Bonnie let out a breath as the plane landed. It was no turning back now, Stefan will indeed be meeting her parents and it was a ninety-nine percent chance that they would run into Enzo and Caroline separately or together and she honestly doesn't know how she would react to either. Stefan squeezed her hand lightly, snapping her out of her head and smiled as she looked over at him. She smiled back then let out a breath before standing.

Stefan took out his phone to take a photo of a picture of Bonnie when she was just three years old. Her hands were in fists with her palms placed under her jaw, having her knuckles slightly push up her cheeks as she smiled looking right at the camera. He smiled looking at it.

"Wasn't she just the cutest?" Abby smiled.

"Definitely." He stares at the photo a little longer before turning the page.

"That's Bonnie with her cousin Peach. They were thick as thieves whenever they were together."

"What happened?"

"Nothing but life, Hon. They had their own dreams and own visions so they kind of just grew apart."

Stefan nodded turning the page.

"No, not the albums," Bonnie walked in and sat next to Stefan.

"You snooze, you lose," Abby said.

"I'm sorry I'm so tired, just being here is taking a lot out of me."

"I like it here, it's quiet."

"Yeah and small so word about you being here will spread very quickly and then I'm not so sure how quiet it would be."

"Bonnie, don't scare him. You'll be fine, Stefan, us Mystic Fallians are very respectful."

"Did you really just call yourself a 'Mystic Fallian'?"

"You like it? I figured we needed a name for ourselves. You guys are New Yorkers, people in LA are like what, Botoxians,"

Stefan laughed.

"Don't encourage her, babe or else we'd be here for years."

He chuckled then stood, excusing himself to the bathroom.

"I'll show you,"

"I know where it is, babe, remember, you snooze, you lose," he kissed her once quickly then headed down the hall.

"So what do you think?" Bonnie asked after hearing the door close.

"He's not at all what I expected, you know, Hollywood actor you kind of have a stigma, but I like him. He seems very relaxed and calm and I can tell that he has a deep love for you."

Bonnie smiled.

"Very different from Enzo, I mean he loved you, of course, but he was a lot more... energetic."

"Yeah, Stefan is very chill now that you say something. He's more about business than pleasure- well not pleasure but like hobbies."

Bonnie changed the subject hearing the bathroom door open. "So when is father stopping by?"

"I don't know, I didn't talk to him,"

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you would tell him that you're visiting and that he can come over."

"I thought you were going to inform him because you're inviting him into your house."

Abby sighed. "Just call him, Bonnie."

"Are you sure you're okay with it, mom? If not, we can go over there."

"No, it's perfectly fine. Call him,"

"Okay," Bonnie took out her phone and called him. "Hey, dad, my boyfriend and I are in town over at mom's house, she said you can come over so we all can–"

Stefan narrowed his eyes as she abruptly stopped then even more so as she stood and walked outside.

"Figures." Abby sat back in her chair.

"May I ask why you two divorced?"

"Bonnie didn't tell you?" She watched as he shook his head. "It was a lot of things stemming from us just growing apart and me becoming who I truly am. I wish we would've just accepted that initially but instead we fought and fought until we couldn't take it anymore."

"I'm sorry to hear,"

"Are your parents still together?"

"No, actually, my father passed away when I was eighteen then my mom remarried the worst human being on the planet. Thankfully now they're no longer together."

"I'm sorry about your father,"

"Thanks, um, I really wish he was still around, at least long enough to meet Bonnie."

She smiled sadly. Their heads turned towards the door as Bonnie walked through with a forced smile on her face. "He is on the way,"

Stefan pulled her down to sit on his lap and she turned sideways leaning against the armrest as he moved his head to lay on her chest. Stefan was now starting to think that maybe this wasn't the best time to ask her father for his blessing seeming as though the lengths Bonnie had to take to get him here and the story Abby shared with him about their separation. Maybe he'll ask for Abby's blessing and take comfort in that instead.

"I'm going to open up the wine," Abby stood and walked towards her kitchen.

"Fair warning, I do not think tonight will end well." Bonnie ran her hand down the back of his head.

"Noted." He hugged her.

"You're tired?" She smiled, caressing the side of his face.

"You make me calm."

"What about," she moved to straddle his lap, "now?"

"No, baby, stop,"

"Kiss me,"

"Stop it." He kissed her and moved his hands to her ass. She kisses him deeply as her hips move into him causing him to groan. "Fuck. Stop it."

She smiled. "Take me right here, right now." She inhaled sharply as his finger shortly entered her and started pumping continuously. She threw her head back then forward again. "I'm so close," she bit his ear, squeezing the back of the couch.

