Author's Note: Thank you guys so much for your awesome reviews! :D I was trying to get this chapter up yesterday, but I always get stuck working on the weekends. -.- Anywho, hope you enjoy it! :D More Bonnie bonding this chappie. Heart youuuu.

I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Believe" by The Bravery

Chapter Six:

~*.*~
'The faces all around me, they don't smile, they just crack.
Waiting for our ship to come, but our ship's not coming back.
We save our time like pennies in a jar.
What are we saving for? What are we saving for?

There's a smell of stale fear that's drinking from our sins.
The drinking never stops because the drinks absolve our sins
We sit and throw our roots into the floor.
What are we waiting for? What are we waiting for?

So give me something to believe,
'Cause I am living just to breathe.
And I need something more, to keep on breathing for.
So give me something to believe.

Something's always coming; you can hear it in the ground.
It swells into the air with the rising, rising sound.
And it never comes but shakes the boards and rattles all doors.
What are we waiting for? What are we waiting for?'
~*.*~

Time seems to blur by here. I've been here for a week already and it feels like I've lived here forever. Stefan's been going to school and bringing me back the work that I've been missing. I just hate missing work. I told Sheriff Forbes that I fell down a flight of concrete stairs and I got pretty banged up. She told me she understood and to take a couple of weeks off. I just hate not working. I told the Grill the same thing.

Winter break starts next week. We get a week off of school. It couldn't have come at a better time.

It's so easy to spend time with the Salvatore men. They all work in different ways. Zach is like their father figure, in some ways. He makes sure everyone stays in check. In some ways, he's my therapist. Damon is the designated smartass. He keeps things lively and he makes sure everyone is protected. I seriously think he'd rip someone's head off if they tried to hurt part of his family. Stefan keeps everyone grounded. Sometimes I think he forgot how to be a teenager. I try my best to remind him – though, I don't really know how to either. I guess we're learning together.

"Bonnie, there's somewhere I want to take you." Damon said from behind me. I turned around.

"Where?" I asked, a smile playing on my face.

"Well, since my bedroom is not an option… It's a surprise, but I think that Zach should be the one who takes you." He told me.

"Why is that?" I pressed.

"You'll understand when you get there. Oh, and don't think I've forgotten about shopping. We're going after your surprise is over." Damon winked.

"You're not giving me any hints? Nothing at all?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Be brave. You're a Bennett. You've got this."

I fidgeted in the car. Zach drove with silence. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, either. I hate surprises. I always have. Where are we going? We pulled up next to a house. It looks familiar. Why can't I place it? Zach turned off the car.

"Let's go inside." He told me. I nodded. "Don't be nervous – it's nothing bad; I promise." He assured me.

"I trust you." My words shocked me, but it's the truth. In the short time that I've known him, I've already grown to trust him. He's like the older brother/father I've never had. It's nice having him around. He knocked in the door. The door opened. "Grams?" I asked. "Oh, my goddess. It's really you." I felt tears burn my eyes.

"Bonnie, come here child." She pulled me into her arms. We wept together. "I didn't believe Zach Salvatore when he told me that he was bringing you to see me. I had visions about you, but I couldn't do anything until you found the strength to make the first move. I didn't want you to be hurt anymore than you were already. I've missed you so much. It killed me when I couldn't get custody of you. You've grown into such a beautiful woman. There's so much to tell you. There's so much that you don't know."

"So, you're really a witch? That wasn't just something you told me because I was a child?" I asked Grams. She nodded.

"I'm a witch, just like you. It's in our blood. It's in our lineage. Your mother had it and lost it." Grams looked pained by what she said. "I didn't have time to teach you the ways as you grew. I didn't have that privilege. You should know what you're able to do. It's important to know your strength Bonnie. No one has to hurt you. You're strong."

"I don't see how witchcraft can help my situation."

"It might not, but that doesn't mean it can hurt it. We'll find a way to get you out of there for good, baby."

"I only have a year left."

