AN: Hey! Sorry for the delay! I was caught up on my other stories and life pulled me away. I've been distracted from writing for a bit, but I really didn't want to keep y'all waiting. I also wanted to say, I forgot to establish the date of Damon's time with Sage and Adelaide. I was thinking it to be 1912, when Damon met Sage on the show. It's a long one, so I hope you enjoy!

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Doing the Dance – Part VII

I want to hold you close
Soft breasts, beating heart
As I whisper in your ear
I want to fucking tear you apart

…

The sunlight was hitting her in just a way that made her mocha skin glow. From his perch at the edge of the bed beside her, his eyes traced a path from her tussled mane of curls, to the long swoop of her lashes, along the delicate slope of her nose, her pouty lips…she was simply exquisite. But this one…oh she is going to have you by the short hairs. "Well, I'll be damned, she was right." He chuckled to himself quietly, carefully lifting a lock of her hair that was obstructing his view of her and let it fall to the pillow. He was content to just watch her for a while, remembering all her human qualities while she still had them; like the warmth of her skin, and the beating of her heart, strong and rhythmic. He'd miss that innocent look in her eyes, the blush of her cheeks, but he also couldn't help but wonder what she would be like after she turned. Would her wild spirit keep him on his toes? Would she ever stop surprising him?

She was rousing softly, a small pinch to her brows as her eyes fluttered open against the sunlight. "Morning…" she rasped, adjusting herself to face him.

"Morning." His lips crackled with a smile.

"Am I in your bed?" she questioned with a hint of sassiness in her playful tone.

He chuckled. "You are, yes, but I promise I was complete gentleman." He promised, bringing the back of her hand to his lips.

"Oh, a vampire and a gentleman; I'm in trouble." She jested. Bonnie glanced around from her cocoon under the silky black covers and took in her surroundings. "Guess you weren't kidding about the California King, were you?" she laughed to herself, trying to tame her mussed hair. "I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. I don't ever want to leave." She snuggled back in.

"Well, you don't have to. You can stay here as long as you want." He chuckled at her moan of approval, the soft duvet covering her face from the light. "But I am making breakfast." She peeked through curiously.

"Coffee?" A hint of hopefulness laced her tone.

He nodded. "A macchiato with an extra shot of espresso. Just how you like it."

The duvet came down as stared at him surprised. "How did you know that?"

He ducked his head, containing his grin. "I know a lot more about you than you think."

She sat up, propping her head on her palm. "So you were stalking me." She teased.

"I had to be sure." He shrugged.

Her brow creased. "Sure about what?"

"That you were the one." He confirmed simply.

Her stomach flipped, and it emptied a school of butterflies. His words filled her with joy she had never felt before; like finding the answer to a long-lost question. "And are you…sure?" her voice wavered hopefully.

Damon narrowed his eyes, mirth shining in them. "What do you think?" she ducked her head to hide the flush of her cheeks. "Does that scare you?" he questioned evenly but with an undertone of hesitance.

Meeting his eyes again she smiled. "No…I think that's what scares me. After everything you told me I should be scared, but I'm not. Why is that?"

He winked. "I'll explain everything over breakfast."

She followed him out of the bedroom, slipping into a long silk robe he'd laid out for her and Bonnie had to shake her head in disbelief at the reality of her situation. She was in a vampire's house; which was beautiful and nothing like she expected. She thought maybe it would have been cold, impersonal, the place of a man just passing through, but it was the opposite. It was modern, and classy and masculine; but with hints of nostalgia that brought complexity to the space. Deep hunter green and matte back walls, walnut hardwood flooring; cultured with artwork and accents of gold that led her to believe he'd spent years collecting here.

She trailed her hand along the railing as she walked down the staircase; dark cherrywood bookshelves built into it, to the main floor of the two-storey loft to the open concept kitchen. There were vaulted ceilings, and to-the-floor windows that overlooked Central Park. Damon walked around the island, gesturing for her to sit at the marble counter, placing the coffee in front of her. "Thank you." She said gratefully.

