A/N: Hey guys, I'm back from my holiday! And with my return comes a new update, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to everyone who favourited/alerted, and thanks to Dean Winchester's Baby Girl, sweetsweetsacrifice, amysmith2328, blondieluver612, Bookworm Angel and Marina1644509 (thanks for hoping I had a good time on holiday, it was great!) for reviewing, you all make my day!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries.

Damon's pov:

"Let me guess... Daisy Buchanan. I love a good Gatsby look." Carol Lockwood giggled as I slipped into the seat her husband had been occupying mere moments before.

"I've met you before. Aren't you Caroline Forbes boyfriend?" I smiled innocently, though internally I was cursing at myself. That girl really got on my nerves. I honestly have no idea why I chose her - out of all people - to use in my plans, when there is so much better out there on the market. I can think of one right now...

"She had a school girl crush on me, it was sweet but I had to let her down easy. I've never been the type to go around breaking girls hearts, you see." Such a lie... But in my defense, I never promised them any commitment. It's not my fault that girls just fall for my dashing looks, suave charm and my unflinching ability to listen to Taylor Swift.

"It's Damon, right?"

"Hmm, you remember."

"Well, you have a face that's hard to forget. What's your last name Damon?" I paused for a moment. Now normally, I would've replied instantly in my usual Damon like fashion. If it wasn't for the petite brunette traipsing through the doors to the grill, smiling politely at a few of her co-workers before heading through an archway that lead to somewhere in the back.

She looks... Breathtaking.

Snap out of it Salvatore! You're starting to lose it. I blinked and shook myself out of my thoughts, returning back to the conversation I was having with Carol. Don't get distracted by how good Brooke looks in those little jean shorts, there's a reason you're here talking to the mayor's wife, get on with it!

"Salvatore." I informed her as I tried to regain my composure. Since when does a girl you barely even know have this affect on you? No woman you've met in over a century has succeeded in making you feel anything Damon, only Katherine can. That's why you want her back. Keep your eyes on the prize.

"Salvatore. Are you any relation to Zach?"

"Zach's my uncle. How do you know Zach?" I leaned forward, my pupils dilating. She furrowed her brow and looked at me confusedly.

"Are you okay?" I tilted my head away from her and moved my body backwards, distracted once again by my own thoughts. You're incredibly smart Damon, but sometimes you do have your dumb blonde moments.

"Yeah... I think I've just got something in my eye." Could you say anything lamer than that? Honestly...

"Well, I know Zach from the founders council..." I tuned out of what she was saying as my eyes fell to the bracelet she wore on her right wrist. Of course she has some Vervain, she is the mayor's wife after all. What has been going on with you recently? I decided to settle with the fact that I was getting closer each and every day to being reunited with Katherine. That's the reason I'm a little bent out of shape.

"You know that the Salvatore's were one of the original settlers." I nodded.

"Yes, I'm aware of that. You know, I had no idea that Zach was a member. I've recently moved back home and haven't really had the chance to meet many people in this town, or any of Zach's friends." I explained myself, watching as she hung on every word that came out of my mouth. It's okay, you've had a little slip up it's completely natural, you've still got her right where you want her. I rewound for a second. Wait, since when do I panic about anything? Has Stefan been putting bunny blood in my drinks?

"Will you tell him to return my calls? I've been leaving messages but he hasn't replied."

"Zach went out of town for a bit. But if it's about the Vervain..." That certainly captured her interest. Her smile faltered slightly.

"You know about the Vervain?" She asked before waving her hand in the air, signaling for a waitress to come over. Trust me honey, I know lots of things...

"Well I'm a Salvatore, of course I do." I heard a pair of feet trotting towards us followed closely by the scent of vanilla mixed with lavender. Brooke.

"Mrs Lockwood, what would you like to order." I inclined my head towards her, smirking as I heard her heart skip a beat and her blood pump quicker through her veins. Hmm, what lengths would I go to for a taste? The question I really should be asking myself though is a taste of what? Her blood, or her body? Or both? I'll go with the latter...

"The usual Brooke, would you like anything Damon?" I want lots of things. My eyes swept over Brooke's figure before they connected with her eyes, which you guessed it: Looked furious. What else is new?

"No thanks Carol, I'm fine."

