"Baby, can't you see, I'm calling.
A guy like you should wear a warning.
It's dangerous, I'm falling."

-Toxic

After the first few weeks, things had fallen into a rhythm. Walking to school when she could - only twice requiring oxygen so far; long talks with Stefan during the library hour; sitting in the cemetery with Elena after school, and going home to hang out with Jeremy. Cosmically, a week ago she had found a flyer to a gym with free defense training, so she took him there in the hopes the exertion would rid him of some of his anger. After the first session, it thrilled her to see that he enjoyed it. On days they weren't beating on a bag, they would play video games, or sketch for a little bit.

He was still a very angry person though. Ali could also tell that there was something going on with him and Matt's sister, Vicki. After he nearly got into a fight with Tyler Lockwood about it, Jeremy had taken to turning himself inward again. Elena jumping on him didn't help the matter either, and it especially didn't help that the party Ali skipped Vicki Donavan had gotten mauled by some animal. So was said. She thought back on the conversation she had shared with Elena about it not too long ago.

"Why would an animal just take a bite of her neck then leave?" Ali asked incredulously.

"Okay, Watson, what's your take on it?"

"Since I wasn't there and I'm not psychic like Bonnie, I'd just go on the feeling that some frat perv got her wasted and took a good bite out of her. Being wasted himself he hadn't known he had bit that hard until he saw the blood. He spazzed, then ditched her in the woods."

Elena only shrugged, clearly not giving in to the idea.

The result of the latest attack had led to a curfew being introduced to anyone under eighteen. Because everyone knew animals would follow curfews. Some good had come from that night though. Elena and Stefan had grown a little closer and become kind of, sort of, a couple. Except Stefan hadn't been in school the last few days. Leaving Alidah lonely during their library hour and both girls a little worried. So Elena had boldly decided that the two of them should check on him after school. Someone had to take him his homework after all.

Pulling into the drive, Alidah looked at the house in awe. "Are you sure he lives here?"

"It's the only Salvatore address that was listed."

Elena rang the doorbell as they approached the stoop. No one answered. Alidah took the clonky door knocker and after one knock the door opened slightly; she eyed Elena. The brunette shrugged and slipped through the door.

"Elena!" Alidah whispered loudly, "This is, I am pretty sure, a crime. I don't think either of us would do well in jail."

Elena waved her away dismissively, as they went further into the house. Noting Stefan's bag in a chair Alidah called out, "Stefano!"

Elena spun on her with amused delight on her face, "Stefano? Really? What is it with you and the nicknames?"

"Come on, he needs to be more Italian."

They laughed, but then the door squeaked.

"Stefan?" Then low and behold in flew a damn crow! "Is this town haunted by Alfred Hitchcock?" Alidah exclaimed.

Turning to see where the bird went she collided with something warm and solid, yanking back she was met by a man wearing a smirk as he studied her. She was in a pull, and probably wouldn't have stopped staring if Elena hadn't spoken up.

"We're sorry, the door was...opened?"

Turning around, Alidah noted the door had been closed shut. "It was unlocked," she replied to the man.

His smiled widened. "You must be Elena, and you, my dear, have to be the most gorgeous creature I've laid eyes on in a very long time."

Alidah stepped back, as her heart barreled into her stomach. This was new, guys didn't flat out flirt with her. Sure, people have complimented her before; and she was satisfied with how she looked. Growing up people would sweetly comment her on her long near-white hair. She remembered how her mother would forbid her from cutting her hair, saying it was so beautiful they could weave it and use it as gold. When the person complimenting her hair was close enough and got to look at her mismatched eyes, and, they, off kilter for a second, would gush over them. But, somehow, this was different. This was a man: a very attractive man. A man with a striking pair of eyes of his own. Damn those eyes, what was it about them making her tremble? The longer she looked, it seemed she had been looking at them for hundreds of years.

"And you're Stefan's brother?"

His faltered on that a fraction, "That's right, I'm Damon, the older, more sophisticated brother."

