:BFF:


Summary: When a friends with benefits situation between Stefan and Bonnie turns into something more, serious secrets will have to come out that will ultimately affect not only their relationship but everyone around them.

(Written Feb. 2017)


Stefan sighed then discreetly checked his watch for the time. He was happy for his brother, thrilled, but this wedding was the longest wedding that he's ever attended. To make matters worse, he's the best man meaning that he has to stand for two hours and could barely do anything without getting noticed. He shifted his eyes to the crowd and noticed that he wasn't the only one with those thoughts. Several people dozing off, others wearing the most emotionless expressions, and some more checking their watches. He chuckled as one wife elbowed her husband to wake up. And that was the parents of the bride.

As he returned his eyes back forward, he noticed that eyes were on him. He looked at his brother questionably then quickly realized handing him the rings, nearly dripping them. Twenty minutes later, they were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore and the claps startled the people awake immediately clapping themselves like they were up the whole time. He followed his brother and wife down the aisle, catching eyes with his pretty little thang and keeping contact until he could no longer.

...

Picture time. What he really waited to do was go take a nap, but he figured the quicker he gets this done, the quicker he could sit his ass in a chair. So he posed in the photographer's desired poses, and he posed some more until he was dismissed along with the rest of the wedding party. He sat in his assigned spot and waited with his eyes closed.

"You looked bored up there,"

He smiled hearing her voice and smelling her food. "I was. I would've yawed, but Diana never would've let it live that up. She's already annoying as it is. I can't believe she'll be my sister. Though I guess it's fitting, she's annoying, most sisters are annoying. It be perfect." He opened his eyes hearing her chuckle. "Let me get a bite, babe."

"Of what?"

He shivered. His eyes trailed down seeing what she's wearing for the first time. Olive green making her eyes pop. Strapless showing off her broad shoulders and defined collar bones. Triangle cutout right between her breasts. The dress traced her silhouette perfectly. He licked his lips but refrained. "Of what's on your plate."

"I have more than one thing on my plate."

"Surprise me."

He smiled watching her head drop down looking at her plate to get a reminder of what she put on it. He kept his eyes on her face as she grabbed her fork and scoop up some mashed potatoes. She turned her head back towards him and moved the silverware to his mouth. They kept eye contact as she fed him and he licked his lips just to gain her eyes there.

He nodded his head over. "Come here," he leaned back a little as she sat up moving towards him.

His mouth opened a second after her lips touched his and her hand moved to the side of his face. A flash went off stinging the side of their faces, but they continued to kiss until they were pulled away. Their eyebrows furrowed and they sported small frowns looking at Diana.

"Look. You two are gaining stares. This is my. Day, so take it outside or at least cool it with the touching a little, got it?" She looked between the two.

"Got it."

"Great." She exhaled then plastered a smile on her face as she continued to make her rounds.

"Bitch," he turned his head hearing her chuckle, and smiled. "Anyway, where's the rest of our table at?"

"We may have scared them away with all of our touching,"

He chuckled. "I made sure that we actually sat with people that we actually knew. Did you see Caroline or Elena or Matt?"

"I don't think so. Maybe they ditched us. That, or they knew the wedding would take forever so they only arrived for the reception."

"Lucky bastards."

She chuckled. "So how does it feel having your brother married before you like you swore he never would?"

"I'm surprised, not gonna lie, but at the same time I'm not."

"And why is that?"

"Because I got you, babe."

She smiled. "I'm not stopping you from getting married."

"I know but still." He shrugged. He watched her watch him before her eyes shifted elsewhere. "You have a guy, don't ya?"

She returned her attention back to him. "Eh. Nothing serious."

"I wish you would've told me, otherwise I wouldn't be looking at you like I was."

"Always the gentleman," she smiled. "Can I just get one more kiss? You look cute jealous,"

He kissed her twice. "I'm not jealous." He kissed her again.

She smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too." He looked into her eyes before sitting back. "So tell me about him."

"Uh, he's very handsome and sweet and kind. Easy on the eyes… Smooth talker. He takes me out on dates. Buys me things sometimes."

"Sounds like a keeper. What's his name?"

"Stefan."

He rolled his eyes making her chuckle. "Since we're coming clean, you should know that in seeing someone too."

"Yeah?"

He nodded. "She's gorgeous, sexy. And her mind and soul as well. Great kisser, amazing."

"She sounds pretty great, what's her name?"

"Chelsea." He laughed as she punched his arm. "I'm kidding. My girl's name is- Jessica."

