I feel like I'm slowly, but surely, getting quicker with the updates. I seem to still be incapable of sticking to a goal, but I'm trying my best here. Anyways I just wanted to thank all of you that reviewed/alerted/favorited my story, I really do appreciate you readers, you're what makes me keep writing! I didn't get to respond indivdually yet to those who reviewed, but you'll probably be recieving some thanks shortly.
Review Responses: daydreamer4life2011-
yeah I like Stefan and Fiona too, and you'll definetly be seeing some more of her. And I have been trying to focus on how strong Damon's love for Isobel is, and to what desperate lengths he'll go to protect her (like how he's depicted in the TV show). Which will be seen as a common trait of his all through the end of my story. Anyways, as always, thank you so so much for reviewing : )


Damon POV

I languidly sauntered out of the bathroom, into my bedroom. My black pants hung low around my hips, my chest was bare. I fully intended to waste as much time as possible, in order to avoid this little dinner that was shortly about to ensue. I definitely was not looking forward to spending a "civil" evening with my brother.

"Are we seriously doing this?" I huffed, convinced that if I whined enough, she would eventually give in.

Unfortunately though, as the clock ticked on it seemed highly unlikely that she would back down. Even with the knowledge of the chaos that had exploded between Stefan and I yesterday, she remained firm on her position. In fact it seemed to only heighten her desire for this gathering. She was one stubborn woman.

My eyes roamed along the curves of her body as she sifted through the grandiose closet for something suitable to wear. I licked my lips hungrily. Her lean frame was adorned in her usual lacey black undergarments, which drove me mad was desire. She tipped her head over her shoulder in my direction.

"For the millionth time, yes." she sighed in annoyance, clearly tired of my constant berating of tonight's plans.

I groaned in frustration, collapsing down onto the bed. I twisted my head to her, watching as she plucked a hanger from the closet, sweeping off the black fabric and tossing it over to me. It landed in a crumpled heap beside me. "So put a shirt on." she ordered. "We have to leave in like twenty minutes."

"Or we could just not go at all." I scoffed.

"You're not getting out of it." she argued simply, pulling out from the endless wracks of clothing, a black dress.

"You weren't feeling well again this morning Iz, so I think it's in your best interest if we don't go." I rationalized. "I'm just trying to look out for you."

A half-smile snagged the corner of her mouth, knowingly. "Aw you're so sweet to look out for me." she drawled sarcastically, bending down to pick up the black dress that was pooled at her feet. She pulled it over her body, to my disappointment. "But it passed. I feel fine now. So we're going."

"It's gonna to be a complete waste of time." I sung melodically, irritably snatching up the dark cloth sprawled out on the top of the mattress.

"Stop complaining. It'll be fun." she assured, mimicking my tone.

I snorted, dragging my arms through the holes of the shirt. "If my brothers involved, at best, the night will be boring as hell."

"Don't be so dramatic, I doubt it will be that bad." she replied, strolling over to me. "Zip me up, please?"

The silky black dress was sleeveless, ending just above her knee, with a square neckline. It hugged each mouthwatering curve of her body beautifully. Hanging around her neck was the pendant I had gotten her in Italy. I smiled to myself at the thought. She never took it off.

I dragged the silver zipper closed. "But you look so much better out of it." I purred, belting my hands around her waist, planting a trail of dotting kisses down her neck. She giggled, twisting around in my arms. Her palms briefly skimmed up my exposed chest, before her fingers curled around the lapels of my shirt, bringing the fabric together, gracefully fumbling with the buttons as she did each one of them up. My arms fell to my sides as I stared down at her. Her eyes remained fixed on my shirt, though I caught the shadow of the smooth curve twitching at her lips.

"If yesterday was any hint towards it, this is a really bad idea." I warned. "It's not too late to back out."

"You two were just under a lot of stress…" she reasoned, though judging by the uncertainty in her voice, I don't think she believed it herself.

"Sure, that's why we beat the crap out of each other." I sneered. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that we just hate each other."

She peered up at me coyly, her deep violet orbs shinning sorrowfully. "You don't really hate him…do you?"

I gritted my teeth in protest, my gaze drifting away. I thought about telling her yes, that of course I hate Stefan, because for the majority of times, I did. I hated how he was one of those people where everything just seemed to work out for him. I hated how he was deemed the good brother by virtually everyone. How everyone seemed to give him a pass for the shit he pulled, simply because he was Stefan. But what point would it serve if I was to tell Isobel this? It would only hurt her and result in her arguing with me how I was wrong, that I was just as good as Stefan blah blah blah. She didn't seem to realize how she was the only one who thought that I was anything less than a monster.

