Elena's head is light and floating. Spending an evening with the girls is exactly what she needed. They moved to the bar earlier, they started off with shots of Patrón and now Detective Salvatore causes nothing but a wave of laughter every time one of them mentions him or his finely sculpted ass. However, she's not drunk enough to really forget the havoc that man's causing in her life.

Things have been so calm last five years... She can't bring herself to feel guilty for having those thoughts. Before he disappeared, her life was full of turmoil. There wasn't any rhyme or reason to his behavior. It was like living in a war zone, she was constantly on edge, never knowing when he would show up, stark terror when he did and then short peaceful respites till it started all over again. She could never truly let her guard down until...

Just stop thinking about the traitor.

"Elena! Come on, have another will you? I'd serve you one but I have a freeee evening!" Caroline's clearly had more than she should have too.

"Nope, she's not having another one," Kai's voice interrupts their pleasant conversation.

"What? Why?" Caroline whines causing him to roll his eyes.

"Because, my shift's been over for a few hours and I promised to get her home safely. She needs some rest and to sleep this off in case that cop comes up with some new and exciting ways to harass her in the morning.

"I can take her. You just... shooo...," Rebekah dismisses him and stops paying attention, finishing off what's left in her margarita. Kai's not one to fall at her feet and do as he's told though.

"Oh no, you aren't taking her anywhere. You're wasted too. None of us wants her dead. And honestly Rebekah, no one wants you dead either, that's why I called Nick to come to get you two."

The girls protest but of course he's unaffected by it. It doesn't take long before he sees Nick coming through the door.

"Come on, girls, time to go." Kai teases and waves bye to the girls and their driver and being the gentleman that he is offers Elena his arm to latch on to.

"You okay?" He drops his eyes to meet hers as soon as they're in the elevator.

"I guess," she sighs and it's like someone flicked a switch to turn her sober. "You don't need to worry, I will be fine."

He doesn't try to interrupt her thoughts and backs off a little, he's well aware she doesn't want to be baby-sat.

She first enters her office and stops short when Enzo materializes out of nowhere, appearing right in front of her.

"Where have you been?"

"What you mean? I was at the bar. And what are you still doing here?" Elena's losing her patience.

"Yeah, sorry, I just expected you to be back sooner. Elijah called. He said that Salvatore showed up at his place, said he wanted to talk."

"What?" both Elena and Kai rap out at the same time.

"Yes, he called the office, he couldn't reach you directly since you left your phone here. He wanted me to tell you about Salvatore and that he's on the way to Grand Sierra.

Elena flinches at the information. Does he want to drive Katherine away for good this time? That's what older brothers do right?

"I tried calling Kol first but he already left for the evening. He told me to call you, Kai because he knew you were planning to take Elena home. You of course didn't answer your phone."

Kai curses and his look is murderous. "Is it even possible to breathe in this town without Detective Salvatore getting in the way?"

Elena frowns but her face is rather stoic. "Okay guys. Enzo, did Elijah want me to call?"

Enzo shakes his head 'no'. "He said he'd talk to you in the morning, 'hopefully with more information'."

Elena nods. "So there's nothing we can do right now. Kai, can we go?"

"Sure," he shares a look with Enzo and turns to leave.

Elena takes her things from her office and follows him. "Bye Enz, thanks for the message. And go home, it's late!"

Enzo gives her a small smile watching her astutely until she disappears in the elevator.

Half an hour later Kai stops in front of Elena's house. "You coming?" Elena asks reluctantly. It's been years since she felt this way but with everything happening she feels edgy almost like she'll be spending the night in a haunted house. Although it's not the house, it's her, haunted by the shadows of the past.

"Not today," he shakes his head. "I have some..."

"It's alright," Elena stops him. "I monopolize most of your time anyway." She gets out and waves at him. "Thanks! And good night." Kai looks like he might reconsider but she really doesn't want to upset his plans so she quickly goes inside and shuts the door behind her.

Damon takes a deep breath before pushing the door bell. Of course Elijah's house would be almost as opulent as his parent's mansion. He caught him by surprise when his nemesis gave him his home address, he can't quite picture the guy ever relaxing, he's never seen him in anything but a suit.

Another surprise comes when the sleek man opens the door himself. Does he live alone?

"Come in," he invites him politely. Damon doesn't buy a polite Mikaelson.

He leads him to what Damon supposes is his study and motions for him to sit. Without question he pours two glasses of a fine bourbon. After he savors the first sip he sits on the opposite couch. "How can I help you, Detective Salvatore?"

"Look, I'm no fool... I'm well aware we can hardly engage in chit chat and I'll get to my point here in a minute. But before I explain, I have to ask, it's been gnawing at me since his body turned up. Why don't you encourage Elena to be more cooperative, we're not monsters and I have a feeling you know that? It's our job find his killer and to use all means and tools at our disposal to do just that. If a key witness is clearly withholding what could be crucial information, in this case, the victim's sister, we can't just ignore it and go look somewhere else."

