Author's Note: Thank you all for your awesome reviews. So sorry it's taken so long to get this up. It's been a busy month or so. I went on vacation and then my guy left for work training and then I got the flu. SO, here is a much overdue chapter for you awesome, beautiful-ass people! My apologies. I've rambled long enough… Enjoy! :D
I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Wheel in the Sky" – Journey, "Titanium" – David Guetta featuring Sia
Chapter Eighteen:
~*.*~
'Winter is here again, Oh Lord.
Haven't been home in a year or more,
I hope she holds on a little longer.
Sent a letter on a long summer day,
Made of silver, not of clay.
Ooh, I've been running 'round this dusty road.
Ooh, the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'.
I don't know where I'll be tomorrow.
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'.
I've been trying to make it home,
Gotta make it before too long.
Ooh, I can't take this very much longer. No.
I'm stranded in a sleet of rain.
Don't think I'm ever gonna make it home again.
The mornin' sun is risin'.
It's kissin' the day.'
~*.*~
We've been in the car for hours, now. My body is exhausted, but I can't bring myself to sleep. I trust that nothing will happen to me, but I don't trust Klaus. I haven't known Elijah long enough to trust him, either.
"Are you ever going to tell me where we're going?" I asked, bored out of my mind. I brought a few books, but they have to last me for a while.
"All in good time, love." Klaus smirked. He's eying me with the rear-view mirror. I rolled my eyes.
"Niklaus likes to stay mysterious, Bonnie. It's his style." Elijah teased. I gave a half-hearted laugh.
"That's good and dandy but I'd like to know where we're going before we get there. You never told me that this was some big secret." I grumbled.
"Did someone not get her beauty sleep last night?" Klaus asked.
"No," I mumbled. "And it doesn't help that you're boring as hell and we've been stuck in the car for the past three hours. I am a human, you know. I have human needs. You're going to have to feed me sometime. And, I have to pee." I told them. Klaus started laughing.
"I had forgotten how vocal Bennett witches were." Elijah said, mostly to himself, clearly amused.
"Can we stop soon and get lunch? I'm starving. And… I really don't want to pee in your car." I added.
"Anything for you, love," Klaus agreed. I squirmed in my seat until we pulled off on the next exit. I'm pretty sure that all vampires are fast drivers… Well, I'm not completely sold on Elijah. He gives off the 'I-always-follow-the-rules' kind of vibe.
We pulled into some expensive looking restaurant. I'm guessing Klaus has been here before. I tried to open the car door but it wouldn't budge. It figures that he'd have the child-lock on. Elijah opened my door for me and helped me out of the car. I'm not used to the chivalry. It's a nice change of pace. We walked into inside.
"Hello, do you have a reservation?" The hostess greeted us, eying up Klaus. He smiled at her.
"My name is Mr. Mikaelson." He told her with another dazzling smile. Her face dawned with realization.
"Of course, if you will follow me, please. I'll gladly escort you to your table." She smiled.
We followed her through the restaurant. It has a very cozy, but high-maintenance feel. I waited until we were at the table to ask her where the ladies' room was. I excused myself and bolted. I took my time in the bathroom. I washed my hands and face. I took a minute to text the Salvatores and let them know that I was safe.
I checked my hair to make sure it wasn't standing in every which direction. It's days like these that I'm glad that I updated my wardrobe. I don't look too bad, today. I'm wearing burgundy tight jeans, with a V-neck, off-white sweater, a violet undershirt, and violet heels.
Well, here goes nothin'. At least they don't mind sarcasm. If I had to spend months with them without a sense of humor, I think I might die from boredom. I found my way back to the table. Klaus and Elijah were deep in conversation. I took my seat and picked up a menu. They have a little bit of everything here.
"Would anyone care for champagne?" Our waiter asked, holding a champagne bottle.
"That would be excellent. We'll all take a glass." Elijah motioned to all of us. Really? I guess my drinking would be the least of their worries. The waiter kept eying me. He smiled at me. I took a sip of my drink after our glasses were full.
