Disclaimer: I only own my OCs

A/N: I was going to wait until the website was fixed before uploading, but I thought I would treat you all since that is taking forever! I really enjoyed writing this chapter, like I had so much fun lol. Amnesiac Stefan is absolutely adorable to write and we get some fun twin/Dalexa time too. All the good stuff! For anyone on Pinterest, I've been updating Alexa's hair designs, as well as a her outfit choices, the link is on my profile :) Face claims for the chapter are:

Harry Nolan - David Thewlis

Justin Nolan - Colin Morgan

Carmen - Aubrey Plaza

XXX

So Stefan having amnesia was an unexpected snag. And one that I didn't quite know how to deal with. Luckily, Damon did. Well, I say that he did, that might have been a bit of an exaggeration. But he did have a plan to handle the situation. So, I left him to it. I knew that he would help his brother, so I focused on my sister.

I took her home, refusing to listen to her protests. I knew that she wanted to stick around and help her ex, but there was nothing that she could do. And, since we had absolutely no idea as to when Stefan last fed, I was reluctant to leave her with the older vampire. Especially when he started asking Damon about the weird feeling in his gums. Because FML of course he wouldn't remember that he was a vampire. That would be far too easy.

So, since I knew that my sneaky sister would try and sneak back to the Boarding House, I told Jenna and Ric the situation. They immediately forbade her from leaving the house until Damon reached out with an update. I ignored the dirty look that my twin gave me in favour for getting a cuddle from Zoe.

"Hey, princess," I cooed, nuzzling my nose against hers. The baby let out a happy gurgle as I sat down. I knew that Ric, with his amazingly enhanced senses, would keep an eye out for my sister. So I was content to shower our youngest family member with affection. "Look at you, you've grown so big."

"Babies do that," Jenna snorted, shaking her head as she sat down next to me. She stretched out with a groan and I gave her a sympathetic look. I reached out to give her knee a comforting pat.

"Is she still not sleeping through the night?" my shoulder twitched as Elena slumped down next to me, giving me another dirty look before gently stroking Zoe's cheek. I knew that my twin wouldn't give me any attitude while Zoe was in my arms, and I felt absolutely no guilt in holding my baby cousin close.

"Sometimes she does, sometimes she doesn't," our aunt sighed, giving her daughter a fond look. "It makes life interesting."

"Well, you'll have a helper in the shape of Elena tonight," I gave my sister a cheeky smirk before tickling Zoe's stomach. She let out a delighted shriek and I laughed. "I know, cutie, she isn't your favourite cousin. But she'll do."

Zoe clearly agreed that I was her favourite cousin as she gave another happy gurgle, little hands waving in the air. I carefully caught one, unable to hide my smile as the little hand curled around one of my fingers. I pressed a quick kiss to her soft skin before looking up, realising that I had the opportunity to wind up another sibling, "She's even cuter than Jer was when he was a baby."

"You don't remember what I looked like as a baby," my brother grouched, slouching over to the fridge and taking out a soda. He looked as emo as he did the other night. It was weird and I felt like I had gone back in time. Because he definitely hadn't been this moody recently.

"I remember enough to know that Zoe is, like, a thousand times cuter," I smirked before cooing. "Isn't that right, princess?" Jeremy muttered under his breath while our cousin gurgled again and I frowned. I leant in closer to Jenna, "Is he okay? He seems a bit off."

"He's been like it all summer," Jenna sighed, glancing over at the kid as he slouched back upstairs. "But it is definitely getting worse. I've asked him but he just tells me that everything is fine."

"Hmm, all summer?" I mused, thinking deeply. There was definitely something bothering the kid. And I knew that I had to do something to fix it. "So, like, since Zoe was born?"

"What are you getting at, Alexa?" Elena rolled her eyes at me.

"Well, kids get jealous when a new baby is born, right?" I shrugged, settling back into the sofa, holding the baby closer to my body. "Jeremy's been the youngest his entire life, maybe he's just adjusting to things being different now. And he doesn't quite know how to talk about it."

"I highly doubt that that is the issue," my sister scoffed, getting up and heading into the kitchen.

"You're just saying that cos you're in a snit with me," I snorted, indulging Zoe's attempts to put my finger in her mouth. I curled my nail away and let her suck on my knuckle. It was kinda gross but if it kept the little one happy, then I would allow it.

"I could have helped Stefan," Elena gave me a dirty look and I rolled my eyes. She was being far too stubborn for my liking. And if I wasn't holding Zoe, then I definitely would have said something a bit sharper than I did.

"Stefan didn't even remember that he was a vampire," I exchanged a glance with Ric, who was definitely sharing my thoughts about Ellie's stubbornness. "And knowing your track record, he would end up rippering your head off before remembering."

"He wouldn't hurt me," my twin immediately disagreed.

"Your cousin is a fool, baby girl," I muttered against the cutie's forehead as I hefted her further up my chest, before raising my voice. "Either way, you aren't leaving this house tonight, Els. So you might as well get comfortable. Go call Caroline or something. I'll let you know if Damon reaches out." I waited until Elena had slouched upstairs, doing a wonderful impression of our brother, before groaning, "Why is she being such a stubborn idiot?"

"You would be the same if it was Damon," Jenna unhelpfully pointed out, which had me grumbling.

"Yeah, but I actually have the strength to back up my words," I rolled my eyes. "I'm not a delicate little human, like Elena is."

"She wouldn't be impressed if she heard you say that," Ric snorted, carefully taking his sleeping daughter from my arms. I gave her a quick kiss before letting her father take her.

"Well, truth hurts," I muttered, slumping sideways and resting against my aunt. "Ellie needs to learn that she can't go toe to toe with vampires."

"You used to," Jenna pointed out and I let out a dramatic sigh.

"Why are all of you determined to wind me up? Obvs I had more skills than Elena, I knew how to fight and when to call in vampire backup. My sweet sister is far too stubborn to call in backup."

The adults had to concede that point.

XXX

The next morning, when I went to go tell Ellie that she wasn't allowed to see Stefan until I had properly checked in with Damon, I found her on the phone with Caroline. While I was relieved that she wasn't moping, I wasn't too impressed with her words.

"Please tell me that I wasn't out of my mind leaving Damon in charge of Vampire Amnesia 101," my sister sighed from her seat on the window seat. She looked all ready for the day, although her hair did still need a brush. Maybe if she didn't trash my boyfriend too much, I would offer to do it for her.

I rolled my eyes before announcing my presence, "Oh stop complaining, Els, I was never going to let you stay at the Boarding House with Amnesiac Stefan. And Damon is more than capable of looking after his brother."

My twin gave me a dirty look before putting the phone on speaker. Caroline's voice rang out around the room, "What was the last thing that you heard from Damon, Alexa?"

"Uh, let's see," I hummed, pulling my phone out of my pocket. "Ah yes, he texted me at around 3am saying 'so far, so good'." I neglected to tell them about the previous texts. My boyfriend had done as promised and kept me updated with his attempts to gets Stefan's memories back. When the journals failed to work, he had decided that playing grand theft auto was a super idea. As was totalling the car while they were still in it. Although I suspected that that was more to do with the offended text that I got before. Stefan had called him the 'safe' brother while referring to himself as the 'fun' one. It was hilarious and I told Damon that.

"In Damon speak, that means that they've probably devoured a troop of Girls Scouts by now," the blonde rolled her eyes, keeping her voice low.

At the scandalised look on Elena's face, I couldn't help but laugh as I sat down next to her, "Nah, he wouldn't do that without inviting me along."

My sister exclaimed my name, sounding far from impressed, before Caroline laughed, "I thought I was being funny when I said that."

"Lol you were," I shrugged. "Ellie just has a stick up her ass right now cos I won't let her go see him."

"Alexa has a point, Elena. It's not uncommon for patients with retrograde amnesia or other traumatic brain injuries to turn volatile."

Deciding to accept the efforts to cheer her up, my twin played along and laughed, "Okay, Dr Forbes. Since when do you know so much about amnesia?"

"It's possible that I've been studying up on my chem, biochem, applied microbio, molecular bio, and Grey's Anatomy, the real one and the TV show.".

"Jeez, Care, is this what you do when I'm not around to drag you out to the clubs?" I snorted, shaking my head. "You turn into a nerd."

"Do you know how many hot guys there are on Greys Anatomy?" Caroline laughed. "Watching it was definitely a fun way to spend my time."

"Eh, I have to accept your point there," I giggled. "You'll need to catch me up the next I see you."

"Alexa, I'm so disappointed! Why haven't you been watching it?"

"Well, I haven't had the time, and I will let you draw your own conclusions from that statement," I couldn't hide my smirk as my friend made a suitably dramatic disgusted noise.

Of course, our fun was ruined by Elena. There was a frown on her face, but I knew her well enough to see the jealousy hiding behind her expression, "You did all of that for Stefan?"

"Of course I did," the blonde replied, apparently not noticing the jealousy. "I'm also trying to impressed Dr Maxfield. I figured if I could get closer to him, ie into his biology class, maybe I could figure out why he covered up our roommate's murder by vampire. And… it's also possible that I have a study buddy."

"Oooh Caroline, spill the deets," I purred, immediately leaping on that little nugget of information. I knew that I was being a bad bro to Tyler, but since he had broken her heart, I knew that Caroline deserved to explore the field. Maybe during that time, I could talk some sense into my idiot Lockwood and get him to see just how good he had it with Care.

But instead, Caroline said, "Hi, Dr Maxfield. Are you ready to go study, Jesse?"

"No way!"

"Jesse?" that seemed to brighten Elena's expression. "Dr Maxfield's incredibly hot, funny and miraculously single lab assistant?"

"I'm dragging him to our hometown graveyard bell-ringing ceremony," I could hear the smile in her voice and I couldn't stop my laugh.

"Oh Caroline," I sing-songed, nudging my sister. "That sounds like a date."

"It's a study date," the blonde quickly corrected, her voice low. "While I'm there, I might as well ring a bell for Tyler and me, considering our relationship is on its death bed."

"There's still hope, you just need to give Tyler more time. Remember, even for a guy, he's a dumbass out of touch with his emotions," I rolled my eyes, feeling obligated to speak up for my idiot brother. "But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't have fun on your 'study date'."

"You are annoyingly right," Caroline rolled her eyes before asking. "Will you two be there? You could bring Stefan. I mean, it is ironically called 'Remembrance Day'."

"Oh I do so love the irony of it all," I snorted, leaning back against the window. "And if he does regain his memory on 'Remembrance Day', I will never let him live it down."

"Hopefully we'll be there," Ellie sighed, shaking her head. "It just depends on how Stefan's handling the whole download of his dark and stormy past."

Care quickly whispered a hi to Jesse, before saying, "Alright. Well, I'll talk to you later."

"Don't do anything that I wouldn't do," I laughed loudly, getting the final word in before she hung up the call.

XXX

"So, sugar-pie, are you still in a snit with me or can I brush your hair?" I raised an eyebrow at my twin as she placed her phone to the side. There was a pensive look on her face as she gazed into space. But the sound of my voice jolted her from her thoughts.

"Lexa, how is it going with Stefan?" Ellie asked, her voice soft. There was a worried edge to her voice, vulnerable in a way that I hadn't heard all summer, and that had me sighing. I gently urged her to move over to her bed, grabbing her hairbrush before I sat behind her. While I gently eased the brush through her hair, being careful of the tangles that I found, I searched for the right words.

"It's… going as well as you can expect," I answered slowly, choosing my words carefully. "Stefan doesn't have his memories back but he hasn't freaked out and run away. And he is willing to listen to Damon and let him help. So, you know, positives."

"Do you think that he would remember me?" my sister asked, clenching and unclenching her fists. I knew what she was thinking. Would the love that he had for her be enough to break through Tessa's spell and bring back the Stefan that we knew? While she didn't really believe the witch's words, I knew that they had gotten into her head. Stefan and Elena had fallen for each other fast and it did almost feel destined. And it probably made her think that she could break through the amnesia when Damon couldn't.

"Els, hon, you do know that there is no such thing as destined true love, right?" I winced, not wanting to hurt my twin but also unwilling to let her believe something that would lead her to do something foolish. "Tessa was clearly on something when she spouted that bullshit to Damon. Especially when you factor in the other stuff that she said."

"Is this the part where you finally tell me what got Damon all wound up yesterday?" I could practically sense the raised eyebrow and sighed. I knew that I did have to tell her eventually, even if I did think that it was all horseshit. But I also didn't want to worry her. If Ellie did want to get back with Stefan, once his memories were back, then she shouldn't have to worry about me dying because of it. But damn, I knew that I wouldn't be able to leave this room without telling her. And if revealing this secret made her more agreeable to my request for her to stay at home and not go see Stefan, then I would do it.

"Well, it's kinda complicated so bear with me if I don't make sense straight away," I started with a roll of the eyes. "So, from what I can tell, it all stems from the immortality spell that she did. You and Stefan are doppelgangers, cos nature needed to have versions of you that could be killed, or something like that. But because the original yous were 'true loves', there needed to be a version who could be miserable. AKA me. Apparently, whenever versions of you and Stefan found each other, the sibling suffered and died. I am the metaphorical scraps from her spell." I paused before frowning. "Or at least I think that's how it goes. I have to be honest; I didn't really focus on the details. I was too busy reassuring Damon that Tessa was certifiably insane."

"So, are you saying that if I get with Stefan, then you will end up dying?" my twin spun around, a worried look on her face as she grabbed my hands. "Alexa, I can't let that happen."

"Oh for fuck sake," I muttered before giving her hand a squeeze. "Do you I need to convince you that it is all bullshit too? Cos it is. I've already gone through two examples where Tessa is completely wrong with Damon, do I need to do the same here?"

