AN: Wow, I have not been on here for absolutely yonkey donkeys! Hi! Let's get down to business. This is my new story and although it's short - only six chapters - it is completed (hallelujah!) and, despite its length, it's been in the works for agessssss. I'm talking the better part of the year. As it's completed, though, I hope to have it all uploaded for you all soon (provided people are reading it, otherwise I'm just talking to myself and, seriously, I do not need to spend any more time doing that)!
Anywho, a massive thank you has to go to the wonderful human being that is Kate (thisismyescape)! *Applause, really give her a clap!* Without her, this story would probably just be an idea in my head and believe me when I say she's had her work cut out for her trying to get me to finish this. She has been there for every little question and has always given me the answers (and gifs) I need. Thank you, sweetie!
I know, this is long but, please, bear with me. The reason it took so long with this story is because I have had zero inspiration. Zilch, nada. To be perfectly honest, I've drifted from TVD and, as much as I love DE, the joy I once felt watching the show has dimmed. Really, I'm just watching now in the hopes that DE will be endgame. (And that my bb Matt survives.) Whilst writing this story, I actually considered giving up. Not just with this idea but with all of them because I just really lacked the passion I used to have for writing these fics. Until tonight, when I finally finished and remembered why I loved writing in the first place. That being said, I can't promise I'll write DE anymore, let alone TVD, because my heart is starting to lie with other fandoms and other pairings. (*cough* Teen Wolf *cough* Sterek *cough*)
Outfits: On polyvore, amygerrard.
And shitty cover is shitty but I fail at Photoshop!
If you have survived this, well done, if people skimmed over it then they're going to wonder what the random words are at the bottom of the screen which are the actually the answer to a joke that you lovely people who read this, I hope, will find great enjoyment in.
Why is Peter Pan always flying?
Without further ado, Paradise!
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NATHIN'.
If this is love,
Then love is easy,
It's the easiest thing to do.
Love Is Easy - McFly
A grunt that rumbled from deep within the recesses of her throat sounded from the brunette woman as she stumbled around the bedroom, her body contorting as her fingers wrestled with the metal zipper. She sucked in all the air she could, trying desperately to minimise the size of her engorged stomach as the satin material refused to stretch to accommodate her larger figure. Arching her back, she grinned in triumph as the zip slid up an inch further; all she needed was another six and she would be dressed. Shuffling over towards the oval, free-standing mirror, she turned and examined her back from over her shoulder. Her eyes squinted, refusing to acknowledge the taut material on either side of the zip and the blue thread that was currently unravelling from the seam.
"Please, please, please," she mouthed, tilting her head to the ceiling in silent prayer. Her jaw clenched as her clammy fingers slid from the metal and whatever progress she had made in the last five minutes was undone as the zip catapulted downwards to her hips. "Dammit!" she cried, scowling at the mirror and yanking the blue dress from her body before kicking it into the corner; she was no longer concerned about creases when she knew for a fact that she wouldn't be wearing that particular outfit for several more months. Not when she couldn't keep the damn thing zipped up, let alone she would be able to fit into it, then she'd worry about the condition of the dress. She huffed, snapping up the discarded black shirt from the unmade bed before slipping into it.
It seemed that she should have attempted to find an appropriate outfit earlier than a couple of hours before the party but she had been too damned comfortable lounging around in pyjamas for the last few weeks to be bothered with shopping. She damned her own procrastination and the fact that she had been too engrossed in writing her own novel for the predicament she was currently in.
The woman spun around, her brunette locks curling around her shoulders as she stalked over to her closet, her face pinched with determination. She was ruthless as she clenched each hanger tightly in her hand before swiping it across the pole and into her – rapidly increasing – discarded pile, the metal-on-metal sound screeching through the silence of the bedroom; it would normally be a noise that she hated but it spurred her on in her anger as she declared each outfit as unsuitable, uncomfortable, and unworthy of the occasion.
She thought she had found her choice until she realized that the skin-tight dress would only emphasise every newly formed lump and bump her figure now held; the low-cut dress would do nothing to conceal her enlarged breasts; the top would bunch up around her belly and the skirt would make her look like she had chicken legs and severely needed a dieting programme. It seemed as though she had nothing in her closet that was fit for a pregnant woman.
Just as she had given up hope, her eyes widened in glee when she saw the distinct blue-and-pink striped, drawstring bag from the maternity store, aptly named 'Baby Mama's'. Crouching to her knees, she refused to tamp down her excitement as she hastily grabbed at the bag and began rifling through the unending amounts of tissue paper. She threw the offending packaging over her shoulder, not caring where it landed, and paused momentarily when her hands met fabric; one, a delicate lace, and the other, a light chiffon. She pulled the fabric from the bag slowly, allowing it to flow outwards from her grip as she got her first real look at it.
It was beautiful: a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline. A tight-fitting bodice that would end just below her breasts and flow out into a skirt that would reach mid-thigh. The bodice was covered in a white, flowery lace and nude stripes marked the boning that would offer her breasts the support they needed. A sheer, pink-gold belt covered where the bodice met the skirt. The skirt itself was a flesh-pink colour and she knew that the soft flow of the material would caress her bump and not inhibit it in any way.
