***
Stefan-Bedroom
"It's been fifteen years."
"Thank God," he said. "Another day of the nineties and I might've staked myself. That flannel, that broody alt-rock thing? Definitely not your best era. Remember, Stefan, stay timeless."
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"I miss my little brother."
I didn't buy it. "You hate this town. Always said it was boring."
He gave me that slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, I've managed to keep myself busy."
"You left that girl alive tonight," I said. "That was sloppy."
He shrugged. "That sounds like a you problem."
Of course it was. It always became my problem eventually.
I took a breath and steadied my voice. "Why now, Damon?"
He walked closer, each step deliberate, like he was reasserting control of something I never really held.
"I could ask you the same thing," he said, voice low. "But I already know your answer."
He let the silence stretch just long enough to twist the knife.
"It's her, isn't it?" he said, and smiled like he'd won. "Elena."
And there it was. The truth laid bare in one word.
"She took my breath away," Damon said. "Elena. She looks just like Katherine."
I didn't respond.
"Is it working, Stefan? Being around her, being part of her life? Does it make you feel alive?"
"She's not Katherine."
He smirked. "Let's hope not. We both remember how that ended."He looked at me, head tilted. "When's the last time you had something stronger than a squirrel?"
"I know what you're doing, Damon. It's not going to work."
"You sure? Don't you miss it? Just a little?"
"Stop."
"Let's do it," he said. "You and me. I saw a couple girls out there. Or better yet—let's go straight for Elena."
"Stop it."
He leaned in. "Can't you just imagine what her blood tastes like?"
And something in me snapped.
"I can," he said, watching me closely.
"I said stop."
Everything blurred for a second. We crashed through the window. The wind hit hard. The ground harder.
He laughed as he got up. "I was impressed. I give it a six. No style, but solid form. The face thing was a nice touch."
I got to my feet. "It's always a joke to you, isn't it? But wherever you go, people die."
He shrugged. "That's just how it goes."
"Not here. Not this time."
He stepped closer. "So this is you inviting me to stay?"
"Damon, come on. After everything, can't we be done with this?"
He leaned in. "I promised you an eternity of misery. I'm keeping my promise."
"Stay away from Elena."
His eyes dropped to my hand. "Where's your ring?"
I looked down. Gone.
"Oh yeah," he said, holding it up. "Sun's up in a few hours. Might get a little... crispy."
"Relax," he added. "It's right here."
Before I could move, he grabbed my shirt and slammed me into the wall.
"You're not stronger than me," he said. "You gave that up when you stopped feeding. Don't forget it."
He glanced toward the hallway. "I think we woke Zach. Sorry, Zach."
***
Caroline-Mystic Grill
"Are you sober yet?" Bonnie asked.
I shook my head. "No."
"Keep drinking," she said. "I gotta get you home. And then get myself home."
I stared into my glass, not really seeing it. "Why didn't he go for me?" I asked. "Why is it always like this? The guys I want never want me."
Bonnie gave me a look. "I'm not touching that."
"I'm inappropriate. I say the wrong things, and I try too hard. Elena doesn't even try, and she still gets picked. Every time. For everything." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "She just exists, and people love her. And I work so hard just to be... enough. And I'm still not the one."
"It's not a competition, Caroline."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "It is."
***
Matt-Hospital Room
She opened her eyes.
"Vicki…" I stepped closer, heart racing. "Hey. Hey, it's okay. You're gonna be okay."
"Matt...she tried to say something, but her voice was barely there.
"Don't talk," I said quickly. "You're fine. Just rest."
She looked straight at me, eyes wide. "Vampire."
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how'd yall feel about this chapter? I know it was a little short, but I was experimenting a bit with switching POVs, just trying something new. Let me know if you liked it or if you'd be down to see more of that style in the future.
Next chapter's gonna focus more on our main character, and it'll definitely be longer to make up for this one I promise.
Also, I'd love to hear what kind of writing style you prefer. First person? Third? If you've got any favorite fanfics, send 'em my way. I'm always trying to learn and see how other writers do their thing so I can keep improving.
Appreciate y'all for reading. Always.