Dormiveglia: def. the space that stretches between sleeping and waking

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Chapter 17: Well, That Was Unexpected.

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Stefan gazes after Elena like a wounded puppy, still hurt and shocked, and I can't help but wonder what the hell the doppelgänger had said to make him look like that.

I slowly place my hand on his shoulder, making him shake out of his stupor, instead just looking like he's in pain.

"You okay, Stef?" I ask, trying to sound gentle, but the loud music makes it nearly impossible.

Graceful, Lessy.

He brushes me off, instead turning to Damon, and I pull my hand away from his shoulder, a bit bristled but not necessarily hurt.

Okay, I think to myself, clearly too soon.

Damon is about to start in on his 'Damon-the-Dick' role, and I tune their thinly-veiled jabs to each other out as I look over at Elena with the rest of the war council. Caroline is looking thoroughly done with whatever the fuming doppelgänger is spewing, looking around the room for an escape, finding one in Matt, and promptly exiting the scene.

Bons, on the other hand, looks bored.

She's paying attention to what Doppelena is saying, but not really registering it, and it shows in the glazed over look her olive eyes take. Elena doesn't notice though, still prattling on, and I take a moment to notice that Stefan's strong hands tighten into fists at whatever he's hearing her say.

Man, the gossip is JUICY, and I'm the only one left out!

How frustrating. Oh wait— I could just listen to whatever insults the brothers are bouncing off of each other. Without looking at them, I tune in to the Salvatore salt contest.

"Well, Elena's keeping you on a pretty tight leash. 'No talking to Alessia when I'm not there!'" Damon snarls, his tone positive and scathing, with a side of mockery.

The gossip mill is churning hard tonight.

"Elena is young. She's going to be prone to jealousy. If only Katherine had the same problem, then maybe you would understand. Oh, wait," is Stefan's snarky retort, and I can see Damon in my peripheral shaking off the jab.

I turn to face them, taking my name as an entrance into the conversation with a raised brow, "What's this about 'no talking to Alessia?' I might go have a word with Elena on why that's not optional."

I have no desire to keep the doppelgänger safe for the long term, but Klaus is gonna need some clone to drain like a Capri-Sun, so, until that happens, I'll help the cause.

Stefan's pretty green eyes widen, and he shakes his head worriedly.

"No offense, Alessia, but you saying it is just gonna make it worse."

Rude.

Damon sees my brow furrow at Stefan's wording— as if her being mad at him was my fault— and, surprisingly comes to his brother's rescue.

Wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me to his side, Damon smirks down at me playfully, "Aw, it's not personal, Aly Cat. Remember what you said about Elena's maturity? Besides, Stefan's forgotten to mention that we actually need your help for the time being, so Elena can keep her panties in a twist for all we care."

True.

"What do you mean by 'what she said about my maturity?'" I hear a voice ask over my shoulder, and I sigh audibly.

Of course Damon wasn't actually being nice.

He just wanted to stir the pot.

Dickhead.

Turning, I get to see my least favorite Mystic Falls resident glaring up at me with narrowed doe eyes. So, what do I do in the face of this obvious accusation? What I always do. Get bored.

"You're immature. It's not a bad thing, you're a teenager, but it's something that needed to be acknowledged by all supernatural parties so we can properly make sure you don't die," I groan out, already done with the conversation as it's started, and maybe just done with the evening, in general.

If I had known that coming as Damon's date meant sticking by his side— and, therefore Stelena's— till we found the stalker, without being able to really talk to Bons and Care in between, I would've brought a magazine or something. Or homework. Really, anything is more appealing than this.

Doppelena is fuming in front of me, brown eyes hard.

"I'm not immature, Alessia. I just lost my parents. I'm trying to take care of Jeremy, and trying to move on with my life."

"I'm aware," I retort with a roll of my eyes, and I feel my heartbeat jump as Damon squeezes my waist, but I ignore it out of pride, "Too bad that doesn't have shit to do with what I said."

"Oh," she replies with an angry smile, like the cat who caught the canary, "Yes. Let's all bow down to the mighty Alessia, the girl who's better than everybody else."

