Hey guys! How are you doing? It's been a while and I've really missed you all. How's the year been treating you? So I know that I suck and this chapter is loooong due, but on my defense, I've been having a super sucky college experience. Not nearly as interesting as Elena's on the show.. although I'm beginning to think that no one's is. And I also always get stuck on the 13th Chapter. I hate that number ugh. Anyhoo, here's the next one and well, it's a cluster- fuck like no other, but expect heavy plot twists woohoo! I hope you enjoy it! :)
WARNINGS : The usual- smut, swearing, underage relationships, mention of rape, self- harm, etc.
PS. Forgive me for the PLL references that I may or may not have dropped here and there. The looming finale is a bit too much for the faint- hearted such as moi to handle. And if any of you want to discuss theories or just hyper- ventialte quasi- rant, my Inbox is open ;)
Alaric was on phone for more than an hour without a break, making arrangements for their flight back home as he packed Elena's clothes. He didn't bother to check what he was throwing in. He grabbed her purse from the night stand and threw it in with the rest of her things, straightening the suit case to zip it up when her phone fell to the floor with a dramatic thud.
After all this time spent worrying that she was screening his calls, he couldn't believe that the phone had been right there all along.
He picked it up and inadvertently unlocked it. It opened on the texts screen, the last one being from an unknown number. His scalp prickled as he clicked on it.
SNEAKIN OUT TO FUCK YOUR GUARDIAN'S BFF? POOR FORM, E.
-M
He gaped at the text and then slowly sank to the bed in disbelief. Raw, bitter, humiliating betrayal lanced through him.
Just then the door swung open and Damon stepped in."I made a call to the Sheriff and she said she'd keep me posted. If you're done with her stuff-"
Alaric glared at him in fierce disgust. "How could you?"
Damon looked at him and then at Elena's phone and put two and two together. He must have read their texts.
"Ric-"
Alaric hurled the full force of his anger and frustration on him. "You deserve a fucking award this time, Damon."
Damon didn't say anything.
"How long's it been going on, that's what I'd like to know."
"Not long."
"I hope for your sake that's true."
Damon wandered into the room, closing the door behind him.
"You're such a dick. I should've known, damn it. With you spending so much time around her in the house- I should've fucking known. Mom and Meredith are right. This is all my fault!"
"How is this-"
"With the way you treat women... Christ!" Alaric gritted his teeth. "What have you done to her?"
"What? Nothing! Is that how low you think of me?" Damon's voice was at par with Ric's, raising with every passing second.
"I trusted you!" He lurched Elena's phone at him. "I trusted you with her!"
"Well, I'm sorry I didn't live up to your expectations!"
"I always admired the way you got along with her. No matter what else was going on, you were there for her. But this brings you down, Damon. Way down."
"That's quite damning in view of the fact that you don't know a fuck what you're talking about."
"I know enough. Elena was entrusted to me for safe- keeping and you-"
"She was safe, in my keeping!"
"But she isn't anymore. So I'm asking you one more time. What did you do?"
"You think she ran away because of something I did?" Damon scoffed. "After what happened last night?"
Alaric glared at him. "You're sailing too bloody close to the edge."
"You must be relieved she's gone," Damon said resentfully. "I mean now that you have Meredith..."
"Screw you!" Alaric was close to punching Damon in the face. "You took advantage of her when you're twice her age. When you've been screwing around since before she was born!"
Damon sighed. "You know, I could really use your back- up here. I feel disgusting enough as it is."
Alaric's eyes narrowed, "Which is exactly how you should feel if you're screwing around with someone in Elena's position. We're all she has."
"Enough with all the righteous indignation, Ric!" Damon groaned. "You think I don't know that? I have neither taken advantage of her nor abused my position. It was a mutual decision and one not taken lightly by either of us."
"Well, guess what, Damon? It was the wrong fucking decision!"
Damon kicked the foot of a chair.
"You should've known this would happen. You should've had the will to fight it!"
