Sooooo...This is my first ever fanfiction :) Hope you enjoy it! Reviews and favorites are greatly appreciated! Please tell me if you want me to continue this story ;)

Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Diaries.

Elena's POV

Elena was just zipping her big suitcase shut when Caroline, her best friend, started knocking on Elena's door, yelling: "The cab has arrived and Bonnie is waiting downstairs! Come out slowpoke!". They were heading to Paris, to take their mind off the drama and problems of their own lives, with their other good friend Bonnie.

Caroline had been having serious problems with her boyfriend Tyler. He had a very possessive personality that they had all found very creepy. At first they had all thought it was cute how he possessive he was of her, but when a guy once hit on Caroline, he just snapped. He then started stalking their dear friend and even had the audacity to make her take off work for him, so that they would have more time together. She eventually broke up with him and decided to leave the country with her best friends to clear up her clouded mind.

Bonnie also had boy problems, although in an entirely different way. Being the choosy self she had always been, finding a "perfect" boyfriend was just close to impossible. Every time she went on a date with a guy she never called him back. "He had an annoying lisp,""His laugh sounds like a horse neighing," were examples of her unnecessary fussing. She was too picky for her own good, therefore leaving the very compact town known as Mystic Falls for even just a week would maybe open her mind a bit.

And to top everything off, Elena had just broken off her engagement with Matt. They had been dating for 4 years and she had finally called it off. It all began when she had caught him cheating on a slutty cheerleader named Katherine in 12th grade. He had promised her that it would never happen again and that he had just been drunk. Matt also vowed to become a better man for her. Being as naive as she had been at the age of 18, she believed him.

That had been the biggest mistake she had ever made.

Two years later, on her 20th birthday, he proposed to her. She had of course said yes. Her friends kept telling her he still was cheating on her and that he was just using her, but she didn't want to believe them. After he proposed he then started becoming abusive. He didn't physically hurt her, but emotionally. He found her insecurities and made fun of them. He bullied her non stop until Elena couldn't handle it anymore.

It also didn't help that during her nightmare with Matt, her parents had been in a fatal car crash. She had been devastated and tried to find closure, but her terrible boyfriend kept reminding her. He tortured her on a daily basis.

Elena had celebrated her 21st birthday yesterday, and decided to put an end to her suffering. She broke everything off with Matt and hoped to never see him again.

Although she wished to never see him ever again, her heart still craved him in its own twisted way.

Caroline had therefore wanted them to all go to Paris. She had bought them all tickets that were actually meant for her bachelorette party, but because Elena broke up with Matt, they chose to pursue it earlier than planned.

It had been 10 minutes since Elena had started packing her travel bag when she got caught in her thoughts. The three best friends wanted this vacation to be very memorable since it would be their first time visiting Europe. The trio was very excited, almost enough to forget about their issues in their love life.

Caroline had been knocking on Elena's door for quite some time when she unlocked the door and examined her best friend's facial expression. "Put a smile on your pretty face, 'Lena. We're going to Paris!" she exclaimed, trying to cheer her up.

Elena plastered the best smile she could muster and hugged her. She really needed the comfort of her friends. When Caroline let go of her, she playfully whispered: "First one at the cab can have the window seat!" She then swiftly ran down the stairs and left Elena by herself.

"HEY! NOT FAIR... I HAVE A SUITCASE!" Elena shrieked loudly and followed her best friend to the cab.

Damon's POV:

Damon came home from another tiring meeting. He was really fatigued and just wanted to have a long and relaxing good-night's sleep. Arriving at his home, he saw his brother, Stefan, waiting at his front door. Worry was etched on his younger brother's face. "What's wrong Stefanie? Something got your panties in a twist? " He asked, smirking.

Stefan rolled his eyes at his brother's typical behavior. "I talked to father earlier today. He wants one of us to go to Paris and negotiate with Accor and make up a contract that benefits both our companies. The thing is, I will be unable to attend it. Lexi and I are celebrating our 4th anniversary. I'm really, really sorry," he uttered rushed, scared of his brother's reaction.

He had always admired how Damon had the ability to silence a room and display his power. That ability had always been very effective in a conference.

"You know I can't go! I never even wanted to work in this company, let alone get personally attached to it. Once I'll start dealing with the clients, they'll expect to see my face at all meetings and I won't be able to leave the company without losing important contracts along the way. Now, The staff and suppliers, on the other hand, don't mind who talks to them as long as they get their money at the end of the month. You know I'm planning on leaving one day," He stated seriously.

"But I know you can do this Damon! You might be an arrogant bastard half of the time, but I believe in you. You are gonna do your best out there, and you'll be back before you know it," Stefan said in an almost pleading tone.

"Damn it! I ca-" "I know that I'm asking a lot of you, but just do me this favor please! This would mean so much to Lexi and I," Stefan interrupted Damon's almost rant.

Damon knew his brother was right. Stefan had always been there for him and he never returned the favor. In their youth, Damon had always been the rebellious one, not caring about anyone. He used to only listen to his mother. When she suddenly passed away during his teenage years, he totally lost it. Stefan had fortunately been there to pick up all the pieces, to help him move on. It was finally time to return the favor.

"Okay, okay! I'll do it, but on one condition. Once I get back, I'm never doing this again and you'll take over Accor for me in the future. I'm going to explain to them that I'm only your substitute and that you're the person that is going to continue negotiating with them in the US,"

"DEAL," Stefan answered quickly, relief sweeping through his body. Damon might have some redeeming qualities that haven't been discovered yet. That thought made him smile.

"Well, at least I won't have to deal with Rebekah for the week," Damon rolled his eyes, trying to lighten up the mood. "Trouble in paradise again?" Stefan questioned, not really listening. He felt utterly happy and accomplished. His happiness was showcased with the broad smile present on his handsome face. He couldn't wait to tell his wife.

"Same old, same old. I believe I need some time away from her. At least then, she won't be able to fill my head with more lies. She's very lucky that she's hot and knows how to please a man. Otherwise, I'd probably have kicked her out of my bed years ago," he smirked, both of them knowing fully well that it was a huge lie. Damon could never dump Rebekah, not even if he wanted to. He was attached to her; she was like his worst addiction, like an unhealthy drug.

"I hope you'll enjoy your time in Paris! Who knows, maybe you'll meet somebody worthy and forget about Bekah," Stefan smiled, thinking of the possibility that Damon would finally find his significant other.

"Dear Stefan, if you still believe that there is someone out there for me I'd highly recommend for you to search a therapist. Children can't handle the truth of reality, but I hope that you've grown up enough to understand that and face it," Damon suggested, a hint of an amused smirk appearing across his lips.

"You won't ever change, will you?" Stefan asked a little bit irritated. "Probably not, but a man can dream," Damon winked, pouring himself a glass of bourbon, while entering his kitchen. Damon then realized that he had no way out anymore; he would have to go to Paris. He might not be the most worthy man out there or the best brother in the world, but he was loyal and trustworthy. He had never backed down on a promise and he wasn't planning on changing that in the near future.