Disclaimer: I own nothing

Short sequel to 'The Problem with Salvatores". Set some time afterwards

Stefan's roar of agony fills Damon's ears and Damon struggles against his bonds to help his brother. The reinforced chair is solid and despite not having been pumped full of vervain, he is still unable to break the constraints. Stefan grits his teeth in the chair next to Damon as another stake is driven into his abdomen. A cold sweat runs down his forehead as he throws his head back in pain.

Damon watches uselessly, attempting to help his brother but failing to get free. A hand twists his own head back and pours liquid vervain down his throat. Damon howls in pain as the liquid burns his throat and stomach. He begins to cough up blood as he chokes on the poison. The vampires who are tormenting them look on in glee. There are only two of them but they're both strong and Stefan is still on bunny blood.

They never stood a chance.

Damon begins to black out as hands scrape against him and he feels wood driven into his stomach. Blood seeps down his skin and he feels so weak and so in pain.

Useless.

A noise startles their attackers and one leaves to check its source. Damon never does find out exactly what happens to him, only seeing later that his neck had been broken and a stake embedded into his chest. The other vampire waits for his companion to return anxiously and finally goes hesitantly to find the cause of the disruption.

He too, does not return.

Damon is nearly passed out and doesn't see her in the room. The smell of blood and sweat means that he doesn't smell her either. It's only when Stefan sighs in relief and whispers his thanks that Damon realises who their saviour is. He grimaces. He almost prefers the torture.

(Her gloating will be torture enough)

She breaks Stefan free, stronger than he is having fed more recently and not been tortured for the last few hours. She hands him a blood bag of animal blood and he leaves to make sure that there are no other vampires about.

Leaving Damon and his hero.

She doesn't free him immediately and eventually he looks up. Her face is radiant despite the lines of concern marring her pretty forehead. She seems torn between worry and triumph at finally being his saviour. Damon shrugs, she fits the part better than he does.

(She always made such a better angel)

"Are you going to free me?" he asks, voice raw from the vervain. She bites her lip and looks so positively adorable it makes him feel sick.

"Only when you say it." He growls in frustration,

"Caroline." She grins,

"Say it Damon. Or else I'll leave you here to rot." He groans and hits his head against the back of the chair. Finally, after remaining silent for sometime he whispers,

"Thank you Caroline Forbes for saving me."

"And?" she prompts eagerly. He moans,

"And I'm hopeless, pathetic damsel in distress." She grins happily,

"Excellent." She frees him easily and lifts him into her arms. He begins to protest at this treatment but she shakes her head,

"Nup. You're my damsel and I'm your hero. I'm just making sure that we get you home safe and sound." She's stronger than him and he leans back into her hold, arms crossed and pouting adorably. She laughs and kisses his pouting lips gently. He grunts,

"Well, if you're going to be like this, you damn well better ravish me when we get home." She laughs again,

"It's a deal, my pretty little princess."

When they get home, Damon finally stops winging as she follows through with her promise. He decides that maybe her saving him once in a while isn't such a bad thing.

(Even if it's just to see her smile)