I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
MUSIC CREDIT: "Stand in the Rain" – Superchic(K)

~*.*~

'She never slows down.
She doesn't know why, but she knows that when she's all alone, feels like it's all coming down.
She won't turn around.
The shadows are long and she fears if she cries, that first tear, the tears will not stop raining down.

So, stand in the rain – stand your ground.
Stand up when it's all crashing down.
You stand through the pain – you won't drown and one day, what's lost can be found.
You stand in the rain.'
~*.*~

Chapter Six:

Bonnie's POV

Trying to get back to normal after Stefan came to town was hard. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but the fear that I had been trying so hard to shake was back with a vengeance.

I don't want to spend the rest of my life afraid, but that seems to be what Damon wants. It irks me. Whatever Damon Salvatore wants, Damon Salvatore gets. In what twisted way is that even a little fair? It's not. I don't know how to stop it, or him.

Before I got with Damon I wasn't exactly Miss Confidence, but I was sure as hell a lot more confident than I am now. To be honest, I have no idea what drew him to me. I just wish that I knew now, so that I could change it.

It's not like I'm some glamazon or some runway model. I'm just me, just Bonnie.

It just feels like every time I take a step forward, Damon is there to knock me five steps back. It's so exhausting. Why do I even bother?

"I'm not sure if you wanted to go into work today, or not, but I was told to tell you that you're taking the day off. Darla insists that you get some rest. She's been worried sick about you since we left the shop, yesterday." Klaus told me. I sighed. I don't really want to go into work, but it would be nice to have the option. A distraction would be nice.

"Okay," I replied, not looking over at him. We kissed last night, but I bolted out of his room, before he woke up this morning. I told him that I was okay with the kiss and I am, but with everything going on, I don't know where my head's at right now.

I was expecting Damon to do something, but that doesn't mean that last night didn't take me by surprise. He spooked me and I'm sure that he knows it.

"Bonnie," Klaus said softly, as he sat down in front of me. I peered up at him, quietly. "You're not okay." He added as he took in my appearance. I showered since last night, but I was back in my baggy clothes. I feel… better when I'm covered. It makes me feel like I'm not as much of a sitting duck.

"I never said I was." I whispered. He reached out his hand and I knew that he wanted me to do the same. I contemplated it for a second, before touching my hand to his. My eyes fluttered closed with the physical contact. His touch is so different – it's warm and inviting. I crave it, inside of being repulsed by it. He's Damon's opposite in so many ways. More than anything, I'd love to have a day that I was able to be in Klaus' company without comparing him to my abusive ex. I know that I still have a long way to go and it will probably be a while before I'm able to stop doing it.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked me. I looked at him, again, and forced myself to focus and really see him.

"I don't know where I would start." I told him, truthfully.

"Start where it's easiest." He suggested. And I did. I started where it was the easiest for me. I told him what was going on in my head, at least what I was ready to share with him.

He didn't say much while I talked, just sat and listened. It's one thing that I've noticed and come to appreciate about him. Klaus isn't always easy to read, but I didn't see any judgment in his eyes. Instead, I saw care and compassion. When I finished talking, we sat in a comfortable silence.

"I won't let him hurt you." He promised me. I sighed. I wanted to believe him. I really did, but it's not something that someone can promise.

"I appreciate your sincerity, Klaus." I told him.

"But," he prodded. I bit my lip in response.

"But, it's not something that you can promise. I know you'll try and you have no idea how much
I appreciate it, but you can't guarantee that he'll never hurt me again. I don't blame you. I just… it's not possible."

"Bonnie," he tried, but I shook my head.

"It's not your fault and I want you to know that." I assured him. He was quiet after that. We both knew that I what I said was true, whether we liked it or not.

Klaus spent the day with me. It was comforting, even if we really didn't talk. We were sitting on the terrace outside my room and I was leaning against his chest. He had his arms around me. It's nice. There isn't any pressure for anything else. It's just… innocent.

"Do you even realize how beautiful you are?" Klaus asked me, quietly. I shifted in his embrace and glanced up at him. I shivered and held his gaze, trying not to shy away from the intensity.

"I'm not." I argued. I knew what I looked like. Once upon a time, I thought I was pretty, but just pretty.
I knew I wasn't spectacular or anything. Now, I think I'm average at best. I've let myself go. I barely touch makeup, except for the occasional concealer. For the most part, I still wear the clothes that are too big and put little effort into anything else. I didn't even brush my hair, before tying it up into a bun, this morning.

"You are." Klaus pressed. The sincerity in voice made me believe that he meant it. He really does think that I'm beautiful. I set my hand on top of his and squeezed, gently. He smiled at me. "There's nothing you could do that would make you any less attractive, sweetheart."

"Thank you." I whispered, not sure if I could say anything else.

"Eventually, you'll believe it, too, love." He promised.

"Maybe." I breathed. His arms tightened around me and we stayed there a while longer. When Klaus tells me things, I want to believe them. I wonder what life would have been like if I had met Klaus first. Would things have ended up the same? Would I be better person because of it? I don't know. I know that ever since I met him, I've been happier because of it. I'm thankful that he was at the bar that night. I'm not sure where I would be if not for him.

It doesn't feel like he saved me that night. It feels like helped pull me off of the ground and set me on my feet. It feels like he's trying to give the tools to save myself. Maybe, when I'm able to walk on my own, something beautiful will have blossomed between the two of us. I can only hope.

~*.*~
'She won't make a sound – alone in this fight with herself, and the fear's whispering, if she stands she'll fall down.
She wants to be found – the only way out if through everything she's running from – wants to give up and lie down.

So, stand in the rain – stand your ground.
Stand up when it's all crashing down.
You stand through the pain – you won't drown and one day, what's lost can be found.
You stand in the rain.'
~*.*~

A/N: Alright all, since I finished A Dangerous Affair, this and No Reasons will be my updating focuses. Stay tuned for more chapters! More drama coming up. Review?
-Anneryn