Title: Lettered
Rating: M
Genre: AU/AH/Time-travel
Pairing(s): Bonnie/Klaus, Bonnie/Elijah, Klaus/Bonnie/Elijah, Klaus/Katherine (One-sided), Katherine/Elijah (One-sided), Bonnie/Trevor (One-sided), Trevor/Katherine (One-sided), Matt/Elena, Damon/Lucy, Jeremy/Caroline, Stefan/Emily, Tyler/Rebekah, Kol/OC, Trevor/Vicki, etc.
Summary: Bonnie Bennett travels back in time once she convinces herself that she and her friends could've had a normal life if Katherine had been sacrificed when Klaus had planned. What she doesn't expect is for Klaus to be taken in by the mystery of her arrival and her behavior so much so that he is willing to seduce her in order to learn her secrets even if he has to use Elijah to do it. Loosely based on Cyrano de Bergerac. Klonnie/Bonlijah.
Warnings: Canon Divergence, Polyamory, Violence, Time-travel, ect.
Authors Note:Hello my dears, I am back with another update. I honestly wasn't sure I would ever be able to continue this one but here I am with another installment. So, for future updates which hopefully will not take as long, the present-day timeline will be changed completely based on Bonnie's upcoming actions in the past so I will be giving some flashes of the present day changes in the upcoming chapters after this one. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the update!
Chapter Five: Gather in my Name
England, 1492
Niklaus Mikaelson smiled as he watched Bonnie Bennett head towards her quarters with Trevor trailing close behind. He was heading back to his own chambers after spending an hour painting in order to clear his mind. He hadn't seen Bonnie since earlier in the evening when he had accepted her terms of courtship on the condition that he would give his leave for Elijah to pursue her as well. She was likely turning in for the night.
Klaus's first instinct was to follow but he knew that with the witch declaring herself to be open with not just his own pursuit but Elijah's as well, she would need space to process that both he and his brother agreed to her terms. Besides, with the gathering the next day, Klaus would have plenty of time to corner Bonnie and get closer to her.
"Thank you for your help tonight, with the cleansing." Bonnie said, confirming Klaus' suspicions of Elijah's blood being in her system at some point, though it was of no matter. She yawned as she took Trevor's arm. "If only, I hadn't managed to get myself out of one mess and into another."
"What did you expect to happen when you decided to give both Lord Niklaus and Lord Elijah your blessing in courting you?" Trevor asked, the question gaining Klaus's attention.
"If I'm being honest," Bonnie sighed, "I wanted to scare them off. I'm not sure what I feel about either of them yet. I know that things will only get more complicated the more I allow myself to feel. I projected much more courage than I actually felt when I approached them both with the proposition and now that they've accepted, I cannot deny that despite my continued struggles with the matter, the only course of action I can take is to move forward."
Klaus watched as Trevor frowned and wondered if it was due to Bonnie's own upset or what Klaus could tell were Trevor's own growing affections for the witch. "That scares you," Trevor supplied.
Bonnie nodded. "I'm not used to being pursued in this fashion," Bonnie said, "Outside of even that, the one time I allowed myself to truly love someone romantically it ended badly. I never thought that I would open myself up that way again, least of all to creatures like Klaus and Elijah. Since coming here, I am finding myself capable of a great many things that I did not think myself to be, and that scares me as well. I am not sure how I can get a clear picture of my feelings for either of them if my perception of my own self is becoming distorted. I want to allow myself to feel honestly but I am not sure who I will be when I allow those feelings to surface. I'm not sure if I could like the person I would become. And if I cannot like that person, how am I to believe that either of them could fall in love with that person."
Klaus swallowed as he watched her continue to journey down the hall. He felt himself fall further. She was so beautifully vulnerable even with her power. So sure, in expressing herself even when the self-reflection confused her and exposed her true self to others. She had been hurt and knew true loneliness and pain and yet she could be this person that spoke so freely about her feelings. This person that could trust Trevor, a vampire, a creature that she once detested with those feelings because even with his nature he was a true friend and confidant. She could open herself to him and his brother, even though they were monsters, even though they had both proved themselves to be distrustful with the letters, because she refused to look away from her own feelings even if they frightened her. Even as a human, Klaus had never been brave enough to be that vulnerable.
"It's beautiful," a familiar female voice said from beside him, "Her vulnerability. Her candor. Her ability to look within herself and not shy away from it, even with her fears. I understand why you're drawn to her. Why Elijah is. I hadn't thought that you were serious in your pursuit of her but the way that you look at her, it is clear to me that you have your own fears, your own deeper feelings that you are terrified to reflect on."
Klaus turned and looked down at his sister who had come to stand next to him. "I have never been good at expressing myself," Klaus frowned, "Not with words. With anger. With violence. With force. With bravado. With all the wrong things, and even then, the walls around me have never fallen. I envy her that. She has those same walls, but they fade the longer you know her. I have fallen a bit more each time she has revealed a piece of herself to me, to anyone. Everything I know makes me want to know more. I understand her even more now, of her hesitance to show herself to me. I have been bred to loathe myself, my very existence. It is hard for me to, to understand anyone's draw to me when every time I look upon myself, I hate what I see. And yet, I am baffled how she could not love every part of herself as every part I see I am completely enamored with."
Rebekah looped an arm through his and looked up at him with watery eyes. "You say that you are not good with words brother but I have hardly heard any more lovely leave your lips in all of our years," she said, squeezing his arm, "Is that why you had Elijah write those letters? You thought the image that he could conjure of you would be more palatable to the witch than your own reflection of yourself."
Klaus winced but knew better than to lie to his sister. She would see through him. "Not at first but as the lie went along, I am sure now that it was my motive," he murmured, "Outside of you, Elijah is the one of us who has loved me completely even as he stares upon my true reflection. Of course, he would be the only one that can conjure an image of me that seemed to be worth loving."
Rebekah studied him for a long moment. "You can say that much about our brother and yet you will not step aside for him the way that he has done for you in the past."
Klaus shook his head, his expression resolved. "I cannot, I will not," he said, "While I do not wish to hurt him, I cannot help the way that I feel for her. My stepping aside would not change those feelings, nor would it erase the ones she has for me, though she has been fighting her damnedest against them. The best I can do is respect and allow his own pursuit. But I will not give her up."
Rebekah smiled and nodded. "Finally, some candor, some true feeling from you, Nik," she grinned, "I was beginning to think you hopeless."
