Disclaimer: Not mine.

Silas was working in the Salvatore library. He had to say he was impressed with the books and journals the vampires possessed. You would never know they were imbeciles by the text in their study. Of course they were too busy fighting over pretty little girls to fully appreciate what they had… the keys to an empire.

It had been over a month since he had awoken but it felt like an eternity without his love. Maeve consumed his thoughts. There was no point in being immortal without his other half. Silas struggled to remember her olive skin, raven black hair, and emerald eyes. Qetsiyah thinks she has won, but the sweetest revenge will be raising his beloved while she is forced to watch from the prison she built for him.

He had found what he needed. A clue to where his beloved was entombed. Humans felt the need to document everything, even cursed and haunted caverns that time had forgotten, power surges that great didn't occur naturally. His love was calling to him from beyond the grave. She had been doing so for ages according to the text.

A quick search of the Bennett witch's bedchamber had produced Maeve's necklace of cursed bones. Little Bonnie had no idea of the power she wore around her neck in her final months. That dullard Shane told her exactly what he needed to get her to cooperate? She would be horrified to find it was made from the bones of over 500 witches Maeve had sacrificed. It was Maeve's last surviving possession, source of power, and a necessary proponent of the spell he would have to perform.

Silas had drunk enough blood to control a small army, but it still may not be enough to free his mate. He would have to consume more, and of course a virgin would have to be sacrificed, an ancestor of Maeve herself, a life force to replace Maeve's in the afterlife.

His queen would escape from the folds of death after all these millennia, and what could the sorceress do about it? He and his beloved will reign for eternity, but first he had to travel to Salem.

The wizard had sired two lineages. The ripper was the result of a tryst with a Roma seer, and the daughters of Maeve had settled in Salem. He thought he was the patriarch of the Bennett line but apparently Qetsiyah had another lover. He was more than annoyed when he found the Bennett witch did not carry his blood. She would have been easier to control, but nevertheless he had accomplished his task. The wizard could admit he was curious of what had become of his ancestors in Salem, after seeing the travesty that was the Salvatore siblings. It was time to pay them a visit.

-o0o-

Stefan heard the voices inside the cabin but had no desire to move. He was laid out in grass basking in the warmth and light. The tiny cabin felt too cramped, and dark. At these thoughts his chest began to tighten. Stefan you're outside. You're free. Feel the warmth. It's okay. The pressure slowly died down. Sorrow was the only thing weighing on his chest at the moment.

He had been outside all day. When he woke up he immediately ran for the door, but since Kol was inside. He didn't get very far. After his second anxiety attack the original vampire gave him a 100 feet circumference around the cabin to be outside all day. Bonnie sat with him meditating in the morning. He tried not to cry too loud to disturb her. If he wasn't picturing Elena or Damon he was thinking about the abyss, or blood. But at the moment he just savored the light and heat, and tried to ignore the waning of the afternoon sun.

"How is he?" Caroline said staring out the window. She had gone out to greet him and he barely acknowledged her. Bonnie said he would do that just go into his own head, crying silently. "Really spooked. He's literally afraid of the dark. He cries a lot, and he doesn't like being alone." Caroline watched Stefan in concern. "He looks fine now. He's out there alone." Bonnie nodded. "Because he can hear us talking. He freaked out when Kol went to town and I was meditating. He said it was too quiet. I had to sit out there with him the whole morning. Not that I minded. It was actually very pleasant. I just. I'm not used to seeing him like this. He's supposed to be…" Caroline turned to her friend. "The Hero."

Bonnie tried not to be delighted during the hardest period in Stefan's life but Caroline was talking to her again, not through Kol, to her. It had been close to three weeks. "What?" Caroline said observing Bonnie's expression. "Nothing." Bonnie said quickly. Caroline rolled her eyes. "It's just that you're talking to me again." Caroline pursed her lips. "Yeah, well your boyfriend isn't her to mediate." On cue Kol walked in with the supplies they had left behind at the campsite. He didn't want Silas to have any clue Bonnie was alive and the Ripper was free.

"Okay Kitten, Blondie what's this all about?" Kol said dropping the supplies at the door. Bonnie had texted him to come back to the cabin. "Silas is going to Salem. The ticket came in the mail yesterday in Stefan's name. Damon asked him what was up, and he said he needed to get away, take a trip. That he had a friend in Salem. He has also been locked away in the library the past few weeks. Elena mentioned it during orientation. I snuck in this morning and books were piled up on the desk. Guess what he was looking up…The Salem Witch Trials." Bonnie's eyes narrowed.