He removed his hands and carried her off into the bathroom, pinning her up against the wall and uses his dick to finish her off. She comes biting down on her lower lip, masking her moans behind it.

"Don't do that to me again." He stepped back, pulling up his pants.

"Stef,"

"I mean it." He washed his hands. "Your mom could've walked in and that's the last thing I wanted. We're not fucking teens."

"If that's so true then why'd you fuck me then, huh?"

"You know why I fucked you." He watched her eyes before leaving.

She stood there with her back towards the door holding back her tears as she breathed deeply. She inhaled then exhaled deeply once more hearing the doorbell and walked out to see Stefan answer it.

"You must be Stefan,"

"Indeed, sir, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Bennett," they shook hands.

"Hey, dad," their attention went to Bonnie as she walked up to her dad and hugged him tightly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," he hugged her tightly back and kissed the top of her head.

"Rudy,"

Their heads turned toward Abby.

"Abby, how are you doing?"

"Pretty well, and you?"

"The same,"

They kept eye contact with each other.

"Uh, did you guys want to go out for dinner or I can make something," Bonnie spoke to break them away from each other.

"You don't have to cook, Bonnie, I'll make your favorites," Abby smiled. "I just have to run to the store."

"Nonsense, I'll go, give you guys some family time," Stefan offered.

"You don't-"

"It's no problem at all, just let me know what you need."

Abby smiled. "I'll go make a list,"

"Do you even know where the grocery store is?" Bonnie asked.

"No, but that's why I have a smartphone."

She forced a smile.

Stefan pushes the cart down the aisle looking over the list. He's so used to the one back at home and it's taken him longer than it should to find everything.

"Um, are you Stefan Salvatore?"

He turned and smiled seeing a young girl about sixteen. "I am,"

"I'm a big fan, can I please have a picture with you?"

"Of course,"

She smiled wider and lifted her phone as he bent his knees to get to her level and smiled as she snapped a photo. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome,"

"What are you doing here, don't you live in New York?"

"I do but I'm visiting my girlfriend's parents,"

"Bonnie's here too?"

He chuckled at her excitement. "She is,"

"That's so cool, okay we'll have a good day,"

"Thank you, you too." He hugged her then got back to the list.

"Stefan,"

He looked up and stood a little straighter seeing Enzo.

"Hey,"

"Hey."

"I um I saw you walking in, I wasn't sure if I should say something."

Silence bounced between them.

"I don't know what you want me to say, man." Stefan shrugged.

"Nothing, I just- how's Bonnie?"

"She's great. We're visiting her parents."

He nodded. "She acting weird yet?"

"What do you mean?"

"Bonnie would always tend to act a little strange whenever we were around them at the same time. She gets really uncomfortable, I never got to ask her why. I would want to wait until we're alone but by then it would skip my mind." He watched him think. "Anyway, I'll let you get back to it,"

"Wait," he took a breath. "Do you mind helping me out?"

"Let me see the list,"

...

Stefan pulled up in the driveway and as he stepped out, he saw Bonnie walk out of the house. He let out a breath then went to grab the bags from the back seat.

"Stef," she waited behind him. "Stefan, I'm sorry. I knew my mom wouldn't come back from the kitchen until my dad showed up to make somewhat of an entrance, she always does that. In some variation at least."

"Can we talk about this later, please?"

"Please don't get mad at me. I'm sorry," she held his face looking sadly into his eyes. "Please forgive me,"

"It's okay," he hugged her. "Let's just get through this dinner then we'll talk tonight, okay?"

She nodded against his chest. "I love you." She held him tighter.

"Everything alright out here?"

They pulled away. "Yeah," Bonnie answered.

They got the groceries from the back then carried them inside. They unloaded the groceries and Bonnie offered to help her mom cook. Stefan joined Rudy in the living room.

"Everything okay back there?"

"Yeah, nothing to worry about." Stefan sat down next to him.

"So how long have you and my daughter been together?"

"About six months,"

"Really?"

He nodded. "Yeah,"

"I didn't even know she and Enzo had split. He's her ex,"

"Yeah, I met him, actually a few months back and just again at the grocery store."

"Oh okay, so you two are friends?"

"I wouldn't take it that far but we're cool,"

He nodded. "So how did you two meet? My daughter, I mean,"

"My friend and manager Mason is friends with Bonnie's manager and they kind of set us up."

"I uh saw that movie you did with my girlfriend the other day, the one that just came out,"

"Oh yeah? That's awesome, what did you think?"

"She loved it, it was alright for me,"

Stefan chuckled. "Bonnie said it had too much of my face in it." He smiled, shaking his head.