She frowned turning her head to where she spotting his most serious girlfriend from two years ago. She looked back over at him noticing his mouth slightly agape before he noticed then met his lips, swallowing hard.

"Hey Stefan, Bonnie."

"Hey," Bonnie answered and when she noticed that Stefan wasn't going to say anything, she continued. "How are you doing?"

"Great, I'm engaged, actually."

"Con-"

"Congratulations," Stefan finally spoke.

"Thanks. Anyway, I see you two are still together. That's great, maybe you'll be the one to change this one, Bon."

She only smiled then shortly Jessica walked away finding her table. "At least that was less awkward than the last time," Bonnie said looking over at him. She frowned seeing the look on his face. "I'll give you some space," she stood but he grabbed her arm.

"No, stay. I'm sorry, it's just I wasn't expecting her to be here, it threw me off."

She sat back down in her seat. "Wanna see if we can find a room or something?"

"What about that guy you're dating?"

"I told you, his name is Stefan." She stood taking his hand and he followed suit. "And I'm not wearing anything underneath this dress." She stood on her toes to whisper in his ear.

His eyes dropped between them and he moved his hand to her back. "Follow me," he moved slightly away then walked towards the exit with Bonnie not far behind.

He watched her eyes as they slow danced to the soft tune playing. His right hand would slip lower and lower until it rested on the top of her ass.

"Can I be frank?"

"Sure,"

She exhaled. "Why didn't you propose to her? I mean it's not really my business, but I didn't want to bring anything up while you were going through it."

They danced in silence for a minute before he spoke. "Though I loved her, I knew she wasn't the one. So," he shrugged, "there was no need to propose when I had that feeling."

"Then why date her for so long?"

"Because I loved her. I mean I don't regret it, it seems like everything worked out in the end, right?"

She only nodded before resting her head on his chest but shortly pulled away once the song ended and they retook their seats, still at an empty table.

"So how was the wedding, Bon?" Caroline asked sipping her coffee.

Bonnie called her friends up the morning after the wedding asking them to meet up so she could mostly yell at them for not showing up and also tell them about the whole Jessica situation. It was something that was eating her up inside. Though Stefan used the past tense of love when he was talking about her, she couldn't help but feel like he still felt those emotions.

"You would've known if you actually showed up," she spoke scowling the table.

"You see I was going to show up, but something felt weird about me watching my ex get married. Even though I'm completely over it, still." Elena used as her excuse.

"What about the rest of you bitches?"

"I just didn't want to go," Matt shrugged.

"I spent all day debating on if I should go or not, but I realized that I don't even like Damon or his wife for that matter, so why should I waste twenty hours on them? That's twenty hours I can't get back."

"It would've been nice to know, that's all I'm saying,"

"Even if we told you, you still would've gone because of Stefan," Matt said. "Where is he anyway, I can't take on all you women by myself," he turned towards the door.

"I told him to come later because I have some stuff to say about him,"

"Is it gossiping time? I'll be at the bar,"

"No, Matt, stay. I need your boyish advice and Stef opens up to you a lot."

He sighed. "What's up?"

"Well, we were just talking and sitting at our table when Captain Jessica comes up to us. I make some conversation and she tells us that she's engaged,"

"So someone wants to marry Captain Jessica, how...nice."

"Remind me why you guys call her "Captain Jessica" again,"

"Because, Matt, she wore the pants in the relationship. And gladly so."

"Anyway, that threw him off so I wanted to take his mind off of it, so we-"

"Please just skip over that part." Matt protested.

"Wait, aren't you seeing someone?"

"Technically yes and I started to tell Stefan about it, but you know how I get when it comes to telling him so I made a joke about it. And after the whole conversation, he asked me about it and I just pushed it off. I didn't want to kick him more while he was down." She sighed. "After...a few drinks," she censored, "we danced and I asked him about her and why he didn't take things to the next level with her."

"And why would you ask that question?"

"Because I could tell that he was still broken up about it meaning that he cares a lot for her and if so why not put a ring on it?"

"And let me guess, he told you that though he loved her, she wasn't the one for him. Probably because of her captain-ess nature." Matt added.

The bell rung and their attention met the door smiling some as Stefan walked through.

"Damn, I guess I'm late to the party," he said greeting everyone.

"No, we were just a little early,"

He pulled up a seat next to her before kissing her once then moved his hand behind her chair. "So what's up?"

"I was just asking these traitors why they were a no-show at the wedding. Typical excuses, as always."

