2 . Dallas and Co'

BONENZO :

A few hours later, Bonnie had joined Enzo in the bedroom and had told him everything, while Damon was out, ordering some take out. They didn't want to order food on phone and make someone come at the cabin, afraid they might get trapped by The Armory, somehow.

Bonnie and Enzo had mainly cuddled and kissed, nothing more. He had told her he was happy things were said between her and Damon, and that he hoped she would get better (emotionally) during the next days. The Bennett witch had simply nodded as a response, much more preoccupied by her physical state. She didn't want to complain, nor seem weak, but she was frightened by the idea that she would die if her boyfriend and her former best friend didn't find a way to keep her alive.

She was enjoying Enzo's soft strokes on her upper arms, thinking about those past three years, when his low voice interrupted her thoughts :

- Love, do you think...Do you think you would have fallen in love with me, if Damon hadn't dessicated or if you wouldn't have had to hide from The Armory ?, the british vampire asked, a tone of concern and reflexion in his voice.

Bonnie instantly froze at the question, surprised. To be honest, it was one of the many questions she was asking herself as she thought back about those past three years. She never trully had admitted it to herself, but since she had started dating Enzo, it was a thought that always popped up in her mind, bothering her. It was a question that often made her doubt her feelings, made her reconsider that happiness she had with the strong vampire. It's like she was always trying to find something that corrupted her happiness, something that made it wrong for her to be in love, and happy. She had already done that with Jeremy, when he had cheated on her with Anna, and now she was doing the same thing all over again, with Enzo.

And as weird as it seemed, the only person that she had always trully been happy with, without any question of that kind bothering her, was Damon. When she was with him, she was never troubled about the joy she felt, the proximity she had with him, or the things he said to her, even though he was Elena's boyfriend, and that he sometimes flirted openly with her.

But she quickly erased that statement from her thought and reminded herself she had to answer Enzo.

- I...um...Well, you know, you can change the world and the whole History with a lot of « ifs » ! , she finally replied, hesitant.

She knew her answer was poor, but it was the best she could come up with, right now. He had taken her by surprise. She really didn't know what to answer : if she answered no, it would make Enzo upset and it would practically screw their entire relationship over, meaning she didn't believe in their love. But then again, if she answered yes, it meant she was sure Enzo was the one. And unfortunately, even though she loved him very much, she wasn't 100 % sure about that.

She made sure not to make eye contact with her lover as she said that. But she could still feel him stiffen a little, not liking her answer. She didn't blame him. It was a lame reply.

While asking this question, Enzo had wanted to know if Bonnie was literally his soulmate. Because he had never loved someone as much as he loved Bonnie, except for Maggie. And Maggie was his soulmate. But she had been killed. And now, Bonnie could also die. He simply wanted some comfort, he needed to know he was not trying to saver her life so badly, holding onto her so hard,for nothing. He was trying to avoid another painful heartbreak. Like he had experienced with Maggie's death. Although he had loved Lily deeply, it was more like an obsession. A little like Elena was for Damon. Yeah, he trully thought Damon was making a mistake by thinking the Gilbert doppelganger was the love of his life, but he didn't care : Damon was not his friend anymore, so he could do whatever the hell he wanted.

And as he was telling himself, the only woman who had been able to replace Maggie, and make him believe again in true love, was Bonnie. That's why he had wanted her so badly, that's why he had envied Bonnie and Damon's bond so much. And that's why he was jealous, and terrified of Damon. He had also been able to notice Damon's too much love and care for Bonnie. And Enzo wasn't dumb : he knew when a man was so determined to save a woman, so hung up on her forgiveness, it was because he was in love. It was the behavior of a man in love, and desperate to keep the woman he loved, safe and alive. He knew it he had felt the same way with Maggie, and he felt the same way with Bonnie.

Damon was in love with Bonnie.

So when she didn't immediatly answer that yes, she would still have fallen in love with him, he knew he had real reasons to worry. Bonnie could have feelings for Damon, even while denying them, or ignoring them. But it wasn't completely wasted ! Maybe he still had a chance to prove Bonnie he was the one for her. If he didn't, then he would let her go. Because that's how much he loved her.