"You're welcome." He went back to the stove flipping pancakes with practiced ease, and she took the moment to observe him silently. All she had done was slept at his side, and yet it was the closest she'd ever felt connected to another person.

"This place is beautiful, but I thought you were new to New York." She stated sipping her coffee and nearly rolling her eyes at how good it tasted.

He glanced over his shoulder. "I am…this century anyway." He smirked. "This place landed in my lap back in the 50's."

"Landed in your lap, huh?" her brow raised in amusement.

"Compulsion has its perks. Plus, the previous owner was famous and not in a good way. A place like this wasn't going to stay on the market long." He shrugged good naturedly. "But man, it sure was a time to be alive, or dead in my case. Economy was booming, the tunes were good and the booze was even better. It was never easier to blend in than in the city that never sleeps." He reminisced. "Out of all the places I've been, I always knew I'd come back here."

She reflected on how much he must have seen in his long life. She leaned in eager to learn more. "I'm sure you have some pretty amazing stories. What was it like?" She saw his hesitancy. "Damon, yesterday I found out you're a vampire…and I'm still here. I don't think anything you tell me is going to scare me off." She reassured calmly with a soft smile.

He paused for a moment, meeting her gaze. "It wasn't all good stories. I did a lot of bad things here."

She blinked, but kept her composure. "And yet you kept coming back for a reason; reason enough to settle down…" she loosely gestured around them. "Obviously there must have been something special about it, right?"

"Someone once told me that I'd find everything that I was looking for here." He finally admitted. "And for seven decades I believed her. So, every five to ten years I found myself coming back looking for it, each time more disappointed than the last…and New York paid for it in blood. I can't say I'm proud of it now."

Bonnie's eyes fell to her hands. Her curiosity was eating at her, but she diverted from asking for details. "So why did you believe her? It must have been pretty convincing to have you coming back so often."

Damon smirked, finally placing the pancakes in front of her. "Because she was a witch, and clairvoyant to boot." He collected the syrup, butter, fruit and whip cream, spreading out the selections for her. "Adeliade may have been batshit crazy sometimes, but her visions were never wrong."

There was a pang of jealousy at the kind smile that formed around her name. "Uh oh…we're not having the ex's talk already, are we?" she snickered awkwardly.

"I wouldn't call her an ex; we were friends more than anything." He explained easily. "It didn't start that way, but she was very clear that my heart would belong to another." His eyes darted back and forth between hers, a calming reassurance that she had nothing to be jealous of. "That I had to wait for her or live to regret it."

She couldn't hide her nervousness or the flush of her cheeks. "So um…do you think that might have something to do with…" Bonnie had never been so flustered in her life. The way he was looking at her was like he was reading her soul.

She released a shaky breath, and Damon's smirk widened as he finally put her out of her misery. "With you? I'm beginning to think so."

She swallowed thickly, trying to tame her racing heart. He could probably hear it. "Well…what did she say?" she busied her hands by fiddling with the napkin.

"You'd be exactly what I need when I least expected to need it." He continued sincerely, repeating the words that echoed in his head for decades. "That you'll make me face my own monster…and win." his eyes floated over her face affectionately. "That you'd be my better half. You see, the thing about vampire's is we only get one chance at a mate. Some are lucky to find them…others not, but the agony of living an eternity without them…it's unbearable."

Bonnie's face softened. "I'm sorry." He frowned, confused by her unnecessary apology. "Seventy years is a long time. I'm sorry I took so long. But I think I'm ready, Damon…for whatever comes next. Just tell me what I have to do."

He reached over and took her hand kissing her knuckles. "There are things you need to see for yourself. Things you need to know before making that commitment."

"Whatever it is, I'll deal with it. I don't think I could walk away from this now, even if I wanted to. And maybe this makes me crazy, but, I'm actually relieved. To know that…you're my soulmate." She smiled through elated tears. "Why would I want to fight that?"

He regarded her with a frown of concern. "There is a darkness that comes with this world Bonnie. And I would hate for you to resent me one day for pulling you into it."