Klaus smiled in turn. "It has always been easier to speak of these matters with you."
Rebekah ran a hand down his arm. "Even so," she said, "If you are to when the witch over you will have to find a way to truly express yourself to her. I encouraged Elijah to do the same. Our brother may be good with words, but perhaps there is another way that you, Nik, could show the witch how you see her and show her a piece of yourself that you can look at without abhorrence. Art has always been the only way you have found comfort in your vulnerability and the only thing about yourself that you've ever been comfortable with anyone calling beautiful. Though, I must say, your complexities and imperfections have always been so to those of us who truly love you, Elijah included. Even if the witch is not someone that will be added to that list, you'll regret it if you do not give of yourself as fully as you are able. If you do not give her a chance to truly see you, you'll likely get rejected all the same."
He had sketched Bonnie before. However, he knew it would be different, putting her image on the canvas. Expressing the ways in which he saw her and acknowledging the myriad of things that he felt for her. It would be showing weakness. It would dissolve his plans in a lot of ways. It would be a risk but also a calculated one. Klaus knew from the letters that, while not the only reason Bonnie had softened towards him, they had gone a long way to get her to see him beyond the monster. He also knew that Elijah would have no such qualms expressing himself and being vulnerable. He would only get a genuine response from Bonnie, no matter how else he courted her, if he allowed himself to do the same.
His words had fallen short. His manipulation had gotten him empty results at best. It was only in the raw and tense moments, the honest moments, that she responded to him. Only in the moments when he had let his care and concern for her surface that her view of him began to change. If he put brush to canvas, even if she had fought him up until that moment, if he showed her who she was in his eyes, he knew that Bonnie would be unable to look away.
Klaus looked down at the paint that stained his clothes and smiled. "Thank you, Rebekah," he smirked, "I will take your recommendation under advisement."
"As it is a brilliant one," Rebekah said, "I am certain that you will."
:::
Bonnie Bennett had woken up late. She was meant to be helping the other servants make preparations for the gathering, beginning in the wee hours of the morning. However, by the time that she awoke it was already well into the afternoon and only a few hours before the event was to actually occur.
Mirela might've woken her up had she not been asleep as well. It would seem that they had both forgotten their places within the Mikaelson household.
Bonnie was in the middle of quickly eating her lunch so that she could attend to Lady Katerina when there came a knock on her chamber door. She glanced over at Mirela who had stopped in her preparation of Bonnie's bath in favor of answering the door.
Bonnie's eyes followed the other girl, and she watched as the door opened, revealing Rebekah Mikaelson. Bonnie's eyes widened, she set her fork down, and she used the cloth napkin next to her plate to wipe off her mouth. She stood and bowed lowly to Rebekah her face apologetic.
"Lady Rebekah," Bonnie greeted, "I apologize. I am aware that I was meant to be making preparations for the feast. However, my sleep was fitful and so I awoke much later than expected and-"
"That is of no matter to me," Rebekah told her, waving a dismissive hand, "You are after all no longer considered a servant in this household." Bonnie blinked at her, and she wasn't sure if the girl had just fired her or if there was something else meant by her words. "You are now to be considered a favored guest and greater footing than the other guests that reside under our roof, and equal footing to myself, being the only lady of the house as my brothers remain unmarried."
Bonnie stood there stupefied as Rebekah walked into the room followed by a line of servants, all carrying different garments and accessories. One carrying an emerald, gold and cream silk dress with golden trimming and embroidery. One carrying a golden belt and another carrying a green jeweled and gold beaded necklace and another carrying a pair of gold earrings. The last carried a pair of green shoes. Bonnie wondered who was responsible for the development, Elijah, Klaus, or both.
"You are to attend the gathering tonight as a favored guest and I felt it my duty to make sure that you were properly attired," Rebekah continued, "As for your accommodations, your belongings will be moved to a room more fitting of a lady of station during the feast and you may retire to said room at the close of the festivities."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow at her. "As your equal," Bonnie said, inclining her head, "As you so eloquently put it, Lady Rebekah, I am certain that you will not mind me asking why it is that you are going to so much trouble to oversee my continued stay here? Particularly when I am aware that other guests here do not receive the same sort of attentions from you." It was well known by the servants that Katherine was treated more like a servant than many of the servants there.
Rebekah's smile did not waver as she looked at Bonnie with what appeared to be amusement. "Well," she grinned, "It would seem that my brothers' pursuits of other guests in this house are far less serious than their pursuit of you."
Rebekah dismissed the servants with an inclination of her head. They all unloaded the items in their hands onto Bonnie's bed and then filtered out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Rebekah turned back to Bonnie. Rebekah moved forward and rounded the table at which Bonnie had been sitting. She stood behind the witch and brushed Bonnie's hair, which had grown longer since her arrival, over her shoulder.
"I must admit," Rebekah whispered into Bonnie's ear, "In many ways I can see the appeal. However, I will warn you that I am extremely protective of them both and my favor of you could easily turn into ire toward you if you ever intentionally hurt either of them."
Bonnie glanced at Mirela, who simply shrugged and gestured with her head for Bonnie to respond. Bonnie had witnessed Rebekah's closeness to her brothers from afar in the future and decided not to take the matter personally. Still Bonnie knew that there was an underlying threat in her tone.
Not to be cowed, Bonnie turned to face Rebekah, her tone firm and sure when she spoke. "I respect your concern for your brothers," Bonnie cleared her throat, "But you should be aware that they are both capable of thinking for themselves, taking care of themselves, and making their own choices. I have been honest with both regarding my feelings for them and my thoughts regarding theirs for me. I have no reason to lie to them and it is not my intent to hurt either. As for the rest…as you are my equal you will not mind me being blunt in saying that it is not really any business of yours, Lady Rebekah. However, I offer you my gratitude for the attire and my wish that we will continue to understand one another in the future. Now if you would excuse me, I have a bath to take."
Rebekah was impressed that the girl did not back down. Unlike Katerina who folded into herself every time that Rebekah so much as looked in her direction. This one would be able to handle her brothers, and their family. It would take more than a pretty face and an opportunistic nature to do that, even if Katerina had a survivor's spirit, she lacked the strength and conviction to back it up. She also lacked loyalty, which meant that her self-serving nature would lead to the downfall of her family if both of her brothers continued to pursue her further. So, Rebekah would never approve of her having a relationship with either of her brothers. Bonnie was something else altogether. Now that she knew that both Niklaus and Elijah had serious intentions where the witch was concerned, she was curious to see how the matter played out. However, she knew that if the witch were to continue to hide from her feelings, things would remain as unresolved as they were now.
