Glad to know some people stuck with this story. Thanks for the reviews, guys, I am encouraged. Sadly, not much D/E in this chapter. But I solemnly swear, there will be progress. ;) Also, I have to say that I had an immense amount of fun writing Caroline. She is epic. I also love reading your reviews, so feel free to leave a comment. :)

Caroline stayed over. The two talked and talked late into the night until they both fell asleep on Elena's bed. Just like they once had, years before vampires, werewolves and witches had leapt out of storybooks. Only there was one person missing.

They were careful to avoid all discussions of Bonnie Bennett, apart from to agree that neither of them had seen her or even heard from her in months. It was a sore spot for them both. Bonnie had bailed out on the supernatural world - the one they were both firmly a part of. Elena had thought that Bonnie was getting better, accepting the world they lived in. But the moment that everyone was safe, she had fled. She hadn't wanted anything to do with vampires. It felt like a betrayal to both Elena and Caroline. It hurt like betrayal too.

Tyler was a much happier subject to consider. Caroline was on better footing with him these days, although she honestly didn't know whether it would last or not. She had decided just to sit back and see where things went. She was enjoying the ride at the moment. But Caroline had told her that she was always hoping. Elena admired Caroline for that. She could still hope, despite everything. Caroline could just relax, take it easy, and hope for the best. Elena couldn't do that anymore. If things were going downhill, she just assumed they would hit rock bottom. Caroline was completely different, a breath of much needed fresh air. Elena loved it. They spent hours, just catching up. No one came to check on them. Caroline had no one to worry about - Tyler was at his mother's and Caroline's own mother didn't even know she was in town. Just for once, they were free.

They woke up to a busy Christmas Eve. Jenna was bustling about downstairs when they finally decided to show face. It was late morning, but Jenna was still going like a train, trying to make sure she was prepared for the festivities tomorrow morning. Alaric was there too, making every attempt to calm Jenna down. He wasn't being too successful. Elena absently wondered if Alaric was a permanent fixture in the house these days - she'd need to ask Jeremy.

It didn't take long for Caroline to launch an escape plan from the mayhem.

"You know what? I'm going to take you to Charlottesville."

"Charlottesville?" It was the closest city to Mystic Falls. They went shopping there sometimes, or to watch a movie or something. They hadn't taken a trip there in months. Elena was surprised Caroline would suggest it especially considering that it was the day before Christmas.

"Yes, Charlottesville. There is a party at the Grill tonight, and there will be music and dancing, and it will be so much fun. So we are going outfit shopping, and then we are going to have the time of our lives and forget about all the stupid problems we've had since forever."

Elena laughed slightly, before eventually shrugging. Caroline was so confident in her plan it was almost hard to try and fault it. Besides, a party without Damon where she really could just forget everything felt like a good idea. Besides. There were less than 24 hours until Christmas morning. It wasn't like she had anything better to be doing.

"Okay then," Elena agreed, smiling slightly, feeling a little bemused. Caroline grinned brightly.

"Yay! Go on, go and get dressed. We are going shopping."

And so they went shopping. In just over an hour, Caroline had them in the shopping mall at Charlottesville, window shopping. Caroline stopped outside a clothes store, gazing at the models in the window. They were done up in the traditional party dress outfits, angled at those going to Christmas parties. The mall was full of people heading off for last minute Christmas presents, but Caroline ignored them all, staring at the dresses. Elena looked at Caroline expectantly. After a moment or so, Caroline grabbed Elena's hand and started heading for the store entrance. Elena pulled back in confusion.

"Caroline, what are you doing?"

"Taking you to get a sexy little dress for tonight." Elena smiled a little, but persevered.

"Caroline, I don't need a sexy dress for tonight, just a nice one." Caroline stopped and looked at Elena, placing her elegant hands on her hips.

"If you don't have a sexy dress, how do you expect to impress Damon?"

Elena swore her jaw literally hit the floor. How the hell did she work that out? How did she even know considering they'd only been reunited for a matter of hours?

"Oh come on Elena, give me some credit. We've been friends since we were six years old. I know you. You wouldn't shut up about Damon at all last night, and as much as I hate his guts, if he makes you happy, then fine. Whatever. I mean, I'll kick his ass if he so much as scratches you, but still. You're still my best friend, Elena. I still want you to be happy."

