Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. They belong to L.J. Smith/The CW.
Summary: Bonnie is tired of wishing for what she wants. Now is the time for action.
A/N: This tags episodes 1.20: Blood Brothers and 1.21: Isobel with my usual spin. This chapter also contains suggestions from some of my awesome reviewers as well and I hope that you all enjoy it. (The title of this one shot is from a Kate Nash song that I have been wanting to use for a while now.) As always thank you for all of my previous reviews, and don't worry about length. I never mind the long ones! :)
Nicest Thing
Bonnie Bennett's big green eyes were trained on nothing as she gazed into space, her finger rubbing at a small imperfection in the wood of her table inside the Mystic Grill. She was lost in her thoughts and all of the information that Elena had been forwarding to her concerning Stefan, his condition and of course Damon. The brunette had crashed at the Salvatores while helping Stefan deal with his new addiction to human blood, and she'd requested that her best friend join her, but after being away for so long Bonnie thought it was best to visit but remain with her father. He needed her support as he was having a hard time dealing with Grams being dead.
It was very strange to walk into the grand home and find Elena's stuff laying around, to know that she was staying there. But she had managed to keep her thoughts to herself because she wanted to be there to help her best friend cause she was going through a tough time. It wouldn't have been right to bring up her relationship with Damon or his motives for being so nice where his brother was concerned. However a part of her could tell that he was honestly worried about Stefan, and it made her see him in a different light than the one he always tried to portray. Of course she knew a lot of what he did was an act. Him using that off switch he went on about when it came to vampires because he didn't wanna feel.
What's the point though if you don't feel?
She was also thinking of Stefan differently now that she knew he was the first to take the immortal plunge. It was weird to think of Damon as the mopey, wanting to die one. It was also annoying to have to hear it from Elena instead of the man himself. But it was times like that when she remembered he liked to fight tooth and nail to stay as emotionally detached to her as he possibly could. He would probably never open up if she didn't threaten to do something that would cause herself harm. It wasn't much but seeing him fired up over her safety did make her smile.
Anyway she'd heard it through the grape vine that Stefan was fine now, and Elena was back at home. Everything worked out I suppose…
A hand on her shoulder jerked her out of her thoughts, and she looked up to find Tyler Lockwood staring down at her. He showed off his bright smile. "Didn't mean to scare you. I'd call your name but you didn't seem to hear me."
She chuckled softly. "Sorry I was totally spacing out. What's up?"
He shrugged and sat down in front of her. "I know we're not like good friends or whatever, but everyone else is kinda avoiding me. And by everyone else I mean Matt."
She nodded slowly. "Well you did make out with his mom. Some people frown on that."
He smirked, stealing one of her fries. "In my defense I had been sneaking vodka all night. Ya know, I think he's more pissed off that I tried to choke him…"
"Where did that come from anyway?" She inquired.
Tyler shook his head. "I…have no idea. Lately I've been feeling all of these different emotions like…really strongly. I blame it on the booze most times but…" He trailed off. "Maybe I just have anger management problems. I don't know."
Bonnie watched him for a moment. Or it could be something else entirely, especially knowing this town. "Well I think you should apologize to Matt for starters, even if he doesn't seem like he wants to listen. And maybe give him some space afterwards. Let him process everything that is going on in his life."
"Yeah." Slouching in his chair, he sighed. "I really screwed up this time."
"Everyone deserves a second chance though."
"What about third and forth?"
"Depends on the person."
"Matt is like the closest thing I have to a brother, ya know? If I could go back I'd totally not drink that night."
"I think he'll forgive you when he's ready. You can't push him or he'll just pull farther away."
Sighing, he itched at his cheek. "Remember how just a few months ago things were like…cool? Parties in the woods, mindless fun and no bodies turning up from stupid animal attacks. I miss those days."
You're not the only one. "Yeah. Me too."
"Ugh I'm sorry. I've been sitting here going on and on about my problems when you got like, real stuff to deal with." Pause. "How are you doing by the way? I was sorry to hear about your Grams."