"Perhaps it is as you say, none of my concern," Rebekah smirked, "However, I will offer some more unsolicited advice all the same. I have been around for a long time. I have fallen in love with many people. Dangerously, foolishly, sinfully, and passionately. Being what we are, even if that love is returned, it never ends the way we wish it to. It is the burden of immortality I suppose; a burden that is made worse still by the fact that we are not human. A burden that, though you are a witch, you may not fully understand. But I will say this, even if I have loved and lost, I have never regretted a moment because I allowed myself to feel all of it. I refused to live in fear. I refused to run. I refused to be apologetic. I embraced the mistakes, the flaws in myself and others. I experienced the full of it, the sensuous, joyful, and arduous parts and the tortuous, unpleasant, and confusing parts as well. In the end, there was truly nothing left to experience and so there was nothing left to regret. Whatever you feel for them, I advise you to let yourself feel it, even if it is all your undoing."
Rebekah watched the array of emotions play across the witch's face. She wasn't surprised to find shock among them. In truth, Rebekah hadn't planned on commenting on what she and Niklaus had overheard the night before, even in veiled terms. However, she saw a bit of herself in Bonnie and she wanted to make sure that regardless of the mess that all of their feelings would likely create, things played out with Niklaus and Elijah, with Bonnie holding nothing back. There would never be closure for anyone if they played out any other way.
"I...," Bonnie began, and then swallowed. "I'll take your words under advisement, Lady Rebekah."
"That's all that I ask, Lady Bonnie. I will leave you to it then," Rebekah said, nodding to both Bonnie and Mirela in turn, "I look forward to seeing you at the feast. I do so hope that you enjoy dancing."
Bonnie frowned as she watched Rebekah leave the room. She turned to Mirela, when the door shut behind her. "What exactly was that about?"
Mirela shrugged. "I suppose she wanted to see if you were easily intimidated. Miss Rebekah does not favor the weak," she explained.
Bonnie nodded. "I would rather go to the feast as a servant," Bonnie sighed, "Katerina looks suspicious of me as it is. I'm sure she'll corner me as soon as she discovers that I have gone from servant to lady in less than twenty-four hours."
"Besides a few duties, you never really were a servant to be fair," Mirela pointed out.
Bonnie gave her a look. "Either way," she said, "I don't really know any dances." At least any of the kinds that you all do, Bonnie thought.
Mirela glanced at her as she continued to prepare her bath water. "Even if they will allow Romani to play for the gathering, I doubt there will be any of our music. I do know a few dances more suited for a lady, however. I would be happy to teach you as I am sure that you will not be wanting in terms of dance partners."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Bonnie sighed. She missed being home. Missed being the one that was easy for men to ignore. Almost.
Rebekah's words kept ringing in Bonnie's ears. Because the girl's words terrified Bonnie, she knew that Rebekah was right. Bonnie was so focused on not wanting to go down the same road as Elena, or Katherine, on who she didn't want to be and how she didn't want to feel, she hadn't been acknowledging her actual feelings.
She remembered how long Elena had been in denial or rather denying her conflicting feelings for Stefan and Damon. Remembered the way that Jeremy had been dishonest about seeing Anna's ghost, and then about his own lingering feelings until he had ended up breaking Bonnie's heart. Katherine had claimed to love both Stefan and Damon, but she had still compelled them and manipulated them. Both were forms of dishonesty. Elijah had said it best, it wouldn't be logical for Bonnie to ignore her feelings and it wouldn't resolve anything.
Bonnie swallowed, making the silent decision to be honest with herself and with both Klaus and Elijah about her feelings. Even if it terrified her. Even if it turned out to be a mistake. Even if a part of her knew if she were to let in what she was beginning to feel for them both long enough to embrace those feelings and let them grow, it would be that much harder to choose between them when the time came. Which meant that Bonnie would likely choose to walk away, especially given that she'd eventually have to return to her own time. Which meant that, no matter what she did they would all be hurt in one form or another. Which meant, in all actuality if she let herself feel everything, there would be nothing left to lose.
:::
As the lord of the hosting house of the feast, Niklaus Mikaelson should have been welcoming the guests as they arrived. For the sake of his plans, he should have been reassuring Katerina Petrova that, though he was no longer interested in pursuing a romantic attachment, she would always have a secure place within his household. Though, the truth of things was that security would only last up until the night of the sacrifice. However, Niklaus was not lying to his house guest or working to maintain his image at that moment, he was standing outside of Bonnie Bennett's chambers and waiting for her to open the door to him.
When he had knocked Mirela had claimed that she was putting the finishing touches on Bonnie's hair and attire. He might have believed her if not for the fact that he could hear Bonnie's pulse racing on the other side of the door and the murmured words of anxiety at the thought of having to face both himself and his brother.
Klaus lifted his hand to knock again but paused when he heard the sound of footsteps moving towards the door. The door opened a moment later and Mirela smiled at him looking lovely in her own yellow dress as she gestured towards her mistress with her hands. "She is ready, my lord."
Klaus looked past her toward Bonnie and the witch was a vision in the hunter green dress that his sister had picked out for her. The gold accents and accessories only offset her beauty all the more and he felt the familiar wave of desire hit him as Bonnie's eyes met his. "You're breathtaking, truly," he complemented.
Bonnie gifted him with a rare smile as she spoke. "Thank you," she said, and then, "Have you come to escort me to the feast."
Klaus smiled in turn. "Yes, and no," he said, "It would be my pleasure to escort you but there is something that I wish for you to see before we go."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow and looked at him curiously. "What exactly?"
Klaus moved forward in took her hands in his. "I have up until this point been relying rather heavily on deception and manipulation when seeking to build my relationship with you. I realize now that I cannot expect you to recognize my sincerity if I do not show it to you."
Bonnie grinned. "That should have been obvious and yet I have a feeling that you did not come to that revelation on your own."
Klaus brushed his thumbs across her fingers. "Rebekah gave me a bit of a nudge," he admitted.
"She gave me one as well today," she said, surprising him, "She told me to let myself feel even if I'm afraid. She's very pushy, your sister, but I believe that she is right on both counts."
