Meant To Be

chapter two

The next morning...

Beginning to wake up slightly, I attempt to flip over, but find that to be impossible as there were two arms wrapped tightly around my waist and a warm chest pressed against my back. I automatically lean back into it and reach for one of the hands, squeezing it softly.

It isn't until I hear a very specific person hum beside my ear, pulling me even closer to him, that I realize just who I was in bed with.

Damon.

I try to pull away from him instantly, but he snuggles up against me even more, not breaking his grip. He then kisses my neck, sending unexplainable chills down my spine.

"D-Damon," I whisper breathlessly.

He shifts suddenly, and I look over my shoulder to find him staring down at me in surprise.

"How did we end up like this?"

"I have no idea. You tell me," I say, holding back a chuckle.

"I don't know either. Sorry about that, Bon..."

I interrupt him. "It's fine. Sleep well?"

He unwraps his arms from my body and smiles. "Very well. How about you?"

"I was out like a light, all night. Five shots will do that to you."

He laughs. "You're telling me."

I stare at him questionably.

"I've been quite the heavy drinker as of the past year or so. Traded in the bourbon for coffee for a while, but, uh, that didn't last."

I frown. "Why?"

"Let's just say that bourbon had become my new best friend. Elena and I have been... struggling lately, and I've been drinking to cope, I guess."

"Damon, I'm so sorry. I wish I'd known-"

"It's fine, Bonnie. It is what it is. But you're back now and that's a good thing, so let's just focus on that."

Same old Damon. Masking his problems with booze and denial.

"Still, I'm sure she still cares about you. You should tell her where you are, she's probably worried..."

"She kicked me out last night. Something about "needing time to think." I don't know. She took off her ring and now I really don't know how to fix us."

Jeez. "Wow. You still love her though, right?"

"I don't know, Bon. Sometimes relationships are irreparable. Maybe we shouldn't be together, maybe it's for the best."

I sigh. "Everything we went through to keep her alive, and to have her even be awake right now- not to mention Stefan's sacrifice for the two of you to be together. That has to be worth something."

"Can we put this conversation on hold for a bit? It's not exactly the happiest thing, and considering my best friend just got back yesterday, after almost three years may I add, I think you deserve a welcome back meal. On me. One rule: no depressing talk." He smiles widely at me, and I return it.

"Fine. I am hungry," I say.

"Me too. Human, remember?"

"Still getting used to that fact."

-

After getting ready, we head out the door.

"So, how's life without compulsion been? I just cannot imagine you convincing people to give you what you want to be an easy task."