"Well, I didn't say that— you did,"

Smirking, I glance up at his pretty blue eyes that are shining mischievously down at me.

"I know right? I'm not nearly as mean as I could be, but, meh, c'est la vie, or whatever."

With a sigh, Damon nods, before turning to Elena with a slightly annoyed look on his face, "Aly is here to help protect you as a favor to me. Restrain those judge-y little eyes until you can protect yourself from a supernatural threat, or you get a boyfriend who isn't on the bunny diet."

Well, that's surprising.

Blinking owlishly, I'm honestly stunned that he came to my defense there. Didn't expect Damon to, but hey, that might mean he actually genuinely enjoys being around me. So sweet.

"You should dance with me," he suddenly says, and I shake my head at his antics, trying not to laugh at Elena's flabbergasted face.

"Is that how you southern boys were taught to ask a girl to dance?" I sassily reply, and I see a glimmer of something flash in those ice blue eyes, before a winning smirk appears on his chiseled jaw.

Damon's hand moves down from my waist to grab my hand, bowing in a ridiculously old-fashioned way that makes me smile, and I curtsy in return with a giggle. The moment he's stood back up fully, the elder Salvatore is pulling me out to the dance floor through the crowds. Turning back, I wave nonchalantly at Elena's angry expression, before turning to smile at Stefan, but I pause when I see the look on his eyes.

He looks stunned. Not in a bad way, but enough to snap him out of whatever funk he was in prior. Green eyes are piercing, and I feel like he's burrowing for some kind of answer.

I can't help but wonder what the question was.

*

I was learning a lot of new things tonight. The really cool thing about going to these decade dances with a vampire, was that he was there when the decade happened, and honestly I was so curious what it was like. Of course, I wasn't dumb. I would've never wanted to live through the 1900s as a feminist black woman, but that didn't mean that I wasn't curious about a first hand account.

"So, you were friends with James Dean?" I ask, not really in disbelief, but it was pretty surreal to think about.

"Totally," he replies cockily, shaking his hips along to the music, "Really fun guy, just wanted to party. Oh, but to clear up the debate, the guy was gay. He was just born at the wrong time to be a famous gay. Would've loved the 2000s, and probably the eighties, too."

Still dancing, I do a quick twirl as he lifts our linked hands.

"He sounds fun! Wish I could've met him!" I yell over the music. Damon smiles fondly at me, and I smile back. Honestly, I hadn't had this much fun at a dance in forever and was feeling pretty giddy as the song ends.

'Sleep Walk' by Santo and Johnny starts up, and the lights all dim to soft purples and blues. Damon pulls me closer, and I sigh a bit when my hands trace his shoulders and link around his neck. His large hands find purchase on my hips, being a perfect gentleman, and I lean against his chest.

"You know," he mutters into my ear, and I shiver, "this is the second time we've danced like this, Aly Cat. You're sending awfully mixed messages."

Pulling back slightly, I look him in the eye, my expression as honest as I can possibly make it.

"Then I'll make it clear. We aren't doing anything. This is harmless flirting, and I don't wanna mess around and get my heart ripped out. When you get your lover out of the tomb and ride off into the sunset, you'll forget all about the pretty Bennett in Mystic Falls."

I'm getting too good at lying to people. It's starting to leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

His ice blue eyes are boring into mine with renewed fervor, his expression still unreadable as we continue to sway. Damon smirks, but doesn't say anything else, maybe in acknowledgement that I'm right. And as the song finishes, he lets me go.

A head of long black hair catches my eye, and I pat Damon on the shoulder to brush off the awkward tension. "See ya later, cupcake. I got something I need to take care of real quick."

Damon looks like he's about to say something, his dark brows furrowed in confusion, but I quickly brush past him and make my way over to Anna. It's easier said then done however, and the crowd is slowing me down significantly.

"Hey there, Anna Banana," I call out, and I can hear her sigh over the music, so it must've been pretty loud.

Turning as I finally get past the crowd and over to the drink table, the pretty vamp glares at me, soft brown eyes narrowing.

"What do you want, Bennett? I got your message loud and clear."

