XIV. Hidden in the past
Bonnie was a little nervous, they were finally on the restaurant Damon chose, she had just ordered and she disconnected herself while Damon said what he wanted.
She didn't know what she wanted to ask him, there was so much she wanted to know, when he started having feelings for her, how did it happen, when did it stop? She wanted to know stuff about his life too, how he had coped with those "destructive months" and how he came out of it.
-Earth calling to Bon Bon- he said moving a fork on front of her face.
-Hmm? I'm sorry… I was just…
-Are you having second thoughts about what you ordered?
-No, not at all. It's just… it's a lot of pressure to know exactly which question I should ask. There's a lot I want to know.
-Okay, how about we make things more interesting? Maybe you ask one more question than me?
-Okay. I want three questions like the three wishes. You get two.
-Fine. Shoot- he responded smiling with soft eyes.
-How did you get out of that destructive phase?
-Uh, that's a good one. I… I lost my wallet on a bar- he smiled, looking at is plate- It had been a week long of just drinking on a bar, alone. Elena had called every day and I wouldn't pick up, I actually made the bartender pick up once, she was pissed.
-I would've been too.
-Yeah… I had to apologize later…-he cleared his throat and started playing with the fork in the table- it was actually Stefan who got there and took me home. I screamed at him the entire way home and then when we got home and I realized my wallet was missing I lost it. We fought like never before and Stefan ended up storming off. I thought he was never coming back. I thought I fucked up our relationship forever. The thought of losing everyone, even him, made me realize I had to stop.
-What was so important about your wallet?- she questioned trying to change subject, when she realized his temple had changed and his expression had gone sad.
-What is so important about my wallet. See, he found it. And when he brought it back to me it's when we had a healing season, as Caroline calls it.- he said pulling his wallet from his pocket- This is an important thing for me, for many reasons. My dad gave it to me for my fourteenth birthday. It says my name, actually, right here.
He showed his wallet to Bonnie and she took it carefully, passing her fingers on his engraved name on the leather. The very intimate moment was interrupted by the waiter that wanted to clarify something with Damon.
-I'm so sorry to inform you that we don't have enough shrimp for a plate, could we complement it with maybe salmon?- asked the young boy with a bit of fear in his eyes, she could only imagine how many times people drew fits to a question like that.
-No problem.
-Thank you, sir.
-Okay, and what's the other reason you care about this wallet so much?- enquired Bonnie giving the wallet back.
-Well… it has a few pictures in it that are important to me. And you can't see them, or that counts as your second question.
-You're changing the rules.
-You asked a second question and I'm being forgiving because you didn't realize, you should be thankful that I'm making new rules.
-Fine- she responded rolling her eyes- it's time for your first question.
-Did I make a mistake by lying to Tyler? Is he someone you would've liked having something with?
-No. He was nice, but I always knew he had some ulterior motives for being so nice, so I actually tried to be away from him. Like, in social gathering or parties, you know? I never wanted to be in the awkward position of saying "no". So you saved me.
-Great. I knew I was your hero all along. Now, your turn.
-I'm not going to be as light with this one, so if you don't want to answer it's okay.
-Just say it, Bon.
-Why does that gift matter so much? Didn't you and your dad have a rocky relationship?
Damon stayed silent for a bit, still with the wallet on his hand. She thought she had fucked everything up and that he was going to be mad now, but suddenly he smiled.
-You're right. He wasn't as nice to me as he was to Stefan and that had drove a wedge between us, even before out parents died, but after that it got worst. It made me feel like I wasn't worthy of love and the only time my father showed he cared about me was when he gave me this wallet. So it meant the world to me, because I always dreamed of his approval and this represented it.
-Does Stefan know that?
-Yeah. The thing is, I resented Stefan for it and he didn't deserve it. As much as I defended him from others and took care of him from everyone, is how much I felt like I needed to protect him from my issues and me. That's something that we could heal later that day. We talked about everything that night. Our parents, how we coped with losing them, how important you and Caroline were to us through those years. I almost called you afterwards.
-Why didn't you?
-Because I hated myself. I hated what I was doing with my life, Elena was actually saving my company from crushing, because I was too drunk to make decisions. That made it really hard to break up with her, but I knew I had to. I also hated myself for putting her through all that.
-But you guys are in good terms now, right?