Elijah looks at him for a few moments. "I understand that but you must know there might be circumstances that keep my client from telling you everything that she may or may not know."

"Then I can't help her," Damon sighs.

"Am I reading you right, Mr. Salvatore, that you want to help her now? You've been like a dog after a bone for months. Now suddenly you believe in her innocence? Is that what you're saying?"

"I do," Damon swallows but keeps Elijah's searching gaze.

"What is it that you want? Why did you come here today?" Elijah changes the topic after a few minutes of silence.

"I need to know where Katherine Pierce is staying. If she hasn't left already that is?"

Elijah picks up at the slight trace of uncertainty and thinks there may be more to Detective Salvatore than he expected.

"Miss Pierce is staying in Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. She plans to stay there till the end of the week. She doesn't want to give up but..."

Damon nods, finishes his bourbon and gets up. "Thank you, Mr. Mikaelson, I appreciate it." When he reaches the door, he's just about to touch the knob but Elijah's voice stops him in his tracks.

"Mr. Salvatore! Did you happen to notice the date that Elena's parents changed their wills?"

"I did, but I..." Damon can't get rid of the feeling that Elijah's actually telling him something important.

"If I were in your place, I might have a look at that," the lawyer interrupts him. "And btw, don't get used to escapades like what you pulled today. I'm sure Chief Jordan will be none too happy about it..."

Damon fights bursting into hysterical laughter. Did he just pat and smash him on the head at the same time? He gives Elijah a polite nod and runs down the stairs back to his car.

This is going to be a long night.

A half hour and change later Damon arrives at the Grand Sierra Resort still not sure if he's doing the right thing or not. He turns into the hotel's underground parking facility. It's big, Damon parks a good distance away from the entrance, D level, row F. After turning off the ignition, he drops his forehead against the steering wheel and sits in silence for several minutes before taking a deep breath. He gets out and starts walking towards the elevator, his pulse is pounding at his temples and his breaths come in rapid, shallow spurts. Much sooner than he'd like, considering he still hasn't a clue as to why he's here or what he's going to say to her, he steps inside and pushes the button for the main floor.

When the doors slide open, he walks out and looks from right to left to survey the place. When he sees the reception desk, he tentatively walks over to it.

"Excuse me," he addresses the woman but a quiet melodic voice interrupts before the woman can answer him.

"I'm here, Damon..."

In slow motion, he turns to her, studying her face for a few minutes. She waits while he scrutinizes her, not showing any impatience or nervousness. As a matter of fact, she's as still as a statue.

"Hey...," he adds as an afterthought, "Kat... Katherine."

She gives him a small smile and nods, there's sadness but also warmth and excitement in her searching gaze. "Can we... Can we go upstairs? I have a feeling the bar is not the right place for this conversation."

"Right," Damon agrees and when she moves he follows her without another question.

Her room is simple and looks occupied, she added a few personal things to give it her own touch, perhaps she's feeling more at home here.

"Anything to drink?"

"No," Damon shakes his head, although he could use one. "As much as I would like a fifth of bourbon, I still have to drive home. Maybe a Coke?"

Katherine nods and walks over to the room's fridge. She pulls out one for him and one for herself and gestures for him to have a seat. She can't help but notice sweat glistening on his furrowed brow and how his hands are clasped tightly on his lap. He's constantly fiddling with his knuckles, weaving his fingers in and out of each other. Still she moves over to join him, well aware that this is her only chance.

This is it...

"Before we start anything, I want you to know... I'm glad you're here, Damon. You have no idea what this means to me," she gestures with her finger from him to her.

Damon nods, taking in her face trying to make sense of why is he even here.

"I know you must be angry, I'm the last person you want in your life but... I had to try. I would very much like to have you in mine. You're my only... brother, my only sibling... I remember bits and pieces when you were there. I've been looking for you for a long time, Damon. I want to get to know you."

"Why?" Damon wonders. "You can hardly have any positive memories... I know I don't."

Katherine swallows and shakes her head. "Yes, but... I do. I know you think I stole your mom and dad from you... but the truth is, they weren't any better with me, when you were gone I mean. During the years that followed, they... they didn't care for me. Dad started drinking more and more. Occasionally mom would tear into him for abandoning you just so she could pick a fight or badger him..."

She pauses to pop the top on her soda and take a long swallow. She sets it down and shifts a little on the couch so she can see his face. "I... I was in the way, wanting food, clothes, basic needs and such. Mom thought if you were around, you could have taken care of me... so they wouldn't have to bother."

