Black Velvet

Chapter 34 - TENSION

R-M

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Seth and Sophia were turning ten. Milestone, first double digits birthdays. How could the day go without being a big event? Sarah and Stefan spent an entire month preparing, and the majority of it was fighting about how to celebrate. But after a while they both settled on celebrating at Damon's place, since Lily was sick.

He offered. And being their favorite uncle, he couldn't deny making a big spectacle of it. Both played Sports, and loved superheroes. The theme wasn't definite, but it was childlike. With Damon's only option for party planning, he called the one woman he knew would make mountains out of mole hills.

Bonnie.

Before the twins showed up, Bonnie did last minute finishing touches, while Damon assisted in the best way he knew how. Being her kitchen bitch. "I need you to make sure to chop the rest of the pineapples and toss them into that punch."

"Really? Isn't there enough fruit?" He asked looking at grapes, melon, and strawberries sliced up.

"No! Damon, I've already cubed them. Just cut all the cubes in fours."

"Fine, but for the record, I think there is enough fruit."

"For the record, if I want your opinion in my kitchen, I'll ask."

"Your kitchen? I beg to differ." He stood around staring at his kitchen.

"When I'm in a kitchen, it's mine. Unless you think you can do better?" She offered him the caramel sauce, and pot, which she was melting herself for the homemade brownies.

"I mean, you know I can only cook a few things."

"Bullshit, Damon! Lily told me about all the dishes she taught you."

"I don't remember them."

"Certainly you do."

"Pft. What makes you so sure?"

"No one forgets how to make Italian twice baked, five cheese ziti."

"Six cheese. And I have no reason to make big dishes, just to cook for myself." He stood still across the kitchen, as she held the melted caramel, and stare at him, with that last statement, they could've really had an argument about it. But these days they were peaceful and trying find comfort with each other again.

"Touché." She walked to his mixed bowl of fruit. "Come here, kitchen bitch." Damon's jaw ticked, hearing it. "Come on." She said with an attitude. "I want you to taste something."

He wanted to taste something alright, but Bonnie wasn't about to let him, taste what he wanted. He walked slowly, annoying her lifeless. She grabbed an apple, and sat the hot pot of caramel on top of a pot holder, then reached for a knife on his island, and used it to start slicing the apple. He watched her with the knife carefully. She cut a perfect slice, and grabbed the spoon inside of the melted caramel pot, and lifted it, drizzling caramel onto the apple slice.

"Taste this." He reached for the apple, and she stopped him. "Ah ah ah. Open." He stood right beside her facing her side, with his chest pressed to her shoulder, his head facing forward, but his eyes, looking downward at her. When he didn't open his lips, she pushed the apple to his lips, force him to open, because the Carmel was warm. "I said open." She demanded. He gave a cynical grin, not being used to hearing her bark orders. "I bet you like when I order you around." She whispered out loud, mistakingly.

When she caught herself, he bit the apple, and gave a "Ha."

"I didn't mean to say that-"

"Outloud. You didn't mean to say it out loud."

"I shouldn't have said it. It was out of line." She admitted. Still holding the last bit of apple in her hand, Damon finished chewing and swallowing the other piece then grabbed her hand, put it to his mouth, eating the last half of the apple slice, and using her caramel covered fingers, like they were a spoon, sucking on them until he had every ounce of sweetness off of them.

"Uh-" Bonnie caught her own breath in her throat, when his lips wrap around her finger, slowly pulling them from his mouth. Damon, then grabbed her by both shoulders, even though he stood on the side of her, and whispered in her ear. "Remember the last time I ate your apple? Your place? Our first public date night."

Bonnie remembered the night he put anal beads inside of her, and popped her anal cherry.

oOo Bonnie oOo

I felt my whole body shiver. His arms gripped my shoulder, and then squeezed tighter after he spoke into my ear. He let his lips linger so close to my skin, I could feel the tiny amount of moisture on my ear. And when his breath swam over my skin, coating it like, the only form of cool my hot body needed, I felt him smile against my cheek. It's the way he talks. It had always pulled me in. But not this time. I won't let him reel me in. Because we aren't together. And I am not his anymore. He's not my Maestro, and I'm not his Schiavetto. And if Damon thinks, dominating me, will ever be easy again. He has another thing coming. This isn't a year ago. I'm a different woman. More secure in my sexuality, and embracing the parts of my sexuality that make me see where my power is as a submissive. And with that being said, currently, I'm no submissive. If anything, the next man, will be my sub. I pulled away.

"Damon, is everything about sex for you?"

"Seriously?" He asked, confused.

"Yes. Seriously?"

"Is everything about you having control?"

"Not as much as it is for you." She said forcing him to let her go.

"Sorry. I got lost in the moment. It won't happen again." He said. "The sauce was delicious by the way."

"Thank you." They both gave serious and insincere smiles. Then after a momentary pause, Damon began speaking again.

"So, did you invite... him?" He said releasing a breath.

"Uhh, no. I didn't think it would be right."

"Oh."

"And you... invite your new... fuck toy?"

His eyes widen. "Wow. Like that?"

"It's what she is right? A fuck toy?"

"No. She's a job, Bonnie. A serious job. And no, I didn't invite her. No work. It's a family function."

"That's it. A family function, is why you didn't invite her?"

"Yeah. Do I have another reason not to invite her?"

Bonnie shook her head. "No. I mean, your prerogative. Maestro." She purposely said the word to throw him off. When she walked away, he stood watching her. She was her own brand of torture. She hadn't put her heels on yet, so she trekked through is house in flip flops, and he followed after her, cornering her in his hallway. His hands gripped her shoulders once more, and she looked up in shock.

"Am I your Maestro?"

"Damon...?"

"If you are gonna put those lips together to formulate that title, you better be able to back it up." He held her closely enough so she could not only smell his caramel infused breath, but so she could feel what it did to him, when she called him Maestro for the first time since their night in Vegas and before that, it had been months.

She felt him pressed against her, from his waist down into the warmest space between her thighs. She didn't even want to speak, because feeling him pressed against her, was the best feeling. But for weeks now they were finally speaking again, and nothing about them had been sexual in any way. They had dinner a couple nights a week, and spent time with Lily.

And in these moments, she had to remember they were just friends. "You feel that?"

"Yes."

