Disclaimers: I did not own anything. All right to Vampire Diaries

Chapter Ten

Let's Talk About It

Rebekah

'Well, little sister, you look like shit.'

'Oh, shut up Nik.'

'What happened? Did you venture to the gym? I've heard during this decade it's very common for you — well, you know, to look like shit,' a smarmy smile became a permeant fixture on his face. 'All that time in the coffin must have atrophied your muscles —'

'Don't laugh Nik, it's bloody serious.' Rebekah pouted and flung herself violently in to the spare seat. She made a wincing motion at the feel of the cool leather touch her back.

Talk about sibling rivalry, huh? Or whatever you wanted to call what Elijah had done in that classroom.

Her rotten bastard of a brother had literally stabbed her in the back! She'd joke and say he was jealous — because, wouldn't he? She was the prettiest one of the lot. But, she'd felt greatly betrayed to see her noble brother working for the enemy. What happened to family above all? Even if she was in the wrong (something that never happened), they kept together.

Rebekah snorted in disgust as she levelled her other brother with a cool look.

'I went to the high school — it's not as great as it's cracked up to be. I mean no one knelt down when I came in. Despite the fact I'm like royalty here. — Not the point. I went to the history classroom to figure out Elena's dynamic. But then I saw her all alone. Well kind of alone, she had her witch with her. Which shouldn't have been a problem ...? Because you know all I wanted to do was kidnap her ...'

'Rebekah, I know the infinity of hatred you harbour for the Petrova Doppelgangers — It wasn't a secret when I stabbed you in the twenties and it most definitely isn't one now— so, dear sister, get to the point.'
Nik watched her take a sip of her wine, swirling his own around in his mouth; watching her flinch microscopically.

'I thought if I take the witch out then baddah-bing. —That's the term, whatever,' she waved away his chance to interrupt her. 'But that cow, (the witch) is stronger than she looks!'

Rebekah then leaned forward eagerly, an excited look brightened her cheeks, tingeing them a soft fuchsia and her eyes a warm periwinkle. Her body pulled away from the warm leather couch, her hands gripped the armrest, her fingers gouged the dark leather.

She smiled reminiscently at the image of almost suffocating the little witch. Then she scowled.

'I had her right? The witch,' and Rebekah knew she had him ensnared. He'd placed his decanter on the table next to him. They were mirror images of one another. He'd leaned forwards too. Elbows resting on his thighs, hands tucked under his chin. Eyes alight with curiosity and intrigue — always with something sinister behind them.

'I was squeezing her neck, breaking her windpipe. Her blood trickling down my fingers — newly manicured, thanks Nik.'
'Rebekah?' he growled.
She took a deep breath before rolling her shoulders.
' She set herself on fire Nik.'

She'd built up the story, using the best literary effects of action, mystery and the best edition, humour. She had him were she needed him, enthralled, which was perfect. And it'd bloody remind him what an asset she was.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, she burst into a flame. Like … umm … a bloody fire person. Like all her cells were made up of fire. Like that Jamie Storm.'
'Johnny Storm,' he hissed, a glower masking his face. 'I gave you the comics and made you watch the movies with me, and yet ...'
'Niklaus,' she snapped.
Klaus stopped mid-sentence, a bashful expression replacing his look of reprimand.

Honestly, she didn't know why her brother expected her to remember all these so called "Superheroes,". Besides they were the real deal: she and Nik, the whole vampire aspect didn't limit them to one power.

'Anyway, she burst into a golden flame, and burnt me. At first, I thought it was an illusion. But she was well … I guess a human torch.'
Pushing himself up from his seat, Klaus walked to pour himself some wine. (God … knew how old it was.) Knowing Klaus, it could be as old as him.
'And?'
Rebekah followed after him at a slow pace. The room was illuminated by the crisp fire crackling in the fire place. It created lurid shadows against the bookcases and paintings in the living room. Broad and large shadows, emphasising once again how large the house they'd compelled from the real estate owner really was.
She rested her slim arms against the table and said: 'She threw fireballs at me.'
'Run out of pop culture comparisons thus far, Rebekah?'
Rebekah scowled — who the hell threw fireballs?
'I don't know like Dragon Ball Z,' she suggested.

He actually returned her a blank look.
'You're kidding right? What do you mean by that look Nik, you must have watched it?'

'I've been busy Rebekah?'
'But you could read your lurid comic books!'
' Rebekah, back to the point.'
Rebekah released a frustrated puff of air. She'd have to rectify her brother's awful use of pop culture. What next would he say? He didn't know who Beyoncé or Scarlet Johansson were? Tragic, absolutely tragic.

