I apologize for the continuing late updates. Sorry if this ones not up to normal standards, I've been writing nonstop for like 24 hrs now (I had a lot of technical problems with this chap.) and I just wanted to get it finished and up already. Nevertheless, I pinky promise the next chap. will be up within the week. My goal is Saturday! Thanks for all of the lovely reviews! I love you all!

Review Responses: daydreamer4life2011-Firstly thanks a bunch for reviewing, I sincerely appreciate it! Anyways, Damon will definitely have many more moments where he acts like a 'douchenozzle' (as you liked to put it lol), and he will come to a point where he realizes he needs help. But Damon being the overly proud guy he is, will have to be really desperate in order to reach that level.


Damon POV

The steady thump of her heart echoed through the room, like the heavy beat of a drum. My face was pushed into the soft white pillow, effectively blocking out the light that streamed in through the hallway. My brain ached as I listened intently to the conversation between Isobel and Stefan.

"I guess so..." she trailed off. "But you'll always at least, keep an eye on him? -Right? You know how impulsive he can be…I worry about him." she confessed, her melodic voice fluttering along my conscience.

A weight, filled with remorse, settled on the dead organ suspended in my chest.

Isobel shouldn't have to worry about me, let alone ask my brother to keep an eye on me. I was capable of taking care of myself. More importantly though, I didn't deserve the worry she felt for me.

"It may not seem like it lately…considering everything." Stefan paused before beginning again. "It's just hard to care about someone who has done so much to make you hate them. But at the end of the day…I have looked out for him. He's my brother. How can I not care what happens to him?"

Stefan has saved me more times than I ever care to admit…no matter what I seem to do he can't let me die. I've done nothing for him. I've just served as an added torment to his already laden soul. Stefan deserved her.

"He may never admit it, but Damon loves you. One day you'll see that." she reasoned.

I huffed sadly, flattening the pillow over my forehead. Stefan and Isobel were good people, who still had their humanity in tact-something I no longer understood.

"Goodnight Stefan." she whispered.

"Goodnight." he mumbled, before I heard the door snap shut.

I heard his muffled breath linger, for many more moments.

He was still there…

For once jealousy didn't ravish my bones, only guilt. I was conscious though, that once the booze wore off and I was capable again of maintaining my detached wall, the jealousy and hatred towards my brother would return.

Isobel's smooth gait padded towards me, and I listened as Stefan's disappeared. I remained still, though I could feel her eyes boring holes into me.

I didn't care. Let her judge. Let her wonder. Let her feel a fraction of the helplessness I feel right now. This was her fault. She made me love her and then chose to hide from me.

The mattress dipped slightly, as she crawled on the bed over to me. She rested beside me, her fingertips gingerly touching my arm. I reluctantly dragged the pillow off of my head, twisting my neck to face her. The room spun in dizzying circles, even though my movements were slow and groggy from the startling amount of scotch I drank.

She stared at me lovingly, brushing away the fringe of hair that fell in my eyes. I slid them shut briefly, taking comfort in her cool touch.

I shifted closer to her, wanting to feel her warmth mingle with mine.

"Damon." she whispered delicately.

"Sshh." I hushed. "I don't want to talk. Please just come here." I motioned her to come rest in my arms. She complied with no argument, closing the distance. I slung an arm around her. "I just want to lye here with you." I muttered, my words slurred from drink. I was only half-aware of what I was actually saying. In this moment, I needed her near me. I needed to know she was safe. My mouth moved to her ear. "I'm sorry I can't be him…" I babbled, brushing my lips against her cheek, before sleep consumed me like a famished beast.


My eyelids were heavy as they drowsily blinked open. The room was dark and blurry. Isobel's soft curls were tickling my chin. Her nose was pressed into my side. I shifted, the silk sheets wrinkling beneath me.

I pushed her unruly hair away from her face, her lips parted slightly, emitting a sigh as she relaxed into my palm.

A weak smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, my heart squeezed painfully.

How was it possible that this beautiful creature, who was so loyal and fierce, was at my fingertips?

I haven't the faintest idea of what she sees in me. What-if anything-it is I have to offer her.

Protecting her is all I know and if I couldn't do that-keep her safe-then what could I give her?

She was only human. Her life could very easily vanish from this earth, leaving me here, alone.

A thought crossed my mind. Screeching everything to a halt. I could protect her. It is possible that I could break through the barriers of her mind and sift through her memories-thoughts, uncovering the name of this mysterious man.

