A.N. Hey all! Thank you for continued love and support. This chapter is coming out much later then I expected but I'm so glad to get it out to you all. I hope you like it!

xoxo

Chapter 24: I can't seem to leave you alone

The moment Josh and I are alone he's all giddy, grinning and shit and I can't help but join in with him. He spends the majority of the car ride, telling me how the wait staff and family were practically glued to the large windows to get a glimpse of what was happening.

"I don't think I've ever heard Klaus laugh, like that ever." Josh admits as he pulls into my driveway. "We were all dying to get a glimpse of some of the action but if he had seen us heads would've rolled. Like seriously homeboy can be vicious. " Josh says tossing me a glance. "His siblings were even chomping at the bit to get a sneak peak."

I roll my eyes. "We had fun that's all you need to know." I poke him in the side. "So nosey!"

Josh pouts. "So you're gonna make me listen to third hand gossip from Danny?"

I furrow my brows. "You guys talk about me?"

Josh makes a face before speaking."We talk about everything and everyone, most importantly the two Bennett witches who have singlehandedly changed the house of Mikaelson." He grins. "Speaking of, I have you to thank for getting the night off, so thank you for working your feminine powers on Klaus."

I scrub my face. "I..." I pause when Josh gives me a look. "You're welcome." I say finally tossing my hair over my shoulder Lucy Bennett style. "So, any plans for the night?"

Josh turns to me with dancing eyes. "I plan to go to an underground club and dance my ass off."

I smile at the mere image. "Well, enjoy yourself and do everything you want to do." I say placing a kiss to his cheek. I throw up the peace fingers and hop out of the car.

"Later." Josh calls while revving his car.

I wave as the vampire who finally has the night off peels out of the driveway of my house. I watch till he disappears before turning to look at my very empty house. Fishing for my key in my purse, I stop when I get a sudden feeling.

I wasn't alone.

I look from left to right before closing my eyes to get a feel for my surroundings. My house was spelled so that nobody could enter if they wished me any harm and crystals had been put outside the perimeter. That of course didn't mean someone was not lurking from a distance.

"Whoever you are, just know, I'm not the one and I believe in payback." I say to the night air.

Once satisfied, I make my way into the house.

Instantly I feel magic in the air, very strong, very familiar magic. Before I have a chance to even blink, Lucy has literally materialized out of nowhere.

"Bonnie Sheila Bennett, where have you been?" Lucy says standing before me in what appears to be a cat suit, with boots that go up her thigh and a questionable heel.

"Lucy! You scared the living shit out of me!" I say taking in her appearance. "What are you doing here and why are you nearly naked in that catsuit?"

Lucy flips her hair. "For starters, I ask all the questions because I'm the elder of the two of us." I can only wiggle my eyebrows. "Why haven't you been answering your phone? You know rogue witches and other bitches are running around with a grudge for you and me," Lucy glares. " And you don't answer your phone?" Lucy says with so much authority and sass, I feel like I did whenever grams scolded me.

"Now you can speak." Lucy says in older Bennett woman form.

I scrub my face. "My phone wasn't off," I say as Lucy just shakes her head like I was an unruly teenager. And I was far from that. In fact in my teenaged years was so mildly mannered. That was why as a full-fledged adult I was running wild.

"And I wasn't ignoring you– it's just . . . " I pause ruffling through my bag only to find that my phone is nowhere to be found. "My phone, Klaus still has my phone." I say more to myself than to Lucy. If it weren't for Elijah eavesdropping and then cock blocking maybe I would've remembered Klaus had my phone, instead of wanting to be anywhere Elijah was not.

That bastard ruined and perfectly good moment between Klaus and me, on purpose. I could only hope Lucy continued to give him blue balls for the forcible future.

Lucy jerks back so hard it's almost comical. "What kind of sorcery is he wielding with that package of his? I mean, obviously you gave him your phone willingly." Pause. "His saddle must be the best you've ever ridden if you let him have your phone."

I blew out a breath. And look up at the ceiling. "Are you finished?" I ask to which Lucy just shakes her head.

"You must be dick- hypnotized because no man would ever hold my phone, unless it was because I was about to kick someone else ass." Lucy says with a rueful smile. Gosh Lucy was almost as bad as Damon. You couldn't take the two of them anywhere without something going down.

"Seriously Lucy!" I say as she shrugs her shoulders. "You're using Damon words now."

