III. Fucking freezing.
They were back at the bridal store, this time it was time for the bridesmaids' to try on some dresses. She had two consecutive days off again, which only happened once a month, so they decided it was the perfect day for shopping, in case they needed to come back the next day for alterations or anything.
Caroline said that they could each choose one and try to convince her on why they needed to wear it and if the rest agreed, that was the one.
Bonnie was happy she could at least pitch one to her friend, because she knew that the three girls were very different, with very different tastes and different convincing skills, so at least she had a shot. Even thought she knew that Rebekah would end up winning, her stupid British accent could make anyone follow her lead.
She just felt weird being back at the same shop of her outburst. A few days had gone by and she felt like maybe she overreacted a bit. After she left Caroline called a lot of times. So many that she finally gave up and answered. They talked for a long time and eventually Bonnie realized that it wasn't Caroline's fault that she hadn't noticed "the game", as Lexi had called it. It was her own fault for not caring, and maybe she did kind of notice but she didn't try to stop or talk about it.
They ended up on good terms again, which was a relief for Caroline, who needed desperately her maid of honor back and with that they went on with the rest of the wedding preparations, hence the visit to the bridal shop.
She picked a flowy yellow dress. It ended uneven and she knew it would look great on the dance sequence. She left the dressing room where she had put it on and the other girls were already out.
Rebekah had a big puffy dress on. It was black with little white beads all over it, it looked like the night sky and it was definitely gorgeous. But it was too prom dressy. Lexi had a white, very tight and short dress on. It had see-through parts around the chest area, but with the boobs covered. It was still kind of racy for a wedding in the woods.
-Ok-said Caroline examining them. She looked at her and knew she was winning instantly, her face changed when she got to her dress. Suck it, blondies- Rebekah, explain why we should pick your dress
-Because is the most beautiful one, dah- she said with a movement of her wrist. She passed her hand through the beads, just mesmerized with them- plus I look gorgeous in it
-Yeah, but you'd look gorgeous in anything. You are just that bitch. I don't know though, it doesn't look like a bridesmaids dress, what do you guys think?
-It's a prom's dress. We all know it, we all pass. Now, I know you look at this and say "it's too slutty", right?- the three of them nodded at Lexi's question- and that's the idea. I'm going just so I can get laid with Klaus, you need something to remind Matt that you're still desired by other men, so he should propose soon and Bonnie needs this to show that she's single and better without Enzo. And maybe even better, in bed with the best man.
-Lexi!
-Come on, Care. All that hate and tension? That's best resolved in bed
Bonnie felt her face on fire. She just hated that now that Enzo was out of the picture, everyone's first though was her hooking up with Damon. Caroline felt bad for this, obviously. You could see it in her face.
-Shut up. Don't listen to her, Bonnie. Pitch us your dress
-Ok- she cleared her throat to make herself feel more confident- I think this dress is perfect for the wedding but also the dance. It's comfortable but eye catching. It is flowy but it still accentuates your figure so you can definitely achieve the sexy with this. It's just less on the nose.
-But where's the fun then?- said Lexi crossing her arms.
-It's her wedding. It shouldn't be fun for you, it should be fun for Caroline- said Bonnie bluntly. She was usually patient with Lexi, but she couldn't help her reaction when someone was coming for her like that.
-Uh, did I say something triggering?
-No Lexie, you were just a bitch- responded Caroline- and Bonnie is right, this is the perfect dress, it fulfills all of your boxes. It's not too long, nor too short. It's flowy, sexy and eye-catching.
-Problem is that I don't look well on yellow, I'm too pale- said Rebekah with her hands on her hips.
-Then just get a spray tan it's not that hard- responded Lexi rolling her eyes- I do it all the time. You're right, Bonnie. I was overstepping a bit. Sometimes I forget we are not actually friends
-Oh my God, you are one of my bridesmaids, how are we not friends?- said or practically screamed Caroline putting her hands on her hips.
-We're friends because of circumstance. I've always been Stefan's best friend, since we were kids, so I had to tag along with you guys or Stefan wasn't going. I get it- she turned around to get into the dressing room, but Caroline followed her to avoid another crisis.
Bonnie knew she should assure her that that wasn't the case, that they were friends. But she didn't feel like lying. It was all true. They had a big group of friends: Care, Stefan, Tyler, Matt, Rebekah, Klaus, Damon, Lexi and herself. They grew up together, except for the Mikaelson's that arrived to Mystic Falls right at the end of middle school but they fitted in almost instantly. She really liked and cared for all of them, but her real friends, the ones she considered her best friends were always Caroline, Damon and Stefan.
