So I am not a huge fan of my summary for this story, it was really hard for me to write a decent one for some reason, which I apologize for. Anyways, this fic will obviously be Delena, but as we get deeper into it there's going to be a lot more and I'm still not sure exactly how long it's going to be, but just be prepared for a long road ahead. These two are going to have their lives turned upside-down and it should be interesting so I hope you'll stick with me for the trip. This chapter is extremely basic and rather boring, which I apologize for. It's really just an introduction to give you guys an idea of who Damon and Elena are and what their lives are like. It's mostly just a chapter full of information you need to know for the story to make sense and to understand the characters, but the next chapter is when things will start to get more interesting I promise! This'll jump around between Damon and Elena's POV's but I always tell you before I switch. Anyways, I hope you enjoy chapter 1 PLEASE leave a review and let me know if it's even worth anything because sometimes my mind just goes crazy when I write so hopefully you guys actually like it! Also you can check out the outfits on my polyvore the username is emgaspp
"Love takes off masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." -James Baldwin
Chapter 1
DPOV
"Here's your personal items Salvatore," Jerry said in his familiar raspy voice handing me a yellow envelope from behind the desk that contained the few things I had on me when I first got here. "You be careful out there in the real world, people ain't quite as friendly."
"I'll try my best," I smirked waving goodbye as I walked out the main entrance and basked in the cool night air as a slight breeze rang through the trees. I took a deep breath smiling at the clear night sky, I've been waiting so long for this day to come, and the fact that it's finally here makes me fucking giddy.
"Holy shit it's almost too good to be true," Klaus said shaking his head in amusement when I met him outside Richmond County Jail. I've spent the last 5 months serving my sentence for minor drug deals and stupid shit, but they let me out early on good behavior and because of over-crowding. Halle-fucking-lujah. I need a shower and my comfortable bed as soon as possible.
"Good to see you man," I said shaking his hand when he pulled me in for a hug. He's such a fucking girl sometimes.
"Mystic Falls has been so fucking boring without you mate," he said as we got into his Mustang with the top down. God it feels so good to be back in the real world.
"How are the boys doing," I asked lighting up a cigarette as we made our way towards home. I couldn't wait to get back to our townhouse. A place with a kitchen I could get decent food from whenever I wanted to, a TV where I got to choose the show, my enormous king bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, and of course my own private bathroom with that amazing shower jet that I paid a fortune for. Yeah, I definitely wasn't going to miss prison.
"They're good," he said fiddling with the radio stations and pulling me from my daydream. "They wanted to throw a party tonight or do something, but I figured you'd rather have a full night of sleep in your own bed first."
"Yeah and I need to wash the stench of prison off me," I said shaking my head. "That place was hell. The fact that you actually came to visit me a few times speaks a lot of you man, and thanks for taking care of all my shit while I was away."
"Well like I said it was boring without you," he chuckled lighting up his own cigarette when we stopped at a red light. "Your father isn't exactly enjoyable company you know, you're definitely my favorite Salvatore."
"Yeah sorry you had to handle Giuseppe alone," I smirked blowing out a puff of smoke. My father is definitely not what anyone would consider enjoyable company. He's stoic and cold, and really just a major ass hole 99% of the time. If it wasn't for his money or power no one would give him the time of day.
"Well speaking of, he wants you to go by the boarding house tomorrow," he said and I groaned letting my head fall back against the seat.
"This is why I never wanted to work for him," I said bitterly.
"Look Damon it's not like you have much of a choice," he said seriously," and the guy pays better than I've ever seen so at least you'll have money, definitely more than what you got working for Vaughn. It's not like you've had good luck with jobs in the past, so unless you want to end up back in prison or in some lame ass office job you gotta put up with it. Actually, considering the fact that you just got out of jail I doubt you'd even be able to get any kind of job. Unless you become comfortable with the phrase 'Do you want fries with that?'"
"I know," I said blowing out smoke and running a hand through my disheveled hair.
"Well Rebekah got your room all ready for you," he said changing the subject, which I was grateful for. I don't need all this serious talk to damper my good mood. I'm a free man. "She washed your clothes and sheets and everything."
"How is Beks these days anyways?" I asked him grinning devilishly.
"Well she's dating your brother so don't expect her to keep you company anytime soon," he said glaring at me.
"I wasn't going to suggest that," I smirked. I wouldn't go there, she's his little sister, but it's still fun to tease him about it.