Walking closer, I reach behind her to get some spiked punch, taking a sip before turning my attention back to her.

"Yeah, I know. I'm over here for something else entirely."

Her thin brow arches, and she asks, "Well, what is it you want from me, then?"

Smiling, I take another sip of the strong punch, seriously whoever poured the vodka was a little heavy-handed. "This is about whichever one of your lackeys is fucking with Elena. Get him under control before he gets staked."

With a last meaningful look at the small vampiress, I turn to find wherever my war council has gone.

I really hope they haven't left yet.

*

Being unsuccessful in my endeavor to find my besties, I finally pop a squat at one of the tables. I unfortunately didn't own flats or saddle shoes, so I was out here in stilettos and boy did it make my thighs work. And this is coming from someone who works out on a persistent basis.

I feel a large hand touch my shoulder, and I look up to see my favorite meatball, Tyler Lockwood, smiling brightly down on me.

Smiling back, I gesture for him to take the seat next to me, which he does happily. He'd been doing much better altogether without Vicki here, and I was once again very glad that I had just shipped her off instead of killing her. Tyler's mind was at peace just knowing that Vicki was getting help, and I couldn't help but wonder if baby Gilbert was, too.

"Hey there, Lessia. Long time, no see! Where's my favorite girl been?" He asks, pretty dark eyes flashing mischievously.

I roll my eyes, trying to fight the smile on my face, "Trust me, if I told you, you'd throw me in a looney bin. But in less silly news, me and Bons left Grams' house."

Tyler's handsome face gets serious, "Everything's okay, right? Like, I remember you telling me about her drinking problem.. I mean, I know I'm not good at this kinda emotional stuff, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

My heart. It MELTS.

I wrap my arm around his muscular torso, giving him a tight side hug. Really, if anyone in this town has changed for the better due to having my influence, it's him. Sure, he's totally still a tool to a lot of people, but he's a lot more caring towards his friends. I lean my head against his letterman jacket-clad shoulder, and smile as he rubs my shoulder comfortingly.

It's just nice to be reminded every once in a while that I'm doing this for a reason.

"What's actually going on with you, Alessia? You haven't been this tense since our middle school play," Ty asks softly, and for a brief moment, I kinda wish I could tell someone about everything.

The memories, the supernatural, everything that I was working to prevent. But, that would put other people in significant danger, and would also only serve as to put a giant target on my back for every baddie heading toward this town.

I needed to buck up, because the start of all this is nothing compared to what's coming, and I need to be smarter than any piece on the board to come out of this with my squad alive.

"Don't worry, TyTy," I reply with a sigh, "I've got everything under control."

———

I spy Elena talking on her phone in the middle of the dance floor, looking around in a very manic manner, and I can't help but wonder why no one asks if she's alright. Instead, the brunette doppelgänger runs out of the door.

Guess Anna couldn't rein him in.

Standing up, I smile at Tyler, who I had been sitting in a comfortable silence with for a few minutes.

"I'll be back in a sec, I left something in my locker that I need to take back to Care's."

He nods, giving me a mock salute, and I turn away to head towards the cafeteria. Elena would only be running for her life for a couple minutes, so I had time to head over there.

The quiet, dark hallways are ominous enough, and I can see how this all sent Elena into a panic. If I was human with nothing to really protect myself, I'd panic, too. Opening the doors to the cafeteria, I smile a bit in relief that no one is here yet. I pop a squat on one of the lunch tables, pulling out my phone to see if anyone's messaged me in the last hour.

Oh, two messages.

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From: Anna Banana

Msg: tried my best. He's all yours

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From: Care Bear

Msg: Hey me and B left. See you at home! I want all the deets l8r

—

Welp, guess that all puts me in the clear. I hear the rush of footsteps heading my way, and cross my legs as they approach. I had to absolutely nail this dramatic entrance, and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be in my top five of my life.

Elena crashes through the door, Stalker hot on her heels, and her doe eyes widen cartoonishly as they take in the sight of me. I see relief first, then fear.

"Alessia! Get away, he's-!!"

