Some fluff to brighten your day and keep you going. Dedicated to NixS11 whose review came in literally just as I was about to take a break from writing. Your review gave me the strength to finish this chapter before tomorrow. Please pardon any and all typos. Its past midnight and I have to be up at 4 tomorrow.
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Joining the R 'n' B duo of Ric and Liz was a bad idea. I remember Ric saying something about how chaperoning the Sheriff and I was not his idea of fun.
See how quickly things change.
Now its me who has to endure the discomfort of two flirting adults while trying not to feel like the unnecessary accessory that decided to tag along with them. I'm just waiting for my opportunity to call Ric out on his bull. Admittedly, as much I hate thirdweeling them, I'm kinda happy I'm here to witness the birth of something special.
For so long, it seemed like I was the only link between these two amazing people. I don't remember the last time I saw either of them so happy and comfortable. Alaric has the goofiest of goofy smiles on his face. I'm scared his face will stay frozen like that from now on. He hasn't stopped smiling since we got here. Liz on the other hand looks like she has been de-aged. She seems more alive somehow.
The rapid fire shots she's had so far have obviously gone a long way in aiding her enthusiasm. This rollercoaster of a day has brought out another side to her.
Surviving the seemingly inevitable death of a daughter would do that.
Yeah I get that but its the company. Liz choosing to let her responsible robe fall of in front of Alaric is surprising. She usually tries be responsible around community elders. Liz leaves for the washroom and I take the opportunity to torment Ric a little.
"So, when did this happen?"
"When did what happen?" Alaric says. The look he had on his face watching Liz walk away, disappearing.
"You and the Sheriff. The whole flirting routine you guys have going on."
"Liz and I aren't flirting with each other. I'm just keeping her company, same as you. That's all." Ric denies.
"Oh come of it. You're practically begging her to invite you home this evening."
"She is like 10 years my senior, Damon."
"Your point? That shouldn't matter too much. What is important is if she is a good person. You and I both now she is." I say. Alaric opens his mouth to speak but I interrupt before he can do so.
"Don't even think of using the fact that her daughter is your student as an excuse."
Ric shutting his mouth is a tell tale sign he was about to do just that. I'm pretty sure I'm turning psychic.
Must have got it from Bonnie.
I ignore the temptation to think about Bonnie and continue: "You forget Jenna was Elena, one of your students' guardian. That didn't stop you from dating her. Liz is a wonderful person, not to mention absolutely gorgeous. You can't do much better than her. Scratch that. You can't do better than her."
I pause to let my bombs have their desired effects before I continue: "I know your next excuse is her age but I know for sure you don't really mind. 'How do I know this?', you ask. Well because Anna was a century older than Jeremy but I never heard you complain. Also supporting supporting the theory is the fact that Stef and I are decades older than Elena but you've never brought it. Not once. Tell me something. You like the Sheriff, don't you?"
"You know I do but it was never more than a professional relationship."
"That was then. This is now. To be perfectly honest with you, Ric I don't know why you're overthinking this."
"That's because you never think before you act, Damon." Ric interjects.
"Yeah, yeah." I say, ignoring him. "You're attracted to her and she's attracted to you. Don't even think of denying it. I know you know. Go for gold, Ric. If it makes you feel any better, I'm not asking you to marry her. What is it the kid's say this days? Yes. 'Let's see where it goes.' Date her and see where it goes."
"Who is Ric dating?" I hear Liz say right behind me. I was so preoccupied talking to Ric, I hadn't heard her approach us.
"Jeez Liz. Trying to give a vamp a heart attack, are you?" I say to give me some thinking time.
"I'm not hearing an answer." Liz elects to say.
"Snooping doesn't become you, Liz. For who Alaric is dating, I'm just playing wingman. There is a woman back in Africa that I think would be perfect for my favorite vampire hunter so you better lockdown this deal before a another woman swoops in." I say.
"You're just asking to be shot, Damon." Liz says.
"That's my cue to get out of here. Don't forget what I said Ric. I have a lot of woman lined up for you incase the Sheriff here is unwilling or incapable of getting down with the Saltz Man." I say to Ric before pulling in Liz for a bear hug.
