[*Chapter Forty-Nine*]

*Warning; very long chapter ahead*

I'd advise you not to skip or perhaps take breaks. Enjoy!

*•*•*•*•*

The phone in Damon's pocket began to buzz as he made his way upstairs. He paused midway and dug the cellular device out, frowning at the unrecognised caller ID on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Alaric Saltzman."

"Before I hang up, how did you get this number?" Damon asked as he continued his path up to the first floor.

"Ah, it's a mystery. Listen, I've been doing some digging on Elena's and Darcy's uncle. You interested?"

"Technically, he's not Darcy's uncle... but carry on. What kind of digging?" Damon asked, pausing outside the door of one of the numerous guest rooms in the Boarding House. He knocked, hearing the wooden floorboards creak before the door clicked open, and Darcy's head appeared through the gap.

He raised his finger to his lips, signalling for her to be quiet as he pushed his way through and reclined, feet crossed on the bed. Darcy frowned and shut the door, and propped up against the wooden drawers opposite him.

"I've got an old friend from Duke, who studied Criminology when we were there together. Let's just say he's become a very proficient digger," Alaric's voice flowed through the speakerphone as Damon sat it beside him on the bed.

"Well, did he find anything, by chance?" Damon asked.

"Well, I had him run a track on John' cell records. He was getting a call from a number, the same number Elena dialled to get Isobel, and then it was disconnected."

Isobel? Darcy rose an interested brow and sat beside Damon, frowning down at the bed covers.

"We already know Isobel knows John," Darcy said, announcing she was too present.

"Darcy?"

"Yep, that be me. What's going on, Ric?"

"I'm not even going to ask why you're there... Well, after that, John started getting calls from a new number, and I had my friend run a geotrack. We got the address, and it's... and apartment in Grove Hill."

"Isobel's in Grove Hill?" Damon asked, glancing at Darcy, both sharing the same thought.

Grove Hill isn't that far from Mystic Falls.

Has Elena's Mother been this close all the long?

"I don't know. I thought we could take a look and see what we find."

"Perfect. Give me the address," Damon grinned at Darcy before jumping up from the bed and making his way towards the exit.

"Oh, so you can go without me? No. I don't think so," a sarcastic snort sounded over the speakerphone.

"I'm not going with you. You tried to kill me," Damon insisted, opening the door.

"Well, unlucky for you two. No killing will be happening... since I'm coming too," Darcy chimed in, smirking at Damon' back as they descended the stairs and shoved her arms through her leather jacket.

Damon halted on the first step and whirled around. "Oh, no, you don't, Missy. Your cute butt is staying right here."

"For once, I agree with Damon here," Alaric said. "We don't know what we could be facing when we get there."

"Exactly, and that's why three numbers are better than two. I'm coming... hold on my butt's vibrating," Darcy said, winking at Damon and darting out the front door, not before snatching his car keys from his back pocket.

"Hello, Baby Sister,"

"You're in a good mood?" Darcy hummed, unlocking Damon' car and sitting behind the wheel. She cackled and started the engine, locking the doors as Damon appeared. "I'm just grabbing some clothes, and then I'll be right over... How's Stefan?" Elena asked, hesitation seeping into her tone.

"Unlock the door. Now," Damon ordered.

"Can't hear you," she mouthed, pointing to her ears. Darcy shook her head and waved mockingly at him through the window. "Hmm, still having a bitch fit... You might want to hang on a little and come by later."

"Uh, okay. Is everything okay?" Elena asked, worried.

"Yeah, everything is fine... I'm just out with Damon picking up Stefan's favourite meal," Darcy said, not wanting to tell Elena about Isobel just yet when they don't know if she is indeed nearby.

"Ew," Elena made a noise of disgust. "Alright, rather you than me. I'll see you later."

"Bye!" Darcy cheered, hanging up the phone and throwing it on the backseat. She wound down the window and stroked the wheel.

"You've got a nice beauty here," she purred and revved the engine. "Would be a shame if something happened to her, wouldn't it?" she knocked the gear into first.

"You wouldn't," Damon alleged, a hint of anticipation leaking into his voice, eyes darting between her hands, feet, and face.

"Oh, but I would," she taunted and jammed her foot on the accelerator, her back pressed into the seat as the car shot across the driveway.

Damon sped across the courtyard just in time for Darcy to step on the breaks, stopping metres away from his legs. He glared at her through the windscreen. She smirked and rested her elbow on the door; her hand cupped under her chin. "So, what's it going to be, Damon? Am I coming, or is it bye-bye precious car?"

"Fine, but I'm driving. I don't trust you," Damon relented, looking anywhere but at her triumphant face.

Darcy grinned, unlocked the doors and climbed over the middle compartment, settling into the passenger seat. Her grin broadened as Damon clambered inside the car, shooting her a scowl as they drove away from the boarding house.

"Aww, don't sulk. You got her back, didn't you?"

"You nearly destroyed Baby," Damon pouted, fondling the steering wheel lovingly. "Perished. Poof. Gone."

"Suck it up, you overdramatic Buffoon," she teased, hand hovering over the radio. "So, what's the plan?"

Damon shot her a look and smacked her hand away. " No touchy. And we're picking up Alaric, and we'll figure the rest when we get there."

"No plan? What great masterminds we are, huh?"

"Well, what do you recommend, Miss Captain Spunky Pants?"

"Touché."

*•*•*•*•*

A little while later, Darcy, Damon, and Alaric exited the car and walked up to the apartment door. "This is the one here. The records show it was paid three months in advance."

"Could be a coincidence or a set-up," Darcy commented, peering through the windows into what seemed to be a living room.

"You think?" Alaric asked. "What makes you think that?"

"It's all a bit suspicious. We start raising questions about Isobel. Elena and I visited her old friend. Then that guy was compelled to follow us to deliver a message and then kill himself. John turns up out of the blue right after the tomb vampires escaped, and now this address appears on the top? Yep, it can't be a coincidence. I don't like it," Darcy summarised, slipping a stake out of her jacket sleeve and handing it over to Alaric.

Damon and Alaric stared at her, bewildered. "So, there is a smart brain in there after all," Damon said playfully, ruffling up her hair, earning himself self a scowl and an elbow in the gut.

