Chapter 9

Vampire

Damon stood there, watching as she slept on his bed, her back flat against the mattress. Her head was turned into the pillow, opposite where her wound had been. She just seemed so peaceful in her sleep. That was also why Damon enjoyed watching her from time to time while she slept at the Gilbert's. He merely wished that she'd manage to get an apartment soon. That way, he could sneak in whenever he wanted, watching over her without interruption.

"Hmm…" he bit down on his lip lightly, moving forward and brushing his fingers against the skin of her neck.

There was no longer any trace of an actual wound. Yes, it was still a faint red, but other than that it was gone. Her head on the other hand, that was debatable. It took time to heal bones, even with his blood in her system. Unfortunately, he'd just have to wait and see. She wasn't dead though, that much he knew. The last thing any of them needed at the moment was another newborn vampire running around and out of control. The thought made him think though, thinking of what Kali would be like if he were to turn her. Just one simple snap of the neck was all that it would take. Damon shook his head though. The last time he turned someone out of boredom, it didn't end well. That's why Kali was here in the first place.

"Another time, perhaps," he nodded, closing his eyes for a moment.

He looked back down at her, eyes taking in her appearance. She still looked beautiful, even with the blood stains. She was still in her dark gray pants and peasant top, blood staining the shoulder of it down to above her chest. The white wrap that had been around her waist had been removed though, resting folded upon his dresser. He'd even taken it upon himself to remove the white choker from her neck, along with her earrings, both sitting next to her wrap upon his dresser. The hat she'd been wearing though was laid on the nightstand, the light that shone through his window setting it alight with a shimmer from the glitter that dusted the rim. He was only disappointed that he hadn't seen her before the attack.

"This is what people get when they don't listen," he told himself, allowing himself to fall back onto the bed beside her where he had been earlier. "I knew I would regret turning that girl," he sighed.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have turned her," came Stefan's voice.

Damon narrowed his eyes as he looked toward the doorway, Stefan standing there with his eyes narrowed.

"Oh, really? Like you're so perfect," Damon narrowed, pushing himself up a bit.

"At least I don't go around making stupid decisions," Stefan countered.

"Oh, yes because we know all about stupid decisions," Damon shot, making Stefan flinch.

Yes, Stefan knew exactly what Damon meant, tearing at Stefan's past mistakes.

"If I recall, you are the reason I'm like this."

"Enough, Damon," Stefan grumbled.

"Oh, I don't think so," Damon pushed himself up further, before standing up. "You started this brother," he told him. "And now, I get to finish it," he said smugly.

"I'm warning you, Damon, don't start."

"No, I'm warning you," Damon stated, stepping up in front of his brother, staring him dead in the eye. "Like I said before, whatever I do, it's on you."

They stood there for a moment, staring each other on, neither blinking. It was like no words could pass between the two of them, saving for the faint movement of the body on the bed.

"Now, get out," Damon said finally, daring Stefan to defy him.

"If you do anything, I'll know," Stefan told him, referring to Kali.

Damon merely smirked, glancing over his shoulder at the sleeping beauty.

"Don't piss me off," came Damon's curt reply, before walking back over to the bed, the sound of the door closing bringing music to his ears.

T

I let out a groan, shifting my body as I tried to wake up, the back of my head throbbing. I was sore to say the least. That's when the gears in my head started turning, spinning the memories of the previous night. Within seconds, I shot forward, eyes wide open. My first thoughts had gone to Elena and Jeremy.

"Jeremy," I gasped, looking around me.

I was met with a shock as I took in my surrounds. I was in a room, curtains drawn open, light shining in. I felt the soft fabric of sheets beneath me, my hands shaking and curling around them.

"Where…?"

"Ah, finally, you're awake."

My head shot toward the doorway, eyes finding Damon standing there, a smile on his face.

"D-Damon," I choked out.

I watched as he stepped forward, taking his time in getting to the bed. It was as though he were biding his time, seeing if I would say anything.

"Where am I?" I asked slowly, watching him as he grew closer.

"You, my dear little angel," he started, coming to stand before the bed. "Are in my bed," he said simply, before crawling up beside me onto the bed.

I sat still as he did this, eyeing him for a moment as he lifted his hand, trailing it lightly over my arm. I felt a shiver in response, the smile on his face growing further.

