Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, all. I just got Microsoft Word again. Right now, I'm focusing primarily on this story. I haven't forgotten about the rest, but right now, I just don't have the time to update them all. Thank you for bearing with me. There will be lots of Salvatore goodness next chapter.
-Anneryn

I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Life Is Beautiful" - Sixx A.M.

Chapter Twenty:

~*.*~
'You can't quit until you try.
You can't live until you die.
You can't learn how to tell the truth, until you learn to lie.

You can't breathe until you choke.
You gotta laugh when you're the joke.
There's nothing like a funeral, to make you feel alive.

Just open your eyes - just open your eyes
And see that life is beautiful.
Will you swear on your life,
That no one will cry at my funeral?

I know some things that you don't.
I've done things that you won't.
There's nothing like a trail of blood,
To find your way back home.'
~*.*~

Things are starting to blur by. Klaus still hasn't given me the particulars to start working my way through the spell. I'm guessing he doesn't want to let me go, just yet. He keeps hinting that he wants me. I can't avoid him forever. He's relentless.

Elijah is pleasant, as always. Klaus remains his ever determined self. I don't know if he wants me because he can't have me or because I'm a witch. My guess is a little bit of both.

I miss Damon and Stefan. I hate not being able to see them. Damon checks in with me regularly. Stefan won't talk to me. From what Damon and Lexicon say, Lexi is taking over on the Stefan front. I don't know how successful she is...

Damon refuses to talk about it. I think it's his way from keeping me distracting from everything back home. As much as I hate it - I love him for it. Despite his efforts, not knowing the specifics just makes my mind wonder... I keep picturing endless possibilities and worst case scenarios. It's like my brain is on loop, permanently. I'm not sure how to turn it off.

"Earth to Bonnie." Klaus waved his hand in my face. It took me a minute to realize what was going on. I snapped out of my daze and focused on him. I shrugged apologetically. He shook his head, smirking. "Picturing me naked, love? I don't mind as long as you share the details." He winked. I rolled my eyes.

"In your dreams." I told him. Elijah chuckled. I sat down and stretched. I'm tired of living in hotel rooms. I miss having a room and being in a house for longer than a night or two. This is getting really old, really fast. The rooms are nice, don't get me wrong, but my body is craving something permanent. "When are we going to quit chasing supernaturals?" I asked. "I'm tired of hotels. I want a real room." I glared at Klaus. He smirked.

"You can share mine." He smirked.

"I'd rather share Elijah's... He's more my type." I winked. His smirk dripped from his face. I giggled. He's so easy to antagonize. Elijah laid next to me and moved my head to his chest for added effect. Klaus didn't say anything.

"Relax, Niklaus. You can't win them all." He chastened.

"Oh, I always win. Remember that, love." He smirked. He's more moody than I am and I'm a female. That's saying something. Despite everything that's happened and keeps happening, I would say that we are friends. That's something I never thought that I'd be able to say. The fact that Elijah and I get along doesn't surprise me at all. Klaus is the shocking factor. I wouldn't say that we get along, so much as I've gotten used to him. He's kind of like Damon in that way. I'd be lying if I said that he wasn't growing on me. He just wants something that will never happen. I'll die before letting Klaus get in my pants.

"When are we going to head to New Orleans? I'm tired of the road." I complained. Elijah's laughter vibrated his chest. It's a nice sound. Klaus thought about it for a minute.

"I suppose I don't need you for the last of the recruits. We will head to New Orleans in the morning. Elijah will keep you company in my stead. I will collect the others solo and join you shorty after. How does that sound, love?" He asked, seriously.

"That sounds amazing, actually. Don't you ever get homesick?" I asked him. He shrugged.

"I haven't had a home in a long time."

"You can change that."

"Perhaps in time."

"Why wait?"

"Things aren't always that simple."