Alaric remained in place, staring at the girl and the stake in his hand. "Do you just happen to carry weapons around permanently?"

"I do now," she grinned, pulling a dagger out of her boot, and slipping the sheath in the waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt and jacket.

"How did you find the time to get hold of those?" Damon said, confused, trying to picture when she could have had time to access them.

"Well, with Stefan in the cellar, I thought it'd be useful to have them on hand. The stake was on the bedside table. I snatched it up with my jacket, and the dagger was already in my boot."

"You're something else," Alaric chuckled, gripping the wood and turning to Damon. "So, what now?"

"This is where it gets tricky. I may or may not be able to get in," the vampire said, frowning thoughtfully at the closed door before him.

"Yeah. How does that work? Do you always have to be invited in?" Alaric inquired.

Damon jerked his head from side to side. "Usually by the owner or the person of entitlement. Short-term rentals and hotels are a bit of a grey area. You gotta play it by ear," he explained, reaching for the doorknob.

"Erm," Alaric hesitated. "Could we not kill anyone tonight, please?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Darcy snorted and patted his back. "We came here for something, right? We might as well use it to our advantage."

"Princess is right. You didn't invite us along for our company," Damon quipped as he pushed the door open.

"It doesn't look like anyone's home," Ric spoke as he stepped inside and looked around the foyer.

Darcy stepped in behind him, shadowing his back as they approached the living room. They paused at the entrance, observing Damon as he palmed the doorway, checking if a barrier was in place.

"Yeah. I'm good. No permanent resident, apparently," he declared, striding inside, and shutting the door behind him.

"Which also confirms a vampire could be residing here. I don't class that as good," Darcy asserted, roaming her eyes around the lounge, identifying the circular oak dining table and chairs. It appeared reverently empty and quiet. Too quiet for her liking.

Stay alert.

The voice was clear and precise as it resounded around her mind. Darcy rubbed at her forehead and surveyed the room. She turned towards the stairs. There was a lingering sensation that bathed the place... Something dark... and listless, sending shivers down her spine.

"Did you hear that?" She wondered aloud, wanting to see if the voices prevailed only to her and that she wasn't going mad.

"Hear what?" Damon asked, turning his stare on her for a moment before walking in the direction of the kitchen.

"I thought I heard something," she let out absently as she was about to tread over to the staircase and venture up to the next floor.

In the kitchen, Damon opens the fridge, revealing blood bags encased inside. "Uh, guys, we have company."

Just as Damon announced his discovery, a gust of wind zipped around Darcy as a vital force barrelled past her and attacked Alaric, sending him and the stranger crashing to the ground. Darcy whipped around, her dagger poised and leapt atop the duo. Her left hand clutched his throat, and her right wrapped around his torso, the tip of the blade aimed at his heart.

"Let him go, or I'll stab this knife through your heart," she whispered into his ear.

The vampire underneath her chuckled through her grip. "Carry on. It won't kill me."

"I'm gonna let you on a little secret. My dagger is special. Want to know why? No? Well, I'll indulge in your curiosity anyway. It's laced with vervain. Meaning one stab, and you'll weaken, giving my friend the chance to stab his stake through your heart. And then poof, you're dead."

"Boys, boys and girl, that's enough," Damon said, sounding like a scolding parent, pulling Darcy off the vampire and pushing her behind him as he lugged the man away from Alaric. He turned to a pouty Darcy and abruptly spun back around, knowing the face she was making was one of his weaknesses. "Don't pout. It'll give you wrinkles."

Darcy scoffed in mock outrage. "More reason to divert your affection someplace else."

"Never," he said, pinning his stare on the vampire. He frowned in recognition. "I know you."

"Damon?"

"Your name is Henry. You were in the tomb," Damon stated.

"Yes, sir. What are you doing here?" Henry asked, standing up.

Darcy held out her hand for Alaric to latch on and pulled him up. "I think we should be asking you that question, don't you?" She turned to Henry before walking into the kitchen to continue searching the property.

Henry stared at her back. "She's a scary human."

Damon chuckled, following his stare. "Yeah. She's something else. Don't get on her wrong side, and you're good."

"I would love to witness that happen," Alaric commented before heading into the kitchen after Darcy. He found her leafing through the drawers.

"Thanks, by the way," he said. Darcy lifted her head, peering up at him with a confused look on her face. "For having my back," he elaborated.

Darcy let out a laugh and shut the drawer she was scanning through and shook her head. "No need. We humans need to stick together."

"Hunter buddies?" Alaric held out an outstretched hand.

"Hunter buddies," Darcy grinned, shaking his hand. "Let's go talk to our new friend."

Darcy walked into the lounge, pulled a chair, and spun it around, straddling the back. She pointed to Henry and the free chair in-between her and Alaric. "Sit. Come and have a chat, my friend."

Henry glanced at Damon and raised his eyebrows. Damon shrugged and brought him over. "It's best to listen to her. Remember, stay on her good side?" Once Henry was seated, he stood behind Darcy and leant against the dining table.

A curious look appeared on Henry's face; his stare shifted over the three. "So, how do you know John Gilbert?"

"I'm sort of his niece?" Darcy frowned. "If you can call it that," she muttered under her breath.

"Well, I've known him for years. He's a good friend. How do you know him?" Damon asked.

"I met him right after I got out of the tomb. He's been helping me out," Henry admitted.

Darcy's frown deepened. So, she was right. John appeared around the time the tomb vampires escaped.

Alaric glanced at Darcy, noticing her distant appearance. He took over the interrogation. "Helping you out how?"

A smile slipped on Henry's face as he sat up straighter. "Adapting. It's a whole new world... Cars, computers, match.com. There's so much to learn," he paused, peering around the apartment. "He helped me get this place."

Darcy tapped the dagger on the table. The scrapping of metal on wood brought the vampires' attention to her. "Oh, did he now? John's been a really good friend, hasn't he?"

Henry nodded, the smile still plastered upon his face.

Darcy allowed a sinister smile to grace her lips. Henry shifted in his seat and diverted from her unnerving stare. She knows John would not sniff around a vampire unless it's for his own benefit. And dear Henry here had become his puppet. But for what?

