a/n: wow, when i'm amazed by all the feedback you've given me! thank you very much :)
so, to answer your questions: Damon is 18 years old, he's a senior. and well, it seems like none of you have understood what happened before elena changed the school... another hint's in this story:) read on!
ps: the relations in this fic aren't the same as in the show. plus: the elena featured in here is pre-parents-death-party-elena in case you haven't noticed already ;)

CHAPTER TWO – SALVATORE AS IN SAVIOR

Elena was running. She heard gun shots behind her and pressed herself against a wall, breathing heavily. No matter what happens, keep running, honey, her dad had shouted after her when she had managed to sneak out. He'd taken the fall for her. All of this was her fault and he was paying the prize. Another shot sounded through the night and Elena heard someone scream. No, she thought terrified and—

The loud bang of a door slamming shut snapped her back to reality. She opened her eyes and realized she was standing under the hot stream of the shower and not on the streets of Detroit as she had thought. After a few seconds, she remembered where she was: In the shower rooms of the gym. Outside in the locker rooms, she heard Caroline and Bonnie giggling and a few other girls chatting and laughing.

Still trembling, she climbed out of the shower, putting a towel around her body. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, opened the door to the locker rooms and found the other girls getting ready for dinner or waiting for their friends to finish combing their hair. Bonnie sat on the bench next to the door and laughed at Caroline, who had managed to get caught up in her top.

"How did that happen?" Elena asked, trying not to laugh at Caroline's attempts to get loose.

"I… Argh," Caroline groaned and ripped the shirt over her head, almost tearing it into pieces. "Finally" she exclaimed and added sarcastically, "thanks for your help, Bon!"

"I'm sorry," apologized Bonnie, almost falling off the bench with laughing. "You just looked too damn funny!"

Elena giggled at Caroline's pouting face and got dressed. As soon as they were all ready, they went to the school building to eat dinner.

When they were seated at the same table they had sat at during lunch, Elena asked casually while shoving some unidentifiable vegetable into her mouth, "So… Are you going to Finn's party later?"

"How do you know about that?" Bonnie said surprised. "You've just arrived today."

"Um, Damon asked if I came earlier," Elena said, realizing she was chewing on cauliflower and spitting it back on her plate.

"Hell of a lot talking to Damon today, huh?" Caroline said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Ugh, no," Elena said in mock disgust, "As I said, he's a douche bag. He's headed me off after training and asked me."

"So what did you say?" Bonnie asked while poking her cauliflower and grimacing.

"I said that he'd have to wait and see. I wanted to ask if you were going before saying yes," Elena replied.

"I don't know," Caroline said uncertainly.

"Sure we are!" Bonnie shouted and punched Caroline in the rips. "Why not?"

"But it's only three and a half hours until curfew left and I don't want to spend the rest of the semester in detention if we're late," Caroline pouted.

"Curfew is already at eleven pm?" Elena asked puzzled.

"Only for sophomores. Juniors and seniors can stay out until one a. m. on the weekend and freshmen only until ten p. m.," Bonnie replied.

Elena groaned. "Are you serious? And there's no way around it?"

"Well, we could sneak out and sneak back in later," Caroline joked.

"Why don't we?" Bonnie asked excited. "We could do it like the girls in the movies."

"If you had actually watched those movies, you'd know this whole sneaking-thing never works," Caroline stated.

"At least it would be more exciting than sitting around in our rooms and chatting about school," Bonnie mumbled and finished her meal. Caroline shot her an angry glance.

"Maybe we should try it," Elena tried to calm them down before they started a fight.

Caroline stared at her. Then, suddenly, she seemed to remember something: "Wait… I think we don't even a have to sneak out. Remember when I told you that Mr. Knight made me present the homework?"

The girls nodded, not understanding yet. "Well, after class, I asked him what grade he gave me. And um… it kinda ended in…"

"…a hot and steamy make-out session?" Bonnie giggled.

"No! It ended in a little conversation…" Caroline rolled her eyes at the look on Bonnie's face. "Okay, it ended in a flirt… And well, I asked if he had plans for tonight and he said he was the surveillance for tonight's party-goers…" She stopped and looked at her friends expectantly.

"And?" Elena asked confused. "How's that gonna help us… Ah!" she exclaimed when she got it.

Bonnie's face lit up too. "You mean you can convince him to let us back in after curfew without getting us in trouble?"

Caroline only grinned mischievously.

An hour later, the three girls had finished dressing up and were checking their outfits.

Caroline wore a navy blue dress with a blue-white striped plaid skirt that barely reached her knees. Her tiny waist was emphasized by a small, dark-blue belt and the dress was held upright by a ribbon in Caroline's neck. Her hair was pinned up with a few strands of her curly blonde hair falling around her face.