"If I didn't have to go, I wouldn't have gone either. Luckily I have this thing over here or I would've been alone."

She shook her head stopping herself from commenting.

"So how was the wedding, I still haven't gotten an answer from this thing over here."

"Can that not stick?"

"No, it was pretty good. Long, but good. I had a pretty good time."

"Say 'pretty good' one more time," Elena teased making people chuckle.

Everyone looked over at miss 'thing' as her phone vibrated and she took it standing up and walking outside.

"Hey, is something going on with her and some guy?" Stefan asked. "She somewhat told me at the wedding but she played it off like it was nothing serious or anything so, is it?" He referred to Caroline and Elena.

"Uh, I can't tell you anything for certain, honestly." He nodded slightly sitting back in his chair. "Why, what's up?"

"Nothing, I mean, she's," he turned his head looking at her through the glass. "She's there, you know."

The three friends exchanged looks as Stefan kept his view outside. "She's seeing someone, man." Matt decided to tell gaining everyone's attention. "I mean I don't know how serious it is, but I saw her out with someone one-time last week."

He nodded then looked down at his lap. Matt avoided the glares he was getting from two of his girl friends but he knew he did the right thing.

The main topic of their discussion shortly entered and took her seat again. "Sorry guys," she looked around then noticed how awkward everything had got. She wondered what happened, but decided to live in the silence and question later.


Stefan was on his nightly jog when he saw them through a window at a restaurant. She was glowing as always under the candlelight and smiling. He had to smile himself. He watched as the man's hand reached across the table, stretching to the side of her face having his squish together wondering what in the hell he was doing until his arm reached back now with something in his hand having her laugh then seal it behind her hands. He chuckled shaking his head.

"She's really dating a magician," he spoke to himself in disbelief.

He looked behind him spotting a bench across the street and decided to sit there and watch. He didn't want to act stalker-like, but he wanted to see for himself just how serious they were or how serious they could get. He made her laugh, smile, bite her lower lip several times and move her hair behind her ear which is something that only he truly knows what means. She wanted him, but anyone could want anyone so it doesn't really help what he's trying to discover. So he texts her. If she ignores him then he gets his answer, if she doesn't then he gets his answer.

What are you doing right now, I need a workout buddy

He hits send and shortly her head turns towards her phone and she reads it. She looks back up at the magician who was saying something, probably asking if everything was okay and she picks up her phone texting him back as she probably explained that everything was fine or that her annoying friend was annoying her.

Never gonna happen.

She texted him back. He chuckled then texted her a thumbs-down emoji because he didn't want her to text him back after that. He didn't want to ruin their date, just wanted to see for himself how things were. He got up from the bench then started on his jog home.


Bonnie spun around in her chair as she avoided doing her work. It wasn't that she didn't like her job, but sometimes things just get boring after a while and you want something more. That is unless the job that you have is something that you have always wanted to do since forever then you're already there. Her phone rang but she ignored it, not even glancing at who it was. It rang again so she answered it. "Hello?"

"Hey, Bon, it's Caroline, um, we need to talk."

"About?"

"Stefan's ready."

Her mouth closed and she almost dropped her phone at her friend's words. She looked down and for some reason, her chest started rising and falling in an un-routine manner.

"You still there?"

"Yeah," she whispered.

"He- when you took a call the other day, he asked what was going on between you and Carter and I said that I didn't really know and I asked why and he looked at you through the window and goes "she's there, you know," and he kept looking at you in that way but Matt told him that you were seeing someone and that's why things were so depressing when you got back."

She soaked in the story. "You're positive?"

"Yes. And I'm only telling you because I know you want to know, not because I want you to break up with Carter. He's a nice guy, he makes you happy."

"I know," she turned to look outside. "Well, I need to get back to work."

"Okay, I'll talk to you later."

"Bye," she ended the call then closed her eyes exhaling.

After work, Carter texted her asking her to meet him at a coffee shop right down the street from her job. She wasn't sure how things would be since Caroline dropped a major bombshell on her just hours ago. A bombshell that she's been waiting to hear for three years, but of course she's now with a guy who she very much enjoys being around.

Carter was really everything she looks for in a guy, funny, sweet, and kind, but not delicate. He loved his family and talked about his nieces and nephew like they were his own. Sure, he likes a little magic, but she could get past that. Besides, she would admit that she does enjoy his tricks at times.

"What's on your mind?" He asked leaning in with a slight smile.