Alidah laughed aloud, causing Damon's grin to return to the fullest.

"You have to forgive me, Damon, but when I hear 'sophisticated' I think of a stuffy, serious person, and looking at you, you may enjoy the finer things in life, but I cannot believe for a second that you live life too seriously."

He laughed at that, "And you seem to have impeccable hunches. I am going to presume you ladies are here to see my brother."

Elena stepped forward, "Yes, he hasn't been in school for the last few days, and we just thought we should check on him."

Damon nodded; then placed his arm around Alidah's slight frame motioning her further into the house. She looked behind her to Elena, shrugging one shoulder. What could it hurt? She was enjoying this. But the warmth of his arm was actually making her light headed. This hadn't happened in her 17 years, and though overwhelming, she genuinely liked the feeling. Maybe a little too much.

"My brother should be along shortly." Removing his arm, he bent he head to hers and inhaled sharply. "Rosemary?"

Alidah blinked, "Pardon?"

That smile returned, "Your scent. Rosemary, isn't it?"

Alidah reached for her neck, "Yes actually. That and lemongrass, I always enjoy the combination."

Damon nodded, "It certainly becomes you. On such a beautiful woman it is downright intoxicating."

And so the blushing continued. She wanted to say something back, anything to keep him engaged but she had been stunned. Elena spoke back up, "So where is Stefan?"

Honestly, Alidah had forgotten Elena was even here, making her take a step backwards from the man, and embarrassingly chewing on her thumb.

"He's lurking about somewhere. I can see how he has become so smitten with you, but I must confess I tend to lean more to the blonde persuasion." Alidah hiccupped, her senses blowing through the roof. "I'm glad he's finally gotten over the other one."

"The other one?" Both girls said curiously.

"Katherine? Oh, you two haven't had the exes talk yet."

Elena shrugged defensively, clearly peeved, "Nope, no we haven't."

Stefan had confessed to her that he did not get along well with his brother and she could now see the mutual dislike on both sides.

"I guess he didn't want you to think he was on the rebound; we all know how those relationships turn out after all." The bitterness in his tone was hard to miss.

Alidah scoffed, "Here, I thought I had such a dejected view on teen romance. I believe you, sir, are a fatalist."

Damon grinned, not to lose the upper hand he traced her cheek with his index finger, "Now don't get the wrong impression, my dear, I'm not only meaning the acts of cheating or losing interest. Sometimes other forces come in and it's just inevitable, going completely out of your hands. So let's place it to example: if I were to have you I'd have to tuck you away from all harm in a gilded cage so nothing could ever take you away, eh, little bird? Hello, Stefan."

The two girls turned to see Stefan in the doorway, neither one hearing him approach. "What are you two doing here?"

"We wanted to check on you, Stefan." Elena was wringing her hands as she spoke.

"We also thought you'd like your classwork."

"Thank you both, but I'm still not feeling well so if you'll excuse us."

"Yeah, we're sorry if we barged in on you."

"It is no trouble at all, ladies, you are both welcome here anytime, right Stefan?"

Stefan didn't reply, but his gaze didn't waver from Damon's face. She could almost feel Elena's heart aching as Alidah grasped her hand and went to the car "First pissing contest I've seen in a while."

Elena remained silent, both hands on the steering wheel as they rode home. Alidah patted her leg, "It had nothing to do with you, it's pretty clear they have issues with each other. It's better to just stay out of the way with it."

Elena sighed, taking Alidah's hand that was on her thigh, "You're right, I could feel the tension from them, too. I just don't know; I want to fix it, but know it's not my business. Damon seemed pretty into you though." Elena took a side look at Ali, a smile forming on the corner of her lips as Ali blushed at the thought.

"Now, that's something I don't know. But, I'll admit, I liked it Lena. Is that how you feel around guys all the time? Is it wrong I enjoyed it?" Their hands squeezed.

