Vampire Diaries

Chapter 29

You Have My Condolences

She wasn't sure what time that they had gotten back, the alarm clock on her nightstand reading into the single digits as the red reflected in the dark. Damon had been careful pulling her from the hospital, guiding her outside to the car and back to the apartment. His mind had been all over the place, possibilities running through his head. The moment he'd gotten them to the apartment, he'd locked the door, turning the deadbolt in its place with a resounding click as he leaned against the door for just a moment. Even though he knew that it wouldn't stop a vampire from coming in, it gave him the slightest peace of mind if nothing else.

Guiding her into the bedroom, he pulled her jacket from her shoulders, her head slumping forward with a groan as she tried to keep herself awake. Her mind was in a haze, eyes blinking lazily as she tried to focus her gaze on him. He merely gave her a small smile as he knelt down in front of her, gently running his hand along the side of her cheek.

"You look so cute," he mused quietly, watching as she leaned into his touch, eyes closing once more despite the pain that was still pounding away in her head from his brother's blood.

When her head jerked after a few moments, he knew it was time to finish putting her to bed, carefully laying her back among the pillows as he tugged off her shoes. He made sure to shove them under the side of the bed, kicking them out of the way so she wouldn't trip on them in the morning.

As he drew back, he felt his mind wandering as he stared at her, then around the room. So many things had been placed there now, pictures on the wall, knick knacks on the dresser. There was a bottle of rose perfume sitting by the speakers on the dresser, slowly reaching out and grasping it in his hand. He toyed with the surface, his fingers running along the glass facets as he bit down on his lip.

His hand curled around the bottle as he tried to calm his nerves, the glass creaking for just a moment, causing him to let go with a start. He watched as it fell to the floor, rolling on its side. Only the barest of light shown back at him in the dark.

"I need a drink," he muttered.

xXx

Morning came all too early for me. The sun had already sneaked its way in through the shades, light streaming along the bed and floor. There was no way I was going back to sleep with that.

Making to turn toward the clock, I found my back pressed against something warm and hard. Blinking, I glanced over my shoulder. Damon was laid out on the bed with his head tilted toward the clock, his chest rising and falling slowly in sleep. Off to the side, I caught an empty bottle of bourbon. For whatever reason, he'd found the need to drink last night, downing the entire bottle before likely stumbling into bed beside me.

"Damon," I whispered, hesitantly reaching a hand out.

He didn't stir as I brushed my fingertips along the side of his jaw. It let me know that it was real, the smoothness of his skin pressing against mine as I bit back a smile. Last night had been a nightmare that I wasn't sure I would wake up from. After all the nasty things I'd said, I'd nearly lost him.

Glancing down at the hand against his cheek, I slowly took in the sight of the smooth skin, turning my hand this way and that. Strangely enough, the complexion was even, the tone a cross between ivory and a hint of beige all the way through. Even my arms were seamless as I skimmed the skin, shivering slightly. Reaching behind me, I could still feel the scar just below my shoulder blade. The skin was still raised and slightly puffy, an almost scaly feeling against my finger as they skimmed the surface of it. It was a mark that I'd have for the rest of my life. I was really here. Damon was here. Glancing back, there was just one more thing that I needed to make sure that it was all real.

The second my lips touched his, I was on my back, pinned to the bed. My hands were pressed into the mattress above my head at the wrists, and Damon's other hand pressing lightly against my stomach as he stared down at me.

"Well, hello to-," I was cut off as his pressed his lips to mine, a groan pricking at the back of my throat.

He was quick in threading his hand through my hair, tugging as he let his other hand run along my side. I could feel his fingers curling into the flesh of my hip, his thumb brushing up against a nerve and making me shiver.

"Damon."

Again, his lips were on mine, silencing me. Closing my eyes, I felt him draw my lower lip between his teeth, nipping lightly. It was all too easy to draw a line of blood, his tongue sliding over the surface. His left hand made its way to my neck, thumb pressing against the base of my jaw as he trailed kisses along the other side. I shivered as he pressed a kiss below my ear, blowing lightly at the skin. It felt like my skin was on fire at the moment, but in a good way. It was something that was warming me to the core.