"If you believe this witch, which I think you do…" she started gently, casually dressing her pancakes with blueberries, "then maybe it's not you pulling me into the darkness." His brows creased, and his head cocked curiously. "Maybe I'm supposed to bring you into the light."

He had never thought of it that way, and the idea of it made him feel lighter somehow. It gave him something he'd forgotten a long time ago; hope. The vampire was rendered speechless for once by her simple realization. "You should eat before it gets cold." He forced out with a humbled rasp.

She tilted her head contemplatively. "I think it's missing something." Biting her lip, she grabbed the whip cream and added to her design. "There." She turned the plate to him with a cheeky grin. "Vampcakes." A genuine laughter was pulled from him seeing the fangs she added to the sides of a blueberry mouth, and she dissolved into giggles with him. "Sorry…I couldn't resist."

"It's okay, actually the resemblance is uncanny." He teased, leaning back on the counter behind him.

Bonnie dug in, pausing for a moment when she caught him watching her. "Aren't you eating?" He grabbed the mug on the counter beside him and raised it in cheers. "Oh…right." She chuckled.

…

After breakfast, she excused herself to freshen up, and padded softly to the bathroom, taking in the massive walk-in shower, waterfall showerhead, and a deep soaker tub that she desperately wanted to sink into one day. You can stay here as long as you want. His words rumbled in her ear. She let the water wash over her, enjoying the hot pressure on her skin.

When she was done, she got dressed and came back downstairs. When she didn't see him, she took the opportunity to explore the main floor; the books on the shelves, the art on the walls, the view…it was stunning from up here. She stood at the window, and an overwhelming feeling came over her at what she saw.

Damon's arms snaked around her, and Bonnie relaxed into him. "You know, all my life I felt like there was something special waiting for me. I had no idea what it was, but I always felt closest to it while I was there." She nodded down to the park, and the lake she ran around almost every day. "I'm starting to think that maybe it was because you were here…looking for me. Does that make sense?" she whispered to herself.

Damon turned her in his arms, and brushed the hair affectionately from her face. "I've lived a long time, Bonnie. And in all my years, nothing has ever made more sense to me." He captured her lips sensually, and she melted against him, trailing her hands up his chest and around his neck. It quickly turned more passionate, and Damon felt the monster in him come forth. Take her now. He gripped her shoulders, and separated them with greater restraint than he thought he had. He stared down at her lust blown gaze, and exhaled as the veins under his eyes dissipated. "We can't."

"Why not?" she asked on a breath.

He swallowed thickly, regaining control. "There's…a process that comes with turning a mate. The bond needs to be strengthened first."

There was a mischievousness in her eyes as she stepped closer. "I thought that's what we were doing." She leaned up kissing his neck, and he nearly lost all sense of reason.

"Bonnie." He stopped her firmly, and the domineering tone only excited her more. "There is time for that, I promise." He couldn't help but smile at her disappointed pout. "Come here…I want to show you something." He slipped his hand in hers, and led her over to the couch. She sat, and he sat across from her on the coffee table. He picked up a wooden box and handed it to her. "Open it."

She did so slowly, her eyes darting up to look at him curiously. It was filled with trinkets and medals, papers and photos. "What is all this?" She rubbed her thumb over the medal of honor worn from age.

"My many lives. Whenever I was in one place too long, I had to move on; I couldn't have anyone asking questions about why I wasn't aging. I'd find some place new, blend in, be someone else. I may have died a human, but I had many years to reinvent myself, and so will you. I just want you to know that, even though this life will end…we have eternity to live thousands more." He watched her closely as she admired the items as she flipped through them. "You understand what that means, don't you?" he questioned sadly.

Her head snapped up, and she saw the reality of his words in his eyes. "It means…saying goodbye, right?" she confirmed, her voice straining painfully. "It means I have let this life go; my family, my friends…" Tears sprang to her eyes, and she ducked her head to hide them.