"Of course not Ali, it's normal, and I'm happy you felt it. He is handsome and you're beautiful, I'm glad you felt a spark, but..."

"But?"

"Can I tell you the truth?"

"You know I'd be mad if you didn't, Lena."

"Be careful, there's just something about him. I don't like it."

"What do you mean? That he'd probably take advantage of my naïve, virginal status?" She didn't say it sarcastically, but it hurt Alidah in a way; though, she genuinely wondered what the answer Elena had for it.

She was also mortified about it; she had no doubt that if Damon actually did want to sink his claws in her, he could eat her like an ice cream cone and throw away the wrapper after he finished. The ever fatalist, she knew that's what most guys did. That was something she would never be in for.

"No, I don't think that's it, just something off. Just watch out please."

"How about what we do best? Look out for each other and back away when things get salty from guy drama. And ice cream; that's a total must."

Elena laughed, "It's a deal."

"Since we just witnessed one I say we get some now."

Elena honked the horn in agreement. Perfect, her ice cream analogies were making her hungry.

Mystic Falls was a place that never changed much. It was a small town but there was always a constant buzz to it. There would always be something happening; whether it be a school event or a fundraiser going on. On the current agenda was the comet; since the comet had not been seen in over a century the town decided to dedicate the day to it; though the spectacle hadn't been enough to get them out of school. Everyone appeared to take part in the celebration, Alidah decided to volunteer too, and had gotten flyer duty.

So after handing out flyers for the comet festivities, Alidah decided to go to The Grill. Walking in she relished in the air conditioning, taking note on how hot it still freakin' was even though it was almost the end of September. She smiled, spotting Matt and Tyler bromancing in the corner near the bar. Walking over she picked up on fragments on their conversation.

"There's something off about the guy."

"He's a freak, is what it is."

At the sight of her they dropped their topic and smiled.

"Hi boys, what are you up to?"

"Besides all the excitement about the game coming up, my parents are losing their damn minds over the Founder's Party this Sunday. You're coming right Al? I need at least a few friends there that can make me look good, and I already had to bribe Donovan here to come.

She smiled and leaned against a table, "Of course, Caroline already threw me an outfit together; I swear I feel like her personal Barbie doll sometimes. But it will also give me the chance to see you two gushied up."

Matt smiled, "I can see Caroline doing that." Looking at his watch his eyes widened, "Shit dude, we gotta get to practice or Tanner will kill us. We're already down a guy since Richardson tore up his knee." They both gave her a quick nod and smile in farewell before heading out the door.

She got seated and decided to get some lemonade and fries. She watched through the window as banners were hung and decorations were placed on the street corners. She didn't notice the approaching figure, until she heard a familiar voice say, "Now what's a beautiful thing like you doing in a place like this?"

She smirked as she turned to see Damon Salvatore looking at her in rapt attention. "I didn't take you for one to use clichéd quotes, Mr. Salvatore."

He gave her a smirk right back, "I am amazingly original. But how am I supposed to think of anything when I'm in such magnificent presence?"

She looked away, chewing on her lip. Jesus, what was it about this guy that put her off like this?

'Because he's flirting with you and since it's your first time dosing it back you have no idea how to go about it.' Thanks, Elena voice.

"I'm not feeling very original right now, either; I have no idea what to say to that."

The smile he gave her this time was kind, as he snuck a fry. "I am very curious about something."

"Okay?"

"You left in such a hurry yesterday that I never got your name. Now, I have no problem calling you Rosemary or, better yet, Little Bird but I thought I would try for the real thing."

She took a sip of her drink, "Rosemary is a lovely name but you're much closer with your 'little bird' comment. It's Alidah; my parents went through a Latin fetish and saw it meant 'a small, winged being,' and agreed to that. Even my brother calls me Birdie from time to time."

"How fitting. You are very much a bird, Alidah."

"Um, thanks, I guess."

"Fragile, timid, and yet, fierce and majestic."

