A/N: I had this whole imaginary love situation going on in my head with a crush, but ironically, all those hopes and dreams got crushed when I learned he has a girlfriend. It could have been an epically cute love story. Also, my new hobby is doing calculus in the library commons and looking at everyone's expressions as they stare at my whiteboard. As always, enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I only own Lacey.

A Few Good Men/There Goes the Neighborhood

The morning we're set to leave for Philadelphia, I am a zombie.

Damon came over to see me the night before to say goodbye since he can't be seen by my mom. We stayed up all night talking and watching all three Back to the Future movies on the tiny screen of my phone. He said he'll get me a DeLorean for my birthday, so I cross out asking him for a $50,000 check from my mental notes to self list. Score!

I trudge downstairs to the kitchen in search of coffee. Finding a freshly brewed pot right next to a box labeled "coffee machine," I pick up the carafe and start to pour some.

"Ah! Whoops!" I exclaim right before any coffee can spill. "I need a mug. That was close… heh." I rummage around the cupboards and find the only mug left unpacked is my signature mega mug. Mom knows me so well.

Now with coffee in hand, I flump onto the floor next to the door to wait for my mom. Everything's packed up already, and I always travel in pajamas, so I'm already set to go.

I look down at my current pair – Minnie Mouse print with matching ballet slippers. Yup, I'll be unstoppable today. Today's your day to achieve great things, Lacey!

Five and a half hours later and half the day already over, my eyes fly open as I'm rudely awakened by my mom shaking my shoulder, announcing we've arrived at our new apartment.

"We're on the 12th floor. It's the top, so we'll get a great view!" She chatters on excitedly.

"Mmnngh," I mumble as I rub my eyes and slip my glasses on, stepping out of the car. I squint up at the building and then spin around to get a view of the block, eyes widening.

The apartments are on a corner right in the center of the city, surrounded by buildings of the same height. Across the street is a fancy-looking building with white columns. Craning my neck, I read the sign: "The Ritz-Carlton."

Just past that at the end of the street is City Hall, the spire topped with a statue of… uh, one of those founding father dudes?

Thomas Jefferson? Alexander Hamilton? King George III?

"It's William Penn, sweetie," Mom says, noticing me staring.

"Who?"

She hands me a brochure. "I don't know, I just read this thing."

I scan over the paper. I guess it makes sense. William Penn-sylvania.

"Come on." Mom starts grabbing what we brought in the car. "Let's go see the new place."

I pile up the boxes in my hands, trying to get them all in one trip. When it becomes clear that's not going to work, I take three and follow on the heels of my mom.

The bottom floor of the apartment building is an upscale dining establishment, fancier than anywhere I've ever been. They don't have places like those in Mystic Falls.

While my mom talks to the front desk and gets our keys, I look around the lobby, wrinkling my nose. For somewhere dead set in the historic district, it's mighty modern. Too modern for my tastes.

The elevator ride to the 12th floor is filled with Mom's excited rambling about the new hospital she's going to be working at. I lean my back against the doors and smile ruefully, happy to know she'll be happy here; she just won't miss me.

When the doors open, I take a step back and crash into someone behind me, dropping the box filled with my stuffed animals, making them promptly scatter all over the floor.

"Sorry about that, love."

I whirl around smiling at the sound of the accent. "'Ello mate, would you like a spot of tea?"

My mom smacks the back of my head. "I apologize for her. She wasn't dropped on her head enough as a child, didn't get any sense knocked into her."

"Hey! I resent that statement," I say, putting down the other boxes and going to collect all my stuffed animals.

"Mhm," she hums distractedly. "You're taking too long. I'll be in the apartment. It's 1223!" She calls, already walking excitedly away.

I continue to collect the stuffed animals, doing a headcount when I've picked them all up. "24, 25… Where's Snuflehauser?"

"You mean this?" The British guy I bumped into is standing there with a dimpled smile, holding up a stuffed moose.

"Yup," I drawl. "That would be the one. Gimme." He holds it up out of my reach and I fix him with one of my terror-inducing death stares. "I will murder you and everyone you love," I threaten.

He chuckles lowly, stepping forward. "That's my line, and I've killed for less. I'd be careful what you say."

My frown deepens as I step forward too. "I'm not scared of you."

Perhaps not the best move considering the man just confessed to being a murderer, but I'm known to have problems thinking things through.

"You should be." Veins appear around his eyes.

Wow, I really can't escape the vampires, can I? I wonder if Damon will come to avenge my imminent death.

"My sugar pie honey bunch has killed many people and I haven't blinked an eye."