"I'm glad you're smiling and having a good time. The whole mourning look you were trying to perfect over the past few hours hours was not attractive Not in the least. I'm sure it almost killed Ric's bon…"
A punch to the stomach prevents me from finishing that particular sentence.
"Thank you Damon for that flattering speech." Ric says.
"Eloquent is my middle name. For what it's worth, Liz. Don't tell her I said so but I'm glad your spitfire of a daughter is still among the living. I'm sure the world will live to regret that soon enough."
"Goodbye Damon." Liz says after I turn around to leave. She adds when, I'm sure she thinks I'm out of earshot. "I don't know you put up with him."
"Bourbon." I hear Alaric answer. "Lots and lots of bourbon. Speaking of alcohol, may I order you another glass?"
I smile a small smile to myself as I head towards my car. This feels like the start of an epic love story.
I'm not feeling as epic when I make my way to the boarding house. My living room is a mess. At least to me. My decor has been tampered with to make room for sleeping bags. A tv is situated right behind the door to the right. Someone is sleeping in my expensive Victorian age furniture.
I thought female was supposed to be the cleaner gender.
Apparently not.
"Great. You brought food." I hear Elena say. Emerging out of the first sleeping bag and dashing towards me. Then relieving me of the bags in my hand.
"Damon brought us food. Without us asking?" Caroline asks suspiciously. "What do you want?"
"Thanks for showing such appreciation, Blondie. I have a soft side, you know. Consider it my good deed for the month." Elena brings out the pizza and drinks I got them. She makes to look through the last bag but I stop her with: "That's Bonnie's."
I wish I had a polaroid with me right now.
The stunned look on Caroline and Elena's face is priceless. They look at each other and back to me. Caroline, as always is the first to speak.
"Could you repeat what you just said? Slower please."
"That's Bonnie's." I repeat. Snatching the bag out of Elena's hand. "I bought all three of you pizzas and drinks. Bonnie hasn't had anything to eat since the carnival back in Africa so I got her some fries. They are one of her favorites, right?"
The silence that follows is getting uncomfortable before Elena replies. "Yeah, How do you know that?"
"I'm observant. One of my gifts. Speaking of the annoying witch, where is she?"
Caroline points to the lump in my coach. "Suffering from jet lag. She fell asleep the moment her body hit the couch."
"Are you sure she isn't dead?" I say. "She usually snores when she sleeps."
"I'm telling her you said that." Caroline threatens.
"Be my guest. She'll only give me her usual half reproaching-half amused look. Where did you guys get that tv?" I say, pointing at the offending object.
"Its ours. I asked Jeremy to drive it here. Its useless now because you guys don't have a satellite connection and Jeremy forget the movies." Elena replies.
She makes it sound like its somehow my fault. Like its my responsibility to fix this problem for her. That implication annoys me. Sure I'm partly to blame because I'm always so eager to please her but its disturbing that she expects girlfriend privileges from me when she is anything but that to me.
Bonnie stirs as I'm about to let Elena have a piece of my mind. She sits up and looks around, her eyes coming to rest on me. Making me approach her.
"I just had the strangest dream." She says.
"Let me guess. The Acolytes, Klaus, barbie almost dying, Liz in tears, big fight, not a fight but an ass kicking, Klaus to the rescue. Sums it up, huh?" I spell out for her.
"So it wasn't a dream? That really happened?"
"Yep, it did. You and I saved the day as usual. Although we did outsource the actual saving to a third party." I go on my hunches in front of her.
Bonnie places a palm on her forehead. "I was hoping it was one Mrs. Flowers' tea fueled hallucinations. Wait. Where is Caroline?"
Caroline waves behind me, catching Bonnie's attention. Bonnie pushes off the couch and runs into Caroline's arms. Burying her face in Caroline's chest.
"Ermm Bonnie, are you alright?" Caroline says.
"I'm fine. I'm not going crazy if that's what you're worried about. I'm just happy you're alive and back to yourself again."
"Well so was I until the slumber party began to suck." Caroline says in her school organizer voice.
Bonnie pulls away from the hug to ask: "What's wrong? How can I help?"
"We have food and drinks and we even got a tv into this archaic house but we don't have any movies to watch." Elena speaks up from her side of the room.