Heat began climbing up her neck; she was going to have to find a way to get a handle on this blushing thing. The whole matter altogether in fact. 'No Rest for the Wicked,' began to play from her bag, Bonnie's ringtone. "I'm sorry; that's my friend."

Damon nodded, his eyes still roaming her face. Checking the text, she needed to meet up with them to get ready for the night. "I'm sorry this has been short; this was just getting fun, but my friends are kind of waiting on me.

Damon stood as she did, a gentlemen's gesture. "I enjoyed it as well, we're going to have to find a way to remedy these interruptions. Until next time my little Alidah." He brushed his lips against the part of her cheek closest to her lips. Her knees buckled - not because of the kiss though it was wonderful - but what came from it. Everything around her seemed to fall away and images flashed around her. Him. Her. Them. Different, yet the same. It was too much for her and the world had blackened.

When she awoke, she was in her bed, a damp washcloth on her forehead. She set herself up, still woozy and noted it was dark outside. No way; she already missed one party and now this? She glanced at the clock and saw it was almost time for the comet to arrive. There was no way to get to town in time before it started. She grabbed herself a drink and decided to watch it from the porch...Alone, great. The rest of the house was empty and dark, everyone going in their own direction tonight. Alidah lazed in the porch swing, and lit herself a lantern to increase the ambiance. She briefly wondered if these events had always brought some kind of excitement to the people. For it to be a once in a lifetime moment, something you'd never get to see again. It was a frightening thought, yet exciting.

She heard someone approaching, "Who's there?"

Out from the curb stepped Jeremy and Vicki tripping over one another as they continued to make out. Ugh. They didn't see her at first, but as Jeremy fumbled for his keys they finally made eye contact. Alidah with a raised eyebrow at the young boy's antics.

"Ali!" Jeremy exclaimed happily. Clearly he was intoxicated. "Jenna texted me earlier that you passed out in town and a random man carried you home. Are you okay, do you need an ambulance?" His slurring was almost comical, Alidah much preferred Jeremy drunk than high.

She bit her lip to keep from laughing, "No, no I think I'm good. Thanks though. Should I call one for you?"

Jeremy laughed as he pressed Vicki closer, "Nah, I just need my bed, everything will be better after that."

Stumbling their way up the stairs, she heard a door slam. It was bound to be a very long and disturbing night.

"What are you talking about Bon-Bon?"

"I just got this feeling when I gave him Elena's number the other day. I don't know. Look Ali, if I tell you something will you promise not to laugh? I kind of tried telling Elena and she batted it off as a joke. I just want someone to take me serious on this instead of thinking I'm crazy."

Alidah hadn't seen Bonnie like this before. It made her feel a little bad. Until recently even Bonnie thought everything her grandmother said about her "lineage" was a joke as well. Now, she was beginning to have second thoughts on what her grandmother had to say.

"Of course I won't laugh Bonnie. Tell me."

Bonnie let out a deep breath. As if she was holding it until she had her answer. "Okay. It's about Stefan. I know you and Elena have gotten close to him. But like I said about the other say when I touched him I got this feeling. It got so cold and dark. It was what I think death would feel like. God, maybe I am crazy."

Alidah thought back on her first encounter with Stefan. The feeling she had felt. "I don't think you're crazy Bonnie, but maybe we should talk to your grandmother about it. She may know something. It seems a lot to take in is all. Whereas to Stefan, I don't know either. I do feel he is different somehow, but death? Do you mean like he experienced death personally or just a lot of it occurred around him?"

"The first one, like he had died. That darkness consumed him."

Remembering the nightmare from the start of the semester she shivered at the analogy. "So maybe he was in some kind of accident and was brought back from the brink or something. That cold be why he becomes so aloof sometimes. It'd be something hard to get over, make him push people away. It'd explain a few things."

Bonnie pondered the thought for a few moments, "No, there was no regained light within him. It's like he's stuck in death."

Alidah put her hand on the other girl's shoulder, "Want to talk to your grandmother after school?"

