A/N: Upon popular request, I'm adding to this two-part. You know the Beginning, you know the End, but what happened in between?
I'll try to keep it as chronological as I can, but sometimes I get ahead of myself.
Replies to Reviews are at the end.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the TVD characters OR any other celebrity mentioned in this fic. Warnings: mentions of alcoholism, mentions of infidelity
Prompt: "If you think I was just going to let this slide, you're wrong."
Word Count: 1816
Boozy Uncle Damon
"Carebear, I'll have to—"
"I have something difficult to say, so if you would just...!"
He vaguely imagined her flustered face, brows brought together from the discomfort. He scoffed, but the background music foreshadowed to his virtual doom. Frantically grappling, his video game character eventually died from his neglect. He scoffed, tossing his controller aside, and tapped the speakerphone off.
"Well, you've piqued my interest."
"Good." Her voice had calloused over the weeks of singing every day. Damon jabbed at her fear of getting sick, but now, it started to sound like he was right. "Stefan told me what you told him."
A hand reached to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly. Of course, Stefan would spill his guts, like a girl, to his best friend. That would mean Tyler knew too, which meant it was slowly spreading through the entire staff like the virus Caroline most likely had.
"And I wanted to say this in person because I know you're incapable of being an adult, and you would probably never believe me but…" His brow furrowed. "I'm… proud of you."
The option to replay blinked in the dark room. A door slammed somewhere on his floor. The line between Damon and Caroline shared sound of one another breathing.
"Are you having a stroke?"
"Oh shut up." A smirk ticked up on his face. Her face was probably tinted by embarrassment and frustration. The two didn't spend many words on one another, but Caroline was one of the few people Damon clicked with—even if they behaved like the opposite. "Let me finish—I'm proud of you, but you're also an idiot."
"I don't see the correlation."
"You couldn't just wait until after Thanksgiving?"
He had thought of that… after the act. "What if they got back together," he prompted, "and I had to sit across the dinner table from her? You don't know about those feet, Care… she just rubs them—"
"EW GROSS STOP RIGHT NOW!" Another smirk grew on his face. "Okay, I get it, but they didn't get back together, and now I have to rearrange the whole table, and even thought he'll say he definitely wants you there, I know Stefan."
"Yeah, more mooding and brooding for the baby brother," Damon agreed. He dragged a hand down his face. "So, is this your roundabout way of uninviting me to Friendsgiving?"
"Officially, you're invited," Caroline sighed, "but unofficially, no one is saying you have to stay until dessert."
"Okay, but who's going to fill the 'boozy uncle' quota for Madden and the girls?" For years, Damon had tried to get out of this annual dinner of friends that had reminded him too much of his parents' excuse to show off their "nuclear family", but when he was finally warming to the idea, they didn't want him. "And everyone knows how I feel about Liz's cherry pie recipe."
He knew the mention of her late mother would deter her response. "I want you there, Damon, and I don't think you should be exiled for doing the right thing. But it's Friendsgiving, and I don't want any tension or drama."
"Right."
"Just think of this as another opportunity to be the bigger man."
She may have been "proud" of him, but it always boiled down to him or Stefan. No matter how much they clicked, she kept him at an arm's length, on the verge of being a best friend, and chose the nicer brother—the better brother.
Lacking his usual jest, Damon muttered, "I'm taking the pie to go."
"Okay! I'll sign you up for mashed potatoes." He rolled his eyes at her chirpy tone, but she added sternly, "Do not lace it this year. You didn't hear it from me, but Jo's pregnant again."
"How precious."
Caroline made a noise of disapproval. "Three is a little too many."
"Don't you mean a little three many."
"Just made traditional potatoes." A hasty knock echoed through the hall, distracting him long enough to wonder if he missed Caroline's goodbye. She cleared her throat. "Listen, I really am proud of you, Damon. Telling your brother the truth and tying things off with Katherine is no small feat. It's responsible and mature, and… I never thought I'd see the day."
"Your feelings are giving me hives—goodbye Caroline."