"That's what happens, when you gift me... with my former title." Then he pressed himself into her, squeezing her between him and his wall. "THIS... won't go down on it's own. So, if you'll excuse me..." he stood up right, letting her go, and fixing his pants, "I need to go take a quick shower before my brother, and Lily get here." Bonnie stood in shock, because they hadn't reached that point in so long. "Is that okay, with you...Boss?" He asked sarcastically.

With a head nod, she released a breath she was holding in while trying to control her nerves. His cock was poking her like a weapon, and she managed to keep herself together.

.xXx.

Damon slammed his bedroom door shut, and went straight for his bathroom stripping his clothing. Bonnie did a terrible thing igniting the predator in him when she referred to him by his formal title, from her jealousy. And none, in the least bit did she feel bad about it. He could feel her breathing heavier, when he cornered, her but he also, noticing a slight tweak in the corner of her mouth, where he could see she got off on getting in his head for that quick moment. And for seconds, mere seconds, it turned him on, watching her smirk, at his demise. There was something in Bonnie Bennett that made Damon, ache as a man. And whether he was in the middle of a heated session, making her beg, or even watching her be defiant. There were things that were undeniably unescaping for him. She made him question himself. Every choice, or decision he's ever made. Up until the point of who he's become.

Bonnie. Made. Him. Work. For. Her.

"Fuck!" He said to himself turning the water on and stepping into the icicles before it had a chance to heat up. He looked down at a happy part of his life, and watched it salute to a single solitary word, that one woman and one woman only had ever said to him. Never would another woman, have the privilege.

The cold water didn't change a thing, so as it heated up, he grabbed it, and finished what she started.

.x.

Katherine and Elijah were sitting outside of Damon's house headed to the front door with gifts in hands. They both looked around seeing tons of cars, and wondering who all had been invited. Because today, was the day, that they would debut as husband and wife for the first time since going away for weeks for their honeymoon.

"Keeper, baby... how do my legs look?"

"Considering were at a children's party?" He glanced down for seconds. "Over-exposed."

"It's the summer." She rolled her eyes. "This skirt was custom made, by a local designer. Be glad I didn't pay a fortune for it."

"Glad? Kitten, my concern is not how much you spend, it's what you spend it on. This kind of skirt is good for the club, or date night. Being naughty, even. Today, I think the theme is-"

"Bonnie said to dress in your best summer party attire."

"Sunday... party... attire. Kitten, Sundays are usually associated with family, or church, or sophistication."

"Summer, not Sunday."

"I'm sure it said Sunday attire."

"I know it said Summer attire."

"You saying I'm a liar?"

"You saying I am?"

"Yes. Because, I read it. And Sunday is associated with sophistication."

"Pft. Summer sheik baby. That's what this is. So what are you saying... I'm not sophisticated?"

He smiled at her and kissed her forehead, and was saved by the opening door. "You made it. Long time no see, strangers." Bonnie rushed out and hugged them both, after smiling from ear to ear. "After you extended your honeymoon, I wasn't sure I'd see you again," she laughed.

"I wasn't expecting, seeing you hosting a party at Damon's."

"Oh, well... we're cool." She said, making Katherine cringe at her Kai vocabulary. "Anyway. Come in. Everyone's in the backyard. The twins won't be here for a little bit. The surprise is going to be great. But, I wanna hear all about the honeymoon. You look super cute." Katherine walked past Elijah following Bonnie and whispered.

"See. My skirt is fine." After watching her disappear quickly with her best friend, Elijah headed to any area where Katherine wasn't and made himself oblivious. His wife was hopped up on herself.

.x.

"Hey Elijah. Thank you for coming."

"Of course Stefan. I'm just glad we made it back in time."

"Right. Right. I here you extended the honeymoon. How was that?"

"It was nice. I think it was necessary to have this time to re-establish some new found boundaries, and expectations."

Stefan furrowed his brows, getting caught off guard with his beer in hand. He was rather casually dressed, but wearing a super hero shirt, with Black Panther on it. "Uh, I mean sure...boundaries, are good. I guess." He wasn't sure what Elijah meant. And while Stefan had an idea about his brother and Elijah lifestyle, a lot of it was still unfamiliar to him.

"She's really a good girl." Elijah smiled to himself remembering some harsh realities they were establishing while away. Then he laughed.

"What?"

"Oh nothing. Just, remembering something."

"Gotcha. Hey wanna beer?"

"Certainly." Stefan walked to a large bin of adult beverages on ice. Because he and Sarah were a lot more simple than his brother and Elijah. They had more of a casual nature in their family parties than the Mikaelsons. "So, ten year olds? How do you like being a father?"

"Probably my favorite thing. Considering how I grew up, I'm better at it than my dad was."

"You seem very fanatical in recent months. It's endearing."

"Fanatical!" Stefan laughed. "I'm just grateful." Elijah stood quietly, staring at Stefan's clothing.

"Am I missing something?"

"What?"

"This, event was formal, no?"

"Not really? I mean party clothes... for kids, I guess."

"Am I over-dressed?" Stefan took note of Elijah's yachting attire. Realized it was pretty over- stated, but also never knew Elijah to dress down or causally.

"Uh, not really man. This is how you dress. You're always pretty formal. Even poker nights."

"This isn't true. I have worn-" he cut himself off, thinking. "I mean surely, I dress down at times."

"Not really. But that's you. You're probably one of the most sophisticated guys I know."

Elijah looked down at Stefan's khaki shorts, vans and then up to his shirt. "Wow, so Katerina was right."

"Bro, you look fine. The invite, said best Super hero, Summer, Sunday Funday party clothes. Sarah thought it would be funny to use alliterations. You know... since our family's names all starts with the letter "S" and Because, Sarah actually made those for the twins friends." Stefan used his best "dad-like" humerous vocal tone. "Ahh, I guess you'd have to be a parent to actual find that remotely amusing. Just know, the adults were supposed to wear whatever they wanted."

"Ahh. It was a children's invitation. Which makes sense. I knew I saw the word Sunday." He said looking around at the plethora of kids running around. "I feel thick-headed and moronic. Please don't tell me wife."

"No worries, it happens to the best of us." Stefan handed him a beer and patted his shoulder, before his phone buzzed. "Oh, I need to get this. It's Sarah. Please excuse me." Elijah nodded while Stefan stepped away to take his call.

