The very next day, Irina met Elena herself, noting how much kinder this one was than the last. She was more than way of the old vampire, and Irina did not blame her one bit. If it weren't for the Salvatore brothers, it's clear she would have died long ago. Elena's friends, the witch Bonnie and the other vampire Caroline, were competent enough but had much to learn. Damon had come up with some ridiculous cover story, saying Irina was an old family friend recently back from Europe. It didn't matter; the older vampire spent the majority of her time keeping an eye out for signs of the other Originals, knowing it wouldn't be long before he showed his face in town. Though the brothers were young, she found them to be rather wise in their actions. Damon was especially fascinating; though he showed a rather cold, almost ripper-like exterior all day, she would catch glimpses of his care for his friends. His love for Elena, however, was a whole different story. Irina wasn't sure it was a true love, but his actions with it didn't help to convince her. The constant antagonizing of his brother was shocking to her at first, though Stefan seemed more than used to it by now. Irina grew more accustomed to it, and eventually she could ignore it altogether. One such night, Damon seemed to seek her out, reeking of booze and holding a bottle of bourbon and two glasses. She set aside the journal she had been writing in, watching him take a seat next to her on the couch.

"Can I help you with something, Mr. Salvatore?" He gave her a smirk, and if it weren't for the amount of drink he'd clearly had, it might be charming. He began to pour two drinks, pushing one glass into her hand and quickly downing his own.

"I was hoping we could talk." His words were a tad slurred, and she wondered just how many bottles he'd gone through. She sipped from her own glass conservatively. "I...am madly in love with Elena."

"I know. You do not exactly hide it." He seemed to study her for a few moments, and she finished her drink slowly while he seemed to think.

"I'm no good for her. I can't be who she wants."

"Is that because she prefers you brother?" His face darkened, and pain shone in his eyes. Pity bloomed in her chest, and her features softened. Gently, slowly, she pulled the bottle from his hands, setting it aside. He sneered, finishing the glass in his hand. "Mr. Salvatore-"

"Damon. All the pretty girls call me Damon." She sighed, deciding not to fight it for now.

"Damon. I don't think you should be basing your worth upon the whims of one human." She gave a shrug, and his eyes narrowed at her.

"Oh? Then I suppose you've never loved anyone?" He blood turned to ice immediately, any sympathy she felt evaporating. With a cold stare, she gathered up her journal, passed him the bottle, and turned to leave. "Wait, Irina..." She ignored him, stalking off to the room Stefan had provided for her, burying the distant memories and dull ache in her chest. Love was the farthest thing from her mind anymore, and she fully intended to keep it that way. Settling in, she set her journal aside and pulled out a book she'd grabbed from their library, attempting to lose herself in the story. When a knock sounded at her door sometime later, she growled low in her throat in warning.

"Am I bothering you?" Stefan stood in the doorway, looking worried as usual. She relaxed instantly, shaking her head and gesturing for him to enter. He only took a few steps before stopping, his hands shoved in his pockets. "It's about Elena. She wants to give herself up."

"Does she fully understand what that would mean?" Irina was careful to keep her voice soft, not wanting to worry the younger vampire. If the Petrova girl was bent on sacrificing herself, it would make their jobs all the more difficult.

"She thinks she'd be saving her family. And us." He shook his head, and she took a moment to consider her words.

"Then we'll need to keep a close eye on her." She heard the door open and shut quickly, cursing quietly to herself as she realized who would have left. "Go. Be with her, but do not let her know we are going to stop her. I need to go to your brother." Stefan simply nodded and disappeared, likely going to do exactly as she said. Pulling on her leather jacket, Irina grumbled her way through slipping some shoes on and following after Damon. It took her longer than she'd like to find him, and he had some poor human girl under his compulsion. She was clearly crying, and he was clearly too drunk.

"Why are you doing this?" Irina sighed, stepping closer to the pair with her hands in her pockets.

"Because he is an idiot." Damon's gaze snapped to her, eyes narrowing as he stepped around the human and made his way to her.

"You're not wrong. But, I really don't enjoy you intruding on my little session." He smirked, taking a swig from the flask in his hand. She stepped closer.

"I do not wish to compel you, Damon, but I will. Go home, get in bed. I will return once I've cleaned up your mess." A sob fell from the human's lips, and Irina rolled her eyes.

"Fine. But not because you told me too, because I'm tired." With a pout, he stalked off, disappearing into the darkness. Irina moved to stand in front of the woman. Looking in her eyes, she gave the command.

"You'll forget what happened here. You stopped because you thought you hit a bunny, but nothing was hurt. You'll go home and sleep." The woman gave a wooden nod and moved towards the car slowly. Irina sped off into the trees, watching as the vehicle continued on it's way. She took her time getting back to the Salvatore house, giving Damon the chance to do as she asked. Sure enough, upon her return she found her burrowed under his duvet, eyes closed and breathing even. She scooped up his flask, noting the lack of alcohol now within and turned to leave when a hand grabbed her wrist gently.

"Wait...stay?" It was a mumbled request, a bit slurred, but she heard it nonetheless. Her earlier sympathy returned, and she pulled her arm away to slip off her jacket and shoes. He seemed to relax as she laid next to him. He threw the covers over her and pulled her close, falling asleep within minutes. Irina had to admit, it was nice having a bed companion again, and drifted off with the thought that maybe she liked Damon more than she'd planned.