Lucy only looks at her nails. "Well he was being really dramatic and hella jealous, but" Pause. "You're the one giving up your phone." Lucy says off handedly.

I sigh again. "I gave him my phone so I would not have any distractions during our outing today."

Once again Lucy looks me over. "Is that why you've got dirt on the side of your face and grass in your hair?" Lucy says fingering my hair and pulling out a strand of grass. "Girl, please tell me you didn't get freaky in the dirt?" The distaste in her voice has me debating if I should run with this narrative she has going.

"Define freaky?" I ask playing coyly.

Mouth hung open Lucy stares at me. "No way."

Ultimately I let it go. I send her a playful look to which Lucy only giggles at. "We had a tea party, and then we ended up playing tag and Klaus turned into a wolf and jumped on me."

Lucy stifles a smile. "I bet he did."

"Shut up!" I say not being able to hold back on my own grin. Finally I put my purse down. "We had fun. His daughter is adorable and," I trail off feeling my face get hot. "Klaus isn't too bad."

Lucy walks over to the bar and pours us a drink before sitting on the couch. "Tell that to your face, you're all but swooning over him."

I roll my eyes and decide to change the subject. "Why don't you tell me why and how you got into my house and most importantly what are you wearing and why are your boobs always out?"

Lucy looks down at the ample amount of cleavage shown. "Well I got worried when you didn't pick up, and I wasn't sure if you put your spare key under the potted plant so, I wore this in case somebody got nosey and ratted on me."

I can't help it, I'm cracking up because only Lucy and maybe Caroline would actually go for seduction when trying to get into someone else house. "So you were going to seduce my neighbors into silence?"

Lucy wiggles her eyebrows. "Not me, but the girls." She says with a shimmy.

"I guess I put a kink in your plan, when I left the key under the potted plant."

Lucy shrugged and grinned. "Maybe, maybe not. I still got to wear this and let the girls shine." She says with a wicked grin. "You think Elijah would be down for an impromptu visit?" Lucy asks a saucy grin on her lips. "You know I went to the pole dancing class to get toned up and I can put it down, I can even show you and view tricks." Lucy beams. " You never know when a pole dance is needed especially with Klaus or Damon, or both."

My mood instantly dampens at the mention of Elijah. "Well, that depends if you can get that stick that is so firmly lodged up his trifling ass out of his ass."

Lucy looks my way the wheels turning inside of her head. "That was unexpected, did something happen with you and Elijah?"

But," Lucy chimes in. "You two always seem to have some sort of tension and the venom you spat was so acidic it could melt someone." Pause. "Give it to me straight Bon, have you and Elijah ever got it in? Did you ever want to get it in?"

My gag reflex was purely naturally. "Haven't we had this sorted conversation before or was it a nightmare?" I shake my head and shudder in disgust. "Never would I ever want Elijah."

Lucy takes my hand. "I get it, he's not your type you have a thing for blue eyes, but I know it's more than what you're saying about Elijah."

I get a whiff of myself. I needed to shower desperately. "Elijah isn't one of my favorite people." I say simply. "It stems from things back home."

Lucy nods. "You've said that before." Lucy admits. "But it seems like even now, the two of you can't move forward."

"Lucy." I say facing her. "I really want to get in the shower. I smell like outside." I say with a frown. "Make yourself at home." I say shutting down already. I was the type of person that could shut down and shut out everyone whenever I needed to. It was what made me so guarded with most people.

"Bonnie." Lucy calls when I'm in the hall. "You know I got your back, and for your sake I wont push. But I will find out what happened eventually and if Elijah caused you any sort of harm or pain, he'll regret the day he messed with my family."

"Thanks Luce." I call over my shoulder as I make my way to the shower.

"Oh, and I was serious about the pole dancing, we should take a class together so I can learn some new tricks and you can get in the game."

I can't help but grin. Lucy was the person I always needed in my life. "Sign us up."

"Excellent!" Lucy beams. "Now go shower, you smell like a wolf humped you."

KM-EM-KE

Klaus

He had walked back from the tent intending on ignoring Elijah but his ever persistent brother had followed him up to the main house. To say he was ticked off at Elijah and his purposely bad timing was an understatement. Who knows what fun and Bonnie could've gotten into if only his brother had found a hobby, or had in fact started living his own life instead of worrying about the ins and outs of his siblings.

