A/n: Hello! Two in one day. Woohoo! Would love to write a third today, but gotta go to work soon. So as always, I'm extremely nervous that I'll bomb this Chapter. So please, please tell me what you think. And thank you again, Mana-McC! I think if you hadn't reviewed, the story definitely wouldn't be as fun to write. And thank you Soleil Mar! I'm curious to find out too. I seriously just wing these chapters. Haha, Enjoy!

This is mostly about Tyler. We find out more of what is going on in his head. His thoughts, and desires.

Chapter 3

With a Twist

Damnit; Tyler thought. He had driven all the way home so pissed off, and guilty. All this time he never knew entirely what Elena and her younger brother went through after losing their parents. Tyler finally found out what that was like, (Well, his Father at least) and soon after, he shoves Jeremy to the wall.

All he did was read the title. His parents would have been proud of him for trying to help me. They would've taken pride in the fact that he didn't fight me. And what'd I have to do? Fuck it all up. Tyler hated the fact that he was always full of rage and never had a true reason for it. His Father dying should've brought grief to Tyler. Not add on to his anger. I'm sure it would be normal, but Tyler never even grieved before the extra rage became to surface.

When Tyler got to the mansion he knew he needed to get cleaned up and think about his day. A day that was going fine until Jeremy fucking Gilbert. Tyler was never civil towards Jeremy, but he knew he never had a straight hatred for the kid. It's just, in the library, Tyler knew Jeremy was aware of Tyler's vulnerability. And no one, no one could ever see that. So Tyler read a book about surviving what he was afraid of. So what? That's not something to be ashamed of. But he was. Especially since Jeremy had seen Tyler read it so passionately. As if Tyler hung onto every word.

The truth is, Tyler was learning how to let go of fear. How to overcome it. All this time Tyler was afraid of his Father. He knew no book would ever teach him how to get over that. But now, Tyler was afraid that since his Father's death, that Tyler would become his Father. And that, would truly be the death of him. A long time ago, Tyler made a promise to himself that he'd never grow up to be like Richard Lockwood. That Tyler would show love, and not abuse. He had vowed many years ago to never fill his Father's shoes. As each day went by, Tyler's fear was becoming too real.

The running water had eventually stopped. Before he got out to meet the cold air, Tyler enjoyed the steam from his shower a bit longer. He had dried himself off before entering his room. He thought about the promise he made to himself a long time ago. Tyler knew that if he ever wanted to keep it, he'd have to at least attempt to do something kind. Something he never thought he'd ever do. Make peace with Jeremy Gilbert. Eventhough he was aware it was the right thing to do, Tyler had no idea how to do it. And if Jeremy would even accept it. All Tyler knew was that he had to try.

Buzz. !

The vibration from Jeremy's phone had caused him to jump from his bed. He had taken a nap a few hours ago so decided not to go back to sleep. He wondered who would be texting him.

(716) 555-2901

He had no idea who it was. As he read the message, he still wasn't clear who the sender was. He looked again to re-read it.

Hey. We need to talk. I owe you an explanation.

Jeremy had not a clue what to say, so he simply wrote, Who's this?

Buzz. !

Tyler. Where can we meet?

Jeremy was immediately puzzled. Hell, Jeremy was happy as a pig in mud. He knew he had felt weird feelings today. Unexplained desires, he never wondered if Tyler had felt them as well. In Jeremy's confused mind he didn't know if he should meet Tyler, or just blow him off. There was a part of Jeremy that wanted all day to see Tyler again, but the sensible side to him was screaming, there's something up. He decided that his temptations had gotten the best of him. He firmly realized that he craved Tyler Lockwood. Since Tyler had initiated a meeting, Jeremy would be a fool to refuse it.

So he wrote, Yea. Behind The Grill. Half hour okay?

Tyler Lockwood hadn't been nervous since the 6th grade Science Fair. His Dad told him that he'd never win with his stupid and childish 2nd grade project. This had broken Tyler's spirits completely. For four months he slaved over his volcano. Until his Father's discouraging words, Tyler was very proud of it. It was so life-like, so real looking. It had spewed "lava" and everything. Tyler had hooked up a smoke machine and even created scared towns people running away from the "hot magma". But just like everything else Tyler did, it just wasn't enough to his Dad. The one thing that made Tyler happy that day was the fact that he came in 2nd place. Since there could only be three winners, Tyler took pride in it. All the others kids didn't place. Of course, as soon as he told his Dad, all Tyler heard was, "You couldn't come in first?".

But now, Tyler was nervous again. For the first time in years. Man up, Lockwood. It's just Gilbert. You're not looking for a fight. You just want to talk. Apologize. C'mon man. You need this. Your dad never had the strength to man up, and admit he was wrong. All Tyler could think about was, What if I turn out to be the idiot? What if Jeremy stands me up?

Damnit, Lockwood. You're not a damn chick. If he doesn't show, then at least you tried.

Jeremy:

Behind The Grill. Half hour okay?

As Tyler held his breath, he replied.

Sure.