"How's she doing? Bonnie,"

"Uh, great, I would say. We actually just got done filming a short together that Mason wrote and directed. She's amazing."

"You know at first I didn't support this lifestyle of hers. I just know how the industry can be, I was trying to protect her more than anything."

Stefan nodded. "Yeah, I get that. But honestly, I think that her just having a support system can help her or anyone steer out of those situations. Like if god forbid she's ever in such a situation and whoever threatens her career, she'd feel confident enough to know that no matter the threat, she has people in her corner that will voice and show their support. That's how it was for me, at least."

"You're close to your parents?"

"Well my dad passed, but I had my mom. Things kind of got complicated for a while but we're good now."

"Mind if I ask why?"

He exhaled. "She just married a guy who was no good, basically. I couldn't stand being around him and a part of me couldn't stand being around her because I just couldn't see how she could marry such a person. Especially after the man my dad was."

"Sometimes we do things that are out of our character when we're hurting."

Stefan thought.

"So what are your intentions with my daughter?"

He sat up. "I love Bonnie very much and I know you just met me, but hopefully throughout this time, you'd feel better with the idea of me marrying her."

"Marriage?"

"I- I know it's soon but I- I can't explain it. She's the love of my life, Sir. I've never felt this way about anyone so quickly and so strongly. I look at her and- I just see everything I've ever wanted and need with her. I love her so much."

"I need to talk to my daughter first."

"I understand. I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't ask you,"

He nodded. "I appreciate you wanting to ask."

Stefan smiled slightly.

...

Bonnie exhaled watching the rice sit in boiling water.

"What's wrong?"

"Stefan and I got into a little spat. I hate that he's mad at me,"

"What happened, I didn't hear anything,"

"I don't really want to talk about it right now, it'll just further my bad mood."

"Okay, well, did you want to talk about Enzo?"

"I honestly cannot believe I was going to marry that guy one day. So I thought he broke up with me because we had a disagreement about my career and he told me that he couldn't do this anymore and the next morning he left without even saying goodbye so I thought it was actually over. Then Stefan comes along thanks to our managers knowing each other and we hit it off, well it started off a little eh but we were vibing and I posted about us then Enzo calls me and practically yells at me pissed that I'm seeing Stefan. I asked him why he cared so much since he dumped me and he tells me that he didn't dump me so I felt so guilty and I told Stefan and he says 'ok' and asks me if I still want to be his girl." She smiled. "I don't know the way he phrased it just gave me butterflies and I told him 'yes' and that was that." She let out a breath. "However, months later, Caroline flies over since I was shooting that short I told you about and we promised that no matter what she would be there on set when I got my first lead role and after hair and makeup she tells me that she and Enzo have been seeing each other."

Abby's mouth dropped. "Not Caroline Forbes,"

"Caroline Forbes, mom. She said that six months prior to me even meeting Stefan, they've been sleeping together."

"No,"

"I just sat there and my PA knocked on the door and asked if I was ready and I stood and walked with her on set and just let all my anger and hurt out on screen."

"Does Stefan know?"

"Yeah, I told him. I was such a bitch to him because I was so angry, you know, but he convinced me to call Enzo and talk to him and Enzo tells me that basically him sleeping with her meant nothing, that it was just sex and he doesn't even care for Caroline like that and I'm surprised that I didn't scream. I honestly would've been able to move past it if they were in love or something but for him to say that it pushed me over the edge. Caroline made it seem like Enzo was the love of her life while he's out here singing a different song. I feel bad for her but at the same time I don't."

"No, Caroline should know the truth."

"I know. I just can't bring myself to hell her. I don't want her heartbroken as much as mine was. It sucked, I'm thankful for Stefan otherwise I would be curled up in a ball and eating ice cream from the tub in a corner of my apartment."

Abby let out a breath. "Never in my life did I think I would ever hear the words that just came out of your mouth."

"Never did I think I'd actually say those words."

"Well, as you said, I'm glad Stefan was there for you."

"He's the best. I um I think he's going to propose,"

"What?"

"I found a ring box in his drawer, well I believe a ring was inside, I didn't open it but I'm ninety-nine percent sure."

"Wow. How do you feel about that?"

"I don't know. The day before I found the ring, he asked me if I wanted him to propose and I said yes but then looking at the potential ring it made me feel a little scared."

"That's normal. Especially that you're young."

"What do you think I should do?"

"I'm not going to tell you what you should do but if you do see yourself marrying him then say yes but keep the engagement long, take your time, you both have so much growing up to do. But let's say when he does pop the question and right there and now you know you're ready then press the gas."