"She usually is," Klaus smiled. He enjoyed this side of Bonnie. This side of her that was open to him. He had yet another reason to thank Rebekah.
"You said that you wanted to show me your sincerity," Bonnie said, sounding both intrigued and a bit skeptical, "How do you plan on doing that?"
Klaus squeezed her hands and then brought her right hand up to his lips and kissed the back of it. "I have never been good with words, written or otherwise," he murmured, "But there is another way that I have found to express myself comfortably, vulnerably, and honestly. Art has been a form of expression, an outlet when any emotion becomes overwhelming, and a tool I've used for healing for some time now. I've created a piece while thinking of you. Of everything that you are. Of all the things that you inspire within me. I had it hung in your new chambers. I only hope that you can accept it."
Bonnie studied him for a long moment, and he could not make out her thoughts from her expression. Eventually, she looped her arm through his. "Show me," she said.
Nodding Klaus led Bonnie out of the room that she would no longer inhabit after the feast, stopping in front of Mirela as they passed. "Go enjoy the feast," he told her, "Well be along momentarily."
Mirela glanced at Bonnie and at the witch's nod she did as Klaus instructed. Klaus might have been offended if not for the relief he felt that there was someone looking out for Bonnie's safety and wellbeing when he, or admittedly his brother, were not around to do so. He tolerated Trevor's obvious infatuation with Bonnie for much the same reason.
Klaus walked with Bonnie through the halls, greeting guests as they passed by. Eventually they made it to the hall that held the chambers of him and his siblings. He stopped in front of the door of the room that was in between his own and Elijah's room on the other side. Bonnie raised a brow when he told her as much.
"Just because I agreed with you both pursuing me doesn't mean that I want to literally be in between you two all the time," Bonnie said.
"Interesting choice of words, Miss Bennett," Klaus commented, amusement clear in his voice.
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Klaus," she said, her tone warning.
Klaus chuckled. "We simply want to keep an eye on you," he said, "Believe it or not, it is safer for you to be near us both now that our attentions towards you will be expressed openly on both sides. I will admit that I have the ulterior motives of being near you and keeping an eye on my brother's own progress with wooing you, but we also have your wellbeing at heart."
Bonnie's face softened at the last words. "Not many people in my life have and so I guess I can give you a little leeway on this," she said, and then, "But no coming into my room uninvited."
"Does that mean you're open to offering an invitation at some point?" Klaus asked, unable to stop himself from provoking her just a bit.
"This whole showing your sincerity thing isn't working for you so far," she said instead of answering the question.
"I suppose I should renew my efforts then," he laughed.
He opened the door to Bonnie's new room and allowed the witch to enter first. He watched as she looked around at her surroundings. Her eyes were wide as she took in the large opulent fireplace, the fur rugs and hand-crafted velvet cushioned chairs and chaise. It was much larger than her previous room. There was more space and furniture including a writing desk, red oak and engraved with vines and flowers. The table where she would take her meals when she ate in her quarters now held a lace tablecloth. In the corner there was a large copper bathtub and a mirrored vanity. At the center of the room was a large canopy bed and Klaus followed Bonnie's gaze as she landed on it.
"This is too much…," Bonnie started but trailed as her eyes settled on the painting of herself that hung over the bed. Her lips parted and then closed in shock as she gripped the bed post. "I... I don't know what to say."
Klaus came up to stand beside her, his eyes on the painting as well. The canvas depicted Bonnie with her gaze strong and direct as she had been the first time, he had seen her. Her curls were wild and free. She was surrounded by flames, a reflection of her pain, of her power, of her anger, and her strength. Amid the flames, wildflowers bloomed, a reflection of her beauty, her kindness, her grace, and her connection to nature. In her hands she held a book, a reflection of her intelligence, her love for literature, and of her family history. The cover of the book was open, the pages splayed, as butterflies spilled from the pages. The butterflies symbolized her youth, rebirth, mysticism and transformation. They were both a sign of renewal and change. Klaus explained each detail softly to her.
"It's beautiful," Bonnie whispered, "Nothing like I imagined anyone ever seeing me but somehow exactly how I want to be seen. I never expected this from anyone, least of all you."
Klaus knew she wasn't referring to the artistry as she had known of his passion for it, but she was instead referring to the act of being truly seen. "Last night I overheard you and Trevor speaking," he said, "It was not intentional, but the conversation caught my attention. You said that you felt as if you no longer knew yourself, that you feared the changes in yourself you had seen already. You expressed concern over whether you could believe in someone loving who you are if you are uncertain of who that person is."
Bonnie turned to him slightly. "You must think I'm foolish. Being what we are fearing change cannot really be anything but, I guess."
Klaus shook his head. "No," he said, quickly, "I think you are young yet. You have yet to experience many things. You do not yet understand that change is inevitable. I have been around long enough to see change in myself and others. Long enough to fear it. But I have grown to fear stagnation more. It is when you stop changing, stop learning and growing in good and bad ways that your life becomes nothing more than an existence. You will change continuously, and you will relearn yourself and adapt and adjust. You will love yourself. You will hate yourself. But in the end you will live."
Klaus watched as she swallowed, taking in his words. "Is that what this painting is supposed to do," Bonnie asked, "Show me myself? Help me to accept who I am? Show me that you know me?"
Klaus shifted until he was standing behind her and placed his hands at her waist. "In part but I, more than anything wanted you to understand the ways in which I see you. I wanted to depict all that makes you up, the fire, the anger, the bitter, the sweet, the powerful, the vulnerable, the hidden, and the honesty. I wanted to show that even with all that I know of you now that I want to know more about you. I wanted you to know that I have taken the time to learn who you are in all the ways you allow me to, and I will relearn you no matter how you change or grow because it is my greatest desire to do so. And when that new you shows her face whether you hate her or love her I will put her to canvas and show you the beauty that is there in everything that you are or will be, even the flaws. You should not fear change Bonnie, for those that truly wish to will love you through it. I have been lucky in that my siblings have done as much for me. I know that you have not experienced that kind of devotion, but I hope that you will one day allow me to know you enough to love you and show it to you all the same."
Klaus had not known until the moment he spoke the words that they were what he truly desired. For her to allow him to know her and to love her. For her to know and love him in return. Not due to his plans and machinations but because she had unearthed a change in him after he had spent so long in solitude and stagnation. He decided, at that moment, he would do whatever it took to keep her. Even if it meant that he also had to deal with her growing affection for his brother. Whatever the cost, she was worth the price.