Undoubtedly, if she found out, a huge fight would explode. She would be livid...

But I had to try. I could handle her being angry with me. It's not like she hasn't been before. In the end she always forgave me.

Buried within, I knew I relied on that notion far too much. Every person had a limit and I was afraid that one day, her tolerance for my reckless behavior would run dry.

Nevertheless it didn't matter, what mattered was keeping her safe and alive.

Honestly, I didn't want to do this. She had made it a point numerous times to me, how greatly she valued her privacy. But that privacy had extended too far. This thick dusty cloak that veiled her ambiguous past, had been kept on for too long. She didn't have the right to keep things from me. Not after she made me love her. Made me depend on her.

I couldn't function properly without her…and that was an excruciating thing. It was in my nature to be selfish and heartless, going against that tore something within me.

I hesitated before I gradually began to reach my compulsion out, easing into her carefully. I was worried of what I'd find. Secrets? Past lovers perhaps? I didn't want to see any of it. What feared me the most though, was seeing Stefan's face fill her dreams.

I dipped into the first, nearly translucent layer of her mind. It was as if I had plunged a finger into water. Images flashed before my eyes, like an old projector blinking pictures on a screen. I drank them in greedily.

A content warmth burst within me. Moments Isobel and I had shared together flickered across the screen; some old, some new.

Engrossed by the surreal movie that was beaming before me, I stayed a little longer than necessary.

Quickly feeling more at ease, I delved deeper. Pushing through the thick walls that had been erected. The moment I had chiseled through, the comfortable ease was swiftly replaced by a maddening paranoia. Chills danced up my spine. I had the sickening feeling that I was being watched. But that couldn't be possible.

Fine hairs rose up on the back of my neck. I could feel some sinister presence ghosting along her mind…but it wasn't my own. It was foreign.

She stirred slightly. I froze, prepared to extract myself if need be.

I heard a whisper echoing in the distance. Yet it wasn't coming from the outside world, it was somewhere within. Waiting.

The soft mumble rang out again. The voice sounded as though it was underwater. It was a single word that was being called out. A name. I strained to listen, all while forcing myself further into the gossamer-thin memory of her brain.

I was so close. My nerves sung in anticipation. This is what I have been searching so tirelessly for.

Suddenly, a blinding white light vibrated off the walls of her skull. I gripped tight to whatever I could cling to. I would not give up now. I needed more time. A force, unbeknownst to me, was shoving me out. The light altered colors, morphing into an icy blue. I felt dead…really dead. Cold. Something wasn't right.

Isobel's frame jerked upright, a blood curdling scream ripped through her lips as I felt the final roots of my compulsion being savagely torn away. I blinked furiously startled by the unnatural strength of the force. Isobel was clutching both sides of her head tightly, her body wracking back and forth repetitively. My hands flew around her shoulders in an attempt to steady her shaking frame.

I hastily expelled the defeat that incinerated my veins, cocooning myself in an aloof shell. "What's wrong?" I mused, my voice sounding faraway in my ears.

Everything I had strived for…. all this time was wasted. This man might as well be a ghost.

She massaged her temples. Her eyes were tightly pinched closed. "It's my head. All of a sudden it hurt. It felt like pieces of it were being ripped away…if that makes any sense at all." she tapered off, clearly baffled by it all.

Good. It was better if she was left in the dark.

"Is the pain gone?" I asked.

She nodded slowly, blinking up at me. "I think so. It seems to be fading."

I caught a flicker of dread in her eyes. Like somehow she knew what was happening.

Any shred of optimism I had of discovering the truth was gone. Grief and a lingering anguish were all that was left behind. No matter how hard I tried, it wasn't good enough…I continued to fail. I was forced to face the crushing reality that I couldn't save her…not from this.

Before I had any time to wallow in my misery and self-loathing, the door swung open, revealing a panicked Stefan.

"I heard you scream." he relinquished, taking a step into the room. Immediately I was in front of him, backing him out into the hallway. He struggled in vain to get past me. "Damon let me just-"

"No." I barked, pushing the door closed. He stopped it with the tip of his foot. I groaned in annoyance. "She's fine. She doesn't need you." I assured, glancing back for a fraction of a second to see her curled on the bed, buried beneath the covers.

He tried peeking over my shoulder. "Can I just see her? I want to make-"

"I said she's fine Stefan." I snarled; my words were clipped and unyielding.

He flinched noticeably at my tone. I knew then that I hadn't masked my emotions well enough. Suspicion clouded his normally stoic expression.

