Hey lovelies! I'm sorry that this didn't get out earlier, I lost power for a couple days here so I really couldn't update. I am glad that you guys liked that emotional side of Damon. You will get more and more of that as we progress through the story. Some interesting things happen in this chapter, but I won't spoil them, just read and tell me what you think!
Season 2 Episode 13 Daddy Issues
Damon wasn't ok. I knew he wasn't. He could lie and say that Rose's death hadn't affected him but I knew that it had. I guessed that he didn't know how much it had messed with his emotions, or he was just hiding how much he missed her. I couldn't imagine killing a friend, even if it was a mercy killing. Poor Damon had to do it alone. He was hurting.
I woke up to the sound of the shower and the TV playing. My eyes wandered open and I turned on my side. The local news was on, the new newscaster who had replaced Logan Fell spoke. I shivered a bit as I thought back to the hunter turned vampire who had threatened my life.
"The authorities believe last night's assailant may also be related to the missing campers and Park ranger who have yet to be found"
Just then, Damon walked out of the bathroom. A towel was wrapped around his waist and I bit my lip upon looking at his state of undress. I would have enjoyed the fact that he had no shirt on if it wasn't for the way he was watching the TV. He was staring at the TV, not acknowledging me in the slightest with this sad look that they were blaming all of this on Rose. I stood up and padded over to him.
"The sheriff department says investigations are pending and no further comment will be made."
Damon made a face at the screen and then he looked away. I sighed and I walked over to the remote and turned off the television. He didn't look at me as I turned to him.
"Hey." I breathed. "How are you doing?"
"Fine." He grunted, but I wasn't buying it. I made a face of sympathy and he rolled his eyes. He brushed past me and I tried not to let it bother me that yet again he was dodging talking to me. I knew that Damon cared about me, therefore I knew he had to care about other things; like his brother, like Rose, like Elena. I knew that he cared about these people, I just wished that he would admit it himself.
"Damon you're not- Oh my God." I said turning. When I was fully turned around to him I saw that the towel around his waist was now on the floor and he was stark naked. I spun around quickly, averting my eyes and placing my back to him. My face was on fire, I most likely resembled a tomato.
I heard Damon chuckle from his spot in the bathroom and I stood there frozen as I felt my palms start to sweat. I had never seen a grown man naked in real life before. I had seen the sex ed videos and diagrams they gave us, but they didn't prepare me for the real thing.
"I'm going to work!" I called to him, making sure my eyes didn't graze his albeit gorgeous, body again. I felt a breeze of air and the sound of the shower went off. I closed my eyes tight, hand on the bedroom door. I knew he was behind me, and I just had to prepare myself that he may or may not have a towel on.
"Please tell me you are not nude." I said softly. I could feel his body heat and his breath on the back of my neck. I didn't dare open my eyes. It wasn't that I wasn't attracted to naked Damon… I was, but I wasn't ready for that step and I hadn't been prepared.
"I'm not." He said, hands curling around my upper arms. He slowly turned me around. "But admit it you love it."
I opened my eyes carefully and saw that he indeed was covered. I let out a relieved breath. Not that Damon wasn't the most gorgeous creature I had ever laid eyes on, but I was shocked and wasn't ready for that step, even though my body told me different.
"I'm going to be late." I told him. His eyes searched my face, a few droplets of water cascading down his cheeks from his wet hair. He squeezed my arms holding me in my spot. He smirked, leaning forward.
"What's a few more minutes?" He suggested, our lips brushing the tiniest bit. I wanted nothing more than to kiss him, to close that painfully short distance and just stay like that all day. But I had things to do. I pulled back and his eyebrows kitted together.
"I'll see you later." I told him, grabbing the door handle and opening it. "Don't be sad!"
"I'm not!" He replied. I chuckled to myself and headed out the door. I went home first, showering and then changing into some clean clothes. I pulled back the rat's nest I called hair and was off. The morning was cool and fresh and it was good for me to get out and clear my head. I didn't know how much I would be able to do this with this Klaus guy certainly on his way to Mystic Falls.
"You brought back John Gilbert?" Damon asked Stefan, borderline furious. "That was your big "Save Elena" move?"
"I went to go look for Isobel, and I get John instead." Stefan shrugged. "He said he can help us, and we're desperate."
