I'm with you (Brandy//Sam).

[Brandy Berry]

"Love is always crazy. Come on, let's go home."

Brandy never thought she would be as glad to see a trailer as she was that night. Much to her amazement, and she didn't argue about it for one moment - after putting on his clothes from the side of the road, Sam had carried her in his arms all the way home.

A couple of car's had passed them as he walked down the road, an old couple even stopped to ask them if they needed a ride - Sam had only replied to them by shaking his head and he kept her close to him. It was like he had been carrying her down a very long long aisle - Brandy was blushing from just the thought.

She had such crazy thoughts sometimes.

She had leaned up, kissing the side of his cheek as she let herself ease out of his hold and drop gently to the ground once the foot of the steps loomed ahead. She could only look at him, almost in admiration as she tucked her hands behind her back.

".. You are a hero to this town, you know that Sam? Nobody may never know it, they probably won't remember.. but you really did save this whole town tonight. You saved all of them."

[Sam Merlotte]

".. You are a hero to this town, you know that Sam? Nobody may never know it, they probably won't remember.. but you really did save this whole town tonight. You saved all of them."

Sam stopped half way up the stairs to turn back to look at Brandy. He slumped down and sat down, his head in his hands for a few moments before looking back up at her.

"I did what I had to do. It's not about being hailed a hero, there as good as family. I had to do something." he sighed and looked over towards the wooded area across from his trailer. "I....I've done things I'm not proud of to make it all stop."

Sam knew this was his moment of truth, for better or for worse he had to tell Brandy exactly what went on with Derek. All about the plan. He could only hope she would forgive him.

[Brandy Berry]

Brandy was a bit surprised when Sam didn't go all the way into the house, instead he took his seat on the steps and placed his head in his hands. Brandy was very confused...

"I did what I had to do. It's not about being hailed a hero, there as good as family. I had to do something."

"But Sam... I know you didn't do it to be a hero. I'm just saying.. that you are. And just the fact that you did something, is a lot more than a lot of people would of."

Brandy, however, didn't sit down beside him. There really wasn't room for her to anyway, not unless she sat on top of him or squished him into the side of the wooden railings. His steps weren't exactly equipped for two people to drown their thoughts into. So she just stood there, at the foot of the steps, and leaned against the railing thoughtfully.

"I....I've done things I'm not proud of to make it all stop."


Brandy sighed, was he trying to tell her something, or was he just feeling bad for himself? If he was talking about her getting kidnapped it wasn't exactly something he had control over.

"I.. I don't understand. You had no control over what happened, why are you beating yourself up over nothing?"

[Sam Merlotte]

"But Sam... I know you didn't do it to be a hero. I'm just saying.. that you are. And just the fact that you did something, is a lot more than a lot of people would of."

Sam sighed barely able to look at Brandy. He didn't much feel like a hero right now. Town saved or not. The guilt embedded in his soul was just too much to bear. He fought back a tearful response.

"I.. I don't understand. You had no control over what happened, why are you beating yourself up over nothing?"

That did it. Tears started rolling down his cheeks. He wasn't ashamed to show his pain to Brandy, even if what he was about to tell her could potentially destroy there relationship before it ever really got a chance to get going.

"I...I knew." he paused, wringing his hands together. "Derek, he came to me at the motel. He had a plan to save everyone, but it was dangerous and risky. Had to keep you in the dark." it was staggered and a broken response. Amidst the guilt and fears, he had managed to get it out in the open. Somehow.

[Brandy Berry]

He started crying. It was so unexpected, and Brandy had reached to comfort him but he spoke those fateful words before she could.

"I...I knew."

He knew? He knew what exactly? Brandy took a step back, her eyes searching his face for a reaction to tell her for him. Only he continued on, and all Brandy could do was stand there completely dumbfounded.

"Derek, he came to me at the motel. He had a plan to save everyone, but it was dangerous and risky. Had to keep you in the dark."

Wait, what? It took Brandy a moment for it to all sink into her head. Eggs coming to grab her, taking her to his car - Derek showing up to kidnap Sam, Sam hung up on display, her thinking he was dead?

Her watching him die - right in front of her eyes? Was he trying to tell her that it was all part of a plan?

That was when it happened. That was when she was in front of Sam, and that was when she slapped him right against his left cheek.

Brandy. Slapped. Sam.

"You.. you B@STERD!! Why? Why would you do that to me Sam??! Why would you put me through that? After, after all I had been through, why wouldn't you tell me that it was all part of some f*cking plan? Do you even know how much it broke me inside? I. Thought. You. Were. DEAD. I saw the knife go through your heart and I couldn't do anything, and yet all that time?"

