It has been so incredibly long, I know! I'm so sorry! I am hoping for a break in my studies where I can get these out more consistently. Thank you everyone for continuing to comment! It's what motivated me to keep writing, even if only one person is anticipating the next chapter!
Back in 2010
Bonnie wrestled with her conscience over involving Stefan in her secret knowledge. Despite her initial hesitations, she ultimately leaned into her intuition, trusting Stefan was the right decision. The sound of three distinct knocks on her door hastened her actions, propelling her to greet her guest hastily, ensuring she reached the door before Abby could.
"Hey, Stefan," Bonnie greeted, her voice a blend of surprise and relief as she opened the door wide, only to quickly step out and close it behind her, sealing them away from any unwanted eavesdroppers.
"Hey," Stefan replied, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. Bonnie's usually calm demeanor was now visibly shaken, an unusual sight for him.
Bonnie was direct, her tone serious, "We need to find somewhere secluded, a place off the radar where we're unlikely to be interrupted or found."
Stefan nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Actually, there's this old theater downtown, known for its foreign films. It's mostly deserted, save for a few regulars. Perfect for privacy."
Bonnie processed this, intrigued and slightly amused at Stefan's suggestion, and they made their way to his car. As they walked, Bonnie ventured into a delicate topic. "About last night..."
Stefan cut her off with a comforting smile, "No need for apologies. I've seen much worse, trust me. You're fine."
Bonnie's voice took on a firmer tone, "I'd like this to stay between us, Damon, and unfortunately, Rebekah."
"Consider it done," Stefan reassured her while opening the passenger side care door, adding, "Though I believe Caroline and Elena wouldn't judge you harshly for it."
Bonnie chuckled, a sound of mixed emotions, "Your faith in them is more generous than they deserve."
Stefan glanced at her, his smile warm, "Perhaps, but my esteem for you surpasses even that."
Bonnie looked away as he shut her door and quickly got in through the driver's side, her voice tinged with self-doubt, "That might be giving me too much credit."
"I disagree," Stefan countered gently, his curiosity piqued. "The last 24 hours have been... intriguing."
Bonnie shared, without turning to face him, "Damon stayed over. Nothing happened, yet it felt profoundly intimate, more so than if something had."
Stefan's response was soft, yet revealing as he turned on the engine to pull out of Bonnie's driveway, "I could smell you on him this morning. And for the record, I'm not judging. You might be the most stabilizing influence in Damon's life."
Bonnie's cheeks warmed at the compliment. "Is that because you think he'll stop chasing after Elena?"
Stefan laughed, a sound that eased the tension, "No, but you do stand out among the Bennett witches I've met. Damon's lucky to have someone like you in his corner."
He continued, his tone shifting to one of resignation, "If Elena harbors feelings for Damon, which I suspect she does, I'd rather they confront them honestly. I'm prepared to step aside, to not stand in the way of whatever may come."
Bonnie absorbed Stefan's words, a heavy sigh escaping her. His willingness to remove himself from the equation for the sake of others' happiness struck a chord within her, deepening her respect and understanding of the complexities of his feelings for Elena and love for his brother.
Stefan chuckled softly, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "You know, it's rare for us to find a moment of peace like this, and somehow, I always manage to stumble upon the perfect way to cast a shadow over it," he said, glancing at Bonnie with a mix of humor and self-reproach in his eyes.
"No, it's not that" Bonnie offered him a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting understanding rather than judgment. "There's more to you Stefan, than an adolescent relationship, sometimes, it's the endings that usher in new beginnings," she said thoughtfully, her voice carrying an undertone of wisdom. She carefully avoided mentioning her knowledge of Stefan's future with Caroline, choosing instead to hint at the possibilities that lay ahead.
Stefan's eyebrows rose in surprise, a testament to Bonnie's perceptiveness. He marveled at how her attitude toward him had evolved, from guarded skepticism to genuine trust and acceptance. "Bonnie, I...I need to apologize for the role I played in Sheila's passing. The sacrifice you and she made for Elena, for me, and Damon...it's not something I take lightly. I think about it more often than you might believe," he admitted, his voice laced with genuine remorse.
