A/N: Hi. This is my first attempt at a VD fic. I had been reading several for the past few days, and one particular favorite of mine that was called 'Loose Ends' inspired me to write my own. This is just a one-shot though, a sort of what if? thing. Enjoy.

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Stefan

I run through the empty streets. I'm not entirely sure where I am, but I know that I am lost somewhere in a city of Western Europe. My breath pours out of my lungs and I struggle to draw in air. I cannot, and I stumble.

I have to get away. Instinct drives me.

I feel a dark glare on my back and I slowly turn, panting heavily. White mist wreathes my face.

I see him. Damon.

Brother.

I dash down the nearest alley, and I can sense his silent footsteps reverbarating through the stones. I am desperate now as I try to find an escape.

I know why he pursues me endlessly. I had killed her. Elena. The love of our lives. She had always been attracted to my brother, since their first meeting. I had let her go, but the selfish part of me had wanted to make her mine.

Stefan.

His cold voice echoes in my head, but I don't stop. I twist sharply and throw myself into the shadows. I lean against the dirty wall, trying to regain my senses. I can longer hear my brother, but I know that he's near. He seems to be biding his time. I'm trapped by the walls of the apartments around me.

No matter how far you run, brother, I will always find you.

I know.

I cough, and the sound seems magnified. Fatigue weighs down my limbs now that I am no longer moving.

I scent the dullness of a street rat. I was so hungry. I ignore the soft ache of my gums as my fangs try to reveal themselves.

I shiver as my blood cools from the adrenaline rush, and painful memories cling to my mind. I can see Elena - one of many times - pleading with me to change her. She says that she wants me to do it. And I agreed, stupidly.

I look down at my hands, stained with grime and the invisible red of her blood.

I had gone too far with her. I had been too swayed by her tantalizing scent, from my mistake of not feeding for several days. I had drained her.

Horrified, I had run, fearing the repurcussions. It didn't take long for Damon to find me.

A footstep sounded at the mouth of the alley. My body didn't react. I wouldn't run any more. I was too tired.

I hoped my punishment would be swift.

"Stefan."

"Damon," I awknowledged, barely.

He came closer, and his drawn features swam into focus. His eyes were hollow, but burned with a deep fire. A thick branch tapped against stone.

"Elena," I heard him murmur.

The wood tore into my chest and I had to fight to keep the high keening tearing at my throat from escaping. My dirty fingernails scraped at the tiles. Pain kept coming, drawn out to a piercing ache that seemed to last forever. I could hear dry sobs around me. I knew that they were for Elena.

"I'm sorry...but I had always said that I would one day kill you, Stefan..."

I could only feel vague surprise. I was fading fast. I am too weak to protest. I should be the one apologizing to Elena - as I had so many times to her lifeless body before I had fled.

"Good-bye..."

The blood-stained stick clattered beside my head, and then blackness swallowed me. I knew no more.