Bonnie was the only one who had refused to wear a dress or a skirt as Elena had suggested. She'd decided to put on some black jeans and a strapless, yellow top. Her hair was falling around her shoulders, only a small pin keeping it from falling into her eyes.

"Your dress is killer," Bonnie said as she looked Elena over. "I wish I could wear something like that and still look good in it."

"Are you being serious? You're at least as skinny as I am," Elena said and adjusted her dress. It clung to her like a second skin and the red color emphasized her curves. She covered her bare shoulders with her black coat and put on her heels.

"Wow. Your legs look like they're endless," Caroline admired.

"It's just because the dress is so short and I wear shoes that make me five inches taller than I usually am," Elena explained and waved the girls out of the room. "Come on, we gotta go now."

After a last look in the mirror, the three girls sneaked out of the room and down to the hall.

"Your turn, Care," Bonnie said and gave her friend a little push towards the figure walking up and down in front of the door.

"Okay, okay," Caroline said and hurried to Mr. Knight whose eyes went wide when he took in her appearance.

"What are they saying?" Bonnie asked curiously.

"They're too far away, give up," Elena chuckled as Bonnie almost fell over trying to overhear their conversation.

What felt like ten minutes later, Caroline waved them out of their hiding place behind the stairs and they left the school together. Once outside, Bonnie couldn't help herself but ask: "So, what did you say to get him to sneak us in and out?"

"You'll never know," Caroline said and winked.

Elena told them to be quiet as they made their way to the pub in town. It was freezing cold and she thought that maybe it would have been better if she'd put on a pair of jeans as Bonnie had. At least it had stopped snowing.

As they reached the pub, they could already hear loud music and people's laughter.

"Let's get the party started," Elena winked and stalked towards the tavern, Bonnie and Caroline following close behind her.

She pushed the door open and looked around. A lot of guys were staggering around, obviously drunk. A few noticed their entrance and whistled in appreciation, causing Elena to first bite her lip and then smile.

"Can I spend you a drink?" A blonde guy with baby blue eyes asked.

"Sure," Elena replied and sat down at a booth in the corner of the pub.

The guy smirked and walked over to the bar.

"That was fast," Bonnie said impressed and sat down opposite Elena, Caroline following right after her.

"You see, the right outfit pays," Elena grinned and scanned the place for Damon. She recognized a few guys from the basketball team but couldn't spot their captain anywhere. He's probably coming later, she thought and shrugged.

When the blue-eyed guy came back, he held a tray with shots on it and was surrounded by three other boys their age.

"I've brought some back-up," he joked and pointed at his friends, "those are Tyler, Klaus and Chris. And I'm Matt."

"Elena," Elena said and slid farther in the booth to make room for the guys. Matt sat down right next to Elena and casually put an arm around her. After Bonnie and Caroline had introduced themselves, Matt asked Caroline: "Aren't you the captain of the girls' school cheerleader team?"

"I am," she confirmed. "Elena and Bonnie are also part of our squad."

"You are in the girls' school, too?" Matt wondered looking at Elena. "Why haven't I noticed you until now?"

"Because you're not in the basketball team," Tyler said. "Should have seen her performance earlier."

"Thanks?" Elena said, blushing slightly. "I've just transferred from a school in NYC today."

"Oh wow," Matt said. "Tell us the reason? I mean, there must be a pretty good one if you're transferring in the middle of the semester."

"Um… Let's just say I wasn't the example child my dad wanted," Elena shrugged. "Partied a little too much. Skipped school a few times too often. But I don't wanna talk about that now. Let's enjoy this night."

"But I want to know more about you," Matt pouted in mock-disappointment.

"How about a drinking game then?" Elena suggested. "We'll need a few more shots for it, though."

"No problem," Chris said and got up to get more.

"What are the rules?" Matt asked.

"Well, basically, one begins and asks someone a question, and if they don't want to answer it, they take a shot. Of course, the questions must be answered truthfully," Elena said. "It's pretty simple."

"Then let's do it," Matt said enthusiastically.

Elena looked over to first Bonnie, then Caroline, who was shifting nervously in her seat. She grabbed the girl's hand under the table and squeezed it. Caroline smiled at her. "Don't worry, it's fun," Elena mouthed at her new-won friend as Chris came back with another twelve shots.

"Who wants to start?" Tyler asked.

Very much to Elena's surprise, Caroline raised her hand. "I want," she said and looked at Matt's arm around Elena's shoulders. "Are you always this forward?"