"My name is Liam. I'll be taking care of you today. Can I start you off with an appetizer?" He asked. The Mikaelsons looked at me. I blushed. Jeez. I don't eat that much. I guess they are on a mostly blood diet.
"Bread and salad?" I asked. He smirked but wrote it down. He took their orders.
"And for the pretty lady?" He asked.
"Could I get the French onion soup and salmon with mashed potatoes, please?" I picked the first thing I saw on the menu.
"Of course. I'll be right back with your salad." He excused.
"Tell me, love, what is it about you that captivates men everywhere? I'm intrigued." Klaus leaned closely and watched me. I blushed.
"You're over-exaggerating. I don't. And, I have no idea." I told him, truthfully. He's crazy. "I think you have me confused with Caroline." I told him, chuckling. He smiled.
"She is ravishing. You're quick to discredit yourself, love. You're stunning, you know. I'm not just saying that because I have a weakness for Bennett witches such as yourself." He winked. I rolled my eyes, playing it off.
"You're embarrassing her, Niklaus."
"I'm telling her the truth."
"Regardless, perhaps we should talk about something else to make Miss Bennett more comfortable." Elijah argued.
"Bonnie, my name is Bonnie." I corrected, making a face.
"What would you rather talk about?" Klaus asked him. Elijah thought for a moment.
"Are you going to tell Bonnie where we're going?" Elijah asked, eyes twinkling.
"Fine. We are going to New Orleans. I have some unfinished business there. We have a few grimoires to acquire. Let's leave it at that." Klaus finally told me. Hm, well, it's better than not knowing anything.
"Was that so hard?" I teased. Klaus suppressed a smile.
"You're lucky I like you. I've killed people for less."
"Yay me." I rolled my eyes.
"You know Bonnie; it is okay to have fun." Klaus said, eyeing me.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning you'll be experiencing a lot of things that you haven't yet experienced. Things are never boring when you spend time with an Original. Well, unless you count Elijah. He tends to be a shut in." Klaus mused.
"Speak for yourself, brother. I do very well for myself. Scarcely do I spend my nights alone. Women love a well-dressed man." Elijah winked. My jaw dropped.
"Go Elijah! Get some!" I cheered. Some people threw irritated looks at our table while other people just snickered, quietly.
"I underestimated you." Klaus admitted.
"You seem to do that a lot."
We went back on the road for a little while longer before stopping at a hotel. I got an adjoining room with Elijah. Klaus had a room across the hall from us. And damn, they don't skimp when it comes to expenses. This place is amazing. I think I fell in love with the bathroom. I almost got an orgasm from looking at the bathtub.
I jumped as someone knocked on the room door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"Elijah, may I come in?" He asked.
"Sure. It's unlocked." I told him. He opened the door and took a look around the room. Honestly, what could I possibly be hiding? I've barely been alone for five minutes. "Did you need something?"
"We're going out. You have a few hours to freshen up. Klaus thinks you should experience more of the world." He chuckled.
"You can't tell me anything else?"
"There's a gallery opening tonight. I'm not certain what else he has on his agenda."
"Alright, got gone. If I only have a few hours, I need to have a bath. I think I'm going to marry that tub." I told him.
"If things wrap up nicely, I promise I will get a tub like that of your own."
"Be careful what you promise me. I will hold you to that. You can't just tease a girl with a mind blowing tub and not put out." I told him. He smirked.
"I like having you around, Bonnie. You remind me a little bit of my sister, Rebekah." He mused. He let himself out. I locked the door behind him and cranked the music. Mama is gonna enjoy a bath.
I stripped out of my clothes and danced my way into the bathroom. I dumped way too much bubble bath into the tub and watched as it filled with hot water. I lowered myself into the pool of bubbles and closed my eyes. If this is what the next few months are going to look like, I'm going to enjoy the perks.
