Thank you all for the incredible welcome you've given me for this story. As my way of saying thanks, I'm posting a second chapter. I am almost finished writing this story. As soon as it's done, I'll be turning my attention to 'The Devil's Teeth'. I'm very excited about it too. Eva is the plot Goddess but often we come up with ideas together or she has an initial idea and I throw my thoughts in. We're a well-oiled team now. I wouldn't be here without her. Although both stories have a few chapters left to post, we are nearing the end on 'Angels Fall' and 'Dig'. When they're able to be marked complete, I'll post chapter 3 of this story. Thank you again for you support for Eva, me and our efforts to keep DE alive. #DelenaForever


Thinking that I'm hallucinating, I close my eyes for a moment. When I open them and look up again, he's gone. Feeling perplexed but not wanting to look out of sorts as it were, I focus my attention on the other man.

"Is that you, Mr. Thomas?" I ask, not really sure because I haven't seen him in a long time. When I hear my grandmother's footsteps, I abruptly turn to face her.

"Yes, Elena, it's James," she says. My mouth drops agape when I watch my grandmother kiss him. Stunned, I feel like I just stepped into an episode of the 'Twilight Zone'.

"Okay," I mumble, starting to push the door closed.

"My grandson is right behind me. He went back to grab the dessert."

"Oh," I start to say, my voice trailing off when I see him walking up the sidewalk, laughing uproariously along with Ric and Jenna. My eyes practically pop out of my head when I realize with certainty that I didn't imagine him. Before I can even take a breath, he's standing right in front of me a second time.

"Elena, what's the matter?" Aunt Jenna asks, taking a step forward matching each step I take away from him.

"You remember Damon don't you?"

"You're seriously going to ask me that? After he tormented me when we were kids and in high school, how could you invite him here?" I sneer, shaking my head back and forth.

"Elena, that was a long time ago. I'd like to think we've grown up since then," he mocks, flashing that shit-eating 'eye thingy' thing at me. He always, always done this, brushing me off as if I'm a fly that he could swat.

"What's going on here, grandma?"

"James and I are dating. We wanted to share that with you all."

"Dating? You're dating Damon's grandfather?" I ask incredulously.

"Yes, we've been seeing each other for a while now. We're very happy, dear."

"I don't know what to say," I mumble, my eyes darting back and forth between the two of them.

"Say that you're happy for her, Elena," Jenna prods, smiling at her mother.

"Did you know about this?"

"Yes, of course. Mom confides in me."

"Why didn't you tell me, grandma?"

"Elena, you're always very busy with your job. I don't know, I just wanted to get to know James better first. Before we spilled the news, we wanted to make sure that we wanted our relationship to continue," she says, eyeing her man appreciatively.

"Now, let's not just stand here in the doorway, come in everyone," Jenna says, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Yes, please do," grandma says, linking her arm with his before walking into the living room. After walking over to push the door closed, I go into the living room to join everyone. And of course, there is only one seat left, the one on the couch beside him.

"I don't bite, Elena."

With a twinkle in his eyes, he rubs his palm over the empty spot beside him. Although all I want to do is pummel him, I force a smile and sit down, scooting over enough so we're not touching each other in any way. When he starts talking to Ric, I can't help but notice the strong angle of his jaw, the way his biceps ripple when he reaches for one of the drinks that Jenna is passing around. And that stubble of his does wicked things to my libido. Appalled at myself for even thinking such a thing, I shudder and take a sip of my own drink. Just as he starts to raise his glass to his mouth, he gives me a quick panty dropping smile before swallowing and resuming his conversation with Ric.

Knowing with certainty that he's enjoying pushing my buttons, I get up and walk out to the kitchen. Moments later, Jenna follows behind.

"Do you want to tell me what's going on?"

"I hate him, Jenna, I hate him," I snap, turning around at the sink to look outside. Because it's already dark outside, all I see is what's illuminated by the street lights.

"Who?"

"Who do you think?"

"Damon?"

"No, the mailman, come on, Jenna, you're smarter than that? You know how he used to torment me."

"That was a long time ago, Elena. He's a decent guy now."

"And that's another thing, when did you and Damon Salvatore become best buddies?"

"He's Ric's best friend so we spend quite a bit of time with him."