"No." I deadpanned, frankly. "You happy?" I quipped harshly.

Her fingers curled around the collar of my shirt, straightening it out. "Yes I am." she whispered, smiling. It was one of her few smiles that fully reached her eyes, causing something in them to sparkle and twinkle magnificently.

She let go of me, spinning back around. The absence of her touch unconsciously caused my mind to wander elsewhere, traveling back down into that dark place that had now consumed the better part of me. Against my will, my conscience dipped into the pool of grief that lay stagnant in me. I felt myself struggling day and night to keep it together, to not lose control. It took nearly everything in me to beat back the beast that lurked within.

Isobel sat in the armchair, slipping her bare feet into a pair of black pumps.

"You know Stefan said he invited someone." I voiced casually, nearly forgetting that he had asked me this morning to clear it with Isobel if it was ok that he brought a date. It was too late for any objections now I guess.

I bleakly stared at my reflection in the mirror, knowing that my flesh encased a monster, nearly as sinister as the devil himself. My eyes were downcast, heavily rimmed with the stress of my fragmenting humanity. The unstableness easily shone through my cracking exterior. I knew it. Stefan knew it. And I was fairly certain that Isobel knew it as well.

"Really? -Who?" she mused, snapping me out of my trance.

"I don't know. Some girl he just met, I think." I shrugged, not really caring about Stefan and his romantic turmoil's.

"Good for him." she said lightly.

I swiveled around, stalking over to her. "Do you mean that?" I queried, raising a suspicious brow.

Sometimes I had a hard time reading her.

She frowned, mildly perplexed. "Of course I do."

I nodded absently, meandering over to the dark mahogany dresser and slipping on my silver Rolex, which rested on top of it. "Well I think he's just bringing this girl along to make you jealous." I muttered dryly.

There was no way he rebounded from Isobel that quickly.

"Too bad it won't." she chirped, springing up from the chair animatedly, twirling around. "So how do I look?"

"Beautiful." I smiled forlornly. Every time I allowed myself to truly look at her, the sorrow, the fear, overflowed. I couldn't help but wonder, how close was I to losing her?

"Thank you." she smirked, pecking me on the lips tenderly. "You look quite dashing yourself." She took my hand, glancing down at my watch. "Crap, we have to go. We're late." she bristled, looping her arm through mine and towing me out of the room.

I gawked down at her. And although I was standing right beside her, I felt far away.

Isobel POV

I scanned the restaurant, searching for the familiarity of Stefan's stoic face, as we entered the brightly lit building. I normally wasn't one for extravagant places as this, but considering this was the largest restaurant in town, I figured the more people there were, the less likely Stefan and Damon were to do anything stupid.

I felt Damon's hand at the small of my back. "There they are." he grumbled wryly. "Let's get this over with." he groused, guiding me in their direction.

The square table, draped with lavish cream-colored cloth, came into view. Stefan and his date sat side by side on one side of the table, while the other two seats remained empty, waiting to be filled. The girl appeared to be taller than me; her blonde waves were styled to one side. The dress she was wearing was whimsical and flowing, with a white bodice and navy tulle, which had bright pink flowers splashed against its dark background.

I couldn't suppress the smile that spread across my lips. He looked happy with her.

Stefan's gaze quickly found mine. A grin twitched at the corners of his mouth. However it swiftly became tainted with the hues of a certain sadness that was always present when I was with Damon. I could only hope that one day, there'd only be a smile.

"Hello brother." Damon drawled, unkindly.

The frigid look exchanged between the two siblings seemed to drop the temperature of the air significantly. An unpleasant dread coiled in the pit of my stomach as I started to have the feeling that maybe I should have listened to Damon. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea.

Stefan POV

"Stefan," Isobel breathed happily, "I'm happy that you came. The both of you."

Damon draped a possessive arm around her shoulder, which she quickly shrugged off. Nonetheless, it only resulted in him playing with the strap of her dress. I know Isobel tried not to be so touchy with Damon when I was near in an attempt to spare my feelings, and I appreciated her trying. But it honestly didn't alleviate any of the pain that surfaced whenever I saw the two of them together. After all, it didn't change the fact that ultimately, she chose him.

"Well it wasn't exactly like either of us chose to do this." Damon reminded Isobel tightly. "You guilted us into it." he remarked, pulling out her chair. She acknowledged his gentlemanly gesture with a smile, reserved solely for him, which he returned with one of his own.

"This is Fiona." I introduced, gesturing to the joyful woman beside me, trying to distract myself from the glances Isobel and Damon were sharing.