-Yeah, she forgave me. Bless her soul. Bless everyone's soul, I've been fucking things up for years and somehow I'm always forgiven.
-Because you realize you messed up. If you hadn't felt remorse or acted like you were sorry I would've never forgiven you.
They were looking at each other when the plates came and they were once again interrupted by the waiter.
-Everything okay?- he asked after putting the food on the table.
-Yes, thank you- responded Damon, looking at her with a secretive smile, one that read "can you believe this guy, interrupting us again?"
-Thanks- she said smiling the same way.
-Oki doki. Enough with my drama. I want to know about your drama. You've had a patient die, right? How was that like?
-Unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's happened three times now. First time I was just starting residency, of course I don't make the decisions, so everyone kept telling me it wasn't my fault and that the doctor on charge should feel the blame, and he didn't because that's how these things work, but I couldn't sleep in days. I blamed myself for not doing anything, even when I wasn't allowed to do anything.
-It's a human thing to do, to blame yourself.
-Yeah. I replayed the moment his heart stopped beating and how the doctor was performing CPR and I just stood there and watched. How her wife reacted when we told her the news. How I couldn't do anything for them… it fucked me up for a few weeks.
-And the second time?
-I tried to do stuff this time, help with the CPR, help with the defibrillator, hug the loved one that we gave the bad news to. I tried everything I regretted not doing the first time around and it was still hard. It still kept me up at night and gave me nightmares for not being capable of saving them. I get why doctors numb themselves now, I tried the third time around, but it didn't work. I understand why they do it but I can't figure out how.
-That must be awful.
-It is. But it's so great when you can save someone, Damon. When they leave with a smile on their faces and you tell their loved ones that they'll be coming home. It's… indescribable.
He looked at her with that smile that she loved and she couldn't help but to smile as well, looking at her plate so she wouldn't swoon over him.
-Do you remember that you showed me a movie once, when we were teenagers, about two kids who were neighbors and I think it was set like in the sixties or seventies and she was crazy for him and he thought she was crazy, until he fell for her at the end?
-Flipped?
-Yeah. That one. I thought it was cute, but I could never get over what the grandpa told the blonde boy. The thing about finding someone who was iridescent and how after that, nothing could ever compare.
-Yes. I loved that line.
-I've been kind of living by that ever since. Thinking about peopel that can be iridescent or moments that are iridescence by themselves. To me, it feels like that's a good iridescent moment, when you save a life and you get to tell the person that loved them that they're alright.
Bonnie smiled, she had definitely rubbed off on him, with her many literary words and positive outlook and referencing movies. And he looked adorable, talking about it like it was nothing but with a red tint in his face.
-It is. Thank you, for giving a word for it.
-You're welcome, witchy.
-Okay. I'm going all out with the last one and you don't have to answer if you don't want to- she started feeling her face on fire and unable to look at him in the eyes- but… maybe you could tell me…when did you start to have feelings for me?- she ended whispering.
He was silent for a while and she wondered if this time he'd take the escape route she had laid out for him, but he cleared his throat before drinking from his glass of water and she managed to peek a look at him. It seemed like he had just made a decision, one she had no idea what it was about.
-That's a good third question. I think it started when I was fifteen.
-Really?
-Yeah. After my parents died we got very close and I loved that you treated me different than the other kids, like a regular kid and not an orphan. We were already best friends and I always felt like you belonged next to me, as if all of my adventures had to have you in them, but after all the shit that went down, you were the only untouched thing that remained in my life. Even my relationship with Stefan changed, but we kept on riding our bikes and talking about UFOs and conspiracy theories.
-I remember that- she contributed to make him feel more at ease.
-I don't know when it started but I know that I just wanted to make you smile. I remember thinking that my day at school was sucking, but if I could see you afterwards and make you smile it was all worth it.
He looked at her with restraint in his eyes, she knew he didn't want to embarrass himself, but she also knew that he wanted for her to know this stuff and he was checking in to see if she was okay with it or if she wanted to run away calling him "creep".
-That's… really sweet. How could I've been so blind?
-We were stupid kids. I was blind too, I thought you didn't feel anything more than friendship. I didn't say anything about my feelings to anyone. But when I bought my car I loved taking you everywhere, even just take you to the mall to see Caroline would make my day, because we'd ride together and we'd sing at the top of our lungs and you'd laugh so hard at my pitched voice. I loved that.
