A/N: Hey guys! Thank you all for the great reviews! I'm sorry I haven't been updating but I've been relocated and have not had internet until now. So thank you all for your patience and support and please keep enjoying these chapters! :)

And on a different note, next week I shall be publishing two new stories!

If you are a Supernatural fan, check out "Gabriel's Trix" featuring everyone's favorite Angel in a dramedy oneshot!

And/or if you are a Newsies fan, check out the first chapter of "Someone To Fall Back On" the story of a girl newsie who steals a customer from the famous Jack Kelly.

Thank you for your attention, please keep reading, and check out the new stories next week :)

Chapter 23
Control Part 2

The next day, Elena called Damon, though reluctantly. He immediately turned up that morning.

"Oh good you're here." She sighed.

"You ask I come. I'm easy like that." He flirted, but was given a look by Elena as she gestured to Jeremy in the kitchen. When he was silent, she started upstairs, but he just stood in place and said loudly, "No, Elena! I will not go to your bedroom with you-"

Jeremy only rolled his eyes as his sister pulled Damon up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Damon was in Elena's room, happily invading her personal space as she tried to talk about Stefan.

"He's not himself, Damon."

"Well, maybe his problem is that he has spent too long not being himself."

She groaned slightly as she put back a bra he'd been examining, "Please don't make me sorry for asking you."

"It is what it is Elena." He said, taking a small picture from her mirror, "The Stefan you know was 'good behavior Stefan', 'reign it in Stefan', 'fight against his nature into an annoyingly excessive level Stefan' but if you think there isn't another part to this then you have not been paying attention."

She leaned towards him, simultaneously taking back the photo, "He's not you, not even close."

"Well, he doesn't want to be me. That doesn't mean that deep down he's not." Damon smirked as he walked towards the door.

"If this is how you treat your brother, how do you expect to be a father?" she accused.

He turned around, slowly walking closer, "I wouldn't throw Katy an endless pity-party if that's what you mean." He stressed his last words, "I'd teach her control."

Damon waited for a response, but she didn't say anything, so he headed downstairs again. As he came down, he heard bustling in the kitchen, but when he looked he saw Jeremy still in his place. Then he noticed a half eaten bowl of cheerios across the table from him.

"See ya Jer."

"See ya."

"Oh hey, when Katy comes out from behind the counter, tell her to call me."

"Yup." He nodded as Damon left.

Once the door shut, Katy sheepishly came out and sat back in her place, not bothering to finish her food.

"You got all that?" He asked, smiling.

Katy just sat there, only glancing at him for a second before reverting her gaze back to the floor.

***Katy's POV***

While I did talk to Jeremy about the adoption sometimes, I always had an unscheduled rant fest with Elena everyday.

It got pretty real too, Elena would talk about family values and how Damon used to be a serial killer, to which I would respond with a few verses of "It's A Hard Knock Life" and end our meeting with "Tomorrow"

Never skimp on irony when talking about stressful or depressing topics, I say.

"I just don't know! I mean it's not like I have a real problem living with him already. So why should this be different?"

"Because this means you'd be here for the rest of your life, you'd have to set up new roots."

"Elena, my parents and I once moved to 5 places in one year, believe me I'm not unaccustomed to setting up new roots. I've been to Gettysburg, Chicago, Connecticut, as you know I've been to Georgia three times by now."

"Katy, why do you think it's an issue?"

I shrugged, "Maybe it's Damon? He's probably thinking something along the lines of 'I'm saving her ass anyway'?"

She laughed a little, "I think we can assume that's not it. Damon won't take on anything he doesn't have to."

"Well, how do you know that? What did he say to you when you found out?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself?" She countered.

I crossed my arms, giving her a look, "This from the woman tip-toeing around her brother?"

"That's different, Katy, the deed is done."

"I'm just saying." I replied, shrugging.

A contemplating expression grew on her face, and after a minute she walked off to knock on ol' Steve's door.

