Chapter 3
A/N: I don't own these characters. Enjoy/Let me know what you think!
He had just killed the love of Enzo's life. Enzo had told Bonnie about her and he hadn't used those words, but Bonnie knew them to be true.
He looked so different and yet the same. His hair was styled shorter but was longer in the front, hanging over his eyes. He looked lighter somehow, as if not even the despair of waiting for Katherine was hanging over his head. Below the hate in his eyes, there was also a twinge of pain that wasn't usually there-a different kind of pain than that inflicted by the loss of Katherine or Elena. It was the simple pain of being tortured for years as an Augustine vampire.
And yet his eyes were still as blue. Clear, infallible blue. The eyes that had seen her break down in 1994. The same eyes that had glinted coldly in California four months ago, not remembering or caring.
And his mouth. She wanted to wipe that incessant smirk off his face. The smirk that she loved and hated and loved to hate–was he born with it plastered across his flawless features?
She refocused herself. She couldn't look like she was stalking him. Stefan had told her that Damon would end up at a diner later that night. How he knew that, she didn't know, nor did she want to know.
When she walked in, she looked towards the back. There was a small corner where African Americans were sitting. She was surprised they were even allowed in the same restaurant. She took a seat at a small table in that area, forcing herself not to glare as a waitress lead a white man to a table in the more well-lit area of the diner and handed him a menu. She went to the counter and ordered a milkshake. It was almost funny that this was how the 50's actually were. A small TV in the center of the room showed the news. She watched as she drank the shake, trying to remember some of the events from history class.
About an hour later, the double doors at the entrance burst open and Damon walked in. This must have been when he started wearing his famous leather jacket, because it was shiny and new and looked good. He must think he's a regular James Dean, she thought as he strutted in and sat at the counter. The waitress spent too much time serving him, flirting and smiling as she took his order.
"Damon! It's been too long. Will you have the usual? Of course I know how you like it!" It went on and on. His replies were unintelligible.
Bonnie couldn't figure out if he was compelling her or if she really was that desperate. Then she looked around to see that most of the women in the diner were stealing glances his way. Some were even blushing. Figures.
When he got his food, he ate it carelessly, like he wasn't hungry. He probably isn't, Bonnie thought. He's probably full of blood.
She got up to leave. She didn't want him to see her yet and the proximity was too close for her to watch him without being called out, especially since he was white and she was black. As she headed towards the door, he turned his head. Popping a fry into his mouth, she could feel the ice blue eyes on her back. Shit, she thought.
She had magically transfigured a car from a newspaper on the sidewalk earlier. Not too flashy, the pale yellow thunderbird was parked in the lot towards the side of the diner. She hasn't dared park out front. Bonnie also had to find somewhere to stay for the rest of her little vacation. Stefan had suggested a few homes where she could crash. She tried to think about which one she would try first, but before she could make a decision she heard the doors of the diner open and she knew it was him.
She was unlocking her car when he called out.
"Where are you heading to this early?"
She shut her eyes tight before opening them and turning around. "What's it to you?"
He looked a little taken aback by her bold reply. Shit, she thought again. She probably shouldn't talk to him that way but she couldn't help it. This is New York, not Montgomery. It's not as bad here.
He had lit a cigarette and was dragging it as he studied her. Ugh, why was Damon smoking so attractive?
"I haven't seen you around here before," he continued. "And I know everyone. You got a name?"
"I'm Bonnie."
"Well, isn't that lovely. What brings you to New York, Bonnie?" His eyes danced. Dammit, he probably wanted to suck her blood. She wasn't used to this.
She ignored his question. "Listen, I have to get going."
"You don't even know my name, Bonnie." He pronounced her name the same as always and it made him sound more like the Damon she knew best. Her name flowed off his tongue breathily, like his favorite tune.
When she didn't reply, he stepped closer. "I'm Damon, and I'm going to let you on your merry way for now, but I know everyone." He looked a little more sinister. She could tell his humanity was off more than ever. "So I intend to get to know you."
She suppressed a shudder. "Wonderful," she tried to sound cheerful as he leered again and sauntered away. Sinking into the seat of her car, she cursed herself. What have I gotten myself into?