Author's Note- Thank you so, so much to everyone who reviewed, followed, and favourited. It seriously means so much to know people like my story! I'm sorry this took me a few months, I promised less than a month and I didn't deliver. That's my fault. I got so consumed with school and Christmas. But it's the new year now, and a new chapter. I hope you guys don't mind the flashbacks, I know there's many of them, I feel like I'm writing Arrow. But it's my way of exploring Eric and Damon's relationship and also having Eric in the chapter. He'll be in Mystic Falls soon, I swear!

Chapter 4- In My Veins

Flashback- Shreveport, Louisiana (One Year Ago)

Damon groaned, regretting instantly opening his eyes, as the light felt like shards of glass scraping against the back of his eyeballs. He curled himself into a ball, his limbs screaming back at him to stop, as they throbbed, feeling heavy and unresponsive. The unrelenting misery of a headache wasn't helping much either, as the desert was overtaking his mouth.

Fuck. Why did he drink so much last night!

What happened?

Where was he?

He peered through his eyelids, blurriness encroaching from the edges, but he managed to realize he didn't recognize his immediate surroundings. And that he was buck naked in a stranger's bed.

Last night was all a foggy mess. He couldn't remember ever going home with someone. He thought he picked up some random girl from the highway. Not to take home of course but to do the usual snatch, eat, erase, though these days it usually ended up being eat, kill, bury. But still, how in hell did he end up here?

Something about a tree. Clothes tearing. Teeth. Blood. Blond hair.

"Sleep well?"

Eric Northman.

He tried, and failed miserably to sit up and face the viking, instead squeezed his eyes shut as his head fell back onto the pillows, moaning out in pain. He flinched as something ice cold touched his forehead, only to realize it was Eric's fingertips grazing his skin. "Hungover?"

"That's the fucking understatement of the year. Is it that obvious?" He groaned out as glanced over at the viking.

Eric ignored him. "You shouldn't drink so much."

"Yeah well, when my life isn't a bad soap opera, I'll take your advice. Until then, I'm completely satisfied with drinking myself to death," He snarled, pushing Eric's hand away from him before his stomach fluttered enough to force him to throw up.

An unintelligible sound came from the viking, something between a laugh and a snort, and he couldn't help himself as he peeked over his eyelids to snag a glimpse of the blond, who'd turned away from him. Despite himself, he found a small smile encroaching the corners of his mouth.

"At the rate you're going, I'm surprised you haven't died yet myself. So what has you running to the bottle this time Damon? This about your maker,"

He outwardly winced as Eric's words resonated within him, wondering how in the hell he found himself in what he hoped was Eric's bed, naked from having slept with the viking only hours earlier, now talking about what split them apart in the first place. Life just wasn't going his way.

"I'm drinking to the fucking irony of it all," He muttered, pulling the covers closer towards him in a futile attempt to hide from his problems. "Katherine. Elena. You," Laughter bubbled up to the surface as he let out a pathetic noise between a snicker, and choking back tears. He willed himself to take a deep breath, not wanting to fall apart in front of the viking. He wasn't going to lose control. He needed a drink. Maybe ten.

"Whose Elena?"

His fingers gripped the soft black comforter tightly, as he pulled himself onto his back, squeezing his eyes tighter for a moment to gather himself. He then slowly rose, running a hand through his sweat soaked hair, pulling at the ends harshly, feeling strands coming out with his fingers.

"No one," He muttered, glancing around the candlelit room, wondering what state his clothes were in. "Where are we?"

"We're in my bedroom, underneath my bar," Eric stated simply, tossing something at him. As it landed on to his covered lap, he froze, his head finally raising to lock eyes with the blonde. "For someone who is no one to you, Elena sure calls and texts you a lot," Eric's expression darkened, as a smirk twitched at the sides of his mouth. "Damon, where are you? Damon please answer me. Damon, I need you, I need to see you. I don't know if I'm going to make it. Damon please, I'm sorry I choose Stefan that nigh-"

"STOP" His chest rose sharply as he stood in front of Eric now, his hand colliding with the granite that was Eric's flesh, throwing the viking back into the door that lay behind him. "Don't you fucking mock her, you don't even know her," He kept walking toward the older vampire, who just stood there, his icy blue eyes observing his breakdown but there was just emptiness in those depts. "What's wrong with you?"

"Why does it matter? She means nothing to you, doesn't she?"