"And I did! Every moment of every day until I couldn't anymore. You think I would've let it happen for anything less?"
"Ah, screw you!" Alaric shook his head. "Of all the women, Damon. Of all the women fluttering around you, what possessed you to try out this one?"
Damon knew the answer to that. He had known for a while, but he hadn't been ready to admit it to himself, leave alone to Elena.
Alaric stared at him in surprise, his features open and confused. "You love her."
18 HOURS EARLIER
Alaric peeked into Elena's room ten minutes before the engagement party. "Could you help me with this?" He held out his bow- tie.
"Your girlfriend too drunk to fix it?" Elena teased as she fastened it in place and folded his collar down.
"I thought this was what you wanted? You've been pestering me to date someone for months."
"Someone with a bit of substance would be nice." Elena went to stand in front of the mirror to apply gloss.
"Ah, she doesn't meet your intellectual requirements then?"
"It's your intellectual requirements I'm worried about. What happened to them? You've hardly done any writing since the break up and you're with someone whose grey matter is mostly lodged in her chest."
Alaric came at her. "Watch it," He growled. "I'm not hung up on people's brains and looks like you. I take people as they come."
"Yeah, and I bet she comes often."
"Keep your voice down!" Alaric hissed. "Jesus, but you drive me to the limit sometimes!"
"I can hear you from across the corridor." Damon burst in, dressed in all his finery and stopped in his tracks when he saw Elena. He blinked a couple of times as he took her in.
Elena was in the shimmery orange strapless lava dress she had worn in the trial room, her hair falling in long waves around her face. He inhaled a sharp breath.
When neither Elena nor Alaric acknowledged him, he cleared his throat. "What's going on?"
"My brother is getting married in three days, that's what's going on," Alaric looked at Elena. "And you're not going to ruin it for me."
"You might want to make sure your girlfriend hasn't already by sleeping with your brother. Wouldn't be the first time."
Alaric grabbed her wrist. "You're really pushing it, Elena."
"Hey," Damon pulled them apart. "Whatever's going on, I suggest you kids kiss and make up right now."
"Whatever," Elena mumbled, sulking.
Alaric rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let's just drop this and focus on giving Nik a good send- off."
When Alaric left, Elena tried to follow, but Damon put his arm out and caught her around her waist. "It's my loss not having you on my arm tonight. You're going to blow the town away."
She squirmed out of his grip.
"You didn't open the presents," He noticed the two unopened boxes under the tree. "I'm sorry about what I said last night. I-"
"No, you were right," Elena looked down. "I needed to hear it. All of it."
Damon bent to catch her eye. "Are you okay in there? About all of this?"
"You've lost any right to know how I feel."
Elena spent most of the night smiling, her facial muscles almost seizing up in the process. Essie's exhilaration was marginally contagious as she sat in the front, gazing proudly at her spruced- up son.
Elena had hoped to see someone just as proud and superficial as Klaus, but the bride was simplicity itself. Her dress was understated, she wore scarcely any make- up, nothing in her short brown hair and matching rubber flip- flops in her feet. Klaus looked at her with an expression Elena had never dreamt of seeing on his face. Love.
"Little Gilbert." It was Noah Salvatore, dressed as impeccable as ever and sporting a boyish grin.
"Don't call me that," Elena groaned. She was so not in the mood for his cockiness right now.
"Hey, you blew me off saying I was older. It's only fair," He said. "You look-"
"Hot? Sexy? Totes fuckable?" Elena said, annoyed.
He looked visibly shocked at her blatant crudeness. "I was going to say stunning, but that works too."
"Oh." Elena gave him a sheepish smile. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I did pass that comment about your ass after all." He extended his arm to her. "Would you like to dance?"
Elena glanced over to where Damon was standing. He was surrounded by too many people, mostly women, for him to notice her.
"You can see that'll take a while," He said with a note of amusement.
Elena was about to look away when she saw a willowy blonde standing next to Damon. Katherine Pierce, "Sure."