.x.

Katherine poked around the kitchen speaking to Bonnie about her honeymoon, and digging into the treats at the same time, like she always did. Bonnie was finishing up. Having leftover caramel sauce from her brownies, she decided to make a tray of apple slices and drizzle the remaining caramel over them and align them neatly on a bright, fruit tray.

"Alaska is beautiful."

"I'm sure it is. But I'm sure you barely saw much of it." Bonnie laughed.

"We actually did. It was nice."

"And-"

"And, what?"

"For once you don't kiss and tell. I'm worried." Bonnie glanced up, surprised.

"Well, its stupid, ya know. I shouldn't always talk about it."

"Why? You always do, and I always look forward to it."

"Do you?" Kat asked, sympathetically.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I? Bonnie laughed.

"I don't know, it's, just... been a while for you, and-"

"Kat, I'm fine. Five months... or more... or less... who's counting?"

"Except Vegas."

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "A clear, one time thing. But, I'm totally fine. I still like hearing about your sex."

"I don't know, it is a kids party."

"The kids are outside. So, dish."

"Well, we did a lot of role playing. And we also experimented a little."

"Do tell." Bonnie looked up, from drizzling.

"You remember the night, of my bachelorette, when I went into a room at Play with that Domme, and her baby boy sub?"

"Sure. I never got full details about it, or did I?

"I don't remember because I was drunk, and so were you. So what I said, and what you retained is a mystery to me."

"True, we were a mess that night."

"Well, her phone number was in my phone. And she was texting me while we were gone. And the hot springs doesn't have service. So, I went to their main office once every few days to check my forwards. And she was interested in meeting for a swap."

"Swap?"

"Swapping me for her sub. I told her no. Elijah wasn't for it. We just got married, yadda yadda."

"Okay. Good."

"But-"

"But?"

She asked if we could meet up, when we came back into town. She was interested in watching Elijah and me."

"Oh stop. She didn't."

"She was serious."

Bonnie laughed at the fact, that it was hard to believe the woman from that night, who was clearly into docile men, had a thing for Katherine. "She was a wild one."

"Yeah, and I mentioned it to Elijah, and he was- pissed."

"Rightfully."

"But, then he gave it some thought. And we are meeting them next weekend."

"Whaaaat?"

"Yeah. We are meeting them, for dinner."

"And?"

"If all goes well, we will see where it goes."

"Sheesh. Are you ready for something like that?"

"I don't know. I mean, newly weds... probably shouldn't. But, we've also vowed to do all of this together. See what we do and don't like."

"Wow." Was all Bonnie said smiling. She continued to drizzle, and that's when he walked back into the kitchen after an hour. Bonnie looked up, for a second catching him, but not his eye contact. He'd changed clothes. He went from loose fitting basket ball shorts, to jeans. And was now wearing a fitted v-neck, grey colored, which showed off the top of his hairier chest, and arms. She noticed he hadn't shaved much these days. Not like he once did. He was a different version of the man she dated, and fucked regularly. Clean shaven, short trimmed facial hair, and shorter hair at the top of his head, then before.

"The jumper is fully blown up now. I should rearrange the chairs and tables to make sure it's not too crowded back there."

"Stefan did it already. Forty-five minutes ago." She said impatiently.

He stood there, with a look of his own, which was very telling, but also, very lax. "Okay, so, I guess I can start grabbing the goodie bags we put together, and setting them on the table outside?"

"Stefan did that... half an hour ago." She crossed her arms.

"I can make sure, the gift table is setup-"

"Stefan did that, too."

"Well... I guess there's nothing for me to do then." He grunted slightly.

"Yes. You can finish what you started." She said boldly. Katherine was standing there, and he had barely taken notice. To top it off, Bonnie's statement was confusing.

"Finish what I started? Before I took my shower?"

"Not that." She shook her head, holding up balloons. "Helium tank?"

"Oh."

"Oh." She repeated.

"Hey Damon." Kat said, breaking up the obvious tension.

"Oh... Kat, hi. Sorry. It's been hectic." He paused. "You look different."

"Do I?"

"Yeah. I can't place it. Maybe more relaxed."

"Definitely relaxed."

He then looked down. "Isn't that skirt kind of short for a kid's party?"

"Really? Literally the third thing you say to me in a month. You sound like Elijah."

He hunched his shoulders, "Considering facts... we think alike in certain ways."

"Ahh. I see. It's a Dom thing." She grinned, and turned to her best friend. "Bon... is this too short?"

"I like it. Just, sit with your legs crossed. Your fine."

"Well, that's that." Damon said. "No offense to you, but ten year old boys are curious, is all."

"I didn't think there'd be any kids here, really. Besides Stefan's." They both looked at her wondering if she was serious. "Guys, you forget the minimal amount of time I actually deal with kids, which is like once a year. I don't know these things. Are there a lotta kids?"

"Yup." Damon said.

"It's okay. Really. You'll be fine." Bonnie admitted. Damon stare between the two, then at Bonnie for an uncomfortable amount of time, before excusing himself.

"Well, I should finish the balloons." He headed towards the other room to finish when Bonnie stopped him.

"Damon?"

"Yes." He turned slow and impatiently. "Hurry, I need your help with dipping the marshmellows. Your shower was longer than it was supposed to be."

Katherine gasped, to herself, and stare Bonnie down, in shock, but didn't try and make it obvious to Damon.

"Of course, boss. Anything else?" He sucked his bottom lip, slightly annoyed.

"For now?" She looked at the clock. "No. The twins will be here soon. Don't take too long."

He gave a head nod, and walked off, leaving Katherine with all of her shock in her stomach, like a gas bubble, waiting to be explode. "What the hell was that?" She whispered.

"What?"

"You and Damon? I mean, I heard you guys were talking again, but this tension is out of this world."

"Tension. No, we are fine. We are totally causal, and friendly. Every other day of the week."

"And today?"

"He agreed to be my kitchen bitch. He works for me today. I'm not exactly easy to deal with when I'm trying to exceed standards."

"I can attest."

"I'm giving these kids, the best birthday ever. And also, Lily is coming. She was going to come with Stefan, but I needed him to do some things, since Damon's lagging. So she's with Sarah and the kids. I want her to enjoy today too."