She was trembling again, not from pain but from her own anger. She had never been so mad and she was walking backward from Sam, finally coming to the realization that she just slapped him. It still stung her hand.Suddenly she wasn't angry again, it was rash and so sudden and now all she felt was guilt.

"Oh god.. Sam.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean.. I didn't mean to slap you. I'm just.. I'm just upset. Why.. why didn't you tell me?"

[Sam Merlotte]

Sam felt her hand across his face. He didn't flinch, barely reacted. He was expecting much worse if he was being honest with himself. The slap hurt, not as much as hurting Brandy with keeping something so huge from her. The look of absolute betrayal in her eyes. That was something he could never recover from. Even though he knew he deserved it.

She launched a verbal tirade on him. There was nothing he could say, no words to make it all better. To make the hurt go away.

Brandy started to step away from him. Her eyes in shock. Shock at what, Sam wasn't quite sure.
"Oh god.. Sam.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean.. I didn't mean to slap you. I'm just.. I'm just upset. Why.. why didn't you tell me?"

"It's okay. I deserved everything you threw at me. If it would make it all go away, I'd tell you to beat the sh*t outta me." Sam sighed and rubbed his tear stained cheeks. "It had to look authentic, or else Maryann would have killed us all. It was stupid and risky and least of all I had to trust him. I'm so so so sorry I put you through all that. It might be hollow words now, but I did it to save your life." he bowed his head, pulling his hands over the top of his head. He just wanted it all to go away, get back to normality.

[Brandy Berry]

"It's okay. I deserved everything you threw at me. If it would make it all go away, I'd tell you to beat the sh*t outta me."

Brandy felt bad enough as it was. She knew what having the sh!t beat out of you felt like, she didn't fathom putting that kind of pain on him - no matter how mad she was at him.

"It had to look authentic, or else Maryann would have killed us all. It was stupid and risky and least of all I had to trust him. I'm so so so sorry I put you through all that. It might be hollow words now, but I did it to save your life."

"You mean... this was all because of Derek? Derek was the one that came up with this plan, and you were forced to trust Derek? That must of been a really hard thing to do..."

Brandy sighed and stepped forward until she was in front of him. Gently she leaned forward and then decided to crouch down in front of him, placing her hands on his knees.

"You might be the town's hero.. but I think our hero of the hour is Derek. I really am sorry I slapped you hun, it was a brave thing you did. You saved my life. You saved everyone. And you put aside your fears and trusted a man that has never given you a reason to trust him.

I am proud of you, Sam"

That was when Brandy's slender digits brushed themselves through his hair and she pressed her full lips against his own. It felt like they hadn't kissed... in an eternity.

[Sam Merlotte]

"You mean... this was all because of Derek? Derek was the one that came up with this plan, and you were forced to trust Derek? That must of been a really hard thing to do..."

Sam just nodded into his arms. "Hardest thing I ever had to do was go along with his plan." Sam felt her close by, felt her on his knees. He compelled himself to look up at her. His face utterly defeated.

"You might be the town's hero.. but I think our hero of the hour is Derek. I really am sorry I slapped you hun, it was a brave thing you did. You saved my life. You saved everyone. And you put aside your fears and trusted a man that has never given you a reason to trust him.

I am proud of you, Sam"


Proud? That word wasn't one he expected to hear from her lips. Her hands teased through his hair and he felt her lips on his. His instincts took over and he wrapped his arms around Brandy tightly, embracing her kiss. Could things really be over? Really be alright?

[Brandy Berry]

Her heart swelled as he kissed her, his arms holding her tight and she couldn't help but to press her body closer to his. She didn't want the kiss to end, but it did and as she broke the kiss she had rested her forehead against his own.

While his mind was full of thoughts about if it was over, her thoughts were only full of 'i'm just glad to be in his arms again'. She rose up to her feet and reached for his hand. It was if she could read what he was thinking from the expression on his face.

"We still have obstacles to overcome, it is our life together after all. There is Jack, of course, and the queen, among whatever else comes our way. But, we are stuck with each other now aren't we? At least we don't have to worry about Maryann anymore.. or Derek"

That Brandy was certain of. In that thought, she has encouraged Sam to follow her into the trailer. They both needed their rest, just like Derek and Maryann had.

"I might.. invite my parents to come for a visit. Would you like to meet them? Or should I kind of.. arrange a meeting at a random truck stop or something?"