"Damon," I groaned out, biting down on my lip as he kissed his way down my collarbone and back up the side of my jaw, his hot breath ghosting over my skin.

"Shh," he cooed, stroking my cheek as his fingers brushed the hem of my shirt.

I felt them trail up my side, his hand hot and making me squirm. The tips of his fingers brushed the underside of my bra as his lips met mine again, before pealing my shirt away, my chest heaving as he made his way to my neck again. I was almost relieved when he began sucking lightly at the skin, nipping at it, a faint groan rolling off my lips. I wasn't sure I could handle any more sexual tension without something happening. It was all too real.

"Damn, you're warm," he muttered, my fingers threading through the back of his hair.

My heart was still pounding as I felt him smirk against my skin. He knew exactly what he had done to me, ever the smug bastard as he pressed another kiss to my neck, muttering something that I couldn't quite hear this time.

"If you're going to feed, just do it," I breathed out. "You give me a hickie though, and I'll."

I bit down on my lip as I felt his fangs sink in, a faint rumble escaping his chest. As a result, I flicked him in the ear, closing my eyes when he didn't retaliate. It was still strange, laying there without my shirt, I didn't really care as much though as I let my hand slide down to the back of his neck. I played with the hair there, twisting it lightly between my thumb and forefinger. It was slightly curly, easily wrapping around my finger. The initial buzz from our 'tussle' was slowly starting to fade. Oddly enough though, I almost didn't want it to. In the back of my mind, I was still wanting more, the feeling of his hands on me, his mouth against my skin. I wanted to feel him, run my hands through his hair. I wanted to trail my hands along his chest and back. I wanted to go further for just a moment. One single solitary moment.

Drawing in a breath of air, I let my other hand trail down his side, my fingers skimming the side of his pants. I groaned as he took a long draw from my neck, fingertips brushing the waistband at the back, absently kneading at the skin of his hip as my fingers dipped down a couple inches.

He growled as I did this, groaning as his grip tightened just the slightest. Still, I pushed my luck, sliding my hand further until I was just skimming the top of his rear. In return, I felt him grip my thigh, tugging my leg up along the side of his waist in one swift motion. Again, I closed eyes, holding in a groan as he ground his hips against mine.

"I have no problem with continuing," he grinned, blood staining his lips as he pulled back, his lips dropping to mine for just a moment. "But I'm not one to hold back."

Rolling my eyes I stared at him fondly, gently taking his face between my hands. The veins beneath his eyes were slowly receding, the black and red around his eyes fading as well. I still couldn't get over how handsome he was though, despite everything.

"If we did, I don't think I'd be able to stop," I whispered, pulling him down and pressing my lips to his.

It was only for a moment, but that was all that I needed. I just needed him as he was and that's all. That's all that I needed right now.

"Sure you don't want to continue?" he teased, deliberately racking his hips against mine in a painfully slow manner that allowed me to feel just how much he wanted me right now.

"Damon," I groaned, biting my lip, before pushing him away.

"Aw, can't take the pressure?" he chuckled, playing at his own little joke.

Tugging him forward, I brought my lips to his ear, biting down lightly on the lower lobe. It earned me a rather sensual groan from his throat.

"Salvatore, you can't take the pressure."

With that, I rolled away, leaving him sitting there with his mouth hanging open. A few moments later it turned into a smirk.

"Challenge accepted!"

xXx

It was a little disheartening stepping inside the Lockwood Manor, hands behind my back as I walked beside Damon. I'd worn a somewhat formal outfit, nothing flashy, but still something to show my respect. Damon was in a similar setup, black slacks and a simple dress shirt. His reason was more business related, mine bordering on personal. I'd admit, Richard wasn't always the best, his ego rising to be larger than the size of his head. He'd still always been a respectable man, trying to do what he felt was best for the town. Not to mention, he was also a father and husband, a brother even. It was also uncomfortable as well.

With that last thought in mind, my eyes trailed toward Tyler. He was standing off to the side, trying to avoid greeting anyone, much to his mother's frustration. I'd known Tyler for a long time and despite their differences, I knew that Tyler still cared about his father. He wanted so much to be like his father in certain aspects, the big man, the head honcho. At the same time though, I knew that he wanted to be his own person and just live his life. He wanted so much more than the standard life of a Lockwood.

