A/N: Thank you guys so much for your wonderful response to The Descent yesterday, I'm so glad you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Again we have another summarised episode, but first Daddy Issues. Elena's diary is a little shorter in this one because she got interrupted by Stefan taking her to Caroline's house. Hope you enjoy! I own nothing.
Daddy Issues
"...deranged and violent behaviour that left..." I'm in the shower and I can hear the news-lady talking and yep, that'd be me she's talking about. Well, partly me. Some of it was Rose. After last night's atrocious activities I've come to the conclusion that I may need to revert my thinking. I feel...bad about what I did to Jessica. And I was a complete dick to Elena all day, and last night, when she was only trying to help me. So I need to...rectify that.
Which was my plan until Stefan decided to fill me in on all of his nasty little details of his field trip to find Isobel. "You brought back John Gilbert? That was your big 'save Elena' move?" and really? I mean Isobel I could kind of understand but Papa John Gilbert? Fuck no.
"I went to go look for Isobel and I got John instead. He said we could help us and...we're desperate" well that's true, still I don't know if we're that desperate "the guy tried to barbecue me!" – "Damon, Bonnie's new witch friend is working with Elijah so we have to assume the moonstone was never destroyed" yeah but..."Elena is putting all her faith into some deal that she made with Elijah to keep everyone safe. I mean, do you trust Elijah?" nope. Not one tiny bit. Don't trust Papa John Gilbert either though. "I don't trust him, he's an Original he can't be trusted. It's not like we can just go and kill him because apparently he can't die" yeah that's...a problem.
"Still waiting for the part where John Gilbert's the answer" – "He knew about the sacrifice, Isobel told him. He said he knew of a way to keep Elena safe" Elena. Safe. God, fine. "How do we do that?" if it keeps Elena safe then I'll try to deal with Papa John Gilbert. "He's not talking" of course he's not. Big fucking surprise. "At least not to me anyway" – "Great work Stefan, top notch. As if I didn't have enough problems" all right then, time to pay John a visit, see if I can't get him to spill his guts. Not...literally, probably.
"I'm sorry about Rose" – "whatever I knew the woman for...5 minutes" and you're not sorry, don't lie. He couldn't care less about Rose. "Well you cared about her after...5 minutes so I wonder what that means" oh god not him too. Don't I get enough of this from Elena?
"It means I care Stefan. It means I'm changing and evolving into a man capable of greatness. Better watch your back 'cause I may just have to go get a 'hero hairdo' of my own and steal your thunder" and your girl.
I might have been a dick about it but parts of it I actually mean. Only, not the hairdo part, I like my hair just fine.
"Where's John?" I ask Elena as she answers the door for me. "He's not here. He left. I dunno where he went. He just blew in, announced to Jenna that he's my dad" wait, what? Jesus "and then...took off" – "That's public knowledge now?" – "Apparently" – "Are you okay?" stupid question Damon, obviously she's not okay.
"Yeah, Jenna's heads spinning but...I'm okay" well, no you're not. But I definitely understand the need to not talk about it so moving right along. "Did he say what he was doing here?" – "No. You know Stefan thinks that he's telling the truth about wanting to help me" yeah well that's because my brother is an idiot.
"You believe him?" – "No I don't believe it for a second" there's my clever girl. "I don't either" – "So what are we gonna do?" – "Kill him" – "Damon" ha! She doesn't even sound mad this time. "I'm joking. Okay...I'm a little serious" – "Damon!" doesn't matter how she says it...I would do anything to hear this girl say my name over and over...and over again. Preferably in my...nope. No Damon. Bad thoughts. Focus.
"I'm not gonna hurt him Elena. I'm the good guy now remember?" – "What does that mean?" who the hell knows honey, still trying to figure that out myself. "I'm gonna have a civil conversation with your father" – "wait I'm coming with you" of course you are, good, this is good. I get to see one of my least favourite people in the world, accompanied by my favourite person in the world. Maybe it won't be so annoying after all.