"Yeah, I think I would take my time with everything. What's there to rush, right?"

"Exactly."

Bonnie smiled.

Bonnie sat up from her bed as Stefan entered after being done washing his face. Dinner with her parents went surprisingly well in her eyes and she was grateful because in the back of her mind she knew it would be a disaster. After clean up, Stefan drove them to their hotel which she insisted on getting because she didn't want Stefan to suddenly grow annoyed by her mom. Abby was upset that they weren't sleeping over but knew that the two needed their privacy, especially after her daughter telling her that they got into a little argument earlier.

The car ride to the hotel was silent and Bonnie was screaming internally that maybe she should say something but decided to just keep her mouth shut. She wanted to wait for him to say something but by the looks of it, she believes that she needs to. "Are you ready to talk?"

"Give me a second," he said looking through his suitcase.

"Do you still love me?"

He paused then looked over at her. "Don't insult me like that," he shook his head.

"You didn't say it back earlier-"

"Do you not remember your dad coming out and asking if everything was good? Or was I just imagining that?"

"I'm sorry,"

He sighed. "Bonnie, there are obvious issues that you have with your parents and it's deeply rooted since you wanted us to have sex out in the open like that and I gave in because-"

"You wanted to comfort me," she looked down.

He walked over to her, joining her on the bed. "I wanted to comfort you, but I'm not doing that again, that's not who I am."

"I know,"

He lifted her chin so their eyes could meet. "I love you. But before we leave here, you need to have a conversation with your parents. Or at least your dad." He watched her eyes a little more before dropping his hand.

"Honestly talking to him is why I didn't really want to come,"

"When we talked, he sounded like he gained some perspective. Now I don't know all the details and I don't have to but if gaining a better relationship with him is something that you want then I think now's the time."

Bonnie let out a deep breath. "Can you please hold me?"

"Come here," he opened his arms and she straddled his lap and wrapped her arms around him and her legs around his waist. He hugged her back, then turned his head to kiss the side of her face a couple of times then moved them to their sides.

"I love you,"

"I love you too," he kissed her gently.

"I'm sorry,"

"It's okay, it's not your fault." He caressed the side of her face.

Bonnie smiled watching his eyes, then closed her eyes, letting out a breath through her nose. Stefan watched her a little longer before closing his eyes, drifting off as well.

He kissed her lips gently, multiple times as she sat on the bathroom counter with him between her legs. He pulled away and met their foreheads. "You want some breakfast?"

"Mhm," she nodded.

"Okay," he kissed her a few more times before stepping away to order room service.

Bonnie slid off the counter then continued with her morning routine and by the time she was done, room service was knocking on their door. Stefan answered it and laid everything out for them on the table.

"Thanks, babe,"

"You're welcome," he kissed her twice before sitting in front of her at the table. "So I was thinking that you show me around today or most of the day, at least."

"Sure, what would you like to see?"

"Anything that has to do with you in any way. Your favorites,"

She smiled. "I'll compose a list," she took out her phone causing him to chuckle.

"I uh, I got spotted yesterday and I kind of don't want it to happen again so I'm gonna try to go incognito."

Bonnie nodded. "Okay,"

"You should too,"

She looked up at him oddly, "Me?"

"Yeah, babe, you're just as popular as I am."

"I've always wanted to be popular,"

He chuckled shaking his head at her teasing smile.

...

Stefan grabbed her hand as they walked across the bridge. He smiled at the scenery and could picture her here with her friends possibly underage drinking, getting ready to start the new school year. He wishes he had that. When he was in high school, he wasn't a popular kid with friends. He was acting and on set and though he thought that would bring him some attention, it didn't. If anything it felt like it pushed him further away from everybody. But everything worked out in the end.

He looked over at her seeing her smile and smiled himself. "What are you thinking about?"

She let out a breath. "My high school days. Being here just makes me realize how much of it I took for granted, you know?"

"Hm,"

"But anyway, yeah, the majority of the underage drinking parties would be held here. Easy to hide in the trees in case the cops showed up."

He chuckled. "I wish I had something like this back home,"

Bonnie watched him. "It wasn't all that great."

He nudged her making her smile. "What's next?"

"Um, I don't know the rest are like old friends' houses."

"Alright, let's go,"

She raised her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Yeah. We don't have to go inside but we can stay parked outside of them."

"You're crazy." She started walking back up the dock.

Stefan followed behind her then grabbed her arm, stopping her from continuing. He took out his phone so he could take a photo of her then one of them together. Afterward, Bonnie drove them to Caroline's house or better-yet, Caroline's mother's house. She told him stories of when they planned to go to a party which she knew her parents would reject, she would always say that she's sleeping over Caroline's house because her mother is the Sheriff of the town so she was barely home. As long as they were home by the time she arrived they were in the clear.

