Silver's Week by BlackSun 1. Sunday. A soft voice filled the air. People looked around in wonder, but their efforts to spot the singer was in vain. He or she seemed to be invisible. It sounded so desperate: "Sorrow hides under the water Sorrow is my only friend Sorrow stands beside the doorway And sorrow needs a helping hand Girl in a glassbox dressed in white Happy enough to commit suicide. She says silvers' meant to burn forever Sleeping forever in a bubble of blue Would you like to see her point of view? She says silvers' meant to burn forever Forever... Say my name, silverflame, take control Of my heart, of my mind, and my soul. What a shame, silverflame, you can't burn forever." The singing stopped and people just walked away. They never forgot the song, but they just walked away anyway. Silverflame appeared from his hiding place. He looked around and disappeared unnoticed into the busy crowd, which kept on moving like a river outside the door. * * * "How about that guy, Silvers? He looks unhappy to me." Marco pointed at someone and Silvers looked in the direction given. Then he shook his head. "No? Who are you to be so picky?" "Yes, who am I?" Silverflame and Marco were sitting on the sidewalk, looking at people passing by. Everybody seemed to be in a hurry. Marco shook his head: "Busy on a Sunday? Nobody's having fun these days. No, back in the 14th century, we knew how to have fun. Now everybody's so busy, busy, busy. With what, I ask you? With making themselves miserable." "And I make them happy," Silvers stated mechanically. Marco snorted. "So I've noticed. You can make one perhaps even two guys happy on one night. Do you really call that happiness? As soon as you turn your back on them, they're miserable once again. You make no one happy. Least of all yourself." "I make them happy, "Silvers stood up, "You know nothing of happiness." Marco laughed: "And you do? You're not happy." "Happiness is fleeting. Everybody seeks for everlasting happiness. I say that is for nothing. Happiness is momentary. We all have moments in which we are completely happy, but we would be foolish to think they lasted forever. There is no such thing as eternal happiness." Marco snorted again: "Bullshit." "So? Are you happy?" "Surely. All the time." "Why is that?" Marco smiled: "I've found the man, with whom I'm happy. Nothing can ever destroy that happiness." "And when he leaves you? Or you leave him? Where's your happiness then?" Marco didn't answer right away, but when he finally did, he looked directly at Silverflame: "Happiness comes from inside. No one can make you happy, but you can be happy with some one. You just have to learn to be happy with yourself first. Then the happiness will last. If you're not happy with yourself, the happiness becomes fragile and momentary, as you say. But eternal happiness is possible. Very possible. You just have to look inside of yourself." "Yeah, right. That's not what life has taught ME. You can't make yourself happy. No one's happy on their own. I meet people, I make them happy, and then I leave. Before they know me well enough to miss me and.and what are you laughing at?" "You're naive in such an awful way. I can just see it. Two guys meeting each other, 'Do you know Silverflame?' 'Oh yeah, great sex, he really made me happy.'. Silvers, how can you make someone you don't even know happy? Did it ever occur to you that it might take a little more than sex?" "What else than sex could make you happy, huh? You talk about this wonderful boyfriend of yours. I bet most of your relationship is based on sex." "Sex is a part of it, but there is more to it than that. My mother used to make me happy, I didn't have sex with her." "That surprises me." "It does? Well, perhaps you can give the answer yourself, you have sex all the time with God knows how many different men. Are you happy?" No answer. "You see? My boyfriend and I are happy together, because we enjoy each other's company. Because we can share things. Not just because of the sex." Silverflame sighed: "There you go again. Happy together?! You're saying that your happiness depends on whether you're together or not?" "No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that we're able to share happiness. You're just confused, am I right? You don't even know who you are. Or what you are. All this nonsense about making people happy is just an excuse for you to find out if." "If what?!" Silverflame looked at him, eyes blazing. "If you're like me, "Marco didn't even blink, "but you're not going to find any answers like this, you've got to allow yourself to get close to someone. You have to realize whether it feels right or not. If you leave out every emotion, then you're just a body being used, abused, and eventually thrown away. Do you think that