"What is it Elijah?" He finally asks after only a few moments of continued stalking. His patience was always thin but with Elijah acting like his father and whatnot. It was hardly existent. He didn't need his brother to tell him he was making a mistake by entertaining Bonnie. And he didn't want to hear anything else about what crap Haley was spewing when she was a mess herself. "Fine," He says spinning around to face his brother. "Don't think I didn't notice you're perfect timing earlier, don't fuck with what is mine dear brother."

Elijah only walks to the bar and pours himself a healthy drink. He sits in a comfy chair and crosses his legs an eyebrow raised. "By your tone, I'm to guess that this is about Bonnie?"

He glares. "This is about her, my time and definitely my patience."

Elijah barley smothers a smile because he can see it a clear and day. "Niklaus, you're so testy, I assure you I wish you and your Bonnie no ill will."

He can only huff in response.

"In fact," Elijah continues. "I was thinking it is high time that Bonnie and I bury the hatchet." Elijah stands to his full height and walks closer to him, though he continues to glare at his brother. "Perhaps a double date, You and Bonnie, Lucy and I could be arranged."

He cannot believe his ears! What Elijah is suggesting is something that could possibly happen in the distant, very distant future, not now. "Absolutely not! I will not let you further ruin my night any further!" He growls out over hiss shoulder.

"Don't you want Bonnie and me to at least be civil without the fear that I might set her off by blinking?" Elijah asks his voice sounding sincere.

Walking away he heads for the drink cart for his own drink. "She's not ready." He says after his first glass. "And I will not let you push her into anything she is not ready for." He says ending the conversation.

With that he walks out of the room with Elijah still on his heels.

"Don't you have anything else to do than follow me dear Elijah?"

Elijah barely holds back a grin. "Actually I've got nothing planned so, I guess you're stuck with me." Elijah says a smile on his face.

"Well then, it's good I plan on leaving you in the dust while I take Bonnie out tonight. I trust you can find other sleeping arrangements for the night because what I have in store for her," Grin. "Well lets just say, what I have in store for Bonnie, your sensitive ears can't handle."

As predicted Elijah only stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked at him like he was an addict when it came carnal pleasure. That should shut his brother up for a while.

Whistling he made his way upstairs. He had a date to prepare for.

BB-BB-LB

Bonnie

After my long drawn out bath, I finally climb out of the tub when my fingers start to prune. Although I did enjoy my bath, I knew I was stalling. Lucy was smart and the fact that I could barely hide my disdain for Elijah was starting to show more and more.

Pulling on my robe, I'm thankful that Lucy had given me time wind down before she kicked down the door and demanded answers. And that was why I loved her. Though I knew that waiting was probably driving her up the wall, she did this for me. She was special and basically what I had been missing in my life for so many years. She was the family I had always wanted and needed. She was loyal and because she was so loyal I knew if she had any inking of the depth of my issues with Elijah, the hatred I felt and the reasoning behind it– she'd drop him real quick and cut ties with the Original, even if it was at her own expense.

I would not interfere in her love life, if she wanted Elijah then so be it. But the choice had to be hers. As for me, I could keep on hating him from the sidelines as long as he made Lucy happy.

Dressing quickly in some lounging clothes I find Lucy curled up with a bag a caramel corn and two glasses of wine.

"I'm glad you made yourself at home." I smirk as I walk barefooted over to the couch and join her.

"Well," Lucy says holding up her glass. "You were taking your sweet ass time avoiding me, so I had to find something to entertain myself."

I chuckle. "Did you find anything interesting?"

Lucy grins. "At first I posted a pic of myself in this skin tight outfit."

I nod. "I see you put up a thirst trap."

Lucy shrugs. "You gotta keep yourself, your name and brand out in the world for everyone to see." Lucy admits. "And you gotta be open for new prospects."

I knew she was testing me so I skim over that whole thing. "What else did you do?"

Lucy bites her lip. "I found out Damon has a journal and I read it."

"No way." I say my mouth hanging up. Damon was not the type to write down his inner most thoughts. He was more of the tell it to you straight.

"And it's all about you." Lucy says as a bright smile lights her face.

Lucy only grins further. "Fine. I didn't find his diary. But I did find that he has one million and one pictures of the two of you."

I squirm in my seat and take a sip of wine. Really I didn't want to talk about Damon. When I really stopped to think about it, he was willing to risk it all to give me peace of mind. And as much as I loved him for it, it also made me think of the words we always left unsaid.

"How about we stop going running in circles and you ask me what you want to ask me?" I say ready to get things out in the open.