"Don't start with your strange little jokes," I told him, watching as he dropped the act, merely laying there on the bed.

"You're no fun," he whined.

"Last night…" I started, fingers curling into the sheets.

"Here we go," he sighed as though his day had just been ruined by something depressing.

"What…what happened?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the wall in front of me.

"Why don't you just tell me what you remember?" he asked. "Then, maybe, we'll fill in the blanks."

I felt my eyes narrow slightly at his words, shaking my head after a moment.

"You're not stupid, Kali, we both know that much," he told me.

"I thought I was losing my mind," I whispered.

"That one's still debatable," he shrugged, trying not to smirk.

"This year, it wasn't the first time I met one of you," I spoke aloud, catching his attention.

"Ah, so you already knew then?" he asked, voice eager for my response.

"No…" I shook my head, my hair brushing my shoulders. "The summer of 94," I corrected.

"What? 15 years ago?"

I nodded my head.

"I met your brother."

I could feel his eyes on me now, his gaze practically demanding an explanation.

"Elaborate."

"I was only seven," I told him, debating how far to take things, how much he expected me to explain. "He found me in the park. Brought me back to my father."

"And why were you in the park?"he inquired, tilting his head to the side with interest.

"I…I was with my father," I explained, chancing a glance at him.

He was staring intently, listening to my every word.

"It was a nice day, so we went for ice cream. Simple as that," I told him.

"There's more than that."

It wasn't a question, but a statement, a fact.

"Why do you want to know anyway?" I asked, now fully turning to look at him.

"Because I'm curious. Humor me," he said.

"After I got my ice cream, I walked off, alright?"

I rubbed my arm lightly, finding a few specks of dried blood on it.

"I followed this stupid butterfly and ended up running into some man. He knocked me over, I dropped my ice cream, and then Stefan found me," I sighed. "He dried my tears and gave me a piece of candy. That's it."

"So, Stefan," he groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, you asked!" I pointed out, getting slightly irritated.

I drew back though slightly when he looked at me.

"So, back to our original discussion."

I bit my lip, attempting to pull forth enough courage to voice my thoughts.

"You're…"

"Go on," he grinned, leaning forward.

I knew what he was. Last night proved it, his dark face coming to mind.

"You…Stefan…Vicki," I breathed.

"We are?" he pushed. "Come on, say it. Tell me what I am," he urged.

"Vampire."

With that one word, that one word, it sealed my fate.

"Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!" he laughed, the grin on his face spreading further as he gripped my wrists in his hand, pulling me closer to him. "Now, the real question is, what are you going to do about it?" he asked.

I stared at him for a moment, swallowing the lump in my throat. I realized that his words were slightly forceful, but that there was a trace of something lingering in his voice. It was like a mock threat and I calmed myself a bit, knowing that he wouldn't hurt me.

"Nothing," I stated, staring into his icy blue eyes.

His mouth twitched for a moment, eyes searching mine carefully as though daring me to lie.

"And how do I know I can trust you?" he asked, but the question was slightly teasing in tone.

"If I was going to do anything, you'd already know. So, why even bother asking a question you already know the answer to?"

"Heh."

He let go, dropping his hold, my hands falling in front of me.

"You've had plenty of chances to kill me," I told him. "You've yet to do it."

"Yet," he pointed out.

"You won't do it," I told him, confident in my words.

"Oh, really?" he asked, mischief shining in his eyes.

Within seconds, he was on top of me, pressing my back into the mattress. My hands were pinned above my head, his legs pinning down my own, keeping them from moving.

"I could kill you, just like that," he said, snapping his fingers for emphasis. "One second and it'd be all over."

"But you won't," I breathed, my eyes never breaking from his gaze.

"I could drain you dry without a second thought," he continued, leaning down until his nose was practically touching mine. "It'd be all too easy," he whispered, bringing his lips to my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin.

I laid there, breathing deeply as I tried to calm myself, a smirk pulling on his lips. He was testing me, testing my nerves. He knew exactly what he was doing.

"Still think I won't kill you?" he asked, his breath upon my neck, lips grazing the sensitive skin.

He was playing with me, a game far too amusing for the likes of him. I nodded my head, refusing to speak. It was then that he pressed his lips to my skin, my nerves jumping at the contact, a knowing grin forming against my neck.

"I like you," he chuckled. "You don't back down."