Damon nudged her shoulder, subtly telling her to behave. Darcy rolled her eyes but complied. "Always have to ruin my fun. Such a buzzkill."

Alaric shot them a look. "So, do you live here alone or is there someone else here?"

Damon shifted his stance, crossing his arms. "That's my friend's very passive-aggressive way of asking, uh, do you know a woman named Isobel?"

Henry glanced between them, looking confused. He shook his head. "Uh, no. No, I don't know an Isobel. I know John. He's my only friend. He showed me the ropes... How to use a microwave, separate my whites."

Darcy snorted. "Wow, you guys must be really close."

"Yeah. He's been really good to me," Henry grinned, pleased with her answer.

"Must be. The old man even helps you with your undergarments. That's... uh, dedication, I guess?"

A hand smacked the back of her head. She froze, a glare manifesting on her face. "One more time, Damon and I'll shove this knife so far up," the same hand covered her mouth, muffling the rest of her sentence.

"You may proceed," Damon grinned at a bewildered Henry, snatching his hand away when Darcy bit him. He pulled her hair in retaliation. "Now, be a good girl and behave."

"I'll show you, good girl," Darcy gritted out and struck her elbow out, striking Damon in his groin. She grinned, hearing a groan of pain and felt the weight of him on her back as he doubled over.

"Bitch," Damon grated out, hands protecting his crown jewels.

Alaric tutted and rolled his eyes. "Sorry about the children... they seem to have left their manners at home today."

Henry waved him off, eyeing the strange human and vampire duo. "It's fine."

"What else do you do for John?" Alaric continued.

"I help keep an eye on things... You know, with the others," Henry supplied.

Damon and Darcy perked up. "The others?" he questioned.

Henry nodded. "From the tomb. They're still pissed at the founding families for trying to burn them alive. I'm cool, but those tomb boys, they want revenge."

"Yeah. Kinda gathered that when they came for us...." Darcy trailed off, thinking of a certain angry tomb vampire. "Frederick was very... amusing. Such a shame; he's dead now. He would've provided good entertainment." She stood up and walked around the chair Henry was seated on, pausing behind him. Alaric and Damon shot her looks, wondering what she was up to.

"What does John want with them?" Alaric asked.

"He's just keeping an eye on them, you know? Trying to make sure they stay out of trouble," Henry replied.

"Well, that's John. Heh. He's such a do-gooder," Damon said wistfully.

Darcy began roaming around the living room. "What about Pearl? Is she not their leader of some sort? Shouldn't that be her role, no?"

She watched Henry shake his head, turning his body in her direction. "Like Frederick, he was rebellious and wanted revenge. Many of the other boys are the same. Some have ventured off on their own, and they won't listen to Pearl."

Darcy hummed. "Interesting."

Just as she said that Henry' phone began to ring, he shuffled around and pulled the device out of his pocket. "Oh. That's John now."

Damon stood up, sticking out his hand. "Oh. Hey, let me talk to him."

"All right," Henry shrugged, handing his phone over to him. He frowns when Damon ignores the ringing phone. "Are you gonna answer that?"

"Am I gonna... answer that?"

Darcy pauses her pacing and meets Alaric' exasperated look. They shake their heads.

Henry stood up, glancing between the trio. "What's going on?" He senses a trap and runs at Alaric.

Darcy knows she won't get to Alaric on time. She reared her arm back and threw the dagger she still had clutched in her hands and watched as it soared through the air and struck the vampire in the back. Henry roared, dropping to his knees as the knife laced with vervain burned through his back. Ragged screams left his mouth as his arms flailed, attempting to reach the handle but came up empty-handed as Damon grabbed him and hauled him back to his feet, jamming the knife for extra measure, allowing Alaric to come forward free and raise his arm and stab the stake through his heart. Instantly his skin began to turn grey, and black veins surfaced underneath. Damon shoves his dead body to the floor.

Darcy lets out a whine, staring at Henry's decomposed body. "Dammit. I wanted him."

"You got to throw your dagger; I think that counts enough," Alaric let out a laugh. How can he do so during the circumstance, he doesn't know. But for once, he allows himself to be free. "You're moping because I killed him, but you didn't?" Darcy nodded, blinking her eyelashes. "Consider it fair. You got Frederick, so I get Henry."

Darcy thinks it over before nodding. "Fine. But I get the next one."

"What makes you think there will be a next one?"

"There always is."

Damon coughed, diverting their attention to him. "Let's not kill anyone tonight." Your words. Just pointing that out," he shrugs with a grin. "Does that mean I get the next kill?"

"No!" Alaric and Darcy say in unison.

"How's that fair?" Damon throws his arms up.

"Nothing's fair," Darcy replied before sitting at the table. She glanced down at Henry and kicked his head. "So, what're we doing with Mr Dead Guy here?"

Alaric and Damon glance at each other before rushing into the kitchen. "He's all yours."

"Idiots," Darcy glares at their backs. She lets out a sigh and looks back down at Henry. "Looks like it's just you and me, buddy... Ugh, aren't you an ugly fucker."

*•*•*•*•*

"If she glares any harder, her eyeballs will pop out," Alaric comments, glancing over at Darcy through the kitchen doorway.

"She's still at it?" Damon chuckled, approaching closer to check. He laughs outright, catching her giving Henry another kick to the head. "Oh, she's not a happy bunny."

"It's been 30 minutes. I don't think she will be stopping anytime soon," Alaric snickers.

"The not so happy bunny can hear you," Darcy stated, turning her stare on them. She points at Henry. "I'm not dealing with that."

"So, what, you're just gonna leave him there?" Alaric asked.

"Precisely..." Darcy nodded, a grin stretching her ruby lips. "Besides, I think John would love his little gift if he happened to pay a visit, don't you think?"

"Oh, you devious little thing," Damon smirked, snapping his fingers. "I love it."

"You've corrupted her," Alaric shook his head at the pair. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

"Ah. Ric, buddy," Damon pointed at Darcy. "That... She was already like that. Nothing new. Totally not on me."

