Black Velvet
Chapter 33- Bait and Switch
R-M
*Important* This is two chapters in one. I combined them, but marked a clear half way point. In case you don't want to read it in one sitting. Ps babekitt yes Justin is a better version of Oliver for this story than Stephen. So, consider this Oliver, Justin Hartley. :)
The combination of Bonnie's body and her level of intoxication was a recipe for trouble. Damon stood in the back of the room for minutes, which felt like hours, watching her command the attention of an entire room of dominant men and women alike. He laughed to himself, remembering how she'd sworn upon meeting him, that she was dominant, top. Elijah even vouched for the adolescent idea. But watching her dance like a jezebel, on stage, told him another story.
Bonnie was a sassy alpha sub. She wanted to feel in charge. She wanted to know she had control over the way she delivered her body on a silver platter, divulging in improper advances of the subliminal variety, making herself seem readily available. She was not a submissive up for grabs. Not if Damon could help it. She was not one to be collard by another alpha male or female. Bonnie belonged to Damon and Damon alone. She was his submissive. She was his sub. She was his.
She was.
And if it meant anything to him that they'd broken up, he would've allowed the room to keep gawking at her. But when enough was enough, of Kat stuffing Bonnie's dress with hundred dollar bills and twenties surrounding the ground she played on, he walked himself up there with his tailored black on black suit, moved through the crowd without apologizing, and with one phrase she stopped dead in her track.
"SCHIAVETTO! KNEEL!"
Bonnie snapped out of her drunken haze with both fear and excitement. The one man who could yell at her, across the room and live to tell the tale, was standing near the edge of the stage with a menacing glare. She didn't need to hear her command more than once before she sat upright, and in the kneeling position. Knees slightly apart, back straight, hands behind her back and her head bowed. No one, had ever seen her like this. Katherine and Elena both stood in fear of Damon's reaction. He stood near her for seconds, waiting until the entire room watched her kneel to him, and bow her head. He was inserting his dominance. He was letting the room know, She is mine... Mine. I am hers. But most importantly, She. Belongs. To. Me.
At that point every dominant, stood idly by, until he commanded her to move. "Eyes on me." He commanded. Kat was so drunk and dumbfounded, she didn't realize what was happening, until she saw Damon's face. "Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Elijah! Where the fuck is Elijah?" She hoped he wasn't near the vicinity, because it was bad luck for him to see her before the wedding day..
Elena was still amazed at Bonnie's obedience, wondering what the fuck was happening. Bonnie looked up to Damon, who stepped up near the stage on the stairs next to it. "You may greet me, now." He calmly said, and if he knew her the way he thought he did, she wouldn't casually greet him.
"Maestro!" She cried. Her arms flew around his neck, and he grabbed her body pulling her from the stage. "Oh Maestro. I've missed you so. You left me. You deserted me. I've needed you, and you were nowhere to be found. How could you just desert me so?" She asked.
"You told me to go." He whispered in her ear.
"No. I didn't mean it. I never meant it. You were supposed to fight for me. I've needed you." She said in his ear. "I've needed you so much." Sighs of disappointment around him from takers who wouldn't be robbing his ass of a submissive tonight. Several head nods of approval, that he was so fortunate. She was a naughty seductress, charming a room of serpants, into wanting to punish her severely.
"Schiavetto, Maestro missed his girl." He whispered, while her arms wouldn't let him go for minutes.
"Don't let me go again, Maestro."
"I won't. You're coming back to the hotel with me tonight." He looked her in the eye, with his hand gently clutching the back of her neck. ""You've been a bad girl and you need to be punished." Her face lit up, her lips were captured by her teeth, and he felt it in her more than he'd ever felt it before. She wanted everything, she'd missed their play time and she was ready to be hit with punishment like a tsunami.
"Damon!" Kat ran up to them. "Where's my Keeper?"
"He's in the other side of Play."
"I have to go. He can't see me like this. We should go now girls. If he sees me, it'll be bad luck for the wedding." Damon looked at Bonnie who clearly didn't want to leave.
"Maybe I can take Bonnie back with me."
"Really? But, you were part of a bachelor party." Kat reminded him.
"We did a lot of shit tonight. Trust me. Right now, is every man for himself. I want mine. Tonight. I want what belongs to me Kitty Kat." He said impatiently.
Kat looked at Bonnie who was angry at Damon a day ago. She knew Damon wouldn't take no for an answer tonight. She knew Damon wouldn't let drunk Bonnie out of his sight. "Damon, she maybe had a tad to drink."
"And I trust me, more than I trust anyone else."
"I'm fine Kat. I want to go with him."
"You sure? Because if not, we can go now."
Bonnie pulled Kat aside and they spoke to one another in drunk girl talk. "I'm good."
"You sure? You wanted to kill him just hours ago."
"I know. I know how I feel about him, but tonight, I want to feel how I want to."
"What does that even mean, drunk ass?"
"It means, I don't want to feel the anger. I want to feel him, the way I used to."
"I just don't want you to be mad at me tomorrow for leaving you."
"Kat, I'm fine." Bonnie assured her and started breathing heavily and shaking her head, at herself realizing she was completely giving in. "I want him. I want him to own my ass tonight. I give in tonight."
"Damn bitch. You miss him don't you?" Bonnie nodded her head. "I knew it. Just for the record... I will be telling you that I told you so."
"I know asshole."
"You know I'm good for my word. I'm gonna tell you about your drunk ass."
"Bitch... you went to the champagne room with the baby boy sub over there and his mistress."
"Bitch, I'm allowed to fuck up tonight. Elijah gave me tonight do what I wanted, with whom I wanted. He gets a hall pass. I get a hall pass. It's Vegas bitch!"
"Bitch I know."
"What happens here stays here."
"Bitch."
"Bitch."
"Bitch?"
"Bitch?"
"Oh my god, bitch shut up, your so drunk."
"No, you're so drunk, shut up. I hate you."
"I hate you too. Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you want me to go fuck Damon."
"But I do want you to go fuck Damon."
"I'm going to. Shut up."
"You shut up."
Elena butt in, "What the fuck?"
"Shut up!" They both said to her.
"Okay, bitch don't call my ass either. Let him own you all night."
"I will, Kat."
"Walk me out to our driver. We need to hit one more place, before we go back to the room."
"Fine." Bonnie grabbed Kat's hand and walked back to Damon. "I'm gonna walk them to our driver. They want to go one more place before they call it a night."
Damon looked at all three girls who were piss drunk, and wearing nothing. "No."
"Wait, what?" Kat asked.
Damon grabbed his phone and dialed Gino, "Hey, come take Kat and her sister to their room. Make sure they get inside of their room before you leave." He hung up and the Kat rolled her eyes.
"You can't end my night."
"I just did."
"You can't do that." Bonnie agreed, "It's her night. You're not the boss of her."
"I'm the boss of you, Schiavetto, and if you want to make it through the night, watch your mouth." He said. Then he looked at Katherine. "You seemed to have forgotten Kat, that Elijah is in this very building, probably getting his dick sucked, I don't know. But, you two had an agreement. I heard you and Bonnie. It's a good time to stop while you're ahead, because... your sister is falling asleep standing up." Kat and Bonnie looked at Elena.
"Damnit, what the hell?" Kat slapped Elena's arm.
"Sorry. I'm so sleepy. We've been out since ten. My feet hurt, and I think someone spanked me. My ass is hurting."
"You got spanked several times. Thats what happens when you bend over in front of a dominatrix, and purr like a kitty."
"I did that?"
"Oh my gosh. What times is it?"
Damon checked is Rolex. "Four fifteen."
