Disclaimer: I only own my OCs

A/N: Surprise! A day earlier than planned, but tomorrow is looking to be hectic. Welcome to season 3 :) this one won't be as painful for Alexa as the previous one lol in fact, she actually gets to be happy! I've upped the rating, as you might have noticed, which only means one thing... ;) I hope you enjoy this chapter and the upcoming season!

XXX

I woke up at the crack of dawn, excitement fueling me. It was my birthday! I was officially eighteen! I was an adult! Oh my god I had been waiting for this day for so long. And it was finally here!

I flung off the covers and rolled off the bed. I had to go wake everyone up. Starting with one very important person. It was a tradition of mine. No one was allowed to sleep in on my birthday. It was a day of celebration, not sleeping. And since I was the Queen of Sleep, it was a big thing for me to say that.

I made it to the door before I realised that I had forgotten something. So I bolted back to my dresser to grab the small bag in the top drawer before rushing from the room. It was time for one of my favourite parts.

Throwing the door open, I bounced the few steps and leapt on my sister's bed. She was awake, just lying there with a sad look on her face. But that was quickly replaced by tolerant amusement as I flopped down on her.

"Happy Birthday, Twin!" I squealed in her ear as I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed tightly.

"Happy Birthday, Lexa," my sister rolled her eyes but she hugged me back, a smile tugging at her lips. I pressed a few kisses on her cheek before pulling back. I crossed my legs before forcing my sister to sit up too.

"Now, no being sad today, okay?" I raised an eyebrow as I pointed at her. "This is a happy day. So no crying until we've had cake. Capiche?"

"Capiche?" Ellie shook her head before she accepted my words.

"Good," I held out the small bag that I had hidden behind my back. "Surprise!"

A sweet smile adorned my twin's face as she gently took the bag from my grasp, "Lexa, you shouldn't have."

"Of course I should have, silly," I rolled my eyes, eager to see my twin's expression as she opened her present. "It's our birthday, we deserve to be spoiled."

"Well, at lease you're acknowledging that it's my birthday too," Elena laughed and I felt triumphant. Ever since Stefan had left town with Klaus, Ellie had been in a sad mood. She spent every minute that she could searching for clues as to where he could be. She was constantly speaking to Sheriff Forbes, who was cool with vampires now, or Andie or Vanessa. So making my twin laugh as a special thing indeed.

"Oh Lexa, they're gorgeous," my twin gasped softly as she pulled the earrings out of the bag. Her fingers gently traced the pearls. I had spent the past few weeks selling various baked goods to save up the money to buy them for my twin. I wanted to give Elena something special. So I got her a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings from Tiffany & Co. set in white gold.

"You like?" I asked, my eyes wide as I bounced in my seat, eagerly waiting for her answer.

"I love," my sister smiled as she pulled me in for a hug. I immediately hugged her back. I was so happy that she loved them. I spent ages with Caroline picking them out. Like seriously, I spent so long trying to pick the perfect pair for her. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome," I beamed at her as she gently placed the bag to side and reached under her bed. "What have you got down there?"

"Well, since I knew that you would wake me up like you did," my sister raised an eyebrow and I shrugged unapologetically. "I decided to keep your present close to hand."

"You know me so well," I laughed as I reached out to grab the offered box. It was small, able to fit in the palm of my hand, and I was super eager to find out what she had given me.

"For my sins," Elena rolled her eyes as she prodded my knee. "Go on, open it, I know you want to."

I didn't need any more encouragement. I pried open the lid and gasped at what was sat inside. Pillowed on the cushion within, sat a silver bangle. The ends glinted in the lamplight and I spied the diamonds that sat on each end. It was gorgeous and I immediately loved it.

"OMG Ellie, it's amazing, I love it so much," I gushed as I continued to admire my present. "You are the best sister ever."

"Glad you think so," my sister laughed before she leant forward to press a kiss to my temple. "Happy Birthday."

"Happy Birthday, El," I beamed, unable to keep still in my seat.

"Now go get ready," Elena shooed me out of her room. "We need to go help Caroline set up for the party. The one that I didn't agree to."

"Oh please," I waved off her words as I strutted from the room. "You wanted it really, you just didn't want to admit it." I could hear my sister muttering unflattering things behind me but I ignored it in favour of banging on Jeremy's door. "Wake up kiddo! I want a family breakfast for my birthday before you go to work!"

There was no verbal answer to my banging. But something hit the door on the other side and I knew that he was awake. He was lucky that I wasn't leaping on him too. But I wanted to jump in the shower before anyone else took it. Now that my hair had grown out to brush the top of my shoulders, it took longer for me to sort it out after a shower. But since I liked the way it felt when Damon ran his hands through it, I didn't want to get it cut.

Before I shut the bathroom door, I poked my head around and shouted, "Jenna, stop boning your boyfriend and start making me pancakes!"

I heard the Jeremy cackling behind his bedroom while Jenna started yelling out embarrassed words. But I just locked the door and jumped in the shower. I had done my mischief for the morning. I would save the rest for my party.

XXX

After dressing in a simple summer dress, I threw my hair up into a messy bun before making my appearance downstairs. Elena had beaten me down, dressed in a tank top with shorts. But I didn't mind so much. She had been helping Jenna with the pancakes, dropping chocolate chips in the batter, while stealing some while Jenna wasn't looking.

"Make way, make way," I announced, messing up Jeremy's hair when I walked past him. "The Birthday Girl is here. Bow down before the most important person."

"Has she been like this all morning?" I heard Jenna ask Elena in a low tone. I rolled my eyes and treated myself to a mug of coffee.

"Oh yes," there was an amused edge to Ellie's tone as she shook her head. "And it's only gonna get worse."

"Oh please," I wandered over to give my lovely aunt a hug. "You love it. And you know it."

"Happy Birthday, Alexa," Jenna laughed warmly, shaking her head as she returned the hug. "Enjoying yourself already?"

"Damn straight," I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows before raising my voice. "Oh Jeremy, where is my birthday cuddle? Remember, it has to last 18 minutes."

"Oh hell no," I heard the kid mutter but he didn't have time to run. I grabbed him in my arms and held him close.

"Hmmm, love you kiddo," I hummed into his ear as he reluctantly returned the hug.

"You're lucky it's your birthday," he grumbled but he held me close. I felt his heart beating in his chest and enjoyed it. Learning that he had died and been brought back a couple of months ago had broken my heart. I refused to let him out of my sight for days. It was difficult when I was doing the same to Elena and Damon at the same time. But I managed it.

He was saved from a rude comment by Ric walking into the room. He had an easy smile on his face as he glanced around us, "Hey girls, Happy Birthday."

"Thanks Ric," I held my hand out for a fistbump, which was quickly granted, while Elena also gave her thanks. "You're just in time for pancakes."

"Well, thank god I made it," he laughed as I finally let Jeremy go, a few minutes earlier than I initially threatened. "Can't miss pancakes."

"Ellie would have gobbled them all before you got here," I agreed, enjoying the dirty look that my sister gave me. "Just like the chocolate chips that she has been sneaking."

"What?" that caught Jenna's attention and she glanced inside the packet. "Elena! You're just as bad as your sister."

My twin was quickly shooed out of the kitchen and over to the kitchen table. I couldn't hide my giggles as my twin crossed her arms and grumbled. It wasn't just because it was my birthday. I honestly felt good. I was in a good place now. Despite Stefan being MIA, I had managed to heal from everything. I was back to my old self and damn, I was enjoying it.

Jenna dished out the pancakes, giving me and Elena extra, before joining us at the table. I spent the meal making a nuisance of myself, enjoying the fact that I couldn't be scolded. Even if Elena did try it. But I quickly deflected her attention by telling her that Jeremy was trying to get himself fired. I knew that he didn't appreciated being forced to get a summer job. But it was good for him, especially since Bonnie was out of town with her dad's family.

After we finished eating, Jenna presented us with a box. I glanced down at it, "Jenna, I hope there is something magical in there, cos you know that Elena isn't very good at sharing."

"Yeah, I'm the one who is bad at sharing," Ellie muttered next to me, rolling her eyes while Jenna laughed.

"Open it," she urged, looking excited. I decided to indulge her and popped open the box. Two car keys sat inside and I let out a gasp.

"A car?" I looked between the three of them, all of who had happy smiles on their faces. "You got us a car?"

"Well, technically it was John's," Ric shrugged, as I grabbed one key, handing the other to Elena. "But we thought that you would make use of it. Especially since both of you can drive now."

"Damn straight," I beamed, spinning the key around my finger. Now I know that you are all surprised by that news. But over the summer, Damon had taught me how to drive. He insisted that me not knowing was a weakness. To be fair, he was the only one brave enough to actually take me out in a car. He even got me my license.