"What did you do Damon?" he hissed lowly.

My lips curled over my teeth, my patience waning. "Go."

"I'll only come back." he warned firmly.

"Fine. See you in the morning." I spat, kicking out his foot and slamming the door.

I ushered in a calming breath, trying to relax my clenched fists, trembling with fury. I was mad at Isobel, Stefan…myself.

I slowly sauntered back over to her, knowing that regardless of my maturing rage, her presence alone would sooth me. I dropped onto the bed. The top of her head peeked out from the mound of blankets piled on top of her. Dipping my hands under the covers, I carefully slid my hands around her waist, gathering her into my arms. She instantly knotted her legs with mine, weakly clinging to me. I grabbed the edge of the comforter and enveloped it around our entwined bodies. I stroked her hair, waiting for sleep to return and bring a much-needed pause to the grief.


A brisk knock, rasped loudly through the room. I groaned aloud, silently praying the sound would go away. I tipped my head towards Isobel, who was still sound asleep, completely unfazed by her surroundings. Sounds never seemed to disturb her. Lucky.

I wrenched myself off the mattress, my bare feet stealthily stepping along the frigid wood. My knuckles turned white in irritation, knowing damn well who was at the door.

I pulled it open, immediately stepping out of the room and into the hallway, causing Stefan to stumble back. When was he going to get it through his thick head that I wasn't letting him in? I closed the door behind me. He didn't get to see her right now.

"Go. Away." I emphasized.

"No I want to talk to her." he retorted stubbornly.

I folded my arms across my exposed chest, "Yea well she's asleep and I'm sure as hell not going to wake her up. Especially not for you." I spat in disgust.

"I-"

"Don't come back again." I groused impatiently, no longer tolerant of his bullshit. I turned around and went back into the bedroom, yanking the door shut.

I strolled back over to her, keeping my movements light to avoid waking her. Easing myself back into bed, she instantly angled her body towards me.

"Where've you been?" she yawned, tiredly.

I draped an arm around her shoulders as she buried her face into the crook of my neck, her drowsy breaths tickling my collarbone and her palm resting over my heart.

"It's not important, go back to sleep." I mumbled.

The moment my eyes closed, she heaved herself on top of me, straddling my lower torso, leaning down to prop her elbows on my chest.

"Who was at the door Damon?" she hedged, cocking an eyebrow.

My hands rested above her hips, as my fingers played mindlessly with the fabric of her shirt. "Who do you think?" I grumbled.

She chuckled lightly, " How long did it take you to slam the door in his face?"

A smirk spread on my face. She knew me too well. I shrugged, plastering on a seemingly innocent mug. "I gave him a good ten seconds to plead his case."

Her features quickly lost their playful luster. "It's because of me last night?" she deadpanned frankly.

I weaved my fingers roughly into her hair, pulling her down to meet my lips. I devoured her mouth in a desperate torrid, bruising kisses dissolving away thought. I didn't want to be reminded of my failure. I wanted to forget. She made me forget. I hastily slid out from under her, nearly pouncing on top of her. I sucked roughly on her lower lip before parting her lips with my tongue. Her hands curled around my shoulders, pushing me away.

A flush warmed her cheeks, "Damon-" she breathed heavily.

I ignored her, swallowing her protests down until she kissed me back. Unfortunately, before long, she nudged me a little distance away. "Is it?" she pressed.

"Yes." I affirmed, hushing her with a firm press of my lips. "Can we not talk about Stefan." I muttered against her mouth.

"You shouldn't be so mean to him all the time." she commented. I let out a frustrated groan, flopping down next to her, raking my hand though my tousled hair.

She turned onto her side. I felt her eyes roaming along my solemn face. I refused to meet her gaze, focusing on the hair-thin cracks in the ceiling.

"He's just looking out for me." she whispered.

I concentrated on my breathing.

I couldn't stare into her eyes and give her my usual remark about how I didn't need Stefan protecting her. That I was all she needed…. Because the truth was, I probably could use my little brothers' help.

I felt her fingertips skim along the flesh of my upper arm. I turned my head to her, unable to throw up my composed wall, fast enough.

She caressed my face, her palms brushing against the slight stubble that popped up along my jaw line. "What's wrong?"

I sneered indignantly. "I should be asking you that. After all you were the one who woke up screaming in pain." I said, holding her hand to my cheek. I had been so consumed by my own misery that I didn't stop and think about the pain I had inflicted onto her. I had hurt her. "How are you?"

"I am perfectly fine now."

