Their Raven

Chapter 2

Damon stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his suit and giving his reflection a smirk. "Don't I look handsome," he mused aloud, though the event's excitement escaped him. His gaze shifted to the necklace on the nightstand. With a huff, he grabbed it, slipping it on and tucking it under his shirt.

As he descended the stairs, Stefan was already waiting at the bottom. "Wow, Damon, you look great."

Damon mused his surprise at the compliment, "Why, thank you, brother. You're not looking too shabby yourself"

Stefan smiled faintly, and together they headed out to the car. As they drove off, Damon glanced over. "Elena's already at the party, isn't she?" Stefan sighed nodding, his expression strained. "Yeah, she thought we wouldn't notice" Damon scoffed "Of course. She always underestimates us, treats us like kids half the time" Stefan turned his gaze back to the road, trying to shift his thoughts away from her, knowing Damon had a point.

They pulled up in front of a stunning white mansion, its grand facade glowing softly under the evening lights. Damon raised an eyebrow, giving a low whistle. "Can't knock them for taste." Stefan rolled his eyes and climbed out the car. Damon followed "Alright, should we make an entrance together, or go in one at a time? You know for suspense" Damon flashed a mischievous grin. Stefan chuckled shaking his head as he walked inside, leaving Damon behind. He smirked to himself "One at a time then" He followed after, nodding in thanks to the doorman who held the door open for him.

Inside, a few head turned his way. Elena attempting to remain inconspicuous; Stefan waiting with a strange intensity that put Damon on edge. Elijah smiling at him. Klaus, also grinning; and their younger brother Kol, who seemed to be looking Damon up and down in a way that made his skin prickle.

Damon made his way down the three steps to join Stefan, smirking at him. "So gentlemanly, Stefan. If you wanted to be my date, all you had to do was ask." Stefan shook his head with a chuckle "Come on, let's get a drink" Damon placed a hand dramatically over his chest. "Am I turning you into an alcoholic? Driven you to drink? I'm so proud!" He mimed wiping a tear from his eye before letting Stefan drag him toward the bar.

Stefan downed his whiskey in one go while Damon sipped his drink more leisurely. "Somethings wrong? This is a party last time I checked. You're not supposed to be brooding," Damon teased. Stefan shook his head, glancing around. "I'm not brooding. It's just... Elena's here, the Mikaelsons have taken up residence and you're awfully quiet about that box from last night." His gaze sharpened as he look towards his older brother.

Damon sighed. "You've got a lot rattling around up there. No wonder you're getting wrinkles" Stefan slammed his glass onto the bar, drawing a few curious looks from nearby guests. "Can you be serious for once? I'm worried. Not just about Elena, but about you too! You're in danger here!" Damon glanced over his shoulder catching the Mikaelson brothers watching them. "I'm always serious Stefan, you think I haven't thought through every scenario, every risk? I have. And you know what? I'm tired. For 180 years, I've been looking over my shoulder for the next threat. I'm done! I don't care about Elena's issues. I care about you. And I think a lot of our problems would disappear if we left this miserable town–and her." Damon's words left Stefan stunned. He finished his drink and set the glass down with finality. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to mingle."

Damon walked away, leaving his brother alone at the bar and three Mikaelson men studying him with keen interest.

An hour into the ball, Damon was bored with making small talk and drinking overpriced wine. He scanned the room, catching sight of an argument between Elena and Stefan. He rolled his eyes and turned back to his conversation with Sheriff Liz. "All I'm saying is that we tread lightly. I'd rather not make enemies of our new vampire neighbours." She said. Damon nodded absently, his mind wandering "Oh, don't worry Sheriff. We'll be on our best behaviour"