Once we had thanked our family with a group hug, Jeremy was shooed out of the door. He grumbled about it before saying that it was safer for him to be inside a building rather than out and about, now that I actually had a car to drive. I was in too much of a good mood to make him regret his comment. So I made a mental note to do so later.

While Ric went through the car safety rules with me, Elena's phone rang. She went to the other room to answer it, but I heard her mention Caroline's name before she disappeared.

"I know all about car safety, Ric," I rolled my eyes as the history teacher sighed when he noticed my lack of attention.

"Alexa, Damon was the one who taught you how to drive," he gave me a stern look, which I snorted at. "If he taught you how to be safe behind the wheel of a car, then I'll give up alcohol."

"Hey Jenna, looks like your boy is going tee-total," I rolled my neck to call over to my aunt. "Cos Damon told me himself that he wanted me to be safe. For my own sake. Not cos he cares about anyone else."

"Have you two admitted your feelings for each other yet?" Jenna asked as she approached, completely ignoring my previous words.

"Ugh, I wish," I sighed and pouted, tapping my nails against my mug. "Apparently we are both playing an elaborate game of chicken when it comes to initiating that conversation."

"How are you two still not together?" my aunt rolled her eyes and reached forward to tap my forehead. "You exchanged deathbed confessions and a goodbye kiss. Surely that made you both realise that you feel the same."

"Well, I don't actually know if he remembers what I said?" I winced, before elaborating at Jenna's confused look. "He was pretty far gone at the time. And I have no idea how much he actually remembers after Ellie and I got him home."

"Damn, that sucks," Ric gave me a sympathetic look which I shrugged away.

"It's cool, we'll get there some day," I smiled to show how fine I actually was.

"Hopefully sooner rather than later," Jenna mumbled and I rolled my eyes at her.

"Please tell me that you don't have a bet going as to when that actually happens," there was an uncomfortable silence and I narrowed my eyes. "Guys…"

They were saved from answering by my sister walking back into the kitchen, "What are you doing, anyway?"

"Don't think I've forgotten about this," I pointed my finger between the two, ignoring their relieved looks before turning to look at my sister.

"I never said yes in the first place," Ellie rolled her eyes and I just knew that she was talking about our party.

"She wants it really, Caroline," I yelled, knowing the vampire would hear me.

"Shut up, Lexa," my twin gently pushed my shoulder before returning to her conversation. "Did she find something?"

I watched with sharp eyes. I just knew that the conversation had turned to the elephant in the room. Sheriff Forbes had been a major help in trying to track down Stefan and Klaus. I knew that her and Damon had exchanged a shit-ton of secret conversations about it.

"And you're sure it's a vampire?" Elena asked as she reached out for my hand. I quickly gave it to her, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Doesn't mean it's not. I'll call her."

I made a mental note to make sure that I was there for that conversation. I always tried to be there when Ellie phoned someone up to ask about a lead. I knew that she would need my support, even if she wouldn't always admit it.

"Tell her thank you for her help," Ellie sat down next to me, keeping my hand in hers. She nodded along to something before, wincing, "Oh Caroline, wait, just… keep tonight small. Please?"

"Lol, that ain't gonna happen," I snorted into my coffee, getting far too much amusement from the resigned expression on my twin's face.

"Was that Stefan news?" Ric asked, exchanging a look with Jenna as Ellie rested her head on my shoulder.

"Could be more Klaus victims," Elena sighed and I patted her head.

"Are you certain that Stefan is still with him?" Jenna asked, reaching forward to pat her knee.

"Well, easy to be certain when the alternative is that he's dead," Ellie said bluntly and I winced. I could see Jenna and Ric exchanging another look.

"Um, Ellie, do I need to remind you that you said you wouldn't cry until cake?" I reached up to tap her nose, hoping that she wasn't already tearing up.

"I remember," she sighed, glancing up to give me a smile. "I won't cry."

"Good, cos that would really kill the mood."

XXX

Elena had been kind enough to let me drive to the Boarding House. Not only had we agreed to help Caroline set up our own party, Elena wanted to give her latest lead to Damon. I relished being able to drive, even if I had a nasty habit of driving a little bit too fast. Elena moaned at me while I drove, telling me to slow down. I just told her that she was a horrendous backseat driver. Then she moaned at me about that.

But I got us there in one piece. And that was the main thing. I might have been a little bit more reckless than normal, but I was eager to see Damon. Even if we were playing chicken with admitting our feelings, I still enjoyed being around him.

I ignored my sister as I opened the front door for us to walk through. She was berating me for the way I drove over. I knew that she would quickly get over it, but I let her moan. It was better that it didn't get all pent up. Because then she would just explode at a later time. And no one wanted that.

"Do we even know that Damon is here?" Elena asked as she eventually gave up on her little bitchfest.

"Well, he said he was, when we texted earlier," I shrugged when Elena closed the door behind her.

"Good morning," a very welcome voice greeted from behind us. We turned around and my brain short-circuited. For I saw the smirk, then I saw the bubbles, then I saw the most magnificent thing that I had ever seen in my life. I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. I knew that I was staring there with my mouth open and eyes wide. But Damon was naked. And that meant that I could see everything. Like Everything.

Oh.

Wow.

I could see the smirk on my vampire's face deepen. But I couldn't do anything to stop my staring. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Elena spin around with a groan of disgust.

"You heard us!" she snapped, keeping her back to the naked vampire. "You knew that we were here." She glanced to the side and rolled her eyes, "Oh for, Alexa!"

The next thing I knew, a hand was covering my eyes. Noooooo. How dare she block the amazing view. Because my god, it was mouthwatering. Like oh my fucking god. I had been depriving myself of that all this time? That strong body and amazing dick. Like fuck me. How stupid was I?

"You are such a killjoy," I grumbled to my sister as she forced me to turn around. My mean twin ignored my words as she kept an iron grip on the back of my head, forcing me to keep looking forward.

"You know, you should really learn to knock," I could hear the smirk in Damon's voice and that, combined with what I had just seen, made me want to melt into a pile of goo. God, my dry spell had lasted far too long. I needed to get laid.

My sister mumbled something rude under her breath while she covered her eyes with one hand. But not before giving me a stern look and releasing her grip on me. I knew better than to disobey that look, even if the view was worth it.

Elena reached forward to grab a blanket from the couch in front of us, left over from my latest Boarding House sleepover. With one hand still covering her eyes, she turned to the side so that she could throw the blanket at the vampire, with a stern order to cover up.

Ugh, I really didn't want him to cover up. Like at all. I was very much enjoying being able to oogle the body that I had been missing out on over the past few months. With an exaggerated sigh, Damon wrapped the blanket around his waist, rolling his eyes as he did so.

"Honestly, Elena, you are such a prude," the vampire tutted as he indicated that we could turn around now. I did so and was instantly disappointed that he was half covered now, even if I was expecting it. But at least I could admire the rest of his body. And that trail of hair that led down to the goodness beneath. Ugh, think of something else, Alexa, before you get horny. And you can't get yourself off in the Boarding House while the vampire was around.

"Sheriff Forbes gave us another location to check," Ellie was immediately all business as she pulled a piece of paper from her back pocket. "Memphis."

"Lol, they're knocking boots with Elvis," I snorted as I crossed my arms. I immediately wondered if I was showing too much cleavage with the move, since the neckline on this dress was quite low. But it would be weird if I immediately uncrossed my arms. So I tried to think of something else, even as Damon glanced over, a hungry look in his eyes as he glanced a little south of my eyes.

"Another dead-end you mean," the vampire rolled his eyes when he returned his attention back to my sister.

"You don't know that," Elena protested stubbornly, narrowing her eyes.

"You're right, Elena," Damon took the note from my sister's hand, glancing down at the writing before flicking it shut. "This could be the one. After almost two months, this could be the one clue that tells us that Stefan is alive and well and living in Graceland."

I knew that my sister had an unhappy look on her face. But I was too distracted by the water that dripped down Damon's body. It rolled down, drop at a time, drawing my attention to his abs, before disappearing below the blanket. And that immediately brought my thoughts back to what I had just seen.

"Fine," my twin snapped, snatching the note back. "I'll go by myself."

With that declaration, she turned in a huff and went to storm out. I sighed and shook my head before glancing over at Damon. He must have felt my gaze on him as he looked over. I gestured at my sister emphatically, indicating that he should fix this. He sighed but did as requested.

Speeding in front of her, he gently plucked the note from Elena's hand, "Right, and let Klaus know that you're tracking him. He thinks you're dead; let's keep it that way."

Elena had to concede that point as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, but that didn't stop her from fighting for Damon to take the note seriously, "It's a new lead, Damon; we haven't had one in a while."

"Okay," he nodded. "I'll check it out. If I find anything, I'll call you."

Ellie didn't like that idea, but before she could argue, Damon started to walk away. I knew that my sister would have chased after him, but as he made his way up the stairs, the vampire stared to undo the blanket around his waist. I was just able to see the top of his amazing ass before Elena tugged me out of view.