'Yes Bex's, let's bring everything back to the fore point,' said a refined voice.

Out of the three of them, Elijah always had a regal air to his British accent. While Klaus was charming with his devilish smile, wicked blue eyes, and bad boy persona; big brother Elijah had the accent to boot with dark eyes and hair.
Both blondes turned to the Original. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, an accompanied emotionless look on his face.
'Sister, Brother.' He inclined his head to the both of them.
Momentarily stunned Rebekah said the first thing that came to mind: 'You never call me Bex's. It sounds foreign coming from your mouth.'
Elijah threw her a warm smile, extending his hands out as if he were going to pull her into a hug.

'I assure you, it wouldn't sound so foreign if Niklaus hadn't locked you in a coffin for so long. But let's not linger on acts of deceit, shall we?'

Rebekah's blue eyes hardened to chips of coal.

'At least I value the idea of family, Elijah. How dare you. You stabbed me down with planks of wood, you fucking bastard. How dare you! Above anything else family!' she hurled the words at him. Niklaus and Rebekah stood together almost in a face off against Elijah.

The fire continued to crackle on, the only sound in their deadly stand-off. She hadn't seen her brother in so long and the first thing he'd decided to do was attack her. Let's hear it for family, aye.

'Family! That's a shambles in this construct Rebekah! How many do you see of us? There are only three walking around, and if I was correctly aware there were more of us. A broken family to tell you the truth, and who is to blame, but the man you stand by so readily.' Then he shook his head, 'And talk about family, but not the foul way you reacted to Bonnie.'

'What about the witch,' Rebekah said with a sneer on her beautiful face, her features warped. Emphasising the similarities between their loving mother.

'This has everything to do with the witch. Sorry for intruding by the way.'

Ducking his head slightly, Cad walked into the room, with a sly smile on his face, the flick of his lips reminiscent of Klaus's smirk.

Rebekah and Klaus's eyes flew to Caedmon. His presence in the room had a great effect on the blondes. Klaus, who'd been remarkably quiet, placed his tumbler down on the table, not even flinching when said glass crashed against the hardwood floor. Opened his arms, he pulled Caedmon into a hug and began patting his back.

'I thought you had died little brother!' he roared.
Cad locked eyes with Rebekah, who opened and then closed her mouth, a hand outstretched as though she wanted to touch him. But couldn't work herself up to the idea. She bit her lip, her eyes clouding with emotion, as she took a step away from him. She placed her hand to her heart taking a great intake of breath.

Shaking her head violently, she whirled around on Elijah. He always looked so calm and collected and well put together, the pure element of composure. God, he disgusted her.

'Why did you do this Elijah? Huh?'

Elijah simply raised a brow in response. Smug bastard. How dare he make her feel all frazzled? She hadn't seen the man in front of her for so long, and now it hit her, like a rail train going at a dangerous speed. He was back in her life. A man she'd long thought dead. Who had once been preserved in her memories, in her past? While Nik may have been happy to see him again — no, elated. Rebekah was confused and angry. Why had Elijah got to be the one to find him first? Why — if he did —reveal himself to Elijah first? Wasn't she more important?

Rebekah allowed her emotions to govern her actions. She lunged for the fire pick that sat next to the fireplace and threw it at Elijah. How dare he stand there looking so calm? He'd just dropped a bomb on them. Someone from their past she'd once thought was dead, and he was hugging Niklaus. She felt her body shake, her hands wrapping around her body, to cocoon herself, blue eyes blazing with hatred for her brother all the way.

Elijah caught the fire pick with ease, raising an intrigued brow. 'Even after all these years, Rebekah, you're still an impulsive brat. How childish of you,' he said coolly.

Rebekah saw red, her fangs extending, her back crouched in the position of a wild cat ready to lunge for her prey. As she flew she saw Cad break out of the hug with Klaus and step in-between the two of them.

Rebekah's anger melted away at seeing his boyish features, he looked around his early twenties, one of her oldest, dearest friends, and she couldn't ...wouldn't ...

Rebekah fumbled to a stop, tripping over her feet, like some common footed human. She crashed into Cad's chest, as soon as her face moulded against his chest, just feeling the rise and fall of it. She froze. In that moment she felt like she was ten again and he was fourteen again. Her brother had frustrated her again too, and it didn't matter which one it was, because they all at one time annoyed her; just as Elijah was doing now. He'd wrap his big arms around her, like he did now and place a chaste kiss to her forehead.

'Rebekah,' he said, his rumbling voice travelling down his chest, ringing against her ear. He was so warm, and she was sure he was a lot healthier now. She could feel the broad planes of his muscles by rubbing her hands up and down his arms.