"Why aren't you screaming?"

He seems annoyed that I find him about as scary as a pregnant starfish, especially since he's still holding a stuffed anteater. I decide to indulge him.

"Aaah. The scary vamp is terrifying me. I'm so scared, oh no. Somebody help."

"Your… other half. He's a vampire, then?"

"Well yes, that is what it would seem, isn't it?"

"I'm sorry, love, I didn't catch your name."

"I didn't throw it."

The dashing fellow starts chuckling and shaking his head. Figures. They never find me intimidating until it's too late.

"I'm Nik."

"Okay, Nik. I'm still waiting for Snuflehauser," I say, pointedly looking at his hand.

He hands me the stuffed animal and picks up the rest of the boxes. "Allow me to help."

"Well, to each their own." I take off down the hall, not waiting for him but of course he catches up easily. Stupid vampire speed.

"You're not going to tell me your name?"

"Bella."

He gives me a disapproving look. "I suppose your last name is Swan, too?"

"Mhmm." Opening the door to the new apartment, I'm taken aback by the spiral staircase at the end of the room. It's enclosed in glass and spirals up through a floor-to-ceiling bay window.

"Can I come in and put the boxes down?" Nik asks.

Distracted as I tread over to the staircase, I nod. "Yeah. Put them on the-"

I whirl around, running back to the door as I realize I just invited him in. I plant my feet in the corner of the doorway and grasp onto both sides, forming a human 'X,' but to no avail. "Just don't hurt my mom," I sigh as I'm pushed out of the way.

"Wasn't planning on it… Lacey."

Oh, grrrr. I just want to slap that smug smile off his face. "How?"

Nik points to a box next to the ones he just placed on the floor. 'Lacey's things,' it reads. "Where is this boyfriend of yours?"

"How can I trust you not to hurt my mom?" I counter, faking bravado.

"I'm a trustworthy man."

Hmmm. Well alright then. "Okay," I shrug. Not like I could do anything to stop him anyway. "Damon's in Mystic Falls. That's where I'm from. He's coming in a couple of days to compel my mom to let me go back."

His back straightens at the mention of Mystic Falls, looking keenly interested. "That's not a place I hear much of these days. I used to live there, once upon a time."

I give him a double thumbs-up. "Neat-o. Lots of interesting stuff going on there right now. Do not recommend."

"I'll keep that in mind," he says, nodding. "I'm trying to keep a low profile. Lots of enemies and such."

Now it's my turn to nod, though I do so considerably more enthusiastically than him. "I totally get that. My nemesis-slash-revenge list is super long. All well-deserved. Luckily, Damon's been slowly but surely taking them all out one by one."

His head tilts, one eyebrow raising. "You're an odd little human, aren't you?"

"I simply care a lot about honesty and honor and fairness and trust," I count out the four on my fingers. "So don't break it or I will end you with no scruples."

Silence. Then Nik chuckles again, bringing a hand up to cover his mouth as he looks at me glaring at him. "I'm sorry, it's just," he laughs. "You sound exactly like my brother. Just less able to take seriously. What could you possibly know about honor or trust?"

This guy. "Look, Nickle Knickers," I snap. "Just because I'm young doesn't mean I don't know things. I know lots of things."

He makes an expectant gesture. "Go on."

"Well… see the thing is. It's simple. There's that ham code or something that says, 'An eye for an eye.' If someone annoys me, they can expect to get annoyed ten times more back."

"Hammurabi's code," he muses. "I think you changed it a bit there, love. I like your version better, I have to say."

"Why exactly are you here?" I ask.

"You invited me in," he smirks.

"I meant the… the city."

"I'm in the city for business, which I am actually late for now. Thank you. If you ever need anything, my apartment is next door."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it, but enjoy your business!" I call after him down the hallway. "Take lots of pictures! Get me a souvenir!"

He doesn't respond.

Hehehe. Damon's gonna be so mad when he finds out I already ran into another vampire.

"Lacey," Mom calls from up in the loft. "Unpack your clothes and get changed. We'll go get something for dinner and explore the city!"

I purse my lips, grabbing a few of my boxes of clothes and trudging up the stairs.

I don't really want to unpack everything only to have to pack it all up again in… a day and a half now. I figure I'll just shove the boxes in the closet for now and wear whatever's on top, which ends up being a ratty Star Wars t-shirt, neon yellow sweatpants, and mismatched socks. Perfect for a night out on the town.

I pull out my phone, smiling at the millions of status update texts and random silly messages from Jeremy.