Ugh, I needed to get laid. And soon.

XXX

Caroline and Tyler had arrived not long after, bags and boxes in tow. I could see an unhappy look form on my sister's face at the sight of it all and snorted. Before we went to go volunteer to help them bring it all in, I couldn't resist elbowing her in the side with a smirk, "Maybe she just brought spares."

Elena gave me a dirty look but I ran out the house before she could say anything. I jogged over to my friends and held out my arms, "Hug me, Tyler."

"A please would be nice," he laughed while Caroline gave me a quick hug. After pressing a kiss to my cheek, she grabbed several of the bags and carried them inside.

"Oh shut up," I raised an eyebrow and shook my arms. "It's my birthday. You have to do as I say."

"I wondered how long it would take for you to play that card," Ty shook his head but stepped forward to give me a hug. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. "Happy Birthday, Alex."

"Hmmm, thank you," I hummed in response, enjoying the hug from my dear friend. It was a feeling that I would never get used to, not now. After Tyler had escaped the sacrifice, thanks to Damon, we had repaired our friendship. It took a lot of apologizing and crying on both sides. But we were back to a good place. And I would never take that for granted again.

"Stop hugging and help me bring all of this in and set up!" Caroline yelled at us from within the Boarding House and I sighed.

"Think she will kill us if we ignore her?" I muttered into Tyler's chest.

He laughed, "Oh definitely. Come on birthday girl, let's follow our orders."

"Ugh, I suppose so," I huffed as my friend let go. "But this party better be worth it."

"Caroline organized it," Tyler laughed as he picked up a couple of boxes. "It's gonna be epic."

I paused for a moment before shrugging and grabbing some bags, "Yeah, you're right. She is the best party planner ever."

"Yes I am," Care agreed with a bright smile as we joined the blonde and my sister in the parlor. "So let's get going."

"Yes ma'am," I saluted her before laughing as she shooed me away. While the others started setting stuff up, I volunteered to get drinks for everyone. Caroline knew what I was doing, but she let me disappear to the kitchen. Especially after I promised to make milkshakes for everyone.

I hummed as I got everything ready. Over the past few weeks, I had started stocking up the Boarding House kitchen to my liking. Which meant that I knew exactly what they had and where it was. Damon grumbled about it on occasion, but I knew that he enjoyed the results of it.

"So I see that you have taken over my home," Damon's voice behind me had me smiling. It also made me think of the View, which had me biting my lip.

"Just wait til later," I laughed, turning around to look at him. Damon was, unfortunately, fully clothed. But he still looked absolutely delicious. Especially with his hair grown out. It was longer than when he first arrived in town. And it looked like it was the perfect length for me to tug on. Ugh, no, Alexa, think of something else. "It'll be properly taken over then."

"Why did I agree to hosting this?" the vampire sighed and shook his head, but I could see the smile on his face.

"Because you're a sucka," I snorted, shaking my head as I placed a hand on my hip.

"Hmm, yes I am," I glanced up, surprised at Damon's agreement with my words. But the little shit had his fangs out as he stalked closer.

"Don't you dare!" I giggled as I darted to the side. But I wasn't quick enough. The vampire wrapped an arm around my waist and lifted my feet from the ground.

"I'm only doing what you said," Damon purred into my ear as his fangs scrapped against my neck. It really shouldn't have turned me on as much as it did. But the feel of it had my body tingling. But before anything else could happen, like long overdue confessions, a voice from the other room interrupted us.

"Alexa, where are those milkshakes?" Caroline yelled, breaking the moment. I groaned internally as we were interrupted. I was enjoying this closeness with Damon. Even if we were at a stalemate when it came to admitting our feelings properly, we had never been closer.

"They're on their way!" I shouted back as Damon put me down. I turned around to look at him, "Well, that was rude of her."

"Well, that's Caroline," he smirked as he brushed my hair from my face, his fingers dragging down my cheek as he did so. "I'm going out. Try not to break anything while I'm gone."

"Now that feels like I challenge," I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows. It got me what I wanted.

Damon rolled his eyes and tapped my nose before disappearing. Oh shit, Alexa, deep breaths. You can't die from horniness on your birthday. But I would have to find a release soon. Shaking my head, I gathered up the milkshakes and returned to the parlor.

I must have interrupted a conversation as Elena was saying, "I feel like I have to fight Damon every single time we get a lead on Stefan. Sometimes it takes Alexa getting involved to make him listen."

"Maybe he doesn't want to find him," Tyler shrugged as I handed out the drinks.

"Tyler!" Caroline gasped at the werewolf in shock, indicating that his words were not welcome.

"What?" the boy shrugged, not realizing what he said was bad. "It's common knowledge that Stefan didn't approve of Damon's friendship with Alexa. So why would he bring back that obstacle?"

"Oh shit, how did I manage to get involved in this?" I muttered as I sat down at the dining table. I filled with a packet of napkins, pretending that I was being helpful.

"The only reason that Stefan left with Klaus was so that he could save Damon's life," Elena sighed, shaking her head. "Trust me, Damon wants to find Stefan. No matter what his thoughts are on a certain relationship that needs to get it's but into gear."

"I'm really not appreciating this friendly fire," I rolled my eyes, looking at the painting of a random person for sympathy. I knew that I wouldn't get any from the people in the room with me.

"But Alexa kissed him," Tyler's words had me choking on my milkshake. "I really don't think he will risk Stefan getting in the middle of that."

"Oh my god, does everyone know about that?" I exclaimed once I had finished choking. "I tell one person, Elena! And now everyone knows. Seriously, not cool."

"Sorry," Caroline winced as she glanced over at me. Elena repeated the gestures and I waved my hand at them.

"It's cool, I've just gotta get some dirt on the two of you," I shook my head at them before look at Tyler. "Yes, I kissed him. But trust me, Damon isn't worried about Stefan trying to stop anything from happening. He was actively trying to get me to admit my feelings towards the end."

Tyler didn't look convinced but Elena walked out of the room before he could say anything, muttering, "I missed a call from Bonnie. I'll be right back."

Caroline watched as my twin left the room before turning around and hissing, "Just because I tell you things doesn't mean that you're allowed to know them!"

"Um, Care," I waved at the vampire, catching her attention. "I'm still here."

"Whoops," she laughed, shaking her head. I couldn't help but laugh in return. God, I loved my friends. Even if they were idiots.

XXX

Since it was easier, we decided to just get ready at the Boarding House. Once Caroline was happy that everything was set up to her standards, she got out her makeup kit, determined to make us look hot. While she got set up, I poured out champagne for us. While we weren't legally allowed to drink, it was our birthday. And it was as good an excuse as any to take a break from my sobriety.

Because it had been far too long since I last had an alcoholic drink. After my little meltdown and Damon's brush with death, I had decided to fully embrace sobriety. It wasn't that hard, once I ignored the itching under my skin. Nah, that's a lie. It was fucking hard. But I got my family to support me while doing so. And it helped that with Klaus gone, Elena wasn't in any obvious danger.

Despite my alcoholic tendencies, I didn't want to completely give it up. Even though that would have been the sensible thing to do. I knew that I was easily addicted and that taking a break from sobriety, even for a day, could be dangerous. But I was a social drinker. And I was weak. So I abstained for the most part, only drinking on special occasions.

Damon had offered to compel the addiction out of my head, but I knew that I couldn't take the easy way out. It was important that I actually defeated this demon, even if I took a break from it every now and then. But I appreciated the thought. Not that it stopped him being a little shit and offering me a drink every five minutes. But that was Damon, and I wouldn't want to change him.

"So, Alexa," Caroline started and immediately rolled my eyes as I recognised her tone. It was one that meant that she was searching for gossip. "What has it been like between you and Damon since your little deathbed confession?"

"Caroline," I looked over at my sister for help but she just shook her head, a cheeky smile on her face. "You've asked me this a thousand times. And I've given you the same answer a thousand times. What makes you think that this time will be any different?"

"Because," the vampire glanced up from where she was making sure my manicure was still intact. "If I win the bet, I'll split my winnings with you."

"I knew there was a bet!" I declared loudly, using my free hand to point between the two. "I just knew it! Who started it? What's the prize? I demand answers, people!"

"Who clued her in on it?" Care rolled her eyes at my sister while I glanced between them, silently demanding answers to my questions.

"Jenna has a terrible poker face," Elena answered, but you could hear the amusement in her voice. I narrowed my eyes at her. She wasn't surprised by the bet. Which meant that she had been involved in it. Despite her depressed state over Stefan, my darling twin sister had found the time to join in on the bet over my relationship with Damon.

"I hate you all," I grumbled, slumping back in my seat as I realised that my questions wouldn't be answered.

"Love you too, Lexa," Care laughed as she tugged me forward, content that my nails were still in good condition. "Now are you going to continue pouting or will you let me do your makeup?"