"Yeah sure you weren't," he said shaking his head in amusement. We drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence; I embraced the feeling of the cool night air running along my face as we drove through the familiar roads towards home. When Klaus pulled up in front of our town house I jumped out of the car heading inside with a smile on my face.
"Look who's home," a familiar voice called from the kitchen. I smiled when I saw Klaus' brother staining in front of the refrigerator with a beer in his hand.
"Elijah what the hell are you doing here?" I asked slapping him on the back and grinning.
"He's sleeping in the guest room for a bit," Klaus said closing the door behind him.
"Ah so Kat kicked you out huh," I asked smirking at him. They have one of the most unstable relationships I've ever seen, this was a long time coming.
"Yeah she found out about a little incident with one of the girls at the Lusty Leopard," he frowned looking down at the floor.
"Women," I rolled my eyes in amusement. "Well I gotta shower but it's nice to see you man."
I walked up the stairs entering my bedroom with a content sigh. God it's good to be home, and holy shit have I missed my room. I stripped off my old dirty clothes left over from the day I left and tossed them in the hamper before walking into my adjoining bathroom into my large glass shower. I turned the water up to the highest temperature I could handle relishing in the feeling of a good hot shower after all the shitty cold ones I've endured these past couple months. After I started to prune I got out towel drying my hair, slipping on a pair of sweat pants, and collapsing into my bed falling asleep quickly.
"My boy it's so good to see you out in the real world and in something other than that orange jumpsuit," my dad said walking up to hug me when I got to the boarding house the next day. The man has never been much of a hugger so it's surprising, to say the least.
"Good to see you too," I said forcing a smile.
"I'm glad you're here," he motioned for me to follow him and take a seat in the chair across from his desk in the study.
"So what's going on?" I asked skeptically. "Why'd you want me here so soon?"
"Well since you agreed to work for the family business I wanted to speak with you," he said handing me one of his Cuban cigars and lighting it.
"You need me to do a job today or something?" I asked taking a puff from the expensive and highly illegal cigar.
"No son not so fast," he said chuckling. "I wanted to speak with you about my new business venture. A man came to me recently, he wants to get involved in the business and help me with some money laundering. It's a big deal, we've been looking for this opportunity for quite a while."
"Alright well that's good I guess," I said slightly confused," but what does this have to do with me?"
"The man's name is John Gilbert," he said pouring himself a glass of scotch," and he's from a very respected family in Mystic Falls so I'd like to set a good impression."
"And you want to make sure I stay in line," I said rolling my eyes and finishing his sentence for him. Of course, because in his mind Damon is going to inevitably screw everything up like he always does.
"Look son I know you've had some trouble staying out of the spotlight in the past because of all the trouble you got into," he said sternly," and you caused a lot of grief for the family business. People don't like criminals who get caught. Either way you're my son, and I have too much respect for my family to let one of my sons rot away in a jail cell, but I need you to understand how important appearances are, especially in a town like this."
"Look dad I get it I'll behave myself," I rolled my eyes.
"Well there's a party for the founding families at the Lockwood mansion tonight," he said swirling the scotch around in his glass," and I'd like you to come. It would look good to have both of my sons in appearance, but I need you on your best behavior. We'll all go together so I'll need you here dressed and ready by 7. People know that you were locked up, but if you put on a suit and behave like a gentleman it'll help with impressions. I'm hoping to see a changed man Damon."
"I'll be there with bells on," I said sarcastically walking out and back into the parlor. Tonight would be hell, I knew that much for certain.
"Big brother you're home," Stefan shouted walking inside through the large archway and hugging me quickly.
"Hey it's good to see you little bro," I said studying him as I pulled away. "You look older."
"Well I haven't seen you since the last time I visited in June," he said sitting on one of the leather sofas.
"Yeah why didn't you ever come back?" I asked eyeing him suspiciously.
"Dad got mad that I even went the first time," he said pouring himself a glass of whisky.
"Dad's an ass," I said rolling my eyes," but it's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too Damon," he smiled. "You don't look as bad as I thought you would, you look good."
"I always look good Stefan," I boasted puffing my chest out for added effect and he rolled his eyes at me. I've missed my brother since I got arrested; he and I have always been close. The only other time I've ever been away from him this long was when Klaus and I lived in New York after high school. That was also the first time I royally pissed off my father, moving away from the family business and away from him. He acts like it was only because he cared about me and didn't want me to leave, but I'm not an idiot, I know he just wanted control over me and he didn't like that he lost it.