Damon made a face. On what universe was inviting John Gilbert, the man who tried to burn Damon alive, to Mystic Falls to help them with this little original vampire's problem a good idea? Nothing John did benefited them, it always benefited him.
"We're not that desperate, Stefan." Damon retorted. "The guy tried to barbecue me!"
"Damon, Bonnie's new witch friend is working with Elijah, so we have to assume that the moonstone was never destroyed. Elena is putting all of her faith into some deal that she made with Elijah to keep everyone safe. I mean, do you trust Elijah?" Stefan asked. Damon made a face. "I don't trust him. He's an Original, he can't be trusted. It's not like we can just go up and kill him, because apparently, he can't die!"
"I'm still waiting for the part where John Gilbert is the answer." Damon said. All of what Stefan was true. They couldn't trust Elijah. The crazy dude came back to life! But Elena was so quick to trust him that Damon couldn't blame Stefan for taking matters into his own hands.
"He knew about the sacrifice, Isobel told him." Stefan explained. "He said he knew of a way to keep Elena safe."
"And how do we do that?" Damon asked. Stefan stiffened, and didn't say another word.
"Great work Stefan. Top notch." Damon said sarcastically. "As if I didn't have enough problems."
"He may not talk to us…" Stefan said. "But he may talk to Alex…"
Damon's eyebrows furrowed and then he scoffed. Stefan waited patiently for Damon to speak.
"I'm getting really tired of you using my girlfriend for your benefit." Damon muttered. Alex was always used, against him, to lure John out, she was always the one that people came for. Damon was tired of it.
"It's the easiest way to get information out of John." Stefan said. Damon rolled his eyes, grabbed his jacket, and was about to leave. "Hey, I'm sorry about Rose."
"Whatever." Damon shrugged. "I knew the woman for 5 minutes."
"And you cared about her after 5 minutes." Stefan said. "I wonder what that means."
"It means I care, Stefan. It means I'm changing, evolving into a man capable of greatness." Damon said. "Better watch your back, because I may just have to go get a hero-hairdo of my own, and steal your thunder."
"I already knew that you could care." Stefan countered. "Alex Gilbert ring a bell?"
"Shut up." Damon muttered. Stefan rolled his eyes and let Damon leave this time. He texted Alex, warning her about John's return. She replied in a matter of minutes.
He's here.
Damon gritted his teeth, shoving his phone in his pocket and went out the door.
I felt my eyes widen when I saw John walk into the Grill. He hadn't seen me at first and I looked away. I hadn't been expecting him, and although I couldn't lie and say that we didn't have a connection after my impromptu visit. However, that still didn't change the awkwardness between us. Not only had he abandoned me, he also tried to kill Damon and I knew that Damon wouldn't get over that quickly.
"Alex." I heard his voice and looked up. He smiled at me and I forced one to him.
"Hi, John." I said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "I didn't know you were coming to town."
"Stefan brought me." John explained. I furrowed my brows. "He wants my help with this sacrifice."
"What do you know about the sacrifice?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed. This whole thing was confusing to me and I still didn't quite understand why Klaus wanted to break the curse. Elijah seemed to be able to walk in the sun, so if Klaus was so powerful then why would he need to break the curse?
"Contrary to what you believe, I'm on your side Alex." John said. I rolled my eyes followed by a scoff.
"If you were on our side you would be talking and from what I've been told you have been withholding information." I countered. John's mouth fell into a straight line. I shook my head and continued at the task I was doing before he came up to me.
"I know how to keep Elena safe." John said in a low voice. I stopped working but didn't look at him. "Which I know is the whole goal here."
"Of course it is." I said.
"Then you have nothing to worry about." He replied, then he stiffened. "How's your mom?"
"She's fine." I replied with furrowed brows.
I was about to ask him why he was asking when the bell over the door rang. He and I both looked up to see Elena and Damon walking through the door. I licked my suddenly dry lips at the sight of angry Damon. Elena held him back though, seeming to be pleading with him. They shared a few words before the two of them walked over to where I stood with John.
"John, buddy, how have you been?" Damon asked, malice laced in his voice. I shot Damon a look. He didn't seem to notice, or he might have been ignoring me.
"I've been alright, Damon." John replied with just as much threat behind his words as Damon did. "It's good to see you."
Elena and I shared a look and then we looked back to the boys. I was ready to jump in the middle, knowing that either one could strike. Of course, Damon was much stronger and had much of a better reason to attack, but I had seen John during our training sessions. He wasn't bad, he knew what he was doing. If he caught Damon by surprise then he could have a chance.
