through the closet for my old pair of brown boots, finding them pushed towards the back. Grabbing them and a wool sweater in case it gets chilly I pack everything up into a large tote bag, and head out, hoping to make it to the farm before Eric does.

Passing underneath the white wooden arc of Fairy Tail Farm, my car rambles along the stone driveway for a bit before a large red barn and gorgeous old farmhouse come into view. I had called Claudine earlier in the week to let her know I was coming, and she’s standing on the porch, looking less like a farm hand and more like a supermodel.

“Sookie!!” she squeals, running out and grabbing me in a warm hug. “It’s been too long!”

I nod in agreement. Even though it has only been a couple of weeks, I look around anyway, reveling in the familiar and homey sites, sounds, and smells of the farm.

“You sure it’s okay if we take a couple horses out for a while?” I ask, despite the fact that she had assured me over and over again it would be fine.

“Of course! Take Clancy and Felicia. They both need some exercise but are gentle and docile enough for even the most inexperienced rider,” she says with a wink.

“Speaking of, where is this mystery man you’ve told me nothing about?”

I smile and am about to fill Claudine in on what’s been going on in my life when a car comes barreling down the driveway.

“Speak of the devil,” I mutter, as Eric parks next to my car.

“Hm…well, devil or not he sure is hot, Sookie!” Claudine exclaims, none too quietly as she slaps my arm.

I roll my eyes at her enthusiasm and look back at Eric, shocked that he actually drove himself.

“No driver today?” I ask by way of greeting.

Eric looks taken aback for a moment before shaking his head. He walks up to us and flashes me a smile before introducing himself to Claudine. Claudine immediately takes to him, and while they’re chatting, I use the opportunity to look him over, and am not at all disappointed with what I see. Despite the mass amount of jumble up feelings I’m having, it’s hard not to stare at the specimen of male perfection in front of me.

Eric is wearing a male version of my outfit, only he looks all sorts of fuckable. I bite my lip to prevent a gasp from escaping my lips, because I’m still not even sure how I’m feeling about all this, so I certainly need to try and keep the lady bits in check. Down girl! But it’s hard; a blue flannel shirt that makes his azure eyes pop, is opened to reveal a gray t-shirt beneath, which is riding up just enough for me to catch a glimpse of a sliver of perfectly tanned skin. A pair of Carhartt’s sits low on his hips, hugging his sculpted ass perfectly. Some hardly scuffed work-boots peek out from the below his pants and his hair is pulled back with a pair of sunglasses perched atop his head. I would never have guessed that Eric Northman would have had these clothes in his closet. I wonder if he went out and bought them specifically for today.

I’m still deep in thought over Eric’s clothes when I realize both Claudine and Eric have been silent for some time and are staring at me. I blush, hoping they don’t notice I was checking Eric out, and I start babbling, which usually happens when I get nervous.

“Okay, well, we better get a move on. Thanks Claudine, see you later. I’ll pop over when we’re all through here.”

Claudine waves us off, and I take Eric into the barn where the horses are. I grab one of the saddles off the wall and bring it over to old Clancy, stroking his nose softly as I murmur terms of endearment to him. It doesn’t escape my attention that Eric and I have yet to really say anything to each other.

Wordlessly, Eric helps me lift the saddle up onto Clancy’s back, and I’m amazed at his ease around the horse. When his deft fingers seamlessly secure the cinch around Clancy’s belly I stare at him in amazement.

“I haven’t tacked up in a while, but I think I’m doing it right,” he says, and I can detect a mild smirk in his otherwise plain faced expression.

“You ride?” I ask, trying to keep the shock out of my voice.

After double checking that the saddle is on properly, his hand shifts to the back of his neck, which he rubs nervously.

“Um, yeah. Well, I did. When I was younger, anyway. I haven’t been back atop a horse in quite sometime. This will be fun.”

I can’t help the smile that creeps up onto my face as I agree with him. “Yeah…it will be.”

Eric gets Felicia all set up while I pack all the food I brought with me into some saddlebags. I also grab a blanket from a closet in the barn and stuff it in, thinking it would be nicer to sit on than the ground. Eric decides to ride Clancy, so I grab Felicia’s reigns, leading her out into the bright sunshine. We mount up and head out at a steady pace, making our way through the fields behind Claudine’s farmhouse.

“So, Claudine says you’ve been coming out here since you were little.”

“Yeah,” I shout with a laugh, happy to be talking about anything light for the moment. I’m enjoying the warm breeze and the sunshine as we plod through the grassy fields, and I don’t want to ruin the lighthearted feeling just yet.

“My gran actually grew up next door to here and was best friends with Claudine’s grandpa Nial. He actually passed away a few years ago, and since then Claudine’s been running the farm. They offer horseback riding lessons and sell eggs, goat milks and some vegetables. In fact, I try to get as much fresh produce from here as possible; I find it makes my cooking taste that much better.”

“It’s beautiful here,” Eric says, taking in the view around him. We slow down a bit as we near a stream, allowing the horses to drink.