I look at the "I love you" and "I miss you" messages I sent earlier that continue to go unanswered from Damon and sigh, trying not to worry. But for the rest of the evening, I wonder what's going on at home.

XX

"You ever been in love, Liz?" Damon asks while taking a sip of bourbon at his usual bar seat. He didn't plan on spending the entire day at the bar drinking, but what else was he supposed to do? For once, he actually got himself drunk.

"Excuse me?"

"Have you ever been so bent on someone you don't know what to do with yourself without them?"

Liz just came over to ask her newest friend to participate in the bachelor auction, but now she worries she may not have a contender.

"You forget I was married," she jokes.

"Right. Gay husband." Damon calls attention to the bartender and waves for him to get Liz a drink.

She sits down beside him, deciding to broach her request carefully in case he ends up being taken after all. "There's a fundraiser here tonight that the Founder's Council is throwing." She glances sideways at him. "The town's most eligible bachelors get raffled off for dates, and, well, we're short a bachelor."

Damon smirks, amused. "In another world, Liz, I would be clamoring at the opportunity to have a room full of women clamoring over me, but I'm a happily taken man."

Liz sighs, throwing back her glass. "Carol Lockwood won't let me live it down for coming up empty-handed. Who's the lucky girl?"

"Lacey."

"Lacey as in the one that just moved away?"

"Oh, she's coming back."

"Really?" Liz asks, surprised. "Meiling was pretty adamant about getting a new start, which is to be expected considering…" She looks around quickly as she lowers her voice. "Considering the way her husband died. You're a hero to this town, Damon. I know most people don't know it, but you are."

"Mmm. She'll be staying with… the Gilbert's. Didn't want to leave Jeremy," Damon quickly comes up with the lie. "You know how close they are."

Liz laughs, shaking her head. "Those two have been thick as thieves since they were 5-year-olds. I shouldn't have been so surprised."

With a sigh, she gets up about to leave. "You wouldn't happen to know any handsome bachelors I can recruit, would you?"

"I'm afraid not. But one more thing before you continue your search." Damon waves Liz closer, leaning in slightly. "Alaric Saltzman, the history teacher. Can you get information on him for me? There's just something a little off about him, and I just wanna make sure that the high school did their homework on this guy."

"You got it," she says before leaving.

Damon, however, stays at the bar, even as it starts filling up with cougars on the prowl for men half their age. He scans the room, eyes finding Alaric standing next to Jenna and studying the man closely as he uses his vampire hearing to eavesdrop.

"Hey, look, um, I'm, uh, sorry about earlier. It was just kind of a… a shock," Alaric stutters out.

Understanding crosses Damon's face. He heard about Elena being his ex-wife's daughter – the ex-wife that he turned. Stefan's not nearly as covert as he thinks he is; it was only too easy to tail him on his secret meetups with Alaric.

When to divulge this information, though, remains a move Damon wants to keep under wraps.

He's undecided on if he cares enough about Elena to hurt her delicate feelings, one more reason why he loves Lacey. She doesn't get offended by death. He could kill anyone, excepting a few, and she would laugh.

Then again, she's always laughing. He needs that kind of positive force in his life, craves it.

"No, I'm sorry for dropping it on you," Jenna replies sympathetically. "But I felt like you should know."

"No, I get it."

"At some point, maybe you and Elena could talk," she suggests. "I'm sure she'd like to hear about Isobel, what she was like."

Alaric looks unsettled. "I don't think that's a good idea… At least, not yet."

It's at this point that Damon tunes out; nothing that could possibly interest him is being said.

He feels for his phone in his pocket, cursing when he realizes he left it at the boarding house. As he starts walking to the exit, he runs into Liz, back from running the background check.

"That was fast," Damon comments.

"It's been 3 hours, Damon," she says with disapproval. "But he checks out. Couple of speeding tickets. It's a rough story, though. Turns out his wife went missing a few years back in North Carolina."

It's nothing Damon didn't already know.

Before he goes back to the boarding house, though, he decides to just go for it and drop the bomb on Alaric. Right before he goes on stage for the auction seems like the perfect time.

He walks up to him with a pat on the back. "Your wife was Isobel, right?"

Alaric fixes his gaze on Damon.

"I had a drink with her once. She was a great girl. I ever tell you that?" Damon asks, smirking at Alaric's face falling into a glower. "Cause she was delicious. Mmm!"

Alaric takes a step closer to him, looking ready to kill, but is interrupted by Carol Lockwood calling, "Number 4, 'Alaric Saltzman.'"

Damon raises a hand, wiggling his fingers. "Oh no, looks like I've got to run. Go get 'em." He turns around, walking right into Elena and letting out a groan. "I should have known."

