Figured !Content Warning! If you have a high sensitivity to dealing with characters of a volatile nature, and harsh depictions of sensitive subject matter, please be warned this story is one of mature content and adult themes such as abuse and language. Subject matter will get heavier as the chapter's progress. Also I do not own these characters.

Forbidden fruit. A strong desire or craving for something all the more because it is not allowed.

Master. A man in a position of power of people working for him, typically servants/slaves.

Slave. A person who is legal property to another and forced into obedience.

Control. Power to influence behavior. Authoritative Mastery

Defiance. Being openly resistant to obedience.

Husband. Married significant of his wife. Master of household, life partner.

Wife. Married significant of her husband. Better half, life partner.

Marriage. Institution of being united in matrimony. Intimate Union of two entities.

Freedom. Power to Act, think, feel, speak unhindered.

Chapter 11 – A little Birdie gets her Wings

Chapter Rated T

A/N - Figured I'd upload before I go on a morning run. Sorry for the postponement, please enjoy this chapter. Big thank you to loyal and supportive readers. And the reviewers who have my back! Love you guys.

Ps there will probably be errors ;) I am aware.

~Blue & Kai~

"Come on run faster Blue. You aren't keeping up like you should be!" Malakai yelled as they tried out running the farmhands who caught them tampering with the animals.

"Malakai, I'm a woman. You are a man. What would make you think I am as fast as you?"

"This is the best part of my day it makes my jumping in the lake worthwhile." He keeps running after he grabs her arms and pulls her along at his pace.

"For heaven's sake, Malakai, I'm tired."

"We are almost there. Just another little ways. Come on, you're doing good sugar!"

"Ahh..ahh. Ahhhhhhhh." She screamed as she felt a swarm of bees start to chase them when Malakai mistakenly tipped a hive over.

"Here we go darlin'. There's the lake. Get ready to jump."

"You don't suppose I jump in with all of my clothes on? Mama Brown will surely question it, and the Stefan is sure to hear of it."

"Stefan? I know she won't tell him. Her allegiance is to you. Ready?"

"No."

"Well I'm taking you with me so here goes." He runs at top speed then picks her up as he approaches the lake and jumps.

"Malakai." She screams as her arms wrap around him, he jumped into the deeper side of the lake. The side furthest from the Manor.

Bonnie pops out of the water head first and there was no sign of Malakai.

"Malakai! Malakai!" She screams. "Malakai, don't be foolish, where are you?"

Bonnie dove under and searched for his body and was frightened by the depths and the darkness. She came up for air and saw his body floating at the top of the water. She swam to him and grabbed his body pulling him back to the surface and swimming him to one of the large pieces of broken wooden tree tipped over into the lake from the last hefty winter. Once she made it there she drug him as she swam to the shore. It took all of her muscle to pull him out. When she got him out she began patting his back like she was burping a baby. Listening for his heartbeat, which she heard and the second she realized he was breathing she looked to his face and he spit water on her and laughed.

"My word. How dare you scare me in such a way?"

"Oh you're not angry with me are ya Blue?

"Stop calling me blue."

"Then why you always wearing blue."

"My hus- it's always what's bought for me. I was told it suits me best."

"It does. It looks beautiful on you. Brings out your beautiful brown skin color."

"You think my skin is beautiful? You don't find it dastardly and disgusting?" She asked with such sincerity, he was confused.

"Why would anyone think your skin is disgusting?"

"Uh, just all I hear is how people like you, think people like me are dirty and animal-like."

"If you haven't realized, Blue, I'm only friendly with negros and foreigners. I love 'em. I love 'em all as they kin. I ain't got kin Blue."

"My name isn't Blue. That is a color."

"Then tell me your real name, because you have yet to tell me."

"Bonnie."

"Bonnie? Well, that is beautiful." He said looking at her deeply in her Earth free eyes. "But still I like Blue."

"Malakai, you scared me. I thought you were dead."

"Why? Would you have missed me Bonnie Blue?" He asked with his boyish beautiful grin.

She had to think a minute as she stared at his beautiful face. "I just think it would be a traumatic thing to see a person drown before my eyes. I would be devastated."

"To lose me?"

"Stop it Malakai."

"Stop what Blue? Looking at you like you're the prettiest girl I've ever seen?"

"Yes. You can't look at me in such a way."

"Well, tell me your story Blue. You never talk about your life, or who you are."

"Why are you so curious?"

"Call me curious Kai. I'm a floater. One day I'll be gone, and you'll miss me."

"Stop, why are you talkin' this way?"

"Blue, if I stay one place too long, I'll die. They will find me and kill me. It's the truth."

"Can't you go somewhere for good. A place you call home? Other kin?"

"My sister and her husband are the only livin' kin I got. They live up North."

"Maybe I can help get you there." She says with a serious face. "I surely can try."

"Blue, I'll figure it out when the time comes. Don't worry 'bout me."

"What's their names?"

"Alaric and Jozette Saltzman. They are ministers with a shelter, they take care of people."

"What kind of people?"

"The kind of people who become forgotten about. Like me." He looks at his hands and sees all of the cuts and scars from being on the run and having to escape so many times he was caught stealing.

"Your hands are beautiful. Those scars are beautiful."

"What do you know about scars Blue, you look perfect?"

Bonnie turns around and tells Malakai to unbutton the back of her dress. He unbuttons it slowly and she shows him the belt scars from Giuseppe. The ones she got as she grew up. The ones she got until Damon saved her from Giuseppe's punishments. Damon never beat her. He slapped her, spanked her, and now that she looked back, he was nowhere near as harsh as Giuseppe.

"Oh my word. Blue," his fingertips slowly treaded her scars. They weren't as bad as most slaves, but to see such a flawless woman who appears to be genuinely happy, he would've never guessed she was scarred. "Who?"

"My former master."

"Look at this." She shows him her wrists. "When I was younger, my mistress, her name was Isobel, she hated me. She would tie my wrists together with wire so I would stop biting my nails. She told me it was a deplorable habit. She also cut all of my hair off when I was a girl. I never understood why. I just knew she hated me."

"So you were a slave."

"Yes. I was a slave." She said with ready eyes and shakes lips.

"So, mind explaining how you're free, and not a runaway?"