"Why not just borrow some of Damon's? He's got plenty of old movies in his room."
"You've been to Damon's room?"
"How do you know that?"
Elena and Caroline both ask simultaneously.
I want to hear how Bonnie is going to maneouvre herself out of this one but I can tell she doesn't know how to answer her friends' questions. She looks like an animalbacked into a corner.
God bless my heroic qualities.
"I'm disappointed Bonbon. You didn't share our intimate night of intense lovemaking with your friends? That hurts my feelings. I feel used." I intervene. "To add insult to injury, you even snooped around in my room. Shame on you."
Bonnie reacts as anticipated. Getting her voice back and showing her usual fight back spirit.
"That's gross on so many levels. I didn't snoop. I just took notice of your vintages. Why you have salt-n-pepa tapes, I'll never know. Don't take Damon seriously. You know he thrives on lewd suggestions."
"Yes, I know but that doesn't explain how you know about his collections, Bonnie."
"Exactly." Elena concurs.
"That is beside the point." I butt in before Bonnie can speak. "The point is you guys need something that I've got. Wait here. Bonnie will get them for you. I'm starting to feel jet lagged myself."
I start heading for my room without giving them a second to object. I know that is exactly what I know Caroline and Elena would surely do. I can understand Caroline's reasons. She doesn't trust me and is just trying to look out for Bonnie. Elena's reasons on the other hand are very vague.
Not very vague if you've got much sense. She is jealous.
Why would she be jealous? Its not like she and I are dating or that she has any feelings for me.
So she says.
What else am I supposed to go by but her words. I'm not a mind reader. Actions may speak louder than words but actions should coincide with words. We listen to both of them. She can't say one thing and act another way and expect me to decipher her intentions. I'm not bloody Robert Langdon. To be perfectly honest, I'm getting tired of the mixed signals she keeps sending me. Liz was right. I've put Elena on too high a pedestal.
"Someone is in a foul mood." I hear Bonnie say behind me. I've been so preoccupied with my musings that I forgot I asked Bonnie to follow me.
"What gives you that idea?" I ask Bonnie as we make it into my room.
"You haven't made one inappropriate joke about me willingly following you into your room."
"My, my Bonlove. My charming personality must be growing on you."
Bonnie just shrugs her shoulders. "Maybe"
"I promise on my honor to make no less than three inappropriate jokes whenever I'm in your presence."
"You have no honor, Damon."
"I'll let you believe that. I'm going to wash the day off my sexy body. You are free to join me."
"Not in a million years, looney."
"I take that as a challenge. You know your way around. I won't be out soon. Enjoy your movie." I say before making my way into the bathroom. Leaving Bonnie behind in my room.
Usually, I'd take of my clothes outside before entering the bathroom but I didn't want Bonnie lusting after me than she already is. I hear Bonnie roaming around in my collection. I planned for a quick shower but I opt for a long relaxing soak in the tub instead.
The slumber party is in full swing as I relax in the tub. The cold of the water is a welcome reprieve from the constant heat in Africa where everyday is summer.
It was nice seeing Sage again.
Mrs. Flowers too though she still gives me the creeps.
Thalia was as cute as ever. I should invite her over one vacation.
Come on. We all know the reason you enjoyed the trip so much.
Enlighten me.
Bonnie
I admit having Bonnie along was a pleasure but I always enjoy spending time with the kids. Regardless of who tags along. I should probably text them to let them know we got here safely and are still alive. I pick my pants off the floor and retrieve my phone, sending Sage a quick text.
I'm scrolling through my gallery when I find the picture I took back at the carnival. The one with Bonnie and Kekeli. Bonnie looks super hot. The unshed tears in her eyes given off a weird dicothemy with the sexiness of the dress. Her eyes making her seem demure but the dress screaming sex goddess. I was too preoccupied to notice back then but Kekeli isn't too bad looking herself. Definitely Stefan's type. Caroline would like her.
I forward the picture to Bonnie and rest my head on the pillow set on the edge of the tub. I could stay here all year. Apathy has officially set in now. I know I have to get up and go deal with the Acolytes but I'm definitely not the mood to go do so right now. Everyone is safe. I can indulge in some laziness for a while before I inevitably have to come up with a plan and save the day.