When I had picked up Fiona, all she could do was babble on and on about how excited she was to meet the two of them. I found it to be extremely amusing; considering once she met Damon...well I had a feeling she'd probably wish she never came.

"It's so nice to meet you two. I've heard so much about both of you." she beamed giddily.

"I'm sure Stef has told you such lovely things about us." Damon drawled, a venomous bite lingering beneath his tone. He dropped down into his chair, letting out a sigh of unrestrained boredom, curling an arm around Isobel, who simply shoved him off, again.

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, loosening my tie, feeling the walls closing in. I gave Fiona a sheepish look, in a silent apology for Damon's rudeness. As the minutes drew on, I was astounded by how quiet Fiona and Damon remained. Usually Damon relished in moments like these and well Fiona...she just enjoyed talking. We all sat in a nearly unbearable awkward silence, cautious looks being exchanged above the menus we were all trying so terribly to focus on.

This was going to be a long night.


The busy waiters speedily settled the porcelain plates down in front of us. They were all steaming with the aromas of the freshly cooked food. After everyone had started into their meals, Damon was the first to shatter the hush.

"Gotta tell you Stefan, I thought you were lying about bringing a girl." he commented. "And you bring a hot one nonetheless." Damon drawled in mock excitement, his infamous smirk securely in place. I glared at him, shaking my head slightly. Was he seriously going to do this now? Damon brought up his hand as if to shield some great secret, turning to Fiona. "I mean considering he's still in love with Isobel." he whispered loudly.

Heat crept up my neck. Isobel's jaw fell agape, "Damon." she gasped, appalled.

"Oh. Sorry." he relinquished hastily, sarcasm lacing his tone. "I was unaware it was a secret." he quipped, before shoving a forkful of food into his mouth. Damon leaned back into his chair, clearly enjoying the torment he was inflicting, bringing his napkin up from his lap, dabbing his mouth and placing it onto the table. "So how did you two kids meet?" he questioned condescendingly. "Did you finally take my advice and decide to get your own girlfriend?"

"What is wrong with you?" Isobel hissed lowly, her cheeks glowing with fury.

He held up his hands in surrender, "It's just a question."

I could tell that Isobel's temper was reeling, and that was saying something. She normally had a fairly high tolerance for the shit Damon pulled.

"Hardly." she spat, "Why do you-"

"It's ok Isobel." I assured, wanting to diffuse the situation and get this over with as soon as possible. She looked doubtful. "Really." I urged. She smiled meekly in return. "We met at a bar, she gave me some good advice." I began frankly, the corners of my mouth turning up at the memory. Instinctively, my gaze flitted over to Isobel, "But no...she's not my girlfriend..." I tapered off, unable to tear my eyes from her.

"We're friends." Fiona jumped in, clearly catching my longing stare.

Sometimes it hurt more to look away.

Damon noticed my gawk and out of the corner of my eye I saw something in him flare. "Oh I get it..."he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, "you two are special friends."

"What?" I mused, bewildered.

"Come on Stefan. Get with the times." he dismissed. "Friends with benefits."

I hated him. Why did he enjoy embarrassing me so much? He was truly relentless.

Fuming, "No-"

"It's alright Stef. I understand better than anyone. You have to release that pent up sexual frustration somehow." he interceded disdainfully. "It's funny how the tables have seemed to turn. I was in your shoes not too long ago." He gripped Isobel's shoulder, shaking her playfully, though she did not look amused at all. "Luckily, now I'm the one who's got this feisty woman rolling around in my sheets. Though it's a damn right shame for you. After all, you should know better than anyone brother, just how good Isobel is at relieving those tensions." his words were clipped, though still preserving their fallaciously joking exterior.

Beneath the table my hands were constricting around the silverware, bending it in fury. I was having difficulty reigning in the urge to lunge across the table and strangle him.

Before I could, Isobel sprung up from the table, "Please excuse us for a moment." she blurted out hastily, grabbing Damon by the crook of his elbow and wrenching him up roughly-or as roughly as a human could.

"Where are we going?" Damon smirked mischievously. She ignored him, whisking him away from the table.

I watched as they weaved through the other couples dining, until they disappeared behind the door.

Fiona twisted to me, "Is he always..."

"Such a dick?" I answered for her.

"Yeah."

"Pretty much." I replied frankly, downing my glass of wine.

I certainly wasn't drunk enough for this.

Damon POV

Isobel was mad at me. Really mad. Her fingernails bit deeply into the thin fabric of my shirt, tightening around my bicep with each step we took. She relinquished her constricting grip on me as we burst through the glass doors, pushing me by the back outside. I stumbled forward, trying my best not to laugh, knowing that it wouldn't help the situation.

Straightening myself up, I twisted back around to her, a smirk spreading across my lips.