"John…" Elena said, catching his attention. His expression softened at her voice. "We need answers…"
"I can't give you that." John said then eyed Damon again. "Not yet."
"You can't?" Elena asked. "Or you won't?"
John set his jaw, looking as if he was struggling with this decision. Damon was glaring at him, his gaze icy. If looks could kill I would believe this glare would drop John dead. John didn't answer Elena's question, choosing instead to push past Damon and move over to the other side of the room. Elena huffed angrily before she turned to follow him. Damon caught her arm.
"Bad idea." Damon said. "Let him chill for a bit. I'll get the answers you're looking for."
Elena stared at him with narrow eyes before she wrenched her arm out of his grasp. She obliged though, instead of heading toward John she went the opposite direction. I swallowed hard, Damon licking his lips as if he was thinking of a plan.
"How are you going to get him to talk?" I asked, watching him sit at a table in the corner. He didn't meet my gaze so I turned back to Damon.
"Ask politely…" He suggested. "Maybe threaten him a little bit. Just to keep it interesting."
"You can't hurt him." I said. Damon met my gaze with furrowed brows.
"He tried to burn me alive." Damon reminded me. I shivered at the thought. Damon had every right to be upset at John. But also in John's defense, he thought he was keeping the town safe. It was a sensitive balance and I didn't know which side I would fall on.
"If he knows how to protect Elena we need him alive." I told him and then turned serious. "And I know you and her are close…"
Damon made a face at the way I said it. Elena and Damon had gradually become closer, and although it was innocent… I just had to be a little on my guard. Elena was beautiful and the exact copy of Katherine, Damon's first love. I knew Damon better then to leave me for Elena, but I was still a little jealous.
"She's a friend." Damon said. "Yeah… I want to protect her… but I want to protect you too."
I smiled weakly and he pulled me to his chest. I buried my face there, breathing in his scent. He calmed me significantly. I knew that Damon was doing what he thought was best… but we needed John because he was connected to Isobel and she may know something about Klaus. We had to protect Elena and the town.
"And he's my dad." I said I said with a cringe. Damon chuckled.
"I'll take care of this." Damon said and then smirked. "Get to work, before I have to compel your boss not to fire you again."
I rolled my eyes and pushed away from him playfully. I tried to focus on working, but I was so easily distracted. Elena was in one corner, watching John. Damon was at the bar, watching John. I was running around like a crazy person, also watching John. All the while he ignored all three of us, eating his meal in silence.
At some point or other, John got up and Damon moved in. I watched as much as I could while balancing glasses on a tray. From my perspective it didn't look like the conversation ended good. Damon caught my gaze and I smiled weakly. He looked like he wanted to strangle John and I understood. I was starting to wonder if John really had any idea of how to keep Elena safe or if he was just trying to save his own skin. I shook my head at the thought. John cared about Elena, and he arguably cared about me as well. He had fathered both of us, and I guessed he was finally trying to be one. It still baffled me that Elena and I were technically sisters.
The night continued without incident. Elena and Damon kept their eyes on John and I tried to get some good tips. I didn't think we were going to get anywhere with John tonight so I stopped worrying about it. If he was going to help us with Elena he wouldn't skip town. He wouldn't abandon her… well maybe he would. He had done it before… but that was different. John was different now.
At some point I had gone back behind the bar, filling out someone's check. I heard her before I saw her and when I put her words together I looked up.
"Andie Star." The woman said. "Nice to meet you… Can I buy you a drink Damon?"
I felt my hands go into fists and my blood boil at the woman. Damon knew I was there and from the way his eyes flickered to me, he knew I was jealous. This Andie woman, the news caster that replaced Logan, was pulling on the charm. She had a smile on that said "Do me," but an outfit that said business. She eyed Damon and I wanted nothing more than to tear her little eyes out.
"My glass is all full, Andie." Damon said, gesturing to his glass. "Thank you."
He got up then, leaving the woman standing there dumbfounded. I guessed that she hadn't been rejected often. However, instead of feeling sympathy toward her, I felt very satisfied. Damon was walking away from her, but he turned to me and winked. I blushed and bit my bottom lip. I was used to Damon using other girls to make me jealous, but this… this was a lot better than that.