A bright giggle repaired his hurt by just a little. "Bye Damon, see you Thursday!"
They hung up, and Damon scowled at the nagging loneliness of his apartment. Maybe he was just anticipating impending dinner party—or maybe it was the continued knocking. A man called, "Come on, Bon, just give me a chance."
Damon scowled, knowing that Bonnie must have gotten home while he was on the phone because her pop music had been blaring through the wall that separated their apartments. Once the knocking had started, the music had been cut. Damon shot a text, You have a persistent visitor as if she didn't already know.
Her reply was quick and short.
It's my ex
Shocked and curious, he pocketed his phone and opened his door. In front of Bonnie's door was some college kid too ripped for the long sleeve he was trying to rock. It was probably in the thirties or forties, and he was without a jacket? Damon shivered at the thought.
"Maybe she isn't home," he offered lightly and leaned against the wall between his door and Bonnie's. The stranger rolled his eyes, and Damon got a real good look at him. Floppy brown hair, brown puppy eyes, a pout that would put that Kylie Jenner girl a run for her money.
"She is home."
"And you would know this because…?"
"Because I saw her."
"Oh, I get it," Damon drawled, "you were stalking her." The kid shot Damon an aggravated glance before laying a heavy fist to Bonnie's door again. "Okay, so let's say she is home. Can't you take a hint that she doesn't want to see you?"
"She'll come around," the visitor gritted through his clenched teeth. Damon passed another scrutinizing look over the bulky visitor.
"Maybe I can take a message for her." He crossed his arms tightly. "Who are you, and what exactly do you want…?"
"What, man, are you like her bodyguard?" The muscles in his arms tensed visibly, which should have worried the less jacked musician, but he rolled his eyes at the brute.
"No, man, just her secretary." Damon pulled an empty smile. "Please state your name for the record?"
The young man rolled his eyes in a very angsty manner and muttered, "I'm Jeremy."
The same Jeremy who dated Bonnie? The same Jeremy who played Bonnie? The same Jeremy who still managed to trick Bonnie back into his bed? The same Jeremy who tainted Bonnie's view of anyone's infidelity as a personal attack?
Ah.
Damon erupted in an incredulous laughed, and when he caught sight of Jeremy's confusion, his entire body shook as he doubled over.
"Now I get it," Damon's expression even felt maniac, "you're just stupid."
"Dude, what the—"
"If you're the same Jeremy that I think you are, you're a complete moron for thinking you're worth Bonnie's time, let alone another chance." Humor drained from his face as he stood toe to toe with Jeremy. He had the advantage to look down at him with malice. "You're lucky Bonnie didn't poison you or something legally plausible for all the shit you dragged her through."
"Are you and her…?"
"Best friends?" Damon's mouth took on a thoughtful pout as he averted his eyes. "Not at the moment, no, but I think we'll get there soon." He jabbed a finger into Jeremy's overworked pec. "Now, you should get the hell out of here, 'cause I know a cop or two who would be willing to bend the truth to get a restraining order. Not that they'd have to bend it that much."
"You don't even know me," Jeremy spat.
"I know enough." He knew Jeremy was the reason Bonnie was so intolerant of cheating, and he knew Jeremy had to be part of the reason Bonnie shut herself away from the world. "So, are you gonna get lost or…?"
The irritated young man muttered something, probably profane, under his breath, and sighed, "Can you at least tell Bonnie I just want to talk?"
"Nope." Another plastic smile. "You can go now. Later, dude."
Jeremy stalked away like a child told he was in time out and got into the elevator as soon as the doors opened wide enough. Damon sighed and rested his head against Bonnie's door, contemplating whether to knock or let her think Jeremy just gave up.
Eventually, he said, "I know we're not exactly on talking terms, but I think I just solved that problem."
To his surprise, the door opened. Bonnie, clad in yoga pants he had bought for her and a black tank top, looked slightly scandalized by Damon's near tumble into her, but caught his shoulders to help him rebalance.