I smiled meekly, "Good." I kissed her forehead, not wanting her to hurt anymore because of me. "You'll tell me if anything changes?"

She sighed, gazing at me thoughtfully. "Of course," she grasped my wrist gently, "and you'll tell me why you've been in this weird mood?" I frowned. "Damon what happened last night? You came home wasted, saying all these things that didn't make any sense-"

I pressed my finger to her lips, silencing her. "It doesn't matter. I was just overreacting."

"To what?"

"Nothing important."

"But it's important to me." she stressed. "And if I can help-"

"-You can't." I dismissed curtly.

"Bu-"

I grasped both sides of her face. "Isobel, I am fine." I urged. "Trust me."

"I do."

"Then stop worrying about me." I stated, slapping on a reassuring grin. She paused in contemplation. I could tell she was wary about letting this go. She knew me too well to know that this wasn't just nothing. "I'm fine." I reiterated. She bit her lip anxiously, nodding hesitantly in agreement.

I hugged her close to me. My thumb and forefinger gliding underneath her chin, tipping it up. I leaned down, kissing the corner of her mouth, pulling back to admire her beautiful face before kissing the full of her mouth long and hard. Our bodies' moved, restless to share each other's heat. My hand caressed her thigh.

A knock at the door broke the moment before it could truly begin. I huffed in annoyance. I swear to god if it was Stefan again…

"Is there no fucking peace in this house?" I groaned.

Isobel giggled, pecking me swiftly on the lips before leaping off the bed. I lurched upright, my arms darting out, catching her waist midair, dragging her back into my embrace, settling her in my lap.

"Damon let me-"

I kissed her, smirking down at her devilishly. "Ignore him."

She smiled seductively, sending me into an even deeper lustful fit. "He can probably hear you, you know?"

"She's right Damon." Stefan called, his voice dulled from the thick door.

"Then go away." I shouted, pinning Isobel's wrists to the bed, staring down at her mischievously. Her dark hair fanned across the cream colored pillow. She shot me a pleading look. I knew she wanted to talk to him. I sighed, rolling off of her and slamming a pillow over my head. She would've gotten her way anyways.

I felt her weight leave the bed as she scampered over to the door, opening it to my dismay.

"Come on in." she chirped.

I peered out from the pillow, to see her sashay to the side, letting him in.

"Well at least someone was nice enough to finally let me in." Stefan responded off handedly, glaring at me.

"Oh stop bitching about it." I scoffed.

"Boys." Isobel cautioned, sensing the palpable tension that was mounting in the increasingly cramped room.

I slid off the bed, wandering over to them. "Don't worry. I'll be civil."

"You're not capable of it." Stefan snapped.

I smirked in amusement. "Seems like-"

"Well we're not going to find out." Isobel interceded. "Damon can you please give Stefan and I a moment alone?" she said, turning to me.

Stefan didn't even attempt to suppress the smug grin that graced his lips.

"You're kicking me out of my room?" I hissed.

"Would you like us to talk in Stefan's room?" she mused.

I can't say I wasn't expecting her to ask me to leave. She was fully aware of how the two of us acted when put together, and when she was added to the equation things got even worse. I contemplated arguing about it, or being difficult. But I figured she would stick to her guns, as she usually did. Plus, I knew Stefan wouldn't try anything in my room. Even he wouldn't stoop to something as low as that.

I mumbled a string of profanities under my breath. Isobel gave me a smile as sweet as honey, her lips mouthed 'thank you'. I shot her and Stefan a dirty look. A scowl was embedded into my features as I stalked out of the room, leaving them to it.

Isobel POV

"Well it looks like Damon's back to his old self." Stefan remarked snidely.

I sighed, plopping down onto the edge of the bed. "Yeah, I guess so…" I agreed unconvinced.

Something was very wrong with Damon. I saw right through the thinly veiled exterior he messily put in place. It was unstable and laced with sorrow, two combinations that didn't mix well with Damon. It worried me, much more than I let on. I was scared for him.

Stefan sat down next to me, resting his hand tenderly on my knee. "What happened last night?" he questioned fretfully. "I heard you scream. I came here to see you, but Damon kicked me out."

"I'm honestly not sure what happened." I admitted. The odd sensation was frightening, yet it seemed all too familiar. "But my head felt crowded… and I know this is gonna sound crazy, but it's like I wasn't the only one in my mind."

I watched as a myriad of emotions flew across his face, the most prominent being anger. Stefan's eyes widened and burned with a surprising intensity.