"Not into older guys, huh?" Noah teased as he led her to the dance floor. The band began the first strains of a waltz as they moved easily. He was a skilled dancer, agile and confident in his lead.
"You're imagining things," Elena forced a smile. "My stunning beauty has clearly clouded your judgement."
He laughed. "That's entirely possible."
"Looks like you're not the only one with judgement issues," Elena eyed Katherine.
"Smoking hot, huh?" A small smile turned Noah's lips. "Damon seems really into her. I didn't know he pursued older women."
Elena turned her attention to Noah. "Older?"
"Katherine Pierce? Hell, yeah," He returned. "Why are you asking?"
"No reason," Elena smiled sweetly.
"I know girls like you. Girls who never do anything without ulterior motives."
"I'm cutting in."
Spinning around, Elena saw Damon standing behind them and it was clear from his tone that it wasn't a request.
Noah stopped and looked at Elena. She nodded. He backed away, his eyes intent on Damon's face.
Damon pulled her close and took over the dance. It was entirely different dancing with him than with Noah. He had the expertise and the familiarity with the way her body moved, but what made her tingle was his assertive style that was innately sexual.
"That's my half brother," He muttered, scowling down at her.
"Seemed like you were too occupied with Unibrow to notice."
His brow arched and he drew her closer. "Jealous?"
"Seriously?" She looked away.
He made a frustrated noise. "Stay away from Noah, Elena."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
Elena's temper ignited. "You stay away from Katherine, Damon."
His jaw tightened. "That's different. She's just a friend."
"Meaning you aren't sleeping with her... Yet?"
"No damn it and I don't want to!" He spun her around and brought her back so his lips were inches away from hers. "Listen, I'm just trying to protect you."
Protect her? Was he kidding or clueless? Or worse. May be he'd written her off so completely that he was entirely detached from her feelings.
Elena pushed away from him, needing the distance. His scent was messing with her head. "Who are you to protect me?"
"Elena," He reached for her and she stepped back quickly.
Alaric's arm slipped around her from behind. "May I?"
"God bless your timing."
"What's going on?" His eyes narrowed.
"I was dumped in the middle of the dance floor," Elena lied, looking away.
"That's Damon for you," Alaric grinned. "Come on, lighten up. There must be someone your age around here."
"What makes you think I want someone?"
Alaric looked at her funny and then sighed. "Can we give this antagonism a rest? I'm really trying here."
"I like Hayley," Elena leaned into him, primarily to annoy Meredith who was eye- stalking them from across the floor, but it was also a relief to escape the heat generated by Damon for the cool comfort of Ric. "She makes Klaus tolerable."
Alaric chuckled. "Love does that. It changes people. I've been meaning to talk to you about something."
"Hmm?"
"Meredith brought up marriage earlier."
Noah whirled past with a woman who towered him, his shirt half- unbuttoned and waist coat flapping.
Elena giggled and turned her attention back to Ric. "Sorry?"
"I'm thinking of asking Meredith again."
"What?" Now he had her full attention. "You can't be serious!"
"Why not? I'm in love with her."
"Oh, really? And what is that you once said about mistaking lust for love?"
"Well, I'm not a sixteen year old girl. That doesn't apply to me."
"Ric, you met her yesterday. You'd be jumping in blindfolded! Don't you remember how hard it was to jump out?"
"When you know, you know."
"Except you didn't know last time, did you?"
His jaw tensed. "Don't start, Elena."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this!" Elena said incredulously.
Alaric's arms dropped. "May be we should take this outside."
Elena shook her head in derision. "Be in love by all means, but don't be so thick about it."
His eyes hardened. "That's rich coming from someone who can't hold down one decent relationship!"
If Elena's eyes had grown any bigger, they would've popped out of their sockets. She turned and ran to the restrooms.
She locked herself in a stall and took a few moments longer than required to compose herself. There was no one else in the room but the attendant, so there was no one to rush her.
