"You don't know," Damon replied flatly. "Stefan, how can you not know?"

"Look, Damon. It was a spur of the moment thing," Stefan said defensively. But was it? Stefan's heart fell at this. It should be. But in his heart, he knew it was more. He had been waiting for Katherine for centuries. His actions were no mistake.

"Stefan. I don't care if it was planned or not. In all honesty, it makes no difference to me. The fact is, you cheated on Elena; and she deserves to know." Damon crossed his arms over his chest. His cobalt eyes became as cold as ice; showing no signs of empathy for his brother.

"No!" Stefan replied frantically. Damon raised a questioning eyebrow.

"You can't have both wings and roots, Stefan," Damon replied flatly.

Putting up a defensive hand, Stefan replied, "I know, I know. Just- just let me tell her myself; in person. She deserves that much." With each word, Stefan's voice had lowered. His world was falling apart. On the outside, he lived the perfect life; the inside, though. That was the other side of the coin. Hell, darkness, coldness, lies. That was what Stefan Salvatore's life truly was; and it took his own idiocy and temptation to finally bring that to light.

"Fair enough," Damon surrendered. "But, I vote that you be stripped of your medal of the noble knight in shining armor." Though Damon's words were joking, both he and Stefan knew that they were completely serious. Stefan didn't deserve his saintly status. Stefan felt his heart drop even farther at this. Karma surely is a bitch. A knock was suddenly heard at the door. Damon sighed, and went past his brother and opened the door. Scotty stood there awkwardly. Damon had no doubt in his mind that Scotty had heard most, or all, of his and Stefan's conversation.

"Treky," Damon greeted jokingly, "what can I do for you?" he leaned against the door.

Scotty gave a death glare towards the vampire before saying, "Elijah's called a meeting."

"A meeting," Damon sighed. "And this is why I never went corporate," he complained. Damon turned to Stefan and gestured for him to follow. The two vampires followed the warlock to the parlor. Rose, Elijah, and Katherine were already sitting. The three newcomers took their seats, and Elijah took this as his cue to stand.

"A few minutes ago, Katarina brought something to my attention. There is a minor flaw in the plan. Klaus knows that the rest of us are opposed to him. So, Katherine can't speak to us about her 'love' for Klaus. We need someone else in on this that Klaus would never suspect. That is why I called this meeting." Elijah looked at the rest of the group, waiting for someone to make a suggestion.

"Caroline," Damon said. "She has no link to Klaus. Plus, if we get her in on this, we have a good shot of getting her wolfy friend as well." A smile found its way onto Elijah's face.

"Caroline. Who is she?" Elijah then questioned.

"She's a friend of ours. Added bonus, she's a vampire." Damon smirked. Scotty let out a groan.

"Not another vampire," he complained. "God, how many vampires are there in Mystic Falls?" It was a rhetorical question.

"Would you like some cheese with that whine, Treky?" Damon taunted.

"Would you like some death with that taunt, vampy?" Scotty countered. At this, Rose let out a light growl.

"Remember rule number one," she warned. "No taunting each other."

Damon and Scotty let out grumbles, mumbling something to the extent of 'yeah, yeah'. Elijah, who had been watching this scene with amusement, turned to Stefan.

"Go get Caroline. Bring the wolf, too, if you can." Elijah's voice held no kindness; it was strictly business. His gray eyes were callous. Stefan figured he deserved as much, and gave a light nod, and went out the door to find Caroline.

1861

"Well," Elena began, "I would love to have dinner with you and your brother." She gave a light smile. Elena knew very well that Stefan had meant just the two of them, but she decided to play dumb on the matter. Elena had no interest in going to dinner with Stefan alone.

Stefan's green eyes grew dark with disappointment and anger. Placing a caustically polite smile on his face, he said, "Ah. Indeed. That would be very nice indeed." This was not how this was supposed to go. Stefan had never been accustomed to losing. But, there is a first time for everything. Stefan Salvatore was losing to his brother, of all people. The fact was bitter, really. Damon was not supposed to win anything. On the other side of the bench, Damon couldn't stop the smile that was growing on his face. His faith in Elena had been reestablished with her answer. It was the glory of all glories. Damon was winning something his brother wasn't. That was only a quarter of the reason he was smiling, though. The other three, though, were because Elena had chosen him in this battle. Damon knew, though, that this war was far from over.