Bonnie's response was a silent contemplation, her gaze fixed on a distant point as she grappled with the memories. Though time had dulled the sharp edges of grief, the pain lingered, a testament to her deep love for her grams. Yet, Stefan's acknowledgment brought a semblance of comfort. "Thank you for remembering," she finally said, offering him a smile that spoke of forgiveness and shared understanding.
Their conversation meandered to lighter topics, from school life to hidden gems in and around town, offering a brief respite from the weight of their past. Eventually, they found themselves in the parking lot of a quaint, nearly deserted theater.
"This place...I've passed it so many times but haven't stepped inside in years," Bonnie mused, her gaze taking in the vintage charm of the theater.
"They have the best kettle corn, in case you're interested," Stefan offered as he turned off the car, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Bonnie's smile widened. "Kettle corn is my weakness," she confessed, her enthusiasm infectious.
Inside, they opted for an obscure French film, with Stefan insisting on covering the cost of both tickets and concessions. As they settled into the empty theater, Bonnie sighed. "This...feels like the most normal thing I've done in a while," she remarked, a hint of relief in her voice.
Stefan's reply was light, teasing. "Given your definition of 'normal,' I'm curious to see what qualifies as unusual for you."
Their laughter echoed in the empty space, a moment of levity before Bonnie turned serious. "Stefan, what I'm about to share must stay between us. It's...it's hard to explain. Just promise me it won't go beyond this room," she implored, her eyes pleading for his trust.
"I promise," Stefan assured her, though the worry in his voice was palpable.
Bonnie took a deep breath, then began to unravel a tale so fantastical it bordered on unbelievable. She spoke of timelines and alternate universes, of love found and lost, of sacrifices and returns from the dead. Her words painted a picture of a world vastly different from their own, yet intertwined in the most intricate ways.
Stefan's reaction was a mixture of astonishment and skepticism, his expression frozen in shock. "Bonnie, I...this is a lot to take in," he managed, his voice a mix of jest and disbelief.
"Let me show you," Bonnie said, resignation tinting her voice. She guided Stefan into her mind, sharing with him visions of her journey through alternate realities, of the sacrifices made, and of the futures that could have been.
As the vision ended, Stefan reeled from the flood of emotions and revelations. He excused himself, needing a moment to process the overwhelming information. Bonnie, left alone, wrestled with her decision to share such a burdensome secret.
Upon Stefan's return, the roles were reversed. "Are you okay?" he asked, his concern genuine, realizing that even though the information regarding him was shocking, Bonnie's part in it all must have been traumatic, exciting, and exhausting.
Bonnie could only nod, her mind racing with the implications of what she had shared. Stefan sat down; his expression unreadable as he attempted to digest everything.
"I'm sorry, Bonnie. I wasn't prepared for the magnitude of information you showed me. But know this—I trust you. And together, we'll navigate through it," Stefan said, his voice steady, a promise of unwavering support amidst the uncertain future they faced.
"Thank you, Stefan. I want to change things—truly, for all of us. But to be prepared for what's coming, we need to confront some uncomfortable truths together," she said, her plea evident in her earnest expression.
Stefan, already partly aware of the journal's contents, anticipated Bonnie's next words. "The journal," he murmured, acknowledging the source of their daunting task.
Bonnie nodded, her tone firm. "Based on what I've read, and from what I understand, we can't move against Klaus or Elijah—not yet," she declared.
Stefan's frustration surfaced, a raw edge to his voice. "He deserves to suffer for what he's done—"
"Stefan," Bonnie interjected, her voice steady yet empathetic. "I know the pain he's caused. But you, of all people, understand that the broader perspective often outweighs our personal grievances. And as you've seen, some events are immutable, despite how desperately we wish otherwise."
Stefan's response was tinged with a mix of despair and resignation. "What I saw... It's as if I'm doomed to eternally atone for my sins. If it were possible to travel back in time, I'd wish for Damon and me never to have met Katherine," he confessed, his voice breaking slightly with the weight of his wish.
"Stefan—" Bonnie started, sympathy lacing her words, but Stefan, struggling to maintain composure, pressed on.
"What's our plan?" he asked, a sudden shift to pragmatism cutting through the emotional tension.