Damon can't believe what he's hearing. Is it even possible?

"By the time I reached fifteen, I was supporting not only myself but them too because dad lost his job and mom never worked again after she had me. At seventeen... they said not to come back and I didn't. Never, not once since that day. I was very lucky to have a good friend. Her parents were kind enough to give me a place to stay. They were great, made me feel like I was part of their family. I saw how great a loving one could be. That's what me realize that I do still have a family and that I would do everything in my power to find it... find you. John, my friend's father is an attorney, he's the one who found Miss Sheila's place. I felt driven to find you even though I knew you... hated me."

At this point she's barely keeping it together. Damon would have to be an ogre to turn this woman, this girl, his sister away. Although he's still not sure what he's doing, he instinctively opens his arms and when she throws hers around his neck with a sob, he squeezes her in a comforting embrace.

What the hell is he doing...?

She must have fallen asleep on the couch. She's immediately aware that she's locked in a nightmare when spots begin to appear in front of her eyes and they start to dim. It always starts this way... with the sensation of the world closing in around her. Her lungs burn as they're being squeezed by bulky arms with such force that it's pushing the air out of them. She can't breathe, her lips are turning blue and she knows she will be dead very soon but this time everything's happening fast, too fast. It's as if someone pushed the fast forward button. Is this what death felt like to Jeremy?

Suddenly everything stops and she's floating, her long hair tangling, adrift like a web weaving itself around her. Her eyes search for something till she finds herself staring through a looking glass. In desperation, she extends her hand... and it lets her through. The picture clears up and she can finally see clearly. Her eyes focus on his tall figure. He's just standing there, watching her with the cold, black, hate filled eyes.

And she knows he's not going to help her.

Feeling herself slipping away, her eyes just begin to roll back when out of the blue a firm hand grabs her arm and...

... She startles awake.

She breathes heavily, gulping repeatedly to taste the sweet and much needed air. It's filling her lungs as if the dream was true. Her heart is pounding like a drum, she lays her hand on her ribcage to keep it inside.

There's no way she'll get back to sleep... not tonight and certainly not alone. She grabs her phone ready to call someone to come but then she remembers Kai had something to do. Her next obvious choice is... Kol. He's just a phone call away, right? That's what he always tells her.

What was the thought with Damon? To get her out of his system? Well, she must find a way to get him out of her system. She pushes Kol's icon and waits. It's not that she expects him to stand at attention or be at her beckon call whenever she decides to get in touch with him... Still it's unusual that he doesn't answer right away. Maybe he's busy...?

Eww...

She waits for a few more minutes then throws the phone on the couch and sighs.

Where is everyone?

Picking up his Coke bottle, Damon finishes what's left and sets it back down. As soon as he gets home, he intends to have a glass of something much more pleasurable, take a hot relaxing bubble bath and catch some z's. He and Katherine have been talking, opening up on somethings, hedging on others. This is all so new to him and her too. He glances at his watch, a little surprised at the hour. They've been talking longer than he realized. After saying goodnight, he leaves Katherine with his heart less heavy and he can tell his sister looks more optimistic as well.

How could he have been so horribly wrong?

What doesn't make sense is the fact that he actually knew... that she wasn't responsible for what they did to him. With the benefit of hindsight, he can admit that she was just as innocent as he was. Their parents were supposed to take care of them, protect them and they failed miserably at the job. If he'd had any idea they'd been treating her the same, he would... What exactly would he have done? Maybe stop brooding and try to come up with a plan? There's no doubt in his mind that his dad would have helped him find her and that he would have brought her into their home too. If only he had known.

Katherine was so happy when he finally let her have her say that she didn't protest when he announced that he had to leave. He still needed space to get a handle on all of this. And he needs to solve this cold case and put it to rest for good.

"I'll be back," he promises. "I'm afraid that in my anger and resentment that I made quite a mess of things. I hurt people. A girl I... could have gotten closer to, I was blind and stupid... I need to fix it."

She nods waiting to see if he's going to continue.

"Will you... will you stay?"

"Do you want me to stay?"

"I want to get to know you," Damon answers honestly after giving it a thought. "And I want to right some wrongs."

"You didn't do anything wrong Damon. But I would very much like to get to know you too. I'll stay until we figure this family thing out."

Damon gives her a small smile and walks out the door.

"Damon?" she addresses him once again.

"Yes?" he turns back to her.

"Go... Make things right with Elena."

Thinking about it now, being with her, talking to her wasn't as bad as he suspected considering he felt like he was about to walk the plank. Truthfully though, he still feels like he's on the brink. Somehow he'll make it up to her or he'll go down trying. But that will have to wait for another day, first and foremost he needs to prove Elena's innocence. It won't be easy given the fact that she and her merry band of body guards are sabotaging him every step of the way.