"It's just very easy to believe," Ellie stared at me with those big brown eyes of hers. "When I was with Stefan, you went through so much pain. And that was when you started dying."

"But I didn't stay dead, so Tessa's nonsense can suck on that. And let's face it, I went through a lot of shit even when you two were split up, so again, points to my theory on it being horseshit."

"You really don't believe it?" my twin's voice was small and it had me sighing. I let go of her hands to pull her into my side instead. She wrapped her arms around my waist before huddling into my side.

"Of course I don't believe it," I kept my voice soft, even if I did want to scoff. "I'll tell you the same thing that I told Damon. Don't let her get into your head. She said this stuff to mess with us. Just like her bullshit about you and Stefan being destined for each other. And I refuse to let her win."

"But why would she want to do that?"

"So that we would leave Stefan with her? She fried his brain so that she could fuck with Silas. If we left Stef with her, then she could screw with her ex even more. So fuck her and her ridiculous little mind games."

"Do you think he's alright?"

"He's fine. We'll work out a way to get his memories back and then it'll be like he never left town."

"Can we go see him now?"

"Uh, sorry sis, but you're going to stay home. I'll go and check in on him, I think Damon took him to the Grill, to get him out of the Boarding House for a bit."

"Why can't I go?"

"Because I can't risk you getting hurt. As soon as I know that he isn't a threat, then I might allow a supervised visit."

"I'm not a child, Lexa," Ellie grumbled, pulling back to give me a dirty look.

"But you are human," I just raised an eyebrow in return. "And that means that you are more vulnerable than you care to admit. So just let me focus on looking after you, okay?"

My twin remained silent at my words.

XXX

As previously agreed with Damon, I met the Salvatore brothers at the Grill. It was filled with ringing bells and drunken cheers. It was… it was fun, I had to admit. This particular town tradition had always amused me. Because it was definitely an excuse for everyone to just get drunk.

While everyone raised their glasses to Uncle Steve, I spied my vampires sitting at a table near the bar. There were a lot of empty glasses on their table and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. They could have waited for me to join before they started drinking.

I made my way through the crowd, reaching their table just in time to pluck the shot glass from Damon's hand. I gave my boyfriend a wink before downing the drink. Damon rolled his eyes at me before wrapping an arm around my waist, tugging me down so that I was sitting on my lap.

"I wondered when you would get here," he rested his chin on my shoulder before his gaze returned to his brother.

"I got distracted by Zoe cuddles," I shrugged the other shoulder, filling up the glass and clinking it against Stefan's. "Hey Stef, how's it going?"

The other vampire stared at me for a moment before slowly saying, "Alexa?"

"You remember me?" I raised an eyebrow in surprise only to pout when he shook his head. "Ah dang it, that would have been the most hilarious thing ever. How do you know who I am?"

"Damon mentioned you," the younger Salvatore gestured to his brother. "He told me that he had been keeping you updated all night."

"He's a cutie, isn't he?" I smirked, laughing at the dramatic sigh that my boyfriend let out. "Did he tell you that I'm your favourite person on the planet? Cos I totally am."

"He did say that you would pull that card," Stefan laughed and it sounded so carefree. Damnit, now my heart hurt. It wasn't fair that this was the most relaxed that I had ever heard Stefan sound. And it was because he didn't have his memories and his baggage.

"Ugh, Day, why did you have to ruin my fun," I groaned, giving Damon a pout over my shoulder. He gave me a wink before stealing his drink back.

"Because you're adorable when you pout," he pressed a kiss to my bare shoulder, just as the room raised a drink to Aunt Sharon.

"Is this town always so upbeat about dead people?" the younger Salvatore asked, glancing around the room, distracting me from my boyfriend's attempts to wind me up.

"Well, in the theme of morbid town traditions," Damon turned his attention back to the other vampire, shifting me so that I could wrap my arm around his shoulders. I rested my head against his, turning my back to the rest of the room. One hand rested on my bare thigh while the other gestured. "You go back to the 1820s when everyone was so paranoid about the cholera thing that they would occasionally bury a body a wee bit before its time."

"So, we have a holiday dedicated to burying people alive?" Stefan raised an eyebrow, looking both fascinated and weirded out.

"So that's the story behind this tradition," I muttered, thinking for a moment before shrugging. As far as Mystic Falls events went, this was not the weirdest one. At least it didn't revolve around massacring a bunch of vampires. Cos that was just grim.

"Well, they were so paranoid that they would actually request to be buried with a string attached to a bell above ground, and then the whole family would hang around the grave for 24 hours in the hope of hearing the bell and that their loved one would come back, but now it's just really… it's really a kick-ass excuse to get hammered," my boyfriend was probably the one person who could give a lecture about something and keep my attention the entire time. Of course, the fingers that drew mindless patterns on my thigh probably helped keep my focus on him. But I was not going to admit that little trick. Not yet, anyway.

"I knew it," I sniggered, pinching Stefan's drink when he was distracted. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed and I blew him a kiss before downing the shot. I enjoyed the laugh that I got in return. Making Stefan laugh had always been an achievement, but apparently making amnesic Stefan laugh was even more fun.

I could feel Damon's gaze on me, which was always a bonus as he always got territorial when I played with his brother like that, but before he could say anything, one of the waitresses came to clear the glasses from the table.

"Heya," I beamed up at her, ignoring the fingers tapping my thigh. The waitress smiled back at me, her short brown hair falling around her face as she quickly plucked the empty glasses from the table. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Stefan's eyes go dark. It was a look that I recognised well.

And it was one that Damon noticed too, as he quickly asked the waitress to bring us another round. She agreed with an easy smile, walking away from the table. The other vampire's hungry gaze followed her, even shifting in his seat so that he could watch her.

I exchanged a glance with Damon before rapping my fingers on the table. The sudden noise snapped Stefan out of his trance. He turned back to look at us with wide eyes, "What the hell was that?"

"That, my brother, was you jonesing for something a little stronger than a blood bag," Damon sighed, shaking his head. And that right there was why I had refused to let Elena come with me. While we didn't know for sure that he was still capable of ripping off heads, the hunger was still enough to make him a threat.

"So, what's the problem?" Stef frowned. "You spent the whole day trying to convince me that I was a vampire. I'm convinced. Let me act like one."

"Well, unfortunately, Stefan, there are two types of vampires in the world, okay?" my boyfriend rolled his eyes. "There are those that can handle moderation, and then there's you."

"There's a reason why the local wildlife is scared of you," I shrugged as the waitress returned with our drinks. When she went to leave, I grabbed the bottle, giving her my most charming smile. It was apparently charming enough as she left, leaving the bottle in my hand. "Sweet, I love it when they let me get my own way."

"You always get your own way," Damon shook his head at me before Stefan distracted him.

The younger Salvatore had apparently been thinking deeply as he said, "Well, I'm no shrink." He paused before adding, "Right?" When we confirmed with a nod, he continued, "But maybe killing our father and turning into a vampire and all the trauma associated with that is what made me become a vampire who feeds on people and then rips their heads off, but now that I don't have all those memories and all that guilt, maybe the Ripper thing won't be such a problem."

"Do you think that it's possible?" I raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Damon.

"Well, let's not test the theory right now," he replied after thinking for a moment. "We can save that for later."

The bell rang again, although I missed the name that it was for, and we clinked our glasses together. I had just finished licking the taste of tequila from my lips when Damon muttered, "Uh oh."

I frowned, about to ask what was wrong, when a very unwelcome voice said, "And there I thought that catching up on nearly two centuries would be a drag."

I glanced to the side, narrowing my eyes at my twin. But Elena stubbornly kept her gaze on her ex. She knew that I was not going to be impressed with seeing her here. But did that stop her? Nope, it did not. The idiot girl.

Stefan started up at her for a moment and I just knew what Ellie was waiting for. But she was quickly disappointed when he said, "Remind me of your name again."

When my twin looked hurt, even though she put a valiant effort into hiding it, I winced and muttered to my boyfriend, "Awkward."

He nodded, looking away from the drama to refill our glasses. After Ellie provided her name, Stefan nodded, "Elena. Right."

When he didn't have any immediate signs of his memory returning, my sister frowned before looking in our direction, "You haven't told him about me?"

"Two hundred years is a long time," Damon just shrugged, not looking at all bothered by the annoyed look on my twin's face. The bell rang again and he held the shot glass to my lips. I rolled my eyes at him, knowing that he was just looking to distract my sister, but I played along, allowing him to tip the tequila into my mouth. Elena just gave us a dirty look.

XXX

"Elena, sweetness, why are you here?" I knew that my smile was on the wrong side of sharp. Especially when she winced. But that didn't stop the stubborn girl from remaining in her seat. Sometimes it was adorable when she was stubborn. But right now, it was tedious.

"I wanted to check on Stefan," my sister shrugged, carefully avoiding my gaze. That only had me narrowing my eyes. If she was going to go against my wishes, the least she could do was look me in the eye.

"If you were that worried, I could have sent a selfie," I rolled my eyes, confiscating her drink, looking her in the eye as I downed it. "Does Jenna know where you are?"

"Not exactly," Ellie muttered, looking away from me again, but she didn't try and grab her glass back. "I told her that I was going to go see Caroline."

"Busted," I smirked, tapping my nails against the table. "You are going to be in so much trouble. Ugh, I can't wait to tell on you." When my sister shouted out my name, sounding scandalised, I just cackled, "You know that Jenna didn't want you to come and see amnesiac Stefan, no offence Stef, and yet, here you are." While Damon filled up my empty glass, hiding his laughter in my shoulder, I wiggled my eyebrows, "I'll keep your dirty little secret if I get something in return."

"What do you want, Lexa?" my twin rolled her eyes, slumping back in her seat as she realised that this was not going to go the way that she wanted. Why she thought it would, I had no idea. Yeah, I had indulged her a bit too much over the summer, but when it came to her safety, I was not going to take any risks.

"Hmm, I don't know yet," I shrugged, taking the drink my boyfriend offered. "I'll let you know once I've thought of something worthwhile."

"I can't wait," Elena mumbled under her breath as I clinked my glass against Stefan's. I gave him a wink and he hid his laugh behind a cough. I knew that I was ruining Elena's first meeting with amnesiac Stefan, but I couldn't bring myself to care too much. They weren't together when his memory was fried and I refused to let them together again until his memory returned. It wouldn't be fair to either of them if they went into this with Stefan knowing their history. And goddamn it, Stefan so adorable like this that I didn't want him to get hurt.

Stef gave me the most adorable cheeky smile, making my heart clench, before saying, "So, uh, Alexa, would I be correct in saying that you are the fun twin?"

"At least he got one right," Damon muttered into my hair as I beamed.

"Yes I am, Stefan, I definitely am," I couldn't stop my smile from turning into a smirk as the perfect opportunity to wind up my sister was presented to me. "That's why everyone wants to be my friend. I am the most awesome, fun person in this town. And everyone loves me."

"Here we go," Elena muttered in disgust as she realised that her ex was more interested in playing with me than with her. Not gonna lie, it was hilarious. I never expected it from Stefan. But the amnesia had given him an innocent, naïve aura, which apparently gravitated to my wicked sense of humour.

"Don't be jealous, Els," I gave her shoulder a poke, delighting in the dirty look that I got. "It's not your fault that everyone finds me more entertaining."

"I can be fun, Lexa."

"But not as a fun as me," I giggled, leaning further into Damon's body as the look on my twin's face turned venomous.

"Alexa, why don't we stop embarrassing Elena in front of Stefan for a moment," my boyfriend sighed, but I could hear the laughter in his voice.

"But where's the fun in that?" I pouted, accepting a new drink from Stefan. The younger Salvatore was watching the show with a highly amused expression on his face. I knew that it got funny, when Elena and I got going. Especially when she was trying to avoid my teasing. And if it meant making the day a bit lighter for the poor guy, then I would tease my sister to the ends of the earth.

"Well, if you tease her too much, then Jenna will tell you off too," Damon pointed out and I let out a disgusted noise.

"Ugh, you're right," I grumbled, crossing my arms slumping back against his chest. "And that will ruin all my fun."

"And we wouldn't want that, would we?" Ellie snarked and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Are you sure that I can't keep winding her up?" I gave Damon my most pitiful look. "She's pushing buttons."

"Just focus on how much fun you'll have when you tell Jenna on her," my boyfriend laughed, gesturing for the waitress to replace our rapidly emptying bottle. Between us three vampires, we were getting through it. I knew that Stefan was drinking to supplement the hunger, even if he didn't realise it. I was drinking to ease the stress from the past few days. And to pre-empt the stress that I knew would plague me for the next few days. Because finding Stefan wasn't the end of it. Nope, we had to get his memories back now. And that didn't even account for the stress caused by our missing Bennett witch.

"That is a pleasant thought," I gave in graciously, giving the lovely waitress a smile when she replaced our bottle. Of course, she was far more interested in the smile that Stefan gave her. I bit my lip to hide my snigger as Elena realised the same thing that I did. Despite her best efforts, her eyes narrowed slightly, jealousy obvious in her expression. Fortunately for her, Stefan didn't notice. He just gave the waitress a charming smile before following her over to the refill station.

Just as I opened my mouth to say something, Ellie gave me a dirty look, "Don't even think about it, Alexa."

XXX

Deciding that dealing with me was not something that she wanted to do, Elena turned her attention to my boyfriend, "So, Mr 'So Far, So Good', Mr 'I Can Handle My Brother', Mr 'I Know What I'm Doing'."