"If you wanted me alone, you could have simply asked." I drawled. "I would've been more than happy to ditch the duds." I leaned down in an attempt to capture her lips.

She stomped her heel down on my foot, shoving me hard in the chest. "Ouch." I pouted, pretending to be wounded.

"Enough Damon." she fumed. "You're embarrassing me, Stefan, Fiona…and she definitely doesn't deserve this. She hasn't been exposed to you yet." she shook her head in disbelief. I rolled my eyes. So I embarrassed him. Big deal. I'm doing him a favor. Compared to me, he'll look like a saint, as always, and this girl will fall all over him and then he can finally stop pining after Isobel. "Jesus I can't take you anywhere."

Wanting to hinder her blooming lecture, within the blink of an eye, I had her pressed against the buildings side brick wall. I trapped her, my palms firmly on both sides of her.

She peered up at me in confusion. "Damon what are you doing?"

I only smirked, trailing a finger along her jawbone, down to her exposed clavicle, my fingertips tracing lazy lines across her bare skin. Our eyes locked and I felt her rapidly fall into my consuming gaze, her anger melting away. I knew exactly how to make her forget and 90% of the time it worked. I bent down, pressing my lips tenderly against hers. I smiled in victory as I felt her sigh, wrapping her arms around my neck, dragging me closer.

Unfortunately she didn't forget for long. She pulled away, trying to hold me at arms length, but I overpowered her, my muscular body remaining flush against hers.

"Stop that." she babbled flustered.

"Stop what?" I mused in fake innocence, cocking an eyebrow.

"You know what." she accused. "And I do not appreciate you manipulating me with your charm."

I shrugged, "It's only fair."

She let out a huff of air, resting her forehead lightly against my shoulder, "You're killing me Damon." she mumbled, peeking back up at me. "Please, for me, stop with the inappropriate remarks."

"I don't understand why you chose to coddle him. It is what it is, he needs to get over the fact that you chose me." I exclaimed pointedly.

She groaned aggravated, "What if I chose him, huh? Would you want me rubbing it in your face?"

"I don't like hypothetical's." I rasped. "Plus if you're having doubts about us, want to switch sides, then by all means go. Run back to Stefan. I'm sure he'll be thrilled."

"I'm never going to 'switch sides' Damon. No matter how fucking annoying and immature you are sometimes, I love you."

"Please, flatter me more." I droned, winding an arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

Her fingers toyed with the hair at the nape of my neck, "But Damon, you need to stop this. I know you don't want to hear it, but I'm always going to look out for Stefan because I still care."

The haunted pain that ghosted in her eyes, made me comply with her wishes. "Fine. I'll ease up on the dirty comments."

"Thank you."

"But behind closed doors, well I can't make any promises." I shot her a wolfish grin, and she giggled happily. "Come on." I mumbled, slinging an arm around her. "I believe they are waiting for us."

Isobel POV

After the talk I had with Damon, he behaved himself much better. While he still made more remarks, which I wordlessly scolded him for, they were less direct. Nevertheless I was thankful that he was at least making an effort. I was becoming hopeful that my plan to reunite the brothers might work. I knew it would take time, but all it needed was a single step for it to begin.

Fiona was very affable and I could see why Stefan had taken an immediate liking to her. She was the type of person he needed in his life right now.

My gaze settled upon Damon; his alluring ominous facade tightly pinned in place, before traveling to Stefan, whom displayed a gentle kindness in his eyes to the world. It was astounding how different they were from each other. And yet each of them held such a large place in my heart. The Salvatore's meant everything to me.

Though I may not have a clue of what I will do when Calogero comes for me, I felt that I was ready, that I would be able to let them go. I was confident that as long as they had each other, they could survive without me; and that's all that mattered. If they were alive, I could take comfort in that wherever I ended up.

I pushed out from my chair, standing up, "If you'll excuse me, I need to use the ladies room." I announced.

"I'll come too." Fiona chirped, getting up from the table as well.

"Girls. They always go to the bathroom in pairs." Damon sneered. "It's extremely strange if you ask me."

"Well no one was asking." I teased, giving him a playful smirk.

Stefan chuckled lightly, "Shut up Stefan." Damon glared, though his words didn't hold the normal harsh tinge as they usually did.

Side by side, Fiona and I strolled away from the boys and into the brightly colored bathroom.


I came out of the stall, ambling over to the sink. Fiona was at the mirror, opening up her clutch, pulling out a lipstick. My palm twisted the silver knob, watching as the hot water flowed out from the faucet. My hands dipped underneath the stream.

"So you seem to really like Stefan?" I observed, wanting to get a feel of where she stood with her intentions.