I paused to consider the offer. Pouting was my immediate thought, because then I might have been able to guilt them into giving me the answers I wanted. But on the other hand, getting Caroline to do my makeup for me was a major win. It meant that I didn't have to do it myself. So I was able to indulge my lazy side as well as ensuring that I looked hot for my party.

"Ugh, fine, you win," I rolled my eyes and shuffled closer to the blonde. "Make me look pretty."

"Alexa, I'm going to make you so hot that Damon won't be able to keep his hands off of you," Care declared, shooting a smug look over at my sister. I had a sneaky suspicion that she had picked today as her selection in the bet. Because she was being awfully pushy about me finally hooking up with Damon today.

"Just don't make me look like slutty Sophie," I mumbled as the vampire worked on me. "Speaking of, have you and Tyler fucked each other yet?"

"Alexa!" Caroline looked scandalized and I felt triumphant.

"What?" I shrugged, putting on my best innocent look. "It's obvious that you two like each other and you've spent almost every second together this summer. You should just go for it."

"But what about Matt?" Care protested softly, looking like she couldn't think of a better argument.

"Invite him along too?" I shrugged a shoulder, making sure to keep my face still. "Care, trust me, UST sucks and dragging it out will only get painful."

"Well, you would know," the blonde sighed before raising her eyebrow at me. "You are physically incapable of admitting your feelings for someone without waiting several months first."

"I feel like I'm being picked on too much," I muttered before raising my voice. "Elena, give me some support here. Defend your sister."

Silence followed my words and I twitched my mouth down into a frown. Where was she? Why was she ignoring my request for backup? I would have turned around to look for her, but the vampire in front of her had a firm grip on my head, keeping me still so she could work on my makeup.

"Elena went to go shower and wash her hair," Caroline told me, her voice warm with amusement. "She did say before she left."

"Huh, must have missed that," I rolled my eyes under my eyelids. "Guess I was too busy being picked on."

"Alexa, you're so dramatic," Care laughed and I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"It's why you love me, Care-Bear."

XXX

I retreated up to Damon's room to get dressed. I smoothed down the smooth fabric as I admired myself in the mirror. I had gone for a deep maroon dress, one that clung to my body and emphasized every curve. It hung off the shoulder and, not gonna lie, it made my boobs look good. My vervain locket, a little memento from Stefan, while my new bracelet decorated my wrist. The silver matched my brand-new pumps.

My hair lung loose, the natural wave making it curl around my face. I had to admit, as much as I loved my short hair, I had missed having longer hair. It wasn't too long; the ends brushed my shoulders, were the perfect length for a certain someone to run their hands through it, I was able to do stuff with it and I had my natural wave back. All in all, I was happy that I had let it grow out again.

"Someone's looking happy," I glanced in the mirror and saw Damon leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed for the party, sticking to his usual black. But it looked like he had picked one of his fancier shirts. It was the little things.

"Well, duh, it's my birthday," I beamed at him in the mirror as I swished my skirt. "And I managed to manipulate Elena into having a party. It's been a very successful day so far."

"And it's only going to get better," Damon gave me one of his special smiles as he walked over to me, reaching into his back pocket. His movement had me glancing down, and my cheeks burned as I remembered the last time I saw him. And that he was naked. Oh god, now I'm feeling horny again.

"What are you up to?" I asked, my eyes fixed upon the box that he held out. My mind burned with curiosity as I tried to work out what he could have gotten me. I had refused to answer him when he asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I knew that my sister had told him not to buy anything for her. So I tried to stick to the same. Even if it was a struggle.

"I had this made back in 1864, before I met Katherine," my vampire explained softly, his eyes capturing mine. "It's something that I've kept over the years, looking for the right person to give it to." I stared up at him with wide eyes as he opened the box, revealing the treasure within, "Happy Birthday, Alexa."

A ring was sat inside the box. The stone within was a light sapphire, encased in silver. The ring was some fancy twist design, but it emphasized the mesmerizing stone. The colour of it reminded me so strongly of Damon's eyes. And I loved it.

"Oh, Damon," I whispered softly as I glanced up at him, my eyes wide. "I love it. Oh my god."

"I'm glad," he gave me that smile that he reserved just for me as he slid it onto my finger. "It looks good on you."

"It's so pretty," I breathed as I held it up, admiring the way it shined in the light. "Oh thank you so much."

I threw my arms around his neck and hugged my vampire tight. He immediately wrapped his arms around me in return and held me close to his delectable body. I relaxed into his embrace and rested my head against his shoulder, making sure to be careful of my makeup. I loved moments like this, where Damon was relaxed and able to show his soft side. Like giving me a ring that was like the exact colour of his eyes. It was a little something to remind me of him.

"You looking forward to your party?" my vampire asked when he pulled back, leaving me feel cold. I cursed myself as I failed to pull up the courage to start The Conversation. I knew that he returned my feelings, as I definitely didn't imagine those words. But I guessed that I worried that he regretted his confession.

"Yeah, I am," I smiled, shrugging a shoulder as I ran my hand through my hair. "People celebrating me? It'll be amazing. Especially after the year I've had."

Damon laughed, it was all throaty and it had my body tingling, "You do love to be the center of attention."

"Only when it suits me," I laughed in return, adjusting my new ring. "And since I couldn't really celebrate last year, I'm gonna be making the most of tonight."

"You pausing your sobriety for the night then," my Damon stepped closer and adjusted my necklace. His touch had my body tingling, and every breath had my chest brushing against his. I knew that if he glanced down, he would get a perfect view of my cleavage.

"Damn straight," I shook my head, refusing to feel ashamed. "I think I've earnt a night of guilt free drinking. Jeremy even said that he might bring some weed. But don't tell Elena that I said that. Cos she will kill him and then he will kill me."

"My lips are sealed," Damon smirked, tapping his lips with his finger. Of course, that immediately drew my gaze to them. It took all of my will power to stop myself from leaning forward and just kissing him. I knew that it would be a bad idea. We would need to actually have a conversation before any kissing could happen.

An amused cough from the doorway was the only thing that stopped me. God, my will power was definitely waning. And I honestly didn't know if that was a good thing or not. I cleared my throat and stepped away from Damon, tucking my hands behind my back.

Elena stood by the door; her arms crossed as she shook her head. She looked gorgeous in her white, lacy dress. I spied her necklace from Stefan resting around her neck. I wondered who had found it. The last we saw it, Katherine was wearing it when she was abducted by Klaus after Isobel betrayed her.

"Ready to go?" she asked, stepping away from the doorframe and holding out her arm.

"Always," I smiled, stepping forward to grab her hand and giving it a squeeze.

XXX

Damon escorted us downstairs for the party, a twin on each arm. Even before we reached the top of the stairs, we could hear the music thumping. Caroline had insisted on being in charge of the playlist and had refused to take no for an answer. But since she had good choice in music, I wasn't too worried about what she had picked.

I beamed as I looked over the banister to the party below. It was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was loud, fun and the perfect distraction from everything that had happened. Like I said to Damon, we deserved to have this. After the sacrifice, after losing John, after dying three times, we deserved to have a party where people celebrated us.

I caught a glimpse of Tyler dancing with Sophie in the crowd, Caroline lurking around the edges of the crowd. Her head kept turning in Tyler's direction, even if she wandered around, probably making sure that everything was running smoothly.

Jenna met us at the bottom of the stairs, a wide smile on her face while Ric lurked behind her. Our aunt's presence had me pausing for just a moment, before Damon encouraged me to keep moving.

"Jenna, how nice to see you," I beamed as Elena let go of the vampire's arm to give our aunt a hug. "Wasn't expecting to see you here tonight."

"Alexa," Jenna laughed as she pulled me into a hug. "It almost sounds like you don't want me here."

"Well," I darted out of Jenna's reach and hide behind Damon. "It was supposed to be an adult free zone tonight."

"Doesn't Damon count as an adult?" the smug look in my aunt's gaze had me narrowing my eyes. "So why is he still here?"

"Uh, for reasons," I frantically scanned my brain for a reasonable excuse, smirking when I found one. "Cos he owns the place, innit. Makes sense that he would want to be here. Especially since he is uber precious about all of the junk decorating the place."

"It isn't junk," Damon glanced behind me to raise an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes at him.

"It's a load of junk and you know it," I scoffed before grabbing Elena's hand. "Now, if you would all excuse us, we have to be greeted by our friends."

I led my sister down the corridor to the entrance to the parlor, but I could hear the adults following me. I could sense the gleefully smug look on Jenna's face and studiously ignored her. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of admitting that Damon was only here because I wanted him to be.