- You're right, love. That was a stupid question. I love you. , he simply replied, a small smile on his lips, while planting a soft kiss on her cheek.

Bonnie just smiled back at him, relieved that he had accepted her answer, and that he had not started a debate on that question.

- I love you too. , she returned softly, kissing him briefly on the lips.

Enzo started deepening the kiss, which Bonnie gladly accepted, wanting to think about something else than Damon and the troubling question of her current boyfriend.

But Damon's yelling made them stop and break apart :

- DINNER'S THERE, LOVEBIRDS !

BAMENZO :

Dinner was quiet, but unexpectedly, not weird. For the first time since Damon had joined the couple to help, there was no tension between them. No tension between Damon and Bonnie, or Damon and Enzo. The calm before the storm, Bonnie couldn't help thinking. But she chased that negative idea away, wanting to enjoy her food properly.

- So, I may have found another way to save Bonnie, since Rayna's list seems interminable. , Damon suddenly informed them, then paused.

Bonnie's head shot up at his revelation, as Enzo stopped eating , interested and hopeful.

- Are you waiting for us to throw a party, or what ?! , Enzo replied back, quiet annoyed at the vampire's pause. And a bit irritated by his earlier analysis of Damon's feelings for his girlfriend.

- That would be great, seeing that I'm the only one actually working my ass out to try and save Bonnie's life, Loverboy ! , the blue-eyed creature snapped back sarcastically.

And tension was back, Bonnie sighed. She knew it wouldn't have lasted very long.

She watched as Enzo became furious and angry at Damon's insinuation. The powerful witch quickly reacted, as she put her hand on her lover's arm, keeping him from doing or saying anything. He glanced at her and calmed down, knowing it was for the best. Time was precious, and he wouldn't waste it fighting with his former best friend.

- What did you find, Damon ? , she asked, locking her eyes with him.

Damon tore his eyes away from the annoying british vampire, and looked back at her.

- Well, on my way to buy dinner, I called Stefan for help. Because I felt like this pact we made with Miss Visions , judging by the number of vampires to kill, wouldn't work that well. Without mentioning that it could take a while, and we don't have so much time. So, I called my brother, and he told me he had an idea. , he paused.

- What idea ? , Enzo finally spoke.

- I know you may not like this, but...He thinks Alaric's twins could help. , Damon finally revealed, fixing Bonnie.

Bonnie's face went blank. NO. She would not use Caroline's girls to save her life, nor put their lives in jeopardy. They were only three years old, for God's sake ! She couldn't do this. It was wrong.

- Well, we have to find another option, because there's no way in hell I'm using Alaric and Caroline's twins to save me. It's too dangerous, and they're too young. I can't do that, I don't want to. , the witchy firmly refused.

Damon sighed, knowing Bonnie would have reacted this way. He looked at Enzo for help.

- Love, you're dying. There's no other way, and this option might actually work. The twins are powerful witches, they can reverse the effects of the pills. , her lover commented.

- Enzo, NO ! This is Caroline's little girls, we are talking about, my nieces ! I'm not putting them in danger, nor risking their lives. Plus, we're not 100 % sure it will work. So I won't risk them for nothing. , Bonnie's protective aunt side resurfaced.

Rolling his eyes and seeing Enzo's statement was not helping at all, since he didn't know what to say after Bonnie's reply, Damon coldly answered :

- This isn't an option, Bonnie. I'm not asking for your opinion. I don't care. I already called Caroline and Alaric, and they both agreed to try, for you. So, wether you like it or not, we're doing this. I said I'd find a way to save you, any way. You hating on me is not gonna stop me. I found a way, that's my final word. , Damon passionately answered.

He looked at Bonnie, then at Enzo, standing up. Enzo nodded at him, silently agreeing with him, knowing they didn't have many solutions. Bonnie just stared at them, powerless. She knew they were not going to listen to her, anyway. Especially Damon. So, not saying anything, she gave up and glared at them.

- Go pack your things, we're leaving for Dallas in an hour. Caroline and Alaric are waiting for us. I'll wait outside. , the determined 175 year-old vampire ordered.

The upset witch said nothing as she shot daggers at both her boyfriend and her former best friend, before standing up and going to pack in her bedroom, in silence.

