Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. They belong to L.J. Smith/The CW.

Summary: They say it's the thought that counts.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews! Always thank you for the reviews! The title of this installment is taken from a Deftones song; however I'm going to be a bit ambiguous on why I'm using it.

This Place Is Death

Stefan Salvatore lounged on his sofa and watched as his big brother paced from one side of the room to the other. His expression was near murderous; his eyes hard and calculated with the thoughts running through his mind. He was close to the edge of losing control—Stefan could tell because he knew exactly where he was coming from. Whenever Elena was in danger or threatened he felt the same emotions course through him. And unlike himself, Damon had a history of acting without thinking about the consequences of his actions. It was a good and bad quality to possess.

Exhaling deeply, he clasped his hands in front of him. "So Klaus has been invading Bonnie's dreams? Are we sure it's him and not just a nightmare?"

Damon folded his arms over his chest. "He compelled some jerk in that club to screw with us so, yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he's figured out a way to get inside of her head. You know he could probably compel her to do anything and she'd have to do it."

Stefan nodded slowly. "We'll just make sure that doesn't happen. We'll be more vigilant and not let her go out alone without a chaperone. I'm sure Caroline and Tyler will help considering Klaus is a threat to them as well."

His brother frowned. "We need to figure out a way to kill the son of a bitch before he does anymore damage. He's planning something…I can feel it. That's the only reason he's lying low."

"How would we even begin to think about killing him, Damon?" Stefan inquired. "Bonnie was our best shot before with Elijah's help and now, well, it would take all of her energy to kill him. Which would kill her as well."

"That's not happening." Damon growled. "I don't know, okay? But we have to come up with something before he decides he's tired of these games and just comes for her."

The other vampire smoothed a hand over his face because he knew exactly how that felt. "Alright. I'll get Alaric to help me research; see what we can dig up. There has to be something out there that can help us."

Damon didn't want to spend time with musty old books but of course he didn't have any other choice. It was times like this that he hated not being older and stronger. He hated feeling so fucken useless. "This is all John's fault."

Stefan arched a brow. "How so?"

Because everything is John's fault? "Well it all started with him and that fucken device or whatever. You know if we still had that thing we could probably use it against Klaus. It worked on the Mayor and what's his face so we know it would work on his wolf side. We could knock his ass out and then have Bonnie set him on fire." Pause. "I wonder where it got to?"

Stefan stood with a shrug. "Who knows? I think John was the last person to have it and he's dead now. We should find out if he has any holdings somewhere, like a safety deposit box or something. As a relative Elena would be able to get to them I think."

"Maybe I'll ask Liz what she knows." He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door.

"Damon!" Stefan called after him. "Be nice. Sheriff Forbes isn't our closest ally anymore if at all. Don't do anything that would make things harder for Caroline."

He grinned widely. "No problem, brother. I'll be on my best behavior." Winking, he exited the manor and headed for his car.

Stefan got on his nerves most days but it probably wasn't a secret that he did in fact care about his well-being. However one of his main problems with him is that he tried to care about everyone and everything. He wanted to save the world and be the hero, while Damon just wanted to protect what was his. He had no desire to change his stripes and be a decent member of society. He would sacrifice Caroline and the entire town of Mystic Falls in a heartbeat if it meant Bonnie was safe. And he wasn't going to feel bad because of it.

It was selfish and he realized this and frankly, he didn't give a shit. For almost one hundred and fifty years he coasted through the decades with only the thought of seeing Katherine again to keep him going. Well that and fucking up Stefan's life but that was beside the point. Anyway he didn't let anything stand in his way to reach her no matter how the situation finally acted out. In truth he'd been lonely while waiting for the comet. Meaningless flings with girls who may or may not have ended up his dinner passed the time but they didn't satisfy him. Back then only Katherine fit that bill.

Now things were different. He had someone and after all he'd been through with Bonnie and nearly losing her several times, he wasn't about to let some freak swoop in and take her away. He'd been saying it for months now but Bonnie was his and she always would be. No one and no thing had a claim to her, not even death. Especially not some asshole that would just use her for his own amusement.