"What is it?" I prodded, my brow furrowing in confusion.

He shook his head dismissively, "It's nothing. I was just thinking."

"Tell me. Please." I urged. "I'm sick of people saying its nothing when clearly it's something."

He looked at me sadly, as if hesitant to begin. He dragged a disgruntled hand down his face. "I think that Damon may have-"

"Well I'm bored." Damon's voice interrupted. Both of our heads instantly snapped in his direction. He was observing us lazily from the threshold of the door.

I grinded my teeth in frustration. He couldn't leave us alone for two minutes. I gave Stefan a sheepish look. Sometimes Damon acted like a petulant child.

My train of thought-along with my annoyance-was expelled, as my stomach roiled and a wave of nausea rolled over me. I suppressed the urge to gag, ignoring it, waiting for the disgusting feeling to pass.

Damon POV

I was reclined on the couch, listening closely to the two above. I immediately tensed as the two began to discuss the incident last night.

"I'm honestly not sure what happened." she divulged softly. "But my head felt crowded… and I know this gonna sound crazy but it's like I wasn't the only one in my mind."

I was extremely thankful that I had not told Isobel about the specifics of a vampire's compulsion. Stefan on the other hand knew the details, hopefully though he was too daft to notice. But knowing my brother, his intelligence was used arbitrarily.

A silence settled upstairs. I sat upright, training a keen ear on them.

"What is it?" she queried.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking."

Jesus, he was a bad liar. I sneered unsurprised. My baby brother was horribly transparent, particularly when it came to Isobel.

"Tell me. Please." she pleaded. "I'm sick of people saying its nothing when clearly it's something."

I relinquished a breath of guilt, aware that that comment was directed towards me and my 'weird mood' as she so eloquently put it.

Stefan paused before beginning. "I think-"

I shot up from the couch, using my speed to reach the room in seconds. I didn't have time to wait and find out what he would reveal to Isobel, when I had a feeling that he knew.

"Well I'm bored." I quipped abruptly, satisfied that I had reached them before Stefan could finish his sentence. I leaned casually against the doorframe. "You two kids finish your little heart to heart?"

Stefan narrowed his eyes at me, his lip twitched over his fangs. He knew exactly what I did. But I couldn't have him voice his speculations to Isobel. It would only result in a major fight and I didn't need that to deal with.

"Actually no we didn't." Stefan responded tightly.

The corners of my mouth hitched up into a feral grin. I pushed off the doorframe and walked over to them, dropping down into one of the nearby chairs.

"Fine. Mind if I stay?" I bit back.

"Yes I do." Stefan retorted venomously. "You're unbelievable. You can't entertain yourself for one minute?" he huffed incredulously.

Isobel glanced in between the two of us, springing up from the bed. "Please, just stop!" she yelled, her face red with anger.

Stefan and I both gaped at her, startled by her outburst. Both of us fell into a stunned hush.

Isobel POV

My frame quaked in irritation. I didn't know why I was getting so upset by this, but I was just sick of it. The tension, the anger, the pure hatred that clung to the air when these two were put in the same room was sad. And I couldn't help but feel partly at fault.

Every woman that entered their lives seemed to serve as this wedge between them, pitting them against one another. I had become yet another reason for them to hate each other.

Calogero has let me be with them for over a year now, I knew that the time I had left was dwindling down dangerously fast. I could feel it. Lately, it's become blatantly clear to me that Stefan and Damon were going to need each other when I was gone.

"Why do you constantly act like you hate each other?" I demanded angrily.

"Oh honey it's not an act." Damon drawled smartly, glaring at Stefan in revulsion.

"What's bringing this on? It never seemed to bother you before." Stefan wondered.

"It's always bothered me." I bellowed, trying to rein in my irritation. I seeked out Damon's midnight orbs, knowing they'd serve as a comfort. "I…I just would at least like you two to be civil around each other." I croaked pitifully. "I'm not asking you to be best friends. But once, I'd like to be able to walk into the same room with you two, where the both of you didn't want to rip each other apart." I confessed. "Is that really such a bad thing to want?"

"No…it's not." Stefan relented, guiltily.

Damon rolled his eyes. "Well I think it is." Damon hissed. "Katherine wanted us to be friends again and look how that turned out."

"I am going to make a really nice dinner tomorrow and I would like both of you to be there." I blurted out, announcing the first thing that popped into my mind. If they wouldn't willingly try to work things out, I would force them to.

"You can't cook." Damon noted.