"Ah," Damon held up a hand, a cheeky smirk on his face. "I never said that I know what I'm doing."

"We just said that he had a better chance of being successful than you did," I couldn't resist the opportunity to annoy Ellie. She had annoyed me by turning up here, against my wishes, before acting like she did nothing wrong. At the dirty look that I got, I groaned dramatically, "It's not a bad thing, Els. And it isn't a competition as to who can get Stefan's memories back first. Besides, let's be real. If it was, I would totally win."

"How would you win?" Damon gave my thigh a tap and I winked at him.

"Because Stefan likes me the most," I giggled, accepting the offered shot. "And you know what they say, bros before hoes."

"You are definitely in a wind-up mood," my boyfriend muttered into my hair before I nipped his jaw. Elena gave us a disgusted look before pulling out her phone.

"You love it," I purred into his ear, kissing his cheek. "Especially when it benefits you."

I was just about to get Damon to play games with me when he was distracted by my sister. She held the phone to her ear, clearly in the act of calling someone, and I couldn't help but grumble as my fun was ruined again.

"Who are you calling?" Damon asked with a sigh, exchanging a glance with me. I just shrugged. I had no idea who my sister was getting in touch with. Although the answer probably shouldn't have surprised me.

"Bonnie," Ellie replied with a roll of the eyes. "A witch did this to him. Maybe a witch can undo it."

"I'm on top of it, sister," my boyfriend gestured for me to take the phone. I glanced between the two before shaking my head and confiscating the phone. "I've called her about ten times. She hasn't called me back." I hung up the call before placing my sister's phone on the table. "Look. I say that until she does, let's just let Stefan be Stefan, fun, carefree, drunk Stefan without a hundred years of vampire guilt on his shoulders."

We all glanced over at where Stefan was flirting with the waitress. I hid my smile behind my hand as the girl giggled at something that the younger Salvatore had said. Apparently, amnesiac Stefan had game. As that girl was definitely ready to drop work like a hot potato to find a cosy little corner with him.

And it was almost definitely the reason for the snippy tone in my sister's voice, "That guilt came from a blood addiction that might still be hard-wired into his brain."

"You take on philosophy class and now you're the queen of nature versus nurture?" Damon scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"I think we should be asking Caroline, since she is the one actually studying," I shrugged, taking my attention off of Stefan and the waitress. "She's become a proper nerd and while it is adorably hilarious, it might actually be useful."

"Just because I'm not at college right now, doesn't mean that I haven't been studying," Elena replied, sounding ever snippier than before.

"Yeah, you've been studying how to be a pain in the ass," I snorted, before raising an eyebrow at the look I got. "What? You weren't supposed to come here, Ellie. I'm not going to get over that any time soon."

Fortunately, before I could get a snotty reply in return, my sister returned her gaze to her ex. Only to discover that he had disappeared. Damn, maybe that should have been unfortunately. Ellie sat up straighter in her chair, frowning, "Hey, where'd he go?"

There was worse news to come because as I scanned the room, looking for Stefan. I noticed that there was another face missing. And that was what made me properly nervous. And I knew that I wasn't overreacting when I heard Damon muttered, "You don't see that cute, little waitress anywhere, do you?"

"Ah fuck," I sighed, shaking my head before giving my sister a stern look. "You do not move from this table. If you see Stefan, you call me. Immediately. Do you understand?" Elena must have realised the seriousness of the situation as she nodded, settling back into her seat. Content that my twin would actually be sensible for once, I turned my attention to Damon. "Where could he have gone?"

"Back room," my boyfriend replied quickly as we stood up. I glanced over at Elena, seeing her dutifully sitting down, before following Damon through the room. I trusted his instincts when it came to this and when it came to his brother. So I didn't even hesitate in following him.

It didn't take long to force our way through the drunken crowd, but it still felt like it took too much time. Especially when my strained hearing picked up Stefan's words. I knew that Damon had heard the same thing, as his shoulders tensed before he used his speed to disappear. I glanced around, noticing only glazed eyes and drunk laughing before I did the same.

I arrived in the back room just in time to see Damon pushing Stefan back against the metal shelves. The younger brother's face was vamped out, a hungry look in his eyes. But that wasn't my focus. My boyfriend could handle his brother. Instead, I turned my attention to the terrified girl behind me.

She was pressed up against the sink, her breathing rapid, her skin pale. I quickly stepped forward, cupping her face as I wiped away her tears, "Hey, hey, hey." I gently forced her to meet my gaze before I compelled her, "You're going to forget that we were here. You came in, did your work stuff and you were alone the whole time. You will remember nothing." I waited for her to repeat my words before glancing over my shoulder. Stefan's face was no longer vamped out but Damon was still holding him against the shelves. "Day, are we done here or do I need to keep compelling her?"

"We're done," Damon confirmed, pushing his brother from the room. I nodded, making sure the girl remembered my orders, before following them.

XXX

"Did you bring your car when you snuck over here earlier?" I asked my sister, grabbing her arm to pull her from her seat. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Damon ushering his brother out of the Grill. I would have just left Elena here but knowing her shitty luck, she would just get into trouble while I was distracted by our local amnesiac.

"Uh yeah, I did," Ellie frowned, glancing over at me as I led her from the building. I nodded before glancing around. It didn't take long for me to spot her car and I quickly ushered her over.

"Awesome, that's one thing that has gone right," I muttered, shaking my head. I led her over to the car before pushing her inside. "Right, don't make me regret letting you come along, okay?"

"Lexa, what happened?" my twin asked, holding her hand against the door as I tried to shut it. The worry in her voice was obvious and it was the only thing that had me pausing. I hated that I had worried her, but Stefan's attempts to munch on the waitress had only emphasised my earlier fears. That my sister wasn't safe around Stefan right now.

"Stefan's hunger temporarily took over, so we're taking him to the cemetery to chill in one of the mausoleums there for a while. And then hopefully either Bonnie will call us back or we can somehow teach him the art of moderation. Right now, I'm praying for the first option," I sighed, shaking my head again.

"And you're letting me come with you?" Elena sounded as surprised as I felt inside. I knew that I shouldn't be allowing my human twin to tag along. But I also knew that if I didn't, she would do something foolish.

"Only because that way, I know where you are," I gave Ellie a look, one that had her wincing. "And then I can keep your dumb ass safe."

"I'm really not as reckless as you think I am," my sister protested as I carefully shut the car door.

"Yeah, you are," I rolled my eyes, stepping back as she pulled out of the parking spot. I watched her go before sighing. I knew that I was going to end up regretting keeping my twin involved. But I knew that she wouldn't let me keep her out of it. At least this way, I could protect her.

I let out a groan before moving to track down the Salvatore brothers. It didn't take long for me to find them. Stefan was sat on the backseat of the Camaro, sucking on a blood bag. Damon was lurking by the door, arms crossed, a pensive look on his face. Well, it was nice to know that they had waited for me.

I knew the moment that my boyfriend spotted me, as his body relaxed before he beckoned me over. I gave him the most reassuring smile that I could as I came to a stop in front of him. I glanced over at the younger Salvatore before wrapping my arms around Damon's neck, "Judging from the blood bag that he is desperately sucking on, I'm assuming that no one else was nearly eaten on your way over here."

"I think he was scared by just how strong the hunger was," Damon sighed, wrapping his arms around my hips, holding me close to him. "He was quite content to let me lock him in the backseat."

"It can be terrifying," I murmured, my heart clenching at the lost look on Stefan's face. "And that is when you know it is a thing. And when you know that you are a vampire. Poor Stefan, it must have awful for him."

"If Bonnie doesn't get back to us today, we'll try and teach him moderation tonight. I can't guarantee that it will work, but it's worth a go."

"Who knows, if we get Stefan to learn moderation now, maybe he will remember it when we do get his brain back to normal. I wouldn't be able to tease him about his diet, but it's a worthwhile sacrifice."

"We can only hope," my boyfriend muttered, squeezing me tighter, holding me against him before letting me step back. "Where's Elena?"

"I made the possibly foolish decision to let her meet us at the graveyard," I sighed, shaking my head as I regretted my earlier weakness. Damn her and her big brown eyes. She got her way far too often with them. As Damon raised a surprised eyebrow, I rolled my eyes. "I know, I know, I'm regretting it already. But at least that way, I know where the idiot girl is. And I can stop her from doing something foolish like luring Stefan away for a private chat. Even if she did sneak out, I don't want to get in trouble with Jenna for letting Elena get her head ripped off."

"Well, let's hope that it doesn't come to that," Damon shook his head before opening the car door for me. I gave him a quick kiss before sitting down, immediately turning around to look at Stefan.

"Hey Stef, how you doing?" at the sad look that he gave me, I just sighed and reached over, grabbing another bloodbag. I passed it to him, keeping my voice soft. "It isn't exactly what you are craving, but it does the trick. Trust me." The other vampire grabbed my hand, giving it a hard squeeze, before taking the bloodbag. He quickly threw the empty one to the side, before opening the new one. "I won't say that it gets easier. But you will learn to recognise the signs before you start to lose control. And until you do, we'll be here to help you, Stef. You won't go through this alone. I promise."

I glanced to the side as Damon got in the car. He looked at his brother before shaking his head, "I'm going to need to refill that cooler."

I agreed with a hum, grabbing a bloodbag of my own. I was hoping that it would make Stefan feel better, if he wasn't the only one drinking. And, to be honest, I was getting a little bit hungry myself.

XXX

Elena had met us at the graveyard, practically vibrating in place as she waited for us by her car. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as she immediately darted over to us the moment that Damon parked up.

"Stop being so obvious, Els," I muttered into her ear as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. She gave me an innocent look but didn't say anything as I steered her through the cemetery, behind the brothers.

I could honestly say that I had never seen the Mystic Falls Cemetery look so busy. There were people everywhere, sitting amongst the tombstones on blankets and chairs. The atmosphere was merry as bells rang out followed by names and cheers. It was a shame that I couldn't hang around and enjoy it. But life was full of sacrifices these days and missing out on events like this was just one of those sacrifices.

We were approaching the older part of the cemetery, where the mausoleums belonging to the Founding Families were. And I couldn't help but snigger as Stefan said, his tone full of judgement, "What kind of name is 'Honoria Fell'?"

Damon hushed his brother, a serious look on his face but I could see the cheekiness in his eyes, "You're kind of the one that killed her."

The one thing that stopped me from laughing was the stern look on Elena's face. I knew that she would scold me if I dared find amusement from that. She always did get sensitive when it came to Stefan's victims, even if he killed them ages ago.

As we approached the Salvatore mausoleum, my boyfriend glanced around, making sure that none of the celebrating locals were nearby before pushing open the doors. He ushered us inside before rolling his eyes, "Hindsight being 20/20, there was way too much temptation at the bar, so if this Ripper gene is biological, then we need to minimize human contact until we get your brain all witchy-wooed back to normal, so here it is."

While Stefan walked further into the small structure, eyes scanning the various names, I sat down on the bench by the entrance, crossing my legs. I immediately rolled my eyes as Damon's gaze flashed down to the extra thigh that was revealed. Honestly, he called me insatiable, but he could barely take his eyes off of me at times. Not that I was really complaining about that.

"So, this is the family crypt, huh?" the younger Salvatore asked, turning to face us. "Anybody here that I didn't kill?"

"Well, we've covered our father, who art in hell," Damon scoffed, ringing the bell that he had snagged on route. It took all of my self-control not to laugh at that. Something that my boyfriend must have sensed as he knocked his foot against mine. "Uncle Zach, my bad." He rang the bell again as I cleared my throat, keeping my gaze on the floor. Damn it, this man was definitely trying to get me into trouble. "On the bright side, our mother died of consumption."

He rang the bell again, just as Stefan rolled his eyes and muttered, "Oh, good."

"At least you're only responsible for one name, Stef," I tried to cheer up the other vampire. "It could be worse."

"Probably not as reassuring as you think it is, Ally," my boyfriend snorted, glancing down at his phone. "Now, I've got to go see a man about a witch. Party on without me. Brother, for you." He held up the bottle of bourbon that had been rescued from the Grill. "Try to share with Alexa, she gets grumpy if denied good booze." He then handed Elena the bell as she finished lighting the candles that had been left in here. "And this is for you." Damon pressed a quick kiss to my lips before departing.

I sighed as he left, especially when I saw the look on Elena's face. She looked like she was fully embracing the opportunity to be near Stefan and I suddenly wasn't in the mood to mess things up for her. I just rolled my eyes and grabbed the bottle of bourbon, taking a deep gulp.

"Well, I, uh, I certainly hope that your family history was happier than mine," Stefan looked over at my sister. I knew that he was intrigued by her. Ellie hadn't exactly been subtle in her desire to speak to him and I knew that the other vampire was curious as to why.

"Well, let's see," Ellie hummed, looking far to cheerful, considering the subject matter. "In the last three years, I lost my adoptive parents and my birth parents. I temporarily lost my guardian Alaric before Alexa brought him back to life, my brother Jeremy died once, Alexa died six times and I died for several months, before Alexa found a way to bring me back too."

I was so tempted to correct my sister's use of 'I', but I decided to be nice. She clearly wanted to bond with Stefan and I would keep my big mouth shut. Besides, the look on the other vampire's face was kinda hilarious. I knew that he was working out how one person could die six times and how I managed to bring people back from the dead.

"You died?" Stefan raised an eyebrow, glancing over at me as I took another swig from the bottle.

"I was dead for quite a few months," my twin nodded, looking far too calm, considering she was talking about her death. But considering I was the same, I couldn't call her out on it.