'Lena and I find Papa John in the Grill "we just need answers" she says and grabs my arm "Please don't do anything stupid" what is it with people thinking I'm going to lose the plot in a room full of witnesses? "Yeah but stupid's so much more fun" I tease her, although that is actually kinda true.
"Damon I mean it" she grabs hold of me again "All I'm asking is you try to keep it together. Be the better man" huh. "O-kay then" fine Elena, for you, because all I ever do these days is for you anyway.
"John...buddy, how ya been?" that was nice, right? "So John, rumour has it you know a lot" – "How do I know you can be trusted Damon?" uh, you don't. And you can't, but when it comes to Elena and her life and keeping her safe then anyone can trust that I'll do anything. "Originals can compel vampires, according to Stefan that's why Katherine is still in the tomb" even drink vervain.
"Only because all of the vervain had left her system, Stefan and I on the other hand...are chock full" – "you guys are drinking vervain?" yeah...nasty habit. "It's an acquired taste" I light a candle, for Rose, for Jessica...for someone.
"I don't see that magical little ring on your stitched finger so if you don't start talking I will kill you...in your sleep" – "Now is that any way to convince me that you and I are on the same side? First I need to know that I can trust you Damon, that I can count on you. Then I'll talk" Fuckery. He knows something and what's his deal? He wants to know if he can trust me? The guy tried to kill me. Oh I need a drink.
"So my friend wants to meet you" Jenna, huh? "Damon Salvatore this is..." – "I know you, the news-lady" she was on my TV this morning...talking about...Jessica. "Yeah, Andie Starr, nice to meet you" yeah trust me, it's probably not. "Can I buy you a drink Damon?" – "My glass is all full Andie thank you" I don't really mean to be rude, and I'm normally far from rude to pretty ladies but I think I have enough to worry about with keeping the one I'm in love with alive right now.
Speaking of, "You totally blew her off" why does she sound vaguely...happy about that? Was she jealous?
"I'm steering clear of all women at the moment" except...you of course. "You didn't have to be rude" oh but I kinda did. "Trust me, it's in the best interest of women everywhere" I hear her little sharp intake of breath when my eyes trace her body and yep...I need alcohol. Stop looking Damon. But god she's so hard to resist. And I can sense her staring at me, breathing's quicker, heartbeat's racing and her...phone. It's her phone.
"Stefan?" of course, wow my brother has impeccable timing. And we have a problem. Another. Problem.
"Why am I just finding out about this now?" I ask when she fills me in on all of the Caroline/Tyler wolf drama. "Stefan was worried that you..." – "That what? That I would kill him? Well of course! That's what needs to happen" and I don't know why I even bothered opening my mouth. I already know where this is going. "No Damon" yep called it. "Not Tyler. Do whatever you need to do to get Caroline back but...just leave Tyler out of it okay?" – "Why? He's a werewolf, he needs to die. I'm willing to kill...it's a win-win" although the free rein to do 'whatever I need to do' is an appealing thought.
And...she's touching me. "Damon please" oooh no, not the 'please' and the eyes, and her hands on me and...god what's going on again?
"Too many people are dead" oh right yeah. "You need to stop doing that" I tell her and she immediately takes her hands off me, fuck, no put them back, I didn't mean that. "Doing what?" oh she knows, she knows fine well. She's got me well and truly wrapped around her fucking finger.
"Assuming that I'll play the good guy because it's you who's asking" she lets out a big huff "Be the better man Damon" and that's the second time she's asked that of me today. And therein lies the problem? Can I give her what she wants? What she obviously sees in me? Can I be that man? And even if I can...fucking...John Gilbert.
"Do you mind?" kinda in the middle of an existential crisis here. "What's going on?" – "Nothing" Elena snaps, I love Elena when she's pissed off, it's even better when it's not directed at me for a change.