"My ancestors migrated from Salem. I wonder what he's up to." Kol looked between the two friends. "I don't know, Darling, but I plan to find out. Bonnie, do you think you can handle Stefan alone for a few days?" Bonnie bit her lip. "Yeah. Sure." Caroline looked confused. "Why would she-" Kol looked over at the Blonde vampire.

"He's ripping. He refused to eat until I fed him a pervert or eight. So not only is he traumatized, but he also lusting for blood and gore." Caroline shook her head. Stefan refused to eat? Kol had to force him. Poor Stefan. Caroline thought, as another notion came to the forefront of her brain. "He's the one who killed those men, the sex offenders. They think it's some nutbag vigilante." Kol smiled. Bonnie scowled she was still upset with the original. She was positive he could have found another way. Stefan would have eaten eventually. She knew that he was hurting and at a low point, but he wouldn't have just let himself starve…he hadn't given up completely…had he? Kol tried to feed her BS about the men deserving what they got. That wasn't the point. The point was Stefan, who would have to fight fear, anguish, and now a heightened addiction.

"Me and the ripper are going to have a conversation later. Everything should be fine." Bonnie eyed Kol a little too long. "We'll be fine." Caroline looked at her friend. Was Bonnie falling for an Original? She was dying to ask how she ended up with Kol in the first place but she was still hurt by her friend's actions and she wasn't sure if she was ready to forgive her yet.

Come on Caroline, you know your going to forgive her. You love her. You're being stubborn. Besides she was once again risking her ass to save someone else. Bonnie was wrong. Stefan was not the true hero of this little story. Bonnie was.

"Well I've got class in an hour. I have to go. Bonnie, call me if you need any help with Stefan. I'll call you later." Caroline said picking up her bags. Bonnie's eyes misted. Caroline looked at her friend, and rolled her eyes. "Oh come here." She said pulling her into an embrace. "I swear to God I will kill you myself if you ever attempt to do anything like that again. Later we're going to have a serious conversation about your recent life choices, but until then…I missed you so much."

Bonnie sniffled. "I missed you too." They stood there in the embrace. "You know, nothing says forgiveness like a little tongue." Kol said watching the two friends. "Shut up Kol." Bonnie said embarrassed, letting go of Caroline. Caroline threw the original a dirty look. "I'll call later. Love ya." Caroline said walking out the door.

Bonnie glanced out the window to check on Stefan. He hadn't moved in an hour. Kol came and stood behind her. Looking out the window over her shoulder. "Are you sure Bonnie? I don't know what I will do if anything happens to you." Actually I do, but no need to tell my Kitten. Mass murder upsets her. If she died her pathetic excuses for friends would be the first to go. Maybe he would spare Blondie. Bonnie turned facing the original. She realized her mistake when she came face to face to him. Kol was managing to ease into her personal space lately. She had become comfortable with him. Be truthful Bonnie. You like it. Him. You crave his attention.

"Let's not pretend you won't taken every precaution and compel Stefan to be exactly what you want. He's my friend you know. I trust him, like I trust you. You shouldn't be controlling him." Kol had managed to move in closer. She could feel the heat from his body. "Trust me darling what I am doing is protecting you. Besides I haven't done anything to Salvatore that he won't get over, that's more than I can say for the people who 'Love' him." Bonnie sighed Kol had a point, but she still didn't like Stefan being compelled against his wishes, despite his penchant for doing the same things to others, to her even. "I can defend myself. You know that first hand." Kol smirked. "Indeed I do." Kol eyes travelled to her lips. Bonnie bit them absentmindedly. "You know this will be the first time we will be apart for more than a day. Since, I can even remember." Kol said.

"I know. I thought about that." Kol's brow raised, his breathe fluttered across her face, mint and just a hint of blood. "I might actually miss you. I want you to be careful. You're leaving me with the Ripper. Who's going to watch your back?" Kol grinned, his hand reaching up to stroke her face.

"Originals don't need Rippers, kitten. We're immortal. Out of the two things that can kill me, one is surely locked away in Klaus's possession by now and the other is madly in love with me." Bonnie opened her mouth to object, thinking of Silas, but was quieted by Kol's lips brushing against hers. A moment later their tongues moved sensuously against one another. Kol wrapped her arms around his neck, and then hoisted her on the counter. He moved between her thighs while kissing down her neck. He was about to unbutton her top button when Stefan called out.

"Bonnie. Bonnie are you there?" Bonnie snapped out of Kol's trance, pushing him away. "We're still here Stefan." She said trying to get clear of her lust filled haze. Guilt rocked her as a teary eyed Jeremy came to mind. Kol growled "Oh get out. I know he could hear us. He's a bloody vampire for Christ's sake." Bonnie ssh'd him. "He's afraid to be alone." Kol rolled his eyes shifting his groin. Little Kol was ready to come out and play.