'You feel so real Caedmon. I thought you'd died ...' she pulled away from him, not even aware she'd been crying, until Caedmon used his huge thumb to wipe away her tears.

'God Becca, why are you always crying when I see you, and always trying to kill a sibling of yours too. Remember you should be grateful you have any by blood. Some of us are jealous,' he chided, Rebekah scowled at him with a peevish look in her eye. However, once she saw his coy smile. Rebekah relaxed and smiled a watery smile back at him.

'You damn idiot Caedmon,' she said fondly.

'That I maybe ... but you've disappointed me Rebekah.'

Rebekah took a step back; she could sense Klaus moving behind her. He was always a reliant ... no matter what he was her brother, always her back-up.

Cad threw her his familiar judging look.

'You didn't apologise to Elijah.'
'He's an arse, he betrayed us! He's helping the Doppelganger bitch and her whore witc—'

'Watch your fucking mouth right there!' Cad exploded, pointing an accusatory finger at her, his eyes flaring with a defensive fire within them.

Rebekah recoiled, stepping back, her eyes widening. She sent a concerned look back at Klaus, whose warm exterior turned just as dangerous as Cad's cold one.

— What had she said wrong?

'What's wrong mate. Rebekah was trying to say something,' Klaus said softly.

'Our sister need also be aware of the fact that while she has been trapped in a coffin since the 20's; Caedmon has managed to form bonds with other people. I think so no one flies off the handle, Rebekah explain what happened earlier today.'
Rebekah was about to tell him to "shut the fuck up Elijah,"— admittedly her new favourite insult —when she caught Cad's look of disapproval.

Her frown deepened, he only frowned at her when she'd really done something questionable.

Rebekah squirmed, feeling uncomfortable in her skin. She couldn't even look Cad in the eyes, those startling grey eyes haunting in all respects, were still so beautiful.

She spoke in a demure tone, feeling like a reprimanded child. 'You are aware of the curse placed on Niklaus, because our parents dared to defy nature and create the Original vampires?'

Cad slowly tapped his foot throughout her explanation. He let out a dry laugh. 'I remember, I was there. Once, when you were quote on quote "hungry," love, you bloody tried to bite into my neck. It hurt like a bitch.'

'Sorry'" Rebekah mouthed.

But he didn't smile, like he usually would, when he'd remind her of that mistake. Rebekah winced realising he was really mad at her. But why? She knew he hadn't been close to the first Doppelganger. While he'd been aware of her presence, even once in passing called her lovely. He'd never pursued her, like her brothers had.

'Anyway,' she continued in a mousey tone, almost feeling like she was a human again ... weak and scared. 'Mother cursed Klaus so he can't turn into a werewolf, and I know you already know that but it makes sense to go chronologically through with my explanation.' She sighed.

'Nik wants to break it, and the only way to do that according to the Original Witch. Is to sacrifice the doppelganger and use her blood with a witch to be included in the sacrifice as well ... and in retrospect maybe I shouldn't have tried to murder that Bonnie witch,' Rebekah's eyes widened as she saw Cad's violent reaction to her words. He clenched his teeth, they grinded against each other, his hands balling into fists. He looked like he was almost about to lunge for her, to attack her. But ... he was her friend, wasn't he?

'The doppelganger of this time is called Elena Gilbert,' said Klaus, stepping forward to shield Rebekah from Cad's deadly glare.

'I'm aware.'

'And her witch friend is called Bonnie Bennett, and her werewolf friend is called Tyler Lockwood. I need them.'
'Well, there's a slight problem with that brother,' said Elijah stepping forward.

Klaus looked to Elijah, with a scowl. His eyes asking: "why," but he also voiced his question. 'What brother? Can be so important?'

'You can't use the witch, or kill her,' he said directing his words to both of his siblings.

Rebekah pushed past her brother, her anger flaring up again.

'Why on earth not that little bitch tried to kill me!'

'Self-defence Rebekah, you came for her first,' said Elijah placing a hand on Caedmon who appeared to be vibrating with anger.

Rebekah glared at him, wondering why this witch meant something to him. She wasn't special. She would die. She would grow old. While she and Cad were vampires, they had forever with each other.

'She was a cow who thought she could best me!' Rebekah said bitingly staring Cad straight in the eye.

'Shut up Rebekah, you know nothing!'
'What is she, Cad? Huh? Your little fuckbuddy, a whore on the side!'

'Rebekah, watch your tongue, look at his eyes, it clearly isn't like that,' snapped Klaus. Rebekah hiccupped she hadn't felt the tears falling down, staining her cheeks, until she tried to calm herself.

