Crimson Fate (R-M)
Chapter 25- We Are Young (FUN - Feat. Janelle Monáe)
Marcel looked Damon up and down with his shirt off, and his hair messed up, noticing a women's presence by the way it smelled and seeing Damon disheveled. "What's good with me? What's good with you?"
"Cel, I-I don't know, I mean what the hell are you doing here?"
Marcel's eyes were a particular shade of angry and he smelled semi-suspicious. And Damon never asked to be in such a situation. Marcel looked like he was ready to fight someone.
"I know why I'm here. But you- wow... this is how you do me?"
"Bro, it's not what it looks like. We, I mean-" Cell turned towards the sound of shower water and back to Damon. He cocked his head to the side and hunched his shoulders adjusting his cut with some aggravation.
"So, were gonna just sneak around and not tell me?"
Damon held the door of the room in his arm and for the first time, didn't have a thing to say. His mind was floating in a cloud above Marcel. He shut his eyes for three seconds, wishing he could make Marcel disappear. But when he opened them, Marcel was still there.
"Fuck."
"Aye, why you in Texas?"
"Uhh..." Damon shook his head in deep thought for an answer. A few seconds ago it was easy. When he was keeping Bonnie from panicking. But smack at the peak of his high, he was at a loss of words. "Uhh. So, it was a last minute decision."
"Right, right." Cel smiled. "So, who's in the shower as a last minute decision to come here?"
"Uhh, no one you know."
"Really? So, there's no coincidence, you're in the same town as my baby momma. Literally just fucking someone as I rolled up?"
"Ohh. Ooohhh. Bro, no! Is that what you think? Me and little Lex?" Damon asked dumbstruck. The coincidence laughable. "Bro- you can't be serious, right?"
"It's just hella sketchy dawg. Like, she had plans and couldn't say with who. And she wanted to take my son, and you know my son... so?"
"I don't get it bro."
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah. I mean... NO!" He remembered Bonnie was in the bathroom. "Uhh, I got a female in there. It's kind of fuckin weird don't you think?" Damon held the door inching it closer to being shut. But Marcel blocked it. "Fuck. Man! What the fuck?" He whined catching Marcel off guard because Damon never whines. "Dude, I gotta a lady here and I can't go through this bullshit with you."
Forget the fact Marcel left the state without telling the club, which was a big no. He knows they don't want him violating his parole and getting locked back up. But he happened to leave Gino down the street with Matty, at his hotel, so he could grab some diapers because Lexi had accidentally forgot to pack extras at the last minute. He spotted Damon's bike, and thought it was strange.
"Sal, tell me you not out here creepin with Lex. Nigga that's the type of shit I can't handle."
"I fuckin told you, Little Lex is not here."
"Then you shouldn't mind me waiting around."
"I fuckin mind. I got a female in the shower because you are mad cock blocking and shit!"
Marcel tried pushing through and Damon held the door frame with his arm. "Forreal?"
"I'm too high for this shit." Damon barked. "And facts are facts, you left the fuckin state without telling the club right?"
"My son is sick."
"Well go be with your son. I didn't come here for Lex. I got some fights this weekend." Lies. "And I came without telling the club. So, we are even. I won't say shit, you don't say shit. Cool?"
Just then a noise sounded in the bathroom and Marcel's attention was caught again. He wanted desperately to see who the mystery woman was, but he had to trust Damon. The only man who made it his life's mission to keep him out of trouble when he could.
"Aight. So, who's she?" Marcel nodded his head towards the bathroom.
"Some chick I met a while ago coming out here."
"Oh... touch down pussy."
"Basically."
"Non wonder you don't fuck with Rose like that no more."
"Yeah. Bitch, you're not the only one who can have a secret girlfriend. Remember how I found out about Gia?"
"Right! My bad. You sprung or what?"
"Uhhh..."
"Didn't mean to put you on the spot. You obviously like this woman a lot to drive to Texas for it." Damon was still trying to figure out the right answers. "Or you just getting that good pussy."
Damon wanted to cringe hearing the words come from Marcel's mouth. Sure it was good, but if Marcel knew he was speaking of his own little sister he'd swing first ask questions later. Damon just smiled dumb-founded instead.
"That's my boy." Marcel grinned giving Damon his props before seeing a pair of Black and white Nike Vandals on the floor. But, before he could look to deep in to it, his phone rang. He looked down and it said, Lil Mama. He answered it, darting Damon with a suspicious look.
"Yeah?"
"I need to come get Matty. It's getting late and you need to get on the road to get back to your PO soon."
"You act like you care."
"I do. Marcello. You need to stay out of trouble if you plan to be in our son's life."
"Okay. I mean it takes us getting along too, ya know?"
"I know. And, I'm already on my way to you. I realized I dropped a couple diapers in the car. I'm sure he needs to be changed."
"Yeah. Well, Aight. I'll see you in a minute." He hung up and looked at Damon forgetting about the particular shoes he saw
"Just like that?" Damon asked.
"It was Lex. She's headed back to the room I'm in. I should go, I left Matty with Gino. You know, your watch dog, over me?"
Damon hunched his shoulders. "Yet somehow, he didn't manage to call me and tell me you'd be here."
"Or maybe, you haven't checked your phone in a while. I mean, you sounded pretty busy when I got here."
"Oh... yeah. You fucked it up for me. She's in the shower now, probably ready to take a fuckin nap. Thanks cock-blocker!" Damon realized, having known it was in fact Marcel's little sister just on the other side of the door, high as a kite and probably pissed she didn't get to orgasm.
"Sorry for... giving you a hard time. And insinuating... I mean, I know you'd never do that to me. It's just, she drives me crazy and whenever we take a step forward we end up taking two steps back. You know... She gotta a little boyfriend, I guess."
"Yeah. But bro you got Gia."
"I do. But... I don't know."
"You Love Lexi?"
"Of course I love her. She's my son's mother. But we just don't... get along. She hates my ass."
"Time dude. Give her time. Prove yourself, and..." Damon trailed off forgetting what exactly he wanted to say when he heard another thump in the bathroom. He turned to look and Bonnie had the door opened, her hair was sweated out and she was over heated, high, walking out of the bathroom. The shower water was on hot and steam exited the bathroom so she could breathe. He quickly waived for her to go back inside of the bathroom, where Marcel couldn't see her.
"And what?" Marcel asked outside of the door making Damon walk outside and pull the door shut behind him.
"And umm... focus on your kid. She'll come around."
"Yeah. Well, like you said, I have Gia she got a boyfriend. It is what it is. Plus, long distance is what killed us."
"Nah. Jail killed you. And what's this shit about your PO again? You just saw her a week ago at Christmas."
Hearing about his PO made Marcel's whole mood change. The woman was impossible and just her mention made Marcel's skin crawl. "Fuck her. I go make these appearances and pray to God she don't call me for a couple months."
"What's that bitches deal?" Damon asked trying to stay alert as he heard Bonnie start to cough.
"She's a controlling bitch. And she wants to make my life hell." Marcel grimaced. It felt like his entire demeanor changed when Damon mentioned his parole officer.
"Give her the D... she'll calm down."
Marcel couldn't find the humor in that joke but just as soon as Damon laughed he stopped. "Fuck. I'm kidding. Hey, when you going to tell B about her nephew? She deserves to know."
"After she graduates."
"What the fuck? Cel, dude, you can't just keep it from her. She's going to hate you if you do that. She would probably love to know her nephew."
"I got her best friend pregnant, before she graduated high school. I was fucking Lexi for almost two years. Lexi won't hesitate, to toss me under the bus that every-time she slept over the house, she snuck in my room and we were fucking. It's not just about Mateo, B won't let it go. She'll ask how long? When did it start? Do I love her? Lexi lost her virginity in my mamas fuckin house, in my bed. Everything is going to be magnified for B..."
"Got damn! You've been fuckin Lex for how long?"
"A long ass time. But as of right now, I haven't touched her since Matty was born. She hates my ass."
"Cel, B needs to know about Matty. Regardless of how it makes you feel. It's her blood. Her nephew."
"Why do you care?"
"Because this shit will blow up in your face. And I'm left to pick up the pieces."
"Anyway, I should head back. I'm out." He raises his hand to meet his best friends in the air before they gave a typical exit greeting, that only the two of them shared.
"Aight bro. You need to take the long ride and think about what I said. Later."
Damon was too high to want to endure that conversation when he could've been with Bonnie instead.
Marcel jumped on his bike and walked it backwards slowly before cutting the motor on and driving off. Just then Damon turned to get back in his room and he was locked out. "Fuck!" He yelled. "Baby." Bang! Bang! Bang! "Baby! Open the fucking door. Please."
He kept banging creating a lot of noise, making people open their doors and and look it at him causing a commotion. "Fuck you looking at?"
"You're disturbing the peace." A man said.
"Well turn the tv up."
"You're right next door to me. I can feel the bang through the floor."
"Relax. I got locked out. My girl is in the shower."
"Be a normal person and go to the office and get another key. And please keep the woman's screaming down."