"He's a bloody cock blocker. Just cause his girl fancy's his brother." Bonnie's eyes grew. "Kol! Go take a cold shower. You need to pack anyway." Kol narrowed his eyes and walked into the second bedroom. A few moments later he appeared in the doorway in a towel. Bonnie's breath hitched. "You know darling, you should join me. The Ripper needs to get used to being in the world again. Besides I can assure he will hear you." Bonnie shook her head.

"We freed him yesterday Kol, you already want him to get over it?" His lips pursed as he sauntered back into his bedroom. Bonnie exhaled smiling after him.

Maybe Stefan wasn't Kol's favorite person at the moment, but Bonnie would never forget him carrying him to the beach. That bit of compassion was her last stronghold against the charms of Kol Mikealson. She would never tell him that though. He would launch a full-scale attack on her heart, and there was still the matter of a very angry Jeremy Gilbert. She didn't know how long Kol would be gone. She hoped not too long, because she would definitely miss him.

Hours Later…Bonnie had gone to bed, Stefan lay on the couch curled in the fetal position. Every light in the living room was on. Kol had said his goodbyes to Bonnie before she went to bed. He didn't get much further than he had earlier today, but at least there was groping this time.

Since he was such in a good mood he decided to take pity on Salvatore who was wound up so tight he looked as if he was ready to explode. He went and kneeled in front of the couch peering into the vampire's eyes. "You may not do anything that will hurt Bonnie directly or indirectly. You can only travel 100 feet away from this cabin while the sun is up. Only At night, only after Bonnie has fallen asleep, you may have full control over your humanity switch. Only at night, after Bonnie is asleep you can leave the cabin to feed only. If it's humans you choose to dine on, it may only be people on the sex offender list. Once you are satiated or every morning, before she wakes up you will return to the cabin with all of your emotions on. You will protect Bonnie at all cost, day and night. Enjoy your nights out Ripper. This will be over soon, and then you can terrorize all the villages you want."

-o0o-

Bonnie could feel the morning sun beaming down on her face. Her eyes slowly opened. Kol would have already gone. She sighed sitting up and wiping her eyes. She swung her feet over the bed and stood, only to trip seconds later falling to the floor. She turned quickly to find Stefan covered in blood curled up at the side of her bed. It was clear he had been out feeding. What did Kol say to get him to feed at night? The man was afraid of his own shadow.

"Stefan." He looked up with wet eyes. She sighed. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up." She rose slowly tugging on his arms. He stood following her into the bathroom. She could see his panic out the corner of her eyes. When she turned on the faucet he backed out of the room. She turned off the faucet followed him as he went out the back door.

"Stefan wait-" but it came to her. Water. She watched him lower himself to the grass in the one spot in the yard with direct sunlight. "Well you can't walk around with blood all over you." Stefan ignored her, closing his eyes. Bonnie went back in the house to get dressed. She sung one of her Gram's favorite songs so Stefan could hear her.

Later, while she was putting on her chapstick she look down at her facial wipes and she got an idea. She got on the phone to Caroline right away. "Hey Care, when you come can you bring six tubs of baby wipes. Don't ask."

Despite Bonnie and Caroline's pleas Stefan refused to come back in the house until the sun was going down. Caroline had succeeded in wiping his mouth and hands but both women agreed anything else outside was a bit risqué.

When the back door finally opened that evening Bonnie was reading spells aloud at the kitchen table. Caroline had just left. Stefan immediately turned on all the lights in the cabin. Then sat at the table. Bonnie got up to get the baby wipes. She slid them across the table to the vampire. Stefan smelled like the outside, dried blood, and the woods all at once. It wasn't the most pleasant smell. She stared at him until he reached for the container, pulling his shirt over his head. Bonnie moved to leave the room.

"Please don't go." Stefan said barely above a whisper. Bonnie's stomach turned. She was anxious about him being undressed, images of a naked Silas attacked her thoughts without permission. She felt guilty for thinking like that while he was so traumatized. She sat back down at the table. She closed her eyes and began a meditation chant. Bonnie just went through the motions there was no way she could concentrate. She hoped Stefan returned to himself or at least something that resembled that.

Bonnie and Stefan sat at the table for the rest of the night. Bonnie read a copy of one the books Caroline had reported Silas was reading, and Stefan was staring at a new journal. Another thing Bonnie had thought to tell Caroline to bring. It wasn't fancy and bound leather like he was used to, in fact it had daisies all over it, but Stefan wrote in it anyway. Every now and again he would stop and stare off in space. Bonnie looked up from her book to find his cheeks stained with tears. "Stefan…if you need to talk about anything. I'm here." Stefan just nodded. She watched him a few more minutes then went back to her book.