Stefan watched her as she stopped with the stories and frowned some. "You miss her,"

"A part of me hates that I do because she betrayed me in the worst way. I just want to erase it from my mind." She sighed.

"Hey," he gained her attention. "Let's go get something to eat, then head back to your mom's house or your dad's if you're ready to talk."

She nodded. "Okay,"

He smiled then kissed her twice before putting on his seatbelt.

...

Bonnie let out a breath parked in her father's driveway. She saw a car that was unrecognizable to her and figured that this could possibly get her out of this talk with her dad due to his company but it could very well just be that he got a new car.

She looked over to her left as Stefan opened the door for her and letting out a breath, she got out of that are then locked it before walking beside him up the porch. He kissed her after ringing the doorbell and a few moments later, the door opened. Rudy widened his eyes surprised to see the two but welcomed them and offered them something to eat or drink in which they declined telling him that they had just gotten back from lunch.

"So what brings you two here?"

"Well, dad, I—" she stopped seeing a woman and child come down the stairs and watched them before looking over at her father.

"Bonnie, Stefan, this is my girlfriend Shayla and her daughter Natalie."

"Wow, it's nice to meet you both,"

"You too, Bonnie, I've heard so much about you." Shayla smiles and hugs her close.

Bonnie eventually lifts her arms to hug her back. Shayla moves on to shake Stefan's hand and he introduces himself as Bonnie's boyfriend and bends his knees to greet Natalie. She smiled shyly and rocked side to side causing everyone to chuckle.

"Looks like someone has a crush," Shayla smiled.

Natalie walked closer to him and whispered in his ear asking if he wanted to play with her. Stefan smiled widely and agreed and she took his hand leading him upstairs.

"I'll give you two some privacy," Shayla said and followed the two upstairs.

Bonnie let out a breath and walked over to the living room to sit on the couch. Rudy joined her side and narrowed his eyes at the look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know, dad, I just feel like we've drifted a lot and it's unfortunate that I feel a little strange talking to you."

He frowned. "I'm sorry, I know it's my fault. I was talking to Stefan yesterday a little and he bought me some perspective."

Bonnie smiled.

"How do you feel about him?"

"It's strange, I feel like he's making me a better person. Making me feel a lot more confident in myself. He's the best."

Rudy smiled. "I'm glad you found someone,"

"Speaking of,"

"Sorry, that's not the way I wanted you two to meet."

"So you were planning to introduce us?"

"Possibly. I wasn't sure how long you both are staying."

Bonnie nodded. "Does mom know?"

"Yes. I told her."

She nodded.

"How's Stefan, I know you two had an argument yesterday,"

"He told you that?"

"He didn't have to. Everything okay?"

"Yeah," she exhaled. "I made him feel a little uncomfortable about something and he didn't like it so I was trying to make it better."

"Hm,"

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"Sure,"

"And by secret I mean secret, you can't tell anyone not even mom,"

Rudy narrowed his eyes but moved next to her on the couch. "What is it?"

"Stefan and I… at first it was meant to be pretend."

"I'm not following,"

"Stefan's an actor, and one day I got a call from my manager and she tells me that she has a job for me. I get there and I see a contract. A contract for me to be Stefan's pretend girlfriend. For a year and a half."

"What?"

She nodded. "I thought it over so many times and I agreed only because I figured that it would help my acting career. So at first, we were just friends, we kissed but only if the paparazzi was around, and that was it. But then I started falling for him and he voiced that he was falling for me but I didn't exactly want to make it real, not a first. I wanted us to wait but my heart took over and now what we have is real and it's a little scary, I still feel like I have to act sometimes. I know I love Stefan, that's a fact but I don't know if he loves me. The real me."

Rudy frowned. "Have you tried talking to him about it? Maybe a part of him is acting as well and he just needs a push as you do."

"I don't know. He has friends and family drama, I don't think it's fake. I know it's not fake. I just feel like I don't have anyone over there, someone that truly knows me."

He hugged her. "I'm sorry. You'll get through it, I promise."

She hugged him back. "Thanks, dad. Oh and I have a gift for you," she pulled back and reached into her purse, pulling out the Gucci bag. She smiled at the look on his face.

Rudy reaches inside then pulled out the box, reading the name before pulling out the cologne and tested it on his wrist. "Mmm,"

Bonnie chuckled. "You like it?"

"Yeah, it smells great." He sprayed a little more.

"Stefan loves it too, so he got one as well."