"Yes, fine. Have your driver take us to our hotel. I need to take a shower. Oh my God... Where are my panties?" Kat screamed.
"Relax bridezilla. I have them. You gave me a lap dance, and stuffed it in my dress." Bonnie joked.
"Give them back."
"Here." Bonnie took them out of the top of her dress and waived them around, laughing.
"I hate you."
"I love you."
Gino pulled up outside of the club, and Damon helped the twins in the SUV. "Aren't you guys coming?" Kat asked.
"Not yet." Damon said. "She's not done dancing for me." Damon said, making Bonnie turned towards him confused. "She owes me, a lap dance in a private room. Besides, Gino won't be back for another hour. She has time to kill." Bonnie gulped, and felt Damon grip her backside, in the palm of his possessive hand, then slap her ass really hard. "Right Schiavetto?"
"Yes Maestro."
"Daddy wants an encore." Gino shut the doors after helping the girls in. Kat rolled the window down.
"You're in so much trouble." She sang.
Bonnie mouthed the words, "I hate you so much." Before Kat laughed rolling the window up. Damon grabbed Bonnie's hand and headed back inside.
"Let's see what you do for hundred dollar bills when no one is around."
"Maestro, I didn't let anyone touch me."
"Yeah, but I'm not anyone."
"I missed you."
"I missed spanking you."
"You didn't miss me?"
"Of course I did. More than you'll ever know. And I'll show you how much, just you wait and see. But... You need a spanking. And while I'm spanking you, maybe you'll convince me, not to do worse to you when I get you back to my hotel." His lips tipped her ear, giving a husky whisper. "It's been a while since I've heard you beg. I miss the sound." And while he had to be a hard ass with her, he was just happy he was with her. Even if just tonight. He never let her out of his sight, the rest of the night.
...
Damon snapped out of his daydreaming about his night in Vegas, sitting in court, waiting for the the opposing attorney to finish questioning Andie. He couldn't even keep his head all the way in the game this morning, having been reminded of his night with Bonnie. He sat still hearing the question, "Did Mr. Salvatore ever threaten you, about discretion?"
"Yes. He did. He told me that what he did was a part of his therapy, and that I would be better like the other women."
"That's a lie! You're honor, my client clearly never assessed Andrea's mental state of mind as she was NOT a patient of his."
"Mr. Queen, save it for your cross examination."
Oliver sat back down. Michaela sat near both Damon and Oliver. Bonnie couldn't be here today. She was with Lily at chemo, because Julian hadn't make it back yet.
"Oliver keep it cool. Damon's surprise should be here by the time your done cross examining her. It took a while but I got him to agree to be here." Damon sat back quietly watching Andie lie. He didn't know how to take it in without wanting to explode. Lie after lie, Andie told, boiled Damon's blood, all he could do was think about Bonnie to keep himself calm. So memories of their night in Vegas periodically infiltrated his brain.
"Ms. Star, would you say, Damon forced himself on you, without your permission?"
She nodded her head.
"Would you say he raped you?"
She nodded her head again.
"Your honor," Oliver interrupted. "Clearly Ms. star is having an issue telling the truth. She can't even open her mouth. She nodding her head."
"Ms. Star, you will answer all questions with clear, verbal responses. Am I understood?"
"Of course, your honor."
"Repeat the last two questions Council."
"Ms. Star, did Mr. Salvatore, the defendant, force himself on you, without your consent?"
She nodded her head again, and looked to the left. "He did." She said with a cracking voice
"He did what?" The judge repeated.
"He ... uhh, forced himself on my body." Andie looked at Kol, then the judge, then she licked her lips, nervously.
Her lawyer then repeated the second question, though she was making herself look guilty. "Would you say the defendant, Damon. Salvatore, raped you?"
"He did." She nodded her head. "He physically over powered me." Of course he did. This was a natural fact outside of coercion. He was stronger than her. And their sessions, he was typically over powering for the kink aspect. And she managed to make it seem like truth, because she simply stated a fact to answer the question without directly answering it. "Yes."
Her lawyer continued to question her, allowing her to victimize herself. Damon grit his teeth as did Oliver. "Why would you say, he raped you? Why such a harsh allegation?"
"Since when do victims have to describe rape. I was afraid for my life. He was frightening and convincing as my therapist. He has this strong mind power, that made me feel submissive to him." All facts about Damon, but never used in such a way against him. It was disheartening.
"Would you say to the court, that Mr. Salvatore abused his privilege and title as a highly trained and experienced clinical psychologist?"
"Absolutely. And told me if I didn't follow through, he'd recommend I be admitted into the care of a psychiatrist, to be observed at a mental institution. Because he knew his could hurt my alimony stipulations.
"You're saying he threatened, psychiatric evaluations?"
"He did." She clutched her mouth, pretending feel frightened, and the jurors took note. Damon squeezed his fists in anger, trying to keep from losing his cool, over her fabricated, lies. Michaela reached over, and rubbed his shoulders.
"Keep calm okay. She's lying and it's obvious. She's not even a good actress. She looks down and to the left a lot. She's fidgeting with her hands. She can't maintain eye contact, and every time she tells a lie, the pitch in her voice changes. To top it off, she avoids directly answering questions. Oliver can really break her Damon. Just, relax. You're too tense." Michaela said. "Oliver, when you cross examine her, take note she keeps looking over at Kol, who's giving her thumbs up every few minutes. Idiot." Michaela whispered. "Also, focus right in her face. She doesn't make eye contact."
Damon couldn't keep listening, or he'd probably say something in court he didn't mean to.
...
"Ms. Star, is it true you sought out Damon for help?" Oliver asked, making direct eye contact.
"Sure."
"Let's not play kiddie games, Ms Star. Did you seek him out, yes or no?"
"Yes."
"Why? What reason did you have to specifically seek my client out?"
"He was highly recommended."
"Wow." Oliver raised a brow. "Highly? Why so?"
"What do you mean? He's a therapist."
"Right, but were you a patient of Dr. Salvatore's, or a client."
"Client. I mean patient."
"We searched for records in Dr. Salvatore's filing system. Any indication he'd been your Doctor, we found no indications. Instead we found this."
"What is it?"
"A contract."
Andie looked shocked and surprised. She'd, been able to blackmail Damon on threatening outing him about his private life to scare him with no intention on outing him, because it means she'd out herself. "So, what?"
"Well, I can easily go over the details of this contract. Which was signed almost two years ago. There's also a statement on this contract, written by you. The statement is for your promise to withhold the discretion of this particular type of training. It doesn't very well say therapy. Is states training. Would you like to let the jurors know, which type of training you were undergoing, Ms. Star and how it differed from therapy?"
"No. That's Doctor/Patient confidentiality."
"This isn't signed, Dr. Damon Salvatore. It's signed, Master/Dominant, D. Salvatore, and Submissive in training Andie Star/Sugar. Who is Sugar, Ms. Star?"
Andie sat quietly, unsure of what to say. Michaela looked at Kol, who was visibly confused, and locked out of what to do. Andie clutched her hands together, and licked her lips, looking around.
"Sugar, is um... a nickname."
"A pet name? If you will?"
"Sure, a pet name."
"Why would Dr. Salvatore have a pet name for you. He hasn't had pet names for patients in the past."
"As I told you, he coerced me into playing these fucking head games."
The judge interrupted. "Ms. Star, this is a warning, another use of foul language will find you in contempt."
"Sorry you're honor."
"Headgames? Explain what happened the moment you stepped inside his office. In fact what does his office look like? What color are the walls? What is hanging on the wall when you walk into his office? What is the name of his secretary?"
"I don't know, I can't remember right now! Okay."