The corners of her mouth hooked upward, as she swiped the pale pink color over her lips. I watched the mirror carefully, wanting to catch the look in her eyes.

"Yes. I really do. He's a great guy." she answered.

I nodded in accord, smiling lightly, seeing that she meant it. "He is." I agreed.

I wanted to make sure that no one was going to hurt him again. I was aware that it was quite hypocritical and it wasn't my place…but Stefan was family to me, and if I could spare him any future pain, I would.

She slipped the golden cylinder back into her clutch, fiddling with the hem of her dress. "And compared to Damon, Stefan is just-"

"-I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." I interrupted, instantly feeling defensive. I didn't want a reason to make her an enemy.

Fiona leaned her palms against the porcelain skin, narrowing her eyes at me, tilting her head to the side in question. "I honestly don't understand why you chose Damon over Stefan." she remarked seriously. It was odd how rapidly her demeanor changed. "I mean I get the whole bad boy attraction, but seriously…Damon?"

I turned off the water, picking up the paper towels resting on the counter and drying off my hands. "You seem like a very nice person Fiona and I think you could be good for Stefan, I really do." I began. "And I can tell you're the type of person who reads people extremely well, am I wrong?" I queried. She shook her head quietly. "But don't for a second think that you know me or Damon and can read my decisions as if they were a book. I'm fairly certain I know what Damon seems like to you, and you're wrong to think that. I know those two men out there better than anyone, and they are good people. Both of them."

"But what made you pick Damon?" she pressed. "If you mind me asking…"

"It was always him…I just didn't realize it." I replied truthfully; unable to explain the bond we shared with each other. She nodded slowly, remaining silent. "I'm sorry if I came off as rude…" I apologized, as we started to stroll back over to the table. "It's just that I can be very protective of Damon and Stefan. I'd do anything for them."

"I respect that." she stated, approvingly.

"Then you and I will get along perfectly fine." I smiled.

Damon POV

My eyes locked upon the girls, who had finished their little trip and were now nearing our way. I could always sense when Isobel was near; it was this slight pull that always tugged in her direction. Before, I never used to know what this feeling meant. In the past there were times where nothing pulled, and these times later proved to be the darkest periods of my life. Now that I understood it, had grown used to it, I actually found it to be a comfort.

I stared curiously at Fiona. I couldn't place it…but there was something off about her. They sat back down. Stefan, along with the two of them, fell into an easy chatter, which I completely tuned out. There was no reason for me to hang onto every word exchanged. Nothing had really changed. I still was impatient to leave-constantly stealing glances at my watch- anxious for this boredom to cease. The only reason I was even remotely behaving myself was for Isobel's sake.

My gaze roamed the area idly, before returning back to Fiona, who was charming and transparently entranced by Stefan. I rolled my eyes at the thought, wondering why so many women fell for my dull brother. I observed her curiously, hoping to discover the odd detail about her that had me so puzzled.

The waiter came over to our table, filling our glasses to the brim, once more. Fiona peered up towards him, giving him a pleasant smile. That's when the pieces clicked together. How could I have not noticed sooner?

I almost missed it. The way she stared at the waiter's jugular, as if she wanted to rip it open and feed on it.

Fury radiated through me. You have got to be kidding me. How could Stefan leave me in the dark like this? He knew how careful I was around letting strangers near Isobel. Maybe I overlooked the possibility, because he normally only went after human women.

I felt my muscles tensing more and more, my upper lip twitched dangerously above my extending canines as I glowered at Stefan angrily.

I couldn't believe him.

Stefan caught my glare, remaining still. The spark of understanding in his eyes was quickly followed by one of a silent plea.

For all I know this girl could be a minion of the mysterious man, just waiting to strike.

Suddenly I felt a warm hand on my knee. I swiveled my head to Isobel; the lines in her face riddled with concern.

"What's the matter?" she mouthed to me noiselessly.

"What's the matter is Stefan's date." I hissed aloud, unable to contain my outrage.

Fiona blinked furiously, taken aback by the heated comment. "And what the hell did I do to you?" she defended.

"Damon. You promised you wouldn't." Isobel pleaded.

"I promised you nothing." I snapped. Catching my harsh tone towards her, I corrected, "This is a different circumstance." My eyes locked back onto Stefan. "You could have mentioned she was a vampire." I growled lowly to him.

"Why?" he replied blankly, folding his arms across his chest. "I didn't think it was important."

That sent me over the edge. I let out a laugh that sounded inhuman, even to my own ears. I noticed from the corners of my eyes, a few apprehensive gazes draw our way. I didn't care.