-That's what I loved the most too. Just hanging out and having fun.
-So, should we blast some music in the way back to Mystic Falls?
-Hell yeah.
They finished eating and started talking about lighter topics, like their ex-classmates and some stories they had forgotten. Bonnie was laughing so much by the time they finished that she was crying. Damon paid and they walked together to the car, feeling much lighter and happier than when they came in.
-Remember that time Klaus tried to kiss Caroline and Stefan hit him in the face?-asked Damon with a huge smile on his face.
-Oh, God. Yes, they both ended up in detention for a month.
-Caroline loved the attention it gave her.
-And Valerie got so mad that Stefan defended her.
-High school was crazy…
-What's crazy is that we're all here again. I mean, even Valerie. She disappeared and broke Stefan's heart and now she's coming to the wedding…if there is a wedding
-There is going to be one.
As if that conversation was some cue, Bonnie's phone started ringing and the name on the screen was "Care".
-We'll see about that. Hey Care.
-Hey Bonnie, everything okay?
-Yes, that's what I want to know- she said leaning on Damon's car.
-Well… things are alright. I'm telling you everything when you get here, Stefan wants to tell you too, I know it's a lot, because I'm still processing too, but we need to do one last rehearsal before tomorrow, do you think you and Damon can make it to the dance studio in half an hour?
Bonnie looked at Damon, standing by her side with his back to the car. She knew he was nervous and that he'd be more than relieved to go see them and dance.
-Yes, we can make it in half an hour.
-Great. See you there! I gotta call everyone else.
-Okay, just tell me something. Are you okay? Do you want to do this or do you feel pressured now because you're so close to the wedding?
-I want to marry this idiot, but it turns out that things are much more complicated than I knew. You'll see in a few hours. Thank you for caring for me.
-Always. See you soon.
-Bye!
-Don't want to go to the wedding or what?- asked Damon a bit mad.
-Of course I do! But I want to make sure that it's something that she's sure about. I don't want for them to divorce in a year.
He looked at her for too long without saying anything and she could see the angriness dissipate from his eyes and suddenly something else was there, something warmer.
-Has anyone told you that you look cute when you're defending your posture?
-No. Do you want to be the first one?- she didn't know where this new confidence came from, but she was loving it.
-You look extremely cute when you're mad and when you're defending your posture. And when you get flustered.
-That's why you like to do it so much? Getting me flustered, I mean.
-Yeah- he smiled wryly and one of his hands took her hair off her face and behind her ear.
She felt like there was nothing left to say and a spell fell on both of them, making them unaware of their surroundings, so as anyone would've expected, they both jumped from the sound of a hornby their side, apparently, someone wanted to park there.
-We should get into the car.
-No, there's plenty of spaces for him to park, he's an asshole. I'm only going to do this to get back at him.
-Do what?- she asked before Damon pulling her onto him and kissing her, so passionately, that she once again forgot where she was. She kissed him back with as much passion as she had and suddenly she could feel her back pressed against the car and him pressed against her.
It was everything she ever wanted and more and her hands made her way up his hair and pulled his head closer to her. She needed to be closer, after all this time waiting for this, her body was finally all nerve endings and no common sense.
Suddenly the horn sounded again and she couldn't help but to jump. Damon pulled her face away from her and they looked at each other confused but also, with the impulse of doing that again written all over their eyes.
-Can you two move?!- screamed the guy in the car.
-Can you park somewhere else?- asked Damon obviously mad, looking at the guy, but still with his body trapping her against the car.
-Damon, let's just go- she said before breathing deep, trying to make sense of what was happening.
-Fine- he whispered looking back at her and slowly separating himself from her, looking at her eyes the whole time, with a secret warning in his eyes. She felt like any sudden movement from her would make him go right back to the place he was second ago. And she wasn't sure why that would be such a bad thing.
The horn sounded again and she remembered they were making a scene.
He finally started walking towards the driver seat and she fanned her face with her hand before getting inside of the car.
They were in silence for a few minutes, while Damon flipped off the guy on the parking lot and then the fog finally escaped her brain and the fact that her and Damon had actually kissed finally dawned on her. Wow. And it was so… heated? Was it really just to piss the guy off and why would he kiss her just to spite the guy? That's crazy. That was crazy and her lips still felt warm and wet from his kiss.