Bonnie turned to him, and he realized that she had been crying silently. "You are not so bad with words," she whispered as she looked up at him. "Thank you for the painting. For showing me this side of you. I realize that I have not been allowing myself to see the fullness of your character. I was determined to only see the monster because it was easier for me with all that I came here knowing to be true of you and because of the feelings that I did not wish to face. I want to try to know you more fully because not many before you or the others here have made the effort to know me. I cannot promise love, but I can promise to be open."
"Then tell me, Bonnie," he murmured, "If you are willing to be open and willing to feel. What is it that you feel right now in this moment?"
Bonnie surprised him once more by reaching up and framing his face with her hands. "I feel your sincerity, and it scares the hell out of me."
Klaus expected her to pull away based on her words, but instead Bonnie stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Klaus pulled her into his body, returning the kiss with fervor.
The sound of chatter and laughter as more guests arrived, though muted from the other side of the door, caused them to part too quickly for Klaus' liking. He brushed the tears from Bonnie's cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. "I suppose we should make an appearance at the feast before we are missed," Klaus said.
Bonnie bit her lip as she looked up at him. "You are the lord of this house I think they could stand to wait for you for just a few more minutes."
Klaus chuckled as he leaned down again. "As you say, my lady." As Klaus kissed her again, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, he was all too happy to let the attendees of the gathering wait.
:::
The feast was as extravagant and grandiose as Katerina Petrova thought it would be. A myriad of colors, food, laughter, drink, music, and dance. However, as she had been a part of the labor force that had put the gathering together, she was late in her arrival to the event.
"Mayhap our Lady Rebekah has been training you to be upcoming lady of the house," one of the kitchen wenches had said, eyeing Katerina with pity, "You have after all been involved in planning the affair from top to bottom."
Katerina did not need her empty words or her pity. She would enter the gathering with her head held high and she would take the respect that Rebekah refused to give her, no matter the blondes intention.
After leaving the kitchen the final time, Katerina had gone back to her chambers to change into the dress she had prepared for the gathering. She wore a midnight blue dress, this one finally made of new material gifted to her by Elijah in gratitude for offering Rebekah her assistance in preparing the gathering. She accessorized it with a gold belt that she had picked up at the market and used the comb that Klaus had gifted her with early in her arrival on her hair.
She wasn't at all surprised that she was forced to prepare on her own as her servant girl had all but disappeared, not bothering to return to her duties even after the sprained ankle that everyone in the manor had made an unnecessary fuss over had healed.
Katerina was used to fending for herself and making her way from her own devices and so she dressed herself quickly, trying to pay no mind to thoughts of her servant or anyone else in the household outside of the men whose attention that she was still vying for.
When Katerina left her chambers and made her way to the grand hall unescorted, she was met on the way by drunken noblemen and ladies. She bypassed them and nodded at the few who bid her greeting. When she finally made it to the entrance of the grand hall it was already full of music and dancing. She eyed the party goers who surrounded the tables of food with laughter and merriment as she searched for any signs of Lord Niklaus.
Katerina's eyes instead landed on Bonnie Bennett. The girl who could quite clearly no longer be referred to as a servant was dressed in green, cream, and gold. She was covered in jewels and on her head, she wore a gold headdress atop her dark curls that hung low down her back. There was no shortage of eyes on the girl as she chatted with a musician and Trevor who was ever at her side attempted to coax her into joining the dancing.
Katerina felt her jealousy spike as her eyes finally found Niklaus as he made his way through the crowd and towards Bonnie with a plate of delicacies in his hand. When he reached her instead of offering the plate to Bonnie, Klaus picked up a piece of food and fed her from his hand. Bonnie flushed slightly taking a small bite and Niklaus lit up in a way that Katerina had never seen him as the girl smiled at him.
"She looks enchanting tonight does she not," a deep voice said from beside her, and Katerina turned to face Niklaus' brother Kol. "I had my doubts that she could make such a seamless transition from servant to lady, but I suppose it was an easy task when no one ever truly saw her as a servant."
"Anyone can put on a dress but not everyone can call themselves a true lady." She snipped before she could stop herself. Kol raised a brow at her, and Katerina frowned, but then quickly schooled her features. "My apologies, I have spoken too quickly and out of turn, Lord Kol," she nodded, "Are you enjoying the gathering?"
Kol nodded, grinning. "I am and I do hope that you will as well," he said, "And given recent developments, you may want to take this occasion to find yourself a new suitor as my brothers are both preoccupied elsewhere."
Katerina followed his gaze and saw the moment that Elijah made his way across the hall with his eyes on Bonnie. Katerina cleared her throat. "I have never shied away from a challenge," she said with a forced smile, "I still have position in this household and so there will be plenty of time to gain their favor. One night and one gathering will not sway them fully. Neither has see me yet after all."
"When there is desire and interest one night can do wonders," Kol said. Katerina bit back a snide remark and ran a hand down her dress as Kol continued. "As you said," he smiled, "Anyone can wear a pretty dress, but not everyone can be a lady. A true lady knows when to bow out graciously. You will always have a home here Miss Petrova and we will host you rather happily here until you find a suitable match befitting your taste and station, but I can assure you that match will not be Niklaus nor Elijah. You are a survivor and a pragmatist. I can respect both. Use your association with us as an opportunity to elevate your station but if you continue to pursue entrance into this family it will only lead to embarrassment and heartache."
Katerina's eyes narrowed. He was right in a way. But her pride would not let her lose out to Bonnie, and the bit of heart that Niklaus still held and that was softening towards Elijah as well, wouldn't allow her to let them go. "You would call a servant family over myself?" Katerina pressed.
"As I said, she isn't a servant any longer if she ever was," Kol shrugged, "Besides it is not my choice to make. Though, seeing as my own choice would be Mirela and her association with this household displeases you as well, I suppose my opinions are not of great value to you."
Katerina winced. "I did not mean any offense to Mirela," she said, "My people have a…fractured history with her people. If that is the reason that you cannot support my pursuit-"
Kol cut her off before she could finish. "It is not," he said, "I have known many a people with closed minds that pay far too much attention to unpleasant histories and not the character of the people in their presence. Luckily my brothers have chosen to pursue a lady of a more open mind. I cannot support your pursuit because I do not believe that you can make either of my brothers happy or that they can make you happy. Be happy to have shelter, our financial and social support, and good company. If you continue to aspire beyond your reach, I am afraid you will not like the way it ends."