I took the check I had been working on to the table and turned around. My eyes scanned the room but I saw no sign of Damon or Elena. My euphoria from Damon's rejection of the hot news lady had dried up in that second. I swallowed hard. They were friends, Damon explained that. On top of that, he blew off Andie Star because he is with me. Their disappearance was nothing but innocent.
"They went this way." I heard a voice. I turned to find John who had taken hold of my arm and was leading be toward the bathrooms.
Damon had slammed the door behind them. He really wanted to kill this Jules girl. First she threatens him, then she bites Rose. Now, she had taken Caroline and is using him as leverage for Tyler Lockwood, who apparently knew that he and Stefan were vampires and now he wanted to kill Tyler too.
"Why am I just finding out about this now?" Damon barked to Elena. She looked just as frazzled, but much more worried than Damon was.
"Stefan was worried that you—"
"That I'll what? That I'd kill him?" Damon asked. "Of course, it's what's need to happen."
"No, Damon, not Tyler." Elena pleaded. "Do whatever you need to do to get Caroline back but just leave Tyler out of it, okay?"
"Why? He's a werewolf, he needs to die." Damon explained. "I'm willing to kill him, it's a win-win."
"Damon please, okay?" Elena begged, grabbing Damon's arms. He looked down at her hand and narrowed his eyes. "Too many people are dead."
"You need to stop doing that." Damon said, glare moving from her hands to her eyes. Elena looked as innocent as could be, but he knew better. She knew exactly what she was doing, even if she wasn't aware. Those big doe brown eyes gave her away.
Just then, the door sprung open. Damon turned around, but Elena's grip was still on his arms. John and Alex burst through the door, John looking more concerned than Alex. Her eyes found him but they eventually fell on Elena's hands. The latter dropped them once Alex had seen them.
"What's going on?" John asked. Damon rolled his eyes.
"Nothing." Elena replied earnestly, looking very embarrassed at being caught with Damon in the rest room by her biological father and half-sister.
"It doesn't look like nothing." Alex mumbled, looking at Damon. His expression softened and he knew what she thought, but she was wrong. He and Elena were friends. Just friends.
"Look, we don't have time for this." Elena said, quickly changing the subject. "We need to get Caroline back."
"What?" Alex asked. "Where is she?"
"None of your concern." Damon replied. "I'll take care of it.
"I'm going with you." Elena said, always stubborn and always looking for a reason to throw herself into danger. It was starting to get annoying at this point.
"No you're not." Damon said, staring her in the eye. He then looked at John. "First dad duty: ground your daughters. Keep them here."
Damon walked past them, glancing once at Alex who stood there emotionless before he walked out of the Grill to find Stefan.
Elena stormed out of the restroom and I wasn't far behind. However, Elena looked as if she was going after Damon, but that was not my intent. I stopped behind her, but she didn't seem to notice.
"You're not leaving this restaurant." John said, catching Elena's arm and stopping her from leaving. She turned back, eyes filled with anger.
"You can't tell me what to do." Elena said, sounding like a bratty kid. I stood back a few steps, shifting my weight awkwardly.
"Yes I can. You want to know why?" John asked. Elena didn't really seemed like she cared what the answer was. "Because I'm here to make sure you stay safe."
"I've got that covered." Elena said with malice.
"Are you talking about the deal that you made with Elijah? Do you really think he's gonna keep his promise to you?" John asked. "Putting your faith in him was a dumb move."
"Are you saying I should put my faith in you?" Elena countered. "After everything that you did to Stefan and Damon?"
"We've had our differences, and I've made mistakes, but you and I, we're family." John explained. Elena's eyes glazed over and I bit my bottom lip.
"You don't get to use that word." Elena said. I've never seen her that angry. "That word is off-limits to you!"
"Fine." John sighed. "But it doesn't change the facts."
"You're right." Elena said. "Facts are facts, so listen up: you may be my father, but I'm never going to be your daughter, you got that?"
With that, the angry brunette stomped off. John stood there, a face of sadness and regret. I wanted to say something, anything that would make that expression go away. But then I realized… Elena was right. He would never replace Grayson as her father, just like Isobel would never replace Miranda. I knew nothing else of a father. With the minimal interaction we had, I longed for that father role. I think that was why I felt bad for him.
"I'll talk to her." I said to him, walking by and chasing after Elena. She was headed for the door, but I stopped her before she could leave.
"Get out of my way Alex." She ordered but I didn't move. "Move Alex."
