Chapter 11

The Million Dollar Question

"See other people," Tyler said.

This was one of the rare times Jeremy actually thought he was a little slow because it took him more time than necessary to understand what Tyler meant. Don't- See other people. Ohh.

Jeremy finally got it. It was apparent to Tyler because Jeremys' face went from clearly confused to relieved. He was filled with relief when he realized that Tyler didn't want them to see anyone but each other. It just worried Jeremy if he actually meant it. After all, that saying didn't get famous for nothing. You know the one. "It's easier said, than done."

He hadn't noticed, but the words practically fell from his own lips. There was a hopeful doubt that Tyler didn't hear. But he did. He heard Jeremy say that it was easier said than done. They both sat in silence for the next few moments.

(Tylers' p.o.v)

Of course he wouldn't believe me. It's not like I've done anything to prove that he should. Yet. The silence in the room grew thick. It's hard to breathe in here. I just stared at him. Waiting to see if he'd say anything next. The silence was starting to get to me. So I said what first popped in my head.

"It won't be easy, we could do it though." Ugh, smooth Lockwood.

(p.o.v over)

"How am I supposed to know that this isn't only because you saw me with Melissa?"

The corners of Tylers' lips turned down. It was true. All this started because it wasn't Tyler who was talking to Jeremy. It was that, girl. Ughh.

It was obvious that neither of them were getting what they wanted unless Tyler did something to assure Jeremy. So, he decided to tell Jeremy why he started what happened between them. The first night. The night he wanted to call a truce. After all, Tyler did kiss him first. He may have had a sore head, but he still remembered what happened.

"You wanna know why I first kissed you?", it wasn't like Tyler had rehearsed this.

Jeremys' eyes widened. Surprisingly enough, he never really wondered why Tyler started it. In all honesty, Jeremy kind of forgot. He forgot that this whole mess started because of Tyler. Well, damn.

"Sure," Jeremy was anxious to hear what Tyler was going to say. He might of had higher expectations than he should have.

"I was grateful. You took care of me. The way you reacted when I wasn't moving. No one else would've panicked that much. You were really sorry." Tyler didn't look at Jeremy when he said the words that he'd remember forever. Instead, he just stared at the wall in front of them.

Jeremy could tell Tyler was struggling to get it all out. So he just sat there patiently. Figured he'd wanna remember this.

"I'm not going to lie. Before that, it never crossed my mind. But I thought it was amazing that you worried about me in that one night more than my parents have the whole time they've raised me. I figured if someone could have that much emotion for someone else, knowing their history, that's someone I'd stick with."

Tyler Lockwood was 100% vulnerable with Jeremy Gilbert.

The room was blanketed with silence again. All Jeremy could manage to say was, "Oh."

Well that just wasn't going to do.

"That's it? Are you serious?" Tyler said kind of playfully.

Jeremy was happy. He was happy with the reason he got. It was just a lot to take in, he figured oh was better than nothing.

"You didn't have to do anything back, y'know. Why did you?", it was Tylers' turn. He was putting Jeremy on the spot and couldn't wait to hear what he'd say. So Tyler could respond with a meaningless one worded answer.

Crap. Well, if Tyler could manage to be all profound and what not, Jeremy could too.

"Would've taken too much energy to refuse it." So much for being "profound".

He found himself tackled to the bed. "Say it Gilbert. 'Yoooou wanted to kiss meeee!'"

The two fought back and forth for dominance. Obviously Jeremy lost the battle. But he found himself winning the war.

He got what he wanted.

Tyler admitted why he made the first move and it melted Jeremy completely. It also saddened him. That a kid had to put up with those parents for this long. He realized just how strong Tyler was. He also found what made him tick. Maybe not everything, but it was a start.

Out of breath, Jeremy asked him one more question.

"So, Monday at school. What happens then?"

Tyler froze. He didn't want to upset Jeremy, but he had to be honest. Actually, Tyler hadn't thought about it. But he knew the answer.

"We won't avoid each other. Just be normal." He was hesitant to say it, but got it out. Now he waited to see how Jeremy would react.

"Okay. You gonna flirt with anyone." Jeremy didn't really say it as a question. But said it with curiosity. He didn't want to seem jealous of nothing, but he needed to know what he'd have to deal with.

"Nope", Tyler said as he popped the p.

The younger boy rolled his eyes as a grin appeared on his face. He wondered how long that'd last. He knew it was just how Tyler always was. Even if he liked it or not, it was his thing. Even though now, Jeremy wouldn't like it this time. Not if they were going to be serious about what ever the hell they were.

"You don't believe me?", Tyler said with puppy dog eyes.

"You do it when you don't even realize it."

Tyler thought about it for a moment. He knew Jeremy was right, but if Tyler was going to get all territorial over Jeremy, he knew he'd have to stop the flirting.

"Okay, I'll work on it." Tyler paused as he thought about that girl that was hanging all over his man. Whoa, well that's new. He'd definitely have to get used to that. It was all just happening so fast. But he still felt it though. Jeremy was his. It maybe a new feeling, but it was there.

"And what about, Melissa," again he mocked her name.

Jeremy couldn't help but laugh. Not only that Tyler was so damn cute when he was jealous, but him and Melissa were never gonna happen. Tyler or no Tyler. It'd just be too weird. (Or so Jeremy thought.)

"You keep laughing, but it's not funny." A hint of seriousness came from his voice.

"She's my friend. Nothing more. And I'm not gonna stop talking to her." Jeremy decided that Tyler shouldn't worry about it, and just get over it.

Tyler Lockwood was many things. But he wasn't easy to read. His face seemed to always stay the same. Even when he's mad, happy, upset, it didn't matter. Until now. He looked a little wounded. But figured he'd have to trust him. You couldn't blame Tyler; It was all new to him. He didn't know if he should worry about other girls or guys, or both. It was definitely easier when it came to chicks. But he didn't want that. He wanted Jeremy. Oddly enough, it got easier for Tyler to admit to himself.

"You gonna tell your family?"

A/n: Okaaay. I'm disappointed in myself. I was eager to get to something else, but I realized that they needed to know where they each stood when it comes to what they meant to eachother. I know. Sappy. Blechh. But hopefully I can get to the good stuff. I dunno. Let me know. I'm pumped for the chapters to come. I have an idea! But I'm not sure how I'd go around doing it. If that makes sense?
Review- Tell me what you think.
Spoilersss -
The Salvatore brothers show up, more Elena, and we'll see another significant person in this story! So excited! =)