He brushed one that slipped down her cheek. "Someday…yes. It's a hard decision. One I didn't choose myself…but I wanted to give you a chance to make that decision for yourself, and whatever you choose, I'll understand." He forced out. He was terrified she wouldn't choose him; the thought alone felt like a stake in his chest, but he cared enough about her to let her walk away if that's what she wanted.

"Damon…" she placed the box beside her and grabbed his hand with both of hers. "My family…what's left of it, aren't around anyway. And I'll miss my friends, but they know I'm always chasing the next big adventure…" she grinned. "And what could be a bigger adventure than this? My choice is already made." She confirmed simply.

The words sat at the tip of his tongue, desperate to roll off his lips, be he refrained, and instead brought her hands to his mouth for a soft kiss. "Then you're ready for the next step."

…

Later that evening, the couple was dressed to impress and hitting the town, ready to paint it red. Damon led her down the steep steps to the left of an old Brownstone to a black door. She glanced at him hesitantly, and he eased her with a reassuring smile. He knocked, and when the door opened, the man on the other side looked him up and down with a nod, before stepping back enough to let him through, but he blocked Bonnie from entering, looking at her with hungry eyes.

"Hey…" Damon snapped, tugging her closer to him. "She's mine." He growled, flashing his fangs possessively. The man backed off, letting them both through without further incident.

The heavy thrumming of the beat pulsed as they entered the dark club, and immediately Bonnie felt a shift in the air. This wasn't a normal club like she was used to, and if the interaction with the doorman was anything to go by, this would be like no place she'd ever been before. Damon took her hand, and led her down the hall, past men and women dancing sensually with each other, the smell of sex and copper in the air. She felt eyes following her, and her heart raced.

"You're okay…I promise." He whispered in her ear.

It was enough to relax her for the moment, as she took in their surroundings. "They're all vampires?" she asked, clutching his arm. She had no idea that there were this many vampires living in New York.

"Not all of them." Her eyes followed his to a couple; dancing to the euphoric music, and her gaze widened as the woman leaned her head back revealing the bite marks across her neck, as the man licked the blood leaking from the fresh wound. "Don't worry, these arrangements are completely consensual." He continued to guide her until they reached a secluded booth in the back corner; a spot with a good vantage point of the room, but still cloaked in darkness so they attracted no attention.

Bonnie was fascinated with the taboo and depraved indulgence surrounding her. She'd never even worked up the courage to watch porn let alone get a live show. She had to clench her legs together to ease her own desire. "Arrangements?"

Damon grabbed the bottle of wine waiting for them and poured them each a glass. Her current state of lust was not lost on him, and perhaps the alcohol would help her relax. "The humans here are paid very well for their services. It's a place where vampires can feed without fear of being hunted or suspected. But most come for pleasure." He smirked handing her the glass. "And they all have their regulars."

"Like a brothel." She added in understanding. "So, this…is enjoyable for them? The humans…" she clarified with a thick swallow.

He chuckled, sliding her closer into his side as she was magnetized to the people around them. One arm was around her shoulders, and the other rested on the bare thigh of her crossed leg; his finger tips trailing up and down the silky skin sensually. He leaned in close, his nose brushing by her temple. "Very."

She looked at him. "Does it hurt?"

Damon's lips quirked. "Maybe at first, but there are ways around that."

"Is that why we're here? Did you…" she hesitated.

Damon kissed her sweetly. "I wanted to show you that while there is a darkness to this world…it's something to be embraced, not suppressed. It's the best way to control the monster inside you. If you don't, it will control you, and you'll end up a Ripper."

"Like Stefan?" Damon hadn't spoken much of his brother since they were at the Salvatore Manor, and she was curious how they had taken such different paths.

Damon chuckled sardonically. "Stefan wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this. He doesn't have the restraint, even on his best of days. See, he spent so much time burying his monster that he's no longer the one driving. Every move he makes is calculated, monitored, and one slip up – just one mistake will send him barrelling over the edge." His thumb brushed her bottom lip. "I want better for you."

