Crumbling Hearts and Shattered Minds

Chapter 16: Clean Slates For Everyone

Damon POV

I was still sitting on the couch, cross legged and pushing my back into it, trying to get it to just swallow me whole and take the pain away.

The pain was still there.

Still burning intensely.

I was simply blocking it out.

Detaching it from my body as a way of escape.

Giuseppe hasn't made anymore appearances and after about an hour of reassuring, I finally persuaded Stefan that I was fine and didn't need him to watch my every move. It was a complete lie, but it got him to calm down.

Bored out of my mind, I started running my hands through my flat greasy hair. I would kill for a shower. But Stefan has me on bed lock down. or couch lock down or whatever.

I was staring at my annoyingly grimy hair when an unexpected visitor came into the parlor.

I dropped my hand as the visitor sat across from me on the coffee table.

If people didn't stop sitting there, I would have to buy a new one.

"Well. You're the very last person I expected to see." I said to the unexpected guest.

"I thought we should talk." The blonde said quietly.

"Caroline, you don't have to be here. I mean, I know you hate my guts, and I know I deserve it. But why are you trying to help save me?" I asked skeptically.

She leaned on her palms and looked genuinely thoughtful. I sunk back into the couch and waited for a response.

"I- I think I was wrong about you." She said without looking at me.

"Really? Because I think you were completely right about me." I said coolly.

She looked at me, surprise written across her face.

"No. I wasn't. I mean at first I blamed you for my death. But all you really did was use me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was angry about that. But frankly, that's all you did and its not like I haven't used anyone before- I mean and you gave me your blood to save me- it was Katherine that killed me and I guess I'm just trying to apologize. And once you get through this, I was hoping we could- I don't know- have a clean slate?" She tumbled over her words but I still understood.

Loud and clear.

After everything, she was willing to give me a second chance.

I grinned.

"Actually, I'd like that a lot. I mean, I've seen you about your friends Caroline. Your honest and loyal with them and will give anyone shit for messing with them. And I would love a chance to be friends with you." I said sincerely, all pain forgotten.

She smiled and laughed a little. I smiled too.

"Well, I'm glad that worked out well" came a voice from the door.

I looked up and saw Stefan saunter in and sat next to Caroline.

"So if I understand correctly," Stefan started.

"We all get clean slates after this?"

Caroline and I glanced at each other. Stefan looked back and forth, waiting for an answer.

Finally, not being able to keep up the façade, I grinned.

"Clean slates for everyone after this." I stated and Caroline and Stefan grinned with me.

I heard cheering from the doorway that everyone seems to keep appearing from.

I looked up to so the rest if the group, all smiles and cheers. They came and joined us. Alaric on my left, Jeremy on my right, Elena by Stefan and Matt next to Caroline.

Tyler stood behind Caroline and Matt and gave us all a huge grin.

"So what? After this all is forgiven and we all go buddy buddy?" He asked.

I pursed my lips and pretended to think about it. After a moment I replied.

"Yup" I said while popping the 'p' at the end.

Tyler looked down.

"So I'm forgiven for biting you?" He asked.

The group went quiet.

I put on a serious face and stared at him. After a minute or so, I let loose a wide grin.

"Yup" I said again.

Tyler's shoulders sagged in relief and the group started grinning madly again.

We all chatted and joked for the rest of the night. Bonnie even joined us a few times for a while.

All in all, it wasn't a bad day.

The pain was still there, but I had renewed faith in my extended family.

We all may fight like dogs, but we're all there for each other.

After all, they wouldn't be family if they didn't make you miserable at times, right?