"Damon, you go on ahead," I said, giving his hand a squeeze. "I'm gonna go see Tyler."

Before I could get more than two steps in, he pulled me back to him, pulling me into a kiss before letting go. It was a reminder of earlier, a deliberate reminder that should I change my mind, he'd be there in a heartbeat.

"I'll be here," he told me, letting go and moving over toward Carol and Liz.

Shaking my head, I made my way over to the youngest Lockwood, a small smile on my face.

"Tyler," I called out, watching as his head snapped in my direction.

"Kali," he breathed out, swallowing the lump in his throat.

When I was finally in front of him, he wrapped his arms around me, burying his head against my shoulder. His hold was almost crushing, but I didn't let it bother me.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, rubbing his back as we stood there.

Tyler didn't have to be tough in front of me, just like Matt, Caroline, Elena, and Jeremy didn't have to be tough in front of me. They knew me and knew that I wouldn't judge them for their spouts of weakness. I couldn't, not when I'd had so many of my own. It wasn't my job to judge them, but to be there for them when they needed someone.

"He was a dick, what's the point?" he asked quietly, slowly pulling away.

"Tyler," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Your father loved you."

"He didn't act like it," he muttered, making to walk outside to get away from the crowd.

I followed, quickly walking up beside him. I knew he was angry, but he needed to realize that it wouldn't do him any good.

"Tyler, stop."

I pulled him to a stop by his arm, my hands curling around the muscle as I held him in place. He was silent as he stood there, looking anywhere, but at me.

"I'm not going to stand here and lie to you. You'll never get over this, it just doesn't happen."

He flinched as I said this, but still didn't move.

"What I will tell you though, is that it does get easier."

This time, he finally looked over at me, brows furrowed slightly.

"I still think of my dad every day. Even my mom," I told him. "I never really knew her, but I know that at some point, she was there. My dad though…" I paused for a moment, loosening my grip. "He was always a part of my life, the good, the bad. Just because he's gone, it doesn't mean that I'll forget about him."

"Kali, look," he started, but I cut him off.

"No, you need to hear this," with that, I continued, gripping his hand lightly in mine. "All we can ever do is try our best. Try our best to be the best that our parents wanted us to be," I told him. "It doesn't mean that we have to follow along with everything that they wanted, but we can be our best for them and know that its enough."

He was quiet as he stood there, his brain working on processing my words. It wasn't something that anyone here was going to bother telling him. No, they'd rather say their customary 'sorry' and just get on with their life. Me, I wanted him to get something out of this whole thing. I wanted him to realize that he could still live his life the way that it was meant to be, despite his father and his current circumstances.

"He'll still be proud of you Tyler."

I thought he'd say something after that, his eyes locking with mine for a few more moments. They drifted to something behind me though, a faint rumbling making its way up the drive. Turning, I realized his eyes were trained on the large jeep making its way up. I couldn't place the vehicle though. It wasn't familiar to my knowledge, but apparently, there was something familiar to Tyler.

"Ty?"

We both watched as a man climbed out, the door to the jeep slamming shut behind him. As he got closer, I realized exactly who it was.

"It's my uncle," Tyler muttered, folding his arms across his chest. "So, the black sheep returns," he announced, raising a brow at his uncle.

"Tyler?" he asked, looking the kid up down.

"Yeah," Tyler nodded.

I merely stood there off to the side, watching the whole thing unfold.

"What happened to you? In my mind, you're 12 years old."

"Then that's two years older than the last time you saw me, Uncle Mason," Tyler replied.

I couldn't help it anymore, a snicker falling from my mouth as I stood there, a small smile pulling at Tyler's face.

"And who is this gorgeous woman?" Mason inquired, stepping forward to get a better look at me.

I stood there for a solid minute as his eyes roamed over me, taking me in from head to toe. Wait for it. Wait for it.

