Author's Note: Hey guys, so sorry about the delay. I'll have another chapter up soon. Enjoy!

I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Four:

"I'm so glad that you're here Tyler. It's great that you and Jeremy are finally getting along. It's nice to have more people in the house." Jenna beamed as she put dinner on the table.

"Thanks Jenna." I smiled back at her.

"Are you sure that I can't get you something for your cheek? It looks painful. I mean, I've had my fair share of falls; I'm as clumsy as they get, but I've never hit my face on my bed frame… thankfully." Jenna handed me an ice pack. I took it this time. I don't want to offend her. And, truth be told, it helps numb some of the pain. I can't keep doing this. I need find a way to have some other kind of living arrangement. I can't keep cleaning up the mess that my father makes of my body. What happens when he finally goes too far? I can't stop it. He's so strong. I can't tell anyone. Who'd believe me over the mayor? I'm just that angry kid that no one knows what to do with.

I jumped as my pocket started vibrating. I fished it out of my pocket and checked the caller ID. What's my uncle Mason doing calling me? I answered it.

"Hey Mason, what's up?"

"Hey Tyler, I know I haven't really been around too much, but I wanted to check on you. How've you been?" He asked. Why's he calling now?

"I've been okay. Not that I mind, but why are you calling?" I fidgeted.

"I talked to your dad, earlier. He said that he was having a hard time with you… Tyler, I know how he can be. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing alright, but, there is one other reason that I'm calling. I've been offered a job in Mystic Falls. They're opening a sports store in town and your dad asked me to run it. I've accepted… I'll be getting a place once I'm there. I wanted to know if you wanted to stay with me. I mean, I'm not the biggest fan of roommates. I hate having to share a place with someone I don't know. But, I'd love to have you."

"Are you serious? You're not kidding around?" I held my breath.

"Tyler, I'm serious. I want a chance to be a part of your life. Be an uncle and all that. I'll be there by the end of the month. But, it's up to you. I mentioned it to your dad, earlier. I told him I could set you on the right path and all that." He laughed.

"That'd be awesome. Thank you." I couldn't help my smile.

"I'll talk to you later, Tyler. Take care of yourself." He hung up the phone. I stared at it, dumbstruck. Is this really happening? He's moving here and he okayed with my dad…? Things might just work out, after all. The end of the month is only in a few weeks.

Jenna looked at me, expectantly.

"That was my uncle Mason. He's moving into to town later this month and wanted to see if I wanted to stay with him. He hates living alone." I explained. She nodded.

"Wait, Mason. Oh wow, I haven't seen him since college." She laughed, remembering.

"You knew Mason?" I asked her. She nodded.

"We had some good times back in the day. We were friends." That's all she said. "You want to help me get the rest of the food ready?" She asked. I nodded.

"Sure thing." I got up and followed her to the kitchen. I dumped some salad into a bowl and grabbed the dressing and took it to the table.

"Thanks for helping, Tyler." Jenna passed a plate to everyone.

"Don't mention it." I shoveled food onto my plate. Everyone made small talk throughout dinner. Jeremy settled his hand on my thigh. I gave a small jump. He laughed.

I was staying in Jeremy's room, since we're both guys and 'friends' now. I told Jenna I'd be fine on the floor. Though, I doubt I'll be spending too much time on the floor. A couple of weeks with Jeremy sounds perfect.

"So Gilbert, are you planning on ravishing me in my sleep?" I teased as I made my bed on the floor.

"In your dreams," he teased back. Someone knocked on the door. I looked over to see who it was. Jenna walked in.

"Just let me know if you need anything." She smiled and said goodnight. I watched her shut the door. Jeremy grinned and moseyed over to me to plant a chaste kiss on my mouth. I pulled away.

"We have enough time for that later. I'm beat." I told him, lying down. He shook his head.

"I'm not letting you sleep on the floor, Tyler. Get your ass up here. I don't bite… much." Jeremy winked. I grabbed my bedding and got comfortable in bed. This is nice. It's great not having to worry about waking up to my dad in one of his moods… And being in bed with Jeremy Gilbert, oh yeah, this is gonna get interesting. I smirked as I drifted to sleep.

Author's Note: Reviews are love. Hope you enjoyed it. It's always great getting feedback. I'm excited to throw Mason into the mix.

Xo Xo
Anneryn