I groaned, "Crap, now I gotta take my own advice." I sighed, and sang as I walked out, "The sun will come out! Tomorrow! Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow-"

***Third Person's POV***

Soon it came time for the Founder's Day Kickoff Party; everyone in town was there, and then some. But in exchange for the epically boring music, anyone who could pass for 21 or older was drinking like they were at an Irish kegger.

It wasn't like they had much of a choice though; Mrs. Lockwood had somehow gotten it into her head that if she had the bartender water down the drinks, it might keep things proper.

Damon and Stefan soon arrived, the second being itchy as ever around the human party.

"Oh God!" He whispered, "I shouldn't be here."

"Come on, don't be a downer, it's a party for the founding families! That would be us. It would be rude to skip it."

"I really liked you a whole lot better when you hated everybody."

"Oh I still do. I just love that they love me." Damon smirked.

"Oh so that's why you wanted to adopt a child?" Stefan received only silence, "What happened to all that 'I'd never use Katy, Stefan!', 'I'm not that stupid Stefan!'? What you just changed your mind?"

"Always keep a receipt Stefan." He smiled sarcastically, "Katy and I both have interests to be served by the possibility of adoption. She can't take care of herself; she's reckless, angry, she knows this town's dirty little secrets."

"Sounds to me like she's yours already."

Damon smirked again, "Point is Stefan, Katy's not half bad I suppose. But if I adopt her; I get some reliable assistance, Good Samaritan award, and no questions about why she was here in the first place. She gets her security and privacy, practically raises herself anyway."

"I thought you just said she can't take care of herself." Again, no answer, "I'm just saying, there are holes in your story."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good, I'm fine."

"No cravings? No urges? Is that whiskey you've been drinking all day doing its job?" He taunted, "We are who we are Stefan. Nothing's gonna change that."

"Nothing will make you happier to just see me give up huh Damon?"

"Whatever, it's inevitable."

"Well, I'm gonna find Elena. Stefan said, walking off.

"Don't embarrass me young man!" Just then, Damon turned to see Katy in the crowd looking at him; but suddenly she just turned the other way and bolted.

"Well I've got my work cut out for me don't I?"

After she saw Damon, Katy disappeared for a while, but Jeremy found her and managed to coax her out into the open. He told her about how Elena told him she was adopted.

"So how are you taking it?" she asked.

"It's a little weird, hard to comprehend, but it's not bad." He admitted."

"You're bonded; you grew up together, that's probably why."

"yeah, when you got down to it, it doesn't really matter." He said, giving her a knowing smile.

Katy only narrowed her eyes at him.

Meanwhile, Damon came up to Elena after Stefan wen to finally compel the DJ.

"Have I entered an alternate universe where Stefan is fun?"

Elena shook her head slightly, smiling; she took another look at Stefan with a bottle in his hand and a strangely nonchalant smile on his face; her own smile soon fell in worry.

"Is he gonna be okay?"

"Eventually." Damon replied, "One way or another."

As he answered, Elena noticed his gaze soon turn over to where Jeremy and Katy were talking.

"You know you're only gonna make it worse you know." Jeremy told Katy, "Ignoring him like this."

"What did I say about getting preachy?"

"I think we can both agree the situation is awkward enough without making it worse."

"I heard what you said about Katy."

"Oh, not you too." Damon groaned.

"yes me too." She said, "Doesn't matter though, it's not true."

He raised an eyebrow, "What makes you say that?"

"I think what's really happening is it's been a week, she's avoiding you, and you're getting nervous. For once in your life, you care about someone, and you're scared she'll leave. It's understandable."

Damon groaned again inwardly and looked back at them, "How is she anyway?"

Elena looked at him sympathetically, "She misses you too."

Katy told him her concerns about the adoption just then, and Jeremy waited patiently before responding.

"I think I get it." He nodded, "You make a good point."

She nodded slightly to herself.

"That doesn't mean it hold true though."