"Oh, my…"

I had a grin plastered on my face now as realization finally hit him, watching as he straightened up, eyes going wide. His mouth had fallen open, hand in front of him as he tried to find the words. He closed his mouth, opening it again, only to reclose it as he stood there. I don't remember the last time that I'd seen something so funny, a humorous look on Tyler's face as he watched his uncle's out of place spectacle.

"Kal?" he asked hesitantly, finally managing to find his voice.

"Hello, Mason," I laughed, nearly doubling over with laughter.

"Last time I saw you, you were," he paused, trying to put the words together.

"Maybe 16?" I joked, remembering the fact that it's been a while since we'd seen each other.

Mason was always a charmer, though he could never stay in one place. He'd been good friends with my father, just as his brother had been, the two getting together whenever he was in town. He'd jokingly suggested marrying me when I was old enough, always telling me how beautiful I looked. The last time I saw him was actually for my father's funeral back in 2003.

"You look," he started, pausing as he looked me over again. "Damn you're gorgeous."

"Mason, come on," I laughed.

"Seriously, I thought you looked good at 16, but now," he chuckled, raising his brows for a moment. "Wow."

Rolling my eyes, I folded my arms over my chest. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the flattery, but it was a little embarrassing. Damon was bad enough. I mean, I was finally starting to get used to it, but Mason Lockwood? Oh, no, wasn't happening. He'd always been forward in saying what was on his mind, something that Tyler had also inherited from the Lockwood family.

"Careful Uncle Mason, she's got a boyfriend," Tyler chided, a smirk on his face.

"Still?" he asked skeptically, raising a brow in question.

"Different boyfriend," I assured him.

"Good, Jason was an ass."

"Oh, no, he still is. I've just made sure to keep my distance is all."

It was true though. I'd made sure to steer clear of the man, avoiding leaving myself alone. The guy was psychotic and I wanted nothing to do with it. I could only imagine what he was like as a vampire now. I still remember Damon's explanation to Logan, how everything was heightened after the turn. That meant whatever he felt about me prior, it was now multiplied. I wouldn't be surprised if it had turned obsessive at this point, a shiver running down my spine at the mere thought of it. I wasn't sure if I could handle a creepy vampire stalker ex-boyfriend. It gave me the chills.

"You okay?" Mason asked, noticing it.

"Yeah, just a bad memory is all."

"Well, why don't we head inside?" he suggested. "I need a drink and I should say hi to your mother," he said, the last part directed at Tyler.

"Good idea," Tyler nodded.

"After that, the three of us will catch up a bit more."

xXx

He was standing off to the side with Liz when he noticed someone talking with Kali. The man was tall and decently built, with short dark hair. He was laughing as he patted her on the shoulder, Tyler snickering about something after the fact.

"Who's that over there?" he asked, pointing toward Kali. "I haven't seen him around."

Turning, Liz looked in their direction, recognition flickering over her face.

"That's Mason Lockwood," she explained. "The mayor's younger brother."

It'd been a while since she had seen him, but he'd always been a decent individual. He'd left a few years back though to do a bit of traveling around the coast. He wasn't the type that liked being tied down to one place for very long.

"Is he on the council?" Damon question, keeping his eyes trained on the man. "Like John Gilbert was when he rolled in?"

"No, no," she shook her head. "Mason's nothing like John. "For one, he's not an ass."

Damon nearly snickered at this, biting it back as he let her continue to speak.

"He's not a believer either," she informed him. "He wants nothing to do with the council. He's too preoccupied finding the perfect wave?"

"Surfer?" he rose a brow in question.

"Among other things," she nodded.

"Thanks."

With that, Damon walked away, his ears open as he listened in. He wanted to know what was going on, even if it meant eavesdropping on their conversation.

xXx

"You've been gone too long, Mason," I laughed.

"Not as long as you apparently," he pointed out. "I actually had to make a stop in town the other year, but you weren't here. Parts pick up."

"Yeah, well, I had a legitimate reason," I said pointedly, quickly downing what was left of my drink.

I felt it burn down my throat, until it met my stomach, warming me from the inside. I had far more reasons than Mason did for leaving. He'd merely gotten tired of being in one place, the town making him restless. He never had any real issues with anything, at least not to my knowledge.