Alaric found that hard to believe. He looked at Darcy, meeting her grin. She fluttered her fingers at him. He narrowed his eyes at the girl, the way her eyes seemed to glow, the red tint covering her cheeks, and that delirious grin. He concluded; she loved this. She looked to be in her element. He shook his head and walked over, sitting beside her. "So, what now? There's nothing here."

"Well, I found this. Behind the blood in the fridge," Damon said, tossing a beer over at Alaric and proceeding to empty another blood bag into a large cup.

"Oh, man, this was a real dead-end," Alaric sighed, flipping the tag and taking a sip.

"I wouldn't beat myself up over it, man. What did you think you were gonna find, huh? Isobel with a cigar and slippers?" Damon said, gulping down the contents of the blood.

"Oh, man. I...I gotta stop this. I can't keep searching for her," Alaric set the can on the table and pinched the bridge of his nose, hunching over.

"Really? After only two years? That's actually moderately healthy," Damon commented, throwing the empty cup in the sink.

"What are you going on? 146?"

"Well, I figure the 200 mark is probably a good stopping point," Damon shrugged.

"Ahh. I mean, no answer is enough. I keep thinking I wanna know why, when, you know, the precise moment. When my wife decided life with me wasn't enough."

Both men glanced at Darcy, wondering why she was so silent when she usually had something to say concerning Isobel. The appearance that greeted them caused Alaric to scoot his chair away from the girl and Damon to shift to the other side of the room. The only light on in the room flickered haphazardly, like a warning. Her face was red, steam practically bursting out of her ears, and her usually bright eyes had darkened to cobalt gale, centred on the wall opposite her.

"Uh-oh, she's gonna to blow," Damon spoke unhelpfully. He gulped as her head whipped in his direction and stood up from her seat. He winced as her boots thudded, travelling across the wooden flooring. "Lovely weather, huh? The suns out. The birds are singing-,"

"Shut up, Damon. No one wants to hear your weather forecast," Darcy snapped. She tugged on the inky strands of her hair, blowing out a deep breath.

Damon snapped his mouth shut, and Alaric continued to scoot his chair further away rather than face her wrath. He stopped when the legs of the chair smacked into the wall.

She considered her trail of thoughts. She could go down the route and be angry and blow a fuse, or she could offer her hand to Alaric and support him. Clearly, the man is beating himself up over the woman he loved. The very woman who walked out on him and traded their love for vampirism, an eternity without him at her side. Darcy stopped her pacing and turned to him, seeing him already watching her. The pain in his eyes was easy to identify, dulling his blue eyes. The poor man was broken and falling to smithereens. If he's like this after a few years of being in the woman' company, then she's grateful Elena had missed out on the opportunity. Though deep in her core, with everything slowly but surely coming together, she doubts things will stay this way. This is just the start, and she's ready.

Sighing softly, she relaxes her tense frame and saunters over to Alaric and holds out her hand. He peers from her hand and up to her face with furrowed brows but connects his, anyway. A tug and his upon his feet, and then two arms wrapped around his waist. Alaric remains confused, eyeing Damon over her shoulder. His confusion mounts when Damon offers him a smile. An approval of sorts.

"Uh, what are you doing?" he asked, arms frozen at his sides.

"I'm hugging you, stupid. Are the that deprived of human contact?" Darcy pulls away slightly but keeps her arms around him.

"I can tell you've not experienced compassion before. I just want you to know you don't have to hold in the pain anymore. I know Isobel has hurt you beyond measures. You went from thinking she was dead to searching for a possible body only for the case to turn out with her becoming a vampire. I can't imagine what that feels like, but there's no doubt it has got to hurt. She chose a lifetime and eternity without you. Maybe she was a good person beforehand. Perhaps she was a wonderful wife... But I'm going to tell you what I said to Elena. If she could drop her newborn baby on a doorstep, not her family either, then that's got to show you something... She's a waste of space and not worth losing your breath over. This life was her choice. This is where it ends now, close the doors to the past and move forward. You still have your life ahead of you, and maybe you could venture into a new love with someone who could love you with no boundaries and leave you with no heartache."

A stray tear leaked down Alaric' face. He scoffed, brushing away the wetness bitterly. Darcy squeezed her arms around him. "It's okay to cry, Ric. Don't shadow your pain. It'll only continue to mount. Dig deeper, making you more hallow than you already are. Crying is allowed. It's not a weakness; it's a strength. Let it go... It's okay."

He doesn't know how Darcy did it, but something unlocked inside him, and a tsunami of emotions washed over Alaric. His arms unfroze, slowly wrapping around the young woman. He allowed the moment to happen because she's right; Isobel wasn't worth his pain, and it was time to move on. The tears weren't over grief; they were for finally becoming free, the chains released him of his burden.

All thanks to the woman in front of him. A special connection formed from this day forward, and he'll truly be thankful for Darcy for helping him break free.

Darcy patted his back and released her hold, stepping back with a soft smile. "Feels good, huh?"

Alaric wiped his face and inhaled a big breath. After a few moments of recovery, he pointed his finger at them. "This never happened, got it?"

Damon snorted, walking over to the pair. "If you mean you sobbing like a girl, I've got it all recorded, mate."

Alaric shot him a look, snatching the stake off the table. Damon raised his hands in surrender. "Got it. You crying. Never happened."

Darcy clapped her hands and spun on her heels. "I don't know about you boys, but I think we're done here... Let's head on home," she called over her shoulder and proceeded to exit the house, leaving the vampire and hunter behind.

Alaric glanced at Damon, a frown on his face. "Do you know what just happened?"

"She's special, right? This is her way of welcoming you to the family. You should be honoured; she doesn't give her compassion and loyalty out freely," Damon smiled, patting Alaric on the back and then followed after Darcy outside.

A whistle sounded behind Darcy. She spun around before she reached the car and barely caught the keys flying in her direction. She frowned, cupping her hands and peered up at Damon. "What's this?"

"Keys, duh."

"I gathered that, but why?"

Damon shrugged, pocketing his hands. "Figured you could drive back home."

A massive grin appeared on her face. She gaped, her flapping about in excitement and disbelief. "You, Damon Salvatore," she twirled around, hands brushing over his car. "Are allowing me to drive your car. Your precious baby?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just get in the car before I change my mind," Damon grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Darcy let out a cheer and veered around the vehicle. The car rocked from the force as she threw herself behind the wheel.