"Yes, it would be nice," Elena continued awkwardly. "Well, I will be excited to see this restaurant you mentioned."

"Ah, yes, the restaurant; they have a very delectable pot roast," Stefan said. Elena gave a tight smile. The trio sat in silence, until they saw a figure approaching them. Her flaxen hair shined in the sun, and fell to her shoulders in perfect curls. Her skin was ivory kissed; perfectly flawless. Once she was closer, Elena saw her emerald green eyes. They were sparkling and magnificent. The girl was simply breathtaking. A smile broke out on the girl's face, when she approached the trio.

"Mornin'," she said in a southern drawl as sweet as honey. "I heard we had a new Gilbert in Mystic Falls, and thought I would introduce myself." Turning to Elena, she said, "Hi, there, I am Caroline Hale. Pleasure to meet you." She gave a broad smile.

"My name's Elena. The pleasure is all mine."

Caroline gave a light smile. "I see you have met the Salvatore brothers."

"Oh, yes, they came over for brunch," Elena explained.

"Oh, how lovely," Caroline smiled.

"Not as lovely as you are," Stefan interjected with a flirtatious smile.

"Oh, Stefan Salvatore," she said cutely, "always the flirtatious one." She then turned to Damon. "Damon Salvatore," she smiled, "how are you?"

"I am fine, and yourself?" Damon smiled. He and Caroline had become good friends since Damon took himself out of the romance square.

"Very well, actually. Jameson has invited me to dinner tomorrow." She smiled broadly. That was the moment that Stefan decided that Jameson Laich needed desperately to be taken out of the equation.

"That is so wonderful, Caroline." Damon smiled. He knew his brother would want to speak to Caroline alone, and also knew that with her here, he could have Elena to himself. He turned to Elena. "Elena, would you care for a stroll through the gardens? I am anxious to see them." He gave a smile, and extended his hand to her. She accepted it gratefully, and allowed him to lead her away from the other two.

When the two were a safe distance away from Stefan and Caroline, Elena whispered, "Thank you," while tightening her grip on his hand. He returned the gesture.

"For what?" He chuckled.

"For taking us away to be alone," she smirked.

"Well, you are very welcome," he smiled in return. Damon let his eyes wander across the scenery, until his eyes made contact with a tall Rosemary Pine tree. He smirked and guided Elena towards it. Damon sat down playfully.

"Ah, now who is the rebel?" Elena asked flirtatiously.

"I believe that would be me. If I do say so myself, though, it is a very accentuating look on me, no?" He raised a flirtatious eyebrow. Elena couldn't help but think that in this moment, he was completely akin to vampire Damon. It was too adorable.

I told you I was still cute, Elena heard Damon say.

Shut up, she replied, embarrassed.

You know, Elena, you're such an awful liar. You know I'm still adorable.

Damon. Though I'd love to bicker with you over your cuteness, I'm kind of in the middle of being with your better half.

This hit Damon hard. He knew she was kidding, but that didn't lull the pain. It accentuated the difference between his human and vampire self even farther. And she chose his human side.

Yeah, I know, he said coldly.

Damon, you know I was just kidding, right? I like you the way you are now! But it was too late; Damon had already exited her mind….

2010

Stefan knocked on Caroline's door. He put his hands in his pockets, allowing his mind to wander, while he waited for the door to open. Stefan had messed up big time. He essentially killed his solid relationship with Elena, for Katherine; a girl who was a predictable as the weather. Had he made the right decision? No. In the moment, he couldn't help but say no. Stefan had torn his life apart once for Katherine, and it nearly destroyed him. And here he was, doing it yet again. Since he couldn't turn back time, he could only pray that it wouldn't cause him as much pain.

"Stefan," Caroline greeted, breaking the elder vampire from his thoughts. "What are you doing here?"

"Um, would you mind coming over to the Boarding House? It's kind of important," he replied. A nervous look passed over Caroline's perfect features.

"Sure," she said hesitantly. Stefan gave her a small smile, and then gestured with his head, for her to follow him. Caroline closed her front door, and then caught up to Stefan.

"Stefan," Caroline began, "what's going on? What happened? Is it Elena? I haven't seen her in a few days. Did something happen?" The teen bombarded Stefan with questions.