"You know what mother fucker... What me and my girlfriend do in the privacy of the room we just paid for, is our business."
"And the smoke? It's a none smoking floor, you do realize?"
"Put a pillow over your face."
"Go get a new key and quit banging."
"I could put the pillow over your face for you, if you need help."
Fear came across the man's face when he noticed Damon's tattoos and scars.
"Just walk to the office and tell them."
"You See this?" Damon looked down. Not that you care, but... My dick is still standing at a semi. I ain't walking nowhere with my shit half cocked. Now, turn your tv up or shut the fuck up."
"What nerve? Asshole." The man shouted.
"Thank you. I appreciate it!" He turned to bang again but Bonnie slowly opened the door.
"Is he gone?" She asked with it cracked, peeking out.
"Fuck. Let me in before I fucking do something stupid." Bonnie moved away and she and Damon closed the door locking it as they walked inside. "Baby. It's fucking hot in here."
"I know. You left me in there."
"Baby, you could've turned the water to cold."
"I tried. I think it's broken."
Damon walked to the bathroom turning the shower off, while Bonnie nervously trailed him. "What did he say? I couldn't hear anything. Over the shower."
"Uh, he was wondering why I was here. No biggie. I lied. Oh he asked if I was fuckin Lexi."
"What?"
"Yeah no thanks to your screams." He laughed. "And he's headed back to where he's staying. So, we are stuck in for the night so we don't run into him. I say we order take out and eat something."
"Hell Yeah. I'm starving."
"I'll bet you are. I was wearing your little ass out." Damon went for his phone to check it and sure enough he had several messages in the past few hours from Gino. How did he not see them before.
Gino: Headed to Texas with Cel
Gino: I just called twice
Gino: B's neighbor is 5-0 -dude tripped on Cel
Gino: headed to Texas
Gino: If you're still taking B to Texas, don't go near Lex. Cel son is sick he's gonna see him
Gino: Called again, bro. Stay low key
Gino: We are here staying at Holiday Inn on Lynden
Gino: Damn bro. Cel's Baby is so cute
Gino: Keep baby girl in, Cell is sticking around til 10pm we need some rest before we drive out
Gino: sorry if we ruined your plans but I called... Hit me up
Finally hours later...
Sal: Too late. Close call FML. I'll keep her in tonight
Sal: We are off Lynden too Cel spotted me but didn't see her.
Gino: Fuck. Everything cool?
Sal: I guess. I'll keep her in til tomorrow. Sorry my phone was on silent. Get him back out there ASAP.
Gino: Lex should be here soon for Matty. Then we resting before heading back. Damn he's so cute.
Sal: Yeah he is cute. He looks just like Baby Girl
"So, we eating?" She interrupted his texting.
"Yeah. Whatever you wanna order. And, so you know... I'm not finished with you."
"I mean, I think it's good he came when he did."
"Why?"
"Because, I told you... I wanna save that experience for my first time."
"Baby, you can't be serious." He stare confused.
"Yeah. I can't taint myself with your charm. No matter how much you make me feel good. Now matter how..." she stare at his lips, "amazing you are with your tongue, and your lips."
"Well fuck! I can't seem to make you break Baby Girl. I wanna see you cum. Today! I wanna feel you cum."
"Then I guess, you know what to do."
"We said no sex this weekend."
"Fine." She rolled her eyes. "I can't make you break either."
"Hey, come here."
"What?"
"Come taste yourself." Damon used one arm and pulled her by the waist and kissed her senseless. He was sweet at first but then devoured her letting their tongues collide in a heat of passion. "You taste good. Don't you think?"
"Off of your tongue?" She smiled, "Yeah. I taste fucking amazing." She dove back in and kissed him with a hunger for her own flavor.
...
"So the plan is soon as I get back, me and Rose are done."
"Good. Will she still be around the club house?"
"If the other guys hire her for side work."
"She shouldn't be there. Period."
"Baby, I cant stop them from paying her for side work."
"You're the VP. Ban her ass." She rolled her eyes.
"Damn. You're really cute when your jealous."
"Oh stop. I just don't trust her."
"Okay. I trust your opinion. But tell me why."
"Women's intuition."
"Ohh." He nodded his head. "It's not because you think I'll fuck her right? Because I told you, if me and you are doing this, I'm done with her. Period."
"I believe you."
"Do you though?"
"Maybe. Hey... you ever look at how she looks at Vin?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"I don't know. It's suspicious."
"A couple guys think she and Vin got some shit going on. But-"
"But what? Doesn't that bother you?"
"No. I don't love Rose. She's not my girl. She's my bitch."
"Loyalty, though."
"Here's the thing, I don't have facts about it. But, I have here-say. I used to overreact to anything. Right now I'm keeping my head level. I'm suspicious of Vin. See, Rose can be excommunicated from the club. Vin is about to be President it takes a lot of politics to get him dealt with. I don't need to deal with that type of shit if I'm making you my priority and not them. Get it?"
"No."
"If I make a thing out of Rose and Vin, the politics that go into how I choose to deal with it will force me to take time away from you. I wanna focus as much as I can on you. So, unless, they got some fucked up shit going on, like stealing my money, or setting me up, I don't give a fuck about what they do when no ones around. I have you baby. That's what I'm focused on."
"Would the club deal with him for sleeping with her?"
"Nah. They'll look at him sideways. Never trust him around their bitches. But, me... I'm suspicious of Vin. Period. Club shit he's doing. That's what he'd be dealt with on. Ahh, I shouldn't be speaking to you on this matter."
"Why?"
"You hate club shit. And... it's just shit you shouldn't know."
"It's me. Loyal to you to a fault. I'd never say shit."
Her eyes were still glossy from her high, but it only made her twice as sincere.
"Vin has us on yayo. He's taking Stefan on all these runs. He's possibly fucking Rose. See the pattern?" Damon waited to see if Bonnie noticed what he's noticed and just not mentioned to anyone by detail.
"Yeah. He's fucking with you, specifically. In every way. He's... got something against you?"
"I don't know. But, no one else put that shit together that quick as you did."
"It's obvious. I kept asking Stefan why he was doing all this extra shit. And why he wasn't doing it with you. I see how Vin watches Rose. And, as for the coca, rumor has it, that's Mongrel territory."
"Yeah. On the east side. Okay, the Howlers hug the North side. Vin wants the West and the South side." Hooking up with the Howlers gives us Northside, West, and South. Out sourcing Mongrels. The East is a big market. But, we work with Howlers, we take Mongrels out the game."
"That's dangerous. They are drug dealers and pimps only. Like, don't they have a whore house or something?"
"Yeah. Word in the streets is, that Alisha worked there for a while. Until she met Rod. He took her away from her pimp, aka boyfriend, and it lost him all kinds of money."
"Was she forced?"
"I don't know the details. I just know, the mother fucker wasn't in jail long. When he got out, is when I started looking after you heavier."
"Why though? Why do you guys feel I'm such a target. Mongrels don't remember my dad had a daughter."
"We have to keep it that way. Which is why you can't fuck with Elena."
"I have to play nice, so she doesn't suspect anything."
"Nah. Don't fuck with her. She like an informant."
"Elena, isn't that smart."
"She don't have to be. Those guys are using her. She's a fuckin liability."
"Won't it look weird if I just cut her off. Instead of getting some intel."
"Oh hell no. Baby, you stay out of this shit."
"I'm your best chance."
"I'm not talking bout this shit."
"D-"
"Changing subject... you need to break up with James."
"I know."
"ASAP!"
"D, I know."
"No, you don't. I'm not about to share another minute."
"Okay. It'll take time."
"Why?" He asked with his brows furrowed and his voice angry. "I'm ending shit with Rose. Period."
"Because. It has to be natural. I said I'd consider moving in with him. I can't just break up or he'll know it's because of 'the guy that's always on my mind,' and-" she hesitated. Talking to James was easy, until she realized a lot of their serious conversations lately took place while she was on some drug he's put in her face. "I want it to seem like we grew apart. So, I'm not questioned."
"Want me to kill him?"
"No." She shook her head. "He hasn't hurt me."
"But you're afraid of ending things."
"I'm not afraid. I just don't want to hurt him."
"He doesn't love you."
"Harsh!"
"He doesn't. He's got a perfect little doll to dress up and spoil. But he's not good for you. The quicker the better. Understand...? He's not someone you can cater to his feelings. He needs straight up and down truth he's a man, any other way is leading him on."
Bonnie didn't say anything. She wasn't sure if she was afraid of James or not. She just suddenly knew preparing to have this conversation with James was making her nervous.
"Same page Baby. Today is January First, and you're my girl. Mine."
"I'm your girlfriend? Who said I wanted that title?"
Damon pulled a box out of his pocket at the right moment. He opened it, and Bonnie saw the Tiffany blue and the silver bow, and the little box open to a diamond in the shape of a small heart. Damon sat at the edge of the bed and held the box up to her as she stood before him. "Do you?"
"Oh my God... Damon..."