EPOV
"So Lena now that you're officially single it's time to find a hot new boy," Caroline said with an eager smile as we sat on her bed early Saturday afternoon.
"Slow down Care she's still going through her mourning period," Bonnie chastised her shaking her head with a small eye roll over Caroline's antics.
"Oh please she's not mourning over Matt," Caroline said rolling her eyes. "She's been over him for ages. It's time to find a new boy."
"I'm over Matt but I don't know about a new boy," I said warily. "I mean there's nobody at school that I like so who would I go out with? Besides, I just got out of a serious relationship and I think it'll be good for me to be single for a while."
"What about the older Lockwood brother," Caroline asked with a twinkle in her eye completely ignoring my previous statement.
"Care he's like 25," Bonnie said with a surprised gasp.
"I know but Elena's hot enough to score herself an older man and Tyler's my ex so it's not like she can go for him," Caroline shrugged sheepishly.
"Mason is also a total creep," I cringed just thinking about him. "Trust me, I have no interest in the guy."
"Don't worry Lena we'll find you a man," Caroline said with a mischievous grin on her face.
"Let's change the subject," I said not wanting to discuss my love life anymore.
"What are you guys wearing to the party tonight," Bonnie asked warmly and I sent her a grateful smile.
"I found this adorable black dress with a satin bow in the middle that I'm wearing with my grey Jeffrey Campbells," Caroline said excitedly.
"I'm just wearing a strapless lace navy dress and heels," I shrugged nonchalantly. I don't really enjoy these town events, not like I used to anyways.
"Awh you guys are probably going to look so cute I wish I could go," Bonnie frowned. "I feel like I always miss stuff."
"Well dinner with your mom is important," I said with a reassuring smile.
"Yeah you only get to see her once a month so it's worth it to miss a party," Caroline nodded squeezing her shoulder.
"I know I just wish I didn't have to miss out on the fun it bums me out," she said with a sad smile.
"Well why don't we have a sleepover next weekend?" Caroline suggested trying to lighten the mood. "We can do our usual thing. Junk food, Nicholas Sparks movies, and I'll bring my manicure kit."
"I can't next weekend I'm going out of town to visit my Gran," Bonnie said glumly. "She's not doing too well lately, we might even bring her to live here with us."
"Well then the weekend after that," I suggested smiling at her.
"Yeah maybe next weekend I'll just help Elena get laid," Caroline said grinning at me.
"Caroline I don't need to get laid thank you very much," I said rolling my eyes.
"Oh please of course you do," she said defiantly," don't lie and say that Matt left you thoroughly satisfied we need to find you someone good."
"You're disgusting," Bonnie said throwing a pillow at her.
"Seriously Care I'm not letting you find me someone to have sex with," I said narrowing my eyes at her. "I'm not into one-night-stands and I certainly don't need you setting me up with some creep."
"Okay fine," Caroline said finally backing off. She's always been the friend that's pushed me to go our of my comfort zone, and I'm grateful for it because we've had some great times, but sometimes she takes it too far. This is why I like Bonnie, she's the level-headed one that talks Caroline out of her crazy schemes. Lately I haven't really been in the mood to go out or do anything too impulsive anyways. I used to have a happy and carefree life, but then my parents car went over Wickery Bridge leaving me and my brother behind and it changed everything. My Uncle John moved in to take care of us, Jeremy started doing drugs and hanging out with a bad crowd, and I changed too. I'm not the person I was before the accident, happy carefree Elena Gilbert doesn't exist anymore, I simply have to fake a smile and pretend I'm happy, and hopefully if I'm lucky eventually I'll believe it myself.
DPOV
I let out a loud sigh as I uncomfortably adjusted my tie for the thousandth time that night. I hate these parties more than anything, and I hate that my father insists on me making an appearance. I've never been the type to go to fancy parties or make small talk, so I don't understand why the hell he'd even want me here. It's not like I'm good at this shit.
"That's John," my dad said pointing to a middle aged blonde man that just walked through the door, but I hardly noticed him, rather the gorgeous girl he walked in with. She's tall and thin with legs for miles and a face like an angel, when did Mystic Falls start housing such beautiful women?