Pulling at the bracelet she'd received from Stefan a while ago, she shrugged. "Some days are better than others but I'm dealing. I know Grams would want me to grieve but not let the grief control me."
His dark eyes studied her for a second. "Is it? Controlling you I mean?"
"No. I—I've been making peace with it and myself." She related softly. "It's not easy but I need to focus on other things right now. And if you believe all of the things people tell you when someone dies, then she's not really gone. She'll always be with me."
"I tried to think that way when I heard about Vicki." He tapped his fingers on the table. "I was a total dick to her because—because of my parents. And I never got a chance to tell her that I was sorry. That I did like her…"
Reaching over, she gave his wrist a comforting squeeze. "I'm sure she knows."
Tyler placed his hand over hers. "I hope so. I've spent a lot of my teenage life being a dick to people because I could. Never thought it would turn out like this. That I'd push everyone who ever mattered to me away."
"Hey, what happened to Vicki was horrible but trust me, it wasn't your fault at all. And yeah you could have been nicer to her but I don't think she would want you to dwell on all of the bad times you had. There were good times, right?" He nodded and she continued. "If the last few weeks have taught me anything, it's that you don't know what could happen tomorrow so you have to prepare today. You have to take care of yourself sometimes."
"Interesting way to look at it." Grinning, he glanced to his watch. "Ugh I gotta go. My dad wants my help with float duty for that stupid parade. I think he just wants me in his sight so that he knows I'm not screwing up the Lockwood name."
Chuckling softly, she dug in her purse and put a few bills on the table. "I'll walk you out. I have to meet Caroline to talk about her ideas too. Even though I have a feeling I know what she's gonna want already."
He stood. "I don't know who has it worse, you or me. Probably me though. Least I don't have to hear about dresses and frills."
Smirking, she slipped on her jacket and walked outside with him. "How can you be sure? Maybe your dad needs your expert opinion on dresses and frills."
Tyler made a face and bumped his shoulder to hers. "Thanks for listening to me whine, Bonnie. You didn't have to but you did—I'll remember that if you ever need a favor or whatever."
"It's cool." A beat. "We all need someone to talk to every now and then."
"True. Still…" Grinning, he headed to his truck. "I'll remember it!"
Snorting playfully, she waved and then headed in the other direction, crossing the street to her little blue car. She opened the door and tossed her purse into the passenger seat, rummaging in her pocket for her car keys. In the past she'd never exactly had a heart to heart with Tyler because like everyone else, she saw him as the rich boy jock that used his daddy's influence to get what he wanted. But the past couple of months had changed everyone and he was no exception. Sometimes the last person you ever expect to confide in is the first person you turn to. It didn't always make sense but when you are lost, you don't make sense either.
A figure entered her peripheral vision and she spoke first, assuming it was Tyler come to tease her more. "Forget that you owe me already?"
"Do I?" Inquired a strange voice.
Bonnie blinked and swirled around, coming face to face with Jonathan Gilbert. Great just what I need. "Mr. Gilbert, I'm sorry I thought you were someone else."
The blonde man flashed a brilliantly white smile. "No harm done. And please call me Jonathan, Mr. Gilbert was my father."
She forced a grin. "Um so, what can I do for you? I don't know where Elena is if you are looking for her."
He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Actually I wanted to speak with you if that is alright? I…heard about what happened to your grandmother and I wish to offer my condolences. Shelia Bennett was a pillar of this community and we are all feeling her loss."
Blink blink. "Thank you…"
"I didn't speak with her much but I do know a bit about the history of the Bennett women. Very powerful witches if you are to believe the history." A brow rose. "It all started with Emily Bennett if I am not mistaken."
Um… "I guess. Grams never really talked much about our ancestors or whatever."
He tilted his head to the side. "Oh? I would think she'd want her granddaughter to know where she came from."