"SHE DOESN'T"

"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself. Because you're doing a piss-poor job either way, "

He gritted his teeth as his hands flew to his sides, balling themselves into fists. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself. What the fuck was with Eric? Was he purposefully trying to rile him up? "I don't want to talk about it,"

"Clearly," Eric quipped, strutting past him and elegantly seating himself in rich dark leather armchair in the corner, next to the bed. "Or you'd answer your phone. Poor Elena, she sounds devastated. Didn't leave a note?"

"This about us? Are you jealous? Can't handle the fact I moved on from you. Think that fucking highly of yourself,"

"I don't need to, you looked pretty content taking my cock last night. Obviously Elena means little to you. Or nothing, as you just told me a moment ago," Eric smirked, draping his long arms over his equally long legs as he just stared at him, an evil twinkle in his eyes.

Smug bastard.

"I was drunk, clearly I wasn't thinking straight,"

"You were coherent enough to beg me for it. And in the span of about two minutes, even I'm impressed with how quickly you got over Elena,"

"I'm not over Elena, I'm in love with her," He screamed, unable to contain his rage any longer as grabbed the nearest object, an armoire and threw it to the ground, watching the black wood splinter, and crack. Eric just sat there, unfazed by the whole ordeal. "Is this your way of getting back at me for leaving you three years ago? Yeah, I moved on. With Katherine. Then Elena,"

"That worked well for you, as they both chose Stefan,"

"How do you…" He stopped himself as he realized the viking had gone through his texts and put two and two together. "Yeah, he's always the first choice. I don't know why I thought things would be any different, she is Katherine's doppelganger,"

"Doppelganger?"

"Yeah, they're identical, like twins, except hundred years apart. Long story, point of it, they descend, apparently from the original doppelganger whose blood was used to make my vampire line. Something about witches, magic, who knows,"

"So you fell in love with two women who look exactly like each other," Eric paused, shaking his head as he laughed at him. "Of course you did. If you can't have Katherine, you'll settle for her twin,"

"Doppelganger, not twin. They're different," He snarled, his anger threatening to bubble to the surface but when he thought of Elena it dried out. Was she really all that different from Katherine? "But the same I guess."

"Clearly, they both love Stefan,"

"Yeah, fucking Stefan," He mumbled as he slid down the wall where the armoire used to be, pulling his legs into his chest, as he rested his head on his knees. "Always first. The better brother. The boy scout brother."

"Have they met ripper Stefan? Now that's his true nature," Eric snorted, as he appeared in front of him, kneeling as he grasped his chin, tilting his head so their eyes met. He felt Eric's thumb gently caressed his cheek, as those crystal blues studied him. "You always said those around you always choose your little brother for his kindness, integrity. But they do not really know you Damon, or they'd know you have a kinder heart,"

"Doesn't matter Eric. It never has. Elena thinks I'm a monster, and maybe I deserve it." He sighed, reaching up and gently pushing Eric's hand away from his face, even if it felt right. "You corrupted me, I was once a better person,"

Eric moved to sit next to him on the floor, his legs stretched outright as he stared straight at the Claude Monet painting hanging on the wall. Not many knew, but Eric received that painting from the artist himself, they'd been acquaintances once. It was beautiful impressionist painting with the winter colours, and vast ocean, a single boat on the water. Eric used to say it reminded him of home. "I taught you how to enjoy your immortal life, that is all. These freaks, who live off of animal blood, or blood bags, only suppress their true nature. Feeding from humans, killing humans. That does not make someone evil. Or cruel. It's just sustenance to us. But underneath our fangs, and blood lust, is who we truly are. You have a bigger, gentler heart Damon than anyone I know and I never took that away from you,"

He couldn't help the smile that cracked his saddened exterior, and he leaned against the viking, putting his head in the crook of Eric's neck. "I think you're the only person on earth who likes me better than Stefan,"

"Everyone else is fools. We both know that," Eric chuckled, as he placed a hand on his knee, still staring at the painting. "Besides Damon, you never let anyone in. To see you for who you truly are. And you never let those around you see how heartbroken they make you,"

"Is that why you were being an ass a second ago?" He exclaimed, his head snapping up, as he playfully shoved Eric's shoulder. The viking just smirked at him.

"Sometimes it's better to let it all out Damon. Though you owe me a new armoire,"

"Screw that, you have more money than I do," He huffed, crossing his arms, glaring at the viking. Eric only laughed, shaking his head at him before turning back to his painting. He didn't realize it until now, but he missed this. Not just the sex. Not just the hunts, and the blood. But the fun they used to have. The support Eric gave him. There was no one like Eric Northman, and he'd given it all up for doppelgangers. He'd always been an expert at screwing up the good in his life, he deserved a damn medal. "I'm sorry," He whispered, leaning against the viking again.