"And now you're not," I muttered, staring hard at the bottle in my hands. Talking about Elena's death was always a struggle and I knew that wouldn't change any time soon. Fortunately, Stefan must have realised that it was a bit of a touchy subject, as he quickly smiled at my sister, looking far more interested than he did before.

"What?" Ellie laughed lightly, looking delighted that she had his full attention.

"How do I not remember you?" the younger Salvatore breathed out. "I mean, you're smart, you're pretty, you're funny. Obviously, you're the strongest woman in the world if you managed to figure out a way to get through all of that."

They smiled at each other and I wanted to gag.

"I surround myself with amazing people who help me through it," Elena shrugged bashfully. "Like you. You're one of those people."

"So, bonded by death?" Stefan laughed as I debated finishing the entire bottle in my hand. "Please don't tell me that we met in a cemetery." When my sister giggled, he shook his head, smile firmly fixed on his face. "Really? We met in a cemetery?"

"Well, no," my twin giggled again, shuffling closer. "Officially, we met somewhere else first…"

But before Elena could finished her sentence, which would almost definitely get her into trouble, I let out a loud gasp, "What the fuck?!"

XXX

There were vampire hunters in town. There were fucking vampire hunters in town. Luke's uncle and cousin were in town. Seriously, how shitty was our luck that fucking vampire hunters had decided to rock on up. And to make things even worse, they were talking to April Young. Sweet, adorable April Young. Sweet adorable April Young who was my responsibility to keep safe.

"Is that…?" Elena began to ask, following my gaze.

"Harry and Justin Nolan?" I finished for her with a sigh. "Unfortunately."

"And are they talking to…?"

"April Young? Yep," I let out a groan before standing up, abandoning the bottle. I gave the other two my best pointy finger. "Now, I'm going to go deal with this. Elena, try not to do anything stupid. Stefan, keep an eye on her. Call me the moment that anything goes wrong."

When they agreed, I stalked out of the mausoleum. I was never particularly close with that branch of Luke's family. In fact, I had only met them in person once and that was after my dear friends were murdered by the tomb vampires. They had seemed quite content to live up in Denver, so that the fact that they had travelled down to Mystic Falls was unnerving. There was nothing here for them and that mean that their presence was bad news for a shit-tonne of my loved ones.

"April, there you are," I knew that my voice was probably a bit too loud, judging from the way the younger girl jolted, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Not when I saw the relieved expression in her eyes. I used my height advantage from my heels to wrap an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into my side. "I've been looking for you."

I glanced over at the Nolans. Justin was a couple of years older than Luke was. He had the same blue eyes that my deceased ex, but that was where the similarities ended. His hair was a shocking dark black, curling around his pale face. He was shockingly tall and full of lean muscle. I had to admit, he had grown a lot more good looking in the year and a bit since I last saw him.

Harry, on the other hand, hadn't changed. His brown hair was a mess, like always, and his grey eyes were hidden by his glasses. He was shorter than his son but he scared me more. Because those eyes, they were fucking piercing. They looked like they could see right through you. He was definitely the bigger threat out of the two. And I was keen to get April away from them.

"Alexa, I was looking for you," my progeny looked up at me, eagerly huddling into my side. I could feel her hand shaking as she wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Sorry about that," I gave her the most comforting squeeze that I could. "I was just finishing up a call."

"Alexa, it's been a while," Justin was the first to speak up, an easy smile on his face. Damn, he had gotten a lot more confident too. Last time, he would barely look at me. I kinda wished that he was still like that.

"A long while," I tried to stay relaxed, not wanting to give away the fact that I was nervous. Last time that I saw them, I was human. And that was probably the only thing keeping me safe. "How are you guys? I wasn't expecting to see you back in Mystic Falls, like, ever."

"We're visiting an old friend in the next town over," Harry spoke up, those unnerving grey eyes staring hard into my own. "And we thought that we would break up the journey by stopping off here."

"Well, you picked a hell of a day to do so," I shrugged a shoulder. "I promise you; our town is not crazy."

"I remember Jazz mentioning Remembrance Day," the younger Nolan nodded, looking around. "It looks a lot more fun than she described it."

"That's cos you're legally allowed to drink," I snorted, giving April's arm a squeeze when she shifted nervously. I knew that she wanted to get away from the two hunters. Even if she didn't know what they were, they set off her instincts, screaming that they were threats. But if we left too suddenly, it would draw suspicion. And that was the last thing that we needed. All I could do, was play nice and hope that they never came back to town. "It's a lot more fun when you are allowed to join in on the drinking."

"That is true," Justin laughed and I smiled back. It was a lot easier focusing on him, rather than Harry who was staring daggers. I could only hope that there was nothing about me that set off any suspicious vibes. I had managed to do a good job at keeping my daylight ring hidden. I didn't know how much they knew about their prey and if they knew about daylight rings, but I wasn't going to take any chances.

Fortunately, before I could blurt out something that would definitely come back to bite me on the ass, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I gave them a smile before pulling out my phone. I frowned as I saw a text from one of the witches that I had spent the summer trying to woo. She was in town and wanted to meet. But hey, it gave me the opportunity to ditch.

"So sorry to cut this short, but I just realised that I'm late to meet a friend," I gave my best apologetic wince. "And she is giving me a bit of a telling off, lol. But hey, you have my number. Give me a call sometime."

We said our goodbyes and I turned, steering April away from the two hunters. I could still feel their gaze on me, which was why I kept my arm wrapped around her. It wasn't until we reached the car park that I let go, switching my grip to her shoulders, "Right, April, sweetheart, I need to you and find Ric, he should be at home. You need to tell him that Harry and Justin Nolan are in town. They might not be staying here for long, but they will be lurking in the area. He will know what to do next."

"Where are you going?" the girl looked up at me with wide eyes and I gave her cheek a pat.

"I'm off to meet a witch."

XXX

I was once again at the Grill, this time looking for a witch. I had only met Carmen in person once. And that was a little while ago. I knew that she had dark hair and even darker eyes. Her tanned skin had been practically glowing with power, thanks to the full moon. She took the nature part of her power seriously. But hey, the fact that she had reached out while in Mystic Falls was a positive. So I would let her talk about moon cycles as much as she wanted.

It wasn't until I spotted dark eyes lurking in the corner that I relaxed. I pushed my way through the crowd before settling down on the chair opposite Carmen. There was already a bottle of red wine on the table, two filled glasses next to it. I was forced to sit with my back to the room which, after my run in with two vampire hunters, was not a comforting thought. But I dealt with it, albeit with a tensed back.

"Carmen," I nodded, picking up the glass closest to me. I gave it a sniff, making sure that she hadn't tried playing any games. I could see the amusement in her eyes at the gesture, but since I couldn't smell any vervain, I took a hesitant sip. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you to reach out any time soon."

"Well, I remember you asking for my help tracking down a couple of missing friends," the witch shrugged, her hair brushing against her shoulders. "And it's been a while since you last reached out, I got curious."

"Well, after you declined my second offer for a threesome, I figured I needed to find something sweeter to offer you," I wiggled my eyebrows, getting a throaty laugh in return. "But I guess I can give you an update. Actually, you might be able to help." When Carmen waved a hand, I kept going. "We found Stefan, but unfortunately, just after we did, a 2,000 year old witch decided to fry his brain while getting revenge on her ex. I don't suppose you know anything about magical amnesia?"

"I would need to know the spell that she used," my drinking partner frowned, grabbing a notebook from her bag. She started jotting words down. I remembered my high school lessons well enough to know that it was in Spanish. But that was all that I could recognise.

"Shit," I sighed, tapping my nails against my wine glass. "I wasn't actually there for the spell. But I can try and find out some details." I was hesitant to reveal more than I needed to, especially since I wasn't one hundred percent sure that I could trust Carmen. But with Bonnie MIA, not answering any communications, I didn't really have much of a choice. "What I do know, is that it was Qetsiyah, although she goes by Tessa now, who did the spell. She was frying Stefan's brain as he is Silas' doppelganger, and she has a hard on for hurting her ex."

"Qetsiyah? She's a myth, a bedtime story."

"Yeah, not so much," I rolled my eyes. "She's a nutjob who wants to kill someone that I also want to kill. Of course, she has also ended up on my shit list. Ugh, anyway, if I can get you some more details, think you can help me find a way to unfry Stefan's brain?"

"While I believe it is magic that I don't know much about, I'll look into it," Carmen gave a sharp nod, placing her pen down so that she could wrap her fingers around the stem of her wine glass.

"And that is why you are my second favourite witch," I gave her a wink, enjoying the throaty laugh that I got in return. We had met Carmen early in the summer. Her name had been scribbled down in one of Jonas Martin's grimoires. She was known to be a font of all knowledge and she had proven knowledgeable. She just required a lot of wooing. Which was why she never actually did a location spell for Stefan, or for Bonnie. But she was entertaining to talk to so I didn't mind putting some effort in. Besides, it was never a bad thing, having extra witches on side.

"Did you ever find that other one? Bonnie Bennett?"

"Unfortunately not and it is getting worrying. She is never out of contact for this long. Don't suppose I can finally persuade you to do a location spell for me?"

"Not yet," Carmen shrugged, a mysterious smile on her face. "But if you haven't found her by the end of the month, I guess I could be persuaded."

"Would a second bottle of wine speed up that timeline?" I raised an eyebrow, gesturing towards the empty bottle between us.

"That and a look at those grimoires that this Bonnie has been hoarding."

"Oooh, sorry hon, but I can't make that decision, only Bonnie can. But hey, you help me find her and I will ask the question."

"It was worth a try," the witch sighed before scribbling down a note in her little book. I recognised Bonnie's name, but that was about it.

"I do respect you trying," I laughed, gesturing the waitress from earlier over. From the easy smile on her face, I could tell that my compulsion had worked perfectly. I did feel guilty for letting her get in the position for nearly having her throat ripped out, so I dug some money out of my purse, having pinched it from Damon earlier. I pressed it into her hand with a wink and a smile. I ignored the questioning look from Carmen to instead ask, "How long are you staying in town?"

"I haven't quite decided yet."

"Well, you're welcome to stay for as long as you want. I might be in and out of town a little bit, as I have a mystery to explore over in Whitmore college, but you have my number. There are a few decent hotels in the area and I can get you a good room if you don't want to spend the money."

"You are very liberal with your compulsion," Carmen raised an eyebrow and I shrugged.

"If you help me, then I'll help you in return. I'm cute like that."

XXX

After bidding goodbye to Carmen, I finally responded to Ric's text, summoning me home. Although I did pause to check in on my sister. Despite my better instincts, I let her continue hanging out with Stefan. But since she replied to my message with a selfie of her with the younger Salvatore, bright smiles on both their faces, I decided to play nice for once. So I went straight back home.

When I walked in, I immediately saw April sitting at the dining table. She had a mug on the table and I could smell the boozy chocolate from the front door. Damn, her little run in with the extended Nolan family must have really gotten to her, if she was still suffering now.

Before I could check in on the girl, Ric waylaid me. He gently grabbed my arm, tugging me over to the couch closest to the front door. I rolled my eyes but let him tug me over. I knew what was going through his mind. The last time that I encountered a vampire hunter, I did not come out of it well. So it was natural that he wanted to check in on me.

I let him visually check me over, making sure that there were no hidden, healed injuries, while I crouched down in front of Larry. I scratched behind his ears as I cooed, "Look at you, cutie. I'm sure you've put on weight. Are they spoiling you? Well, let me spoil you even more." I stood up, giving Ric a bright smile, "I'm fine, as far as they are aware, I'm still delightfully human." The enhanced Original rolled his eyes at me but followed me as I strutted into the kitchen. I immediately dug through the cupboard to pull out a dog biscuit. "Here you go, handsome."

Larry happily took the biscuit before going to lay in front of the fire. I cooed at him again before Jenna walked into the kitchen. She rolled her eyes at me before passing me her daughter, "You know I gave him one not ten minutes ago."

"Considering how much you spoil him, I don't think two biscuits in ten minutes will hurt him," I snorted before turning my attention to my cousin. She was swaddled up, sleeping happily, and I couldn't resist stroking her soft cheek. "There's my little bean."

"I wish you would stop calling my daughter a bean," my aunt sighed as she followed me over to the second sofa.

"But Jenna, look at her," I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows. "She looks like a little bean when she is swaddled like this."

"Maybe I should put a stop to cuddle time," Jenna grumbled but she didn't even try to follow through with her threat. Instead, she just slumped back against the cushions. "April told us about your encounter with Harry and Justin Nolan."

"I know, your boyfriend keeps following me around, looking for any hidden injuries," I rolled my eyes, stretching my legs out to rest on the coffee table before glancing over at Ric as he sat down on the chair to my side. "Ric, honestly, I'm fine. We talked for barely five minutes and I kept my daylight ring out of view. They had absolutely no reason to suspect that I wasn't human anymore."

He didn't look impressed but the man relaxed in his seat, "Did they say what they were doing in town? April was a bit fuzzy on the details."

"Just that they were visiting an old friend in the next town over," I shrugged. "Which is weird, because I am fairly sure that Harry Nolan has no friends cos he is so unnerving. But hey, maybe I'm being unfair."

"I'll keep an eye out for them around town," Ric sighed, shaking his head. "Hopefully they are just passing through. The last thing that any of us need are two vampire hunters lurking around."

"Oh I definitely agree," I snorted, adjusting Zoe in my arms. "Have you told anyone else yet? Because I haven't had the chance. To be honest, I just sent April here because I knew that it was a safe space for her."

"No, I haven't had the chance," the Enhanced Original replied, exchanging a glance with Jenna.