"I know where I came from." She said defensively. "We do have a family tree and all that."
"Of course." Jonathan replied. "Well whenever you wish to know more about the witch aspect of your family line, just ask. I plan to stick around town for a while."
Yeah like that will be happening any time soon. "Okay. Bye." Quickly she darted behind the wheel of her vehicle, started the engine and drove off.
Jonathan smirked as he watched her drive away, turning and unable to hide his surprise at the person suddenly standing in front of him. "Damon. I…didn't hear you come up."
"What are you doing?" The vampire asked.
"I'm not sure I follow." The blonde looked confused.
"You were talking to Bonnie Bennett." A pause. "Why were you talking to Bonnie Bennett?"
He shrugged. "The Bennett family has been in Mystic Falls nearly as long as the Gilberts. I was simply inquiring as to if Bonnie knew about her heritage."
Damon smirked, not buying his excuse at all. "Stay away from her."
Jonathan was amused. "And why would I do that?"
"Um well, if you don't I'll find a way to get that ring off your finger and then I'll rip your head off."
"All this for a young girl you hardly know?"
"She's Elena's best friend."
"Ah so you're doing this for Elena's benefit? Come now Damon, you don't have to lie to me."
"What are you talking about?" Damon feigned boredom.
Mr. Gilbert chuckled deviously. "I thought you wanted Katherine but it appears that ship has sailed. Did it happen because she lied about being in the tomb or because she never gave a damn about you? Either way I've noticed how you look at Elena and I can't help but wonder if you see her or her doppelganger…" A beat. "And now here you are playing white knight to the little witch. You don't know what you want, do you?"
Growling, the older Salvatore balled his hands into fists. "I know I wanna tear out your eyes and shove them down your throat."
"Hm. If you do that then the Council finds out your dirty little secret." Jonathan mused. "So what I do or don't do with little Miss. Bennett is really none of your concern, now is it? All you should focus on is getting me that device before I lose my temper."
God I want to kill him. Please someone make it possible so that I can kill him. Santa I believe in you! Help me kill him! "She's a minor you know. That carries a jail sentence for humans."
The blonde laughed. "You aren't exactly young yourself. And the fact that you're so adamant about protecting her makes me even more curious about the role she plays in all of this."
"I could care less about her." He rolled his eyes, trying to sound convincing. "Do whatever you want."
"Oh I will." Smiling, he strolled off. "Good day, Damon."
The vampire narrowed his brows at him, feeling the sides of his eyes crinkle with anger. He exhaled deeply to calm himself and thought about the gold pocket watch-like object in his possession. It would be a cold day in hell before he let it end up in the hands of that douche bag. And if he did try to do something to Bonnie, he'd slice that ring off his finger himself and make Jonathan Gilbert eat it…right before he killed him.
What? Even death row inmates got a last meal.
Sitting at Elena's vanity, Bonnie tried on several of her necklaces and rings idly. She stared at her reflection and then at the pictures pasted next to the glass, remembering the moments that they had captured. Seems like a lifetime ago.
"Sorry about that." Elena sighed as she walked back into the room. "Uncle Jon has been so annoying since he got here. I don't like that he keeps trying to get Jeremy on his side."
"It's okay." She wiggled the ring on her finger. "He said he knows a lot about my family. Should I be worried?"
The brunette thought on her answer. "I don't think so. He seems pretty harmless to me, just irritating as hell."
Her best friend chuckled. "That's good to know though. So your birth mom is back?"
"Yeah." Elena swallowed hard. "God it—it was one of the single most horrible experiences of my life. I mean I wondered about her but I never thought she would be so—so callous. If you had seen her…heard the things she was saying..."
"I wish I could have been there with you." Bonnie frowned. "Even if just for moral support."
"Thanks." A beat. "It's like—it's like everything that made her human has been scooped out and now she's nothing but this hollow, evil shell. And all she cares about is this stupid invention, the same invention Uncle Jon wants. She's willing to kill people to get it."