Those were the words that left his mouth as he pulled back, just enough so that he was face to face with me again.

"Go take a shower. We'll talk when you're done," he told me, moving off the bed.

I just sat there, staring after him.

"Shower's over there," he said, pointing a finger to another door. "Towels are on the rack. There'll be clothes waiting for you when you're done."

With that, he left, leaving me to attend to other things.

T

"I take it you're done playing with her?" Stefan assumed, sipping at his coffee.

"For now," Damon answered. "Gotta hand it to her though, girl's got nerves of steel," he chuckled, grabbing a glass and pouring himself a drink.

They could hear the shower running as they sat downstairs, Stefan eyeing his brother carefully.

"I'm surprised she wasn't screaming because of you," Stefan nearly chuckled.

"Sorry to disappoint brother. Maybe next time though?" Damon grinned.

"Not funny."

"Oh, but I beg to differ. In fact, I find it hilarious," he chuckled.

"So, are you planning on using her and then draining her like you tried with Caroline?" Stefan asked, acting as though it were a simple conversation.

"Actually, I thought I'd keep her around for a while," Damon answered, downing the rest of his drink and placing the glass back down on the table.

"She's not some toy you can just use and throw away, Damon," Stefan told him.

"More like a play mate," Damon grinned, correcting his brother.

"Damon," Stefan warned.

"What?" he chuckled.

"She's not going to sleep with you," Stefan growled lightly.

"Stefan, Stefan, Stefan. Do you really think so little of me?" Damon chuckled.

"I just know how you think," he pointed out, getting up as he finished up his coffee.

Damon followed him into the kitchen, watching as he placed the cup in the sink. Stefan then went over to the fridge, pulling some food out and setting it on the counter.

"What are you doing?" Damon asked, raising an eyebrow in question as he leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest.

"Fixing some food, what's it look like?" Stefan replied sarcastically.

"Funny," Damon chuckled dryly.

"I figured Kali might be hungry."

"Typical."

"Why is it you always have to pester me?" Stefan asked, pulling the plastic wrap from the bowl he'd taken from the fridge.

There was chilled pasta in the bowl. He figured it'd be something quick and easy, saving him time and hassle.

T

I let out a sigh as I stood there in the shower, hot water running over my body. I raked my hands through my hair, scrubbing at my scalp, the water below me turning red as I rinsed the blood from my hair. I was again reminded of the previous night, a shiver running down my spine as the water rolled over my skin. Never in my life could I have imagined something so horrific. In the end it had nearly cost me my life. I used to think such things were only in story books, something you read as a means of escape, your mind venturing into the night of fantasy and myth. It was all too real though as I brought my hand to my neck, tracing over the skin. Damon was right, it would be all too easy to end me.

"But he won't," I told myself, heaving a sigh.

I don't know how I knew it, but I just knew he'd never truly hurt me. He could threaten me, yes, but he wouldn't hurt me. He'd probably play with my head too, but that was Damon.

I shook my head as I leaned forward, reaching out and turning the faucet off, the water slowly coming to a halt. I was clean, the blood gone from my skin. I wrung my hair out before pulling the curtain back, my feet stepping out onto the cold tile floor. When I looked around though, I found that my clothes were gone, a towel being the only thing left.

"Damn it, Damon," I hissed, snatching the towel up and wrapping it around myself.

He'd said that there would be clothes waiting for me when I was done and since my clothes were now missing, he'd obviously entered the bathroom while I was in the shower.

"Damon?" I called out, peaking my head out of the bathroom.

He was nowhere in sight.

"Damon?" I stepped out, my hand holding the towel closed. "Where in the world…?"

My brows furrowed together, a sigh escaping my lips. I felt a faint breeze behind me, air brushing my neck.

"Boo."

I let out a yelp at the sudden voice, whirling around to find Damon standing there smirking. I glared at him, smacking his arm roughly.

"Jerk!" I yelled.

He just grinned at me, stepping closer until he had me back against the wall, hands on either side of my head.

"Don't you look lovely," he purred, leaning forward.

"I'd look even better with some clothes on," I bit back, standing my ground.

"That's where I have to disagree," he teased, his hand coming up to rest upon my cheek.

He ran his thumb along my jaw, tracing down my chin and to my neck. Again, he was playing with me.

"In fact, you'd look even better without that towel."

"In your dreams," I retorted.

