*All character/TVD rights go to the dunce Julie Plec & Co. and the lovely L.J. Smith; except Stella she's all mine. Yep, all me for real (drake voice lol)*

A/N: Hey! Thank you guys so much for reviewing my stories and to answer Leni's question yes this is a sequel of sorts to my unfinished story Weight of the World so if any of you find something familiar that's why. Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone I love you guys and you keep me up in my down days;). Forgive my errors.

"Night Walkers"

She rummaged through her closet clumsy dropping any and everything to the ground. Where the hell was her honor cords? She never believed in the term 'pregnant brain' but as she continued to search and never find she figured that it wasn't a myth.

"Bon, you okay?" the soothing voice asked from the bedroom door.

She turned abruptly her eyes scanning the vast room to meet the bluish greens of Stefan's. She sighed putting some of her clothes back into Damon's closet. She didn't know when, but somewhere over the past 7 months she'd moved into the boarding house with Stefan and Elena. She promptly set camp in Damon's room, feeling that she and the baby would be closer to him this way.

Her eyes glistened in unshed tears and he was by her side when the first trickle slid down her smooth cheek. He pulled her into him without another word. He didn't need to say anything because he was going through the same emotions she was. The same thoughts she was.

He should be here.

"I miss him so much." she sniffled. "Can you believe it? I miss that bastard." she laughed through her tears.

She could feel the rumble exalt from the pit of his stomach as he laughed. "I have a feeling that he's right here with us." he said breaking away. "You know Damon's never one to miss out on big things."

And this was a big thing.

Today was their big day, in a few hours she would be a high school graduate. A feat that she thought she'd never make it to as recent as three months ago, but thankfully fate had different plans and here she was. Standing in her red and yellow cap and gown, looking like a beached whale, but standing in her cap and gown nonetheless she made it through the toughest year and a half in her life She wished her father could have seen her, but Damon never shared where he had compelled him to and she never asked. Never anticipating Damon dying. At least she knew wherever he was he was safe, he had made sure of that.

If only she could find that damned cord.

Clearing her throat she threw up her hands. "I have it, you were right."

A smile was fighting its way to his pallid lips, but he played coy. "What was it I was right about? I've seen to have forgotten."

She jabbed a finger to his chest. "Teasing a pregnant lady, is that your new thing bunny boy."

They shared a laugh as Stefan brushed her bangs out of her eyes. His hand traced her face until it lightly cupped her cheek. "Hey, its quite possible pregnancy brain is catchy." he shrugged.

She swatted his hand then went back to the task at hand.

"What are you looking for anyway?" he questioned watching her doing a clean sweep of the expansive closet, carefully avoiding Damon's things.

"My honors cord is missing and if I forget it Caroline's gonna kill me. She's already convinced that her valedictorian speech is the introduction to my salutatorian one." she snorted.

That had made the caramel vamp laugh harder. Her and Caroline had been neck in neck their whole four years of high school, but Bonnie had fell off with everything she was going through in her personal life from depression to Damon and his death. Nevertheless she was excited for her best friend because the blonde really did work hard proving the 'dumb blonde' saying all kinds of wrong.

"She has your sash thing, remember she came by yesterday to get it primed and pressed." he laughed saying the last sentence in a poppy cheer voice.

Bonnie paused her movements; he was absolutely right. This pregnancy was really starting to be annoying, she was literally counting down the days. 43, if you were wondering.

"Oh." she peeped sliding into a pair of classy black Steve Madden heels. "I guess we should get going before Care gets our asses."

"Are you sure you wanna wear those?" Stefan asked pointing to the 4 inch heels.

She looked down at her feet, well the part that wasn't covered by her protruding belly and hunched a shoulder. "I figured the 6 inch wouldn't be a good idea."

Coming off his post at the door he moseyed his way to the piles of shoes in the closet picking up a pair of black ballet flats. "I'll keep these in the car for you." he simpered.

Bonnie followed him out of the closet. "Oh what would I do without my gay best friend." she jested causing him to flick her off.

"You're gonna thank me later."