"About the armoire. Really? I'm not upset like you said, I have the money to replace it."

"No about how things ended." He shook his head, leaning upwards to stare at Eric. "With you and I" He added, unable to be near the viking anymore, so he sat back up, instead staring at the ocean painted in front of him. "I told you in the letter that I loved Katherine more. That was a lie. I couldn't handle my feelings for you anymore Eric. You consumed me, body and soul, and always left me wanting more. I depended on you Eric. And I didn't like that. With Katherine, I thought I could be myself. My human self. The man I used to be," He paused, glancing at the blonde who kept his eyes ahead. He wondered if Eric even wanted to hear this, but he deserved to know the truth. "What a mistake that was. And then, when she didn't love me, so I went for Elena. And yeah, it was because she looked like Katherine. At first. But she was different. Kindhearted. And I became obsessed. I think I needed her because I'd given up our relationship to be with Katherine, who never loved me. And I didn't think I'd ever have you again, and she was the safe choice," He was babbling now, wondering if he was making much sense anymore. There was a point to all of this. "I never thought I'd see you again, at least not so soon. Maybe a hundred years, maybe more. Sometimes I'd wish you'd come and kill me, then at least I'd see you again. Know I mattered to you still,"

He felt his head being turned as the viking focused on him. There was silence for a moment as those crystal blue eyes just gazed upon him, a tremendous sadness swirling in those blues. "You've always mattered to me Damon. I think of you as my progeny. It's why I couldn't kill you. I tried. I followed you to Mystic Falls. I watched you meet Elena for the first time. Why do you think her parent's car went off that bridge that night,"

"Seriously Eric!" He exclaimed, his head falling back onto the dark walls as he laughed. "And you told me you didn't know who she was,"

"I was jealous." Eric shrugged as if that was the most rational way of dealing with his jealousy. The worrisome thing about it was it didn't bother him to know Eric almost killed the girl he loved. Maybe it would have made everything easier if she died that night. "I know what Katherine looks like. All I could think about was that there was another one to compete with. But I realized if I was to ever have you back, you needed to figure out who your heart belonged to. If it be myself, Katherine, Elena."

There was a clear question in Eric's words, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to answer them. "Can I get drunk, and let you know later,"

"No, but you are more than welcome to have the time to grieve the loss. Or go back to Mystic Falls and fight for Elena. We never have to speak of this night, or the night before ever again,"

Eric stared at him, his expression almost unreadable, and he felt his heart tighten in his chest. Did Eric think that little of him that he'd simply be able to just forget the past two nights, and go back to Elena, go back to a girl who could never love him like she loved his brother?

"I always thought you'd fight for me," He teased, needed the tension in the room to disperse. He wasn't ready to deal with the conflicting emotions swirling inside his skull.

"You are mine Damon, you just haven't realized it yet. I can wait. I'd rather have you fully, than you ever wondering what if again," Eric replied, his face softening as he smirked at him.

"And there's the smug bastard I know so well," He joked, nudging his shoulder with Eric's playfully. "Thank god, the sappiness was suffocating me alive,"

"You're sappier than you realize,"

"And you're a possessive freak,"

Eric shrugged. "I don't like others touching what's mine."

"Clearly, or Elena would still have parents," He smiled, rolling his eyes as he stood up. "So is there really a bar above us? Cause I'd really like to get drunk right about now."

"We do though it's for show. We're a vampire bar, we mostly serve blood,"

"I'm sure you've bought the good stuff, if there's anything you learned from the decades you spent with me" He grinned, stepping over the broken armoire as he grabbed the black silk sheet from Eric's bed, wrapping it around himself. "Unless I'm unwelcome in your bar, being from the other species of vampires,"

"Stay as long as you like. But Pam will insist you do something other than drink our supply of liquor, and blood,"

He'd almost forgotten about her. Maybe he should just leave, he knew he'd hear an earful from Pam, maybe a stake to the heart for good measure. He wasn't exactly her favourite person, and he knew how protective she could be of her maker.

"Like work? Haven't done that in a long time," He paused. Ah, fuck it, he didn't have anywhere else to go, and he wanted to be near Eric. He could deal with Pam, Eric would protect him if it got heated enough for stakes and threats of the true death. "Why not! Sounds fun. What can I do to serve you,"

He winked, watching Eric's expression darken, knowing the viking would catch the innuendo behind the simple statement. Eric did always like him on his knees. Or chained up.