She went to her own dressing room and changed into her clothes quickly. This bridal stuff was fun at first, but a real burden now. She just wanted to be home, studying and not being reminded everyday about having to see Damon in a few months. It was draining to just work everyday on ER and now she wasn't just doing that but also helping Caroline and being reminded everyday day of Damon's come back. It was making it all worst.
She was just happy that the next things like décor and the cake were all between her and her two best friends, they could take her mind off of the gruesome ER stuff and the nerve-wrecking Damon stuff.
-All right, that was something- said Caroline when she got out of her dressing room, the other two girls were still on theirs, so they had some nice minutes alone.
-Yeah, it's hard doing all of these things with such different people, huh?
-You have no idea. I love you all, but you guys are too much sometimes.
-I know, I'm sorry
-Oh, don't worry. I know I am too. When you get married, I'll choose a dress bigger than Rebekah did.
-I don't doubt it- they smiled and looked at each other, but Caroline looked away- what are you hiding?
-I'm not hiding anything per se. I was waiting for the right time to tell you.
-And what do you need to tell me?
-I just got a call from Stefan right before we got here.
-And what did he say? It's everything ok?- asked Bonnie hoping it had nothing to do with more wedding work.
-Yeah- Caroline started playing with her purse's zipper and Bonnie knew this wasn't going to be good news for her- he just got a call from Damon
-What?- asked the brunette feeling like her stomach was tied in knots.
-He wants to throw us an engagement party at the Salvatore house. He said he'd pay for everything and Alaric and Jo are delighted. It's very much a settled thing. But you don't have to go if you don't want to
The air seemed to have left her lungs. This was too unexpected, of course he'd do something like this. Bastard. She thought she had some months before seeing him, but of course he changed that. When was this thing anyway?
-When?- she couldn't let anything else leave her mouth, she was mad. Not at Caroline of course, but at him.
-Next week. He wants to come help with some wedding duties and do the party. He's just going to be here for a week and then he'll be gone. I swear I had no idea, Bonnie
-About what?- asked Lexi leaving her dressing room
-Nothing, why don't you try on the yellow dress on you size, please?
-Oki doki. But you need to tell me after that- she said pointing at Caroline
-Of course, Lex
Bonnie calmed down after that interaction, I mean, she had to stop reacting like that when it came to him. If she wanted to let this thing behind she needed to stop caring so much, plus he was the best man, she would have to face him some day. At least it was just a week and then she'd had Mystic Falls for herself.
-I know it's not your fault, Care. I'm just surprised. I thought I had more time to prepare for his awful presence. Plus I don't have Enzo now to block him, so this will be different- she said wincing. She hated that those men had such a big influence in her life for so long. But not anymore.
-I'm so glad you're taking this so good. I never thought I'd have both of you helping pick decorations and stuff
-Wait, what?
-It fits good, guys. I never thought I'd say this, but good job Bonnie- said Rebekah coming out with her yellow dress- I'll have to spray tan, though
-Let me see- said Lexi coming out with her own dress on, they both looked incredible.
-You look gorgeous girls
-Thanks, Care. Now tell us what you didn't know
Caroline sighed. Lexi was relentless and she would get it out of her anyway, they knew it, so Caroline looked at her best friend like asking for permission and Bonnie nodded.
-We are having an engagement party next week- the blondes looked at her knowing there was more to it, so she just said it very quickly- and Damon is hosting it.
Both of them looked at Bonnie and she just tried to maintain an undisturbed face. She knew that's what it was going to be like at the dinner, so she just closed her eyes and tried to focus on something else.
-Ok ladies, get out of your dresses, because we need to go pay for them- said Caroline looking at them very intensely. She just wanted them to stop bothering her best friend and Bonnie appreciated that.
The girls left and Bonnie turned to Caroline.
-You know what? It's fine. I love you and Stefan and I don't want to get in the way of you guys having a great wedding.
-This is why I love you Bonnie! You're just the best
They hugged each other and then took the dresses to pay for them. The brunette decided she wanted to go shopping for a second dress later. She needed one for the engagement party.
Bonnie was a little bit nervous. This was her big test. It was one of her days off and she wished she was at home studying for her actual big test, but no, here she was terrified because of her fucking ex-best friend. They were going to see each other after two years and they had to work together to help Caroline and Stefan. Her palms were sweaty and she felt like she needed a drink.