She gave him a look, "Excu-'

"hey kids! Move!" A guy growled at them. They started to get out of the way as he slurred, "Go slower! We got all day!"

"Hey! Douche! Are you particularly fond of your genitals?" Katy shouted back; before he could answer she said, "Then shut up for your own good, give your hand one last chance to say goodbye."

The guy groaned, pushing passed her. Jeremy shifted his eyes uncomfortably, then looked back at Katy who only replied, "Oh shut up!"

Later on, Sheriff Forbes finally arrived, all dressed up for the occasion- as opposed to her usual uniform. Damon, of course, was the first to take notice.

"You know I love a woman in uniform but I have to side with this one. You look..." He searched for the word, "You look smashing."

"Thank you Damon. Cheers!" she clinked her glass to his, "I needed that. You know I had my doubts about you at first but like everyone else on the council you've won me over."

"Thanks Liz. It's really nice how welcoming the council has been, I like my life here in Mystic Falls. Starting to feel like home again."

"Have you talked to Katy yet?"

"No, but I'm gonna talk to her tonight."

"Well, you're not gonna like what I have to tell you." She said, "Jonathan Gilbert's claims check out. Blood bank, the missing people, all of its true. We might have a problem."

Katy wandered around for a while after she split from Jeremy. Unfortunately for her, John caught up with her.

"Katy! Fancy seeing you here."

"Whatever moves your furniture."

"Mind if we talk?"

"Kinda'. I'm having a fascinating conversation with a wall."

"I just have a few questions about your parents."

"Well, I'd rather talk to the wall."

As she started to walk away, John suddenly said, "Sarah Louise Weston, formerly Sarah Jennings, born August 3rd 1973, wife of Adam Harold Weston."

Slowly, Katy turned back around, standing silently as she waited for him to continue.

"I have all my brother's medical files. He was a doctor at Mystic Falls Hospital. When I heard your name, it sounded familiar. So I did a little browsing, and it turns out your mother was a former patient of his."

Katy didn't say anything.

"Strange though, she spent significant amounts of time there for chronic headaches and just left without word one day." His cocky smile increased, "But she wasn't really just a patient was she Katy? Because blood bags slowly disappeared, little by little, and then dropped dramatically when she left."

She snorted, "Oh right, now I remember this place. Old hit we used to restock. Customer service is a bitch, huh?"

"You're admitting it!" He said surprised, "Pretty bold, all things considering."

""How long have you been working this side of life?"

"Long enough."

"I doubt it." She said, giving him her 'wow, you're stupid look."

"Why's that?"

"Because I may be thirteen, but I still have some credibility here. Even if you exposed me, it'd be useless as I'm only seen a kid without proper guidance."

"True, but it would be interesting to the Sheriff. Serve well as a nice anecdote when I tell her the Salvatores are vampires."

"What do you want?" She snapped.

"Any information you have on your old customers, raiding plans, and any recent or active plans of the Salvatore brothers."

"No."

John looked only slightly impressed by her refusal, then warned, "I'll go to Sheriff Forbes."

"Before or after she arrests you for your unauthorized 'browse' at medical files?" Katy asked.

He blinked his eyes a few times in confusion before she explained.

"I hate to break it to you John, but you are neither a relative with legal permission nor a licensed medical professional. So if you even think about exposing us, I'll tell the Sheriff first."

Katy smirked in triumph, wacked him lightly on the arm, and left for the next room.

"No, I don't want you to compel him." Elena said in regards to her brother.

"if he keeps asking questions..." He warned.

"Damon, no I'm serious. I'm not going to do that to him again. I'll handle it."

He was reluctant-and very annoyed- but he said, "Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you."

He picked up a rose from the small vase beside them and gave it to her. As he began to walk off, their eyes locked until finally he was out of her sight.

Damon set off to find Katy, whom he soon found after he turned a corner, "Katy."

She turned around briefly, but then started off again. He groaned and ran up to her, "Katy!"