She peeked into the bag and noticed a card located at the bottom that was decorated with her name at the top. She reached inside and picked up the note, smiling softly when she noticed her best friend's familiar scrawl.
Thought you could use my knowledge in all things fashion seeing as you've spent the last few weeks in sweatpants and your fiancé's shirts! You're welcome! Love you! -C
Clenching the dress to her chest and, taking a cursory glance around the empty bedroom, she allowed herself to squeal in delight. She reached behind her, pressing her palm to the glossy, wooden floor as she pushed herself up from the ground, gripping the closet door for support when the extra weight of her belly threatened to cause her to topple forwards. Pivoting on her dainty feet, she practically skipped towards the mirror and noted the bright twinkle in her chocolate eyes now that she had found the perfect outfit for tonight.
She held the dress against her body, looking down at the outfit as the fabric swished against her bare legs. Unable to stop herself, she rocked her hips with the dress and giggled childishly as the material tickled her bare skin.
"God!" she gasped, broken out of her own little bubble of serenity at the sensation of warm fingers running down her neck and sweeping her hair over one shoulder. Brown eyes met blue as she looked at him in the mirror, an unconscious smile tugging at her lips as she immediately tilted her neck and gave him the access his lips needed to connect with her throat.
"Hey," she moaned, closing her eyes as she lost herself in the feel of his touch. Warm lips skimming up and down her throat; teeth tugging gently at her earlobe; fingers trailing along her shirt-clad arm; a hand clasping her own; their joined hands pressing against her hard belly; hips swaying against her bottom; knees bending behind hers; a body keeping hers from falling to the floor in a pool of relaxed-beyond-belief goo.
A husky chuckle vibrated along her throat and the soft scratch of stubble had her knees buckling. She surrendered her body to him, allowing him to tilt back and support her body weight as he evoked reactions in her body that only he could. She turned her head and nuzzled her chin in his messy mop of black hair as she grasped his hand tightly in her own and placed it over her racing heart; a silent signal that the pumping organ was his to do with as he pleased.
"Hey back," he purred, nibbling along her jawline as her eyes opened dazedly. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth at the sight of them together. God, it was no wonder she was pregnant; the lust in his eyes was evident and the way their bodies were writhing against each other was something even a prostitute would blush at. She spun in his arms quickly, rising onto her tip-toes with the motion and collided her lips with his. She placed kiss after drugging kiss on his lips, feeling the quirk of his lips when her tongue darted out to tease him. She pulled back slowly, making him follow until their lips were reunited once more. It was how they were, constantly testing each other and seeing who was in control.
Her fingers danced along the waistband of his trousers before darting beneath the material of his shirt. His body jolted at her gentle touch and she felt as the goosebumps rose on his skin before the soft pads of her fingertips trailed over the raised flesh just above his right hip. An unconscious smile spread across her lips as she felt the defined shapes of letters against her skin. Her name. He had branded his skin with her name. He had marked himself as hers. The thought sent a thrill of possessive energy surging through her body, as it had done every time she saw, felt and, sometimes, tasted the mark.
"You're doing it again, Elena," he teased, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth as he cupped her cheeks between his hands; the warmth from his palms radiated deep within her very core and she closed her eyes as she basked in the glow of his love that oozed from every pore on his skin. "It's like you're fascinated by it or something."
"I am," Elena defended, blinking her eyes open lazily before grinning at him widely. "You have my name on your body, the only way it could be better is if it was in a more conspicuous place than your hip."
He rolled his eyes and darted his head down to nip at her lip with his teeth teasingly, eliciting a soft moan from her throat that bubbled uninhibited from her mouth. "So demanding," he huffed, kissing her quickly before flashing her his signature smirk that did strange things to her insides; it had done since the first moment he'd tried it on her but she couldn't deny that she enjoyed the way her stomach clenched before erupting in little flutters. "Maybe I should have got it across my forehead, or better yet, how about my penis? That really would have sent a message."
"Oh, no!" she pouted adorably, staring up at him with wide, doe eyes. "We couldn't hurt him like that, Damon!"
"Right," Damon chuckled, nodding in understanding, "because he is your very best friend these days."
Elena toyed with the cotton material of his T-shirt, her lips pursing together to try and contain her smile as she looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes; she would have been the picture of innocence had her other hand not been cupping his already growing arousal through his jeans. "I can't help it that I have needs. Speaking of, if you're finished with the work in your office then we might have time for a quickie in the shower."
Her breath caught in her throat as Damon stared at her in wonder, his hands finding her hips as he gently swayed them from side to side. "Now that, I could be persuaded into."
"Like it will take much persuasion," she grinned cockily, pushing him away and turning around so he got an excellent view of her undulating hips. With practised movements, she strutted towards their en suite bathroom. Her hair swished behind her; his shirt billowed around her body; her legs crossed over one another with model-worthy exaggeration; her bottom swung from side to side with each jolt of her hips; her feet remained light on the ground as she practically glided away from him. Resting a hand on the doorjamb, she tilted her head over one shoulder and leered at him openly.