"I'm assuming you did something with all of that time?" he teased, watching as Tyler walked off to talk to someone.

"Well," I paused for a moment, leaning back against the wall.

My eyes wandered as I stood there, mulling everything over in my head. What had I done? Yeah, I went off and got my degree, but was there a real point to the rest. I'd tried not to think about it when I was gone, merely trying to numb everything. I'd taken up random jobs for money, traveling around from place to place every few months. I'd spent the last six months before leaving in a management position at a bar, helping run and organize things. It wasn't the best, but it was a job, a job that I'd given up by leaving. It'd been the only regular job that I'd had since leaving and I'd given it all up.

"Maybe," I shrugged.

"Seriously?"

He folded his arms over his chest as he looked down at me, trying to figure me out.

"Well, I got my degree."

"Yeah, and you had at least a year of sitting around. Not to mention finance."

I bit down on the inside of my cheek.

"I bought a car…that eventually broke down."

He gave me a look, staring me down. He wasn't giving up quite yet.

"Okay, so I traveled around a bit without much of anything to do," I finally admitted.

xXx

He was a little shocked at her admission. She hadn't had a real plan when leaving. It wasn't like her. Back when her father had been around, Kali had always been organized, knowing exactly what she wanted out of life. Knowing that she'd just gone out merely to get her degree without much of a plan outside of it was a little off-putting.

Mason still remembered when she was five. He'd been younger then, her father marrying young only to be left alone. He'd taken it in stride though, despite the challenges that had come with raising her alone. Thankfully, she'd been self-driven for most things, learning to ride her bike at 7 without training wheels even.

Shaking his head, Mason turned back to her, giving her a once over. She'd definitely changed since 16, growing into a beautiful young woman. Her hair was longer and she was thinner now, her long legs toned with muscle. She looked a little pale though now that he thought about it, but he had to guess that it was normal for her since he hadn't seen her in a while. She was always outside as a child though, but the years can change things. What wouldn't change though was her beauty, something that was ever present. Even in her younger days, she'd been a gorgeous little girl, taking after her mother. It was only sad when she passed away. She'd been so young, losing her life to sickness. He remembered the same thing happening to her father, Sam. He'd been a good man.

xXx

"And now?" he asked, arms still folded over his chest. "What's been going on with you lately?"

Rubbing my arm, I leaned back against one of the walls.

"Well, I'm teaching," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "Mr. L-," I paused, catching myself as I looked out in front of me. "Richard, your brother, he gave me my job," I admitted. "Heck, I didn't really even know what to do when I got into town."

I watched as he stood there, giving me a skeptical look. It was obvious that he was finding it a little hard to believe. I mean, I couldn't blame him though.

"So, you're telling me that you just skipped back into town with nothing?" he asked skeptically. "Kal, that's not like you."

"I know," I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Elena called me a while back after things with their parents," I told him. "They needed me, Mason. I didn't really have a choice. Things were rough."

He continued to listen as I spoke, not saying anything else.

"Its not like I really had anything holding me down anyway. There was nothing left for me, I just…" I sighed, shoulders hunching forward. "Between my ex and my dad, I just… I didn't really see a point to much of anything."

"Kal…" he frowned, leaning forward without hesitation and pulling me close.

I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around his bulky form. With everything that had happened in the last day or so, I felt tears pricking at the corner of my eyes, swallowing thickly. I could feel a tremor run through me, a shiver, fingers curling into the back of his shirt. I could feel the muscle there hiding beneath its fabric.

"Hey, its alright," he said, running a hand down my back.

His hand was warm, neck burning almost as he held me to him. It was welcoming, far warmer than Damon. Drawing in a deep, yet shaky breath, I tried to pull back after a few moments. I rubbed at my face frantically, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat.

"I'm sorry," I tried, closing my eyes as I tried to compose myself.

If he only knew half of what was going on, he'd know exactly why I was crying. Since my time back in Mystic Falls, I'd nearly died several times, I'd been threatened, tormented, had my heart jerked around just a bit, and even come close to being burned alive. I'd also found a hint of peace, love, friends, a purpose for living. There'd been so much good and bad bound all together in one within this little town that I called home. So many memories wound tight.