And later she did as she stood shakily in the heels with her feet crying for release. She groaned hating the fact she told Stefan she was fine after his numerous offers to run to the car for her flats. Now it was too late Caroline was halfway through her valedictorian speech and the principal would soon start calling names. Another bout of glee took over the crowd as Caroline made another witty joke to end her award winning speech. Bonnie joined in on the comedy until a sharp pain coursed through her abdomen she was doubled over in pain soon after.

"Alexander Anthony Ames." the distant voice of Principal Meadows called.

She felt a hand touched the small of her back, but didn't make a move . "Hey you okay?" she heard from behind her.

"Brittney Kyle Ashton."

Her eyes connected to the bright blues of Matt's as she nodded her head. She licked her suddenly dry lips raising with the rest of her row. "Yea I think it's a case of extreme gas." she chuckled nervously her hand still rubbing her stomach.

"Lydia Renee Austin."

Come on baby she whispered fiercely patting her stomach. We're almost there just hold on for me, hold on for mommy. She repeated the mantra as she reached the step of the stage; looking behind her she could see Matt giving her the thumbs up.

"Carlton Ribierio Banks."

She laughed hiding the next jolt of pain that pierced her form stepping unto the first step. This time she looked to the students still parked in chairs; just as she feared Stefan was boring those worried eyes on her. She gave him a small smile that was meant to be comforting, but fell short as she experienced another cramp.

"Ah." she nearly whimpered taking a couple more steps forward she was next. If she could just make it to grab her diploma—

"Bonnie Denise Bennett"

A stream of liquid was flowing down her legs the minute she stepped off the stage and her back met a seat before she could even blink.

"Are you crazy Bonnie!" Stefan yelled his eyes flashing in sheer panic. "Do you have any idea what's going on!" he continued in his rant.

Bonnie sat uncomfortably in the leather seat of Stefan's convertible. The spasms seeming to never end as they sped their way to Mystic Falls General. "I just wanted to get my diploma first." she panted tossing in the seat once more.

She couldn't believe this was happening and now of all times. Stefan spared her a second glance before sighing. Tangling there hands he squeezed. "Breathe."

Easier said than done she thought as the tears she attempted to hold back cascaded over her lids. "Oh" Stefan licked his lips as her grip tightened. "My" his eyes darted to hers at feel of her nails in his hand. "God!" she shrieked shocking him with a volt of magic.

Ten minutes later she was prepped and ready for delivery. He, Caroline, and Elena making quick work to compel ever doctor, nurse, and assistant on the labor and delivery floor. As excited as they were about the baby this would be the first supernatural child born and they had no clue what it would entail. Especially what it would look like Caroline had thrown in mentioning the births of such horror movies like Bride of Chucky; which Bonnie instantly felt offended by saying no child of hers would come out that ugly.

Four hours later and after a plea for more meds the gang was greeted with a tiny milky baby with a head full of inky black matted hair. The room was filled with misty eyed guys and blubbering females each wanting to hold the precious treasure that Bonnie was calling 'Baby B.'

"What are you gonna name her?" Caroline asked staring at her best friend. "I was thinking something regal, ya know, since she's connected to me like Victoria." she beamed.

"No something unique like Lark or Helena"

"You would say something like Helena." Caroline scoffed at the brunette. "It's Bonnie's ba—"

"Can I have a moment alone with Bonnie?" Stefan asked interrupting the blonde's pitch.

The girls traded glances before Bonnie gave them a tired smile. "It's his niece."

At the close of the door Stefan glided slowly to the bed. His undead heart causing phantom beating in his chest. When he got to Bonnie's bedside he withdrew an unsealed envelope from his pocket.

"She's so beautiful." she spoke softly touching her cheeks with fingertips. "I'm almost afraid to touch her." she giggled. "And she's just as impulsive as her father coming here a whole month early." she baby talked to the sleeping newborn. "What do you think I should name her?"

At his silence she finally tore her gaze away from the baby and stared at the youngest Salvatore. The only Salvatore. His green eyes were trained to Stella his vision becoming the slightest bit blurry. She looked so much like Damon it was a crying shame, his scent was even hanging on to her albeit faintly.

"What's that?" Bonnie's curious voice broke his reverie and he swallowed the lump in his throat.