I hadn't exactly thought about that minor detail…

"Then I'll make a reservation to a nice restaurant." I smiled haughtily. "And you know what it's probably better that way. After all you two wouldn't be stupid enough to kill each other in a public place."

"I'd rather dig my eyes out with spoons." Damon droned.

"Sorry, I'm gonna have to agree with Damon on this one." Stefan added hesitantly.

Damon stood up, "See now look at that, Stefan agreeing with me-a definite first-and a little reminder that our relationship isn't completely lost. Therefore there is no need for the peace party."

I marched up to Damon, poking him in the chest with my index finger. "You are not getting out of it." I stated stubbornly. He frowned petulantly. I swiveled my head back towards Stefan, "Neither of you are."

Damon opened his mouth to speak, "Bu-"

"If both of you really care about me, you will do this." I exclaimed, deciding that guilt would be the only way that they would abide by my request. I smiled in victory, seeing that they were no longer putting up a fight. "Now-"

I was cut off, by the nausea that overtook me. My hands clapped over my mouth as I felt bile rise up in my throat. But unlike before, it didn't pass. "Stay here. I'll be right back." I relinquished, sprinting out the door to the bathroom.

Damon POV

Before I could comprehend what was happening, Isobel had disappeared out the door. I took a step to go after her, when Stefan made it a point, to make his growingly obnoxious presence known.

"You're such a dick." Stefan spat.

I twisted around, a wolfish grin flitting onto my features. "Now, now brother, you heard Isobel, we need to be nicer to each other."

"I know exactly what you did." he growled, taking a step towards me.

"What?" I mused in mock innocence.

"You damn well know what." he countered. "How could you do that to her? Violate her like that?"

I rolled my eyes, "Don't be so dramatic."

"And what about Bonnie? You know she called me this morning." he revealed. I cursed under my breath. "She said you tried to kill her. Why?"

I licked my lips, weighing my words very carefully. The weakening sting of defeat crawled back into me at the small reminder of last night. I had hit a wall, one that appeared to hold virtually no possibility of getting over. Not by myself at least.

"There are things Isobel has been keeping from me." I explained, gritting my teeth. I wouldn't ask my brother for help…I couldn't.

"Well I would think she's entitled to some degree of privacy."

I shook my head, unconsciously beginning to pace. "Not when it means she may be in danger."

"You're just being paranoid Damon. She's safe." Stefan reasoned.

I felt the frustration coil within me. "She's hiding things from me and I can't do anything about it. I can't find out what happened. Nothing." I rattled on like a madman. "No matter how hard I search. Nothing. I've tried everything."

"Maybe it's because there's nothing to find."

I was foolish to think for even a second he would help me.

"There is." I blurted out. "There has to be." I swallowed thickly.

"But was it really necessary to go after Bonnie?"

"Yes."

"You know Isobel is friends with her, right?" he questioned hotly. I stopped, my gaze fixed on the ground, my back facing him. "Did you give any thought as to how it would effect Isobel if you killed her?" I remained silent. My nostrils flared in anger. Stefan chuckled bitterly, "No of course you didn't, because you're Damon, you don't give a damn about Isobel's feelings at all. Only yours."

The muscles in my back tensed. "That's not true." I mumbled. "She would've gotten over the witches death anyway."

"You are way more fucked up than I thought." he laughed in disbelief. "Did you even think for a second about all of the people she has already lost in her life? –How you would be adding to that list?"

I whipped around, blinded by fury. I wouldn't listen to him spew some bullshit about me being a selfish bastard. I already knew that.

I'd do everything I possibly could to keep Isobel safe. Emotions had no place in that. I pinned Stefan to the wall violently by the neck, a loud crack echoing through the air. Shattered plaster crumbled around his head.

"She's lying to me!" I roared.

"I'd think you'd be used to women lying to you by now. It seems like they all do." he replied squarely.

I stumbled back, my brow creasing. Even for my brother, it was a low blow. He smirked in satisfaction, dusting off his shirt. I whirled my fist back, clipping him in the jaw in one hard blow. Caught off guard, he fell to the floor.

Envy and pure unadulterated hatred exploded within me.

"God dammit Stefan, do I have to fucking spell it out for you?" I snarled, as he picked himself off the floor, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Are you that dumb of a prick? Isobel. Is. Mine. Get used to it little brother."