Caroline's protectiveness made Elena's heart swell, but she was more focused on doing something else at that moment. "Caroline, we're not dating. I mean, this is Damon we're talking about." Caroline stared walking into the store, and Elena trailed along beside her. Caroline headed directly to the party dresses, whilst looking sceptically at Elena.

"And yet from what you said last night..." Caroline trailed off.

"Caroline! I am not...I mean, I don't... I can't, Caroline." Elena surprised herself. She had been trying to tell Caroline she was in no way attracted to Damon. She had been trying to say she wasn't in love with him. She'd been trying to assure her they were just friends. But she couldn't do it. She couldn't lie anymore - not after her denial had ended so soundly. Not when she was, in fact, trying to admit her feelings to Damon himself. But it just felt wrong for Caroline to know before Damon himself did. But there was hardly any way of avoiding it now.

"I know, Elena. I know." Caroline said sympathetically. She turned the mood around to light heartedness at a moment's notice. "I mean, if you ask me, it's weird. After everything Damon did, you choose him?" Caroline fingered a sparkly red dress. Elena moved on to a more conservative purple, but Caroline quickly shoved her towards something flirtier. Elena shook her head slightly.

"It's because of everything he did. I mean, he was awful. With you, with the town. But he's different now, Care. He's changed. And he came back. I was feeling so... depressed after you'd all left. But he came back." Elena said it like it explained everything. She just felt... Damon had been there. She had been falling and there had been no one there to do a thing about it. But Damon had caught her, just before she hit the ground. She just couldn't live without him. Not anymore.

"I still feel awful about leaving," Caroline murmured.

"You had to, Care. I understood why you left. As for everyone else..." Elena lightly exhaled. Her point didn't even need to be said.

"But Damon came back." Caroline stated. Elena nodded. The blonde held Elena's eyes, trying to put all her sincerity into the gaze. "Elena. I don't like Damon. I can't, not after what he did to me. But if you trust him, and you want this, then I'm with you."

"I do. You have no idea how sure I am." Elena had been thinking about it for days. She knew her choice. There was no doubt in her mind anymore. She was just having issues saying it. If she said it out loud, it was all a whole lot more realistic.

"Then I'm with you." Caroline repeated. Elena smiled.

"Thanks, Caroline." Elena told her. Caroline smiled.

"What are friends for?"

And with that, Caroline lifted a dress off of the rack and held it up for Elena. "You look good in blue." Caroline said, showing off the garment. It was bright blue, shamelessly short, and strapless. On Elena's relatively conservative scale, it was outrageous. Elena just took the dress from Caroline and hung it right back on the rack.

"I feel like I've been wearing nothing but blue lately."

Caroline pouted. "Okay, fine. I'm sure I read somewhere that brown hair goes well with purple. Or was it green?" Caroline cast about the racks of clothes, before her hand landed on another dress. "What about this?"

"It's pink." It was actually violently, bright pink. Off one shoulder with a belt around the waist, it was even further from Elena's usual style. At least it was longer than the last one.

"It is. Does Damon like you in pink?" Caroline asked, musing. Elena rolled her eyes.

"Caroline, this is not even close to my style."

"Exactly! We want him to notice you, see what he's missing. We want a whole new, bright, bold, Elena Gilbert. And as such, you need a fashion makeover." Caroline said it confidently, eyeing the pink dress. She flung it over her arm. "If you don't want it, I'll take it."

"Caroline, I don't see how any dress will impress Damon considering he's not going to be at the party."

"When did I say that?"

"You said we were going to the Grill to have fun and forget about everything."

"And we are. But Damon practically lives at the Grill. This is a perfect opportunity to be bold, have some fun and get what you want."

Dammit. Elena had failed to consider the fact that Damon would be at the Grill whatever. He was there most of the time. Drinking. Elena restrained a sigh. Well, there went forgetting about everything.

Then Elena saw the dress.

It was a gorgeous musky kind of burgundy red, just bold enough but not so in-your-face. It had a v-neck, and was sleeveless. The fabric cinched in at the waist, before falling in gorgeous, flowing folds until it ended, just a couple of inches above knee length. Short enough, but not too short. It was perfect.

Elena walked over and picked it up off the rail, turning around to show Caroline, holding it up against her body. Caroline ran her critical eye over it, before smiling slightly.

"Mhm, if that doesn't work, nothing will. Let's just hope it fits."

It did. Elena had never seen Caroline quite so satisfied.