The witch shook her head. "We won't let that happen."
Inhaling she scratched at her cheek. "I hope not. Gah, subject change."
Fair enough. "Okay. So Stefan looked nice today. Seems like he's back to his old self…"
A nod. "Yeah I think he is. It's such a relief to not have to worry about him anymore." Wetting her lips, she perched on the edge of her bed. "Bonnie I wanted to talk to you about Damon."
Eh. "What about him?"
"I've been thinking about what you said…about my relationship with him and you're right…" She fiddled with her sleeve. "We have grown closer. In a way I think we've become friends. I don't know when it happened but it did."
The witch plucked down a photo of herself, Elena and Caroline from cheerleading practice. "Why are you telling me this?"
She watched her. "Because that's all it is, especially on my end. I love Stefan and I would never do anything to hurt him. I'm not Katherine. And—and I know that you have feelings for Damon. Screwed up, confused feelings but feelings just the same. I—I don't want you thinking that I'm some kinda competition for him."
Bonnie exhaled and turned to face her. "But you are. Maybe not on purpose and maybe you don't want to be, but you are. Because of how you look. If that is what it comes down to for him, I'll never be able to compete."
Elena dropped her head. "Damon cares about you Bonnie. I know he does."
Not disputing that. "I honestly think he does…but is it enough? In the beginning the last thing I wanted was him even acknowledging that I existed because he scared the shit out of me. But it's different now even though he still hides behind the spell whenever he's forced to say he cares about me. I'm tired, Elena…"
"Of what?" Her friend questioned.
"Being second." She whispered. "I know you can't help how you look or who you look like, but he can. He can choose to not feel anything for you but I don't think he will. Perhaps you're just that amazing or maybe he'll do whatever to screw over Stefan, it still leaves me awkwardly in the middle and I'm tired of being there. I'm tired of him acting like I'm always going to be around to kiss or talk to when he can't spend time annoying you."
The brunette gazed at her thoughtfully. "What are you going to do?"
"Move on."
"Can you do that? I—I mean I thought you were bound to him…"
"Yeah but I've been thinking. Maybe I should focus less on that and more on my ability to choose. If I find the right guy, who's to say everything this spell puts on me won't just go away? Things have been going so well that I haven't even been trying to fight it anymore. In the end however Damon is still Damon, and he can still turn everything off when he wants to."
"Well either way you don't have to worry about me and Damon."
"I get that. You know how Stefan is willing to do anything for you? That's what I want. I want someone who is willing to walk through fire for me…and I'm not convinced Damon is that person."
Elena shrugged. "You could always start one and find out." She smiled to let her know she was teasing.
The witch giggled. "True but if he didn't I'd feel even worse." Clearing her throat, she put the picture back where she got it from. "Actually I was thinking of maybe—sorta—asking Tyler out."
"Tyler?" Her big brown eyes stretched twice their normal size. "Tyler Lockwood? In what alternate universe would you wanna go out with him?"
Bonnie snickered lowly. "I know he's not a prince but he's never killed anyone. That I know of." Smirking, she continued. "We had a nice little talk earlier today. I think he's been given a bad rap to be honest. It can't be easy having the Mayor as your father, especially considering the way his dad acts. Am I saying that I want to follow him off to college or whatever? No. But…maybe we have something in common."
Her best friend appeared doubtful. "Like what?"
"Something inside of us we can't always control." She said straightforwardly.
Elena arched a brow in uncertainty, then gave her shoulders a hunch. "I…guess he could be a good guy when you get far, far down to it. I tend to just see the image of him kissing Matt's mom though over and over again in my head."
Yeah that's not one for the plus column. "He was drunk. I don't know. He's normal and at least I wouldn't have to compete with an image for his attention."
Pouting, the brunette stood and crossed the few feet to wrap her arms around her friend's neck. "I love you, Bonnie Bennett. You know that right?"
She patted her wrist. "I know. I love you too, Elena."