Damon got out of the cabin and went into his Camaro, waiting for the couple to be ready, as Enzo was left alone around the table.

The ride was long and tense. Bonnie was furious with both men, and didn't want to talk to neither of them. She was mad. She felt guilty and horrible about using her nieces as a way to save her life. She couldn't wrap her mind around the idea. She felt like a kind of monster, and she didn't understand how Alaric and Caroline had agreed to that plan !

However, she felt an ounce of hope at the possibility to survive and be able to live another day. Who wouldn't ? She had already died like a million times, so she was sick and tired of it. She felt like she really deserved some happiness, for once. Some normality. Though she knew, when your last name was Bennett, and that you were a witch, the last one of your line to that, normality was nothing but a fantasy.

Enzo was in the back seat, while Bonnie was sitting next to Damon, who was obviously driving. They had decided to take Damon's blue Camaro, since Enzo's old car might be recognizable by The Armory. They didn't know Damon's car, and taking one car was easier than two. This way, no one would get lost or trapped in some shit The Armory, or anyone else, could have come up with.

Everything was silent, when Damon decided to stop the car and take a break.

- We're gonna make a quick stop, grab something to eat, and stretch our legs a little. That okay ? , he asked, while pulling in the parking lot of a gas station.

- Yeah. , Bonnie laconically replied, getting out of the car as soon as the Camaro was parked.

Enzo simply nodded as an anwer, then got out too. Damon didn't lock the car, in case Bonnie or Enzo wanted to come back inside, but closed the driver's door. He headed for the small store, to buy some food.

BONENZO :

The british vampire joined Bonnie, who was going through her phone, not far away from the car. It was dark night, and he didn't want her to be alone. Something could happen, they were on the run, after all.

He planted himself in front of her, and watched as she raised her head :

- I'm sorry, love. If there was any other solution to save you, we would do it. But there's not. I know you're mad at us right now, but there's no reason for it to go wrong. The kids will be fine, as long as we make sure of that. , he gently reassured her.

Not wanting to be mad at him anymore, nor at Damon, she sighed before shaking her head. She was fed up and tired with fighting, so there was no point in staying upset. Might as well make that road trip enjoyable.

- I know... It's just that... I hate when innocent persons, here two 3 year-old little girls, have to be involved in something like that. ,

- Hey, it's not your fault. You didn't ask for any of this. Caroline's your best friend, and she's willing to help you, because you're in serious danger. It only happens that her daughters are the key to your survival. , her lover explained, trying to make her feel better about this situation.

The beautiful Bennett witch managed a small smile and kissed his cheek, as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her.

- Thanks. I'm gonna call Caroline, just to make sure she's okay with that. I need to talk to her. , she informed her boyfriend, before stepping out of his embrace.

- Okay. I'm staying here, in case something happens. , Enzo precised.

- Okay. Be careful. , she pleaded, before going back into the car to call Caroline.

BAROLINE :

Bonnie quickly composed her best friend's number, that she knew by heart, and waited for her to pick up, leaning her head against the car window. The blond vampire answered after the second ring.

- Bonnie ?! You okay ? , her friend immediatly asked her, worried.

- Yeah, Care, I'm fine. Don't worry. We're at a gas station right now, Damon's buying a few things and Enzo is waiting outside the car. , she comforted her best friend.

- Oh, thank god ! , Caroline exclaimed, relieved. What did you call for ? , she then questioned.

The witch went to reply before noticing the hour on the car's dashboard : 3 : 30 AM.

- Oh my god Caroline, I'm sorry, am I waking you up ? I didn't see the hour ! , she apologized, feeling guilty she may have woken the young mom from a much needed sleep.

- No, no, it's fine ! The twins are sleeping at a friend's tonight, and Alaric and I took advantage of it to have a long dinner and a late evening. , Caroline explained, reassuring Bonnie.

Bonnie relaxed, knowing she wasn't bothering her friend. She also smiled at the mention of Caroline's little happy life, trully happy for her. Well, she thought she was, but she knew Stefan was still on her mind anyways.

- Good. I just wanted to talk about the plan Damon came up with, involving the twins. I'm sorry Care, I don't want them getting in danger, I don't like it... I don't understand why you and Alaric accepted. , she let out, guilt evident in her voice.