[Sam Merlotte]

Sam took Brandy's hand and went inside the trailer. Everything seemed more serene, more calm. Whatever anger Brandy was feeling apparently had subsided. He still felt pangs of guilt, but dwelling on them too long wasn't healthy. For either of them.

"We still have obstacles to overcome, it is our life together after all. There is Jack, of course, and the queen, among whatever else comes our way. But, we are stuck with each other now aren't we? At least we don't have to worry about Maryann anymore.. or Derek"

Sam nodded and made his way over to the sofa, he just needed to feel at home. He flopped down on it and let out a huge sigh.
"All relationships have obstacles, ours seem to have been 50 foot walls and not just a small hurdle. I just want things back the way they were."

"I might.. invite my parents to come for a visit. Would you like to meet them? Or should I kind of.. arrange a meeting at a random truck stop or something?"

Well, this was unexpected also. Her parents? Nerve wracking for sure. "Would they be able to come here? I wouldn't be able to put them up here though, no room." he closed his eyes and rest his head on her shoulder. "Whatever you think is best babe, you know I'm with you. Always."

[Brandy Berry]

Brandy had closed and locked the door behind them, slightly kicking off her shoes and pushing them with the side of her foot against the wall. She followed Sam onto the couch, and took a seat beside him. She had crossed her legs, leaning her head back as she draped her arms across the cushions.

"All relationships have obstacles, ours seem to have been 50 foot walls and not just a small hurdle. I just want things back the way they were."

"Back to the way they were? You mean when I am constantly blurting out that I want to sleep you in front of the whole town?"

Brandy turned her head to look over her shoulder at him, a gentle and playful smirk on her face.

"Would they be able to come here? I wouldn't be able to put them up here though, no room."

"I never thought about that. I guess the duplex isn't really mine to give out anymore. I just didn't think you would want to come with me to visit them, they are about 5 hours away. They could stay at that motel we did, it wasn't a terrible place."

Brandy remembered why she had come to Bon Temps.. it was because she figured she had 'ran' far enough. That, and, she felt a strange aura when she first arrived - and look what that got her. The love of her life, without any doubt. Quite unexpectedly, Sam had closed his eyes and rested his head against her shoulder.

It warmed her heart, and she ran her fingers lovingly through his dirty blond locks. She loved these times, when it was just him and her.. and a level of affection that others could only dream about.

"Whatever you think is best babe, you know I'm with you. Always."

"I know that. I've always known that."

She kissed the top of his head, and found herself staring at the blank television screen. Right at that moment, she hoped that at least.. for a few hours.. they could be at peace.

[Sam Merlotte]

"Back to the way they were? You mean when I am constantly blurting out that I want to sleep you in front of the whole town?"

Sam let out a small laugh. Brandy's impulsiveness and inability to keep her internal feelings to herself most times would be off putting for some men. But it was a quirk, Sam could handle.
"I'd not have you any other way. Besides, I think the whole town already knows we're sleeping together."

Brandy spoke more of her parents and there potential visit. He figured the whole meet the folks deal would happen sooner or later, but it was a nerve wracking experience regardless.

Laying here with her soothed his troubled soul. Made all the recent problems and hurt just melt away. He truly did love this girl, more than he thought possible to love anyone. Her fingers through his hair and her soft kiss made him snuggle in close to her. His eyes were feeling heavy, but he fought against it.

[Brandy Berry]

"I'd not have you any other way. Besides, I think the whole town already knows we're sleeping together."

This had made Brandy think about her whole, personality for a minute. It was probably true that most guys didn't like a.. uh... 'open mouth insert foot' kind of woman. Brandy was just so used to it, all her life, that if she didn't blurt everything out Sam, or any of her friends, would know something was wrong.

She had her own thoughts of the town knowing they were sleeping together, however.

"Meh, seeing that the whole town pretty much slept with each other they have no room to talk anymore"

It certainly was true, Maryann pretty much had released the whole town from the whole 'be loyal to the one your with' rule. At least, for most.. it seemed some pairings, such as Arlene and Terry, stuck with each other.

Brandy had sat like that for a time, realizing that Sam had not said anything back to her. With a glance toward his closed eyes she realized why. He had fallen asleep.

She was very careful to lay his head down on the couch, he had only slightly stirred but it quickly became obvious that Sam was gone to the world. She sighed as she looked at him, even though they had a brief moment together of... affection, something didn't feel right.

Then she thought of Derek and his words to Sam "I Release You". Was that all that Brandy had to do? Ask Jack to release her? Brandy had tidied up the kitchen and around the living room quietly, she even grabbed the laundry baskets and put the clean clothes away.