"Trust me, they're far more vivid."

I just rolled my eyes, ducking under his arms and making my way back to his room, shutting and locking the door behind me.

"It's pointless trying to lock me out."

"How did you-" I nearly screamed, finding him in front of me.

He'd just been behind me, so there was no way he could have gotten in.

"Just one of the perks of being a vampire," he grinned.

"You're terrible, you know that?"

"Or so I've been told."

"Where's my clothes?" I asked.

"Not here," he said simply.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious," I retorted.

"Anytime," he said happily.

"Seriously, Damon, I need clothes," I told him, folding my arms over my chest.

"You're no fun," he said simply, brushing off my comment as he walked over to the dresser.

I stood there as he dug through it, pulling out a pair of boxers and tossing them to me. I caught them, holding them up in front of my face. I pulled at the waist band, watching as it stretched.

"I'd stop that if I were you," he told me. "Otherwise, I'll start getting ideas in my head."

I just rolled my eyes, watching as he went through another drawer, pulling out a shirt. He closed it a moment later, walking toward me as he held onto the shirt.

"You know, I kind of like the idea of you in nothing, but a pair of my boxers," he said cheekily.

"Don't you ever stop?" I asked, snatching the shirt from his hands.

"Nope," was his one word answer, popping the p.

"Either get out or turn around," I ordered.

"My room, my rules," he told me, getting down in my face.

"Fine then," I shrugged, catching him off guard.

"Seriously?"

"Yep," I nodded, holding the towel close as I stepped into his boxers, pulling them up effortlessly.

He just stood there gapping at me. That's how I knew I had won, slipping the shirt over my arms and buttoning it up. Once I was done, I removed the towel, a look of satisfaction on my face.

"Devious little thing, aren't you?" he smirked, reaching forward and taking the towel from my hands.

"Just clever," I grinned, turning from him and walking over to the mirror that was mounted on the wall.

My face dropped slightly as I looked at my reflection, my hand coming up to touch my neck. The wound was practically gone now, only leaving behind a faint patch of red skin.

Damon came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist as he laid his head on my shoulder. He was calm, gentle. The feeling of his arms comforted me, allowing me to lean back against him.

"My blood healed you," he answered, assuming what I was thinking. "Vampire blood has healing properties," he explained.

"I see…" I nodded, letting my hand drop to my side.

I think things were finally starting to sink in.

"The whole mirror thing is obviously a myth," I noted.

"Obviously," Damon replied.

"Foods ready!" I heard Stefan call from downstairs, a faint look of disappointment in Damon's eyes.

"Come on," he grumbled, pulling away and walking out the door.

I stood there for a moment as I watched him leave, finally deciding to follow after him, nearly tripping over my feet as I went.

"Careful," he warned, not even needing to look back over his shoulder as he descended the stairs.

"Well, this definitely doesn't look x-rated," Stefan commented once I was at the bottom of the stairs, my face going red.

He was referring to my current choice in clothing. Damon merely grinned though, coming over and wrapping his arm around me.

"Doesn't she look exquisite?" Damon practically purred, pulling me closer and lifting the shirt up to reveal the boxers. "She's even wearing my boxers."

I felt my face growing even redder as I covered it with my hand, trying to retain at least an ounce of dignity.

"You're downright deplorable, Damon," Stefan groaned.

"Oh, did I strike a nerve, Stefan?"

"Damon, save it for Jason?" I pleaded.

"Hmm, that's not a bad idea," he said. "I can only imagine the things I can do to you in front of him."

I shook my head at this, pulling away and sitting down at the table. The food was already in front of us so I just grabbed a plate and started eating, ignoring the two vampires as they bickered back and forth.

"So…" I said randomly, looking between the two, my eyes resting on Stefan for a moment. "You guys obviously eat garlic."

"I prefer it in my cooking," Stefan answered.

"Never really liked it that much to begin with," Damon told me, coming up behind me and draping his arms over my shoulders, his chin resting on top of my head.

I ignored his actions though, taking another bite of my food, Stefan doing the same.

"Aren't you hungry, Damon?" I asked, getting my answer as he grabbed the fork out of my hand and placing it in his mouth.

I rolled my eyes at this.

"Oh, sorry, hope you don't mind?" he chuckled,

His actions had been deliberate.