First Damon and now, Ric. Her week just seemed to be getting better and better. She hadn't just bared her emotions, but also herself to Damon because despite all his flaws, he never failed to make her feel desired. When she was with him, she never felt the pressure to act like she was completely pulled together while she was anything otherwise. But when he hurt her, it was hard to breathe.
She was so confused by his mood swings, she could hardly comprehend the motives behind his actions. Was he being possessive or protective? And Katherine Pierce was the Pandora's box that she would rather keep sealed if she intended to retain her composure.
On top of everything that was already going on, she couldn't bring herself to picture how terrible her life would become if Alaric married Meredith. Just the thought was enough to evoke something very dark in her.
She opened her clutch for a tissue and instead found her eyes drawn to the metal nail filer peeping out of the side pouch.
No. Not here. Please. She had to get out of there. Suck it up, Elena. Suck it up.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out and was shaken up to find Katherine leaning against the vanity with her arms crossed, lying in wait at a time when her defenses were at their weakest.
"Think of the devil," Elena's step faltered as she made it to the sink to wash her hands.
They faced the mirror, studying each other's reflections. Tall and slender, with big blue eyes and a cascade of blonde hair. Her dress was modestly sexy, a flowing sheath of silver satin that went beautifully with her creamy skin. She looked like a fucking supermodel and exuded an exotic appeal.
"I still don't recognize you," Elena maintained her calm. "And I don't believe a word of what you said last night, but don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
Katherine spoke to the attendant in Scottish, asking her to give them some privacy. Once the woman left, she arched a brow in closer inspection, which Elena returned with equal coolness.
"Believe what you want, Elena, but you and I go way back," She murmured like it was the secret behind cracking the code to national treasure. "Don't you remember? Wait, do you even know who your parents are- or were?"
Elena hadn't attempted to find out who her parents were. She didn't think it would make a difference and she knew better than to believe anything that came out of the bitch's mouth, but she could feel her calm leaving her in spades.
"If this is about Damon, don't sweat it. You can have him." Elena walked out of the restrooms.
"Oh, dear," Katherine followed Elena making a tsking noise that scraped over her nerves like nails on a chalkboard. "He hasn't fucked you yet."
"And he's already fucked you." Elena turned to face her.
Elena's tone seemed to surprise Katherine.
"You're right," Elena said. "I haven't slept with him yet. You know why?"
"Because he doesn't want to," Katherine rolled her eyes.
"And I don't want to either," Elena scoffed. "Because he can't commit. He's young, gorgeous, rich and he's enjoying it."
"Yes," Katherine smirked. "He certainly did."
Elena's gaze narrowed, her sanity slipping. "Damon doesn't respect the women he fucks. The minute he shoved his dick in you, you were done. Just like all the others."
"Enough." Damon's voice snapped her sanity back in its place. His blue eyes were filled with pain and anger. How long had he been standing right there?
"Damon, I-"
He held a hand up, his mouth in a bitter curve before he stalked away, leaving her defeated.
Elena cast Katherine a look of pure contempt and headed in the opposite direction, not sure where she was going. She headed out toward the back of the lodge, away from all the activity. The hall eventually ended and a door leading to some stairs sat on the left.
Elena followed the stairs upward to another door that opened up to a small rooftop deck that appeared to give on to a vast patch of terrace. A blanket of snow lay over it all and the lights made everything glitter.
Wrapping her arms around herself, Elena stared off, willing the view to bring her some much needed solace. She was startled when she heard a ruffling sound and was even more startled to see Kol seated on the edge of a large, box- like object that looked to be part of the ventilation system, wearing a tux and holding a flask. With another look around, Elena understood that the terrace extended from a deluxe suit.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to barge in. I hadn't realized that this was private space-"
"Don't worry about it." He gave her a sad smile and brushed snow off the space beside him, beckoning her to seat herself.
Elena hesitated for a heartbeat and then heedless of her dress, sat down beside him. "You should be down there."
Kol gave a sidelong look. "I'm sure no one even noticed I left."
"That can't be true. It's your brother's engagement party," Elena said.