As always.
I groan out loud when I hear my phone chime. Definitely not in the mood to be social. I reluctantly pick up my phone, in spite of my mood. The text is from Bonnie. My mood brightens considerably. I will myself not to focus on why it does. I just tap on the text.
You look absolutely ridiculous in that top.
I instantly smile. Okay. Maybe I'm in the mood to be a little social.
I text Bonnie back: I'll have you know, that's not the first time I've worn something like that. I dressed up like one of the Mossi's when Sage and his crew lived in Burkina Faso.
Please tell me you have pictures She texts back instantly.
Of course I do but I'm never letting you see them.
I check my phone after a while when I get no reply from Bonnie. I check and recheck again. I even increase the volume on my phone just incase she replies and I don't hear it. It takes a while but she eventually replies.
That's harsh. Caroline wants to dress up like me for the next decade dance. Should I let her?
Hell no. That's for you to wear. Unless she doesn't mind competing with you on that day, knowing you'd inevitably look better than her.
I'm not better looking than Caroline
I'll let you believe that. I quickly type. How is the slumber party going?
Boring as hell. Bonnie replies.
I put the tub stopper to use and turn of the tap. My curiosity gets the better of me so I close my eyes and strain my ears towards the living room. My hearing sense is the second best thing I like about being a vampire. Second behind being an external stud.
"Come on, Elena. Do we have to watch a horror movies?"
"Yes. Caroline. It'll be nice. You can cuddle up to me when the movie gets too scary for care bear."
"Bonnie. Talk some sense into her please."
"I really don't care either way, Care."
I hear Bonnie say to Caroline. Bonnie couldn't sound more disinterested if her life depended on it.
Yeesh. I type. I thought you liked spending time with your friends.
I do. Bonnie texts back. I'm just really tired and not in the mood to be social.
Makes two of us. You're not in the mood to socialize but you're texting me?
Strange huh?
I smile some more. I'm growing on her. I told you love. I'm like a fever you can't shake. How may I be of service?
Kekeli.
What about her?
You know she likes you.
She thinks I'm good looking. That's not the same thing. Besides, I don't date kids.
Sorry to bust your bubble but Elena is technically a kid.
I mull over that and concede the point and text Bonnie back. Good point but I'm not speaking in terms of age. Maturity is what I mean.
Are you calling Elena mature? Bonnie texts me back with the chin stroking emoji in tow.
Yes I am. You know she is. Granted not as mature as you but she is. Katherine was her age too but she was vastly experienced. That was her attraction.
Thanks for the compliment. I think. Hold up. Are you saying you were attracted to Katherine because she was experienced?
I put down the phone to think about the matter. Is that what I'm saying? Katherine did come into my life at a time I felt caged in. I was an unwanted son living in the house of a man I loathed and fighting for a cause I didn't believe in. In Katherine, I found mystique and wonder. She was an escape from the shallow minds of Mystic Falls. Wild and unpredictable. Unlike the women in town at the time. It stands to reason that I'd be attracted to her
Yeah. I think I am. For a guy living in a small town in Virginia, Katherine was my bridge to the wider world. It helped that she was unscrupulous, promiscuous and crazy stupid fine.
I can't believe you consider the doppelgängers the epitome of attraction.
Jealous? I didn't say that. Don't worry Bon. You're not to bad yourself. You're insanely hot to be honest. I don't know what little Gilbert was thinking.
I wasn't hot enough to keep him. Apparently
That has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard you say, Bonnie. I know you're humble and all but you also have eyes. You know you're gorgeous. I'm sure even your straight girlfriends can't keep her eyes of you.
That earns me a slew of laughing, crying emojis. I make my way out of the tub because it's starting to get uncomfortable. Bonnie sends me another text as I'm using my tow. I tap the message and jump into bed in the buff.
Caroline isn't gay. And neither is Elena.
Maybe but you look good enough to it. You can't blame them if they're willing to turn just to have a bit.
That's not how it works Damon!!!!!
I know. I'm just messing with you. Try kissing Elena just to be on the safe side.
