A/N: I've had this idea for a while, and I didn't want to forget it, so I decided to start this story :) I will still be writing my other TVD fic, Incomplete, as well as this one.

This is set after 1x17, so I know it's a bit out-dated...but from there I'm going to try and make it my own as much as possible, while also adding in a few season 3 ideas...not sure whether or not Klaus will be in this story - I'm just gonna wing it ;) leave a review to let me know what you think - feedback is ALWAYS welcomed! Enjoy :D

(Song for this chapter: Love On The Rocks, Sara Bareilles)

Hot as hell, cold as ice, sip it slow cause it's so nice
Dulls my senses, drives my pain, but I do it again
Burns a bit to the touch, dangerous if it's too much
If this bottle could talk
Love on the rocks

Elena's POV

I gazed around groggily, my eyes blurry. What had happened? I vaguely recognised the room I was in to be a hospital ward. Beep. Beep. I could hear the steady beeping of the heart monitor, and I allowed my gaze to drift slowly over my body. I was attached to a drip, which was currently allowing blood and water into my body. There were a few random white bandages wrapped around my arms, but my legs were covered with the sheets so I couldn't see the damage done. But what had actually happened? Why was I here? The beeping quickened as I began to panic slightly. A choked sob escaped my lips as I glanced around in fright. Suddenly, a man appeared beside me. I jumped in surprise and stared at him in fear. He had dark, raven-black hair that was casually tousled, and piercing bluey-green eyes. Under normal circumstances I would've thought he was insanely good looking, but considering I was in a hospital and I had no idea who he was, I naturally panicked.

"Hey, hey, hey, Elena," he said softly. "Calm down, it's okay. I'll get the nurse."

"Who are you?" I whispered in fright. "What happened to me?"

He looked stricken. "Elena...it's me, Damon."

Nope. The name didn't mean anything to me. I shook my head uselessly.

"Who?" I gasped. "I don't know you!"

Panic also crossed Damon's perfect features. "Elena...look at me. I'm Damon Salvatore, remember? The brother of your boyfriend?"

"Who's my boyfriend?" I almost sobbed.

Damon leaned back, shock etched into his face. "I gotta get the nurse."

2 days earlier

I watched Stefan from the bar, feeling a mixture of different emotions. He grinned as he danced with countless girls, who were all dazzled by him as they fawned over him. It wasn't like he hadn't danced with me – he had, and I knew this whole "party animal" character he was displaying tonight wasn't him – he was drunk. He was trying to mask the cravings for blood. I sighed, stirring my drink idly. Ever since I'd fed him my blood to save his life he'd been acting different. But he'd told me he was dealing with the new lust for blood, and I trusted his judgement, but...I was still concerned. I should be happy, I reasoned. Pearl had kicked out all of the tomb vampires after they'd attacked Stefan – they were gone. That pressing issue was gone. Dealt with. The only issue I had to deal with now was that my vampire boyfriend was struggling with his cravings for blood, and it was my fault.

I glanced around at all of my friends, who were dancing, laughing and chatting. Stefan was amongst most of the girls, and there were lots of girls here considering it was Caroline's birthday party. Caroline would kill me if she knew I wasn't up and dancing with everyone else. I just hoped if she did catch me, then the gorgeous silver charm bracelet I had bought her would make up for it.

"Hey, Elena."

I quickly slid off my chair expecting Caroline, but relaxed when I saw Bonnie looking inquisitively down at me. Sighing in relief, I sank into the chair again and she joined me, sitting in the chair opposite.

"I didn't think you'd come," I offered. She'd only got back in town yesterday, and she'd been displaying a cold ignorance toward me and Stefan.

"And miss Caroline's party?" she joked. "Are you crazy?"

I forced a smile, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't pretend everything was normal. She'd been ignoring me, and I wanted to know why.

"So, what's going on with him?" she jerked her head in the direction of Stefan, who was downing shots with the rest of the football team. "He's acting weird."

"He's been through a tough couple of days," I said, trying not to sound so defensive. "He's having a bit of trouble dealing with cravings at the moment after I saved his life."

"Cravings for blood?" she asked flatly.

"Yes," I replied shortly.

Bonnie sighed. "I should go."

"Wait, Bon," I took her arm. "What's going on with you? You've barely said a word to me or Stefan since you've been back, and Caroline said you guys talked every day. You never answered or returned my calls," I said, and we could both hear the hurt that saturated my tone.

"I don't want to talk about it, Elena," Bonnie sighed, standing up. "It's just been tough with Grams gone, but I don't want to say anymore. It's Caroline's birthday and we should be happy."

I nodded, feeling hurt seep through me. "Okay, Bonnie. I get it."

"See ya," she muttered, before hurrying away. I sighed, blinking back tears. Not too long after she left, her seat was occupied as Damon sat down.

"Why are you all alone?" he asked, taking a sip from my drink.

I couldn't even be bothered to berate him for stealing my drink. "Just not in the mood to party," I said, almost truthfully. "How did you get in? Surely Caroline didn't invite you..."