"And let you go and get yourself killed?" I asked. "I know that you want to help… but you storming in there would do more harm than good."
"So, what?" Elena asked, judging me with those brown eyes. "You're siding with John now?"
"I'm on the side that keeps you safe." I told her honestly. Elena scoffed.
"How can you side with him?" Elena asked. "After everything he's done."
"We all make mistakes-"
"He tried to kill Damon and Stefan!" Elena reminded me. "And on top of that he abandoned you and your mother… How can you forgive him?"
I felt my jaw clench and my hands ball into fists. I knew what Elena was saying and I knew that she was upset. But walking into the battle zone would only cause more problems. She wasn't a fighter, not physically anyway. She would do better here.
"The same way I forgave you." I countered. Elena said nothing, instead she looked away from me ashamed. I gripped her upper arms, squeezing them. Her gaze flickered back to me and I smiled.
"John is an ass." I admitted. "But he's here to help… And Caroline… I know you're worried… but Damon and Stefan will handle it. They always do."
"But what if they get hurt?" She asked. I shook my head.
"They won't." I replied. "They will be fine."
Elena swallowed hard, saying nothing for a very long time. She finally sighed and nodded, relaxing a bit. She looked up at me and I gave her a reassuring smile, one that she did not return. This was for the best. I didn't want to be in the way, and I knew that if I was here I was safe and Damon wouldn't have to worry.
"Are you sure you don't want to leave?" Elena asked, eyes gazing over my shoulder. I furrowed my brows in confusion. She pointed toward the door and I slowly turned around.
Standing in the doorway was no one other than Jace. I felt my stomach lurch and my heart sink at the sight of him. He stared at me, green eyes holding so much shame and sadness. But I felt no remorse. I felt only anger and betrayal.
"What is he doing here?" Elena asked. I didn't reply as Jace walked over to us. He didn't say anything, shoving his hands into his pockets. I racked my brain for anything that I could say, but the words never came.
"Hey…" He said lamely. Elena was feeding off of my mood, choosing not to be friendly to him even though she had no idea why. "Listen… we need to talk."
"About what?" I finally found my voice. "About how you betrayed me… or about how you were shaking up with Katherine?"
"I'm sorry." Jace said once again. "But this is important."
"I've got nothing to say to you." I said, moving away from him. So many emotions were running through my head. I couldn't even name them all.
"Alex…" I heard Jace say, but I ignored him. "Talk to me or I shove this stake through her heart."
I froze, whipping around quickly. Jace had a hold of Elena and I guessed that he had a weapon pointed at her back. She looked at me wide eyed and I felt that tug inside of me to get her out of harm's way. I nodded and Jace let her go. I grabbed Elena's arm and pulled her to me.
"Let's go." I said, leading the two of them outside.
Once we were out of hearing range for anyone who might interfere, Jace went into his story. Katherine found him in an abusive foster home, and she got him out. She used him, making him fall for her with her compulsion and making him do her bidding. She told him that he was supposed to watch me, integrate into my life and get my trust. He didn't know why, but because she had compelled him he didn't ask questions. Until she was in the tomb.
"You went to see her?" Elena asked. He nodded. "Why?"
"You weren't the only one in need of answers." Jace replied. "I knew about the curse… that we would need Elena to lift it."
"And you still went along with it?" I asked. Jace sighed.
"I told you… I didn't know what I was doing." Jace said. "But then I talked to Katherine… she said that Elena isn't the only Gilbert that Klaus wants."
I felt my stomach drop. She had said nothing about needing me, at least not to Elena. Why would he need me to break the curse?
"And you think she's telling the truth?" Elena questioned. Jace shrugged.
"I don't know." Jace said. "But if she is… then it's not just you that needs protection."
So many things were running through my mind. What on Earth would Klaus need me for? I was just a human, something he could dispose of quickly. I wasn't special, I wasn't supernatural. I was just human.
"We need to talk to Elijah." Elena said, catching my attention. "He may have answers."
"Or he could be full of lies." I countered. Elena made a face. "How do we know that you're telling the truth?"
Jace tensed. I understood that Jace couldn't control what Katherine made him do. But there was a part of me that knew that he had true feelings for her, even if it was fear, and that he did some things willingly. Even with all of that in mind I just couldn't bring myself to trust him.
"I guess you will just have to trust me." He said. I scoffed. I was about to tell him about how trust is earned and he lost that privilege, but Elena stopped me.
