Walk of Shame
The last place I wanted to be on a Friday night, or any night was negotiating with Niklaus Mikaelson, supreme dick, and temper tantrum extraordinaire. Yet here I was, walking into the den of wolves because his majesty didn't believe in meeting in anywhere that wasn't his domain, especially when a deal between the witches and he could be in the works for days on. My intention had been to get this whole thing over with, within two hours tops and then spend the rest of my night bar hopping like any other single, sane person in town.
My phone was plastered to my ear as I listened to my best friend, rant about me missing a night of bar hopping in order to deal with Klaus of all people.
"This is our last week in New Orleans and you're out saving the world instead of partying with me." Damon nearly whines."I say, you leave the witches to their own devices- nobody helped you whenever you had a problem." He says matter of fact.
I can't help but to bristle at his words. "And look where that got me, I'm still trying to get over the post traumatic stress that was brought upon by you, and your need to save Elena at all cost." I rant into the phone. "Klaus and his torture on everyone in his vicinity and let's not forget that siphoning horror Kai." I say causing Damon to go quiet suddenly.
After everything that had occurred, I was touchy when it came to the past, and I had right to be. Some may thought that I was holding onto the negative but really I was just trying to stop it from repeating ever again, I wanted the lesson to learned for everyone.
The silence that lingers between the two of us, is something that is familiar especially whenever the past is brought up.
"Bonnie," He says his voice more like whisper this time. "If I could go back and change things, I would." He lets out sigh. "I'm part of the reason you're so reckless." He says as if he realizing this for the first time. "But, mark my words Bon, you and I, are now a tag team." He smiles. "I've got your back and I will spend forever making up for the wounds that I caused."
I suck in a breath at his words. It's not like we haven't discussed this very issue at hand. A lot of my problems had stemmed from the Salvatore brothers, Elena and all the crap the three of them brought into our lives. A lot had happen some of it jaded me, other parts made me realize that I could no longer be a footnote in my own story.
I was my own person, with my own opinions and feelings and although I had dismissed those things before, I had learned that nobody was going to treat me the way I needed to be treated if I couldn't do the same to myself. And that was why I was so much more comfortable in my skin now. I knew who I was, and what I wanted in life, and right now, I wanted to help those who needed it- so they wouldn't feel like I had felt growing up, ever.
"It's you a me against the world remember?" Damon says so easily.
Shifting the phone to the other ear, I smile. "I got your back to." I say finally. "And for the record, I'm going to this meeting, so no other witch or warlock will ever feel like I felt growing up."
"Bonnie Bennett, savior of us all." Damon mutters. "Promise me you'll wrap this thing up so we can get into some real fun later?" He says as he's back to normal with the banter.
"Listen, I gotta go, save me a drink." I say feeling my hands begin to sweat. I hang up the phone before Damon gets the chance to say anything.
Once I get through the iron gates I let out a small whistle. This place was gigantic and super fancy. It made sense Klaus and his family were ancient, they probably wanted to live in something that mirrored their image. And here I was walking into their den. A quick shudder runs through me.
This was not the time for shot nerves.
I could do this. Klaus was certainly nothing to be scared of. In fact I had easily taken him down upon his arrival in town. I could easily do it all over again. I just had to get rid of the sudden butterflies that began to dance in my belly.
After a quick mental pep talk, and a even quicker look in my phone to make sure I looked presentable, no lipstick on my teeth and an even quicker look at my hair which was tousled down my back looking amazing. My clothes looked presentable, a little dressy with my body hugging plaid dress and brown boots, but I had plans for the night. With one last look, I've decided I'm ready
Quickly I turned around ready to ring the doorbell when the man himself stood before me, slanted across the door arms crossed of his chest, which was adorned in a burgundy henley, dark jeans and boots. His lips were curved into his signature Klaus pout, as we all called it, and he smelt like he had just gotten out of the shower.
Hot damn.
I nearly had to stop myself from floating his way. Nothing, and I meant nothing in the world smelt better then the smell of a man that just got out of the shower. Not to mention Klaus was looking all kinds of good. His hair was still damp causing his curls to pop more so then usual. And the stubble on his cheeks was giving him this different vibe all together. Klaus from back home was clean shaven, still wicked but super clean. This version of Klaus was more rugged, still wicked probably, more dangerous but he looked good.