"I just don't want you to change..."

"Nothing will change how I feel about you. You're my friend Blue."

"Everybody I meet thinks differently of me when they realize I'm different."

"Those people aren't worth knowing." He said with a beautiful twinkle in his eyes. His pink lips and white teeth made her stare whenever he spoke. She still had not kissed him since that night weeks ago. It lingered with her, but he didn't try it again, out of fear that she'd flee again.

"Well, Mr. Parker. I was a young slave. I don't know who my blood kin. I worked for the Gilbert's until I was nine with my sister Emily. I was sold by my mistress Isobel, for unknown reasons. I was purchased by the Salvatores. Lily Salvatore never had a daughter, and she treated me as such. Her husband Giuseppe is the only one who ever beat me. Still, he never beat me as badly as other slaves get beat, so I've been told. I remember whenever he punished me it felt like time stopped. Life paused while I received my beatings. For days afterwards, I could barely sleep. Weeks sometimes. The Salvatores had two sons, who were raised alongside me almost like brothers. They are the only family I know besides my blood sister Emily. Damon was my best friend. He was quite older than me. Seven years. We were very close, and he always shielded me from the devastating way of the world. I was very sheltered. Once he left for college, Lily knew I'd be depressed so she opened to begin educating me. I learned French, and I finished senior schooling. Now I have a couple of years of college education and I am very business oriented. I am sixteen like you. Almost seventeen. While Damon was away I became closer to Stefan, closer to my age. Once Damon came back he was a brand new man. I looked at him differently, he looked at me differently. I became his slave. Then we fell in love and married. I became my Master's wife."

Malakai's face barely changed, but you could see a slight drop in his smile. He still didn't flinch. "You don't say?"

"So now why do you think of your dear friend?" She asked with a tinge of attitude.

"No wonder you ran off when I kissed you. It wasn't because you don't like me, it was because you do like me."

"Is that all you heard Malakai?"

He smiles big and pushes his body closer to hers. "Fraid so Blue. I heard you like me, and are afraid to."

"Stop it. I am a married woman, and you are committing a sin. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife."

"He ain't no neighbor of mine, no kin, no friend. I'd rather be his foe." He grabs her by her arms and the back of her dress is still open exposing her skin. He grabbed her arms tightly, and held onto her so she was almost pulled against him.

"Stop it." She says to him through gritted teeth. Although, his touch makes her reminiscent of her husband and she hasn't felt his touch in three months.

"Where is your husband Blue? Why does he always let you roam these parts of the woods with me and swim in the lake with me? Is he dead?"

"He is not."

"Well. Where is he?"

"Malakai, let go of my arms."

"Tell me where Damon Salvatore is first!" He said laying her back.

"I don't know. He left, with no date of return for business." She said as he crawled his body over hers. "But, he will be back, I assure you."

"But now you are all alone?" His body keeps crawling over hers.

"No, I have my three servants, and my brother in law checks on me every couple of days."

"So I have time then."

"Time for what?"

..ooOOoo..

"So you are tellin' me, I am able to see Jesse whenever I desire?"

"So to speak. I mean he still has to work, and you will have the obstacle of his mother, but Birdie says with enough notice, she can accommodate you. I told her you would probably be there to visit him this week."

"Yes. Stefan you surprise me. You do this for me, and I assure you I'm okay with whomever you fiddle with. Speaking of fiddling, I have not seen Sarah in days, she doesn't leave with you anymore?"

"Sarah has been serving Giuseppe since Lily has been ill."

"That sounds serious Stefan, your mother, how is she doing?"

"She's just dealing with the common cold." His face turns a little angered.

"Why are you disturbed, Stefan?"

"My maiden, is servicing Giuseppe, Caroline. Sarah has been Giuseppe's for over a week!" It took Caroline a minute or so to understand what Stefan was talking about. Now that she realized te seriousness of it, she took it upon herself to judge Giuseppe the way should would her own parents. She thought he was more like Lily. She was learning the darkness's and peculiarities of the Salvatore family slowly, understanding why Stefan found closeness to Bonnie and Sarah.

"Oh my word, Stefan, I am so sorry. How long will this go on?" She reached a comforting hand to his shoulder. Turned him towards her.

"He did this on purpose. He knew how I felt about her, he knew she was mine! Caroline, he knew she loved me." Stefan's face becomes bludgeoned with a mixture of anger and pain and beat red.

"Stefan, come here, let me hug you."

"I knew my father had evil ways but he had stopped for my mother, and now, he is afraid I will do what Damon did and marry Sarah. You and I need to set an engagement and I need to leave the Boarding house Caroline. I need to get Sarah away from there. Soon!"

"You no longer love Bonnie?"

"That will never change. I will always love Bonnie. ALWAYS! No one can change it, not even Damon. But she is his. She loves Damon. I do love Sarah though. She is mine and she has been for some time. She's a good girl, and Giuseppe can be a monster. Trust me, I remember how he was when I was growing up. He slowed down as we got older. He even became softer as Bonnie got older, because he realized she was family, and it made him treat all of the servants better. Then Damon got back from school and took control of everything. So Giuseppe stopped dealing with the servants almost all together. Since Damon has married Bonnie and left the Boarding house, Giuseppe has really been a different man. He's going back to his old ways. I can feel it, and he scared Bonnie last visit she made to the boarding house. So, I have to get away."

"What about Lily?"

"Between Damon and I, we will figure it out. But she won't stay there if we leave, I cannot let her."

"Stefan, you cannot come between a husband and wife, have you not learned with Damon?"

"This is different she is my mother. I'm not in love with her, but I have every right to protect my mother from him."

"Well, we have no idea what's going through your wayward father's mind, so we should give it a little time and focus on Lily. Have you told Bonnie yet, about Lily?"

"No, it's just a cold Caroline. Bonnie will drive herself to the insane asylum if she thought anything were wrong with Lily. When we were younger, and Lily got sick Bonnie sat at her side day and night til she was better. No one was saw her for days, because Bonnie dedicated her soul to Lily's well-being." He smiled to himself. "Locked herself in the room with Lily. But it wasn't just her. Lily did the same thing when Bonnie got sick. They have this connection that no one will ever truly be able to comprehend."