"Can I talk to you?" Elena asked me. I shrugged and allowed her to pull me away. "Maybe we should let him help."
"Are you kidding?" I asked. "You were just about to write off John who is your uncle slash father. We don't even know this guy!"
"But he seems like he truly wants to help." Elena replied. "And if you are in danger… we need as many people on our side as possible."
I swallowed hard. She had a point. The more people we had fighting for us the better. Besides, Jace was my friend before. Now that he was trying to help… maybe our friendship could work again.
"Just talk to him." Elena said before she walked back into the Grill. Jace was staring at me, waiting to see what I would say. I sighed, trying to find the right words to say to him. I took a few steps forward until I was about a foot away.
"Do you have a place to stay?" I asked him with a sigh. He didn't answer right away. He stared at me for a few seconds before he shook his head. "I'll talk to Damon."
"Why?" He asked, eyebrows furrowed.
"Because, you need a place to stay and I need someone to watch you at all times." I replied. "If you want to help go ahead. But you and I… that's going to take some work."
Jace nodded and I walked past him. He stopped me before I got into the building. He was much closer than I wanted him to be but I didn't back down.
"I'm really sorry." He said. "And I'm going to do everything I can to gain your trust back."
"We'll see." I said before I walked back into the Grill.
John swallowed hard when he pulled up to the house. The blinds were open, and he could see Lauren inside the house. He hadn't spoken to her, or seen her for that matter, since their last encounter. Stupid, he was so stupid. He should have said something, or at least called her. Now he felt like a teenager, just sitting in his car outside of her house.
"Go talk to her." He said to himself. He took a deep breath and got out of the car. Slowly, he made his way to the front door, all the while staring into her blinds and watching her every movement. How could someone be so graceful and so beautiful?
He brought his hand up to the door and knocked. She jumped for a second, but came to the door without hesitation. She opened up the door, and when her eyes were set on him they widened.
"John?" She said, hastily brushing her hair from her face. "What are you doing here?"
"I was in town." He replied. "I wanted to see you."
She scoffed, crossing his arms over her chest.
"Well I haven't heard from you since our last talk." She said. "I didn't think you wanted to see me."
He set his jaw. Of course he had wanted to see her, or talk to her. But he wasn't sure if he should. He wanted her back, oh God did he want her back. But she deserved better than him… so much better. And yet, there he stood.
"I'm sorry." He said. "I should have called."
"Yes you should have." Lauren replied, then she softened. "Do you want to come in?"
A large grin appeared on his face.
"I would love to."
"You want me to what?"
Damon was not very happy when I told him my plan for Jace. I was in his bedroom, sitting on his bed cross legged while he paced the room. They had retrieved Caroline, Dr. Martin Elijah's witch, had helped them practically saving their lives.
Damon had a bullet hole in his shirt, although the wound had healed. He had taken it off, now walking around his room shirtless. To say he was distracting me would be an understatement.
"He needs a place to stay…" I said. "And this way we can keep an eye on him."
"Here's a better idea." Damon said, stopping his frantic pacing. "Let's just kill him."
"No." I replied, standing up. "He knows about the curse and he knows about Klaus. He could help us."
"Or this could be another set up." Damon said. "How do we even know he's telling the truth?"
"We don't." I replied. "But do you really want to take the chance."
Damon said nothing before he huffed. If I was involved in this curse then I needed to be cautious. Nothing that had to do with Klaus was a good thing, and I didn't want any part of this.
"I don't like him." Damon muttered. I smirked and wrapped my arms around his torso. I then placed a kiss to his bare chest and looked up into his beautiful eyes.
"You don't have to." I told him. "Just be civil."
"How can I be civil with a guy who has his eyes on my girl?" He asked. I rolled my eyes.
"It's not like that." I said. He nodded, although I didn't think he was completely convinced. I kissed his cheek before I walked out of the room, Damon following close behind. He followed me down the stairs and to the front door.
"What are you doing?" He asked me. Instead of speaking, I showed him. I opened the door to reveal Jace who had one duffle bag in his hand. The door opened and he smiled at me, but his smile faltered at Damon.
"I was hoping that you would say yes." I said innocently. Damon ignored me and just glared at Jace. Jace did the same before I beckoned him to come into the house. I closed the door behind him, quickly moving to stand in between the two boys.