"Baby, I don't have millions of dollars. And I'm not a man with multiple homes and cars and luxuries. But, I'm loyal as fuck. And nothing matters more to me than you. I can't give you what he can. But I can give you this heart of mine. And promise to trust you with it. And all I can do, is ask for your heart in return over time hoping you'll give it to me. This is my promise to put you first in all things at all time, always." He looked at her seriously, with glossy eyes. "Will you let me call you mine and mine only?"
Bonnie's heart lips closed and shook emotionally as her eyes grew big and glossier. "Is this... I mean... I don't know what it is?"
"A promise ring. I want you to wear it on your left hand."
"And if people ask?"
"Your man gave it to you."
"My momma? Cello?"
"And if they notice, I don't care if you tell them."
"But we can't. Not yet."
"I want you to wear it. Just keep it on your ring finger for now. And I'll buy you a chain to wear it on your neck. In the meantime, just don't be flashing it all over the place." He took her old ring off and put it on his chain. Then stare her in the eye stood up to face her and asked her, holding it up to her. "Will you?"
She bit her lip nervously. "Earrings my ass."
"This is why I was so heartbroken on Christmas Eve. I was gonna surprise you with this."
"YES! Yes!" She jumped up and wrapped her arms around him gripping her legs around his waist. "Oh my god. Yes!"
"Okay. Hey... hey. Let me put it on your finger." He whispered into her ear feeling her tears hit his shoulder. "Baby... come on. Give me your hand." She struggled letting him go. Because then he'd see her cry. And even though they were happy tears she hated anyone seeing her emotional. Even Damon. He sat down on the edge with her still wrapped around him. By now, she had a top and panties on. He gently pulled her from around his neck and grabbed her hand. "I'm promising my loyalty to you. Above anyone and anything else. Protecting you til my last breath." He said sliding it on her finger.
Damon and Bonnie struggled with the words I love you. Bonnie, for obvious reasons, felt like those words would grant his death. Or him being ripped away from her. And he, had never told another woman besides his mother that. Ever. The words scared him as much as they scared her. "I won't let you die for me ever."
"Baby, you can't... you can't stop it, if it comes."
"I won't let you die for me. Period." She said. "There's no me without you. I'd rather hate you and you be alive then love you in your death. You make me better. When I'm happy or mad at you." She said. "You make me happy."
"I didn't really smile, until you. And I'm fighting back smiling right now, only because..." he trailed off.
"Because What?"
"I wanna kiss you. And hold you. And touch your skin. And look at my life through your eyes."
"I'm sure I see you differently than you see yourself."
"I know you see potential in me, to live up to being something more than a King. And one day, I'll be good enough to take you away from here."
Her fragile heart couldn't take his new found depth. Both of her hands grabbed his face and cupped his cheeks gently while she suffocate him with her kiss. She looked up at him, and whispered, "You're everything."
And that's the only words she left it at before kissing him again. Her left finger sparkled against the natural light in the room, while he held her in his arms. Exhausting his need for her.
...
A week later
...
"So, you spoke to Lexi?"
"Yeah."
Bonnie didn't admit to driving to Texas with Damon because as of right now, Damon was back to being a secret. Even from Caroline. Bonnie tried to keep her ring finger out of peoples line of site simply because she refused to take that beautiful ring off of her finger.
"She okay?"
"Yeah. I guess."
Caroline could sense Bonnie's aggravation about the matter. But when Bonnie mentioned it a week ago, she wasn't ready to talk then. Today, Caroline thought she'd give it a try again.
"How'd that go?"
"I don't know. We never finished our conversation." At this point Caroline assumed the conversation took place over the phone.
"What reason?" Caroline asked.
"Whelp! Cello and Lexi had a secret relationship ship behind my back this whole time, I guess. Or, they used to, and now they don't. I don't even know or care right now. I was lied to for so long that I didn't have the energy to listen. I told her I needed time and that was a week ago."
"Damn. So... you pissed about them hooking up?"
Caroline asked.
"Yeah. I mean, my brother fucked my best friend. And they lied to me. Went behind my back for who knows how long. And now, I'm pissed at her. And when we talk, I need full on details about how long and why I was lied to. So, he's ruining my friendship with one of my life long friends. See what I mean, this club ruins lives? This is why I'm so glad I have you. And that we don't have those issues Caroline. Thank you for being so genuine about things with me."
"Yeah, of course." She instantly felt guilt for what happened between her and Stefan. Even though she and Stefan were a one time thing. Or at least they convinced themselves of that. She couldn't risk losing Bonnie was all she knew. And she knew, she wouldn't just disappear out of Bonnie's life the way Lexi did.
"Bon, the important thing is... she's okay. And, the reason may make sense later. Remember, being seventeen isn't easy. We both know first hand what love can make us do."
"But Caroline, she just disappeared."
"Yeah, but who's to say what really happened? We don't know. I just say, give her a chance to explain. Whenever you're ready"
"You're so level headed sometimes."
"I dealt with Elena for years, I know a fucked up friend. I think Lexi was more afraid of letting you down. I mean you two were I seprable at one point. Imagine how she feels."
"I will try. But not today."
Caroline laughed. "You deserve to feel upset. Rightfully so. I hope you two can fix it" There was some pause and Bonnie changed the subject.
"So, you wanna be my plus one to Stefan's Eighteenth slash patch in slash my God father's retirement?"
"Wait he's your god father? So, you were dating your god brother?"
"Stop. Don't do that."
"Good thing you guys never had sex. That'd be all kinds of screwed up." Caroline laughed. Then she thought back to New Year's Eve and how she felt Bonnie's presence in Damon and Stefan's apartment, losing her virginity.
"That's not funny. Besides God brother doesn't mean blood brother."
"Wow. That's fuckin crazy? So, how you gonna handle seeing him at the party after what happened New Years?"
Bonnie was realizing that Caroline had no idea Bonnie and Damon made up. And it was better this way. The more secretive they could be the better. At least until the party was over. Shed find a right time to tell Caroline. Because of everyone she didn't want to keep a secret from her.
"I'm good. It's over."
"Is that so?" The blonde asked suspiciously.
"Yup."
"Did you kiss and make up or something?" She was dying to know. Or swipe your v-card and not tell me?"
"Care? You're obsessed."
"What? You just seem so cavalier about it all now. He was a grade A jerk that night."
"I'm fine. I promise."
"Okay. Well, so what are we wearing? Are we going in our best hoochie gear or is this like... proper attire?"
"Pft. Puhhlease. This is a bike club. Not a Lockwood affair. Semi-hoochie. Unless you want the bikers gawking. For me, half those guys are my family. So... I will keep it simple."
"Cool. I guess we can get ready at your place?"
"Yeah. Be at my house by four on Friday?"
"Okay. I'm so excited to get out of the house again."
"Again? What did you do after New Years?"
"Not much. Hung around and watched Netflix and ate junk food." She said. "Very chill, boring shit. Oh, and... Stefan was a gentleman that night."
"Great!" Bonnie jumped surprised. "You guys got along? Despite he and Elena, and you and Ty Ty? I know you get weird about that."
"Yeah."
"Well, are you two cool now?"
Caroline paused. There was a way to tell Bonnie, and a right time and place. But directly after finding out about Marcel and Lexi wasn't it. "I'd say so. He was great. But New Years is over and I'm really focussed on the start of second semester. Now that my volunteer time is up, I figured I'd look for a real paying job."
"What? You plan to get a job? That's great Care? What changed your mind?"
"Uh, my break up. Tyler took up a lot of my time. Now that I'm single... I'd like to get the complete satisfaction of making my own money. Not using my moms. Or the Lockwoods."
Bonnie reached over and hugged Caroline. "That's amazing. I'm so proud of you."
"How about you? Titty servicing still? Maybe you can get me on."
"Oh... actually I took some time off that job." Craig did a number on Bonnie and she had to slowly break the news to James but she didn't know how.
"Seriously? You made bank though."
"I know but... I got offered a job at the shelter."
"Oh my god! Seriously? When? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was waiting to see if you had gotten the same offer."
Caroline smiled. "No, I didn't. But... it's okay. You were there longer than me. You pulled me in. It okay."
"I know but I thought it would be cool to work together."
"So, will it make up for you tips at the agency?"
"Hell no." Bonnie laughed. "From $800 a week to like $250. Which means me and my mom will start to go halves on the bills and I will basically not have spending money." She said, bummed.
"Which is your freedom."
"Yeah. But I needed a break from the agency. They said I'm welcome to come back whenever I want."
"And James?"
"I will break the news to him... eventually."
"Sounds like you're breaking up with James?"
Again, she sighed. "Eventually. I just don't know how to. Any time I have a serious conversation with him, we end up high and happy. It's kind of hard to talk to him seriously without that."
"You'll figure it out. We can talk more about it later, okay?"
"Sure."
"Hey!" Stefan smiled walking towards Caroline and Bonnie with Elena in tow. Caroline quickly rolled her eyes before fake smiling.
"Hey."