"She was happy enough to let me in when I said I was here for you," he said cheerfully, as he eyed Stefan. "Stefan. What a party animal."

"Is there something wrong with him?" I asked immediately. "He's acting really weird – I mean, I know alcohol's supposed to mask the cravings, but – I don't know – part of me just doesn't believe Stefan's handling the whole bloodlust thing well."

Damon shrugged. "I don't get why he can't just suck it up – excuse the pun – and use a blood bag, instead of suppressing it."

I glared at him. "Because he has self-control, and will-power. He won't drink from humans, Damon, not even blood bags."

"He can fight it, Elena, but it's a vampire's basic nature to drink blood," Damon said simply. "He spent so many years resisting it when he should've been learning how to control it."

I chose not to reply, because a part of me knew he was probably right. Damon hadn't killed a person in so long, and while drinking from blood bags, he was still able to keep it in check around humans. Maybe Stefan could do the same.

"Anyway, we have bigger issues at hand rather than my baby brother's blood addict problems," he said dismissively. "Your dear Uncle John has joined the Founder's Council, and I don't like it."

I shrugged. "What do you want me to do about it?"

"Grant me permission to kill him?" Damon suggested.

I glowered at him. "You can't just get rid of your problems by killing people, Damon."

"What?" he said, nonplussed. "It works with pretty much everything else."

"You're not going to kill him, Damon," I warned.

"Fine," he rolled his eyes, standing up.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

Damon glanced around. "High school parties were never really my thing. I think I'm gonna catch up with Ric."

I sighed, glancing over at Stefan who was talking to the DJ. "Whatever."

Damon looked at Stefan, and then down at me. "Stefan will be fine, Elena," he told me earnestly. "Don't worry about him."

Before I could respond to his sudden sincerity, he had already walked away. Sighing, I picked up my bag and began to make my way through the crowd to Stefan. He grinned when he saw me.

"Elena!" he wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. "My beautiful girlfriend, everybody," he introduced.

I laughed nervously. "Come on, Stefan, let's go home."

"Oh, come on, Elena," he spun me out and tugged me back in again. "Let's dance."

"No, thanks," I wriggled myself out of his arms. "I'm not feeling well, Stefan. I want to go home."

Suddenly, a guy serving drinks collided with me, spilling the drinks all over the floor.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry!" he said, flustered. "I tripped!"

"It's fine!" I assured him. "You didn't get me."

Stefan glowered at the man. "Watch it, asshole."

"Stefan!" I hissed in shock.

"I – I'm sorry," the waiter stammered.

"I think you should apologise," Stefan continued darkly.

"Stefan, he already did apologise," I told him sternly, turning to the man. "He doesn't mean it – he's just a little drunk."

The man nodded, shot Stefan a wary look, and then hurried away. Stefan touched my cheek.

"You okay?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Stefan, we need to talk. Alone," I added, before grabbing his hand and dragging him outside to the garden. I hugged myself to keep warm as he faced me in confusion.

"What's going on, Stefan?" I demanded.

He looked puzzled. "I don't know what you mean."

"Do you have the blood thing under control?" I asked, lowering my voice. "Because you're acting different."

"Elena," he chuckled. "I'm drunk, okay? Of course I'm acting different; in comparison to my usual broody self. You should enjoy it while it lasts. I have this whole blood thing under control, okay?"

I sighed. Maybe I was overreacting. The only reason he was acting territorial, and well, different, was because he was just a little drunk. Everyone acted different after a few to drink, and if it helped him with the cravings...I should be okay with that. I forced a smile and nodded.

"You're right, Stefan, I'm sorry. But I'm still gonna go home, okay?" I asked.

He nodded. "I'm gonna stay a little while."

I regarded him in surprise. "You're not coming with me?"

Stefan grinned. "I kinda promised Caroline I'd karaoke before I left. You could join me?"

"No, thanks," I forced a laugh. "Have fun. I'll see you tomorrow."

The next morning, I grabbed my bag and hurried downstairs. It was Saturday, and I'd decided to go and visit Stefan. I hadn't seen him or Damon since last night, and I wanted to know how Stefan was doing. I wondered if vampires could get hangovers...because if they could, I knew Stefan would have the worst one ever. I opened the fridge and grabbed a carton of milkshake, and as I closed it, I came face to face with John. I jumped in surprise.

"Sorry," he said, not sounding it at all. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine," I muttered, twisting the cap on the milkshake. "I should go."

"Where are you going?" he asked nosily.

I sighed and turned to face him. "Why?"

"I'm just wondering," he shrugged. "I am your uncle after all. Your parents would want me to keep an eye on you."

"Well, I'm fine without you keeping an eye on me," I retorted. "You're hardly around and I've survived without you being here."

"Are you off to see Stefan?" John asked, ignoring my comment.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," I folded my arms irritably. "What's it to you?"

"You know, your mother wouldn't be happy that you're dating a vampire," he called after my retreating figure. I froze in my tracks, my heart spluttering. How the hell...? I whirled around to face him.