"Well, I'll let Damon and Caroline know if you do the rest of the gang," I carefully eased my phone out of my pocket before Jenna shook her head.

"You just focus on Damon, we'll tell everyone else," my aunt sighed heavily and I sniggered.

"What's the matter, Jenna, worried that I will find the most inappropriate way to share the news?" I knew that the only thing saving me from a scolding was Zoe sleeping in my arms. And damn, I was enjoying it. I was more than happy to take over Zoe duties each time I came over if it meant that I could be as much of a little shit as I wanted.

"You do have history," Jenna gave me a look, hiding a smile behind her hand when I poked her thigh.

"Well, don't worry your pretty head, I will tell Damon in the most responsible way that I know," I laughed quietly, adjusting the baby in my arms before beckoning April over. "Now, what is happening in this pretty, little head?"

"It's the first time that I've encountered hunters since I turned," the girl mumbled, sitting down next to me as I shifted to make room. I opened my mouth but she rolled her eyes before I could say anything. "And Jeremy doesn't count."

"Uh, can I pass this one over to you, Ric?" I winced, wrapping my free arm around April's shoulders. "Cos I don't exactly have the best track record with hunters."

"That's because you have a big mouth, Alexa," Ric laughed, shaking his head when I pouted. "Look, April, you'll be fine. Just act normally and don't do anything vampirey, and no one will suspect anything."

"He is right," I tried to reassure my progeny as I pushed back the memories of my encounters with the Brotherhood of the Five. Fuck you Connor and Vaughn. "Just act like everything is normal and you'll be fine. And just remember that if anything happens, I'll be right there to rip apart anyone that hurts you."

XXX

I was just teaching April the proper art of tequila shots when my phone buzzed on the table. I snorted out a laugh as the girl pouted, clearly annoyed that she no longer had my full attention. It was adorable, just how much she thrived when I was giving her my full focus. But unfortunately, when I saw my twin calling, I knew that I couldn't ignore it.

So I answered with a sigh, filling up April's shot glass before passing the bottle to Alaric, "Els, what's up?"

"I lost Stefan," Elena gasped down the phone, sounding truly panicked. "I can't find him anywhere."

"Wait, what?" I paused in my seat, fingers hovering over my glass. "You lost Stefan? How the fuck did that happen?"

"We were talking about our first meeting and I took him to Wickery bridge. We were getting along so well and I was teaching him the cool parts of being a vampire. And then he went to kiss me and I pulled back because I couldn't help but remember what you told me and all of the reasons why I broke up with him. He seemed so heartbroken and disappeared when my back was turned."

"Elena," I groaned, shaking my head. "I can't believe you lost the local amnesiac. Where are you right now?"

"I went back to the mausoleum, to see if he had come back here, but I can't find him," my sister sounded so panicked that I couldn't even bring myself to tease her. I knew why she couldn't bring herself to kiss Stefan and it would have been unfair to him if she had done so. But that was one of the reasons why I didn't want her to spend time with him. They were drawn to each other, and I didn't mean because of destiny. It was only natural that Stefan would have sensed that. "Lexa, he said that he was hungry."

"Ellie, breathe," I sighed. "Look, come home, you can't find him by yourself and it might be best if you aren't the one to find him anyway. Not if he is hungry."

"But what about Stefan?"

"I'll go find Stefan," I was quick to reassure her. "Just come home."

When I managed to get Ellie's agreement that she would get herself home, I stood up with a sigh, looking over at Ric, "As you can probably tell, Elena lost Stefan. When she gets back here, can you make sure that she doesn't leave?"

Ric immediately nodded, "She won't be leaving the house again tonight. Do you think you can find Stefan?"

"I think I have a better chance than she does right now," I shook my head, glancing down at April. "You, my sweet, also have a very important job tonight. Caroline is somewhere in the cemetery, I need you to go and find her, and tell her what's happened." When April nodded, I placed a hand on her shoulder, a stern look on my face, "If you see Stefan, do not approach him. Just call either me or Caroline. If he is as hungry as I fear he is, then he will be far too strong for you."

"Won't he be too strong for you?" the Enhanced Original in the room raised an eyebrow. I knew what he was implying. I wasn't that much older than April, not really. But I had the benefit of having befriended Stefan earlier.

"He knows that I'm safe," I replied, a confident look on my face. "I helped Damon look after him earlier, before my sister broke him even further. He won't try and fight me."

Ric didn't look convinced, but he stayed silent. He knew that I had a point. And that I was more than capable of looking after myself. Especially after I promised to immediately call Damon to help search for his missing brother. And it probably helped that April believed me. The girl relaxed giving me a quick smile before shrugging on her bag.

I watched as she left before letting out a groan, "Goddamnit, that girl is far too trusting for my liking."

"You're just saying that because of how she looks at you," Ric didn't look at all sympathetic when I pouted.

"Why does she trust me so much?" I scrunched up my nose as I tucked my phone into my shorts pocket. "She really shouldn't, considering…"

I couldn't quite bring myself to say the words out loud. It haunted my dreams, what I did to that poor girl while my humanity was off. It was… ah fuck, it was the worst thing that I could have possibly done. And yet, that sweet girl still looked at me with so much trust in her eyes.

"April Young went through a lot, in a short amount of time," Ric chose his words carefully as he passed me the bottle of tequila that I had previously liberated from Jeremy's room. "You were there for her, in a dark time. And she remembers that. She… she also listened to Jeremy when he told her just how much you had lost, that night on the island."

"So are you saying that my brother sweet-talked her into still trusting me?" I raised an eyebrow. "Damn that kid. Why couldn't he just let her believe that I was a monster?"

"Because despite your best attempts, you never actually became the monster that you wanted to be, Alexa," I winced at the gentle hand that rested on my shoulder. "And your guilt over what you did just proves me right."

I sighed and took a hearty swig from the bottle in my hand, "I don't know, Ric, I still feel pretty monstrous. And April Young looking at me with those big blue eyes doesn't exactly help with that."

"She represents your biggest mistake, Alexa," Ric wrapped an arm around my shoulders, giving me a kind squeeze. "Of course you still feel that way. But it will get easier, especially if you continue to look out for the girl."

"I've already abandoned the poor girl once; I can't do so again."

XXX

"Soooo, you're going to love this," I winced when Damon picked up my call. I did as was promised and immediately called my boyfriend the moment I stepped off the porch. I knew that I should never have left our siblings alone together. And now, because I had, his brother was missing. Damnit, today was going so well and now it was a clusterfuck. Just like every other day in this fucking town.

"Alexa," Damon sighed, sounding as delighted as I did. "What happened?"

"Well, uh, I may have left Elena and Stefan alone together to sort out a couple of other problems. And then, uh, my sister may have lost your brother."

"Elena is really covering herself in glory today."

"Just wait until I tell you the whole story," I rolled my eyes, heels clicking as I strode down the path. A part of me was tempted to wait until Ellie arrived home. But I knew that Stefan needed me more. Elena knew better than to disobey me tonight, especially after losing the younger Salvatore. So I felt no guilt as I walked away from the house. Once I was off the phone, I would use my vampire speed. But for now, I was content to use my human pace. "I don't know how long he has been gone for, but he said that he was hungry before he did a runner."

"That is almost as good as the news that I need to give you."

"Sounds like your day was as good as mine. What's wrong, Day?"

"Find Stefan first, then I can tell you. Does anyone else know that he is missing?"

"I sent April to go tell Caroline. They should still be in the cemetery. I'm going to head there now, just in case he does turn up. I'm kinda hoping that he doesn't as that graveyard has almost definitely only gotten busier as the day has gone on."

"I'll search the town, just in case. Call me if you find him."

"You too," I replied softly. There was something in my boyfriend's voice that put me on edge. It was… it was almost sad. There was regret there, too. And I suddenly dreaded finding out what it was that he had to tell me. Because Damon didn't regret much, he owned his shit, so the fact that I could hear it so clear made me feel sick. "Day, is everything okay?" The hesitation had me pausing in the street, "Damon?"

"You aren't going to like what I have to tell you, Ally," Damon sighed heavily. "And I wish that I didn't have to tell you. But I just want you to know that I will get you through it."

"Damon, baby, you're scaring me," I muttered, glancing around. If I didn't owe Stefan so much, and if I didn't need to go help him, I would have ditched the search to go to my boyfriend's side.

"I'm sorry, just… find Stefan. Once he is back home, safe and sound, then we can deal with this." When I agreed, my boyfriend sighed again, his voice soft, "I love you, Alexa."

"I love you too."

I stared down at my phone after we ended the call. I knew that it wouldn't be good. Whatever it was that Damon had to tell me, it was so not going to be good. In fact, it was going to be fucking awful. This was going to be a piece of news that changed everything. Again. And fuck me, I didn't know if I could cope with that. Not again.

Everything was finally settling back down again, Stefan's amnesia aside, we were getting the break that we had deserved, after a fucked up couple of years. The only stain on our peace was our missing Bonnie. But I was working on that. Everything else could be pushed to the side.

But I couldn't think about any of that. Not right now. There was nothing that I could do and Damon wouldn't tell me what was wrong until we had Stefan somewhere safe. Stefan was the priority right now. The shitty news that was waiting for me could wait. God, I really hoped that it wasn't as bad as I sensed it was going to be. Oh who am I kidding, it's going to be even worse.

I groaned and shook my head, tucking my phone into my pocket. Fuck my life. All I wanted was a quiet day. Even if that quiet day meant babysitting an amnesiac Stefan. But no, that was never going to be possible. Even if the extended Nolan family didn't make an appearance, today was not going to be quiet. Not with the way that my twin was staring at the younger Salvatore, all hearteyes and regret. Not with the way that Bonnie was still avoiding all contact with the ones who loved her. A part of me thought that she was just avoiding me in particular. Not that I would blame her, after the way that I treated her while my humanity was off. But she wasn't reaching out to anyone that wasn't Jeremy.

And fuck, I forgot to warn Damon about the vampire hunters in town. Goddamnit. That was something that I couldn't put off, even if it was a conversation that I would much rather have had over the phone. So with a sigh, I pulled my phone back out, sending my boyfriend a text to warn him about the newest danger in town. While I did so, a text arrived from my sister. The fool had managed to get herself home, safe and sound. Well, that was some positive news. Because I almost definitely would have lost my shit if she had managed to get hurt.

Nope, don't think like that, Alexa. Just focus on finding Stefan. Find the missing the vampire, get him home and then you can focus on everything else. One step at a time, one shitty thing at a time. That's how life had been for so long, what difference would one extra day make.

XXX

After somehow turning my mind off, I quickly sped over to the local cemetery. And fuck me, I was right. It was full of people. Lanterns were dotted amongst the trees as people sat on blankets and benches. There was a merry atmosphere as people continued drinking and laughing, celebrating dead loved ones. And amongst all of it, was a hungry vampire who had just had his heart broken again. FML.

I carefully pushed my way through the partying locals, keeping a watchful eye out for Stefan. I couldn't say why I knew that he would be here, but there was a feeling deep down inside of me that just screamed that I would find him here. Maybe it was the fact that this graveyard represented an all you can eat buffet. Or maybe it was because he felt some kind of kinship with his deceased family members in the Salvatore mausoleum. I don't know. But what I did know, was that I had to find him quickly.

I was just debating whether it was worth summoning Ric here, requesting another set of vampire eyes, when I spotted my prey through the trees. Stefan looked as shit as I thought he would. And he was also drunk. Wonderful. I rolled my eyes as he stole a bottle of alcohol from one of the numerous picnic baskets. Joy of joys, drunk Stefan was not going to be easy to look after. Especially if he was still hungry.

I pushed my way over to him, reaching out to pluck the bottle from his grasp just as he was about to take a drink. I ignored the pitiful frown on Stefan's face as I took a hearty swig, scrunching up my nose, "Fuck me, that is some cheap shit." I curled my lip in disgust before passing the bottle back to the other vampire, "You look like you're having a delightful day."

"Your sister broke my heart," Stefan's words were slightly slurred and that was how I knew that he had spent his MIA time drinking. "And I get the feeling that it isn't the first time that she has."

"There's a reason why I called her stupid," I shook my head, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "And I promise you, I will get her into so much trouble for this. But that can wait. The real question is, do you want me to take you back to the Boarding House to continue getting shitfaced? Or should I find somewhere else instead?"

"I would much rather go and find something to eat," the other vampire muttered and I sighed. Fuck, this was not going to be fun to deal with. Honestly, I was going to properly drop Elena into trouble the moment that Stefan was somewhere safe. Even if safe meant drunk.

"Sorry, hon, but I can't let you eat anyone right now," I winced, the pitiful look on his face making my heart clench. "I don't know if I'm strong enough to get you to stop before any heads get ripped off. I can compromise with some blood bags?"

"Blood bags suck."

"They're a lot better if they're warmed up first," I tried to keep my voice soft, even as I looked around the cemetery. We were lucky that we were on the edge of the busy area, but there were still far too many people around for my liking. Especially since I didn't have any vampire backup yet. "So why don't we head back home? I'll even show you how fun it is to make cocktails with blood." At the adorably confused look on his face, I bumped my hip against his. "I call them blocktails."

Just as Stefan let out a small laugh, we were joined by one of the other vampire locals. Caroline approached us, a wary look on her face as I pinched some of the cheap crappy booze that Stef had stolen. He shook his head at my complaining before quickly taking the bottle back, only looking up when the blonde called out his name.

"Caroline Forbes, my best friend," the drunk vampire, who was leaning more of his weight against me than he realised, gave the most adorable smile. And I couldn't resist poking his cheek.

"Stef, that's rude, just five minutes ago, you said that I was your best friend," I pouted, before laughing as he poked my cheek back.