I'm not doing that.
Come on. Grow a pair. I dare you.
Its about five minutes later when Bonnie texts back. What's in it for me?
You get to kiss Elena.
That isn't an incentive for me.
Bonnie seriously wants something in return. I doubt she's going to go though with it though. I can make her do anything I want. What do women really hate doing? Paying for stuff. Nice.
Tell you what. I'll make you a deal. You buy me food throughout the week if you are unable to kiss Elena but I'll wear shirts of any colour of your choosing, if you're do. Is that enough of an incentive for you?
More than you can ever imagine. Okay. Here I go.
I strain my ears again.
"What are you doing, Bonnie?" I hear Elena ask.
"You said we could snuggle up to you if the movie got too scary for us." Bonnie says.
"When did horror movies start scaring you?" I hear Caroline
"An hour ago."
"You haven't been paying any attention to the movie. You've just been giggling and texting your secret boyfriend." Blondie says.
"Ooooh. Is it Jeremy?" Elena says.
"Definitely not but this guy and Jer do have a lot in common. They could be twins for all I know."
That little…
"You're so warm and cuddly, Elena. I want to kiss you all over."
She wouldn't.
"Can I?" Bonnie says.
"Go ahead." Elena says in that oh so girly voice of hers.
Even vampire hearing can't help here. All I can hear is Elena giggling uncontrollably. The giggles go on for a few seconds before she manages to say between more giggles: "Stop Bonnie. That's ticklish."
Huh? When did kissing become ticklish?
"For a second there Bon, I thought you were going to kiss her on the lips." I hear Caroline say.
"I'm sure there is a perverted guy out there somewhere who would like that but kisses on the cheeks and stomach is more fun for me." I don't need my vampire senses to hear that statement because Bonnie says it needlessly loud. No doubt for my benefit .
"That doesn't freaking count!" I shout out at the top of my lungs.
I can hear Bonnie's laughter loud and clear. The kind of laughter you only laugh amongst friends. I even hear a snort or two mixed in. My attention returns to my phone when I get a text.
It definitely does. You asked for a kiss. Your didn't specify where the kiss was to be placed. Word your requests better next time dear.
"Was that Damon?" Caroline asks.
"I think so. Don't worry I'm sure he is okay." I hear Bonnie reply. Still laughing. "Probably just talking to a customer service rep."
"You are pretty weird sometimes Bonnie." Elena says.
I furiously tap a draft to Bonnie. I pause halfway to decide how I really feel about the act she just pulled. A part of me is furious at the deception but I'm man enough to admit just mad because she outplayed me. The other part is proud of the deception. I type: That was…genius and hit send.
I'm glad you're impressed. You should have used your head.
I did. Just not the bigger one.
Isn't that what usual gets you in trouble?
That is what usually gets me OUT of trouble. Women can't resist me. Some call me the Big Old D.
That's sounds like a stripper's name. Congratulations.
Say what you want but you know you'd enjoy it. I'd have you unable to survive on anything else. Not even food.
If only you'd be so lucky.
Just wait and see Bonbon. Just wait and see. P.S I'm a bar owner in some alternate reality. I'm sure of it.
I can imagine that. For some strange reason.
I'm thinking lecturing for you. Like Sheila. You could eventually take her place at Whitmore. Or you could run an apothecary. Like Pearl used to.
Whitmore already has a new occult professor. His name is Shane. Who is Pearl and what's an apothecary?
Thank you for making me feel my age. An apothecary is an old word for a drugstore and the pharmacist who runs it. You could sell both western and traditional medicine. Like vervain and wolfsbane to the town people. Your Grams's garden and Mrs. Flowers can help. I think you'd be great at it. Pearl is the progenitor of Jeremy's ghost crush. She was badass.
An APOTHECARY. I think I'd like to run one too. No comment on Pearl.
Oh come on. It isn't her fault little Gilbert couldn't keep it in his diapers. I liked her. She was always scary but fair. I had a little crush on her tbh.
It's literally a heartbeat later when Bonnie floods my inbox with a slew of red faced, angry emojis. You can always trust girls to be rational after a breakup. It is always the other woman and by extension her family's fault. I love being a guy. We get away with serious shhh.