And then did Damon grin, shaking his head at her antics. What was he doing? He had no idea but never did he just permit someone to drive his car. Yet, with Darcella, he'll gladly give her the whole world and more if she allowed him to. But she wasn't just anyone. She was special. The light in their darkness. The girl who took over his dead heart.

"Whipped," Alaric coughed from his side.

"Whipped indeed," the vampire agreed.

Once all three were seated in the vehicle, Darcy started the engine and connected her eyes with Alaric.

"Oh, Ric. I thought you should know... Jenna knows about vampires."

"What?!"

*•*•*•*•*

The front door banged as Darcy bounced inside the boarding house. She sauntered down the hallway and poked her head around the staircase leading to the cellar.

"Honey, I'm home!"

"Not your home, go away," Stefan's gravelly voice floated from down below.

"Aww, Steffi, you know how to break a girls heart," she sing-song, placing her hand on her chest.

"Too bad for you. I don't care. Go home, Darcella."

"Ooh, Mr Grouchy Pants still has a stick tuck up his arse, huh?" She turned around, wandered over to the parlour, and raised her voice, knowing perfectly well that the grumpy vampire downstairs could hear her.

"Yep," Damon hummed, pouring out two mixtures of bourbon. He placed the bottle down and gestured with his head for her to join him.

Darcy was just about to take upon his offer when the doorbell rang. She pointed at the door and ran across the room. "Not my house. Not answering."

Damon scoffed, slamming down his empty tumbler on the bar. "You've been staying here all week. Therefore you're practically live here too."

"Still not my house," Darcy shrugged and fluttered her lashes at him when the door knocked again.

"Ugh, don't do that," Damon groaned, turning his head away.

"Why? Is it working?" She teased, walking around him and positioning her face in front of his.

Damon smirked and flicked her forehead, chuckling when she retreated and tossed him a scowl. "Whoever you are, just come in!"

The door opened, and footsteps travelled towards them. A head appeared around the corner.

"Oh, it's just you," Darcy said, flopping down on the couch.

"Lovely greeting," Elena muttered and dropped her bag on the floor before plopping down on the sofa with a groan opposite to Darcy. "I brought you more clothes."

"Thanks," Darcy mumbled. A heavyweight settled across her lap, causing her to peer down and see the messy strands of raven hair and blue eyes staring up at her with a grin. She rolled her eyes fondly and began to braid his hair.

"You're good at this," Damon moaned, closing his eyes and relaxing under her dancing digits.

"Hmm, loads of practice," she hummed.

"I remember when you used to braid my hair all the time," Elena commented, a sad smile playing on her lips. She chuckled. "Even Jeremy's when he grew out his hair."

And then she stopped once the memories played on a constant loop, rendering her emotionally drained and her core left in the dark, suffering in anguish and torment. And now the voices are clear and precise; they accompany in their shadows.

Damon felt her hands pause. He opened his eyes, meeting her vacant pained filled eyes. He frowned, wiping away the stray tear that cascaded down her face.  "Are you okay?" He whispered, roaming her face for any indication of its cause.

"Darcy?" Elena called. "I'm sorry."

Darcy shook her head and wiped her face. "No, it's okay. It can't be helped," she pauses before continuing, putting on a fake smile. "I can braid your hair later if you want?"

"Only if, you're sure?" Elena said. "I don't want to trigger...."

"It'll be fine," Darcy said, tapping Damon's arm so she could get up.

Damon and Elena observe her as she exits the room, the latter frowning in concern. "You might want to keep watch over her tonight, or I could ask Jeremy to come over."

"Why?"

"Because I think I may have caused one of her triggers," Elena confessed.

"Triggers?" Damon asked, sitting up.

"Yeah. There's more than one, but we can never be sure what the causes are until we think back on our actions," Elena admitted, standing up and picking up her bag. She dug through and pulled out another, and set it on the couch. "Darcy's stuff is in there... Tell her I'm sorry for me, yeah?"

"You're going? Don't you think you should tell her you've left it long enough," Damon said, standing up and picking up Darcy's bag.

"Tell her what?" Elena huffed, turning her back to him and making her way to the front door.

"That you and Stefan are over. She's not been down to see him once, you know. I can see it pains her. She feels guilty and blames herself. And despite Stefan and his stubbornness, he misses her too. When she left, he thought he had blown it. He didn't want her to find out that way. He wanted to tell her personally. To him, she broke her promise. It's all in or nothing."

"And rub the wound? That Stefan loves her and not me. Sorry, but no. I'm not ready yet. I'm trying not to hate her. She's my sister, but knowing Stefan loves her, it hurts."

Damon scoffed. "Hate her? How can you hate her? It's hardly her fault that my brother feels the way he does. It's no one's fault."

"Because he's meant to be mine! Not hers! So, yes, it is her fault. And the more I think about it, the more my hate continues to grow."

"You know what I think? I think you're selfish. When my brother and I stepped foot in this town, all we saw was that girl giving her everything to you and your family. She gives and gives and never gets anything in return. You wouldn't know the pain she holds, how she feels alone and doesn't deserve you at all. Yet, because your family had taken her in, gave a roof over her head, hands that didn't abuse her. She feels like she must return the favour. Yet, the abuse didn't stop there, did it? Darcy may not see this, but I do. I've heard the tales of how your Father and Uncle had trained her into a killer, not to protect herself... No. To protect you, your brother, and your aunt from the likes of me and my kind. In my eyes, that's manipulation at its finest and emotional abuse.

And yet, Darcy bows and complies. And now your parents are dead; she still held on to her promise. She's still here protecting your arse. She still loves no matter what crap you throw at her. She still tries when you push her away. At the end of the day, Darcella is always there. You phone? She'll be on the way before the call ends. And if something threatens you and your family. She. Is. There. Always. Quite frankly, I don't think you deserve her loyalty, especially her compassion."

"She or you don't know this, but every month, she'll sneak downstairs and steal a new batch of vervain," Damon paused, letting out a chuckle as he poured himself another glass of bourbon. "The girl thinks she's crafty, but over time I've noticed when the batch lowers. I don't stop her or bring it up because I know her intentions are pure. Do you know why?"