"You-You killed her?" Elena stutters out, aghast.

He grabs her arm, dragging her outside with Stefan following. "I did kill her." He holds up a finger as Elena opens her mouth to berate him. "But I also brought her back, so it doesn't count."

Elena's brows come down, confused until Stefan's next statement clarifies the words.

"You turned her?" Stefan demands. "Why?"

"Beats me. I felt like being generous and she was desperate."

Elena and Stefan have matching dismayed looks on their face, making Damon roll his eyes.

"Look, judgey 1 and 2, if that's all you've got to say, I'll be leaving."

He takes a sarcastic bow, swiftly disappearing into the night. All he wants is to call his girl. One more day until he never has to let her go again.

XX

"I'm so glad we found that donut shop. I know it's a big new city, but we're already making it home, aren't we?"

I give my mom my signature brain-busting nod, happy on a sugar high from the two chocolate glazed, rainbow sprinkle donuts I had. "Yup. Those were the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot," I say patting my stomach.

I'm glad I at least get to make the most of the couple of days I have here. It's actually really beautiful, and if Jeremy and Damon could come, I wouldn't mind staying. But I wouldn't ask that of them.

Both of their siblings are back in the Falls of the Mystic variety. I'm not entirely sure what it's like to have a sibling, but if it feels anything like how I would feel leaving Jeremy, I would have to be the world's biggest meanie to make them leave.

I skip ahead of my mom, opening the building's door for her with a flourish and a beaming smile that she returns.

We make it up and out of the elevator and are walking down the hall when Nik comes barreling out of the apartment next to ours, holding two suitcases in each hand. He stops when he sees me.

"Ya going somewhere there, buddy?" I ask, looking at the suitcases.

"Oh, no," Mom chimes in, consolingly. "You were so happy earlier talking about your new friend. Is this him?" She looks him up and down.

I elbow her in the side, making her glare at me.

"I'm sorry, Nik," I apologize. "She's starting to lose her mind. And at the old age of… uhm," I study her, squinting until she raises her eyebrows, waiting for my next words. "25."

Her eyebrows shoot up, unprepared for my answer.

"Yep. She had me when she was… 9… and a half." That makes sense." I nod to myself, happy with my improving lying skills.

Nik, who has just been looking between the two of us this entire time, shakes his head, smiling despite the panic in his eyes.

I gesture for her to go inside so that Nik can speak freely, and she nods understandingly before she retreats into the apartment, mumbling some excuse about a pigeon she saw on the window from outside.

So that's where I get my lying skills from.

I look up at Nik, questions in my eyes.

"One of those many enemies I told you about has found me," he explains. "I've been informed he's on his way here, ETA tomorrow morning, so I'm leaving before then."

"Heh," I chuckle. "Hehehe, you have fun with that." I dig around in my purse for a pen and scratch sheet of paper. "Here's my future address. Send me souvenirs from your super-secret hideouts."

I hold the paper out to him, and he smirks as he takes it, tucking it into one of the suitcases. "No concern for my life or general wellbeing, darling?"

I shrug. "You seem like you've been around for a while, got a good head on your shoulders. I'm sure you'll be fine." I gently punch his shoulder. "Plus, apparently you know whenever an enemy is coming and run away. I'd be more worried if you were a fighter."

At this, his expression darkens. "I'm not running away," he protests. "This is more complicated than you would understand."

And another shrug of my shoulders. "Okay. Good luck."

I'm told it's not proper convention to be too nosy when you've just met someone, so I usually save the inquisition for the day after I've met them. Unfortunately, it seems like we won't get to reach that point.

Nik puts down the suitcases in one of his hands, giving my head a pat. "You're a refreshing little thing, love. We'll meet again."

Then, he's gone. Whoosh. Gone like the wind. No, gone with the wind. Heh. I'm too funny. I really should consider a career in comedy.

I walk back into the apartment, finding my mom passed out on the couch in front of the TV. It must be the sugar crash. I pour myself some apple juice, taking a sip before I can reach the same demise.

I pull out my phone to check my messages again, smiling when I see Damon has finally answered me back. But he can wait, Jeremy gets priority since he hasn't been ignoring me all day.

After a few minutes spent describing the city and sending pictures of me on the carousel in Franklin Square, I wish Jeremy a good night and navigate back to Damon's messages. The first one was from an hour ago.

I miss you more. And love you more. Forgot my phone at home. Been day drunk.

Then one more from just a few minutes ago. Call me.

Smiling, I press the call button as I walk upstairs to my bathroom.