I've decided on a colour. Bonnie adds. Get ready to wear blue throughout the coming week. Just to be clear, I'm making a photo journal for posterity's sake.
Fine by me. I detest blue but I look good in anything so bring it on. I text her before adding as a tag, I'm really enjoying texting you, you know. We should do this more often.
Yeah, we should You're a gossip. That always makes texting easier.
I prefer the term 'in touch with my feminine side'. I am glad I'm not a woman though. I'd get too handsy with myself.
You say it like all women do.
Most I know do. Send me your pic.I have none of yours in my gallery.
An image appears in my inbox a minute later. A tap on the image latet and I see Bonnie posing for the camera as other tourists and indigenes pass by without paying her any mind. Bonnie has her arms in the air to the right and a bend to her waist. The carefree smile on her face makes the pic more beautiful than it has the right to be. I have a suspicion photo credit goes to Kekeli.
I type: "You're lucky I prefer to type with both hands because this pic would be perfect for getting to know myself better." but hit delete after a moment's thought. Too inappropriate is the thought.
I opt for a different text. I texted Sage to let him know we got back safely. Apparently, he now owns a phone because 21st century tech makes anonymity easy. Heard from Kekeli.
I just did. Bonnie replies a minute or so later. You never told me how you and the guys met.
Who? Sage? I met him through his twin sister. Also called Sage. Don't ask me how that works. I guess being the devil means you can give both your kids the same name. Sage was my sexiest teacher. I wonder where she is now.
Mrs. Flowers is obviously into him. You should tell him to lock that down.
Why do I have to play matchmaker for all my friends? I just got back from doing the exact same thing with Ric and Liz. I'm happy to report my lover doctorate come in handy tonight. Caroline will have a new father anytime now.
Ikr. You should have seen them the other night at the grill. Well I didn't really sea them. P.S Does a drug fueled time and space barrier breaking vision count as seeing something?
Absolutely. Fill me in.
"For the love of God, Bonnie. Could you stop giggling for five seconds and let us enjoy this movie?"
"Sorry Elena." I hear Bonnie apologize.
"I could ignore it because you weren't this close to me before. Now it's just unbearable."
"I wouldn't be texting someone if you'd picked a better movie, you know."
"No, no. You don't get to use that card after you claimed it didn't matter to you either way." Caroline intercedes. For all that's said about Caroline and her myopia, she'd make a pretty good judge.
"Who are you texting anyway?" Elena asks.
"A friend."
"Does that friend have a name?" It's Caroline's turn to ask the questions now.
"Yeah he does but I'm not telling you."
"So its a he." Caroline continues.
Bonnie ignores Caroline. "Look I'm obviously in your way and preventing you from enjoying the movie, which for the recoed, you refuse to change. I guess that leaves me with only one option then. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."
"You have a room here?" A surprised Caroline asks.
"You see what I mean, Care. I told you Damon has corrupted her." Elena says. The shuffling sound I hear indicating that she is now standing too.
Wow. Elena's throwing me under the bus. Its insulting that she thinks the only way I can get Bonnie to spend time with me is by doing something to her. I did nothing to Elena for to start spending time with me but she does. I didn't hear her insinuations then. I feel for Bonnie more than myself. Her two friends have been speaking about her behind her back. That's gotta hurt.
"Its not really my room. Its just a room I slept in the last time I was here. I was pretty out of it so Damon put me to sleep in one the rooms in near his." Bonnie says calmly enough, but I hear the anger building behind the even tone.
"You went drinking with Damon? When did this happen and why are we now hearing about it?" Caroline asks.
"What is this? The Great Inquisition?" Bonnie retorts furiously. Her temper finally coming out to play.
Truth be told, I'm surprised she has taken the barrage of questions for this long. Heads would have been rolling a long time ago if it were me facing the horrible detectives.
"I don't get what the big deal is. Especially with you, Elena. You've always told me to give Damon a chance. Do you remember? You've always stood up for him. Even when he did terrible things. Including attacking me on multiple occasions. You always found one excuse or another for him. Now I'm supposed to stay away from him just because you say so? Make your mind up already. You made your choice. Stick with it. This isn't even about Damon. It's about Elena thinking she can have her cake and eat it. As usual."