While she was in the bedroom, after the clothes were put away, she sat down on the bed and reached for the phone. It was a long distance call, she would have to remember to pay her half of the phone bill when it came in. That was, if Sam would even let her.

Brandy took a breath, and dialed her home number.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end was her mother's. As usual, her mother had answered the phone on the first ring - as if she had nothing better to do than wait around for a phone call.

"Hey.. mom..."

There was a brief moment of silence on the other end, Brandy had expected it but it was still hard to hear.

"Brandy?"

"Yeah. It's me."

Another long pause of silence.

"I'm sorry. We had to tell him. He gave us no choice, his magic is very powerful. He used it against us."

"I know. It's alright mom, everything is alright now. Derek, well he, I mean I.."

"You met someone, didn't you?"

Sometimes the level of her mom's intuition surprised her.

"I have. Life has been really crazy. Like really crazy mother, there is so much to tell you but I'm on Sam's phone and - -"

"He knows your a witch?"

"He does."

"As long as he knows. You have grown immensely since you have been gone. You must really love this one"

Brandy was quiet for a moment.

"Extreme challenges, pain, hurt.. are some of the reasons witches and wiccans advance in their power. Well, that and practice of course. But love.. love is a very powerful emotion. It is what fuels our power at the worst of times and at the best of times."

"It was definitely all of the above. But listen, mom, the reason why I called you - - "

"You know that your ultimate ability is teleportation right? You might not realize this now, but you are closer to achieving this ability than you may think. Your father is really proud."

Brandy swallowed. This conversation was turning into more of a visit and she didn't want to be on the phone for that long.

"Uh.. mom.. I have a quick question before we continue. Is there a way for a witch to release the blood bond she may have with a vampire?"

That silence was way too long for Brandy's liking.

"Now why would you want to know that? Brandy, what kind of foolish nonsense have you managed to get yourself into? And especially with vampires of all the species, you know we despise the lot of them. They are filthy creatures of habit, and have done nothing for any of us except caused us trouble"

Brandy dared not tell her mother just how much she had got into when it came to vampires. About Jack, unfortunately, she had no choice - not if she wanted an answer.

"I had no choice at the time, I would of died."

"You would of been better off dead."

Now hearing that from your own mother, was a lot to handle. Brandy only stared at the pillow, trying not to scream into the phone.

"Just tell me how."

Maybe inviting them out for a visit was a very bad idea. You tended to forget things when you left a place for a long time. Absence made the heart grow fonder, no matter how much you hated who you were with at the time.

"There are two ways. The vampire can will it, by saying they release you. Most vampires are arrogant @ssholes who like the kind of power and control they have over a person so that rarely happens. The other way is to have a powerful witch perform a release spell herself - all you need is a vial of his blood. You are a powerful enough witch to do it yourself, however, good luck getting a vial of blood."

"Those are the only two ways?"

"Yes. Quite a fix you got yourself into. Giving a vampire that kind of power over a witch. If you came back home, you would be burned at the stake."

"Geesh mom, thanks so much for your encouragement"

"I love you to death my daughter, but sometimes you are quite stupid and naive."

Brandy said nothing.

"So, when are you inviting us out to see this new man of yours?"

Her mom was notorious for changing a subject, from one extreme to the next.

"There isn't any room at his trailer, we will have to get you a motel room."

"Oh.. you move quickly. He must be really smitten with you. You know what I say about a good man - does he have everything I told you to look for when you were younger?"

"He has a good job, he is good to his fellow employees, he likes animals, and he isn't some random bum off of the street. And yes, as far as I know he doesn't have a wife or two kids in Kentucky."

"Good. Good. Your father and I will come for a visit soon. Where is it that you are?"

"Bon Temps, Louisiana"

"You always were a small town girl. And this is the number I can reach you at?"

"Yeah. When are you thinking of coming?"

"I don't know. I will call you. It will be soon though."

Brandy yawned into the phone, her '5' minute talk had turned into 30 minutes. Ouch. She didn't want to see the phone bill, Sam was going to kill her, but you couldn't exactly stop her mom from talking once she started going.

"Alright"

"Oh dear. I've kept going on and on haven't I? And you sound dreadfully tired, go get your rest. I will call you soon."

"Mmm. K. Thanks mom. I will talk to you soon, I love you and Papa"

"We love you too dear"

Brandy hung up on the phone gently, a sigh leaving her lips as she crawled into bed. For a moment she thought she should go and wake up Sam, ask him to come to bed, but...

.. she crawled into bed herself and snuggled in under the covers.

Tomorrow was another day.