"You didn't think it was important. That's rich." I chuckled bitterly. "But then again I guess I shouldn't be too surprised since you don't give a damn about Isobel's safety."

That point had been made clear yesterday, Stefan was only concerned with his own love for Isobel. He didn't really care about her, not how I did.

"Damon." Isobel warned nervously, knowing just how quickly my temper could get out of hand.

"Are you serious? Of course I care about Isobel's safety." Stefan argued crossly, shooting Isobel a guiltless look, sending me into an even further fit of rage.

"Clearly you don't. You let Isobel be alone with her. I mean who the hell is this chick?"

"I'm not going to hurt her." Fiona interceded, hastily.

I snorted, "Like I'm going to take your word." I threw my hands into the air, exasperated. "For all I know you could want to kill her."

"I wouldn't let her near Isobel if I had any doubt about her intentions." Stefan reassured.

"She doesn't want to kill me Damon." Isobel sighed.

Not even she was on my side about this.

"And how do you know that? Hm?" I barked. "Would you like to enlighten me on what you know that I don't?"

"If she wanted to kill me she would've done it already." she replied evenly.

"That's not true…I know plenty of sick fucks out there that wait patiently to kill their prey." I affirmed.

"She doesn't want to kill me Damon." she urged.

My forehead creased in confusion. "This isn't you. You don't just trust people."

"I trust that she won't kill me." Isobel stated calmly.

She was lying. I knew damn well Isobel didn't trust her.

Paranoia crept into my cells, corrupting everything it touched. I wouldn't lose Isobel…I couldn't.

This was because of Stefan. She was lying because of Stefan. This girl makes Stefan happy and Isobel wouldn't want to disappoint him, because Isobel couldn't function properly if Stefan wasn't happy.

"We're leaving." I ordered, lurching up, grabbing her arm and yanking Isobel to her feet.

She struggled to twist out of my grip. I just had to keep her safe. This would keep her safe.

"Damon let go of me." she grimaced as my grasp constricted. "I'm staying Damon."

"No you're not." I concluded, determinedly. "Come on."

"She said let go of her." Fiona defended, getting up.

"You sit back down." I snarled.

"Damon look at what you're doing. You're hurting her." Stefan reasoned.

"You have to leave with me." I pleaded with Isobel, desperation leaking into my nerves.

"Let's stay. I'll be fine." she persisted stubbornly.

My jaw was clenched, "We're leaving." I demanded, releasing a burst of compulsion her way.

Isobel stopped struggling. "Ok." she replied robotically.

"What did you do Damon?" Stefan hissed in shock.

Realization crashed into me. I compelled her... I've never done that to her before.

It was what was necessary. The beast in the back of my mind taunted. It's to keep her safe, that's all you were doing…you are keeping her safe.

"I'm keeping her safe." I echoed numbly.

"You're taking away her free will." Stefan argued, repulsed.

I ignored him, draping an arm around Isobel, "Ready?" I mused, knowing that she would submit without question.

She nodded, twisting to the baffled couple, "It was nice to meet you Fiona. I hope to see you again soon." she said dazedly.

"I wouldn't count on it." I corrected to Fiona, earning a deadly glare from her, before I began to lead Isobel to the car, where she would be safe in my hands.

Stefan POV

Damon was un-fucking-believable. How could he do this to her? Isobel trusted him blindly without compulsion. He betrayed her. He was selfish and unwarrantedly paranoid. Nothing was after her. No one was out to get her.

I shook my irately, the resentment building up in my pores. I threw everything that was in my wallet on the table, chasing after them, with Fiona trailing closely behind.

They were walking at a brisk pace. "Isobel he compelled you. Fight it." I told her, staring down at her.

"I know." she deadpanned. "But I have to go."

"Isobel." I begged desperately.

"She can't resist it brother." Damon chimed in. "It's already done."

My fingers wound around Isobel's forearm, dragging her out of Damon's protective shield. My fury exploded violently, causing me to lash out onto the one person I loved. This whole dinner was her idea and it was all because of her naive dream that, somehow, she could make us a family again. I was mad that she wrongly chose to put her faith in Damon and that I failed to protect her from him.

"What exactly was the point in all of this?" I hissed to her. "To remind us what is was like to be brothers again?" I accused harshly.

She exhaled heavily, peering up at me thoughtfully. "You're going to need each other one day….and I wanted to remind you that it's ok to trust him again." It was in that moment that I saw it; the unmistakable defeat in her eyes, the same look victims got when they knew they were dead. Even the tone of her voice sounded as though this was a final plea. I was startled by the realization that Damon was right. She was hiding something, something fatal. She tore her gaze from me, dropping it to the ground. "But clearly I failed in convincing either of you that." she blurted out hastily.