Kissing her temple, Elena sighed. "Well whatever happens I've got your back. Whether it be with Tyler, Damon or witchy stuff."
That is the most comforting part of all of this. "Totally vicing the versa with that one." Pause. "Eh I should be getting home though. I gotta make dinner for my dad."
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"We have float duty you know…"
"Oh yeah. So looking forward to that."
"Wait until you hear Caroline's idea…"
Damon Salvatore lingered in Bonnie's bedroom, staring out of the window. He could hear her moving around downstairs putting leftovers away in the fridge as her father related that he was turning in the for night. Her scent was all around him, sticking to his skin and his clothes like a thick spider's web. Part of him enjoyed it but the other wanted to shrug it off like a heavy blanket. That last thing he needed was his head being clouded right now. Too much shit was going down, about to get real very fast for him to be zoning or thinking about sex.
He'd shut it all off if emotions weren't helping to make him stronger at the moment. Anger fueled his deeds, whether they were threatening Isobel not to go after the people he cared about or daydreaming about gutting Jonathan Gilbert. It was all the rest he could do without like those he'd mentioned to Alaric.
And yet here he was, checking on the little witch because—well because he wanted to. Because that damn spell makes me want to.
Even now Damon wondered just how potent Emily's mojo still was. It was supposed to get stronger and yeah, that was happening, but he couldn't help but be curious as to if it had just opened some sort of floodgate that was bound to pop up anyway. Maybe drinking from Bonnie had been the first step. Maybe the spell was just an afterthought.
It's like now he didn't even care that he cared for her. In the beginning it'd been this rash he couldn't stop scratching and now...well it wasn't horrible. Spending time with her those few weeks hadn't been horrible. She wasn't horrible—for a human anyway. They could be having such a good time together if she stopped expecting him to be anything other than what he was.
A vampire.
Footsteps made their way upstairs and he glanced to the doorway as Bonnie strolled inside, visibly jarring at the sight of him. "Damon. What are you doing here?"
Checking up on you. Deal with it. "I saw you talking to Jonathan Gilbert earlier. Guy's a real dick, isn't he?"
She lifted a brow. "I've met worse."
He smirked at her teasing barb. "If you're referring to me, everything I want from you has always been out on the table."
"I suppose you're right." She kicked off her shoes and hopped onto her bed. "I didn't see you earlier. Were you following me?"
"Maybe." Was all he committed to. "Either way I think it would be best if you stayed away from Jon. I don't trust him."
She snorted. "You don't trust anyone."
Damon tilted his head to the side. "I trust you. Marginally."
Her expression was one of surprise. "You have a funny way of showing it."
Sighing, he folded his arms over his chest. "What do you want? Planes to sky write it across the clouds or something? Isn't it enough that I'm…here and not killing you?"
Another snort. "As time goes on Damon I find that I want less and less from you."
Suddenly he was beside her, his hand in her hair. "Liar. You think I infuriate you? Yeah? Well take a walk on my side of the street sometime, baby." His blue eyes fell to her lips. "We could be so extraordinary together if you let us."
She shivered at the tone of his voice. "And where does Katherine fit into all of this?"
"Forget that little bitch." He grunted. "I don't need her."
Bonnie gazed at him. "What do you need then?"
He smiled. "Right now? You."
She wet her lips. "And tomorrow?"
Shifting onto his knees and pulling her up flush against him, he traced his fingers on her cheek. "Why don't we just focus on tonight for a change?" Before she could reply, he sealed his mouth to hers, his tongue sliding past her lips.
She shivered and he felt it, smirking inwardly. The kiss started out slow and chaste before quickly escalating to the point of erotic madness. He nibbled and sucked on her bottom lip, coaxing her tongue into his mouth so that he could flick his own against it. His right hand slid down her side and underneath her shirt, up to her pale pink bra. He pushed the soft cup out of the way and gave her breast a gentle squeeze, delighting in the tiny moan that managed to escape.