'You're my friend, you should be defending me!' she shrieked.

'And Bonnie Bennett is the closest thing to a family I have! You don't know Bonnie Bennett, like I do. Elijah told me how you tried to kill her, now admittedly you didn't know who she was but damn-it Rebekah!'

'Family,' Rebekah gaped, feeling like she was on a rollercoaster of emotions. Family. But he was their family.

'You can't use Bonnie in the sacrifice,' began Elijah, and despite the fact Rebekah's nerves were shaken, Rebekah didn't miss the look exchanged between Elijah and Cad.

'Why the hell not!' Rebekah hissed, still glaring at Cad.

'The original Witch forgot to tell you something important,' said Cad in a levelled tone.
'If it's important don't be cryptic,' Klaus said with an ugly scowl on his face.

'Your family was friendly with Ayana the witch. I saw your mother and father exchanging words before.'

'What has Ayanna got to do with anything? She refused to help father and mother, telling them our immortality would be flawed, and yet they went along with it. Are you trying to rub it in our faces that we are a family of fuck ups,' said Rebekah.

'No, I was trying to explain to you sweet Bex's. You can't kill Bonnie, or use her in some damned sacrifice.'

'Why not?' said Rebekah, sick of this song and dance.

'Because Bonnie Bennett, is family, sweet little sister. Aren't you happy, she is the closest thing to a sister you may have,' said Elijah softly.

Klaus shook his head. 'Elaborate, Elijah? Cad?'

Elijah was the one to answer. 'Mother was a witch; all witches like man are written to have come from one line. Like Adam and Eve, were the Original Humans. The Original line of the witches was not recorded properly, but the name Qetsiyah, was the earliest recorded name known now, her children or relatives were spread around the world. But to simplify it for you, Ayanna was mother's first cousin, making Miss Bennett family … no matter how tender the connection is.'

'And there is another reason to not go after My Bonnie.'

'You're Bonnie,' Rebekah said with a hurt tone in her voice.

'She's my family. If you tried to kill her well ... this age-old friendship would crumble.'

'Your family, mate ... wasn't there a time we could be considered family too?' said Klaus with the similar tone of hurt, Rebekah spoke with.

Cad smiled at them shaking his head, as if he knew something they didn't. It was secretive and annoying.

'That's one of the benefits of living Nik, I can have more than one family. You Mikealson's were the best people to come into my life, and so is Bonnie. So, I'd appreciate it if you can acknowledge my request.'

'That's why you helped her earlier today?' said Rebekah to Elijah, who simply nodded.

'Also, because she is the closest thing to a sister we have. Maybe we can redeem ourselves. We aren't gods, we are men and women. We've sinned and Bonnie could be our redemption,' said Elijah calmly. 'Of course, we still need to repent too our other siblings and mother ... but ... it's a start. Family first right, Rebekah?'

Matt

'Okay, so I brought the Ding Dongs, Twinkies, Popcorn and the absurdly requested strawberry Jell-O,' said Matt standing on the Salvatore's porch, his arms similar to a coat railing, holding an excessive amount of Wal-Mart bags. He threw Caroline a look, half amusement and the other pure confusion.
'What's wrong with the Jell-O suggestion?'
'Well since you said we aren't doing shots. Who the hell needs sixteen boxes of strawberry jelly?'
'Hey don't go judging those who require a daily intake of Jell-O. My need for the consumption is the nearest thing to a religion I have,' said Damon floating next to Caroline, leaning carefully over her, he slipped a packet from him.

In that moment it was maybe the most child- like Matt had ever seen Damon. He looked like a kid who'd successfully pinched a desired item from his parents. And why the hell did Matt, feel like he and Caroline were the pseudo parents.

Caroline shook her head stepping aside to allow Matt in.

'Damon's really taking this cheering Bonnie thing up to heart. It's kind of cute,' she said mouthing the last bit to him.

Matt stepped inside the foyer, frowning. Caroline had called him during his shift at the Grille, fully aware he was still on the clock. He'd initially picked up the phone with a peevish expression on his face, but by the time Caroline had explained everything, one of his co-workers had to ask him if he was feeling okay.

''What do you mean Bonnie got hurt at school," he'd asked her.
"That's because probably Damon, Stefan or Alaric told you the school was being evacuated," she'd responded with an additional, "so to remind Bonnie that we love her, we are having a sleepover, a massive one with people who love her. So, you have to come PJ ready. The sliest ones you own."

So that's why Matt was standing on the Salvatore Foyer wearing PJ's, duck patterned ones and converses.

'You're a star!' Caroline said beaming up at him, and placed a chaste kiss to his cheek.