"No, of course not," I said, my tone coming off as sarcastic as I snatched the fork back from him. "Okay, what about crucifixes?" I asked.

"Decorative," Stefan stated, leaning back in his chair a bit.

"Holy water?" I inquired.

"Drinkable," they said at the same time.

"You guys obviously have shadows," I said, catching sight of Damon's behind me. "You guys aren't stark white either."

"Correct," Stefan nodded.

"How is it…you're so warm?" I asked, looking up at Damon.

"Blood, food, coffee," Damon listed off, though Stefan elaborated.

"The caffeine in coffee, it circulates through our veins and warms our bodies," he explained.

"And the alcohol?" I asked skeptically.

"It helps curb the cravings," Damon told me.

"I see."

I then looked over at Stefan.

"How is it you don't burn in sunlight?" I asked.

"We have special rings that protect us," he told me, holding up his hand to show off his ring.

I looked down at Damon's left hand, gently touching the ring that rested on his middle finger.

"It's called Lapis Lazuli," Damon informed me.

I turned it on his finger, looking it over. It was beautiful, an insignia imprinted upon the stone.

"It's beautiful," I stated. "What about fire?"

I watched a Stefan cringed, nearly regretting my words.

"Painful and fatal," he told me.

"How old are you?" I finally asked.

For a moment it was quiet, until Stefan spoke up.

"Technically, I'm 17," he told me. "But in reality, I'm almost 162 years old."

"Damon?" I asked, looking upward.

"Physically? 24. Chronologically? 169," he answered.

"So, that means you were born…"

"June 28, 1840," he finished for me.

I then looked toward Stefan.

"November 5, 1847."

"Wow," I breathed, leaning my head back against Damon.

"Well, now that you know when we were born, what about you?" Damon asked randomly.

"May 3, 1987," I answered.

"Dually noted," Damon nodded.

"Wait, that means your birthday is this week," I said to Stefan.

"She's right," Damon faked a gasp.

"Don't start," Stefan said firmly.

"Killjoy," Damon complained.

"Um, I need some air," I announced, getting up from my chair and moving out of Damon's grasp.

I didn't miss the slight look of disappointment though as I moved away, slowly making my way outside.

T

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were disappointed," Stefan said, eyeing his brother.

Damon merely huffed, pushing away from the table.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were actually happy," Damon replied, making his way upstairs.

He had a feeling that Kali would be out there for a bit and even though he didn't want to, he'd leave her be for the time being.

T

"Kali?"

I turned my head to find Stefan standing there, a hesitant look on his face.

"Hey," I whispered, looking up from my spot in the grass.

"I'm sorry that things had to end like this," he apologized, coming to sit down beside me, leaning back on his hands.

"You don't remember me, do you?" I asked after a moment, earning a curious look.

"Hm?"

I let out a breath of air, looking up at the sky.

"That summer, 15 years ago," I spoke softly. "I remember you," I told him. "I wasn't sure at first when Elena introduced me, but I know now."

His brows were furrowed slightly, green eyes trained upon me.

"You met a little girl in the park, back in the summer of 94. She'd fallen, dropping her ice cream," I relayed, replaying it in my head. "You helped her up, dried her tears, and gave her a piece of candy."

"How…" he stopped, eyes widening slightly.

"After all this time, you still look the same," I smiled faintly.

"So, that was you," he concluded. "How do you even remember that though?" he asked. "We only met one time."

"I don't know," I shrugged. "You just stood out."

"I didn't think anyone would remember me," he said, voice almost sad.

"I never forgot," I told him. "In fact, I was rather sad when I went looking for you the following day and couldn't find you," I admitted.

"Perhaps you should go back inside," he said after a few moments, looking over at me. "I'm sure that Damon's growing restless."

"Alright," I nodded, carefully pushing myself up off of the ground.

Before I went back inside though, I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"No matter what you are, you are a good person, Stefan," I told him, feeling his hand come up and touch mine for a moment.

"Thank you."

Okay everyone, that was chapter 9. I hope that everyone liked it? How did you like that bit of sexual tension between Damon and Kali when he 'threatened' her? Intense, huh? Lol. Anyway, let me know what you think? REVIEW and MESSAGE people. I NEED REVIEWS!

Also, if anyone has any ideas like ways Damon can mess with Kali's head and 'play' around with her. Pranks, etc. Please let me know?

Thanks everyone!