Midnight Rising

Closer

I thought payphones went out of practice in the nineties after the cell phone craze took over and everyone forgot how to use a phone book. I guess in towns where the providers forgot to put in towers, they never went out of fashion. Lucky me. Dropping a few quarters in, I dial out Jeremy's number. Static sounds, then a faraway ringing; once, twice, three times, and then voicemail. It's probably for the best. There are only so many excuses I can make as to why I'm not able to come home yet. The less I have to explain the better.

"Look Jer, I shouldn't even be calling. I don't know what's going on, but I think it's smart you're not telling Bonnie. She'd only worry. I'm going to try and figure out what I can. I'll do my best to call again, but payphones are like unicorns, we've heard of them, people know what they look like, but you'll never see one in real life. I hope that made you at least smile. These are my best jokes. I can't call from the cellphone. I trust you, but I don't trust the people I'm sure you're spending time with. I miss you too. I'm sorry I can't come back. Maybe someday. Look after the house. If you get it fixed up before I'm back, it's yours. Don't let Damon go too crazy. Don't let him spend more than a few days sitting in the tub drinking." I sigh, holding the phone over the holder before pressing it back to my ear. "You're strong, Jeremy, never forget that."

Plastic darts sit in the scotch Stefan ordered for Ray. The werewolf is taped to the wall, limbs stretched out into a star shape. His forehead is level with the bullseye on the dartboard. Klaus is lounging in one of the many cracking plastic-leather chairs on the other side of the pool tables.

Stefan stirs the darts with his finger, plucking one from the glass. Turning back towards Ray, Stefan releases the metal-tipped dart at the werewolf's chest. "Ray, we can end this right now." Stefan strides over to Ray, plucking the dart from the man's skin. "Just tell me where your pack gathers for the full moon."

"I can't," Ray pants, shrinking his body further against the wall as Stefan runs the wolfsbane soaked dart over his face. A thin red welt appears where the liquid clings.

Stefan sighs, dropping his torture device back into the scotch glass. He rests one hand on his hip, "I know. I know. You live by a code and all. But see -" Damon's brother glances over his shoulder at Klaus, "– he's not going to let me stop until you tell me. And I do whatever he says. That's the way it goes around here."

"Who is she?" Bloodshot eyes land on me, a silent plea for help in them. Ray is barking up the wrong tree.

Sauntering forward, I chuckle at my own silent joke. Stopping at the bar, I dip my fingertips in the wolfsbane laced scotch. "Well," I press my fingertips to Ray's temple, enjoying the gasp of pain he lets out. "You see, Stefan listens to Klaus and Klaus listens to me. It would be really helpful if you just told us. Your wolf friends don't have to know. I won't tell them. Promise." Withdrawing my hand from Ray's cheek I marvel at the red welt, looking very much like claw marks across the man's face.

As Ray continues to stutter, wallowing in his own pain, Stefan nudges me with his elbow. He tilts his head in the direction of Klaus who has now moved across the bar, cellphone held to his ear. Damon's name echoes in my ears. It sounds harsh coming out of Klaus' mouth. I want to slap him, to tell him to never speak the vampire's name ever again. Damon's name deserves to be said lovingly, to be whined, to be screamed, but never to be spat out the way Klaus does.

"Do you think he's getting closer?" Stefan questions in a hushed voice, his arms draped over my shoulders, chin resting atop my head.

"He's always getting closer, Stefan." Stepping away from the vampire, I pluck one of the darts from the scotch glass, driving it through Ray's throat. As the man gasps for air, fighting against the duct tape bonds, I flop down into one of the faux leather chairs. This game isn't fun anymore.

As I chip away at the black nail polish still coating my nails, Klaus appears. He places himself between my chair and Stefan. "He's getting closer."

Peaking around Klaus' side, I give Stefan a glance, lifting an eyebrow. I'm always right about these things. Damon may be Stefan's brother, but I know him best.

"I'm going to have to deal with that," Klaus continues.

My heart stops mid-beat. If Klaus runs into Damon it's all over. No amount of pleading or threatening on my part will keep Stefan's brother alive. Klaus doesn't take kindly to those who try and put a kink in his plans. We've spent all summer avoiding Damon, leaving town just as his bright blue convertible pulls up. I can't lose Damon, not forever, not like that. He's stubborn, hell-bent on bringing Stefan and I back to Mystic Falls. I've been leading him on, coaxing him forward with little hints hidden in just the right places. If Klaus were to kill him for his pursuit it would be my fault. I've done terrible things in my time, but if Damon were to die because I let him have hope I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

Seeing the panic setting in, Stefan steps forward, "No. No, let me handle it."

"Why should I let you leave?" Klaus crosses his arms over his chest.

Stefan's mouth opens and closes, his eyes flicking between Klaus and me, "Cause you know I'll come back?"

"Do I?" Klaus challenges.

"You saved my brother's life," Stefan responds. The wheels in his head are churning, trying to figure out a scenario where he can escape and not lose everyone he loves. The light fades. There's no chance. Stefan has to come back, to see this through. It's the only way we all get out alive. "I'm in your service."

Klaus turns to me, rolling his eyes. He honestly can't wrap his head around the fact that Stefan is only here to repay a favor. The second Klaus releases him from this wicked game he'll go running back to Elena. That's who Stefan is. He will try and regain whatever semblance of a normal life he can and shove what has happened over the past two months as far down as he can. "Oh, that almost sounds so tedious and indentured. Aren't you having the least bit of fun?" Klaus chuckles. Cold and dry, like nails against a chalkboard.

"I'll make sure that my brother doesn't bother us anymore."

As Stefan walks past, I catch his hand, holding it in mine. I look up into cold, dead eyes. "Thank you," I mouth, squeezing Stefan's hand before dropping it.

Another piece of Stefan is going to die tonight.