- Bon. , her vampire friend sighed. You're my best friend, and you already died twice, I'm not gonna let that happen once more ! I want to help. I'm okay with it, and so is Alaric. , she assured the witch.

- But what if the spell is a strong one, and something happens to them ? I won't forgive myself, Care ! They're my nieces ! It shouldn't be up to two three-year-old girls to save my life ! , Bonnie expressed, really upset with this plan.

- Bonnie, there's no going back. You're my sister, I can't lose you ! I couldn't live without you, knowing that I had the power to save you, even though it was via my own little girls. You've done so much for us, sacrificed so much to save us, it's only normal we do the same for you in return. Alaric thinks the same. And the girls love you, though they've only seen you via FaceTime, they adore you ! I'm sure they'll be super happy and proud to know they helped saving their favourite aunt's life, later. , the bubbly blond pointed, while smiling on the other side of the phone. And Alaric's asking help from the Gemini Coven, well the members that are still alive, with the spell. They'll be teaching and helping the girls, so nothing happens to them. I'll tell you more when you arrive. , she continued.

The gorgeous green-eyed girl smiled at the mention of her nieces loving her, and got reassured when Caroline told her they were getting help from the Gemini Coven's survivors. It soothed her worries, but she still didn't like it. Anyways, as she saw Damon making his way back to the car, Enzo following him, she quickly said her goodbyes.

- Okay, if you say so. But if it gets too dangerous or hard for them, we're stopping it. I have to go, Damon and Enzo are coming back. I love you, Care, and thanks. , she said.

- I'm sure there won't be any problem, Bon. I love you too, take care, okay ? I'll see you tomorrow, can't wait ! , her blond best friend replied excitedly, making Bonnie smile.

- Can't wait either ! Kiss Alaric and the girls for me ! Bye ! , and she hung up.

Her two vampire bodyguards climbed back into the car. Damon turned to face Bonnie, showing her what he had bought :

- I got a pack of Oreos, three chocolate bars, and some water for the rest of the ride. Is that good ? , he questioned, knowing Bonnie loved chocolate bars. It was the opportunity to show her he actually knew her, better than she thought.

- It's perfect, thanks. , she smiled a little at Damon.

- We shoult get going ! There are only a few hours left, but we need to get there as soon as possible. , Enzo intervened, reminding them they didn't have much time.

- Right. , Bonnie confirmed.

They put their seatbelts on, before Damon started the car, speeding away in the dark night, as fast as his car allowed him to.

DALLAS :

They arrived at Caroline's house, in Dallas, around eight in the morning. It was a beautiful house, with a cute little flowered alley that led to the front door. It looked exactly like the kind of house Caroline Forbes would live into. There were some kids' toys scattered on the driveway, and outside, giving it a welcoming atmosphere. A perfect house, for a perfect family : everything that the witch's childhood best friend had always dreamed about and wanted.

They parked the car along the sidewalk, just in front of the house. Bonnie was the first one to get out, impatient to see her blondy vampire best friend, after three years. She almost ran to the front door, not waiting for Damon and Enzo, and excitedly rang the doorbell. The two vampires joined her seconds later, and waited patiently, preparing for the ever-lasting screams of joys and crushing hugs that were surely coming, between the two best friends.

Not even one second after the bell rang, the door opened in a hasty movement, revealing a grinning Caroline, looking as beautiful as ever. She hadn't changed one bit.

- BONNIIIIIEEEE ! , she screamed, making the two vampires standing in front of her cringe, as their sensitive vampiric ears hurt.

- CARE ! , Bonnie greeted back happily, a big smile on her face.

- God I'm sooo happy you're here ! , Caroline confessed, a little teary, and embracing her witch best friend in a tight hug. I missed you like hell ! , she continued, not remembering her vampire strength, and literally crushing Bonnie's bones.

- Huh... I missed you too, Care, but...human being right there ! , the Bennett woman reminded her, almost out of breath from Caroline's strong embrace.

- Oh, right ! Sorry ! , the vampire mom apologized, releasing Bonnie from the hug.

Bonnie smiled at her, before Caroline stepped aside, inviting her to enter the house, which she did. The blond vampire didn't seem to mind the other two vampires, as she completely forgot tabout hem, overwhelmed by Bonnie's waited return.