Still he realized that love and emotions ultimately fucked you up in the end. Before Katherine he'd been human and regular. Perhaps searching for something more but his soul wasn't tainted with the blood of so many victims he'd lost count. Back then he had morals and chivalry. Back then he'd been more like Stefan than he ever wanted to let on now. Love—love— destroyed him and made him into a new animal, one that attacked and murdered without conscious.

Until Bonnie.

They'd come so far but obviously still had miles to go. Sometimes he didn't know what to make of her even now. She was like a hurricane; most times calm as a constant eye of the storm but look out if you go the outer rings. Yet he really liked that about her. He loved watching her unleash her fury onto the world. He loved watching her come apart under his hands until glass shattered and wooden beams creaked. One day they'd leave this stupid little town and live like royalty somewhere.

First though, Klaus.

Sliding behind the wheel of his vehicle, he glanced to his reflection in the rear-view mirror before starting up and pulling out of the driveway. He didn't have time to make nice with the scared humans. Sure he wasn't a saint and yes he often killed without mercy, but it wasn't like Liz was innocent either. He was certain a few of the evil vampires she'd killed in the past were probably just trying to live their lives. Such a Lexi. Yeah he'd dealt the death blow but Liz would have herself if she could have.

Her prejudices weren't unfounded just out of control, like hating an entire group of people because of what one single person did.

Instead of driving to her home he went directly to the police station. He figured if she were there it would be easier for her to talk to him if she had back up. He'd pretend he couldn't kill everyone inside in five seconds if it made her feel better. After parking, he strolled inside and through the hallways, ignoring a few of the looks he got from people who knew the truth. Once at her office, he knocked and entered when she beckoned for him to do so.

Her expression was comical once he was inside. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here."

"Naturally." He said with a smile. "Look Liz, I know you're confused on how you're feeling about people like me and I'm not here to try to change your mind. Hate me all you want—I deserve it. But first I think you should know Caroline is still your daughter and she still loves you."

Liz frowned at him, her fingers moving restlessly on top of her desk. "Is that what you came here to tell me?"

"Nope." Popping the sound, he sunk down into a chair. "I realize you don't know the entire situation so I'm gonna fill you in on some of the finer details. When you tried to kill me I was infected and basically out of my mind. Things besides a few vampires draining people happen in this town, Liz. And I haven't fed on a human in ages. Well without consent I'll say."

"What sort of things?" She inquired curiously. "You mean this—this wolf stuff?"

"Somewhat." His brows drew together in a tight scowl. "All you need to know is that there is something out there ten times worse than I ever was. My brother and I want to kill it, a lot. But it's proving to be difficult."

She nodded, eying him warily. "And you need my help?"

He clasped his hands together in his lap. "I need to know where Jonathan Gilbert keeps his toys and important things. Things he wouldn't want anyone getting their hands on."

Liz snorted. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Damon, but John isn't exactly forthcoming with any of his secrets. Bastard hordes them like treasure."

Of course. Asshole."Does the Council know anything about how to kill an ancient vampire?"

She blinked in a sort of shocked stupor. "How ancient?"

He leaned back in his chair. "Very."

"I…" Shaking her head, she bit her bottom lip. "I don't know. I'd have to check the archives or something. I mean we know this town has a history of abnormal things but I don't know if anyone ever touched on an ancient vampire."

"If you could check that would be nice." He tilted his head to the side. "Every little bit helps."

"Right. You know I don't trust you at all Damon. You're a killer; I know all about some of the things you've done."

"Then you should know what I'll do to protect those I care about."

"Bonnie Bennett, right?"

"I see Caroline has been running her mouth."

"She's being honest with me because I deserve it, and I want to understand what she is now. Bonnie is seventeen years old and you're…a hell of a lot older than that."

"Gonna lock me up for statutory rape?"

"I'd like to lock you up for a lot more than that. But no, I just think you should leave her alone. Caroline was fine before you and your brother came to town, and now she's a—a vampire. How many more people have to die?"

"As of right now, just one."

"I trusted you and you lied to me."