"Hey."
She and Bonnie both offered semi-fake, and semi-dry greetings since they had to fake the funk with Elena for the time being until they got some info from her.
"Didn't hear from you bitches again. You were supposed to call me back to talk."
"We've been busy. And me, I should go. I have one more class before I have to go." Bonnie said.
"Caroline?"
"I have to go too. I have South hall, and if I don't leave now the bell will ring, we'll catch up soon." She walked away as Bonnie spoke to Stefan. Elena stood for a second, then yelled off to Stefan and Bonnie, "I'll see you guys later."
Bonnie watched her walk off and looked at Stefan. "You guys hang out over break?"
"Nah. She did her thing. I did mine. I have a hard time looking at her. But I guess I gotta be fake a little bit longer."
"Yeah. But we'll figure it out. She's been acting strange anyway."
"Whatever. Anyway," he gave his attention back to Bonnie. "B, you still coming to the party?"
"Yes. Why wouldn't I?" She grinned.
"Just checking. I know you work a lot."
"I requested the weekend off for your party." Things were still awkward between them after the kiss. Though Stefan was very drunk, the run in with Damon at the party, sobered Bonnie up and she was forced to remember her and Stefan's actions enough to be honest with Damon. Which means Damon now knew about it, and it made her feel awkward having not addressed it with her best friend again since they'd been sober. "How's club life?"
"Well, I have to finish my ink. So, at the party he's gonna finish me up. Which means I'll be hella drunk."
"What's new?" She laughed. "I heard you and Caroline hit it off."
"Really?" He asked surprised. Caroline was pretty closed off as he walked up just now. "What'd she say?"
"That you guys had a good time and you were a perfect gentleman."
"Oh. Yeah. Well, she's your new "bestie" right?"
"Don't quote the word bestie ass! And yes, it mattered to me." She laughed. "But I gotta go. Hey, you have south hall next, right? Why don't you catch up with Caroline and walk with her to class."
"Yeah. Okay. I'll talk to you later?"
"Yup. Bye big head." Bonnie headed off as Stefan ran after Caroline.
"Blondie! Hey..." he ran after her to catch up. "Blondie! Wait up!"
Caroline kept walking and pretended not to hear him.
"Hey. Got damn, I know your legs are long but fuck." He laughed. "Wait, are you mad at me?"
"Why would I be? You're still the same guy, you were... I'm still the same girl I was." She smiled condescendingly before walking away. He didn't know how to take what she said, so he just nodded his head and smiled. He continued to walk in Caroline's direction, to catch up with her as she disappeared into the building. "Caroline... wait up."
"Not now Stef. I need to get to class."
"Stef? Damn... No more Rip?"
"That was one time only. Remember?"
"No. I remember we had fun and we had a good time, and we ended things in a good place. We had breakfast and stayed at my parents place all weekend, watching movies and fuckin, just bein chill."
She looked at him like he was wasting her time. "Okay... and?" She sang sarcastically.
"And just now, I felt like I was missing something back there." He placed his hand on her shoulder, understanding she probably didn't want him touching her.
"You missed nothing. I think I was just stuck on Holiday leave. And I honestly. Need to snap back into school. Okay?"
"Yeah sure, we cool though?"
"Why wouldn't we be? We barely spoke before New Years Eve. We can go back to that." She didn't mean it. She didn't want to go back to that. But she realized what they had was a one time thing, because when it happened she made him swear they'd treat it that way. She didn't need more from him, but a part of her, hated the fact that she found a great guy who she wishes she would've taken the time to get to know all these years ago.
"I guess. I mean, why go back to barely speaking? I had fun with you." He openly admitted.
"Yeah... sure. Me too."
"And you told Bonnie, we had a good time."
"Yeah. But for now that's all I told her. I really don't want Bonnie to feel weird about us hooking up. It was a one time-"
"Thing. I know. I got it."
"Yeah. So, we really have to just... act cool." She said like a cold-hearted bitch.
"Alright. I guess." Girls are weird he thought. "I know we agreed to keep it on the low-"
"Yeah we did and I hate keeping it from Bonnie. It feels wrong so-"
"Right. Okay. Sorry for making this awkward."
"It's not awkward. But I have to tell her soon. Regardless of how you feel."
"Really? You wanna tell her? Can't you and I talk about this first?" He asked just as the bell rang.
"I... gotta go. See you around."
"Okay. Sure." He watched her walk away with tight leggings on, knee length boots, and a sweater. The weather was cooler than before break, and she was dressed for it. But it didn't change the fact that she still looked like a bombshell with or without layers of clothes. And he watched her walk away, til she disappeared. She blew him off, which never happened to Stefan. But, it made him respect her more for being her own woman.
...
Crimson King's Bash
...
Stefan walked around drunk hugging everyone. He'd gotten his tattoo finished. His arm was slightly achy. But his first crown was complete. He wouldn't get the second crown until he let the first one heal. The second crown was on the opposite arm. And it dripped in blood, which was symbolic of having taken a hit in the name of the club and spilled his own blood. Which happened when he got jumped.
"Ouch." Bonnie lightly grazed the skin around his tattoo. "Looks painful."
"The second time around yeah. The first time wasn't this bad."
"Looks good though." Caroline said, noticing it and not allowing herself to over notice it.
"Thanks Blondie."
"What's with this Blondie business."
"I don't know." Stefan acknowledged. "Started with Sal. And it just stuck." He laughed.
"I like it."
"Okay." Bonnie smiled. "Blondie is one of my favorite eighties musicians. It's a yes." She conquered. "So, what you drinking on? I'll take one and so will Caroline."
"I'm drinking tequila. Eight shots so far." He slurred
"Crazy. You guys parents don't care about your drinking?" Caroline laughed. "The Lockwoods are the same way."
"The Lamewood's. You mean?"
"Stefan, you're so dumb."
He stare at her awkwardly wanting her attention but she refused it. "It was a joke. Anyways, I'm glad you guys are here. Eat, drink, and be merry. I guess I'll do the same."
Just as he thought to head away. Vicky walked up to Stefan and hugged him. "Congrats Rip. Has anyone told you, you make that crown look sexy?"
Caroline watched on and laughed. "Pft." With a snide giggle.
When Vicky saw her she recognized her quickly. "Oh. It's you again."
"In the flesh."
"He doesn't like blondes."
"I don't care what he likes. He's not my man. You're barking up the wrong tree Chesty Mc Dick Lips."
Vicky rolled her eyes and looked at Stefan. "I'm actually not like Rose. I'm classy. No need to be rude." Vicky said before turning to Stefan. "Can we go dance? I love this song."
Stefan smiled, somewhat confused, but mainly drunk and waived to Bonnie and Caroline. "I'll find you guys later. It's my birthday and I wanna dance."
"What was that all about?"
"What?"
"You snapped at Vicky."
"She's a joke. Ooh Stefan. Oooh Stefan. She's very predictable."
"What's the big deal, he's drunk and handsy. Someone needs to be there to fulfill his curiosity, since Elena's trash." Bonnie laughed watching Stefan hold onto Vicky. "Geez! He's so handsy when he's drunk."
"Tell me about it."
"Uh oh, did he touch you too?" Bonnie laughed. "Because he couldn't keep his hands off my ass. And that kiss? You guys fucked me up with that."
"Crazy right? He's handsy but it's innocent. It's like a curious 12 year old learning anatomy." Caroline laughed. "Hey Bon, can I ask you a serious question?"
"Yeah."
"Have you and Stefan ever? Anything?"
"No. Okay we'll let me say, he was my first kiss freshman year. I crushed on him years ago like sixth grade maybe. And he liked Lexi. But, it all ended quickly bcause we didn't wanna ruin friendships. Then freshman year, he slept over one night and we talked about how everyone in our class had already had there first kiss but me. And he said, He'd teach me." She laughed. "I thought it was a joke at first. But, then he made me trust him because he was my best friend. I knew he'd teach me and not talk shot to people. It happened. We swore never to tell Lexi."
"How was it?"
"Uhh." Bonnie felt awkward. "It was sweet. He kissed me, and we were on the floor in my room. It kind of lead to making out. Ya know, hands in places-"
"Places?"
"Like cheeks and arms. We were basically... just. Let's just say Stefan was really sweet with me. Until I had it down good. And he was my first kiss."
"Was there any feelings?"
"I think I felt awakened because I knew I once liked him. And he liked Lexi. But then... we swore to take it to the grave. I guess it feels good to tell someone. So, when he offered to take my virginity the other night on New Years, it took me back to the night in my room. Stefan wanted to have sex with me."
"Oh my god. Freshman year?" She asked.
"Yeah. Well everyone was having sex. Somehow he wanted to teach me that too."
"What did you say?"
"I said no. I wasn't ready."
"Oh my god. And you didn't have feelings for him?"
"Not anymore. We were friends. I wouldn't have ruined that. But I think he secretly took Lexi's virginity. Because she never told me who she lost it too. And their first time stories are similar. Only Stefan was thirteen according to him and Lexi said she was fifteen. And she's a year older than us. Which means he was fourteen when she lost it."
