Reconciliation

Fanfiction Based on the Southern Vampire Mysteries Series

Demeter 2010

Set During Dead in the Family

All Characters Owned Solely by Charlaine Harris and Not By Me

A/N – So I've been promising to write another Bill fic for a while . . . well, I thought it might be nice to explore Bill and Judith's past a bit more. Not knowing exactly how to begin, I decided use a wonderful, time-honored plot device to help me: The Flashback! Plus, I just like this particular story and thought it might be fun to continue their reunion and conversation in the midst of some flashbacks. Since Book 11 isn't out yet, I've got lots of leeway.

We'll see where we end up, then. Perhaps we'll continue their adventures in an AU if I get inspired. Anyway, enough dorking around from me now. Let's get to it! I want to dedicate this to all of the Bill-shippers out there who have made my day with their fics, reviews, and general camaraderie. And . . . thanks Duffie for getting me into this fandom in the first place.

Chapter 1 - Reunion

She moved through the cemetery onto Compton land, sensing his presence and tracking him as she approached the stately old mansion. The joy she felt after her talk with Sookie Stackhouse, Bill's former lover, quickly evaporated. She perceived weakness and physical pain, but her biggest concern at that moment was his mental and emotional state. William Compton had never been what you would call gregarious or openly joyful, at least not during his 'second' life, which was all she knew of him. He was stoic, but not unfeeling. That was understandable, given the circumstances of his turning and his time with Lorena. Funny, the name of their maker still sent a shudder through the petite vampire, even knowing that she would never again torment them. But, through their long and arguably tumultuous history, she had never sensed in her sibling such despair and defeat, and she ached for him.

Actually, his brooding nature was a source of fascination and frustration for Judith Vardamon. Always had been. After the initial shock of her turning, she had become close to Bill. At least knowing him had made her time with Lorena less miserable. Getting to know Bill had been a joy, one shared by few vampires or mortals. She hoped that knowing her had made him feel the same. She suspected it did, though he didn't exactly say it. He never seemed to share much of his feelings, always being worried about her welfare, keeping her from facing the brunt of Lorena's cruelty. Like most men of his era, he was extremely protective of those for whom he cared. She knew he felt responsible for her turning, though it wasn't his fault. Is that why he didn't reach out to her, after Lorena met the sun? Oh William Compton, you stubborn old fool! Well, we'll talk tonight, after I set you right.

She reached the front door and hesitated. She didn't need his permission to enter as would for a mortal's home, but she felt obliged to mind her manners. It wouldn't do to just barge in and demand that he drink from her, though it would serve him right! He should have called, he should have come to her himself. Concern and anger waged war within Judith, but she set anger aside for the moment. She and Bill would be talking about a great many things. Later.

She knocked lightly, and announced herself, "William? It's Judy. Can you make it to the door, honey?"

Judith heard heavy footfalls approaching. They stopped at the door. After what felt like an eternity (and that's a MIGHTY long time for a vampire), the door slowly creaked open. The only light emanating from inside came from candles, but she could see him well enough, of course, and the sight made her heart ache. It didn't beat anymore, but she felt a pang deep within her chest nonetheless. His skin was so grey, and she saw that he was leaning on a cane. He held her whole in his large dark eyes, wider now with surprise, perhaps disbelief. For a moment, she was certain that they flickered with a spark of life, though he closed them as he lowered his head. "Judith," he whispered, "it has been so long. Please, come in." He moved aside slowly and with great effort, allowing her to enter his home.

Little Rock, Arkansas

April 9, 1902

Bill Compton walked through the darkened streets of the city, contemplating how to acquire his meal for the evening. Perhaps he should splurge in honor of his birthday. My birthday. Were he speaking, his voice would reek of bitterness. He would be an old man of 62 were he human, though it was doubtful he would have survived that long. Though the modern world seemed full of many marvels these days, life was still a decidedly short, difficult, and treacherous undertaking for most people. He snorted to himself. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. The expanding railways made travel easier, a convenience for his kind, in spite of having to hop aboard in the dead of night and hide. Or, if they were fortunate, they could glamour unsuspecting passengers into lending their clothing and cash, enabling them to travel in style. Lorena enjoyed that, being so deprived in her human life. Bill admitted to himself that he found roaming the expanding nation by rail to be pretty exciting, too. But, most towns were beginning to blend. His wanderlust was drawing him westward. Good thing, as it's still too soon to go home. Home. He surprised himself by his attachment to Bon Temps.

He rarely allowed himself to indulge in self-pity in those days, or nostalgia. But his dark mood was growing even blacker as he contemplated the past and the present. Passing a poorly disguised back alley opium den, Bill knew hunting would be good and easy here. No one would miss indigent addicts, carefully chosen, nor the low rent Chinese dealers and brothel owners. They'd had much luck with this population in their last four towns. You could always find them along the railway. Indeed, human nature didn't change. Humans destroyed their bodies with poisons, cared little for those who differed from them, immigrants in particular, and those unfortunates who lived on the fringes were rarely missed. He smelled suffering and knew he could kill with a clear conscience, a relic Lorena had so often derided him for keeping as Vampire.

