Crumbling Hearts and Shattered Minds

Chapter 22: Favorite TV Shows And Debt Collection

Damon POV

I felt different.

Completely different, yet still me.

The dull ache that has been in my head for weeks is gone, my eyes feel perfectly normal, my limbs have more strength and don't just hang lifelessly like they did, and I didn't want to push everyone away and wallow in misery.

I thought about this while I leaned against my brothers chest with my eyes closed.

It has been merely a day since my resurrection and Stefan hasn't let me have a moment to myself since then.

Not that I'm complaining.

I did shower alone, but Stefan was sitting and waiting right outside my bathroom door in my room. I had come out to see him sprawled up on my bed.

As much as I missed this Stefan, I still made him remake the bed again afterwards.

Now I was in the parlor with everyone who has invaded this house for the past week. Stefan, Bonnie, Alaric, Jeremy, Matt, Tyler, Caroline and Elena all sat in the parlor; Alaric, Jeremy and Elena on the couch across the coffee table from Stefan and I. Matt, Tyler and Caroline on the couch that sat next to the one we are on, and Bonnie sitting on the other far side of Stefan.

I sat with my back to Stefan's chest and his arm wrapped protectively around me.

It was a bit odd; but I'd be damned if said I cared.

He was my brother, my last family and my reason for fighting.

I let out a content sigh.

It was good not being crazy or feeling suicidal.

I smiled.

It was also good having my brother back.

"You look comfortable, Damon." Tyler commented slyly.

I rolled my eyes underneath closed lids.

The others had been making jokes about my clingy-ness that Stefan and I have been showing.

"Your just jealous, only child." I said with my eyes closed and scooting closer to Stefan to emphasize.

Stefan laughed, the vibrations emanating from his chest making me squirm.

I still wasn't used being in such close proximity with anyone.

But I felt safe with Stefan. I trusted him with my mind and my life. And for the first time in a 100 plus years I felt content and cared for.

"We should go back to the lake sometime soon. Haven't been there in far to long. Well, haven't been there without something mentally scaring happening, anyways." I said while opening my eyes and tilting my head up to look at my younger sibling.

Stefan huffed out a breath in amusement.

"Yeah. Sounds good. But this time we should bring everyone else." He said while casting his gaze around the room. Everyone but Rick seemed curious onto where the hell we were talking about.

I mock pouted and stuck out my bottom lip.

Then I saw Stefan wink and I knew exactly what he was planning.

God, him and his pranks are never going to stop.

I thought amusingly to myself.

I shook my head and grinned.

"I could use some blood. Anyone else want any? Rick?" I said while giving him a teasing smile.

Rick made a face and shook his head.