"Hey beautiful," Damon's voice answers.

"Hey handsome," I respond. "You've gotta wait. I'm about to shower."

"Really?"

"I didn't want to wait any longer to hear your voice."

"It is delightful, isn't it," he replies arrogantly, but I can hear the smile in his voice.

"Mhmm, hearing your voice automatically makes my day two hundred times better," I continue. "I'm showering now, but I'll leave you on the line!"

I take my time in the shower, knowing it'll annoy Damon. Showers are sacred, though. They're prime performance venues for practicing my one-woman production of "The Phantom of the Opera."

I'm sure he's enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the grandeur of the one and only Lacey Galileo before she makes it big and the whole world adores her.

Oh no, I'm talking in the third person again. Dammit. I thought I conditioned myself to stop doing that. Time to break out the strawberry candies again.

When I get out and finish drying off, Damon is still on the line but is suspiciously silent. "Hello?"

No response.

"WHAT UP, BREAD LOAF?"

I hear Damon chortle before he answers. "I'm sorry, did you say something, lovelace? I couldn't hear because your 'opera' singing has made me go deaf."

"Wow, rude," I roll my eyes even though he can't see them. "I'm super talented. The world just has a different definition."

I close the door to my bedroom and flop down on my bed, listening to Damon tell me all about what's been going on today. For once, I wince when he tells me he killed someone. Despite his occasional tactlessness, Alaric was a good guy. I liked him.

Not to mention, he was also… Elena's, uhm. Biological stepdad? No, that doesn't make sense. Try again, Lacey. Her… her… anyway, he was technically some sort of father figure to Elena.

I decide to let two of Elena's judgey stares slide for that one.

"My day was interesting," I begin. "I briefly had a new neighbor that was a vampire. We got along swimmingly from the moment I threatened death on him."

"You what?!" Damon shouts as I hear a rustling sound in the background. "Lacey, new rule. Anyone who you don't know, assume they are dangerous. I'm coming to get you."

"No, wait!" I yelp. "He's not dangerous. He was nice, even said he was from Mystic Falls, but a long, long, long time ago." I put the phone on speaker and hold my arms up in the air, drawing circles with my hands. "Besides, he left already."

"He was moving out the day you moved in?" Damon sounds suspicious. "You don't have that kind of luck."

"No, he's on the run so he moves around a lot," I explain. "Nothing to worry about here. I'm enjoying my last days living with my mom before it's all sunshine and rainbows for us."

I figure changing the subject is the best way to calm him down, and it works. We talk late into the night about my moving in.

He wants to stock the kitchen with anything I could ever want, and I'm certainly not going to complain. He also has a bedroom all set up for me, though I know he'll probably be spending most nights beside me anyway.

XX

The next morning, I'm awoken by knocking on the front door. Confused, I flounder my way out of bed, shoving my glasses on my face and pushing them up to rub my eyes.

Mom has orientation at the hospital today, so it can't be her.

My eyes narrow to a squint. Whoever dares wake me at 7 am better hope they've got running shoes on because I'm going after them.

I fling open the door with an annoyed look on my face, but it softens at the sight of the vampire on the welcome mat. "E-Elijah?"

He looks positively confounded, staring at me with a bewildered expression.

What could Elijah be doing here of all places? Wait- Nik said an enemy of his was arriving in the morning.

There's no way. No. Way.

"You're Nik's enemy?" I ask as I burst out into laughter. "This is too good. The dots are connecting. Dot-dot-dot." I poke my finger at the air with each "dot."

His lips quirk up as I continue to ramble on.

"Well, you just missed him," I say, pulling myself together. "He hurried out of here last night… I guess you could say he…" I start chuckling again. "I guess you could say he got out just in the Nik of time."

Elijah joins in on my laughter this time, shaking his head. "I may have just missed, uh, Nik, but…" He pauses for a moment. "I have missed you more."

I blink up at him, face blank and uncomprehending.

He clears his throat. "Where is your friend?"

My friend? My friend... It's too early for me to be thinking.

"The dark-haired gentleman you were with last time we met," he clarifies when I don't respond.

"Oh, Damon."

Damon! My mind screams at me for forgetting about him for a second. Then again, I've forgotten even my own name at this ridiculous hour. What is it again? Lacey! Plus, I've been blindsided by… Wait- What was the question? Damon.

"He's, uhm, well," I blush as Elijah studies my face, frowning softly.

"The nature of your relationship has changed," he says.

It's a statement, not a question. Wow, he's super observant. How would he even know? How can he even tell? Why can't I speak this morning? Oh- right. It's the morning. That explains it.