"Caroline, I get it. Believe me I do. I appreciate that you're worried and all but I'm okay. Damon won't hurt me. Mainly because I don't think he will but also because he can't. I'm a witch. I could kill him before the thought of hurting me crosses his mind. He knows it. He and I have an understanding. He isn't going to change anytime soon but I can take care of myself. I used to be ignorant and disbelieving of magic. Now I'm a witch. I used to hate vampires. Now my best friend is one. My days used to be filled with cramming last minute history lessons before a test. Now, I protect the world from all kinds of supernatural disasters. Is it that much of a stretch to believe that I have actually come to like Damon and most of his adolescent tendencies?"
Caroline drags in a long breath before she speaks. "No it isn't."
"Look I'm sorry how the night ended. It was supposed to be a celebration but some things needed to be said. I'm going to go home now. I'm happy you're back to your annoying self, Caroline. You know I love you Elena but I can't stand being anywhere near you right now. I'll see you when I see you." Bonnie finishes.
Its a short moment later when I hear the front door open and shut. Bonnie taking a stand for herself was long overdue. I remember urging her to do so the day after our bourbon at the witches' mansion. I think as I get dressed.
I'm glad she took my advice and let loose when she needed to. I think its time I follow her advice too but dealing with the Elena of it all can wait. II have a witch to catch up to.
I find Stefan in the living room after I get out of the tub and get dressed in quick time. Even for a vampire. Elena is telling him about what just happened with Bonnie. Caroline appears to have fallen asleep in one of the bags.
Traipsing through town would do that to a vampire.
I just nod towards the happy couple on my way out but Elena calls my name. "Drop it, Elena." I say to her.
"Where are you going?" Stefan asks.
"Off to see Bonnie. She is going to blame herself for what happened tonight and It won't be long before she starts blaming me for being the catalyst. I have to make sure that doesn't happen. Don't wait up."
I try many different openers and think up many scenarios and my reactions to them but I still can't settle for one good opener. I decide to just wing it. I knock on Bonnie's door a couple of times before it swings open to reveal a night gown wearing, barefoot Bonnie. Her hair sticking to her face.
She must have just got out of the shower.
"What do you want, Damon?"
"Come on now. Is that the way you greet the reason you and your friend just had a massive bust up. I though that would warrant me a knighthood. Ser Damon of the Falls sounds good to me."
Bonnie slams the door in my face. Thank God my face wasn't anywhere near the door because of the magical barrier. I knock a few times without reply. Knocking evolves into banging.
"I have all night Bonnie. Good luck sleeping despite the noise. Think about it. Do you want the nosey old woman calling the neighborhood watch to your front steps? You know Mama Plec is capable."
That gets through to her. The door swings upon again a moment later. Her hair is straighter now. The reason why is evident by the brush in her hands.
Bonnie sighs. "I repeat. What do you want, Damon."
"I thought we could have our own slumber party since your first one with the girls was such a disappointment."
"What makes you think I'd like to spend all night babysitting you?"
"I had a feeling you'd ask that. I come bearing gifts, Little Bird. First of, I have my charming personality. Second, you know you can't say no tho the baby blues. If you somehow find the willpower to refuse those two. I have this documentary on Africa Sage gave me as a parting gift. I thought we could watch it. I also brought wings, fries and ice cream." I say. Holding up my overflowing arms to eye level.
Bonnie stares at me for a pause before the smile I've been craving since I got here spreads over her face. Making me smile too. Bonnie's is the definition of a contagious smile.
"Low bow, Salvatore. How can I say no to all that goodness."
"I fight dirty, Bennett."
Bonnie smiles some more and turns back further into the house. Leaving the door open for me to obviously follow her. I obliviously try to hit the barrier at the threshold.
"Forgetting something, miss."
Bonnie turns around confused. I motion to the entryway and I see the dots connect behind her eyes.
"Yeah sorry." Bonnie says. She makes eye contact with me. Piercing contact. Trying to relate to me what words can't. She is choosing to trust me. Her eyes say. Trust me with her sanctuary. The safest place in the world for her. Bonnie's eyes beg me not to break her trust. Not to make her regret it.