"Don't start Damon, I'd hate to have every patron hear you screaming," He actually moaned at the words, feeling Eric's fingers brush against his exposed shoulder blades, before moving to lean against the desk that sat across from the bed. He was tempted to mount Eric right then and there, just to see all those papers scattered on the desk, fall to the floor.

"But I do need more strippers."

"Strippers really? Well, if there is one thing I'm good at, it's taking off my clothes. Might as well get paid for it," He teased, moving closer to the blond, poking his chest. "Will mister big jealous monster be able to handle strangers ogling, and touching what's his,"

"You'll be in a cage,"

"Kinky, they can still touch me though,"

"It's hanging high above everyone,"

"You've thought of everything," He snickered, running a playful hand along Eric's thigh. "But I do need clothes, even if I'll be taking them off later,"

"I'm sure we can find something upstairs. Something tight. Made of leather,"

It was Eric's turn to tease, as he ripped the sheet away from him, exposing his, half hard problem. The viking then licked his lips at him, slow, decisive, and he wanted desperately to know what naughty thoughts he was having. And maybe fulfill a few.

But then again, he also liked to tease.

And there's also your feelings for Elena the little voice in his head whined at him.

"Of course it's leather," He snorted.

He wasn't going to think about Elena. Not tonight. He wanted to have some fun.

And like that he winked and fled the room.

The rage consumed her, blinding her as she raised her hand to slap Stefan, only to realize it never connected with his cheek. She almost screamed at him to let her wrist go, but her words would go unspoken as her gaze fell upon the one man who been consuming her for an entire year. And the one currently holding her wrist.

"Damon?"

His trademark smirk was the first thing she noticed before their eyes caught each others, and the Salvatore boarding house, Stefan, the whole world faded into the background, and it was just Damon and his clear blue eyes. His gaze never faltered and she observed as they almost went a few shades darker, his pupils dilating. She could get lost in those pools of blue, as all their attention was focused solely on her. There was always such an alluring honestly in them, and she couldn't help herself as her breath was caught in her throat.

He hasn't changed in the slightest.

She finally separated herself from Damon's enamouring gaze, as she took in the rest of him. Tousled raven locks, lidded eyes, and naked, muscular torso. Clearly they'd woken him up she thought blissfully, admiring the view that was Damon Salvatore in tight black boxers, and nothing else. Though Damon was built smaller, and less muscular than Stefan, he definitely had this raw sexual energy about him. Something risque. Something seductively dangerous. Maybe it was his well defined, inviting hip dents or taut stomach, or sharply defined facial structure or his wicked eyes.

How did she ever choose Stefan over Damon?

"Elena," Damon's voice held it's usual snarky teasing tone, as he flashed her a quick, sweet smile. She felt her cheeks redden as a broad smile spread across her entire face. She'd almost forgotten what the feeling was like to smile honestly.

Damon's fingers slipped from her wrist, and she felt her arm fall limply to her side and it was like the world came back to her. And at that moment she flung herself at the older Salvatore brother, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. She never thought how much she missed touching him until he was here. In front of her again.

"You're alive, I can't believe it," She exclaimed, burying her head into his shoulder, his scent overtaking her- something musky, with a hint of soap. "We were so worried about you. I thought something terrible had happened to you when you never replied to my texts or phone calls," It was then, as she rambled, that she noticed Damon was stiff, and his arms weren't around her, reciprocating her hug. It was clear he was uncomfortable, and she pulled herself away from him, blushing as she remembered that the man was only clad in a pair of boxers. "I'm just happy to see you alive Damon,"

"You too Elena,"

Stefan watched as his brother brought a hand through his disheveled hair, his expression almost unreadable. He looked, almost, uncomfortable with Elena's forwardness. "Vampire looks good on you,"

He watched as Elena blushed, giving his brother a breathlessly beautiful smile, as she looked down, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks,"

He knew they were bound to see each other sometime. But this. Now.

No wonder his brother left.

Watching her smile, watching her face lit up it ways he hadn't seen before she transitioned. It was almost too much bear. Was this how Damon felt when he watched Elena be with him?

"So what's with you two?" Damon asked, wagging his eyebrows at them suggestively. "I wake up to the two of you having a lover's spat, don't tell me this is about little old me?"

"It's not a lover's spat," Elena insisted quickly, before turning her attention to him. Her smile vanished in an instant, and her eyes narrowed into slits. "Stefan decided to leave out the little fact that he was seeing you when he left last night. Actually he forgot to tell me you were in town at all. I had to learn the news from Elijah!"