"Don't deny it," he warned. "There's no point."

"Which mother, John?" I shot back, before hurrying out the front door, my heart hammering frantically. I quickly got in my car and slammed the door shut. Shakily, I rested my head on the wheel. How did John Gilbert know my boyfriend was a vampire? What did this mean? Would he expose them to the council? Hands trembling, I twisted the keys in the ignition and drove to the Salvatore Boarding House. I pulled over outside the house, before getting out of the car and knocking frantically on the door. It was opened a moment later by Damon, who looked stressed out. Wow. Stress was an emotion I rarely saw crossing Damon Salvatore's face. Something must be up.

"Elena, now's not a good time," he muttered, stepping outside.

"I know," I said hurriedly. "It really isn't. John Gilbert knows Stefan's a vampire, which means he probably knows you're a vampire too."

"I know," he nodded. "He threatened to out me."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Killed him," Damon shrugged. "But that backfired because he was wearing the same ring as Alaric, which brought him back to life."

I sighed. I should be mad that Damon killed John, but I wasn't. "So what are we going to do?"

Damon regarded me cautiously. "We aren't going to do anything. I'll handle this, Elena."

"Well, maybe I can talk to him," I suggested. "He is my uncle after all...he might understand."

Damon shrugged. "Well, you two have fun in the whole bonding thing. Let me know how it goes."

"How's Stefan?" I asked.

Damon sighed edgily. "Another complication. You'd better come inside for this."

Confused, and slightly wary, I followed him inside. He closed the door gently behind me and turned to face me.

"What's going on, Damon?" I asked cautiously, folding my arms.

"Sherriff Forbes told me there was a disturbance at the hospital blood bank last night. Some of the supply was stolen," he told me. "At first I thought it was Anna, but she told me she hadn't been there in a week. And then that's where Stefan comes in," he walked briskly across the room, and with an ominous sense of foreboding in my stomach, I followed. Damon led me down to the cellar, and I gasped. Blood bags that had been squeezed and emptied were scattered across the floor carelessly, and random droplets of blood dotted the walls.

"Are you telling me Stefan robbed a hospital?" I whispered, my voice laced with shock.

"Yes," Damon nodded. "He's back on human blood, Elena. Normally I would have a completely different outlook on this, but with the council back on the alert since John Gilbert came back to town, now is not a good time for Stefan to embrace his blood addiction."

"This – this is Stefan we're talking about!" I murmured. "He lied to me...Damon, there has to be something we can do. I can talk to him – I'm the one who made him drink the blood in the first place."

"You don't get it, Elena. You can't just talk to him – it's not that easy. This is Stefan on human blood; he'll do or say anything, no matter how much he has to lie," he explained tightly.

"Maybe you can talk to him," I suggested. "He is your brother, so maybe –"

I was cut off as I heard the front door open and close.

"He's here," Damon informed me. I hurried upstairs to find Stefan walking in. Everything about him just seemed different. When I looked at him now, I saw a different person.

"Oh, hey," he grinned. "What are you doing here?"

"I know that you're drinking human blood, Stefan," I said flatly.

Stefan looked surprised, but then he quickly covered it with a mask of surprise. "What are you talking about, Elena?"

"I saw the cellar," I replied. "How could you lie to my face, Stefan? You told me you had it under control!"

"Elena, I don't understand why you're getting so upset," he said. "The blood doesn't change anything."

"Yes, it does!" I snapped back. "It's changing you – you never lie to me!"

"Well, given the way you're reacting can't you understand why I kept it from you? It's no big deal, Elena," he said.

"I can't do this right now," I said tiredly, grabbing my bag. "Bye, Stefan."

"Wait," as I walked past him, Stefan grabbed my arm. "Elena, it doesn't change anything."

"You robbed a hospital!" I pointed out. "Now, please, let go of me. I need time to think."

Stefan didn't let go. "What is there to think about, Elena?"

"Let her go, Stefan," Damon's voice ordered quietly.

Stefan shook his head and released my arm. "So what is this, Damon? You rat me out, huh? You're the one that's always wanted me to embrace what I am, and now that I'm doing that you don't like it?"

Damon walked toward us and touched my arm. "You should leave, Elena," he said, his eyes fixed on Stefan. Deciding it was best not to argue, I hurried out of the house. I didn't even bother getting in the car. I just stormed onward, unsure of where I was going. Hurt and betrayal boiled inside of me as I strode away from the house. Tears fogged my vision as I walked. How could Stefan lie to me about this? After everything we'd been through...he just lied to me. My tears spilled over and trickled down my cheeks. The traffic lights turned red so I began to walk across the road. Suddenly, a car drove around the corner. My heart lurched as I realised the driver had completely been ignoring the red light. I tried to run out of the way, but, unable to stop, it hit me in the side of the hip. Pain exploded everywhere as I was thrown across the street. My head whacked the road hard. Black spots appeared in front of my eyes, and I tasted blood as I blacked out.