Matt stiffened for a moment, while he'd say he was happy for Caroline and Tyler; there were still some feelings left over for her. And he could never guarantee they'd ever be gone.

Matt stepped away, his cheeks on fire, as he and Caroline looked away awkwardly. Thank God, Bonnie and Damon slid into the passageway, something playing that sounded like TLC's 'Creep.' Matt knew it was one of her favourite songs.

Singing along, she and Damon danced around with no rhythm or rhyme. Her hair was pulled into two cute pig tails; her PJ's consisted of a sheep pattern and fluffy sheep slippers. Damon, who had gone full out for the occasion was wearing a Minion Onesie, had thrown the hood up and looked ridiculous. Matt opened his mouth to let out a laugh when he watched the two interact.

"So I creep, and I keep it on the down low," sang Damon at the top of his lungs, a Jell-O cup in his hand.

"No one else can possibly know..." she sang along, laughing bobbing her head along to the music.

'Did I miss something?' said Matt leaning into Caroline with a frown.

'Bonnie is enjoying herself.'

'No, I mean with Damon,' he mouthed.

Caroline shrugged, smiling indulgently at the couple. 'The best ones start that way.'

She waved for Matt to follow her into the Salvatore living room. The sofas had been pushed to the side. Duvets, blankets and cushions spread across the floor.

Elena was sitting in Stefan's lap, his arms wrapped around her.

'What's wrong babe?' said Tyler, looking to Caroline. Matt turned back to see Caroline scowling.

'I sent an Original vampire out looking for a golden creature thing, and he still hasn't picked up. What or where could he be?'

'What do you mean Matt brought more Jell-O? (!)' said Bonnie excitedly, she literally scrambled into the room; her green eyes pinned Matt, who was still holding the Wal-Mart bag.

Matt was half inclined to throw the bag at the excited Bonnie. He'd never seen her this happy, probably only before the vampires had she been this alive and free.

Bonnie smiled up at him, Matt smiled back. God, she had a pretty smile. Though of course she was pretty. Bonnie, plain and simple was a beautiful girl inside and out. In a way too pure for any mortal man.

'Thanks, Matty,' she said smiling up at him. She looked good; she didn't look like she'd been stabbed in the back, had a few cracked ribs, a dislocated arm, or a fractured leg. That vamp blood was one hell of a thing.

'So, what do you want us to do?' said Elena softly looking to Caroline.

The song changed to Aaliyah's Back and forth.

'Truth or Dare!' shouted Bonnie and Damon at the same time. Everyone's eyes rested on their faces.

'What?' said Damon bitingly, glaring at each of them daring anyone to comment on the fact Bonnie Bennett and Damon Salvatore had agreed on something together.

Feeling Damon's haunting blue eyes was enough to shut Matt up and everyone else followed in Matt's lead, and did not comment.

They sat in a circle, Matt sharing out the junk food. But Bonnie and Damon suspiciously horded the Strawberry Jell-O and voluntarily, sharing out the cups between the two of them. However, Damon attempted to steal one of her pots, Bonnie slapped his hand and sent him a cool look.

Matt couldn't help but smile, they looked good together. He hadn't been sure what Care meant by the best ones start that way... but he thought he got it now.

Caroline had ventured to the kitchen retrieving an empty bottle and placed it in the middle.

Caroline who hadn't lost the instinct to be first spun the bottle; it rested on Matt, who frowned at the bottle. Sitting next to Tyler, a half-eaten Twinkie stuffed in his mouth.

'Truth or Dare, Matt?' said Caroline.

Matt shrugged, before gulping the rest of his Twinkie down.

'I don't know, uh ... dare I guess.'

Caroline grinned broadly.

'Okay Matt,' said Caroline with a wicked gleam in her eyes. 'I want you—'

'No nudity, some of us don't want to see his skinny ass!' said Damon. Bonnie hit him hard on the shoulder.

'Shut up,' she hissed.

'Take one selfie and post it.'
'That's easy, Care,' said Elena with a scowl.

'Uhh, I said a selfie but not of his face. So anywhere really.'
Matt scowled at her, while Tyler patted his back, suggesting to him to take a selfie of his back.

Matt however opted for his armpit, very hairy and very glorious.

The bottle this time landed on Elena.

'Truth or Dare, Elena,' said Damon.
Elena biting her lip, shrugged, 'Uh... dare.'

Her eyes sparkled as she looked across to him. Matt's smiling expression morphed in that moment. —What the hell, why does she look so excited?

'Alright, I want you to touch Caroline's boob. Always wanted to see some girl on girl action.'