Later, she looked at the clock. It was eleven. She was tired from all this research. She knew that if she just left Stefan in here she would just find him on the side of her bed in the morning. "I'm pretty tired. I can cast a sleeping spell if you want. So you can sleep better. So you won't be afraid." Stefan just nodded.

She motioned him to the couch, covering him in the patterned quilt that rested there. "I'll leave this lamp on okay." She closed her eyes and recited a simple incantation. In a matter of seconds Stefan's eyes closed and she could see his body physically relax. He must be so tired. She thought. He was constantly on guard. She walked around the room flipping off the lights. She went to the table to blow out the candle, where she noticed his journal was still open. Stefan had written one phrase over and over. I'm free. I don't have to be afraid. Bonnie closed the book, walking to her bedroom. She glanced at her suffering friend once more before closing the door behind her.

-o0o-

Bonnie woke up to whimpering. He bedroom door was open and Stefan was balled up in the corner. It was 6:00 in the morning. From what Bonnie could tell Stefan was afraid of three things. The dark, water and being alone. The latter almost left him paralyzed with fear. He used to be a loner. She looked at him through blurry eyes. Had he changed clothes? She looked closer. He had fed. She could tell by his appearance. No doubt a result of Kol's compulsion.

His eyes were a bit greener, his skin a bit rosier. He looked more alive, despite the anguish he was clothed in. Well at least he cleaned himself up. The trash bin by the door confirmed her suspicions. Bloody baby wipes were heaping over. She got out of bed walking over to him. She grabbed both hands and pulled until he was on his feet. She walked back over to the bed getting back in it. She pulled him down beside her and wrapped her arms around him. She lay there listening to him cry until he quieted and she drifted back off to sleep.

Stefan listened to Bonnie's heartbeat. He counted beats per minute. It was the only thing that kept him from thinking about the four walls and shadows in the room. He knew he needed to get his shit together but sometimes he was just so overcome with grief, fear, and crippling sorrow. He loved Elena almost as much as he loved his brother. How could the two people he loved most, the two people he sacrificed for most do this to him?

His gut churned, pain rising in his chest. He listened, turning his thoughts to the steady beat of Bonnie's pulse. It was almost 9:00 am. When was Bonnie going to wake up? He could see the sun through the curtains. He longed to be outside where it was bright. You could always go outside alone Stefan, like the ripper did at night? That was different. Kol allowed the ripper to come out at night. The ripper didn't have to deal with the silence, the loneliness. He would just wait for Bonnie to get up. He needed to know she was there. Lying next to her felt…safe. If only there was more light. It's my fault she's sleeping in anyway. I woke her up with my crying. Bonnie stirred, looking at the clock.

She looked back at Stefan who was wide-awake. As soon as she said "hey" he was pulling away from her, rising from the bed. "Heading outside?" She said sitting up. "Yeah." Stefan said walking out of the bedroom. She got up going to the bathroom. I wonder what I should sing today?

-o0o-

Bonnie's phone rang while she was meditating outside. Stefan was lying in his usual spot. She walked in the back door and grabbed it off the kitchen counter. "Hello."

"Hello darling. Tell me how much you miss me." Bonnie heart leapt. She hadn't talked to Kol in a week. He just texted her short messages full of innuendo and bravado everyday. His way of letting her know he was okay and not to worry. "Why are you just calling?" Bonnie interrogated. She sounded more upset than she wanted to.

"You know what I'm doing love. As much as I want I can't stop and have an hour long conversation because you miss me so," Kol teased. "So have you found anything out?" Bonnie said glancing out the window at Stefan. "He's following some woman around, Prudence Owens. Get this she's a witch, powerful too, not Bennett powerful but damn near. The locals are frightened of her. Silas has been shadowing her for a week." Bonnie was racking her memory for any detail related to Owens witches and Salem.

"I'll find out more later and text you. So how is everything there?" Bonnie moved further into the cabin. "It's good. Stefan is doing more things on his own." Bonnie avoided telling Kol Stefan slept with her every night. She was very aware of his feelings, and her own growing attraction or rather full grown attraction, but Jeremy still lingered in her mind. Bonnie silenced all thoughts of Stefan competing for her affections as well. She was helping a friend. At least, the last couple of days when she woke up, he was already outside in the sun. It was progress. Stefan had even asked after the original vampire. "He's been behaving?" Kol asked. "Yes Kol."

"Alright then. Tell me you miss me. You can't live without me. You think about me naked." Bonnie smiled. "It is certainly less interesting without you around." Kol chuckled. "It's okay. I know what you meant. I speak Bonnie." Bonnie laughed out loud. "Bye Kol. Be careful. Call when you can."

"I will, and Kitten…I do miss you." Bonnie sobered, trying not to sound too affected. "I miss you too. Hurry back."