Lucy tilts hear head. "Alright while you were taking the longest bath in history–"

My nose curls up. "I smelt like dirt."

"Anyway," Lucy continues with an eye roll. "I know you have issues with Elijah–."

I let out a breath. "So many issues." I say as Lucy urges me on. "My problem with Elijah is that he's fake." I admit. "Most of her persona is built on being the anti-hero or the hero to Klaus and his villainous. I lick my lips. "Elijah and Klaus are built from the same cloth but he walks around like he's so much better– I call b.s."

Lucy takes a sip of wine. "Look at you sticking up for your man."

I toss my hair behind my shoulder. "It's true though. Elena fell for Elijah and his good guy act but she'll like anyone who thinks the world of her. She'll easily turn a blind eye to his ruthlessness."

Lucy reaches out for my hand. "I take it you've seen his ruthlessness up close and personal?"

A lone tear slips out of my eye. "I'm never going to unsee it." Pause. "Just watch you're back with him, he's manipulative and monster when he wants to be."

For a while we sit in silence. Lucy reaches for me and grabs my hand.

"I know you probably think I'm being a hypocrite and I swear I'm not trying to be. I know Klaus has done bad things. His reign of terror is well documented." I say darkly. "His stroke game isn't memory erasing. But," pause. "I see change in him." I admit honestly. " Yeah, he's crazy but that's Klaus for you."

Lucy rubs my knuckles. "I don't know the Elijah that you knew back home. But I know the man that stayed with me last night to do inventory." She fiddles with her bracelet. "And no man aside from Vincent and Danny has ever helped me without expecting something in return." Pause. "Maybe you could get to know the man I'm beginning to know by spending a little more time with him. We could even do a double date night, see where it goes."

I want to shut down her request because I hate Elijah. But she does have a point. I could be cordial with Elijah, especially for Lucy. "Fine, I'll give him a chance." I say causing Lucy to jump up from the couch and start twerking.

"But," I say causing her to stop dancing. "I just want you to know, that I could care less about Stefan and it doesn't effect my relationship with Damon at all. So if it doesn't work out, we're still good."

Lucy holds my hand tighter. "No matter what, we will always be good, our Bennett bond is forever and nobody can come between us."

I smile over at her. "Word!"

KM-BB-KM

Klaus

The date

It should come as no surprise to him that Bonnie Bennett could wear the shit out of just about anything. The dress she chose tonight was a burnt orange number that showed a healthy dose of cleavage and skin as she had small cut outs on the sides. The hemline went just below her knees nearly at her shins, while the dress itself clung to her every curve. It was almost as if the dress itself was painted on.

That was why he could barley keep his eyes off of her now.

"Do you like?" She asks doing a little spin for him.

"Very much." He says huskily. "It's going to look lovely on my bedroom floor." He grins, only for her to roll her eyes and push him away only for him to get that much closer all over again. This woman was addicting. "Who should I send my regards to for that dress, I'll gladly give a healthy donation." He says all the while nipping at her neck.

She tilts her head to the side. "Lucy claims it's all her, but I've had this dress in my closet for a while." Pause. "But, she did help me pick out my shoes." She insist wiggling her feet in heels that still made her tiny frame look so much smaller compared to his. He liked the shoes though, she might have to keep them on for what he planned later.

"Shall I send her a box of chocolates?" He asks his eyes drifting upwards, till he finally reached her face once again.

Bonnie only leans closer to him. Her mouth is close to his. "She's a fan of diamonds."

He glances down at her, "Aren't you all."

KM-KM

His plan for the night had been fairly simple. With Gloria back in town, he figured he and Bonnie could stop by for a show at her burlesque club. They could enjoy the night out, listen to some jazz music when it came to that portion of the show, and get a bite to eat. In his head the idea seemed like a good one. However, as they walked into the club, he was starting to rethink his earlier optimistic thoughts. For starters, this was the first time he and Bonnie had been seen together with a semblance of courtship. Though he was well aware that everyone in the supernatural community knew they were sweating the sheets out on a regular basis. It didn't stop people from openly checking out Bonnie when she walked into a room. How could they not, she radiated power, sexuality and beauty with every twist of the lips, shake of the hips and toss of the hair.

Of course that meant the hairs on the back of his neck were constantly standing up. He was prepared to stake his claim if needed. In fact he would stake his claim for shits and giggles. Or better yet he'd let Bonnie stake her claim, on him.