"How do you do that when he lives wherever it is that he lives which thank God... isn't here?"

"Um, you're wrong. He moved back here a couple of weeks ago."

"Oh hell to the no," I blurt out, slamming my fist onto the countertop."

"Yep. His dad needs a heart transplant so he wanted to be here in case the worse should happen."

"Well, I'm sorry about his dad but still..."

"I promise you that he's different now."

"Maybe to you but that doesn't make up for everything he did to me when we were kids. And fuck, the fact that he lives here again means that I'll have to see more and more of him which also gives him ample opportunity fuck with my head all over again. Just kill me now," I blurt out.

"Elena, stop. For mom's sake, you need to chill. Are we clear?"

"Fine," I utter, throwing up my arms in frustration. After she levels me with one of those 'looks that could kill' stares, I plant a phony smile on my face and walk back out to join our guests. Shortly thereafter, grandma tells us to take a seat at the dining table. Following her to the kitchen, I help her bring out the food and set it on the table, accidentally brushing against Damon's shoulder when I lean over to set the roast platter on the table.

"Sorry."

"No worries."

Once we have all the food out, I take a seat beside my grandmother. Damon's grandfather is on her other side with Damon to his left followed by Jenna and then Ric. I guess his father's illness explains why he isn't here too. Filling my plate, I start to eat, occasionally taking a clandestine peek at him.

"So Damon, have you found a job yet?" my grandma asks, lifting her fork to her mouth.

"Yes, I got a job at the TV station. Tobias Fell offered me my own hour long show. They're going to build a set for me first. I have to go back to Chicago to get the last of my things out of storage and then I'll be back here for good. At least for the near future."

"Tobias is giving you a TV show?"

"Yeah."

Dropping my fork, I put my hands in my lap and fist them together to try to keep myself from slinging more than a few colorful metaphors. When my grandmother raises an eyebrow at me, I force a smile before looking at Damon again.

"I guess we're going to be colleagues. I work at the station too."

"I actually knew that, Elena. Papa told me that."

"I see. So what is the focus of your show going to be?"

"It's going to focus on unsolved mysteries, cold crime cases, maybe some of the legends that surround Mystic Falls. You know like the supernatural, things like that."

Throwing up a little in my mouth, I manage to say in a sickeningly sweet voice that it sounds interesting. As the night wears on, everyone is having a grand old time but me. Even my grandmother is putty in his hands by the time the evening is coming to a close. Just as the clock strikes ten, James said that it was time for him and Damon to leave.

"Where are you staying, Damon?"

"At my dad's house, Mrs. Gilbert. I want to be there with him and Papa should anything happen."

"That's big of you," I blurt out, the tone of my voice dripping with sarcasm.

This time it's Jenna who elbows me in the ribs. Internally rolling my eyes, I force another smile before asking him about his older sister, Katherine.

"Katherine is in New York City. She's has her hands full with her job plus she has two little girls and a husband that's a Broadway producer. There's no way she could uproot her whole family. She flies down once a month though to see him. Since I'm single and have no commitments, it was just easier for me to come home. Dad has to carry a pager with him just in case a heart becomes available. That said, he's still stubborn and independent but can't help but worry about him, quite a bit actually."

"I am sorry about your dad, Damon. I hope everything works out," I tell him, this time my voice is sincere.

"I do too," he agrees, dropping his eyes from mine.

"Are you ready to leave, Damon?"

"Yes, papa. Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Gilbert. I had a lovely time."

"Please call me Lena. And You're very welcome. We'll have to do this again soon."

"I'd like that."

Turning to me, I feel my breath hitch when our eyes meet. Before I get lost in the depths of his brilliant blue eyes, I drop my gaze till I hear my name.

"It was good seeing you again too, Elena," he says, surprising me with his candor.

Unable to say anything, I just nod and walk along with the rest of my family outside to tell everyone goodbye. As soon as he and his grandpa and Jenna and Ric pull away from the curb, I link my arm with grandma's and pull her back into the house. Once inside, I tell grandma that I'm going to clean up and do the dishes. Just as I make a move to go into the kitchen, she latches onto my wrist, effectively stopping me in my tracks.