"Come in!" I blurt out, gesturing into the room as I turn around and head to the kitchen to make some strong tea. "But take your shoes off."

Maybe it's not a good idea for me to just keep inviting in every vampire that shows up on the doorstep, but Elijah saved Damon's life last time I saw him. He's one of the goodies.

I hear the door close as I dig around in the boxes labeled "Kitchen" for the kettle.

"Where are you? Whereeee are ya?" I mutter as the third box ends up not having it either. "Kettle come out, come out wherever you are."

Elijah's voice clears, prompting me to look over at him. "Are you looking for this?" He points to the counter where the kettle is sitting beside the coffee machine.

I click my tongue and snap my fingers. "I knew that."

While the water boils, I look around the cabinets for tea bags, feeling Elijah's eyes on me as my frustration grows. When I realize that we haven't gone grocery shopping yet, I let out a sigh and pour myself a mug of hot water.

"Can I offer you a cup of hot water?" I ask as I blow on mine to cool it down a bit. I learned my lesson, not gonna make the same mistake I did last time I was with him.

"That's alright," he responds. "May I ask how well you were acquainted with Nik?"

"Oh, not at all," I respond with a wave of my hand. "We just moved here yesterday and then last night he left." I wiggle my eyebrows up and down. "But I do leave quite the impression on people, eh?"

Elijah chuckles. "Yes, you do."

It's in this moment while we are silent, staring at each other, that the fact he saved Damon's life truly sets in and gives me the strongest urge to hug him. So, of course, because I am me, I just go for it.

I set my mug down, throwing my arms out and jumping up to throw my arms around his neck. He stumbles back a step in surprise before his arms come up to hold my waist.

"Thank you for saving Damon last time," I gush. "And you were so cool while doing it. The coolest. I mean that was just…" I release my arms and take a step back. "You're number one on my cool list for sure."

He throws his head back in laughter. "I'm honored. I was afraid I would have scared you."

I shake my head and shrug. "Nope, I'm weird. I'm not bothered so much by death."

Picking up my mug again, I pout looking at the water. Maybe I should grocery shop for my mom before I leave.

"Spend the day with me," Elijah offers, studying my face. "I'll buy you breakfast… and lunch and dinner."

I bite my lip, thinking. Damon probably wouldn't be happy with this considering his jealousy of Elijah was one of the major reasons he decided to confess his feelings to me.

Then again, Elijah's just being friendly, and I am desperate for tea.

"Sure!" I respond, beaming. "Let me just, uhm, get changed." I motion to my pajamas.

He returns my grin. "Oh, but last time you weren't the least bothered in your strawberry pajamas."

I place my hand over my heart, dropping my jaw. "Are you teasing me, Elijah?"

His eyes sparkle with amusement, catching me off-guard for a moment. I didn't get to see this side of him in Georgia.

Shaking my head clear, I take off up the stairs to get changed. It takes me a few minutes to decide what to wear, but I go with jeans, a flowery blouse, and a Beatles sweatshirt, which reminds me of Stefan and our impromptu musical number all that time ago. I wonder how he's doing, the judgey fool.

"I'm coming!" I call out as I clamber down the stairs. In my haste, though, my toe catches on a speck of dust and I go sailing through the air, screeching and squeezing my eyes shut.

I land in a pair of strong arms, looking up at Elijah trying to hide a smile.

"Whew, that's the second time you've caught me," I chuckle, pushing a strand of hair behind my ears in slight embarrassment. "The dust has it out against me. I should warn you; it may declare war on you too now."

"I think I can handle it," he says. "It won't be able to… thwart you anymore."

I laugh, heading over to the door and staring undecidedly at my shoes. I decide to put on one pink Converse and one yellow Converse since I can't choose which pair to wear.

We head out of the apartment building on foot, him leading me since I'm still not all that familiar with the city.

He ends up bringing me to a quaint coffee shop across from the Liberty Bell, leading me to a secluded table by the window while he goes to order.

I stare out the window at the people rushing past on their way to work. It's my last day, and though I haven't even spent a lot of time here, I'll miss it.

Elijah comes back holding an Earl Grey tea for me and a black coffee for himself. He also puts down a mini strawberry shortcake in front of me.

I look up at him excitedly. "These are my favorite! How did you know?"

He looks pleased with himself. "I had a feeling."

We sit in comfortable silence, me munching happily on my cake and bopping my head to the peppy jazz playing over the radio while he sips on his coffee.

"So, Damon…" he begins. "Is the young man you were with in Georgia."