- Hum, hum... Hey Blondie, the weather's cool outside and you have a beautiful neighborhood and all, but can we enter too ? , Damon asked sarcastically, with a forced smile.

- Right. Alittle please wouldn't have been too much, you know ? , she glared at him. Come in. , she finally spoke.

Damon and Enzo both entered, thanking the young mom.

- You haven't changed one bit, Bon ! Well just the haircut, which by the way, makes you look even hotter than you already were ! You're absolutely gorgeous. , the blond woman complimented her friend, as she led them to the living-room.

- Thanks, Care ! I'd say the same to you, but it would be kind of pointless, since you're a vampire : you're not aging ! , Bonnie replied with a laugh.

- True. , Caroline laughed. So, um... Alaric's in the kitchen, eating breakfast with the girls. You guys should go join him, I need to catch on everything with Bonnie. , she instructed, not living them any other choice by staring firmly at them.

- We'll do that. , Enzo replied, before kissing an amused Bonnie and following Damon to the kitchen.

Bonnie just looked at Caroline, a look of curiosity in her green eyes. The bubbly vampire just smirked at her before saying :

- Time for girl talk ! Come on, sit down. , she ordered, as she took a seat on the couch.

The 22-year-old laughed a bit and smiled at her best friend, before sitting next to her.

- Alright : where do we start ? , the witch asked.

DALARENZO :

Tension could be cut by a knife in the kitchen, between Alaric and Damon. The last time they had seen each other, it had ended with Alaric throwing at Damon he had ruined his life and wasn't missed during the three years of his dessication, before revealing to him Bonnie's psychiatric hospital address.

Damon had entered the kitchen, greeting the girls, while Alaric had ignored him purposely, only acknowledging Enzo. The twins sayed hello, in a polite manner, that Damon was sure Caroline had teached them strictly.

- So, how's it going, old pal ? Are you doing well with Barbies, lullabies and diapers ? , Damon hesitantly tried to lighten the mood, failing miserably.

- Please Damon, don't start. We both know I'm only allowing you to stay here for Bonnie's sake, so just shut up and don't talk to me. Except for the plan. , he coldly answered, staring at him.

Damon nodded in defeat, resigned.

- So what exactly is the plan, with the twins ? , Enzo suddenly spoke, wanting to change the tense atmosphere.

- They come from the Gemini Coven, Jo's family, so they're very powerful witches. Based on that, we think they should be able to save Bonnie's life by siphoning the effects of the pills, are reversing them. We still need to find a spell for that though. I asked one of the few survivors of the Coven to help us. He'll be there tomorrow morning. , Alaric explained, only fixing Enzo, as Damon listened closely.

- I know we're not that close and all, but thank you for doing this for Bonnie. I can imagine using your daughters is not really pleasant. , Enzo thanked him, with sincerity.

- As you said, it's for Bonnie. She's helped me through a lot, and she's Caroline's best friend and the girls' only aunt. It's the less I could do. , he pointed. Excuse me, I have to shower the girls. Be back in a few. , he informed them, before leaving the kitchen with the twins, who were talking to each other.

Enzo nodded at him, watching him leave the room without another word.

- Well, that went well ! , Damon commented.

- You're only getting what you deserve, mate. Come on, we should go back to the girls, they should be over by now. , he suggested.

BAROLINE :

- So basically, you and Enzo's relationship was born out of the hiding situation you were in, and because he was literally the only person you saw at the time ?! , Caroline exclaimed, analyzing what Bonnie had been explaining to her since the beginning of their talk.

- It doesn't sound good, when you put it like that. , the witch commented, furrowing her eyebrows.

- Well, I'm just stating the truth, Bon. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you, genuinely ! I think you deserve to find love, real love, more than anyone else in the Universe. But thing is, what you have with Enzo seems more like the result of loneliness, than an actual relationship. , she pointed in all honesty.

- Are you saying I wouldn't have fallen in love with Enzo if I wasn't in this situation ? , Bonnie questioned with curiosity, interested in her best friend's answer, as she remembered Enzo's same statement, a day before.