those jackasses you sleep with doesn't know that you deep down don't give a damn about them? They do, believe me. You're just another pretty face. And if you weren't so damn quick to get out of their bed even before sunrise, they would probably kick you out." "You obviously don't know what you're talking about." "Oh, I don't? Then tell me, when were the last time you met a man, who made you happy?" "You've known me for.. what? Two months? And you already know that no man has ever made me happy?" Silverflame started pacing furiously in front of Marco. "I think a woman has. But you just have to know, right? Well, then find your answer, Silverflame.it is Silverflame, right?" Silvers stopped: "Go back to Hell where you came from!" "I would take you with me." "I don't care, just go. Stop analyzing my love life." "Excuse me, but what's love got do with it? You're just about the most confused person I have ever met in my 600 years. Love? If that's love, then I can live without." "People love me." "Sure. You're worth it. You just have to believe that. You don't have to make anyone but yourself happy, Silvers. You can't. Those guys you meet they don't love you. But I'm sure other people do. Just have to be open." "Yeah? What makes you so clever? Jeez, not even my family loved me. So maybe I'm not worth it after all." "What makes you think, they didn't love you?" "You know how things were back then. Love wasn't what tied a family together." "Then what did?" "Honor. Obligation," he looked at Marco, "distrust." "My mother loved me." "I think I have to go." "Hey! You've got nowhere to go. Come back!" Marco got up and looked after him, "where are you going?" "I didn't say, I've got anywhere to go, "Silvers yelled back at him, "I just have to go, cause you make me sick." Marco shook his head and lit a cigarette. "Goddamn confused son of a.." Then he left in opposite direction. * * * 2. Monday. Silverflame startled a cat. He had it drained from blood, before it even knew what happened. Marco watched. It was absolutely disgusting. "Humans are cleaner. They shower, you know. Cats wash themselves with their tongue." "Humanblood is to. strong. It kind of makes me nauseous." " That makes ME nauseous." Marco pointed at the cat. "The poor animal didn't even have a chance. Humans deserve it. Animals are the only true innocents." "Fine. Now I won't ever feed again." Marco smiled and looked up at the full moon. "So who's the lucky guy?" Silvers looked slightly confused. "What do you mean?" "Who are you going to make happy tonight?" Silverflame moved closer and Marco looked down on him. He wasn't much taller than Silvers. "I could make YOU happy." Marco felt sad. Not by Silver's statement, but because of the emptiness he saw in his eyes. "I've already told you that I'm perfectly happy." "Are you?" Silvers moved even closer. Marco could feel his breath. "Yes I am." They stared at each other for a few seconds before Silvers took a step back and smiled gloomily at him. "Just checking." "I want to make you happy, Silverflame, but I know I can't." He reached out and touched Silvers' face gently. "You already know what makes you happy, but you throw it all away. And why? To search for an answer that might not exist. Go home, Silvers. To the ones, who can love you." Silvers had closed his eyes, but now he opened them and stared wildly at Marco. He shrunk back from Marco's touch. "I can't. I just can't." And then, he was gone. "You always run, Silvers." * * * 3. Tuesday His boyfriend was sprawled on the bed, and Marco watched him warily. "What do you think?" His boyfriend didn't even look at him: "I don't know. What's he up to now?" "Silvers?" Marco laughed, "I don't know. Haven't seen him since he left me last night." Now he looked at him. "No? I told you to keep an eye on him." "What do you want me to do? Besides, if he is so important to you, why don't you just watch out for him yourself?" The boyfriend smiled. "Do I sense jealousy? I believe I do. But don't worry. You've got absolutely no reason to be jealous at him." "Then why are you so interested in him? I mean, I know how cute he can be. And how unhappy he looks. Man, I feel so bad for him." "I said don't worry." "He ever made you happy, pumpkin?" Now Marco was feeling jealous. His boyfriend looked at him in surprise. Then he started laughing. "Hell no. Silvers has brought me nothing but trouble since I first lay my eyes on him." "Maybe you should SHUT your eyes to him then." "I just can't." Marco sighed. "That's what he said. Do you love him?" His boyfriend laughed miserably. "Silvers raises all sorts of emotion inside of me. But I assure you, lust is not included." "Really?" "Marco, look at me." He refused. "Marco, please." He looked at his boyfriend. "I don't recall ever hearing you saying please