Matt grinned. "Jealous?"

Caroline flushed and looked down. "That's not an answer."

"Okay. I guess I am. Now it's my turn, right?" Matt asked looking at Elena who nodded. "Jealous, Caroline?"

Caroline flushed in a deeper tone of red and took a shot. The guys laughed and Matt grinned a little.

"My turn now," Bonnie declared, smiling mischievously. "What—or better who—were you thinking of when you were moaning in the locker rooms at the gym, all alone, Tyler?"

Tyler looked at her with wide eyes. Then he blinked and narrowed his eyes. He took a shot and earned a few raised eyebrows.

"Who did you think of that you can't tell us?" Matt blurted out.

"Not your turn," reminded him Elena.

"So… Elena," Tyler said, looking at her. "Is there a special reason behind your change of school?"

"There is," Elena said and looked at Chris. "You still a virgin?"

Chris's eyes went wide in surprise and he quickly took a shot.

"I don't like this game," Chris mumbled. "If you don't want to answer and it's a yes/no question, everyone knows the answer anyways."

"That's the point," Elena said and laughed.

"Why don't we play another game?" he suggested.

"Suggest one," Matt said, raising his eyebrows.

"Well let's make this game a truth or dare game," Chris said. "If you don't wanna tell or do what is asked you take a shot."

"That is basically the same game," Caroline said. "You just added the "dare" part."

"Who cares?" Bonnie said. "Let's try it out."

"My turn," Chris said. "Bonnie, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Kiss someone in this room," Chris said and grinned, seeming like he expected her to kiss him.

Bonnie smiled slowly, a wicked expression on her face. "Caroline?"

Caroline looked at her, first confused, then grinning. "Of course, hun."

Bonnie bent over to Caroline and kissed her. Chris's eyes widened in surprise. As Bonnie cupped Caroline's face, the other girl opened her mouth. A few seconds later, Bonnie broke the kiss, leaned back and ran her tongue over her lips. "So Klaus. Truth or dare?"

"Truth," Klaus said and smiled shyly.

"Where are you from?" Bonnie asked. "Your accent's hot."

Klaus grinned cockily. "I'm from London."

He turned his head to Caroline. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Kiss me," he said and smirked.

Caroline cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. She took one of the shots and swallowed hard.

Matt broke into laughter. "That's what I call rejection, Klaus."

Caroline raised her finger and stood. She went over to Klaus and grabbed him by his shirt. Before he knew what was happening, Caroline's lips were pressed against his and he cupped her face. Matt raised his eyebrows in surprise. Klaus opened her mouth and sucked on her lower lip as Caroline pulled away and sat down next to Bonnie.

"Matt," Caroline said as if nothing had happened. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare," Matt said.

Caroline grinned wickedly. "Kiss Tyler."

Tyler's mouth dropped open. Matt shook his head and laughed. He took a shot.

"Elena?" he asked.

"Dare," she said and smiled expectingly.

"Dance on one of the tables," Matt said and grinned, expecting her to refuse and take a shot.

Elena narrowed her eyes. She came here to have fun. So she'll have fun. She licked her lips, stood up and climbed on the table. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, beginning to move to the music. Soon she'd lost herself in the music, swaying her hips and moving her whole body to the beat of the song playing in the background.

Shortly before the song ended, Elena opened her eyes, being, as to be expected, watched by half of the male guests of the bar. She looked around and spotted Damon at the bar. He was holding a drink in his hand and talking to a redhead that was at least one year older than him. He laughed and put a hand on her leg, letting it wander up her thigh. Elena narrowed her eyes, but kept on dancing. A whistle at the foot of her table let her look down. A boy with black locks curling around his temples looked at her.

"Wanna move that body like that in my sheets?" he asked loudly and Bonnie and Caroline gasped. Elena stopped dancing and stared at him. Then she jumped down and stood in front of him.

She regarded him and cocked her head to the side. "You remind me of someone I know," she said and leaned so close that they were almost touching. Scanning his face from his lips to his eyes, taking in his cocky smirk and finally locking eyes with him, she said loudly: "He turned out to be gay."

The crowd broke into a laugh and the guy blushed in a deep red. Elena turned around and sat down next to Caroline who giggled. "Well handled," she whispered and smiled.

"Let's go," Bonnie shouted over the loud noise of people laughing. "It's almost 2 in the morning."

"Okay," Elena agreed and they said goodbye to Matt and the others.

As they were about to leave, Matt pulled Caroline back to talk to her in private. Bonnie and Elena shrugged and made their way to the exit.

"Wait. I'll go to the bathroom before we're leaving, okay, Bonnie?" Elena asked.