Mentally I had to put my hormones on pause. It had been a rough couple of years...months even and I was on edge. Sure a hookup now and then had been satisfying but in this moment I couldn't help to wonder what an original would be like? Did he like to please, or be pleased? Would I have to all but draw a map, to where I wanted what, or would he already know being ancient and all? Would he be selfish or the type of man that gave as much as he got pleasure wise? Those were the questions that were plaguing my mind as I stood before him, and he before me.
"Are you planning on standing out here all night or are you going to come in?" Klaus asks as a look of amusement crosses his features.
Just like that the sound of his voice had popped my bubble. And here I was thinking how handsome he looked and how manly he smelt. Good thing he reminded me, why I normally avoided him like the plague. He bothered me, always had, always would.
I tilt my head to the side. "I could leave and go spend my night doing exactly what I planned on doing before you called this meeting." I snip. Thank goodness his remark had gotten my mind out of the gutter. Now all I needed to do was stop looking at his lips.
"You won't do that," He says matter of fact, as a slow smile spreads across perfect pout lips. "You're too much of a good girl." He says his eyes scanning me up and down. I could feel the sear of his eyes as they landed on every bit of exposed skin. Currently I was wearing a plaid blue, brown and white dress. I had topped my look off with a brown leather jacket and boots that had a heel that was meant to bring everyone to their knees. Even the big bad hybrid that was searing me with his gaze.
For a moment, maybe two I felt heat rush to my face and my heart speed up at the way he was looking at me, seconds later it died down when he started grinning. "Lets get this over."
He only dimples. "After you."
KM-BB-KB
Klaus
He had to admit the moment he had noticed her, he had to do a double take. He had never seen Bonnie of all people show so much skin, especially in his presence. However, since she had arrived in town he had noted that the jeans and billowy shirts she had worn in the past, was just that a thing in the past. Now every time he saw her, the Bennett witch was showing as much skin as possible, wether that be in shorts, crop tops or a plethora of dresses. And he, like every other person who had seen her, had taken a gander or two her way.
Now though it was just the two of them.
With a smirk to himself, he leads her to the sitting room where a server is quick to offer her appetizers. He doesn't miss the way the server smiles brightly her way nor the way Bonnie seems to respond as well. That just wouldn't do, he couldn't have those emerald eyes on anyone but him.
With a grin on his lips his claps his hands causing the help, a bloke by the name of Lucas to skedaddle.
When she finally looks his way the fire in her eyes is a breath taking sight to see. Bonnie had always been fire and beauty wrapped into a quiet the tiny package. Still though, he could readily admit she was beautiful. With eyes the color of moss, lips that were heart shaped, and a tongue that was as sharp as a knife. No wonder Damon Salvatore seemed to have himself stuck to her at all times.
Glancing over at her, he lets his eyes pursue her, once more. He has been in the presence of many Bennett women in his long life from Angelique, Sheila, Lucy and now Bonnie. However, not a single soul seemed to hold a candle to the now nearly blinding beauty and power of Bonnie. If she weren't wound so freaking tight, she'd probably be his type. But then again he always did believe that a start to a beautiful love story, or any story at all was one that started out combative.
"Was that necessary?"
He has to stop himself from smiling at the mere fact that she's sending daggers his way.
"No." He says walking over to the drink cart. "But I pay him well enough that he does what I say."
She chuckles and he finds himself turning around to get a better look at her.
"It's no wonder this place is bare." She says surveying the room. "All the money in the world would never be enough for me to do as you say."
He chuckles darkly. "I have my ways love." He says heat in his words. "If you weren't so wound tight, you'd enjoy my ways– but I guess spending all that time with Damon Salvatore has dull all your senses." He says offering her a glass. If memory serves him right, she's a bourbon kind of girl.
She eyes him as he eyes her and soon tosses back the drink like a pro. He can't help but wonder if she does that to all liquids on the menu? He watches as she tosses her hair out of her face revealing more of her neck while doing so. The action has him zeroing in on her pulse point and the creaminess of her skin. His ears tingle as his listens to the rushing sound of her blood.
"I'm sure you do," Pause. A smile plays on her lips. "I know your type, you use manipulation, torture, and scare tactics to get what you want." She says smartly.