"In a year they might kill you. I will not watch you die." She squeezed my hand. I didn't say anything. What can I say? She gave me a grimoire to study. We agreed that we'd meet more often. No one has to know. She gave me her phone number. I can't believe I forgot it. Sharon threw it out so long ago. It's so nice to feel loved again. I hate that I have to give it up. Even if it's for a short amount of time, I'm going to cherish it. I relish in the feeling.

"Bonnie, you're welcome to stay with us as long as you'd like." Zach told me in the car, on the drive back to his house.

"Thank you but you've said that already." I told him. He chuckled.

"No, I mean, in a more permanent manner. I've been talking to Sheila and I know that the court wouldn't allow her custody, but if it ever came down to it, I'd be more than willing to go to court and fight for you. You deserve to feel safe. You're a wonderful addition to our family. I love having you around. You're like a happy medium between us all. We're more than well off, financially. I'm not asking you to do anything rash. I'd just like you to think about it and put it on the table." He told me with a small smile.

Wow. That's one of the nicest things anybody has ever seen to me. I can't believe he'd be ready to go to bat for me. He hasn't even known me for very long.

"There's something you should know about the boys, but they'll tell you when they're ready." He added. I nodded.

"I trust them."

"Witchy, are you ready to go shopping?" Damon asked.

"'Witchy?'"I asked. He smirked.

"We already knew. I was just waiting for you to find out." He's so cocky; I swear. "The Bennetts date back almost as long as the Salvatores do in Mystic Falls. You'd find out eventually, Sheila just helped speed up the process." Damon's smirk widened. Well, then. I hate being the last to know things. "I also know that it's time to go shopping."

"Oh?"

"Be ready to shop until you drop." He grabbed my hand and led me to the car. Shopping with Damon, this will be interesting.

"Why isn't Stefan here?" I asked Damon. I looked at him over the clothing rack.

"He's keeping up appearances, going to school. Being boring, taking notes for you in class on the last Friday before freedom, yadda yadda." Damon smirked. I rolled my eyes, chuckling. I didn't expect anything less from Damon.

"I see, and you didn't just want me to yourself for awhile?" I pressed.

"Judgy, you know me so well. I did. I'm enjoying the time that I have to get to know you." He said, it's almost like there's something else he wants to say, but he can't bring himself to actually say it. "Stefan and I, we have to talk to you tonight. I'm not sure if you'll look at us the same way after we tell you." He almost whispered. What would they have to tell me that could be so bad?

"If there's anything that I've learned over the past years, it's that people surprise you and they are never who you think they are. Not completely. You've both surprised me. I'll hear you out with an open mind. I didn't even think magic existed this morning. Right now, I'd believe anything." I told him. He smiled, not smirked, but actually smiled. It's rare coming from Damon. "You know, you're handsome when you smile, Damon." I told him.

He didn't say anything after that we fell into a comfortable silence. We continued store hopping. We finally ended up at Victoria's Secret. I'm not really sure how I let Damon talk me into coming here, but here we are.

"Bonnie, I want to ask you something serious." Damon told me, pulling me aside. I looked up at him. "How do you feel about yourself?" He asked. I looked at him for a minute. That question completely caught me off guard.

"I feel… numb, messed up, weird, used, beat-down, broken, ugly." I told him. He looked away from me for a second. He cupped my face and forced me to look at him.

"You might be a little beat-up, sure. I'll give you that one. Even as a human punching bag, you look hot. I'm not just saying that. We both know I wouldn't lie about something like that. You're so much better than you think you are. I get it. I do. Anyone who had your upbringing would have issues about themselves. You've been brought up to think that you're substandard and that you're not worth as much as everyone else. Am I wrong?" He asked. I shook my head. "That's exactly how my father made me feel. Stefan was his golden child. I was the disappointment and Stefan was his saving grace. You're not who they want you to think you are. You're a Bennett. You're sassy, powerful, and sexy. Do you hear what I'm telling you?"

"I hear it." I swallowed.

"Do you believe it?"

"No." I told him, softly.