Her soft skin grew warm and he could hear the blood pumping loudly beneath her flesh. The racing thump thump of her heart made his senses swoon, and he had to steel himself against nicking her with one of his fangs. It didn't help that her slender fingers were in his hair, tugging hard before slipping lower to brush the twitching muscles of his bare stomach. They trailed along his protruding hipbones and in seconds he had her flat on her back, both their shirts gone and her bra soon to follow. It was already unhooked in the back, hanging on by sheer willpower alone.
His thoughts were a jumble as she arched to him, her face a mask of bliss and faltering resistance. He loved the way she tasted and the way she reacted to him…like she was his and no one else's. Like he was the only one who could drive her to the edge and back. Even if he didn't want to admit it or couldn't admit it to himself, his feelings for Bonnie were growing deeper than some spell. Of course he could only fess up to something like that in his mind.
Damon's lips were chilly as they cascaded down to her neck and over her jumping pulse. He burned with the urge to sink his fangs in around it but reframed, placing butterfly kisses over her bra and between her breasts. He caught the fabric between his teeth and inched it down, wiggling his brows when she looked at him. Tossing the article of clothing to the floor, he laid on her fully, goosebumps breaking out on his arms.
"You're so warm…" He whispered nuzzling her.
Bonnie's nails raked across his back. "Sometimes."
He lifted his head to look at her. "Are you gonna ruin this with…a talk?"
She searched his face. "A part of me wants to, but the other part doesn't. The other part loves it when you touch me and kiss me."
"Go with her. I like her." He grinned. He fixed his eyes on the nail file on her pillow and reached for it, flicking the tip. "Don't suppose you'd let me bite you, would you?"
"Nope." She smirked.
He pouted. "Figures. Okay…this might sting a little."
"Ah!" She yelped and frowned, craning her neck to see the deep, bleeding scratch he'd made to her shoulder. "Asshole."
"I love it when you sweet talk me, Bonnie." He murmured, dragging his tongue across the wound, giving a low mmm. "Besides, what's a little pleasure without pain?"
The witch shuddered. "The—the two are—aren't mutually exclusive."
"They should be." Licking his lips, he hummed in appreciation. "I could eat you up."
The double meaning was not lost on her. "I'll bet."
He blinked, scowled and rolled to the side, propping his head up with his hand. "Usually I like my girls to be docile and compliant, but what gives? You're much more fun when you're giving me shit."
She grabbed her pillow and put it over her breasts. "You said you didn't want a talk."
Ugh. Really? Fine. Speak if you must."
"It's nothing I just—well you've made it clear we aren't dating or whatever so I think I'm gonna find someone to date." Pause. "Like a real boyfriend."
Damon's scowl grew deeper. "Why?"
Bonnie gave him a blank look. "Because I want someone who cares about me and only wants to be with me. And not cause my blood is awesome or because I let them get to second."
"And the spell? It has us both on a short leash."
"And yet you have no problem giving Elena goo goo eyes or lusting after Katherine."
"For the record I don't give anyone goo goo anything. And I'm totally over Katherine."
"Be that as it may, you're not my boyfriend and I want a real relationship."
"Do you know how overrated those things are? How much drama it causes? Look at Elena and Stefan."
"Most of their issues were your fault."
"Heh well someone else could come and fuck up what you want to. That's how it works."
"I don't care. I want someone who wants me."
"…I want you."
"You want it all, Damon."
"Since when is that a crime?"
"It's not. It's who you are and that's fine…but it's not who I am."
The vampire rolled his faded blue eyes. "Please tell me you're not gonna start some Lolita-like affair with Jonathan Gilbert."
Bonnie made a face. "Ew, God no. Gross. I don't know who it's gonna be, I just know I want something real."
Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, he sat up. "And what makes you think I'll let you have that?"
She blinked. "What? What are you talking about?"
The side of his mouth twitched. When at first you don't succeed, threaten. "This boyfriend you want? What makes you think I'll let him live if he touches you?"