before. I mean, IF we don't count 'oh, please' in" "Shut up! I wanna tell you something." Marco rolled his eyes. "Sure, I'm all ears. By the way, I told him we're very happy together." "So, you did? Without consulting me first? And what if I don't feel the same? Then we wouldn't be happy TOGETHER!" Marco smiled viciously. "You do." "I see. I'm not quite sure. So why don't you convince me?" "How could I?" "Come here." * * * Silverflame was alone and he cried. He had just left the man he had been with this night and now he was all alone and miserable. And he cried. He felt empty. Not with them, but he did as soon as he'd left them. He tried to stop those salty rivers that kept running down his face, but he didn't succeed. Not until he decided on making another happy this evening. He just had to throw up first. The tears dried out on his face. * * * 4. Wednesday. "How about that guy? He looks unhappy to me." It took Silvers about 10 seconds to realize Marco was pointing at him. "You look pale. Did you get sick last night? I used to get sick after being with someone I didn't truly like." "Leave me alone." Silvers closed his eyes and leaned against the wall. "You know I can't do that." "Go back to Hell, you Son of Rosemary." "I'll take you with me." "You make me.." "Sick, I know." * * * 5. Thursday. "Say my name, silverflame, take control Of my heart, of my mind, and my soul. What a shame, silverflame, you can't burn forever." Silverflame had to sing again. It always made him feel better. It was the song, which had drawn Marco to him in the first place. But now it just seemed to annoy him. "Do you have to sing that song all the time? It's a very depressive song. Why don't you sing something else?" "Is it shaking your happiness?" Marco raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through his copper-colored hair. "Not exactly. But it's not helping you." "It makes me feel better." "Really? Then there's something completely wrong with you. Depressive songs do not make people feel better." "Maybe it makes me feel better in a sad way?" "As I've said before. You truly are confused. You just like torturing yourself." "That's why people sing sad songs. We like being miserable. We can't all be as happy, happy, happy as you!" "Define happy?" "OK, you don't like my song? Then you sing one. But it has to be sad. Just to check how it makes you feel. Let's take a scientific approach to this." Marco's eyes rolled. "What ever you say, Silvers. I just have to think of one." Silence on the sidewalk. "Come on!!" "I'm not a very good singer." "Just sing!" All right, cool down." Marco seemed to be struggling with his voice, before starting to sing. And he wasn't a good singer, but at least he made Silvers laugh. Perhaps sad songs did make Silvers feel better? * * * Silverflame noticed his presence before seeing him. Another vampire and it wasn't Marco. As far as he could tell, Marco was nowhere around. He felt uncomfortable by this presence and it got even worse, when he saw the guy. He was tall, blonde, and strong, and had a look on his face from which Silvers could tell that he hardly ever smiled. As the guy moved to stand right in front of him, Silvers almost panicked. "Pull yourself together, Silvers" he thought. "This man isn't half your age." No, but he was more than twice his strength. "Can I help you?" Silvers was surprise by his own voice. How did he manage to sound that calm? "You hang out with humans. What's wrong with your own kind?" Well, at least this guy got down to business. "Are you offended by it?" He still sounded completely calm, but he felt himself blush. That didn't happen to often. He normally went pale. "You should stick to your own kind. You are a disgrace to all vampires." "Now, wait a second!! There's no shame in being human. I used to be human, my sire used to be human, and.perhaps you once used to be human as well.." "We're more than those ignorant, pathetic creatures now. We are their superiors they should be our slaves. And you make yourself their slave." "I'm not their slave, I'm." Yeah, what was he? "You're their slave. You know what you're problem is? You've never been with a man of your own kind that's your problem." The guy grabbed Silvers, who yelped. Silvers looked around in panic, but the sidewalk was empty. People had gone to sleep. No one was around besides him and this offended vampire, who was about to help him with a problem he never even knew he had. In stead he searched his mind for things to say, but all he could think of was 'sorry, but no thanks. I really haven't got time to be raped.' He knew that wouldn't help him very much. He closed his eyes and could felt warm, foul-smelling breath on his face, as they were interrupted. "Leave him alone. Now!" The voice was cold as ice and seemed