Damon's POV

She's been so brainwashed. It's hard to see. She shines when she's happy. She's glorious. She could have any guy by the balls without blinking an eye – she just doesn't see it. I'm going to make her see it. Today is going to be fun. Lingerie, here we come.

Bonnie's POV

"That's my goal for today. SO, I want you to pick out some things that make you feel sexy." Damon told me.

"Wait, what?" I asked.

"You heard me, Witchy. Get to picking, or I'll pick for you." He smirked. I didn't move. "Alrighty then, move it. We have a lot of ground to cover." He grabbed my hand and started walking me around the store. He started grabbed and putting things into a basket. "What's your cup size Judgy?" He asked.

"34C." I told him. He smirked at me.

"I can work with that." He kept picking out things. I swear you'd never know that he could double as a shopping assistant. Somehow, he pulls it off. "Alright, try these on." He handed me the basket. I walked into the fitting room. It's isolated. There's a curtain as a door and the area has its own room. This is the biggest Victoria Secret I've ever been to. I'm sure Damon told them we were engaged or something. I don't know how else he'd be allowed in here with me. "If you need help, I'll help you. Don't worry; I'll keep my hands to myself."

I took the things from him and stepped into the curtained area. There's a full length room in there. I don't know how I feel about being in this little clothing in front of Damon. I do trust him when he says he won't touch what he shouldn't. I guess it had to happen eventually. I can't let David control me forever. I know that no everyone is like him. It scares the shit out of me, but maybe that's why I need to do it.

I pulled out a lacy, red number. There's a demi-cup bra, boy-shorts and a garter belt. He would give me something like this. I shrugged off my clothes and bra. I put on the lingerie. I took a deep breath and opened the curtain. I stepped out and walked in front of Damon. I can't look him in the eyes.

"Damn Witchy, you look hot." I can just hear the smirk in his voice. "Did he… do all of that to you?" Damon asked. He hadn't really seen me since that night. But, it's daylight now, all my bruises and scars are showing. I hate my body. He reached out and started tracing my scars. I flinched away from him.

"Don't hurt me, please." I looked up at him for the first time. He looked like I just stabbed him in the gut.

"Bonnie, I might be a monster, but I'd never hurt you like he did." Damon whispered. I didn't realize I was trembling until he put his arms around me and held me to his chest. I didn't feel the tears until the fabric on his shirt clung to my face. He really messed me up. As much as I wish that I could, I can't undo that.

"I'm sorry. I know you wouldn't. It's just hard. It's hard having people touch me, especially in those areas. I'm not used to having a choice." I whispered.

Damon's POV

I know that I'm far from perfect, but even I have some morals. There are some things men shouldn't do. Sure, I'll rip the throat out of whoever pisses me off, but I wouldn't force myself on a woman. Why would I have to? I'm the eternal stud.

Bonnie makes me feel things that I haven't in a long time. She brings out a part of my humanity that scares me. I just know that it's taking every ounce of self-control to not rip those assholes apart. He didn't deserve to even look at Bonnie, let alone claim to be a father to her. She's stronger than most vampires I've met. I'm going to help her. Hopefully after tonight, she won't hate me.

Bonnie's POV

I feel like such a freak. Damon's just trying to help and he can't even touch me without making me meltdown. Normal girls aren't like this.

"Don't be sorry. I told you I was here to help you. That's exactly what I plan on doing. Just channel your inner Barney Stinson. When you're sad, quit being sad and be awesome instead." He smirked. That's so Damon. Of course he likes How I Met Your Mother. Barney would be his favorite. They have so much in common. "No, I wanna see your pretty little ass go back in there and try something else on." He told me.

I went back behind the curtains and pulled the next thing out of the basket. It's a black lace, baby-doll nighty. Well, wanted or not, I definitely feel naughty with this on. It fits nicely, I'll give him that. I took a deep breath. I'm taking control over my body back. I'm taking control over my body back. I whispered it in my head as my mantra. I am capable. I am strong. I won't be ashamed. I stepped out in front of Damon. He smiled and I swear I saw a twinkle of something in his eye.

"You could have a man on his hands and knees if you wanted to." He smirked. I eyed him.