"Don't let it go to your head, but you." She smiled when he broke into one. "I said don't let it get to your head."

He held up his hands slightly in defense. "Don't mind me," she chuckled. "What about me though?"

"Just how you're everything that I pretty much look for in a guy. Although I don't have a magician's box that I look for, you're still alright."

He chuckled leaning in to kiss her, but a voice coming from behind stopped it. She looked up and paused then stood stuttering like an idiot until she found the words to say. "Uh Stefan, this is Carter."

"Nice to meet you." Stefan shook his hand as he stood. "I hear you're easy on the eyes."

He chuckled nodding some. "I get that a lot."

"Yeah," he gave him a once over. "Anyway, I'll let you two be, I just wanted to say hello."

"Actually can we talk for a second, Stef, is that okay?" She asked Carter who nodded and she took his hand walking then to the other end of the place. "I should've told you." She apologized when they were alone.

"It's okay, I knew deep down anyway."

"I just didn't feel like the wedding was the right place to tell you. Especially after you know,"

"I understand. Go back to your date."

She sighed then hugged him. "Come over tonight."

"Okay," he pulled away from the hug and kissed her cheek before walking out.

Bonnie watched him a little before walking back to the table. "Sorry about that, I needed to tell him some things."

"It's fine. So you two had a thing?"

"Nothing serious. He's my best friend and you know how the story goes."

"I don't, actually."

She sighed. "Well we were friends for a long time, we dated it was fun and it felt right, but it just wasn't the right time. Not at that moment."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning that we weren't ready for a real committed relationship. We just wanted to have fun and that's what we did and that was it. It was mutual and we didn't want our relationship to go to waste so we stayed close friends."

"If things don't exactly work out between us, I hope that we can still be friends. I've been thinking about you a lot too and I would honestly hate to lose you."

She smiled. "I would hate to lose you too."

He leaned in to kiss her twice then moved his seat closer to hers so he could hold her against his chest.

Bonnie woke up wondering who was ringing her bell at 2 AM. She got up from bed and slipped on her robe then headed down the stairs. She looked through the peephole before opening the door. "When I asked you to come over tonight. I didn't mean booty call time."

"I know, I'm sorry. I took a nap. A long nap and I didn't want to stand you up so I'm here." He walked in as she moved to the side.

"I'm tired, Stefan."

"I'll be upstairs in a minute."

She nodded the moved slowly up the stairs. He went to the kitchen to look through her refrigerator for a snack. He settled on some pineapples and ate them climbing the stairs, walking into her room. He sat on the opposite end finishing the fruit as he checked his phone and placed everything on the nightstand beside him then removed his shirt. Stefan stood, pulling the covers back then got underneath, moving closer to her, wrapping his arm around her. He kissed her shoulder before closing his eyes.


When she woke up he was still asleep behind her softly snoring. So much for that long nap, she thought but sighed getting a little more comfortable. She reached for her phone seeing some missed messages but decided to respond to those later because it's too early to have a conversation. Even if it is via texting. She really wanted to get up and shower so she could eat breakfast, but Stefan was holding her a little too tightly for her to move, and no matter what she didn't want to wake him. He snores a little louder causing her to chuckle and her movement seemed to be enough to wake him. That or he was awoken by his own snore.

She heard him stretch and felt it a little too before he rolled slightly over. He grunted and she knew he was running his hands up then down his face because he always did that when he woke up. Stefan shortly held her again this time resting his head slightly on hers. He exhaled.

"You were snoring." She decided to say.

"Sorry. I was fucking tired."

"I could tell. It was louder than usual."

"You should've shoved me, I would've turned around."

"No, it was fine, I'm used to it."

He smiled. "I'll let go of you soon, I know you want to shower. Unless you got in last night?"

"No. Make me breakfast? It's the least you can do for basically standing me up last night."

"You wasted your one chance of guilting me on practically standing you up on me making you breakfast? I thought I taught you better."

She chuckled. "I love food, it's a win for me. Pancakes, please. Turkey bacon, orange juice, scrambled eggs with cheese, toast, and a flower."

"You literally have none of that in your fridge."

"Looks like someone has to make a trip to the store. I mean, it's the least you can do for snoring my ear off last night." She turned her head slightly towards him and smiled.

"So I did teach you better, didn't I?"

"You should be back from the store when I get out of the shower." She slipped away from his hold and walked towards the bathroom.

He eyes her back as she lifts her shirt up before closing the door with her foot. Such a tease, he thought and if she wasn't seeing that magic kid, he would join her and give her something far better than a big breakfast, but he got up and threw on his shirt.