Brooke's pov:

"I'll be back in just a moment." I said in a rushed voice, trying as quickly as possible to escape Damon and Carol's presence. What the hell is he upto? Scratch that, I don't want to know. I rolled my eyes as I looked over at the two of them, laughing as if they had no worries in the world. I wish I could say the same for myself. I honestly don't understand how anyone can buy this good Samaritan act he puts on display. I frowned at the voice inside of my head that whispered you did.

"Here you go Mrs Lockwood, I'll just put it on your tab." She nodded her head distractedly, barely shooting a look in my direction as I placed her drink on the table. No, her gaze was stuck steadily onto Damon. Of course, the ladies man of Mystic Falls. What everyone doesn't know however is that he's also the most dangerous predator in town.

I sent one last glare in his direction before spinning around on my heels, taking off towards the toilets. I cringed as I caught Keith walking out of the mens and dashed straight into the ladies before he had the chance to see me. Knowing him this would count as 'slacking'.

I closed my eyes and leaned against the sink, wincing at the sharp burn erupting in my head. I must be getting a headache. I groaned as I realised that my bag containing some aspirin was behind the bar, but I didn't dwell on that long. I became preoccupied with something else entirely.

A startled scream escaped my lips as I looked at my reflection in the mirror, realising that I wasn't exactly alone. My hands unconsciously gripped onto the washbasin tightly, trying to slow down my racing heart that felt like it was going to rip itself out of my chest. Blue eyes twinkled at me, obviously amused by my reaction.

"What the hell? You're such an ass!" His signature smirk appeared and he raised an eyebrow as if to say 'You've only just realised?'. I turned around, prepared to knock him down off his high horse until I became painfully aware that there wasn't much space left between the two of us. I leaned backwards as far as I could, but it was no use. He just moved even closer.

"What's wrong Brooke? You look a little... flushed." Unable to control myself, I lifted my eyes to stare into his. They're just so blue. Like the ocean, or a clear, cloudless sky. They're blindingly beautiful, which is a huge problem for me. Whenever I take a look into his eyes, I lose myself.

Damon grinned, placing his hands onto my hips and hoisting me onto the washbasin with me making no objections. I don't know why I wasn't telling him to stop, but right now I can't honestly say that I want him to. His hands slowly danced across my arms, moving upwards towards my face.

One hand tangled itself in my hair and pulled me closer to him, whilst the other chose to trace the outlines of my face. What is he doing to me? I felt myself get swept up in the moment, almost as if I had no control over my own body. I sighed as my eyelids began to carry a newfound weight as the charge of electricity pumping through my veins grew stronger. Without realising what I was doing, my own two hands began to move to make contact with him, but before they had the chance my eyes snapped open, watching as Damon's gaze fell to the arch of my neck.

Effectively breaking the spell.

I pushed him away, gasping as I realised my mistake. What the hell were you doing? Unless... that wasn't really you. My hand automatically reached for the necklace wrapped around my throat, checking if it was still there. I sighed in relief as I found that it was, but then my eyes widened. So if he wasn't controlling you, that means that you genuinely-

"Before you get your panties in a twist, no I didn't compel you, and yes: You want me." He finished with a satisfied, sly, smug smirk. My facial expression was a picture. Filled with sheer horror, disdain and last but not least: Revulsion.

"See, you're not even denying it." I can't bare looking at him. I need to get out of here. Now. A hand latched tightly onto my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I clenched my jaw as he cocked an eyebrow, the smirk still present on his lips.

"Now where do you think you're going?" I couldn't breathe. My chest heaved as tears welled up in my eyes, causing Damon's smirk to falter slightly.

"Please. Just leave me alone." I whispered, my voice laced with desperation. Something in his stance changed but before I could question it a gush of air swept by me; his hand detached itself from my wrist and I was the only one left in the room.

What is it about this man who makes me feel like this? Not knowing whether I'm coming or going. Messing with my emotions. Making me feel two completely different things at once... I let out a strangled scream of frustration.

Nothing makes sense anymore. None of this. Life was so much easier when I was at Stanford. Granted, I wasn't happy, but it wasn't as difficult as this. Not to mention I'm miserable here, and this place was meant to be my escape. Ever since I found out about the existence of vampires, there isn't a day that goes by where I wish I could forget. Have it all wiped from my memory. Maybe then I'd have some peace.

I gasped at the sound of my ringtone echoing through the air, breaking me out of my depressing thoughts. Retrieving my cell from my pocket, I looked at the caller I.D to see that it was Elena.