Damon's POV

"Oh, quit bitching, already. I'm not getting you blood, Stefan. If you need it that badly, pull out your fucking tampon and suck on it!" I snapped. I fumed watching Stefan throw himself at the dungeon door. "You chose to act like a spoiled brat, so you'll be treated like one. Lexi will be back with your diapers soon." I leaned on the wall and watched him. I've never seem him like this. Every time he free falls off the edge, he's always taken off. I'm not his mother - what he does with his life is his business. Lexi has been around the past few times.

He's so determined not to care, this time. I don't know what it is. Lexi stormed out about an hour ago. She was fed up. It takes a lot from Stefan to piss her off. It might have had something to do with the pile of bodies she found in his room...

"Are you ready to pull your head out of your ass, yet?" Lexi asked from behind me. I didn't even hear her. I'm losing my touch.

"He's still wallowing like a bitch."

"Not for long."

Bonnie's POV

"So what's on the agenda for today?" I asked.

"That's up to you, love." Klaus looked at me.

"I get to pick?"

"Yes."

"Then we are going to go shopping and to a movie." I told them, bouncing in excitement. It's been so long since I've been able to decide how I'd like to spend the day. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I had the chance to do so.

"I haven't been to a movie theater in ages." Elijah smiled, reminiscing in his thoughts.

"You've got to get out more, brother." Klaus smirked. Elijah looked at me.

"That's what I have Bonnie for." He offered me an arm and we headed out the door. This is going to be fun.

"Does that make you my designated date for the day?" I smirked at Elijah.

"Of course, Milady." He winked and kissed my hand. I giggled, suddenly giddy. I feel like a kid again. It's amazing what a little bit of freedom can do for you.

"Brother, we all know, I don't do well as the third wheel." Klaus took my other arm. I rolled my eyes. Boys will forever be boys. They may get older, but they never seem to grow up.

As much as the situation is anything but ideal, it proves to be a welcome distraction. I don't want to spend my time worrying about what Stefan may or may not do because of his insecurities. I've spent most of my life worrying about that, whether it be Sharon or David. That's not how I want to spend my adulthood. If he needs to work out his issues alone, I'll let him. When he's ready, he knows how to reach me. Until then, it'll be me and Damon.

As much as I try not to care, I can't help it when it comes to Stefan. At the same time, I know that we're just going to keep growing apart.

Damon keeps surprising me. He's stepped up so much lately. It really shows that he's always been the older brother because of how willing he is to take care of Stefan. And really, that's all I've ever wanted - someone to take care of me.

"Why are we going to the movie so early?" Klaus asked. I shrugged picking up the bag of popcorn.

"It's quieter the earlier you go." I explained.

"I was under the impression that it was a nighttime activity." Elijah frowned. He's so adorable.

"Typically, yes, but then you get that annoying crowd of thirteen-year-olds that never shut up."

"I see."

"Come on, let's get a good seat." I dragged them to the top row. We're the only people here. I didn't expect much of a crowd at ten in the morning. "I think you'll like the movie." I told Elijah.

"How is an identity thief supposed to be funny?" He asked.

"You'll see during the movie. The actors in this are known for their comedic skills." I told him. He nodded.

"Live a little, brother." Klaus told him. I can just picture them growing up together, longer hair, hunting animals, chasing girls. Things must have been so much different back then, less tension, less distractions. I wonder what happened to drag them apart. It has to be more than everything that I've heard. There's no way Katherine was the cause of all of their deep-seeded issues. Part of me wants to call Dr. Phil and ask him to take a stab at their problems. But I'm pretty sure Klaus would just eat him.

"Shh, it's starting." I told them. The closed their mouths.

I kept sneaking peeks at them throughout the movie. I've never seen Elijah laugh as much. The guy was glowing. His innocence is infectious. Klaus' eyes twinkled with amusement. They look so peaceful here.

The movie flew by. I stretched and got up.

"What did you think?" I asked them.

"It's the best film I've seen in ages." Elijah smiled. Klaus nodded.