"Hopefully we don't wear it to the same event, that would be awkward,"

Bonnie laughed shaking her head.

"Thanks, baby,"

"You're welcome, dad."

...

Shayla smiled over at Stefan as he sipped from the plastic pink teacup. "So how long have you had Bonnie been together?"

"Almost seven months now. It's crazy, every time I tell someone that out loud it seems so fresh but so far Bonnie and I have been through a lot."

"Things can always get bumpy especially with being an actor, I'm sure,"

"Yeah, definitely but I'm pretty sure we got things figured out now. We just needed some time to adjust."

Shayla nodded. "So tell me about her,"

"Bonnie?"

"Rudy told me things, but I would like to know more about her from someone who truly knows her."

He exhaled. "Bonnie is smart, she's kind, talented, loving. She's not really used to a lot of things, you know, I find myself doing stuff for her and with her and I can tell it's her first time or she actually tells me it's her first time or at least for the first time in a while. I think that's what I love about her, you know. She's unique in that sense and I love watching the look in her eyes, she gets excited and nervous and I want to show her more things so that maybe she gets to know herself a little better."

Shayla smiled. "You sound good for her,"

"I try,"

"Did you like your tea?" Natalie asked, smiling up at him.

"I loved it, thank you very much," he sat his cup down on the plastic plate.

They looked over, hearing some soft knocks on the door and faced Bonnie. "There's some sandwiches if you guys are interested downstairs,"

"Sure," Shayla stood and took her daughter's hand.

Stefan followed behind them but paused at the door standing in front of his love. "How was the talk?"

"Very much needed. I got a lot off my chest."

He smiled then kissed her. "I'm glad." He took her hand and together they walked downstairs, into the kitchen.

...

As they were saying their goodbyes, Rudy took Stefan to the side. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-seven."

"My advice is to wait until you're at least thirty. Marriage is a lot, things change and sometimes they change rapidly and it could mess it up. You're both are still so young, you have more growing up to do and you can't always guarantee that you'll grow in the same direction. Get engaged if you want but hold off on the wedding. There's nothing wrong with a little patience."

He nodded. "Is everything okay?"

"Talk to her."

Stefan looked over at her and couldn't stop his smile from forming watching her hug Natalie goodbye. They shortly locked eyes and she smiled back so he made his way over to her and they left after that.

"Baby?"

Bonnie looked up at him with a smile, chuckling at a scene from The Office. They were back at their hotel just lying on the bed, snuggling.

"Is everything okay?"

She sat up, looking at him strangely. "What do you mean?"

"Your dad kind of hinted to me that something's wrong."

She exhaled causing him to sit up as well to look into her eyes.

"Nothing is wrong, I just-" she thought. "I don't really know how to start it,"

"It's okay just say what's on your mind,"

"The whole bathroom thing that happened yesterday got me thinking that maybe I'm not entirely being myself."

"Meaning what exactly?

"I mean this started off as acting you know and I fear that maybe I mixed that acting into my real self. I fear that maybe you don't or won't love the actual me when everything isn't blended."

"Babe, why do you think I wanted to come here and meet your parents and know about you before we met? I'm getting to know the real you, and I can assure you that I love her. She's the person I want to marry, that I want to spend my whole life with. At least what I have left of it."

Bonnie wipes away her tears. "Okay,"

"Okay?"

She nodded then hugged him tightly.

"I love you."

"I love you too,"

He kissed the top of her head. "Don't be afraid to talk to me about these things, okay? You're my girl."

She smiled then looked up and he leaned in to meet their lips twice.

They held hands being photographed at the airport. Bonnie doesn't think that she'll ever get used to having such minimal parts of her life being captured by complete strangers and she starts to wonder if Stefan's used to it by now. She honestly had no idea how often this would happen to him before they met so maybe since they are together it happens a little more often since people tend to enjoy the couple photos better than the single ones. What form of PDA are they displaying today, or is it any at all? Easy clicks for the blog sites and YouTube videos though she doesn't find herself to be known enough to be used as click-bait, Stefan, on the other hand, might be. Maybe that'll be her task to move her mind away from Mystic Falls, Google Stefan and find photos of him with his ex-girlfriends (though she assumes it's not that many considering they had to hire her), look at the post-herself paparazzi shots and his IMDb. Get to know the famous side of her boyfriend just in case she ever gets asked what her favorite movie or television show he's been on she could have a true answer instead of opting for the easy way out by naming his most recent.

Bonnie got snapped out of her head as a gust of wind hit her on the face as they stepped outside. She let Stefan guide them to their car only to realize that he was just following after someone else- their driver. She got into the car and rubbed her arms a few times as Stefan sat beside her.