"Yet you're still alive. I could have killed you when you first discovered the truth, but I didn't. And it wasn't all because of Caroline either. It was because I considered you a friend. I'm not a saint but I'm not always the monster you think I am either. As for Bonnie, she's mine and I'm going to take care of her."

"What if you can't?"

"I don't take failure very well."

Liz exhaled deeply. "I'll talk to Carol Lockwood and see if she knows anything about your ancient vampires."

Damon nodded and stood. "Thank you." A beat. "For what it's worth, Liz, I'm sorry you found out about this the way you did."

"Me too." She said softly.

He gazed at her for a few moments before opening the door and walking out. A part of him couldn't help but think she'd stab him in the back the second he became too much to handle, and really she'd be totally justified to do so. But that didn't mean he was going to go down without a fight. He liked her—he did—but if her body added to pile helped him save Bonnie then he'd rip out her heart without a second thought.

So many violent thoughts today. Judgy wouldn't like it if she knew what I was thinking. She's like Stefan with the whole wanting to save everyone thing.

Damon couldn't help but wonder how Bonnie would see his reckless and intense loyalty. In the past she'd been upset because he hadn't seemed to care enough but now he figured she would see his single minded focus a bit un-nerving albeit telling of his true feelings for her. He couldn't help but hold on so tight because any other option sounded stupid. Vampires always went all out, that was just the way it was.

More pressing matters—he needed to find out more information on Klaus so that he could get rid of him. What they needed was another Original willing to sell the bastard out, but he didn't know where they would find one or if there were any left. Nevertheless there had to be some way to get rid of him. After all vampires and wolves weren't exactly immortal just harder to kill than most. Sunlight and stakes might not work on him but something would. It was just a matter of finding that something.

Perhaps Alaric knew something. He had been Klaus' suit for a while. I shouldn't have killed his witches so quickly, but eh, what are you gonna do?Suddenly a light bulb clicked on in his head and he yanked out his phone, dialing Stefan.

"Hello?"

"Stefan. Remember that guy Rose took me to see? The one who was constantly in college?"

"Yeah." Stefan replied. "Why? Elijah killed him as far as we know."

"True but he had all this information on Originals and stuff." He explained as he strolled towards his car. "People like him always had backups or whatever. You should take Elena to his house and see if there is anything there. Steal his computers or something."

"It could be a long shot but okay." His brother agreed. "I'll call you if I find anything. And Damon? Be careful."

"Your concern is touching." He rolled his eyes. "Bye."

Pocketing his cell, he flopped behind the wheel and glanced around at the town. There is nothing good about this place, never has been. Why everyone is fighting so hard to protect it I have no idea. In a perfect world Stefan, Elena, Bonnie and I would hit the road and go somewhere so much better. And then Bonnie and I would ditch them for some much needed alone time.

Honestly I don't think Mystic Falls is big enough for us and Klaus.

The rules of a vampire/wolf hybrid weren't clear to anyone but Bonnie assumed Klaus couldn't just waltz into her home without being invited. She didn't want to test her theory but she didn't have time to be always be afraid for the moment he might show up. She couldn't live her life like that—in fact she refused. There were things she wanted to do and needed to do, and going home to make sure her house was still standing was one of those things.

It was, thankfully.

Standing in her living room with the windows open to let in some fresh air, she picked up a yellow can of furniture polish and sprayed down the coffee table and bookshelf. She hadn't been home in a while so things were a little stuffy. Her father was still away on business though he did call her every few days to make sure things were okay. He'd also slip in a question or two about Damon but she always assured him she was behaving herself. Though she kinda suspected her father suspected that Damon had been over more times than he cared to really know about.

At least too much has been going on for Tyler's mom to open her mouth.

After cleaning away some of the dust, she put a load of laundry in the wash and threw out expired food from the fridge. The sun was shining brightly outside and it made her feel better about being alone. Besides it wasn't like she could stay joined at the hip to Damon for the rest of her life. Well she could but she didn't want to. Still everyone kept telling her that it was okay to let him take care of her for a while. And God knows he appeared to really want to. In truth she did feel a lot better going to bed at night with his arms wrapped around her.