"Two selfish Salvatore men at your disposal? Not too shabby. But Damon... that was just weird. I've never seen him so... submissive."

"Submissive?" She laughed. "Pft. If you thought THAT, was submissive. One day, in his life, won't kill him." Bonnie said. "Besides, you know he'd never go for me actually having this level of control, in any other circumstance."

"True. But it must feel good, for this moment, to watch his eyes, when you boss him around."

"I plead the fifth."

"Why? Kai?"

"Stop. No talk about Kai today." Bonnie mentioned without slowing down a beat, continuing to work.

"Whoa... what happened with Kai, now?"

"Nothing." Bonnie began setting everything out nicely, and was waiting for the moment to grab some food to move outside. At the moment, Damon hadn't fully left the room. He stepped out, forgetting he needed the balloons from Bonnie, but stood quietly eavesdropping.

"Bon? Don't, do that talk to me. What happened with Kai."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Why?"

"Because, I'm confused, and he's confused. And I don't like this feeling. Confusion is lack of control. And lack of control, is something I don't need right now in my life. And with Kai, things are great. We have fun. I mean actual fun. We click. It's easy. It's natural. We fit together, really well."

Damon could feel his blood boiling, as he listened.

"Okay, and?"

"That's it. I don't know what the problem is. He's perfect. It should be easy for me. And it's not."

"It's Damon, isn't it?"

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "I can't talk about it. I don't want to think about Kai. I'm in a mode right now. I'm just enjoying life right now. Lily is doing better. I'm helping Damon's family with Seth and Soph's party. I'm baby sitting with him next weekend so that Stef and Sarah can have a weekend away."

"Oh my gosh. Domestication? Babysitting? With Damon, your ex? Bon, that's huge."

"Huge. I know. But what does it mean, ya know?"

"I don't know. Don't let it mean anything right now. Take it one day at a time. Besides, today, you have Damon sweating bullets. Keep it up. I've never seen him wear submissiveness so well."

"Stop. He's not being submissive." Bonnie laughed. "He loves his niece and nephews. He's being a good uncle."

"If you say so. I mean I know he loves them. Just saying... maybe, he doesn't realize it, but his lack of control today, is a testament to how far Damon has come since I met him. He was so controlling, he couldn't breathe without demanding his lungs evenly pace themselves. And now, he looks so... dare I say free. His giving up control, has really loosened him up. And don't hate me for this, but, damn... Damon looks fucking hot with that trimmed goatee, and that t-shirt, and those jeans. Like I'd only seen him in jeans at poker night. Girl! He's sexy. I can't believe I said that out loud."

"Yes, please stop, talking about him like that." Bonnie said, making Damon grin slightly to himself.

"Wait, are you jealous?"

"No. Pft." Katherine caught Bonnie's face which smiled, empathetically. "I'm not."

"You are."

"You are my best friend. I would never be jealous of you talking about my... I mean him in such a way."

"Did you noticed how when you spoke to him, he didn't crack a smile once, just stare at you with those blue eyes, like he was thinking nasty thoughts?"

"Kat, stop. What are you trying to do here? What's your goal?"

"Nothing. It's just Damon is not the same Damon. And while he was sexy back then, something about him now, is even sexier, than before. He has filled out a little more, and his arms were totally bigger than I remember."

"Okay. Okay. I get it. He's always been sexy. Don't ogle him like that."

"Why?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you?"

"Yes. Actually."

"Okay, he just won a case, where he was being accused of being a rapist. When in actuality, that woman used him like he was a piece of meat. He was borderline victimized."

"What? Pft..."

"Hear me out, okay. Damon, is a dominant. Yes. But, he was a victim of Andie. She sought out men like him. Good looking, wealthy, and used them for an addiction she had. She used him. She was an awful person. She got off on knowing such a good looking, wealthy man was with her. And I can't speak of his case, but just know some awful things came out about her. So... I really want to be careful with Damon's fragility, right now."

"I'm sure he doesn't want you to treat him like a victim."

"I know that, but, honestly, what do I do, ya know? I'm lost. He didn't even want me there. So..."

"He didn't? Why?"

"Kol."

"Oh."

"Damn you're behind on so much, we need to catch up soon."

"Hell yeah. Wine night, ad a movie." Kat said. "But, my advice is to treat him normal."

"I do."

"Oh, I see. You just don't like other women... objectifying him. Only you."

"No. I don't objectify him. We are friends."

"I get it. I wouldn't want anyone objectifying Elijah either. Because when I do it, it's because he belongs to me. And I'm assuming your confused, because he's not yours anymore."

"I said I didn't want to talk about Damon."

"Fine. Sorry. Just, can't help but notice the tension between you two is all."

"Well, it means nothing. He has a sub. And I have Kai, or something. And that's that." Bonnie smiled. "Now, let's go take these fruit trays and put them in the shade outside."

"Wait, a sub?"

"Kat let's go."

"No. Why does he have a sub? I don't get it."

"You're not meant to, and neither am I."

"You two are idiots!"

"Good. Now that we've established that. Stay out of it. You're a newlywed woman, with an adventurous sex life to look forward to. Leave me, and Damon be."

"Fine. I swear. I'm done. I won't interfere!" She exclaimed. Bonnie walked ahead of Kat, towards the backyard and stopped in front of her. "I won't. I promise."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. So, Kai... huh? Still haven't had sex with him?"

"Kat... no."

"Sex will tell you a lot about a person."

At this point Damon could no longer hear them. But he took into consideration all that Bonnie said. And with some of it being true and some of it being far from the truth in his mind, it put things into perspective for him differently. Katherine continued to talk as Damon grabbed the pack of balloons and got to work.

"You know what you have to do, right?"

"What?" Bonnie asked. "Set these two over here, on top of the trays of ice please." She continued maneuvering to get the last minute things done.

"It means you have to have sex with Kai."

"And that solves what? Maybe it makes things harder Katherine."

"Did you just call me by my government?"

"Listen, Kat. Having sex might make my feelings grow. Maybe I decide me and Kai deserve to really try a serious commitment."

"And if that's what you decide, then that's what you decide. But all these months, and your still confused? Something has to give."

"Hey Katherine. Bon... what else can I do before the kids get here?" Stefan walked up asking Bonnie, forcing Katherine to quit talking about it.