His lips twitch as he soon takes her empty glass and refills it again. He makes sure to sit in close proximity of her on the ottoman right in front of her. "Don't forget seduction." He says with a lick of the lips. He watches as sharp malachite eyes follow his tongue. "It's all apart of negotiation." Boldly he places his hand on her knee causing mossy eyes to startle up at him.
He expects her to jerk away, instead she parts her mouth and licks her lips. He cant help but fall under her spell just a little.
"You're right, they go hand in hand, negotiation and seduction, just not with your hand." She says finally slapping his hand off her knee.
He can only salivate at the open challenge, as her eyes light up with delight and defiance and a hint mischief.
A pause in the banter appears as her cheeks stain with red and he has to reign in his own sudden fascination with the quick tongue witch. Elijah soon struts through the door, ruining whatever moment that may or may not have occurred. His older brother is droning on about cufflinks while the tiny witch seems to taking his words to heart.
The look he sends his brother is missed as Elijah zooms past him. However, the reprieve is short lived because once again his polished brother makes yet another appearance and this time, his eyes widen at what is before him. The setting is one that would make for a romantic date instead of a business meeting; the roaring fire in the hearth is blazing, food is being prepped by one of the most renowned chefs in the world and a feisty enchantress dressed for her own type of seduction.
"Nik-Niklaus, what is the meaning of all this?" Elijah asks looking between he and Bonnie. The latter dares to get up from her seat and pours herself more bourbon. He watches as she moves, just as Elijah does the same.
He takes a gander over at Elijah who indeed as his eyes all over Bonnie, while her back is turned to the both of them.
Grinning proudly, he stands and claps his brother on the back, as he tries to usher him out of the sitting room. "It appears Bonnie and I have business to discuss."
Elijah halts half way, eager to catch another look. "Ms. Bennett, I hardly recognized you." Elijah says slowly, way too slowly. It's almost like Elijah is prolonging being here. Hadn't his brother had something to do? Or had the sight of a pretty girl changed his plans. Not on his watch.
Since finding out that Bonnie had been in town he had been watching her, waiting for a moment, now he had it. Certainly Elijah was not going to ruin it for him.
As for the woman in question, once her name is spoken, she turns around then, emerald eyes ablaze, drink in hand, body glistening like she had been sparkling with pixie dust. "Maybe because the last time I saw you Elijah, you were a traitor and saved him." She says sending him a look as well, he can only bare his teeth her way.
Elijah on the other hand coughs suddenly.
She takes her time sipping out of drink, leaving the two of them in suspense before she speaks again. "And then you orchestrated my would be death, however Abby got the curtain call." She says bitterly.
Elijah, who is use to women falling for his charms can only offer apologizes that will never be accepted! It tickles him pink to see someone turn down Elijah. Usually they all fall for his debonair act– Bonnie is too smart for that.
Once Elijah bids them adieu still mystified by everything that had occurred within he last couple of minutes, he turns to her. Amused he speaks. "You don't care for him, do you?"
She licks plump lips. "I think between the two of you, he's the worst." She says all the while leaning against a chair. "He pretends to be so much better, but he isn't." She says so matter of fact. Its like she has taken the words out of his own mouth. It all true, but hearing someone else say it, hits all the right notes for him.
Walking further into the room, he makes his way closer to her, she now moved away from the chair, and stands by the fire. "How so?" He asks, a hair away from her.
She doesn't move as he stands closer now. He can hear her heartbeat before words leave her mouth. He aches to touch her but refrains from doing so. When this business discussion if you will, ends, she'll begging for him.
"At least you're honest about what your about to do, or what you will do." She rants. "Elijah is a snake." She says almost tired of the discussion. "And that's just the way it is."
He leans forward so his mouth is brushing against her ear. "Glad to hear your aren't the foolish type."
Her only response is to walk away. He watches as she downs one more drink, and then turn his way, a brow raised. "Now, how about, we get down to business." She says removing her leather jacket and exposing sun kissed skin.
He dimples. "Your words are music to my ears."
BB-BB-BB
Bonnie
After being so close to him, with him nearly breathing down my neck, the only thing I want to do is get all this business stuff, done so I can leave before something happens that probably shouldn't.
