I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "This Is How We Do" – Katy Perry
Chapter Fifteen:
"So, what's on the agenda today?" I asked Stefan, finally breaking free of my bed. I sighed and stretched. I shivered and looked down to see what I fell asleep in. Clad only in my bikini top and Stefan's boxers. I probably stole them, no doubt. He snickered.
"Before we do anything, you should take this." He handed me a couple Aspirin and a mug of coffee. I smiled.
"You're a god."
"It's a hard job, but someone has to do it." He smirked. I rolled my eyes and popped the pills. "I was thinking maybe we could go dancing again today and get shit-faced." He mused. I snorted.
"So, basically a repeat of last night?"
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"Last night was the most fun I've had in a while. So, of course I'm down for it." I stuck my tongue out at him. He chuckled.
"You should shower. I'll order some breakfast for you." Stefan suggested.
"Thank you. Let me just call Damon first. I'm sure he's been blowing up my phone." I pulled out my phone and dialed Damon's number.
"Hey Sexy," Damon breathed. "I was beginning to think that Stefan kidnapped you and you lost your phone."
"No, we just got really drunk and I don't even remember half of what happened last night." I giggled.
"And I missed it? I am more than willing to get you drunk and have fun with you." He teased.
"I'm sure you are."
"Oh, I am. When are you heading back?"
"Probably tomorrow, after the inevitable hangover wears off." I told him.
"And then I'll have you all to myself?" He asked. Something about his words reminded me of what Klaus said to me.
"This probably isn't the best time, but there is something you should know… Klaus asked me to tell you, 'Game on.'"
"Is he fucking serious? He is dead." Damon growled.
"Listen, it's not like I'm running off with him or anything. Please, don't do anything rash. You seem to be forgetting that it's my choice and no one else's. I want you, Damon."
"Not as much as I want you," he whispered.
"You don't know that." I teased. "I gotta go shower."
"Now you're just trying to tease me."
"No, that's just a bonus. I'll text you. Bye Damon." I hung up.
"You know that's not going to work, right?" Stefan asked me. I looked over at him in surprise.
"I just woke up. Don't rain on my parade. A girl can hope." I told him, moseying to the bathroom. "Can you honestly tell me that you want Damon to go after Klaus while we're away? I don't remember that working out for him last time. You ended up gone." I called from the bathroom. I turned on the hot water and shut the door before stripping out of my make-shift pajamas. I fiddled with the radio before landing on a decent station and cranking it.
'Sipping on Rosé,
Silverlake sun coming up all lazy.
(This is how we do.)
Slow cooking pancakes for my boy, still up, still fresh as a daisy.'
I hopped into the shower and danced as I washed my hair. I hummed as I enjoyed the spray of hot water.
"Bonnie! Do you mind if I get ready in here while you shower?" Stefan asked, yelling over the music. I stuck my head out of shower door.
"Go for it." I told him, trying not to let the suds get in my eyes. He laughed and went straight to the mirror. I closed the shower door and went back to my routine.
'Playing ping-pong all night long, everything's all neon and hazy.
Chanel this, Chanel that,
Hell yeah, all my girls vintage Chanel, baby.'
I sang as I started scrubbing my body and conditioning my hair. I could hear Stefan chuckling. It's so nice to be out of Mystic Falls, even if it is just for the weekend. I feel like I can breathe again. There is no looming threat over my head. It's just a nice two days with Klaus or Alaric or drama and I love it.
'This is how we do, yeah, chillin', laid back, straight stuntin',
Yeah, we do it like that.
This is how we do, do, do, do, do.
This is how we do...
Big hoops and maroon lips, my clique hopping in my Maserati.
Santa Barbara-chic at La Super Rica, grabbing tacos, checking out hotties.
Now, we're talkin' astrology, getting our nails did all Japanese-y.
Day drinking at the Wildcat, sucking real bad at Mariah Carey-oke.'
I started shaving my legs and Stefan turned down the music. "It's nice to see you happy, Bonnie." Stefan mused.
"But, you can't see me, can you?"
"It's nice to hear you, smart-ass." He corrected.
"So touchy." I breathed. "So, where are the adventures starting today?" I asked him.
"There's supposed to be another music festival going on tonight. We could start there."
"I'm down with that. I'm definitely wearing more comfortable shoes." I let him know. He chuckled.
"I'll grab some clothes for you. We don't have to be so formal tonight."
"Thank goddess."
As soon as I finished my breakfast, I pulled on my clothes as fussed with my hair, so we could head out. I checked my appearance, worn jeans, a black tank, an over-sized hot-pink tank, and Chuck's. Casual but flattering clothing. I put a hair-tie on my wrist and left my hair down. I put my phone in my pocket and put on my shades.
"Ready to go?" I asked Stefan, as I came out of the bathroom. He looked up and nodded. He's dressed similarly. I'm not so sure that I've ever seen him in jeans before. He has a tight, gray, v-neck tee on and relatively casual shoes for him. He put on his Ray Ban's and offered me his arm.
"I am." He smiled.
"Awesome, let's go." I all but pulled him out of the room. "Do you know the line up for the festival? Or is it supposed to be local bands?" I asked him. He smirked.