"Yes, it partially has to do with Elena. I'll explain everything once we get to the house," Stefan explained. Caroline nodded numbly. What could have happened to her friend? After everything that had happened the past year, Caroline figured anything was possible. All she knew was that she would do whatever it took to help out her best friend. Walking down the quiet street, Caroline couldn't help but think how perfect she and Stefan were together. She knew it was a love that could never be, though. Stefan was with Elena, and happily so. She, was off and on with Matt, and had growing feelings for Tyler Lockwood. Caroline Forbes should not be falling for Stefan Salvatore. Alas, it was all too true. She couldn't get enough of his striking green eyes, or his perfectly styled brown hair. He was a god, in her eyes; perfect in every way. She wanted him, oh so badly. But it was a forbidden love. To Caroline, this only increased her yearning. The adventure of being with a man she couldn't have was all too pleasing to Caroline. She wanted Stefan Salvatore almost as she wanted blood.

The two vampires made it to the Boarding House, and entered. They made their way to the parlor, where they were met with the bickering of five supernatural beings. It looked and sounded like a chaotic Italian get-together; like from the Godfather. Damon was arguing with Scotty over their names, Elijah was fighting with Katherine about Klaus, and Rose- poor Rose. She was yelling at all four of them to remember rule one of Team Awesome. It was as if she was the United Nations, which was attempting, and failing, to break apart a war between the countries of Damon, Scotty, Elijah, and Katherine.

"Guys," Stefan said loudly. All five of them went quiet and turned awkwardly to the two vampires standing at the doorframe. Caroline's face displayed a look of both shock and confusion.

"Stefan," she whispered, "why is Katherine here?" Her voice shook with fear. "And who are the other three?" She moved closer to Stefan.

"Ah, Miss Caroline," Elijah began, "how wonderful it is for you to join us. Please, take a seat. We will explain everything."

Caroline turned to Stefan for confirmation, and he gave it to her with a smile and nod. Caroline slowly took a seat in between Katherine and Rose.

"Well, where to begin?" Elijah said.

"I'll tell her," Damon said. When no one objected, he turned to Caroline and began, "Okay, Barbie, here's the situation. A few days ago, Elena went to Bonnie, asking her to take her back in time to my and Stefan's past. Bonnie agreed, and Elena wound up in 1861." Damon intentionally left out the details involving Elena finding his journal. It would pose too many questions from the young vampire. "I met up with Rose," he gestured to the woman sitting to Caroline's right. "While we were talking, Elijah," Damon gestured to the eldest vampire, "approached us with a deal. We help him kill Klaus, and he gets Elena out of 1861." Damon saw the confused look on the teen's face. "Klaus is the oldest vampire ever, really. He wants Elena because she is the doppelganger of Katherine, who he has a history with. Elijah used to be associated with him, but they had their differences. Anyways, we made a plan, and you're part of it." It wasn't a suggestion.

"How-how do I fit into any of this?" The girl raised a skeptical brow.

"Part of the plan is Katherine speaking of her 'love' for Klaus. You see, Klaus knows that the rest of us aren't his biggest fans, so she can't tell any of us. You, on the other hand, have no personal connection to the situation," Damon explained.

"Well, if Elena is involved, I sure as hell do have a personal connection to the matter!" Caroline glared at the elder Salvatore.

"Okay, Barbie, no need to get persnickety," Damon smirked.

"So, will you help us, Caroline?" Rose asked lightly. Caroline turned to face the vampire.

"I'll do anything to help Elena," she replied firmly.

"Brilliant," Katherine drawled. "So now I have to pretend to be friends with this," she looked at Caroline judgingly, "this sad excuse for a vampire?"

"Now, now, Katarina, be nice," Elijah warned. Katherine instantly shut up.

"Welcome to Team Awesome, Caroline," Damon said, and the others nodded.

1861

Oh shit. What had Elena done! She knew she pissed off vampire Damon, but she didn't quite know why. She had always said comments that jokingly dissed him, and it never seemed to bother him before. Damon seemed very touchy about the subject of his human self. She had no idea why. Sighing, she leaned her head on human Damon's shoulder. Slightly surprised by the movement, he stiffened. Soon though, he melted into her touch, and placed his head lightly on top of hers. Elena closed her eyes in content.