I cut her off with a wave my hand and he falls to the floor clutching his head. It wasn't hard to make his blood vessels in his head pop repeatedly at this point. He groans in agony on the floor as Elena jumps back from his collapsed form. Her eyes are wide, and kinda scared when she looks at me, and I honestly can't tell who the fear for at the moment.

Then, the brothers Salvatore burst in the room like superheroes, quickly assessing the scene. Stefan rushes over to Elena's side, looking her over for bumps and bruises. The elder Salvatore whistles lowly, walking over to the stalker before kicking him hard in the stomach.

"Very good, Aly Cat," Damon calls back as he breaks a mop in half, stabbing the makeshift stake through his stomach, "You never cease to be useful."

What a compliment.

I release said vamp from the migraine, and he groans loudly as he sits up on his knees.

Ugh, he smells like a sewer rat.

The broody Salvatore finally releases Doppelena, instead turning his bright, angry, emerald gaze to the offending vamp. He walks up to the rat and twists the stick in his stomach hard.

Ooooo, that's hot.

I pause that train of thought immediately.

No, Alessia. Violent tendencies are not attractive. Violent tendencies are not attractive.

The elder Salvatore takes a seat next to me on the table, apparently letting Stefan head the interrogation.

"You feel like talking now?" He asks him in a hard voice, and the creep scoffs in return.

"Screw you."

Stefan sighs, his eyes cold and harsh, before he steps back and kicks the stake further into his gut, causing him to cry out.

"Wrong answer."

Oh, come on. You know that's hot.

It's problematic and probably a symptom of trauma— but it's hot.

"Why are you doing this?" Stefan continues, bending down to meet the creep's eye level. I should be concerned that violence is apparently a turn on for me, but oh well.

"Because it's fun."

Cue another twist of wood, and I see Damon smirk in my peripheral. I don't know what it's for precisely, but I'd like to think it's some pride at how brutal his younger brother is being.

Elena, on the other hand, is clearly a bit disturbed at seeing her boytoy in his element, but doesn't say anything.

Stefan snarls, and I can see him getting visibly annoyed with the twit.

"What do you want with Elena?" He growls out, and I fight the shivers rolling down my spine at his threatening tone.

I need a therapist. THER-A-PY.

"She looks like Katherine," the vampire replies coolly.

The tension in the room grows significantly at the mention of the much more wily doppelgänger, and I audibly groan.

"Just how many guys did Katherine have a thing with?"

Damon snaps his head towards me, glaring at my blunt question— but, I continue to explain myself anyway, "What? The way you guys told the story, it was just you two. I'm the confused one here."

Rolling his ice blue eyes, Damon looks like he's about to snark at me, but the douchebag beats him to the punch.

"Oh," the vampire huffs, "you thought you were the only ones. You don't even remember me."

What a blow to the ego.

Also, no offense KitKat— but, if I had both the Salvatores, I'd keep my standards higher than this tool. Like, shouldn't your harem just build in attractiveness at that point? You know what, normal people don't think stuff like this.

Damon is finally interested in what's going on, and he quickly acts on his gut hunch.

"Tell us how to get in the tomb, hm?"

Did I never tell him that I had the grimoire?

Another twist of flesh confirms my worries as the dude shouts out, "The grimoire!"

"Where is it?" Damon asks, but I stop this gravy train before it goes off the tracks.

"WAIT!" I yell, waving my hands urgently to get their attention. All eyes turn to me, some suspicion in them. "D, I already have the grimoire. No side adventures necessary."

Damon raises a suspicious brow at me, and I glare back at him.

"Don't you look at me like that, Salvatore," my cheeks puff in annoyance, "I just forgot to bring it up, but, it's Emily's. I have it."

He pierces me with his stare for a few moments, probably listening to see if I'm lying, before turning back to the vamp. I can see his brain turning, trying to decide whether I'm trustworthy enough to just take at my word.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Anna's dark head poking through the slim door window.

Come on, D. I haven't let you down yet.

A smirk appears on his handsome face, and he bends down to the douchebag's eye level beside Stefan.

Ugh, of course.

"Well, I guess you're unnecessary, then."