"You saw this man every week for nearly a year, you don't remember in key identifying objects in his office?"
"His desk. His pens, the walls were light, and there a large window."
"All common variables. He keeps several pictures in his office, along with art work. One in particular, has been there since opening, and always buys the attention of patients. Can you describe it?"
She shook her head.
"I can't hear you."
"No." she looked to the right side of the courtroom.
"Eye contact, Ms Star." He said, watching her look over to Kol. Is the reason you can't remember because you never met in his office, where he sees patients. You never had gone to Dr. Salvatore's office, because you were not a patient, you were a client. The practice required all patients sign in very session, we found one signature for you, and under "purpose for visit" it was a first time consultation."
"I'd been there once. Initially when I sought him out. After that?"
"After that what?"
"We met a hotel. That's where he told me to meet him." She was becoming more and more distraught.
"Why?"
"Because, that's where we had our sessions."
"Clarify what you mean by sessions?"
"Isn't there a law against this? We signed a confidentiality agreement."
"Ms. Star, you are accusing this man of rape. Is it possible, that the reason your so ashamed of this contract, is because he never raped you? This contract holds a discretionary policy which you signed a waiver for, because of the privacy of the situation."
"It's not like that. I-"
"And discretion was important to you because what? You were under a strict penalized order by the court to not engage in any questionable activity, for five years after your high profile divorce from Mr. Wilson. Stipulations of your divorce, and you receiving your alimony stated, suspicious activity, and or any foul play regarding your personal life and financial status, would result in the cease of your alimony allotments."
"Perfect Oliver." Michaela whispered from the sidelines, clenching a well-done fist just at her chest level.
"It was stipulated in your divorce decree, that you had issues paying for pleasure. You had utilized your allowances for escort services and paying for hotels to cheat on your former husband."
"It was never proven."
"But we obtained records stating you a membership at the Moonlight Bunny Ranch. Under the name, Andreanette Bartlebee."
"It's a lie."
"What's a lie?"
"What you said. I didn't use money for those purposes."
"We did our work Ms. Star, formerly Ms. Bartlebee." Andie sat up in her seat rubbing her forehead. Damon grinned, having received this information from one of his clients. The client who introduced Andie to him, met her through the bunny ranch. "You were revoked membership, because you were caught secretly videotaping your encounters. Therefore, the discretion of your membership became public record for legal purposes. Because you broke a rule, Ms. Star, formerly Ms. Bartlebee. Having legally changed your name when you turned eighteen and moved to LA."
"So, people change their names."
"So, why use that old name to obtain a membership?" She didn't answer. "I'll tell you why. You used this name because you were married, going behind your husbands back spending weekends at the ranch."
"That, has nothing to do with him raping me."
"No, but it has everything to do with behavioral issues which have become repeated patterns of behavior, that you've used to scam wealthy men since you've come to Los Angeles."
"I've never lied about who I was or where I came from."
"But, you lie about everything else. Please remind the court, the threat Mr. Salvatore made against you, had you not cooperated."
"Wh-what? Th-Threat?" She asked, nervously forgetting what to say, stuttering.
"You told the court a little while ago, Mr. Salvatore, threatened you, for your lack of cooperation. Please refresh our memories." Oliver was playing her against her words. The best way to catch a liar, is to infer on details and embellishments they give when they lie, because chances are, they can't repeat the same lie twice. "Ms. Star, please, remind the jury what you told them a while ago."
"He, said, that he would... he told me if I didn't cooperate, he would, umm."
"Refer you, where? Ms. Star!"
"What?" She panicked
"Please, answer the question."
"You're honor, council is badgering the witness!" Her lawyer jumped up.
"No, council, is asking Ms. Star to repeat the information she has already given to the court, I for one, would like an answer." The judge said.
"He threatened to expose me, so I'd lose my alimony."
"Expose you! How very presumptuous. Why would HE, need to expose YOU?"
"I don't know. I can't think straight, because I'm traumatized and triggered in here, seeing him. He threatened to ruin my life."
"That isn't what you stated. You stated he'd refer you to the care of...? Come on, I'm helping you out here." Oliver said. "You claim he threatened to refer you over to the care of psychiatrist. Do you remember that?"
"I suppose."
"You suppose?" Oliver laughed.
"What's so funny? Have you ever been up here, with lights in your face, having to defend yourself against the very man, who tried to hurt you, and end things without so much as an explanation, and watch him, while he falls for another woman." The jury took note, and the court all sounded like they sat straight up at once.
"Excuse me, my client is suffering delusions, because of Mr. Queens badgering.
"No, I think she admitted to being a jealous ex-lover."
"Listen, I'm not jealous. He used me for my body, then not so carefully discarded me. If that's not abuse, I don't know what is."
"That is called a break up, or discontinuation of business service. But it is not called rape! You have waisted the states money, and the courts time, for an issue, which could've simply been resolved, by an apology from Mr. Salvatore, for having fell in love with another woman. Which by the way, you were a personal case-study. Not a girlfriend."
"He took advantage of me!"
"How? He stopped charging you for services. He continued using you for a study which you agreed to. You were no longer his client. Not because he made you a girlfriend, but because you went from being a client to a case study for research purposes. You then developed feelings for him, which he clearly did not have for you. As stated from the beginning, it was always professional. When your contract was up, you signed a NDA/CDA. This confidentiality clause indicated, that until your study was complete you were not allowed to mention your personal business with Mr. Salvatore, to any other parties, until his study was released publically. Is this correct?"
"Sure. I guess."
"Sure you guess? What are we five? Did you sign the NDA/CDA indicating confidentiality of your business with Mr. Salvatore until the study was finalized?"
"Yes! Okay! Yes I did!"
"And you broke that rule at a party, in November. You have statements, from several witness which claim you made a statement, similar to," and Oliver, read witness statements of Andie's words. "You said, 'He's definitely (expletive)-worthy. Caroline was right about that. And I've managed to make him exclusive. I must be doing something right.' Another witness stated you made a similar comment, "He's definitely a hot piece of (expletive). I suggest trying him out one day ladies.' Do you recall these comments?"
"Absolutely not."
"I can have witnesses come in Ms. Star. This won't be an issue. The conversation took place as you were discussing the nature of your relationship with Mr. Salvatore at an event he took you as a date. But as per the agreement in the Non-Disclosure, it wasn't your place to mention the nature of the relationship."
Andie sat quietly.
"How many times did Mr. Salvatore rape you?"
"Objection!"
"Over-ruled."
"What kind of question? Countless times." She stuttered nervously.
"Was it before or after you made those statements at the party?"
"I don't remember. After."
"So, you're admitting to making those statements."
"I don't remember what I said." She was growing impatient, and the jury was noticing her starting to unravel.
"Well, according to both your and Mr. Salvatore's statements, you two did not have another sexual encounter after that night in November. The last statement a witness remembers you saying was, 'He (expletive) like a God. So, in that case, he can call me whatever he wants. His (expletive) is mine and mine only.' Should I refresh you on those expletives?"
"No need."
"Does a woman, who believes she's been raped, speak like this about a man's sexual relationship with her, and his private parts? Claiming possession, and bragging rights."
"Objection! Your Honor, Council is badgering the witness!"
"Your honor, this is evidence provided against the witness, using her own terminology, sans the expletives, is eidence she didn't deny."
"Objection over-ruled, though I'd ask Council to provide witness names and testimonies of these accounts."