"'Kay. I'll wait here."

Elena turned around and again and walked over to the girls' bathroom, but before she reached it, she heard someone call her name.

"Elena? Nice show you've been performing there," curly-hair-guy said. "I'm Shane, by the way."

How did he know her name? "Want me to help you come out?" Elena asked annoyed.

"No," he said. "I want you to do something entirely different."

In a rush he was pressing her into the alcove hiding the two of them from the view of the other guests in the pub. He took advantage of her bafflement and bent down to kiss her. At the feeling of his lips pressed against hers, she pushed him away. "What the hell."

"You're not holding me up for ridicule again," he hissed and slung his arm around her waist. "I know you want it, too."

She tried to push him away, but he caught her hands with his left and pinned them over her head. She couldn't move. He kissed her again and opened her mouth with his lips, sliding his tongue into it. She tried to bite him, kick him—do anything, but she felt as if she was paralyzed. Tears filled her eyes as she felt his hand pushing up her dress to cup her ass. For a brief moment, he pulled away from her and smirked. "Like that?" he asked and slid his right hand between her legs. She gasped in shock, but before she could scream for help, he covered her mouth with his lips again. She closed her eyes and a tear spilled onto her cheek. His hand wandered away from her most intimate part to her knee, his fingertips stroking her skin softly. When he spread her legs, a silent sob escaped her throat. He'd rape her. Right here. In a room filled with a bazillion people. And she couldn't do anything to make him stop. He pressed his hips against hers, his hand sliding up her body and cupping one of her boobs through the fabric of her dress. He grabbed one of her hands and pushed it into his pants, guiding it up and down. Elena was crying silently and wishing herself to be anywhere but here. Suddenly, she felt Shane being pulled away from her. She opened her eyes and blinked away her tears to see who had rescued her.

"You fucking prick," she heard Damon say before she could see him pressing Shane against the wall.

"Get lost," Shane hissed. "We were in the middle of something."

At that, Damon punched him hard in the face, "You were about to rape her," he hissed, his voice dripping with rage.

He grabbed his collar and pressed him harder into the wall. "Touch her again and I will end you," he threatened and punched him again. This time, Shane slid down the wall and squatted against it, unconscious. Damon pulled back and kicked him. Once. Twice.

"Damon!" Elena said, having intended to scream, but it was barely a whisper.

Nevertheless, Damon seemed to have heard her and turned around. "Are you okay? Did he…?" Damon asked worriedly.

"I… He…" Elena said and sobbed. Tears were filling her eyes again and her knees gave out; she would have fallen, hadn't Damon caught her by her waist and pulled her up. She leaned into him, burying her face in his shoulder. He wrapped her arms around her, calling for Bonnie and Caroline. A second later, Bonnie was there, looking at the scene in shock. Elena's dress was still pulled up, showing her ass and thong, Shane was lying on the floor and Damon was holding a totally wrecked Elena in his arms.

"What happened? Did he—"

"I think I was there just in time. A few seconds later and…" Damon broke off, briefly closing his eyes. Elena was silently sobbing in his arms, not able to move on her own. He put her arms around his shoulders and lifted her up into his arms. "Let's get her home," he said quietly and Bonnie nodded.

Caroline was meeting them half way out of the pub, looking at them without understanding. "What the hell—"

Bonnie hushed her and grabbed her hand, pulling her through the crowd.

As the four of them reached the door, Bonnie and Caroline got their coats and wrapped Elena in hers as if it was a blanket.

Outside it was snowing like hell and Caroline cursed.

"We can take my car," Damon said and led them to the parking lot. Together, they laid her down on the back seats, Bonnie holding her head in her lap. Caroline and Damon sat in the front.

After Caroline had distracted Mr. Knight, Bonnie and Damon carried Elena up to their rooms. She had fallen asleep in his car and Damon tugged her under the covers of her bed, pushing a strand of hair out of her face. Bonnie looked at them with worried eyes as Caroline came into the room and closed the door quietly.

Elena opened her eyes slowly and looked into Damon's. "Thank you," she whispered so quietly he could barely hear her.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered back and stood. She closed her eyes again and drifted off to sleep.

"Thank you," Bonnie said quietly.

Damon smiled sadly and made his way out. Before he closed the door behind him, he turned and said, "I'm going to look after her today evening, okay?"

Caroline nodded and closed the door.

She and Bonnie sat down on her bed and hugged each other.

Elena was still crying in her sleep.

a/n: i don't know when i will upload the next chapter. it highly depends on how much time i have to write it. but i can assure you that there will be another chapter. i'll do my best and try to finish it as soon as possible :)
xoxo hana