"Bonnie sounds loving. Wonderful. No wonder you love her." She pulls him in for another hug. "Let's have some tea and figure out how to help Sarah, together, okay?"

"Thank you Caroline. For everything. You've been wonderful support through these trying times. Times like these make me despise Damon for leaving her the way he did. I have to tell myself he did it for her, and it was totally selfless, but sometimes I wonder my brother reasoning for everything when it comes to Bonnie."

"It's a wonder I have no siblings. I'm grateful for it at times, though other times it gets lonely. No wonder I cling to my servants. I love them like family."

"Yea, it's a hard love to harvest when the world is against it." He says, looking to her, because not many people understand his desires like she does.

.OooO.

Lily lay ill. She had been coughing for weeks now and she refused medical attention. She just wanted to make sure she was still around for when Damon came home. So she lay in his bed and waited until Bonnie came, she knew if Bonnie came, Bonnie would take good care of her. She lay and waited for Bonnie to show up.

"Lily, ma'am can I get you some tea? Or water?"

"Sarah? Darlin' get me some more blankets. I am freezing. The furnace needs more coal. Or maybe wood. Hell, I'm not sure what they put in that thing. Can you make sure Giuseppe or Stefan adds more?"

"Ma'am with all respects, you are burn in' up!" Sarah said, fearing Lily's state.

"Really? I feel cold. Very, very cold."

"Can I get you some cold towels for your head ma'am."

"No child. No, heaven's sake, didn't I just tell ya I'm freezing. Where is my husband?"

"He ain't been back yet ma'am."

"And Stefan, sweet girl? Where is my baby boy?"

Sarah's eyes watered heavily. "Miss Caroline, treatin him to tea at her compound."

"You alert me the second he arrives home, please."

"Of course ma'am."

Lily's cough was sounding worse. Just heavy with congestion. "And my sweet girl, Bonnie? Has anyone spoken to her?"

"No. Ma'am. I'll make sure to speak with Master Stefan upon his return."

"Thank you. I shall rest now. Please leave me a while."

"Yes ma'am." Sarah walks out and runs into the man in question. He startles her.

"How's my lovely wife?"

"Not so well Master. She is getting warmer and complaining of chills. She wants someone to add more wood or charcoal to the furnace."

"Nonsense. I'll see to it she gets what she needs. I need you to my quarters swiftly at eight. Not a minute later, understand?"

"Yes Master Salvatore." Sarah looked down in frustration and anger and walked away after he dismisses her. She barely saw Stefan anymore, and Giuseppe was in no way gentle with her. At all. He was rough, and cold, and made her sleep there til he woke up an hour before sun up. Her nights were no longer peaceful and Stefan would never know how hard it was on her, because Giuseppe put something in her mouth every time to muffle her screams. It was as though once his wife became sick, he began living out his perversions without remorse.

..oOoOo..

Malakai draped his body over Bonnie, and looked into her eyes. "Why would a man leave you out in the world alone?"

"I am not alone I told you."

"Stop looking so angry, Blue. I just want to kiss you, but this time, I need you to let me. Let me kiss you, because as your friend, I know what you want. You want love. I know this because if not you wouldn't spend every day with me going on adventure after adventure. You are lonely. You want companionship. Let me be that for you. Just temporarily, during the time we spend together. Let's pretend no one exists in our world Blue. Just Blue and Kai, and every night we each go about our way. Until we see each other again."

"Absolutely not. My husband will kill you."

"You do care for me Blue?"

"Malakai, get off of me."

"Only if you really want me to."

She sighed heavily. Her chest was moving up and down, pressed against his. He was watching the nerves in her eyes wait took her forever to answer him. He felt her breath hitting his chin and her eyes looked fearful. He was turning her world upside down. She was another man's wife. This was forbidden, but he couldn't stay away from her. He may have to run again soon and if he had to leave, or even die, he wanted to have her first. She was the shiniest, juiciest, ripest apple he'd ever tasted, and he only had a taste. He wanted the whole apple.

"Malakai?"

"Just call me Kai, as I call you Blue. I won't call you Bonnie. I want my own name for you. Like we share our own world, I don't want any parts of us shared to any parts of this ugly world Blue. What we have is special and I'm not going to share it with the ugly world."

"I cannot Kai. I cannot betray my husband."

"He forsook you Blue. He left you alone, to run around with a dangerous man like me?"

"Dangerous?"

"I didn't mean it in such a way. I just meant the adventures we go on, they are dangerous, and if he were here, he wouldn't dare let you speak to me, glance at my person. I know this, because if you were mine, I would take you from here and leave, and never look back. I would do it to ensure no one dangerous ever came near you again."

When Bonnie's eyes water and flood, Kai wipes her tears. "Don't cry Blue, please. I will leave if it is what you want. I will even get off of you, if you want. But I know you don't want me too."

Bonnie's eyes close and she takes several deep breaths. When she opens them she looks at him and stops crying. " I love my husband more than anyone."

"I believe you."

"He left me."

"I'm sorry."

"Just weeks after we married."

"Don't cry." He wipes her tears.

"I am lonely."

"I know."

"My heart is broken. The only thing I did everyday was feel hurt and sadness for a while. Then anger and pain. Now emptiness. Except you. You have come along, and made me smile again. Made me happy. But, although, he's done this to me, I just can't hurt him, even though he hurt me. It doesn't feel right to seek reprisal."

"Did you ever think, that meeting me was in the plan, for him leavin you?"

"Malakai..."

"Just Kai in our world."

"Kai, I-"

"Our world. Ain't nobody ever gotta know what happens in our world, but us, Blue."

~oOOoOOo~

"I'm looking for a woman. This is her information, are you able to read?"

"Yea, I can read a little," He said before they looked at what he handed them, "We ain't seen her around here."

"Well, I've been just about everywhere, and I'm told she was most recently seen here." He asked with a frustrated tone and face. He looked at the people at the tavern and rolled his eyes. He looked a man on a mission. He wasn't dressed in his usual business attire. Although, he was on business, he was dressed in his labor clothes. He didn't need to stand out, or fit in. He really was avoiding drawing any attention to himself.

"Who's that you searchin' for in these parts?"