"Uh, can you help your brother with the balloons. We need the six tied to the street sign all the way down the drive-way, and the few coming up the drive way pulled in so the twins don't see them when they get here. Besides, everyone is here so far, except Oliver and Mickey."

"Oliver? Pft." Kat scowled. "And Mickey?"

"Michaela Pratt. My lawyer."

"You invited her? Why?"

"She's become a good friend. Plus, she hangs out with all lawyers, all the time. She needed more girlfriends. I told her I couldn't wait for the two of you to meet."

"Why?"

"Don't be a bitch today, Kat. She's not a Caroline or an Andie. She helped us nail Andie."

"But Elijah is here. And she's about to help you nail his brother in court. That's awkward isn't it?"

"Only of you make it that way." Bonnie replied while still fixing the snack table. Katherine wasn't enthused to meet Bonnie's "new friend" and she wasn't thrilled, to share Bonnie either. She gave Bonnie a half-assed grin.

"For your information, Elijah and I are attending an event called the Hive."

"The Hive?"

"Yeah." Katherine giggled, looking over at Elijah, who was making a spanking gesture with his hand. "Dork." She murmured, and Bonnie's curiosity was forcing her to look. She then, smiled at Kat and Elijah, shaking her head. Kids party my ass. Bonnie thought to herself. "Anyways, the Hive, is a cluster of couples who participate. Most of which are married, some long-term."

"Really? Interesting. Looking to do a Nik, Hayley, and Caroline type thing?"

"No. It's just nice to have a commonality with more couples."

"That sounds interesting."

"You should come?"

"Ha!" Bonnie laughed. "With who?"

"I mean, we all know Kai is Vanilla. So obviously, Damon."

"Three minutes, total. You couldn't stop interfering for more than three minutes."

"No, hear me out. What if you take Damon, as a sub. Just to see how it turns out?"

"No!" Bonnie didn't even want to hear her. Out of the question. No way, would she formulate her lips, to ask her former, dominant partner to attend an event as her sub, when she had no idea what she was doing.

"Why?"

"Because. No!"

"But-" Bonnie walked away from Kat. She couldn't handle her friend's prying today. Most days, fine. Today was a day, she sincerely tried to be all about her kids. She moved towards Elijah, who'd been eyeing her in her short skirt. "Well, I tried. She said no. You try Damon? Who by the way has a sub."

"I know kitten."

"You knew? And didn't tell me?"

"You'd speak with Bonnie. I couldn't. Sorry. Besides, Bonnie has known for sometime."

"Well, whatever."

"We've been here half an hour." He shook his head. "Could you have at least waited til they both had a couple of beers?"

"No. I don't bullshit. I want her there when we go. I may be your wife, but this place is too serious, for me. I don't need any long time subs giving me a hard time."

"It's not like that." He said, sipping a beer. "It's a community. Supportive community."

"It's what they all say. But women usually don't like me."

"You, kitten? No."

"Ha. Ha."

.xXx.

Everyone had finally settled down. Damon and Bonnie were kneeling behind a grill. And other guests hid behind tables, and fixtures. When they heard the voices traveling through the house, they got ready for the twins to walk out back, to yell... "SURPRISE!"

The shock preceded them, and they both looked at each other, shocked, quietly, then their mom, and dad said... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

They'd almost forgotten it was their birthday. They were so amazed at the decorations, and the amount of people, they thought they were at someone else's party. "Uncle Damey!" Sophia yelled, seeing her second favorite guy, standing by her second favorite lady. "Aunt Bonnie!" They both ran and hugged them. Both Bonnie and Damon were overjoyed, and felt all the love. The kids squeezed them both, and Damon caught Bonnie almost cry when the kids were saying how much they've missed and loved her.

She looked at him weak, and short of words. "Oh-My-God!" She whispered, with her eyes becoming tears. He shrugged his shoulders casually and smiled at her.

"I missed you guys too."

"You look so pretty. I love your hair. Oh my gosh, your nails, aunt Bonnie! Can you paint mine?"

"Hey Bon." Sarah smiled. "This looks so credible. How did you manage this, with what little ideas we gave you?"

"Ugh, vivid imagination. Plus I know the kids like super heros, so... it didn't take much to ask my friend Kai about it all. He's such a big kid." She laughed, and didn't realize Damon's disdain for the mention. Hearing the name Kai, role off her lips, so casually, with such a beam in her smile, was probably his worst night mare. How could another man make her blush upon mention?

"Well, I guess we owe Kai a thank you too. Is he here?"

"Nope!" Damon said.

"Bonnie is a lifesaver." Stefan said. "Professional, is an understatement."

"I'm thirsty, daddy."

"Damon... let's go grab the kids some punch." Stefan said, noticing Bonnie and Sarah were still talking about Kai. He nudged Sarah to stop.

Sarah, grinned as they headed away, and turned to Bonnie giving the 'Oh Boy,' face. "Well, that wasn't weird. How's everything going?"

"Good. Good." Bonnie shook her head in discomfort. "He and I are, trying to understand each other."

"How's it going?"

"It was going well... up until today." Her eyes grew wide, and she sighed, heavily. "How about you and Stefan?"

"Working through things. He took the 'Elena thing' hard. He wouldn't kiss me for weeks." She laughed. "And he kept calling me Katy Perry."

"Katy Perry?"

"I kissed a girl and I liked it."

"No he didn't." Bonnie did a double take to Stefan, before covering the large grin on her mouth. "I don't know what to say."

"Say nothing." She joked. "He's finally done being a baby. We have next weekend alone. I'm looking forward to it."

"Great. I'm glad. I know it's a work in progress." Bonnie grabbed a plate and decorated it with food from a nearby tray, and then offered it to her. "How's Lily been today?"

"Thanks." She said taking the plate. "She seems good. The sun makes her so tired. So, I'm hoping to keep her inside, until we sing. Julian, took her in right after the surprise, and Bashy was taking a nap on Uncle Damey's couch. So, she is sitting with him, but asking about you and Damon."

"She's hilarious."

"She's waiting for the day, you two work it out."

"On that note, I need a drink." The two women continued to talk for moments upon moments watching the kids play, and watching both Damon and Stefan take turns playing with them, scaring them, tickling them, and chasing them and the other kids. "He's so good with the kids."

"Yeah. He's a natural. And maybe it's because they're his family."