"Who's the girl?" I asked trying to keep it casual. I couldn't help myself, I had to ask.
"That's his niece Elena and the boy is her brother Jeremy," he said taking a sip of his champagne. "Their parents were the ones that died when their car went off Wickery Bridge last spring. Terrible tragedy."
I hadn't even noticed the boy until my father said something, but he's standing on the other side of John looking miserable. I don't blame him these things suck. I focused my attention back on the girl, Elena. I don't think I've ever seen someone like her, and I can't quite peg what it is that makes her so alluring. She has these big brown doe eyes covered by thick lashes with olive skin and long brown hair to go with her long legs. I've come across my fair share of gorgeous women through the years, but this Elena is different. On the outside she looks innocent and pure, like the kind if girl you would take home to mom, but there's something more to her, some sort of fire that I can't quite describe.
"Hey Stef," I said grabbing my brother's shoulder and pulling him over towards me. "What do you know about Elena Gilbert?"
"I don't really know her much just that she's a year younger than me at school and she's a cheerleader," he said shrugging as he sipped on his soda. "Why do you ask? She's not involved with her Uncle's stuff so she won't do us any good, strikes me as a bit of a goody-two-shoes anyways."
"You're telling me that girl is a junior in high school?" I scoffed in astonishment. "Was she held back or something? She sure as hell doesn't look like jailbait to me."
"Nah but she's pretty hot I guess," he shrugged as he pulled his phone out to respond to a text message, from his girlfriend no doubt. He is so whipped.
"She's fucking perfect," I mumbled to myself following her with my eyes as she walked through the party with her brother.
"Well don't hold your breath man," Stefan said chuckling and I turned to him slightly surprised that he'd paid attention to what I had said. "That girl wouldn't even look at you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked him slightly irritated.
"Just that she's into the whole all-American football Leave it to Beaver types," he said rolling his eyes. "She'd never even give someone like us the time of day. I'm pretty sure she's dating the quarterback anyways. It's all very John Hughes if you ask me, but either way I can pretty much guarantee that you aren't her type. Besides, she's like 5 years younger than you."
"It's moments like these I miss living in New York," I muttered bitterly going back to the bar for another bourbon. These parties are all the same, and I know it's important for my father to keep up appearances and act like a committed and genuine town member, but I wish I didn't have to be apart of it. This is my problem with the family business, it's all very formal and well thought out, and I don't like things to be so meticulous.
"Hey Salvatore I heard you were out," Mason Lockwood said walking towards me.
"Ah Lockwood you still living here?" I asked confused. "I thought you and your girl were going out to California when all that shit went down. Something changed?"
"Yeah well she turned out to be a bitch," he said sipping his scotch.
"Well that's women for you," I smirked internally rolling his eyes because I could've told him that from the start. His girlfriend did sleep with me on multiple occasions after all.
"Actually I'm wondering if you're still in contact with any of Vaughn's guys?" he lowered his voice as he spoke and I had to resist the urge to scoff at him. "I'm kind of hoping to get back in."
"They're all dead or in jail I don't work for him anymore," I shrugged.
"So what are you doing to keep up the cash flow?" he asked curiously.
"I've got a generous trust fund," I said nonchalantly not wanting to give him too much information, and technically it's not a lie I do have a pretty decent sized trust fund. Although, truthfully I've never really trusted Mason Lockwood, he's just a rich boy who takes part in criminal activities for the thrill of doing something rebellious, but he wasn't afraid to use mommy and daddy's connections when we got busted the last time. I'm no fink so I didn't give him up and nothing ever happened with him when the cops busted Vaughn's operation, but I have a feeling something illegal was done in his favor because of his family.
"Well if you hear of something give me a call," he said before walking away. "I'll see you later Salvatore."
I definitely won't be giving him a call anytime soon, but I nodded and plastered on my signature smirk anyways. I was opposed to Mason working for Vaughn from the start, I mean he's the mayors oldest son for god's sake. I told Vaughn and all the other guys it was a bad idea, but they didn't listen because he opened up so many new groups of people to sell to. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if he was behind the cops infiltrating Vaughn's business in the first place.
"Damon," my father said walking towards me with John Gilbert and another business colleague. "I want to introduce you to John and Luca. You haven't officially met them yet."