"This person here. Here is her information. I was told she was here as recently as days. I was also told she might be seen at the church from time to time. The church near 32nd Ave."

"Is this her full name?"

He looked at the lady speaking to him as if it were a strange question she asked. "I'm not sure, how many names she does or does not have. This is the name I'm told. I have a very faint photograph of her, if it helps?"

"Sure anythang help, specially a picture. Sometimes we get travelers here and they may use made up identities. If they ain't got no papers, we can't prove it."

"Right, well, here's the photograph?" The person looks at the photograph nice and long. They gave glances of familiarity to her face. He stared at them heavy and deep with his blue eyes and he examined the way they searched the picture for remembrance. He was getting impatient, but he remained quiet and subtle with his mood change. He was on a mission, and he be damned he'd lose a lead as far as he has come.

"Fraid not. Maybe someone else round here done seen her, but not me. Take your business elsewhere. Please sir."

"Listen, now, you looked like you done seen her before. I watched you examine that picture. She looks familiar to you, I know this. I can tell. Please be honest with me, I am not looking for trouble. I just need some help finding her."

"Why? Why do you need help finding her?

"That is my business. But no harm should come of it. I promise you that."

"So if I help you, not sayin' I will. But if I help you, what do I get?" He looked at the man seriously and became annoyed yet entertained with the antics.

"Really? Can't get somethin' for nothin' round here, huh?"

"No sir. We can't do that. No offense to you, but you must understand my position."

"No, it's fine. I understands business man when I see one. Name your price?"

That man looked at him in his blue eyes and was surprised and curious if this were real. "Seriously? Name my price. Uhhh let me have that there pocket watch?"

"Are you trying to get over on me? This is real gold. Passed down, from my father, and his father. Three generations."

"That's my price. Take or leave it." The older man with white hair and sun-kissed skin gave a look of final compromise.

"Fine. But only if you give me what I want first."

"How do I know I can believe you gone gimme that pocket watch?"

"I do not lie." He says with a straight face. Blue eyes cold as ice, but soft as the morning sky.

"How do I know you don't lie?"

"How do I know, you don't lie?"

They both smile at one another. "Okay. She comes here on Every other Sunday. Is all I can tell ya. I can't spread her business, but Sunday evenins. On the first and third Sunday's."

"Got damnit. So she won't be back til what two more weeks?" He grew in anger and even more frustration than before.

"Fraid so."

"Got damnit. Well, I'm already bein pissed on by God, so what's another couple of weeks?" He through his hat across the tavern.

"Well, now, you can't just..."

"My apologies Fella. I-uh... Been looking for this woman for months now, and I just wanna be back home."

"Where's home?"

"Mystic Falls. Virginia."

"Oh, Virginia. That place ain't to kind to negros."

"I suppose not. I'm not that type of man, I assure you."

"This man got a name?"

"Salvatore. Damon Salvatore. And you Fella?"

"I'm James. This is my tavern. There are rooms upstairs. Not what your accustomed to, but you welcome to stay for the next two weeks, til she come back. Work for me and that'll be your payment for the room. Just need someone to do some of the handy work and if you can pour whiskey in a glass then I might let ya so do that too."

Damon looked at his pocket watch as he handed it to the man. Knowing his pocket watch paid for the two weeks already, but he wasn't too good for putting in work. Damon looked up at the older gentleman and back at the weather outside, then back at the older man. "I really shouldn't be around the liquor. I have a weakness that never ends well for anyone."

"That so? When's last time you had a drink?" The old man asked.

"It has been 96 days since my last drink."

"Okay, just some handy work then. You ain't gotta ever step foot back in the tavern, less you hungry. We'll fix you up three square meals."

"Why you being so kind to me?" Damon asked.

"I know that girl on that picture. She's important to me, you say your intentions are good, we'll see. But I ain't got no reason to hate you or dislike you. You seems like a decent fella."

Damon and the older man exchange a look of understanding. He had allowed himself to take different odd jobs on his three-month journey. He communicated, with Kol of his business affairs only, and Kol had maintained Damon's businesses well. The only business he didn't bother Kol about was the school. He trusted Bonnie to do her part, because he knew how much she loved her students.

He misses her, he has written several letters. None of which he ever sent. He was afraid that his communication would disrupt her experience. He wasn't sure he wanted to even learn of what Bonnie was up to, but he knew he wanted her to eventually understand why he made the choice he did. He was not Damon Salvatore the business man right now. He was Damon Salvatore the laborer. He wasn't working on business matters aside from his and Kol's communication. He was working odd jobs and only using his money when it was necessary.

He missed his quiet life in Mystic Falls, but mostly because he missed Bonnie. He wanted to hurry and get back to her as soon as he tied up this one last loose end.

~OoOoO~

Bonnie managed to get into the manor without notice the day before. She didn't want anyone to see her dirty, wet, tattered dress. After jumping in the lake with Malakai, she had ruined her dress. Once she got in she took it off and stuffed in I to her guest room closet. She took a chance walking to her old bedroom to bathe. The one she shared with Damon. It was cold and lifeless. The bed hadn't been touched in a month since she left it. She drew herself a bath. Looking around at her things, they never mattered to her. None of it. She would love to just leave with Damon somewhere new, take Emily and the baby, and start over. Maybe ask Damon to sign papers of declaration for her servants. So she could feel better knowing they are better off.

She finally made it back to the new bedroom and slept. Comfortably enough for being alone. The bed was small, and she didn't have to keep reaching over to see if he surprised her by showing up on his own. Then when she closed her eyes, her entire body sank into rest phase.

She had sleep until the sunrise and gifted the sky with light for about three hours. At that point she realized she slept in a woke up to get ready for her students. She switched every other class week by taking either Ms Sue or Mrs Brown with her. They both loved the French market place, and found Marcel and Sabine delightful. Each took turns on the different days watching the baby. Today Stefan didn't show up at the market place. It was unusual because he never missed work. So she decided to take a detour to the boarding house to check on him and Lily and Sarah.

"Bonnie. Finally, you come by." Sarah said answering the door.

"What do you mean finally? No one ever sent for me. I see Stefan every other day of the week. He wasn't at work today so I came to check on him."