vaguely familiar, but Silvers was close to panic and didn't recognize it. The guy let go of Silverflame, who didn't dare to open his eyes. Then there was the sound of footsteps someone was leaving. Silvers didn't react until someone touched him. Then he started fighting and screaming. "It's me! Marco! Relax. It's all right. Man, you're acting like a girl." Marco said and put his arms around Silvers. "He said I should stick to my own kind. That I'm a slave." "To whom?" "Humans." "Oh, and that comes from someone, who has obviously sold his soul to the Devil?" "But he's right." "Bullshit." Marco moved away and looked angrily at Silvers. "This has got to stop. Do you hear me?" Silverflame nodded slowly. "Yes. He was right about me being a slave. But not to humans. I'm a slave to my own desires and my lack of self-control. And I let others take advantage of that. But I feel so guilty, and I want to make people happy. I want to know what I am." Marco shook his head in wonder. "You're actually making sense for once. So you're done?" "Just one more time, Marco. One more time and then it'll be over. I swear. I just need to find someone I like." Marco looked troubled, but then he agreed. "Promise?" Silvers smiled even though he was still trembling. "Yes, I promise." "I've always believed in you, Silvers." * * * 6. Friday. In all of this, there is one person that we must not forget, namely.... Elena, whose eyes were empty and glassy. She hadn't said one word since they sat down at the small table. It made Bonnie feel just a bit uneasy, but she was perfectly silent as well. "Something's wrong" Elena finally spoke up, taking Bonnie completely by surprise. Bonnie's head jerked. She opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it and waited for Elena to continue. "He didn't come home last night. I waited for him for hours. And before that I waited for days, but I haven't seen him since last Friday. It's been like that for almost three months now. I hardly ever see him and when he's finally there, it's only for a few hours during daytime. He doesn't even speak to me anymore, he just..." Elena trailed off. Bonnie frowned. She had not been expecting this and didn't quite know what to say. She cleared her throat: "How come?" Elena finally looked directly at her: "How come?! How should I know what he's thinking? We were so happy in the beginning and then...." She trailed off again and looked down. Her eyes were sad: "I don't know what's going on. Either he's going through some personal crisis or perhaps he doesn't love me anymore." Bonnie grabbed her arm: "Nonsense. I'm absolute sure he loves you. Guess he needs time to adjust himself to this new situation, with you coming back from the dead and all that..." Elena shook her head violently: "No, it's over. Something's terribly wrong. I've tried to talk to him, believe me, but he won't even listen to me. If I touch him he just shrugs me off. I don't know what to do anymore." "Give him some time, OK?" Bonnie tried to make eye contact with her, but it was impossible. Bonnie sighed and let go of her arm: "Be patient. He'll come to his senses." Elena started laughing, but it wasn't a happy laughter: "I've been nothing but patient these last three month and I'm sick and tired of it. I'll give him until Monday morning, and if he hasn't showed up, then...." "Then what?" Bonnie asked automatically even though she already knew the answer. "Then I'll leave him." * * * Silverflame got ready for the evening. Things were going to be just fine. Or that's what he kept telling himself. Now, where do you find someone you like? He was sure that once he found this someone, the hunt for eternal happiness would end and the growing emptiness inside of him would disappear. Tonight he would find the answer and then he would be able to go on with his life. The answer to what? "Who am I?" he whispered. It was time to feed. On human prey. * * * Bonnie felt bad leaving Elena, but she couldn't stand the silence. She was on her way home and quite happy to be outside again, but a part of her wanted to walk right back to Elena and keep her company. Another part of her just wanted to keep on walking. She felt like such a traitor and kept nagging at herself. "If you were a real friend, you wouldn't leave her alone at this particular time." Bonnie stopped. "What would Meredith do?" she thought. Then she turned around...and hit something. Or someone. Black. She looked up at the man and her heart stopped beating. "Bonnie. What a surprise." It felt like his voice wrapped around her, but she noticed that he didn't sound surprised at all. She also noticed a guy standing behind him, looking confused. His hair was as red as her, but his eyes were green as.as. She took a step away from Damon and shook her head: "Damon! What