They drove home in the mid-afternoon. They had both bought their dresses - Elena's red and Caroline had taken the pink one Elena had rejected. They also went shopping for shoes to match, and Caroline also bought some jewellery. Elena had asked how Caroline was paying for it all. She simply smiled slyly and handed the cashier a platinum credit card. Elena had a funny feeling that Caroline was compelling someone in a bank somewhere. As much as Elena wanted to object, she found it hard to. This was the multi-million dollar profit makers of the bank, after all. It wasn't like they'd miss a few hundred off the top. Elena eventually had to suggest they head home. Jenna would probably be going insane by now. Caroline agreed, brightly saying they didn't want to be late for the party.

It was when they were taking the forty minute drive home that Caroline finally asked the question. Looking away from the road for a moment, Caroline searched Elena's face. Elena was gazing out the windscreen, watching the world go by. Caroline turned her attentions back to driving, before finally blurting what she'd been wanting to ask for hours.

"So. Why Damon?" Caroline asked bravely. Elena looked over at her friend. She could understand her friend's confusion. When Elena thought of the Damon that had arrived in Mystic Falls two years ago, she shuddered. He'd killed so many people. He'd treated Caroline like she was disposable - a piece of trash. He'd only been interested in himself and it had meant his very presence was like a tornado, ripping everything around him apart. Of course, he was still a tornado. A hurricane in Elena's life. Only there was less homicide these days, and more damage to Elena's emotions. Or rather, damage to her wall of denial. She might as well congratulate him. He'd successfully worn her down. She knew the truth now. She just didn't know how to explain it.

Caroline clearly saw that, because after a brief pause, she ploughed on. "Because, you know, you never really gave up on him. Even when he was all Dracula the Ripper you kind of... persevered. Seriously, Elena, what did you see? I mean, when I first saw him all I saw was that gorgeous body of his and bags of charm and look how that turned out. So I mean really, when there are at least 3 billion other guys on this planet, why Damon?"

"I don't know, Caroline." Elena started hesitantly. "I just... there's more to him. He tries so hard to let everyone think he doesn't care. There's this person in Damon that everyone sees because that's who he wants the world to see. It's just an act, but he's been doing it for so long, it was like that was all there was left of him. But there's more to him, Care. You just have to be prepared to fight with him to get a look." Caroline smiled slightly.

"You like what you see in there, huh?" Elena nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Caroline inhaled deeply, smiling again. "Then, bravo for you. Don't expect me to start loving him or digging around to get at his heart or anything like that. Honestly, not interested. Any relationship that requires that much work is so not for me. I mean, sure, Tyler was a complete jerk, but I didn't have to spend two years trying to see past the jerk thing. We just kind of...I don't know, fell together. I like it easy like that. I like falling into things. It comes as a surprise and is much less legwork."

Elena silently thought that she'd most definitely fallen into Damon, but she didn't say it out loud. Caroline wouldn't get it. She wouldn't understand that Elena had never meant to fall in love. She had only wanted Damon to be better, when she realised there was this new, shiny, different person underneath who he was on the outside. Elena could see this better person, pulsing away at his core. She wanted that person out. She had wanted the world to see how great Damon really was. Sure, he had seriously knocked her faith in that hidden person a few times. But in the end, all she ever wanted was this better Damon back in the world. She had never wanted to fall in love with him. But she had, and she wasn't complaining. She never would.

"And with any luck," Caroline continued on, "you will snag his attention tonight. It's a fabulous outfit, and you will be having fun and then he'll realise just what he's missing and you'll get to write out your little happily-ever-after. Because really, Elena, you deserve one after all you've gone through."

"Thanks, Care. But you know, it takes more than a dress to get Damon Salvatore." Elena had to point it out. She didn't want to be a one night stand. She wanted Damon to know she loved him. A sexy dress would not do that.

"Hey, that is your responsibility. I do not handle deep and meaningful statements to send guys after you. I'll just screw it up. I got you the dress, and I'll get you to the party. Everything after that is on you." Caroline saw Elena's look and blustered on. "Oh, come on Elena. I do not like him. If I'm honest, he still scares me half to death. I can't walk up to him and say 'oh, by the way, Elena is in love with you'. I can't say anything cute to make him draw that conclusion himself. I just... can't. Okay? I love you Elena, and I hope you get what you want, and I'll back you up in any way I can, but I can't do that." Elena was grinning. Caroline was exasperated. "What?"