"Hey…"

I felt him gripping my hands in his own. They were shaking, his thumb running atop my knuckles comfortingly.

"Have you eaten anything yet?" he asked, a line of worry marking his forehead as he stared down at me.

I shook my head. I hadn't really had time this morning with everything going on, but normally, it didn't bother me too much.

"Maybe you should grab a little something?" he suggested. "It'll help."

I nodded, taking in his words. It would probably be a good idea. Running myself down wouldn't do me any good, only winning in frustrating Damon if he knew. God help me if he found me skipping meals. He'd probably start trying to force feed me at that point, poking me in the sides until I opened my mouth, pushing food in afterward.

From there, Mason led me to another room, one with food. I found myself standing there upon entering. Damon was there, his mouth hanging open slightly as he stared at me briefly, eyes trailing to Mason. The two men made eye contact, but didn't say anything.

"I'll talk to you later, Kal," Mason told me, squeezing my shoulder lightly as he pressed his lips to the top of my head.

He walked off afterward, not bothering to look back. He had other things that he needed to do. I wasn't going to stop him.

"So…" Damon started. "Who was that?"

xXx

Running a hand through his hair, Damon pushed open the door to the boarding house. He was still mulling over what his brother had said to him earlier. He wouldn't admit it, but Stefan was right, there was no point fighting each other over something so trivial, just like the fact that he knew that Katherine liked to play games. He was still a little pissed that the bitch had tricked him though, despite the fact that he hadn't kissed her back. He should have known right away that it wasn't Elena, a groan running through him as he set his jacket down on one of the chairs in the 'living room'. Drawing in a breath of air, he grabbed a tumbler, pouring himself a drink. What Kali didn't know wouldn't hurt her. Besides, he was only going to have one or two, then head back to the apartment. While he was at it, he'd probably grab a few more clothes. He was sure that Stefan wouldn't care in the slightest if his things were slowly placed elsewhere. It'd be one less thing of Damon's that Stefan would have to look at.

For a second, his mind went back to Kali again, replaying things from earlier in the day. In order to sooth his boredom and frustrations, they'd talked a little bit more. Apparently, Mason Lockwood was an old friend, someone that her father had known and in turn, her. There was about seven years between the two, Kali and Mason, something that bugged him a bit. He was still a little miffed at the closeness that the two of them had shared. Apparently, Mason was a little on the protective side at times, something that had apparently developed over the years due to the lack of her mother being around. Mason as he found out, wasn't the only one that had tried to help Kali's father with her, raising her as a single father. At least her father had loved her though, something that he couldn't say was the same for his own. Giuseppe had only ever seen Damon as a disappointment.

Turning, Damon took a drink, making to go back down the hallway. He stopped a few steps in when he felt it, his back going rigid, the scent wafting into his nose. He knew that smell, something he should have noticed the first time or the fact of the slow beating heart inside the woman's chest. That should have been the biggest give away, but he'd been an idiot.

"Very brave of you to come here," he breathed out, slowly taking in another breath as he turned his head.

"I wanted to say good-bye."

There she was, seated on the couch, ankles crossed and arms folded lightly over her chest. The woman had absolutely no shame what so ever, leaving him trying to decide if he should just stake her now or tear her head off after everything she'd put him through.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, raising a brow in question, even though he didn't really care as his drink dangled from his fingertips.

"I know where I'm not wanted," she said sullenly.

Damon knew it was all an act though. The woman couldn't take anything seriously, always playing some sort of twisted game. Slowly, he was starting to realize everything his brother had been trying to tell him.

"Don't pout," he said flatly, bringing his glass to his lips. "It's not attractive on a woman your age."

"Ouch," she scoffed, watching as he set his glass down, the content nearly empty now.

Realizing that he wasn't going to continue speaking with her, she jolted forward, flashing in front of him before he could fully walk away.

"What? No good-bye kiss?" she asked, feigning hurt.

Damon merely narrowed his eyes, lips drawn into a thin line of annoyance.

"Why don't I kill you instead?" he offered, making her spit out a half laugh of sorts. "What are you doing here?" he finally asked, deciding to try and figure her out a bit before tearing her throat out.

