Part 6 – "It Matters To Me"

Jeremy opened the door with Stefan behind and went back downstairs. He was unsure how to approach the topic with Elena. How would she react? He knew Elena and Stefan had a long history, but it was assured that they were over. At least, Stefan said so. Jeremy felt he could trust Stefan's judgment, but Elena was still his sister. He knew Elena had become different, almost more emotional, now that she was a vampire. But he saw the way she looked at Damon. Elena had feelings for him. Jeremy was fine with them being together. Would she be fine with him and Stefan?

Jeremy's heart thudded when he reached the bottom of the staircase. Soundlessly, he felt Stefan approach from behind. Stefan kissed Jeremy's neck sweetly. It was a nice attempt to relieve Jeremy's anxiety. The anticipation of the moment was overwhelming. Elena should understand. Stefan and she had been over for months. Stefan assured him that. Still, Stefan was her ex and Jeremy was her brother. He didn't expect sibling rivalry, but he did expect confusion and possibly inner turmoil. Elena was very good at that. Her empathetic nature was heightened thanks to her newly promoted vampire abilities. Jeremy hesitated and then stepped forward to the living room.

Jeremy watched Elena from afar. She was side by side with Damon on the couch. Jeremy caught a scene of Jennifer Lawrence standing in both shock and helplessness and anger as she chose to fire a single arrow into the sponsors' gathering. Jeremy smiled and for a moment wished he was Katniss. He looked over at Elena and Damon and realized how close they were to each other.

"Elena?" Jeremy cautiously said.

"Hey Jer, what's going on?" Elena asked. She shifted rather quickly away from Damon's side and walked over to Jeremy. Elena rarely used her vampire abilities around Jeremy. She wanted to still be somewhat normal. She only did any vampire activity out of necessity. Although Jeremy was used to the sight of blood, the smell of it, and the apparently constant view of it in Mystic Falls these days, he still found it strange to see Elena calmly drinking a cup of microwaved blood. It reminded him of that vampire show they used to watch together sometimes.

"I need to talk to you," Jeremy said. Damon was now tilting his head slightly to one side and was rather obviously listening to the conversation. "Alone."

"Is there something wrong?" Elena said wrinkling her brow. She reached out her hand and touched Jeremy's.

"No, nothing's wrong," Jeremy began, "I just need to talk to you... privately."

"Go on, Elena," Damon piped in. "I'll pause the movie. Go talk with your brother. I'm sure what he's got to say is far more interesting than watching kids slaughter each other." Damon winked at Jeremy, and then an amused smile crossed his face. "Then again, I may watch and rewind a few times."

"Damon, that's sick," Elena said rolling her eyes. "C'mon, Jer, let's go into the kitchen." Elena exited into the kitchen as Jeremy paused at the doorway. He looked over his shoulder at Stefan, who had remained in the hallway. Stefan nodded and then smiled. Jeremy's heart fluttered when Stefan winked at him. He felt a slight blush creep along his face before he went into the kitchen.

Elena was at the fridge and removed two sodas. She placed one in front of Jeremy. The other she kept for herself and after popping the can she took a few sips. Jeremy did the same, but out of nervousness he took a few, fast swigs. He hiccupped briefly after so much caffeine rushed down his throat. Elena smiled and then shook her head laughing.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Stefan," Jeremy began, "I want to talk about Stefan... and me."

"And you?" Elena inquired. Her expression remained blank and untouched by awareness. "What about Stefan?"

"This is not going to be easy," Jeremy started, feeling the words as they fell out. Should he just say it out right? No beating around the bush or trying to justify his reasons. Jeremy suddenly decided to just admit it. "Stefan and... Stefan and I have... I mean, we are..." Jeremy's eyes dropped to the ground and then he turned sideways to Elena. "In love."

Elena blinked and her eyes grew large. She dropped her gaze as well and searched the empty countertop before her. She gripped the side of the kitchen island, possibly to steady herself from the new information. She was silent for a few seconds, but to Jeremy it was an eternity.

"Elena-" Jeremy started, but Elena cut him off with a wave of her hand. She didn't appear mad or confused. She almost seemed relieved.

"It's OK, Jer," Elena said finally. She reached across the counter and grasped his hand and held it within her own. "I'm OK. We've been over for some time now. It's just something I'll figure out. I do want you to be happy. I want Stefan to be happy. I hope it's what you want, though."

"It is," Jeremy said. Elena gripped his hand and smiled.

"Then, I give my blessing," Elena said, "Since I assume that's why you came to me."

"Yeah," Jeremy replied sheepishly. "It's weird, you know, dating your sister's ex-boyfriend. And we're all so close here: in the house, Mystic Falls. I just don't want things to be weird between us. Or, you and Stefan."

"It's fine, really," Elena repeated. "If you want I can talk to Stefan, too."

"No, this was just for me," Jeremy admitted. "Stefan said that you and he were over, but still friendly."

"Yeah," Elena said a little wistfully. She came around the kitchen island and leaned against it next to Jeremy. Instinctively, Jeremy wrapped his arm around her pulling her into a familial embrace. "It's too bad how it went down, but I think we were better for it." She sighed and gave Jeremy's hand a squeeze. A few seconds passed before she asked, "Does Damon know?"

"Yeah," Jeremy said, "He found out on his own tonight. Call it vampire intuition."

"Call it being Damon," Elena said laughing. She moved away from Jeremy, but first kissed him on the cheek. "Anyway, I'll go back to the movie and let you and Stefan sort things out."

At that, Elena left the kitchen and Jeremy was alone. He stood there unsure of his next move. He left the room and headed towards the stairwell. Stefan wasn't there, but Jeremy had a fairly good idea where he was. Jeremy breathed in with a mock surge of confidence and ascended the stairs to his bedroom. He was uncertain what would happen tonight, but he was certain he loved Stefan. Now, more than before, he realized how much he wanted him. Reaching the top of the staircase, Jeremy paused before entering the bedroom door.