Bonnie looked at Sarah's different face. Something wasn't right. Sarah looked different, felt different, spoke differently, her normal confident persona was dimmed and she was short in confidence. "Sarah, what is wrong? Stefan do something to you, please say it ain't so?"

"No Bonnie. I'm not Stefan's maiden no more, I'm Master Giuseppe's maiden now."

"What? No. This can't be right. Where is Stefan? Where the hell is Stefan?" Bonnie spoke loudly making Sarah afraid of someone hearing her.

"He's angry with Master Giuseppe. He leaves often to stay from doing something foolish, but really I just don't care 'bout none of that right now. Right now Mrs. Lily need you. She ain't doing well at all. I kept telling Stefan to get you here, but he tells me, it's just a cold. Bonnie, Mrs Lily been sleepin' in Damon's bed for Two weeks. Never get out of bed. She stay hot and she feel cold. Won't let no one help her. Said she was waitin' for Bonnie and Damon."

Bonnie didn't hear much. Once hearing about Lily, sound almost fell on deaf ears. "Take me to her. Sarah. Mama Brown, please come in here and help me." She yelled out to her servant. Bonnie took to the stairs and rushed up to Lily. Burst through the doors of the familiar room.

"Ma'ma Lily!" She ran in and grabbed her hands. "What do you need? I'm here Now. It's all gonna be okay. Tell me what's wrong?"

"My beautiful Bonnie, is that you? Sweet girl, you came, I knew you'd come." Lily said smiling for the first time in weeks.

"Yes, I'm here, and I'm not gonna leave your side. I promise." Biting back tears, Bonnie tried holding it all together for Lily. She needed to be strong for the woman who gave her everything.

Bonnie held Lily's hand like her life depended on it. She already lost Damon, she was t losing Lily too.

"Sarah, draw a cold bath for me, hurry up. I need cold towels. Please have Hattie get me some cold towels."

Bonnie came in a took charge with Lily, no matter what Lily said, Bonnie was disregarding Lily's pleas to let her be. Secretly Lily knew Bonnie wouldn't and couldn't just let Lily be. She quickly pulled back the blankets and lifted Lily's gown. To the top of her legs. It would take a while to get the tub filled so she lined Lily's legs with cold towels, and also Lily's head. She unbuttoned Lily's gown and added another cold towel.

"Damnit, child. Get these rags off of me. I'm freezing cold. Get them off!"

Bonnie tried remaining calm while Lily yelled at everyone, including herself. So she just tried to keep everyone else calm around her.

"Sarah, I need some herbs from the kitchen, the ones that dried already. Then uhh- have Hattie go to the garden and grab me six or seven stems of fresh rosemary, and chamomile flowers."

"How do we know which those are?" Sarah asked nervously.

"Uh," Bonnie thought a second as she looked around, feeling lost. "Y'all know what Rosemary looks like I have used it for tea and cooking before. You know, the thin green leaves?"

"Oh, okay. I think I remember."

"Uhh, chamomile flowers are the one planted right near the pond. Boil the Chamomile flowers in water then pour the water into tea cups and bring it for Lily. Then bring me the softened flowers please." Bonnie said softly as Lily whined loudly in the back about her body covered in cold towels.

Bonnie was trying to get her thoughts. She knew she had to keep holding everything together, because from the looks of it Sarah was falling apart. She had no idea how long Sarah was suffering in silence. She had barely come around the boarding house on her adventures with Malakai, and traveling to the French market, and tending to her own household have kept her away. She didn't realize the darkness that the Salvatore household would endure once she left. She did understand that she was just as broken about it as Stefan, Sarah, and Lily when Damon took her away. She didn't realize how much she had changed since leaving, until she came back.

"Leave me alone. Do not take off my gown! I'm warning you, please stop touching me-"

"LILY! Quiet your fuss!" Bonnie yelled at her mother figure.

"Excuse me! How dare you Bonn-"

"NO! I'm sick of you and your complaining. What has it all done? You have been lying in this bed for two GOTDAMNED WEEKS!" Everyone looked at Bonnie in shock, no one ever hears her scream or curse at Lily. "Stop talking and exerting your voice, right now. I'm taking control, and you have no say in the matter. Now, Mama Brown, while they gather those things, please help me get her to the tub."

"Yes Mrs Bonnie."

They both struggle to life Lily's naked body off the bed and walk the distance to the tub. To save her from embarrassment Bonnie and Mrs Brown just look at one another and not Lily's naked body. Her voice makes sounds of utter pain and every step makes Lily a noise of discomfort. Bonnie fears putting Lily into the water as much as she's been fussing.

The second they get to the tub of cold water, Lily's agonizing yell causes Bonnie to falter and Half of Lily's body lands in the water.

"Aaaaahahhhhhhh. Bonnie, help, I've fallen. No you all dropped me. Get me outta herrreeee!"

"Lily, are you alright. I'm sorry, it was my fault. I slipped. Here, scoot over. I'm coming in with you."

Bonnie takes a deep breath and lifts her dress to the top of her legs as she slowly lets her body sit into the water and she grabs Lily's body and puts her between her legs. "I'm sorry. For being difficult. It's just so damned cold in this house, and this water."

"Mama Brown please leave us alone. I'll call you when we are finished. Thank you."

"Okay Mrs Bonnie."

Silence takes over two bodies for minutes at a time. Until Bonnie hears Lily cry.

"Remember, when you were a child, and you had a fever, and undid this with you?"

Bonnie laughed softly. "Yes. And I kicked and screamed and yelled. Then you swatted my behind."

"Yes child. Then you still kicked and screamed no matter what hating the idea of water. So I had to crawl inside with you and you calmed down." Lily sighed. "You were a flighty child at times. I thought we'd never see the day you calmed down." Lily smiled then coughed.

"Then, eventually, Damon taught me to swim, and now you can barely keep me away from water. Lily, I know I'm not the easiest person to love, I know. I'm-"

"Stubborn. Yes. But very lovable. Anyone who meets you could love you. I have missed you so."

"I know. I'm sorry. I have been occupied with so much responsibility. Once Damon left it's as if I've had to..."

"Grow up. Yes. You are really growing up beautifully Bonnie. I can't believe how much you have grown since you and Damon have married. Marriage and freedom have suited you beautifully."

