Crumbling Hearts and Shattered Minds

Chapter 34: It's a Long Story

Damon POV.

I turned the handle but froze as the voices from inside drifted towards us.

"Damon's been gone for a while. I thought Klaus was going to bring him back!" Stefan sounded anxious. He must be pacing back and forth because there's only one continuous loop of footsteps.

"We've talked about this for the last week Stefan. We have to patient. I'm sure Klaus will be good on his word. Plus Damon can take care of himself." I leaned against the doorframe as heard Elena try and calm Stefan. There were more heart beats than just her's though. I heard at least two others. My best guess was Ric and Bonnie.

I held my breath so Stefan wouldn't hear. I wasn't sure why after I spent over a week wanting so badly to return home. I should just walk in but my stomach flipped at the thought. What would I say?

'hey Stef! Sorry I kept you worried but I spent time with your worst enemy revisiting my roots and making sure I don't go insane again. Then we spent a few extra days there and might of kissed a few times. Oh! And we pretended to be a couple for about a week. Wanna grab a blood bag and laugh about it?'

No. I don't think that would bode well with my little brother. I continued to listen silently and Klaus did too. He just watched me but after the last week I grew used to his intense stare burning into my face.

"Klaus said he and Damon wouldn't be gone longer than a month Stef. We still have a week and a half till we have to start worrying." Ric said, proving I was right to assume it was in fact the history teachers heart I heard earlier. I stared at the door and kept my grip tight on the handle as to not make a noise.

"And who do you think Damon will come back as? Caring big brother or killer completely cut off from the world? Because I've spent time with Klaus. And I don't think Damon will be the same." Stefan said with a shake in his voice that only a vampire could hear.

I decided to show my brother rather than tell him the answer. I opened the door and walked towards the parlor.

I motioned for Klaus to stay just outside the entrance to where the others were. He nodded with a encouraging small smile tugging at his lips. Then he pulled me towards him and kissed my cheek. A promise of an exciting later. I nodded absently then took the last shaky steps towards my make shift family.

They were all there. Ric, Bonnie, Elena, Jeremy, Caroline, Tyler, Matt and Stefan. Stef. My baby brother. The one person I seem to hurt the most.

Everyone is gawking at me except him. He notices their expressions and turns to me. I smile and his face matches the one he made when I got him extra dessert when we were kids. Like I hung the fucking moon in the sky. My smile widens and suddenly it feels like I'm being hit by a car.

Stefan is clinging to me and all the unneeded air is forced from my lungs. I laugh breathlessly and hug him just as tightly back. All the others laugh and stand for their own hugs.

Since when are things so lovey dovey around here? But I just roll my eyes as Stefan steps back. Ric is first and hugs me tightly. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he seemed to be losing some of that vampire hunter strength. Elena's next and she giggles a bit and gives me a squeeze before stepping next to Stef. Bonnie steps in front of me an raises a brow. I raise mine in response and she smiles and gives me an awkward hug. Jeremy laughs like a little kid when he hugs me then walks over to Bonnie. Matt's hug is even more awkward but he smiled at me afterwards. Caroline flings herself at me and flings her arms around my neck. She steps back and laughs. I smile at her and she steps back by Tyler who gives me a little nod. I nod back.

"So. It take it I was missed?" I try to sound cocky but it comes out with a twinge of uncertainty. Stefan pushes me by my shoulder.

"Yes you jerk." He says playfully. I smile at him am my cheeks hurt from holding it for so long. I really need to get back to my badass self before this becomes a problem.

"You're the one that made the deal with Klaus." I point out, equally playful. His smile falters a bit.

"What did he do anyways? And, not that I'm not happy with it, but why'd he bring you back so soon?" He asks, with his arm around Elena's waist. I open my mouth to answer but I get interrupted.

"I was a perfect gentleman, Stefan. And Damon was home sick so we cut our little trip short." Klaus says as he steps into the parlor.

I let out a breath. I thought he had left. I don't know why I was so glad he didn't. I snap out of it as I hear Stefan growl. I look to see his vampire face front and center.

He lunges at Klaus and I rush to get between them. I hold Stefan back from around the waist and have my back to Klaus. I gently throw Stefan away from the hybrid, being sure not to hurt my little brother. He changed back and looks at me in total confusion. I put my hands up.

"Okay. Before anyone attacks anyone else, we have some things to discuss. And, while those things are being discussed, Klaus is to be treated as a guest." I say loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Yes. So show some curtesy for your guest, Stefan." Klaus says cheekily from behind me. I flash an exasperated look at him. He shrugs and smiles sweetly and innocently. I roll my eyes and look to my family.

"Okay, look. There are no threats here. No one is in danger." I say an drop my hands.

"Are you compelled?" Elena asks with a concerned expression. But I have been seeing it quiet frequently of late. Often times I see her with it rather than without. I sigh.

"No. I'm still on vervain." I answer, hoping I sounded reassuring.

"Then why are you protecting him?" Stefan asks sounding honestly confused.

"Because Damon and I bonded quiet well on our trip to Damon's birth town." Klaus said, in a matter of fact tone. I sighed. I was grateful and yet regretful for the help.

"I get that we're gonna have to talk about this. But can Klaus and I get some blood first? It was a long flight." I ask. Stefan raises an eyebrow and shakes his head.

"No. I wanna know the truth now, Damon. I wanna understand why you two are acting all buddy buddy and why I thought you were born in Mystic Falls this whole time!" He says and crosses his arms.

"Fine. But we should all sit down," I say. "It's a pretty long story" we all sit on the couches.

Everyone but me and Klaus fills two of the three. I sigh and sit on the third with Klaus. He sits closer than necessary on the big couch and smirks at the others and looks to me and smiles genuinely. I roll my eyes and I feel a slight blush rise to my cheeks.

"So," I start and then clear my throat. Klaus is still watching me. "Where should I start?"