While Elena looked disappointed, Caroline announced loudly. 'I'm not drunk enough to allow that.'

Bonnie curled her lip at Damon's quote on quote Damon question.

When the bottle landed on Damon, Stefan almost leapt at the chance to ask Damon a truth or dare.

'Truth or dare,' he shot at his brother like he was a quiz master.

Damon blinked at his brother.

Damon shrugged.

'I'll be nice. I'll give you both.'

Stefan smiled evilly towards his brother, as if he'd laid a trap for him, and he'd stepped right into it.

'Truth: when did you and Bonnie ultimately connect with one another?'

Bonnie was slurping her Jell-O, in a very un-Bonnie way to do. Matt could only guess she'd picked it up from Damon. He smiled fondly at her. God, she looked like a child in that moment, sweet and curious, a weight lifted off her shoulders. He imagined her in a field of flowers, without a care in the world.

'Oh well, Bonnie and I've always connected.'

Bonnie's eyes flittered up to him, her expression saying: "really?"

'Yeah whenever I speak to you, instead of laying a kiss on my cheek I just get aneurysm. — Sure, that's not your way of saying I love you?'

Caroline nodded like that made all the sense in the world.

'But on a serious note, there was a day I'd pissed her off, and she told me off at the bar. You were there Donovan.' As Matt was frowning, trying to picture the events in his mind. He realised Damon was right, he did remember now.

'I went after her, and we bonded when I lay on the road with her.'

He didn't expand on his explanation, but from the little he'd given them. It seemed very personal already. Matt for some reason felt like he'd stumbled onto something almost innocent between Bonnie and Damon. That shouldn't be explored, touched at all, any further.

Stefan and Elena seemed stunned, at Damon's explanation too.

Blinking for a time, Stefan shook his head and said, 'Dare—'

But Caroline butt in quickly. 'Kiss Bonnie.'

Bonnie leaning over Matt's lap, digging for a Twinkie in a Wal-Mart bag, looked up at Caroline, Twinkie in her hand, with the deer in the headlights expression plastered on her face.

Damon's eyes strayed to her flustered face.

'Alright,' he said softly, with an easy shrug.

Damon looked to Bonnie who looked up from her long lashes at him. Green eyes unwavering, hand holding the Twinkie in her hand, look out of place, she watched him lean forward.

'On the mouth(!)' said Caroline and Stefan together.

Damon rolled his eyes, as his lips brushed Bonnie's.

It wasn't a passionate kiss, or one that ravaged her. It was soft almost fleeting, his lips brushing her's. They both closed their eyes, but no hands raked each other. It was, Matt thought, best described as one kiss that lingered but didn't hover.

Damon pulled away, and smiled at her. Matt was surprised to find a calm smile on her lips.

'You know that actually helped me.'

'How?'

'This,' as Bonnie waved one of Damon's Jell-O pots at him.

Damon's look turned wicked, as he lunged for her, scrambling to her feet, Bonnie leapt behind Stefan, who chuckled at their child like play.

'Move Stefan,' Damon warned.

'I'm a vampire shield that's needed,' argued Stefan fairly.

'I'll come to a truce with you. If I get you vamps your awful blood, then you can't kill me,' she reasoned cheekily.

Damon playfully toyed with the idea, waggling his brows before backing away. 'Alright maybe.'

Bonnie sent him a spectacular smile, before she darted from Stefan, and hooked her arm around Matt's and with surprising strength he never knew she had, pulled, no dragged Matt along with her down to the basement. 'I'll take that as a yes,' she said fleetingly.

Matt laughed as they reached the doors of the basement. She let go of his arm, and they both walked down the stairs, as she took the lead.

'Bonnie geez, where has this Bonnie been? So full of light?' he said smiling at her back.

'I haven't gone anywhere really Matty. I've just been hibernating.'

Matt's eyes travelled to her hands stuffed in her pockets, her back straight. Her body language indicated she was serious. Matt almost sighed, it was a rare occasion to see her so care-free.

'And the Phoenix has finally woken up.'

Bonnie looked over her shoulder at him and sent a wink his way. It was also then he realised one of her eyes glowed silver.

'Matty, I want to let you in on a little secret. I'm in on it, Damon and Care are too. And you can be as well ... if you let me tell you about it.'

'What is it? Has it got something to do with your eyes? 'he began in a guarded tone.

Bonnie nodded, saying. 'It's a supernatural matter. I know you aren't keen on hearing about those things, so ... I thought I'd give you the option.'

Despite his apprehension, he was grateful that she'd considered his feelings first before dumping him with information he wasn't ready for.

'Is it important?'