"Really?"

"Anyone you wanted."

"Even you?" I asked.

"Especially me." He nodded.

"Let's see it. If you wanna see anything else, you better grovel." I told him. And that is what made Damon Salvatore bow down before me and get on his hands and knees to see my undergarments.

I'm nervous. I know that I told Damon that I trusted him, which I do, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm not anxious to hear what he and Stefan have to tell me. He said it would change how I saw him.

What is that even supposed to mean? Is he secretly a Mormon? Does he run a cult? Maybe he's a transvestite that gets just jollies by throwing on a thong and stilettos. I mean, to each his own. But what is it? The possibilities are endless and each one is running through my mind.

Maybe he's an identity thief. He could have a Hannah Montana fetish. But wait, he says Stefan's a part of it, too. Are they into sharing girls? Do they run a prostitution ring? Maybe they went to clown college in the earlier part of their teen years. I sound crazy right now but I can't shut it off. Are they into the S&M stuff? I can just picture Damon clad in leather bearing a whip with Stefan bent over and…

"Bonnie, are you okay? We've been trying to get your attention." Stefan waved his hand in front of my face. I jumped a little but nodded.

"Yeah, sorry. I must have been spacing out." That's not completely untrue.

"Alright, so Damon told me that you know about the Bennett line being witches." Stefan started. I nodded. Damon didn't say anything; he just stood by the fireplace, drinking bourbon. "You also know that the Salvatore family dates back to the founding families of Mystic Falls." Stefan continued. "What you didn't know is that…" Stefan looked over at Damon. They shared a 'look'. One of those 'Oh-shit-here-goes-nothing-hope-shit-doesn't-explode-in-my-face-because-I-can-never-take-this-back' kind of looks.

"We're vampires, Bonnie." Damon said. Stefan glared at him. Damon just smirked. I chuckled. They can't be serious. No one else looks amused.

"Wait. Vampires? All of you? Zach seemed so normal." I frowned.

"No, Zach's human. He's our great-great-great-et-cetera nephew. It's easier to say he's our uncle. Our bodies can't age. We need someone to keep this house protected." Damon looked amused watching my reactions. Hm. Well, I guess that would explain why Stefan is so old-fashioned.

"Okay… Why am I still alive then?" I asked them. Damon full-on beamed.

"I like you Witchy. Why would I kill you? And anyway, rather you know how to control your power or not, your grandma sure as hell does. I'd be dead before your body was drained." Damon mused.

"So you do kill people?" I asked.

"I don't. Damon does. I feed on animals." Stefan corrected. Damon rolled his eyes.

"All the bunnies hate you. Thumper was good and fine until you ate him." Damon teased. I couldn't help but laugh at that one. "And I don't kill people… anymore. I've gone like two weeks without offing anyone. I steal blood bags from the hospital, way more respectable. Get your facts right, jackass." Damon smarted off.

"Why don't you?" I asked him.

"It's hard to stay in one area and kill people and go unnoticed. Stefan likes to be a kill-joy anyway. It's not as fun as it used to be anymore. Let's just say I was feeling nostalgic. Not to mention, those fake parents of yours. Kinda made me not wanna kill people. Correction, just made me wanna kill them. No one else would as much fun to kill."

"Bonnie, you're taking this a lot better than I thought you would." Stefan looked worried. I laughed, more out of stress than anything.

"I told you guys, nothing could surprise me. This morning I saw Grams for the first time in years. She told me I was a witch and Zach offered to become my guardian. I'd say nothing can floor me right now. Obviously, I can't change what you are. Here's what I know: you could have killed me, but you didn't. You've been more help to me than anyone has in a really long time. You just told me that you didn't kill people, well, Damon, you said you were trying… which is good. I think. Maybe. I really don't know. And I know that right now, you guys are my best friends. I've pretty much given up all hopes of being normal. I've accepted that I control a lot in life, but I can adapt to the changes. So, that's what I'm doing. I'm adapting and accepting you, like you accepted me. If you start killing innocent people, we're gonna have a problem." I told them. Damon smirked.

