AN: So I know I'm a day late but I come bearing a new chapter. I hope you don't totally hate it. I've loved reading your reviews and thank you so much for your follows and favourites. They really do mean a lot to me.

Damon and Sydney were at The Bay long before Caroline and Stefan and that was nothing short of a miracle. Caroline had sent him a text saying that they were running late as she had to pick up her mother as well. Family dinner was now taking on a whole new meaning and he began wondering what Caroline had planned. Something was definitely up. He just hoped it was something good.

Sydney sat next to him playing with a hand held device as he sipped his drink. Damon had to admit that he liked The Bay. It was calm, quiet and all in all a great place to grab dinner at. The only reason he preferred the louder and more chaotic environment of the Grill was because of the fact that they served alcohol while The Bay was yet to get its permit. He didn't mean to sound like an alcoholic but tonight was one of those nights when he desperately needed a drink or ten to get through it. Minutes after Sydney and Damon had been shown to their table, the door to The Bay had been flung open as Katherine and Elijah entered arm in arm. They had taken a seat on the far side of the restaurant and for that he was grateful. When the couple had first entered, he had checked to see if Sydney had noticed but the girl had already been engrossed in her game. He had let out a breath that he hadn't realised he had been holding. As the two walked to their table, he had managed to make eye contact with Katherine for a few short seconds and she had glared at him. He had completely forgotten to let her know that they would be at The Bay. He mentally kicked himself and prepared himself for what he knew was going to be a nerve wracking few hours.

When Caroline and Stefan finally arrived with Liz following close behind them, Sydney abandoned her game and gave them a warm welcome. They were all seated and dinner proceeded as smoothly as it could. Damon's obvious discomfort didn't escape Stefan. He nudged his brother and asked him, "What's got you wound up so tight?"

"Katherine's here", he said under his breath. "She's here with Elijah."

"Does Sydney know?"

"She was too busy playing to notice", answered Damon and when he looked up, he saw Caroline giving him a pointed look. Damon just shook his head and carried on with his dinner. By the time dessert was served, Damon's curiosity got the better of him and he said, "This family dinner is oddly suspicious. Why do I have the feeling that you two have some kind of ulterior motive?"

"That's because they always do, Damon", answered Liz. She then turned back to the couple and said, "Spit it out you two."

Caroline was visibly glowing but just as she was about to answer, she was interrupted by Sydney as she squealed, "Mommy!" All eyes were immediately on her. "She's right there", explained the little girl as she pointed to Katherine who was standing close to Elijah. Clearly the two were about to leave. Katherine stood locked in her place for a second as she looked between Damon who gave her an apologetic look and Sydney unaware of what to say. She placed her arm on Elijah's shoulder and indicated that they should be leaving. Elijah nodded and led her out of the restaurant.

"Help me out, Daddy", continued Sydney. "I want to go to Mommy."

"Mommy's busy", said Caroline trying to come up with an explanation.

"We already went over this Sydney", said Damon in a tired voice. "I told you that she's not coming back."

"But she was right there", repeated the three year old. It completely escaped her as to why she couldn't talk to someone who was physically in the same room with her. "I want to talk to Mommy", she said adamantly.

"Sydney, I said no", said Damon a little harsher than he intended. Sydney quietened immediately but her lips quivered indicating she was about to cry. Damon immediately leaned closer to her and said, "I didn't mean that, baby. I just don't think it's a good idea." He put his arm on her shoulder trying to placate her but it didn't seem to help as tears fell from her eyes. Damon took a deep breath and pushed his chair away and got to his feet.

"Where are you going?" asked Caroline, rising to her feet.

"I'm going to try talking to Katherine again. I want to see if I can melt her heart of ice at least for a couple of minutes", he said and stalked off.

Stefan indicated for Caroline to stay with the others as he followed behind Damon. Caroline pulled Sydney out of her chair and sat her on her lap. "Your dad's trying really hard, okay?" she told Sydney and she nodded in response.

Damon caught up to Katherine and Elijah just as they were about to get into their car. Damon ran up to them and said, "Can I please talk to Katherine alone for a minute. I promise I'll be quick."

Elijah answered, "I don't know what's going on here. But I'm pretty sure my fiancé wants nothing to do with it. I hope you can respect that."

"I don't know how much you know of everything and if what I heard from Klaus is any indication, you don't know anything. The whole thing is just one huge complicated mess and for the sake of my daughter I would really like to get things sorted out as soon as I can. I hope you can respect that", said Damon.

Stefan stepped up from behind him and addressed Elijah, "My brother can be completely irrational at times but I can promise you that this isn't one of those times. This has gone on for far too long. It will only take a minute."

