A/N: Hello, as promised, here's the next chapter. I love getting reviews, thank you very much. This story does have a messy web of emotions, let me just respond to a review on Katherine that maybe other people are wondering about as well.

1. The first reason why Elena wanted to care for Adam is shown when she decided to let him continue calling her 'mommy' (Chap2). It was to protect him from the harsh reality of Kat's death. So her main reason was that she cared about him and didn't have the heart to disappoint him.

2. Kat and Elena are very close, they share everything together but Adam was the only thing Kat left out (mentioned in Chap1).

3. Yes, Kat is a big mess but Elena believed that she kept it a secret because deep down she was scared. Elena felt guilty for not being around. If she was around more, perhaps she could have helped Kat. Taking care of Adam is her way to make up for that. (Chap6)

4. Elena definitely is angry at Kat for all the shit she did but her grieve is bigger than her anger. I think she finds it pointless to be mad at someone who is gone.

5. How did Elena knew this was what Kat wanted? She doesn't but she liked to assume the best in people.

6. Don't worry she isn't giving up her future, she's just taking some time off.

Thank you for provoking some thoughts in me, writing this story is emotionally challenging (I might even say I've matured after every few chapters hehe).

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters used in this story.

Chapter 8

Elena took a deep breath before knocking on the door. She pushed it open slightly to find Adam staring into the laptop screen on the bed. As if he was hypnotized, Adam stood still with his jaws dropped. Elena could hear the laptop playing a video of a Barney episode. Damon was lying behind Adam, propping himself on his elbow, looking very relaxed and happy.

A smile creep up Elena's face; "How did you make him sit so still?" Adam was a hyper child, but his concentration pinned him to the screen.

"They don't play this on TV much anymore, so I had to show it to him online…" Damon explained cheerfully as he watched Elena sat at the edge of the bed next to him.

"He sure loves it…" despite putting on a sweet grin, she looked worried, it was impossible to miss.

"What's up?" Damon sat up, his face displayed genuine concern. Elena looked like she had a lot on her mind; he guessed it had something to do with Adam since Elena's life seemed to revolve around him now.

Then again, Damon never put aside the possibility of Elena saying something like 'I'm done' or 'I quit' at any given day. He was not much help the past few weeks and maybe the burden was a little too much, too soon for Elena. Damon held in his breath as he waited for Elena's reply.

"Adam's been having trouble sleeping. It takes hours for me to put him to sleep the past few nights..." Elena bit her lips and stroked Adam's hair. Damon's eyebrow rose at her gesture. It was incredibly maternal and even though she had never been a mother, he could tell that caring for Adam was somewhat natural for her. Damon trusted her with Adam so quickly that it even surprised him.

Studying her movements, he could not help but notice Elena's long fingers and slim hands, her olive skin looked soft and the moment she stepped in the room, it was instantly filled with the lavender scent of her perfume that he grew to love. "Damon?" Elena broke the spell Damon seemed to be under.

Apparently she had said something that he completely tuned out. "I just think we should find a solution, he can't sleep late every night." They were silent for a moment, both not certain what to do.

"Is something going on at work? Why are you back home so late?" Elena found the courage to ask, convincing herself that she was not prying in Damon's business. Damon however, was not prepared for that question at all but she had the right to ask. They were both responsible for Adam now but did she asked for Adam's sake or because she genuinely cared about what was going on at work? Damon thought; wishful thinking never hurt anyone.

"There's a big project right now…" Damon cleared his throat and found Elena listening intently, her eyes emphasizing him. "I'm sorry…" Damon finished, not knowing what else to say. He felt guilty for not being around much.

"It's fine. You've been busy with work, I understand. We should find a way to solve this though…"

"What do you have in mind?" Damon scooted himself closer to Elena but she simply shrugged. Adam had developed many peculiar behaviors after Katherine died. He was dependant, cried a lot more and threw tantrums randomly. Damon guessed that trouble sleeping is one of them too now.