"Wow."
"Why?"
"Just, ever since that night wondered if you and Stefan were ya know... into each other."
"No way. I was eleven when I had a thing for him. I grew out of it quickly. I've seen him fart more than I want to and heard him burp the alphabet countless times." She laughed.
"Hey B... Caroline."
"Marcel. Hi." Caroline smiled.
"You guys look... nice." Both girls mostly casually dressed.
"Thanks." Bonnie watched him while only Caroline spoke back.
"B? We cool? We had a good holiday together. And New Years."
"Sure." She was still reeling from his secret relationship with Lexi.
"Good. Uh... I need to find Vin. You seen him?"
"No."
"B, here." Marcel handed her an envelope with money. "This is for momma."
"What is it?"
"Money."
"Oh. Thanks. Why don't you give it to her?"
"She's drinking. I don't need her to misplace it."
"Alright." Bonnie put it in her purse.
"I'll catch up with you guys later. I need drink to relax." When he walked away Caroline spoke calmly to Bonnie.
"That was a good thing, right?"
"Yeah. It was."
She could've been angry but the gesture felt good. Since she lost so much weekly income. She looked down at her phone when she felt it buzzing. James.
"Hey."
"Wow. Stranger. Long time no see my little angel. Thought I had a couple appointments with you this week?"
"Umm, I quit the agency."
"Really? Why doll? What happened?"
"Nothing. I got offered a job with one of my volunteer gigs. And it's a great opportunity for me."
"Well... that's unfortunate. But you and I can still hang out. Right? I mean, you're still considering moving in?"
Bonnie spotted Damon across the room staring at her as he had several conversations with other people. She smiled at him until she heard, "Hello. Hello?"
"Oh uh... I'm not sure anymore. I think I'm gonna stay where I am and help my mom. She needs me."
"Oh. That's understandable. I haven't seen you much in the past month. Holidays and all. I was thinking I take you to dinner this week."
The background noise got loud and Bonnie used it as an out. "Ya know I can't really hear right now. I'll have to call you back."
"Where are you? Party?"
"Yeah a family thing. Birthday."
Damon stare at her again, and smirked. Bonnie's heart skipped a beat. He was amazing. He was hers. "Okay. Fine. Uhh." James became frustrated. "Let me make some plans for us soon. And I'll be waiting for your call."
"Okay." She agreed not even paying attention to what he said accept he'd wait for her call. "Bye."
"Bye." She hung up after he said bye and turned to Caroline who was taking two shots. She didn't realize how long she was on the phone it hoe long she had been giving google eyes to Damon.
"Bottoms up."
"Hey! Where's mine?"
"You took forever. I took them both." Just then her attention went back to Damon who was talking to Frank.
The club house was crowded. Abby was there. G stepping down was a huge deal. The last President that was retired was Laz. And that was by death. Vin would be the club's only third ever president. Promoting Damon to VP. She was dating the VP and he was stealing everything she owned and making it his.
Other charters were in attendance including the Howlers. And Crimson Kings Brooklyn And Miami Charters.
"Hey, So... some of us got hotels out near the casinos. With all the crews being here, we gonna party all weekend. There's a huge bike convention this weekend. We are going to Vin's room for the hotel party tonight. You guys coming?"
"Uhh." Caroline looked at Bonnie. "I probably shouldn't."
"Caroline sounds like you want to."
"Bon?"
"I don't know about the hotel. My mom will be there with all the people she grew up with from the other charters. Eh, it'll be weird. I can't party with my mom."
"I party with mine. Sometimes." Caroline laughed. "We don't drink together though."
"Not my momma. But feel free to go Caroline. The club likes you."
"What about you?"
"I'm good. Have fun for me."
"Come on Caroline what do you say?" Stefan asked as Maia walked up.
"Listen. Frank running beer pong at our suite later. After we leave here, he's going with Gino to pick up two more kegs. So... we doing this or what? Family affair guys!"
"No. My momma will be there. Caroline would love to go though."
"Would she?" Stefan asked. "She looks pussy."
"I'm not a pussy."
"Come on Caroline. It's going to be fun."
"What about Bonnie? No ones talking her into it."
Maia laughed. "She just said her mother will be there."
"Big deal."
"Black girls and their moms can't party together. Trust me. Well look at each others actions sideways all night. And Ms Abby is kind of drunk talking about old times with her cousin Lucy from Miami. So, I don't see her leaving anytime soon."
"Fine. I'll go. But it'll suck without you Bonnie."
"Blondie you practically fit in." Bonnie laughed.
"Fine. But we are taking shots together right now."
"I'll make a round." Maia jumped behind the bar with Frank. She shouted to him from the other side as he talked to Damon. "Babe! Round over here. Come on. Let's get it in."
"Who?"
"Rip, Blondie, B, and me... anyone else who wants to join."
"Rip?" He asked amused. "I'll take that shot, and raise you... two shots."
"Okay. Two shots. Get your ass down here and let's go." She yelled.
"You comin neph?" He asked Damon.
"Why not?" Damon walked to the other end of the bar, towards Caroline, Stefan, Maia, and Bonnie and watched as Caroline looked at him funny, still remembering New Years. And Stefan stood between him and Bonnie, still remembering the fight, and he smirked at them both keeping his eyes off Bonnie while they both watched him closely.
"No bitch shit." Stefan said.
"I'll be cool."
"I'm fuckin serious."
"Bro. I'm good. Right B? We can let bygones be bygones baby girl?"
Stefan turned to his best friend who was quietly observing Damon, and his sinister grin.
"Bygones."
"Truce?" He reaches his left hand out, purposely to shake hers.
"Truce." When she reached back he grabbed her hand quickly.
"Careful, such precious jewels shouldn't be displayed." When they shook and she removed her hand, she realized he took her ring off her hand.
"Hey?"
"Sal, what the fuck?" Stefan barked not knowing why Bonnie questioned him.
"It was a joke. She gets it."
Caroline and Stefan both looked towards Bonnie and then Frank broke the tension when he saw Caroline and Stefan. "Oh, hey Blondie. Did you ever get that Italian sausage?"
"Frank!" Maia laughed. "Shut your pie hole!"
"Only if Caroline opened hers!" He laughed. Both Stefan and Caroline forgot about Bonnie and Damon and quickly tried recovering from Frank's statements hoping it wouldn't be elaborated.
"Absolutely not. I don't like Italian sausage."
"Well fuck!" Stefan said.
"Sorry." Caroline's guilt was a thing of the present.
Bonnie was still staring at Damon who politely pulled her ring off. She gave him a look of fury forgetting her surroundings to the point she didn't hear Frank's remarks about Caroline and Stefan. Maia poured shots while everyone realized they all needed one.
Damon lipped the words to Bonnie, as the other's grabbed their glasses. "You've been avoiding me all day. You want your ring, you know where to find me."
Quickly, Stefan handed her shot glasses to her, knocking her out of her trance and pulled her back to the moment.
"Well that was awkward."
"What was?"
"Nothing!" Caroline barked. "Let's take these shots."
"Okay. Salt on glasses, take your limes, if your a pussy." Frank shouted.
"I'm a pussy, because the limes are the best part." Caroline said.
"I'll take limes too." Both Bonnie and Maia reached for limes.
As they all stood, Damon spoke. "Happy Birthday Baby King! Your finally a man!" They all took the first shot. And Stefan nearly gagged. "Which means..." he paused taking another shot. "Drink up!"
"Wait! This shit burns."
They all took their second shot. And Stefan was still reeling. Frank lit Stefan's second shot on fire. "Take it pussy."
"You bitch, this shit is hot as fuck."
"Take it... take it." They shouted garnering the attention of the whole club. "To RIP!" Frank shouted.
"To RIP." The whole clubhouse stomped and cheered making tons of noise until he manned up and took his shot.
"Fuck!" Stefan held his mouth and Frank made sure he swallowed it, while Damon laughed.
"That wasn't tequila, Baby bro. That was MOONSHINE! Baby King! You're now a man!"
"Bring in the strippers!"
Stefan for once was seeing stars. Caroline and Bonnie quickly grabbed him and watched him go from drunk... to wasted. "B? Oh my god... your so short." He said looking down at her. "Like... fuckin... short stack of pancakes."
"He's gone." Caroline laughed.
"Stef. Dude. Let's take you to the back."
"B, you always have my b-b-back."
"Nah Uh." Damon shouted. "He's eighteen. We ain't done with him yet." Gino and one of the other bigger guys came and carried him to a chair. Right next to his dad, who was retiring. Four strippers came in and danced for them.
Bonnie could've been appalled because she hated the club shenanigans, but to see her best friend laughing was a treasure to her. Stefan was good deep down. And as he searched for himself, he did things out of his normal character. But she recognized he was figuring himself out. Just like she was. "Wow." She heard Caroline laugh. "Your family get togethers are the fuckin shit!"
"Yeah. They can be fun sometimes."