He handed her the envelope honoring his brother's last wish. "It's for you."

Flipping it over in her hand she gasped at the familiar script. "Damon." she started as tears welled up in her eyes. "But how?"

"That night I caught him slipping out. I tried to stop him begging him to calm down and give us time to find another way. He punched me to get me to shut up." they smiled at that, it was so Damon. "He told there was no other way, that if he didn't do this then you and his daughter would die." he stared directly into Bonnie's eyes.

"He knew." she whispered. "He knew and still left."

He saw the series of emotions cross her face before landing on the most tangible one. Anger.

"Don't be angry, Bonnie he did it because he loved you, both of you." He pacified.

"None of this makes sense how did he know she would be a girl? I don't understand."

"Then read the letter." he pushed. "Stop procrastinating and read it."

"Have you…read it?" she asked unfolding the document.

"Nope, I had my own."

At the conclusion Bonnie thought she'd cried enough rivers to Damon to make Justin jealous and faced Stefan. "Stella."

Stefan raised an eyebrow his arms still planted firmly against his chest waiting for the new mother to continue her words.

"He wants us to call her Stella."

Stefan smiled at the memory watching the two year old playing in the dirt. That night he'd promised to keep her well-being above everybody and everything and he meant it. His mind wandered back to last night when he seen Damon creeping out in the wee hours of the morning just as he'd done the night he offered himself up to Silas. He wanted to bring it up earlier but the time was never right. Now with Bonnie out of the house and Stella moments away from a nap they could hash it out. That is if Damon was willing to share. Though at this point it didn't matter if he was willing to share or not. If he had to Stefan would beat it out of him.

"Come on Baby B how about a nap?"

Stella stomped her foot vehemently shaking her head no then releasing a yawn. She covered her mouth with her dirt covered hand leaving a mark. " 'Cuse me." sighed.

"Okay a quick wash up then nap." he chuckled leading her into the house.

After standing idly in their corners for what seemed like forever Elena made several steps to close the distance between them. Her hands immediately cupping his cheeks and searching the clear orbs she used to know so well.

"How is this possible?" her hoarse voice spoke lowly.

The timbre doing what everyone else's did when they saw him for the first time. Times like these he felt like Kyle XY when they discovered he had no belly button.

His cheeks puffed in her hand with the stretching of his lips, "How is it not possible?" he retorted and watched her eyes come to life with the comforting smile she always held.

"Stand back let me look at you." he said into their relaxed atmosphere.

She obliged his offer even offering him a small twirl he rolled his eyes playfully at. Seeing her right now, so vibrant and alive made him feel accomplished. He'd done what he said he would; he protected the people that meant the most to him. Beginning with Bonnie and ending with Elena.

Her hair no longer straight and simple like the confused seventeen year old girl he left behind. Now her hair stopped just before the middle of her back; her bangs hanging snuggly against her cheeks. The only thing remaining the same was the part down the middle of her head.

"Can we sit down and." her eyes looked around while her senses expanded. She didn't smell Bonnie strongly anywhere, but she could pick up on Stefan in the near distance. "Catch up?"

Without a word the older Salvatore began leading her to the living area they'd all spent too much time in, in the past. Concocting plans to stay alive' some working others falling short. She sat on the couch facing the fireplace while he continued his trek to the bar.

Elena watched him down one glass then rake his hand through his dark chocolate hair that laid as long as her bangs. She'd never seen Damon's hair this lengthy and she had to admit she liked it. She guessed it was true in death; actual death; your hair did grow.

"Your hair is lighter." she commented.

"Not really." he leered quickly changing the subject. "What brings you around these neck of the woods? D.C. not treating you right?"

She gave him a droll look as if to say really then finding that little piece of boldness within her shrugged. "You."

Damon put down the Evan Williams he'd been guzzling he stared at her. His eyes hardening at the rock still planted on her finger. She saw the shift in his eyes and swallowed deeply.

"You're still a vampire." he said icily.

He was in front of her before she could even dignify him with an answer. His index and thumb held her chin so tightly that if she was human it would have broke skin and probably her jaw.

"Damon." she breathed delicately. "Let go."

He looked thoughtful for a minute then dropped his fingers backing away from her. "You didn't take the cure."