"You keep insulting my booze."

I rolled my eyes at that, "You stole it. You don't get to be insulted when I call it shit. If you want some of the good stuff, I can take you back home where Damon keeps it hidden."

Unfortunately, before Stefan could take the bait, Care frowned, "You recognise me?"

"Well, I've studied pictures," the younger Salvatore brother shrugged. "You're taller than I thought you would be. I was getting short vibes from your photos." I hid my snigger behind a cough as he took a swig from the cheap booze. "Sorry, I'm a little drunk."

"Yeah, I can see that," Caroline sighed, before glancing over at me. I mouthed an apology before pouting. In my defence, Stefan was already drunk when I found him. I just managed to get him to smile again. "Are you okay?"

"Well, if by 'okay', you mean heavily spiralling into Ripper oblivion, then yes, I'm dandy," Stefan snorted, shaking his head. I really needed to find something to keep his mind off his hunger until I could get him home. I thought that I was doing a good job at that, but apparently Caroline's arrival had only reminded him of what his life was like.

"You aren't spiralling into Ripper oblivion," I sighed, flicking his forehead. "You're just drunk and sad. Even for normal vampires, that doesn't lead to good things."

Unfortunately, before Stefan could even begin to listen to my words, we were joined by a very vulnerable human. I couldn't help but wince as Jesse walked over to us, his adorable smile on his face, two red cups in his hands, "Keg-stand guy passed out, so I stole these."

"Key-stand guy?" I muttered, itching to ask more. But before I could, the blonde spun around, giving the human a strained smile.

"Hey, do you mind just giving us a couple of minutes?"

"Yeah, it's probably a good idea," the older vampire gave the most creepy smile possible and I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. "Because I can sense from here that you have a paper cut on the palm of your left hand, and I want to rip your entire arm off."

While Caroline turned around to compel Jesse to go away, after scolding Stefan, I turned around, giving his forehead another flick, "You're a bad drunk. I'm sure you never used to be like this."

"Blame your sister."

"Ugh, I already am," I rolled my eyes. "You know what, I'll put the phone on speaker when I get her into trouble. That way, you can enjoy it too."

Before the younger Salvatore could take me up on my kind offer, the blonde vampire turned back around, with Jesse disappearing into the darkness, "Look. I know that you're hungry, but you don't do people, okay? It just… it doesn't end well."

"What about blood bags?" Stefan looked at her with wide eyes and I barely hid my coo. It was so unfair that he looked so adorable like this, even when he was talking about ripping off people's arms. "Do you have any blood bags?"

"Yes, in the car," Care sighed, the sharpness of her worry fading slightly as she also noticed how adorable the older vampire was being. "Come with me."

The blonde turned around, starting to leave to go back to her car, but she wasn't followed. Stefan's eyes had darkened and I knew that the hunger had taken over again. Which was why I wasn't surprised when he disappeared from view.

XXX

It was harder to follow Stefan through the trees than I had originally anticipated. It didn't help that I had lost precious seconds by warning Caroline. The blonde had given me a wide eyed look before we separated. Despite the fact that neither of us were strong enough to pull a rippery Stefan off of a victim, it would be easier to find him if we split up. All we could do was hope that he wasn't actually feeding on someone when he was found.

I paused in my running, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I focused all of my energy into listening for any kind of Stefan related noise. Anything like his voice or even the sound of vampire speed. Of course, what I did sense was a lot worse.

My eyes flew open as I smelt fresh blood. Ah fuck, that was not good. That was so not good. I spun around, breathing in, searching for the source of the blood. Fortunately, it was close by. So with a muttered curse, I sped off in the direction of the bleeding human.

I arrived in the Salvatore mausoleum just in time to see Stefan dropping Jesse to the ground. I paused in shock before shouting, "Stef, what the fuck?! Do you have any idea how much trouble you're getting me in right now?"

The other vampire glanced over at me, a guilty look in his eyes, before I crouched down beside the bleeding human. Jesse stared up at me with fearful eyes before I tilted his head to the side. I breathed in through my teeth before sighing, "Well, it could have been a lot worse."

"You're right, I stopped," Stefan nodded, going to move closer but I held up a hand.

"Yeah, you stopped, Stef, but that doesn't mean that this is over," I winced as the scent of blood grew stronger. Jesse's movements were only opening the wound further, forcing more blood out.

"I don't know what you two are, but," he gasped out, trying to shuffle backwards. But I kept a strong hand on his shoulder. Stefan's vampire instincts were on overdrive. And that included the need to hunt. It was a feeling that I remember well from my dark days and the human's movements would only excite that need.

"Oh, I'm a Ripper," the older vampire shrugged, unable to take his eyes off of the oozing blood. It was enough to get my own hunger rearing its hungry head. I could feel my fangs itching to poke through, but somehow I managed to stay strong. But fuck me, I was so hungry. Nope, focus on Stefan's hunger, Alexa, not your own. "You know what that means? That means that I literally can't stop feeling until I rip someone's head off. But look at us. We're working it out. Right, Alexa?"

"Well, everyone's heads are still attached to their bodies, so that feels positive," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Let me out of here, please!" Jesse begged, a couple of tears falling down his cheeks as he held a hand to his bleeding neck. It didn't do what he intended. In fact, it made the situation worse as it drew everyone's attention to the blood dripping down his skin.

"I know I should let you out. I'm good, right?" I just watched as Stefan paced back and forth, the pained look on his face just ripping my heart in two. "I'm compassionate. I live with this burning hunger inside of me that allows me to stay in control, but what do I have to show for it, huh?" The bleeding human in the room opened his mouth to speak but I gently hushed him. Jesse drawing Stefan's attention towards him was not a good idea. And while I couldn't get the human out of here just yet, I could try and stop him from getting his head ripped off. "I have no memories because my brain was fried. I see the way that everyone stares at me, eyes so full of guilt for something that I don't even remember. And then I meet this girl, who I obviously have a connection with, only for her to turn around and hurt me. Again. So you tell me, what's the point in being good?"

It was the tear that dripped down his cheek that finally broke my heart into pieces. I sighed, nudging Jesse behind me before standing up. I carefully approached Stefan, reaching out to cup his face. I wiped away the tear before pulling him into a hug, pressing his face against my shoulder. Stefan reached up to wrap his arms around me, hands tightly gripping my top.

"Oh Stefan," I murmured, keeping my voice soft as I ran my fingers through his hair. "Trust me when I say this, you are naturally a good person. You aren't a person who willingly rips off people's heads. Let… let me help you. Let me take you home."

I glanced up as Caroline sped into the room. Before she could say anything, I held a finger to my lips, hushing her. The blonde frowned, staring at the vampire in my arms, before I gestured over to Jesse. Somehow, the human had sensed the atmosphere and had stayed quiet. And still. He just stared up at us with wide eyes. It was probably the only thing that kept Stefan in my arms.

The moment she saw the cutie, Caroline sped over to him. Jesse jolted, eyes growing even wider, but even then, he stayed silent. Content that someone was able to look after him, I gave Stefan a squeeze before muttering to the blonde vampire, "Care, I'm going to take Stefan home. Let me know once you've healed Jesse and gotten him to safety."

I waited until Caroline nodded before I carefully eased Stefan off of my shoulder. He was still gripping me tight, but I was able to shift him to the side so that I could help him walk from the room. Blood was still smeared around his mouth and I knew that his hunger still plagued him. Oh Stefan. Why do you continue to break my heart?

XXX

There were times when I regretted not regularly driving a car and this was definitely one of those times. I could have had a handy cooler full of blood bags, ready and waiting for the poor hungry vampire next to me. But nope. Instead, I had to share a car with Elena and have nothing to feed Stefan. And all that I had in my head was bad ideas. Really bad ideas. But fuck me, someone had to try and teach this guy moderation. And no one else was around to do it.

"Okay, this is definitely going to get me into trouble," I sighed as we came to a stop near the edge of the cemetery. There were a few people still hanging around, taking a break from the merry atmosphere. "But you need to put a dent in that hunger, I don't have any blood bags and right now, I seem to have some kind of faith in myself that I can teach you moderation."

"Do you really think that you can?" Stefan frowned as I directed him to stand by a tree. His hands were shaking and I grabbed them, giving them a gentle squeeze.

"Fuck knows," I snorted, shaking my head. "But I had to learn moderation and Damon did an amazing job teaching me. It could be a case of I just pass on his teachings."

"I don't want to hurt anyone," the other vampire admitted, his voice small, as his fingers twitched. I stroked the back of his hands, trying to wipe away the drying blood, leftover from Jesse. I had done my best to get rid of it, but that was the annoying thing with blood, it took a lot of effort to get rid of it.

"Stef, I promise you, I won't let anyone get hurt, including you," I gave him the most comforting smile that I could. "Now, wait here for a second. I'll bring someone over."

When he nodded, I quickly spun around, looking around. I knew that I had to find someone who didn't look like they were waiting for someone. It wasn't easy, picking the right person. But I had to do this right. Eventually, I decided to grab one of the young men hanging around. He looked a couple of years older than me, with dirty blond hair and brown eyes. He looked sweet and hopefully, sweet would help with the temptation to rip off heads.

After compelling the guy, let's call him Dylan, I led him back over to Stefan. The younger Salvatore was where I left him, although he was tapping his fingers against his thighs. And that got me thinking. It was a technique that I hadn't used in a long time, but it could help Stefan.

"Right," I sighed, pulling Dylan to a stop just in front of Stefan. I stepped to the side, keeping my hands on the guy's shoulders. "Stefan, do you trust me?" When the other vampire nodded, I grabbed one of his hands, before placing it on Dylan's chest, right over his heart. "Do you feel this? This heartbeat? Focus on it. Ignore everything else, just focus on the noise." I kept my hand on top of Stefan's before tapping my fingers to the beat of the heart. "When I was learning how to feed from people, after a few… mistakes… I learnt to do this. I couldn't ignore the heartbeat if I was tapping it out. And the moment that the rhythm changed, I stopped feeding. It… I'm not going to say that it was easy, but I'm hoping that it will help."

Stefan looked at me, letting his face change, "You really believe that I can do this?"

"I really do," I nodded just before the other vampire bit into Dylan's neck. Stefan's fingers joined me in the tapping. I kept a firm grip on Dylan's shoulder as my mouth began to water at the scent of fresh blood. God, it had been far too long since I last fed directly from the vein. I could feel my face changing and it took all of my effort to get it to change back. When the rhythm changed, I murmured, "Stefan, time to stop."

It took a few more seconds but the older vampire pulled back. Stefan's eyes were scrunched shut still as he licked his lips. I took the opportunity to compel the kid, "Hey, hon, do you have a girlfriend?" I paused before adding, "Or boyfriend?" When Dylan shook his head, I smiled, "Awesome. Okay, you met a cute person of your particular taste here tonight. You made out and it was pretty kinky. Then when you were done, you went home and it all became a happy, blurry memory. Okay?"

Dylan repeated my instructions before he stumbled back towards the car park. Well, at least that part went smoothly. And it was still going oddly well as Stefan hadn't chased the guy down and tried to finish eating him. That was definitely a positive. Had I actually just helped someone learn moderation? Nah, that couldn't be right.

"It worked," Stefan breathed out, finally opening his eyes and looking at me. I couldn't resist smiling and stepping forward, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "I actually stopped."

"I can't promise that it will always be that easy," I shrugged as I slowly led the other vampire away from the cemetery, in the direction of the Boarding House. "But it helped me regain some confidence after I majorly fucked up." At Stefan's questioning look, I couldn't stop myself from elaborating. "I know what it is like to deal with a huge hunger, although I haven't actually ripped off any heads, and even now, it takes a lot to fill me up. It was not long after I turned, I lost control of my hunger and I… I killed someone. A girl. After that, I was shit scared to feed from someone, just in case I killed someone else. Listening to the heartbeat, tapping it out, it helped me find my confidence again."

"Is that why you won't feed right now?" Stefan asked, raising his eyebrow at me. "I can see that you're hungry too, you could have fed from either that boy or Caroline's friend."

"No, I couldn't have," I sighed, shaking my head. "I haven't actually fed directly from someone since graduation. I… I went through a dark period, a very fucking dark period, and I fed from people, I hurt them. I became everything that I didn't want to be and now, I can't feed from people. I don't deserve to. And I guess, a part of me is a worried that I will become that person again."

XXX

I managed to get Stefan home without any issues. And that felt like an accomplishment. A huge accomplishment. One that I was kinda proud of. Especially when the other vampire followed me into the library, more question on his lips. I had revealed more than I had intended to on our walk over. But I couldn't help it. Apparently amnesiac Stefan was very easy to talk to. And he was just such a sweetheart.

I got him settled by the fire before pouring the both of us a healthy drink of whiskey. I grabbed my blanket from the couch before taking the second chair. After sipping at the whiskey, enjoying the harsh burn in my throat, I glanced back over at the other vampire, "Alright, I know you have more questions. I'm in a charitable mood, ask away."

Stefan shifted in his seat, the fire warming his cheekbones, before he asked, "You look at me with more guilt than anyone else. What happened between us?"

"Well, do you remember that dark period that I referenced earlier?" I sighed, waiting for the other vampire to nod. "Well, that happened after Elena died and before I could bring her back to life. To do so, I had to do unspeakable things and that lead to me turning my humanity off."

"You can do that?" Stefan asked with a frown, shifting in his seat to be able to look at me better.