"You good?" Bonnie asks breaking through his thoughts.

"Yeah." He says pinching her hip affectionately.

He was use to people being jealous of him, jealous of his power, strength and his status, but now everyone was jealous of the woman he walked in with. "Come now love, Gloria has reserved a booth for the of us in the front." He says ready to make their way down to the front way.

When he reaches behind him for her hand, he's surprised that he's not surprised that she takes it without hesitation. Briefly he looks down at their hands his eclipsing hers, yet still together.

"These seats are good, what did you have to bribe her with, in order to get them." She asks as an easy smile on her glossy lips.

He puts his fist underneath his chin. "Can you believe all I had to do was flash her these dimples."

With an eyebrow raised she smirks. "I would've made you flash me something else."

"Has anyone ever told you- you're a very greedy girl."

"Whatever, I still can't believe you have friends."

He sends her a look. "I have plenty of friends."

"Josh doesn't count, he's scared of you and he's on your payroll so, you might want to think of someone else. And your siblings don't count. You guys hate each other every other day. Marcel also doesn't count. He's your son."

He stifles a grin. "Okay, Cami then."

Eye roll. "She's your therapist, which doesn't count."

"Well I guess that leaves you." He says fixing his denim blue eyes on her and only her.

"My rooster is kind of full." She says with a wink that goes straight to his groin.

He stops mid stride as they've made their way to their seats finally. "Looks like I'll have to dismantle that rooster till I'm the last one standing."

"You can try." She sing songs and he shakes his head.

BB-BB-BB

Bonnie

I was a bit surprised to find that out of all the places here in NOLA Klaus could've taken me to, the park for a movie night, downtown where a pub crawl was always welcomed, a underground club where dance-hall music played and air conditioned was needed, or a plethora of other places. Klaus however had taken a completely different route when he touted me off to an old club named Gloria. Though I had never stepped foot in the club before I had heard good things about it from many people. The club itself was a throw back to the speakeasy times. On more than one occasion Danny had mentioned playing piano with the house band.

With Klaus close we are ushered to our seats which so happen to incredibly close and most importantly in the middle of everything. Our booth is cozy as the lights are dimmed above us to a romantic setting, that seems to tie into the atmosphere.

A waitress quickly flanks to our sides nearly skidding to a stop when she catches whose at the booth. Her eyes flick over to Klaus briefly, nearly so fast that you almost miss it. Then she does the same to me but she looks longer, almost as if she's trying to figure me out.

"Hi, my name is Hannah and I will be your waitress for the night." The woman says as he red flapper dress shimmers under the light. "What can I get you tonight?"

She asks not looking at either one of us at this time.

"I'm in the mood for dessert." Klaus says causing Hannah to look up at him. "Normally I would've had my head between her legs, but that dress is too pretty to get bunched up, or better yet ripped off this early in evening."

I can feel my face get hot as it feels like everyone in the whole club had heard him. In fact I was absolutely some had heard him because, well this was heavily occupied with supernatural beings, aside from a few tourists. I kick Klaus under the table causing his dimples to appear and the poor waitress looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here.

"Dessert first is always a thing so, I'd like to order a chocolate cheesecake." I say politely as I could.

Klaus and I share a look where he looks as if he could play this game with this poor girl for eons. I however would like to continue on with our night. He must see it because I see him relent, even though his eyes are dancing.

"I'll have a bottle of your best cognac." Klaus says causing the blushing girl to tap into her tablet. She nearly stumbles on her way back the kitchen.

When she goes, I lean closer to the table. "Was that necessary?"

Blue eyes roll. "Oh please, when we walked into here you and I both know that everyone wanted to know exactly what we could possibly have a common and why we were here together." He admits.

He was right, I could feel the judgy looks people were given us, giving me with each step I took. Heck, if I was being honest I could still feel the heavy stares.

"I thought you of all people didn't give a damn about what others thought?" I asked as I take the opportunity to look around the club. For the most part people were doing their own thing. But a selected few were looking over at us like we were zoo animals.

"I don't." He says easily a wicked grin playing on his lips "And you don't seem to care what others say about you either?"

I let his words sink in. If I was being honest I had stopped caring about what other people thought about me a very long time ago. When I cared, and did everything to make everyone else proud, and happy, I had neglected myself and I was so unhappy.

"I don't." I answered honestly and thoughtfully. "I spent way too much time worrying about what other people think about me or what they thought about me. Now I just keep my finger permanently in the air and have fun doing it."