"Mhm," I hum, swallowing the bite of the muffin I was chewing. "Him and Elena. She was asleep most of the time, though."

I take a sip of tea before looking down and playing with my fingers. "My dad had just died. A… vampire attack actually. Damon got me out of town to take my mind off things."

Elijah leans forward, putting a hand over mine to still them. "I'm truly sorry."

"Damon killed the vampire that did it, so…" I shrug. "I may not care much about death, but nobody messes with my family." My lips purse. "Though my family is only my mom now and I'm leaving her here, so I'm not being a very good daughter."

"You aren't staying here?"

"No, I'm going back to Mystic Falls."

Elijah starts at the mention of the town, eyes going wide.

"Yup," I remark, patting my shoulder since I can't reach my back. "That's about the same reaction Nik had when I mentioned it. I'm guessing that's where the rivalry started?"

His eyes tighten, lips narrowing into a straight line. "I suppose you could say that." He looks me in the eyes. "But it's what he stole from me after that spurred my desire for revenge."

I nod understandingly. "Well, I said this to Nik, but I get it. I have a revenge book, so I'm well-versed in the art of vengeance. There is honor in it."

Elijah stares at me with an intense gaze for quite a few moments. Unable to take the emotion any longer, I chuckle nervously.

"What?"

"It's nothing." He looks out the window. "I just share the exact same sentiment."

"Well," I beam at him when he returns his gaze to me. "There is that saying. Great minds think alike."

I get out of my seat, punching him on the shoulder playfully. "Wanna show me everywhere you love in the city before I leave tonight?"

He nods, eyes gleaming as he leads me out the door.

XX

Elijah ends up taking me to all the tourist destinations, as well as quite a few lesser-known places, like the Rose Garden, which ended up being the one I loved the most.

He looked around, studying the roses before covertly plucking a lavender one right off a bush and dethorning it, licking the blood from his instantly healed fingers before tucking it behind my ear.

As promised, he bought me ice cream for lunch at my insistence of it being one of the main food groups. How he successfully guessed my favorite flavor was strawberry, I'll never know.

Now, we stroll back to the apartment, both of us eating cheeseburgers.

"I'm going to miss this city," I sigh. "I almost don't want to go back."

Elijah looks over at me. "You don't have to."

"I know, but Damon is there. And Jeremy. He's-"

"Your friend. You mentioned him in passing in Georgia."

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise that he would remember something so trivial. "Yeah, he's my best friend. Basically my brother. I just…" I trail off, unsure exactly what to say.

"I understand," Elijah touches my arm in sympathy. "The bond of siblings is powerful. You have that with him, even though he isn't blood."

I smile softly up at him. "Yeah, I guess I do."

A dark figure is waiting in front of the apartment building, scowling with his arms crossed. He pushes off as we approach, walking towards me.

"Damon!" I exclaim. "You're early."

He narrows his eyes, pulling my arm away from Elijah's touch. "It's 9:30," he clips out. "You're late."

I frown. I was supposed to meet him outside the apartment at 8, but it can't be that late already.

I pull my phone out to check the time, seeing a bunch of missed messages from him.

9:38

Oh. "I'm sorry," I murmur quietly, contrite.

I glance at Elijah, feeling him study me. He frowns and looks at Damon displeased.

"It's my fault. I was showing her around the city," he explains. "Don't be short with her."

Damon scoffs, throwing an arm around my shoulders and holding me to him. "I'm not being short with her. I'm being short with the mysterious guy who has now shown up randomly with my girl in two states."

"Damon," I chide, softly smacking the hand resting on my shoulder. "He showed up to save you in one of those states. Be nice."

His jaw tightens before he sighs, releasing me and holding out his hand to Elijah. "Damon," he introduces.

"Elijah," Elijah replies. "I apologize for making Lacey late. I would be happy to help her pack."

"That's not necessary," Damon starts. He grunts when my elbow lands in his gut. "But we would appreciate it."

We all turn to walk into the building, Damon flicking my ear as he walks in front of me, making me jerk my head back and right into Elijah's shoulder.

"I'm sorry," I apologize.

"It's no matter," Elijah reassures, then smirks, eyes focusing on the back of Damon's head. "You can rest your head on my shoulder whenever you wish."

My jaw drops as Damon whirls around, lip curled. He pushes me behind him, stalking up to Elijah, who holds his hands up in defense.

"It was a joke," he assures. "I respect Lacey's affinity for you."

My eyes are wide. What is even going on? My brain refuses to entertain any thoughts. It's gone blank.