But it was 10 am and this wasn't the time nor the place. She was waiting for them outside of the bakery. Caroline had offered to pick her up, but she just needed some fresh air before it all started.
She saw Caroline's car and her heart started pounding. But she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. It worked up until they parked and the first one to come out of the car was Damon.
-Well, well, well. If it isn't Bon Bon herself- he said with that damn crooked smile and looking cool as a cucumber. She hated that he could just be like that while she was literally loosing it in her mind.
-Hi- she just said dryly and then looked at Caroline- how are you, sweetie?- asked Bonnie now with a soft smile on her face.
-Pretty tired actually- responded Damon at the same time that Caroline and Bonnie hugged to say hi.
-Ha ha, very funny. –replied Bonnie rolling her eyes- Hi Stefan, how could you manage not to go to work today?
-I just told them I had to babysit my big brother. It works every time- said the younger Salvatore with a smile on his face.
-Yeah, maybe your boss has a thing for me. Is she going to the wedding?
-Yes, he's going to the wedding.
-Oh, how old is he? I like to keep my options open- responded Damon with a cocky smile and his arms crossed.
-Shut up, Damon. Let's just go inside- said the bride rolling her eyes and taking her best friend's arm in her hand- this is going to be so good Bonnie, I've been dieting for a few weeks now and I can finally cheat today, so we are going all out
-Come on, Care. You have a killer bod, you don't need to do diets.
-That's exactly what I've been telling her- interrupted Stefan from behind them and Caroline turned to give him a peck on the lips
-Oh, come on kids, I didn't sign up for this kind of content- said Damon wincing.
-Grow up- said Caroline rolling her eyes but smiling.
She didn't realize that Damon and Caroline had a relationship on their own. I mean, of course they did before everything happened and she liked how laid back they were, but she didn't realize that after it all went south between her and him, Caroline still had a relationship with him as the brother of her boyfriend. And also, it seems like, her friend.
She didn't hate it, but she wasn't enjoying it either. Nevertheless, she just had to grow up because her friend's relationships didn't revolve around her, so she just had to accept it and move on.
They said hi to the baker who was with the wedding planner, Nora, discussing size and possible designs. He took them to another room with a table and five seats ready. When they were all set, he started bringing different types of cake.
-Oh my God Care, please try the chocolate one- said Bonnie as soon as she put that one in her mouth.
-Hey, stop acting sexual. We are in the middle of something here- said Damon putting a hand in his chest, acting offended.
-Oh, bite me- she responded before putting more cake on her fork.
-Maybe later
She wasn't looking at him, but she knew he had that stupid smile on his face. She had walked right into that one and she wasn't proud of it, so she decided to just stay quiet for the rest of the appointment.
Everything was going good until Caroline asked her for her favorite flavor.
-You heard the lady, she was moaning over the chocolate cake
-I can respond for myself, you ass. And Care, as much as I liked the chocolate one, the tiramisu one was just perfect.
-I didn't hear you moan over that one, though
-Shut up!- said all three of them
-Ok, wrong audience- he said putting his hands up, giving up and she should've let it die there, but she just couldn't.
-And what kind of audience enjoys your dirty jokes and unsolicited opinions?
-Well, all of my friends in New York, Bonnie. But of course you wouldn't know that
-Yeah? Does Elena do too?- she knew she was overstepping but she really just blurted it out before she could think about it.
They all remained in silence for some minutes. Even the baker and the wedding planner seemed to notice the tension in the air, and Bonnie grew guiltier with every second of him not responding.
-I would comment on your single status, but I'm classy. Unlike you- he finally responded, although the humor had left his voice. He wasn't being aggressive either, but hurt, maybe?
-All right, I think we all like the tiramisu one, right?- asked Caroline to try and lighten the mood, but it didn't quite work.
-Yeah, I think that's it- offered Stefan trying to unite the front.
The other two remained quiet while the soon to be married couple decided on the design of the exterior of the cake along with Nora. They only responded yes or no questions when forced, but the couple seemed to realize that they didn't want to talk more in fear of ruining the appointment.
When they got out, they had to go see and decide on the decorations of the venue but the spirits weren't where they should, so no one knew what to do. Bonnie decided to be the bigger person and asked Damon to talk alone before hopping into the car. Caroline looked scared, but she just let them be.