"Yes, Elena Gilbert, Katherine Mikaelson, and Bonnie Bennett. The witnesses could not be here. Katherine is on her honeymoon, Elena Gilbert lives in Northern California, and Bonnie Bennett is with a family member at chemotherapy today. But these are sworn statements, signed and dated and notarized your honor. Each witness willing to testify, if he court requests it." He turned back to Andie. "Ms. Star, is there anything you'd like to say, to defend those statements?"
She couldn't answer. She instead, rubbed her hand on her forehead covering her eyes, and realizing she had nowhere to go. "Why am I on trial? He did what he did."
"Say it. Tell the court exactly why you're here! This isn't the first or second man you've accused of raping you in a court and sued for financial compensation for being emotionally distraught!" Oliver yelled. "Are we seeing a pattern here, ladies and gentlemen of the jury?"
Just then, a quiet set of foot steps walked into the courtroom, and Michaela turned to thank the Gods. "Thank you Jesus. Perfect timing."
"Patrick?" Andie mumbled.
Oliver turned to see Patrick Wilson walking into the courtroom. Andie's most recent ex-husband, and one of the most powerful men in LA, also accused of raping her, and now paying her a hefty alimony settlement.
"Mr. Wilson, thank you for joining us."
"You're late." The judge drilled.
"Please excuse my tardiness. Traffic was backed up for miles."
"Mr. Queen, please explain, who this is to the court."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. This is Patrick Wilson. Andrea Star's second husband. Divorced less than two years. He was in court not too long ago facing similar charges as Damon. Abuse, rape, coercion. As was her first husband. The late Mr. Robert Phillips. Who for obvious reasons couldn't be with us today. Mr. Wilson, is a special guest brought as evidence against Ms Star."
"Against?"
"Yes, your honor. The Defense will be counter claiming Ms. Star as a predator in this case, and instead we will be proving the real victim here is Mr. Salvatore."
"What? You can't possibly allow this your honor."
"Ms. Star, this case is open to repeal. No evidence will be turned away. I suggest you and your council gather whatever you have. Mr. Queen did not come to play, and you my dear, are under oath. I suggest you take the merit of this case as seriously as Mr. Salvatore has. Rape allegations are serious." The judge told them both. "Mr. queen, you better be very sure of what you're doing."
"I'm very confident your honor."
"The case isn't over Ms. Star. You and your council still have time to gather evidence and call any other witness you have." The judge then looked at Oliver. "Mr. Queen, any further questions for Ms. Star?"
"Would you like to withdrawal your claim, Ms. Star?" Andie looked towards Kol, who gave a tight-lipped discreet head shake no. And she took a deep breath.
"No." She quietly stated. Damon rubbed his hands through his hair anxiously.
"I can't believe, she's still going with this. Lie after ear deafening lie." Damon whispered to Michaela.
"I can, the puppet master is pulling her strings over there. He knows, if she gives in, it kills half of his case. Oliver doing a damn good job." She admitted. "I'm actually impressed."
Oliver spoke out, after giving Andie a minute to recant. She didn't. "No further questions for Ms. Star. I now call Patrick Wilson to the stand."
"You can't do this! He has nothing to do with this case!" She yelled.
Andie's lawyers, jumped up, "Your honor, Mr. Wilson has no claims here, as the divorce was finalized nearly two years ago."
"Ms. Star, I'm going to have to asked you to step down. Mr. Wilson, please take the stand."
"The bait and switch will work Damon, trust me. Once you and Patrick take the stand, she'll be begging to recant."
"How can you be so sure, Michaela?"
"I'm a woman. My intuition tells me so."
"Has Bonnie called, or texted you?"
"She did. She told me she wishes she could be here sooner. Lily had a big day in chemo today, and as soon as it's over, Bonnie will be here."
"No. Tell her not to come."
"Damon, she won't listen. She wants to be there for you. She's been adamant about that."
"I know. But, I don't want her to face Kol, before she has to."
"But-"
"Trust me, as a therapist. It will trigger her. Not today, please. Tell her, I'll see her afterwards."
"You sure? Having her support could make a difference. It could even make Andie nervous."
"I'm positive. I'm looking at Kol, and he's... I don't want to jump across the court room and murder him. I will go to prison, if she comes today, because she will not be able to handle this right now. Trust me."
"Okay, I'll call, her." Micky left the courtroom abruptly to call Bonnie, leaving Damon with Oliver.
Andie's stepped down from the witness stand begrudgingly, looking at Damon full of venom, and he was able to relax a little. Her lying had gotten to him, and he decided to finally relax his mind some. He grinned slightly at her, and when Patrick passed them both. When he saw Damon wink at Patrick, Kol stood up and stormed out of the courtroom, when Andie needed him the most.
From that point on Andie got a taste of her own medicine, from both Patrick Wilson and Damon's testimonies.
xXx Half way point xXx
Bonnie grabbed her ring phone. "Hello. Micky, I should be done here in about ten minutes and I'm on my way."
"No need, BB. Uhh, Damon doesn't want you here."
"What? Why?" Those words made her feel defensive.
"Well, hear me out. He thinks this case could be triggering for you."
"Nonesense, I-"
"BB, trust me. He seemed adamant about it. He said, in his professional opinion, he didn't want you to be here dealing with the extra stress. Kol is here, and-"
"I get it." Bonnie sighed, realizing that Damon meant what he said at the wedding reception. He didn't like watching her feel discomfort, and he wouldn't be responsible for her pain. "No need to explain. I just wanted to be there for him."
"I'm sorry, girl."
"It's... okay. I should get back inside to Lily."
"Okay."
"Please tell me, everything is going okay?"
"It's looking really good, so far. This bitch Andie, is... I mean I think we got her. But, we still have to let two of Damons former clients take the stand. They are arriving now, being scanned through security."
"Right. Then, he definitely doesn't want me there." She muffled a small giggle, of discomfort.
"And it looks like Kol won't be testifying on Andie's behalf."
"Of course not. He's a coward." After a slight pause, Bonnie just thought to end the conversation, "Well let him know I'm staying positive over here, for him, and Lily is doing okay."
"Sure. I'll call you later."
"Yeah."
Bonnie hung up and took a deep breath. When it was all said and done, she and Lily headed out of the chemo floor of the hospital. She felt herself exhale slightly, while she pushed Lily in a wheel chair back downstairs. She headed down to the lobby, on the first floor pushing Lily out of the elevator slowly, put her sunglasses back on and wrapped a scarf around her head and neck as well as Lily's. The sun was becoming a burning reminder of summers in California. Cleverly disguised they both walked out laughing calling themselves Thelma and Louise.
oOo Bonnie oOo
It was then I spotted a familiar body type, and shade of ivory skin, with dark, dark brown hair and blue eyes that I could never forget. It had been a year almost since seeing her, and I'd never forget the look of a bargain version of a real woman. A very young April, walking into the lobby, with a stroller. She passed me without noticing me, as I was wrapped in a scarf and sunglasses. She looked different. About twenty pounds heavier, less makeup, and her hair was thrown up in a frivolously half thought out bun. She wore yoga pants, and I can't remember the rest. Her breast, were bigger, which I didn't think was possible. Then, I heard a baby cry, and the name she called out was similar to Chloe or Cori. I'm not sure, but. I know it had to be one or the other, because that's when I saw the diaper bag with the letter "K" Kori, Khloe? I thought to myself. My thoughts are starting to tangle inside of themselves now. It can't possibly be, what it looks like. After all, where is Kol? Oh, right? He's in court with Andie. Sorry, but I think if this was his baby, he'd be here. He wanted a baby as much as I did. I'm feeling the entire world pause and move around me at the speed of light while I could barely see anything but a young girl picking up a crying baby, and comforting her. Yes, her! All pink everything. The baby was tiny. Couldn't have been more than a month or two. I tried to do the math in my head quickly. It had been about a eleven months since I met Damon, thus having met April. Pregnancy is around about of 36-40 weeks on average. Trust me, I knew as much as I could about pregnancy while I was TTC (trying to conceive) with Kol. The thoughts kept processing, 36-40 weeks translated to 9-10 months. And the baby was probably around-
"Bonnie, sweetheart? Bonnie?" Lily called her to snap her out of it. And just like that, Bonnie had been forced out of doing the math in her head, which meant, she would quit torturing herself about it for the time being.
