EDIT: I have only just realised that the first couple of sentences didn't get posted (I will never understand technology), so here they are - it might make a leetle more sense now :D

A/N – Hellooo again! As I'm going on holiday to FLORIDA in a couple of days, I decided to be extra nice and give you a chapter that was much longer than I planned :) Hope you enjoy!

Months later, Stefan and I were sat in the rose garden that Giuseppe dedicated to his late wife. We were both silent for a while, watching water droplets gently cascade over the petite fountain in the centre of the garden.

Realising that this was the part in the social outing that required conversation, I tried to think up the nicest way to break my friend's daydream.

"So…?" I asked Stefan suggestively, "How's the fiancée?" He closed his eyes momentarily and sighed. "Great. She's…great…"

"Great!" I teased, wiggling my eyebrows, à la Damon. He almost scowled, then remembered himself and returned to his neutral expression.

"So when's the wedding?" I prompted cheerily. I was in a particularly good mood as Damon's return was growing nearer and nearer.

"March 2nd," he replied, emotionless.

"Has Carlotta picked a dress yet?"

"I believe so."

"Have you picked your suit yet?"

"Father is in the process of doing so."

"Are you excited in the slightest?"

"Yes."

"Truthfully?"

"Yes…"

I glared at him.

"Fine, fine. No, I'm not excited, but I'll try my best to be."

I rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"Have you chosen a cake?"

"No."

"AARRGGHH!" Stefan flinched at my sudden outburst, but I ignored him and said, "You could at least try to help me out with the conversation, you know. Despite my years of learning social skills, I'm not accomplished enough to carry a whole discussion on my own!" Looking a little ashamed and guilty, my best friend mumbled, "Sorry, Alicia. I'm just not very…er…enthusiastic about this…you know."

"It's okay, Steffy, I get it. I'd hate to marry a self-centred bit- I mean witch, too," I soothed, reaching out to envelope him in one of my bear hugs.

"Hey! I dohave to marry her, you know. So don't call her a 'self-centred witch'," Stefan cried indignantly, stressing 'witch', insinuating that I was too loose-tongued.

"Sorry," I said meekly. And then added in what I thought was an unintelligible undertone, "She is though." But he must have heard because he frowned at me and muttered, "Maybe Damon isn't such a good influence on you after all." It was my turn to scowl, but I said nothing because I think he was probably right.

"I've been counting down the days – only five more to go!" I exclaimed, letting my mind wander into Damonland, imagining his seductive drawl, his teasing chuckle, his unkempt raven hair and his beautiful, mesmerising eyes. And the sparks I feel whenever we make contact. Ah, I can't wait to see him again!

"Earth to Alicia!"

I started, and found the younger Salvatore waving his hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my Damon-dream. "Sorry," I giggled, "I was thinking about Damon again."

"Surprise, surprise. God, you're hopeless. But I wish I had with Lotta what you and Damon have," he sighed wistfully.

"Oh so she's 'Lotta' now, is she?"

"Shut up. And yes. It's more…personal than her full name."

"Alrighty then. And yes, to your other point, me and Damon do have something rather special, don't we?"

"Yeah you do. But's it's still strange though. He's my brother, my older brother, and you may as well be my sister… And to think you might be married someday, with children, which will mean you've… Ugh. I mean, you had to go and fall in love my brother."

"Mm yeah! Well, children doesn't necessarily mean that, Stefan. It's not like you get pregnant every time. Did you never have The Talk?"

"Yes. I know it doesn't…wait what? You-you and Da-my brother! I am going to kill him! You're sixteen! You're not even married! Y-y-you can't have, Allie, please tell me you haven't!"

"As for 'in love with him', I'm not sure yet. It's not like we've known each other for that long…" I said mock-thoughtfully, ignoring Stefan who was apoplectic with rage.

"This isn't helping your situation, Alicia," he ground out through gritted teeth.

"But maybe I do love him… I mean, he sure as hell showed me how much he loved me…" Taunting Stefan is so fun. He's so easy to wind up, it's unbelievable.

However, if his scarlet face was any indication, I think he was about to explode.

"I'm kidding. Kind of. But still. Yes, I am sixteen, so I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and I have decided I love him, so you'll just have to deal with it. CALM DOWN, for goodness sakes, Stef – I don't particularly fancy clearing up the gloop my best friend left behind when he burst all over the garden."