'You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you say.
I'm talking loud, not saying much.
I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet.
You shoot me down, but I get up.'
I lathered my arms in the bubbly goodness. I wiggled my toes under the water. The bath feels so freeing. I sank down further into the tub, letting the water envelope my neck. I closed my eyes and sang along with the music.
'I'm bulletproof – nothing to lose.
Fire away; fire away.
Ricochet, take your aim.
Fire away; fire away.
You shoot me down, but I won't fall.
I am titanium.
You shoot me down, but I won't fall.
I am titanium.'
I lounged in the tub until my skin started to turn pruney. I toweled off and lathered on some really expensive looking lotion. What to wear? I don't think I brought anything that will meet Klaus' standards for tonight. I put my clothes from earlier on and checked the clock. I was only in the tub for twenty minutes. Is that even possible? I texted the Salvatores and laid down. It'll be okay if I rest my eyes for little while…
"Stop banging. Go away." I called, half-asleep. I dragged myself out of bed. It felt like I was sleeping on clouds. I unlocked the door and pulled it open. "What?" I almost growled. Klaus snickered.
"Did you fall asleep, love?" He asked, coming inside. I shrugged.
"I was tired."
"I brought you a present." He sat on my bed and set down a package. I looked at it, critically. "It won't explode, love. Just open it. You'll need it for tonight. I promise you'll look ravishing." He smirked. I opened the box and found a gorgeous, goddess inspired dress. It's so soft. The majority of the dress is off-white with gold embellishments. The gold is strategically placed. Some parts of the dress would be sheer, otherwise.
"It's beautiful."
"A beautiful dress, for a beautiful woman, love, it's fitting. Get changed. We'll leave when you're ready. You'll have Elijah to thank for that. I had another number in mind, but he won this time." Klaus opened the door for Elijah. I went into the bathroom and changed. I ran some dry shampoo and leave in conditioner through my hair and left it in loose waves. I touched up my makeup and left my shoes off. I sprayed a little perfume on myself before leaving the bathroom.
"You look delightful, Bonnie." Elijah commended as he kissed my hand. I couldn't help but blush.
"You look pretty great yourself." I told him. "I, um, I don't have any shoes that go with this." I told him. Elijah looked down at my feet.
"Niklaus must have forgotten to give you the sandals." Elijah handed me a shoe box. I sat down on the bed and put them on. Klaus helped me up.
"You look delectable." Klaus winked. I rolled my eyes.
"Everything with blood pumping through their veins looks delectable." I told him. He chuckled.
"I hope you're ready for some fun, love. It's going to be a long night."
Damon's POV
"Why hasn't she called yet? What could they possibly have her doing, already?" I drained my glass of bourbon.
"Damon calm down. It hasn't even been a day. She texted you, earlier – didn't she?" Lexi tried to calm me down.
"Don't you have Stefan to play with, or something?"
"He's out with Caroline. I'm here to make sure that you're okay, Damon."
"Of course I'm okay, I'm Damon fucking Salvatore. How can anyone as amazing as I am not be okay?" I smirked. She's really starting to piss me off. Just because she's been around for a month doesn't mean that she has the right to pretend to know me. It's bad enough Barbie does it. Bonnie is the only one who got a pass on that. Seriously, how could I not love Witchy? So much sizzle with her sass. "Klaus is going to make a move on her. I can feel it." I crushed my glass and threw it into the fire.
"Look, I know I've been friends with Stefan for centuries, but that doesn't mean that what you tell me won't be in confidence. I can keep a secret. You're not as bad as you like to think you are." She squeezed me shoulder. "I miss her, too."
"I love her so hard, it scares me. I didn't even feel this strongly with Katherine. Lexi, it's different with her. I have no idea why. I can't be near her and it's tearing me up inside. And if you repeat any of this I will rip your tongue out and shove it up Wolf-Boy's ass."
"I told you I wouldn't say anything, Damon. Did you tell her this? Does Bonnie know how you feel about her exactly?"