"Doesn't look like nothing" well what the fuck does it look like? We're in the middle of a damn bathroom for Christ sake. Go away John. "Well guess what John? Trust works both ways. Get out" – "Look we don't have time for this. We need to get Caroline back" uh no. "We don't need to do anything. I'll take care of it" asusual "first dad duty – ground your daughter. Keep her here" – "I'm coming with you" nope, gotta run, bye 'Lena. God I hope Papa John Gilbert somehow manages to keep her there. I've never met anyone so prone to suicidal tendencies as Elena Gilbert. Keeping this girl alive is becoming a full time occupation.
Time to catch up with Stefan and rescue Vampire Barbie, I'll leave Tyler be which will probably turn out badly for someone down the line but I'll do it. For Elena. God I suck. However I do plan to take full advantage of the 'do whatever you need to do', don't think I forgot about that.
I can hear Stefan talking to the wolf-lady when I arrive, "My brother the peacemaker" yeah, not gonna work this time Stef. "Since Stefan got here before me I'm gonna let him try it his way before I resort to my way...which is a little bloodier" please can we do it my way? Please?
"So. Give us Caroline" – "Let go of Tyler" – "Give us Caroline. Without a full moon it's not an even fight and you know it. We will take you" – "I'm not so sure about that tough guy" what? What's she doing? Some kind of...wolf-call? Ah shit. We appear to be...surrounded.
"Let's start this again; give us Tyler" well go on then wolf boy "you heard her. Go. Get over there" uh hmmm..."Which one of you killed Mason?" – "Aah, that'd be me" – "Boys, make sure that one suffers" hah. "We can take 'em" I think. Maybe. Hopefully. "I dunno about that" well then...have some optimism Stefan. I am not dying tonight. Not. A Chance. And neither is my brother.
I dart for Jules first, that bitch is mine. For Rose. Stefan's going nuts with a flame-thrower which looks fun and I get to employ my specialty, ripping out hearts. Love it. And then my brother is...down and I'm...fighting and...shot. Fuck. Shit no I am not okay with dying tonight.
And then the douche with the stake above my heart starts screaming. In fact, they all start screaming and clutching their heads which smells like witchy to me. Bonnie? Not Bonnie. "Elijah made a promise to Elena. I'm here to see it's upheld. You need to go" hell you don't need to tell me twice.
And once again Elena has saved my life, albeit indirectly but it still counts. I send Stefan off to take care of Blondie while I go home to have a drink or ten. Only before I indulge Papa John Gilbert arrives at the door.
"What do you want?" – "We didn't finish our conversation" – "I'll bite" hah, I'm hilarious. I step aside to let him in. "I've been thinking, personal feelings aside Damon I think you and Stefan will do all you can to protect Elena" well you'd be right. "I agree with that statement" – "So I come bearing gifts" he has a dagger. Some white oak ash which will apparently kill an Original. "Where Elena's concerned, you and I are on the same side" well that I'd like to believe, gonna need to know a bit more about this dagger though. I'm not sure I just wanna plunge it through Elijah's heart and hope for the best. But that can be left until tomorrow.
About those drinks. Normally alcohol provides the distraction that I need, but somehow it's just not cutting it anymore so I need...a better distraction.
And she comes in the form of a beautiful woman, in my bathtub. "I can't believe you called me. I thought I was being way too forward when I had Jenna give you my number" nope, apparently pushy women are my thing. "I like a woman who knows what she wants" – "So what do you want Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome?" – "I'm not that tall" but I may as well be honest.
"A distraction; see the thing is Miss Sexy Reporter girl, I have a problem I need help with. It's really messing with my mind" – "Tell me about it" – "I'm in love with a woman I can never have" I get that this isn't exactly normal foreplay conversation but what about my life is normal?