"You cold?"

"Eh," she dropped her arms and lifted the sunglasses from her eyes to act as a headband on the top of her head.

Stefan lifted her chin to look over at him and kissed her a few times. "Here," he took off his jacket, showing off his muscles in his white top. He placed it around her shoulders.

"Thank you," She smiled, gaining herself another kiss.

"You're welcome." He kissed her again, then moved his arm around her.

...

She smiled watching his face, listening to his snores. She's never woken up before him and was surprised to see him still asleep when she opened her eyes just a few minutes ago. Bonnie decided to take out her phone and recorded him. "Since he's always recording me while I sleep," she whispered, "I thought that I'd do the same. I never wake up before him, so this is a once in a lifetime chance," she quickly moves the phone away as he stirred and stopped recording seeing is eyes twitch before they open. She smiled widely making him chuckle.

"What are you doing up?"

She laughed. "I know. I'm just as shocked as you are."

He smiled then kissed her nose. "I think it was the trip, knocked us out of our head a little," he kissed her lips.

"Yeah, I think so. It's strange, there no time difference or anything,"

He stretched a little, making a noise. "I have to meet Mason later about business, did you want to do lunch with us afterward?"

"Where you guys going?"

"Not sure, I can text you if you want,"

"Yes, pleases,"

Stefan shook his head then sat up and stretched some more before getting out of bed. Bonnie frowned, hoping that they could spend more time together in bed, but she's noticed that he's always the "up and at 'em" type of guy. She sighed, sitting up herself then walked into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Stefan stepped out of the bathroom hearing her leave and grabbed the ring box out of his drawer to move it on top of the closet. Rudy's words somewhat caused his thoughts to be a little jumbled so he will take his advice and wait but only a little longer, just until he can think things through. He went back into the bathroom to finish his morning routine. He smiled smelling breakfast and decided to get ready a little faster as his stomach grumbles.

Bonnie smiled feeling his arms wrap around her from behind and shortly his chin rested on her right shoulder.

"You spoil me."

She smiled, "What are girlfriends for?"

"You know, you're the first girlfriend I had who actually cooks."

"Really?"

"Yep. I'm not used to all this lovin'."

She chuckled then turned in his arms. "Well, I'm glad to be of assistance."

He kissed her twice. "I'll set the table."

Bonnie nodded then turned back around to flip the pancake. Stefan grabbed two of everything, two plates, two forks, two knives, two glasses, two napkins. He took a photo after arranging everything on the table and added his signature deep frown emoji to it before posting it on his story. He then helped move the dishes of food to the table and they shortly started to add food to their desired breakfast foods to their plates. He asked Bonnie to hold for a few as he took another photo and once he was satisfied, he posted that one with a smiley face emoji then started eating.

"Fuck, babe, I love you." He said with his mouth close to full.

Bonnie chuckled. "I love you too."

"I know, I can tell in your cooking."

She smiled. "Hey, babe?"

"Yeah?"

"Before we started dating we're the papz always up your ass?"

He chuckled. "Not as much as they are now, they know you're a star so they're just soaking in every minute."

She chuckled. "Yeah right."

"Please tell me that you finally grasped the fact that you're amazing,"

"Stef,"

"Babe, come on. You're a show stopper."

"Stop it, you're supposed to say those things, you're my—"

"What?"

"Nothing, I was just going to say you're my fiancé for some reason," she narrowed her eyes but returned them to normal seeing him smile. "What?"

"Nothin,"

She smiled back and continued eating.

...

Mason watched his friend closely as he stared at the ring he named after Bonnie. "What's up?"

Stefan looked up and let out a breath. "Bonnie almost called me her fiancé today. It felt strangely good and a little scary at the same time but good."

"So you're still going to propose? How was asking the father?"

"He told me to wait but I think it was over something Bonnie said to him but we talked it over and I think it's all good now. I'm sure I have his blessing so I'm not worried about it."

Mason nodded. "Well I think this project is ready to set a launch date, did you want to propose before or after?"

"I don't know— actually before. I want to show her everything and then surprise her."

"You want me to be there to take photos or video the moment?"

"Yeah, that would be good, actually. She might meet us for lunch, what are you in the mood for?"

"I can go for some sushi honestly,"

"Alright, I'll let her know," he took out his phone to text her.

"What do you have her under in your phone?"

"Uh, just Bonnie,"

"Really?"

"Yeah I mean that's how I put it in when I first got it so, and I don't know I kind of don't want to change it."

"You don't have to explain yourself, man, I was just a little shocked, I guess."

Stefan chuckled then looks down at his phone receiving a text. "Bonnie says she's in."