"Damon I—"

"It wasn't a question!" he boomed and for the first time today she began to think maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

"Why? Why wouldn't you take it?" his gaze murderous.

Silence.

"That's a question you can answer Elena." the way he spoke her name nicked her where it shouldn't have.

Finding her voice she met his eyes head on. "I-I gave it to Jeremy."

The laugh that came out of Damon's mouth was anything but funny. His hands were back in his hair as he paced in front of the fire place furiously. Everything they'd done, everything they'd sacrificed to give her the one thing she wanted, needed was in vain.

"You gave it to Jeremy." he chuckled shaking his head. "Of course you gave it to Jeremy. Elena Gilbert forever the fucking martyr I swear you—"

"Damon!" Stefan rebuked from the door frame.

The vampire in question snapped his head to the right seeing his younger brother standing stiffly in the entrance with a frightened Stella clinging tightly to his leg. Her eccentric eyes were darting between him and Elena, at the sight of Elena her grip increased. Softening his eyes he mouth opened then closed.

"Elena I think you should leave." Stefan voiced his eyes never wavering from Damon's.

The doppelganger made a play to protest, but decided better of it when she saw the firm look on her ex-boyfriend's face. Standing to her feet she walked to where he stood her eyes briefly connecting to Damon. She bent to her knees when she got to Stella smiling lovingly at her; only causing the girl to bury herself deeper into her uncle.

She hadn't see her in over a year and she'd grown so much since then. Last time she was generally crawling only taking a couple steps here and there. Her sable her thick and straight like Damon's, now it held soft curls almost like Bonnie's. Her eyes a mix between her parents, but now one was a striking green and the other a brilliant blue. She was so beautiful it hurt. A pang shot through her chest at the realization that her estranged niece didn't know her. This wasn't how it was supposed to be and this made her more than anything miss Bonnie.

"She thinks you're Katherine." Stefan spoke his tone almost amused.

He could see how she would get confused, not many things differed between the two anymore. Though he would admit at least Katherine lost interest in wanting to have them both.

"Oh." she hiccupped then looked back at the toddler. "Its okay baby you don't have to be afraid of me. We go way back." she smiled garnering a small one from Stella.

"I think you should go." Damon spoke up back at the bar.

Elena's lips pursed but she got up anyway. "I'm staying at the bed and breakfast if you want to finish this discussion." she informed. "Bye Stella." she smiled once again.

They stared at one another awhile in stillness. Damon drinking more bourbon and Stefan still glued to the entry. The moment he stepped into the manor and his nose was assaulted with her scent he lose his shit. How could she be so stupid was the thought that came to his mind. Stella was scurrying down the hall the second he put her down. At the pace she was going you would think the toddler had been running her whole life and not just the last month or so. He knew she sensed Damon near.

"Are you gonna tell me what that was about."

"No." he smirked. "I think I'd rather poke my eyes out, or maybe just put my little bambina to bed."

Fighting down his objection he watched Damon pick her up and aim towards the staircase. He would give in this time, he had a quick call to make anyway.

Bonnie nearly dropped to her knees and praised the Lord when Mrs. Flowers finally approached her for her break. Her dogs were past barking the poor things were wailing for a breather. Letting her hair loose she squinted at the antique clock the big hand on the six, the smaller one landing on the five. Three more hours and she was done with this place. "Thank God for mids." she mused taking off her apron and hat.

Spinning on her heel Bonnie gasped at the sight of the patron at the counter. Her eyes were an apple green bordering on lime. Her hair dark as night with skin only shade lighter than her own; she had to be at least 5'9. The closest thing she could equate the girl to was Xena the Warrior Princess. Bonnie tried to feel if the woman was anything supernatural because she couldn't be normal. Not looking like that.

"Hi." she spoke in amazement thing shook her head. "Can I help you?"

"Sure can." the girl said with a grin and a twang Bonnie couldn't quite place.

Okay maybe she was normal.

She returned her smile. "I was on my way to break, but I suppose I can squeeze in one more order for you."

"I reckon the deep south isn't the only place that has hospitality." the girl continued eyeing the menu quickly. "I think a hazelnut cappuccino will do me mighty fine."

