EPOV
Stefan had tried to convince me to come back downstairs with him, but I told him I was tired. I really just wanted some alone time, a chance to call Damon.
But would he listen? Probably. He did that, for me at least.
But would he forgive me? I told him not come to me anymore, but I wanted him to. I knew I was the only one that he could truly trust.
I got my phone and climbed into bed. I dialed Damon's number by memory. As always he picked up before the first ring was over.
"Elena?"
"I'm sorry, Damon. I want you to come to me, I want to be there. I-"
"I get it. You're forgiven. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then, why'd you call? You could have apologize tomorrow."
"Because this is too important to wait."
"What?"
"Your Father, Bonnie brought him back!"
There was a long silence, and a sigh.
"I figured." He said.
"Will you tell me what's wrong? Please Damon?"
"Not now. Tomorrow. When were alone." He promised.
"Okay." It was quiet for a long time.
"Well, I guess I should-"
"Wait! Damon..."
"What?"
"You know I lo- that I care about you, right?" I heard him laugh quietly.
"I love you, too. Even if it's strictly friendship."
"Good night, Damon."
"Good night."
The Next Day DPOV
I waited in a corner booth at the Grill. I was downing my third glass of scotch when Elena slid into the seat in across from me.
"Hello." I said, putting the glass down.
"How many have you had?" She asked, nodding at my empty glass.
"Here or at home?"
"Both."
"Six maybe seven glasses." She took my and from across the table.
"You need help." She said quietly. I laid my hand on hers.
"I know, Elena. I'm starting Vampire AA, I promise."
She laughed, just like I wanted. This wasn't going to be a fun day.
A waitress came by and I ordered another drink and Elena ordered a coffee.
Never letting my hand go, she looked into my eyes.
"We're here for a reason, Damon. You promised to tell me what's wrong."
"I did. But first, I need you to promise me something."
"Anything." She said.
"Don't think any worse of me?"
"What?"
"Just promise." She did.
"My childhood, from when Stefan was born until the day I died, was horrible. My mother passed away when I was three, not many children would spend time with me, and..."
"What?"
"My Father hated me. He hated me with a strong enough passion to hit me over things that never happened."
"Hit you?" She asked. I nodded.
"You mean, like, abuse?"
"Yes. But it went deeper than just physical. He put me after himself and Stefan in every way." She tightened her grip on my hands, waiting.
"I broke my arm when I was ten." I said finally. I pulled my jacket off and rolled my sleeve off. "From here to here. That same day, Stefan had food poisoning. So, instead of going straight to the doctor, I had to wait."
"That's not fair." Elena whispered. "It really truly isn't."
Our drinks had came, but neither of us wanted them anymore.
"I still have scars." I sighed. "All over, from the beatings. I'll admit that some were earned. But most weren't."
"And Stefan?" She asked.
"Never touched out of terms. Never knew about the abuse, either. I wouldn't tell him."
"Why?"
"Pride. Stefan looked up to me, and saw someone strong. I wasn't about to change that."
"You're a stubborn ego-maniac, Damon." She whispered. "But, I wouldn't change it for the world." I smiled.
"What time is it?" She asked, a moment later.
"Uh, 5:30. Why?"
"Date with Stefan. He's been so over protective since your father came back. I was lucky to get here alone. He thinks I'm with Caroline."
"Well, I can call you, during your date. Pretend to be Jenna?"
"I'll consider it." She laughed. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