I was mute. Stunned by this sudden knowledge.

"Come on darling." Damon drawled, towing her to his black Ferrari.

"Goodnight." she called over her shoulder, as she disappeared into Damon's car.

I stared blankly into the direction they drove away, watching them fade into the darkness.

Fiona's comforting hand rested on my shoulder. "Did you see it?" I muttered in awe.

"See what?" she mused.

"Never mind." I dismissed vacantly.

"How bout' we take a walk? I think we both need to clear our heads." she insisted gently.

Unconsciously, I nodded in agreement.

We meandered down the darkened street, languidly filling our lungs with the fresh night air. I quickly felt myself feeling significantly better.

"So, I'm glad you invited me tonight." Fiona chirped, tilting her head to me, a smile lighting up her features.

"Really? Even after that whole charade back there, you're still glad you came?" I eyed her skeptically.

"Yeah, I am." she declared. "I got to meet your family. You're brother may be a masochistic psycho, but tonight was interesting."

"That would be the understatement of the year." I remarked cynically.

"And Isobel…she really loves you, you know?" she commented thoughtfully.

"I know." A smile touched my lips.

"I may not understand why she chose Damon over you, but the one thing I learned about her is that she'd do anything for you two."

"She's always been that way about us."

She froze in her tracks, "You don't let a person like that go Stefan." she urged firmly.

"I won't." I replied frankly, never planning on it.

I finally was beginning to understand, a little more, where Damon was coming from. He just didn't want to let Isobel go.

She started walking again, at a brisker pace, as though something was worrying her. I observed her intently, trying to figure out what was bothering her. Suddenly she stopped again.

"I'm leaving." she blurted out, twisting to face me.

"What?" I scowled in puzzlement from the abrupt change of topic.

She took a step towards me. "This morning I got a tip on where Jay is. I have to take it."

I fought back the sadness. I didn't think I'd lose her so quickly. I really liked her and have begun to look forward to these talks.

"I understand." I mumbled, not sure of what else I could say. It would be selfish of me to ask her to stay when I barely knew her, when she deserved to know the truth of what happened to her all those years ago.

"I don't want to go Stefan. For the first time, since I've been turned, I want to stay here." she rattled on out loud. I blinked back, surprised. "I don't know why, I've never felt this way before." she mused to herself. I don't think she was fully aware that she was talking out loud. "I'm not sure if its because of you, or how I have a sort of hobby of fixing people, or this place-although I'm fairly certain it's because of you." she continued to babble on, flustered.

"Fiona I-"

Her eyes slammed shut, as she steadied herself, inhaling deeply. "It's ok…I know you love Isobel." she muttered softly, her eyes popping open. "That's why I have to go. Maybe the distance will be good for me."

"I really do like you Fiona." I admitted. "And I'm going miss you."

A smile broke out on her face, her dimples deepening. She tossed her arms wildly around my neck. I stumbled backwards, catching her. "You have my number, so you better call me." she chuckled desolately. "At least twice a week. I'll be all lonely in Missouri trying to fulfill my vendetta."

"So that's where you're going."

She nodded furiously against my shoulder, before pulling away and hastily dragging me into a second hug, squeezing me fiercely.

"I've never met anyone quite like you before." she whispered into the whorl of my ear, her warm breath tickling my skin. My lips parted to speak, but she cut me off. "-I'll miss you Stefan. Take care of yourself." she breathed.

Within the blink of an eye, she was gone. I frantically glanced around, hoping to see her figure shrinking away in the distance, but nothing. The only thing remaining in my arms was air.

Damon POV

I had to jog a little to catch up with Isobel, who was storming down the stone pathway up to the house, her heels dangling in her hand.

The compulsion had worn off and she was livid.

"Come on, don't be mad." I begged, chasing after her as she exploded through the door, stomping loudly up the steps. "I just wanted us to get out of there."

"So you compelled me?" she bellowed in disbelief.

"It was to keep you safe." I countered, behind her.

She wrenched open the door to the bedroom, tossing her shoes on the floor, "Honestly, that's not what angers me the most, because I would have left with you Damon."

"Really? –Because I asked you and you refused, that's what led me to compel you in the first place."

"Eventually I would have." she mumbled. "But that's not the point." she admitted upset. "It's the fact that you couldn't act civil for two hours." she hissed. "Two. Hours. Damon."

"I'm sorry." I relinquished hastily.

She drew in a deep breath, noticeably trying to ease the tension that had been building up, she spun back around to face me, "Do you mean that?" she prodded hopefully.