"What's up Lena? Having fun?"

"Not exactly. Brooke, do you know where Jeremy is? I'm worried and I need to find him before she does-" I cut my panicked cousin off mid sentence, speaking in a breathy, broken tone of voice.

"What? No, I haven't seen him. Elena, tell me what's going on."

I arrived at the Halloween party, my eyes sweeping the room at an irregular speed as I tried to find my cousin. Elena had told me that there was nothing going on and to stay at the grill, but there was no way I was going to keep working after her strange phone call. Something's definitely up. My search party didn't last very long though, as Elena literally crashed into me, almost knocking both of us to the floor.

"Brooke? What are you doing here? I told you to stay away!"

"Did you honestly think I was just going to serve drinks at the grill after that spooky phone conversation? Don't make me laugh!" She glared at me hotly, and for a moment I wondered if that was similar to the way I looked at Damon most of the time. Why does your mind always switch back to him? You don't even like him, infact, you hate Damon! He isn't worth a second of your time, so stop thinking about him!

In my haste to stop thinking about Damon, I realised I'd completely forgotten about Elena. Looking at her form, I noticed that her chocolate orbs were darting around wildly, her lips were quivering and her shoulders were shaking slightly. My eyes softened instantly and I placed my hands on her arms, hoping to comfort and calm her down.

"Lena, what's got you so worried? C'mon, why don't I take you home-"

"No!" She interrupted immediately, causing me to jump back and my hands to retract from her arms. I searched her eyes for answers, but all I could see was a wildness that I couldn't explain. Before I had chance to question her on it, her entire body froze, and she began to mumble something that was almost inaudible, but I managed to catch the end of her sentence.

"I can't let her get to Jeremy. She'll hurt him." My heart started to thump at an irregular pace, so loud that I could almost hear it over the high intensity of the music booming around us. Jeremy's in danger? From who?

"Let who hurt him? Elena? Elena!" Her eyes met mine and then suddenly she began to run.

"Elena!" She gave no signs of turning around, only moving further into the distance, where I could barely see her. Whatever she knows it's definitely bad, and there's no way I'm just going to let her run straight into danger alone. Sprinting in the direction I'd seen her go in, I moved as fast as I possibly could, trying my hardest to spot her in the crowd of teenagers. I slowed to a stop. I can't see her; she's gone.

"Excuse me, have you seen a brunette in a nurse's outfit around here?" I asked as I approached a couple of young girls, who both shook their heads from left to right. I questioned every person I could, but no-one seemed to remember seeing her. I closed my eyes when they began to burn hot with water, on the verge of giving up. I can't let anyone hurt her. She's like a sister to me.

"Brooke?" I span around, hoping to have found my foolish cousin, only to see her ex-boyfriend. And I'm not talking about Stefan.

"Matt! Oh thank God, have you seen Elena? Please tell me you have because I don't know what I'll do if you haven't-" He waved his hands in front of my face, attempting to cut off my chaotic rambles.

"Woah, slow down! Yeah I saw her, Stefan too. Why's everyone freaking out so much? I can't find anyone normal right now, you and Elena are going insane, and Vicki's going crazy, supposedly because Stefan keeps bothering her-" I was the one to interrupt him this time.

"Vicki? You've seen her? Where is she? What-"

"Why's everyone so interested in my sister? Yeah, I get that she needs help with her drug problem and everything, but no-one's supporting her right now! How is she meant to get better when no-one has any faith in her?" I tugged on the roots of my hair in aggravation and panic. This is so not the time for me to be offering anyone advice, or listen to any of their problems! I need to get to Elena now!

"Matt, please! Can you just answer my question? Where did you last see Vicki? Please." He gave me a weird look before giving in much to my delight, but also to my horror as he released the information I'd been begging him for.

"She's here somewhere. All I know is that she's looking for Jeremy. I don't know what's wrong with her Brooke. She's out of control." I felt a girl brush past me in a rush, heading for a fire exit that I assumed lead to the school's carpark.

It was Elena. I sighed in relief at the sight of her. She's okay. My sense of ease soon disappeared though. Vicki's at large, on the hunt for Jeremy and Elena's still on the prowl to find Mystic Fall's newest vampire. I've got to stop her before she gets hurt; she isn't getting away again. Returning my attention to Matt who looked at me in utter despair, I searched for something to say, anything to reassure him that everything was going to be okay.