'Yeah ... well, I think so,' she said in a soft tone.

'Okay,' he simply said, because the reason was simple too, he trusted Bonnie.

He saw the rise of her shoulders; he could only guess she was smiling. He couldn't tell if it was a smirk or not though.

Bonnie began to recount to him, telling him about her extra supernatural ability, about being an Aurella. He flinched when she told him how she had died because she was trying to save Elena. It instantly reminded him of the time she'd saved him from drowning when he'd wanted to see his sister Vicky again. He couldn't believe she'd removed her fear of water, to just save his sorry ass.

However, she went on, jogging him out of his thoughts. She explained how she was now Elena's protector. And why Katherine had come into town. He was a bit annoyed that no one had even told him she was even in Mystic Falls.

As Bonnie talked they passed the storage area and fridge that cooled the brother's blood supply, and headed towards the dungeon holding cells.

Bonnie stopped in front of a door and knocked politely on it. The eye open section opened slowly.

A pair of doe brown eyes flew from Bonnie to Matt.

'Oh, look its Matty blue eyes and bitch witch,' said Katherine.

'Hey,' Matt began heatedly, but Bonnie placed a hand on his chest.

'It's okay Matt,' Bonnie fixed Katherine with a cool look.

'I'm here to help. It might be hard to believe. But I can let you out of this cell. I can give you what you want?'

'Booze and great sex? I mean if Matty blue eyes is offering.'

'No, you horny cougar. Calm your roll Gertrude.'

"Bonnie rolled her eyes, stepping in front of Matt. Her ponytails moving from left to right as she shook her head at her request. 'I mean a protector against Klaus ... but if you aren't interested ...' she explained in a controlled, almost inviting tone.

Well Matt could tell why Bonnie had brought him along with her. If Bonnie's inviting tone couldn't win her over, maybe his appearance could win her over?

'What?' Katherine's voice came out muffled.

'Still hard of hearing are we Marybeth.'

'Oh, shut up Damon,' Katherine hissed.

'For your information Katherine, this is all Bonnie Bennett. Let's remember you don't know me, or what I'm capable of.'

Katherine sent Bonnie an intrigued look. At least that's what it looked like, from the widening of Katherine's eyes. 'Well, tell me Bonnie if you become my protector and I accept you what else can you give me,' she asked, as if they were at an auction and it was Bonnie's job to sell a product to her.

Bonnie shrugged.

'Someone to listen to you. Hear about your day... I know how lonely you've been … and unlike Emily, you could possibly build a genuine relationship … 'Bonnie said, wonder in her voice.

Katherine's response was an, 'Oh.' Then she quickly said, 'And Elena, I heard you saying she is your charge. What about her?'
'I will request a new protector for Elena,' Bonnie said.

Matt looked down at her, trying to hide his look of shock. From all she'd told him, she'd made it sound like, Bonnie was bonded to Elena. So that made him wonder if it was even possible for Bonnie to be Katherine's protector.

'What do you want in return?'

'I'll let you out, and you will come home with me. Caroline and Damon will also watch over you if you try and run away from any sign of danger. You run, I won't protect you. If we need you to impersonate Elena at any time, you do so freely. That's all I ask.'

'You swear?' said Katherine.

'On my Mother's life,' Bonnie said in an ominous tone, pulling out a set of key's Damon must have given her.

Matt could literally feel the room morph into the quote on quote 'awkward,' especially when he, Bonnie and Katherine walked into the room, holding a various supply of blood bags.

It was Stefan and Elena who reacted to Katherine the most violently. Tyler was slowly looking between Elena and her Doppelganger, a dumbfounded look on his face.

'Weird,' he breathed.

'Why the hell did you let her out!' hissed Elena jumping to her feet, her words thrown at Katherine like she was some kind of disease.

Katherine's eyes hardened, her mouth opening to throw something just as wicked or most likely worse at Elena.

Bonnie stepped in front of Katherine and said, 'She's under my protection.'

Elena looked offended, 'But she's a monster!'

Caroline interjected softly. 'If she's a monster to be fair then we are all monsters, well maybe not Matt.'

Matt shook his head. 'I've done wrong too,' he reasoned.

'She tried to kill me!'
'And she tried to kill me too Elena, she bloody turned me into a vampire,' said Caroline.

'Why are you defending her Caroline?'

'Because we've figured out the loophole ... maybe ...'

'We?' said Stefan frowning at Caroline.

'Yep, me, Bonnie and Blond — Caroline, good old team work,' said Damon, with a wince.

'Wait Bonnie you had a go at me this morning for telling Elijah about you and yet ...'