"If it'll get you to stop talking about it. Sure." Immediately as the words left my mouth, I realized that that was definitely the wrong thing to say.

She huffed furiously, snatching up one of her discarded shoes and throwing it at me. I ducked, the heel narrowly missing my head and smashing into the wall, breaking apart. A large gray mark was left on the pale colored paint.

"See. Now look what you did." I jarred. "And I just painted this room."

She lurched forward, "This is your fault." she accused, her voice cracking.

"How is this my fault?" I snarled outraged. "The only thing I did was keep you safe. It was your idea. I told you a hundred times how stupid this was, but you forced me into it."

She tore her fingers into her hair. "I had to." she howled, her eyes flashed with the panicked craze of a madwoman.

I frowned, quickly realizing that this was not just about my ill behavior tonight. It was something much more than that. The fear that blazed across her expression was the same fear I had seen eat away at her many times before. I cautiously neared her, reaching out to touch her, comfort her. She jerked away from me. I extended my arm again, except this time she didn't shrink away. I gently curled my hands around the tops of her shoulders, slowly twisting her around.

"Isobel why are you really upset?" I cooed.

"I want you and Stefan to be able to be there for each other, like how I'm there for you." She peered up at me, tears beading in her eyes, an unimaginable sorrow lying beneath. "I need you to be ok." she whispered pleadingly.

I tenderly brushed my fingertips against her cheek, before sweeping a stray curl behind her ear. "But I am ok." I reassured. "I don't need Stefan for that. As long as I have you, I'll be fine."

Her eyes slid shut; she fiercely bit down on her lip. Crimson noticeably welled along the pink flesh. Her body shook with a restrained sob. She exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself. However she failed and to my confusion, broke down. All I could do was cradle her close to my chest.

Stefan POV

My head was lolled against the brown armchair as I sat in the dimly lit room, waiting. My gaze roamed the walls of the area, dazedly observing the shadows that climbed up to the ceiling.

I heard his footsteps slowly descend the stairs. I didn't move, not even when he appeared in front of me. "Why up so late brother? Isn't it past your bedtime?" he smirked down at me, shirtless.

I ignored him, debating whether or not I should actually go through with it. I knew if I did, I'd probably regret it later. Every time I let Damon back into my life, he destroyed everything he touched. Made me despise him more. I didn't know how much more hate I could carry for my brother.

"How's Isobel?" I probed, dodging the topic I dared to near.

"She's fine now." he stated emotionlessly. "She's sleeping upstairs."

"You're afraid Damon." I noted. "That's why you compelled her tonight. Acted like an unreasonable maniac. You're scared something is going to take her away from you."

Damon sneered, ignoring me and starting to walk away.

"You're right about Isobel…" I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. Damon stopped dead in his tracks. There was no going back now. "I get it now…and I want to help you."

"What makes you think I even want your help?" he muttered dryly.

"Oh I know you don't want it." I assured. "But you need it."

He paused before twisting back around. "What changed?" he frowned.

"You're right about her hiding something." I admitted. "Something big."

He snorted, sauntering over to the bar, pouring himself a drink. "I never thought I'd see the day when you're actually taking my side." he chuckled bitterly before taking a swig of the amber liquid.

I pushed myself up from the chair, striding over to him. "But if I help you, you're going to have to tell me everything you know." I reasoned.

He narrowed his eyes at me doubtfully, contemplating the idea. "Fine." he agreed. "But you can't go blabbing all of this to her."

"I won't."

He jabbed a finger in my face, "I mean it Stefan, you can't tell her anything." he warned firmly. "You may have to do some things that don't exactly meet up to your moral standards."

"I know." I declared, fully prepared to do whatever it takes to protect Isobel, and that all started with finding out the truth.

"So we have an understanding now?" Damon mused.

"We do." I extended my hand and he stared down at it for a moment, before warily taking it.

"Good." he replied, setting down his empty glass and turning around to go back upstairs.

"Was Bonnie part of this…plan of yours?" I blurted out, unable to suppress my curiosity. "Is that why you went after her?"

"She knows something." he deadpanned. "But you were right yesterday. I didn't think about Isobel in all of this…how it would've affected her." he acknowledged begrudgingly. "In case you haven't noticed I haven't exactly been in control lately." he exclaimed frankly. "I just don't know what I'd do if anything happened to her…" he trailed off distantly, an unfathomable pain marring his expression, searing into the lines of his face.

"Nothing is going to happen to her." I soothed. "She'll have both of us to protect her now."

Damon tilted his head towards me, observing me with a curious look on his features. He nodded slowly, and before he disappeared up the stairs, I caught the hint of a weak smile trembling at the corners of his mouth; a real one.