"... I'm sorry." I left him and took off after Elena, completely regretting my choice of words. I was supposed to help him, make him believe that things would work out eventually. But what's the use in lying to him? He's only going to be disappointed, because things aren't going to work out. And they're certainly not going to be okay.

I was confused.

I'd finally caught up with Elena and gotten into the carpark, to be greeted with the sight of Jeremy leaning heavily against a school bus, Elena breathing erratically as she tried to pick herself up from the ground and Stefan standing completely still. All of their eyes were on me entering the rather alarming scene that had been created by Vicki, but I didn't understand. If this was all her doing, wouldn't she be here? She's nowhere in sight. Stefan's body revived itself.

"Go! Get inside!" He roared, and both of my cousins sprang straight back to life. I however, stood there like a deer caught in the headlights. Vicki didn't kill them, but there's blood all over Elena and Jeremy.

Elena realised that I wasn't moving and began to gesture for me to accompany her and Jeremy who were stood by the door, ready to re-enter the school. Her and Jere's eyes were pleading with me to go with them, and I decided to put their fear to rest. You can ask questions later, just follow them.

That's what I planned on doing. But something in their eyes changed; they were no longer pleading with me - they were petrified.

Two screams reverberated through the air. The first one was voiced by Elena.

The second by me.

A hand latched onto my hair tightly, throwing my head backwards. I could feel strands of my brunette locks being pulled out of my head with incredible force.

I was locked in a vice like hold, unable to break free. It momentarily reminded me of Damon's strong hold, but there was a vast difference. Whilst it was impossible to escape his grip, he never held me like this. His hold never hurt. But this does. I couldn't breathe. My throat was dry, and my eyes were overtaken by fire, blurring my vision. Whimpers passed through my lips, and I could hear a huge commotion going on around me.

And then I screamed again at the feel of two elongated teeth sinking into the supple skin of my neck.

If I thought I was in pain before, then I had no idea how to describe whatever this was.

Blinding, torturous and excruciating were the first three words to come to mind. I pulled as hard as I could, attempting to break away. But I wasn't strong enough. My life force was being drained away, and I was fading fast. Am I... Dying? Is this what death feels like? My eyelids fluttered closed, and my body stopped moving. It was hard to think, almost impossible. All I wanted in that moment was for Jeremy and Elena to be okay.

Something happened, and I felt myself being pulled out of my attacker's grasp, and placed into another pair of arms that held my form with ease. The pain dulled down slightly, and I felt a small sense of comfort. A hand brushed my hair out of my face, and for just a second, my eyes opened and connected with two dazzling blue ones that I couldn't help but find familiar. Is it Damon? Or an angel? I didn't have a clue what was going on. But I felt safe, and right now that's all that matters.

My eyes closed again when everything began to spin. Darkness was the only thing visible, and it was daunting. It was as if I was blind or paralyzed, and my emotions were spiraling out of control. I think this is it. This must be what death feels like.

I prayed to God that I was wrong. That I was just going into a deep sleep, and I'd wake up tomorrow morning. But that's wishful thinking. Me, optimistic? I used to be, once upon a time.

I leaned into the embrace of my blue eyed angel, searching for peace and tranquility. There are three things that I'm certain of: My name is Brooklyn Gilbert. I love my family, Elena, Jeremy and Jenna.

And I was really, really hoping that I wouldn't die.

Fingers were being brushed lightly through my hair, gently untangling the knots. My body was leaning against another's, and I felt completely drained. My body barely contained any energy, so little that I was finding it difficult to just open my eyes. What happened? Why do I feel so lifeless? My throat was incredibly dry, and as I swallowed deeply I found myself falling into a coughing fit, desperately trying to inhale oxygen.

The hand stilled in my hair, but that was all. I heard a brief sigh of relief before the body I was leaning against shifted and slipped off of what I'm assuming was a mattress, and then the sound of water running from a tap drifted to my ears.

Where am I? Why can't I open my eyes? Why can't I remember anything?

And then like a flash, it came to me; and my eyes finally shot open.

Following Elena into the carpark. Vicki... Biting me.

My body shuddered and my hand automatically darted to my neck, wincing as I traced the outline of two puncture marks over the once immaculate skin. I thought I was going to die.

