crack_van | Too Restless to Unwind by summerstorm (nc17)

Fandom: The Vampire Diaries
Pairing: Stefan/Damon
Length 3900 words
Author on LJ:

summerstorm
Author Website journal's fanfic tag
Why this must be read:

Because it's hot. Like really, really, really hot. But if porn isn't a good enough reason, the characterization is also fantastic. The story is set up as a missing scene from 2x01, before Damon has gone to see Elena and kill Jeremy, he tells Stefan about his run-in with Katherine. I love how Stefan looks at his brother, how he wants so badly to help Damon but really doesn't know how, doesn't know if Damon even deserves help. The author draws a picture of Damon who is at his most vulnerable, at his most open, at his most desperate and needy. It's the kind of story that can really only exist if it happens immediately after Katherine broke him in 2x01 because he really isn't ever this emotional again.

An Excerpt:

"Come on, go ahead. Jump in your flashy Porsche and drive off into the sunset with your twin lady jackpot that you worry about so much. You know you want to."

It takes Stefan a second to get it, because it's not something Damon often lets shine through. Or ever, at all. The last time Stefan caught a glimpse of this was — very long ago. Over two decades. The rare moments Damon acts like Stefan's more than just this person Damon's been saddled with knowing for the rest of eternity. The rare moments Damon acts like he cares.

Stefan thinks he should appreciate them more, but they make him feel like shit every time. "I'm not leaving you."

too restless to unwind