are you doing here? I mean, have you been following me?" Damon smiled brightly: "Why should I follow you, Bonnie? Frankly, I'm here by coincidence. But enough about me. What have you guys been up to? It's been almost six months..." "Why do you ask? You're not interested at all." Damon looked hurt...and amused: "How can you say that? After all we've been through." Bonnie was back to normal and rolled eyes: "Fine, we're all unforgivably happy. No really, we are. Matt's happy, I'm happy, Meredith's happy, Alaric's happy, Elena's.........kind of happy, and Stefan's...I don't know, happy? And...." Damon stared. "OK, we're miserable. But we're alive. I'm alive, Matt's alive, Meredith's alive, Stefan might be alive too..." "Bonnie?" "OK, Elena and Stefan are having problems, but when don't they? We don't all have to be unhappy, just because..." "Did I just tell you to be unhappy?" Damon smiled at the red-haired guy behind him. But that just made him look even more confused. Bonnie blinked: "No." "So, don't be unhappy, I'm not. Tell me about those problems instead." Damon moved closer. Actually a bit too close. "I'm not sure, they're not talking anymore. Or that's what Elena says. She believes he doesn't love her anymore..." "Hardly. But don't worry; I'll take care of it. Just go home." Bonnie was utterly surprised: "You will?" "It's already a done deal." He turned to the guy behind him. "This is most interesting, am I right, Marco?" "I'm not quite sure I know what you mean, Damon." The guy's voice sounded lost, "Who's Stefan and Elena?" "Stefan is Damon's brother. Elena's his wife" Bonnie explained. "Damon's wife?!" "No, my brother's wife." Damon said patiently. Marco frowned. "Brother, huh?" he looked like he had just realised something important, but couldn't quite figure out, what it was. His eyes moved from Bonnie to Damon and back. "Yes.Oh? I forgot to tell you? That's right. I was about to tell you Tuesday, but then you ..distracted me" Damon looked at Marco with an almost apologetic smile. Now Bonnie was about to realise something important, but her brain refused to take in the message. 'What's wrong with this picture?' Now they were all looking at each other. "What's up with you two? You look like you're." she trailed off. She didn't like the way those two guys were staring at her, their eyes too big to match their faces. They looked almost the same. "For a moment I thought that you were.that you're.you're not.Are you?" The guys turned their heads to take a look at each other with those big eyes. "Is it that obvious?" they said in unison. Bonnie had to laugh. "You guys sound like a married couple." Now they looked disgusted. "No way!!" Marco said. "We've only known each other for about five months." "Don't let her fool you. She can be very perceptive. Bonnie's no idiot." Damon went back to his own well-known and absolutely charming self. "Now, where did we get to? Oh, that's right. Stefan and Elena." "You promised to find out what's the matter with him." Damon sighed. "So I did. But I already know what's wrong. I just have to take care of it" Bonnie look at him disbelievingly. "You know?! Then what is it?" Before Damon could answer, Marco interrupted, his eyes even bigger than before. "Silverflame!" "Well, well. That's right. It all comes down to that annoyingly confused.." "Silverflame?!" Bonnie exploded. "How could this have anything to do with..." Damon and Marco were gone. "...A silverflame?" Bonnie headed home feeling a little better. Now she at least had things to tell Meredith. * * * 7. Saturday. Elena sat by the window. Sadness and anger struggled against each other inside of her to take possession of her. But she didn't wanted to wait anymore; waiting would just drive her crazy. She didn't know where to go either. Actually she had nowhere to go, but she would figure something out. Perhaps she could stay with Bonnie for a while? For once in her life, she felt no self-pity; sadness was all she had left. She couldn't even cry. * * * "No, no, no!!" Damon yelled at Marco, who looked defeated. "It has to stop now!! And I want him to stop it! He can keep on searching until forever; he's not going to find anything. One more time? It's out of the question! I'm going to do anything in my power to get him to stop this before it's to late!" "Maybe he's about to realise something, Damon," Marco tried, but Damon wasn't listening. * * * A young female singer was on the stage. Well, she could've been old, hard to tell with all that make-up. Her voice was shaky and she reeled, obviously drunk; "Life is a mystery everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name and it feels like home." Silverflame made his way through the nightclub. Not the best place to meet new people, but it would have to do. Several eyes followed