Elijah looked at Katherine uncertainly. Katherine nodded at him and said, "I'll be right back and I promise I'll explain everything to you. I promise." Elijah nodded and got into the car. The trio stepped to the edge of the well-lit parking lot and Katherine immediately asked, "What was that about Damon? You told me that you'd let me know if Sydney was somewhere we might cross paths!"

Damon felt like a school boy who had forgotten to do his homework. "I forgot. Caroline called his morning and I had already slept in and she'd been so good lately and so I wanted to make this day perfect for her. It just slipped my mind", he answered.

"I can't believe you're apologizing to her", Stefan said as he rolled his eyes. He then turned to Katherine and said to her, "Whatever happened happened. Now Sydney's upset because she can't talk to you. So can you just go in and be her mother for just a couple of minutes and explain to her why she can't see you again. She's just a child, she's your child. She hasn't done anything to deserve this. Do the right thing for once, Katherine."

Katherine's resolve wavered. "I can't", she said, biting her lip. "I need to come clean to Elijah tonight or Klaus is going to do it. I need to keep a clear head and I can't deal with her now."

"Katherine, you haven't been dealing with her for a year now. Please, just come in for a quick minute and tell her that you need to go away again and that you love her. That's it", said Damon pleading with her.

She looked at Damon's desperate face and then back to the car where Elijah sat with the engine on. "I'm sorry, Damon", she said and turned away and walked back to her car.

Damon felt like he had been slapped. He stood rooted to the spot staring at Katherine's retreating figure. His vision blurred as he leaned against the wall behind him taking in deep breaths. He remembered the last time he had heard those words like it had all happened just the day before.

Damon was sitting on the rocking chair in Sydney's room after putting her to bed. He had just gotten home that morning after his book tour and he had really missed his girls while he had been away. The lamp on the table in the corner of the room was still on. She looked like a little angel as she slept but he knew that his daughter wasn't as innocent as she looked. She was as smart as her mother and as capable of getting into trouble. He smiled to himself as he thought of the amount of trouble she would probably get into in her teens. He loved quite moments like this.

He heard the door open downstairs and he knew immediately that Katherine was back home from work. He looked at his watch and saw that it was 11 pm – another late night. He didn't want to pick a fight with her tonight. He had just gotten back and all he wanted to do was hug her and pretend like everything was just fine, exactly as he had been doing for months. He knew that her one night stand had lasted much longer than one night but every time he brought it up, Katherine just shut him down. He didn't want to live a lie anymore. He wanted answers. For a brief moment he wondered if he really wanted to know. He felt conflicted. After a long minute he decided that he didn't have it in him to fight tonight and with that in mind he went to his room and found Katherine already there with her back to him. He walked up to her and hugged her. "I missed you", he said.

Katherine's smile faltered. She pulled away from him and turned around. She took a good look at him and he saw her smile completely vanish. "We need to talk", he heard her say.

"I know", he answered. "But not tonight, please. I really just want one night of peace and quiet; one night when we're not fighting."

"Damon, I can't do this anymore", said Katherine.

"What's going on?" he asked giving in to her wishes just like he always did.

"I owe you an explanation", she said. Katherine took his hand and led him to their bed. He sat down at the edge of the bed as she remained standing. "How much do you know?" she asked him.

Damon tugged at her hand trying to get her to sit down next to him but she resisted. He blew out a breath and said, "I know that something's wrong. I know that it has to do with why you come home late a lot these days." He looked up to see Katherine nodding. "Katherine, I really don't want things to be strained between the two of us but I really don't have the strength to play your games tonight. Just tell me what's going and put me out of my misery because it sure as hell isn't going to be as bad as any of the scenarios that seem to be popping up in my head."

"And what scenario keeps popping into your head?" she asked.

Damon looked at her to check for any signs of playfulness but he could see that she was being serious. "I know this is going to sound ridiculous but I've had this nagging feeling that you're still cheating on me. I know you said that it was only that once but every time you're late I just get so paranoid. I guess I'm just afraid of losing you." Damon looked at the expression of shock on her face and it hit him. "I'm right, aren't I?" he asked slowly. Katherine didn't say a word but that was all the confirmation he needed. There were a million questions running through his brain but all he could manage to get out was, "Why?" He felt tears pooling in his eyes as the news sunk in.

Katherine finally sat beside him, making sure not to touch him. "Damon", she called but he seemed to be lost in his own world. She took his face in her hands and made him face her. "Damon", she called again.

This time he did respond but not in the way she expected. "I don't want to know why", he said finally. "I really don't. We can still work things out. We could go see a counsellor or something." He knew he sounded desperate but he didn't care.

"We've been trying to work things out for over 5 months now. The whole time I've been lying to you because I didn't want to hurt you. But I'm done, Damon. I can't do this anymore. I think we're better off apart", she said it all in a rush.