As we walked, various people wished us a "Happy Birthday", calling out different greetings as we did so. It felt like our entire class from school had come. Including some from the year above. I spied a lot of Luke's old friends through the crowd and couldn't stop myself from smiling. Even though Luke had been dead for a while, a fact that no longer made my heart want to break in two, his friends had still made the effort to check in. It was something that warmed my heart, even when I was going through my depressive phase.

I knew why a lot of them had come. This was the mysterious Salvatore Boarding House. No one ever came here. Zach Salvatore had always been a recluse when he was alive and the brothers had kept up the mysterious air of the house. It was only our little group that had been over. The few friends that Stefan had made at school had only ever met up with him around town.

We smiled at everyone who greeted us, I exchanged fist bumps with some while just waving at others. When we came to a stop at the top of the stairs down into the parlor, my twin narrowed her eyes at me. I just smiled back unapologetically. I knew that deep down; my sister would enjoy this. She just had to admit it to herself first.

I felt a hand settle on my back and glanced over. Damon stared down at me with a raised eyebrow. But a smirk tugged at his lips and I smiled up at him.

"Is it what you wanted?" he asked and I glanced around the room before nodding.

"It's amazing," I laughed before someone else caught his attention. A group of girls walked past us up the stairs, and one of them had a bottle in her hand. I recognised the bottle and wondered where she had found it. I had hidden most of the good bottles, getting Tyler to do the rest of them before he left. Guess the dumb-dumb had forgotten one.

"Oh, hey, hey, hey, hey," Damon stopped the girl, his hand on the bottle to get her attention. "You don't want that." I knew he was compelling her when he said his next words. "You want the cheap young stuff over by the cheap young people."

While I knew that it was a Bad use of compulsion, as per the rules set out by our darling Stefan, it was hilarious. Especially when the girl just nodded with a vague smile on her face and followed her friends. Damon took a swig of the bottle, looking incredibly satisfied, before passing it over.

I took a mouthful before spotting Caroline approaching us through the crowd. She caught my eye and I took another swig, keeping eye contact with her. Care rolled her eyes at the challenge but the smile on her face showed that she didn't care.

"You like it?" the blonde asked when she came to a stop in front of us, an excited look on her face. She caught a glimpse of Elena's unimpressed look and quickly added. "Actually, don't answer that."

"I love it, Care," I beamed, enjoying the way Caroline's eyes lit up. "Seriously, you did amazingly."

"This is keeping it small?" Elena had to burst the bubble as she glanced around. But it didn't work. Care and I just exchanged a look before giggling. Ellie rolled her eyes and failed at hiding the smile that wanted to form on her face. "What are we drinking?"

I passed the bottle back to Damon with a bright smile before Caroline took my arm. She grabbed my sister with the other before leading us through the crowd to the drinks table.

XXX

After Caroline had made sure that we had our drinks, she took us on a tour of the house. The main party was the first floor, but it didn't take a genius to realise that people would be sneaking upstairs. Luckily, Damon had had the foresight to lock the door to his and Stefan's rooms. Caroline had done the same to the basement earlier.

The parlor was dancing central where the music was blasting from. It also housed the beer pong contest, which I made a mental note to join in on later. It had been so long since I last played beer pong and I was eager to get back into the game. The kitchen was where the food was at and it smelt so good. There was so much pizza and I just knew that I was going to have to go to the gym for a week to burn off the amount that I would eat. Cos it was not gonna be a pretty sight.

The next room was the study and we were hit with a certain aroma.

"Oh, the Stoner den," Caroline wrinkled her nose at the smell while I breathed in deep. It had been a while since I lit up and I did kinda miss it. It was a nice feeling and I missed the social aspect of it. "Buzzkill."

I was about to mutter something unflattering about Elena when a certain blue-eyed honey stumbled over to us, a large smile on his face. I shook my head at Matt when he had to rest a hand on my shoulder to keep himself steady.

"Hey guys," he beamed, looking between me and my sister. It was obvious that he was ignoring Caroline and the sad look in her eye proved that she had noticed.

"Hey Mattie," I laughed as he pressed a sloppy kiss to my cheek. I playfully batted him away, enjoying the cheeky look in his eye. I had missed talking to Matt. In a way, while it was sad that he had to know the truth about the bad things in the world, I was glad that he knew now. It meant that I didn't have to feel guilty about secrets when talking to him. And I did my best to help him through finding out.

"Matt, hey!" Elena laughed as he leant forward to give her a kiss too. Elena brushed brightly as Matt wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. He did the same to me and held our heads close together.

"Happy Birthday, twins," he smiled lazily, his high obvious in his eyes. But for the first time in a while, he looked like he was at peace. So I didn't care that he had gotten that through smoking weed. We all had our vices. I just hoped that Matt would talk to me if he needed to.

"Thanks, Mattie," I pressed a kiss to his cheek, enjoying the way he ducked his head. Matt had always been one to shy away from PDA and not even his high could keep him going forever. It was honestly adorable and I loved the way his cheeks flared red.

"Thank you," Ellie smiled softly as Matt gave us one last squeeze. After letting go, he gave us a nod before stumbling from the room. I hoped that he was going to get some food but I knew that he had some football buddies in the area who would help him if needed.

"He hates me," Caroline declared sadly as she stared after her ex. "His hatred of me has driven him to drugs!"

I couldn't stop myself from snorting at that, but I immediately apologized. I promise that it was just the way that she phrased it. I quickly pulled Care into a hug and patted her head to make her feel better.

"He doesn't hate you," Ellie was quick to add, rolling her eyes at my big mouth. "He hates that he's not with you." She paused, something over my shoulder catching her attention. "Is that our brother?"

I turned around to follow her gaze to see Jeremy chilling on one of the sofas. He had a joint in hand and a chilled look on his face. The kid even had the foresight to have a bowl of chips in front of him, open salsa sat next to it.

Well shit, Jeremy's buzz was about to be murdered. Sorry kiddo, not much that I could do. Not even the fact that it was our birthday could save him. Elena sighed and held her drink out to the blonde. Caroline took it without prompting as Elena started to march over to Jeremy, muttering a "Thank you," as she went.

We watched her, Caroline sipping at her vodka and orange juice. Ellie had her hands on her hips as she stood behind Jeremy, waiting for him to notice her. The blonde glanced over at me, "Aren't you going to go over too?"

"Ugh, I suppose I should," I rolled my eyes as I downed my whiskey and cola. "Before they get into a fight and it ruins the night."

I passed Care my empty glass before wandering over, wondering if there was way that I could get out of it. But I knew that Jer would need backup. And, since I was an amazing sister, I was the only one who could give it.

In that time, Jeremy had spotted Elena. They spoke quietly, but there was a fierceness there. Ellie had her arms crossed while Jer pouted angrily. I rolled my eyes and slumped down onto the arm of the sofa next to him.

"Alexa, confiscate that," my sister ordered me when I appeared, gesturing at the joint.

"Okay," I shrugged, plucking it from the kid's hand. He glared at me before Elena started lecturing him again. He hissed stuff back, but it was disjointed, showing that he had been smoking for a while. I snorted when he called Elena a "blackhole of fun" and took a drag on the joint. Damn, this was good shit. No wonder Jeremy was a bit gone.

Elena noticed my movement and gave me an annoyed look, "Alexa!"

I just shrugged at her, "Happy Birthday, twinnie."

XXX

After my shameful attempt at defending Jeremy, Elena had dragged me outside to the adults. I think she was hoping that one of them would be able to talk some sense into me and Jeremy. But she was sorely mistaken. Ric and Damon were sat outside on the wall by the front door, making their way through one of Damon's better bottles of scotch. Jenna was just useless. Her little girl gang of wine buddies had arrived. She sat with Andie, Vanessa and Meredith on the grass, surrounded by a couple of empty bottles of wine.

"I am every parent's worst nightmare," Ric was sighing as we approached, shaking his head as he took another sip of scotch. "I am the chaperone teacher from hell."

Well, it's not like we asked him to chaperone. He was invited because he was family. And someone needed to make sure that Jenna didn't drown herself in wine. Because that was an honest danger. Especially since she had decided against using a glass and was just necking it from the bottle. Lol, I loved my aunt.

"I love high school parties," Damon smirked and my tummy did a little flip. I knew that the weed had lowered my inhibitions, especially since I had managed to finish most of the joint while Elena was acting all responsible. And that was bad news, because it meant that I was likely to do something stupid. Like blurt out how attractive Damon was looking. Or how much I loved his longer hair. Or how good his lips felt against mine even though he was dying at the time.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" I announced our presence with a laugh as Ellie dragged me through the front door, forcing me to come to a stop in front of them. I took a second to find my balance again, the fuzziness of the high ruining my ability to walk in my pumps. But I managed it, even if I was aided by my sister.

"Well, hello Birthday Girls," my vampire wiggled his eyebrows at me and I smirked back. I saw his eyes hone in on my legs as my dress swished around my thighs, showing a scandalous amount. I felt my cheeks warm up in a blush and deliberately looked around, hoping the cool night air would help me calm down.