"Yes, I suppose it has. I really am sorry for yelling at you, and dropping you. Ma'ma Lily, you scared me. You can't just let yourself lie in bed and get sick. What happened if I didn't come here to check on things. I'd have never known you were ill. And where is Stefan and your husband?"

Lily gave a strange glance backwards. "Bonnie, you speak of Giuseppe in such manner? What's wrong with your tongue?"

"I'm sorry ma'am it's just, I don't understand why no one thought to tell me you were sick."

"Because they are selfish men, worried 'bout themselves. It's how all men are Bonnie. Sometimes, we need it though, right?" Lily took several deep breaths to catch her breath. "Damon leaving going away has helped you to grow up, and Giuseppe and Stefan being away has made you come help me. I knew, that of anyone who could help me, it was you. My beautiful girl. You are the only one who understands me sometimes. And I you. We were brought together because of the selfish bastards we love." She laughs softly then it turns to a cough.

Bonnie laughed as well, and then once Lily coughed she lifted her left arm to help open her air passage. Something Damon taught her when she was younger.

They sat there for a while. Until Bonnie and Mrs Brown got her back in bed. She then, laid Rosemary onto Lily's body and put cold towels over them and gave lily the tea.

"Lily, I shall speak with Stefan tomorrow, and we will have the doctor over to see you. Luckily, your temperature has gotten better. Drink that tea and do not, fuss about the cold towels Lily. I mean it. I'm going to wash out the tub and let you rest."

"Are you leaving Bonnie?"

"No. I'm going to send Mama Brown back to the Manor at Haven point. She can sleep in her bed tonight, and let the others know we are okay."

~oOo~

"Mr Damon, I told you we letcha know when dinner was ready. You ain't had to bring yourself to the tavern, I know you don't wanna be 'round the liquor."

"Yeah, I-uh... Been working on some of your place for a few days now. There is an awful lot wrong with this building. I mean, death at every corner. How do you manage to continue to run a business here and not be closed by the city?"

"Well, we done talked to the city. They ain't in no rush to help negro businesses. And we ain't got money to be fixin' this place up. So what I do, is take in people like you. Room and board for handy work."

"So you are not worried about your business being shut down?"

"I am, but for as long as I'm here. We gone continue to be a place of refuge for the people."

"Meaning, runaways?" Damon asked.

"Most negros are free in these parts. But, lotta negros without papers. We don't ask. We feed everybody every Sunday."

"You understand; this is why your business is failing? You are losing all of your money on Sundays."

"But, some people, ain't got nothing else but, Sunday dinner here. There is a church that feeds people on Saturdays. Ain't a lotta business serving nergros. Let alone negros with no papers."

"Right. Well, I guess I can't really tell you how to run your business. I can do what I can to help with you while I am here."

"Here ya go Mister." A woman says walking out to Damon with a hot plate of dinner. "Supper time."

"It smells mighty good. I should go wash up, I'm filthy."

"Nonsense. Wash your hands, and have a seat. Eat hot food. Ain't no good for your body if you let it get cold." She looks at him with her furrowed brows."

"Why thank you Miss She."

"Mama She. Call me Mama She, or Mama."

"Alright. Thank you Mama She." He said, offering that handsome face and beautiful grin.

"Ain't no need to be shy now. We all family here." Damon laughed. This environment was very different from the environment Damon was privileged with, but, for him, it was welcoming, and inviting. He felt almost, right at home, with these people he had met.

.o.O.o.

After he ate, he went upstairs to get himself cleaned up. Damon looked at the slightly tattered building he lived in temporarily. This place needed a lot of work. All these people needed was an investor, willing to invest the money into it. Did this place look like it could be an investment? Or better yet, could someone, turn it into a financially stable business. He thought about it for a while, until he looked over on the side of his bed at his wedding band.

When he held it, it felt like Bonnie. He remembers the last time he saw her how he treated her. He wasn't the nicest and he made her feel horrible about something she really could not help. Which were His brother's feelings for her. Stefan had loved Bonnie for so long, that Damon thought, the natural way it came it would have left. He never thought Stefan would a boundary of not only his love for Bonnie, but his brotherhood. He felt angry and betrayed and knew he made a quick decision to leave based on his anger. However, as quickly as he regretted leaving her, he had to be true to his word, and go out and conduct business. What kind of business was not known initially, but after being gone for a couple of weeks, his mission became very clear. He may have found his new business venture. He has been determined to stay gone, until he fulfilled his purpose. Giuseppe wanted him to Marry another woman, Lily wanted him to take Bonnie with him. The only thing he knew he wanted to do, was pull himself away from the person he loved the most so he could stop hurting her the way he was. He had no idea who he was becoming. The only thing he knew was whomever he was, he was falling into such a dark place, that he became lonely, even with Bonnie by his side.

(Flashback)

"My eye is always on the prize, Birdie. Always on the gold, not the silver, or the bronze."

"The gold?"

"Something that is unattainable, to everyone except me." His gaze intensifies and she is cornered by his predatorial thoughts.

"Why me? Of all of the beautiful women, in Mystic Falls, Fells Church, and the state of Virginia, why me?"

"There are many other women, but there is no other for me. You are my best friend, and God created you for me when he took you from my rib."

Her heart stopped for a few seconds. She was breathless in his clutch, and she was not afraid or sad. She was hopeful. When he wasn't being a labyrinth of emotions, and wasn't in front of business or political figures, making financial gains, he was the epitome of romanticism, and he imposed his loving will on her in a beautiful way.

"Birdie, look out the window with me, at the moon."

He turns Bonnie's body the opposite direction so that he is behind her, then he holds her closely to him with his arms around her waist. He cuddles the backside of her, making her feel warm and safe. Nestling his face into her neck, they continue to embrace each other's closeness. They both stare of out the large window in his bedroom, Eyes searching for a twinkle of the moon. "Just having you next to me, eases my mind. Your smell, your feel, your warmth, and the beat of your heart, makes me feel happy."

"Monsieur, can I keep this moment, forever?" She asks him quietly.

"Only if I can keep you forever."

"Good night Jeune Salvatore."

"Good night, my little Birdie."