-All right, my offer is no longer standing so don't get your hopes up- he said when they walked away from the car to have some privacy.
-I know I shouldn't have said that,- she said ignoring his joke when they got to a place far enough- but you need to stop with the sexual comments, I'm not comfortable with you talking to me like that, especially in front of people
She had talked very quickly while looking at the floor before she regretted it and when she finished she dared to take a look at him. He was watching her while propping against a wall, classic chill Damon.
-I see that. I mean, we haven't seen each other in a long time and I didn't know that you still hated me that much. But ok, I get it, I guess- he responded shrugging. Clearly victimizing himself.
-I don't hate you, Damon- she clarified while rolling her eyes- I just don't like that you just speak like that to me in front of everyone. I hate that you just sexualize everything and you don't care about what people will think
-Do you really care that much about what people think about you?
-I'm trying to get a job on the hospital of Mystic Falls Damon. Words get around, I need to have a good image to stand a chance. Plus, we can't just hijack Caroline and Stefan's appointments to fight each other, they should be the center of attention, not us.
-Fair enough. But you have to understand that I kind of need a bit of the spotlight
-I know. And I don't care, just don't drag me in it
He nodded and they spent some time quietly, he seemed to have something else to say but was unsure to proceed. She looked at him expectantly while crossing her arms, preparing for what came next.
-I just realized something. You faced your problem head on. Good job, Bonnie Bennet
He nodded while smiling in such a smug way that Bonnie couldn't just let it pass.
-What do you mean by that?
-That you always run from your problems. That's why I thought that you'd go to New York with me, but apparently the problem wasn't Mystic Falls. It was me- he said looking at her as intensely as he could. Then he just turned around and went to the car, leaving her speechless, which was a hard thing to do.
She decided she needed to calm down and not explode in front of everyone, she hated when he did that, he would just do something unexpected and then turn around and leave. She wanted to tell him to stop but then she'd have to talk about the kiss and she wasn't ready for that. She just wanted to forget that even happened.
She just sighed and decided to go back to Caroline's car and just stop talking altogether. She needed to stop stirring the pot because she wasn't ready for what might come out of it. So she got into the car and only talked to Caroline the whole time they were looking for the decorations. It was hard to just ignore the others, but she felt it was safer like that.
She got to her house, exhausted and drained emotionally from the awkward day she just had. She got to her bed without even making herself dinner and started dwelling on their relationship, how it used to be and how messed up it was right now.
They used to have a really good time together, they were best friends. And while she tried to fall sleep, she remembered vividly one of the last times they hung out as best friends for a whole day.
It was one of the best summer days, the one where the sun was shining but it wasn't as hot as when you suffocate and don't want to move. So she and Damon decided to go to a nearby lake. Ever since Damon got his car up and running he had taken her everywhere and she loved every minute of it.
-So, did you bring your bikini?- he said moving his eyebrows at her
-Eyes on the road!-she screamed while grabbing on the seat
-Oh, come on, witchy. Don't tell me you're scared of me?
-Why would I be scared of you, nerd? I'm scared of you losing the control of the vehicle because you keep looking at me.
-Well I can't help it, you wore a sundress today
She rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help to smile a little. She put it on expecting to have a reaction from him, but she didn't know it would make her feel as warm and fuzzy inside.
-Well you should still be looking at the road, Damon. And no, I didn't.
-Oh, why not? I brought mine
-Because I don't want to get hypothermia. The lake is surrounded by mountains, that's where the water comes from. It's freezing.
-And I'm the nerd?- he smiled crookedly and she felt like punching him in the arm. But she composed herself because she wasn't a fifteen year old anymore and she needed to show him that.
-Yeah, you love comic books and the marvel movies. So, nerd.
-Hey! Don't disrespect the art of the graphic novel. Yeez, I thought you were more open minded.
-I am. But you're still a nerd
-Look who says it. The Harry Potter fan.
-It's gonna be classic literature someday, just wait and see.
-Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say.
They spend the rest of the ride with a peaceful silence. That's why they liked traveling alone and not with the lovebirds, because Caroline hated silence and Stefan always tried to make her happy so, they were always talking. She knew it wasn't her friend's fault to feel like that, because when your dad leaves the house while your mom is on police duty and all you hear is silence for 15 hours straight, of course you're gonna hate it.
Especially if it happened when you were seven years old and you never saw your father again.
They got to the lake and took their stuff to lay in the sun, it was a nice day and not a lot of people were around, so they got lucky.