Elena had come back into the room at this point and sat on the sofa she had previously seated on. She shook her head and wiped away the tears streaming down her face.

Damon scoffed; the girl was oblivious to all around her unless it concerned her.

"Because she cares, and she wants you all safe. Heck, she even told Jeremy and Jenna the truth about us. Again, 'cause she wants you safe'. And she's right; the more they are in the know, the fewer blood spills. Darcy has that house and the occupants protected. Now Jenna and Jeremy are familiar with the abilities of vervain and compulsion; no vampire can step foot inside without her permission. I wouldn't be surprised if she bathes you in the stuff."

"She does. She's put vervain in our shampoo and body wash and goes to the extent to put it in our coffee and jewellery, too," Elena mumbles.

Damon laughs, throwing his head back. "That girl is smart for sure. No vampire will be able to touch you unless they want to burn like a bitch. Do you want to know something else?"

Elena raises her brow, gesturing for him to continue. "Whilst she has your lot vervained. She's allowing herself to be unprotected."

"What do you mean? I thought she was on it too."

Damon hummed, downing his drink. He let a sigh, placing the glass down. "She absorbs the liquid form, but she doesn't go to the extent of bathing in it or wearing jewellery anymore. If I'm not mistaken, she's given her ankle bracelet to Jenna."

Elena's face falls at the knowledge. "But why would she do that? She's putting herself at risk."

"Exactly that. She'll throw herself in the line of fire if something or someone targets you and your family. It's you before her. Along as you're happy and safe, that's all that matters to her."

"I don't get why you're telling me all this?" Elena said, frowning and adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

"Surely you can't be that dumb? Have you not picked up on anything I've just told you or did it slip right past your ears?" Damon threw up his hands. "Who am I kidding? Of course, nothing registered."

Elena ignored him. Damon telling her all this still doesn't change her mind, and to her, she doubts nothing will.

"I'm trying to put it in your head how it's impossible to hate Darcy for all she does for you and for what she will continue to do. As for Stefan loving her, I can hardly blame him. The things she has done for him, for us, is a miracle of sorts.

Do you even know where we went today? Darcy told me not to say anything to you so that you wouldn't get your hopes up and the possibility that you won't get hurt. We had a tip-off that Isobel could be staying nearby. I, Darcy, and Ric went to pay a visit. The poor guy had hoped his wife would have been there only to discover that she wasn't, and when he figured that out, the guy broke down for all the mourning he gave to a woman he didn't want to spend the rest of her life with him. Because of me, she chose a life as a vampire over him. Darcy opened her arms and let him cry on her shoulder. Why? Because she may appear closed off and intimidating on the front, but the inside, she's full of light and compassion, she would give her all to those she cares for. A man she barely knew, she opened her arms and welcomed him to her family. Name someone who would go to such lengths as Darcella. No one would. ."

You should be grateful to have someone like Darcy in your life, people like her... they're hard to come by, if ever. They are rare and if your hate does meet its mark, know you'll surely regret your actions one day. Once that happens, there's no going back. What's the phrase? You've made your bed, now lie in it? I know if you break her heart, not only will you lose someone who would trade her life for yours, but I'll come down on you ten times harder. That's a vow. She may protect you. But I'll always preserve her.

Hurt her. You won't know what had hit you. Remember, I have fangs; she doesn't."

*•*•*•*•*

Leant against the wall in the hallway, Darcy sat on the floor, her face buried in her hands as the tears she kept at bay burst from their dam. Hearing Damon's words had left her with an unbearable sentiment she could not discern; a warm feeling swam around her stomach. Her mind whirled; no one ever stuck up for her, not the way Damon had. To have someone in her corner, someone at her side, pulling her up whenever she was knocked down rendered her speechless and her perceptions downright chaotic.

Her thoughts trailed off to the vampire downstairs. The one she made a vow to him and his brother. All or nothing. And yet, she broke it by running away. He's probably feeling betrayed and felt left utterly alone. She didn't mean to. She was stunned. How can someone love her? How was she supposed to react when she's never experienced the emotion other than with Jenna and Jeremy, and sometimes when Elena isn't acting stubborn? But that love was different. They're her family. It comes with the package. Yet, with Stefan and Damon, that's a whole other ball game, one she wasn't used to. She's just Darcella. Nothing special.

But knowing how Elena feels deep inside feeds away at the darkness inside her, threatening to suffocate and draw the curtains. Maybe without her around, Elena could find her forever happiness. God knows, Darcy would give the girl anything she asks of her. She could fight off Stefan' affections, and Elena would be happy. She would—anything for Elena to be satisfied. But then the thoughts shift back to Stefan. Still, a boy, even though he's a vampire and one hundred-odd years older than her with emerald green eyes, that had bewitched her heart the instant she laid hers upon his. Her heart stumbles whenever he's in close vicinity, loitering for her strings to attach to his, but never could because she had seen how her sister was enchanted the moment she had first seen him. And Darcy allowed it because... Anything to make her sister happy.

No.

Darcy hauls herself up off the floor, gripping the wall for assistance and stumbles towards the staircase leading downstairs.

No.

She won't let Elena Gilbert rule her life. She may not get to call Stefan hers, but she won't give him up. She won't leave him behind. He craves her, and she needs him. She needs him and Damon both.

Her feet clatter down the steps as she descends into the darkness; the murky air of the dungeon's environment attacks her sense of smell, causing her to wrinkle her nose and cough into the crook of her arm. She turns the corner and comes to stand in front of the barred door. She exhales and takes a step forward, and tilts on her toes, peering through the bars.

"Ah. The wanderer returns," Stefan croaks, lifting his head for the cemented flooring, pinning his dead stare on her.

"I'm sorry. I'm here now, Stef," Darcy whispered, unlocking the door and walking inside. She closes it behind her and slides down the wall next to Stefan, her bottom meeting the ground as she roams her eyes over Stefan' pallid and sweaty features. She winces, hating the torment the vampire is putting himself through and diverts her stare to the full bottle of animal blood in front of him.

"I wouldn't hold onto that promise. Not when you break them and run away when things get too tough for you," Stefan mutters.