"I knew I liked you, Judgy." Damon killed me. I froze. I kissed him back out of reflex and pulled away. What just happened? Stefan looked just as surprised as I did.

"Um…?" I tried to make sense of things. Damon relished in my confusion. Stefan looks pissed. "I don't think kissing would be a good idea right now. We need to find our normal first. I don't know what I want, who I am, what I'm doing. Let's just get to that point." I said quietly. "I'm not ready for all of that yet." I told them both. They didn't say anything. I went upstairs and knocked on Zach's door.

"Come in." He called. I opened the door slowly. "Hello Bonnie," he smiled.

"Is okay if I talk to you for awhile?" I asked.

"Of course." He patted the spot next to him on his bed. He was reading some article.

"Actually, do you have a chair?" I asked, politely declining. He nodded.

"Of course," he gestured to a chair at his desk. I can't remember what he does for a living. I think it's something important.

"So, Damon and Stefan filled me in on everything." I told him.

"You seem to be taking it well."

"Yeah, I was just wondering how you deal with it all. I'm curious."

"I was raised in that kind of world. I was introduced to it when I was a child. It's just something that's always been there. Having you around has made it easier. I know you're not completely human, because of your witch blood, but it's helped. It makes me feel saner than I normally tend to. I know that there's evil in this world, believe me – I know. But, what you grew up with is a completely different evil. I want to protect you from that as much as I can. I know our family is unorthodox, but it is a family. I haven't been able to have any children of my own, I'd be honored if you let me try and help finish raising you. I'd like to show you how a father is supposed to love his daughter. It's not supposed to be perverse or manipulative. You're supposed to feel safe and protected." Zach looked so sincere and sad.

"You're pretty amazing. You're what I would have wanted my dad to be like." I told him.

"Can you tell me about your real parents?" He asked. I nodded.

"My mom was beautiful. She could turn heads wherever she went. I swore that I wanted to look just like her when I grew up. She was such a babe. We used to bake so much together. I remember we'd have just girl days, all the time. My Grams would come over and I would have a ball. I'd play dress-up and sort through herbs with them. It was my paradise. You know? But, my mom ended up leaving. I never found out why. My Grams never had the chance to tell me.

My dad was in a really bad place after that. He felt abandoned. He threw himself into his work. I barely saw him. He was gone for weeks at a time. I stayed with my Grams and Gramps but my Gramps passed away. My dad came back for a little while. He got him by a drunk driver when he was coming back home from work one day. After that I went into foster care and ended up with the Glass'." I told him. He squeezed my hand. Zach makes me feel safe. I feel safe in this house. I'll worry about the particulars in the morning. Right now, that's all that matters.

"You didn't have it easy, but you're a better person because of it."

"I don't think I'm a better person. I just think I learned how to survive. You should meet my friend Caroline, she's a good person." I said, more to myself. He smiled.

"You always do that."

"Do what?"

"Build everyone up but yourself." He said. I shrugged.

"You know, I think I'd like to take you up on your offer."

"What offer?"

"I'd like to be part of your family."

~*.*~
'So give me something to believe,
'Cause I am living just to breathe.
And I need something more to keep on breathing for.
So give me something to believe.

I am hiding from the beast, but the beast is always here –
Watching without eyes because the beast is just my fear…
That I am just nothing and that's just what I've become.
What am I waiting for? It's already done.

So give me something to believe,
'Cause I am living just to breathe.
And I need something more to keep on breathing for.
So give me something to believe.'
~*.*~

Author's Note: OKAY, SO I really really REALLY loved all of your reviews. Lots more excitement next chapter. Bonnie gets her first magic lesson. Bonnie goes back to work. How do the Glass' react when they find out Bonnie is moving out? Will her plan work? Can she keep her relationship with the Salvatore bros strictly platonic?

Stay tuned and stay excellent! Mucho love! Reviews would be spectacular so I can hear your thoughts. (Worked so much this weekend, wanted to get this up sooner. Sorry!)

Xo Xo
Anneryn