'It's different Elena. I'm acting on Elijah's request, and I'm doing this to save both our lives. Finally, it's not like I was spreading any of my secrets to Katherine, or your own. That's the difference,' Bonnie said coolly.

'I apologised.'

'Only because I told you too, and guess what, I got beat up right after that to protect you.'

'Damon, how could you trust her?'
'The enemy of my enemy is a good friend ... I think that's how the saying goes. Katherine can help us. If Bonnie asks her higher up's to be her protector. Then we can find a way to look after you without Bonnie and your life being linked together. Tud-dah loophole. If another protector looks after you then they can still do their duties and you'll be fine. I mean will have to find a way to still protect you but we should be okay we always do...'

'I don't want you to do that,' Elena threw at Bonnie.

Bonnie blinked at her as if she'd just spoken Chinese.

Katherine smirked. 'What a brat you're being Elena. She's not your pet. Bonnie is an autonomous being, she can choose things by herself.'

Matt couldn't believe it, but he agreed with Katherine in his head.

Bonnie shook her head. 'It's my loophole Lena. My life. My job to protect you. So, you'll have to deal with it. Now come on Elena... I don't care how pissy you are with me. I have to hear about your day. And let's remember I got stabbed today, and almost died. So, I'm a bit tired. So, cut me some slack so that I can actually get some rest? Okay?' she said sweetly.

Bonnie turned from the room expectantly, not even bothering to see if Elena would follow.

Funny enough Elena and Katherine both followed her toward a room upstairs.

Matt turned from Bonnie, watching her walk upstairs, with all the airs of a queen of a past life time, back to the living room, smiling awkwardly.

'I brought the blood,' he announced loudly, sure his voice was loud enough to almost cover the bickering beginning between Katherine and Elena.

But all he could see was the accusatory look Stefan being thrown between Caroline and his brother.

— Maybe I should find my way home. What a great sleepover this was.

Matt made his way to Tyler and sat next to him however.

They silently watched the argument begin between the vampires.

'Why didn't you tell me about this?'
'Because like I said before Stefan, your head is filled with Elena central. You never would have seen the big picture,' said Caroline.

'That's not true—'
'Stefan, look at today. You chose to save Elena over Bonnie again. Newsflash I love Elena like a sister. But even if you'd come back, it would have made it okay. But it wasn't. You don't have a level head when it comes down to Elena. She is always the priority for you.'

Damon then added, moving to get himself a glass of whiskey. 'Yeah little brother. It's not always about Elena.'
'And are you thinking levelly? Huh Damon. Aren't you putting your feelings for Bonnie to the forefront as well? Letting it cloud you?'

Damon smirked at his brother, tipping his drink to him. 'Someone has to, since it doesn't seem like a lot of people give a damn about her. It's a good chance, and even if Bonnie can't exchange her alliance with Elena for Katherine. We can always request a protector for Katherine. It'll get Kitty Kat off our backs, she'll owe us, and to top it off she might not be so cranky anymore.'

He tossed the whiskey down his throat.

Matt stared at Damon, as Caroline continued to explain how Stefan was letting his emotions for Elena to get in the way. Damn Damon really cared a lot about her.

Matt leaned towards Tyler and said. 'Who'd have thought he had a heart?'
'I don't know but I think the key for it is Bonnie Bennett.'

Matt wasn't sure if Damon purposely chose to ignore them as he got another drink, but when he asked loudly. 'You lot actually sleeping over.'

Matt shrugged.

'Don't see why not?' said Matt, looking to Tyler and then to Damon.

To that Damon shrugged and said. "Whatever just note, those who go to school. Don't wake me up before six, or someone's head will be the main course for breakfast.'

Salt and Pepper's 'What a man,' played in the background.

A/N: Okay guys this is a pretty long chapter. So, it took so long to get this chapter up. I knew what I needed in this chapter just didn't know how to execute it properly.

Someone wrote recently that they were confused and that's okay. The events of this chapter will be explained.

Note, Cad is not a vampire, please remember this is from Rebekah's Pov, and she is just making an assumption.

1, I know the Matt drowning thing isn't exactly linear with my plot and the TVD Plot, as that scene happened in season 3, but I don't care. This is an AU, my story.

2. I love Katherine, can't wait to build her into the story properly.

P.s. Rebekah and Cad were not previously in a relationship. Aurella commonly don't date people, because they think they aren't good at relationships. Guys we heard of Qetsiyah in this chapter, and don't worry she'll be used wisely in this story.

Thank you for the insanely positive feedback, it's so uplifting to hear you guys liked it, and the new followers.

So please comment, favourite if you like and follow.

Thanks for reading.

Greekgeekable.