A fresh start

{Part of him thought this was all a dream, being room mates with Sookie. The fact that things were going so smoothly and vampires were not an issue, at least not right now. Another part of him wondered if it was the right decision to move in with her considering their history. Just friends..it was hard to look at her as a friend when all he wanted to do was kiss her. He finished packing up the hotel room and looked around for anything he had missed, today was the last day of his stay. Tossing the duffel bag on the seat next to him, he climbed into his pickup and started the engine with a hard rev.}

{Once he pulled into her drive he parked and shut the truck off, grabbing his keys and his duffel. Closing the truck door behind him, he made his way up the stairs and knocked on the door. Nothing. Knocked again. Nothing.}

"Sookie? You home?"

{Her car was still here so she had to be home. He turned the knob and it opened, fear beginning to worry him something could be wrong.}

Crap, crap, crap!

-she heard the sound of his truck coming up the drive and let out a shriek. She had been in the process of gathering up laundry to go throw in the wash, and was running around wearing a pair of cotton boy short underwear and a very sheer bra. She had just made it to the stairs when she heard the door open. She turned around, her cheeks flushed pink, and waved at him.-

I'm, um.... I'm just....

{He was met with a half naked Sookie and lost his grip on the duffel, dropping to the floor at his feet with a thud. The sound made him blink and shake his head turning in the doorway to not look at her and flushing red, rubbing at his eyes.}

"Sorry, I shouldn't have just come in...that was...I uh...go ahead.."

{He refused to look and waved a hand to signal that he was okay and for her to go about her business. Damn did she look good half clothed, stop thinking stop thinking she can hear you.}

Damn, does she look good half naked.

-she blushed but didn't acknowledge his thought as she took off upstairs to her bedroom; she rifled around and found a simple blue sundress. Grabbing it, she slipped off her bra and pulled the dress over her head, then ran to drag a brush through her hair. Lord, she hadn't expected this. Though it wasn't like he hadn't seen her almost naked before; she had been about to go to bed with him, but then Bill and Eric showed up and she ended up throwing up all over him. She let out a sigh and shook her head before going back downstairs-

Sorry about that. I was just starting laundry. Do you, um, need anything washed?

{He heard her leave the room and shook his head with a grin, shaking the dirty thoughts that went through his mind. He bent down to gather his duffel and closed the door behind him. Setting the bag aside, he inhaled deeply and took in the smells of her home. It was homey, smelled of fresh laundry and her...her simple vanilla smell. Opening his eyes when he heard her voice, he slid his hands in his jacket pockets and smiled.}

"No, I was able to wash it all at the motel. They had a laundry room there. Thanks though...so uh.."

{He laughed and shook his head at the awkwardness. What did he say, what did he do?}

-she shrugged her shoulders, grinned at him and then laughed-

Um, welcome home I guess?

-slowly she walked down the stairs and into the foyer where he stood and motioned him forward-

I got all your sheets and things washed last night and got your bed all made up and stuff. I don't work tonight so if you want help getting things unpacked.... -her eyes went to his duffel bag and she let out an embarrassed laugh- Or not. Didn't realize you didn't have much. Is that all of your belongings?

{He smiled.} "Thanks." {She was always so beautiful when she laughed, hell she was beautiful when she was mad too. He sighed softly and looked down when she pointed.}

"Oh, yeah. Everything else is in Jackson and Shreveport. Neither of which I plan on revisiting any time soon. So a fresh start it is..."

Hey, there's nothing wrong with a fresh start. I'd like one, too, but I can't really just get rid of my Gran's house. She'd roll over in her grave.

-She smiled at him and headed towards his room, pushing open the door and stepping inside to wait for him. She had gone with darker colored woods and blues and greens for the curtains, bedding and rug. It had all reminded her of him when she saw it at the store. She just hoped he liked it.-

So what do you have planned for today? I was gonna go lay out for a bit since it'll be gettin' too cold for that here soon. I have another chair if you wanna lay out with me.

-she looked at him and grinned at the thought; he'd probably break her chair-

{He followed her towards the room and stepped inside, looking around. Nodding his approval he smiled and turned to face her.} "I like it, how did you know green and blue were my favorite colors? Am I that cliche'?" {He chuckled and saw her face.} "Kidding. I really like it, thanks. Feels...homey."

{He listened to her questions and rubbed at his chin in thought.} "Well, I did have to talk to you about something. I would feel better if I paid you rent or something. I can't just stay here for free. Hopefully the company starts picking up again soon." {He grinned} "I also saw your lawn...it could use a cuttin', don't you think?"

-she frowned-

I don't want your money, Alcide. You saved me more than once, and you're my friend. If you want, you could do stuff around the house? Be my handy man. And yes, the grass needs cuttin'. Jason used to do it, but he's been real busy lately. So,how about this - you can mow the grass and help get things taken care of around the house and I'll cook you dinner and keep your clothes washed and stuff? I mean, I'm not hurtin' for money and the bills ain't that expensive.

-she raised a brow as he thought it over. She really didn't need the money; Eric had been more than generous, depositing money into her account every now and again. It was freaky, but he had more money than he knew what to do with.-

{He reluctantly sighed and nodded to agree.} I guess I can work with that. You got yourself a deal Miss Stackhouse." {He offered his hand to her to shake.}

{She showed him where the mower was and left him alone to go set up her chair. She liked to sun bathe and deep down he was happy she could still enjoy the sun. Being around fangers so long and all. He got to his knee and poured fuel in the tank, stood then rolled it out of the small shed. It was hot, real hot. He pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it aside. Already, sweat began to bead on his exposed skin. Running a hand through his hair, he bent over and pulled the string to start it. It roared to life and he held onto the handle and began to mow the front lawn.}