His mind's roaming, he's almost to his car. It's much darker in the back of the parking structure. He had no idea that the lighting was so poor in this part of the garage. He should have parked closer to the entrance. Damon pauses to take a look around, suddenly he feels uneasy, the hairs on the back of his neck are standing on end, it's as if... someone's watching him. Now he's becoming paranoid.

He listens to the sounds in the dark building but doesn't hear anything out of ordinary. Still deep inside his own mind he can't shake the eerie feeling so he quickly gets in, closes the door shut and drives off.

The traffic is horrible today, Damon regrets that he didn't take his own car because he'll have to swing by headquarters to return it. He considers making a detour to his office but he's tired so he parks the car, runs inside to turn in the keys and then hurries back to his Range Rover. Fatigued emotionally and physically, he drops his head against the steering wheel for a few minutes then turns the key to start the ignition but instead of the purr of his engine, nothing but deathly silence follows. He tries again, nothing.

"God dammit," he curses, pops the hood, reaches for his flashlight and jumps out to look under it. He checks the battery cables and looks over the engine but doesn't find anything out of order. Brushing the back of his hand across his forehead in frustration, he spits out a few more colorful metaphors and then decides he may as well just walk home, he's in no mood to wait for roadside assistance tonight.

He slams the door closed, utters a few more colorful metaphors, locks the car and takes off in the direction of his place. He could call a cab but he doesn't want to wait around for it to arrive. Ultimately he decides a brisk walk will do him good. Maybe the fresh air will help him get a handle on his emotions and the exercise will be conducive to sleep tonight.

Walking down the sidewalk that borders the park he goes over today's conversations, willing his mind to make some sense out of them. He needs something, anything, a clue of sorts to put the last pieces of the puzzle together. Subconsciously he avoids walking into people, the streets and walkways are rather crowded tonight for the 'Reno Superhero Crawl'.

Deep in thought, he nearly collides with a guy dressed as Venom and has to sidestep Wonder Woman. It's then he realizes that his car may have done him a favor. With the heavy traffic both car and pedestrian it would take him much longer to get home if he was driving.

However, it doesn't take long for him to reach his neighborhood. He stops at the crosswalk to wait for the pedestrian crossing signal to light. He's in a larger crowd of people, praying for the comfort of his king sized bed, it's been a hell of a long day. He should still call his folks to tell them he's going to be alright with Katherine, he believes so anyway. That thought once again reminds him of one extremely frustrating, stubborn and very sexy club owner, as if he needed another one.

He wonders what her story is and if she'll ever tell him what she's hiding. He wishes it wasn't his job to find out and that they were just two people helping each other out of the darkness. He mentally snorts at his thoughts, is he becoming a poet or what?

It takes eternity for the lights to switch. A tour bus gets impatient and when the driver sees an opening, he speeds into the intersection. Damon instinctively takes a step back but loses his balance when suddenly someone pushes him hard. It transpires so fast that he doesn't know what's happening till he feels the impact and is catapulted into the air. Just before his body crashes onto the hard and unforgiving pavement, blackness envelopes him like a tight sheet.

"Eleeena?"

She flinches when she's suddenly pulled into consciousness but doesn't startle. It's Kol's warm voice that's waking her up in the middle of the night. Despite her conviction that she won't be able to get back to sleep after the nightmare she had, Morpheus was kind enough to drop her from his radar and allow her a healthy, dreamless nap.

"Where have you been?" she mutters sleepily. Kol, just like Kai and Bekah too have their own house key and she's always encouraged them to use it. She often wonders if it's her way of pretending she doesn't live alone.

Kol stretches out next to her on the couch and gives her a smirk. "Now, wouldn't you like to know?" She rolls her eyes and Kol adds a bit more seriously; "Sorry, I didn't hear your phone. I hopped in the car as soon as I saw that you called. I didn't want to give you the chance to poo, poo it, telling me something trivial like... 'Good night Kol, I don't need you to come...'"

Elena giggles and observes, "You're in a good mood."

"Well... I'm always in a good mood when I get to spend time with you."

Yep, he's exactly the distraction she needs.

One that helps her get Damon out of her system.

Damon!?

Huge thanks to all of you. I never dreamed that writing was something I'd enjoy so much and you guys are a big part of that. I never wrote a thing, nothing till I found DE and this website. It just wasn't an interest of mine.

Lots of love and thanks to you, Eva. You always go the extra mile to help make our stories entertaining. She and I have lots of plans but not nearly enough time...

Chapter title: 'The Haunting' by Avantasia.

We are diligently working on the final part of "Death Is Just a Feeling". It's the longest chapter in the story. We don't want to give you a mediocre finish so it's taking a little longer than either of us expected.

Have a fantastic day and thank you again so very much. We'll see you next time.