She didn't know what to say, but after all that happened she kind of felt like she needed to address it and finally ask him if he had feelings for her still. But how? The questions were done now. Unless, they weren't.
-Damon?
-Yes?
-How do you feel about a few more questions while we get to the dance rehearsal?
-That's… a good idea. I'd like to start, though.
-Okay.
She didn't know why her heart was racing so fast, as if she suspected what his question was. But she had no clue, she just hoped he wasn't going to ask her about that kiss because she had no idea what to say about it.
-When did you start having a crush on me?
Well, that took an unexpected turn. He wanted to talk about the past again?
-I don't think there was a moment that made me realize I had feelings for you. I know I always thought you were so cute and cool.
-Because I was.
-Yeah- she laughed a bit, maybe this question was a good one to getting her to open up and relax- and you were there for me when the worst time of my life came and I was there for you. I don't know how it happened but before I even realized I had a crush on you I just… I just felt like… we were each other's? Not in a possessive or creepy way. But like… we were in each other's life for something, for a reason.
-Like we were meant to be partners? Yeah, I felt that too. We clicked so well and your humor was like mine and you could put up with me and I just knew.
-Exactly! It's like we had met each other before, maybe in another life. – she smiled, this was why he kept calling her witchy, she believed in that kind of stuff while growing up- And then, we grew up and girls and boys were not supposed to be friends, because everyone was dating their friends and we said we were above it, because we were just platonic best friends. I felt sick to my stomach for lying to you about it.
-Really?
-Yeah. I used to tell you everything except how much I liked you. It made me feel so guilty… I think I remember something, though. I remember once, when you were fifteen and I was fourteen, you had gone to spend a month to Seattle with Jo and Ric and we saw each other again for the first time on the school and I saw you on the hallway… It was… very much like a movie.
She didn't want to tell him that her first thought was "He's so hot" and then "I'm gonna marry him someday". She was getting flustered just with thinking about it, she wasn't telling him.
-What do you mean it was like a movie?
-You were getting into the hallway and I saw you from my locker and… like… everything disappeared. And then you ran to me and you hugged me and it felt like my husband came back from the war or something.
-I remember you turned red as soon as you saw me. I bet you thought I looked very sexy.
-Yeah, right.
-I don't have any problem admitting that when I saw you with that dress I nearly fainted. I still remember it, very long and flowy and purple. You had a white vest on top of it, the fashionista of the school.
-Shut up. How do you remember that?
-It's on my category of iridescent moments.
-You thought of me as iridescent?
-I still do.
Her stomach was filled with butterflies and she knew this was the time to ask him about the kiss, her rational side thought it wasn't a good idea because if it didn't go well they still had to rehearse the dance and everything, but she was so done with her rational side.
-I need to ask you something.
-You need to make it quick, because we're almost there.
-They can wait.
-Alright. Ask away.
-Did you really just kissed me to piss off that guy?- she asked very quickly and without looking at him, still scared but finally asking what she really wanted to.
-Wow. I wasn't expecting that.
-You don't have to answer if you don't want to.
-You say that every single time and I end up answering every single time.
-So?- she was starting to hesitate, he wasn't being as upfront as before. Was she misinterpreting stuff? Did her dream not mean anything?
-Are you sure you want to discuss this now?
-Why wouldn't I?
-Because it's a long discussion.
-What do you mean?
They were two blocks away from the dance studio and Damon parked in front of a random house and looked at her very intensely.
-I mean that…you kissed me back- she swallowed before nodding and he pulled his seatbelt off and pushed himself closer to her.- And you seemed really into it.
-Can you answer what I asked?- she inquired with her face on fire and her heart racing.
-Of course. I… I kissed you because I wanted to. And you wanted me to. Right?
-Yes.
-And you want me to do it again.
-Yes.
She almost couldn't finish saying it before he pulled her close and smashed his lips with hers. His hand were cupping her face, a very tender gesture contrasting how passionate and fast he was kissing her, but she wasn't complaining, her hands were on his hair and neck and as much as she needed some air, she also needed him.
They pulled back for air, but Damon started kissing her cheeks, slower this time and somehow that turned her on more than the fast-paced kiss still lingering on her lips.
-I've been wanting to do this for a long time.
-Then why didn't you?
-Because I wasn't sure that that's what you wanted.
She was about to scream at him about how wrong he was when Damon's phone started ringing. He groaned, he had been taken back to the real world as she had, and she remembered they had a place to be at.