Bonnie stepped out of the shower and inhaled the lovely smell of pancakes. He was quicker than she thought. She couldn't stop her mind from going over their relationship, especially after Carter questioned her on it. They had a mutual understanding, an understanding that she honestly never thought she'd be in. Not so much friends with benefits but best friends with benefits and only benefits when they're both single...most times. Depends on how the relationship is going. And it's not just strictly sex, it's just being physically and mentally close with someone. When they broke up, they promised to remain close and not date again unless they're one hundred percent ready for such a commitment because they have a strong belief that they are each other's person.

One day Stefan turned to her for comfort after a breakup. She found it odd, but he was her friend so she helped out as much as she could. It took a turn when he kissed her and didn't even try to apologize before he kissed her again and as they say, one thing led to another.

She doesn't know exactly when they turned this into normal behavior, but she guesses that they did promise to not date unless they're ready but they didn't say anything about doing other things.

Bonnie walked down the stairs smiling seeing him set the table for the both of them then walked into the kitchen. "Well look at you," she teased.

Stefan narrowed his eyes at her bringing the dishes to the table. "You're the first person that I've ever cooked for and something tells me you'll be my last."

She chuckled joining him at the table. "Aren't you glad I made you cook? Otherwise, you wouldn't have known you can."

"I guess it has its perks." He took two pancakes. "You know what I secretly liked what you did when we were dating?"

"What's that?"

"Whenever you got drunk and you would sit on my lap and lick...inside my nostril,"

"Ew!" She shook her head giggling.

He laughed. "I'm serious I was really turned on."

"Were you drunk?"

"No, completely sober. That shit was sexy."

She laughed some more. "Babe, that's gross."

"Hey, I'm not the one who did it."

"Yeah, but you were turned on by it."

"I can't help what I like," he shrugged and smiled as she let out the rest of her giggles. "So how long have you been seeing Carter?"

"Not long," she shrugged. "Maybe a month."

"When were you going to tell me?"

"Are you mad at me or something?"

"No, I'm just curious. You always tell me like a day after but this one is different. Why?"

"Because with all the stuff going on in your life, I didn't feel the need to tell you straight away."

He nodded. "Anyway, I'm happy for you. He seems like a nice guy."

"Thanks. He is," she watched him eat a triangular slice of the breakfast. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Do you have someone in mind?"

She started to regret asking noticing the way he was looking at her before he answered. "I might. We'll see though," she nodded. "Do you have plans for today? It's nice out, I want to do something."

"We should go to an amusement park! I haven't been to one in forever,"

"I could tell by the excitement in your voice." He chuckled. "Just us two?"

"We can call the squad and see if they want to tag along unless you just want it to be us?"

"No, we can check. If they all want to go, you should invite Carter. Make it even for rides and shit."

She was surprised by his response. "You think he'll be mad knowing you're my riding buddy?"

He only chuckled. She stood and walked over to him, sitting on his lap. He moved his arm around her hips. She hugged him from the side. "I really want to lick your nostril."

He dryly laughed. "Don't."

"Fine," she sighed.

"I wouldn't mind but don't."

"I won't."

He sighed running his hand up her rib cage. She ignored the way that made her feel. "You feel good," she whispered feeling a certain poking. She swung her leg around to straddle him. Her eyes closed feeling his hands travel down to grab her ass. "We didn't have our goodbye sex." She reminded.

"B- I- that's not a good idea." He kissed her cheek.

"It's tradition,"

"I know it is."

"You can't break tradition." She lifted her tongue into his left nostril, licking the tip of it. "Like that?"

He nodded then met their lips and carries her upstairs. He tosses her on the bed and immediately starts to undress her. He takes her from behind, it's always from behind first when they say goodbye. She grabs his hand as he grabs her breast, moving his hips within her from the side. When he feels himself nearing, he moves her to her stomach and she gets up on all fours moaning when his pace slows.

"You're my favorite." He leans in to bite her shoulder. He smiles when she cries out as his fingers moved between them and started strumming her cilt.

He plans it right and they come simultaneously and her knees give out. He moves them on the floor, on her white and fluffy rug, and watches her face as she rides him. He massages the sides of her hips and spreads her ass cheeks apart and they both moan as she goes deeper. Her pace quickens and as he stiffens inside her, she bounces on him quicker until she comes.

"Oh shit," he moved his head to the side breathing out deeply.