Bonnie looked around at the throws of passion around her, and her breath hitched. "I want to do it." She glanced back at him, pulling her hair off her shoulders and baring her neck to him.

Finally! Give her what she wants, Damon. You know you want to. Despite the voice speaking in his ear louder than anything else in the room, it was never easier to defy it. Damon left a trail of kisses across the exposed column of skin but pulled back reluctantly. She smelt like heaven, and the beast inside was itching for a taste, but he refrained. "Not here, sweetheart. When I taste you here…" his finger followed the wet trail of his lips. "I want to have you in my bed."

Bonnie trembled, desire rippling through her. "Okay…then what about here?" she offered him her wrist, her eyes fluttering shut as he continued his kisses up her arm to the inside of her elbow.

Damon's eyes raised to hers looking up at her through thick lashes. "I think that can be arranged." He prepared the spot on her wrist with a brush of his tongue. "Just relax, it will only hurt for a moment." His gums were aching with need, but he had to make this an enjoyable experience for her. He pushed aside his own yearnings, and his fangs pushed through. He waited until her pulse evened out with her breathing. When his teeth pierced through her skin, she gasped but relaxed back into him, letting Damon hold her steady as he drank from her. It was a sensual moment, and Bonnie found her hand brushing through his hair comfortingly. He groaned at her gentle caress, drinking deeper until he felt her moan in pleasure, tilting her head back against the back rest. She was a vision; her lips parted, her eyelids fluttering shut, tiny whimpers of pain and pleasure escaping her turned him on more than any other feed he'd experienced. He was reluctant to stop, but there was a thin line he knew not to cross. He sealed the wound with a lick, careful not to waste a drop of her precious essence.

Bonnie was panting when she met his gaze again, her pupils blown out with lust. "Wow…" She swallowed thickly, and her thumb collected the smear of her blood from his lip. He grabbed her hand gently and sucked the digit thoroughly, maintaining eye contact.

"How do you feel?" he asked in a raspy tone. He felt like he was in the clouds; her blood was like a drug he wanted to drown in.

She released a ragged breath. "Like I want you to take me home and finish what you started." She teased with a dopey smile.

Damon chuckled. "All in due time." He pulled a handkerchief from his breast pocket and tied it carefully around her wrist.

Bonnie was able to regain her composer, sipping her wine. "I'm surprised you're holding out on me. Can't say I've ever been turned down for sex before." She teased good naturedly.

"Trust me, it's harder than I'm making it look." He flashed his blue eyes at her. "But unfortunately, it can't be rushed." He sipped his own wine.

"Right…the process. And what is that exactly?" she asked curiously. "Do you need to sacrifice me on a blood alter or something?" she laughed.

"No..." he snickered, amused by her lighthearted question. "No sacrifice but there is a ritual of sorts. My blood needs to run through your veins, and yours in mine, before you turn. The longer we do this for, the stronger the bond." He explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

Her lips twisted thoughtfully. "How long are we talking about?"

"Traditionally, a moon's full cycle." He smirked at her wide eyes. "But a couple weeks will suffice. You'll notice some changes after a couple days. You'll be stronger that usual, your senses might heighten, but most importantly, you and I will be more in tune with each other."

Bonnie canted her head, intrigued. "Like…you can read my mind?"

"Not exactly. From what I've learned, it's more of an intuition. The connection is a two-way street; no one will understand you deeper than I will, and vise versa. Your wants, your needs, everything that drives you…there will be no more secrets."

"I have nothing to keep from you anyways." She shrugged. "And if I'm being honest, having you be the one to know me that intimately, it's comforting. Like I don't need to be afraid." She finished quietly, averting her eyes to her lap.

Damon frowned. "What would you be afraid of?" That was the last thing he expected her to say. Bonnie never seemed to be afraid of anything, himself included.

She hesitated, biting her lip. "Growing up, I didn't really have a healthy example for love in my life. My parents divorced well before my mom passed, and my dad never remarried. The one serious relationship I had was so toxic and destructive, I couldn't get away fast enough. I don't know, I guess ever since, I ran before anyone could get too close. Until you." She finished with a modest smile.

