Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Note: Sorry for the crazy long break; work has been kicking my butt. But I got a chapter out. Had to rethink how I wanted to continue writing this since it's not as popular as the other one (which makes sense). But I am sooooo crazy happy with those who have read it and even happier with those who commented and I promise you will get your shout outs in the next chapter. But enjoy this one; some people might think it's predictable, others might not. I personally like it (hence why I posted it). Lastly, HUGEEEE thank you to those who are reading the HP stories; would send personal shout outs but no one leaves comments. =( Ah, well, such is life. Alright, read read read. And enjoy the week!

Chapter 35

He met Stefan back in the waiting room; he still looked confused but once he saw the look on Damon's face it was almost like he knew. Still, as Damon expected, Stefan had to say something. "Wha—" he started but Damon just shrugged and continued outside to his awaiting car before driving off. He only managed to get halfway down the road before he had to pull over. He took a deep breath and stared ahead, his mind unable to stop repeating Bonnie's expressions. Hurt, confusion, pain, anger. What was he doing? He could still go back and apologize, she'd still be in that accepting and willingly understanding phase. He could still make it right. His stomach hurt so much, he hadn't been this empty or sore since that time Silas took her, and that other time she left him and that time she died. Hell, she was the only one who could make him feel this empty. This hurt. But pain only make a person stronger; right? How did that Kelly Clarkson song go, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?' Whatever. This was not making him stronger, just angry. Angrier.

He was angry at himself of course, angry he listened to Klaus in the first place. What a stupid plan anyway; the spirits probably already knew he was lying. Probably knew he'd turn the car around as soon as he pulled in the driveway. But he wasn't, he couldn't. He was trying to save Bonnie's life. Stubborn Bonnie. She just got in an accident and she still managed to be stubborn. It didn't even look like she was oriented. And then he said all those hurtful things. Why would he do that? Why did he do that? Why the hell was still thinking about it? He just needed to go back. "Shut the fuck up!" he shouted into the night's sky. Emotions were so damn hard to deal with. He hated them, it made him feel human, but, at the same time it just destroyed him. What was he supposed to do now? He wondered.

As he pondered the question he thought he saw something move behind the trees; maybe it was just an animal. He thought as he remained still, listening intently. Just as he started to let himself relax some dude came tumbling out the woods. Damon raised an eyebrow at him as the guy continued stumbling around. In any other case he would watched this guy with humor but tonight he just didn't care. At least not about him fumbling around. Though, as he neared closer and closer to the road Damon felt himself becoming a little more concerned.

He half walked, half fell into Damon's car, which was the point Damon had to draw the line, no drunk ass college kid was going to mess up his beauty. Quickly, he was at the guy's side. "I see someone had a tiny bit much to drink" he told him as the guy nodded at Damon, smiled and said some drunk grumbled mess. Man, he's shitfaced. Damon thought wrinkling his nose as soon as the smell really hit him. "Come on," Damon told him, helping him back toward the woods. "Is your campus that way?" he asked the guy as the guy nodded; how he understood anything Damon was saying was impressive in itself. "Great" he said as he continued walking, practically carrying the guy as he moved.

Finally they reached the familiar campus, the familiar loud obnoxious party-goers, the distinct smell of alcohol. "We made it" Damon said sarcastically realizing the guy was half awake. "Come on, wake up drunky" he said giving him a light slap on his cheek. "Pay attention, I'm almost certain I'll never say this again" he said getting the guy to focus on his eyes. "Go inside, go straight to bed and have a nice tall glass of vodka and OJ in the morning" he said as the guy nodded. "Good, night night" Damon called as he gave him a little shove toward the campus. He didn't rip the guy's throat out, he didn't compel him to do anything drastic, he was nice. Damon gave a shiver; he must be losing his sanity, he thought as he headed back to his car.

For a minute he half expected someone to be sitting in the car waiting for him, but he was pleasantly surprised to see no one there. Sighing he climbed in, started the engine and headed home. Not that there was anything at home to go to. Stefan was with Bonnie, Bonnie was pissed, they had no leads. There was absolutely nothing to do. He could listen to Jeremy gloat, he could have an all-out brawl with Mr. Bennett, assuming he heard the news. Maybe he could mope to Elena, if she was home. Because obviously her seeing you love her best friend when she loves you is a good idea. He thought sarcastically to himself as he reached the door. He listened closely, he hated to be that guy everyone felt bad for. Rather, he hated hearing it. Realizing there were no voices he turned the knob and walked in.

"You're back" Elena said half surprised, half excited as she stood up. "I assumed you'd be with Bonnie until she woke up and then still be there" she explained.

"She's awake," he said simply as he tossed himself on the couch.

"Is everything okay?" she asked as Damon stared ahead, he wasn't going to answer that. "Well, maybe I should check on her too, Stefan's still there, right?" she asked suddenly in a hurry to leave the room.

"I don't think she's in the mood for company" Damon told her bitterly as Elena gave him her typical questionable look. "We broke up" he said with a tight smile. "But, I know it's what everyone wanted; I know it's what you wanted" he said pointing at her.

"I never wanted that, I wanted you to be happy. Yes, I was extremely hurt when I first realized you were in love with my best friend and I reacted poorly, but, I see what she's done for you, to you. And I'm happy" Elena said with a light smile.

"No one is happy for us, watch, Jeremy's gonna come skipping down the steps with glee and her father is going to pop my head off" he said as he rubbed his temples.

"Well, I haven't done anything" she said sitting back on the couch.

"You and Stefan have that look. That 'really' hurt look. Not quite like Bonnie's judgy look, but, sorta" he tried explaining as Elena raised an eyebrow at him trying to hide a smirk.

"Why did you two break up?" she asked as Damon sighed, weight the consequences of telling Elena the truth. "I mean, if you think it's going to protect her you should know better by now…" Elena said as Damon started to nod, just to nod, but then paused, his mind catching something as he shot straight up.

"Say that again" he said looking at Elena, searching her face as she looked at him with bewilderment and hesitation.

"Uh, if you think it's going—" she started slowly but Damon waved her off.

"No, the tone, use that other tone" he said as Elena slowly shook her head.

"What tone…?" she asked slowly, but Damon was on his feet, everything hitting him like a rock as all the pieces finally fit together. "Where are you going?" Elena asked in complete confusion as Damon ran to the door.

"Hospital, I figured it out" he said and before he could give Elena anytime to say anything he was closing the door behind him and running to his car, phone pressed to his ear as he dialed Stefan. "Don't leave her side Stefan, I'm on my way, but whatever you do, don't fucking leave her alone" he shouted into a voicemail as he sped down the road.