"I don't need you to, Caroline. It's fine. I can handle it. I've been waiting to do this for a long time." Elena was also shaken by the fact Caroline had said she was in love with Damon before Elena herself had. She had never uttered the magic l word. She would. But she wanted to say it to Damon first. It felt wrong if she told everyone else before she told Damon.

"Oh my god, have you been waiting for tonight? Is this like your Christmas present to him, going over there and jumping his bones? That is so romantic. Did I ruin your plans? Oh God, Elena, we don't have to go. It's fine. You can just carry out your master plan and spill about it later. It's fine. Honest." Elena laughed in bewilderment.

"No, Caroline. I have no plans. I mean, he's coming over tomorrow for Christmas, but apart from that, I have no plans. Besides, you were right. Damon lives at the Grill. Your plan is as good as any." Caroline smiled brightly.

"Great. I want to take photos," she teased.

"Caroline!" Elena protested.

"What? It's cute. It should be framed." Caroline took her hands off of the steering wheel, and it took a moment before Elena realised they were back on Maple Street. Back home. Caroline opened the car door and bounced around to the trunk, retrieving the shopping bags. Elena climbed out of the car as Caroline returned to Elena's side and they both headed for the house. They slipped inside quietly, but Elena quickly went to see her aunt, who had seemingly collapsed on their sofa.

"Jenna?" Elena probed quietly, afraid something awful had happened.

"Oh, hey Elena." Elena quickly headed into their lounge, watching Jenna closely. She looked exhausted.

"Are you okay, Jenna?" Caroline asked, putting the bags down in the hall.

"Just fine, thanks. I might have taken on a little too much this Christmas, that's all." Jenna admitted, placing a hand on her forehead. Elena was about to reassure Jenna, but Caroline leapt in.

"Oh, well, I can come over and help if you like."

"Oh, no, Caroline, I'm sure your Mom..." Caroline quickly cut Jenna off.

"My Mom is working," Caroline lied. Although Caroline didn't consider it much of a lie - her mother probably would be working. "It would really be no trouble, and I'm quite handy in a kitchen."

"And you know I'll be here too, Jenna," Elena added. Jenna seemed to process it for a moment.

"Oh, all alright. Consider yourself invited to the Gilbert festivities." Jenna agreed. Caroline grinned. Elena had a feeling that her friend really didn't want to go home and face her mother, and she had nowhere else to go.

"How many does that bring us to now?" Elena asked curiously.

"Six. I swear, this will kill me. There's you and Jeremy and I invited Ric over because he would be at home in his apartment alone, and you invited Damon of all people, plus Caroline. I'm going to need a drink."

"Elena and I are heading over to the grill tonight. You could come if you liked," Caroline suggested. Jenna looked over at Caroline, whilst seemingly having an internal debate on the matter.

"Oh, okay then. When are you leaving?"

"Seven."

The Grill was packed. Music filled the air as the band played on a makeshift stage. Bodies filled a dancefloor, and people milled about between the tables. When the three women arrived, Jenna headed straight for the bar. Elena laughed and looked at Caroline, who just shrugged. Then, her blonde friend grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards the dance floor. Elena laughed once more, and they moved into the crowd, dancing like there was no tomorrow.

As they danced, Elena peeked up at the bar. As expected, Damon was there. She could see his distinctive figure, a glass in his hand. What worried her more, however, was that Jenna was heading straight for him. There was no way in hell that encounter would end well. If only she knew what they were saying... was Jenna interrogating him about their time at Duke? Or perhaps, about the threat to her life she had so far refused to even speak of? Elena had never wished for vampire hearing more. But then... she didn't have super ears. But Caroline did.

Elena nudged her friend, before indicating Jenna and Damon. Caroline looked surprised and worried. Her eyes flashed to Elena. "Can you hear them?" Elena asked, over the noise of the crowd and the music. Caroline shook her head. Eventually, she sighed.

"Forget about it! We're going to have fun tonight, no matter what!" Caroline insisted over the noise, and then pulled Elena into dancing once again. Elena tried her best to ignore Damon, but his presence was always there, tugging at her mind. It was like he was a magnet. No matter how hard Elena tried, she just couldn't pull away.