Bonnie bit her lip to hold back her giggle, this girl was too peppy for her own good. She must not know Mystic Falls is no place to sight see.

"Where are you from?" she asked from the cappuccino maker.

"Birmingham." she answered sweetly. "Best city ever and no I'm not biased."

Bonnie chuckled handing her the coffee and rounding the counter. "I don't doubt it."

She nearly tiptoed to the closest booth then copped a much needed squat kicking off her Uggs. Leaning against the cushion she rested her eyes for a moment and opened them to find the girl from the counter sitting across from her. Okay not cool.

"Hey, you're still here." she stated sliding up immediately on guard. It was no secret that new people in Mystic Falls always brought drama.

"I was standing over there then realized I never introduced myself." she started sticking out her hand. "I'm Beverly but everyone calls me Bev." she chastened.

"Bonnie." she said putting her hand in hers. Body temp felt normal so she wasn't a vamp. Grip was normal so she wasn't likely a werewolf. She relaxed, just a bit if she felt anything funny she had Damon and Stefan on speed dial. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." she cheesed. "I was standing over there chastising myself for my lack of manners. I wasn't voted Miss Southern Belle 4 years straight fer nothing'" she explained. "Plus I thought you may want some company."

And like that Bonnie was aware of the fact she'd met Caroline's shadow twin.

"What brings you to Mystic Falls Bev?" she asked sipping her chai tea.

"I'm here with my roommate who has family here, yet I havent seen one yet." her lips twisted at that. "Anywho she's been gon a couple hours and I'm no house bunny so I decided to explore." her eyes gleamed as if she shared the biggest secret in the world.

"How'd you like everything so far? I mean we arent the biggest town, but we have some nice things." Bonnie indulged.

"Oh its just grand." she said clasping her hands. "My mama would absolutely love it! It reminds me of her little antique towns she puts out around Christmas."

Bonnie smiled as she listened on to the girl blabbing about different things she found interesting here. She even found herself emersed in the girl's hometown stories. Who knew the most refreshing of conversations came from complete strangers. After sharing the fact that she was a mother Beverly became enamored with the various pictures of Stella, Bonnie, and—

"Who's this hotty patotty!" she chirped pointing to the raven haired Salvatore.

Her chest flared as a smugness came over her. "That." Bonnie smirked. "Is my man." and with that retained her cell.

She laughed as Beverly fanned herself. "Wooo-wee"

The man across the street watched the two girls exchange pleasantries a smirk overtaking his face. This was going better than he planned tightening his peacaoat over his form he awaited his next move.

Stefan relied heavily on the door jamb favoring a doorkeeper at one of those expensive hotels. He looked on quietly as Damon finally closed the Swan Princess book sliding it back into its place on the small bookshelf by her bed. Reclining in the rocking chair he drifted back into thought monitoring his daughter as she slept.

"Are you gonna watch me tuck her in too Harriet the Spy." Damon quipped without sparing his brother a look.

Stefan cleared the frog out of his throat standing a bit straighter. "Ha ha very funny. I wasn't spying I was checking on you I even brought you a cup of blood."

"Cut the crap Stefan you've been waiting for me to fuck up all day." he snapped watching Stefan's eyes zoom to the sleeping beauty. "You can take that blood and shove it up your insufferable ass." he whispered harshly.

"Damon." he warned. "Watch your mouth she's impressionable."

He gave Stefan an icredulous look. "She's asleep."

"Her mind isn't."

Damon would have touche'd him but he got up and walked out of the room instead. To his dismay Stefan followed.

"We need to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about brother." Damon shot back.

"You were wrong in talking to Elena like that." Stefan barked placing a hand on Damon's shoulder to halt his movements.

Damon turned around to face him pushing him several feet back. "She was wrong for coming here."

"Was she Damon?" Stefan asked getting back into his face. "Or was she following your will."

Damon's face contorted at the clear accusation. "What's that supposed to mean?" he snipped despite himself.

"Don't play stupid Damon she's still sired to you."

"No she's not." he growled.

"How can you be so sure Damon? The circumstances are the same they didn't change because you died."