-o0o-

Stefan lay in the grass listening to Bonnie and Caroline's chatter. They were supposed to be having a picnic, him included, but he just lay in the grass listening to the Blonde's voice. Caroline was telling Bonnie about college life. He could tell the blonde was doing her best not to mention she who must not be named.

It had been two weeks out of his cage and although he still felt tremendous pain he was tired of crying. What could he do? The tears weren't going to undo his feelings of betrayal. It's not like he didn't know Elena had fucked his brother, sire bond or not. He opened his eyes reaching for his journal. He felt like writing. He sat up. Both women halted their conversation looking at him.

"You alright Stefan. " Bonnie said concerned. Stefan smiled. Her eyes expanded in shock. He looked at the blonde who was equally surprised. He frowned in confusion. They looked at each other. "I feel like writing." He said picking up the pen. Bonnie smiled.

Stefan had never noticed how pretty Bonnie was. Especially out here in the sun with her golden skin shimmering in the sun. When the light caught her eyes just right they were moss green. To be honest he always thought they were brown. He must have been too wrapped up Elena to notice. Elena. He thought. He sighed putting pen to paper, and began to write everything he wanted to tell her.

-o0o-

Later that night…Bonnie was in the bathroom changing into her pajamas. Stefan had turned on every light in the bedroom. He was staring up at the ceiling listening to her hum Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He could tell she was running out of songs to sing. He didn't know what he would do without Bonnie. Caroline and Bonnie didn't think he was paying attention, but he had overheard that she had crossed the veil to save him. The past few weeks she had went out of her way to help him.

From what he could tell, Elena and Damon didn't even know he was missing, the two people who are supposed to know him most, probably too busy breaking in Damon's bed. Damon better be thankful Kol put a lock on the ripper. The Original was definitely smarter than Stefan had given him credit for. The ripper had very strict guidelines. He couldn't hurt Damon if he wanted too, and he wanted to, nothing permanent, but definitely painful, excruciatingly painful. Stefan smiled to himself. Damon owed Kol.

It had been two weeks almost three since he had seen the original even though, he called and texted often. Stefan could always tell when he had called because Bonnie would light up. Obviously Kol and Bonnie had formed some kind of bond across the veil. Whatever it was the feeling was mutual between the two. Bonnie fluttered around the house while she was on the phone with him, smiling and blushing. He had never seen that part of Bonnie. It was nice.

Sure she was with Jeremy for a while, but it wasn't the same. Stefan always thought Bonnie was so mature, wise beyond her years, and Jeremy, although he had grown up a lot, was like his kid brother. It was strange. It seemed like Kol made her happy. I mean, look at all the things he had done for her. She deserved some happiness; especially after all the trauma he had caused her, all for the love of one girl, a girl who broke his heart. Stefan don't go there. God, not right now.

Bonnie walked into the room humming. She smiled at him, going to her side of the bed. Stefan was starting to feel uneasy sleeping in the bed with her every night. He felt like a fool, and he something else he couldn't place. Despite those feelings, that bed was the place he felt safest confined in the house. Bonnie was a cuddler in her sleep. She would slowly edge herself under his side. It was nice. So nice that he almost didn't go feed last night. For just a second he wanted to stay there, but eventually the bloodlust took over.

"Kol's been gone a while now." Stefan said watching Bonnie pull back the sheets and climb into bed. "He'll be back soon." Bonnie fluffed her pillow lying on her cheek. "Are you any closer to stopping Silas?" She yawned, smiling at him. "This is the most you have said since…I'm happy your finding your way back, and technically no we aren't closer but we are working on it. We have new information." Stefan smirked down at her.

"Can I help? I mean if I can help." Bonnie grabbed his hand. "I'm just happy you're home and safe." She said closing her eyes. Stefan looked down at their hands. She had soft hands. They were tiny, but incredibly soft. He lowered himself further onto the mattress, never letting go…it was nice. He thought while he drifted off to sleep.

-o0o-

Bonnie felt the bed shift. She turned and opened her eyes. Stefan was sitting up on the side of the bed, sliding on his shoes. "Stef-. Where are you going?" She said looking at the clock. It was 2:00 in the morning. He didn't turn to look at her. He just said "Out." Bonnie sat up in the bed realizing that all the lights were out. There was something about his posture, something in his voice. Her brain kicked into action. She was no longer talking to Stefan, she was talking to the ripper.

She was so stupid. That's how Kol got him to feed every night. All this time she thought he was hunting Bambi not Barbara. She thought Kol would understand about not wanting to kill people. "You know you don't have to kill anyone. There are plenty of blood bags in the freezer." The ripper stood, walking to the door. "Stefan I know it hurts, but you don't have to be this person. You're doing better. I guess Kol compelled you. I'm sorry about that. You get to turn it all off in the middle of the night. It must be a relief, but it's not real. Those feelings are always going to be waiting for you when turn them back on. You're just prolonging the inevitable." The ripper grinned.