She moved beside him wiping off the sweat on her brow. She scooted in to kiss him several times and her legs went around his hips as he got on top of her. His movements were slow, controlled like he wanted them to last forever.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

He kisses her, bringing her hands above her head.

Caroline decided to pass on the amusement park because she hates roller coasters and she knew that's what they'll be doing all day. Pass. Hard pass.

Stefan and Matt walked behind the two girls who were chatty as per usual. He wondered if she would fill Elena in on their morning, but a part of him knows that she'll keep it herself. Not that it matters anyway.

"What kind of rides are we doing today?"

"All of them," Elena suggested then started towards the first rode she saw with her friends shortly behind.

Stefan held her from behind as they waited in line. Matt and Elena exchanged looks but didn't comment. It was like that for all the rides, sometimes their chest would be together and his arm would lightly hold her. Other times they would just hold hands, and sometimes they would just talk privately.

"Bonnie, can we talk for a second?" Elena asked.

They decided to get something to eat by the wave pool and Elena thought that this was a great opportunity to talk to her friend and see what was up.

"Sure," she got up taking her tray with her. "What's up?" She asked once they were alone.

"What's up with you and Stefan?"

She sighed. "We had sex." She shrugged. "He slept over last night, made me breakfast and we started talking about relationships and I made a move on him. Not sure what I was thinking, but I started it. It was our goodbye."

"Goodbye?"

"You never know what could happen, I could end up marrying this guy and we can never have what we have again. We do it each time one of us gets into a relationship."

Elena nodded. "Okay. Just be careful, Bonnie."

"I will," she hugged her friend.

"What do you think they're talking about over there?" Stefan asked watching them hug.

Matt turned to him. "Maybe how you and Bonnie are being extra touchy this evening."

"Is that your way of asking me?" He looked over at him seeing him shrug. "We had our goodbye sex. It was, you know. Great. Nothing more is going on."

"You sound like you're bothered by that." Matt pointed out.

Before he could say anything more, the girls came back and retook their seats beside each other. Stefan watched her behind his sunglasses eat and interact with their friends. Maybe he was bothered by the fact that they were nothing more than friends, but they promised each other another go when they both were ready to settle down and he still had to think if he's ready for such a thing. He can picture a life with Bonnie and babies, but he has to make sure that he's actually ready for a lifetime with Bonnie and babies.

He took a sip of his drink. "You gonna get in or what?" He nodded towards the pool.

"I really wasn't trying to get wet, but I am wearing my bathing suit. You getting in, Elena?"

"I might just chill at the shallow end. What about you, Matt?"

"If you guys go in, I'll go."

All eyes shifted to Stefan forcing him to be the ultimate decision breaker. He nodded then everyone removed their cover-ups then walked towards the pool. Elena hopped on Stefan's back as he walked deeper into the water.

"So you and Bonnie,"

"Don't make it a bigger deal than what it is,"

"Alright, I'm just saying,"

"Hey, she made the first move."

"Doesn't mean you had to follow through."

"Look, we've been through this enough to know our boundaries and I can't say that we crossed them. It won't happen again, alright? Not as long as she's with him. I promise."

Elena nodded exhaling then looked back seeing Matt giving their friend a talk as well.

After he dropped her off at her place, he kept getting up, going home himself. He needed a shower and a hot one at that. Stefan looked in the refrigerator for a snack as the water heated up and settled on a few grapes.

As he ran his fingers through his wet hair, he exhaled then took some shampoo in his hands and massaged his scalp with it then washed it out after about a minute. He left some conditioner in his hair as he washed his body twice then rinsed it out before shutting off the water. He wrapped a towel immediately around his waist and used another to dry his hair some. He gargled a shot of mouthwash then spit it out before walking back into his room where he dried off and got dressed.

He sat on his bed with a sigh and flipped through the channels on the TV stopping his mind from telling him that things would be a lot better with his best friend by his side but he knew that she was more likely with Carter because of the number of texts she was getting and receiving on the way to her home.

Carter. What's so good about—. He sighed. Deeply, then changed the channel. He settled on whatever cheesy porn episode was on and let out another sigh, spreading his body out along the couch. His phone dinged just as he was getting into it so he reached for it without looking. It was a text from his mother which made the mood quickly drain.

I need you to come over when you're free.

What's up?

I don't want to tell you over a text message, just come over. It has to do with Bonnie.

His features squished together. I'm on my way.