Bonnie slipped from her grasp on that, "Um, no thanks on the idea, my Grams would have me studying ancestors or having a seance with her."

"Well, maybe we could like have dinner together and see if you could get to know him better. We'll even make Elena cook it'll be hilarious."

Bonnie laughed, still uncertain.

"Come on, it'll be fine Bon. We'll run it by Elena."

After school Alidah decided to support Elena and Bonnie at their cheerleading try outs. She had to break down and wear the tank today, so it gave her a reasonable excuse to not apply to the task. Cheerleading had been fun for her as a child, but as she grew older her coordination seemed to diminish with each passing year; and though she loved to dance, she did it in private. Unwilling to ever let anyone she her nonrhythmic moves.

Plus Caroline was the cheerleading captain, and, at times, it was a good thing; her being type a would make it to hard to please her. Catching sight of the two girls she made a hustle toward them, "Have you not started yet?"

"No, Caroline hasn't even gotten here. I was hoping to see Stefan's tryouts today afterwards but at this rate that's not going to happen," Elena said looking a bit put out.

"Stefano's trying out? No way, he doesn't seem like the sportsman type. I'm so going to watch."

Elena pushed her playfully, "No fair, he's actually pretty good. Tyler Lockwood tried to bop him in the head with a football this morning and Stefan caught it from like 50 feet away. It was incredible."

Alidah wasn't really a fan of sports, but to see broody Stefano playing out there would be worth it. It was then everyone started whispering as a blue Camaro pulled to a halt near the girls. From one glance she felt ill. There was a couple in the car. The couple being Caroline...and Damon. Exiting she turned and gave him a lingering kiss before heading towards them.

"Looks like I got the other brother," she whispered conceitedly sweet to Elena.

Chancing a look Alidah saw Damon look at her with a pained expression. Oh yeah, he's never seen the tank before. It was for the best. Getting to see each other's true selves before anything happened: She the sarcastic sick girl; he a cocky jerk. The world was set back into place, as she turned her back on him. Letting out a breath she had been holding when she heard him drive away.

Alidah had run the idea about the dinner with Elena during lunch - it tickled her to see how excited Elena had gotten. The brunette had loved the idea, having taken note on how Bonnie had withdrawn since Stefan became part of the group. There was no way Elena would cook though; she was barely a step above Jenna in that department. Elena was about to call in some food when Alidah volunteered. It had been her idea so it seemed fair enough. Alidah settled that a stir-fry and apple crumble would be safe enough.

"Stefan's not a vegetarian is he?" Alidah asked, realizing she had no clue what Stefan's preference was when it came to food.

"Oh, I don't think so," Elena eyes glazed as she drifted to somewhere else, "I never thought to ask and he doesn't really eat much anyways."

Alidah shrugged, he could pick the shrimp out if he didn't like it. There would be time to ask tonight, and if he didn't like it they could skip to dessert. Elena had started setting the table when Bonnie shown, she came in looking almost petrified.

"I need to talk to you about something," she whispered in Alidah's ear.

Alidah turned giving a bemused expression, "What is it Bon?"

Bonnie looked behind her shoulder toward the dining room where Elena emerged. "What is what guys?"

Bonnie didn't turn to Elena as she said, "About me being psychic. I've been seeing a set of numbers all day so I'm trying to figure out what it means."

Elena let out a slight laugh, "Maybe it means we should play the lottery."

Bonnie held Alidah's gaze letting her say with her eyes what she couldn't out loud. It has something to do with her powers. It was a little sad, although, understandable that Elena didn't believe in Bonnie's abilities. Alidah had never put too much thought into the paranormal. Regular society was scary enough. But if there was even an inkling of another part of the world she would like to know about it. With a friend who was part of that world, she wanted to help her any way she could.

Alidah put a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder, as they heard the doorbell ring. Elena rushed to the door, giving the girls a small window of privacy. "What do you think the numbers mean Bonnie?"