Katerina felt something deep within her rage at his words. It reminded her so much of her father. Her determination only grew. "While I appreciate your concerns," Katerina said, "No one decides what is within my reach but me."
:::
Elijah Mikaelson smiled as he watched Mirela instruct Bonnie as the two danced with Kol and Trevor. Niklaus was off with Rebekah playing the good host for the guests and so he finally had a moment to approach Bonnie on his own. Elijah walked up to where Trevor was guiding Bonnie's movements gently and stopped beside them. The two stopped dancing as he approached.
"May I cut in?" Elijah asked graciously, just the same.
Elijah noted Trevor's unease even as the vampire nodded. "Of course, my lord." Trevor turned back to Bonnie and kissed her hand before reluctantly letting the witch go.
Bonnie turned to Elijah and smiled. "Are you sure you want to dance with me?" she asked, "I have been working with Mirela all night and have learned only just enough to make us both look tolerable at best."
Elijah took both of Bonnie's hands, guiding her through the new dance that began as the music changed. He kept his grip on Bonnie refusing to change partners even when the dance called for it. Her movements were intentional and graceful. Even with her inexperience she was quick to pick up on the steps and the other dancers laughed happily at her enthusiasm.
Elijah smiled down at her softly. "As you are the most beautiful woman in the room, I see no reason to dance with anyone else and I also doubt very much that anyone who looks in your direction tonight will be paying enough attention to your dancing to find fault with it or you," he said, seriously.
Bonnie shook her head. "You're just saying that because you don't want me to step on your feet," she said.
Elijah began to guide her around the other dancers. "Step on my feet or crush my heart I will tell you the same," he said as he pulled Bonnie into him, and they moved together.
Bonnie frowned slightly, looking away. "I don't want to crush your heart," she murmured, "but after yesterday I feel like I put myself in a position to do just that and the same to your brother."
"Niklaus and I agreed to your terms and are well aware of the risk," he said, "We both happen to think that you are worth it and are both prepared for the consequences of that decision."
Bonnie's eyes met his once more and her gaze was tender as she met his. "I wanted to believe that my feelings for you were all because of the connection that stemmed from your blood," Bonnie whispered so lowly that Elijah had to lean in even with his enhanced hearing to catch the words over the music and the crowd, "I was wrong. I missed you today. Being with you now and hearing all these words, I wish it didn't affect me, but it does."
Elijah used his grip on Bonnie's hands to lead her away from the other dancers. "I missed you today as well," he said, "There is entertainment in the gardens. While we will not be alone, we'll still have a bit of solitude."
Bonnie nodded. "Alright."
Elijah let go of one of Bonnie's hands but gripped the other firmly as he led her out of the grand hall, through the manor and outside towards the gardens. On the lawn jugglers and more music entertained the guest and he watched his eyes alight as Bonnie's own eyes widened as she took in the sight.
Bonnie gasped as the entertainers went from juggling wooden balls to knives, her hand squeezing Elijah's tightly. "That's incredible." She said, her voice full of awe.
Elijah grinned. "I miss being able to find wonder in such things," he said.
Bonnie turned to him then, her brown skin flushing slightly as she realized he had been staring. "I know being what we are we are surrounded by the mystical and magical all the time, but you must still be able to find wonder in something."
Elijah inhaled knowing that his next words would likely inspire her to pull away from him but unable to stop himself from uttering them anyway. "I find wonder in you," he said, "And no, I'm not speaking of your power. I enjoy seeing the way that you look at the world. You have even in the short time that I have known you, changed the way I see it. The way I see myself. The way Niklaus' sees himself. The way that we see one another. We have existed in this world for a long time and change is constant but being what we are and feeling as intensely as we do true and permanent change does not come easily. You have changed me, irrevocably. For a long time, I have been a nonbeliever in love in the romantic sense. My experience with it has been tainted in part by seeing the deterioration of my parents' marriage and in part being disenchanted by my own circumstances and the disappointments of the past. But I look at you and I believe that love in every sense of the word is not only possible but attainable for me."
Bonnie licked her lips and her hand flexed in his. "I believe you," Bonnie said, "It's hard for me to trust anyone but I feel like I can trust everything you say. It's wonderful, to actually hear you, outside of the letters and without you hiding behind a false signature or a piece of paper. Hearing all of that makes me want to melt and give in." Her eyes strayed from him and landed on the jugglers once more. "But this thing with you and Klaus. I feel like I'm juggling knives and if I slip up even a little that I'm not just going to hurt both of you, but I'll be the one that's cut the deepest."
Elijah stepped in front of Bonnie, blocking her view of the juggler. He gently lifted her chin forcing her to look at him. "If you fumble and the knife falls then if I cannot shield you with my body then I will heal you with my blood," Elijah said.
"Elijah," Bonnie sighed, "I'm being serious."
"As am I," Elijah said, firmly, "I will let Niklaus concern himself with what you feel for Niklaus, and what he feels for you. The only thing that matters to me is what you feel for me and what I feel for you. Right now, all I want to do is something else that brings me wonder."
Bonnie looked up at him, desire clear in her gaze. "What's that?"
In answer, Elijah leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
:::
As both Niklaus and Elijah spent the gathering either in the company of their siblings or in the company of the former servant girl, Katerina was unable to get time alone with either. However, she refused to return to her room without trying her hand at a run in with at least one of the Mikaelson brothers.
She made her way away from the grand hall and towards the library in search of Elijah. She assumed Niklaus was filtering guests out of the manor and that she would have a better chance at a run in with his brother.
When Katerina reached the library, she almost called out as she heard Elijah's voice, but she stopped when she realized that he was not alone, but Niklaus was with him. She debated on whether to show herself to them but decided that she would do better to listen in when she realized their topic of discussion.
"I see that Bonnie has soften towards you greatly already, brother," Elijah said, "I suppose you found a way to woo her all on your own."
Instead of the smug response that Katerina expected Niklaus to give, as he often seemed to when faced with any form of competition or perceived victory, Klaus looked introspective as he spoke. "I found a way to truly connect with her and have made myself vulnerable as a result," Klaus revealed, "I have realized in doing so, that my feelings for her are greater in magnitude than I thought they would be."
Elijah sighed. "I thought that they might be," he said, "I know that we have been in similar situations in the past, brother, but I cannot step aside for you this time."