As my eyes focused and readjusted, I realised I was in my youngest cousin's room. Jeremy swiftly came into my line of vision, placing his hand gently on the back of my head as he slowly guided a glass of water to my lips. I welcomed the liquid hungrily, gulping it down like I'd been in the desert for months and on the brink of death, which I guess could be considered true. Not the whole being stranded in the desert thing, but nearly dying? I'm pretty sure that happened.

"Thanks." I whispered hoarsely, clearing my throat. Jeremy didn't even respond; he just sat there in utter silence, his eyes locked onto the floor.

"Jere? Wh-what's the matter?" I croaked, my throat still insanely sore and the puncture wound throbbing immensely. He looked into my eyes, and I felt myself fall backwards from my sitting up position and back onto the mattress at the intensity of sadness within his eyes. I don't get it. I mean, from what I can tell, I'm fine. So why is he-

All thoughts came crashing to a halt when Elena rushed into the room, her features a mirror image to her brother's. She immediately pushed herself inbetween the two of us, one of her hands slipping into mine and squeezing it gently, but her attention wasn't really focused on me.

"Do you understand what happened tonight?"

"No... I don't understand. I mean, I know... what I saw but... I don't understand." Jeremy's voice shook and tears glided down his cheeks at a rapid speed. My face contorted into misery and despair. What did he see? Please don't tell me he saw Vicki in her... vampire form. It would crush him, knowing that the girl he's in love with isn't the same person he used to know.

"She was going to kill Brooke, Jeremy." Elena replied softly, her eyes flashing and connecting with mine before falling down to my neck that held what I'm sure was a horrifying sight.

"I know. But now she's dead, Vicki's dead." My entire body froze, instantly becoming numb. She's... Dead? Elena's apologies to Jeremy rang in my ears, but it was almost muted, drowned out in the background. The girl that I work with, the girl that Jeremy's in love with, the girl who's the older sister to Matt... She's dead?

I mean, sure, she tried to kill me. But it was out of her control. She wouldn't have intentionally tried to hurt me. Vicki Donovon may be a lot of things, but a murderer isn't one of them.

"Why does everybody have to die on me?" The broken whisper interrupted my thoughts; I watched with tear filled eyes as Elena held her brother whilst he sobbed in grief and pain, holding the weight of the world on his shoulders. Not only has his girlfriend just died, but now he knows about the secrets Elena and I had tried so hard to keep him in the dark about.

Vampires.

Jeremy cried himself to sleep, clutching mine and Elena's bodies murmuring the words 'don't leave me' continuously, as if on repeat. We were stood in the doorway of his bedroom staring at him, the two of us heart-broken over the grief Jeremy was currently facing. He's lost so many people. His aunt (my mother), his parents and now Vicki. It just crushes me seeing how the world always knocks him down when things are finally starting to look up.

I felt a small, soft, gentle hand delicately trace over the marks on my neck, breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned to Elena, attempting to speak but was quickly cut off as her arms wrapped around my body.

"I was so worried about you Brooke. I told you not to come; I knew something bad was going to happen, I could just feel it." I sighed and returned her hug, hissing when she moved to the side slightly and accidently knocked her head against my bite mark. She jumped back as if she'd just been electrocuted and began muttering the words 'I'm so sorry' over and over, much like Jeremy had done minutes ago.

"Lena it's fi-" She disappeared in a flash, before quickly returning with a damp flannel in her hands. I took it and smiled slightly at her in thanks, brushing it gently across my neck, welcoming the soothing feeling that it brought me. That feels so much better.

"It's my fault; I shouldn't have called you. If I hadn't startled you then you'd have carried on working, and you wouldn't have been looking for me. I'm such an idiot!" I rolled my eyes at her.

"Don't be so dramatic Elena, it isn't your fault. Chances are that if she hadn't bitten me, she'd have bitten you or Jeremy, and neither of those outcomes are any better than this one. I'm fine, see? It could be worse. At least I'm still alive." I whispered the last part, hoping that Elena hadn't heard it. She looked at me with an 'as if' expression on her face, so I decided to take the spotlight away from myself.

"You shouldn't be worrying about me right now, we have other problems." I inclined my head towards Jeremy, unsuccessfully hiding my grimace when I stretched my neck too far, almost ripping open the puncture marks.

Thankfully, Elena didn't seem to notice, her attention now fully attached to her brother.

"I know, you're right. What are we going to do Brooke? I haven't seen him like this since our parents died. He's so... broken." I nodded in agreement. I honestly have no idea how he's going to get over this. Elena and I are barely holding it together, and now he knows too. What if he spirals out of control? What if he turns back to drugs?