Bonnie took a moment, choosing her words with care, aware of the delicate balance they were navigating. "First, we ensure Esther's plan doesn't come to fruition. We'll need to negotiate with Elijah...and Klaus," she outlined, observing Stefan's reaction closely.
Stefan's expression hardened, ready for the grim reality of their strategy. "And what deal do we propose to them?" he inquired, his tone indicating he was braced for the answer.
"We tell them about Esther's plan," Bonnie began, the simplicity of their approach belying the complexity of its implications. "And we make a deal".
Stefan raised his brows as he contemplated what type of deal they could make and how it would be better than them killing the Mikaelsons.
"From what I know Stefan, there's a storm coming, and I can't – I can't place my finger on it, but I know, I just know that we will need them for something bigger, and you owe me" Bonnie narrowed her eyes at Stefan as he took in what she was saying. "There's a happy ending for you, for all of us, one that could include a human life, with Elena, or a possible high-strung blonde we know," Bonnie said with a smirk that made Stefan relax his expression.
"Okay, I'm in," Stefan said with a slight smile. Bonnie returned the smile, relieved that she chose to involve Stefan in her plan.
They spent the rest of the time eating their snacks and discussing how to set up the secret meeting with Klaus and Elijah, and how they would keep it from the others finding out. Stefan also agreed to go through the journal with Bonnie on navigating what they know, and their possible future.
BBBB
Damon wrestled with the urge to reveal himself to his surviving descendants. It infuriated him to think his own family might threaten those he loves. He wondered if they had inherited this ruthlessness from his father.
"I know what you're thinking, Damon. Don't be foolish," Katherine warned, her eyes narrowing as she sensed his resolve. She knew he was seconds away from confronting his grandchild himself.
Damon clenched his jaw, his gaze briefly shifting to the ceiling.
"Damon, Elena still watches them sometimes. It wouldn't hurt to see if she knows anything—" Lexi began.
"No," Damon snapped, his tone sharp, causing the vampires to exchange puzzled glances.
"It's better than you blowing your cover, Dam—" Katherine started.
"I said no!" Damon's eyes widened, and he stepped closer to Katherine, who stood her ground, arms crossed defiantly.
"Poor Elena shouldn't be bothered. She's found peace. I get it; you sacrificed so much so she never had to dirty her hands again, even if it means threatening the livelihood of...your...witch," Katherine taunted, stepping closer to Damon. His expression darkened dangerously.
Before Lexi and Bruce could intervene, Damon and Katherine were at each other's throats, slamming into walls with thuds loud enough to trigger the AI Comms system. The alert summoned Caroline, Bonnie, and Bastien.
All three rushed from their rooms, and Bastien quickly cast a spell that separated Damon and Katherine.
"Seriously? You two?" Caroline exclaimed, stepping between them as they glared daggers at each other.
Bonnie's concern was evident as she approached, her eyes fixed on Damon. Lexi shot a look at Bastien and shrugged, while Bruce shook his head and groaned, heading to the room he shared with Katherine.
Damon's gaze softened when he met Bonnie's eyes.
"Do I need to be concerned?" Bonnie asked, her voice tense as she glanced between Damon and Katherine, who wore a smug smile.
"No. Enjoy your trip," Damon replied, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes before turning to leave the room. Caroline groaned, rolling her eyes.
"It can wait. And I need to shower this small-town bar smell off of me," Katherine snarked, brushing past Caroline toward the stairs.
"I'm not playing babysitter while you're gone, Bonnie," Caroline said sternly, facing Bonnie and Bastien. "I'm going back to bed, but you two should start getting ready for France."
Bonnie nodded, her eyes lingering on the direction Damon had gone. She wanted to chase after him, demand answers, but she knew if that was his way of saying goodbye, she had to respect it.
"It really can wait until you're back. Katherine just knows how to push their buttons," Lexi reassured Bonnie and Bastien.
"Thanks, Lexi. I'm going to start getting ready. Meet you back down in two hours?" Bonnie glanced up at Bastien, who nodded. As she ascended the stairs, the faint murmur of Bastien and Lexi's conversation piqued her curiosity.