"I mean... look at him. He's kind of cute when he's tore up."
"Blondie... that's what we call white boy wasted! Damon said. "It happens to the best of us. Ask Cel."
"Will he be Okay?"
"Nope!" Bonnie said. "He will be sick as a dog. That's why I took the weekend off. In case I need to help him out tomorrow."
Damon turned towards her to interject. He wasn't having it this weekend. Stefan wasn't Bonnie's concern. "Well, it's fine, since I'm going to the hotel, I'll look after him." Caroline offered.
Thank God. Damon didn't want to be the asshole who kept Bonnie from Stefan, considering.
"Really?"
"Yeah. He made sure I didn't get outta control on New Years. I kinda owe him."
"Thanks Care. That's... really nice of you."
"I'm tipsy right now."
"You should be, you've had four shots of tequila."
"Maybe you should give Rip a dance." Damon suggested.
"No way. Those strippers have it covered. They get paid for this."
"Yeah but... you're a cheerleader. Go and show him your moves." Bonnie said.
"Where's your mom? No way." She laughed.
"I don't know." Bonnie looked around. "Oh, she's over there talking to Lily and Lucy. Lily doesn't even care G is getting a lap dance."
"Nah." Damon said. "She's used to it. My mom's not all that innocent. She loves strippers." He admittedly joked.
"Wow." Caroline gave a giddy grin and looked at Bonnie who was egging her on to enjoy herself. "Fine." She walked between all of the crowd of people slowly, and watched a few minutes while Stefan sat in amazement.
"You're friend likes the club."
"She does. She fits in."
"Yeah. That's not easy." He admitted. "Legacy to legacy, you could honestly run shit if you wanted to take this bike life seriously."
"I don't want to though." She admitted. "And what about you? You not angry that Vin got President instead of you?"
"Pft. Nah. Vin is greedy. I'm not greedy."
"Does that mean my dad and your dad were greedy?"
"In their own ways. Your pops wanted power and money. My pops wanted control over territories."
She turned to him slowly and looked up into his focussed eyes which were trained to look around the entire crowd and watch everyone movements.
"Well, Sal... what do you want?"
It was simple at this point. He wanted one thing.
"You."
He grabbed her hand and kissed it subtly in the room full of their drunk people. She pulled it away quickly and jumped back. "Hey. Be careful."
"You know. Some days I just want them all to know. I'm sick of hiding you."
"Graduation. Remember? The Mongrels and the drama."
"I know. But you know what?"
"What?"
"Fuck em!" He walked away leaving her standing there. Bonnie wanted to run after him. She wanted to hug him and hold him and grab his hand and make a statement but she knew she couldn't.
She turned back to Caroline who'd finally had the courage to push past everyone and step out of her shell that Tyler and her mom kept her in. She walked to Stefan shaking her hair and dancing with him.
Bonnie was in shock. "Oh my god." She laughed. "Wooo. That's my girl!" Secretly she prayed Abby didn't see Caroline because she'd call her a fast ass child. But Bonnie knew when Abby was drunk her liberties stretched a thousand miles.
This was the old Abby. The one who partied with the club like old times and enjoyed her life. Bonnie loved her mother when she let go. But she couldn't let go in front of her mother. Their mother/daughter relationship was too fragile.
Bonnie enjoyed watching Caroline let go and live. It was almost like watching her own creation.
When Caroline was done she ran back to Bonnie and laughed so hard she cried. "Did you fuckin see me? I'll never do it again. But what a rush?"
"Girl, you looked so brave and free. I love seeing you laugh."
"It's been so fun. I can't... I can't imagine how I dealt with Tyler's family for so long. And those functions where I was so stuffy. Even the Howlers are acting different here. And I really don't want mason seeing me. So, I keep hiding out by the bar."
"He is bound to see you eventually."
"Why?"
"He's around more than you think. He can't be his full self around the Lockwoods. Just like you couldn't be. And they're his family, so imagine."
"Or as Stefan says, the Lamewoods. No wonder people thought I was so untouchable in high school. I didn't let go unless I hung out with you girls."
"Right. And I've always secretly loved "Wild Caroline" I think that's who "Blondie" is."
"Yeah huh?"
"Blondie?" Maia called out. "Come here. I'm gonna show you how to twerk."
"Oh my god." She looked at Bonnie and blushed. "Is that what we do in your room?"
"Yeah. Go practice, you need it."
"No."
"Yea. Maia used to be a stripper. She's a real twerker."
"Stop! She was a stripper?"
"Yeah. How do you think Frank met her?"
"I don't know."
"Go. Twerk. Be free."
Maia ran to Caroline and pulled her to the bar floor. Stefan stood up halfway before falling back to his seat unable to stand. He had his eye on Caroline. He also had his eye on Bonnie.
Which means, he watched when Damon walked up to her and whispered something into her ear. It was awkward, because Damon and Bonnie last fought when they saw each other. Now, she was tolerating him enough to allow him to whisper to her without losing her shit. It didn't sit right with Stefan.
No one was paying attention to the two of them, but he was. After he whispered into her ear, he paused behind her, and his fingers gently brushed the outside of her hand, before his fingers tangoed with hers for a few seconds. Eventually Bonnie pulled her hand away and Damon smirked, then walked away and disappeared again.
Bonnie stood for a few seconds while Stefan waited to see if she followed his brother. And as people walked by and around, and his line of sight was blurry, he saw her walk back towards Damon's bunker. "Fuck." He whispered.
And seconds later another ass was in his face as Damon's bunker door shut. He was back in his zone. And there was a big chance he may not remember this in the morning.
...
"So, you followed me back here?"
"You just told me to."
"No. I said, if you don't follow me, you must not want your ring."
"Well... of course I do. You had no right to take it."
"I said I'll tell them all now. You are convinced we shouldn't. I will follow your lead. You need proof I care about you. I'm willing to sacrifice and lose shit for you. I'm here. On your call B. Loyalty. Remember. So, if you ain't ready, learn how to wear your ring without drawing attention to it."
"Were you testing me?"
"Hell yeah. I always do. You know me."
"I'm sorry. I just... I love it so much. Give it back."
"What's the magic word?" He walked towards her.
"Now."
"Nah uh. Wednesday Adams."
"I mean... por favor, mi novio favorito?"
"The favorite? I better be the only boyfriend, right?"
"Sí."
"Then why don't you call me by my name anymore?"
"Que Nombre?"
"You know what I mean? Don't play stupid. You think I don't notice you haven't called me that since weeks?"
"You... angered me. You hurt me. That name was special and you did some fucked up things to me."
"Have I not made up for it, by now?"
"Posiblemente." She hunched her shoulders.
"Possibly?" He asked sarcastically.
"Sí." She eyed coyly.
"I'll tell you what... you may possibly get this ring back, if you act right."
"Damon..." she whined.
"Nah. Bro. You ain't gonna call me that shit when we're alone."
"I'm stubborn."
"I don't let you win."
"I want my ring. Please. You omitted about Lexi. You fucked Rose once more."
"You told James you'd move in with him. You were doing yayo behind my back."
"Fine. We're even."
"Nah. I made it better a week ago, by giving you this beautiful ring it took me forever to pick out. And promising to put you before anything and anyone. All I ask is for a simple request, to call me by my name."
"Come on..." She whined like a spoiled girlfriend. "My ring. Please." He slid it onto her finger.
"Only because I don't want to keep it in my pocket. When the night is over I'm taking it back. Putting it in the box."
Knock knock.
Someone banged on the door interrupting them.
"Sal!"
"Yo." He called out.
"It's time."
"Alright. I'll be out there."
"Time for what?" Bonnie asked.
"You remember why we give him moonshine don't you?"
"No. Why?"
"For his branding."
"Damon... don't do it."
"There we go with the Damon shit. We aren't finished with this conversation. I'm taking you home with me."
"Tonight?"
"Yeah. Stefan will be out of it all weekend. They got him a Suite. And if Blondie stays there my ma doesn't have to. I got you tonight."
Suddenly she felt nervous again. "Oh. Okay."
"So, we'll finish this conversation later."
"Okay. But..." she paused. "Is Stefan gonna cry?"
"Fuck Yeah! He's becoming a King today. Officially. His not done. He's got his lap dances. He may have gotten his dick sucked by now. I don't know. Maybe that's later. He's getting his branding and he'll pass out from the pain."
"Branding? Where is the branding, and why haven't I seen yours?"
He smirked. "Because the lights were out."
"What does that mean?"
"You'll see it tonight. Everyone's is in a different place. Make sure you walk out in like two minutes. Not right after me."
"Okay."
Bonnie walked around his bunker and looked again at everything. This time she sat on the bed and went through his drawer out of curiosity. He had vintage coasters, and lighters. Like a collector. A pack of cigarettes, half full. And more pictures that she didn't have time to go through. Then there was several keys to God knows what. And in the second drawers there was a a metal box. She opened it, seeing it with a few wads of cash.