"Exactly Stefan I died meaning the bond died with me its null and void."

He rolled his eyes as Stefan shook his head in the negative. "No, you being here makes it alive and kicking again."

Damon barreled down the stairs. "You know what I don't have time for this. I know for a fact that the bond is finito. Don't blame me because your girl is still coming to me of her own free will."

Ignoring his low blow he asked something else. "And how do you know Damon? You remember something from raising from the grave?"

The older Salvatore smirked as he opened the front door. "Wouldn't you like to know."

The clock hit eight and Bonnie was already pulling on the light leather jacket she'd grabbed this morning with her new friend by her side. Grabbing her purse she put on the dark scull cap and with a wave to her boss exited the café. It was dusk and the atmosphere had turned chilly thanks to the wind. Zipping her jacket she wished she would have worn her heavier one, but it was so nice out that she decided to walk to work.

Shit.

After being picked up earlier she walked to work from her meeting at The Grille with her groups members. What had she been thinking? Damon was going to kill her when he found out, he didn't like her out walking by herself at night.

"I hope we cross paths again Bonnie before I head back to school." Beverly spoke pulling the short brunette out of her thoughts.

"Yea me too." she said pulling the girl into a hug. "It was so nice talking with you."

"You too." she said eyeing the sky. "We better get going before it gets too dark."

Bonnie nodded in agreement and after waiting until Beverly got lost around the corner she pulled out her cell phone and trudged down the street. Bev would be okay the Mystic Bed & Breakfast was just around the corner, the boarding house on the other hand was about 30 minutes away near the outskirts of town. The phone rang twice before a man picked up relaying James Taxi's.

"Hey I need a ca—" the call disconnected before she could finish her request.

Pulling the device from her ear she cursed at the black screen, the dumb thing would be dead. Sighing she turned around to retrace her steps back to the café when she ran into a hard chest. Her heart stopped in her chest as the shrill chill raced down her spine. She felt a thousand deaths wafting from this person and gulped looking up to meet his onyx eyes.

"Marcel."

His mouth twitched and he leered. "Long time no see."

Damon paced back in forth in front of the bed and breakfast looking every bit of someone of the loitering nature. Was he really going to go up and apologize? Deciding hell no he turned and nearly mauled over a young woman going in while he was going out.

"Sorry." he murmured steadying the girl before beating it.

"Its quite alright." Beverly exhaled watching him race off her emerald eyes never leaving his form. "Damon."

He ended his steps and faced the woman. "What did you just say?"

"Damon!" she squealed. "I knew it was you when I saw those blue moon eyes." she gushed walking over to him. "I'm a friend of Bonnie's." she informed seeing his hard eyes.

Damon threw her a smile. "Well any friend of Bonnie's is a friend of mine, but I must get going."

Her smile never faltered as she lifted a hand. "Nice seeing you, Damon."

He looked up wishing the girl would shut up, he was a hundred percent sure that Elena knew he was down here now. "Nice seeing you too, um…"

"Bev." she rained.

"Bev." he repeated bowing his head continuing his fast pace to the parking lot.

Bonnie and Marcel stood in a stand off. She trying to find a way around him, and he anticipating her move. He grew bored of waiting and decided to just throw his warning out all ready.

"You make one move to lose me and I'll kill everyone in that rinky dink coffe shop." he watched her tense and grinned in satisfaction.

"You touch anyone I'll —"

"You'll what?" he challenged his eyes blazing the more defiant she appeared. "We both know you can't do anything about it."

"And I wonder why." she snapped.

"Surely, you're not blaming me for you bad deeds enchantress." She grimaced at the nickname he'd grown fond of calling her. "Now calm down all I want to do is talk."

Her shoulders slumped. "I have nothing to say to you Marcel."

"I have plenty of topics we can discuss." he said pulling out some keys shaking them. "And I think you need a ride."

"I'd rather walk thank you." and to prove her point she broke out in a sprint when he tossed the keys to the car.

Her back was crushed against a wall before she could hit the third crack in the sidewalk and she groaned at the fact they were now in an alley. Great Bonnie, just great now no one can see you.