"So why can't you have her? She's with another man?" well...yeah "but that's not the point. The point is I'm in love with her and it's driving me crazy. I'm not in control" of anything. "What you don't trust yourself around her?" hmm "I don't trust myself around anyone Andie" but I am in control of my instincts when I'm around Elena. Her blood rushing, her heart beating, her scent...I don't lose control around her. Although...I don't lose control of that side of myself around anyone I am a master in that sense.
"I'm bad Andie. I do things. I kill people" and sometimes I even enjoy it. "Don't be afraid" I compel her "You're okay" and she is. I won't hurt her. "Why do you kill people?" because I have to "because I like it" or at least...I used to. "It's in my nature. It's who I am. But then I have to stay together to protect her and she wants me to be the 'better man' which means I can't be who I am" but maybe it's not who I am anymore.
"Do you see the problem I'm having Andie?" – "well maybe this is who you are now. Love does that Damon, it changes us" and yeah. That's. Exactly. It.
"Just stop talking" please. It's bad enough that I think these things without someone else actually voicing them. The fresh blood is sweet, the sex is great and Andie Starr will fill the role of 'distraction' for me perfectly while I try and sort out my messed up head.
Dear Diary,
I honestly can't believe that Stefan brought John back, he says he's here to protect me but I don't believe a word of it. Stefan does though for god knows what reason but at least Damon is on my side. Then John just came out and told Jenna that he's my biological father, as Damon said, apparently it's common knowledge now.
Damon and I went to find John at the Grill but I don't think Damon got a lot of information out of him. Or at least none that he told me. One of Jenna's friends was there, the news-lady, Andie, and she got Jenna to introduce her to Damon but he totally blew her off.
When she first went up to him...I was a little...I don't know, jealous? Which is...completely irrational, I have no right to be jealous but...I was, a little. And then when Damon came over to talk to me, ever since we've started being friends again all of those old...whatever they are...feelings, fleeting thoughts, looks, moments have been happening again.
Damon has this way of looking at me, it just makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world, that he'd be quite happy just looking at me for the rest of time and I hope to God he isn't concentrating enough that he can hear how loudly my heart is beating when he does that. And sometimes, I just can't help myself...I find myself drawn to his mouth, his lips...god I'm such a terrible person. I shouldn't even be writing this down, I shouldn't be thinking this. I love Stefan.
Stefan who is, safe, and who cherishes me and looks after me and loves me and who I love. Damon is just...his brother, who is undeniably attractive...that's all it is. I refuse to let it be anything more than that. Damon is my friend.
Elena
Crying Wolf
The werewolves figure out that Elena is the doppelganger and that Damon has the moonstone and they use Tyler to get to Elena.
Elena and Stefan go to the lake house for the weekend to get away from John Gilbert. They come across a hidden room full of vampire killing weapons. Brady and Tyler arrive to take Elena and Brady shoots Stefan. He in turn, tells Tyler that to break the curse Elena has to die which he was unaware of. Elena runs from Brady and Stefan kills him. Elena and Stefan have a fight about the deal she made with Elijah as he finds out she knows she won't survive.
Damon shows Alaric the dagger and decides to go to the historical society lunch to meet Elijah and try to get information out of him. Elijah attacks Damon with a pencil and tells him to keep Elena safe. "I'm an Original. Show a little respect."
The wolves break into the Salvatore house and kill Alaric and vervain Damon then chain him to a chair to torture information out of him about the moonstone. Elijah arrives and saves Damon from the wolves, killing them all in the process.
Bonnie witch-roofies Luca so she can get into his mind and find out the truth about Klaus/Elijah/The sacrifice. Bonnie, Caroline and Jeremy find out that Klaus has Luca's sister in his control and that the only way to kill Klaus is after the sacrifice, "Elena has to die." Bonnie gives Damon the information she has learnt and he calls Stefan to fill him in.
John threatens Alaric, using Jenna against him try and get his magic ring back. Bonnie and Jeremy kiss. Tyler leaves town with Jules.
"That's not heroic. That's tragic."