"Sorry Lily. Ready to get out of here?"
"Yes. I hope things are going okay for Damon today."
"Yeah... me too." She trailed off, lost in translation of thoughts so deep she couldn't remember if she was over thinking them or not.
Who is she kidding? This "baby thing" wasn't going away anytime soon. Her gut didn't like this feeling.
... Later that night- Casa Nostra Ristorante & Bar ...
Bonnie held her head up skeptically, looking around the restaraunt. Kai was parking the car, and he let her off in front of the door so she wouldn't have to walk far. She tried to peak through the bamboo decorated walls to see if any face may strike her as the woman Kai had described to her. Still, she couldn't escape the vision of April and her baby at the hospital today, as she scoped the crowd of faces in the restaraunt.
None of the faces were easy to see, behind the walls and modern decor, with darkened colors and soft lighting. She rubbed the space on her hand between the thumb and index finger to give herself some comfort in the situation. Her hair was parted to one side, with most of it hanging with beach waves to the right side of her face, and shoulders. She wore heavy black mascara, and a chocolate colored matte lipstick. Her skinned was perfectly cinnamon-complected, and she looked like she'd risen from the nineties today. Long sleeved crop top, with a high waisted skirt and wedges. Kai always loved a nineties vibe from Bonnie. It reminded him of his favorite music genre.
When he walked into the restaraunt, he stood at the door for a few minutes watching her from behind. Her high waisted A-line skirt, which stopped mid-thigh and showcased her legs. She stayed in earth tones, because she didn't want to stand out too much, but she also wanted to look good, so she showed a lot of leg.
For a moment, Kai watched her stand with her hip poked to the side, and her hand on her hip. She overlooked the drink menu at the bar, while the bartender flirted with her. "No, I'm not really into fruity drinks." She laughed. "Thank you."
"This one, is a house special."
"Uhh... well-"
"Hey sweetie, you okay?" Kai asked, playing the boyfriend role.
"Oh, yeah, I'm good. Just, taking a second to order a drink."
"What sounds good?" He smiled at her, but gave the bartender the side-eye.
"You know me..."
"Malbec?"
"Precisely." She grinned.
"She'll take a glass of Malbec." He politely said, showcasing his big bright smile. "And I'll have a Dos Equis, Especial."
The bartender, grinned cockily. "Coming right up."
Bonnie and Kai waited for their drinks, talking amongst themselves. It didn't take very long before their drinks came. Both drank as soon as they got them, and set the glasses down. Kai, readied himself for the date. "Ready to play pretend?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." He reached for her hand, and when she reached back, he paused. "What?"
"I don't know, it's just... kind of surreal, I guess."
"Seeing Iris?"
"I guess having the dream girl, face to face with me... finally." He smirked. "Even if it's just for tonight." Bonnie read his casual intentions, but her and Kai were so well connected, she felt the deeper insinuation. He wanted that to seem convincingly enough that he was talking about Iris, but, she felt too much tension in his hand grasp. Maybe she was the dream girl. Maybe it was Iris. It didn't matter because she couldn't stop thinking what she saw today.
"Maybe, you'll finally be at ease."
"I'm at ease, trust me." He then used his fingers and spread them between hers, and held her closer to him. "Hey, you aren't till thinking about the baby are you? That girl you saw at the hospital."
"Uh, I'll be fine once I eat. Food usually helps me refocus."
"Good. Because we both know, that Kol had to be shooting blanks the way he drank."
"Kai... so inappropriate." Her eyes rolled.
"Sorry. Just trying to comfort you."
"I know. But, I'm fine." She lied to herself. "Tonight is about me being there for you." She smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Again, I can't thank you enough for this." He walked them towards the back of the restaraunt. When they'd made it to the table, Kai spotted Iris. She stood up, quickly, as did her fiancé. They greeted Bonnie and Kai, before sitting back down.
oOo Bonnie oOo
My first thought was, Damn she's pretty. Why would'nt Kai try and work things out with her? Then suddenly, I remembered, not all good looking people have good souls. Kol was a testament to that. But, as I'd never had any idea what Kai's type was, I finally saw her face to face. For about three seconds, I really had this make believe ideal that Kai was my boyfriend. The three seconds we walked from the bar to the back of the restaraunt, I felt normal. We held hands, and smiled, and we were going to do what we always did. Sit and have dinner, together. Such a normal couple thing to do. Only, we aren't a couple. And we aren't alone. This is an abnormal circumstance of meeting his ex, and pretending to be his current girlfriend. Again, I watch her watch Kai, and I watch Kai watch her, and the air is so thick, and the love was never lost, and the other guy still stands there, waiting to be introduced. As am I. The "new" girlfriend, fake or not. Kai looks happy, standing next to her. I interrupt, so Kai doesn't look like a pathetic school boy doting, over the one that got away.
"You must be Iris?" Bonnie smiled.
"Yes. Hello, it's a pleasure...?"
"Bonnie." She smiled politely nudging Kai.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Iris, this is my beautiful girlfriend, Bonnie. Babe, this is Iris."
"Nice to finally meet." Iris says, turning to her fiancé shortly there after. "This is my fiancé Barry. Barry, Kai and Betty."
"Bonnie." Kai corrected.
"Oh, Gosh. I'm sorry. Bonnie isn't too common, my mistake." Bonnie felt Iris sincerity. If anything, she didn't feel slighted, she felt Iris's nervousness. The moment Kai corrected Iris, she had the lost look of a puppy dog in her eyes.
"It's okay." Bonnie interrupted. "It happens more than you think."
They stood awkwardly for a few moments. Barry cleared his throat, "Ahem. We should probably have a seat."
Kai agreed, "Of course." He pulled out Bonnie's chair. As she went to sit, he grabbed her hand, and kissed the back of it. Both Barry and Iris took note, and looked at each other. Things were awkward, and nearly silent for about ten minutes, while everyone looked over their menus.
...
Throughout the night, after drinks had come, everyone gradually loosened up. It turns out, Iris and Kai didn't just date, they grew up together. Bonnie got to hear a lot of embarrassing stories about Kai. Including the fact that he was afraid of the dark well into high school.
"No way. Kai, why?" Bonnie giggled.
"Uhh, you grew up watching the same scary movies I did. IT! Do you remember how terrified, not only me, but every kid was of clowns after that."
Iris chimed, "Clowns, spiders..."
"Spiders?" Bonnie laughed.
"Okay." He said sarcastically. "Don't get so, giddy. We've all seen Arachnophobia!"
"Oh okay." She joked sarcastically. "So, you're also afraid of birds and sharks."
"Hell yeah."
"Pft." Bonnie continued laughing. Iris, could see the connection between Bonnie and Kai was natural. They fed off one-another's energy.
"You have no idea, whenever a scary movie came out, the neighborhood kids had to coax him into going." And his mom babies him so much, she let him have a nightlight."
"Oh gosh. This is hilarious."
"Yeah. Kai, you seem like quite a funny guy." Barry agreed.
"No. Everyone found my fears hilarious, but me."