-You should pick it up.
-I know, this is why I wanted to discuss this later, but you needed it now. Hello?- he answered all grumpy and adorable, making her smile wide.- Yes, we're almost there. Okay.
-They're waiting for us?
-Yes. There's no time for us to be teenagers in my car.
-Is that something you wanted?
-Are you kidding me? Bonnie you were my crush when were teenagers. I had many, many dreams about this- he said turning on the car.
-That's a lot of honesty.
-You asked, witchy.
She smiled and looked at herself oh the mirror in the passenger seat, trying to hide any trace of them being teenagers on his car. He was right, this was pretty much was she daydreamt about when they were teens and the hormones were very active.
-Do I look good?
-You look flawless.
-I'm serious, Damon.
-So am I. They won't be able to tell we were getting naughty on my car.
-Stop that! I don't want for them no know it.
-Why not?
-I'm not Lexi, I like to keep stuff to myself. And we have stuff to talk about before anything more happens.
-What do you need to talk about?
They got to the dance studio and Stefan was outside waiting for them, so they couldn't keep talking.
-We'll talk later- she whispered before exiting the car to say hi to her friend.
-Hi Bonnie- said Stefan without looking at her, still very mortified.
-Hi Stefan, I heard you managed to keep the festivities going.
-Bonnie, there's a lot we need to talk about, which is why I was waiting here for you. I want to take you home, to eat something after the rehearsal and tell you everything. Is that okay?
Damon elbowed her and she jerked her face towards him, very angry, but his face was very calmed and his eyes were saying "please take his offer, it'll be worth it". So she believed him.
-Fine. But you'll have to order sushi and the good kind.
-Of course- he answered smiling, visibly less uncomfortable.
-Okay, let's go, Blondie's waiting- Damon remembered them.
After dancing the whole choreography twice, they finally went to the Salvatore house, to have some sushi and a very serious conversation.
-Are you nervous?- asked Damon when they got into the car.
-No, I just want to know what's going on.
-And after that we can have our conversation right?
-Yes, Damon. You can take me home in your car and we can talk about what happened.
-And what will happen again, I presume.
-You're such and idiot- she murmured shaking her hand with the brightest smile ever.
-And that's why you want to kiss me.
-Again: idiot.
She stayed quiet for a bit, marveling at the fact that they were finally talking about their feelings and that he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him. And maybe some other stuff as well. But was it purely physical? Or did he just want to get it out of his system? Did he actually had feelings for her or he just wanted a one-night stand?
-I can see you're starting to get nervous, please stop overthinking.
-I'm not overthinking.
-You are. Because that's what you do. Relax.
They got to the house and Caroline was the one waiting outside this time, making Damon go stiff.
-I know what you did- she said as soon as they got out of the car.
-At the time it seemed like a good idea.
-It was the worst idea you could've had. So tomorrow, I'm gonna be relaxed and you're going to be stressed. You're working with Nora to make sure everything's in place. And it better be.
Caroline wasn't messing around, she really was letting it all in Damon's hands, which was the worst kind of punishment, honestly, because she knew exactly how she wanted things, and he had to deliver.
-Okay. Can Bon Bon help me, though? She knows you way better, in case there's something that needs to be changed.
-I said everything has to go according to plan. No changes. But, you can borrow her for a bit in the morning, she needs to come get glammed up with me later.
-Okay- he agreed bowing his head.
-Fine, let's get inside, Stefan's dying of anxiety.
They walked inside and Bonnie was feeling weird, this was too formal and just for her, all of them knew what had happened, so she felt like they all needed to stop it with the drama.
-Why don't we all just relax. I'm the only one who doesn't know, but you all look so somber.
-It's because it's not the happiest of topics.
-What do you mean, Care?
-Let Stefan tell you.
She sat on the couch and Damon served himself some bourbon behind her, while Stefan and Caroline were sitting on the couch in front of her.
-Okay, thanks for coming Bonnie. I know this is too weird and I should've said this before but I was trying to process it all.
-Something bad happened?
He stood up and walked around the room for a while, until finally facing Damon, behind her fiancé, still sited on the couch.
-Yeah. I… I am a father, Bonnie.
Of all the things Bonnie thought he could have said that's the last one she would've expected. No, not even the last one because she would've never in a million years expect for him to say those words.
-I'm sorry, what?