"Maybe. I always thought he'd be an amazing dad." She smiled, falling in love with his easy going playful behavior. He was so closed off any other time, but with his niece and nephews, he's this different guy. "But, kids aren't in his near future, anyway."

"I don't know. I think with the right woman, he'd, be a family man." Sarah stare at Bonnie suggestively. But Bonnie shook her head. "What? Why? You don't want kids? I know we've spoken about it before, but you always seem undecided."

"I don't think I can have kids Sarah. I tried for years. And nothing."

"Maybe it was Kol?"

"I used to think that. But I have reason to believe otherwise now. So... I don't think it's in the cards for me to be a mother. And if Damon ever wants to be a dad later in life, he'll have to find someone else, because it's a gift I cannot give him." Bonnie's eyes watered up. She wiped quickly, then covered it with a smile. "Besides, we aren't even together. It doesn't matter."

As Sarah walked to comfort Bonnie they were both distracted by a boisterous voice, and a smile that matched Bonnie's in brightness, and bright ivory sparkle. "BB! Oh my god!"

Bonnie looked up to see Mickey, and she instantly started to smile. "Mickey! Come on let me introduce you." She pulled Sarah, by the arm to Michaela and Oliver, who surprisingly showed up together.

"So, Damon just had to live in the hills, far from civilization. This place wasn't on the GPS, exactly. But luckily, ole faithful Ollie, has been here before."

"Just glad you guys came. This is Sarah, Damon's sister-in-law. Stefan's wife. Sarah, this is Michaela."

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

"I should've known, he'd have such exclusive locale." Mickey grinned.

"Ollie, hey."

"Bonnie." They hugged.

"So, look at you two. Trying hard to look uncivilized." Bonnie grinned.

"First of all..." Mickey held her finger up.

"Stop. We match Elijah." Ollie joked. We aren't the only ones.

"Next time, you don't have to wear your, 'I'm going to the horse races.' Attire."

"Heffa, it said best Sunday Attire."

"Best, Superhero, Summer, Sunday-Funday party attire." Sarah admitted embarrassed that the translation didn't go over.

"Oh, gosh! Did all those words matter? I literally saw Sunday."

Sarah giggled at mickeys confused face. "Ahh. I like her Bonnie."

"Listen, I mingle with liars on a daily." She turned to Oliver. "So, I just assumed I needed to be beastin it. Plus, mama is single. I always have to look my best. You never know."

Oliver laughed, garnering all the women's eyes. "What?"

"Ya know, you look beautiful. You both look great, I thought y'all were a couple."

They looked at one another and laughed. "What?! No!"

"Please. She's really high maintanance."

"And he likes bimbos."

"They are not bimbos."

"They are not me."

Oliver was mentally tongue tied and couldn't speak. "True. But... you and I, are incompatible."

"Understatement."

A long empty silence filled the space, and Bonnie broke the monotony. "Ollie, Damon, Elijah and Stefan are all over there."

"Oh, Pft. Yeah." He saluted quickly, and turned to leave.

"And, you like his ass or what?" Bonnie laughed.

"Stop. I was not-"

"Uh-huh. Of course you weren't Mickey."

"Girl, single." She pointed to herself. "Just because I looky, doesn't mean I wanty."

"Of course not. Would you like to meet some other single folks?"

"Hell yes! Girl... look at all this glam. Let's not waste it on Oliver's ass."

"Come on. I'll introduce you to some people."

...

The group stood together talking for a while. Katherine hadn't made her way over. She was sizing up Michaela. She wasn't the biggest fan of Oliver. But more importantly, she knew Elijah would be uncomfortable around the two lawyers here to take his brother down. Granted he realized his brother deserved it. But, a conflict of interest would literally be laughing and joking with them. Not now... maybe years down the line, or whenever he got to understand fully what Kol and Bonnie's marriage downfalls entailed. As of right now, cheating wasn't enough of a reason for Elijah to smile and be fake. Even with respect for Bonnie, he chose to remain neutral.

"Keeper, baby, you okay?"

"Certainly love."

"They're not bothering you?"

"No. I can keep my distant and remain peaceful, and mature. The situation is between Bonnie and Kol and Damon. I choose to refrain from hearing or knowing any details."

"Sure. But-"

"Kitten, we've had this discussion. Unnecessary drama, is useless. Bonnie and Damon are my friends. Kolson is my brother. This, isn't my fight, or yours. It's theirs."

Katherine wasn't impressed with Bonnie's laughing with Michaela. She refused to feel jealousy, about it. Instead, she rolled her eyes. And wrapped her arms around her husband. "I guess I should give her this moment. She is less than thrilled with me about trying to con her into coming with Damon to the Hive."

"They're not where we are, yet Kitten. Give it time."

"There's a road block named Kai. Ugh. And stupid Damon, and his stupid sub."

"My my, you're cranky. I think your Keeper needs to give you something to relax you. The party is different from our normal taste. Let's loosen up." He turned and nibbled on her neck. "Seriously, the bitchy attitude will cause you and Bonnie to argue, then it will take me and Damon to fix you two this time."

"Yeah, and where do you suppose you relax me? It's a kids party."

"Come." He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back into the house since everyone seemed to be enjoying being outside. It wasn't Elijah's style to have sex in anyone's house, but, he quite frankly was feeling tense which rarely happened. He was always cool, calm, and collected. But he needed this just as much as his wife.

.x.

The sun had finale been hidden behind some large trees in Damon's yard, on the other side of the sky. Bonnie wheeled Lily out to the shade, and made her a plate of food. It was great seeing her laughing and involved with the group. Damon watched from across the yard. It was large enough to have a circus between them, but he managed to never be too far from Bonnie today. Just in case she needed help. He spoke to Lily a little today. More than his usual hi and bye. He asked her if she liked the decorations, if she was thirsty, if she wanted more food, and he also handed her an umbrella for the short moments the sun peeked through the trees in her direction.

And now, he watched her laughing with Bonnie, while Bonnie held Bashy on her lap. "Bastian doesn't go to just anyone like that." Stefan said. "He gives Lily a helluva time." He laughed. "But, with Bonnie, all of the kids kind of clung to her, ever since Christmas."