"I can't believe you, Alicia, I thought you knew better. And as for Damon… Well, let's just say ladies won't find him so damn attractive when I'm through with him," he grumbled angrily.

"Please. You couldn't even beat me up, let alone Damon," I snorted. Then hastily coughed to disguise my amusement when I met his fierce glower. "I mean, you could so kick his ass…" I tried hesitantly.

"How eloquent," he muttered sarcastically.

"That's me!" I smiled brightly. His lip twitched, and I knew I was nearly forgiven. "Anyway, we should probably get going now."

"Probably," he agreed, and we made our way back towards the Salvatore mansion with only a fairly awkward silence for company – better than I imagined.

As we approached the manor, I was once again struck by the grandeur of the Salvatore residence – something I should be used to, bearing in mind all the time I'd spent there recently.

Pulling up just outside the majestic entrance was a cream carriage, understated yet expensive to the trained eye, which, of course, mine was. Well, not really, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't cheap, given the polished gold framework. From his regal stance at the doorway, Giuseppe noticed me and Stefan and eagerly waved us over. I glanced at Stefan questioningly, but he looked just as confused as I felt, so I shrugged and grabbed his hand to drag him towards his father.

"Stefan!" he called, obviously pleased to see his younger, rule-abiding son. "And Alicia." He seemed slightly less pleased, but not dismayed at the thought of me being there.

"Mr Salvatore," I said politely, curtseying respectfully as I remembered the manners I'd had driven into me. Giuseppe inclined his head and turned his attention back to the carriage.

The chauffeur opened the door and out stepped a woman. A drop-dead beautiful woman. Her lightly tanned oval face was framed by dark chocolate curls, whilst the rest of her tresses were pinned up elegantly on top of her head. Dark brown almond eyes calmly observed her current surroundings; full, pink lips parted ever so slightly in interest. On her exposed décolletagelay a large turquoise stone on a simple silver chain, subtly drawing attention to her accentuated chest – undoubtedly the intention. Her pastel green gown fitted her perfectly, highlighting her curvaceous figure, but managing to look demure all the while. In her gloved fingers she held a white parasol over her head, and she twirled it playfully as she gracefully floated towards us.

Behind the great beauty was a maid, dressed plainly in white and quite pretty, but insignificantly so compared to her lady. The maid followed her dutifully up the stone steps until coming to a halt beside her.

"I'm Katherine Pierce," the brunette said quietly. Her voice was musical and engaging, and she held the elder Salvatore's gaze confidently as she sunk into a curtsey, much more graceful than mine had been minutes earlier.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Pierce. I hope you will enjoy your stay here," Giuseppe said warmly to his guest.

"I'm sure I will. In time," she replied sadly, smiling just a little. "Your children?" she asked, indicating Stefan and I. For the first time, I glanced at Stefan and found his mouth to be agape and his green eyes wide.

Boys… Honestly. She's not that pretty…well, actually she is.

His father's voice cut through my momentary daydream, saying, "This is my youngest son, Stefan, and his childhood friend, Alicia DiGrazio. Although she isn't related, Stefan considers her family. Isn't that right, Stefan?"

Shaken from his lovestruck stupor, he mumbled, "Mm? Oh, yes…" Regaining full awareness, he then added, "It isa pleasure, Miss Pierce." Katherine extended her hand and Stefan kissed it briefly.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr Salvatore, believe me. And call me Katherine." I swear I saw a tinge of pink rising in Stefan's cheeks. "Nice to meet you, too, Alicia. I'm certain we will be good friends," she said sweetly, her eyes suddenly alight with childlike happiness. I only smiled tightly in reply.

"Miss Pierce, if you will follow me, I will show you to your room. I hope it is satisfactory," said Giuseppe authoritatively. She nodded her head and walked after him, appearing to hover along the ground. Stefan turned and stared at her retreating back in amazement. Feeling slightly unwanted, I muttered, "I'd better be going now," and set off towards my Katherine-free house.

During the next couple of days, I began to feel very neglected. Stefan spent every waking moment keeping Katherine company – 'helping her feel at home' – and Arianna was drowning in ball gown fittings for some neighbour's upcoming party. To which I wasn't invited. I wonder why.

But luckily Saturday, the day of Damon's return, eventually came around, and on Friday evening I was bubbling with anticipation. I fidgeted all through dinner, and Mother shot me some very funny looks – which I ignored. When I was finally granted leave of the table, I hurried up the staircase and browsed frantically through my wardrobe, trying to find the perfect dress.