He shut off the TV then grabbed his keys before heading out. The whole way there he was wondering what she had to tell him. About Bonnie of all people, how does she know anything about Bonnie? Sure, they met quite a lot but he doesn't remember them being friends or anything so what does she have to tell him about Bonnie that he already doesn't know? Maybe she saw her out with Carter around town and wanted to tell him about it? He doesn't think that something like that wasn't text message worthy, she made it sound serious but then again, she does have a habit of things of over-exaggerating things. He allows himself to calm down after this revelation and just in time as he pulls up to his mother's place.

He knocks three times and waits a few seconds before she opens the door and greets him with a smile. He greeted her back and followed behind her into the living room. He sat on the couch opposite of her. "So what is it about Bonnie that's so important?"

"What? Oh, I just said that because I knew you come over quickly if I used her name."

"Really, mom?" He stood up ready to head towards the exit.

Lily stood and followed after him, grabbing his arm. "Wait, son, it's just I haven't seen you since the wedding. I barely saw you then."

He sighed. "I'm fine, mother."

"It's just that I saw Jessica there. No idea why Damon invited her but—"

"Because he's just a dick. You gave birth to a dick of a son."

She frowned deeply then held him. "I'm sorry, Stefan."

"Mom, I have to go," he moved her off then reached for the door.

Lily sighed deeply with tears in her eyes then looked over as her husband walked down the stairs. "I told you to just let it be."

"At least I know," she responded walking into the kitchen.


Bonnie opened the door with narrowed eyes seeing him standing there. Her expression then changed seeing the look on his face. She invited him in and closed the door and locked it before immediately pulling him into a hug. She held him tighter as he let out a long breath before breaking down in tears. He held her tighter, so close that he could break a rib. He looked up then stepped away wiping his tears.

"Shit, I'm sorry I didn't know you were here." He mentioned to Carter who walked in from the kitchen.

"It's okay, man, I—"

"I should go."

"Wait, Stef-" Bonnie tried to stop him but he quickly walked out. She ran her fingers through her hair then turned to Carter.

"Go,"

She thanked him quickly with a smile before running out. She at first tried to chase after his car hoping that he would stop but when she noticed he wouldn't she got in her car and followed after him. He was trying to get rid of her by turning unexpectedly and switching lanes so another car would be in front of them but she kept up until he sped through a light that just turned red. She let out a breath watching his car fade and fade away.

"Shit!" She hit the wheel repeatedly letting out her frustrations.

She tried to calm her tempered breathing as she thought about where he may be going. As the light turned green, a place popes into her mind, and headed there. She begged the universe that he would be there and when she saw tire tracks on the mud she became more hopeful. She parked a few meters away then got out of her car and walked there cutting through the woods. She saw him getting out of his car and walk into the house. She made her way up to the property and looked through the window seeing him looking in the fridge for which she knew was a beer and curse slamming the door short when there was none.

He walked out intending to go to the store to pick some up but there she stood on the last step. He paused then snapped out of it walking past her.

"Stefan-"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"You obviously do because you came to my house."

"Yeah well, that was a mistake. Go be with your boyfriend."

"Stefan," she grabbed his arm but he snatched it away turning towards.

"Leave me. Alone." He watched her eyes look into his before he turned away.

"Stef-"

"Go, Bonnie! You mean nothing to me, is that what it's going to take for you to leave? You're a fucking whore, how about that?"

His words didn't sting her at all. "Talk to me. You're hurting, you shouldn't be alone." She walked up to him. "Please, Stefan."

"Just leave me alone, Bonnie. Can you respect that please?"

"No." She shook her head. "I can't "respect" that, I won't. You came to me crying, Stefan, when have you ever done that? I love you, let me help you."

"You can help me by leaving me alone." He got into his car and Bonnie quickly rushed to open the passenger side door before he locked it but was too late. She pulled on the handle asking for him to open the door but he drove off causing her to back away.

She was breathing deeply yet again watching him just drive off and leave her in the dust. She closed her eyes then decided to give Matt a call.

Stefan sighed seeing her car still parked in the same spot and thought about turning around, but he kept going until he reached the top of the hill. He turned the car off and pocketed his keys as he got out, closing the door once he was fully outside. He stared at the windows and frowned some not noticing any movements coming from inside. He walked up to the cabin and opened the door frowning some more when she wasn't in sight. "Bonnie?"

He stepped fully in and checked the bedroom and when she wasn't there he panicked and checked the bathroom and pulled the shower curtain back coming up blank again.