"Thank you," barely passed through her lips. He raised his brows, and she rolled her eyes, trying to repress the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"How long have you been listening through the door?" Damon inquired knowingly.
"You're right," Bonnie's smile was sly, "we're not on talking terms."
She tried to shut the door, but he caught it and grinned at her playful green gaze. He deepened his voice to mock, "Come on, Bonnie, give me another chance." She rolled her eyes with a grimace. "What was he talking about…?"
"Nothing of importance." Her smile, though well formed, was void of any happiness. "Seriously, though, thank you."
Damon shrugged. "Don't mention it."
""If you think I was just going to let this slide, you're wrong." Her eyes glittered gratefully. He scoffed, reaching to scratch the back of his head.
"Maybe you can put in a good word to Caroline so I won't be banished from Friendsgiving." Bonnie's head took a curious tilt, and he snorted. "I told Stefan about Katherine."
"Oh… wow." Bonnie's eyes rounded. "Is he okay?"
"Yeah, but the real question is am I okay?" Damon placed a hand over his head. "I really don't know what I'd do without my annual cherry pie, Bonnie…!"
She rolled her eyes. "Drama queen."
His smile faded into something more serious. "I'd deny it if you ever told anyone, but I actually I take my 'drunk uncle' role very seriously…"
"I'd bet," she commented dryly. She passed a glance over him before, "I could possibly try to convince Caroline, since you're begging me and everything." It was his turn to roll his eyes. Her hand caught his by surprise and she squeezed it briefly. "I'm really proud of you."
"Yeah, yeah," Damon waved her off with his free hand, "don't get used to it. I have a reputation to uphold."
I know Thanksgiving is over irl but a brief Friendsgiving chapter is around the corner (hopefully?) I want to get into Bonnie's background in this chapter and in the upcoming Christmas chapter. I've also been debating writing this short platonic!Tonnie AU, and that's why my head hasn't really been in it... I'm figuring it as I go along ( the complicated way of saying "we'll see").
Wanted to write this Daroline portion and the Deremy (gross, BLECH, VILE) scene separate, but they were too weak to stand on their own. Let me know what you think?
Thanks so much for reading!
xo
Cassandra
P.S. If you have a prompt or scenario you'd want to see our beloved Bamon in, leave it in a review! If you have any Bamon song suggestions, please share them! Literally, the only things keeping me motivated recently are your reviews and music!
Replies to Reviews in Chronological Order
Mrsce: I'm blushing, thank you so much for being a delightful reader, and for reviewing! You're awesome! *hugs*
Guest: Re: short chapter, tbh even though I tend to write long, flowery chapters, I really like when I manage to create a succinct chapter. I like this chapter because even though it's short, it gets the point across. I'm sorry it's short, but at least it's better than nothing! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
Sc0rpi0-Karma: Re: trying!Damon, this is why I like Bamon too. There's real character development and character potential when you tend to screw things up and then you learn how not to. Re: Bonnie vs Elena, I think the best part about Damon trying to better himself is that it has nothing to do with Bonnie except that she's the catalyst; Elena, however, makes everything Damon does about her, therefore he's striving for her love (which is extremely unhealthy). Thank you so much for reading and reviewing and sharing your insight. I like dissecting the show with you guys. Re: prompt, love it considering Damon is always portrayed as a culinary genius or something. Thanks! *hugs*
Jasmin: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Re: Prompt, I really like it- I have one similar, so I'll add this one too! Thanks for reading and reviewing, it means the world to me! *hugs*
Damon's Sexy Witch: Re: Damon's gifts, I think I've mentioned this before, but I like writing Damon as the thoughtful type, that he watches and knows what you'd like and buys it for you, kind of thing. I'm glad you liked it too! Re: canon dialogue, probably my favorite part about writing an AU is putting the canon tributes in, like a secret between me as the writer and you as the reader. Re: Damon telling Stefan, he does. I just didn't want to write a melodramatic chapter again. You'll get glimpses of what Stefan is feeling. Re: scenario, I love it, and I love the idea of Cupid Caroline. Definitely using it in the future. Re: SMA, IT'S SO FUCKING GOOD I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE READING IT TELL GABI I SAID HEYYYYY Lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing! It means so much to me! *hugs*