"Damon?" She whispered softly.

"Yes?" He replied in the same tone.

"Can I keep you?" She repeated his words from the other night. She knew that that would swiftly become their favorite saying to use. She quite enjoyed it; it had a sense of innocence to it. Elena needed that innocence. She needed its comfort. Elena felt Damon's low chuckle, and it made her hear flutter.

"For as long as you'll have me," he replied. Elena felt a blush creep across her cheeks as she smiled. This boy certainly was too much; he was wonderful. Yet, she couldn't fight the twinge of pain that shot through her heart. Yes, human Damon was wonderful; and she had to admit, she certainly was falling for him- hard. Yet, he still wasn't her Damon. That could only be fulfilled by one man- the vampire, Damon Salvatore- the broken, dark, mysterious, jaded, guarded, sarcastic, amazing, and perfect, Damon Salvatore. Elena sighed, and snuggled deeper into Damon's shoulder.

I'm sorry, Damon, she thought sadly.

I know you are, came a velvety voice. Elena felt her heart stop.

Damon! Oh thank god, you're here. I'm so, so sorry. You know I didn't mean it.

As much as Damon would love to believe that, he just couldn't. A part of him couldn't let go of the fear that he was second resort behind Stefan. Make that third resort, actually, for he felt he was behind his human self, as well. Damon had never been first in anyone's heart, and he wasn't about to start believing that would be different. 146 plus years of being shoved away, he couldn't break his fear.

Yeah, I know, Elena, he lied. Content, Elena curled up and leaned her whole body against Damon.

Elena couldn't help but feel as if she was cheating on both Damons with the other. Elena was trying to have both wings and roots; it was tearing her in half. Dismissing the haunting thought, she said:

"Caroline seemed very nice."

"Yes, she is. You and she are very much alike."

"Oh? How is that?" She lifted her head to look up at him.

"Well, you are both very kind and sweet, both of you are such a pleasure to be around," he trailed off and leaned closer to Elena's face. Letting temptation and desire command her, Elena lifted her lips to meet his. The second their lips touched, Elena's heart burst. This, right here, underneath this Rosemary Pine, was the most memorable kiss of her life. She lifted her arm to his neck, and began to twirl his ebony hair around her finger. God, it was soft. She felt a hand lightly on her back. Sparks flew between the two. It was official- Elena was bewitched body and soul by Damon Salvatore. Damon finally broke the kiss, and they both breathed deeply. Elena's lips were slightly pink, as were Damon's.

"My god," she whispered, and touched her hand to her lips, lightly. A smile also broke out on Damon's face.

"I pray that was not too fast, Elena?" Damon asked. No. It certainly wasn't too early. Elena had been waiting for months to kiss Damon like she just did. This was perfect.

"No," she replied giddily, "this was not too soon." She provided a shy smile. This scene was magical. Underneath the warm Southern sun, below a magnificent pine tree, in an elegant dress, she had kissed the most wonderful man. Elena couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Yes, she did very much like human Damon, but she wished it had been her Damon whom she had kissed. Again pushing the thought away, she leaned her head against Damon's should once more.

2010

Damon was enraged. He had seen the whole kiss. It was so disgustingly romantic, that the second they parted lips, he had to exit Elena's thoughts. This was worse than the last time he had been depressed Elena and his younger self. She had fucking kissed him. She kissed him first. Damon's face turned to stone, and his eyes to ice. He raked a hand through his hair shakily, attempting to keep composure. The seven of them were still in the living room, briefing Caroline on every detail on the plan and background of it. Damon placed his head in his hands and sighed. Elena had kissed his human self. The whole situation was very caustic. It taunted Damon. Damn 1861. Damn that pine tree. Damn the perfect moment. Damn the southern allure. Damn his seventeen year old self. Damn Elena….

~Alright, so there is chapter eleven. Hopefully, you enjoyed it? Tell me in a review! Haha. Me and hopelessromantic549 have created a joint account where we will be posting one-shots and multiple chapter stories we have written together. Our penname is FairyRomanticTVD. We are working on a one-shot right now, and brainstorming for a multi-chapter story, as well. So, subscribe to us, because we'll be posting many epic stories soon ;) Also, I'm taking requests for one-shots! So, if you have one, tell me it in your review or PM me! And I'll get it done as soon as I can

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