Elena clicked her fingers, resulting in me sending her a weird look.

"You trust me, don't you?" I nodded, unsure where she was going with this.

"Give me a few minutes. I know how to fix this. I can make him better." She ran in the direction of the stairs, leaving me full of questions and anxiety. But if she knows how to help Jeremy, I'm not about to stop her.

"Brooke? Brooke!" Jeremy shot up from his bed, his eyes darting wildly around the room. He looked like a man at breaking point, desperate for a way out.

"Shh, it's okay, I'm here." I whispered, moving to his side immediately and resting his head in my lap much like he'd done for me not too long ago. Oh the irony. Half an hour ago our positions were reversed.

"Don't leave me." His hand latched tightly onto my arm, and I was sure I'd have bruises from his grip in the morning. Not that I care, it's not as if this hurts more than the throbbing ache on my neck does. I felt like smacking myself in the head. Oh boo hoo, so you almost got your neck ripped open, who cares? At least you're not dead.

"I won't, I promise." He seemed to calm down slightly at my words, but he was still incredibly tense. I rocked him back and forth, much like I used to do when we were younger. I remember one time in particular when he was six years old, and I was thirteen. He'd been outside playing with Elena, who suddenly ran into the kitchen crying. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that Jeremy had fallen over on the slabs in the garden and that he had a boo boo.

So I followed her outside and held him as he cried all of his tears away, gently swaying the two of us back and forth. When his sobs finally subsided, I put a plaster on the miniature sized cut (a Barbie one, which he wasn't very happy about as you can imagine), and soon enough he was back outside playing with Elena again.

I smiled sadly. I miss those days. We were so innocent, so pure. We weren't aware of the corrupt, dangerous world. We were none the wiser, and happier than ever.

A gentle rapping on the door caught my attention and my head swung to the side, causing me to curse at my stupidity, again. Every time! You have a sensitive neck if you hadn't already noticed! Stop messing with it!

However, all thoughts drained away the second my eyes connected with a pair of striking blue ones, and to my surprise, so did the pain.

"What are you doing in here?" I whispered as I watched Damon enter the room. I didn't have the energy to argue with him, I was too tired for that.

"At Elena's request, I've kindly decided to offer my services. One time deal only." I opened my mouth, attempting to question him but the look in his eyes silenced me. They weren't their usual 'oh look at me, Mr fantastic'. No, they looked the complete opposite. Sullen, dark... regretful?

He motioned for me to move away from Jeremy, who hadn't even seemed to notice that there was someone else in the room. I hesitated. Why should I? Just because he said Elena sent him and he isn't acting like his usual Damonesque self doesn't mean I can trust him. But Elena's words flashed though my mind. I know how to fix this. I can make him better.

Damon waited patiently for me to stand up, him quickly taking my place once I did so. He captured Jeremy's attention, looking deeply into his eyes. Now if I wasn't so worried about my cousin's mental state, I probably would've made some comment about how the way Damon was looking at Jeremy could be classed as romantic to a stranger who didn't know better. But I knew that wasn't really the case, and now wasn't the time to be facetious, not that there is ever a time to be.

And then he began to speak. And whilst there was no way I could fall under his spell - what with the Vervain I wear in my necklace and all - I still managed to become transfixed with the tone of his voice. It was hypnotic.

"Vicki left town, and she's not coming back. Don't look for her, and don't worry about her. You'll miss her, but you know it's for the best. Now go to sleep, you've had a long day." Jeremy's features turned blank as Damon's compulsion hit him full on, and then he turned to me, still under the trance.

"I'm going to sleep now; I've had a long day." I nodded and smiled at him, tears slipping down my face as he laid his head against his pillow and drifted off into what I was hoping were sweet dreams. Damon stood up, glanced at me for a few moments before attempting to move past me. I blocked him, throwing myself in front of the stairs when he tried to walk down them and he sent me an annoyed look.

"You know, some of us have things to do." I took no notice of his irritated tone and instead just rose an eyebrow.

"What was that?"

"I don't know, why don't you tell me?" I rolled my eyes.

"Answer the question Damon. What was that? Why'd you do that?" His eyes locked onto mine and my hand gripped the banister tightly, afraid I'd get so lost in the blue pools that I'd accidently fall down the stairs.