"Drink," Elena ordered, holding her hand out for a glass. Damon exchanged a look with me and I shrugged, indicating that he should hand it over. Ellie immediately downed the glass and shook her head.

"Holy shit," I whispered, and failed cos it was actually quite loud. "I've driven her to drink."

Damon snorted at me while my twin gave me a dirty look, "Jeremy's smoking again and Alexa is encouraging him."

"I just said that he should enjoy my party!" I protested loudly, catching Jenna's attention.

"What's happening over there?" she slurred as she tried to climb to her feet.

"Nothing, Jenna," I called over, giving her one of my sweetest smiles. "Elena is trying to break the party rules."

Our aunt rolled her eyes and slumped back down to the ground, "Ric, deal with it."

"Dare I ask what the party rules are?" Damon glanced at me and I could see the amusement in his eyes, even if he exaggerated weariness.

"Cos it's my birthday," I started, only to be interrupted by my twin.

"Our birthday," Elena rolled her eyes at me while Ric topped up the glass in her hand.

"Whatevz," I waved off her interruption. "Like I was saying, cos of the party and the fact that I am one of the guests of honor, I'm allowed to drink if I want to. And I can also smoke some weed if I want to."

"I'm sure that last part wasn't of the agreement," Ric piped up and I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah it was," I protested, while knowing that it actually wasn't. "And as the birthday girl, if I say Jeremy can smoke, then he can smoke."

"Is his stash any good?" Damon asked before Elena could say what was on her mind.

"Lol it's amazing," I had a blissful look on my face as I remembered how good the joint was. "I'll try and get the name of his supplier."

"Can I get a new twin for my birthday?" Ellie sighed at Ric and I nudged her, making sure not to spill her drink.

"Oh please," I smirked at her and placed a sloppy kiss on her cheek, enjoying the way she squirmed away. "You would miss me too much."

"Ugh, I hate you," she rolled her eyes but wrapped her arm around my shoulders. She passed Damon his glass back before looking over at Ric. "Can you talk to him, please? Just to make sure that everything is okay? He looks up to you."

"Ellie, let's go dance," I demanded, using my grip on my twin to drag her back inside, giving Damon a bright smile before we left.

"I can't believe you are high on our birthday," Elena laughed, finally letting her sense of humor out to play.

"I can't believe you're not," I giggled, swinging my sister into my arms as we reached the dancefloor. "That is seriously rude."

"Oh I am so sorry," my rude twin rolled her eyes at me. "Why don't we go back to Jeremy to get some more weed?"

"For realz?" I gasped dramatically, enjoying the look of amused annoyance on my sister's face. "Let's go."

I went to let go of my sister but she tightened her hold on me and laughed, "No, Lexa, not for realz."

"Spoilsport," I snorted, shaking my head and poking her side. But her laughter warmed my heart. She had spent so long worrying about Stefan, that I was worried that she wouldn't enjoy today. And she deserved to, more than anyone. She was the one facing actual death, it was only pure luck that I managed to get her back. Each day since the sacrifice had been a treasured one, where I felt blessed to still have my sister in my life. So the fact that she was enjoying our eighteenth birthday meant a lot to me.

XXX

Elena was soon distracted by a very happy Jenna, so I used the opportunity to steal Tyler from his dance partner. Sophie gave me a dirty look when I did so, but I didn't care. It was my birthday and if I wanted to dance with my older brother, then I would do so.

So I banished her over to the drinks table and wrapped my arms around Tyler's waist. He laughed and pulled me close, so we could talk over the music. Although, considering the next words out of my mouth, he probably regretted that decision.

"So why are you and Caroline still dancing around your feelings for each other?" I asked into his ear, giggling as my ticklish spot was jabbed.

"Why are you and Damon still doing it?" Tyler retorted with a raised eyebrow, looking very proud of his point.

I snorted and shook my head, "Because we are idiots. Seriously, don't follow our example. It is not a good one. We'd still be waiting for the initial confession if it weren't for your little nip." Tyler winced and I patted his head. "Don't worry about it. At least Damon is still with us."

"Yeah, but Stefan isn't," Ty sighed, shaking his head before leaning forward to rest it on my shoulder.

I cooed in his ear and pulled him close, "Hey, he's still alive. And we'll get him back. And then it'll be like nothing ever happened."

"I just feel so bad," my bro groaned, looking at me with his big brown eyes. "This is all my fault. Stefan wouldn't be gone if it wasn't for me."

"Uh, no," I grabbed his chin to force him to look me in the eye. "This is Klaus' fault. Cos he is a stupid idiot and he will die painfully, when I get the chance."

"I see your murderous tendencies are still thriving," Ty snorted but he looked like he was starting to believe my words. I had repeated them to him nearly every week since Stefan left town with Klaus. And I would keep on repeating them until he actually believed me. I was just as stubborn as he was, and he knew it.

"The different plans to take him out have been spinning around my mind ever since I learnt his name," I shrugged casually, not at all ashamed of it. One day, I would get my revenge. Even if I no longer needed to worry about fulfilling the terms of my deal with Katherine, I wanted Klaus to pay for what he did. I got my sister back, but that didn't matter. He tried to take her from me in the first place, and he would pay for that.

"I'm not surprised," Tyler laughed, shaking his head at me before ruffling my hair. I pushed his hands away, pouting as I tried to fix my hair. I had put a lot of effort into looking hot tonight, I refused to let Ty ruin that cos he was feeling like being a little shit.

"Oh shut up, you," I laughed, pushing his head away while he was giving me a shit-eating grin. But I was glad that he was feeling better. I wanted him to enjoy my party. Tyler deserved to have a good time, especially since he got fucked over once a month by his curse.

We danced for a bit longer, until Sophie started giving me more murderous looks. So I let Tyler return to his date, pretending that I had to go mingle with my other guests. Tyler took me at my word and happily returned to Sophie. While I didn't like her, I knew that Tyler was desperate and horny. So I let him have his fun.

I made my way through the crowd, spying Elena disappearing up the stairs as I went. But I let her go. I knew that my sister always needed a breather during a party and if it helped her, then I would let her take as much time as she needed.

So as the Gilbert representative, I made my way through the partying teens, stopping to talk to others as needed. But eventually I made my way to the patio doors, escaping outside. With the amount of bodies packed inside, even the old Boarding House building was starting to get hot.

I walked over to the railing and rested my forearms against it. The cool air felt good against my heated skin and I sighed. I was loving my party, but I also forgot how exhausting they were. Especially when you were the center of attention.

I shook my head and stretched my arms above my head. Ugh, that feeling of cracking your neck was just amazing. I stayed like that a bit longer, arms over my head, my hair moving gently in the light breeze.

I was just about to go back inside when I heard movement behind me. I silently cursed to myself as I realised that I had managed to isolate myself outside. I had no idea if Damon was still out front. I would be fucked if he wasn't, because I couldn't guarantee that even his super hearing would be able to hear me over the music.

Clenching my hand into a fist, I spun around, fist raised, looking for the noise. But there was no one there. I stayed like that for a moment, remembering everything that Ric had taught me about hunting vampires. You needed to be patient, because if you acted recklessly, then you would die.

Seconds passed and I dared not to breathe. But the ground ahead of me was still empty. So I dared to risk running inside. If there was something out here with me, then it wouldn't want to go inside a full house. And that way I could find Ric or Damon, or even Caroline, and get some back up.

But before I could move, a hand covered my mouth. I went to scream, praying that one of my vampires could hear me, only to freeze as I recognised a familiar ring on the hand in front of me.

Stefan?

XXX

I had been abducted by Stefan. On my birthday. My sister's boyfriend, my dear friend, who had been MIA for the past two months, had reappeared, on my birthday, to kidnap me. This shit was fucked up.

Stefan had abandoned me on the clocktower in the middle of town. Without my vervain necklace. The little shit had grabbed it the moment he put me down and compelled me not to move until he told me otherwise. He had left me right by the edge and, of course, I couldn't stop myself from looking down. It wasn't until you saw it from the top that you realised just how tall the tower was. Like, it was nausea inducing and I suddenly regretted all of those Jager bombs that I had drank.

"Stefan!" I hissed quietly, scared of making too much noise in case I tipped over in my pumps. "What the fuck are you doing? We've spent ages looking for you and you return home to do this?" A thought occurred to me and I gasped, "Is this revenge for those 'you're gonna eat me' jokes? Cos I was only joking."

There was a gush of air and Stefan suddenly stood next to me. He gripped me chin with his fingers and forced me to look him in the eye. There was a darker look in Stefan's eyes, one that I hadn't seen since his brief bout of human blood drinking earlier in the year. My stomach squeezed uncomfortably as a nasty thought occurred to me. All those bodies Elena had been hearing about, she had been so convinced that Klaus was the one killing them. But was it Stefan as well?