"She has that effect on people." Damon said. He didn't want beer, but that's all Stefan and Sarah bought for the adults. He was a Bourbon/Whiskey man. And for Bonnie he'd drink champagne or wine on occasions.

"She want to be a mom?" Oliver asked.

"I don't know." Damon watched Bonnie bounce Sabatian up and down on her lap. Until she saw Bonnie look down, and question something she saw on her dress. They both took a closer look, and after a few seconds, Sarah grabbed the toddler, and Bonnie stood up, heading inside of the house. Sarah not far behind her.

"The kids are excited. Thanks bro. You and Bonnie pulled it off."

Damon shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Anything for them."

"Saw you talk a little to Lily today. That's good. No pressure. But, I'm proud of you."

Another shoulder shrug. Sarah ran over to Stefan, from the house. "Hey, I left the diapers in the car, you have my keys. He pooed, and it's everywhere. Poor Bonnie. Her dress was covered."

"That's disgusting." Oliver noted.

Stefan stood up, and walked with Sarah to get to the car and get him cleaned up. Damon stood up, "I should help Bonnie." When he knocked on his bedroom door, it pushed open. He walked back to his bathroom and she had already changed her clothes. "Hey, I heard about what happened."

"Uhh, yeah." She laughed. "Poor little guy." He watched her try to hand wash her dress.

"If I don't get it out, it'll never come off. It's chiffon." She scrubbed and it felt like her hands weren't moving fast enough. He grabbed the piece of material over her hands, and helped her scrub. Still nothing was resolving. Bonnie laughed, because no matter how hard they scrubbed, it wouldn't come off. "It's useless." Their hands under the hot water, with the hand soap and it's all they had because Damon dry cleaned all of his clothes.

Suddenly his hands were wrapped around hers and she stopped scrubbing the fabric. She looked up into the mirror catching his eyes, and before they could lock into eye contact, she looked away, pulling her hands from the sink. "Sorry." He murmered.

"It's okay. I should go get the cake ready to sing. It's got strawberries in it, so I put it in your fridge. But-" Damon pushed her hair out of her face, and his wet fingers, touched the side of her face. "Thanks." He couldn't speak to her, he was stuck on watching her. His hand lingered onto her neck, from brisking her cheek.

He missed the feel of her skin on the palm of his hands. And she missed what his hand felt like on her throat. "You should go grab the cake. I'll, take care of this."

"Damon, you don't have to-"

"It's okay. Go ahead, give me twenty minutes." He smiled, as soon as her earthy eyes looked up at him. "Go." He shooed her out of the bathroom, freeing her up to do what she needed.

.x.

After the party ended, The last guests to leave were Kat and Elijah. They snuck out to the car for over an hour that afternoon and no one even recognized with all the commotion. So when they returned to sing, both Bonnie and Damon, were just glad at the turn out. After saying good bye, Bonnie sighed blowing her bangs away from her face.

"If this is what throwing kids parties are like, I think grown up parties are easier." He joked.

"Definitely."

"You're phenomenal Bonnie. You made the whole day magical." His head shook slowly, wondering how she could settle for THE Review.

"I'm glad you liked it. That means it's worth the achy feet." They both walk around and stare at the mess. Bonnie stood with her legs crossed, and her arms, leaning onto the wall, in exhaustion.

"Why don't you have a seat. Relax your feet."

"I can't. I need to clean now, or it'll never get done."

"You're tired. Sit, Bonnie."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Damon, you aren't my dominant. You can't tell me what to do."

"Is it always about that to you?"

"No. But, you seem to natural of a demander." She laughed. "Sit Bonnie. Go get the cake Bonnie." He was taken aback, and looked at her confused.

"Is that how you took it?"

"How should I have?" She asked. But he didn't answer. He grabbed her by her hand, and walked her to his bedroom, and back to his bathroom. "Oh. Damon... how did you get it done?"

"I can't tell you." He said lowly, watching her amazement at her perfectly cleaned dress, hanging over the glass of his shower. He grabbed her hand again, and lead her to his bed. "Sit." He whispered.

"Damon?"

Grabbing her hands and putting her hands to his mouth and speaking gently against her skin. "Please sit... madam." He lay her back and removed her shoes, one at a time. "I wanted to help. I asked you to do those things, so in order to help you. I'm taking your lead, because I'm trusting your process."

She just listened. It was hard not to.

"Bonnie," he started massaging her feet, "you worked so hard today, I was gonna clean it all up for you. And before you tell me I don't have to, yes I do. You worked so hard. I just want to take care of you." He kneaded her feet with more strength, forcing her to take a deep breath. "That, okay? Does it feel good? Or should I be softer?"

"No, it's... Damon-"

"Don't object. Does this feel okay, or should I be gentler?"

"It's perfect."

His hands continued to massage the deepest tissue of her feet, and all the while he watched her feet, while he tended to them. Each toe, individually, he massaged. His hands were magical, from the day she'd met him. Always the right amount of strength, to use on her.

"So much tension. I'm hoping this helps. How do you want me to continue?" He asked.

"Higher." He moved up to her ankles, and kept massaging. "Higher." She said. Without looking up at her, Damon moved his hands higher. Her calves were being kneaded now, roughly. But perfectly. He tended to her muscles like she was a dough in his kitchen. After a few minutes, she spoke again. "Higher." His hands again, crawled up her knees just above them to the start of her lower thighs. "Higher." He paused, and looked up at her, making sure she knew what she was demanding of him. All the while she was speaking in a low voice. And her face was as straight as his. "I said higher... please."

She threw him off. That 'please,' wasn't very standard, but he knew she was testing the waters. His hands slowly crept higher on her thighs. Right at the cusp of the center of her heat, on his hand, he continued to rub and massage her flesh. Bonnie's let out a small gasp when she felt his knuckles accidentally rub her warmth.

Damon didn't stop, he continued to massage her thigh, as she went from watching his hands to his eyes. His continuance to let his knuckles press into her while he massaged made her sit up and grab his wrist, stopping him. "God." She breathed out.

"Sorry."

Bonnie inhaled. "It's okay. It was my fault." She tried standing, "I should probably, help clean."

"It's okay. I got it, Bon." They kept finding themselves on the cusp of discomfort, pushing boundaries.

"No, Damon. Let me help. I know alotta tricks to get it done faster."

"I was just gonna do what I could tonight. Hire a crew for the rest."