I had always been the level headed type of person but tonight, I feel brand new. I don't know if its raging hormones, loneliness or the full moon that making me react to him this way. But all I know is when he's looking at me all I can do is look at his lips.
"All the witches want is to practice magic without fearing for their lives from you or your son, or your family." I say getting down to business.
Klaus only studies me instead of talking, he eyes me as I cross my legs and then later uncross them, he watches as I pull my hair to the side, probably ruining the style I hoped to keep most of the night, and most importantly he keeps grinning at me like he knows something I don't.
"Well, " He says leaning forward. "The witches wouldn't have to worry about their lives, had most of them not tried to kill me, or my family."
I roll my eyes. "It's not like you can even die, so why not let them practice? Is this that power thing you like to hold over everyone?"
He only smolders at my words and suddenly it got hotter in here. The house is a damn sauna I can just about feel sweat prickles on my chest.
"It's about the principal love." He says simple at that. "Now, let us bring this discussion to the dining room, I'm sure your starving."
Annoyed I watch as he walks away but soon find myself following him.
BB-BB-BB
Dinner is served in the form of a roast, mashed potatoes and asparagus. The drink selection isn't bourbon, instead I'm shocked that a super old bottle of wine is cracked opened and poured for the two of us.
Conversation is scarce as Klaus seems to take more pleasure in watching me eat then actually getting down to the nitty gritty of things. I, however have had two glasses of wine and too much bourbon so, I'm ready for just about anything, even hard conversations.
"Do you know what it feels like to be afraid you're about to die at any moment? It's not fun." I say snorting at the look that crosses his features. "The witches are afraid to be themselves because they don't want to face the wrath of your family."
I signal for the server to fix me another glass of wine as Klaus laments on my words.
He looks at me really looks at me as if my words, are penetrating through his dead heart. "Is that, is that how you felt?" He says, the thought of Mikael not for away from his mind.
I thank the server kindly before taking a sip of my own wine. "All the time." I admit sadly. The last couple of years had been hard on me. But I was determine to make the following years, the best I could live. I wanted to do everything and nothing at the same time. I wanted to live, love be reckless! I wanted it all.
He swallows hard. "If I agree to this, they have to swear on a witches oath that they will not try to harm, my family."
I shake my head. "That's ridiculous, what if you are the one that starts shit, they can't defend themselves."
He stands at once. "I have people to protect, just as you– a family!" He roars. "If the witches want to practice anywhere, they will sign a document that is written by you and signed with the their magic."
I watch as he walks away, well more like storms out the room.
I tilt my head back in frustration, will the witches agree to this, maybe, maybe not but it's a start and well, at least he didn't say no.
Finishing my wine I soon find him looking out at the full moon.
I stand behind him, not daring to get too close. He's bathed in the moon light, looking rather handsome, and I've had way too much to drink. I'm not blind to the fact that he's attracted to me, I could see it in his eyes, the hunger that I've never seen in another man. But, I came here for the witches and when I've accomplished brokering this deal, I'm going back to where its safe for me– which is far away from him.
"Fine." I say causing him to turn my way. "I'll bring your conditions up, however my only tweak of everything, is that if you or your family, start something with any witch or warlock, they are free to do the same to you."
He lets out a huff. "That's,"
"Fair." I say halting his words. "It's like the saying goes, don't start none won't be none."
He lets out a belly laugh that causes me to giggle as well. One of the reasons I had even agreed to this meeting was because Lucy had recently moved here and well, she thought I might have a better chance at dealing with Klaus since we had previous history. Who knew she was right.
"Fine" He says causing me to expel a breath. When he nods my way, I can only grin. I did this quicker then even I thought. Now I could make it in time to bar hop with Damon and not hear him whine.
"Good," Klaus says standing close to me now.
"Good." I smile up at him. "This went easier than I thought, just don't be a traitor like your brother." I say almost bitterly.
He chuckles. "I'm nothing like Elijah." He says suavely.
I nod and turn around. I'm ready for night to really began. "Cool."
Before I can even get far his voice stops me.
"How about we shake on it." He says offering me his hand.
I look at the limb skeptical, but decide against rocking the boat with anything. Once my hand is in his, I feel a tingle run down from my hand to my toes. Instantly, I'm ready to pull back only Klaus pulls me forward.
And then we're kissing.