"Come on, Bonnie you can't possibly be that stupid." he reprimanded pointing a finger to her face. "What if I would have followed through with killing those people how would you be able to sleep tonight?"

"Like a baby." she spat trying to release herself of his grip.

He laughed loosening his restraint. "I almost believed you there, though evil Bonnie was a little more cunning."

She rolled her eyes. "What do you want Marcel?"

"I wanna know why you stood me up months ago?" he asked piercing her with soulless eyes. "After such progress too."

"I never said I would go with you." she said incredulously her eyes damcing across his face.

"You said you'd meet me." he countered.

"In hell!" she shrieked.

"And here we are." he smiled waving a hand around there surroundings.

It was times like these where she really hated being a sucker to her friends requests. She first seen Marcel during her tenure as Bonnie 'crazy killer witch of the west' she had slaughtered twelve witches and was high on expression and went to New Orleans to find twelve more when she came across Marcel and Davina. She would have succeeded if Klaus on behalf of Caroline didn't interfere. The second time she seen him was when she was starting to come back into herself and Caroline was giving Klaus a go and begged her to come on a double date with them to meet an old friend. Since then it was murder she wrote.

"You really disgust me you know that?" she said sweetly.

"I'm not that bad and you know it."

She watched as his face morphed into a full smile exposing the most perfect teeth she'd ever seen. His skin crinkled around squinty dark eyes that held copious amounts of mischief. He was very easy on the eyes, but she was deeply in love with a vampire that could have him on his ass in seconds age be damned.

Raising her left hand she attempted to push him away only to be find said hand trapped in his. Mahogany eyes welded to the rock on her finger. "Is this why you stood me up?" he asked in scary amusement. "You finally let the baby vamp charm your panties off."

She snatched her hand away and shoved him, this time he moved back. "I gotta give it to him he has mad game. I mean playing pseudo daddy and—"

"It's not Stefan you ass." she sneered folding her arms.

"Oh then who? I'd like to meet the guy who stole you from the nunnery when I couldn't."

"It's none of your business but Damon." she smiled brightly. "He's back."

She watched as the puzzle pieces formed in his mind. "So you have your powers back."

Bonnie worried her lip looking down the dark street. "As much as I'd love to keep this going I wanna see my baby to sleep."

He nodded and she waited for him to follow her like she knew he would.

"Don't you have a car to tend to?" she asked as he keep in sync at her side.

"Not my car." he smiled.

"Oh wow." she said unamused.

They walked in weird silence until Bonnie felt him wiggling his fingers with hers. "What are you doing?" she asked alarmed.

He cut his eyes quickly to hers. "It's cozier this way."

She narrowed her eyes wishing above anything she was able to give him an aneurysm.

Elena stood on one side of his mustang as he remained on the other. His was right once he rounded the corner the lanky brunette was posted up against the passenger door of his car, waiting for him. Elena broke down first.

"So you were just gonna leave, huh?" she rasped.

"It seemed that way." he rebutted.

Silence encompassed the pair once more before she again ruined it. "I have questions."

"I need answers."

The doors unlocked and when she reached for the handle his words stopped her. "But I'm not in the mindset to discuss anything with you." she dropped her hand.

"Goodnight Elena."

"Goodnight Damon."

Stefan opened the door when her footfall hit the first step. He was out and past her scanning the yard.

"He's gone." Bonnie called continuing into the house.

"What the hell did he want?" he asked following her to the kitchen.

"To work my nerves, where's Stel?"

One hand still poised on his hip he wiped his face with the other one. "I put her down already."

"Stefan you know I don't like missing her bedtime."

"I know, but when she woke up she was feeling good and I noticed she had a small fever so I gave her some Tylenol and she fell asleep."

"Oh my God." she grimaced putting her hand to her mouth. She should have been here and now her baby was sick.

"Its normal." Stefan assured. "She's a baby they get those you know that."

She sighed allowing his words to soothe her frayed nerves. "Where's Damon."

Now Stefan sighed his eyes raising to the ceiling. "We had a tiny argument and he left." he rushed.

"What? When?" Bonnie asked sitting down her water.

"A couple hours ago." he shrugged. "I swear it was this big." he said lowering his index finger to his thumb. "The house is still intact so you know it wasn't huge. He's just being dramatic."