Kol took a large sip of whatever it was in his flask. "Family events aren't really my thing."
Elena eyed him warily. "Mine either."
"Didn't think so." He offered her his flask.
Elena refused with a shake of her head. "Not exactly what I pictured."
"What do you mean?" Kol asked.
"I mean us meeting," Elena explained. "You being my guardian's stepbrother and all. I had this whole speech prepared."
"The 'Please don't tell Ric what happened between us' speech?"
"The 'How could you sleep with Ric's fiancé' speech," She rolled her eyes. "But that was before I actually met the woman. I owe you big."
Kol tipped his head back and laughed. "Meredith can be mean when she wants to."
"Understatement."
They sat there for a while, neither of them attempting to break the comfortable silence of their surroundings.
"Is she the reason you're sitting on an air vent?" Kol finally asked.
Elena didn't answer. She didn't want to think about that. Or talk. She just wanted to sit on an air vent and stare off into the night sky, as lame as that made her. She took Kol's flask from him and gave its contents a warning sniff. The vinaigrette smell made her nose wrinkle. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a sip.
"I have a speech to make myself," Kol dug out a piece of folded paper from inside his vest. "If only I didn't feel so unwelcome."
"I know that feeling," Elena said, gazing at nothing in particular. "But I'd make that speech if I were you. At least that way you won't have another regret to add to your growing pile."
"You're a mean drunk," Kol groaned, "God, I've really made a mess of things, haven't I? And all for what? I didn't get the girl I love and I lost the respect of my family."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Elena said tartly. "Blood is thicker than water."
Kol sighed and then stood up, dusting his pants. "You going to be okay here all by yourself?"
"I'm awesome." Elena gave him a thumbs up and took another swig.
Kol chuckled before he ducked into his suit.
"Hey, your flask!" Elena shouted, but he was nowhere to be seen. "Okay..." She slurred, getting off the ground and pushing open the glass doors to his room. "I'll just put it here then..." She walked up to the mahogany night stand and placed the flask on it, "...and let myself out."
When Elena stepped back outside, the glacial wind in contrast to the warmth of the suit failed to bring her the same refreshing amount of comfort as it had a while ago. Deciding to call it a night, she headed toward the stairs, walking carefully on the slippery floor. She was paying so much attention to her feet and trying not to fall and crack her skull that she walked right into someone.
"Hey, watch it," She said, stumbling back. "Noah?"
"You're shaking, Gilbert."A moment after staring at her, he took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
A shiver went through her as she recalled what Damon had said earlier about trying to protect her from Noah. "Of course I'm shaking. We're on a mountain in the middle of winter," She laughed nervously. "Did you follow me from the party?"
"Yes."
"So you saw me cause a commotion then."
"The whole thing with Katherine? Oh yeah, it was very visually satisfying," He smirked.
"Oh god," Elena groaned. She hadn't realised that she had made a spectacle. What if Ric had heard her? "I'm sorry, I have to get back in." She pulled away and handed him his coat.
"Relax, it wasn't a commotion. I doubt anyone noticed."
"But you did."
"I did because I was watching you," He blurted out.
Elena started, "Watching me?"
"I've been watching you all night."
Noah took a step toward her as she backed away.
"Stop. Don't." Elena's heart raced. "You need to stop."
He didn't stop. He kept advancing until he had her in a corner. "I know you've been watching me too. You don't have to lie."
Elena swallowed. She had to distract him somehow. "That thing- uh, between me and Katherine," She stammered. "Do you have any idea what that was about?"
He looked pensive, "I didn't hear what you guys were fighting about."
"Good because I- Woah!" Elena held Noah to steady herself as the world started spinning. She'd had that happen before when she'd cut herself too deep or lost more blood than she'd intended to, but when things didn't right themselves, she realized the drink in Kol's flask might have been stronger than she'd thought.
Noah leaned forward, "You're drunk."
"I should go to my room," Elena swayed.
"C'mon," He took her arm and steered her into Kol's room.