Damon sat unmoving as his brain churned. He felt scared, lost and alone all at the same time. He tried to say something but he just couldn't think of the right words to say. He felt Katherine lean in and place a kiss on his forehead as she said, "It's for the best, Damon." He sat for a few more minutes as he mulled over his thoughts. His eyes followed Katherine around the room as she took out a suitcase and began packing her things. She was saying something about staying with the guy whom she was now sleeping with. A part of him wanted to say something, anything to try and get her to stay. But the other part was too hurt for coherent thoughts. He finally broke out of the trance when Katherine opened the door to their room and stepped out into the hallway with her suitcase. Damon immediately sprang into action and he followed her to the living area. "Katherine, wait", he called out to her and she turned to face him. She looked upset and vulnerable and he almost refrained from saying anything. He pressed on saying, "If not for me, think about Sydney. You can't do this to her", he said trying to reason with her. "I'm not mad at you. I can never be mad at you. I promise I won't hold anything that you did against you. We can make this work."

Katherine looked between her husband and the door and she shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry", she said and walked out the door. Damon sat down on the couch wondering how he had gotten to where they were now. He just sat thinking and that's exactly how Stefan found him the next day.

Stefan shook Damon out of his reverie and brought him back to the present. His back was pressed up against the wall and he heard his brother ask him, "Are you alright? Breathe, Damon."

"What am I going to tell Sydney now?" he asked.

"The truth. I'm sure she'll understand", answered Stefan.

"She always understands", said Damon. "I don't want her to have to understand. She's a kid, for God's sakes. I want her to be happy and protected and taken care of. This just isn't fair."

"I know", said Stefan trying to calm him down. "But life isn't fair and unfortunately Sydney has had to deal with it from a very young age. But if you want her to get this, you've got to pull yourself together. You're not going to help her by pining after Katherine and trying to protect her."

"I'm done with her", said Damon his tone bitter. "I hate her, Stefan." His chest heaved with rage.

Stefan nodded his head. He just hoped that Damon's new found hatred wouldn't eat them both alive. He knew Damon could hold a grudge. He had managed to hold one against his father until his death. When he was sure that Damon was calm enough, he led him back to the restaurant. When the two took their seats the others looked at them expectantly. Stefan caught the look in Damon's eyes and spoke up for him, "She wouldn't come and talk to her. We asked her to explain it all to Sydney just once but she wouldn't listen."

Caroline pulled Sydney, who was still on her lap, closer to her. "I'm so sorry", she whispered to her. Sydney didn't respond but her eyes were trained on her father who for his part now sat at the table with his head in his hands. She reached out across the table and pulled at one of his sleeves. That caught Damon's attention and he looked up. He picked her up from Caroline's arms and said to her, "It's going to be okay. We'll be okay."

"How about we call it a night?" asked Liz interrupting the calm that had settled over the table.

"Yeah, we should do that", answered Caroline and signalled for the waiter to bring them their check. Together they all walked to the parking lot. Sydney was still clinging to Damon when they reach their car. Damon opened the back door and strapped her into her seat. He then turned around to say his goodbyes to his brother.

"Are you going to be okay?" asked Stefan.

"I'll be fine, Stefan. I'll call you when I get back home", answered Damon.

"I know it isn't my place to say this", said Liz interrupting them. "But I really don't think you should be driving when you're upset."

"Mom's right", agreed Caroline. "Stefan can drive the two of you and I'll drop mom off and come pick you up."

"That's fine by me", said Stefan and he looked to Damon for confirmation. Damon grunted his agreement and got into the passenger seat. Stefan watched as Caroline and Liz got into their car and drove off. When he got behind the wheel of Damon's car, he noticed Sydney was asleep in her seat and Damon sat resting his head against the window. The drive to Damon's house was quiet. Once they were home, Damon tucked Sydney into her own bed and then came back down to the living area. He grabbed a couple of glasses and poured some bourbon into them. He handed one of the glasses to Stefan and set the bottle down between them. He tipped his glass to Stefan and then drank the amber liquid in one long draught and then poured himself a second glass. He reminded himself that he wasn't an alcoholic and slowed down. The brothers sat in silence, both lost in thought for about an hour until Caroline arrived. When she did, Damon offered her the bottle.

"No thanks", she answered. "I have to drive."

"I'll come see you in the morning ", said Stefan as he got up. "You should try and get some sleep now."

"Did you guys have an ulterior motive for inviting us to dinner tonight?" Damon asked them.

Stefan and Caroline exchanged looks and finally Caroline spoke up, "We had news to share but it can wait."

"Is it good news?" he asked again.

"It is", confirmed Stefan.

"Then I want to hear it", said Damon looking at them expectantly.

"It's nothing", said Caroline trying to downplay it. Damon shot her a stern glance. "Okay", she said as she caved. "We invited you guys to dinner to tell you that I'm pregnant. I've known for a while now but I didn't want to tell anyone too early. But it's been almost two months now and I wanted you, Sydney and my mom to be the first ones to know about it."