"I was going to tell you Elena,"

"When Stefan?" Elena snarled, taking a threatening step toward him. "When he was gone again? When you found the cure? I am not that girl anymore, you have to accept that,"

"Woah, clearly this is not about the white oak stake!"

They both stared at Damon, as he threw himself in between them, his hands keeping them from getting any closer.

"The white oak stake?"

Damon raised an eyebrow at him, before turning back to Elena. "Don't tell me you aren't aware of Stefan's little suicide mission. Blah blah Jeremy needs to kill vampires for some mark that leads to a cure blah blah instead of turning people Jeremy will kill an original with the white oak stake and kill their entire bloodline,"

"We discussed it briefly once, but it wasn't really an option because we didn't know where you were," Elena said. He saw her forehead crinkle, as she put two and two together. "Do you have the white oak stake?"

"Yes, and no,"

"What he means is that he has the stake, but he won't contact his friend to come and bring it here because he's looking out for himself, like usual. Why don't you tell Elena about your little agreement you have with Klaus about her little brother!" He said smugly. He wasn't going to let his brother talk his way into Elena's heart. She needed to see what kind of monster his brother truly was.

"What agreement?" Elena asked curiously, as Damon dropped his hands to his sides, giving him a dirty look.

"It's more of a deal. I promised Klaus I'd help train Jeremy and complete his mark in a week's time." Damon said simply.

He snorted. It was just like his brother to forgo key details. Especially to Elena.

"And how would you be doing that Damon? Without the white oak stake?"

"Fine you caught me Stefan" Damon exclaimed dramatically, throwing his hands up in defence, taking a step back. "You don't need to look so smug." His brother rolled his eyes at him, before turning back to Elena. "My plan, as I agreed to with Klaus, is to turn a bunch of humans for Jeremy to hunt. Newbies are easier to kill, as they don't know how to track yet,"

Elena gasped as if she was honestly shocked by Damon's statement. Why was this so surprising? This was his brother, after all. In all his psychopathic glory. This was good. He hoped Elena would come to her senses, and stop equating his brother to some saintly being, and realize the man she loved, was nothing more an ideal fantasy conjured up by the guilt she felt when Damon left a year ago.

"But Damon, those are human beings. With lives. And families."

"Look Elena, I know you want to take the moral high ground here, but think about it. The odds aren't in our favour of killing an Original. And even if Jeremy does succeed, Klaus, and his entire family will come after you, Jeremy, all of us. And either outcome, Klaus will be furious, kidnap poor Jeremy, use him, and discard him once he's done. Either way, your brother dies," Damon explained, taking a step toward Elena."But, if you let me do this my way, at least Jeremy has a chance. It gives all of you a time at least to figure out what you'll do with Klaus once Jeremy completes this mark or whatever. I doubt he's going to let any of you have the cure if he gets his hands on it first,"

He watched as Elena bit her lip, contemplated Damon's offer. "I don't know-"

"Look at me Elena," Damon said as he brought both hands to her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. "You know this is the only way to do it, and I'm happy to help,"

All of Elena's thoughts were silenced as she gazed upon those alluring baby blues, and every argument, every worry, every thought dissipated. And instead there was this pressing need to please Damon. To agree with him. It made sense. Damon just cared about her. And her brother. Damon always came through for her.

"Okay," She nodded, giving Damon a small smile, as the older Salvatore grinned, letting go of her.

There were no words coming to Stefan as watched the exchange between the two of them. Did that just happen? Did Elena just agree with Damon? On a plan to slaughter, maybe dozens of human beings for the sake of forgoing danger? He knew Elena worried about her brother, but she'd never sacrifice who knows how many lives to secure his safety when they had another, less murderous plan.

Clearly her love for Damon was clouding her judgement more than he'd first thought.

"How can you agree to this Elena? It's wrong," He said, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him, as if to hopefully separating her from his brother would clear her head.

"Damon has a point. I mean, look at what Klaus did to Tyler, killing all those hybrids and his own mother. What do you think he'll do to all of us if we succeed, or worse, we failed and he caught on to our little plan? Can we really afford to risk our friends and family, on a plan we aren't sure will even work?"

"Yeah, do you really want that Stefan?" Damon mocked.

"No of course not, but-"

"But nothing. Damon will be helping Jeremy complete the mark. That's the end of it," Elena stated, forcing his hand off her arm as she stepped back to be next to Damon once more.

"I'm glad we got that sorted out, so where is Jeremy anyway? At the Gilbert house?" Damon asked Elena, as the two of them started to make their way toward the front hall.