Bonnie shook her head, aggravated, "I don't know. I thought it could be some kind of lock combination, but some part of me knows it isn't. That's not what has me freaked out though."

Bonnie went over to the junk drawer, and pulled out a box of birthday candles. "Knew it," she muttered to herself. She looked toward the living room. "Okay, we got to be quick. Hold these."

She gave Alidah a candle to hold in each hand. She pulled in a breath and waited. She could almost hear Bonnie's heart thud as her own breath quickened, becoming more labored with each one. Within a few seconds one then the other candle was set off into tiny flames.

"You guys are still in here? Stefan and I joked that you may have bailed."

Alidah smiled, "After I cooked? No way would I let you take the credit with Stefano. Unless it's bad then it was totally you. We just thought the candles would make it more festive."

Stefan laughed, enjoying his new nickname, "Aren't those a bit small for the table?"

Bonnie gave a small shrug, "See Ali, told you." Alidah smiled at her, and Bonnie gave her one of her own as a silent thanks.

The dinner was going rather well. Stefan was like every other guy when it came to food. Anything would suffice, but he usually didn't care for the cleaning up afterwards. He was excited but nervous about getting to play on the team, and he still hadn't decided if he even wanted to go to college. Stefan and Bonnie started to talk about some of her ancestors that had taken part in the Salem Witch Trials when a knock on the door came. Not wanting to disrupt the flow that had finally erupted Alidah went to answer it.

She smiled, hearing the laughter emanating through the dining room. Too bad the smile faltered when she opened the door. The other side revealing Caroline and Damon. Two people she was hoping to avoid for the next good while. She had no clue what to say and was almost grateful when Caroline piped up.

"We heard you guys were doing dinner and thought we'd bring dessert." Giving her a quick hug, she wandered off to find the others. Leaving her alone...with Damon.

"Hope you don't mind us coming over."

Her face flushed. Unable to look at him she muttered, "It's not a big deal." She traced her fingers across the hallway dresser, wondering if she could scramble away from this torment. She finally realized he hadn't moved from the door that he was only leaning against the frame. Looking at her; almost expectantly.

Slowly she looked up into his face, seeing it soften instantly. "I feel like I should be apologizing to you little bird."

Alidah shook her head, kind of wishing he'd shut up. Wasn't it breaking some kind of rule to have a nickname for a girl when dating another one? It seemed possible. "There's nothing to apologize for Damon." He gave her a joyless smile.

"What are you two doing?"

Finally someone to the rescue. Elena and Caroline walked in. Caroline clearly annoyed, "Get in here." Alidah turned to her, both of their personalities appeared to be kind of dominating and she wondered who won most of the fights.

"I'm just waiting to be invited in, dear. You know how much being a gentleman means to me."

Elena caught Alidah's eye, and she tried to use their faux sister power to get her to tell them it was getting a little late. Gah, this was silly, hell it was downright petty. But she didn't want him in this place that she was calling home. Somehow he had wheedled in her and came out making her feel raw and vulnerable. She didn't want him to taint it in here as well.

Deep down she knew she had no right to feel that way. That how he acted towards her was just his way of being friendly. But in those few moments he had made her feel special. Now, now she felt worse than a snotted-up tissue. Apparently their brainwaves weren't on the same link that evening, and Elena was about to let him in.

Until Stefan stepped in, near to bumbling, and she sent him a grateful glance his way. "It's getting pretty late and he can't stay. Can you Damon?"

The look the older sent was almost a primal challenge. "No it's fine, come on in Damon."

Damon's smile was triumphant as he walked through the threshold. "You two have a very lovely home."

Alidah was already walking out of the room, "Who's up for something sweet?" She quickly went into the kitchen; giving each plate a slice of cake, crisp and scoop of ice cream in the middle. After pouring coffee she doled it all out. Wanting nothing more than the evening to end as quickly as possible now. "Saw you at cheerleading try-outs." Damon was looking at her.