He lumbered towards me. "You're going to hurt her and you know it…and that scares you." he noted, a growl ripping at the back of his throat. I sneered, in disbelief. He was back on this shit again? He neared me, jabbing a finger in my face. "And when you do hurt her, I'll be here for her, like always"

"You're pathetic." I spat in disgust. "Even by your normal standards."

"I'm the pathetic one?" he sputtered in disbelief.

"Yeah you are." I hissed. "Constantly fawning over her. Hating her one moment-not even speaking to her-then suddenly the next, reverting back to your loyal puppy dog routine."

"You bast-"

"You don't get to be there for her Stefan. She already has someone and its me." I hissed; taking pleasure in the anger that was rising in him. "So stop embarrassing yourself already and let her go." I emphasized. "Cause frankly, it's getting pretty fucking old."

"I can't." Stefan snarled, through barred teeth. He stalked towards me, shoving me in the chest. "I will be there for her. You know why? –Because I love her, and I'm going to be the bigger man and let her be happy with you…. it won't last long anyways, you always fuck things up. It's what you do best."

My arm darted out, my hands instantly flying around his neck. I slammed his head back, into the floor, wringing my hands tightly around his throat, causing him to writhe feebly underneath me. I shoved my fist into his jaw with a sickening crunch. One of his free hands snaked up, colliding with my nose. I felt the bones crack, blood gushed out from it. I jabbed him a few times in the ribs, relishing in the bones that snapped. He kneaded me in the groin, I let out a groan of pain, as he easily pushed me off of him, slowly staggering up. He swiftly kicked me in the gut. I doubled over, letting out a mirthless laugh, clutching my stomach.

"She's better off without you Damon." he said calmly, as I pushed myself upright. "But I know I'll never be able to convince her that. She'll just have to realize on her own, that you're nothing but a monster."

He turned away, droplets of blood falling to the floor as he stormed out the door. I brought my hand to my bloodied nose, curling my fingers around its crooked bridge. I clenched my teeth as I re-broke the already healing bone, setting it back in place.

Isobel rushed in, flustered; her dark hair was messily thrown into a loose ponytail, her complexion was paled. I averted my gaze from her. Rage simmered hazardously within me. Stefan's words had struck a cord. I was unstable and I knew it…I was spiraling and she was the only thing keeping me sane.

"Damon what happened?" she breathed. "Is that blood?" she gasped, grabbing my arm. I roughly ripped it away. "Damon. Look at me." she begged, clutching my face in between her soft palms, forcing me to meet her gaze. My breathing instantly slowed as I met her eyes, overflowing with compassion.

"I know I'm supposed to say that you should go be with Stefan because he's the better man, but honestly I'm not above that." I mumbled absently. "And I know you deserve better than me, that he deserves you….but because I'm not the good brother, I'm entitled to be selfish, and there's no way in hell I'm giving you up to my brother."

"I never asked you to." she whispered, stroking my cheek. "Do you really think that if you just 'gave me up to Stefan' that I'd really go? I love you Damon and you are just as good a person as Stefan." I sneered in disbelief. "You are." she insisted.

"You don't have to lie to calm me down. I know who I am."

"Do you?" she queried. "Because if you truly believe that, then you don't. I don't understand how you can't see what I do. You're Damon Salvatore, loyal and brave…you're my best friend. That's why you're the only person I could ever be with."

"I love you too much." I rasped numbly.

Most times it scared me, how willing I was to sacrifice everything for her, within a heartbeat. It's hard to love someone you're so petrified of losing.

"I know." she whimpered, gazing at me sadly.

No one would ever love me the way she did.

"There's no way out is there?" I mused, already knowing the answer.

"I'm afraid not."

We were both in too deep. This bond between us, was becoming too much, too controlling, too heavy of a burden. It was going to be the death of me.

Stefan POV

I loudly burst through the doors, storming down the stone pathway irately, fiercely wiping away the dribble of blood that streamed down the corner of my mouth, with the back of my hand.

Angry fits of red painted my vision, obscuring it. I was completely oblivious to my surroundings until I rammed into someone.

"Whoa, slow down there chief." the feminine voice trilled.

"Sorry." I mumbled curtly, bristling away.

"Don't recognize me Stefan?" she called.

I froze. It took me a moment to identify it. I spun back around to see Fiona. Her long blonde waves flowed down her back, a dainty clip tucked a strand away. She was wearing a bright blue silk blouse and white skinny jeans.

I exhaled, letting go of my rage and striding over to her. "Sorry, I'm just having-"

"-A bad day?" she finished for me.

"You could say that." I huffed. "How are you in the sun?" I frowned, quickly realizing that I had never seen her in the daytime before.