"Good call, love." He put an arm around my shoulder. "Let's go to lunch and then we'll take you shopping."

"You had me at shopping."

"Klaus, there's no way I'm trying that on. I thought someone of your age would have better fashion sense." I teased. The dress he held up was more sheer than anything else.

"Say what you'd like, but I'd love to see it on you. Blue is your color, love." He held onto it and redirected his attention to the other side of the boutique. Elijah just chuckled.

"He isn't lying, you know." Elijah winked. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks. Note to self - I need to hang out with more females.

"I think both of y'all could rock it better than I could... Just sayin'. I would pay big money to see you both in that dress and nothing else." I smirked - it was my turn to wink. Klaus walked up to us laughing.

"Oh, that can be arranged, love. Just wait until tonight. You'll be in for a treat." He beamed, devilishly.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Niklaus." Elijah teased.

"I'm sure you could be persuaded if it meant a hot and bothered Bonnie as the result." Klaus winked. I shook my head and looked away.

"If you put it on, I'd have to take a picture of you, Klaus. Elijah wouldn't have to. For him, I'd settle for a strip-tease." I told him, fighting to keep a straight face.

"Really, love?" Klaus asked. I nodded and started perusing clothing choices. I started pulling things off of the rack in my size and adding them to the other potential purchases on my arm. Elijah took them from me and handed them to an employee.

"I'll have these ready for you to try on in your dressing room." She assured me.

"Thank you." I told her.

"Add these to her room as well, doll." Klaus flashed her a dazzling smile. She blushed and made herself scarce.

"Why don't you date Klaus?" I asked him.

"Because you keep denying me."

"What about humans or other supernaturals?" I asked him. He made a face. "People aren't as bad as you think."

"It's nice to know that you care." He smirked.

"Don't flatter yourself." I told him, sticking my tongue out.

"Careful – if you stick it out again, I'll put it to use elsewhere." He winked. I rolled my eyes.

"Go flirt somewhere else." I told him.

"As you wish, love." He grinned, trying to find the embarrassed employee.

"And then there were two." I said, mostly to myself. Elijah chuckled.

"I think Niklaus was serious about wearing the dress for you. He has no shame." He teased.

"Please tell me that you can talk him out of it."

"Of course, Miss Bennett." He smiled.

"We're back to that again? Please call me 'Bonnie'."

"I'd be happy to, Bonnie." He put an arm around my shoulder. "Do you think you can find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Anything for you." I told him. He gave me a sad smile.

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"Why haven't you swept some girl off of her feet? You're a catch." I asked. Yeah, the whole 'I'm-A-Vampire-And-I-Need-Blood-To-Survive' thing is a drawback. But, if anyone can make it work, it's Elijah. If Edward can find his Bella, then Elijah can sure as hell find himself a kickass Juliet.

"People aren't always as understanding as you are, Bonnie." He told me, quietly.

"You know, when everything is finished and we go back to our normal way of things, I don't want us to stop being friends. I seriously enjoy your friendship. I regret not meeting you sooner and knowing you longer." I told him.

"It'd be an honor. As long as you're sure that keeping in touch with me won't cramp your style." His eyes twinkled.

"As long as you never say those words again." I told him, giggling.

"I often wonder how things could have been if you had been born into the same time that I grew up in. Things were so uncomplicated. If I hadn't been cursed with immortality things could have been so much different. You're an old soul. You would have loved it." He pulled me closer to him, lost in thought.

"That's something I would to see." I told him.

"I do have one request, if you ever decide you want more than my friendship, let me know. I'd gladly treat you as a lady should be. I would cherish you." He whispered. I smiled and hugged him back. He kissed my temple, softly.

"I leave for five minutes and you two turn into lovestruck teenagers. I'm getting gray hair faster than you're moving. Let's go. I want to see you try on clothes. I'm getting bored." Klaus complained. I rolled my eyes.