"Why are trying to help me? Stefan's ass is the one who needs wiping."
"Look, I love Stefan, I do, but he's not the one beating himself up right now. You are. Apart from your awful personality, I have nothing against you, Damon. Between the two of us, I think you're the one who's better for Bonnie, who loves her with everything, holding nothing back. There's nothing wrong with that."
"You don't mean that." I looked at her, closely. Lexi is lot of things but in all the years that I've known her, she's never been a liar.
"Don't I? You're good enough. I don't think you're used to hearing that, but you are. I'm capable of having more than one friend, you know?" She hugged me. I didn't move. What is she doing? "I'm letting go until you hug me back." I moved my arms around her and held her. "As long as you don't break her heart we won't have any problems. Break her heart and I'll remove yours." She let go and left the room.
"Even my closest friend is rooting for you, Damon. Why is that?" Stefan walked up to me. I shrugged.
"It beats the hell outta me."
"Don't play dumb."
"I'm okay with sharing Bonnie with you. But you're kidding yourself if you think that you're the better choice for her. I may be reckless and unstable, but at least I'm there for her when she needs me. Some part of you is still convinced that you're meant to be or do something else. You're acting like you did before you shut off you humanity."
"What's wrong with that, brother? Isn't that what you've always wanted? I'm a monster – I should live like one." Stefan smirked.
"What's gotten into you?"
"Let's just say Katherine didn't just bring good memories flooding back. Things were so much easier when I didn't care, when I couldn't care. It hurts sharing her with you. Things would be so much simpler if I didn't care about her at all. Wouldn't you agree?"
"If you check out on us, I will kick your ass so hard you will wish you were dead. How can you think about that?"
"I'm not just thinking about it, brother. It's done. Now, I'm having a brother. Don't worry – you'll have her all to yourself." Stefan walked away.
"Your timing fucking blows, Stef." I growled. He's going numb while Bonnie is AWOL. This is why I love my life. Something tells me I'm going to be spending a lot more time than I'd care to with Lexi and Caroline. Shit is about to hit the fan.
I pulled out my cell and texted Bonnie.
'Call me when you can. I really need to hear your voice. Stay safe. Love you.
–Damon'
Bonnie's POV
I walked around the galleria, linking arms with Elijah. I feel like a princess. He's been explaining a few intricate pieces of art that I really couldn't wrap my mind around. I never would have guessed that Elijah is such an avid art lover.
"Bonnie, would come over her a minute? I would like to introduce you to someone who is dying to meet you." Klaus asked from behind me. I turned around with Elijah and headed over. Klaus beamed. "This is Bonnie Bennett." He introduced. The mystery man cradled my hand and brought it to his lips.
"It's a pleasure. You're so much like Aurora. Doesn't she look just like her? I could have sworn that was her walking in tonight. You're exquisite." He smiled. I was at a loss for words. Aurora my great-grandmother? Grams' mother? "Where are my manners? You must think badly of me. My name is Cedric. I was great friends with your great-grandmother. It is so nice to meet you." He smiled. He must be a vampire. He doesn't look a day over twenty-five.
"Are you…?" I didn't know how to finish the question. He must have picked up on that.
"A vampire? Yes my dear, I am. If you're ever in the area again, please look me up. I would love to take you to lunch and hear all about your family. Alright?" He kissed my hand again and excused himself. Well, that was interesting to say the least. I turned to face Klaus. He's amused.
"Is this why you brought me here? To meet vampires?" I whispered. He laughed.
"No love, quite the opposite. I brought you here to help me recruit allies. We are here to meet with werewolves, love." I looked up at him in shock. "You'll understand my reasons in due time." He assured me. Elijah and I made the best out of the party when I wasn't being pleasant to various supernatural beings. Klaus seemed all too keen on introducing me. I'm guessing the Bennett name means something around these parts. That, or it can't hurt having a witch on your side. Either way, I was beginning to feel like a prize he couldn't wait to show off. "Alright love, let's go. We have a couple more stops to make tonight." He led us to the door. Elijah opened the car door for me and I got inside. And they say chivalry is dead… How ironic.