(End Flashback)

Damon hasn't slept the same in over three months. He looked out at the moon hoping she was looking out at the moon too. He was ready to go back to her. The only one that made his life worth living.

.oOo.

Bonnie was at the Boarding house, sleeping in her old room. Suddenly the bed felt too small, the walls too dark, and vanity to little, and the window let in a slight draft. But it was her room for years. She lay on the bed near the window, staring out at the Moon, like she always had done before. She thought about the one man who kept her going. Hoping he were looking at the moon too.

Bonnie had checked on Lily several time that night. Most times Lily was sleeping well, but the last time she was having a hard time catching her breath. Bonnie decided to sit in a chair and next to the bed and read a book for the rest of the early part of the morning. There was a soft knock at the door she didn't hear because she was in such deep sleep.

Stefan walked into the room, happy to see Bonnie. He slowly approached her as her head rest on her arm, as she sat leaned over the bed Lily lay in. He placed a soft kiss to her cheek. "Stefan. God morning."

"Morning I should say, I don't know if it is good for you, seeing as to how you are still in your gown. How long have you been in here?"

"Not long, maybe since just before dawn." Bonnie was barely able to get her thoughts together. When she looked at him, it had appeared he had just gotten to the boarding house?"

"Well, seeing you here has made my day."

"Stefan, I waited up for you for hours. Where have you been?"

"Sorry my little birdie. I did not know you were here. To what do we owe this beautiful surprise?"

"Lily. Why have you not told me that Lily was not feeling well?"

"Common cold Birdie. She is fine."

"Two weeks Stefan. Two weeks in Damon's bed?" She said angrily.

"Who told you that?"

"Sarah did. And that is only because I came here looking for you, because you were not at the market place yesterday. I was coming to check on you and everyone."

"What has gotten into you, and why are you acting so out of character?"

"Who me? No." He said as his body slightly swayed and he had a bit of s hidden smile under his straight face.

"Stefan Salvatore, are you drunk? What in the-" She stopped herself from waking a finally resting Lily and drug Stefan out of the room into the hallway. "What in the world has gotten into you." She is distracted by a young woman she hasn't seen since the day of the wedding. "Oh hello there, Miss Caroline. It has been quite some time. How do you do?"

"Swell Bonnie." She says giggling uncontrollably. "It's been a wonderful start to a beautiful day."

"Or maybe a night that never ended, Stefan?" She asked looking at him with painstakingly hard eyes.

"Relax, Birdie. We just had tea, what is the fuss?"

"Tea and what Stefan? Bourbon?"

Caroline wanted to come to Stefan's defense but she did not want to go against Bonnie, because they haven't had a chance to get to know one another yet. "Bonnie, I assure you he did not break any laws or show out in public… we just had a little…?"

"Does your family realize where you are Caroline? They may be worried sick for you, as I was worried for Stefan. I would surely hate for them to find reason to keep you and Stefan away from one another. I think it is best that Stefan get you home before your family has his head served on a platter for brunch and tea."

Caroline laughed at Bonnie. "Bonnie I really think you and I would make friends easily. You are funny, and so darn beautiful. Really. I have never seen you so closely."

"Caroline, I know you love all people, men and women alike, but sweet little Bonnie Bennett is out of the question," He slurs loudly and within seconds he became a somewhat of a bastard. "She belongs to Damon Salvatore! Isn't that right Birdie? So wait, it's no longer little Bonnie Bennett, it's Bonnie Salvatore."

"Stefan be easy. Bonnie is just looking out for you."

"Yeah, she is always looking out for me, right Birdie? Come on I need a word with you a minute Mrs. Salvatore." He pulled her by her arm into his bedroom. She looked at him with confusion as she tried yanking her arm out of his grasp.

"Stefan, there is a time for joking and this is not funny. Let her arm go."

"Stay out of this Caroline." He says shutting the door loudly behind them. He held Bonnie close to him as he spoke. "How can you belong to Damon, and you love me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Don't lie to me Birdie. When I was at your home the other day, I went to your library to search for a book, and I saw a book on the floor, like it may have been dropped or thrown there. With a letter in it. To me, from you. A letter you never gave me?"

"Stefan, I did not declare love for you in a letter. I assure you."

"No, you did not, because you always have to be careful when you are married to my brother about anything you say, but I have the letter. I kept it. I kept it because I will always know, even if Damon will not, I will always know, how much you love me. Do you want to hear it Birdie? Listen…" He went to the desk in drawer in his room and grabbed it and read it to her.

Dear Stefan,

You are on my mind today, and I pray that you, Lily and Sarah are all in good spirits after our sad departure weeks ago. I miss our conversations. Days like today I hold on to memories of you all, and remember that I have these beautiful people behind me. It makes me forget about the confusion I suffer with your brother.

Today his consort from college has come to visit as his college acquaintances consort. He has the audacity to hurt me with having indecent engagement with her in front of my face. I am not allowed to engage you or Lorenzo in small talk, but I can observe him and his flirtatious ways? It is not fair Stefan. Why does our relationship have to be so one-sided? He Whooped me today. He whooped me the way Giuseppe whooped me when I was a girl. Only my bare behind. He whooped my bare behind Stefan! He hates me. I can't stand it. I am lonely. I miss my best friend. I cannot wait to see you at the village on Monday. Please write me at your earliest convenience. I look forward to your lovely conversation soon.

Love, Birdie.

Bonnie remembers that letter, she wrote the day she met Celeste and Kol, and the day Damon spanked her. When he was drunk and acting like a bastard. Much like Stefan is now. "Stefan, I did not declare love for you."

"No, but what you declared was that when my brother is being a bastard, it is me that you think of. Why? Because I treat you the way you deserve. I love you and I know how to love you. Damon is, mess of sorts, he has no idea what you need. No idea in what ways to love you. He has no idea what you want, but I do. You know that. You know that you and I are more alike than you and Damon. You love me, he knows it, you know it, and that is why he left. He came over here whooped my tail to near unconsciousness."

"What, no he didn't. Stefan, he would never do that. He would never hit you, his blood, his kin, his brother."

"He did Bonnie. He beat me like I stole you, like in his eyes, he had lost you."