She was always playing the savior. Well he didn't need saving, and as soon as Kol got out of his head he would be fine. The Bennett witch was so pathetic. What fool would sacrifice herself for people who clearly wouldn't do the same? Who tries to save the man who killed their mother, grandmother, and who was going to kill her? Who trusts an unhinged serial killer to sleep in the bed with her every night? A very kind and loyal friend that's who, his subconscious rallied.

Stefan you're so pathetic. You deserved to be at the bottom of that lake. Crying over Katherine's carbon copy. Wishing your brother his best instead of tearing out his throat. Wanting to stay here with the witch instead of being free. Humanity is for the idiotic. He didn't know why he bothered.

He wanted to tell Bonnie she was a fool. Tell her she needed to look out for herself and mind her own damn business, but that would hurt her feelings. And that was one of her boyfriend's no-nos. So he just walked to the door and said, "I'll be back in the morning." He stopped for a moment remembering Bonnie being asleep as one of Kol's conditions of releasing the ripper, but she was asleep when he had turned off his emotions, and he hadn't woken her up. She had done that on her own. He pushed against the threshold and realized he was free. Stefan sped out of the house before Bonnie could stop him.

What a strange dream. Something about Kol and Stefan, the ripper. It's like they were brothers. Bonne thought as her eyes tried to pull open, but she was too tired from worrying about Stefan and what he had been doing. She inched her eyes open halfway. She was still half asleep. Stefan sat in the corner staring. Sleep weighed on her eyelids, causing them to close. It took her a moment to process what she saw. Her eyes popped open once she did, but he was gone. When she got up from the bed, and went into the common room, he was laying in his spot out back. He looked like always did. It must have been part of the dream. She thought as she went to get dressed.

Stefan was troubled. The Ripper was particularly heinous last night. It was like he had something to prove. He didn't start for the cabin until dawn was breaking. When Stefan crossed the threshold of the cabin he was weighed down with the guilt over it all. He was covered in blood and guts. He had used a whole bin of baby wipes. It usually only took a fourth of that.

Lately after he cleaned up he just went outside, but this morning he felt drawn to Bonnie. He sat in her bedroom for hours watching her sleep from his corner. He didn't understand her. Why did she sacrifice everything for people who have been less than friends to her during the last few months? Why was she so loyal?

Elena tried to kill her. Why would she kill herself for a person who tried to end her life? All Stefan could come up with was love, and unfortunately, low self worth, and that made Stefan mad. He didn't know if it was because Bonnie reminded him of himself, or because she was a powerful witch who had saved them countless times, but Stefan was pissed. She should be valued. She should be love. Protected. Maybe he was projecting. But Kol is doing that Stefan.

Stefan didn't know how he felt about the original. It's not like he wanted him to be his bestie, but he had help save him. He was protecting Bonnie, and trying to kill the asswhole who… Stefan had to breathe slowly thinking about the safe. Kol didn't have to set the ripper free, but he did, knowing Bonnie wouldn't like it. Kol didn't have to do any of it, and Stefan knew 95 percent of it was for Bonnie, but still.

Stefan had tried to kill Kol twice. When the original had warned them about Silas they ignored him to get the cure anyway. AND FOR WHAT STEFAN? SO YOUR BROTHER CAN LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. SO KATHERINE COULD BE HUMAN! THAT'S WHAT ALL THAT SHIT WAS FOR! FOR ENDURING THE BULLSHIT SHE PUT HIM THORUGH. The tears rushed down his face. He was fucking crying again. His fist clenched. His eyes shut tight, as if he was trying to choke the stream of tears. The pain surged through his chest and out his body in the form of a growl. He was so fucking tired of feeling like this. So tired of being afraid, but he didn't want to turn it off. He wanted to face it, and move on. He wanted to move on. Fucking move on.

When he opened his eyes, Bonnie was there at the door. She looked worried, concerned, like she gave a damn. "I'm okay." He said softly. "You want to talk about?" Bonnie said moving a bit closer. Stefan shook his head. Lying back down in his usual spot. She came out and lay beside him. They stayed like that for an hour just soaking up the sun and listening to nature all around them. It was nice.