"This is the only way, Alexa," the vampire said forcefully and despite the dark look in his eyes, I could see the regret swirling in those green depths. "If I don't do this, then he will kill you all. And discover that Elena is still alive."

My mind went blank and I couldn't think of what to say. He was doing this to protect us? I didn't understand, not properly. But maybe that was because I didn't want to. We were hoping that we would track down Stefan and bring him home. But it was like he was saying that he didn't want to come home. Or that he couldn't.

"Stefan," I whispered softly, wishing that I could hug him. "Come home."

He sighed and shook his head before returning his gaze to mine. Within a moment, that sick feeling of compulsion took over, "I wish I could, Alexa. But if I leave Klaus before he allows me, then he will follow me back here. He will kill everyone I have tried so hard to protect. So I have to stay with him, even if it means becoming something that I never wanted to be."

I could feel myself tearing up, "I miss you, Stefan."

"I miss you too, Alexa," the look in his eye was the one that I remembered. "But you have to forget that, for your own safety. Don't say anything until I tell you to."

I blinked and suddenly, I was alone. I remembered Stefan standing next to me, and giving me my orders. But other than that, it was all a blur. And one that I had experienced before, he had compelled me to forget something. Which sucked as I knew that I would never be able to figure it out unless Stefan told me about it.

Movement below caught my attention and my heart clenched in relief. Damon was here, and he was going to safe me. Again. But I didn't care. He was here for me and I opened my mouth to yell for him. Only to pause when I couldn't. No sound was leaving my mouth. Had Stefan compelled me to not speak? That little shit, I hoped Damon beat the crap out of him before we locked him in the basement.

"Alexa?" Damon called my name as he looked around the square. "Where are you?"

I so desperately wanted to reply. For him to sweep me into his arms and look after me. But I couldn't make a sound and it was killing me.

Damon's phone rang and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing down at the screen before answering, "Party Central."

My vampire continued to walk around the area, his sharp eyes scanning the alleys branching off, "Umm, by the… punch bowl." Whoever was calling him must have said something sharp as Damon winced before making his excuses, "Oh… oh, I gotta, gotta go break up beer pong."

I rolled my eyes and wondered who he had just pissed off while he tucked his phone back into his pocket. Either way, his attention was back on looking for me. I couldn't even twitch my finger; I was utterly powerless and I hated it. I had spent so much time over the summer making sure that I would never be powerless again.

Damon paused at the stairs and knelt down to pick something up. My necklace glinted in the lamplight, my phone next to it. Well, at least it wasn't lost. Positives, right? My vampire turned slowly and stared into the darkness, "Stefan."

The younger vampire stepped into the light, a stern expression on his face, "Hello brother."

I didn't need to see Damon's face to know that he was smirking, "You don't write, you don't call."

Stefan didn't take the bait, his face remained stern, "Need you to stop following me. Causing some problems."

"With who?" my vampire scoffed, shaking his head. "Klaus? Are we supposed to care what he thinks?"

I had to agree with him. Fuck what Klaus thinks. He doesn't deserve to have anyone care what he thinks. He was a murdering asshole who only deserved pain.

"What you're supposed to do is let me go," Stefan shook his head, the sternness being broken by annoyance.

Damon paused for a moment before studying his brother, "Saw your latest artwork in Tennessee. Walking a fine line there my friend. Keep that up and there will be no saving you."

I closed my eyes as my heart sank. My guess was right. Stefan was the one killing those people. Oh god, this was going to break Elena when she found out. Because Damon was right, there would be a point where Stefan had gone too far to be saved.

For the first time, Stefan smiled and I immediately wished that he hadn't, "See the thing is, uh, I don't need any saving. I just want you to let me go."

Was he at that point now? Where he couldn't be saved? I hoped not. For Elena's sake. And for Damon. I knew the guilt that he felt. Stefan had given himself up to save his brother. Damon felt like he owed Stefan for that, and he wouldn't rest until he was back home.

Damon immediately shook his head, "Nah, I got two birthday girl's back home that won't let me do that."

For a brief moment, there was a regretful look on Stefan's face, but the moment he shook his head, it was gone, "You know, maybe I haven't made my point." I could see the tension in Damon's body as the younger vampire raised his voice, "Hey, Alexa, you still there? You can say hi now."

"Alexa?" Damon immediately spun around, looking up, his eyes frantic as they met mine.

"Damon?" I whimpered, knowing that he would be able to hear me. "He compelled me not to move, Damon. I don't know what to do."

"Hey, hey, it's okay," he gave me one of his special looks, the one that said that everything would be okay. "Just stay calm, Ally, everything is going to be okay." He gave me one more reassuring smile before spinning around to face Stefan and hissed, "Not cool brother!"

"Aw, come on!" Stefan smirked and my heart froze in my chest. He really had changed since he had been away. Had Klaus compelled him? "A little bit cool. Huh?" The younger vampire looked up at me, "Hey, Alexa. Step forward."

I really didn't want to. Every instinct in my body was screaming at me not to move. Because if I did what I was told, then I was going to fall. And I had no guarantee that Stefan would let Damon catch me. I wanted so desperately to believe that Stefan wouldn't let me die. But I just didn't know.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to resist the compulsion. So I closed my eyes and I did what I had been commanded to do. And stepped forward.

I fell through the air, my hair whipping around my face as I headed for the ground. I could hear Damon protesting fiercely below me and just knew that Stefan was holding him back. This wouldn't be a supernatural death, there would be no coming back from this. I had so many regrets running through my mind. I should have told Damon how I felt. I should have spent more time with my family, with my twin. There were so many things that I wanted to do with my life. And now I would never be able to.

I was so prepared for my death that it came as a shock when I was suddenly caught. Strong arms wrapped around me, stopping me from hitting the ground. A familiar scent enveloped me and I let out a sob of relief. Damon gently hushed me as I wrapped my arms around his neck and he cradled me close.

"You caught me," I gasped into his ear, my body still trembling.

"I'll always catch you," he whispered into my hair, giving me the time that I needed to calm down. I felt safe in his arms, and I believed his words. Damon had proved that he would be there for me when I needed him. He had been my strength and comfort through everything. And maybe it was time for me to tell him that.

I don't know how long it had been when Damon gently let go of my legs and helped me steady myself. I kept my arms wrapped around his neck, keeping us close together. I could see the regretful look in his eye and I just knew that this would be another moment that we let fade away. But I couldn't do that, not now. I didn't know how long we had left in our lives, especially with all of the never-ending drama, I couldn't waste any more opportunities.

So I pulled him closer and our lips met. It was everything that I thought it would be. Kissing Damon felt like coming home, like this was something that I should have been doing my entire life. It was natural and amazing and I felt like my entire world was going to explode in happiness. Damon's hands settled on my hips, holding me close to his body. I let my fingers tangle themselves in his hair as I let out a contented sigh.

Damon was the one who broke the kiss, resting his forehead against mine as I took a moment to catch my breath. As cliché as it sounded, that kiss was literally breathtaking. Sometimes the movies had it right and there were actual fireworks.

"Alexa, are you sure that you want this?" my vampire asked quietly, the hope in his eyes squeezing my heart.

"I have never wanted anything more," I smiled gently, running my fingers through his hair. "I want this, Damon. I've wanted it for so long. And I don't want to wait anymore. I don't care what happens or what dangers we face, I just want to be with you. And it's my birthday, and I am sick of denying myself the most amazing person in my life."

Damon didn't answer me verbally, he just pulled me into another kiss. It was just as amazing as the first one, and I was kicking myself for wasting so much time before. I could have been doing this for ages, and damn, I hated that I hadn't been.

I couldn't stop myself from pouting when Damon pulled back. But that quickly turned into a giggle as he pressed a kiss to my neck.

"I should probably get you back to your party," he sighed against my skin, before kissing one of the sensitive spots on my neck.

"Hmm, I vote that we stay here and keep doing this," I disagreed as another kiss was pressed against my neck.

"Let me rephrase that," Damon chuckled, rich and low and utterly mouthwatering. "I should probably get you back to your party before Caroline kills me for stealing away the birthday girl."

"Ugh, you're probably right," I groaned, immediately missing Damon's warmth as he stepped away. "That would suck."

My vampire rolled his eyes as I wiggled my eyebrows at him. But he still extended his arm so that he could escort me back to the Boarding House. His eyes shone with happiness as I accepted it, resting my head against his shoulder as we walked.

It was a happiness that I shared, as my lips tingled and my heart felt complete. Even though Stefan had just threatened my life, I couldn't help but be grateful to him for making this happen. And it made me even more determined to bring him back home.

XXX

Of course, in true Mystic Falls style, I wasn't allowed to enjoy my buzz for long. When we returned to the Boarding House, Caroline immediately whisked me away for the cake cutting. I pouted in Damon's direction as I was dragged away by my friend. But he just smirked at me and waved, ignoring my pitiful plea for assistance. The little shit.