Damon smiled at them. "That's such great news", he said getting on his feet. He moved forward and hugged them both. "I'm so happy for you two right now. I'm sorry I ruined dinner. I know you probably wanted it to be perfect", he said turning to Caroline.

"It's alright", said Caroline. "What happened wasn't your fault."

"I know but I –"

Stefan interrupted him saying, "But nothing. You've had a long night. I think it's time you get to bed and get some rest. You look exhausted. We'll let ourselves out."

Damon nodded and put the glasses away. He started ascending the stairs as Stefan and Caroline watched him closely. When he was halfway up the stairs, he turned around and looked to be thinking. "What's wrong?" asked Caroline.

"I know this might be too much but can I ask you a favour?" he asked nervously.

"Sure, you know we'd do whatever we can to help you", Stefan answered.

Damon hesitated again and then decided against saying anything. "Forget I said anything. I'm just a little unfocused right now."

"Are you sure you don't need anything?" asked Caroline again.

"Yeah, I'm sure", answered Damon and made his way up the stairs again.

"I hate seeing him like this", said Caroline. "I know I used to complain about it a lot but I prefer the cocky and annoying Damon to this", she said pointing up the stairs.

"I know", said Stefan in reply. "I just hope things go better for him from here on out." He sighed and said, "Let's go home. Hopefully we'll all get some sleep tonight and we can worry about everything else tomorrow."

-xx-

Elijah paced the bedroom as Katherine sat on their bed watching him. He stopped for a minute and was about to say something but then he stopped and continued pacing again. She didn't say a word. She had just told him the whole story and now she was just going to let him respond to it. After what felt like forever, Elijah asked her, "Klaus knew?"

"He did. I made him promise me that he wouldn't tell you until I found a way to tell you myself. Don't be mad at him", answered Katherine.

Elijah just nodded and continued pacing. "So the girl who called you mommy is actually yours and Damon's daughter."

"She is", said Katherine. "Her name is Sydney."

"How old is she?" he asked.

"She's three now", Katherine answered. She was expecting Elijah to be furious but so far he only seemed curious. She knew that that was only because the news probably hadn't sunk in. The inevitable anger would probably come later.

"So she must have been about a year old when we first met", he figured. "Why didn't you tell me about them? Why did you leave out the part where you had a daughter?"

"I was unhappy with the way things were going between me and Damon and I needed a break. I thought that night was going to be a one night thing but it wasn't. As time wore on, I started loving you more than I loved him. I was worried that if I told you the truth, you would hate me for it. But I know I can't lie anymore. I needed you to know the truth."

"You're right. Had you told me when we first started dating over a year ago, I would have told you to go back to your daughter and forget all about me." Elijah sighed and sat down next to his fiancé. "But I could never hate you, Katherine. I love you and I'm not sure I can do that anymore. We can make this work." Katherine's mind flashed back to the night she had left Damon. Hadn't he said the exact words to her that night? Elijah took her hand in his and rubbed it comforting her. "How is your relationship with your daughter?"

"Non-existent. I tried to keep seeing her without you finding out but it just got harder and I decided to stay out of her life for good." Katherine rested her head on his shoulder. "It's for the best."

"Are you sure? You really don't want any part in her life?" he asked again.

"I want to be in her life. But I'm probably just going to make things worse for her and Damon. We do have joint custody", Katherine replied.

"We could work something out with them. Maybe she could stay with us on weekends. I'm sure Damon has her enrolled in some school so it would be best for her to stay with him during the week. We'll be married soon and a good family setting could do wonders for her", said Elijah pensively.

"Are you sure you're okay with that?" asked Katherine.

"I am", answered Elijah. "The girl did nothing wrong. She doesn't deserve to grow up not knowing her own mother."

"Thank you so much, Elijah", said Katherine, her voice trembling with emotion. "This really does mean a lot to me."

"One last thing, Katherine", said Elijah seriously. "Promise me that you'll never lie to me again."

"I promise", replied Katherine nodding her agreement.

Katherine couldn't believe her luck. She had been expecting anger or grief or disappointment but acceptance was what she had gotten instead. She wondered what she had done to deserve this. Maybe there was some good still left in the world. As she lay in bed that night, she remembered the look on Damon's face as she had walked away that night. She really hoped that he would be able to find some happiness too. He deserved it. She knew what he had been through. Life had handed him lemons in more occasions than one and had even used her as an instrument in the last year and a half. She wondered what Damon would think about her wanting to be in Sydney's life. He had always been asking her to see their daughter and so she hoped he wouldn't mind. She hoped that somehow everything would be alright.

PS: jairem, are you a mind reader? ;)