Niklaus frowned and Katerina waited with bated breath for his answer. "I know that and even if a part of me wishes that I could pressure you into it just the same, we both made promises to Bonnie," he said, "To allow things to happen naturally and to allow her to discover her true feelings for us both. I have broken promises to many, you included. I do not wish to break this one."
Elijah looked at Klaus for a long moment, and Katerina knew that she was not the only one surprised by his brother's words. "You do care for her, truly," Elijah murmured, and Katerina knew he was stating a fact and not questioning his brother's feelings. There was a pause and then Elijah spoke again, more hesitantly this time. "About that promise," he said, "I have thought of every outcome, and I wanted to broach the subject with you."
Klaus huffed. "Do not worry yourself brother," he said, "If it is you that she prefers I will cease my interference. I will step aside as you have done for me in the past. I suppose that I owe you at least this much."
At Klaus' words Katerina fell a bit deeper as she knew what growth it must have taken for him to say them, and she wished that she had been the one to inspire the change and the feelings. She had not known them long, but she knew that Niklaus' impulse and entitlement kept Elijah at a disadvantage at times and so for Niklaus to temper those impulses for Elijah's sake either meant that he had grown a great deal or that the Bennett girl did not mean as much to him as she did to Elijah. Katerina hoped it was the latter.
Elijah shook his head, regaining Katerina's attention. "I appreciate the sentiment and will offer you the same if it comes to that, only," a pause and then, "I am not so sure that it will."
Niklaus looked at his brother through narrowed eyes. "Go on."
Elijah swallowed. "After spending time with Bonnie tonight, I believe that it is possible for her to return not just my feelings but yours as well," he said, "I have spent much of my life not believing in love and unable to look past logic and see the other possibilities this life has to offer. You have spent much of yours searching for love and acceptance, trying to find a light in the darkness and a relief of your solitude outside of this family. If Bonnie can offer those things to us, I find myself reluctant to take them away from you or give them up myself. We have experienced much more than she and more than likely committed greater sins as well. If she has the ability to love us both, then perhaps we should allow her to."
Katerina thought his words about Bonnie's experiences, and their own sins, to be a great exaggeration. She was sure that the girl's actions were far more intentional than either brother realized. Just as she was sure that both Elijah and Niklaus were harder on themselves than they needed to be. The words that caught Katerina's attention were the possibility of loving them both, of having them both.
"Do you truly believe that she could love us both brother?" Niklaus asked, and Katerina was surprised to hear the longing in his voice, the ache. She hated the girl all the more because he desired her affections so much, desired them enough to be more than willing to share them with his brother.
"I believe that in a way, despite herself, a part of her already does," Elijah revealed, "I do not wish to see either of us heartbroken brother. I know that Bonnie is of the same mind. You will not say it, but I know that you do not wish any harm to come to any of us either."
Niklaus looked warily at his brother, the barely suppressed longing leaking out even still. "I do not," he said, "You have loved me through everything, as have Kol and Rebekah. I have loved you all in turn, though perhaps my love has done more damage than good. But nothing has ever rivaled my devotion to all of you. Nothing until I laid eyes on Bonnie."
Katerina grimaced at Klaus's words as Elijah placed a hand on Niklaus's shoulder. "Then perhaps, the solution is not to compete for Bonnie's affection but to bring her into our fold, brother. Into our family."
"If we approach her with this she would refuse," Niklaus said, "Not because it is not as you say and it is possibly what she wants, but because she will believe in doing so that she would spare us of putting her feelings before our own. She would not even let us care for her peacefully when she was injured, something like this would only frighten her away further and we have made so much progress already."
"Then we will not tell her," Elijah offered, "We will simply pursue her until she realizes what she wants all on her own. Only then will we let her know that we are willing to give that to her."
Scowling Katerina slipped out of the library. What had the girl done to deserve such devotion when Katerina herself was starving for the slightest bit of love. It was a cruelty, an unfairness. However, it was not over yet.
She had learned much about the girl's relationship with the brothers that had yet been unknown to her. She knew now that Bonnie was still only just opening up to them and unaware of the depth of their feelings. Katerina could prey upon that; she could infiltrate it. She could steal the love that the girl did not deserve right from under her before Bonnie knew that she had it. If Bonnie could get the blessing to love both brothers, why not Katerina?
The problem was with the brothers so enamored with Bonnie and their siblings lending the girl their favor, Katerina knew that she would need an alliance of her own.
She walked through the halls and realized just how isolated she was and how few her options were. She was in such deep thought as she rounded the corner that she did not realize that someone was walking in her direction until she bumped into Trevor.
"Lady Petrova," Trevor said, "My apologies. I did not see you there. I have been rather distracted with the gathering coming to a close. May I assist you to your rooms?"
Katerina smiled beguilingly at him, her mind calculating. Trevor had been following yearningly after Bonnie all night. Katerina knew that she was not the only one in the manor suffering with yet unrequited feelings.
Katerina allowed Trevor to take her arm as she spoke. "I believe, dear Trevor, that we can assist one another."
:::
After the gathering Bonnie took shelter in her room. She was quiet and introspective as Mirela helped her to undress, stored the jewels Rebekah had gifted her with, took down her hair, and prepared her bath. When Bonnie got out of the new copper tub, she dressed in a nightgown and overlayed it with a long robe. Then Mirela left her to her own devices. Bonnie found, as she lay in her bed, that now felt much too large for one person, that she could not sleep.
Her eyes kept straying to the painting that Klaus had gifted her with, that hung on the wall. To the book Elijah had given her what seemed so long ago now, that sat on her nightstand. To the declarations that both had made. To the kisses that she had shared with both.
Nothing was becoming any clearer. While her plans to assist with the sacrifice had not changed, her feelings for both Elijah and Klaus were changing rapidly. She was attracted to them both. Felt herself softening towards both. Felt deeper for each of them than she had even the day before. Things were developing outside of her control and Bonnie knew that the deeper she got with them the worse it would get. However, as much as her brain was screaming at her to back out of the openness, she had promised both that she would not push them away, and an unknown part of her wouldn't allow her to, didn't want her to at all.
Bonnie almost wished that she had drunk more wine or eaten more food. That she had danced and stayed at the gathering later. Anything to get her out of her own head and assist her in getting some rest and not overthinking so much.