She nodded discarding the empty bottle. "I'm gonna go peek in at Stella then take a long, hot shower."

Beverly stood in the bathroom raking a wig brush through her long dark tresses. Feeling his presence outside she dropped the brush then tiptoed across the room careful not to awake a sleeping Elena. When she walked into the hallway he was right there just like she suspected.

He waited a moment before calling her name. At her presence he dropped down to one knee bowing his head.

"Did you tell her?" her sultry voice asked.

He arose from his kneeling position to connect with her eyes. "She knows."

With that they exchanged smiles.

He stopped mid-step cricking his head to the right. At first he thought he was being paranoid, but someone or thing was indeed following him. He quickened his steps, and seeing a night club coming up he flashed inside grabbing the nearest girl and flew back out.

Stefan cursed silently to himself. He hadn't anticipated Damon's fast pace; so he'd managed to lose his brother in the crowd of hot bodies and boiling blood. He felt his canines itch at the thought of draining every dancing body in the entire establishment. His tongue ran over the protruding molars in eagerness, sweat beginning to pebble across his hairline. Taking several breaths he took a moment to recoup. Hearing Bonnie's voice in his head saying he was stronger than this, stronger than the ripper he calmed down. Opening his eyes and taking a deep breath he picked up Damon's scent following it to the back exit of the club and into the ally.

Damon waited until his prey opened the back door, and without hesitation he had the bastard pinned to the cold steel door. Now noticing said bastard was his baby brother.

"Stefan?" he questioned dumbly easing his grip. "What the fuck are you doing following me like a petulant mutt?" he gritted.

"What the fuck are you doing sneaking out on Bonnie during all hours of the night." he bit back.

Damon dipped his head briefly before glaring back at Stefan showering a mouth full of pearly, sharp whites. "What I do is none of your business or have you forgotten in my absence?"

Within a second Damon found himself in the spot Stefan was previously keeping warm. It was getting easier by the day to take him down. "I'm on to you brother." he said evenly. "I know The Keepers didn't just drop you back to Earth for 'good behavior' so enlighten me on what you're really doing."

The dark haired vampire pushed him off easily enough. "You wanna know what I'm up to Stef." he tossed his head over his left shoulder. "Sasha?" he sung kindly a tanned brunette with brown eyes came shakily from her crouched position by the dumpster.

Her eyes were red, her cheeks stained in dark mascara. Stefan could smell the ample amount of blood oozing from whatever place Damon bit her.

"Please help me." she begged.

"Shut up!" Damon hissed and her lips immediately sealed. "You see brother I'm doing a little thing called feeding. You know its what we night walkers do."

"Let her go." Stefan barked.

Damon pouted his face a mirror of Stella's. "But I don't want to Pop Pop."

That made Stefan's blood boil and in a reflex he punched Damon forcibly in the cheek breaking his jaw. Damon merely laughed.

"I see you finally learned how to throw a decent punch 2 points for you." he laughed spluttering blood.

Stefan ran over to the 'compelled' girl. "It's gonna be okay." he soothed giving his usual spiel. His fangs extended allowing him to nip into his wrist. "Drink." he ordered feeling just as bad as Damon for overriding the young girl's free will.

She sucked on his wrist greedily and his mind drifted to the moments where he fed Bonnie. Intimate moments between the two of them.

He glanced at the wounds of her neck, his eyes narrowing at the incisions. Removing his arm from her grasp he calculated the bite marks quickly while they healed, two things sticking out to him. One, the teeth marks or punctures were blunt, made by human teeth. Two either Damon was just getting used to being a vampire again, or he wasn't a vampire at all. That brought Stefan to his next question.

What the hell was he?

Okay so there's no Bamon in this chapter don't kill me! That was on accident; I even tried to go back and find somewhere to throw them, but it just seemed forced. I promise i'll make up for it next chapter, but hmm we got some Boncel this chapter and what did he tell Bonnie? Is she powerless? What is up with Beverly and who was with her? And what is with Damon? Does he need vampire lessons? Leave a review and prepare for some truths because it starts getting real next chapter a lot will be answered I cant wait eek!