My hope is that my eyes are relaying an answering reply to her. I make myself vulnerable to the intimacy between her. I need her to trust me. I want her to see how much I've come to value and my best intentions not to hurt her. We say all this and me with a lingering look that lasts less than five seconds.
"Come in, Damon." Bonnie says.
I blink a few times to shield the vulnerability I'm feeling from Bonnie. I don't remember the last time I was this soul bared and intimate with another person that wasn't Stefan. I try to regain my usual cavalier attitude by saying: "Didn't want to bring this up until I got in here. I got everything for one person. You and I are going to have to share."
"You know that isn't going to happen."
"It is. You should be grateful I had some spare change in my pans. I was in such a hurry to get here, I left my wallet back home."
"Thanks to the spirits." Bonnie says.
Bonnie and I move some things about and make room in front of the television. We lay a blanket down and Bonnie furnishes it with pillows from the surrounding chairs and some from the spare room. We sit on the floor. Shoulder to shoulder.
Despite Bonnie's previous statement, we split the food between each other. Bonnie and I take intermittent scoops of the ice cream. Using the some spoon. Bonnie claims we are using the same spoon so that she can throw it out tomorrow and not have to worry about her father contracting any of the diseases I may have.
She is such a flatterer.
We are some way into the documentary when Bonnie speaks. We've spent the majority of the time since the documentary started in companionable silence.
"I appreciate the gesture and all, Damon but you don't have to stay with me."
"I know."
"I can take care of myself."
''I know."
"I doubt the Acolytes will atta…"
"Yeah but we can never be too safe. Are you kicking me out, Bennett?"
"No. I'm just saying I won't take it personally if you'd rather be with Elena right now."
"I'm an adult, Bonnie. Deciding whom I'll like to spend my time with is within my capabilities. Unless you're saying you don't enjoy my company?"
"You know I do but.."
"But nothing. Shut up, kick back and let's enjoy the documentary, I'd very much like to find out why some tribes wear lip discs."
"Damon." Bonnie says exasperatedly.
"Bonnie." I say equally as exasperated.
A few minutes later, and its my turn to find talking irresistible. The nagging feeling that got me speeding over here wasn't concern, if I'm being honest with myself. It was gratitude. Gratitude to Bonnie for speaking out on my behalf. I need to express this gratitude to her.
"Thank you." I say. Not looking at her. Pretending to be engrossed with the screen.
"What for?" Bonnie asks. Also not looking at me but genuinely invested in the scene playing out on the tv.
"For thinking me worth having in your life. Even my brother doesn't always think so. With good reason, of course. I've brought nothing but pain and misery into his life but he keeps on rooting for me. I've brought nothing but pain and misery to you too but you still think me worth having. Even going as far us to stand up to your best friends. Something you rarely do. So thank you. Throughout my long life, there haven't been many people that have considered me an assets rather than a liability."
There is a pregnant silence that follows. Pregnant because I'm anxiously waiting to see how Bonnie would react. I don't want her taking it the wrong way. I don't want her seeing me this vulnerable but I also want her to know I'm being serious. Bonnie just keeps looking at me. Staring more like. I can tell she is waiting for me to look back at her but I can't make myself meet her eyes.
Bonnie eventually puts a finger under my chin and turns my face to hers. She looks deeply and long into my eyes. I can't, for the life of me break the spell. Its like she is looking into my soul. Trying to detect any hint of dishonesty. I can only assumes she finds none because she smiles after some time.
Contagious.
I smile too. Bonnie lifts herself up a little and I close my eyes. I feel her lips on my forehead. The kiss is like a brand. I realize I'm going to feel her lips long after she lifts them off me. The kiss is slow, intimate and almost loving. Bonnie seats back down after some time and whispers to me:
You're welcome, Damon.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Next: In The Dark of Night.
That fulfils this month's quota. All typos in the texting scenes are intentioal. Still waiting for soundtrack suggestions. Enjoy your day. Enjoy your week. Enjoy your month.
Soundtrack ]1. Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
2. Kyko and Ellie Goulding - First Time
3. David Bowie - Moonage Daydream
4. The Fray - Be Still