“Yeah, it is. When Nial was alive, Gran and I used to come up here every weekend. Gran and Nial would sit on the porch and catch up and I’d play out in the meadow. If Claudine was visiting then we’d play together or ride the horses. As I got older I would come out here to ride the horses when I needed to clear my mind or have some alone time.”

“Do you still do that?” Eric asks, his voice getting quieter.

“Sometimes,” I answer honestly.

“So, why did you bring me out here then?” he asks, and I shrug.

“I figured it would do us good to sit and talk somewhere, and what better place than here?” I say, waving my hand around me. “It’s beautiful, open and there’s no prying eyes.”

The horses finish drinking so we go a little further into the property before coming upon a clearing. I call the horses to a halt and hop down, walking over to a tree to tie Felicia up. Eric follows my lead and ties Clancy near by so the horses can graze while we talk. I pull out the blanket and spread it out over the grass, grabbing my bag of food.

“You made lunch?” Eric asks, and I nod.

“I wasn’t sure how long we’d be here, and I figured we’d get hungry.”

Eager to avoid any deep conversation, I pull out the bag of carrots and apples and walk over to the horses. I hold out an apple and Clancy nibbles it straight from my hand.

“He trusts you,” Eric states as I reach up and pat Clancy gently.

“I guess.”

“Trust is important…with horses.”

The subtext is not lost on me, and I wonder if this is Eric’s lame way of starting our conversation. While trust is important, that really isn’t the root of our problems. I feed Clancy another apple before giving Felicia an apple of her own. I pull out an orange from the other bag and head to the blanket while I peel it. I sit down, pulling my knees up to my chest.

“Do you know why I love it out here?” I ask as I pop a piece of orange in my mouth.

Eric joins me on the blanket, but doesn’t sit too close.

“Why?”

I hand him a few slices of the orange before I answer.

“Because it doesn’t matter who you are. The horses? They could care less if you’re a dishwasher or a waitress or a five star chef. When you’re riding with them, they have no idea if you have only fifty dollars in your account or five million. It’s freeing. You can be who you are without any fear of judgment. As long as you have a carrot or a sugar cube you could be Britney Spears and they’d still nuzzle your neck.”

I look down at my knees and wipe my sticky fingers on my jeans, doing anything to avoid looking at Eric now. I wonder what he thinks of my admission. After we cleared the air and figured out what had happened that night, I realized I had a lot of thinking to do. While I wait for Eric to say something, I go over in my mind what I have been thinking of all week. Even though Eric wasn’t ashamed of me, I clearly thought he was capable of feeling that way. I still have a lingering feeling that somehow, in moving so quickly with him, we neglected to consider all the variables and differences between us.

“Sookie?”

I finally look up and see Eric staring at me, his face completely unreadable, but amazingly kind looking.

“Yeah?”

“I can see that brain of yours working a mile a minute, and I’d really like to know what you’re thinking.”

It doesn’t escape my attention that he didn’t comment on what I just said, but I dismiss that and plunge further ahead.

“I just…what if this,” I say, my hand motioning between us, “isn’t enough? What if our differences are too much? I felt like a princess when you swept me up and took me to the Chef’s Charity event, and the beautiful basket you sent me, well, I’m not used to all that. Then, when I thought you were done with me and were trying to buy me off with a large tip, I felt horrible, Eric. I felt cheap and worthless and just…”

I start shaking, knowing the tears are quickly coming, and I really don’t want to cry.

I feel two warm arms wrap around me from behind; Eric murmuring in my hair.

“Sookie, shh….don’t you dare talk about yourself like that ever again,” he admonishes angrily. “Yeah, so there are some glaring differences between us, but when I look at you I don’t see your job, or your bank account, or your apartment, or your car. I see you, Sookie. I see somebody who makes me laugh and smile and feel fucking good. You make me feel better than I’ve felt in a long time. You can’t put a damn price tag on that.”

I lean back into his embrace, and allow his words to wash over me like a balm. When he says it like that it all sounds so simple, so easy. I wonder if it truly is like that and whether I’ve just made it more difficult in my mind.

“I’m not saying it will be easy,” he continues. “Our different…backgrounds will probably cause some bumps in the road, and I’m sure there’s a learning curve here, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“You think?” I ask, turning my head to look him straight in the eyes. What I see there startles me. He eyes are dark pools of stormy blue, but they’re not heavy with lust, there’s some other emotion swimming through them.

“I’m positive,” he reaffirms, and pulls me closer to him. I close my eyes and bask in his embrace, glad that we’ve talked about this and hopeful that we can move upward and onward from here. Eric’s head bends down, and I hear him mumble something into my hair, but I can’t make out the words.

“Huh?” I ask but he doesn’t repeat himself. Instead, he just hugs me tighter and repeats, “I’m positive.”

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A/N: So...what did we think of the horsies? And, don't worry, we're not done with them just yet. I have a feeling Mr. Table For One is going to want to show Sookie just how sorry he is *smirks*