AN; I decided to do a flashback chapter before taking the boys on a hike. I hope you like!

warnings; child abuse and brotherly moments that will drown you in fluff. Oh! And adorable 13 year old Stefan.

Damon POV

Mystic Falls, 1860

It was a sunny day in Mystic Falls. I loved these days. when it's sunny on any day between Monday and Friday.

Because those days father has to go to meetings in town with John Gilbert. And when he is home, he stays locked up in his study.

Though to get outside, Stefan an I had to dodge the servants. If anyone saw us sneak out, they would immediately tell our father. A lot of snitches, they were.

I was still laying in bed when a 13 year old Stefan barged in and pounced on Me.

"Damon! Wake up! Father left early today and won't be back till late. Can we please go to the lake?" He asked while shaking me out of my dazed, tired state.

"I don't know. This bed is really comfortable." I said teasingly while laying back down.

"No! Please?! I promise I won't run away from you like last time!" Stefan pleaded whilst shaking me again.

He was such a child.

I groaned.

"Please!"

An idea struck me.

"Okay. We can go. If you can get me out of bed without using your little brother manipulation." I said with a smirk.

Though I shouldn't have doubted my smart little brother.

He took a moment to think.

Then suddenly, he shoved me hard enough so I fell out the bed. before I knew it, I was on the cold, wood floor. I looked up to see Stefan smirking, much like i was moments ago.

I sighed.

"Okay. Okay, you win. We'll go to the lake." I said.

I can't say I was disappointed. I just wanted to give Stefan a hard time.

He cheered and ran to his room to get ready.

I groaned.

I really didn't want to get up.

But I knew Stef would be upset if I didn't take him. Besides, I made a deal.

I let out another long breathe before pushing myself up off the floor. I turned in a circle. I couldn't seem to find my shirt. I dropped onto my hands and knees, then pressed my stomach to the cold floor. I turned my head and peered under my bed.

"Aha!" I said in triumph. I reached out and grabbed my shirt then proceeded to get ready.

I was lacing my boots when Stefan came running in, completely ready for a day outside. I laughed.

"A little excited, baby brother?" I asked while ruffling his hair.

"Damon! Stop treating me like a child! Hurry! Lets go! I want to spend as much time at the lake as we can." He said while placing my hand back to my side.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm hurrying." I said as I grabbed my hat then motioned Stefan towards the door. Getting to the lake was the easy part. Getting outside was the worst.

"The maids seem to be extra aggravated today. Here, Stef, hop on my back" I said while crouching down. Stefan didn't argue because he knew that if we were caught, our day at the lake would be over before it started.

I slowly made my way down the stairs, carefully holding onto both of Stefan's hands in one of my own. Once at the bottom, I turned and made sure none of the help was around. No one was in sight so I ran for the door, swung it open, and ran outside. I didn't put Stefan down until we made it to the tree line.

"That was fun! Damon, can you carry me for a little longer?" Stefan asked when we were in the security of the woods.

"What? Why? I thought you said to stop treating you like a child." I said while giving him a smirk.

"Umm... I'm only a child in the woods and at the lake, okay?" I couldn't help but laugh at that.

Then I looked back down and Stefan was looking at me with his

'I'm you're little brother, you can't help but to do what I want' face.

I caved instantly.

"Fine! Stefan, just stop using that look. It's too manipulative, even for me." I said while crouching down, again. Stefan smiled brightly and climbed up.

As it turns out 'a little longer' actually meant 'the whole two mile trek through the woods to the lake.'

I let out a relieved sigh as Stefan jumped off my back and I was able to finally stand up strait.

Stefan immediately ran towards the water while simultaneously taking everything but his pants off.I laughed lightly and shook my head. Then I started walking around the lake, looking for a good tree to climb.

Two years ago, Stefan and I found this place while I was taking him for a ride on my horse. Ever since then, Stef and I went out there every chance we could. Which was mainly when it was nice out and father had business to attend to.

I smiled and watched Stefan from my place in the tree. He was seeing how long he could hold his breath under water.

Sometimes I think the little bastard just had fun scarring the hell out of me.

Hours passed and the sun was now hanging low in the sky.

"Come on Stef, time to go!" Stefan looked disappointed, but knew that we had to get back before father did. He came out and retrieved his scattered clothes.

"Can-"

"I'm not carrying you while you are drenched" I said while raising an eyebrow at him.

He gave me a mock glare

"I wasn't going to say that" he said

"then what were you going to say?" I asked while tilting my head.

"Umm-I... Uh... Can... Lets just go!" He stumbled over his words. I laughed and followed him, on our way back to the house.

By the time that we got there, we were laughing, pushing and joking around...

Until we saw who was waiting for us inside.

Our father stood five feet away from the door.

I swallowed hard.

"Stefan, go upstairs and wait for me in my room."

"But-"

"Stef, please." I said. He saw my face and reluctantly made his way up the stairs, glancing at me every few steps.

"Where were you?" Giuseppe demanded.

"I- we went for a walk." I said, noticing how much he didn't believe it.

"You took Stefan out of the house without my knowing, AND without anyone else?" He said while taking a few steps closer.

I stood my ground, foolishly.

"I am 20 years of age next month, father. And I would never let anything happen to Stefan! Unlike you, I actually care for him!"

The first blow came. Usually father always hit in places where it would be hidden. But instead, he punched me right below my cheek bone. Before I could recover, he took another shot at the stomach. I keeled over in pain, and Giuseppe took the chance to push my side with the heel of his foot. I fell over and he started kicking my underbelly. I tried catching his foot, fighting back, but it made him even more pissed. My vision was blurred, but I looked up to see all the servants standing in the hallway, watching. I closed my eyes and waited for the pain to stop.

After a few minutes, the hits stopped coming.

I opened my eyes to find myself alone.

I tried standing up, but I fell to my knee in pain.

Then I remembered Stefan. He would start to worry if I didn't go up there soon.

I tried again. This time I was able to stand, though I was still wobbly. I clutched my left arm to my stomach. Giuseppe must have landed a blow to it. I used my other hand to hang onto the wall for support.

I made it upstairs and to the room in less than 20 minutes.

I opened the door and saw Stefan sitting on my bed, leaning against the headboard. He had his legs drawn to his chest and his arms around his legs. His head rested on his joined hands.

"Stef, you okay buddy?" I asked.

His head snapped up and he let out a gasp at my current state. He jumped from the bed and grabbed my right hand and pulled me back towards the bed. He leaned me against his former spot against the head board.

"How can he keep doing this to you? It's awful!" He said while checking the damage.

"He claims its because I deserve it." I said while ducking my head.

I felt the bed dip as Stefan moved up against my side. He burrowed himself under my arm and looked up at me.

"You don't deserve this Damon. You are the last person that would ever deserve any of this." Stefan said before dozing off.

I would never let anything happen to Stefan!

I promise I won't, Stef.