Richmond

Rose pulled her black SUV into the closest parking spot she could find in the dark garage. The ride hadn't really been as awkward as she had thought it would be. A few minor disagreements over music choice and then they were done…the small talk wasn't all that bad either.

Earlier on the car ride over…

"So Rosie…you mentioned not knowing much about being a vampire…how long ago was it?"

She glared at him over the nickname…Rosie? Yeah she was a hundred percent sure that did not suit her at all. He had way too much fun with it, first Rosebud than Rosie. She had to admit, the first one was better. She decided to answer him anyways.

"About 3 years."

"Aww still soo young." He smirked. "Do I get more details?"

"No, you don't."

"Oh come on, we're stuck in this vehicle for a good 20 minutes longer…"

"And it was you who practically dragged me into it so I don't need to tell you anything."

"Fine." Damon said, uncharacteristically relenting.

Rose sighed. He may not be speaking but his silent brooding was 'not asking' her very loudly. She either had to sit with the awkward silence again, turn the radio back on, or just answer him.

"A friend saved me." Rose finally told him. "I was dying."

Damon didn't reply, and just looked at her instead. So she continued.

"I honestly don't think I was worth saving, so I'm not sure why she did it."

"She? I really thought you were gonna say it was Trevor."

"No...I barely knew Trevor. Elijah compelled us around the same time."

"So your vampire friend, would I know her?"

"Your brother did, so I'd assume the answer is yes. Her name was Lexi."

"Oh." Damon said…he refrained from saying 'oops'. He was fairly certain admitting he'd killed Lexi would not go over so well for him, especially if he wanted Rose's help.

She gave him a strange look. So he tried to cover up his reply.

"Stefan and Lexi were close…I just was surprised you knew her."

"Well it was a long story…I had a little knowledge of the supernatural world and Lexi was a part of that. She never told me what she was though. Probably knew I wouldn't take it too well."

He just nodded.

"So she turned you, you go on any killing sprees?" he asked, smirking a little.

Rose shook her head. "No, Lexi locked me up until I could control it…I was so angry with her for turning me though that I just ran after that. I figured being on the run would keep me safe. Seemed to work well for me until I decided it may be good to know more about being a vampire."

"Why's that?"

"Trusted the wrong person…Elijah."

"So why are you helping us?"

Rose answered truthfully.

"I really don't know. I probably shouldn't be involved, I just can't seem to ignore it though."

Present

The both stepped out of the vehicle. Rose closed the door behind her. God help her if anyone from her past as Bela ever saw what she was driving. She laughed to herself at the mental picture. She missed the sports car terribly, but the dark SUV with completely tinted windows was more necessity than style.

"Back entrance, very convenient." Damon commented…putting an emphasis on the last syllable.

"Yeah well we can't all have your little daylight ring." She told him, only a little bit pouty.

He gave her a little smile. If he wasn't so suspicious of her he would admit that he kind of liked her snarky comebacks. She was sassy…it was a nice change.

"So, you sure this Slater guys even here?"

"Yeah, I called him earlier…besides I'm pretty sure he's always here.

"Good…one more thing." He said, then blurred to her and shoved her into the nearest support post in the garage. "If this is a set up in any way I will rip your heart out and shove it down your throat."

Rose nodded slight, but smirked a bit. Yes, he was very good looking…almost to a point of distraction. However, she hadn't been scared by threats as a human she certainly wasn't as a vampire. Granted she was certain he most definitely would do what he said if she crossed him.

Damon finally released her once he felt she got the point. Instead of continuing on once Damon walked off Rose blurred to catch up, grabbed Damon's shirt and shoved him into another car, twisting him around with his arm behind his back. Take her self defense training and add in her vampire strength and Rose could most definitely take care of herself.

"I may be younger and less experienced but trust me I am strong. You don't scare me…" she released him and backed away. "…but you can trust me."

She turned around and continued walking. Damon was speechless for a second…what the hell was that? He would never admit it aloud but she was pretty impressive.

Damon and Rose walked into the cafe as if they had always been a good team. Rose slowly took off her jacket as Damon looked around.

"So what about the, um..sunlight?" He asked, motioning towards the windows.

"UV rays can't penetrate...see the appeal of the place?" She smiled.

"Well that and the free wi-fi." Someone else chimed in, Rose turned to see Slater.

"Slater, good to see you again...I'd like you to meet..." she started to introduce Damon, but Slater interrupted.

"Damon Salvatore, turned 1864 by Katerina Petrova, aka Katherine Pierce. Nice to meet you...I think." He said, then turned to Rose. "What's going on Rose? I heard you and Trevor were working together on something, where's he at?"

Damon looked at Rose, than Slater. Oh boy, this should be fun. He whistled softly.

Rose gave Slater a sad look.

"Oh..." Slater said softly.

"I'm sorry." she told him. And she was...while she had never been one to get sentimental or truly mean it when she offered her condolencses for people's loss she actually meant it now. It was strange that she was getting more emotional now that she was vampire than she was during her last few years as a human.

"How?"

"Elijah. I am going to assume you didn't know that he was manipulative and wanted Trevor's head on a stick?" Rose asked him. She was a bit worried that Damon could be right not to trust Slater, but she was going off instinct and she hoped that she was right and that Slater was a good guy.

Slater gave her an apologetic look.

"Trevor said Elijah was looking for him and that he owed Elijah something. I know Elijah wanted Katerina...but that he also knew the most about anything having to do with vampires since he is one of the oldest. I'd heard he was a man of honor and class...but honestly I did not know him. I am truly sorry that I put you and Trevor in harm's way."

Rose nodded...for right now he seemed to be telling the truth...and they needed Slater's help. He seemed to be able to get in touch with anyone. Damon stayed on his toes however as they grabbed the coffee Slater offered them and went to sit at one of the tables.

End chapt