What if someone had taken her? What if she was waiting around for him and some guy saw her and took her? He reached for his phone in his pocket and dialed her number getting startled at the loud ringtone. He followed it and ended the call seeing it on the table. He ran his fingers through his hair but quickly turned hearing the floors creak.

"Jeez, Bonnie, you scared the fuck out of me."

"Sorry, I was just-"

"Don't ever leave like that again."

"What?"

"I thought- I thought someone took you, you left your phone, your car is still in the same spot and when I got back I didn't see you and I thought-"

She set the firewood down and walked over to him, circling her arms around him.

He held her back much gentler now than before. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."

"I know you didn't."

"My mom bought up Jessica and I didn't have any distractions around me so it put me in an uncomfortable position. I guess I'm not as over it as I thought."

"It's partly my fault, I didn't give you much of a chance to mourn."

"I didn't want to mourn- I still don't. I just need my best friend."

"I'm always—"

"I'm gonna go call Matt." He chuckled at the look on her face. "I'm kidding." He kissed her forehead.

Her eyes closed and she imagined moving her head so their lips could meet but she stays still. "I was thinking that we sleep by the fire tonight?"

"Just me and you?" He pulled away.

She nodded. "Yeah,"

"Okay."

"I managed to make something to eat with the very little things that weren't spoiled." She told him walking towards the kitchen which was only five feet away. He joined her side before sitting her on the counter. She smiled when he hugged her.

"How did I get so lucky?"

"I'm sure you ask yourself that every day."

He chuckled. "Seriously, thank you. I didn't want to be alone, I was pushing you away and-"

"There's no need to explain. I'm here, I'll always be here."

He moved his hands to the sides of her face, staring into those beautiful eyes of hers. "I know. That's why I love you."

"I love you too."

He watched her some more before backing away, clearing his throat. "I'm sure Carter's worried, you should call him."

"I did about an hour ago. He knows."

He nodded. "Let's eat then, yeah?"

She nodded sliding off the counter.

He propped his head up on his hand watching her sleep as the fire crackled. What he wouldn't give to make her his at this moment. As she said, she's always there and he hates himself for truly just now realizing that. She would always be there, he just has to wait for her to break things off with Carter. It's only a matter of time, he could feel her want for him. The looks she gives him, how much she cares, the words she speaks, the promises she makes.

He lays back down and moves her to rest on his chest under the white sheets. She stirs then holds him by moving her arm to the other side of his chest. "Baby?"

"Hm?"

"Never mind, go back to sleep."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." He kissed her head.

She snuggled against him before drifting off and Stefan soon joined her in the land of dreams.


Stefan woke up to her gawking and smiled moving his hand to the side of her face staring into her eyes. She blinked softly before straddling his lap and leaned in meeting their noses.

"Caroline told me what you said the other day."

"What did I say?" He ran his hands up her back.

"She said that you were ready for me. She said that you were looking at me as I was on the phone and got upset when you found out I was seeing someone. Are you ready for me? Because truth is, I've been ready for you for years." She whispered in his ear then kissed his cheek.

"I'm more than ready for you. This, us." He kissed her. "I love you. I always have."

"I love you too." He watched her lift her shirt from her skin and moved his hands up to her bare sides and sat up meeting their chests.

He watched her eyes before leaning in, kissing her, switching their positions.

"Dreaming about me?"

Stefan opened his eyes staring right at his erection. "Fuck."

She giggled turning on her back. He ran his hands over his face calming himself down but the ticket piece of his dreams right beside him made it a little more difficult. He looked over at her as she stared up at the ceiling. "What are you thinking about?"

She exhaled. "Nothing much."

"I'm sorry, Bonnie. I don't want to ruin your relationship with him, I shouldn't have come to you."

"It's okay, Stefan,"

"No, it's not. I love you so I'm backing off. I still want to hang out with you and talk to you and see you, but for now, it may be best if we do that when we're not alone. Because then I'll always be tempted and you don't deserve that."

She took a deep breath knowing that he was right. She wanted to see where her relationship would go with Carter because she really does like him but Stefan. With Stefan she knows, there's nothing to figure out or wait and see, she knows. Bonnie looked over at him.

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I love you."

"Are you in love with me?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to be with me?"

"More than ever. Do you want to be with me?"

"I do."

"You can change your mind," he offers but she shakes her head. "Come here," he turned to his side ready to meet their lips but stopped himself. "Wait, you're with Carter."

"Not anymore. I broke up with him last night."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to see how this morning would go first."

He chuckled making her smile before meeting their lips.