It was clear both of them were in their own world now.

"He's at the lake house actually. Bonnie's helping him get over his uncontrollable apparent need to kill me. And every other vampire he comes across. I can take you to him if you want," Elena suggested.

"How about you write down the directions for me or an address and I'll go myself. I need to shower, change, feed, and talk to Lydia,"

Elena stopped dead in her tracks. Lydia? He had a girlfriend. She felt herself almost become sick, as she looked away from Damon so he couldn't see how devastated she was. She wasn't sure why it came as a surprise, it had been a year but she'd just sort of hoped Damon never moved on. That the Damon she'd spoken to a year ago on the phone was still there. Somewhere.

She took a deep breath, collecting herself as she wiped a stray tear away.

"Whose Lydia?" She asked innocently. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"Don't look so surprised Elena. It has been a year. I did move on." Damon replied, and she felt her heart tighten in her chest. "But Lydia's not my girlfriend, she's just a friend,"

"Oh,"

That's all she could say as she felt tremendously relieved to know Lydia wasn't his girlfriend. But, what did he mean by moved on? Did he have someone else?

"She's a friend now? I thought she was your personal blood bag, given to you by your mysterious friend Eric,"

Stefan felt the need to correct Damon. He'd been pretty adamant about Lydia being a gift and not an actual human being. Just a plaything to amuse himself, and feed from.

There was no way his brother could convince Elena keeping humans as personal blood bags was a respectable thing to do.

"Personal blood bag. Friend. Same thing,"

"That's not the same thing,"

It didn't matter as the two of them were still walking away from him, as they stood at the foot of the stairs. It was as if Elena was deaf to him.

"I can wait for you, and Lydia if you want. I don't mind. We can catch up on the ride down there,"

"Don't bother Elena, I'll just meet you two there. Besides, training Jeremy there might be better. More privacy. So I might need to pack my things. And make a phone call," Damon interjected, herding her toward the front door. "Besides I imagine you two want your alone time. I'll see you two in a few hours,"

He gave them both a wink, before disappearing, and presumably going to his wing of the house. Moments later, there was the sound of water running.

He sighed outwardly, making his way toward the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a generous helping of whatever was in the first decanter.

"You haven't told him we broke up have you?"

He looked over to see Elena standing in the doorway of the parlor room, a hand on her hip as she scowled at him.

"It hasn't come up. No."

"It hasn't come up? Or you're avoiding telling him? Either way, he's going to find out eventually. And I plan on telling him how I feel. He deserves to know," Elena said as she frowned, a sad look in her beautiful chocolate brown eyes as she came toward him. She stopped just a few inches from him, placing a soft hand on his shoulder. "I know this is hard for you Stefan, but I love Damon. You need to learn to accept that, nothing will change how I feel about him,"

She forced a faint smile, clearly for his sake alone before letting go of him, and placing a folded piece of paper on the coffee table before leaving the room, and out of the Salvatore boarding house.

No wonder Damon left Mystic Falls.

Chaos. That's the word Damon was looking for as he sat on the light brown, patterned couch in the Gilbert lake house, Lydia cuddling up next to him as they watched the scene play out in front of them. Elena was trying her darndest to convince the Scooby Gang of his little plan for Jeremy. But they weren't having it.

Apparently Elena was the only one to see reason.

Though, thinking about it, it didn't make sense why she was the only one who agreed with him. She should be pleading with him to ask Eric to FedEx the stake back to Mystic Falls. Elena cherished human life, and she'd do anything, even sacrifice herself in order to save others. He should know, he risked his life countless occasions for her stubbornness.

But there was something off about Elena. He wasn't sure exactly what, but she was acting differently. She wasn't all goo goo eyes over Stefan, actually she seemed to be purposefully avoiding being near him. Clearly there was something more to her little squabble with his brother a few hours ago. This ran deeper. He'd have to consult Stefan's diary later to figure it out- he doubted the two of them were going to divulge what was upsetting them anytime soon. Besides he needed to catch up on the gossip of Mystic Falls.

Evidently, he missed a few things when he left a year ago. Caroline and Tyler were still dating, he'd actually expected Klaus to steal her heart. Or compel her to love him. Though Barbie's Ken doll got run off to God know's where by Klaus, so he supposed the Original had a chance. He couldn't believe he'd killed Mayor Lockwood though, he liked her. Not a great way to win a lady's heart either. And clearly Bonnie and Jeremy were dancing on the fine line of will they or won't they. The sexual tension between those two was almost gag worthy.