"Come Elijah, Daddy is getting angry with us." I pulled Elijah along with me. Klaus spanked me as I ran by. "You do know that you'll have to wait out here while I try things on, right?" I told him.

"If we must."

"You do."

"Then I shall, love." He winked. I rolled my eyes.

I ended up getting five times the amount of clothing that I ever thought possible from one store. Klaus likes to shop more than any female I've ever met. That's something that I never thought possible. Elijah follows with a close second. It's easy to see them as big brothers. I bet Rebekah always had willing shopping accomplices. I think they're just excited to have someone else to buy for. If that even makes sense.

We ended up in Klaus' suite. I elected to make dinner. I cannot eat out another night. I know that we don't eat fast food but damn. If I don't get an actual home-cooked meal soon, my stomach is going to commit suicide.

"So, what's for dinner, love?" Klaus asked. I shook my head.

"As old as you are, I'm sure you've figured out what 'surprise' means by now." I told him. He chuckled.

"You know we'll be able to smell it as soon as you start cooking. Why not tell us?"

"Then why ask? Patience is a virtue." I told him. He frowned.

"You're face will freeze that way."

"That's a myth." He argued.

"I'm a witch. I can make it a reality, love." I smiled. His smirk slid off of his face.

"She has you there, brother." Elijah teased.

"Fuck off, Elijah." Klaus flipped him off. I giggled.

"Why don't you go pick something up for dessert?" I asked him.

"Alright. I'll surprise you." His eyes looked dangerous with mischief. Then he was gone.

"Can I ask you something Elijah?" I asked him. He nodded. I pulled some things out of the fridge and started chopping up potatoes. "Do you think it's possible to be in love with two people?" I'm not even sure if I want to hear the answer. I've been trying so hard not to think about Stefan. But it's impossible. He took everything so hard and something changed inside of him for the worse. At the same time things had the opposite effect on Damon. It just seems like it's doomed. I know that my perspective has changed from being away from them and being around new people in a new environment. But, is that a bad thing?

"Anything is possible. But, I don't know if you can be in love with two people completely. Someone always looses something. At least, that's been my experience."

"Are there ever exceptions?"

"I'm not sure. Why do you ask?"

"It just seems like it's an impossible task. I mean, Stefan's changed so much. He says it's my fault. And yeah, okay, I get that he's mad because I feel for his brother, too. But… I just don't understand. Things got so fucked up so quickly. I love them both so much. I think it'd be easier to just be with one person. I never thought of myself as someone who isn't monogamous. I just – I don't know what to think anymore. I fee selfish for loving them both. It's not as hard as it was to choose, now."

"What does you heart tell you?"

"That Damon is the brother I need to be with. That maybe I shouldn't be with anyone right now. He's made me into a better person."

"It sounds like you already know what you think you should do. Don't second guess yourself. You said that Stefan already ended things. You know what's best for you. You're just afraid to. Don't be afraid to embrace life, Bonnie. You've only just begun to live. Things will work themselves out."

"You're like my personal Yoda." I told him. He smiled.

"Are you my Luke Skywalker?" He asked. I shrugged. "And if things with Damon don't work out, I'll be here."

"I know." I told him. "Help me finish dinner before your bone-headed brother gets back. Tomorrow things are getting serious. Let's just enjoy tonight." I have a lot to think about. When things are said and done here, I need to call Damon. There's a lot I want to fill him in on.

~*.*~
'I was waiting for me hearse –
What came next was so much worse.
It took a funeral to make me feel alive.

Just open your eyes, just open your eyes
And see that life is beautiful.
Will you swear on your life
That no one will cry at my funeral?'
~*.*~

Author's Note: Alright all, that was not at all where I was going to take things, but it felt right. Next chapter will mostly be Damon and Stefan's point of view. Let me know what you think. So sorry it took so freaking long to get up. I've got word again so updates will be regular. Reviews would be spectacular. Bamon to come.

Hugs!
Anneryn