"Aww, Kai, sweetie. It's okay. I find it adorable." His pretend girlfriend for the night, placed her hand on top of his and rubbed it. "Is this why you love cuddling when we watch movies on the couch."
"No. That's not why. I cuddle because your a good cuddle buddy. But, it's definitely the reason I never vote for horror movies." Bonnie grinned at his honesty and smiled directly at him, moving her face to his. It caught Kai off guard, and when she simply moved in to pat him on the shoulder sympathetically, he pecked her on the lips.
Bonnie was taken aback, and caught completely off-guard. They made eye contact, and she could tell he felt like he'd messed up. There was a bit of magic behind that friendly smile. Soft lips to be exact. The kind of lips that felt like an incredible gift to receive, under the tickle of his goatee. When he thought she'd react awfully, she instead giggled.
"Ahhh... your hair tickled me."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, you can't help it." Her stare lingered, and that's when he almost forgot Iris was in the room, and that Bonnie wasn't really his girlfriend. He wanted to kiss her again, until he was interrupted.
"So, Keke... I see your business load is picking up like crazy."
"Yeah." He snapped out of it. "Business has been good."
"It's good to see you and Bonnie making it work." She spoke hesitantly.
"Well, she actually hired me for a job. Which is how we met. We were spending a lot of time together, and-"
"It just kind of happened." Bonnie smiled, but when she turned to see Iris, her face was almost regretful. Bonnie felt a level on unrepairable discomfort, realizing that it was a big deal in their relationship. "But, also, I have a hectic schedule, so, now that he doesn't work for me, we see each other less."
"Iris and I work together once in a while. Her job sometimes relies on my job for important information." Barry said.
"I'm a reporter for Modesto Sun Times, Crime division. He's in forensics. He usually has a lead for me." Bonnie felt better now that Iris was smiling. She wanted to play off of that, to keep the mood light.
"That's important, ya know. To support for each other's jobs."
"Hell, just knowing what your partner does for a living. Bonnie's last boyfriend didn't tell her for nearly a year."
"Kai!"
"Sorry Bonsters, it's true." Bonnie felt uncomfortable after that. The fact that he chose to speak so casually of Damon. Especially when Bonnie didn't talk a lot about him. She doesn't even realize she mentioned that part to him before. Not to mention she hated the Bonsters nickname, and Kai knew it.
"That's awful Bonnie. But, maybe he had reasons... to protect you?"
"A therapist? Pft!" Kai sneered.
Bonnie gave Kai another side-eye as he scoffed negatively towards Damon. That was strike two. He didn't often have strikes when it came to Bonnie. He usually said that right thing, at the right moment, and somehow, tonight he was over stepping. Just when she was losing herself in the idea of the two of them being more than friends.
"Well Bonnie, what I've come to learn about men," Iris stated trying to clean up the situation, "sometimes the job, gets the best of the man. Not all men are good at balancing both." She looked at Kai, tossing around a subliminal. "Sometimes we have to except things for them, so they can see it's okay, that we don't feel threatened by it." Then she took another shot at herself.
She's not a bad person. She's actually, kind of a sweet girl.
"You're right. I never thought about it this way."
"Barry comes home, tell me about his job. It wasn't always this way. For months he just kind of, kept that part of his life separate from me."
"It was too stressful. When I was off work, I didn't want to think about it or talk about it. Iris was my safe place. But when we decided to push forward, I knew I couldn't keep such an important part of my life, from one of the most important people."
Immediately a defensive Kai thought it was a shot at him, for his and iris' past.
"Great observation. BARE!" Kai spoke dryly, and put his fork in his mouth chewing with a distinct annoyance.
Iris, looked up through her long chocolate locks, which hung over both shoulders with a gentle side part. She was different from Bonnie. Bonnie was a little more distinct in style. Slightly edgy, but with a dark flare. Iris had a more classy look, but very feminine, in color. She wore soft colors, simple lines, pearl necklaces, and was appropriately covered up. Bonnie was usually very business appropriate in the day time. But she always had an edgy sexiness to her style, with dark undertones. Today she donned heavy browns and blues, with burgundy, the ideal nineties Guess catalog. Legs on display, with a high waisted, skirt, and a slight bit of her upper stomach. Just below the chest.
"Keke, you okay?"
"I'm good Ris. Peachy!" He started at his pasta again, and this time he couldn't control how it stayed on his fork. Bonnie took note at the nicknames, feeling in some way intrusive of these two. She knew this should've been a Kai and Iris dinner. Somehow she and Barry were brought along, for this awkward ride. Barry held his own, as did Bonnie, but... she was doing a favor for Kai. She could only imagine how Barry must've felt, being the actual fiancé witnessing this.
"Kai." Bonnie tried to help. "Remember... spin it softly, and don't take so many noodles. We've been over this." She whispered.
"I suck at this. Can't they just make pasta noodles smaller? Like what the hell is it about footlong noodles, that pasta and noodle makers have a hard-on for?"
Bonnie laughed, at his choice of wording, while the couple across the way smiled awkwardly. "Silly, it's tradition. People are suppose to eat slow and savor the food." She noticed he was frustrated, because dinner with Barry and Iris was harder on him then he thought. "Do I have to feed you again?"
It almost made sense to baby him in such a moment. Also, when it came to Kai, Bonnie tend to be more dominant between the two. It was natural for her to feel protective over him. "You don't have to. I'm not a baby." He joked.
"Sometimes." She unknowingly spooled the noodles onto his fork, and he gave her the are you serious? look. Until she lifted the fork to his mouth, and he opened his mouth loving every minute of the attention. Bonnie, in her own cunning way turned it from the Kai and Iris show, to the Bonnie and Kai show. She didn't want to have to do that, because she genuinely felt for Iris and Kai. But also, she didn't think Barry deserved it.
"Mmm." Kai hummed. "So, you officially just babied me, in public."
"Like it's the first time."
Kai noticed Iris discontentment from his periphery.
"Sorry." Bonnie spoke to the rest of the table. "Anyways, we have a weird dynamic, Kai and I. Not typical. We kind of act like best friends sometimes."
"I respect that. Kai deserves a good friend anyways. Most of his guy friends are idiots."
"Pft. No!... They are normal guys."
"They still live together like roommates. It's like their in college still. Hello, we graduated a decade ago."
"You always did hate them."
"I don't hate them. I just think, they held you back."
"Rent in LA is... ridiculous. Oh, I forgot you moved to Modesto. Ahem! I mean Butt-Fucked-Egypt!"
"Wow." Barry scolded. "This is, like some freaky movie, isn't it?" The Iris-Kai show was back.
"No, sorry. I just..."
"No need to explain. I get it... you two had a thing. Can we just... move past it, or do you two need to address something?"
"Bare?" Iris frowned.
"No, seriously, because, you can't quit looking at them, and he can't quit, staring at you. Like, who the hell am I?" He looked at Bonnie, for a wink, or some nod of understanding.
"I think it's normal." Bonnie said. "Let's just talk about anything else. Your wedding?"
"Oh, its... coming along well. We have definitely put a lot of..."
"Effort into it." Barry helped her out when she was at a nervous loss of words. "She includes me on a lot, even though she technically doesn't have to. I'm not good at that stuff."
"Well, of course dude, just nod your head at everything she likes. Ris likes to be agreed with." He threw out there causally without thinking. He didn't realize 'til it was too late he may have overstepped his boundary with that remark. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"If that ain't the truth." Barry laughed. "Its like she asks questions, which she wants specific answers to. Then she says-"
"Be honest with me." Both men said at the same time and laughed at her expense.
"Aww, thanks guys."
"She's likes her ego fed."
"Right. Like she needs the boost."