And poor Matt, all on his lonesome. But it was bothering him some the way he was eyeing up Lydia from across the room. She could do better than the quarterback.

"What's going on?"

"They're fighting over me,"

Lydia gave him a skeptical look, furrowing her brows together.

"It's complicated. They don't like my plan. They especially don't like that I'm working with Klaus,"

"You said it was the only way,"

"It is. They just don't like that it's coming from me. And Klaus,"

"Why not? That Elena girl is lucky you even care enough to help her brother. She doesn't deserve anything from you. The way she broke your heart," Lydia snarled furiously, running a hand along his bicep as she narrowed her eyes at Elena. He liked Lydia, always loyal to a fault. Even to those who oppressed her. Though he supposed the girl knew nothing else, except for being a food source for vampires. "I don't know how she has the nerve to look at you the way she is,"

"What do you mean?" He asked, observing Elena who stood in front of him, as she argued with Barbie. She didn't seem to even notice he was there.

"Oh, come on Damon, it's clear she has a thing for you. She's given me the stink-eye the entire time we've been here. And when she doesn't think you or your brother are looking, she stares at you, with this longing look in her eyes."

He couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. That was just preposterous. Elena loved Stefan. "It's probably guilt. And her judging my feeding habits,"

"I don't know-"

"Trust me, she'll be in love with my brother until she meets her true death,"

A year ago, that would have had him running straight to the bottle, but now it was just a dull ache. Nothing more. Like a distant, unpleasant memory. He thought seeing Elena again would dredge up a lot more emotion. Heartache. But it hadn't. He still cared for her, and he still found her beautiful. That would never change though. But he wanted her to be happy with his brother, he did. He'd been selfish to love her. To have her choose him or his brother. To have her even question the love, she held for his brother.

"She better be. I guess it doesn't matter anyway. You have Eric,"

"That I do,"

He paused, as he realized that the entire room had gone eerily silent as every member started at the two of them. "What?" They kept gaping at him, and he realized he'd been speaking Swedish this entire time with Lydia. He'd almost forgotten his present company didn't know about his gifts with languages. Or could speak Swedish themselves. "What?" He asked this time in English. "Did I miss something?"

"Are you talking about us?" Caroline asked bluntly.

"Maybe," He smirked, running his hand through Lydia's hair. "She doesn't speak English remember?"

"Oh, who cares. Just get Damon out of here. I may have lost the urge to kill my sister, but I can't say the same for Damon," Jeremy threatened, crossing his noticeably more muscular arms, and glaring down at him.

He couldn't help but roll his eyes at the dramatics.

"Don't flatter yourself kid. You might be a hunter or something now, but I could rip your heart out without breaking a sweat. You should be grateful I'm willing to spend my precious time training such a helpless cause like yourself. This wasn't on the top of my priority list when I flew down from Louisiana," He said, clearly not getting through Jeremy's thick skull. "Besides, it's either me or Klaus. You choose. I'd go with slightly less homicidal maniac, who has nothing to gain from obtaining the cure,"

"Why does it have to be you? I was fine with Stefan,"

"Well, Klaus is getting a little upset with how slow things have been. And besides, my brother has a bleeding heart for anything with a heartbeat. I'm surprised he hasn't died of thirst,"

"I don't know why you can't ask your friend to bring the white oak stake here to Mystic Falls. I'm powerful enough to subdue an Original, at least enough for one of you to stake them," Bonnie pitched in, obviously trying to protect her lover.

Why couldn't people just not question him, and do what he wanted. Was that too much to ask for?

"Well Sabrina, maybe I don't want my friend to be inclined to help, and put his life in danger, as well as my own. Eric has established a life in Louisiana and I'm not forcing the man to run because an entire Original family decides to kill all of us because we killed their sibling. You'd think after all you've lost because of Klaus, you'd be reluctant to anger the Original especially since we can't kill him," He snapped, watching as the witch frowned, looking mournful as Jeremy wrapped an arm around her, giving him the dirtiest of looks. He smirked. "How about you focus on just subduing all the Originals while you all go gallivanting after the cure,"

"Damon, please. You aren't helping yourself here." Elena pleaded with him as she came closer to him, turning to face her friends. "The situation isn't ideal, I know but Damon makes a valid point. We've all lost loved ones to Klaus and his siblings. It clear they'll do whatever it takes to get what they want. And I will not let Klaus, and his siblings hurt Jeremy. Or any of you. The cure isn't worth it. I don't want to see innocent people suffer, but I can't lose any more family. Or friends. We've lost enough,"

He watched as each of their expressions softened, and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Sure, when he said it he came across as a bastard. But when Elena battered her little eyelashes, and gave them her famous Elena, all my family is dead look, they were putty in her hands.

