Trouble he will find you no matter where you go, oh oh

No matter if you're fast, no matter if you're slow, oh oh

The eye of the storm or the cry in the mourn, oh oh

You're fine for a while but you start to lose control

He's there in the dark, he's there in my heart

He waits in the wings, he's gotta play a part

Trouble is a friend, yeah trouble is a friend of mine

.

Song: "Trouble is a Friend" by Lenka

.

.

CHAPTER 9

Elena opened her eyes the next morning, not really knowing what the point in getting up was. Damon wasn't there to greet her. He wouldn't be there for months, and maybe all of eternity, depending on his choice.

She sighed, and eventually got out of bed. Emily entered shortly after, and helped Elena with her corset. After a few painful gasps, she was in her black dress, her dark make up already smudging.

"Oh dear," Emily began. "Don't tell me you're crying about him this early."

Elena nodded. "I didn't say goodbye to him properly. He probably hates me." She let out a sigh, crabbing a shawl and wrapping it around her shoulders. "I guess that's best. He doesn't deserve this life."

"Oh, my," Emily said, smiling at Elena for comfort. "It must be tragic to lose love, because you live on different sides of the river." She grabbed a handkerchief and dabbed the tear stains from Elena's cheek.

"You're so wise," she said, grinning, taking the cloth. She set the napkin down, and grabbed a hairbrush, smoothing out her curly locks. She smiled, but it was a weak attempt. Emily could see behind her cool demeanor at the moment.

"You know, Dear, you can shut off the pain?" Emily suggested, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"No!" Elena immediately said. I shut off the pain after I turned, and far too many people lost their lives because of me." She shook her head. She had so much regret in her life, and now, Damon was one of them. She regretted letting him into her life, into her soul. Now he had gone, taking her with him. She felt like nothing but a shell of what once was herself. It was a terrible feeling, to be so lost without someone.

"Well," Emily started. "Why don't you spend the day with Mr. Stefan Salvatore? I am sure he will keep your mind away from Damon for a while."

Elena raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I suppose I should get to know Stefan a little better. He has been very kind to me, but I've been… distracted. It would be kind to show my gratitude for his helpfulness."

…

Stefan was in his room, writing in his journal. It was the only way to express his feelings.

Journal,

Damon left to fight in the Civil War last night. I am going to miss him terribly. He is my brother, and my best friend, even if he has the one thing I want:

Elena Gilbert, the single most beautiful girl on the planet.

He cares about her deeply, but she was obviously upset when he left. She didn't even say goodbye. I feel terrible for them. I do. But it's all such a mess!

When Damon finally finds love, he has to leave. And when I see love, my brother has it. But now, just maybe, God is cleaning this up for me.

I need to know Ms. Gilbert more. It is my duty. I don't want her heart to ache forever, because we both know the truth:

Not many people return from this battle, especially if they haven't been training properly.

I'm worried. Elena is obviously worried, and even Father is stressing.

The months are going to feel like an eternity until my brother is home, safe. Until then, I need to help Elena feel at home.

Yours truly,

Stefan Salvatore 1864

He closed the book, just as someone knocked. It was a gentle knock. "Stefan?" a voice that sounded like honey slipping from the comb said.

"Come in, Elena," he answered, knowing who it was immediately. Elena smiled as she opened the door. He was momentarily stunned by Elena, with her long hair falling off of her shoulders, flowing freely with the breeze coming from his windows.

"How are you?" she asked, still standing close to the doorway. He smiled at her, cocking his head slightly.

"I've been better," he sighed, referring to Damon. She closed her eyes for a moment, showing him how much she understood.

"I know how terrified you must be for Damon," she started, walking into the room more. "Before my brother died, I wanted to do everything in my rightful power to keep him safe. It's a scary feeling to be so close to losing someone like that."

"Yes," he confirmed, looking at Elena with a newfound respect. "Yes, it is."

She smiled at him for a long moment, until finally speaking. "I came by to ask if you would like to join me at the local theater today. I thought that a production might take our minds off of things."

Stefan's heart skipped a beat. "I would love to see a show with you," he said politely, trying to contain his excitement. It was very difficult to do.

Elena grinned at him sweetly and exited the room.

…

Meanwhile, Damon Salvatore was in his cot, somewhere in the south, writing a letter to Elena. He had made his choice.

Elena,

Before I tell you everything, let me say I love you. I fell in love with you the moment my eyes fell upon you.

Now, I have to make this note short. I'm going to have to fight very shortly. I just want you to know that I have made my choice.

I have already told all of my peers that before I die, they have to give me your blood. I want to wake up. I want to be with you forever.

If you change somehow when Klaus returns, I'll do whatever it takes to get the Elena I know back. I'll never give up on you. Ever. I love you.

Now, I have to go. Please write back to me.

With love,

Damon.

He took the letter to the mail center before heading off, back to battle.

But what Damon didn't know was that he was being watched by someone in the shadows. Once Damon was completely out of sight, Klaus, the gorgeous vampire with pale blonde hair, and electric, eccentric-looking, blue eyes, emerged, grabbing Damon's letter.

Elena was still going to get the letter, though. Klaus knew that. All that the note needed was a little… editing.

Klaus smirked, as he ran off, with Damon's letter in his hand.

Ahhh! What did you think of this chapter? What is Klaus going to do with Damon's letter? What was your favorite part? And don't worry, I'll have Damon come back to Mystic Falls as soon as I can!

You all know how much each review means to me, and how much it impacts my updates, so please comment!

-Sara