"Ouch. I deserve that," Darcy sighed, leaning her head on the wall. "I didn't leave... I..I wasn't leaving you. I...I just needed some time to clear my head."

"I don't care," Stefan scoffed.

"You do care. You wouldn't be moping around. Stop being stubborn," Darcy bit back. "You need to feed, Stef. You're wasting away down here."

"I deserve to don't away after I put you through. I almost bit you. If I got to you, I could've killed you," Stefan admitted, looking down at the ground remorsefully. "And you shouldn't be down here; I could hurt you."

Darcy gripped his chin and turned his head to her. "Is this what this is all about? I thought it was about the girl and yours and Damon's past?"

Stefan shook his head. "Damon and I have talked it out. We're fine. Thanks for that, by the way... It was always you. I can't stand the thought of hurting you and your judgement of me."

"Oh, Stef. Look at me. I'm perfectly fine. I'm here, and I'm not hurt. You haven't hurt me, and you won't," Darcy spoke softly, rubbing her thumb along his jaw.

"How can you say that with so much conviction? I'm a vampire. I can lose control at any moment and strike, not giving you a chance to escape my grasp."

"I trust you, Stefan. I've perpetually had, and I always will. I know you won't hurt me, not willingly. You said my blood doesn't tempt you. You only retaliated because I stabbed you and injected you with vervain. Any vampire would react similarly. Don't beat yourself up over what was a natural reaction."

"How can you sit there so comfortably knowing what I am. I'm a killer, Darce. That should make you want to run for the hills, not sit by my side," Stefan whispered, his green orbs trailing over the water tracks staining her cheeks. He frowned and lifted his head, smudging them away.

"Being a vampire doesn't define who you are, Stefan. I'm not allowed to judge over a choice that wasn't yours. You and your brother never asked to become vampires. The intention was taken away from you, and through your love for your brother, you felt the need to stay with each other, completing your transaction. And that's okay; that is emotion. You're allowed to feel. You're permitted to be who you are. You don't need to hate what you are; learn to love what you can become. You can discover to love who you are."

"What he means is that we're predators. We need blood to survive. Making us monsters in humans eyes," Damon said, opening the door. He left open and sat on the other side of Darcy.

"You're not monsters. So, what you drink blood to survive? It's a food source, that's normal. Like us humans, we need food to survive. Yours just happens to be blood," Darcy shrugged.

"And that's okay with you?" Damon asked. "It doesn't bother you we have to drink blood, and our emotions are constantly on edge?"

Darcy shook her head. "No. It comes as part of the package. Think of it like this... I'm a woman. We have periods. We become hormonal. Our emotions change frequently. We can go from happy and tearful to feeling ravenous and wanting to go on a murder spree. Quite similar to a vampire, in my opinion."

Damon and Stefan laughed. "You're comparing us to a woman on her period?" the latter asked.

"Yep, sure am," Darcy nodded, grinning. "Whenever your mood deteriorates, be sure to think of poor me who will suffer once a month for the thirty years of her life."

"We beat you on that with 160 plus years," Damon added with a smirk.

"I'm curious... What do crave to eat during," Stefan flapped his hands about. "Your period?"

"He's back! Stefan' back Damon!" Darcy laughed, throwing her arms around Stefan. "Who knew talking about periods would make you see the light, huh? I'll remember that for next time."

"Shut up, you idiot," Stefan chuckled, pushing her off of him.

"But seriously, what do you crave?" Damon asked far too curiously.

Darcy grinned. "Sugar. And lots of chocolate, and oh, don't forget coffee. That's a must."

"Got it," Damon clapped his hands and stood up. He reached down for the bottle of blood and offered it to Stefan. "Bottoms up, Brother."

Stefan glanced between Damon and Darcy, receiving an encouraging smile from the dark-haired girl. 'Be who you are. Learn to love yourself.' He nodded to himself and took the bottle from Damon, and unscrewed the cap, bringing opening to his mouth and swallowing a sip. He sighed, relishing in the blood flowing down his throat and replenishing his thirst. He felt the veins emerging under his skin and the red overtaking the whites of his eyes. Soon enough, the blood contents were devoured, and the bottle was crushed between his hands.

"Feels good, huh?" Darcy asked, rubbing his back. Stefan nodded, releasing a bliss-filled sigh. "Awesome, focus on getting to strength back, and then we can broaden your control and then begin the next stage," she added, following Damon out of the dungeon.

"Uh. Next stage? What's that?" Stefan asked, walking up the stairs and into the parlour.

Darcy glanced over her shoulder. "Human blood, of course."

"What! Tell me you're joking?" Stefan halted his steps and looked at them incredulously.

Damon dropped down on the sofa, grunting when Darcy plopped down beside him, her legs crashing down on his lap. He shot a glare at her reclined position. "Comfy?"

"Very, thanks," she grinned and settled her head on the armrest, closing her eyes.

"Hello? Is no one gonna tell what's going on? Human blood?" Stefan asked, planting himself before them.

"Ah. That be Darcy, our Miss Mastermind, and her devious ways," Damon whistled. "Smart mind this one. Had me convinced she was going to feed younger blood."

Stefan whipped his stare to the woman in question. "Tell me you're not that stupid... I won't touch your blood, Darcy."

Darcy groaned. "No, you fool. Listen to his words... He said, 'convinced'. Meaning he thought that was the plan until I dropped my motives on him."

"And that was?"

"For you and Damon to sort things out between you both. It worked, didn't it?"

"And the rest?" Stefan insisted, taking a seat on the couch opposite them.

"After you got your energy back up. I thought if we worked on your control and urges, we could move on to blood bags. Slowly and gradually to build up your tolerance. That way, you won't have to go out to hunt all the time to feed. I know you hate animal blood, for it makes you generally weaker than a vampire on human blood. Your abilities will strengthen if we're successful."

"I don't know," Stefan closed his eyes and rested back in his seat. "It's risky. What if I messed up and attacked someone if a human happened to injure themselves and produce blood? It'll get messy."

"That's why you will wean yourself off the animal blood gradually. We'll do it in small quantities at first and work you up from there. You'll have me helping you, and if push came to shove and you relapsed, Damon would be a step ahead of us and be already waiting. You won't be on your own, Stefan. Not anymore, I promise you that."

