Chapter 1

"Your Blue Eyes"

As I approached the Salvatore boarding house I realized that I never really noticed how big and beautiful it was. It seemed like it went on forever, window after window, so much empty space for just two people. When I got closer I slowed down, I know I came here to talk to Stephan and develop our new found relationship a little more, but now that I was standing here with the boarding house towering over me my mind went blank. Taking a deep breath I decided that it didn't matter how nervous I was I was at least going to try. I walked up the steps and saw a long rope hanging by the door so I pulled it once. I waited there listening…but there was nothing. I was not going to give up that easily, so I reached forward to knock when I suddenly realized the door was already open the tiniest bit. Placing my hand on the smooth wood I pushed, it swung open lazily revealing the most beautifully furnished interior. I stood there in slight awe, and not sure why I felt compelled to intrude in some ones home when not invited, I stepped in.

"Stephan?" I called, but there was no reply.

Noticing Stephan's school bag on a chair I took a couple more steps inside and tried again.

"Stephan!?" Louder this time but still no response.

Suddenly there was a loud cawing noise and I whipped around to see a big black crow flying through the door right towards me. It missed my head by inches as I suppressed a scream. Flinging back around to see where it was going I practically jumped, inhaling sharply as my heart skipped a beat! Standing no more than an inch away from my nose was the most beautiful face, and all I could think of was how close we were to kissing. He looked down at me so intently that I felt myself blush. His eyes ran up and down taking as much of me in as he could, considering how close he was to me. Then he tilted his head to the side, further analyzing me, as his lips twisted into the most devilishly handsome smirk. He was breathtaking. All I could do was stare into his piercing blue eyes, and at that moment I knew that no eyes after his would be blue enough, none could compare, his were as deep, brilliant and clear as any could ever be, and his were the only blue eyes I would ever see again. I tried to speak but I could think of nothing to say. His hand moving a piece of my hair to the side of my face was what finally snapped me out of my reverie. I stepped back and exhaled, realizing I had still been holding my breath. If he hadn't interrupted me I would probably still be standing there, lost in his eyes like an idiot.

"I-I'm sorry" I stuttered "I thought, I mean, I came to see Stephan."

I sounded ridiculous, I usually don't get this flustered or nervous around anyone besides maybe, Stephan.

"He's, out. But he should be back soon, you can wait in here." He flashed a grin and motioned toward the, living room.

I followed him into a big open room with windows that went from the floor to the ceiling. There was a fire place on one wall surrounded by bookshelves stacked with books. The rest of the room was filled with sofas and love seats, reading chairs, tables and a nice mahogany desk. There were vases and statues, portraits and kerosene lamps decorating the room. Oriental rugs with intricate designs covered the floor, and the windows were draped with heavy deep red curtains.

"This is your living room!?" I said, astonished.

"Living room, parlor, antique road show, take your pick." He replied, turning his head to read my expression, his face serious.

"It's beautiful." I breathed. Looking up at him I saw the tension leave his face. The corner of his lips tugged up at a smile.

"Who are you?" I said quickly before he could trap me in his eyes again.

"Stephan's brother."

"But Stephan said he had no siblings..?"

"Well Stephan's not one to brag." He explained with what seemed like amusement at the wounded look on my face.

"For a while there I didn't think he was ever going to get over the last one." He continued, looking at the windows in front of us, his expression un-readable.

"The last one?" I echoed.

"Oh, oops, I guess you haven't had the awkward ex's conversation yet." He stated with an attempt at sincerity.

But it was a weak, half hearted attempt, as if testing me. I was not that naïve, but at the same time I was not going to give in. Because something about the way he acted told me that he wanted to make me upset. That he wanted to stir some emotion from me, even if it was negative, and at the ability to do this he gained a sort of satisfaction.

"Uh, no we haven't." I replied somewhat sourly, trying not to let him get the best of me.

"Oh, well he probably didn't want you to think he was on the rebound." He suggested, nonchalant.

I could only stare at him in disbelief at how rude he was being. He stared back at me with a triumphant look on his face.

"Hello, Stephan." He said while still staring into my eyes. For a moment I was confused as to why he was calling me Stephan but as he slowly looked behind us I followed his gaze to see Stephan standing a few feet away.

"We were just talking about you." He commented with an air of amusement.

"Hi Stephan, I'm sorry I didn't call before I came." I tried to explain quickly, walking closer to Stephan. He just stood there like a statue and continued to stare at his brother behind me.

"Don't be silly, Elena. You're welcome any time….right, Stephan?" His brother challenged, with a voice that seemed to cheery for the amount of tension that was quickly building in the air.

"Thank you for coming Elena, it was nice seeing you." Stephan finally spoke in the most monotonous tone of voice. It was clear he was dismissing me and as I looked at him questioningly he just continued to stare past me. So I turned around to face his brother.

"It was nice meeting you…." I realized I had no idea what his name was.

"Damon." He answered.

"Well it was nice meeting you, Damon."

"Likewise." He replied staring straight into my eyes. However rude I thought he was before quickly faded as I began to sink into the deep blue abyss of his eyes again. He reached for my hand and lifted it up, bending his head and gently pressing his soft lips to the back of my hand while looking up at me with his brilliant eyes, and I felt a tingling sensation run up my spine at that moment. Then he pulled away and turned to Stephan.

"Next time I should get out the family photo album." Damon said with a twisted smirk. "But I should warn you he wasn't always such a looker."

I smiled politely at Damon and then went to leave.

"Stephan." I said, standing directly in front of him. He continued to glare at Damon with clear contempt. I could easily walk around him but I wasn't going to, I was determined to have him acknowledge me!

"Stephan!" I said more harshly this time. He finally looked at me but only for a second, then he mechanically turned his body to the side to let me pass. Ugh!! Whatever was happening I did not want to be a part of it, I stomped past him and shut the door behind me.

That was extremely awkward, I thought while walking to my car. Also how did Damon know my name when I hadn't even told him? By the way Stephan was acting with his brother I hardly believe Stephan talks about me with him, let alone talks at all. Definitely creepy.