He caught her arm and pulled her off to the side, "I don't have time for this game of hide and seek, we need to talk now."

"I don't wanna talk right now." she said.

"Well tough luck, because Sheriff Forbes just informed me your little detour here in town has been cut short."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, given circumstances of your arrival, you only have two weeks left before it becomes needlessly complicated to complete the transaction."

"Well, I need to take that time." She insisted.

He sighed angrily, "Fine, but you stop this childish avoidance now!"

"Well what did you think you were adopting, a 30 year old?"

"No. Someone better than retreating when the going gets tough."

Katy was tongue-tied; in better circumstances he might've found it entertaining. But after a moment he left.

In an attempt to relax, Damon went onto the balcony, but was shortly interrupted.

"Damon, right?" John said.

"John."

"We didn't get the chance to meet at the council meeting."

"Yeah it's a pleasure." He said, "Are you enjoying the kickoff?"

"Oh yeah. I forgot how much fun these small town celebrations can be."

"Yeah." Damon replied, "When was the last time you were here?"

"Hasn't been that long, my brother's funeral. How long have you been in town?" He questioned.

"Oh, not long at all." He smirked back.

The two men had taken a full minute to stare each other down. Given a different location, it might have become a literal pissing contest!

"So what do you think Damon? You know this vampire problem is real, right? It's a potential blood bath."

"I wouldn't overreact John." Damon replied, his voice lacking anything besides mild annoyance.

"Oh, I think it's like 1864 all over again, vampires running amok." John said, practically beaming, "I guess we're just gonna have to hunt them down, throw them in a church and burn them to ash."

"That's the story, huh?"

"Part of the story, yeah."

"Oh, there's more?"

"Oh, there's a lot more." He clarified, "See, it seems there was a tomb under the church, where vampires were hidden, waiting for someone to come along and set them free. But then you already knew that didn't you? I mean, you're the one that did it."

"And you're telling me this why?"

"I just thought we'd get the introductions out of the way." He shrugged, "I've met Katy, your 'kid'. Better known though as Katherine Weston, not Salvatore."

"Your point?"

"Do you really think she'll accept you? The impending adoption? After all, you're just one of the species that killed her family, took everything from her. Unfortunate, she's a bright girl. But if she's half as smart as I think she is, as smart as you clearly see too, all she sees when she looks at you is a monster."

"You know that I could rip your heart out before anyone would notice?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah, okay. But you probably ingest vervain so..."

"Why don't you take a bite to find out?"

"It's not worth my time." He smirked, then started to walk away, turning back to look at John for a minute.

But before John knew what was happening, Damon sped up to him and snapped his neck, throwing him over the balcony. He looked down briefly at the body before he went inside.

Later on, Katy went to find a familiar face as Mayor Lockwood began his speech around the end of the night, her face forlorn and tired.

She came by Jeremy who noticed her expression, "Hey, you okay?"

She nodded, "I think I'm gonna turn in early."

"Alright, I'm bored I'll come with you." He told her as they headed for the door, barely catching John's name being called out for 'Town's Favorite Son'.

Damon went to Alaric, "Look at his right hand."

"Who's?"

"Town's Favorite Son. Look at his ring."

Ric took a closer look and then quietly exclaimed, "Well, it looks like mine."

"Yeah, and that would be a big coincidence if he didn't just come back from the dead 5 minutes ago." He paused, "Where the hell did you get that ring?"

"Isobel, my wife."

"Who gave birth to Elena, under the medical care of the esteemed Dr. Grayson Gilbert, John's brother!"

"Do you think John knew Isobel?"

"I think John knows a lot of things."

"Do you think I should just say no?" Katy asked, lying on the couch.

"Not my call Kate." He smiled, "Just relax, you'll do fine."

She gave Jeremy a half smile and hugged him, "Thanks buddy."

He returned her hug quickly, then supposedly headed for bed soon after. She pulled the blankets around her, but then pulled out the adoption papers and just stared at them.