"I'll show Jace to his room." I said tugging on the blonde boy's jacket. Damon didn't take his eyes off Jace, but he didn't follow. I took Jace up the stairs and down the long corridor. A room closer to Stefan's than Damon's was the one I picked. I figured that would be for the best, just in case Damon got a bad idea then Stefan wouldn't be too far.
"Here it is." I said, opening the door. Jace said nothing as he stepped through and dropped his bag. The room was simple, but it would do. A bed and a dresser with a mirror on the wall. The bare minimum, but it was better than nothing.
"This is great." Jace murmured. He turned and smiled at me, but I didn't return it. "I really appreciate this."
"Yeah… well…" I said, catching his eyes. He looked hopeful and I found myself feeling a bit sad. "Baby steps."
He nodded and I walked out of the bedroom. I didn't want to get his hopes up just yet. I was still in shock over his sudden appearance, I wasn't even sure how I felt. I made my way down the stairs, finding Damon lounging on the couch. I smiled weakly at him before I sat down on the coffee table in front of him.
"How did you know I would agree to this?" He asked me curiously. I shrugged. "That's not an answer."
"I don't know." I said. "I was just hoping I guess…"
"Or you knew that I would do anything for you." Damon suggested, leaning forward to take my hands. "Especially if it is in your best interest."
"You think so?" I asked. He nodded.
"I want to keep an eye on this kid." Damon said. "If he betrays us again…"
He left the statement hanging but I knew what he meant. I didn't protest, I didn't say anything. I just nodded, and by the look on his face he was expecting me to argue with him. I was not into the idea of killing, but I didn't want to fight. Not tonight. And for some reason, even after Jace gave me every reason not to trust him I still believed that he wanted to help us. Even with that little information, we knew that I was somehow involved with Klaus. That opened a whole new door of information for us.
"I should get home." I said. "Mom will start getting suspicious if I keep sleeping over at Elena's."
Damon nodded and stood up wordlessly. We walked to his car and he drove me home in silence. It wasn't awkward or angry silence. No, this was quiet, peaceful silence. I didn't know how tired I was until my eyelids slipped closed and I rested my head against the window. I didn't fall asleep, but just rested.
We stopped in front of my house and I opened my eyes. I turned to Damon, told him goodnight and then walked through the yard up to my house. Mom was dead asleep on the couch, so I woke her up and helped her to her bed. Once she was tucked in I went to my own room, not really that shocked by the sight of a certain vampire standing there.
"Damon?" I asked. "What are you doing?"
"I forgot something." He said, but before I could ask him what it was he was already in front of me. Our eyes locked for a second before his hand dove into my hair and his lips were on mine. I was a bit surprised at first, but soon I melted into the kiss and molded to him. While one of his hands was in my hair, the other was on my waist, pushing me closer. My own hands slid up his chest and stayed on his shoulders.
He pulled back for a second, our breathing even and heavy. I smiled once before I pulled him back to kiss me again.
Damon returned to the house, still feeling butterflies from his encounter with Alex. Kissing her was like a drug. Once he got started he couldn't stop. Oh how he wished that they were the only two people on earth. Just him and his pretty girl living alone forever and ever; that was heaven to him.
He tossed his jacket onto a chair and then honed in his hearing. He could hear light footsteps upstairs and felt his blood boil. He hadn't liked Jace from the start, but then when he found out he was working with Katherine and had used Alex, he now hated the kids guts.
Damon then walked up the stairs, stalking silently to the bedroom that Jace would now be inhabiting. He pushed the door open, causing Jace to turn around. The blonde's heartbeat picked up speed, something that amused Damon to no end.
"Damon." Jace said, nodding. Damon smirked a bit stepping into the door. "Do you need something?"
"I just want to go over house rules." Damon said, narrowing his eyes. "No parties without inviting me, no late night rendezvous with the opposite sex…."
Jace seemed to roll his eyes, but Damon didn't give him time to speak. In a second, the vampire's hand was curling around his throat and he hoisted Jace off the ground. He didn't squeeze hard enough to kill him, just to cut off enough air that it would get his attention.
"And if you ever betray us again…" Damon threatened in a low voice. "I will tear you apart. Understood?"
Jace coughed, and Damon took that as his answer. He then dropped the pathetic human to the ground, panting for air and trying to hold himself up. Damon made a disgusted noise before turning on his heel and walking out of the room.