Wads, of cash. Twenty dollar bills probably by the hundreds. She's rarely ever seen money like that. He had three wads and by her guess about two grand each. Why would he keep that kind of cash in his bunker, she wondered. That kind of money looked and sounded good for a girl who needed it to help her mom or pay her bills. But she'd never steal. And she'd definitely never steal from Damon. She closed the drawer and stood up feeling like his money should've been in a safer place. She'd have to talk to him about that at a later time.
When she walked out of his room she closed his door making sure no one saw her. Then headed to the bar where she saw Maia manning the alcohol. And the large jar that said "SAVAGE SAL'S PUSSY FUND" and she rolled her eyes. "This is still around. What's this all about?"
"I don't know. Apparently the club have a pool on when he'll fall in love, when he does, that money goes in a collection straight to him. It's close a little over eight grand."
"What?"
"Men are so stupid." She laughed.
"Oh. So, you don't think, he was never in love with the angry, skinny bitch?"
"Haha! Rose? She's not the type ofnwomn you fall for. But- Yeah, you'd think she wasn't so angry for being sorta pretty with a decent body."
"You thought she was pretty?"
"I said sorta. You know where you first meet her she's really pretty. Til she opens her mouth. It's hard to ever see her the same. She goes from a solid 8 to a 2, and she's sneaky as fuck." Maia said.
"Seems like it."
"Between us girls, she's been here when Sal's not. In the past. Doing work for money. But, Frank swears she's trickin."
"Really? Why would Damn deal with someone like that?"
"I don't know. You know some guys, are so lonely and lost in this world, that cling to girls like her, because she does whatever he wants."
"Right." She agreed softly.
"But if I had to take my guess, he's got a girl he ain't told nobody about."
"Why would you say that?"
"He's gone often. I've seen Rose more than Damon. And he gave her and Rose the same test I guess. I heard him talking about it to Frankie once."
"Test? What test?"
"The dying in a ditch test. What would you do if I were dying in a ditch? Go for help or stay with me until I took my last breath?"
"WHAT?"
"Don't quote me. I don't know how exactly it's phrased. Stupid right? Because there's no right or wrong answer."
"What do you mean?"
"The answer is all in her emotional conviction. I nearly fought Frankie over that talk."
Bonnie was furious. "So, he asked both girls. Wow!"
"In all fairness, according to these guys, Sal ain't never been in love. It's probably new to him to even wonder about it. I honestly hope he finds what he's looking for. He's a hot guy. I mean really hot." She said. "Don't ya think?"
"He's alright, I guess."
"You guess? Girl the man can turn a freezer into a sauna."
"You into him?"
"Nah. He's sexy and all, but I like my men scruffy. Undercover sexy. Covered in a beard that only shave once a year for Christmas then grows it all over again."
"Frank wasn't always so scruffy. He used to have baby smooth face when I was younger."
"Really? He's good looking without his hair. But with it, he's just like this dirty, rotten, naughty guy. I can't get enough. But he's an idiot."
"Yeah. I guess most men are."
"Anyhow, how you enjoying yourself, being as though your momma's here?"
"Ready to leave actually. Me and my mom can't "party" together. It's weird."
"Yeah. I feel that. You have to leave certain level of ratchetness and partying with your girlfriends."
Both laughed and agreed.
"Basically."
Then a guys voice echoed in the clubhouse.
"Ahhhhhhh. GOD! FUCK FUCK! Stop! Wait not yet. I'm not ready."
Bonnie heard Stefan screaming, and she turned to see Caroline running back towards her.
"Oh shit. They haven't done it yet?"
"Nope I can't watch."
Lily and Abby both walked to the bar unable to hear it up close. "WHERES MY MA?" He yelled again, "MA!" And then... "Shit! DAMN! Fuck!" Three crying curse words and silence. Every man cheered and it was done. Caroline walked over to Abby. "Hi Ms Abby!"
"Caroline, sweetie. You look cute. How are you?"
"Good and you?"
"It's nice to see Bonnie coming around and being comfortable enough to bring a friend."
"Yeah but I don't know now if it was a good idea. Poor Stefan."
"My boys are tough." She admitted. "I'm the pussy. They give me heartburn. Literally both of them when I was pregnant. And now they have those beautiful heads of hair that they're obsessed with." She laughed. "I should go see what it looks like. But I can't."
"I'll go for you. You don't wanna see it. I didn't look at Marcie's for a month." Abby said. "Bonnie you wanna come with me?"
"No. I'm queesy. And I hate seeing Stefan in pain."
"Oh remember the football accident when his shoulder popped outta socket?"
"Don't remind me. I was cheering that night, and his arm was backwards."
"Yeah. And I stopped going to games after that." Lily admitted. "That was sophomore year I believe."
"Yup."
"Someone has to come. Don't make me be nosy alone."
"I'm manning the bar til Frank's back."
"I'll go with you." Caroline offered.
"Okay. Come on." Abby grabbed Caroline by the arm and had a beer in her other hand. Bonnie watched them walk away and stood by the bar silently.
"It's over!" The guys walked back to the bar. "Pussy." Frank yelled.
"Fuck you Frank. My boy ain't a pussy. You screamed like a little bitch too."
"Yeah but I got mine on my stomach. This fool got it on his forearm."
"Don't call my baby boy a pussy." Lily yelled.
"He's passed out now. You ladies can go see it. The moonshine will have him passed out til tomorrow. That's when the real pain comes. After three days he'll be good."
Maia. Grabbed Frank... "I think he took it like a man. A real man allows himself to cry."
"Exactly. And my baby boy has always worn his emotions on his sleeve." Lily admitted.
"Definitely." Bonnie agreed.
"Well, well, well... little B... my oh my have you blossomed into a little heartbreaker. I haven't seen you in the house in a couple years. Since Stefan moved out. You are welcome at my house anytime. You are my God daughter, ya know?"
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, when I started working I hardly left my own house."
"Make sure Stefano brings you but for dinner one day."
"I will. One of my off days." She smiled.
"A working woman. Any boyfriends?"
Bonnie wiped her face nervously. And that's when Lily saw her finger. "Oh... my god. That is..." she recognized that ring. "Lovely. Someone must think you're very special."
"Oooh. What is it? Can I see?" Maia asked.
"I shouldn't actually. I didn't mean to-" Bonnie stumbled nervously.
"Oh my god, it's gorgeous. Is there an inscription?"
"Uhh... he didn't... I mean-"
"Take it off and check it. No man gives a woman a ring like that without inscribing it. If he gives a fuck." Maia said. "Did he pick it?"
"Yeah." Bonnie smiled. "It's probably my favorite thing in the world. I've never gotten something so beautiful."
"Who's it from? Your boyfriend?"
"You can say that. It's complicated." Bonnie kept looking at her hand against her own wishes fawning over her own ring with her glossy, heart eyes.
"So, where is he? Who... is he?"
"He's become my best friend. He's... an amazing guy. I... he saved my life. And I think in some ways... I've saved his."
"Well, that's a beautiful thing to say." Lily was taken aback. "Is there an inscription?"
"I don't know, when he gave it to me... he just gave me this beautiful speech and slid it on my finger."
"Speech?" She questioned.
"Yeah. More like, words of affirmation."
"So... you're engaged?"
"Oh. No. I'm still... this is... it's a promise ring."
Lily grabbed her chest with her hand and gathered all her thoughts still unable to believe what she was witnessing.
"You're a virgin?" Maia asked.
"Oh god. Please don't say it like that?" She laughed. "We do exist. I shouldn't even be having this conversation."
"I commend you for being strong enough. Lots of temptation out there. I know I lost it at fourteen."
"Yeah. Same with my friends." Bonnie agreed.
"He's not pressuring you, is he?" Lily asked. Trying to figure out why Damon came to her house angry.
"No. He never does. Listen, he and I aren't perfect. We both have faults. But we are learning and helping each other. He's very patient with me choosing to wait."
"What a good boy he is... I mean, must be." Damon's mother had no idea what to think besides her feeling of shock.
"He is a really good guy. I don't deserve him sometimes."
"Maybe he feels that way about you. I mean he bought you this gorgeous ring. Read the inscription girl." Maia begged.
Bonnie took off the ring to see if there was an inscription. "Baby, My..." her breath caught in her chest, and she choked back emotion. "Baby, My Heart." She finally said quietly. "That's what it says. Baby is his name for me."
"That's so simple but so... beautiful." Maia admitted while Lily remained quiet. Bonnie looked over at her realizing she should stop talking because what if Lily caught on.
"Anyways, I should..." Bonnie felt uncomfortable the more she spoke the more Lily wanted to know.
"Does your mother know?" Lily finally choked out.
"No. Please don't... mention this. I will tell her when the time is right. I wasn't supposed to show anyone. Caroline doesn't even know, or Stefan. So, can you guys please... keep this between us."
"Sure." Maia smiles. "My lips are sealed."
"Yeah. Of course. That type of news could, make a lot of things really... bad." Lily looked at her, wearily. "I mean, if people aren't ready. So, I won't say a thing."