"Nostalgia, curiosity, et. cetera," she listed off, hands on her hips.

She was obviously avoiding the question, something that he himself was rather good at doing most times.

"I'm better at the enigmatic one-liners, Katherine," he pointed out, staring her down. "What are you up to?" he asked again.

She smiled then, drawing her hand forward, and running it along the side of his face. With a twitch of his lip, he caught her wrist, squeezing as his patience began to wear. He wasn't playing her games.

"Trust me, Damon. When I'm up to something, you'll know it."

He was silent, staring down at her, nerves on end.

"Come on, Damon," she started, pulling her hand from his grip, and stepping closer. "Kiss me or kill me," she said firmly, taunting him as they stood almost nose to nose. "Which will is be Damon?" she asked, causing him to take a step back. "We both know…that you're only capable…of one."

Closing his eyes, he turned away. He couldn't handle this anymore and he knew it. It was time to leave and be done with it. Katherine had other plans though, appearing in front of him again. In a second flat, he found himself on his back, breath forced from his body. He could do nothing for a moment, but lay there as she crawled on top of him, her hand snaking forward as he trailed over his body. He was getting even more irritated as her words fell from her lips, taunting him.

"My sweet, innocent Damon," she purred, running a finger below his ear, his breath hitching as he closed his eyes.

She was trying to play on his urges, his sensual need. Drawing forth the courage he needed, he flipped them over, his hand going to her throat. Obviously, it had caught her by surprise, her eyes going wide as she laid there, his hand tightening around her windpipe. Although as he stared down at her, he felt something stir inside of his, old memories pushing to the surface. Before he could stop himself, he felt his resolve falter, her hand reaching out and pulling him closer.

His lips were on hers and it was 1864 all over again, their hands moving as he allowed himself to give in one last time. The guilt would always be there for multiple reason, but he needed this, something pushing him forward.

"That's more like it," she groaned out, fingers weaving into his hair, one hand kneading at his neck.

He was nearly pulled back to reality though as she flashed them across the room, slamming him into the wall, her hand around his throat. For a moment, things started to clear. She was getting the upper hand, his shirt being torn open a moment later, hands slide over his chest with heated need. As she pulled him into another kiss, something sparked, his hands reaching out and gripping her shoulders.

"Wait!" he chocked out, pulling her back. "Wait a second," he breathed.

Within seconds, the previous look for fire and passion left her features and he was once again shoved at the wall, head slamming against the wood.

"I have a question," he managed, standing there as she narrowed her eyes at him in frustration.

Something in the back of his mind was telling him not to asked, but he had to. He had to get it out of his system once and for all. He had to be honest with himself, while having her do the same with him. He just had to know.

"Answer it and…" he paused, his conscious tugging at him. "And its back to the fireworks and rocket red glare," he told her, licking his lower lip.

Katherine stood there, arms folded, brows furrowed.

"Answer it right and I…" again, he paused, closing his eyes as he drew in a shaky breath. "I'll forget about everything else," he told her. "I'll forget about the last 145 years I've been searching for you. We can start over. I'll forget everything."

For a moment, Katherine looked elsewhere, suddenly almost uncomfortable as he grew closer.

"I just need the truth. Just once," he began, cupping her face between his hands.

"Stop," she sighed, eyes closed as she put her hand up.

Unfortunately, even she could only go so far, carefully taking his hands in hers.

"I already know your question," she admitted, eyes locked with his. "And its answer."

She could see it all in his eyes. The desperation, the longing, the anxiety, hesitation. Somewhere inside, she knew that he knew. He just had to.

"The truth is…I've never loved you," she told him, shaking her head.

She'd spent 145 years avoiding it. There was no avoiding the truth anymore. It had to stop. Even if it meant breaking something inside of him, something she could see happening in front of her eyes as she spoke, his own eyes searching.

"It was always Stefan," she whispered, finally pulling away from him.

For a split second, she almost felt bad, moving away from his hold. There was no longer any reason for him to hold on to her. None. Unfortunately, he couldn't help, but tremble as the sharpness of his long reality stabbed away from him. He truly had been played for all those years, the thing he thought was love, burning a hole in his heart and robbing him of air. It burned a hole in his heart, the one that was still at times very much human.

xXx

"There's nothing good about him, Stefan. Not anymore," Elena choked out, holding Jeremy tight.