"Come live with me…." Damon realized that he spoke without filtering his words, fuck. It was a terrible habit. He quickly regretted it and had to witness Elena's expression change dramatically from displeasure to disbelief. Her lips parted, forming words that never came out. Damon found it to be kind of sexy and adorable actually.

There was no way to take his words back so he waited for her to say something. "Are you serious?" Elena looked skeptical, searching his face for signs of humor, there was a possibility he could be joking, but Damon kept his face straight.

"Why not? This could just be a phase Adam's going through, we need to help him get through it. I mean, if we're under one roof, he gets to see us both equally as much and whatever insecurities he has, will be gone."

Elena was sure she had points to counter Damon's idea, but they seemed to evaporate into thin air. What he was proposing was that they move in together, as in living in the same house. How did it come to this? Elena asked herself. She knew she loved Adam and want nothing more than for him to be happy.

She knew there were sacrifices that needed to be made when she decided to take care of him but this was a huge change. She bit her lips and glanced at Damon who put on a confident veneer but deep down, was not even sure of his own idea.

It had been a long time since Damon had any female visitors in his apartment let alone living with one. Being tied to his work and a 3 year old leaves him very little time to mingle with the singles. He was practically a nun. Kat was a regular when they were together, she came often and it was great in the beginning.

But Damon quickly recalled the fights they had over stupid things, the dishes she threw at him and his stuff that went flying out the window from the 8th floor…and those holes through his suits…damn woman had no mercy.

He cringed at the memories that left a bitter taste at the tip of his tongue. But he knew that the damage was nothing compared to what she did to his heart. Elena was not Katherine, he was certain and there's something reassuring about that.

He looked at Elena who nervously tapped her fingers. She was deep in thoughts, trying to decide if this was the right move. Damon would understand if she refused, what she had done for Adam so far was good enough.

Maybe moving in together would be asking too much. He was about to take his offer off the table when; "Okay, let's do it..." Elena said with great determination.

"If this is the best for Adam, I'm willing to give it a try." Elena didn't expect those words to come out of her mouth, but it did.

Jeremy handed Elena another plate to towel dry. She took it idly as the sound of the dishes clanging in the sink filled the kitchen. "You okay there Elena? You seem…distracted." Jeremy poked her with a fork he just rinsed. Elena gave a faint smile and inhaled deeply,

"You know how Adam can't seem to sleep lately? "

"How could I not know, neighbors down the street knows…" Jeremy chuckled, "What about that music box thingy I bought for him last week? Not helping?"

"Nope, but it helped me sleep, so thank you…" Elena put away the last plate into the cabinet.

"Did you talk to Damon?" Jeremy took a seat on the counter stool across Elena.

She nodded, "he thinks we can solve this problem if I move in with him to his apartment". Elena could barely watch Jeremy's reaction but to her surprise, he just raised an eyebrow.

"Really? That's a little drastic don't you think?"

"That's what I thought too but Adam's going through a hard time right now and Damon said he isn't himself after the accident. I just… I want him to stop crying. I know he's just 3 but I have a feeling he could tell that I'm not Katherine and that he feels lost or hurt…" Jeremy raised his hand to stop Elena from finishing.

"Look Elena, I don't know when you decided to take full responsibility of Adam but your acting like the burden is all on you. It's not, okay? I get it, I understand that you want to do what's best for Adam but we're all in this together" Jeremy stood to approach Elena and held a tight grip on her shoulders, almost as if to prevent her from shattering.

They were silent for a while before Jeremy let out a sigh and continued; "Damon's a great guy and an even better dad. I'm sure he came up with this plan with Adam in mind. You both have the same goal to do what's best for him and Adam's truly blessed for that. So do whatever you feel right Elena, we'll be here if you need us." Jeremy hugged Elena tightly as tears start to well up behind her eyes. This was the support she needed.

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