"Exactly." Barry agreed. "It's like 'hey your gorgeous, no one can touch you. How was I lucky enough to get you. Now shut up."
"Aww. Boo. You two are assholes." She laughed.
"You know how you are Rissy-Poo." Barry said. Kai was taken aback, and Bonnie noticed it. She pinched his leg so he'd adjust his face. He quickly reseeded. "Your gorgeous. And your obsessed with your face. You take a collage of selfies."
"Ugh. Always has. She can't help that shit." Kai shook his head. "But, I say that as a friend. You're gorgeous. Some days, you shouldn't even have to ask."
Now, Iris saw Bonnie being quiet. "Uhh, let's stop talking about me guys, it isn't flattering."
"It's okay. I'm so not the jealous type." Bonnie laughed, but lied. Deep down she was the jealous type, but she realized she wasn't jealous of Kai and Iris. Her jealousy was more towards Damon, and any other woman. She kept it positive. This night between her and Kai was showing her a different side of their friendship which confused her. "You can never give a woman enough praise, that takes good care of herself. You're a very pretty woman."
"Why thank you Bonnie. You're not too far off Victoria secret model status yourself."
"Pft." Bonnie tossed her hands.
"It's true. Kai, you have a beautiful girlfriend. You guys make a great couple."
"Thanks, Bare...rrrry!" He stretched it out, realizing 'Bare' sounded condescending from him. "I wish you and Iris well. I'm happy for you both."
"Thanks, Kai." They both nodded heads and silence stretched beyond appropriateness.
"Anyways, I'll take care of the tab. Wedding gift, I guess."
"Aww, thanks Kai. Means a lot."
"Yup. No problem Iris." Both Bonnie and Iris noticed he didn't say Ris. He didn't seem angry either. "Bonnie you wanna stay or-"
"No, I'll go up with you."
"I have to use the little girl's room. I'll meet you all upfront." Iris told Barry.
"And I'll wait for Iris."
"Totally." Kai stood up and helped Bonnie up, then they walked towards the front of the restaurant. "Kai, you good?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Just... I don't know, totally awkward dinner, with your ex and her fiancé. And umm.. so much happened!" Bonnie whispered.
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for the weirdness. I mean, I hope you didn't feel weird."
"No. But the glossy eyes between you and Iris was so, obvious. Like totally, reflective of the teenage angst between you two."
"Teenage angst! Pft."
"Totally."
"Totally chill, you mean?"
"You wish."
"Hey, Bonsters. Thanks for doing this. You have no idea how hard this was. Somehow, you made it easier. Like you do with everything." Bonnie looked up at Kai, as he put the palm of his hand gently on the back of her neck.
"Welcome."
The eye contact was deep and tense. While the sound of the cars made their way into the restaraunt as the doors were opening and closing with patrons coming and going, he stare at her, wanting to kiss her, forgetting Iris was there. And when his lips almost reached hers, Barry and Iris came from around the corner, interrupting them. "So, yeah, we are almost done here. It was good seeing you Iris. And Barry... I'm happy for both of you."
"Gee. That's big of you. Thanks, Kai." Barry looked at Iris questionably, and she returned the glance at him, then looked at Kai. There was some hesitance from Iris, forcing Barry to end the night. He could tell seeing Bonnie and Kai acting so intimately was hard on her. "Well, umm, we should get going. Ready Rissy poo?"
"Totes, Bare Bare." With that, Kai found it easier, for once to let her walk away. Because the minute she did, he turned right back around to Bonnie, reached for her neck again, and for the first time since he met her, he took his chance and just kissed her. Though she was caught off guard, she relaxed into his touch. Finally understanding what it felt like to connect to him in this way, her lips met his, and the feeling of security filled her. The feeling of finally enjoying him, in a boundary pushing way. Kai had tested the waters with Bonnie a lot tonight, his comments, his lingering stares at Iris, and the way he went in on Damon. She was confused as to how she felt, and if she could see them taking their friendship to the next level.
Alas, his lips hugged hers, and it felt good to finally let go and kiss him. She finally felt what it feels to be on the Iris side of things. And while the kiss was slow, and soft, and made her feel tingling in her toes, they weren't alone. Bonnie's hands wrapped around Kai's shoulders, gripping his wife shoulders with her small hands, and deepening their kiss. Forgetting they were in a restaraunt, the kiss was infectious, and a testament to how naturally they fit.
No one was there but the two of them, util she felt a voice clear next to them.
"Kai, I'm sorry to interrupt you," and there was Iris... again. "but... I lied."
Bonnie and Kai were interrupted into reality, and stare at the woman who'd made Bonnie question her all night.
"Ris?"
"Kai, I'm... not getting married."
"What?"
"I'm not getting married, and Barry isn't my fiancé.
"What?" Kai, just as much as Bonnie was in a state of shock. And in a moment, that took months for them to get to. Months for them to brave out and finally take the leap. A moment they didn't expect it would happen, as casually as it did. And a moment both were too afraid to admit they'd been waiting for, for 'months now. And as it happened, in such a natural way, like the rest of their friendship... not forced, not pushed, and not uncomfortable, they were interrupted by a woman, who had the power to take it all away, with just a few words.
"I love you, still."
Kai heard it play out backwards, because he looked confused when she said it. His brows furrowed, and he scrunched his face in confusion. "Ris, this... this isn't the right time. I- why would you do this?" He asked defensively.
"I-I don't know." She said walking towards them, and turning to Bonnie. "Bonnie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lied and put on this big show, but-"
Bonnie heard everything in slow motion, and Kai turned to her, grabbing her. "Bonsters... sweetie. Hey, look at me." He asked, as her eyes darted at Iris. "Bonnie, please."
"Wow. This... I mean-" and she knew she shouldn't be so angry, afterall she and Kai were also putting on a big show. But Iris didn't know that. "The audacity."
"I know, I'm sorry-"
"Don't apologize. You've been doing it all night. Lingering glances and definite annoyances of his and my connection. And right now, in such a moment, you thought it was okay to... to interrupt a personal and intimate moment he and I were sharing... so that you could be selfish?"
"Oh my god, I'm sorry I can't believe I... Bonnie please understand I had no idea he had a girlfriend. I mean I've seen pictures of you on his social media but, it always seemed friendly. It made me come back, because I realized I made a huge mistake, when I left. He, asked me to marry him, and I buckled-" Iris went on to explain, and Bonnie looked at Kai, realizing something.
"She broke up... with you? I thought you broke up with her?"
"I did." He forced Iris into honesty. "She buckled, and left. She moved away for her career...but- and this is important, we decided to stay together, despite her turning down my proposal. And despite the four hour drive in traffic to see each every other weekend. SHE... complained about my work schedule, and I thought... I'm giving what I can. She turned me down. She moved way, and still, I was willing. But, she wanted to complain about my job. It was one hit after the other, I couldn't do it. And I ENDED THINGS." He said towards Iris. They stood outside and patrons began to watch the spectacle. Iris had tears running down her face. "Then she was suddenly engaged on Facebook, and that was that."
"Got it." Bonnie said. She wanted to out she and Kai so bad, and let Iris know it wasn't real. But, somehow, it felt real. Like a break up. Even if it wasn't one."
"Bonnie, this... she and I have nothing to do with you and me."
"It's okay. I'm actually really tired. Can you just take me home?" She'd never seen him so disappointed as she did in these moments. His face broke from being totally in the moment with her and happy, to lost and damned.