"You'll do all that for me. Why?" Stefan asked, sitting up straighter when Darcy lifted her legs off Damon and ventured over to him. She sat on her knees in front of him.

"Because I care, Stefan. I'll do that and more. I hate standing there watching you beat yourself up, loathing yourself because you feel you're not strong enough. You let your past define who you are, and all those years are rested upon your shoulders, weighing you down. You shouldn't. The past is the past. Yes. You've made mistakes, but you can if you allow yourself... to open a new page and redeem those omissions. I'm here now. You've got your brother back. You don't need to do this on your own anymore."

Stefan turned his face away and wiped his eyes. His emotions are getting the best of him. He honestly doesn't know how to feel. He's torn.

"Hey, why are you crying?" Darcy whispered, wiping the wetness from underneath his eyes.

"They aren't sad tears. They are happy. Because I've been alone for so many years, and you turn up out of the blue and change everything. I'm struggling to comprehend how you accepted me with what I am and never once judged me for it."

Darcy shook her head. "I accepted you from the start, Stefan. I always have and always will. Nothing will ever change that. You being a vampire doesn't differ from that. It was your compassion that convinced me you were no regular vampire. You're not out there drawing the blood from the town's residents. You care, and despite your un-beating heart, you do have one. You may be a little broken, but that's okay. I'm broken too."

"You're amazing, do you know that? And she's wrong," Stefan confessed.

"Whose wrong?" Darcy asked, confused. She veers to her feet, feeling the shift in the air.

Damon senses where the course was drifting to and stands up, bracing himself for a fight.

"Elena... I heard. I heard you crying, too, over the words she spelt out. She's wrong. She can't hate you. How can anybody feel such a way? To you of all people, her own sister. If anything, she should hate me for how I feel. But let me tell you something, Darcella."

"Stop. Please stop, Stefan,"

"No. I can't. You deserve to know from my mouth only."

"Don't... Not now. I...l can't." Darcy pleads, backing away from him. "Please stop."

"I can't. Not anymore. I won't push you, but I don't regret what I told Elena. I've fallen for you Darcy, nothing you can do or say won't ever change how I feel."

"Stop it! Stop talking!" Her voice cracks as she shakes her head. "You can't love me," she whispers.

"I can't stop. I've tried. But then you waltz back in and do things like this, for my brother and me, I can't help but fall further."

"I haven't done anything. I'm not worthy of your love."

"Don't say that! Yes, you are. And don't say you've not done anything. You took Vicki' life on your hands so that it wouldn't pile on my burden. You accepted me for who I am. You became my first proper friend after Lexi. You comforted me when she died, mourned with me. Frederick caught me. He almost killed me if it wasn't for you and Damon getting me out of there in time. You killed Frederick for me. That's another life on your hands for me! And not only that, me and Damon wouldn't be able to stand in the same room without tearing each other apart if it wasn't for you. That once strong bond we had that Katherine tore apart is restored again, is strengthening all because of you! And yet again, I almost lost control and could have killed you and the girl. Still, you're standing here. You're still by my side. How can I not fall in love with you? How can anyone not? You're beautifully imperfect and so Goddamn filled with humanity and compassion. So, tell me, Darcella, what's not about you to love?"

Darcy could do nothing but gape at him; her thought process was blank, inciting her frozen to the spot. Almost like she had forgotten how to function her body. She shook her head and tugged on her hair, and began to pace around the room.

"You can't love me... It's wrong," she said lamely.

Damon made a noise of protest. "Please entertain me of how it's so wrong? I know you know of my intentions. How is loving you so wrong?"

"Because Damon, Elena's my sister. Stefan loving me is wrong! If you failed to hear that. I said, SISTER! How is that not wrong?! Please tell me."

"Who cares about her. This is about us, not her!" Damon exclaimed, stomping over to her and stopping her pacing. His palms gripped her cheeks. "She's got nothing to do with us," he soothed his voice.

"She hates me, Damon. I...I heard every word earlier. How she's trying not to hate me, but she's hurting all because of me," Darcy whispered, her voice watery from the unshed tears she's been holding back. "She hates me. I can't tolerate that thought. All I've wanted was for her to be happy. For years, when we were younger, she pushed me away. Yet, I kept on until she finally relented. And now this happens, and it'll be back to how it was before. I can't bear that... It hurts too much."

Stefan steps around them. "What about you? When do you get to experience happiness? When do you finally get the ability to breathe properly? From where I am standing, you're wasting away. All so your family are safe and happy."

Darcy moved Damon's hands off her face and turned away, brushing her face. "Tell us why it's wrong... Why can't we love you?" Damon asked.

She needed a moment to gather herself. To allow her walls to come down and admit the truth. The truth she kept sealed away in its iron cast cage. Darcy closed her eyes and exhaled. She brushed away the wet strands stuck to her face and veered around, pinning her stare on the two brothers'.

"It's wrong because I feel the same way. Except my feelings are for the both of you. I can't love Stefan freely. I'll constantly live with the guilt, knowing I potentially took him away from Elena. And I can't love Damon because of Stefan's feelings. That would be rubbing it in his face. I won't do that. I can't... it hurts enough knowing I can't have either of you. I would rather have you as my friends than lose you both."

"So, you would hold yourself back for your sister's happiness? You would rather subject yourself to misery, all for her? Don't you see how wrong that is? You would instead be unloved as long Elena gets her happiness?" Stefan asked incredulously.

"Not only that, we'll all be in the same shoes, feeling the same emotions. And vampires with the ability to turn off their humanity... That won't end well. Not for us," Damon stated.

"I won't lead you on. I can't, and I won't. But know this, I'll still be at your sides. She can't take that away from me. I'm not going anywhere. I promise you both that. It's you and me. I'll always be all in."

Oh. Only if she knew how soon she would be taking back those words.

*•*•*•*•*

What originally started as a scene with Damon and Alaric turned into a full-fledged chapter. Oops?

Tell me what did you think? Good? Bad? What would you like to see?

Poor Darcy :(

Are you hating Elena right now?

And holy crap, did I bawl!