"I took his suffering away." He answered shortly. I had a feeling there was more, but I wasn't going to push him. There's no way he'd tell me anyway.

"Now, would you move so I can get back to my womanizing, bloodthirsty life? I've got women to seduce, people to drain." I bit the inside of my cheek, desperately trying to hold in the words that were dying to come out. I'm really not in the mood.

I stepped aside, accidently brushing my chest against his as I did so. Our eyes connected and I took a step back, attempting to put some distance between us. He just shook his head and muttered something underneath his breath that I couldn't hear and moved towards the stairs. But that was when his words finally registered: I took his suffering away.

"I wish I could forget." He paused, but didn't turn around to face me.

"Because then I wouldn't have to feel like this. It's tearing me apart. Ever since I moved to Mystic Falls and met you, things just got worse. This was meant to be an escape, a place to run away to and leave all of my problems behind. But now I wish I'd never came back here, never found out about any of this." My voice shook and tears trickled down my face slowly. I have no idea why I'm telling him this, I haven't even told Elena.

So why? It's not like he cares, and it's not like I trust him.

"Do you want me to make you forget?" He swiveled round, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at me with... understanding? That isn't possible. We can't relate to each other about anything, God, we can't even stand each other. So why are we doing this? Why am I talking to him about things so personal that I wouldn't even tell Elena, and why is he still stood there listening to me?

I blinked a few times before returning my gaze to his.

"No." His eyes widened and they bored into mine as he stepped closer to me.

"Why? I think it's pretty obvious you wish you'd never found out about me and Stefan. And like you've already said, it's painful for you to think about. So why? Are you masochistic?" I rolled my eyes and wiped the tears away from my face, trying to stop a small smile from creeping onto my lips. Only Damon would say something like that.

"No."

"Are we playing the guessing game or something? As I've said, I'm busy and I have an undead life to attend to-"

"If you shut up for a few seconds I might just have the chance to tell you!" He smirked slightly before raising an eyebrow.

"Alright then Brooklyn, you have my unwavering attention." I stared at him for a few moments, trying to figure out if telling him this was really a good idea. This isn't a good idea. Damon doesn't give a crap. He's incapable of caring; he'll laugh at you or do something equally horrible.

However, I found myself conflicted. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him, and I'm almost one hundred percent certain that one day when I happen to cross paths with him and he's in an aggravated mood, I'll get turned into another Vicki Donovan.

But despite all of this and everything he's done, I needed someone to talk to. Someone who wasn't Elena who I felt hesitant to drop my problems on.

"I want to forget, I do. More than anything. But... I know that Elena has feelings for your brother, feelings she can't just ignore. She won't want to forget, and I can't leave her to deal with this alone. It isn't fair, it isn't right and I won't do it. Because I love her." Warm, wet tears cascaded down my face again. I think I've cried more in the past couple of weeks than I have in my entire life.

I glanced at Damon who appeared to be frozen in time. I was right before. This was a bad idea. I turned to leave, gasping and falling straight into his arms as I noticed that he'd sped in front of me. His hands held onto my shoulders, steadying me until I found my balance. My eyes closed as he trailed his hands down my arms before letting go completely, and I cursed at myself internally for missing the lack of contact.

"I used to feel the same way about Stefan. A very, long time ago..." He trailed off, and I felt it wise not to pressure him into saying anything else, just shooting a small smile in his direction. I didn't expect him to utter a word, let alone open up to me. I opened my mouth to speak but closed it instantly, unsure on how to respond to what he'd just told me. Thankfully, Damon decided to bring me out of my misery.

"Wait... Did we just have a civil conversation?" A laugh escaped my lips at his question, and after it died down it was replaced with a contented smile. I'd forgotten how good it feels to laugh. It's so refreshing.

"Yeah, I think we did." I noticed his eyes shift towards my neck much like they had during our... encounter in the ladies toilets at the grill, but this time it was different. There was no hunger laced within his gaze this time.

"That, looks nasty." I grimaced, showing my distaste at the obvious pain it was inflicting on me. It's sore and it stings like a freaking bitch.

"Yeah, it feels like it too. Thank you." I said softly and Damon narrowed his eyes so they were half closed.

"For what?"

"I don't remember much other than the pain... but I remember you being there. You carried me away from Vicki; I thought I was going to die. But you were there and you saved me, so I wanted to thank you for that. Don't get me wrong, I still hate your guts, but not as much as before." He chuckled at the latter part of my sentence, his lips curling upwards into his signature smirk.