Lorena had 'secured' lodging for them in a run down farmhouse just outside of town. He could make it back on foot in less than half an hour, Vampire speed, but it would be easier to keep a horse. The tricky part was to keep the animal from being spooked. Dumb beasts of burden still had good instincts, and they were much better at recognizing him for what he was than most humans. He spotted a saddled mare attached to a coach in the alley. The coachman was nowhere in sight, and the passenger was likely inside for drugs or women. He smelled something acrid and familiar. Human urine, fresh. Moving in stealth, he placed himself between the brick wall and the carriage, peering through the windows to the other side. The coachman was relieving his bladder against the wall. He looked to be about five foot ten or so, and built sturdy, but not too big. Bill smiled to himself. Perfect.

The man was buttoning his trousers when Bill caught his eye. He pulled out a revolver and started the stranger down, "Evenin' friend," he said, his smile crooked and his speech slurred. Apparently he'd been using his break for more than a piss. "You done taken a wrong turn, it seems. How about showing me them hands?"

"Don't want no trouble," said Bill, raising his hands, palms out.

"But you found it all the same," said the man, "I reckon I'll take any cash you got on you. Do right and you can leave with your life."

"How about you give me your wallet, mister?" Bill said, his mind focused on the vile creature in front of him. "You can toss me your overcoat and hat while you're at it. And I'll be taking your carriage."

Eyes glazed, the coachman did as he was told. Bill decided to have a little chat with his benefactor as he dressed himself. "What brings you to this part of town, anyhow?"

"Taking a feller to the den. I got me a deal with the proprietor. I bring my fares to his place, and he gives me a cut. Gives me a little slant-eyed whore, too," he said.

"How generous," replied Bill.

"Not really," he continued. "She's a spitfire at times. Gotta knock some manners into her."

"You run girls for your partner, too?" Bill asked.

"Yup," he replied, "get 'em off the freight cars and into the brothels faster than lightnin' strikes. Break 'em in too, from time to time. Say, you gotta knack for wheelin' and dealin' mister. I could get y'all in the business. It's good money and pretty excitin' too."

"Oh I get more than enough excitement, friend," said Bill, moving behind the wretch and bending his neck, "now hold still. This will only hurt a moment."

Bill fed and fed well. He'd also managed to keep himself and the scene relatively clean, which was good. There weren't too many curious folk out in the part of town so late, but he knew he still ran the risk of being caught. He cleared a traveling trunk of its contents, tossing them aside, and placed the coachman's body inside. Bill figured he could dump it into the woods on the way back home, let the coyotes do the rest. For now, he'd enjoy traveling through the city atop the carriage. He'd secured a meal, a disguise, and a horse in the space of an hour. Not bad.

The streets were not bustling with activity, but a few folks were out on the town. He hoped he could get by without too many interruptions. He was a fairly good navigator, but the city was still new to him. He wasn't sure he'd be able to act the part of a cabbie until they'd been here a few more nights. It was a good cover, though, and would help with hunting. Maybe if he brought enough good meals to Lorena, she'd leave him to roam on his own for a while. Maybe he could find a companion. He was good with glamour, though he hated using it to take a woman. He at least tried to make the experience as pleasurable for his chosen victim as possible. He scanned the streets. His blood lust was sated, but it stirred other hungers. Perhaps another brothel? He was preparing to turn down another darkened alley when his dead heart lurched in his throat. Luckily, the horse stopped on her own or else he would have crashed into a wall.

She was walking arm in arm with a gentleman and trailed by an older couple, the woman who now held his undivided attention. It was dark, but his eyes could make out the curve of her lips as she smiled, the curves of her hips under the fabric of her dress, exaggerated by a fine bustle. He could see the shine of her hair, the firm and plump breasts that danced in the moonlight as she moved. He watched her and ached, unaware for a time of the bloody tears falling from his eyes. They walked only a little further before entering a home, greeted by gales of laughter and warm embraces.

He stood outside the home for a very long time, trying to catch a glimpse of the woman. Not for untold years had Bill been filled with such longing. Making himself scarce as the party ended and the attendees went their separate ways, he followed the object of his desire as she walked along. A few blocks up, the woman and her entourage turned and entered a stately home. Please, open your curtains. It seemed the fates were smiling on this lonely creature tonight, as the curtains opened to reveal the woman and her family. In the light, she looked even more like his Caroline.

He stood and watched until he felt the pull of dawn, long after the couple had retired to their bedchamber. He wondered how she smelled, how she tasted, how her skin would feel under his fingertips. Bill was conflicted, in spite of his lust and longing. As a rule, he left decent folk alone, preferring to feed on the dregs of humanity and to fuck lovely women whom he allowed to pleasure his body without touching his heart. This woman was too dangerous. He knew he should walk away. But, he would grant himself permission to watch another night. Just watch. Nothing more.

With great effort, Bill tore himself away from the home and hopped aboard the carriage to race back home. With any luck, he'd avoid Lorena before going to ground. He needn't have worried, it turned out. She had been nearby all along, watching her progeny from a distance. She worried after him, though he would never believe it. She wanted his devotion, thirsted for his affection. Maybe she could give him a gift worthy of such appreciation? Yes, if he returned to this place to look at the woman who so resembled his human wife, she would make it so. Lorena smiled, and then ran off into the night.