"You're not the only one with nifty daylight jewelry." she chirped, toying with the lapis lazuli circle pendant that rested on her chest.

Suspicion brimmed to the surface. I didn't think it was a coincidence she was here. How did she know where I lived?

"Why are you here?" I asked cagily.

"To see you of course." she sung, melodically.

"Why?"

"Because I felt guilty over last night." she explained, diverting her gaze momentarily, before reverting it back to me. "You must know that I haven't been entirely honest with you Stefan."

"I do." I nodded.

Her intentions for coming to Fells Church were vague at best. All I was able to figure out was that it had to do with whoever Jay was.

"Why don't we walk a little while I talk?"

"Ok." I agreed, as we started to stroll along the sidewalk.

"Believe it or not, I'm not a person who exactly enjoys keeping things to herself, so I usually don't." she began. "It's a trait that was with me as a human and I was never really able to tone it down as a vampire either. But you were this nice guy-I haven't met many of them -and I didn't want you to think differently of me." she sighed, exasperated.

"Whatever it is, I honestly doubt it'll change anything." I reassured.

She eyed me skeptically, "Ok then." she smiled, her palms skimming along everything we passed. "Jay is a man I've been looking for, for almost eighty years now. I didn't come here to get a change of scenery, I came here to find him." she deadpanned. "He turned me in 1923. I was a stupid eighteen-year-old girl, who thought she was in love. But it wasn't real. It was forced. He ended up being a sociopath, that compelled me to love him." she chuckled bitterly, as if the notion were comical. "But of course I didn't find that out until after I was turned. Then he left me and I've been searching for him ever since."

"Why?" I pressed.

"So I can kill him." she stated bluntly.

I blinked in surprise, "I never would have pinned you as the type."

"Well we didn't get to the best part of the story." she quipped, continuing with her tale. "When I was in transition, he didn't tell me anything that was happening. He just stared and smiled while I went crazy. I was so hungry, but nothing quelled me. The light hurt my eyes, sounds…. my head was pounding terribly. It was awful." she recalled in a distant voice. "Then my sister walked in. She saw me and immediately noticed something was wrong and rushed to help me. Everything from then on is sort of a blur. I just remember red flooding my eyes, my teeth aching, and then all of a sudden they didn't. Then days later, when everything finally cleared, I was in some dingy hotel by myself. I went back home to find my sister lying on the floor, dead."

My hand touched her shoulder lightly, "Did you kill her?" I mused tenderly, feeling a whole knew realm of emotions for Fiona.

She tipped her head up to the crystal blue sky. I could tell that it was to prevent the glistening moisture in her eyes, from falling.

"I don't know….I think so." she whispered, her voice cracking. She met my eyes, "That's part of the reason I have to find him. I need to know the truth."

"I understand and I'm sorry." I assured. She ginned thoughtfully, seeming relieved. "Revenge is something I have seen from my brother, all to often. Be careful, there comes a point where it'll drive you insane."

She let out a shrill of laughter, "I think I'm long past insane."

"I've seen insane. Hell I've been it. But you're not it." I reasoned. "You're unique, in a good way."

"Well thank you." she giggled cheerily, her mood promptly altering.

We meandered down the walkway for a little while longer in silence, until I voiced a question that had been eating away at me. "What happens if you don't find him here?"

"I move on."

I nodded in understanding. Feeling a wave of sadness crash over me, knowing that she'd be leaving soon. Jay certainly wasn't here.

She must've caught the look that flashed across my face, because her lips curved up into an amused bow. "Why gonna miss me?" she teased, bumping shoulders with me.

I stopped, twisting to her. "Actually yes. I think I am." I admitted.

She mimicked my motions, leaning in close. "I knew it." she whispered, inches away from my face. "What did I tell you about us being friends." she chirped happily, skipping away.

I grinned widely, following after her. Within a moment, I was in front of her. She stopped cocking her head in question.

"Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?" I blurted out. She blinked surprised. "Well I mean it wouldn't be just me. Isobel wants Damon and I to go out to dinner with her and I was wondering if you would come. It would be less awkward if you did." I babbled on, feeling more and more like an idiot as I continued to speak.

"I'd love to go." she beamed. "I want to meet this Isobel and see who exactly she gave you up for."

I rolled my eyes, trying to mask my happiness as we continued to walk, all while Fiona rattled on about tomorrow night and other random things. Half the time I had not the faintest idea of what she was saying, but I couldn't help but love the way she said it.