"Thanks." Bonnie spoke nervously wanting to leave and pray they forgot the whole conversation since they were tipsy. "Anyway, I should, go. I won't be drinking anymore. And everyone's getting hammered. I'm going to say bye to my momma and Caroline. I'll check on Stefan in a couple days."
"Okay. It's almost dark outside, you should let me have one of the club boys follow you." Lily offered.
"No. I'm fine. I-"
"None sense. They wouldn't like it, if I let you go alone."
"They are having fun Lily. I'm fine I promise." Bonnie hugged them then walked towards her mother and Caroline and took a few minutes to talk to and to say goodbye before exiting the premises.
When Bonnie made it to where a prospect was parking cars and asked the prospect to get her car. She handed him her ticket. When he walked and came back, he told her. "The car isn't there."
"What? Where the hell is my car?"
"I don't know. It's a small black car, right?"
"Yes."
"I have all the keys, but that ones missing. Gino walked outside, when Lily told him she was leaving. Bonnie was confused. "Hey big guy."
"Hey Baby Girl."
"Uhh... Where's my car?"
"I guess it disappeared."
"Uh huh. Nope. No way. You aren't doing this to me." She knew someone was gonna take her home, and she wasn't having it. She didn't need the escort again, because she wasn't drunk or angry. "I'm leaving, because I'm not drinking tonight. I promised myself that if my mom stayed I'd be gone by eight." She laughed. "And well, my mom's several beers in."
"Um, your car isn't here."
"What the hell?"
"I took it somewhere and parked it."
"Why?" Just as she asked, Damon walked out. "What's going on, D?"
"You aren't going home?"
"D..."
"There we go with that "D" shit again." He said disappointingly.
"Ooh should I refer to you as SAVAGE SAL'S PUSSY FUND? Or how about, the man who has to ask stupid test questions between me and Rose to determine who he really wants to keep around?"
"Baby?"
"No. I'm not even mad. Disappointed? Yes. But I can't with you right now. I wanted to leave to keep from fighting."
"Oh, we're not about to fight." He handed her his dome. "Put it on."
"I'm not just going to-"
"Put it on!" He quietly demanded. Bonnie didn't argue. She put it on, and walked behind him as he grabbed her hand. "You should notice, I made sure everyone got very dunk tonight."
"Why?"
"So I could kidnap you." He smiled. "And, because, unlike the first time, I'll have no interruptions. I had to safely sneak you out of there from the moment you showed up in that outfit."
"I am dressed very casual and appropriate today."
"That's just it. You don't have to wear anything crazy to grab my attention. The jeans and sandals and top are fine. You look pretty. I've had a hard time not staring at you all day." He grabbed a jacket out of his bike and handed it to her. "Here."
"What's this?"
"When you were trying on countless shoes last weekend, I snuck my ass to his jacket collection, and bought you this for riding with me."
"Really?"
"Yeah. The weather is getting colder. The hoodies won't cut it anymore."
Bonnie looked at the small leather jacket and put it on, loving it. "Thank you. I love it."
"Good. Let's go."
Damon got on his bike and waited for her to get behind him. He had on his new Jacket she bought him. which she noticed at the party. She had on her new ring. And all he wanted was to feel her hands under his shirt playing with the skin of his stomach as they took a long ride towards the mountains.
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
Bonnie got on the back of his bike, while everyone was still inside partying. Gino had the prospect take her car to Damon's condo.
After about an hour, Bonnie noticed they were at the pizza place Damon always took her to after his fights. He quietly shut off his bike and saw all the lights were off. Bonnie removed his dome and stood in confusion.
She noticed Damon pull out a set of keys and before he grabbed her hand she laughed. "Okay... this is weird."
They walked further around the building and there was a back door. Damon unlocked it, opened it, and it lead to the back of the small brick oven hidden gem. On the left was a door to the restaurant and straight forward was another door. Damon unlocked that door too and they walked in and close it. As he turned the light on she noticed a long set of stairs. He walked her up the stairs still holding her in her confusion.
At the top they opened another door, in a small room which looked like shelves and supplies. The door was hidden and didn't look like a door.
Bonnie couldn't help but to feel confusion which she smoothed over with laughing. "We making pizza? Because I'm not very hungry."
Until he opened the door and turned the light on. There was an entire hidden place upstairs like an apartment. And inside of it, was a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom and a bedroom. It was small and cozy, but it was Damon's. It had a large window that over looked the mountains view of the water in the spring.
They walked towards the back where his bedroom was. Inside was basically a small shrine to them. The pictures they took at Cadillac Ranch. And the bed was different from his bedroom in the condo. This bed had a white blanket and pillows and tons of sprinkled on red rose petals.
"Cheesy, right?"
"Oh my God. Yeah!" She giggled nervously. "But in a good way."
Damon pulled out a lighter from his pocket. Until Bonnie looked at him crazy. "Relax. I'm not about to smoke." He walked to the bed and lit a candle. "Shut the light off." He said.
Bonnie turned the light off. The room was now only illuminated by the large candles flickering light.
"Is this place... yours?"
"Yeah."
"Why'd you never tell me?"
"No one but Gino knows. And now you." He smirked. "Welcome to my small... circle of trust Baby."
"I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. You're not meant to speak a whole lot tonight."
Damon pulled his jacket off and sat it down, then pulled hers off and sat it down. "Ohhh. Ummm."
"So," he stopped her from thinking too hard. "Before you get the absolute wrong idea about me... this is not me. Romantic things, don't come natural for me. But, I tried this... for you. This... candle and these petals are as sweet as it'll be. I wanted you to enjoy me wanting you to see how you make me feel. So, enjoy the idea of it."
"Why the idea?"
"Because I told you... I'm not gentle, and I'm not a love making type. Maybe we can learn together. Or maybe, you can teach me one day. But tonight..." he paused watching her swallow nervously, shut her eyes and hold her breath.
When Bonnie's breath released... she opened her eyes and he was towering her.
"... I'm gonna teach you."
"Okay." She whispered, and he felt her hands start to shake.
"Hey. We are young. This life is ours to make it what we want. Tonight, I'm finally making you mine."
...
Marcel had been enjoying the party. He was drinking but not over doing it. Any patch in or retirement was always a big deal. Vin was being promoted, and so was Damon. So, he had his fair share of drinking and smoking to calm himself down. He'd seen his PO more than normal lately and his sick son and the mother of his child being miles away was starting to get to him.
Keeping this big secret was an issue. Especially since him going to prison meant he wasn't supposed to leave the state for any reason without permission from his parole officer. And she never granted it, so he broke the law in order to see his son.
She had him on edge after every visit and it drove Marcel to drink incessantly. She took advantage of her position, and she... was the reason Marcel was losing all control, because she took it every chance she got.
And as he stood, enjoying his friends and family, he felt his phone buzz. Hoping to see Gia or Lil Mama pop up on his screen, it was...
His PO sending a text.
Bitch: Be here tomorrow at 7 am
M. Gerard: I was just there a week ago
Bitch: You want a violation inmate?
M. Gerard: I'm not a fuckin inmate anymore
Bitch: Then I suggest you being here at 7 not a minute late! Or I'm locking your ass back up.
"Fuck!" Marcel tossed his glass against the wall.
"Whoa whoa! Cel dude, what the fuck?" Frank asked. It once again made him look erratic and irresponsible. But he was angry and losing control of his own life and decisions. "Bro, what's good?"
"Nothing, I gotta go."
"Dude, you can't keep flipping out, outta nowhere. What gives? You were just laughing. How do you do a one-eighty?"
Marcel shook his head not wanting to explain himself. "You seen Sal?"
"Nah. Not in a couple hours."
"When you see him tell him I might be locked up tomorrow."
"Why? What happened?"
"Just know, I fuckin tried!"
Frank looked around for Gino who he spotted talking to Marcels cousin Lucy to tell him what was going on.
And like that Marcel walked out without telling anyone. In typical Marcel fashion. Why explain anything to anyone? It didn't matter. No one could stop this woman from harassing him. No one had the power to free him from her tyranny. And all it did was drive him crazy. And make him want to lose control and sometimes end his life. But he couldn't leave Bonnie. He couldn't leave his son. He couldn't leave his mother. Same for his best friend, Damon, his girlfriend Gia, and Lexi... whatever they were to each other.
So he dealt with her abuse. And he'd suffer through it again tomorrow. Another day. Another problem. Another fucked up situation.
Marcel's PO is a big reason why he is the way he is and it'll come out next chapter. Why, he "changed" when he got out of prison.
Caroline and Stefan caught in a tough spot. Stefan became a King... poor guy. Bonnie is not ready to hear Lexi. Mama Salvatore spotted Bonnie's ring.
Thanks to some ideas from a couple readers, Lucy was introduced. She wasn't in the original story but her character, Thx to some advice will have a small role. Bennett's distant cousin.
Uncle frank and Maia are still crazy.
Damon gives Bonnie her "promise" ring and takes her to his hide away.
Thanks for reading. And more importantly, thank you for your support!