Klaus puts his arms on the table. "You do have a flare, and edge to you that I find to be appealing."

I purse my lips together. "Is that why you've made it a point to let the whole club know that I'm your dessert tonight?" I ask to which he only sends me a slow grin.

"I just wanted everyone to know that you're being properly pleased regularly."

I shake my head. "You're incorrigible."

Klaus reaches out and touches my thigh. "You like it."

I hide my grin. "Maybe–." I say looking elsewhere. "Just a little bit."

The waitress soon brings out a bottle of cognac for Klaus and my chocolate cheesecake. I waste no time digging in, while Klaus sips his drink and watches me with those intense blue eyes.

A performer gets on stage and starts playing a trumpet solo, a solo light fixed on the artist followed by a saxophone player, who now has his own light fixed on him and then it's like a whole band starts playing this tone that transforms you to another time.

-Gloria-Gloria-Gloria

Gloria

When she had gotten word that Niklaus had shown up, with Bonnie Bennett at his side, she knew that their was more to the two of them, than Klaus was willing to share. For starters, she had been around for a very long time and only a selected few did the hybrid dare to parade around her club. He knew she'd gladly kick someone out so any the mess he did outside, he kept it far away from her establishment.

Tonight though as she watched from afar Niklaus Mikaelson was in rare form. He was grinning, showing off those dimples that got him in and out of trouble. He was also being very affectionate for someone who was a notorious bachelor. Who had left a string of broken hearts in his path.

She had seen Niklaus through many stages of his life. She had even disliked him for a very long time. But the hybrid had worn her down. He was so much different from the many she met many moons ago in Chicago. Back then, he was looking for trouble, basking in mischief and playing the role of the bad guy he was known as being. Now, it appeared he had matured and if looks could tell, it appeared he may be falling in love.

Smiling to herself, she decides to speak to the couple that has her whole club chatting.

"Well, well, well." She coos now standing before the beautiful not so couple. She could feel the power radiating off of them from afar. She had even gotten a glimpse of it at the town meeting so long ago. But right now in this moment that power was, and the connection the two shared was very obvious. Klaus may have said that he and Bonnie were just entertaining each other but she saw something else, all together. And if by the sheer looks of everyone in the club, so did they. Separately Klaus and Bonnie were powerful on their own, they both commanded attention without even trying. But together, they were a combination that could and would be a force to reckon with. "Looks like you finally decided to come and grace my club with your presence." She says a big smile on her face.

I look over to Klaus who only smiles back. "Well, I thought it was high time I brought some life back to this place, seeming as I am the life of the party."

Gloria crosses her arms in front of her chest. "Sure you are." Wink. " Now why don't you reintroduce me to your date."

And the mere word date, I swore half the club had stopped moving and talking. They were already listening that much I knew. But it had been common knowledge that Klaus and I were entertaining each other.

"Gloria, as you may know this is Bonnie Bennett."

"Bonnie, this is Gloria."

Gloria stands with open arms. "I'm more of a hugger, so come on over sugar." Gloria says waiting for me to move towards her. Once we share a hug, Gloria pulls back to look at me.

"Oh honey," Gloria says grabbing both of my hands.

Briefly I look over to Klaus who looks like he's ready to intervene. Gloria speaks again halting him at her words. "You've been through so much." She says her eyes getting glossy.

I feel my face burn up. Not many people had known in detail the things I had gone through. And if they had known, not many people really cared. Damon had known it all, he had been part of the problem in the beginning. Caroline had seen and heard about it. Lucy had even gotten bits of pieces but I had never dared to share too much. I had tried to keep that stuff buried as far down as possible. Gloria though, she felt it, I could tell– she felt it as if it were her own pain.

At her words look down. Gloria has none of that and soon lifts my chin so that we are eye to eye.

"But you, Bonnie Bennett are still here, still standing and you get to forge forward and control the rest of your story." Gloria says in a comforting way as she squeezes my hand.

We share a smile because she's right. Those things that happened, they helped shape me but they don't define me. "Damn straight."

Klaus who was looked on then urges Gloria to join us. "Why don't you tell us what chapter of your story are you on right now love?"

I think for a few seconds and then meet his eyes. "Indulgence."