Groaning, she rolled off the bed and yanked her robe off the back of her door. "I'm not your property, Damon."
"Emily's spell locked us together by blood." He said exasperatingly. "Like it or not princess but you're mine." He put his shirt on, grabbed her chin and pecked her lips before she could stop him. "And I don't share."
Seconds later Bonnie found herself alone in the room, the drapes by her open window blowing in the slight breeze.
Damon was already at his car, grasping the handle so hard that he almost crushed the metal. It would be so easy to just open up to her and be honest about his feelings. Say that yeah he felt something for Elena but he also felt something for her and at the end of the night, it was her that invaded his dreams. Not Elena. It would be so easy…if he was anyone else but who he was.
A vampire.
A vampire named Damon Salvatore.
The next day found Bonnie sitting in a vacant chemistry class, surrounded by empty beakers. Damon's words from the previous night ran through her mind, and she was trying to decide if he were being honest or just Damon. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference, especially when he got into one of his spoiled brat sort of moods. She didn't know whether he was forbidding her from having someone else because he wanted to be the only one or if he was just that selfish. Wanting her to be alone while he had the world.
It's probably both.
The wooden door to the classroom opened and she smiled as Elena made her way inside. "Hey, thanks for meeting me. I wanted you to see this."
Elena crossed the room to her, noticing the tattered book. "Is that Emily's spell book?"
She nodded. "I've been going through it since Grams died." They shared a look and she waved her hand. "Check this out."
Turning her hair back, the brunette leaned to glance at the pages, tracing the drawings. "That's the vampire compass."
"Yeah. Jonathan Gilbert never actually succeeded in inventing anything." She explained slowly. "Emily secretly spelled them all with magic. The compass. Rings. The mystery device you told me about."
Elena pointed to it. "That's it…well part of it. Damon only has the one piece."
"Emily pledged her loyalty to Katherine, but she couldn't stand by and watch innocent people get killed. This was the only way she could think of to help." She sighed. "To let Jonathan Gilbert believe he'd actually invented these devices."
The other teen bit her bottom lip. "Does it say what it does?"
Bonnie turned the page, scanning briefly. "A—are you sure this is what Isobel wants?"
"Yeah I'm sure. Why?"
"This is a weapon. Against vampires."
For a moment they were both speechless, and then Elena was shaking her head. "I don't understand. Why would Isobel want to destroy her own kind or herself for that matter?" She frowned and turned another page. "I should go get Stefan. He'd wanna—Bonnie."
"Yeah?" The witch inquired. "What's wrong?"
"Th—this is the spell to release you from Damon and the blood bond." Her best friend pointed out. She looked shocked.
"I know." Bonnie replied softly. "You should go find Stefan. This is much more serious…"
"We'll talk about this later." She headed for the door. "I promise."
That's what worries me.
The sun had just set by the time Bonnie, Elena and Stefan made it to the Salvatore manor. After Isobel's threats and her minion causing Matt to most likely break his arm or dislocate his shoulder, it had taken a while for everyone to get their wits about them. Not to mention Jeremy was missing and would be dead unless Damon handed over the device; all per Isobel's orders.
Bonnie sat on the side table, holding the grimoire in her lap. She listened to Damon rant about liking being a living dead person and finding Jeremy his own way. Of course Stefan was the one who tried to talk some reason into his brother, reminding him that Isobel was fast and Jeremy was breakable.
Taking this all into account, he turned his piercing eyes to Bonnie. "Are you even up for this? No offence but you're no Emily Bennett. Emily knew what she was doing."
"I've been practicing." She noted the attitude in his voice. Someone's still smarting over last night. "However if you want me to be honest? I don't know. There is a chance that it might not work."
"I don't deal in chance when my neck is on the line." He snapped. "It's not piano lessons, honey. This is serious."
Angry, she stepped forward. "What's your favorite book?"
Folding his arms over his chest, he appeared to look bored and intrigued at the same time. "What?"