Eventually, Jenna left Damon alone at the bar. When Elena peeked up and found him alone, she couldn't help but be a little embarrassed. He was staring right at her. Elena quickly looked away, and as she turned she found a man right next to her, vying for her attentions. Elena paused at the familiar face. "Caleb?" Elena asked, before smiling. Caleb was an old classmate of hers from Mystic High. She hadn't seen him since they graduated. They'd never been particular friends, but they'd sat together in a few classes and they'd always been on good terms. Caleb grinned, his eyes brushing over her outfit.

"Elena. Long time no see, hm?" Before Elena could stop him, he swept her into a hug, and planted a brief kiss on her lips. Caleb always had been quite...forward. The kind of guy who thought he was God's gift to the female population. Elena pushed away from him, a small smile on her lips.

"Well, if that's how you say hi, maybe I should stay away longer the next time," Elena teased him good-naturedly. She always had to be a bit more lenient with Caleb. She'd tried to shove him off completely once before. It hadn't been so successful. The best way to handle him was just to humour him. Caleb laughed, pulling her through to the edge of the crowd, out of the middle of the dancers. As they walked, Caleb spoke to her.

"Can I buy you a drink? We could catch up, and maybe I could bestow you with some more of those winning kisses," Caleb suggested seductively. Elena laughed.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Caleb? I'm not going out with you."

"Damn, still so stubborn? Tell me, is there another guy in the picture? I could knock him out of the way," Caleb suggested jokingly. Elena laughed.

"Sort of, Caleb. Sort of. Besides, I still wouldn't go out with you. I keep telling you these little encounters don't persuade me." Caleb led her to the bar.

"I just keep hoping, Elena."

Elena stopped dead. Caleb had successfully led her to the bar. But the stool that Damon had been occupying was empty. Where was he? Elena turned letting her eyes search the Grill. He'd been there only moments before. What had made him leave? Where had he vanished to? Then she saw him.

Well, she saw his retreating back as he walked out of the Grill, anyway.

That was when Elena understood. Damon had seen Caleb kiss her. He'd assumed they were close. Potentially dating close. And of course, the Grill was far too noisy with the music from the band for Damon to make out their conversation, so he hadn't heard her rebuttal. Had her embrace with Caleb had the same effect that Damon's night with Amanda had on her? It crossed her mind that Damon wasn't able to stand there and watch her with another man. Not after Stefan. Damon had left because he thought she was going to have a wild night of passion with Caleb. If Damon spent the night thinking that, Elena knew she would lose him for good. He would always have a doubt, always think she might be lying when she insisted nothing had happened.

Elena knew if she didn't go after Damon now, she was going to lose him for good.

Distraught, Elena glanced to Caleb. "Caleb, I'm so sorry, but I have to go."

"Elena?"

"Maybe some other time, okay?" Elena insisted. She was gone before he could even reply. Weaving through the tables, snaking towards the door. She had to find Damon. She had to tell him. She had to tell him there was nothing going on with Caleb. She had to tell the only person she wanted to kiss was him. A pale hand shot out of nowhere and grabbed her. She was feet from the door. She had to find him! She tried to wrestle out of the hand before she realised it was Caroline. Funny. She hadn't even been concerned that it might be an associate of the vampire they'd killed back in Durham.

"Elena, what's wrong?" Caroline asked, concerned.

"Damon's gone, Caroline. He thinks...he's going to... I have to go after him. I have to, Caroline." Elena flustered, tugging away, heading towards the door. Caroline looked her over once. Then she released Elena's wrist.

"Go on. Just call me later, okay?" Caroline asked. Elena nodded. She could have hugged Caroline, but she was too distraught. She was afraid that if she didn't find Damon soon, he was going to do something stupid. He might wreck the boarding house. Kill someone. Or he might not even be going to the Boarding House. If she lost him, she'd never find him in time. She couldn't let him go crazy with jealousy. She understood why it hurt. Stefan had starting dating her before Damon was even interested. Stefan had been different. But now, there was just a random guy that she'd met. Why shouldn't that guy be Damon? What made him so undeserving of her affections? Nothing, of course. But Damon didn't know that. And the thought of her going home with Caleb was probably driving him crazy. Christmas tomorrow would be unbearable if she couldn't find Damon.

Elena went out into the parking lot, and was suddenly glad they'd brought two cars. Caroline and Elena had headed over in Elena's car, and Jenna had caught up with them in her own car. At least Jenna had a way of getting home. Pulling out her keys, Elena unlocked her car, jumped in behind the wheel, and started the engine. She was out onto the road and heading for the boarding house in moments. She had to find Damon.

Before it was too late.