BB-BB-BB

Bonnie

As Gloria sits with us I listen as she and Klaus start talking about the good ole days. They seem friendly, in fact this was probably the friendliest I've seen Klaus ever. Well except for when he was trying to get laid, because then he was super friendly and extra charming. This must have been one of the few people he considered friends because the normal scowl was gone. The imaginary walls that he put up around himself to make him much bigger and badder were also missing.

"How long have the two of you actually known each other?" I ask mesmerized by the sheer fact that these two never seem to miss a beat. It kind of reminds me of me and Damon.

"Far too long." Gloria laughs. "When I met him, he was in Chicago with his sister and the ripper."

I frowned. "Stefan?"

"You know him?"

"Unfortunately. We use to be friends a long time ago." I bite my lip as my mind goes back to the time when I thought Stefan was the good guy. Boy had he proved me wrong. Stefan was just bad as any other bad guy, he just hid better. He and Elijah were one in the same. "Now he's just my best friends brother."

Gloria smiles. "I still cant believe after all these years the Salvatore brothers are still amongst us all. They are definitely resilient."

Klaus chuckles into his drink. "Their like fucking morons! How they've survived is clearly a mystery to everyone." Pause. "Stefan though, is the skillful of the two.

I roll my eyes instantly and let out a huff. "I'm sorry but I simply cannot take your word for this, especially given that it's Stefan." I feel the frown on my face and wrinkle in my eyebrows.

It's then that Klaus dimples my way and Gloria even gets a little spark in her eyes as well. The two friends share a look before glancing over at me.

"Is that jealousy I detect love?" Klaus asks fixing me with a smoldering set of blue eyes.

I look between the two of them and raise my eyebrows "Get real."

"You know," Klaus says leaning closer to me. " You're the only one for me."

I scoff at him while Gloria looks on.

"Well love birds!" Gloria coos hopping up. I've had my chef send over the best of the best food for the two of you to share. Now if you'll excuse me, it's just about show time!"

The lights go dark as the mere words are uttered and when the lights come back on Gloria is center stage laying across a piano. The food she had promised is sitting on plates in front of Klaus and I, as all eyes are on the woman of the hour.

Gloria smiles to the crows before belting out a long note before beginning to sing a song with her raspy voice that makes the song that much better.

In the booth Klaus puts his arm over my shoulder and I find myself leaning into him.

BB-KM-BB

After tasting just about everything that was brought my way and drinking a bit much, I head to the ladies room to freshen up. This night had been much more fun then I even expected. Gloria had even suggested that everyone get out of their seats and dance as she continued to sing. I thought Klaus would probably sit out on the dancing but he surprised me by pulling me up with him and taking me to the middle of the dance floor.

That man was full of surprises.

Smiling to myself I pull out my lip balm and freshen up a bit. Looking into the mirror I notice how bright my eyes are. My skin still is that golden hue from the sun and my hair is frizzing just a bit. In all, I look happy and in reality I feel as good as I looked. Never would I imagine that Klaus would make me feel things I had never felt with any other man. I felt secure with him and even protected. And that was something I had been lacking for nearly all of my relationships.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I bump into someone and mutter an excuse me. Thinking the conversation was over, I start to head back over to where Klaus is, only to realize that the bump was intentional.

"I saw you earlier with the hybrid." The man says looking over his shoulder briefly before looking back at me. "Don't you think you're better suited for someone that carries magic in them like yourself." He asks looking down at me. He's got blond hair, blue eyes, and a thick mane of hair.

I smile though its far from being charming. "Let me guess." I say my voice a whisper. "And you would be my type?"

He smiles. "I'm a warlock, you're a Bennett witch."

"And you're looking for a come up." I say easily. I poke my lip out. "So sorry, but I'm not interested." I step away only for him to grab my arm.

"The outsiders weren't lying, for someone with such a rich family background that the witch world knows about– you are ruining it by being the hybrids whore." He spits out. "Every witch and warlock that looks at you see's you as a traitor, not the woman who opened up the quarter for witches and warlocks to practice, just the whore of the hybrid."

"Get out of my way, or I'll move you myself." I grit out.

A loud growl is heard and soon the guy is nearly soaring through the air, as Klaus grips his shoulder and hauls him out of the club.

I'm quick on his heels as fast as I could go as others follow. If Gloria notices she continues on with her show. Only a few people leave in search of a new kind of show while others are unfazed.

When I make it outside Klaus and the warlock are squaring up. The warlock seems to have buddies who look like they were waiting for a fight and Klaus looks like he will give them just what they want.