A knock on her door came and Bonnie sat up in bed. She knew that it had to be Klaus or Elijah. She wasn't sure which she preferred to see. A part of her wanted to see both of them before she went to bed, and she immediately berated herself for the thought.
Sighing, Bonnie threw back the covers and got out of the bed. She walked to her chamber door and opened it. She was surprised to see both Klaus and Elijah on the other side. Her eyes widened as she looked between them. She thought for a moment that they had come to confront her for kissing them both in one night, but then Elijah spoke. "While the feast was fairly tame in the face of ones that Rebekah has planned in the past, we thought you might have some trouble sleeping with all of the excitement," he said, "That you would be up for a little reading before bed."
Bonnie stared, it took her a moment to take in the situation and process the words. She looked from Elijah to Klaus, noting that the journal that Klaus used to sketch was in his hand.
"May we come in?" Klaus asked, before teasing, "You did request that we wait for an invitation earlier."
Bonnie bit her lip and looked away. "Come in," she said, stepping aside so that they both could enter.
Bonnie watched them both walk into her room and wasn't surprised when Klaus immediately walked up to her bed and sat at the head of it, leaning against the headboard as he opened his notebook. Bonnie rolled her eyes but inwardly she was grateful as his antics took away some of her unease at having them both there. "You are ridiculously invasive," Bonnie said, shaking her head.
Klaus glanced up at her in amusement. "What happened to giving the lord of the manor leeway?"
Bonnie cleared her throat, the words bringing their kiss to mind. She let her eyes trail to Elijah and wished for a moment that she hadn't when she noticed that he was staring at the painting above her bed. Bonnie fumbled with her hands in a nervous gesture.
Instead of meeting Klaus with ire as Bonnie expected, Elijah looked from the painting to Klaus, almost affectionately. "It is exquisite brother. A perfect likeness. I must say I believe it to be your best work to date."
Klaus' lips twitched as he eyed his brother. "I thought you might like it."
Feeling no less uneasy, Bonnie walked over to her nightstand and grabbed her book. She walked over to Elijah and held it out. "Do you remember where we left off."
"I do," he nodded.
He took the book from her hand and Bonnie expected Elijah to take a seat in front of the fireplace. Instead, he walked around Bonnie's bed and sat at the head of it on the other side. He patted the empty space in between him and Klaus and gestured his head towards Bonnie. "Come on then."
Bonnie raised and eyebrow. "That is a spectacularly bad idea."
Klaus stood a moment later smiling. "Even if we promise to be on our best behavior?" he asked, as he stepped forward, taking Bonnie's hand.
"I doubt my idea of your best behavior is the same as your idea of it," Bonnie commented, even as she allowed herself to be led towards the bed.
Bonnie felt her pulse quickening, knew that they could hear it. Klaus leaned down and startled Bonnie slightly by kissing her gently on the lips. Bonnie returned this kiss without thinking, her body leaning into him. The kiss was no less warm than the ones that came before it that night and even as Bonnie felt guilty for letting it happen in front of Elijah, she felt a flutter in her stomach at the feel of his lips on hers. However, Elijah looked unbothered as their lips parted and Klaus continued to speak. "You would be right, love," he said, "But with Elijah here I am sure the two of you can find some way to keep me in line."
Bonnie swallowed, unable to respond to the statement due to the image his words created. By the time her mouth opened again to form words, she had made it to the bed and Elijah was grabbing her other hand and tugging her towards him.
"Are either of you going to tell me what is really going on here?" Bonnie asked, even as she reluctantly climbed into the bed next to Elijah, shifting somewhat as he lifted the covers for her.
"We are giving you a break from juggling," Elijah said, as she settled in next to him, "At least for tonight," he said, ever logical, "We both wanted to wish you goodnight and making a fuss over it seemed to be to our disadvantage since we have both made progress with you that we would like to keep."
Elijah leaned over her kissing her lips tenderly, before he turned his attention towards the book in his hand. Bonnie couldn't help but to reach out and tilt his face back towards hers. She kissed him again lingering this time. As she pulled back, she frowned at herself as she felt Klaus shift next to her as he got back into the bed on the other side of her. "I'm sorry," she murmured.
She felt Klaus' lips on her shoulder and then her neck. "You never have to apologize for acting on how you feel and doing the things you want," he whispered, his lips brushing against Bonnie's ear, making Bonnie shiver, "Not with us."
"We promised to let you figure out what you feel for each of us in your own time," Elijah agreed, "The rest can be sorted another day."
Bonnie was shocked but also relieved and pleased. Still, she was no less afraid, as them being more focused on making things easier for her, than on lashing out at her or each other, meant that they truly cared for her as deeply as they said they did. No less afraid because being in such close proximity to them both was making her lose a bit of her sanity. No less afraid because her desire to be near them both, to touch them, to kiss them, to know and be known by them was only increasing with each in counter. No less afraid because all of this was against who she once was and who a part of her still wanted to be. No less afraid because she was uncertain that she would be able to make a choice between them once the time came, even if leaving them both behind was an inevitability since she would eventually have to return to her own time.
Bonnie decided to meet their consideration for her feelings with candor of her own. "Thank you both for everything, tonight. I know that this situation isn't ideal for a lot of reasons. I appreciate you both giving me room to explore things and figure out what it is I want. I'm glad you're both here."
"Of course, love." Klaus nodded. "We will return to our chambers when you fall asleep," he said, "In the meantime, stop thinking so much and rest."
Bonnie watched as Klaus opened his notebook and began a sketch as Elijah began to read. Shifting into a more comfortable position, she rested her head on Klaus's shoulder and threaded her fingers through Elijah's free hand. She tried not to think about how selfish it was of her to allow herself to have them both at that moment, even if it was all she would not admit to wanting.
As Bonnie closed her eyes and let the gentle sound of Elijah's voice and the soft scratch of the charcoal in Klaus's hand against the page of his journal lull her to sleep, she had the passing wish that things could always be this simple between the three of them.
End Notes: So, we are officially headed toward polyamory land folks. Mostly because I could not decide which pairing, I wanted as endgame. Lmao! Anyway, next chapter Trevor agrees to an alliance with Katherine in order to keep her at the manor and keep an eye on her moves against Bonnie, a glimpse of the future gives insight into things to come, Elijah and Klaus take Bonnie off the grounds to learn more about her craft, and Bonnie falls deeper for both brothers. Thanks for reading! Love ya'll!