- Honestly : yeah. , the vampire revealed, sighing at Bonnie's confused expression. I know it may sound harsh, but that's how I see it : Damon had abandoned you, you felt alone and hurt, and you also had to hide from The Armory. Enzo's always had this personnal issue about his own abandon and always has been rejected by the women he was in love with. Well, except for Maggie, but she died anyway. So, he saw an opportunity there, knowing Alex was looking for you. He said he'd protect you, and of course you didn't really have other options then, so you accepted. Obviously, you had to stay hidden, so the only person you'd see was Enzo. While spending all this time with you, taking care of you, he started caring about you and you did too, because you needed that. You lacked it, you missed it. So you held firmly onto each other, managing to convice yourself you had fallen in love. And that's how things got where it is today, between you two. I don't doubt that he trully loves you, and that you do too.But that love is toxic and wrong, because it's an illusion, Bon. , Caroline finally blurted out, wanting to open Bonnie's eyes.

The Bennett girl simply stared at her vampire best-friend and mom, for several minutes, before looking away. Somehow, what Caroline had said made a lot of sense to her. Which shouldn't be the case if her relationship with Enzo was nothing like that. It confused her, because it seemed to echo in her ears, in her heart. Caroline's point of view explained a lot of things that Bonnie hadn't been able to put her finger on : how Enzo's question had surprised her, how she had already asked herself the same question, how she hadn't been able to reassure him and tell him that of course, she would have fallen in love with him anyways. And it also enlightened her latest actions : the fact that the moment Damon came back into her life, she started pushing Enzo away, being less affectionate with him, much less close to him. She didn't give him as much attention as she did before. She was clearly distancing herself from him, and that was not a good sign. If she wanted to be completely honest with herself : this conversation with Caroline, added to what she felt right now and her actions, felt like the difficult period that came before a break up. She was doubting her relationship with the british vampire, and couldn't deny it anymore.

- Wow... I think you're right, Care. That's horrible. , she admitted, tears in her eyes, before looking back at her friend.

- I'm sorry, Bon... Maybe I'm wrong, but it surely feels like it. You can't stay like that. , she sighed, taking Bonnie's hand in hers.

- I'm just gonna wait to see if the plan works, and then I'll talk to Enzo. But for now, I don't want to crush him even more. As if my death wasn't already enough drama ! , she gave a teary smile at Caroline, smiling a little.

- Hey, don't say that ! You are not dying, Bonnie ! We're gonna save you, I promise. , the blond seriously stated, not wanting to think about the possibility of never seeing her best – witch- friend ever again.

Just as Bonnie was going to reply, Alaric arrived in the living-room with the two little twins. They instantly ran into Bonnie's arms, after noticing her on the couch, beside their mom.

- AUNTIE BONNIE ! , they exclaimed happily, jumping on the couch and embracing her strongly.

- Hey girls ! Wow, you grew up so much ! You are very big, now ! , she complimented, earning a gigantic grin from both girls.

- Yes ! We are three now ! , Josie proudly informed her, miming the number with three fingers of her left hand.

- We are big girls, we can go play with our friends ! , the other one continued cheerily.

- That's awesome girls ! , Bonnie smiled at them, kissing both of their cheeks before letting them go.

- It's good to see you, Bonnie ! , Alaric suddenly stepped in, giving her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm glad we can help.

- Thanks a lot, Ric ! It means a lot to me. I missed you too ! , she answered nicely.

Ric smiled at her and kissed Caroline on the cheek, before turning towards the twins, who were playing with the cushions.

- Come on, girls ! Time to go have a shower ! , he called, taking them upstairs.

Just as they disappeared up the stairs, Enzo and Damon made their appearance in the living-room. Bonnie and Caroline glanced at each other, as Enzo sat beside Bonnie, placing his arm around her shoulders. But needing some affection after this emotional talk with her best vampire friend, Bonnie accepted the embrace and leaned her head on him.

Caroline didn't miss the look of annoyance, and jealousy, coming from Damon's intense blue eyes.

*********** TO BE CONTINUED ***********

Hey ! Hope you enjoyed ! Can you please leave a review : it's nice to know when people read you fanfic, if they appreciated it or not ! Do you think the plan will work ?

I promise more Bamon to come !

KatemonLazuli