I lost track of how long we were in the car for. It seemed like ages. Thankfully, Klaus is a fan of music. Anything is better than hours of silence. Finally, we slowed to stop. We got out in a small parking lot. It's completely full. Elijah offered me his hand. I took it and followed him onto a cobbled path. We came to a huge garden looking restaurant. It's gorgeous. You can see the stars from out here. There are little lights strung around the inside of white tent. It almost looks like a wedding. The middle of the tent is a sheer screen. This is magical. I can took a seat as Elijah pulled out my chair for me. I can see a few more tents in the distance. A waitress came to our table. Whoever thought to make this concept into a restaurant is a genius. Who wouldn't want to eat here?
We all took some wine. No one said anything for a while. I gazed at the stars and listened to the soft piano music wafting into the tent.
"I hope that you've been enjoying yourself, love." Klaus said. I looked over at him and smiled.
"I am. I never expected anything like this."
"We're vampires, love, not barbarians. We have a mutual understanding and I see no reason that you should spend the next couple of months in vain – do you?"
"No. You know, you're not so bad." I told him. He smirked.
"That's going to go straight to his ego." Elijah warned. I giggled.
"I'm going to fetch us more wine and tell her we are ready for the food." Klaus excused himself.
"Are you really enjoying yourself?" Elijah asked. I nodded.
"I really am. I think you're a big part of it. You feel like home away from home, if that makes sense. You remind me a little bit of Stefan, when I first met him. You're so easy to talk to. You're a gentleman. You make me feel safe. You've got the best characteristics of everyone back home. It's nice."
"Thank you, Bonnie." Elijah smiled.
"You should smile more often." I told him. He chuckled.
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
We ended up going to an upscale club after dinner. We danced and drank and danced. I lost track of time. Klaus had some business with the club owner. While he was away Elijah took it upon himself to be my personal dance buddy. Damn, I did not know that man could move the way that he did. The suit does not constrict him, whatsoever. He can grind with the best of him.
He knew exactly where to put his hands and how to move his hips. I let myself get drunk on the music and body movement. There is nothing that compares to the adrenaline you feel when music pulses through you and you can feel your body moving against someone else's. It's hypnotic.
"Do you mind if I cut in?" Klaus asked Elijah. Elijah shook his head and stepped back. I slipped an arm over Klaus' shoulder and pulled myself closer to him. I've definitely had a few too many drinks and I don't care. Elijah slipped away and found another partner. "You're so carefree when you dance. It's enchanting, love." He whispered. His voice sent chills down my spine. I ignored him and kept dancing. He moved my leg around his waist so there was no doubt that we were dirty dancing. We kept grinding. I could feel his arousal growing steadily more excited. I didn't pretend that it didn't affect me. Maybe it was the alcohol or the music. I know that I don't love him and I also know that nothing is going to happen between us. I love my guys too much.
He raked his hands on my back bringing me closer to him. He explored the innocent parts of my body while I clung to his. The music kept going and so did we. After a while I couldn't feel my feet so we took a break. I found an empty table and took a seat. Elijah joined me a few minutes later. Klaus got another drink and continued to watch me.
"Let's have on last dance tonight, Bonnie." Elijah offered. I grinned up at him and accepted his help to my feet. We walked slowly to the dance floor and the mass of human bodies. It was slow and sweet. I leaned my head on his chest and he ran his fingers through my hair. "In another life, I would have liked to have gotten to know you much sooner." He whispered.
"Why?"
"To stop all the pain that you've endured – it isn't fair to someone so young to have to go through so much."
"I'm alright and you know me now. We have time to know each other." I told him. He smiled and we went to find Klaus. Klaus offered me a glass of water. I drank it while Elijah retrieved my purse and their jackets.