She loved the view of the lake, surrounded by beautiful mighty mountains, telling her how small she was. They just sat on a towel and started playing cards, like they did in these trips.
-I'm getting ahead of you this time, witchy
-That's if you don't let your tell sell you
-I do not have a tell
-Yes, you do
-Then what is it?
-Why would I tell you? I'd stop beating you
-I fucking hate you- he said with the most adorable smile she had seen him sport. His hair was covering his blue eyes slightly, surrounded with little happiness lines. She felt butterflies in her stomach and had to look away before she said something crazy that would ruin this precious friendship.
-I do to- she whispered not sounding convincing at all.
He just looked at her for a while, in silence and she could just feel it, but she wasn't brave enough to lift her head. She knew that if she did she'd just tell him how much she loved these little adventures of them and how much she was going to miss him when he'd go to New York. She couldn't let him go there alone and being bitter, so she had to hide her feelings for the time being.
-So? Anything you'd like to tell me?
He could totally see through her and she hated it. So she just stood up and run to the water to feel the cold water on her feet.
-Come on
-All right. I know something's bugging you, but if you rather feel the freezing water, fine.
-Just come enjoy this with me, please- she said looking back at him, at the same time as he started walking towards her. She kind of felt like in a movie, but she couldn't let him see that.
-Shit. It's fucking freezing- he whined when he finally got to her side.
-I told you so
-I told you so- he mocked her while rolling his eyes and she just scrunched her face at him. He smiled again and pulled her in for a hug- if you need to tell me something, I'm right here Bonnie.
-I know, Damon. I... I just don't want to burden you, that's all- she answered with her head buried in his chest
-You are my best friend Bennet, you're not a burden at all
She smiled while lifting her head and for a moment, she let herself believe she could just let him know everything. All of her heart's desires. Her wanting for him to stay, her wanting to be more than just friends, her wanting to travel the world with him.
But it was all just her. She didn't know how he felt and she was incredibly scared of losing him if he found out. So she decided to just let him know a part of the truth.
-I'll just… miss you
It was just a whisper and Damon smiled crookedly at her, as usual, making her smile for real.
-I know you will. I'd miss me too… and I'll miss you- he kissed her in the forehead and they just remained in silence looking at the water move on the lake in front of them.
She hated that they were all sad before the separation happened because of her so she pulled away to went look for her camera, she knew he loved being in front of the lens and that would cheer them up.
-Ok, sad times are over, let's have a photoshoot.
-Great, I'm dying to become a New York model
She got to the towel with her stuff and it and took the polaroid camera he had given her for her birthday. She started taking photos of the landscape before taking a picture of him looking all melancholic.
-Come on, give me more. I got film for ten pictures, you know. You need to give me all kinds of looks, not just sad. No one wants ten sad pictures.
-Actually I want to take pictures of you, Bonnie. I always look great in every pose so it isn't a challenge to you as a photographer. But taking a good picture of you before you get embarrassed and start making weird faces? That's the challenge.
She scrunched her face at him once again. But let him have the camera. They spent the rest of the day trying to make her feel comfortable in front of him and before they knew it was starting to get dark. So he took a last picture of her on the sunset and decided to keep that one, he said it was only fair because he had aced the challenge.
Then they drove off back home.
She could see it all again, the mountains, the water, the stunning sunset colors, Damon and his sweet smiles, she could even hear the click of the camera when he photographed her. She felt the heat from the sun and from her embarrassment from being in front of the lens.
It was such a stark contrast with the way they treated each other now. Always distant, always mad, always trying to one up the other. But she wasn't mad right now, she was just sad. She let herself feel the cold from his attitude for the first time in years.
It was as fucking freezing as the water that day.
Ok! I hope you guys liked it, I thought it was time to show why these guys feel so strongly about each other, how it used to be and how it is now. I hope you guys liked it and if so reviews are always welcome :)
Also shotout to a Guest who left a review asking me to put something to show a change of scene, because I thought I had, in the word document the separation is there but fan fiction didn't pick up on it I don't know why but now I figured it out and I hadn't noticed so thank you!
I really like reading your comments guys, even if they are rants or just you saying you like the story, they keep me wanting to write more. Now if you'd like to have a conversation, you could ask on tumblr and I could rant with you or something, speaking of, I messed up and put the bridesmaids choices last week, instead of now, but anyways, the dresses are there bamon-iridescence. tumblr. com
Hope you guys have a nice week and you guys like this chapter :)