Yawning and stretching her arms over her head, she hauled a bag of trash out to a can on the curb and rubbed her hands on her jeans when she was done. A white van with a bright pink logo on the side pulled up and a man in a brown uniform hopped out, coming around to where she stood.

"Are you Bonnie Bennett?" He inquired with a big smile.

"Uh, yeah." She scratched at her cheek.

"This is for you!" He handed her a long white box with a red ribbon tied around the center and had her sign his electronic clipboard. "You have a very nice day now!" And then he was hurrying back to his van and speeding off.

"O…kay…" Chuckling, she sat down on her porch steps and picked up the card attached to the bow. She'd never assumed Damon was the romantic type, well not the flowers type anyway. This was a pleasantly unexpected surprise.

A showing of good will for a rose by another name who is just as sweet. —K

Bonnie's heart went from steady to racing in a single second and she had to swallow down the sound that threatened to escape her throat. She balled the note up and looked to the box in her lap, steeling herself against nerves. I can do this. He's just messing with me.Wetting her lips, she pulled off the ribbon and lifted off the top to peer inside.

There nestled amongst a dozen long stemmed red roses was a bloody human heart.

She shoved the box away from her and stood, taking a few steps back. Immediately she wondered who was dead. Who had Klaus murdered to make a point to her? Elena? Jeremy? Her father? Tears filled her eyes and she opened her hand, gasping in air before noticing the words scrawled on the back of the card.

You're the only pretty witch in town now.

Realization dawned on her like a sunrise. "Clarissa."

A hand on her shoulder made her scream, and then the owner of the hand screamed and grabbed their head. "Bonnie! Bonnie it—it's me! Caroline! Ah! Please!"

"Oh, oh God Caroline I'm so sorry!" Bonnie instantly stopped bursting the blood vessels in her brain. "You—shit you just scared the hell out of me. What are you doing here?"

Pouting, the blonde rubbed her forehead. "Elena asked me to come and check on you while she and Stefan did something. What's wrong?"

She motioned to the box. "Klaus sent me a present or his idea of a present."

Looking into the gift, Caroline made a face. "Oh ew! Wha—whose heart is that?"

"There was this witch a while ago and she had a thing against Damon for killing a friend of hers. She came after both of us but Stefan destroyed her talisman and we hadn't heard from her since. I'm pretty sure that's hers in there." She said pointing. "Somehow Klaus found her and killed her. He made it sound like a fucken favor or whatever."

Caroline nudged the top back onto it with her foot. "I hope I never run into that guy."

"I hope if I run into him again I can kill him." Bonnie growled. "I'm tired of people coming here and thinking they can screw with us. We're powerful and they have no right."

"I'm with ya there." The blonde squeezed her shoulder. "Um, you should get rid of that though before someone sees it. Bury it in the backyard maybe? I'll do it if you want."

Bonnie turned and hugged her friend tightly. "Thanks. I have some clothes that need drying; do you wanna hang with me until they are ready?"

Caroline smiled. "Of course. We'll look out for each other."

It's dark by the time all of the clothes were dry and put away with the exception of the ones Bonnie planned to take back to Damon's. She and Caroline spent their time chatting after Clarissa's heart was buried under the bushes in the backyard. She knew that she has to tell Damon but she also knew he won't take it well. He didn't even want her out of his sight; she had to pull the I'm a kick ass witch who can take care of herself card.

Luckily she also had strong friends around to worry about her.

Humming, she brought her bag downstairs and sat it on the floor, checking to make sure she had everything she wanted to take with her. Not like she couldn't borrow something from Elena if she needed it.

Caroline was standing at the window while looking down at her phone, probably texting Tyler. Bonnie smirked as she remembered when she'd idly considered dating Tyler a while ago. She now thought he made a better fit with Caroline however. They're both so new to this world, both slightly scared and a bit jaded because of what's been done to them. They could become perfect for each other like she became with Damon.

We will double date one night, I don't care what Damon says.