"Name a book." She gestured to the shelves. "Any. Book."
"Name a book…" He thought for a moment. "Call of the Wild. Jack London."
Smug little… Releasing a deep breath, she focused her energy on the title until the book wiggled itself free and soared across the room.
Damon caught it easily before it hit him upside the head. "Call of the Wild. Jack London." While Stefan and Elena looked impressed, he simply tossed it aside. "Great parlor trick."
Elena rolled her eyes. "We're doing this Damon, and we're doing it my way. Now give me the device. We're running out of time."
His face was blank but obviously there were things going on inside his head. "She just said she's not sure it'll work. Are you really willing to take that chance?"
"What other chance do we have?" The brunette questioned. "Isobel wants the invention and she's gonna kill Jeremy if she doesn't get it. At least this way what she gets won't work."
"And if it does? If the witch messes something up?"
"Then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. With Bonnie's help, right?"
"Of course." She whispered.
Weighing his option, Damon dug into his pocket and handed over the watch-like device, his fingers lingering on Elena's as they did. Bonnie noticed and by the look on Stefan's face, so did he. She found herself wondering what he was thinking at that moment but she had a pretty good idea if she had to guess. This just strengthens my earlier thoughts. I deserve someone who will be loyal to me and me only.
Moving over to a cleared space on the table in front of the fireplace, Bonnie cleared her throat and opened the grimoire. She read the brief passage and then concentrated, closing her eyes, calling on the power inside of her. Her fingers began to tingle as the small golden object floated into the air; Damon's annoying humming distracting her only a small amount.
She searched for the magical link to the gadget, her body trembling as the lights switched themselves on and off. And odd wailing whoosh flowed through the room, and all of the candles as well as the fire in the hearth exploded into bright yellow light. Her hands caressed the air around the mechanism, pulling out some unseen force that made her give a shaky breath.
Suddenly she gasped and the device dropped into her hands, the lights returning to normal. "I'm done." She wet her lips. "Elena I—I can't be sure that it worked. I'm sorry I just can't."
"Great. Now what?" Damon grumbled.
Elena stroked her best friend's shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay Bonnie. Now…we give it to Isobel."
"History will not be repeating itself…where Elena is concerned. You understand what I am saying? Do you…understand?"
Sitting his glass of Bourbon on the desk in his room, Damon sighed and flopped back onto the bed. Sometimes Stefan tickled the hell out of him, playing the jealous boyfriend type and all. As if he would be able to stop Elena from wanting him if that was the case.
It might become the case…but I'm getting ahead of myself.
Bonnie wanted a real boyfriend and that made him really pissed off. Would he honestly kill whomever she ended up dating? He wasn't sure…he hadn't hammered out the details yet. In any case he wouldn't be happy and when Damon wasn't happy, people had a way of turning up dead. Or at least seriously injured. He could always kill Jonathan Gilbert again just for the fun of it. Sure it wouldn't stick but snapping his neck for kicks would probably make him feel better.
In other news…do I love Elena? Am I even capable of loving anyone? He wasn't sure and there was a part of him that didn't have the slightest desire to find out. After carrying a torch for Katherine for so long only to have it snuffed out by the truth of her actions, he didn't want to feel anything remotely like love. But that's the thing about emotions, even though he could turn them off at will, sometimes they sneaked back in no matter what. It only took a single second to make someone crack.
So it stood to reason that instead of fearing love, he should fear whatever could cause those cracks. Not that Damon truly feared anything of course but if he did…
Staring at the ceiling, he felt fatigue pulling at him, trying to drag him down into the thick fog of sleep. He was willing to follow it as long as it meant good dreams, however his thoughts were buzzing where that damned device was concerned. If Bonnie hadn't succeeded in taking away its power, they were all royally screwed. She looks sexy trying though...
Good news, bad news situation.
Good news, he was always up for a challenge win or lose.
Bad news, he actually had something to lose this time.
~Fin~