-o0o-

Caroline and Bonnie were in the kitchen fixing lunch. Caroline had started coming over to study. Ironically, it was quieter here than anyplace on campus, including the library. Elena was getting wrapped up in the social aspects of college, which was good, but she was getting a lot of male attention and a lot of visitors at their dorm. Caroline tried to hang out and party as well, that was the college experience, but she missed Tyler and it just wasn't fun knowing what Bonnie and Stefan were facing. Caroline also didn't want to be in the middle of all of the drama when Damon found out. Some poor kid was going to lose his head because she had a crush on an immature vampire's girlfriend. She didn't know what Elena saw in him.

Caroline still needed to talk to Bonnie about how she felt, but it was just so nice having her back, and she was already dealing with Kol, Silas, and Stefan full time. Bonnie said Stefan was improving. She didn't have to constantly make noise, and he was going out alone in the mornings. Unfortunately he was still afraid of the dark, and had no desire to be near water. She watched her friend chopping veggies for the salad. She was so giddy. Kol had just texted her. Caroline couldn't take it any longer.

"Okay, What's up with you and Kol? And how and why is he even here?" Caroline said taking the grilled chicken breast out the oven and putting the breadsticks in. Bonnie bit her lip. She knew it was coming. She was surprised it took this long.

"Kol waited for me on the other side to torment me for foiling his epic revenge. He was basically haunting me." Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Ghost haunting ghost." Bonnie shrugged. "Anyway it went from attempted torment, I drop his ass to his knees, to teasing to flirting. I actually spent a lot of time with him. There was nothing else to do, no one else to talk to besides Grams. And even on the other side who wants to kick it with their Grams all the time." Caroline looked at her friend amused. "So you were freaking dating Kol Mikealson on the other side. This isn't how I pictured limbo." Bonnie laughed.

"We weren't dating. We just were in the same place at the same time." Caroline brow rose. "Where is there to go on the other side?" Bonnie shrugged. "It's the same world it's just on the other side of the veil. Honestly, I followed you around a lot. Checked in at the boardinghouse. Once I checked in on Matt, mistake of my afterlife. Him and Rebekah…yowser." Caroline laughed.

"Wait you saw Matt getting it on. You perv. Who else did you peep in on?" Bonnie turned quickly, glancing out the window. "No one." Caroline took in her friend's posture. "You liar. Was it me? I mean I did have this dream about us once..." Bonnie turned her mouth dropped open. "No. OMG Caroline, I know who's going to experiment in college." Caroline shrugged her shoulders.

"I mean it's not a big deal. Whatever. Well, who was it then-" Caroline asked until she saw Bonnie's face. Caroline's face wore shock. "Stefan" she whispered. Bonnie pulled her friend into the bathroom turning on the water. "I thought it was Stefan. Turns out it was Silas." Caroline giggled putting her hand over her mouth. "I didn't mean to. I was going through the boardinghouse. He walked out in a towel then started getting changed. I tried not to look, but damn. They're really hot. And I'm going to hell sexualizing my friend who is having a mental breakdown." Caroline continued giggling. "Whatever." Bonnie said opening the door and walking out the bathroom, running into Stefan's chest. Caroline burst out laughing behind her. Bonnie face turned red.

"Hey…you're in the house. Is everything okay?" She said backing up. Stefan narrowed his eyes at Caroline and took in Bonnie's clear embarrassment. "Yeah. I couldn't hear your heartbeat, and when I called out you didn't answer. I was just checking…" Caroline was trying to sober. "We're fine. We're about to eat. Since your inside, you want to join us." Bonnie said swatting at a still laughing Caroline. Stefan smiled. "What's going on?" He could use a laugh. Bonnie shook her head.

"Nothing. Caroline was just telling me about her lesbian fantasy." Caroline smacked Bonnie's arm. "Hey!" Stefan's brow rose. "O-Kay." He said turning to head back out the door. Bonnie turned narrowing her eyes at Caroline. She started beaming at her friend. "You know I did have a dream about a threesome once with twin brothers." Bonnie sighed, "Oh my God."

They were surprised when they rounded the corner and Stefan was sitting at the table. The three of them ate an awkward lunch with Caroline giggling, Stefan being clueless, and Bonnie being embarrassed. They managed to discuss the information Kol had given Bonnie about Silas in Salem. At the end of the meal, Caroline and Bonnie did the dishes while Stefan went back to his spot outside. "Well it seems he's doing a lot better." Caroline said putting away the last of the silverware.

"It's kind of weird you know. Jeremy's at the boardinghouse crying over you, Kol is off doing your bidding, and your here with Stefan, all alone in this cabin." At this point she was glad she hadn't told Caroline she was sleeping with Stefan. "You have a little harem. I must say I'm proud of you." Bonnie shook her head.