him. He knew what they were thinking. He looked far too young. But nobody mentioned it. He found a table, sat down, and took a look around. He wanted to find the right person this time. That wasn't to hard. A tall, blonde man with dark, blue eyes was staring at him. Definitely attractive. He noticed some interest in the man's eyes. Silvers tried to get a better look at him. The man smiled and made gesture. Silvers instantly knew what he meant. Suddenly he found himself walking towards the man, and those promising blue eyes met his gaze. The man's smile widened as Silvers reached him. He gestured again this time towards a chair and Silvers sat down. "So," the man was still smiling, but Silverflame noticed that the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. The man had been drinking, and Silvers was sure that there was only one thing on his mind. Perhaps he was just like those other guys after all? Anger stirred inside of him, but disappeared as soon as he reminded himself of his own intentions. "What's a nice boy like yourself doing in a place like this?" Silverflame stared at him for a while before answering: "Who says I'm nice?" The man laughed, and Silvers relaxed a bit. At least the laughter was genuine. "Guess I asked for that one. Quite a cliché, huh?" Silvers smiled. The man changed the subject: "I'm Jacob.... and you are?" "In a hurry." The man raised his eyebrows and laughed again: "Well, how do you do, then. "How do I do what?" Silvers didn't mean to be rude, but the man confused him. "You really are difficult, am I right? What's your name? You seem too young to hang around here...." Silvers smiled again: "My name is Silverflame and I'm not being difficult, you are. We both know what's going on here, so let's stick to the subject." "Silverflame? That's unusual! I doubt it's your real name..." "It's the name I've given myself. And who other than I should name me?" "Fine, but listen, Silverflame, I want no trouble because of you. How old are you?" "I promise, no trouble. They let me in here, didn't they? I look younger than I am." Jacob shook his head: "No way you're old enough to be here." "Then I shouldn't. Now, where do you live?" Jacob looked almost shocked, but Silvers met his eyes squarely. Jacob started saying something, but Silvers paid no attention to him. He had already locked eyes with another man. These eyes were black and unfathomable. He couldn't help but return their stare. It felt like they had cast a spell on him: "Say my name, Silverflame, take control...." "I have no choice I hear your voice Feels like flying" He wanted to give in to those black eyes, wanted to take the hand this other man slowly extended towards him. He wanted to leave this place with him and forget all about Jacob and this silly situation. Everything seemed just crazy. "I close my eyes Oh God, I think I'm falling Out of the sky I close my eyes..." But he couldn't leave. Not now. He was so close to finding his answer. Instead he used his sad remaining of willpower to break loose from those eyes. He moved forward and stopped Jacob's talking with a passionate kiss. Now he felt several eyes on him again, not only those dark ones, and he wanted to laugh hysterically. But of course he couldn't. "...Heaven help me!!" He felt Jacob's astonishment, but also how he slowly returned the kiss. Silvers could feel his every emotion and read his every thought. "This is control, for once I'M in control," he thought, and the man with the dark eyes moved away from him. "What a shame, Silverflame." * * * As soon as Marco saw Damon coming in his direction he left the sidewalk to meet him halfway, and looked at him hopefully. Damon seemed tired and shook his head. "Now it's up to him." * * * Silvers opened a window and looked around for his clothes. As he got dressed, he could almost feel Jacob's gaze physically. When he was finished he turned around and met the gaze. "What are you going to do now?" Jacob asked. "Leave" he said simply. "Will I ever see you again?" Silvers shook his head: "No" He said without hesitation, "I think we both got what we wanted." He opened the door: "Nice getting to know you, John." The silverflame flickered...and died. "Silverflame!" Jacob called and Stefan turned around to confront him one last time: "Silverflame's gone...but I'm sure he'll remember you, if he should ever show up again." Stefan smiled. "He really liked you, you know." And with that, Stefan left the building. * * * Damon paced nervously in front of the building. He didn't like this at all, but who cared about what he liked? Apparently Stefan didn't. He didn't know why he'd followed him. This was none of his business, but...he just had to. He had told Marco to go back to their apartment, but he knew that Marco wasn't far away. Marco seemed