"Yep, I wouldn't recommend it," I muttered, tapping my nails against the glass in my hand. "Oh yeah, it feels good in the moment. But the fallout? That fucking sucks. And that fallout, my sweet Stefan, is why I look at you with so much guilt. Because I was such a foul bitch to you, when all you did was try to help me. You put your grief on hold, to look after me. And how did I repay you? I was a raging fucking bitch. I hurt you so much and now, I can't even make it right. Because you don't remember how horrible I was to you, Stef. I mean, on one hand, I'm glad that you don't remember because it hurts so much. But I also can't make it up to you."

"I don't know if you've realised," Stefan's voice was soft as he reached over to rest a hand on my knee. It was such a familiar movement that I couldn't stop myself from covering his hand with my own. "But you have been making it up to me. Damon told me about how you were talking to witches all over the country to see if they could do a locator spell to find me. And Elena mentioned that you spent all night reading through grimoires, looking for something to bring my memory back. And today… you treated me like I was a person, not like I was broken. You looked out for me and you helped me feed. You've done so much for me already."

"It doesn't feel like enough," I scrunched up my nose before my lips twitched up into a smile. "You called me a complete and utter bitch." As the other vampire's eyes widened dramatically, I shook my head. "Oh, you didn't say it to my face, you just called me that while speaking to Caroline. It was kinda hilarious, now that I think back on it."

"It feels a bit like I was kicking you while you were down."

"Don't worry about it, hon," I gave his hand a pat. "You were absolutely right. I was the biggest bitch on the planet and yet, you didn't give up on me. You even let Damon look after me, even if you did lecture him about all the evil things that I was doing." I sighed before shaking my head. "Earlier, you asked what was the point in being good."

"You just said that I was naturally a good person," Stefan muttered, placing his empty glass to the side.

"You know how fall a person can fall, you've fallen that deep yourself, you've seen your loved ones drop down into that horrible pit," I slowly finished off my own drink. "And because of that, you choose to be kind. You make a conscious effort to be caring and compassionate, to see the best in people. And that is why you are one of the best, Stef."

"What do you choose to be?" the older vampire asked, his green eyes warmed by the light of the fire. "You said that it's been a couple of months since you turned your humanity back on. Have you worked out who you are?"

"Not yet," I shook my head, wondering if it was worth just bringing the decanter over. "I guess I've been too focused on fixing the damage that I left behind. I hurt a lot of people, some of them the ones that I love the most and the rest were complete strangers. And while I can apologise to some of them and try and make it up to them, there are a lot of people that I can't make amends with. For a while, that included you."

"Because you didn't know where I was."

"Yep, you were annoyingly missing just when I pulled my head out of my ass and was in the position to cry out my apologies."

"Sorry about that," Stefan smirked, a cheeky look in his eyes.

"Oh you totally should be," I laughed. "Now go and bring that bottle over here. If we're going to continue talking about all of this heavy shit, then I'm going to need a lot more booze."

"I can always go and get some blood bags, so you can teach me how to make blocktails."

The cheeky look on his face had me snorting, "And use Damon's good booze? Oh sweetness, you're going to get me into so much trouble." I paused before smirking. "Let me grab the bottles of wine from behind the cabinets. If I'm right, it will go very well with some blood."

XXX

Okay, so, blocktails was definitely a good idea. Because the easy, relaxed smile on Stefan's face was worth everything. Even if we did end up drinking far too much of Damon's good booze. I didn't make official blocktails, as that was too much effort. But we did experiment with adding the right amount of blood to the bourbon and the wine and the whiskey. I even warmed up a few blood bags for the in-between drinks. Because I was right when I said that they were a lot more tolerable when warm.

We were well on our way to getting sloshed, or staying sloshed, in Stefan's case, when Damon arrived. He walked in before pausing at the top of the library steps. His quick eyes glanced between the empty bottles of booze, the empty blood bags and the unfortunate blood stains on Stefan's top, before rolling his eyes.

"I leave you two alone for a couple of hours and look at the mess that you've made," my boyfriend shook his head, quickly moving to my side to confiscate the drink in my hand. It had turned out to be one of my favourites, a heady mix of O positive and whiskey. I pouted up at him as he wrinkled his nose at the taste of my drink. "Ally, that's disgusting. Why are you ruining my booze like this?"

"Told you," I snickered, winking at Stefan. The younger Salvatore laughed, sounding so carefree, that all I could do was beam. "We were making blocktails again. Well, lazy blocktails, because I didn't want to get all of the stuff out. It was fun."

"You and those damn blocktails," Damon muttered, grabbing Stefan's drink too. He placed them to the side, a hilariously disgusted look on his face. "I should never have let Caroline put that idea in your head."

"But they're fun," I pouted, doing my best to look pitiful. And then the most wonderful thing happened, Stefan copied my look, staring up at his big brother, those adorable green eyes wide and innocent.

"They're really fun," he added and the oldest in the room looked down at the boozy blood drinks, almost like he was contemplating drinking them. And I had to cover my mouth to try to hold in my laugh. Of course, that just meant that it came out as a huge snort. It was enough to set Stefan off too.

As we laughed, full-on belly laughs, Damon just sighed, "You two are going to be unbearable together."

"You're just jealous that we're having fun without you," I stuck my tongue out before swiping our drinks back. I gave Stefan's back to him with a wink before downing my own. I licked away the blood that escaped before smiling. "And we've been having a lot of fun."

My boyfriend stared down at me for a moment, his lip twitching, before he sat down next to me. One arm wrapped around my shoulders, while the other placed my empty glass to the side, "Well, at least you aren't trying to get me to drink this mess." He glanced over at his brother, "Have you had enough to eat?"

"Alexa taught me how to feed from someone without rippering out," Stefan nodded, relaxing further into his seat, completely unaware that he was potentially getting me into trouble. "And then we had some very cathartic confessions before we had fun."

Damon tapped the top of my head, encouraging me to look up at him, "You took Stefan out feeding?"

I gave my boyfriend my best innocent look, eyes wide, "In my defence, I acknowledged that I was going to get into trouble for doing it. But he looked so pitiful and I wanted to help him. And after Jesse nearly got… you know… I figured it couldn't hurt to give it a go."

"And it all went okay?" Damon's eyebrow rose to impressed heights. It was weirdly hot. Damn, why did I always get horny when he tried to tell me off. It was uber unfair cos it normally meant that I got distracted and completely failed to get myself out of trouble. Of course, with Stefan literally right there, I couldn't play any of my usual games to try and save myself. It was probably for the best, if I was being honest, because I had forgotten how potent Damon's good booze was when you properly indulged.

"The kid survived and is now preening in the knowledge that he got a kinky hookup," I nodded, before smiling. "And I did a really good job in teaching Stefan. Tell him, Stef." And Stefan did just that, including bigging up my teaching abilities. "Damn, maybe I should have taught April, she would be properly owning this shit."

"Let's just focus on teaching Stefan, then you can get April into trouble too," my boyfriend shook his head at me, but I could see the proud look in his eyes. It made me smile, giddy style, and I hated myself for it. I knew that it had been a while since I properly got drunk like this. But I shouldn't be feeling it this much. Maybe I hadn't fed enough today. I remember Damon once mentioning something about being hungry making you easier to get drunk. Damn, and I couldn't even admit that I had been accidentally starving myself. "Speaking of, Stefan, it's probably time that you head up to bed. Before this one gets you into any more trouble."

"You're sending him to bed," I snickered before hiding my face in my hands at the eye roll that Damon gave me. "Lolz."

"You won't be that far behind him," Damon muttered before giving his brother a stern look. "You've been through a lot today; you need some rest. If you don't feel comfortable in your room, feel free to choose one of the other ones. They're all clean."

Despite the pout on his face, Stefan stood up. I quickly shoved myself to my feet, ignoring the way my head spun, to wrap him up in a hug. Damon kept a steadying hand on my hip as I muttered my goodnight, one that was quickly returned.

I watched as Stefan left the room, grabbing a bottle of wine on his way, before leaning heavily against Damon. My boyfriend had his arms wrapped around me, and I muttered, "Hey, Day, do you remember when I was human, and you used to manipulate me into drinking water between shots?" When my boyfriend hummed, I added, "Can we go back to doing that? Cos this spinning shit is so not cool."

XXX

Damon carried me up to his room, muttering about how spoiled I was. But we both knew that I wasn't going to be walking up there, especially not in these heels, and that Damon was such a worrier than he wouldn't have made me. I ignored the tight grip that he had on me. Because I knew that it was related to that horrible news that was waiting for me. Instead, I just had my arms wrapped around his neck, nuzzling his cheek. Despite his eye roll, he did press a kiss to my forehead.

When we got to our destination, my boyfriend gently sat me down on our bed, before crouching down in front of me. He carefully eased off my pumps, placing them to the side, before resting his hands on my knees. And I knew that this was when he told me that horrible news. The news that I had been running away from, too scared to hear it. But now there was no running away. And even though the thought of it made me feel sick, I knew that I had to hear it. I had to deal with this.

"Day, how bad is it?" I asked, my voice so painfully soft, even as I stared down at my boyfriend. His thumbs stroking the skin just above my knees as that look, that look so full of regret, returned to those mesmerising depths. It was enough to have my heart clenching in my chest. Because regret just didn't belong in those eyes. And I really dreaded hearing whatever it was that caused that look to appear. Because I knew that it would be bad. So, so bad.

"It's about Bonnie," he replied, switching his grip to my hands. I hadn't even realised that they were clenched into fists, not until he was easing his fingers between mine. "Ally, I'm so sorry."

"No," I breathed out as everything went fuzzy. It was like I was frozen in time, unable to move forward. Unwilling to move forward. To take that final step that would shatter everything. "Damon, please, please don't say it."

"Bonnie died, Ally," Damon's voice was so full of regret that it broke through the haze. The sob that I let out was ragged and harsh and it hurt so much. Because I knew that he was telling me the truth. That this awful thing had happened. And that it was all my fault.

"When?" I rasped as I looked my boyfriend in the eye. I ignored the tears that dripped down my cheeks, slow and steady, as I needed to know that I was right. When Damon hesitated, I shook my head, "I know what you're going to say, but I need to hear it. Day, please."

He hesitated for a moment longer before sighing. He quickly moved to sit next to me, drawing me into his arms. I immediately clung onto him, fingers tightly gripping his t-shirt. One hand pressed against the back of my neck, keeping me close, while the other wrapped around my waist. Damon's voice was soft as he whispered into my hair, "It was graduation."

"No," I keened out, shaking my head, uncaring that I was rubbing tears and makeup all over Damon. "No, no, no, no." My boyfriend carefully hushed me, but I was too lost to hear his words. "It's my fault. It's all my fault. She died bringing back Elena because I forced her to. Because I tormented her for months. Oh god, I killed Bonnie."

"Hey," Damon's voice was stern as he pulled back, cupping my face with one hand. "You did not kill her. Bonnie chose to do that spell, after you released her from your promise. You are not responsible for this."

"She died bringing my sister back to life, how is that not my fault?" I reached up to grab Damon's wrist. My grip was probably on the too tight side, but neither of us cared. All that I cared about was the whirlwind of guilt and pain. It consumed everything. Because Bonnie was dead. One of my best friends was dead. And it was all my fault. I had driven her to this. I had spent months without my humanity, traumatising her, bullying her, tormenting her, threatening her. And because of that, she gave up her own life, for my sister's. "Oh no, Jeremy. He's known about this, hasn't he? He's been sad all summer but I didn't even try and find out. I just assumed that he was sad because she went traveling without him and because I had ruined months of his life. But he's been dealing with this all alone."

"I sent him home after he told me," my boyfriend valiantly tried to wipe away my tears, even though they continued falling. "Ric told me that he got home okay and he told everyone what had happened. He'll be okay, they'll look after him. Let me look after you."

"I killed the girl that he loves, how will he ever be okay?" I murmured, shaking my head. "I got his sister killed and then I killed his Bonnie. He just keeps getting hurt because of me."

"Ally, baby, you need to listen to me," Damon nudged my head up, forcing me to meet his gaze. "You're spiralling and I need you to focus. Ignore your misplaced guilt, just listen to me. You are not responsible for this. Bonnie made her own choice. And now, we just have to deal with the fallout. Jeremy will be fine. He has Elena and Jenna and Ric to help him. He's also able to talk to Bonnie. He isn't alone."

I sniffed before throwing myself forward. Damon immediately caught me as I wrapped myself around him, burying my face against his neck. My boyfriend just held me close as my body shook. His fingers tangled in my hair, while his other hand stroked my back, gently hushing me each time my breath hitched.

"I can't believe my friend is dead."

XXX

"Someone needs to tell Tyler."

After the tears had somehow stopped falling, Damon had carried me over to the bathroom counter. He gently eased me down before grabbing a face cloth, running it under the cool water. I kept my grip on his t-shirt as he wiped away my tears and makeup. I knew that I looked like a mess, but I didn't care. I had lost Bonnie. And I knew that it was all my fault. No matter what anyone said, it was all my fault. And I would fix this. I had to fix it. I just… first I had to make sure that everyone was being looked after. I couldn't fix my mess if my brother and my sister and my friends were breaking too.

"I'm sure that blondie can deal with that," my boyfriend hummed, rinsing off the cloth and placing it to the side. I shook my head, reaching up to grab his wrists as he cupped my face, thumbs stroking my cheekbones. His touch was soft, softer than I deserved. But I couldn't bring myself to refuse the comfort, to deny myself Damon's kindness.

"He's been screening everyone's calls, like a dumbass, because he's scared that Caroline will rip his balls off over the phone."

"He probably isn't wrong," Damon muttered, before easing my phone out of my back pocket. He passed it to me before stepping closer. I wrapped one arm around his waist before resting my cheek against his chest. One hand rested against my back, while the other eased through my hair, teasing out any tangles.