"Don't worry, I was only doing my job. Angel Salvatore to the rescue!" I cocked an eyebrow in confusion.

"What?"

"Oh nothing, just something you muttered earlier about me being an angel or something, it was no big deal." My eyes widened immediately as the memory of me being lifted into his arms and staring into his crystal blue eyes hit me. I called him an angel? Heat flooded my cheeks and I held my head in my hands in embarrassment, Damon's laughter doing absolutely nothing to help.

"Shut. Up. I thought I was going to die okay, cut me some slack!" I hissed.

"If that's what you need to believe to get through the night then that's fine with me." I opened my mouth to counter with something witty, but paused when he grabbed my hand and slipped a vial into it. I attempted to ignore the electricity that flowed through me whenever we touched and instead stared at him, my eyes quickly darting between him and the small container.

"What's this?" His fingertips gently brushed against my neck, before he dropped his hand to his side.

"Drink it, you'll feel better." A whoosh of air passed by me, and before I had chance to question Damon more I realised he was gone. I blinked a few times, my eyes still trained to the spot Damon had been a few seconds ago. It's shocking how fast they can move.

I shook my head and clutched the vial in my right hand as I walked into my bathroom, dreading the sight I was about to greet as I stared into the mirror. I look like a zombie. I thought, flinching at the person the mirror reflected. I look nothing like myself. My hair's knotted together in lumps, my make-up's smeared all over the canvas of my face and my clothes are drenched in blood. I think it's best if I take a shower...

I peeled away my clothes, looking at them with distaste as they dropped to the floor. I ran my hands over my face after placing the mysterious vial on the side, deciding I'd take a look at whatever was inside it after I washed the day away.

Feeling refreshed and a lot cleaner than earlier, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body, sighing quietly as my hand wandered to my neck. How does the pain stop? How long does it take to fade away? My eyes automatically flew to the wash basin where the vial was lying, Damon's words from before flashing through my head. Drink it, you'll feel better.

My hand curled around the small container and slid off the lid, squinting my eyes in confusion at the red tainted liquid swirling around inside it. What did Damon give me? Who cares? He said it will help you, that's all that matters. Don't you want to feel better?

I hesitated briefly, before catching the reflection of Vicki's bite mark in the mirror. Damon wasn't lying when he said it looked nasty, so why would he lie about this? If he wanted to hurt or kill you he would've done so a long time ago. C'mon, you'll feel so much better.

I took the plunge after I realised I was over thinking things and tipped my head backwards slightly, raising the vial to my lips. The rich, thick and smooth elixir touched my lips and flowed down my throat. It tasted incredible, revitalizing, almost like it was giving me newfound energy. I leaned against the sink heavily, staring at the empty vial in wonder.

What was that? And why did you have such a strong reaction to it?

I shot up and moved away from the sink, thankful that Damon wasn't here to watch my cheeks burn red this time. I can't believe you just drank that. If Damon gives you something, it doesn't mean it's a smart idea to take it. You can't trust him, just because the two of you had one civil conversation does not mean that-

My train of thought paused and I watched in fascination as my wound knitted itself together and closed. It's... it's gone.

"Brooke?" I twirled around, my heart-beat gaining momentum. It slowed down the second I saw Elena standing in the doorway of my bathroom, clad in her pajamas.

"Hey, Elena..." I turned straight back to the mirror and fanned my hair out to fall over my shoulders and across my neck so that Elena wouldn't notice my missing wound. God knows how I'd explain to Elena that Damon gave me some mysterious drug that made my bite mark disappear.

"Can I sleep in your room tonight?" She asked quietly, fiddling with the hemline of her t-shirt. I smiled slightly. She actually came to me.

"Of course! Just let me get changed and I'll be straight in, okay?" She nodded, shot one last glance in my direction and exited the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

It's impossible. I examined myself in the mirror once again, astounded and mesmerized. Stop questioning it and forget about it. Just be grateful you're alive, it could've been you six feet under today, along side Vicki. I blinked at the painful reminder of my co-worker and Jeremy's girlfriend.

Even though Jeremy doesn't remember what happened, things will never be the same again.

A/N: Hey guys! I hope you liked that chapter, it was a little rough around the edges I'll admit but I hope it was satisfactory and that you enjoyed it.

Review! :D