There's a harsh wet crunch as Damon stabs the other half of the mop through the vampire's chest cavity, and Elena gasps audibly as his corpse hits the linoleum. I can't find it in me to be too grossed out. Not when Damon has shown that he actually trusts me to help him.

In fact, I'm feeling pretty warm and tingly.

Stefan rolls his pretty green eyes at Damon's antics, and I can see the doppelgänger is quickly spiraling into a panic.

"W-What do we— How are you gonna find who he was working with now?!" She stutters out in her descent to madness.

Damon looks unamused as he crosses his arms in his leather jacket, "He had to die. Also, he was annoying."

Elena blinks at him, horrified. I hop off the table, walking over to stand next to Damon and watch the doppelgänger's meltdown— but quickly get bored with it.

She mewls, "B-but.."

I cut her off, not really in the mood for theatrics when my feet are screaming to get out of these shoes.

"Elena. You let the douche into your house. Think."

She glares at me as she tries to control her breathing, and I roll my eyes.

Dumb ass is gonna get herself killed if she ignores everything I say just because she doesn't like me.

We all stand together in silence for a few moments, letting Elena digest that someone just died— when we hear a sudden noise from outside. Glancing up, I see the familiar face of Alaric Saltzman eerily glide past the small window in the door. Unsurprising.

Damon immediately tenses up, and Stefan nods at him to go and wipe the memory of the very vervained teacher. He vanishes with his vamp speed, and I sigh.

I need to go to bed.

I'm going to have blisters tomorrow.

———

Elena went to go grab her purse from the dance drop-off, and it left me and the Salvatore brothers alone in the hallway.

Damon leaned up against the wall before musing out loud, "There's no way that idiot was working alone."

Stefan glances up, and I can't tell exactly what he's thinking. Probably about how he's going to stab his brother in the back.

Alessia does not approve of that message.

"So, the grimoire," The younger Salvatore starts, thick brows furrowed, "That's what you need to reverse the spell?"

I glance up at them both, paying attention to their expressions. Damon's eyes have grown colder, but he still smiles impishly at his brother as Stefan walks closer.

"When the founding families burned her, they took her things, and you were hoping that Dad's journal would tell you where it is," Stefan infers correctly.

Man, the witch-hunts were a bad time to be alive.

"Look at you, putting the pieces together," Damon mocks, "Good for you. But, lucky for me, my favorite witch already has it. So, you can kick rocks, Stefan."

The blue eyed vampire pauses briefly, putting a finger up to his lips in mock-thought, "Unless you're trying to get in our way. In that case, let the games begin."

Stefan's eyes look almost earnest as he replies, "My offer still stands."

What a talented liar.

"Yeah, with some hidden caveats, no doubt," Damon bites back, clearly still unhappy with Stefan trying to starve him to death last week.

I don't blame him, I'd be pretty pissed with Bons over it, too.

"No," Stefan placates, and I have to admire his lying skills. I don't know how he's good at lying to his brother, but so bad at lying to Klaus later on. Oh, well.

Stefan continues to gaze at Damon, eyes unmoving, "Nothing hidden about it. No lies. No deception. I'm there when you open that tomb, you and Katherine go, and the other twenty-six vampires die."

Damon's got his game face on, clearly looking for Stefan to slip up and reveal his intentions, "If I agree?"

"I'll help you."

The elder Salvatore's eyes grow hard, and it's kinda hard to watch two brothers who want to hate each other so badly. It was kinda sad.

"Why should I trust you?"

"Because I'm your brother."

Oh, come on, Stefan, I think as I roll my eyes, You both know that won't do.

"No— that's not gonna cut it," Damon states the obvious.

Finally, Stefan's eyes look completely genuine as he says, "Because, I want you gone."

This gives Damon pause, making him look over Stefan for a few moments before glancing at me. I look back, hopefully communicating with my eyes that I have no idea whether this is a good deal or not. Turning back to Stefan, Damon takes a deep inhale, clearly pushing aside some valid trust issues in his desperation to get to Katherine.

"Okay."

And that word hurts me, because I know just how badly it might backfire.

This shit is way more of a tire fire in person.

———