"Before your time is up, I will have you." Klaus whispered. I smirk and shook my head.
"No." I told him.
I laid down in bed in my pajamas. I grabbed my cell phone and checked it. I dialed Damon's number.
"Hello?" He sounds so tired.
"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. Are you okay?" I asked him.
"Things are getting bad here, Bonnie."
"What's happening?"
"It's Stefan. He's cracking or having a midlife crisis, or something. He's gone off the deep end, Bon. I don't know how to get him back."
"Is Lexi still there?"
"She's there. She was there before when that happened. She can get him back. She has to. I'm so sorry Damon. I'd come back if I could. You know I would. I can't. I'm doing this so no one gets hurt." My eyes started watering and tears fell on the phone.
"Judgy, it's okay. We have this handled here. Just concentrate on staying alive. I love you. Stefan loves you. He's just… confused. I-I love you with everything… I hope you know that. I'm in love with you and I'm not holding anything back. I love you, hard. I've never felt this way about anyone. You're my only, Bonnie."
"I love you, so much it hurts, Damon. I love you, both, so, so much. You taught me how to love again, Damon. I didn't think I'd be able to after the Glasses. I didn't think anyone could love me. You keep proving me wrong and surprising me. You're an amazing man." I told him. Someone knocked on my door. I jumped.
"You don't know what that means to hear you say that. And if you repeat anything I said, I will kill your sexy ass. Okay?"
"I'm sorry, handsome. I have to go. I will call when I can." I hung up the phone and slipped it into the drawer in my bedside table. I opened the door. It's Klaus.
"Earlier, you told me, 'no', why?" He asked, coming in. I watched him sit down on my bed.
"I love someone else, two someones to be exact." I told him. He smirked.
"Who says your love has to be restricted to two people? You might come to love me." He whispered. I didn't say anything. "You can only truly love one person. We both know that. I'm taken with you, love. You fascinate me." He leaned forward and traced my cheek. I feel completely sober right now.
"Don't kiss me." I whispered. He smirked.
"Oh, I'm going to, but I'll avoid your lips… for now." He kissed my cheek, my chin, my forehead, and hovered over my lips for a few minutes. I pulled away from him.
"I really need to get to sleep." I told him. He smirked and stood up.
"Goodnight love… Sweet dreams." He closed my door behind him. I locked it and sank back into my bed.
'I'm sorry I had to go so soon. It was Klaus – He might turn out to be a problem. I think he's getting a thing for me. Don't worry… I love you. I won't let him try anything. I can't wait to come home to you and Stefan. Please, give him my love. Hug Lexi for me. Scratch that, don't kill each other. Okay? I'd miss you both. I already do. Try to stay sane. Ask Zach if he has any ideas on Stefan. Caroline might be some help. I love you, Damon. I really do. Get some sleep, okay? Goodnight.
–Bonnie'
I read the text over and hit send. I need to send one more.
'Stefan – Damon didn't give me all of the details, but what's going on with you? Are you okay? I miss you more than you know. I love you. Please, don't do anything you'll regret later. Okay? You and Damon need each other. Take care of each other, okay? I hate being away from you all. I hope you're alright.
-Bonnie'
I hit send and turned off the phone. When one good thing happens, everything else goes to shit. Yeah, seems about right. With any luck, I'll have dreamless sleep tonight.
~*.*~
'I don't know where I'll be tomorrow.
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'.
Whoa-oh, Whoa-oh, whoa
My, my, my, my, my
For tomorrow
Ah!
Ooh, the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'.
Ooh, I don't know where I'll be tomorrow.
Wheel in the sky keeps me yearnin'.
Ooh, I don't know – I don't know.'
~*.*~
Author's Note: Okay guys, long chapter to make up for lack of updates. Please, please review. Thoughts? Comments? Insults? Hit that little review button. Next chapter will be up by next week!
Much love!
Xo Xo,
Anneryn