"Look, Elena, I know you and Damon were anything but friends growing up but I love James so the two of you are going to have to find a way to coexist. Do you understand?"

"I'm sorry, grandma but everything about that man rankles me."

"Don't you think it's time to put that in the past? Do you really want to spend the rest of your life hating someone? Aren't there much productive outlets than hate?"

"I know you're right. And for your sake, I'll try to reach a détente with him. But if he pushes my buttons, I will defend myself."

"He seemed nice enough tonight."

"Yeah, that's because he had no choice. We'll see what he's like when I run into him at the station."

"Oh Elena, give him a chance. His dad is dying so he may have a different look on life now."

"I'm sorry about his dad and I hope he gets well but it's really difficult to wish for him a new heart when it means that someone else has to die. I would imagine that he and his dad have some issues with that?"

"They do. James is still very close to Joe. When his daughter died, they really came together in their grief."

"Even though Damon isn't my favorite person, I'm glad he has his grandfather, you know, just in case."

"I've watched him grow up. He's always been tight with both his dad and grandpa. He was so young when his mom died."

When she yawns, I smile and lean over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Why don't you go to bed, grandma? I'm going to wash and dry the dishes."

"Are you sure, Elena? They will still be here in the morning you know."

"I'm sure, I'm too wound up to go to sleep anyway. I'll see you in the morning," I tell her when she gets up. Stopping at the kitchen door, she turns around for a moment and smiles at me.

"I love James, Elena. If he were to ask me, I would say yes," she says then walks off leaving me with my mouth hanging open.

Although I want her to be happy, why of all people did she have to pick Damon Salvatore's grandfather? Of all the towns in all the world, he has to come back to mine. Dropping my chin to my chest, I take a few deep breaths to try to tame my inner beast that wants nothing more than to break a few things. Knowing that smashing things isn't really a productive outlet for my anger, I start to fill the sink with water, opting to wash them by hand instead of using the dishwasher. While I wash each plate and piece of silverware, my mind is focused only on him. He's still so damn hot. For grandma's sake, I'm going to have to somehow keep my animosity towards him buried and I don't know how to do that. He makes me completely crazy with rage, whether he does it on purpose all the time or whether some of it is sheer happenstance, I don't begin to know.


As soon as I step inside the KNXB studios the next morning, I'm accosted by my best friend. Latching onto my elbow, he pulls me into his office.

"Why are you wearing such a shit eating grin?"

"I know a secret..," he sing songs, teasing me.

"Out with it, Kol," I snap, my hands on my hips.

"Who peed in your Wheaties?"

"I'm waiting, Kol."

"Apparently Tobias is giving some big wig from Chicago his own TV show."

"Don't remind me. I know all about it."

"You do?"

"Yes, it's my old nemesis, Damon Effing Salvatore."

"Oh boy, there are going to be some fireworks around here," he adds, laughing.

"There is no doubt. You must remember how he picked on me relentlessly while we were growing up. When he left to go to college, I actually had a celebration with Caroline and Bonnie. Now.. not only do I have to work with him, my grandmother is dating his grandfather. I'm so fucked," I utter, dropping my chin to my chest in dismay.

"You're kidding. Grandma is dating?"

"Apparently for months already. She told me last night that she's in love and that I had better find a way to get along with Damon or there will be the proverbial hell to pay."

"Grandma Lena actually said there would be hell to pay?" he chuckles, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Not in those words but I got her meaning all the same. What am I going to do, Kol? That man is the bane of my existence."

"Perhaps he's changed?"

"And I'm the pope," I snort, rolling my eyes.

"And it's not only my grams who was putty in his hands last night, he has Jenna and Alaric eating out of his palm too. I'm all alone here, Kol."

"You'll always have me, love," he says, giving me a hug. Just as he lets me go, the overhead speaker announces the meeting. Sighing heavily, I raise my eyes upwards asking, "Why, God?"

"Oh stop it, Elena," Kol scoffs, taking my hand and pulling me along with him to the conference room. As soon as I step through the door, I'm immediately met with the unworldly hue of his electric blue eyes. I don't miss how he glances at my hands, entwined with Kol's.

"Hello, Elena."