"No," Elena struggled to keep her eyes open and not stumble. "No no-"
"Shut up, Gilbert, I'm not going to rape you." Noah passed the bed, leading her all the way to the front and into the foyer. "Your room is just down the hall. By the way, that was pretty sound advice you gave Kol. Blood is thicker than water."
Elena blinked in surprise. "That's not what I meant. I mean I didn't think you'd- uh, I just thought you'd take the stairs."
"It could be slippery," Noah smiled knowingly.
"I'm not that drunk," Elena scoffed. "I'm not going to-" Elena almost tripped, "Fall."
"Of course not," Noah mocked. "I was talking about blood. It is thicker but it's also very slippery."
Elena slumped onto the carpeted floor, leaning back against the wall. She groaned wishing away the nausea. If her head would just stop spinning like a top.
"We're almost there," Noah laughed.
"Was the carpet always so soft?" Elena seemed to be concentrating too hard on the floor. "I could curl up here all night."
Noah went inside the next room which happened to be his and fetched her some water. Sitting down as well, he handed it to her.
Elena downed the glass. "You haven't had a cigarette in, like, an hour," Elena pointed out.
He smiled playfully. "I knew you were eye- stalking me."
Elena rolled her eyes, "I'm sure you've made up for it in champagne."
"Well, some of us can hold our liquor down," He laughed. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah," Elena felt tipsy, but no longer nauseous. "Noah?"
He fixed his green eyes on hers. "Yes, darling?"
"Thank you," She smiled.
He started to say something- cocky, judging by the curve of his lips- but tilted his head toward the hallway. "Ah, here he comes."
"Who-"
Damon stood towering over both of them. He looked between them with no amount of surprise in his features. He had come to terms with Elena getting into all kinds of trouble.
"What are you doing here?" He asked Elena coldly, completely overlooking Noah.
"Just hanging out," Elena shrugged.
Damon arched an eyebrow. "In his room?"
"Easy, Damon. I was just taking her to her room," Noah interrupted.
"Doesn't look like it."
"What happens between him and me is none of your business," Elena retorted.
"Actually Ric sent me in search for you. So, yes, it's my business."
"Not my personal life. You don't have any say in that."
"Everyone has a say in your personal life," Damon glared. "You're not even an adult yet."
"I'm close enough," Elena stood up with the support of the wall. "Besides it's not like I'll magically become an adult on my eighteenth birthday."
"Clearly." Elena saw the anger kindle in Damon's eyes. Yeesh, he looked really pissed.
Noah could feel the tension between Damon and Elena like a force field. "Hey, nothing sordid was going on."
"Then what was she doing with you?" Damon turned his glare to Noah.
"I was lost," Elena gestured around her as the walls started blurring again.
Damon peered at her. "Is she drunk? Did you get her drunk?"
"No, Kol did," Elena giggled.
"Kol?" Damon cursed under his breath. "That's it, you're going to your room."
"And where are you going? To visit Katherine?" Elena knew she was being petty and revealing, but she didn't care.
Damon gave her a level look. "What happens between her and me is none of your business," He replied crisply.
The words stung. And like always, when she was hurt, her attitude and anger took over. "Well, I'm sure you guys will make a cute couple. She's just your type too. I know how much you're into women who aren't your own age."
For a heartbeat, she thought Damon was going to break something, possibly Noah's jaw, but he just stood there, his expression harder than stone.
"Elena," Noah said in an attempt to break the stare down.
Slowly, still hurt, Elena turned toward Noah.
He held up his hands in a casual gesture. "I don't want to interrupt or anything. May be I should leave?"
Elena was about to agree with him until she saw the disapproving way in which Damon was looking at him and suddenly she wanted him to be jealous. Hadn't he told her how she needed to be with boys her age? Well, then. Swallowing her pain, she unearthed her man- eating smile on Noah and put a hand on his arm.
"You're not the one interrupting." She steered Noah away, walking close to him and gave a nod to Damon. "Tell Ric I'll be in my room."