Well, at least Elena was on his side.

"Only for you," Jeremy said, letting go of Bonnie and went to hug his sister.

"I'm glad we wasted all this time, just to agree with me," He snorted. "Look Jeremy just think of me as Giles to your Buffy. Without the British accent."

"Who?" Jeremy asked, giving him a puzzled look as he let go of his sister.

"Giles, Buffy," He said, shaking his head at the younger Gilbert. What was happening to this generation? "Buffy the Vampire Slayer? I'm not dating myself that much,"

"Whatever," Jeremy huffed, "I have some requests if I'm going to do this."

"Of course Jeremy, anything," Elena reassured.

"Woah wait, not anything. Maybe if it's reasonable, sure," He interjected.

The entire scooby gang scowled at him. What? He wasn't about to give the kid anything. There was time restraints, Klaus and besides, he might try justify killing him for this mark, and he wasn't willing to bet his life on Elena.

"If I don't feel comfortable with this at any time, we end it," Jeremy stated. He nodded though he wasn't going to admit that wasn't an option. He'd let the kid think it was though. "And Matt stays."

"Why him? He's useless."

"He's my friend."

"That isn't something to boast about,"

"Damon!" Elena scolded.

"Fine. As long as he doesn't get in the way."

"Then I guess that's settled," Elena said, as she smiled at everyone. No one seemed to share her enthusiasm as they made their way toward the door. It was almost midnight, and he could imagine this was weighing heavily on all of them. They had, after all, been at this for quite some time.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Bonnie asked Jeremy, giving him a worried look as she glanced over at Damon.

"It's fine Bonnie. I'll call you if I need anything," Jeremy reassured her.

"This is all very sweet, but we do need to get started," He hinted, as he followed them to the door. "Jeremy will be fine. It's just a few days. He's only hours away."

"Look after him," Stefan warned. "Keep in touch Jeremy," Stefan then opened the door and everyone, except Matt, and Elena left the house.

"Didn't you get a ride from Stefan? You should probably go too," Damon said lightly, as he opened the door for her, but she closed it, standing a little too close for comfort.

"Can we talk for a second," Elena asked. "In private."

He glanced over at hunter boy, and quarterback as the two of them stood awkwardly, watching him and Elena. "You heard your sister," He barked, gesturing toward the back door that lead out onto the deck. "Go stretch or something. Run around the lake. Get ready, we'll start your training in a few minutes,"

"It's almost midnight!" Jeremy whined. "Can't we start tomorrow?"

"And vampires are awake….when?" He asked sarcastically. "Go. Take least valuable player with you."

The two of them looked at each other, then Elena for a long moment before reluctantly leaving the room and going outside.

"Look Damon," Elena paused, staring up at him, her doe eyes piercing through his hard exterior, and he gave her a small smile. "I was hoping we could talk sometime. Just the two of us. Someday soon. There're a few things I want to discuss with you. I know you're busy with my brother, and helping us complete the mark, but could you spare me a few hours. Please," Elena begged, biting her lip.

"I imagine I can pull myself away for a few hours,"

"Great!" Elena beamed, pulling out a slip of paper from her pocket, similar to the one she left the Gilbert lake house address on. "Here's my number. I'm guessing you might have forgotten it," He winced as he took the piece of paper. "How about dinner in a few days? Since Jeremy will be away, I'll have the house to myself, so I can cook us something,"

"Is that wise? I don't want to die twice," He teased as she glared at him, pushing on his shoulder playfully.

"Funny." She said flatly though it was clear she was fighting one of her breathtaking smiles. "So, it's a date?"

He paused, curious about her word choice. It didn't mean anything. She probably just wanted to apologise or something. She probably blamed herself for his departure and wanted to make it up to him. That's all, right?

"You name the time, and I'll be there," He smiled, suddenly feeling a sense of dread percolate inside of him.

"Okay, well text me, and I'll let you know," Elena said, leaning up to kiss him lightly on the cheek, before blushing. She looked away, opening the door and walked out. He just stood there as she waved, wondering why at that moment, he felt like he betrayed Eric.

... And that's it. Pretty long this chapter, doesn't even compare to the next one though. Anyway, like it? hate it? Love it? What's Damon ever going to do with Elena's new found love for him? Now that he has Eric. Poor guy.

Anyway, thank you for reading. Please review if you have the time. Or follow. Favourite.

'till next time!