She couldn't believe her ears, at him wasting money. "Save the money." She stood up, from the bed, and next to him. "Come on. We can clean together." She pulled him by his arm, and tried not to let the closeness impact her. Bonnie and Damon had the type of bond, that, when face to face, they had a hard time parting ways. For weeks now, they'd been redefining their friendship.

It didn't take long before Bonnie had got them into a rhythm as they cleaned. Damon did everything she asked, and followed her direction well. But, she couldn't help but to sigh heavily, when she found the pack of marsh mellows. "These never got dipped."

"Sorry. I..." he paused trying to think of a lie. But she waited, and he knew he couldn't. "I have no excuse. But, in my defense. There was chocolate dipped Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, chocolate dipped bananas, chocolate dipped and caramel covered popcorn, ice cream, cake, caramel covered brownies, and-"

"But... Bashy loves marsh mellows, and has barely any teeth."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm just giving you a hard time."

He stood there for a few seconds watching her wanting to speak, but unsure if he should mention what was on his mind. The fact was, he didn't want to over step a boundary, not knowing the boundaries this new friendship consisted of. He took a chance still. "Bon, speaking of Bashy." The nickname, Bonnie gave him. "You are really good with him."

"Am I? I always wonder if he's gonna scream one day, because he forgets me. I mean, I go weeks and weeks without seeing him. And somehow he still remembers me."

"Your face is hard to forget. But, not just that, it's your personality. You make him smile. And you light up, when you hold him."

"Yeah, I love those kids."

"I can tell. You're such a natural, nurturer."

"Really? I don't see it. I just do what feels easy."

"You, still want kids, Bonnie?" He gave her a certain look that made her uncomfortable. She wasn't sure why he was inquiring. She knew at one point he had no interest in kids. And she believes, deeply since seeing April, with what was possibly Kol's baby, that she was unable to have kids. Trying and trying, for years, she was convinced she was barren. And the thought broke her heart. So when he asked her, she lied to him.

"No. I think that ship has sailed for me." Taken aback, he felt a weird feeling in his chest when she said no.

"Really, Bon? You sure?"

"Damon, come on... this conversation, is inappropriate."

"I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable. Just seems to me, you'd be a good mother."

Bonnie wasn't sure, why he wanted to know or talk about kids with her. They weren't together. And even if they were, she couldn't give him kids, even if she believed he wanted them. Which she didn't believe he did. "Maybe I'll adopt, after my career is where I want it."

"Adopt?" He paused. "Sure. Adoption is important. Either way, you'd be a good mother, Bonnie. Just my 'friendly' opinion."

"Well, I appreciate that, Damon." She smiled, which invited Damon to move closer towards her. "And, if you're wondering, I'm super excited to babysit, next weekend with you." He would take that for now. Her wanting to babysit, and her being excited to spend time together. He didn't want to push anything more right now. But he felt the need to be closer to her.

"Well, for once, I'm nervous. I definitely need you." He made it appoint to use those words, and let it mean something. "If I trust anyone to help me through this, it's you." He leaned on the cabinet next to her, and put his hand on her arm.

"Well, I'm glad we get to experience this together. I think it'll be good for us."

"Yeah, why is that?"

"Oh... ummm," She began to fumble over her thoughts and words. "I mean... it's not because of- I mean, it's just kind of new for us both, and-" Damon moved towards Bonnie, connected his lips to the cheek, right next to her lips, shushing her. He rest still there for seconds, until she moved her eyes towards his, and her lips towards his. They stare at one another for a few seconds, before allowing their lips to meet, tenderly, in the middle of his kitchen. Their lips held a gentleness for a while. And before it became more intimate, his phone rang.

Bonnie detached from the kiss and the two of them remained still in the same position, as the phone rang. He wanted to curse his phone for interrupting them, and pulling her out of the moment.

"I should probably get going."

"Bon, don't-" his phone rang again. "Damn. I'm so, sorry."

"No, it's okay. We pretty much got most of it together. I can come by tomorrow and help you get the outside together."

"Bonnie, this-"

"Damon, it's okay. I'll be back tomorrow. It's getting kind of late. I need to shower, and get some sleep." He wanted her to stay, and shower there, and sleep there. Or don't sleep, and talk. It didn't matter what they did as long as she stayed. But he couldn't get the words out.

Bonnie stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek.

"It's too late to drive-"

"Damon, I'm a big girl." She grinned. "I'll call you when I get home."

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

The entire day was too much to bear. Having her, but not really having her. Loving her from afar, and watching her, knowing her happy moments were his. Still... she was right there, and it felt as though he couldn't touch her. He walked her out to her car, and their hug lasted for moments that felt, too short lived. But enough to know, that hug meant something to both of them. And he watched her drive off, and every time she left his side, she took a piece of him with her. He was dwindling down to an incomplete puzzle each day.

But just moments with her, were moments he was the happiest. Even when she was bossing him around.

Two hours later

Bonnie was in bed thinking about her day. Thinking about Damon. She called him when she got home and they spoke on the phone. Something new for them. They spoke for almost an hour, and she told him she'd see him at nine am, to help clean his backyard.

She was excited to hang out with Damon. And for once, she hadn't thought about Kai since the awkward moment at their double date.

(Ding Dong)

Bonnie sat up, thinking she was hearing things.

(Ding Dong)

"Crap."

Bonnie stood up, and put some short on, over her panties. She already had a tank top on, but her hair was wrapped. She saw herself in her mirror before she left her room. She knew Damon would try and come by after she practically bribed him to stay home, promising she'd be by in the morning.

She quickly took her scarf off and let her hair down. "What am I doing?" She whispered. She knew she was fresh out the shower, so no other added changes were necessary. Bonnie walked to her door, just knowing she couldn't be mad at him for not keeping his word. And when she opened the door, she let him know.

"I told you, I'd be by in the morning, Damo- Kai?"

And again, she was caught off guard by being the wrong man at the door. He stood there with flowers, and a teddy bear. And his heart on his sleeve. And she had no idea what to say. She'd purposely avoided him, because it made it easier not to choose his friendships over Damon's. It was wrong. She knew it was wrong. And it came back to bite her in the ass.

"Hey beautiful. Long time no see."

TENSION with EVERYONE. :) Thanx for reading guys. Hope you enjoyed!