"Great, I'm gonna head to the bathroom then we can roll out."

He nodded then watched his friend stand before shortly walking out of the office.

...

"So when do I get to know what you two been working on, I feel like it's been years."

"Soon, babe, I promise."

"It better be like the best thing ever."

The men chuckled.

"So, Bonnie, what was it like going back home?"

"Uh, it was a lot of things. Very much needed, I should add, but it wasn't what I was expecting. My parents were actually respectful for the most part. I was expecting a shit show."

"As was I by the way you prepped me for it."

"Is it so bad that I wanted to warn you about how horribly things could've potentially gone?"

"I guess,"

"I was dating this girl once, I met her folks and she failed to mention that they were nudists."

"You're lying." Bonnie leaned in.

"Dead serious. It was hard for me to get an erection after that."

"I could imagine." Bonnie shook her head. "Poor thing," she stood to hug him for a few seconds, rubbing his back.

"Thanks, it was a very difficult time for me." He said as she sat back down.

"No one should see the bodies of an aging male and or female until they see their own aging body. Even still, it should go unseen unless it's with your partner."

"The subject needs to change or else I'll have the dreams again."

Bonnie shivered in disgust.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom," Stefan stood.

"Let me guess, Stefan was the girl you were seeing whose parents were nudists."

Mason laughed causing Bonnie to laugh a little herself. "It's a very touchy subject, every time I tell that story he blows our cover,"

She smiled. "How did you guys meet anyhow?"

"Uh, we worked together on a commercial when I was acting but years later I started managing and we bumped into each other at a Footlocker and reconnected."

She nodded. "I love a good origin story,"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Actually, you know what, me too."

"High five?" She raised her arm and he raised his before their hands met in the middle.

"What's going on?" Stefan sat.

"We're high fiving to a mutual likening of a good origin story," Bonnie informed.

Stefan forced a smile then relaxed a little feeling Bonnie grab his hand to hold. He interlocked their fingers and gave her a light squeeze.

Bonnie moaned loudly, squeezing his body as his hips quickly moved within her. He cursed, growling keeping his pace and used his arm to push her down flatly on the bed before moving that hand around her neck. Her moans grew watching his eyes and sucked in a breath at the squeeze of his hand. She tries to reach out her arms to touch him but finds that she had no control of them, realizing that her strength is being fucked out of her and the thought of that triggers her release.

"You're fucking mine." Stefan snarls, moving faster within her until he stiffens. "Fuck," he falls to his side, taking her with him, still in her.

"You came inside me."

"I always cum inside you." He opened his eyes.

"I told you I forgot to take my pill."

"I don't care,"

"Alright, just know that you have to be there for your baby."

He grew a smile as did she and leaned in meeting their lips in a makeout. "You feel so good, baby," he talked against her lips. "You're so wet." He opened his mouth to her then felt himself roll on his back.

"Only for you." She told him in his ear then sat up straight, starting to rock her hips lightly.

"Fuck," he touched her torso and grabbed her breasts.

Bonnie tilted her head back, moving a little faster, squeezing her walls around him, making him hiss. She smiled, returning her eyes back to him only to see his shut. Her hips moved forcefully causing him to open his eyes and as their eyes lock, she switched to bouncing, gaining another F-bomb from him as they watched each other's eyes.

She grabbed on to their headboard for support and Stefan sat up some, sucking on her left breast. Bonnie cursed at the feel of his tongue and the suction of his mouth. His hands reached for her ass, grabbing before slapping then grabbing again. She knew her release was near so she wrapped her hand around his neck, forcing him down and moved faster on him until they came simultaneously.

Bonnie moves to her back breathing deeply then over at him seeing him breathing the same with his eyes closed. "I love you, Bonnie Bennett."

She chuckled. "I love you too, Stefan Salvatore."

"How do you- how do you feel about marrying me?"

She raised an eyebrow then shortly watched his head turn towards her and his eyes shortly open. "I uh- it seems a little scary- not scary as in 'holy fuck I'm scared' but scary as in 'holy fuck I can actually be a wife'."

"So that's a good thing?"

She chuckled. "It's a good thing. It's just so weird because I had my life planned out and it's definitely not going as planned but somehow the result is still very much the same. Just with a different guy, thankfully." She smiled as he did. "How do you feel about marrying me?"

"I feel the exact same way, honestly. When you almost called me your fiancé it was a little scary, it kind of clicked that what we have is actually real, it hit me for the first time, basically. But I love you and I want to spend my life with you."

She smiled watching his eyes then moved in to kiss him gently. "I want to spend my life with you too,"

He met their lips again, moving above her.