"Damon," I utter, forcing a sweet smile on my face. And I know that he knows that it's as phony as a three dollar bill. I see a fleeting hint of vulnerability in his eyes before the Damon that I know so well makes his presence known. He looks me over, his eyes roaming from my feet to my head. And when our eyes meet again, he gives me a flash of signature smirk. His eyes stray, widening them considerably when Fiona Starr walks in, flaunting her considerable assets. She's so full of herself that she adopted the professional name of Andie Starr. I still call her Fiona once in awhile just to get under her skin. Whatever the case, Damon seems completely mesmerized by her attributes.

"Unbelievable!" I whisper to Kol, pulling out a chair. My anger rises exponentially when Andie stoops down to say something to Damon giving him an ample look at her bosom. Of course, he takes a glance, even having the gall to lick his lips. And the way she's behaving is totally unprofessional. It makes me wonder if she broke up with Nick again. He's Kol's brother and the owner of a fine restaurant here in Mystic Falls.

"She's really laying it on thick," Kol adds, whispering in my ear.

"What was your first clue?" I snap, a little too loudly. When Damon looks at me, he winks, shortening my already lit fuse considerably. Under the cover of the table top, I clench my fists, wanting nothing more than to slap that silly smirk off of his face once and for all. Andie, oblivious to everyone but Damon, slides a chair over, dropping into the seat next to him. I'm on the cusp of telling them to get a room when Tobias Fell and our station manager Elijah Mikaelson walk in.

Since Andie is practically in heat the way she's shamelessly rubbing up against Damon, she didn't even bother to look up when Elijah walked in. And although I loathe the current object of her affection, at least he has the decency to look embarrassed when Elijah eyes the two of them.

"Miss Starr, will you please control your hormonal antics? This is not the place for it," he chides her, his voice even but deadly serious. Because he's another of Kol's brothers, I know Elijah very well. And I can see by the glimmer in his eyes that says he wants to throttle her.

"Sorry, Eli," she answers, plastering a big fake ear to ear smile on her face. Turning to the side, he rolls his eyes causing me go erupt in a giggle. When I compose myself, I happen to notice Damon crease his brows at me. Brushing him off, I look at Elijah when he starts to speak again.

"The meeting today is to introduce you all to Damon Salvatore. He'll be anchoring a new show dealing with mysteries and some of Virginia's most infamous cold cases. Law enforcement will also be involved helping with the project as well. Damon's credentials are glowing. He worked as a newspaper reporter for a couple of years before moving onto TV, having anchored the evening show for WTKZ in Chicago. Please give him a warm welcome and I expect you all to show him the ropes. We are a family here after all. Are there any questions?"

"Does that mean the police are going to share their cold case files with us?"

"Yes, Elena, in some cases they will. Damon will be working with Detective Brady Williams at MFPD while his set is being built," Mr Fell adds, finally contributing to the meeting.

"Brady? It figures. You two were always thick as thieves when we were growing up."

"Is there something wrong with that, E le na?" he sings songs, practically sneering at me.

"No of course not. It's your show."

"Do I sense a bit of animosity between the two of you?"

"No, Elijah. Why would you ever think that? Damon and I go way, way back," I add, sighing melodramatically.

"That's good to know, Elena because Damon is going to need some help and I think you're just the person to do so."

"What!?" I gasp, my jaw on the floor.

"There will be no trouble about it. This meeting is adjourned," Elijah announces, Tobias nods, glaring at me before the two of them disappear out of the door. Shell shocked, I sit in my chair, my mouth agape and staring straight ahead. It's only when I feel Kol jostle my arm that my concentration is broken. Stunned, I turn to look at him but it's like I'm looking right through him.

"What the fuck just happened?"


Thank you so much, Eva. Love you lots. And I know I say it repeatedly but we wouldn't be here with you.

And I'm in awe and inspired by the warm welcome you've all given to this story. Thank you all so very much for the follows and favorites and an extra big thanks and shout out to those of you who took the time to write a review.

Chapter title: 'Positively Fourth Street' by Bob Dylan.

I have updated all 3 of my other in progress stories in the last couple of days. Please feel free to give those a look too.

Please remember to click that *REVIEW* button.

Be safe, be happy and have a lovely weekend. Thank you all again. We'll see you with chapter three as soon as 'Angels Fall' and 'Dig' conclude.