"Oh, Ali wasn't trying out or anything. She gets sick too much and has to carry her oxygen pretty much everywhere. There was no way she could be on the team."

Alidah bit her tongue to stifle a laugh; even now Caroline had no filter for her mouth. She was used to ignoring half of whatever she said and tries not take it seriously.

"Alidah doesn't really seem the cheerleading type anyways."

She glanced at Damon, "I thought being blonde automatically warranted a spot." He grinned at her.

"Ali would be good at it Care, she can dance," Bonnie chimed jokingly.

Alidah looked at Bonnie in disbelief, "I'm pretty sure she knows I can't Bon. But thanks for broadcasting so everyone else knows too."

"Oh, come on Ali, you can learn. That way all of us can be on the team together." Ali shook her head at Bonnie stubbornly.

"So you don't dance?" Damon asked, curiously.

"Can't. I was born without grace. I can't move to a beat at the right time even if it could save me."

"I'm sure I could teach you."

Alidah laughed nervously, "Thanks but no. I'm saving you some broken toes."

Damon chuckled, "I'm sure we could find a way to keep that from happening."

Caroline decided to put the topic back on course, "No, it's better if she's not on the team. I mean it's going to be hard enough figuring out what to do with Elena."

"I'll work with her Care," Bonnie volunteered.

"It used to be so much more fun around here before her parents died." Quiet. "I say that with complete sensitivity."

It was seldom Alidah paid much mind to what Caroline said. She knew that for some reason the other blonde was insecure about herself. But to verbally insult Elena about her dead parents struck a deep nerve. It made something in Alidah's mind pull back, like something waking from a deep sleep. As it did Caroline's mug slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor. The remaining contents spilling on her feet. Caroline shrieked and stood, "My new shoes!"

Alidah's heart , that had to be Bonnie, or just an accident. There was no way she could've done, not even possible. But somehow she felt responsible she HAD wanted Caroline to shut up a few seconds before. Feeling dejected she stood up, "I'll go get something to clean it up."

As she made her way to the kitchen she heard Caroline call out, "Please hurry, Ali!"

Making her feel just that much worse. With the mess cleaned up and Caroline satisfied her shoes weren't completely ruined Alidah retreated back into the kitchen. She had almost finished filling the dishwasher when she heard footsteps. She smiled, "You're a bit too late to help Lena."

"Nope, you missed one."

Luckily this time she held to the smile when she realized it was Damon. He held out the glass only to nearly drop it. "Fast reflexes Salvatore."

"I like you."

Heart failure. "I like you too Damon. I'm glad we're getting to be friends." There now the message was loud and clear.

"You make me smile little bird. My brother as well, I'm always reading in his journal about what you two talked about that day, books you two exchange together. How you make him feel alive. It's a nice change of pace to what happened last time."

Alidah braced herself against the sink, "Um, for the time being let's just let it go of the fact you're going through you brother's private thoughts; you're meaning the ex again aren't you?"

"Yep."

"So what happened to her?"

"She died, in a fire." The deadpanned way he said it almost made it feel like it was no big deal to him.

"So...Which one of you dated her first?"

Damon smirked, "Nicely deduced. But, in my case anyways, date would be the wrong word for my relationship with Katherine."

What the hell does that mean? "What was it to you then?"

"She was a powerful and influential person. She had what I needed to help someone I cared about."

There was a lingering sorrow in his eyes as he spoke. Biting her lip she reached out and lightly hugged him. He stiffened but quickly returned her embrace. When they finally pulled away they stayed close to one another, and Alidah whispered, "Who was it for? The person you cared about?"

Damon smiled sadly, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"You guys need any help?"

Perfect timing Bonnie...

Okay, know it took a bit, but the way I'm thinking I'm hoping to post a new chapter - along with the mini chapter every 1-2 weeks. That should give me time to write the draft, give time for my beta to give me feedback, and have a revision done. I know it's a while but I underestimated what went into this.

But thanks and hope you enjoy!

And special thanks again to my beta - Sable Supernova!