"Kai, I'm sorry-"
"Not now, Iris. Please." He held his hand up, and that's when Barry pulled up in the car. Iris, knew she had been defeated by herself. As Bonnie walked away, Iris headed to the car. Kai stood between both women, and headed after Bonnie. The moment was destroyed with a single lie, told between four people. Bonnie didn't realize where he parked so he walked quickly after her, reaching for her hand. She held it, realizing she'd let things get too far with him. She cared about him so much, she knew they shouldn't have kissed, or moved in any direction passed friendship.
Kai gripped her hand, to see if she'd grip his back. She did. It let him know she wasn't angry with him. It was a long quiet drive home. Kai dropped Bonnie off, and as he got out to walk her to her door, she wasn't in the mood for small talk.
"Bonnie, I'm sorry for-"
"No. Kai it's okay. I just want to go inside and take a shower, and go to bed."
"I can stay. We don't have to talk, we can just-"
Bonnie shook her head at him. "That's how we got to this place. Not having boundaries with our friendship."
"Bon-"
"You need to go home and process this, because a lot happened tonight, with us, with Iris.. It's... a lot. And as your friend, I want you to do that. You need it." She felt his emotions before they pooled in the corners of his eyes. She felt him about to become emotional.
"I didn't think-"
"It's okay." She reached up, kissed him once more on the mouth, and went inside of her house. Kai stood there for a minute before leaving, and Bonnie leaned against the back of her front door until she heard him drive off. Which took a few minutes. Then she headed for her shower, and cried her eyes out.
It wasn't just about Kai. It was for Kai, for Damon, for Lily, for Kol, for the possibility that Kol may have a baby, and just for the rollercoaster of things she'd experienced in the past year. More trials and tribulations in this short amount of time, than in her ten years of being married to Kol, ten years of pretending problems didn't exist. Ten years of over-working herself so she could forget about the loneliness and the heart-ache. Ten years of not trusting herself to take a leap, and in the past year, she's taken three leaps. With Damon, Lily, and Kai. Three leaps she would never regret. Three leaps that helped her learn so much about herself. Including the moment she decided to divorce Kol.
xXx
She'd showered, and gotten out before she realized she was still crying. It was a long, long shower. And for the first time in a year she didn't think about sex or masturbating. She just thought about how much she'd learned, about herself, and how no matter what, she still didn't know who she was.
(DING DONG)
Her door bell rang, and through her tears she couldn't believe he'd come back. She stormed to the door and swung it open, "I told you I just wanted to be alone!" Her eyes froze in an unmasked shock. "Damon...? What..." she noticed his eyes were red. He'd been crying.
"I'm sorry. I can leave-"
"No. Don't be silly." She pulled him into her house, closing and locking the door. "Damon, what's... what happened?" She was worried, wiping his tears with the pads of her thumbs.
"I just..." he swallowed heavy and rubbed his hands over his face. "I'm not sure why I'm here. I know I have things I need to face myself, but- I can't stop thinking about my life, and all this fucked up mess I've created-" he stopped speaking, having noticed her watery eyes, and red nose, while they stood in the dark room, with nothing but moon illumination from the plexiglass windows in her walkway. "What happened? Why are you crying Sweet Pea?" His whole body language went from relaxed to tense, as he grabbed her putting his hands on her face.
"Nothing. It's been a long day."
"Talk to me, please don't lie."
"Damon?"
"Is it your boyfriend?"
"Damon... no."
"Did he hurt you?"
"Damon!" She snapped him out of it. "No. He didn't hurt me." He took a couple steps back, and gave her space. She knew he was just trying to help. His heart was in the right place and he didn't deserve to be snapped at. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. It's my fault for coming."
"No. It's not."
"Can I know why you're crying? I just want to be there for you." Tears fell down her cheek again. Hearing him say those words, meant everything to her. She loved talking to him, because he loved to listen. And she realized she was contradicting herself, with what she needed from him, which was for him to open up. But she knew he wouldn't let her cry without telling him why. He waited a few minutes to give her space and let her cry. Then after assessing her body language, and, listening to her breathing patterns, he realized it was just a subtle cry, and a needy hug. He knew it was about Kai. "Did you two have a fight?"
She shook her head no, while it was buried into his chest, in his hug. A hug that felt familiar but different. It was controlled, but comforting. His chin rest on her head, and he didn't grip her like he normally did. He hugged her without suffocating her.
"Talk to me. Im not here to judge you. I'm just... being a friend." He whispered. "Did you... break up?"
It made sense to say yes. Even if it wasn't true, it was in a way. She couldn't speak. He gripped her tighter, when he felt her cry harder. Bonnie wasn't crying for Kai. She was crying for everything, and Kai happened to be apart of it. She finally allowed herself to just... cry and be held by Damon. For the first time in months.
"I'm sorry you're hurting Sweet Pea." And he gave her, what she needed in the moment. He held her so she could cry. After minutes of being held, Bonnie pulled up, and saw his tears dissipated.
"Damon, why were you crying when you got here?"
"I wasn't... crying."
"You were. What happened at court today? I tried to be there, but... Micky told me you didn't think it was a good idea."
"It wasn't." She stare at him a while. The more he looked at her, the more emotional he became. His eyes watered again, and he fought it, trying to concealing it, by sniffing the air, but Bonnie grabbed his face, and let the darkness of the room hug their bodies as they held each other. She pulled him to her, and kissed his forehead. Damon closed his eye exhaling, feeling her lips touch his skin. Never before, had such a small gesture, satisfied him. It wasn't sexual or erotic. It was loving. And he felt, the power of Bonnie's love behind that small kiss, and he held her wrists while she held his face.
"Take ten deep breaths with me." She whispered, remembering Damon always did this with her during their sessions, to relax her, and connect them. Whether he was behind her breathing on her neck, or in front of her breathing in her oxygen, he always placed his hand on her chest, or stomach, and took ten deep breaths. It both comforted Bonnie, and helped her to submit to him.
This time, she was using his technique, on him. Comforting him, and helping him to submit. Something he didn't do. He didn't allow his vulnerabilities to be seen by Bonnie. But, he was so done fighting everything inside of him to be so closed off.
With her forehead still against his, she moved one hand to the back of his neck, and the other to his chest. He maintained his grasps on her wrists even when she moved her hands, making sure they never disconnected. Bonnie counted to three quietly, and they took their deep breaths. He followed her lead, which had become easier over the last few months. Allowing her to direct anything between them.
When it was all said and done, she lead him to her room, removed his jacket and lay it on her ottoman. They didn't talk much that night. They just got in bed, and held each other, til they fell asleep.
**First half of chapter- when it comes to courtroom lingo, I tried. Sorry if it wasn't convincing. Also, I gave one flash back of the night in Vegas. I will give one or two more in the next few chapters. I just wanted you to get an idea, of some of Bonnie and Damon's intensity when they commit to the Dom/sub life behind closed doors. Dominance and submission, isn't just about sex. It's about trust, connection, a deep bond, and some form of obedience by both people, to committing to the roles they've chosen. So, Damon commanding her to kneel, and her abiding unquestionably, was a testament to parts of their relationship, that were unspoken in this story. The daily act of their commitment, that existed, but was unwritten.
**Second half of chapter- Bonnie saw April with a baby, and is trying to piece together the timeline, to see if it could be Kol's. This, actually, hit her hard. I didn't write how it effected her in this chapter bc it'll be addressed in another chapter. Plus, this was a key chap for Bonnie and Kai, who had been pushing the boundaries for a while, not acting on anything, but both feeling questionable about their friendship. But as it happened, even though, Bonnie was okay with it, the combination of the night's events, made her realize, they were better as friends. Damon showed up at Bonnie's place, and both of them had been crying. And unconsciously, he became very submissive to her, if you noticed. Any thoughts?
Thx for reading!