A couple of hours later, I settled on a satin sapphire number that cinched in at my waist then flared out in a full circle when I twirled round. It had tiny silver detailing on the bodice and a chiffon sash round the middle. Still not perfect, but it would have to do.

That night, I went to bed early, without supper, so as to get the most beauty sleep possible. I'd need it if he was to be living in the same house as Miss Katherine Pierce. I shouldn't resent her – it's not her fault she's gorgeous – but I was still a little anxious that Damon would have a similar reaction as Stefan when he meets her tomorrow.

Despite my attempt to fall asleep quickly, I lay awake half the night. Partly worrying he'd fall for Katherine, and partly buzzing with excitement at finally seeing him again. Slowly but surely, morning came around, and I crawled out of bed tiredly and wriggled into my dress. I stood in front of my looking glass arranging and rearranging my hair in a desperate attempt to look as un-Katherine-ish as possible. In the end, I just combed through it fiercely, and the curls fell into gentle waves. I tugged a few strands forward to frame my face, and then I just left the rest to do what it pleased and hoped for the best. Taking a deep, 'calming' breath, I gathered myself together and shuffled down the stairs into the parlour.

Mother stared at me in bewilderment for a few seconds until asking, "Why are you dressed in that fashion?"

"I…er…I'm going to…er…meet – erm – greet Damon when he returns…" I stuttered, unsure how my mother would take it. She gave me another funny look but only said, "Very well," before sweeping out the room and towards the dining hall. A little taken aback, I followed her warily and perched myself on the edge of the first chair I came to.

"Lissie! You look beautiful!" Arrie cried as I sat down, and I jumped a bit, not expecting to see – or hear – her.

"Thanks," I muttered to the floor, wishing that I actually did look half as nice as she made me out to. Of course, she knew what today was – I'd been counting down the days religiously since he left.

I quickly shovelled some porridge down and took a slurp of water before bolting from the table. I dashed outside for some fresh air and I tried not to empty my stomach on the dewy grass. I shouldn't be so nervous – it's getting ridiculous! Once I'd regained control of my breathing and stomach, I slowly set off for the Salvatore manor, staring fixedly at the dusty path and not letting my mind wander.

I had perfect timing. He was disembarking from his horse-drawn carriage and the moment I laid eyes on him, I lost the self-control I'd been building myself up for and threw myself full pelt across the lawn until I landed in the warm arms I'd dreamed about for so long.

"Well hello, Princess," he drawled into my ear, and I squeezed him tighter as I sobbed harder into his chest. "It is you, isn't it?" Lifting my head, I fixed him with my best glare then returned to hugging him as he kissed my hair.

"I missed you so much!" I whispered, not trusting my voice not to quiver.

"I missed you too, Princess. College life sure is dull without my favourite brunette princess there to kiss away my boredom." Upon hearing this, I grinned coyly up at him and met his lips briefly. He tried to deepen the kiss but I pulled away and gestured to the vaguely surprised onlookers, mumbling, "People…"

"People what?"

"People…I…erm…looking…us…er…" More of the usual nonsense that comes out of my mouth.

He just chuckled quietly and took my hand. As we strolled towards the grand doors, he called out, "Morning Father, Stefan." I'm pretty sure I saw Stefan's jaw clench when he saw Damon and I kiss, but I ignored him – he wasn't going to spoil my reunion. Damon must have noticed too, because he said in an undertone, "What's got my baby brother's panties in a twist?"

I snorted at his choice of words, then answered, "He wasn't too chuffed about our…er…activities the other day."

"You told him?" Damon frowned.

"More like he accidently mentioned how uncomfortable he was with the two of us and I…er…confirmed his concerns."

He laughed loudly and planted a kiss on my cheeks.

The ecstasy I'd been missing while he was away had returned and I was back on top of my cloud. Until he froze in the doorway and let out a low whistle. I whipped my head around and found myself face to face with none other than Katherine Pierce.

A/N – DUN DUN DUNNN! What will happen next? Tell me what you think – I'd like to see if anyone has a better plot idea than the one in my head. I won't be able to update for quite a while because I'm going on holiday (like I said) and then I've got a show and exams. *mega sigh*

Oh and I'm not sure if they had porridge in the 16th century, but as this is my story, I shall make things happen how I want. Hehe :P

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and whether or not you did, please leave me a review for when I get back from Florida (and the superhappiness has worn off)

Love Beth xxx XD