Damon sneers at Elijah. "You don't seem the type to joke a lot. Might wanna work on them."

He grabs my hand, pulling me into the elevator with him. Elijah trails behind us, lips locked shut.

The elevator ride is silent, Damon standing between Elijah and me with his jaw clenched and his hand tight around mine.

I lean forward, looking around him at Elijah, who turns to meet my gaze. He gives me a quick smile before turning back to stare at the doors.

I gently stroke Damon's arm, resting my head against his shoulder in reassurance. Elijah may be super handsome and sweet, but I'm his.

When we enter the apartment, my voice quietly inviting Damon in, my mom stands up from the couch, blinking in surprise to find me with him and another unknown man. Her expression darkens as it settles on Damon's hand in my own.

"Let go of my daughter," she rebukes. "And get out of this apartment."

Damon lets go of my hand but steps farther into the apartment, approaching my mom.

I put my head in my hands, trying to tune out the insults she's hurling at him as I lean against the wall. I see Elijah disappearing upstairs out of the corner of my eye.

I lift my head up when my mom stops yelling and I hear Damon softly murmuring to her. She's staring blankly into his eyes, nodding before she smiles and walks toward me.

"Have fun in Mystic Falls!" She wishes happily. "You can come to visit any time." She gives me a hug as I give my affirmation before retreating up the stairs.

I try to stomp down the guilt rising in my stomach by reassuring myself that she'll be happy here and that I'll visit lots, but nonetheless it's still hard to say goodbye.

"Hey," Damon saunters over. "She'll be happy." He stares into my eyes intently. "I made sure to cover all bases."

I wrap my arms around his torso, nodding into his chest. "Thank you. It's just I'll miss her."

He wraps his arms around me, resting a cheek on my head. "I understand."

My attention turns to the door as I hear boxes being set down beside it. Elijah is standing there, an elbow resting on top of the stack and a regretful smile resting on his face. "I've brought everything down from your room."

"Thank you," I say as Damon simply ignores his existence.

They split the boxes, each not letting me carry anything to the truck Damon rented. Men.

I face Elijah as Damon starts the engine. "I had fun today! I appreciate you showing me everything."

"I keep an apartment here, actually," he comments. "We may run into each other again."

Grinning up at him, I hold my hand up for a high-five, which he gives me as he returns my grin.

"See ya later, alligator."

He wishes me a safe journey and then slowly walks down the sidewalk. I watch until he turns the corner.

There's a tingling in the back of my brain that means a thought is trying to work its way through, but it seems I've still lost all ability to think when it's concerning Elijah's behavior, so I brush it off.

Shrugging, I climb into the passenger seat and face Damon, who is scrutinizing me. He reaches a hand out to rest on my jaw, leaning forward to crush my lips with his.

The kiss is desperate and hungry, and I moan as his tongue grazes across my lower lip.

When he pulls back, I'm dizzy and seeing stars, realizing I forgot to breathe. My vision slowly clears to reveal a smug-looking Damon.

"You're mine," he states simply.

"I'm yours," I echo mindlessly, still unable to think due to the lack of oxygen.

Damon pulls onto the road with one hand still resting on my thigh. While he drives, he fills me in on everything I've missed back at home.

"Apparently, all the tomb vampires are out," he begins. "Pearl has them all in a house in the woods."

"Oh, well that's… that's…" I pause for a moment, not comprehending what he's saying. "Wait… all 27 of them?"

"Mhmm," he replies. "Pearl came to the boarding house this morning and gouged my eyes out to make me play her little council mole. She wants to reclaim the city or something."

It's a miracle I haven't swallowed a fly yet with how often my jaw drops. I put the seat belt behind my back, leaning over to rest my head on Damon's lap and looking up at his face.

"Your eyes look better now," I observe, reaching up to touch brush the skin around his eyes.

"I drank about ten blood bags." He looks down, stroking my hair. He pulls the rose from behind my ear and holds it up. "You seem like you had a good day though."

"I did," I reply, ignoring the slight bitterness to his words. "Elijah showed me a lot of pretty places."

"I'm sure he did."

"Damon, he was just being nice. He was joking earlier; he wouldn't think of me like that." Damon opens his mouth to argue, but I cut him off. "And even if he did, I'm with you. I love you."

He sighs, throwing the rose out the window. "I'm not going to share you with anyone, Lacey. I already did that with Katherine."

"I'm not like her."

"I know," he whispers, lacing his hand with mine and bringing it to his lips. "You aren't like anyone else."

A/N2: Thanks to everyone who favorited/followed/reviewed! I LOVE YOU ALLLL.