I honestly could not tell you anything about the cake cutting. My mind was otherwise occupied by the memory of Damon's lips. I remembered people singing. The cake was gorgeous, the icing a pale pink colour and decorated with edible flowers. I remembered that in between the speech and blowing out the candles, Elena kept glaring at Damon.

I soon found out why, as after everyone returned to drinking and dancing, my sister dragged us up to Damon's room. I wondered what was wrong with her. I knew that Stefan hadn't approached her. His whole aim was to get us to let him go, speaking to Elena would have done the opposite thing.

"Elena, what are you doing?" I eventually sighed as we reached the door to Damon's room. I knew that one of us would have to speak to her, and I got the feeling that Damon wouldn't be that person.

"He's been lying to us, Alexa," Ellie shook her head and I was surprised to hear the tears in her voice.

"What do you mean?" I asked, exchanging a look with Damon as Elena threw open the door. I took a step inside and wondered what the fuck happened. The bed was littered with newspaper cuttings and bits of paper. I recognised Damon's writing on some of them, Ric's on the others.

I heard a muttered "shit" behind me as I carefully approached my sister. She had grabbed several of the clippings from the bed and held them up.

"Ellie, honey, use your words," I spoke softly, brushing the hair from her face as she glared at the vampire.

"Why didn't you tell us?" my twin asked sharply, waving the hand full of paper. "Why did you keep it a secret?"

"Elena, this probably isn't the best time to be doing this," Damon sighed, shaking his head as he walked over to ease the clippings out of my sister's hands.

"No, Damon, I want to know," but my sister was not to be deterred, she had fixated on this and I just knew that Elena would not leave without the answers she wanted. "All summer, every single time that I came to you with a lead, or asked Alexa to take one to you, you made me feel like an idiot for having hope."

I knew that this wasn't going to end well by the tension in Damon's body. Despite the fact that we had just made out, the fact that Stefan nearly got me killed was weighing heavily upon him. I knew that if the situations were reversed, I would be feeling the same. Elena pushing him, demanding answers, was only going to make things worse.

"You were an idiot," Damon sighed, but I could hear the weariness in his voice. "We both were."

I longed to reach out to him, but I knew that my vampire wouldn't accept my comfort. Not while my sister was there. And especially while she was pushing for answers.

"Tell me what you know, Damon," Elena snapped sharply, uncaring of the tiredness in Damon's eyes. Or the grip that I had on her shoulder. This was Stefan that she was asking about, nothing was going to stop her.

"I know that you need to get back to your party, Elena," Damon sighed and shook his head, walking over to the window and staring out.

But Elena wasn't having any of that, "We're supposed to be in this together. Why didn't you tell me that you've been tracking Klaus' victims?"

I winced as I knew what was coming next. Damon had been working hard to protect us from the truth. But after his brother had nearly got me killed, Damon wasn't feeling charitable any longer. And there was nothing that I could say to stop what as coming next.

"Because they're not Klaus' victims, Elena!" my vampire snapped back, losing his cool for the first time. "They're Stefan's!"

Ellie staggered back a step in shock and I pulled her close. Her voice was thick with tears as she gasped, "What?"

Damon gestured towards the newspaper clippings, "He's left a trail of body parts up and down the eastern seaboard."

"No," Elena shook her head, looking like she didn't want to believe it. But I could see it in her eyes. She had read the stories; she had seen the leads. Elena knew about Stefan's past; it wasn't beyond belief that this had happened. "You're wrong."

"I've seen it happen before," I could hear the tiredness in Damon's voice and my heart went out to him. Damon knew, better than anyone, what Stefan was like when this happened. And I could see that he didn't want to be telling my sister this. But after Stefan's actions earlier, she could no longer be protected from the truth. "He's flipped the switch. Full-blown ripper."

"Stop it, Damon," Ellie shook her head and I wrapped my arms around her, tucking her head under my chin. I could hear the tears in her voice and knew that it was only a matter of time before they fell.

"No, you stop, Elena!" Damon shook his head and turned his back to us. "Stop looking for him. Stop waiting for him to come home. Just stop! Stefan is gone and he's not coming back. Not in your lifetime."

"You don't know that," Ellie protested weakly and I sighed, stroking her hair from her face.

"He nearly got Alexa killed earlier. He compelled her to jump off the clocktower," Damon's voice was soft again and I glanced up to see him looking at me. "Trust me, I do."

XXX

I took Elena home, sneaking her out of the party. I had texted Caroline, asking her to cover for us. Like the sweetheart she was, she agreed to. And didn't even ask why we were sneaking out of our own party so early.

My little brush with death had sobered me up, so I was able to drive Elena home. The tears hadn't stopped falling since her confrontation with Damon. They were quiet tears, which worried me more. It meant that my sister had reaching her breaking point. She had kept an iron grip on her necklace and I sighed as I noticed how white her knuckles were.

The drive home was silent, but that was probably for the best. I knew that once Elena started speaking, I would have to give her my full attention. And I couldn't do that while I was driving. This breakdown had been coming for a while, ever since Katherine told us about Stefan's sacrifice. It was only her search for him that kept it at bay. But now that she knew that he was off the rails and killing people, it was different. Because now it was clear that he didn't want to come home. If we did manage to save him, Stefan would be so full of guilt, that it would be so hard to fix him.

Once we got home, I took Ellie up to her room. The others were still at the party, which meant that I didn't have to worry about getting Elena up to her bedroom. I knew that Jenna would be driving Ric mad on the way home with the amount of wine that she had drank. And as much as I would have loved to have seen that, my twin came first.

I got her settled on the window seat before disappearing to her bathroom to grab a washcloth and her PJs. She was still in the same position when I returned. I sighed as I settled down next to her and wiped her tears away.

"Did he really put you in danger?" my twin asked quietly, looking at me with wide eyes. I paused in my movements and wondered what I could say. I didn't want to lie to her but I knew that the truth would be hard for her to hear.

"He took me from the party," I eventually sighed, getting up to take the cloth back to the bathroom. "Once we got to the clocktower, he compelled me not to move or speak until he told me to do so. He then used my phone to lure Damon there. He told me to jump and let Damon catch me."

I left out the part where he held Damon back for a moment. Ellie didn't need to know that part. As far as she was concerned, Stefan was using me to send a message and wouldn't actually let me get hurt.

"Am I fool? For still wanting him to come home?" my twin shook her head before resting it against my shoulder.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, "You're not a fool. You love him, Ellie. I want him home too. We can't help him until he is back with us."

"Even though he tried to hurt you?" I hadn't heard my sister sound so young for so long. And it broke my heart that she had been driven to this. Elena deserved everything good in life. Especially after the sacrifice.

"Even then," I confirmed, running my fingers through her hair. "We will save him, Elena. I don't care how long it takes, but we will do."

"Thank you, Lexa," I could hear the tiredness in my sister's voice and gently eased her to her feet.

"You're welcome, Ellie," I brushed her hair from her face and gave her a smile. "Go get yourself cleaned up and get some sleep. We'll deal with the rest of it in the morning."

"Love you, Lexa," she pressed a kiss to my cheek. "At least I didn't cry before the cake."

I laughed softly, "That is true. I'm so proud of you."

Elena rolled her eyes and I was glad that she was returning to her old self, even if just a little, "Oh shush. I'll see you in the morning."

I wished my sister a good night before returning to my own bedroom. I paused when I saw that the window was open and shook my head with a smile, "You can stop lurking now."

A warm body settled behind me and Damon wrapped his arms around my waist, "I'm sorry for blurting it out like that."

"It's okay," I forgave him straight away, turning around in his arms so that I could face him. "I understand why you did it. And at least you didn't blurt out the whole story."

"She taking it okay?" Damon asked as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"She's strong," I hummed, enjoying the way that his hands slipped down from my waist to my hips. "It might take her a moment but she'll be okay."

"I'm glad," he murmured and I glanced up from where I had been staring at his lips. "Now, are we going to talk about what happened earlier?"

I smirked slyly and leant forward, "I would much rather do this instead."

I pressed my lips against my vampire's, moaning happily when Damon immediately returned the kiss. He gripped my hips firmly as he pressed his body close to mine. I tangled my fingers in his hair as he deepened the kiss. The next thing I knew, I was pressed against the wall, Damon kissing my neck.

"This is definitely my favourite thing to do," I gasped, closing my eyes and tilting my head back, giving Damon better access. "Like ever."

I could feel my vampire smirking against my skin, "I'm glad."

I rolled my eyes, using my grip on his hair to pull his face back up, "Oh shut up and kiss me."

And Damon did just that.

XXX

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed that :D thank you for all of the reviews, we made it to 450! So exciting, please keep them coming! And if you have any requests, please let me know :) until next time, hope you enjoyed xoxo