Snickering, she ducked into the kitchen for a last minute check to make sure the stove was off when a loud crash sounded from the living room. She rushed back inside just in time to see Caroline be hurled into the wall with a loud thud. Her attacker turned slowly as if it pained him and the second Bonnie glimpsed his face she figured it probably did.

"Hello Bonnie. Long time no see."

"Luka…"

He was…disgusting for lack of a better word. Charred and dirty with clumps of rotten flesh peeling off his face and hands. His eyes were white, glazed and dead. His lips chapped to the point of breaking. He was decomposing right before her eyes, patches of his flesh moving on its own accord which could only mean insects were trapped and burrowing to the surface to get free. And the smell…it was enough to make her gag.

"I'd ask where my dad is but I already know." He glanced down at himself. "It's strange, being back in my body, if I can even call it that anymore. Everything itches."

She swallowed hard. "I—I don't know who did this to you but I can put you back to rest."

"Clarissa did it." He said. "But I don't feel her anymore. She brought me back for a reason though and I'm gonna take full advantage of it."

He lunged at her without warning and she screamed as they went down, hitting the carpet hard. She struggled and kicked out at him, trying to get him off of her but it wasn't easy. He was strong and heavy, his maggot eaten hands wrapping tightly around her throat and squeezing.

"I always wanted to kiss you, Bonnie." He grinned, his teeth black. "Consider it the last wish of a dead man."

His face came closer and she lashed out, sending him crashing onto the coffee table. She scrambled to her feet, nearly falling twice before she staggered into the kitchen with sore ribs. He was up quickly though and shoved her hard into the counter, knocking the air out of her lungs. He grabbed her from behind, his fingers tight in her hair as he started dragging her backwards. She slammed her head back violently into his face and he cried out, giving her just enough time to grab a glass of water sitting on the sink. She tossed it onto him and twitched. Without warning he erupted into a ball of flames, shrieking and flailing.

The kitchen door slammed back against the wall as it was forced open and she jerked her head to the side, her big green eyes meeting Damon's surprised blue ones. They both watched in silence as Luka fell burning to his knees and then onto his chest, his shrieks turning to whimpers and then nothing at all.

Damon was pulling her into his arms a second later, and she tried as hard as she could not to break down. "Are you okay? I felt your fear."

She nodded shakily. "I—a little. Thanks for coming to rescue me."

"Always." He winked, alert once again when a groan sounded from the living room.

"Caroline!" Bonnie stepped over Luka's carcass and hurried to check on her friend. "Are you okay?"

"Getting tired of being tossed into shit but otherwise, yeah." She grumbled. "What just happened?"

"Apparently Clarissa left me a parting gift. I wonder if that was before or after Klaus got his hands on her." Bonnie bit down hard on her lip. "I'm guessing after. God, it's like he's trying to court me or something."

"Fuck him." Damon snapped. He gently took Bonnie's upper arm and guided her outside. "Fuck this whole town."

She smoothed her hand on his cheek. "I'm okay. I told you I could take care of myself."

He nodded. "Yeah I know but that's not what I'm talking about. You do realize Klaus is just being a dick, right? He could come for you anytime he wanted just like he came for Elena. Well I'm sorry but I'll be damned if I just stand there like Stefan did while he takes you away. I'll burn this town to the ground before I let him have you."

Lifting onto her tippy toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Let him hold her a little too tightly. Let him turn the kiss from delicate to aggressive until she was gasping for air with kiss swollen lips and dilated pupils.

Damon tipped up her chin, his faded blue eyes searching her face before he spoke. "Would you leave with me?"

She frowned a little in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He exhaled, his expression guarded. "If shit got too insane and there was no way to fuck Klaus up, would you leave with me? This town, this state, hell this fucken continent. Would you leave with me?"

She opened her mouth to respond with a hair trigger response but it died on her tongue. A burst of warmth flared to life in her chest and she shivered, slowly looking around the neighborhood she'd called home since before she could even talk. To the house she'd grew up in with a father who loved her and a Grams that drunk too much but was always there for her. To a few blocks over where her best friends lived and went to school.

And then she settled on the man in front of her and the answer was so clear. "Yes, Damon. I'd leave with you."

~Fin~