"Local bands are opening. Tonight there is supposed to be more established people playing."
"Like who?" I whined. He chuckled.
"A mix of people. The festival goes on all week. You'll just have to wait and see."
Two bands and five Jell-O shots later and I was feeling pretty good. Stefan twirled me around and we danced to the music. I took out my phone and snapped a few pictures. I doubt Caroline would believe me otherwise.
"More shots?" Stefan asked. I nodded. "I'll be right back." He gave my shoulder a squeeze and made his way out of the crowd. As soon as she stepped away, I felt an arm around my middle. I turned to see who grabbed me. I jumped when I saw Alaric. I tried to scramble out of his grip, but he held on too tightly.
"Why are you here?" I yelled. He just smirked and moved a hand to cover my core. I struggled against him.
"Isn't it obvious? I want you." He groaned into my ear. I shivered. "And until you give me another chance, this is the best way I know how to keep you." He told me.
"I'm a person, Ric. You can't force me to be with you." I told him, spinning around to face him. "Get off of me!" I screamed. The people surrounding us looked over, suspicious. Some of the people I was dancing with earlier came over to see what the fuss was about.
"Hey man, why don't you go cool off? She doesn't want you." He crept closer. I can't remember his name but we talked to him before this band got on stage. He seems nice enough.
"Why don't you mind your own business, man?" Alaric smirked. I fought against his grip. I can't channel my magic and I don't know why. Maybe I'm panicking too much. Where's Stefan.
"He's right. Back off, Alaric." I growled.
"You're Alaric?" Some black guy asked, walking up to us. The music stopped playing. "We were told to keep an eye out for you. A friend of Marcel's called to give us a head's up. It turns out he doesn't like that you're bothering Miss Bennett, here." The man told him.
"Klaus, huh?" Alaric smirked. The man nodded. "Who's Marcel?" He asked. The man laughed.
"You don't know? This is his city. Nothing happens without him knowing."
"I don't care who he is. I'm not leaving without her. This is none of your concern." Ric spat.
"It's mine." Stefan came up out of nowhere and ripped him off of me. Alaric fell to the ground. The crowd of people started to separate. They're making way for someone. His eyes are on me and he's not happy. He gives off power… Vampire maybe.
"And who are you?" Alaric asked as the man crept closer.
"You know who I am. I'm Marcel, and you're not welcome here." He told Alaric. He's light-skinned with dark eyes and a handsome face. Alaric sneered. "Let me make myself clear, leave now, or leave in a body bag. The choice is yours. I won't tell you again." That seemed to shock Alaric enough to bring him to his senses. He pushed himself to his feet.
"This isn't over." He told me. I looked at him.
"The next time you attack me, I won't ask anyone to spare you." I told him. He paled. "If it comes down to you or me, I'm not dying because of you." I looked at him. He turned and walked away. He's right, though. This isn't over. It's obvious that he can't let this go. Was he always like this? Was he just great at hiding this side of himself? Did Isobel really leave because he was too controlling? He and Jenna were barely together, so I have no idea what the story is there.
"People, this is a festival. Enjoy yourselves. There is nothing to see here. Let's hear some music." Marcel boomed. "Bonnie, let me talk to you for a minute. Ripper, you can tag along." He motioned us over. I walked over to him and he put an arm around my shoulders. I glared at him. He held up his hands and let them drop. Yep, he definitely knows Klaus.
"Why are we here?" I asked Marcel. We sat down in some bar. He gestured to the bartender and she brought us some jambalaya. I let it sit in front of me while I waited for an answer.
"Klaus is an old friend of mine. Let's just say that I wouldn't be the vampire I am today, if it wasn't for him. When he asks for a favor, I oblige. You're here because I want to know what his interest with you is." He explained. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
"If he didn't tell you then it must not be any of your business." I told him. He smiled.
"You're a witch in my town; of course it's my business. No magic is performed here without my knowledge." He argued.
"Then we'll leave." I told him. His smiled drooped. "I think I've had enough of this place for awhile, anyway." I told him, getting up.
"What makes you think I'll let you?" He asked me.
"I could always just ask Klaus to join us." I pointed out. He didn't say anything more. "You obviously know who I am. If you're so interested, ask your friend. I don't understand him anymore than you do. And, like I said, I really don't think it's any of your concern." I told him. Stefan got up, smirking.
"Fair enough. You don't have to leave. Enjoy yourselves. I'll be sure to ask Klaus about this. Just make sure you keep your magic in check while you're here." He told me.
"Are you blocking the magic use here?" I asked him, wondering why I couldn't defend myself, earlier.
"Only in some places," he answered. I nodded.
"We'll be leaving tonight. Don't threaten me." I looked him in the eye.
"I see why he's taken an interest in you." He smiled. Stefan took a step in front of me.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you not to mess with a Bennett witch?" Stefan asked him.
"I'll have to remember that, Salvatore."
We packed in record speed and headed back to Mystic. So much for a trouble-free weekend... I think it, and it gets jinxed. It's just my luck. At least I get to see Damon tonight.