"Now why would he feel that way, unless you gave him a reason to feel that way Birdie. Answer me that?" He was yelling and Caroline could hear him. Standing at the door making sure he didn't hurt Bonnie. Not a servant was in sight, and Sarah left for the day with Giuseppe.

She just looked at Stefan and she wanted to cry, but she knew he didn't want to hurt her, she knew he was deserving of answers. If only she had the answers herself.

"Stefan. Stop this!"

"No. I won't. Because you love me. Just say it!" He got louder. "SAY IT!"

"FINE! Stefan, I love you. I do. I cannot explain it. You share a closeness with me that Damon will never understand. I have forced myself to stay away from you since he has gone, because I do not trust myself around you Stefan. I made a vow to my husband, and yes, it would be easy to break it in his absence, but I can't and I won't. I just will NOT! But whenever I see you, you look at me the way that makes me want to act out, against my husband, and I am fighting like hell to not hate him and be angry with him right now. If I act out of anger, you and I will both be regretful Stefan. We will live with the guilt forever? Is that what you want?

Stefan just places his forehead against hers as he locks his jaw allowing it to tick in frustration. But he holds her near him as he has a hard time letting her go.

"It is unfair to you and I and Damon. You are more like me than your brother, this is true, but he balances me. Okay, he challenges me. I will always love you Stefan But- I am still learning a lot right now. Part of what I am learning, is if Damon and my love is even strong enough to survive. Because some nights I wonder if he will even make it back to me, and if he does, will I still love him the same, after he has left me."

Caroline's soft knock at the door knocks Bonnie out of her train of thought.

"And Sarah? You love her, I know you do?"

"Yes, like you I love two people. It is true. It wouldn't matter, Giuseppe will keep me from her as long as he can."

"Stefan you are a man now, as soon as you and Caroline get engaged, take Sarah with you. Away from here. Take her far away. I must go, Stefan. Caroline is suspecting something."

Caroline knocks again. "Stefan, Bonnie, Mrs. Lily is callin' for someone."

"We are not finished talking Birdie."

"We are Stefan. My concern is Lily. She should have been your concern as well. Not telling me about Lily, and worrying for her yourself? I will excuse this one time, because you aren't too often so carelessly, but you need to help me with Lily, by calling Dr. Fell. There is only so much I can do with herbs and tea and cold compresses. Now, get your tail together, Stefan, I mean it." She opens the door and leaves Stefan buried in his frustrations. "Have a lovely day, Caroline. We may be able to come together under more pleasant circumstances soon." Bonnie offers a slight smile and goes to Lily's room.

"You as well, Bonnie. I apologize for mine and Stefan's dastardly behaviors."

Bonnie turned to Caroline nodded her head and went about her way."

"Stefan, you and Bonnie are dangerous."

"We are not. This is nothing new for she and I."

"Sadly, Stefan, that woman loves you, a lot. So much it pains her, I can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice, and the fact that you continuously make her feel as though she has to choose between you and her husband, you are putting too much guilt onto her. Stop. Be her best friend. She needs that right now. Maybe one day, when she falls, you can pick her up. But right now, she is thriving. Let her thrive. She is finding herself. Be there for her."

"You are right Caroline. I can't be mad at her loyalty to my brother. After all he is my brother. I think what is angering me, is Sarah and Giuseppe. I have not hardly seen her in over a week. Its driving me mad."

"Well, it is understandable. You have seen my situation with Jesse Brown. So my heart aches for you."

"I should get you home, so I can get back here and help Birdie with my mother."

"That is the Stefan I know."

…oOo…

A beautiful, woman with dark hair walks into Mr James Tavern. She had a presence like no other person he has yet to meet on his Journey. She had confidence and the smile of a woman who had never done a thing wrong in her life. It was innocent like a child though her happy eyes had a bit of darkness to them. Her long hair hung down her back in a thick braid. She looked like she just came from riding a horse.

"Bourbon please?" She said to the man behind the tavern bar fixing a leak.

"Oh, I'm not the man that pours the dranks." A few of their native terms were rubbing off on him.

She was a mighty beautiful woman, if he'd ever seen one. He knew the minute he heard her speak, she was the woman he was looking for. Only she was a little more exotic looking than he would have guessed. But her looks let him know his journey was done. It was her. He didn't say much to her, just watched her.

"How'd they get a young, handsome, strange fella, like you in here?"

"Uh, I am here on business."

"Kinda business?"

"I should get the owner."

"No need to do that. JAMES!" she called out.

"Well, I gotta go wash up. Nice to meet ya."

"You ain't met me yet." She laughs.

"Uh, right. Well, I suppose you probably want to get your drink. So, I'll let you get to it."

"Sure thing blue eyes. May be I'll see you 'round."

He smiled as he walked backwards, stumbling over his feet. And some tools her left on the ground. She laughed some more. It was her, it was definitely her. Now he had to figure out how to talk to her. Damon disappeared to get himself cleaned up. He didn't want to make a bad first impression.

"Well, if it ain't my favorite niece."

"You came a week early."

"Yeah, well, Uncle, I need some help."

"Say it ain't so. What this time?"

"Nothing, I just ain't got no place to stay right now, and no money."

"Now, you now I ain't got no money to give ya. But you wanna work, I'll letchya stay a while."

"Work? I help cook on Sundays, what else can I do?

"I need a new breakfast cook."

"Everyday?"

"Everyday."

"Okay."

"Can I rely on you. You can't be hoppin' off when ya feel like it. I need you. For at least another week, til I can replace you. Less you gone stay this time."

"Okay. I'll do it for you Uncle James."

"By the way there's a young fellow here lookin' for ya."

"Who, Blue eyes?"

"You know him?"

"No, but he seemed nervous when I walked in. Who is he? Where he say he from?"

"Name's Damon Salvatore. Says he from Virginia. Mystic Falls, Virginia." The woman dropped her drink on the ground where she stood.

A/N- Bonnie is experiencing a lot of growth and challenges. Damon is on a mission, and if he's lucky he'll be headed home next chapter! Please let me know your hopes and thoughts. I appreciate all of you who are supporting this story, you guys keep me writing. The negativity is merely a side effect. Thx for reading. Happy Independence Day! Celebrate safely!