He reached for her, tipping her chin so she could look directly at him. "You never have to run from me. But if you do…I'll find you." He promised softly, then paused. "In a very non-creepy way." He added with a smirk.

She giggled, leaning in and kissing him. "I know you will." She tucked herself under his arm, resting her head on his chest, and his chin rested on the top of her head.

"So…" he began. "Does Toxic guy have a name?" Bonnie snorted in laughter. "What?" he exclaimed feigning innocence barely containing his own amusement.

She sat up at glanced at him with a raised brow. "Why do you want to know?"

"Just curious."

"You're lying."

He countered easily, a playful banter between them. "I'm a concerned citizen."

"Are you jealous?" she teased.

"Of some human boy who obviously has no idea how to please a woman, of course not." He scoffed lightheartedly. "But I am very protective…especially of you."

"Well look who it is…" Started a melodic voice that pulled their attention. "Damon Salvatore, in my club? I'm surprised."

Damon greeted the woman with a tight smile. "Hello Sybil."

She held his stare intensely. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Her gaze slipped to Bonnie. "And who's this? Not one of my girls…" she eyed her up and down, appreciatively. "But I'm certain you will be a favorite."

Damon growled deep in his throat. "This is Bonnie-"

"And I'm not for sale…thank you." Bonnie finished with a sickly-sweet smile.

Sybil reeled back, impressed. "Ooh, I like her Damon. So if you're not for pleasure or food, then what are you good for besides that smart mouth, hm?" she cooed lightly still observing her as if a she were a prized horse.

Damon rose gracefully, stalking toward the club owner intimidatingly. "She's my mate, and it would be in your best interest to remember that."

Sybil, while standing her ground, was clearly exuding her fear. "My apologies, Damon." She swallowed thickly, her words trembling. "You know I would never do anything to offend you. What can 'Sirens' do for you?" she offered grandly, gesturing around her. "Drinks on the house? A private room, perhaps? You know that Tina is fabulous as a third." She suggested eagerly around a nervous laugh.

"You have nothing I want." He held out a hand for Bonnie, and she slipped her hand in his, letting him lead her back out of the club. "I'm sorry about her." He grumbled as they walked down the street.

"It's fine. I can hold my own." She reassured. "She seems to know you well." She asked, but the real question she was pondering was, how well?

"We have history. Nothing serious. She knows better to get on my bad side." He smirked.

"Is she a vampire?"

He paused. "Yes." He answered tightly. "I turned her…eighty years ago."

The ache in her heart was unexpected and the wave of jealousy nearly wobbled her. "Oh…"

"It was a mistake. It never meant anything to me but…" he trailed off with a sigh.

She nodded. "But it meant something to her." She shouldn't let it bother her; of course, he had a past, but for some reason seeing her in the flesh made it more real.

"Maybe a long time ago, but Sybil is more of a humanity off type of vampire. I don't think she has a caring bone in her body." They kept a casual pace, walking back towards Damon's loft. "So you never answered my question."

She laughed. "What, about Toxic guy?" He nodded. Bonnie narrowed her eyes at him speculatively. "You promise not to kill him?" she was only half serious about her question, but felt it still needed to be said.

"Cross my dead heart."

She sighed. "His name is Ben. We went to high school together."

"Did he hurt you?" He asked evenly, carefully masking the fury he felt at just the thought of it.

"Only my heart." She joked with a wry grin.

An eye for an eye…right? The monster enticed darkly. Or should we say, a heart for a heart?

.

He watched from afar as the couple walked down the streets of New York, hand in hand. When he began his hunt for the vampire, he never thought he'd find him here, or with a human no less. But this was a perfect opportunity to even the score in their lifelong game.

…

AN: oooooh! Things are going to get intense now! I'm sure some of you can guess who's come into the picture, but I'll keep it quiet for those that don't know. Really looking forward to where the next chapter takes us, and I thank you all for sticking around when I made you wait this long. I appreciate your reviews and support!

Love you guys, Vanessa