-Yeah… I thought the same thing. Apparently, I got Valerie pregnant when we were teenagers and when her parents found out they took her back to England, you know she was here with her aunt. She said she never wanted for me to worry about her parents coming to force me to marry her, so she never told anyone it was mine. She told her aunt we had broken up and that she had had a one-night stand with someone she didn't remember the name of.
-I… this is insane.
-Of course, when she told me a few months ago I told her I needed proof. She said she didn't want anything from me, but she wanted for our child to get to know me, so I asked for a paternity test and then it came back and it was true. I didn't know what to do or how to act and I somehow told her I wanted for him to be at my wedding and she thought I invited her and her husband too and it all got… just… messy.
-And I wasn't the best adviser.
-You weren't brother. But Care's forgiven me and I have her blessing for having them there tomorrow and, she gets to meet him too.
-It's a he?
-Yeah. His name's Lucas. I met him the morning of the rehearsal dinner.- she could see his eyes getting watery and his nose red- I never thought something like this could've happen to me… to us. But here we are. I have a son I never knew about.
Caroline stood up and hugged Stefan and as much as Bonnie wanted to do the same she felt like she was glued to the sofa. Her mouth was still open and she had so many questions.
-Why didn't she contact you before? Why now?
-She said she decided to do it when she realized I wanted to work on the same Buffet as her and then she didn't want to tell me over the phone so she had to plan for the trip.
-And she decided to stay here in Mystic Falls- said Caroline, obviously hating Stefan's ex.
-Yeah. I'm so sorry, honey. I need to get to know him.
-I know this isn't your fault. She's just… I'm sorry. I'm still so mad at her for hiding it for so long.
-How old is he?- asked Bonnie, still with her mind going a thousand miles a second.
-He's almost eight. The dates match.
-He's so big.
-He is.
There was a silence, no one knew what to do or how to act, this were big news. This was a huge change in Caroline's and Stefan's life, but they still loved each other and they were willing to make it work.
-I don't know what to say Stefan, but I think it's remarkable that you want to be in your kid's life and that Caroline is there for you, every step of the way. I love you guys and I'll help you with anything you need- offered Bonnie finally being able to stand up and walking up to Stefan to hug him tight.
-Like a babysitter-contributed Damon.
-Anything, guys. But I gotta say, you should've been more upfront about it.
-Yeah, I know. I just knew I had to tell Caroline it had to be before we got married and Damon came in with his plan and as much as I knew it wasn't going to work I went with it because I'm a coward.
-You are- agreed Caroline while smiling to her fiancé when someone ringed the bell and Damon went to open the door.
-Sushi's here- he screamed from the door and then paid for everything.
They ate in silence at first, but after a few minutes they eased into jokes and a conversation about all he had to do to make up for the time they spent apart.
And as time went by, Bonnie knew she was closer to her conversation with Damon and as much as she didn't want to overthink it, she also knew that if she let herself go, they were going to go a lot further than just kissing that night.
It wasn't like she opposed to it, actually she was hungry for him, but she also wanted to be sure that he wasn't in it just for the physicality of it, that he had feelings for her. She didn't want to hurt his feelings by implying that he was just a player, though.
But if he was? His voice interrupted her thoughts, making her forget entirely what she was thinking about.
-Okay, Bonnie. It's time to take you home, we have a lot to do tomorrow morning- he said with a smile that could only be described as a hunter with a secure prey.
Oh, and how she was enjoying being his prey.
Hi guys! So I decided to go with it and make it a little bit longer, so you have more of this fic for a few more weeks. Hopefully you like this chapter, it's longer than the last one, because I wanted to make things even and I wanted for them to know more about each other.
Oh, and the elephant in the room: they finally kissed! Were you guys expecting for it to be this chapter? And what do you think will happen on the next one?
Also, were you expecting that to be the reason Stefan invited Valerie? Did you notice that he said he needed three more seats, but Valerie only arrived with one guy? I thought maybe someone would figure it out, but no one commented on it on the reviews, I know it's a very used troop, but I also know that everyone writes about Valerie never having the kid and I thought we could maybe do something with it and have Stefan find out he's a father years later.
I feel like this chapter had a lot, but not at the same time? Let me know what you think and if you were expecting this! I also put a few gifs on the tumblr that inspired me on this chapter, in case you'd like to see them.
Anyways, happy reading :)