Damon's dark eyes followed them stonily. Then she stepped into her room and didn't look back.
Elena started to step away, but Noah tossed an arm around her. "No, no. You wanted to play chummy with me. You better see it through."
Elena rolled her eyes at him, but let the arm stay. "What do you want?"
BACK TO PRESENT
"I'm aware, but we're in another continent," Alaric was intent on the phone. "No, it's not the same... Yes, I'd appreciate that... Yes, please, Liz... Thanks."
"What did she say?" Damon asked impatiently.
"Elena didn't board a flight," Ric said, pressing the phone to his chin distractedly. "She's still here."
"But her passport's gone."
Ric sighed. "I don't get it. Why would she take her passport, but not her phone or her wallet?"
"None of it adds up," Damon seemed lost in thought. "It just doesn't make sense."
"What doesn't make sense?" Alaric noticed Damon's distant look.
"It's just-" Damon paused. "Look, I know this must sound crazy, but what if-" Elena hasn't run away? What if Elena has been kidnapped? This was the first time the thought had crossed his mind.
Initially, given everything that had happened the previous night, he had inevitably assumed that Elena must have felt the need to escape for a while. Ever since he had found her bed empty that morning, he had kept hoping that this was all going to blow over like every other time she had run- like that time in Richmond or the first time he'd met her- that she would eventually come back home, but what if it wasn't in her power to come back?
What if he'd spent all this time in denial? When he had found her passport missing, he was so sure that she had decided to take an early flight home just to get away from all the drama.
"We surpassed crazy when I found out that you're sleeping with my progeny," Alaric let out a bitter laugh.
Damon ignored the comment. "It's about the passport. If going home was really her intention, she's had plenty of time considering her bed was not slept in."
"What are you getting at?"
"I promised her not to tell you about any of this, but-"
"You pick now to keep your word?" Alaric scoffed. "It's a good time as any other to stab people in the back, so spit it out."
That was it for Damon as he stood up. "You know what, Ric? May be Elena wouldn't have felt the need to divulge her darkest secrets to me if you didn't have such a huge stick propped up your ass. Then may be if you'd stop focussing all your energy at hating me, you'd be able to open your fucking eyes and see that there could be a possibility that Elena hasn't run away!"
Damon's words baffled Ric. "What do you mean? Are you saying that she decided to take a hike and forgot to leave a note?"
Damon laughed mockingly. "No, I'm saying that Elena could've been taken, which you'd be able to get to if you could take one minute off from all the self- loathing and degradation. You're just so paranoid you think that everyone's going to take off!"
Alaric just sat there, taking in his words or rather up until the Elena could've been taken part. Nothing after registered.
Damon ran his fingers through his uncombed hair, regretting the words as soon as they'd come out. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm not myself-"
"Why would you think that someone could've taken her?" Alaric sat forward.
The moment had arrived, Damon thought to himself. The very moment he had feared. He had promised Elena multiple times that he wouldn't let Ric in on her ugly past- not until she was ready. She had expressed concern of him treating her differently at occasion since she had spilt the dirt and hadn't wanted Ric to do the same, but none of it would matter anyway if Elena was in harm. He had also promised to get her home safe when he had frightened her with that piggy- back ride of his and he was running thin on options.
He loved her, he did. He was in love with Elena Gilbert. Perhaps he had realized this when overhearing her conversation with Katherine the night before. Perhaps that was the reason he had hurt so damn much- to hear that he was incapable of love from the one person he did love exponentially. Or maybe when he had first walked in on her making out with the tattoo guy, but he loved her nonetheless.
Damon took a sharp breath. "There's something you need to know," And with that, his heart lurched itself into his mouth.
Elena is kidnapped? Ric knows about Delena? Did Ric just say he was going to ask Mere- death to marry him? Katherine was the one in Elena's room that night? Noah hit on Elena? Where does Kol fit in all this mess? Phew! Let me know what you guys thought of the chapter and feel free to PM me about anything at all. Love you loads :* Cheers!