"Yeah it's nice to meet both of you," I said shaking both of their hands. John strikes me as a pretty normal guy, but Luca is a little intimidating, and that's saying something because I am not easily intimidated. He has a long scar down the side of his face and he looks like he could kill me with just a look. He must be the muscle of the operation. That's a given, and he doesn't exactly blend in with a family crowd like this.
"Well I should go mingle but I'll see you tomorrow Damon," John said politely. "It was nice to meet you."
"You too," I said with a fake smile as I watched him and Luca walk away.
"Who's this Luca guy?" I asked my father confused.
"He's an ex navy seal that works for me when I need him," my father said lowering his voice. "His current job is keeping an eye on John to make sure he's legit. We don't want him going to the police or anything. "
"I didn't know you had henchman," I said sarcastically, but he didn't laugh.
"A man's got to protect himself these days," he said in a serious tone. "You really can't trust a damn soul."
EPOV
I absolutely hate these parties. I have to put on a dress with uncomfortable heels and make mindless chit chat with less than entertaining company. I like hanging out with my friends, just not at events like this. It's not really my style.
"Yeah I heard about that," I mumbled only half paying attention to whatever moronic gossip Caroline was going on about as we stood in a corner during the party. I love Caroline to death, but sometimes she really doesn't know when to shutup. I looked around the party, noticing nothing but familiar faces, and my Uncle in the corner chatting with Giuseppe Salvatore and a really scary looking black man with a scar going down the side of his face. Why would he be talking to them? It's no secret that the Salvatore's are into some bad stuff, and the last thing my Uncle needs to do is get involved with them. I watched as he started walking with those men towards another man standing alone drinking a glass of some kind of amber liquid, and I had to resist a gasp. He's probably the most attractive man I've ever come across. He has dark raven-black hair and the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen. It seems almost impossible for someone to be that perfect looking, but there's something more to him. He looks sad, almost empty as if he's endured something terrible.
"Whatcha looking at?" Caroline asked pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Oh nothing," I said turning to face her. "I just lost my train of thought sorry."
"I see what you're thinking about," she said with a mysterious smirk."The blue-eyed beauty chatting it up with your Uncle John."
"I'm just wondering why John's talking to those guys," I mumbled crossing my arms over my chest.
"Yeah those Salvatore's are pretty sketchy," she said frowning," but Damon is totally hot."
"Damon?" I repeated the name slightly confused. "Is that supposed to mean something?"
"Yeah Damon Salvatore," she said as if it were obvious. "You don't know about him?"
"No I've never heard of him," I shrugged still confused.
"Last spring he got arrested with this big gang that had been involved in a ton of illegal activities," she said dramatically. "My mom was the one that led the investigation. He's been in jail, but I guess he's out now."
"Well I was a little preoccupied last spring," I said referring to my parent's death.
"Right," she mumbled awkwardly. "Well it's not a big deal, we don't know him anyways. All I know is that he's into some bad stuff and he's really easy on the eyes."
"Well he's a Salvatore so I'm not surprised," I said biting my lip. "What could my uncle possibly need with them?"
"Maybe it has something to do with his work or he's just being polite," she said shrugging. "I don't know, it doesn't really matter does it?"
"No I guess not," I relented watching my Uncle walk towards Dr. Fell and away from the Salvatore's. Later on when we were in the car driving home I wanted to ask, but my Uncle and I aren't exactly close so I feel too uncomfortable talking to him when it's really none of my business. To be honest I don't even think he would tell me. He'd probably just give me a vague answer and shove me off anyways.
I excused myself to my bedroom the second we to home to change out of my binding party clothes and into a comfortable set of pajama shorts and a tank top. When I finally flicked the light out and drifted off to sleep I dreamed about the man from the party. Damon Salvatore.
So that was chapter 1, I really really hope you guys liked it please leave reviews and let me know! So Damon and Elena have noticed each other, but haven't officially met. Don't worry that'll come in the next chapter. So obviously this is different from the show because John is Elena's guardian instead of Jenna, and I love Jenna so much don't get me wrong, but I need John's character for the sake of the story and it wouldn't make sense for Jenna to get involved with criminals. Things concerning Damon's fathers business and John's involvement will be revealed slowly throughout the story, but a lot of it is a bit of a mystery right now. Let me know in your reviews what you think is going to go down, and if you'd like to leave a suggestion please feel free I am not opposed to it at all and sometimes I use them so don't be shy! Thanks for reading so far!