Tyler answered the call quicker than I had expected. The line crackled from the poor signal in the Appalachian mountains, "Alexa? Hey."

"Ty," I swallowed hard. "Tyler, you have to come home."

My voice cracked horribly and I winced. My dumbass adopted brother's voice was filled with concern as he asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

"It's Bonnie, she's… oh god…" my chest grew tight as I tried to force the words out. But I couldn't. It too hurt much. I guess I was just lucky that I didn't need to deal with it by myself.

There was sigh above me before my phone was carefully taken from my hand. I could hear Tyler repeating my name as I buried my face into my boyfriend's chest, my grip tightening.

"Tyler," Damon's voice was soft as he pressed me closer against him. Not that there was any more space between us, but the pressure was comforting. It reminded me that I wasn't alone. That I would never be alone. And I needed that right now. God, I really needed that. I had gotten one of my best friends killed because of my selfishness. I needed the support of my boyfriend, even if I didn't deserve it.

"Damon? What's happened?"

"Bonnie's dead, she died at the beginning of the summer," my boyfriend murmured, resting his chin on the top of my head. His fingers gently stroked my back as he broke the news that I was too weak to.

"What do you mean she's dead? Bonnie can't be dead," it was the pained shock in his voice that had my heart clenching. It would have caused more tears to fall, but I had none left. Not right now.

I could practically feel Damon wincing as he said, "She died bringing Elena back to life. Jeremy has been seeing her ghost all summer but he's only just told us."

"Oh my god," I heard the realisation in Tyler's voice. He knew exactly what had happened. That I had caused Bonnie's death. That I had ruined everything. "I'm on my way back. Tell them… tell them that I'm coming home."

"Jer is organising some kind of memorial service for her. I'll get him to text you the details. Drive safe, I'll make sure everyone is okay until you get home."

Damon kept Tyler on the phone until the hybrid agreed to be careful. We couldn't afford to lose anyone else. Yeah, Ty was a bit more durable than your average person, but I wasn't going to take any more risks. Not even car accident related risks. Tyler had to get home safe, that was non-negotiable.

With a sigh, my boyfriend placed my phone to the side before easing my head back. He placed a gentle kiss to my forehead before murmuring against my lips, "Is there any point in telling you to get some sleep?"

"Probably not. But… can you just hold me? I don't… I don't want to be alone right now."

"Baby, you'll never be alone."

And even though I could have walked over to our bed, Damon eased me into his arms again. I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my forehead against his cheek, as he carried me those few steps. He carefully laid down on the bed, still holding me tight, settling me against his chest.

I immediately curled up against him, resting my head over his heart, before gripping his top with a tight grip. Everything was fading into numbness and I couldn't bring myself to regret that. It felt better than the guilt and the pain. The numbness took the edge off of the fact that I was the reason why Bonnie died. Why she felt the need to give up her life for Elena's. She had missed so much because of me. She had missed a summer with her friend, she had missed starting college. God, she had missed her dad's funeral. And it was all my fault.

God, Bonnie, I'm so sorry. And I promise you. I will fix it. I will do whatever it took to fix everything for her. She deserved so much more than rotting away on the other side. She deserved everything amazing in life. Bonnie, my Bonnie, was the most amazing person. The kind, most selfless, sweetest person. And goddamnit, I was going to save her. No matter what it took. I've done it before; I'll do it again.

XXX

I stared down at the black dress lying innocently on the bed. It was one that I had worn far too many times before. It was one that had haunted me across the years. My parents' funeral. The Nolan's funeral. Mayor Lockwood's funeral. Uncle John's. Mr Forbes'. Mrs Lockwood's. I couldn't add Bonnie's name to that list. It felt like too much.

I sighed as Damon's hands settled on my hips. He was already dressed in his suit, while I just stood there in my bra and panties, unable to put on a simple dress. I could feel his gaze on me, full of worry, as I whispered, "Damon, I'm going to bring her back."

My boyfriend sighed as he gently turned me to face him, moving to cup my face, "Why didn't I see that coming?"

"It's my fault that she died, and I know that you don't want me to believe it, but it's true," I reached up to grab his wrists, needing his strength. "And so, I need to fix it. I will fix it. I've done it before. Granted, Bonnie was the one who helped me, but I owe it to her to try again. I know more witches now. One of them can help me."

Damon stared at me, examining my face, before nodding, "You mentioned that Carmen was in town earlier?"

"She was. Funnily enough, she was asking about Bonnie. She wants to have a look through her grimoires. I told her that there was no sneaking a peak without Bon's go ahead. Maybe I can do a deal with her, to bring Bonnie back in exchange for looking at the grimoires."

"As long as that is the only deal that you are planning on making," Damon raised an eyebrow and I winced. Damn, that man knew me far too well. And the lengths that I would go to in order to bring back my loved ones.

"Well, I guess I should admit now that I was considering speaking to the insane immortals haunting our town," I muttered, glancing at his lips and avoiding the exasperated look in those gorgeous eyes. When my boyfriend sighed out my name, I pouted, "I mean, Silas has previously said that he is able to bring people back from the dead. Of course, I don't know how legit he was being. But I figured, if he claimed it before, he could do so again? And then there is Tessa. Insane, fucking Tessa. But would she feel charitable enough to bring her descendent back to life?"

"Alexa," Damon rested his forehead against mine. "Please stop making deals with insane people. They never end well for you."

"Technically my deals with Silas never came back to bite me on the ass," I grumbled. "But I promise you, they are backup plans that are way down the list. For when we get truly desperate."

"I don't think I'll ever get that desperate," my boyfriend rolled his eyes. "But we'll discuss this properly after the memorial. With everyone else. We can't do this alone, Ally."

"I know," I agreed with a sigh. "They deserve to know and they deserve to be given the opportunity to help. I just… what if they get hurt doing so? I don't think I could deal with anyone else getting hurt."

"Alexa, I promise you, they will be fine," Damon pulled me against his chest, wrapping his arms around me. The soft fabric of his shirt felt nice against my skin and I couldn't stop myself from curling closer to him. "You can't protect everyone."

"I can give it a damn good go," I frowned before relaxing. "But okay, I'll be agreeable. At least we have Ric around to help. He can keep everyone safe with us."

"Thank you," my boyfriend sighed into my hair, giving me a squeeze. "Do you need help getting into your dress?"

I glanced over at the offending item of clothing. I knew that I had to put it on. Especially since the time of the memorial was drawing a lot closer. But it felt like such a momentous task. Which was ridiculous. It was putting on a fucking dress.

"I've worn that dress to far too many funerals," I whispered as Damon stroked down the line of my spine. "I don't know if I can wear it again. I don't suppose you know if Elena still has clothes here?"

"There are still some upstairs. Are you going to look for a different dress?"

"I'm going to give it a go," I sighed as he reached out to pick up my previously discarded robe. He wrapped it around my shoulders as I clung onto him. "Because the thought of wearing that dress again just makes me feel sick."

Damon nodded, wrapping an arm around my shoulders before leading me from the room. I curled up against his side, content to let him lead me up to Stefan's room. Fortunately, the younger Salvatore wasn't at home. Caroline had arrived earlier to take him to the memorial. She was going with Matt. The blue-eyed cutie had reached out earlier in the morning, asking for a friendly shoulder to cry on. And the blonde couldn't deny him. Hell, if I wasn't drowning in guilt, I would have beaten her to his doorstep. But fortunately, she was able to look out for him. And for Stefan.

It was pure luck that Elena had a spare black dress lurking in the back of Stefan's wardrobe. It wasn't really my style but I didn't care. It was something that I could wear and that was all that mattered. I didn't need to wear that accursed dress. In fact, I was tempted to burn the damn thing. Maybe then, I would stop being forced to say goodbye to my loved ones before their time.

Damon helped zip me up, never straying far from my side, before pulling me back into his arms. He held me tight against him, almost as reluctant to get of me as I was of him.

"Are you ready?"

"No. But I don't think I'll ever be ready for something like this."

XXX

Jeremy had picked a spot quite far out from the main cemetery, closer to the old Founding Families mausoleums. There was an old tree stump in the middle of the clearing, covered in moss and leaves. Everything was quiet as we approached, almost like nature was mourning with us.

Caroline and Stefan walked with Matt, the two men on either side of the crying blonde. Elena was in Jenna's arms, with Ric on her other side, a sleeping Zoe in his arms. Jeremy, my sweet Jer, was stood in front of us. Despite the pain in his eyes, he had a strong look on his face, even as he glanced to the side. And that was the most heartbreaking part. Because I knew that that was where Bonnie was. Her ghost, watching over us, just like she did in life.

Once we were all gathered, Jeremy stepped forward, carefully placing a picture frame on top of the stump. It was a picture taken before all of the vampire drama entered our lives, when we were young and innocent. We were laughing at something, I don't remember what, but we looked so happy. Unburdened by life.

After taking a deep breath, Jeremy gestured for everyone else to step forward.

Caroline went first. With tears streaming down her face, she placed her old cheerleading pom poms next to the photo. The black and the red settled down against the green of the moss, looking like they belonged together. Stefan carefully eased the crying blonde back before placing a small bouquet of flowers on top of the pom poms. He gave the tree stump a sad look before reaching out to hold Care's hand.

Matt went next, his blue eyes shining with tears. He carefully lowered his lifeguard whistle onto the stump, before resting his fingers against the wood. I knew that he whispered something, but I gave him the privacy that he deserved. The two were close in way that the rest of us weren't. And I hated that he was going through this.

Ellie scattered feathers across the stump, crying ugly tears as she did so. I knew that she blamed herself. She was alive and Bonnie was dead. But it wasn't her fault. She didn't deserve to carry that guilt. She had done nothing wrong. And I yearned to tell her that. But I couldn't. Not here.

Jenna and Ric added flowers of their own, the ribbons decorated with charms from the necklaces that Bonnie had left at our home over the years. She was as part of the family as Ric was. Our sister in everything but blood. God, and I had failed her.

April and Jaime had arrived together, with my sweet progeny comforting the older boy. My heart broke at the tears on his face. He had lost a sister and he hadn't even realised it. It was even worse because Abby wasn't here. She wasn't in the country, otherwise we would have waited. I didn't even know if Jeremy had managed to reach out to her. But she needed to come home soon, for both of her children.

Damon placed Bonnie's first grimoire, the one that she had put together all by herself, on the stump before easing me forward. I took a deep breath, ignoring the tears that fell, before stepping forward. I carefully placed a stuffed rabbit down next to all the other memories. It was one that I had gotten for her years ago, after her dad left town for the first time. It was an ugly little thing, one that had been washed far too many times and was close to falling apart. But it represented something special. I had given it to Bonnie the night I declared her my sister, in all the ways that mattered. She started sleeping over more after that, choosing to spend time in our home and not in the one belonging to her absent dad, who couldn't cope with the knowledge that his partner had abandoned him.

Jeremy glanced to the side before nodding and picking up the bell that had been resting on the stump. He took a deep breath, "We ring this bell in honour of Bonnie, in remembrance for her." He rang the bell once, the sound making me flinch into Damon's chest. He gave me a gentle squeeze, arms wrapped tightly around me. My brother put the bell down before mumbling, sound so young, "I'm not sure what else to say." Everything was silent for a moment, because how could we put into words what Bonnie Bennett meant to us. Fortunately, it seemed as though she was there to save the day. Again. She always did. Because Jeremy looked at us, nodding, "She says that she's not going anywhere, that she has been here all long. Bonnie has watched you all have the summer of your lives."

His gaze turned to Elena, "And she saw you happy and she hates that you had to suffer for so long on the other side, but you're recovering now, you're smiling and you're laughing. So you're gonna repack your things, you're gonna go back to college, and you're gonna live it up." Ellie let out a sob as Jer's gaze turned to Mattie. "You didn't do anything wrong, Matt. You know she would have sent you three hundred emails back if she could. She misses you."

I grabbed Damon's arm, squeezing tight, as my brother looked at me, his gaze warm, "Don't blame yourself, Alexa, it isn't your fault. This was her choice. She brought Elena back because she wanted to save her friend. Don't carry this guilt with you. And she forgives you, for everything."

I bit my lip to hold in the sobs that wanted to erupt from my chest. But I couldn't let them out, not here. Mayber later, once it was just me and Damon, I could give in to them. But for now, this was a time for Bonnie.

"Caroline," the blonde shook her head as Bonnie's words came to her. "She watched you decorate that dorm room like your life depended on it." Care let out a wet laugh as Matt rested a hand on her shoulder. "And she knows that college isn't everything that you expected and that you feel like something's missing, but…" Jer's gaze flickered behind the blonde, before he breathed out, "Tyler…"

We all turned around to see our missing hybrid making his way through the trees. He held a white rose in his hand, only just moving it out of the way as Caroline ran over to hug him. He held her tight against him before slowly lowering the rose onto the tree stump.

Everything went silent after that as we all stared at the tree stump, our memorial for Bonnie Bennett. It was a symbol of how loved she was, how missed she was. And I swore to myself, to Bonnie, to everyone, that this would not be permanent.

Bonnie would not stay dead.

XXX

A/N: Thank you for the reviews, my lovelies :) they help with the writing and I do love hearing what you think of the story! Especially with the changes that I have been making, I hope you are enjoying them! And I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I really did enjoy writing this one, probably a bit too much! But the Stalexa time just called to me and I couldn't resist it. Please keep the reviews coming and the next update will be in a couple of weeks, to give me time to keep building my backlog! Especially since my husband has got the new Spider-Man game and it is very distracting lol Until next time xoxo