Bamonfeels: Re: Damon's confession, B&B Damon, so far, isn't the guy who apologizes or feels guilt, but Bonnie is drilling a hole in his side, and he feels like he's sinking... unless he tells the truth. It's hard doing something for the first time :P Anyways, glad you liked it! Thanks for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
StarrDust13: Re: Tumblr, yay friends! Re: Defan, I like writing Defan for this fic, especially the silly way I've made Stefan... so definitely more of them in the future. But not too soon, 'cause Stefan is pissed. Re: Damon's gifts, Bonnie's love cannot be bought! ... but she also doesn't return anything, as you see in this chapter lol. She was probably too busy to be bothered :P I'm super glad you love the story and want more! Here's more! Thanks for reading and reviewing *hugs*
Katharsees: Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I know the chapter was short, but sometimes you can say a lot with so little! Hope you enjoyed this chapter too! *hugs*
APieceOfPie4Everybody011: Here's the next update, hope you're still excited! Thanks for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
Guest: Re: Bonnie makes Damon better, me too. I'm glad he has her. I need a Bonnie in my life. Blah. Lol hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Thanks for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
voicegrl: Re: Defan reconciliation... it's going to take some time, but Stefan will come around. I just don't know how yet. If you have any suggestions, I'm more than happy to hear. Thanks for reading and reviewing- I'm glad you're enjoying it! *hugs*
Baby Blues: Thanks! I'm glad you love it! Re: prompt, I have something else like this, so I'll probably incorporate this with another chapter. Re: "Meaninglessness of Numbers", the feel is very Bamon, and I like it! Thanks for the rec! Thanks for reading and reviewing too, it means a lot! *hugs*
freckled98: LOL, I don't even know how to label the "re:", I'm crying. Stefan should have punched Damon, but he didn't. Or maybe not yet... *mischief ensues* lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing *hugs*
babekitt: Re: Damon's gifts, Bonnie can't be bought, but it doesn't mean she doesn't dislike gifts either. Is she moved? I don't think she would be, 'cause it doesn't take much for Damon to swipe a card for ideas she's well known for using (like coffee). Re: Stefan is Paul and Paul is Stefan, I'm living for it currently. Re: prompt, I really like it, but it might be a flashforward!
bellavida0213: Re: Damon's gifts, he's a thoughtful guy in this fic, and Bonnie might be a tough cookie, but she warms to the idea of the gifts. Re: Bonnie's influence, there's more of her influence on Damon in this chapter too! Thanks for reading and reviewing, it means a lot to me! *hugs*
Sherlocked4everafter: Re: Defan confession, YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO WITNESS IT, HOW KIND AM I? Lol jk, but I really just didn't want any more drama. Re: crazy, if you're crazy, what does that make me? I'm thankful and grateful for your compliments, guys, you're all the best. Re: coffee maker, oh trust me, Bon will love it so much. Too much, lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
EmperorsConcerto: Re: Bamon songs, thank you so much! I've added Creep and every P!nk songs I could think of. I've also been looking around for bands that remind me of B&B, so if you ever want to share a few of those? Thanks for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
wolf-enzeru: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Hope this chapter is good too! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! *hugs*
ultraviolentrai: WELCOME ABOARD THE CRAZY TRAIN!Lol. Re: normal Damon, it's hard for me to write a non-supernatural fic, especially of Damon who loves being a vampire, but I've channeled that into "I really like being a musician". Re: Stefonnie, I promise there'll be some soon. No one can meet Bonnie for too long and consider she's ethereal. I'm super glad you're enjoying this! Thanks for reading and reviewing for the first time! *hugs*
ultraviolentrai:
Keep reviewing and sending me your thoughts. They give me life. I love you guys a lot!
P.S. find me on Tumblr (lightinginmyeyes)