to care for Stefan. No, not Stefan. Silverflame. He felt Stefan's presence and leaned against the wall, trying not to let his distress show. When Stefan appeared he looked at Damon shortly. Damon thought he was going to walk away, and if that were what he wanted, Damon would've let him. But Stefan hesitated... * * * Damon was standing outside, looking like he'd been waiting for hours. At first Stefan felt no need to confront him, and if he had simply walked away he doubted that Damon would've made any efforts to stop him. But something made him turn around and look at his brother. At first they simply looked at each other in silence, and Damon frowned like he was considering something really important. But then Stefan spoke up: "You're waiting for someone, Damon?" Damon seemed to be considering once more before answering: "I don't know. Am I? Perhaps I am...I just don't know who I'm waiting for. As I always say; interesting things happen in the dark," he said slowly not taking his eyes of Stefan. "Have you found someone then?" "I don't know. Have I?" Stefan felt himself growing angry: "Why do you always answer questions by asking another one? Why don't you just read my mind instead?" Damon shook his head: "No, questions make people think. Answers don't, I assure you. Besides I've heard it makes you sound smart. So, do you want answers? I can give you answers. But not the answer you're looking for." "So where can I find my answer then?" "Well, you've been looking all the wrong places. Perhaps you already know the answer. How should I know? You go figure that one out yourself. You're smart, you know." Stefan laughed bitterly: "I don't even know what we're talking about anymore." Damon smiled slightly: "Yes you do. And you know what? You've got someone waiting for you. God knows how long she'll be waiting for an answer." "You'll tell her?" Damon looked utterly surprised: "What's to tell?" Another question, no answer. Stefan moved uncomfortably: "What I've done." "Then there's nothing tell. But if you don't move fast, there might be." "I guess I'll have to hurry then. Thanks." Damon raised an eyebrow: "For what? I didn't give you that answer of yours you so desperately have been seeking." Stefan smiled: "Yes you did. You sure did. Have you found you're own answer?" Damon smiled wolfishly at him: "I don't have to. I know who I am and what I am. And if I should ever forget, Marco will remind me." "Marco? So you're that sickeningly perfect boyfriend? No way I ever would've guessed that." Damon sighed: "No, and you know why? Cause you've always been boring. Well, off you go. Before I reconsider telling her." "But..." a flicker and Stefan found himself talking to the wall. * * * She woke up as someone moved beside her. Elena sat up and opened her eyes. She shouldn't be surprised to see him, but frankly, she was. "Stefan! What...." "I didn't want to wake you up. Go back to sleep." "I must be dreaming," she thought. He read her mind. "No, I've come home. Just sleep, I'll be here in the morning." No questions asked, no answers given. But that didn't matter, because everything felt so right. And Stefan was quite happy...No, he was completely happy. * * * 8. Monday morning. "Damn, Marco, have you seen my shoes?" "Do you need them?" "No that's why I'm ask.damn again, Bonnie's right. We do sound like a married couple!!" Marco gave Damon a worried look. "Yeah, how can that be?" "Have no idea, but I told you not to be fooled by her!" Damon finally found his shoes. "How did they end up behind the sofa?" Marco sighed. "Probably because you just kicked them off last night.are you going to see Sil.I mean Stefan?" Damon laughed. "No way, even though it could be interesting. Especially if I brought you. But I'm going to give him some time. Then I can introduce you to him. And his lovely wife." "Well, I kind of feel like I already know him. But from your description I picture him to be totally different from Silvers.Do you think he found his answer?" Damon walked to the bed. "Hell no. He was searching for an answer that didn't even exist. I guess Elena and all that happiness overwhelmed him. It was strangling him. I think he's ready for it now though, but I could be wrong." "Then why all these men?" Damon shrugged. "He's bisexual? Needed to know if he could find happiness elsewhere and couldn't?" "What do you think he learned from this experience? "Absolutely nothing." Marco stirred. "Damon, happiness is.." "Fleeting, I know...now, have you seen my leather jacket?" Damon looked around. "Do you need it?" "No, that's why." "Behind the sofa." "Idiot!" "Fool!" * * * Lay beside me tell me what I've done The door is closed so are your eyes But now I see the sun Now I see the sun Yes, now I see it. "The Unforgiven II, Metallica (Hetfield/Ulrich.) END