Tears continued to fall from her eyes, her shoulders shaking as she buried her hand in her brother's hair.

"He's decided what he wants. He doesn't want to feel…"

xXx

With unsteady steps, Damon pushed himself forward and down the hall, his hand trailing the wall. He stopped, pressing his head against the door, hand shaking as he gripped the doorknob. His thoughts continued flowing in and out of focus as he tried to come to terms with things. There were so many emotions running through him, so many things that he didn't want to feel, but had to. Unfortunately, Elena was right, he did lash out when upset and he was regretting every second of it.

xXx

"He wants to be hated," Elena cried. "It's just easier that way. He got his wish."

xXx

He stumbled as he entered the apartment, his foot catching the bottom of the frame, before closing it behind him. His eyes searched the room, flitting across the space, back and forth. He swallowed as he drew in a shaky breath, moving immediately for the bottle of liquor on the counter. He needed an escape. Something. Anything. He felt like he couldn't breathe. Why couldn't he just flip the switch and be done with it? It'd be all too easy, flip it and forget about everything around him, forget about the pain.

Wiping at his eye, he poured the amber liquid into one of the glass tumblers that he'd taken from the boarding house a few weeks ago, the liquid churning as he held it in his hand. As he looked down at it though, he realized something.

"I don't want to be hollow anymore…"

And then it happened. In a fit of anger and sorrow, he sent the glass flying, the tumbler shattering as it hit the wall. He watched helplessly as the pieces fell to the ground, feeling as though he were watching the very heart within his chest break apart. He felt as though his mind were breaking, slowly letting himself slide down in front of the couch. Burying his face in his hands, he sat there, trembling.

"Damon?"

He almost didn't hear the footsteps as they ran forward or the gasp that escaped her lips.

"Damon? Damon, what happened?"

He didn't bother to look up at as she knelt down in front of him, his eyes wet. He felt like a fool.

"Damon?" she whispered, reaching forward, hands gripping his.

Slowly, she pulled them back, a frown on her face as she took in the sight before her. His eyes were rimmed and almost puffy, hands shaking. His dark silky hair was a mess, sticking up at odd angles, and he smelled of alcohol. He looked terrible and it broke her heart to see him like this.

"Damon…" she whispered, trailing a hand over his face.

Slowly, she brushed the tears from his eyes, cupping his face between her hands.

"Baby, what happened?" she asked, not even registering her own words as they came out.

He shook his head frantically, lips twitching, nerves on end. So many things were running through his head and it was killing him. He could practically feel the headache pressing at the forefront of his mind. Tormenting him.

"I don't want to be that person…" he choked out, eyes watering. "I don't want to be hollow anymore! I can't do it!"

"Damon…" she frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't want to be like her," he managed, tears falling as he closed his eyes. "But it hurts…"

He couldn't face her, couldn't look her in the eyes. He didn't want to see pity, her arms wrapping around him as she pulled him close. Choking out a sob, he allowed her to hold him, wrapping his own arms around her as he gripped tightly at her back. He couldn't stop shaking, almost sure that if he were human, he likely would have given himself a stroke by now.

"It's alright," she told him, running a hand through his hair. "It's gonna be alright. I'm here, Damon," she whispered, pressing her lips against the side of his head comfortingly. "I'm here."

Her voice was the only thing keeping the last few pieces of his heart in place, a golden thread that kept them tethered to the inside of his chest as it wept. It was strong and helped to keep it beating.

"I love you," she whispered, feeling his nails curl inward against her skin as he held ever tighter to her, clinging to the only thing that seemed tangible. "I'm here for you, love… I'm here."

And that was chapter 29! Finally! I really do apologize for the massive delay guys, but I thank you for holding on. I'm finally in my last semester, so hopefully, things will finally settle down afterward. Going to school and working at the same time isn't very easy. Anyway, PLEASE REVIEW AND COMMENT! Thanks again everyone and if you have any ideas, don't hesitate to speak up.