BBBB
Bonnie descended the stairs with Emeline, meeting Bastien in the foyer. As they exchanged goodbyes and promised to see each other soon, Bonnie sensed Damon entering the room. Bastien and Emeline offered to take the bags to their car as they prepared to head to their private airport.
"Hey," Bonnie said softly, her eyes scanning for Damon. Before she could turn around, she felt his familiar embrace as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.
"How much time do we have?" Damon whispered, his breath warm against her ear as he inhaled the scent of her long, curly hair, savoring every second.
"Not enough," Bonnie giggled softly, leaning back into him, placing her hands over his as he held her tighter. She turned to face him, her expression turning serious, her eyes searching his.
"Damon, is everything okay?" Bonnie asked, placing a hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her palm.
"My girl is traveling to the most romantic country with her ex-husband and father of her child, and I'm stuck here in a town I never liked with people I tolerate at best. Never been better, witchy," Damon smirked sarcastically, though his eyes betrayed a hint of vulnerability.
"Damon," Bonnie said with an exasperated smile.
"What?" Damon asked his exaggerated expression a mask for his true feelings.
"We're letting people know today, our allies. Nothing will change in our dedication to keeping everyone safe. We'll just be working as partners, not as lovers," Bonnie said carefully, watching Damon's reaction.
"So, I have to wait to make us social media official until you're back. Got it," Damon teased, trying to lighten the mood, earning a playful hit on the chest from Bonnie.
"You haven't even officially asked," Bonnie shrugged, her eyes sparkling with humor.
"And I won't when you're about to leave me," Damon pulled Bonnie closer, one hand wandering down to her backside, his touch desperate and possessive.
"I know, but Damon, you need to let me know what happened between you and—" Bonnie began before Damon pulled her into a kiss. She responded eagerly, her hands lifting to his neck as the kiss deepened, their longing for each other palpable. She knew Damon hadn't answered but didn't want to waste another second not being this close to him. As the kiss slowed, Damon rested his forehead against hers.
"I promise, everything is fine. We will take care of what we need to so you can focus on what you need to do. I love you, Bonnie. You are my only priority," Damon said seriously, his eyes wide, pleading for her to believe him. Bonnie gave him a slightly disapproving look as she pulled away, her heart torn.
"I'm not Elena, Damon," Bonnie said, stepping back, her tone almost a warning.
"I'm counting on it. Plus, technically you are my priority, you and Emeline, your meddling ancestors, and all made it so" Damon said with a deep breath, his voice softening. Bonnie nodded slightly, giving him a faint, bittersweet smile.
"I love you, Damon," Bonnie said, taking one more look at him, her eyes filled with yearning.
"I'll be waiting for your return," Damon teased, his attempt at humor not quite hiding the pain in his eyes, making Bonnie laugh softly, her heart aching.
Damon walked up to her again, lifting her into another kiss, their lips meeting with a desperation that spoke of their deep longing. He spun her around, savoring every second, before placing her back down gently.
"Don't keep me waiting too long," Damon said more seriously, his voice breaking slightly as he held onto her hand until she let go.
Bonnie smiled, turning around and using her magic to close the doors behind her as Damon stood in the foyer, his heart heavy.
"I'm not protecting her, you know," Damon said, still facing the closed door as he heard the car engine start, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I know," Katherine said, walking in with Stefan from another room, their presence barely registering with Damon.
"She's already dead. Magic ruined her life, even though she was destined to be involved," Damon sighed, turning to face his brother and Katherine, his expression haunted.
"You feel guilty, roping her into our world one more time, to protect the woman you are and have always been in love with, the kind of love she romanticized with you," Stefan finished, his voice gentle but firm, making Damon clench his jaw, his eyes flashing with unresolved emotion.
Katherine smiled, her eyes glinting with a cruel satisfaction, wishing she could tell Elena, "I told you so."
Emeline walked through the doors, studying the three vampires with a keen eye.
"I got the note. I'm in for a quick side quest. My magical mishap made things a lot worse for us and the conspiracy theorists. Plus, Aunt Elena owes us—my mom mostly, but me by proxy," Emeline smiled, looking between the three vampires. Stefan seemed indifferent, Damon stressed, and Katherine elated.