"Jeremy is pissed at me. Stefan literally cries everyday over Elena, and Kol is…well anyway. It's not a harem, and look whose talking. Tyler, Klaus, and Matt…to be honest you could probably add Stefan to your tally. You're his new Bestie right?" Caroline smiled. She could read her friend's agitation. "Uh-Huh, you're in trouble, and as much as I would like to finish this conversation, I'm sorry. But I have to go. I have a study group in an hour. We will discuss this later." Caroline said smacking Bonnie on her backside grabbing her stuff. "Good night Bon, and yeah…sweet dreams." She said giggling, closing the front door behind her.

-o0o-

It was 1:00 in the morning and Bonnie had been sleep for an hour. Bonnie was already glued to Stefan's side. He didn't think it was possible, but the petite witch snuggled closer, he draped his arm across her. Her body turned in response until they were spooning. Stefan had to admit it felt good. He drifted off to sleep forgetting that the ripper was technically free to leave the house.

Around 2:30, he woke up to Bonnie's moans, and the smell of her excitement in the air. His eyes popped open. She was having a wet dream.

Kol had her pressed against the shower stall his massive hands were massaging her breast, while his head was buried between her thighs. Bonnie legs were like noodles as Kol flicked his tongue at her clit.

Stefan tried to move but somehow during the night there legs had gotten tangled. To move would wake her up, and he was sure he didn't want to deal with that awkwardness, not after lunch and Caroline's lesbian fantasies. He wondered if she was dreaming about Caroline. Bad thought Stefan. Bad. He lay there closing his eyes trying to block out the moans, the heavenly smell. She is your friend. She is asleep. Go to sleep Stefan. That might have worked if Bonnie hadn't started grinding against him. Stefan clenched his eyes and fought the impending erection. Too late.

Kol turned her, her back to his chest, as he entered her from behind. His stroke was slow and deep at first. Gradually coaxing gasps from her, her bliss building. She slowly wound her hips meeting his thrust causing Kol to curse. Knowing that she was causing his pleasure only made her wetter. He reached round to rub at her clit to return the favor. She sighed in ecstasy.

Bonnie was grinding against his leg. Her ass was mercilessly brushing against his erection. It was hard as diamonds. He was too afraid to move, to afraid to make any noises despite the involuntary shivers. How the hell would he explain this shit if she woke up. She smelled so good. She felt so good. She shifted her chest moved forward just enough for Stefan to realize that her nipples were hard against his forearm. This is could not be happening.

It was all too much now. The pressure had built to a summit. Kol thrust into her quickly. Rubbing furiously at her clit. He too was nearing a climax his rhythm became wild.

Stefan was going to burn in hell. She was grinding harder and faster…Oh Shit. Stefan this is so wrong.

Bonnie came all over Kol's shaft. He had to hold her up until he came a few minutes later. They both stilled while Bonnie twitched all around him, riding a wave of euphoria.

Bonnie moaned loudly then stopped moving, but not before Stefan felt the moisture on his leg. A few moments later Bonnie turned over releasing him to move. A giant smile on her face. "Kol" she mumbled dreamily. She looked beautiful. What a lucky bastard.

Stefan managed to ease out of bed. He made his way into the living room turning on the nearest lamp. His dick was so hard. He sat on the couch. He eased his hands down into his pajama pants, stroking his member. The first images conjured featured a longhaired brunette riding him, her back to him, her breast bouncing in his hands. Tears sprang to his eyes and anger rose in his throat, but suddenly the image changed to golden skin shimmering in sunlight. Moss green eyes staring into his own as he drove inside her. Her chest against his, he dipped his head, capturing her lips, her tongue thrust inside his mouth. It was so sweet, so delicious, much like her hot and wet depths. He wanted to go deeper and deeper. She moaned his named. Joy ripped through him at the thought of Bonnie moaning his name. He stroked faster thinking about being inside of her. With a groan he came all over his hands.

He rose to clean himself up. He tried to go sleep on the couch but it was too quiet, he missed her. He could feel the anxiety growing in his chest. He thought about turning it off, and starting over tomorrow, but no, Stefan didn't want a repeat of last night. He was already dealing with too much shit. When he climbed back in bed he stayed as far away as possible. Fortunately Bonnie snored and slept like a log for the rest of the night. Stefan finally drifted off around 4:00am.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?" Kol said staring at his witch and the ripper in bed together. Stefan eyes popped open. "I'm going to kill you. I'm going to rip out your throat." Bonnie sat up yawning. "Kol. You're back." She got up to hug him. "Why is he in your bed?" Bonnie looked back at Stefan who looked embarrassed. "Because he couldn't sleep otherwise. Oh grow up two people can sleep in the same bed without something sexual going on. Besides you don't own me." Kol cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at the Ripper. Bonnie wasn't lying. Her heart rate was stable and she looked him in the eyes. So why did he smell sex in the air. And why was the ripper's eyes glued to the ground.

Thanks for reading.