"You coming?" she winked, her eyes flicking deliberately down to the strained material that covered his crotch as the double entendre fell from her lips with all the faux innocence that she could muster up. Before she met Damon, the puns had been short coming but it seemed that the innuendos were readily forming in her brain ever since their first encounter in The Grill; what he deemed to be the beginning of her corruption. Not that she minded, of course.
Walking across the cold, tiled floor, Elena shrugged the black silk from her shoulders and dropped it carelessly to the ground. Her fingers made quick work of her bra clasp and she threw the maternity bra into the hamper with much more aggression than was needed if the way the wicker basket wobbled was any indication. She didn't care, though. The offending breast support, if it could even be called that, was the most unflattering piece of underwear she had ever owned and she was thankful that, for one night at least, she was not required to wear it. She made a mental note to go on a shopping spree for sexy, maternity lingerie with Caroline as soon as possible.
She tugged her panties down her thighs and shucked them off her legs; her bump was already restricting her movements and she had discovered just last week that it was no longer possible for her to reach her toes. The blinding glint of light that reflected from her left hand caught her eye and she quickly tugged at the ring, wiggling it over the knuckle until it slid into her hand. Holding it between her thumb and forefinger, she found herself mesmerised by the way the light from the window was refracted off of the diamonds. The silver band was pristine with two rectangular diamonds placed either side of an oval-shaped lapis lazuli stone. It wasn't a traditional engagement ring by any means but it had been Damon's mother's once upon a time and she felt honoured to have the weight resting on her fourth finger; a symbol of their love and union.
"You know," Damon chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. She sighed in content at the sensation of his bare skin on hers and she nearly moaned aloud when she felt the heavy weight of his erection resting against the small of her back. "That ring isn't going to stay perfect forever."
She scowled at him in the mirror, crossing her arms against her chest petulantly. "Yes, it will," she refuted, placing the ring on the stand she had bought especially for that purpose. "I'm going to treasure it and when we're old and grey, everyone is going to think you got me a new ring because of how great it will look."
Damon smiled at her lovingly and pressed a tender kiss to her neck. "Whatever you say, babe."
She nodded her head in agreement, knowing that he was no longer teasing her and, in fact, believed every word that she said. "Now, how about that shower?" she grinned.
Stepping into the glass cubicle, she turned on the spray and held her hand underneath the cold water. Her palm gradually grew warmer until the temperature of the water reached a pleasant heat that would massage and ease her tender muscles.
Moving fully into the shower, goosebumps rose on her skin and her breath caught in her throat but it wasn't because of the warm water cascading down her front. Fingernails scraped gently down her spine and a shiver ran over body that had the hairs on her arms standing up on end. The cold air surrounded her body until she heard the tell-tale sound of the glass door closing and immediately noticed how the steam enveloped the clear glass and clouded it, wrapping them up in their own private cocoon.
She clenched her eyes closed when she felt strong arms wrap around her waist and soft palms glide smoothly over her slippery skin. She leaned back against his chest, her head slumping onto his shoulder as she felt his teeth nibble on the skin in the crook of her neck. Reaching a hand behind her, she threaded her fingers through his damp hair, her nails scraping along his scalp in the way that she knew that he loved.
"How have my two favourite girls been today?" he whispered.
She giggled as his lips tickled her skin with each word and slowly linked her fingers with the hand that rested on her belly. Rubbing their hands in circular motions against her bump, she answered, "Mommy and baby are very happy today. We just missed Daddy is all."
A huff of air warmed her throat and she tilted her forehead to the side so it rested against his temple.
"I'm sorry, work has been crazy and I was trying to get everything done so I can spend the whole weekend with you two," he murmured, stilling their hands over the fluttering sensation of her stomach.
Elena smiled softly at the feeling of their baby girl. "We understand and we're very grateful."
"Hmm," he purred and she felt as his hands skimmed from her stomach over to the curves of her hips. She held her breath as his fingers danced across the creases of her thighs.
"Please," she begged, feeling his fingers pause just before the apex of her thighs and where she desperately needed him to be.
She had been able to hold her lust off until they had reached the shower but with the water caressing her chest, the warm pattering of the spray teasing her extremely sensitive peaks and his body pressed tightly against hers, the hormones where running rampant in her body and there was only one thing on her mind.
Sex.
Steamy, hot and mind-blowing sex. She had the steamed up glass, the hot water and now all she needed was Damon inside of her for the mind-blowing requirement to be achieved.
"What do you want, hmm?" he murmured before trailing his tongue up the length of her neck.
She whimpered as his teeth latched onto her earlobe and he tugged at it gently. Desire pooled in her stomach with each press of his lips to her flesh and every calculated movement of his fingers; a scrape of a nail to sensitive flesh, a dip of a digit along her folds but not enough to fully penetrate and a delicate flick of the pad of a finger to her throbbing clitoris.
Her body was hyper aware to his and her hips circled subconsciously as she desperately sought out the friction she needed for release. Her hands were not idle as one palmed his cheek, her thumb sweeping over the hard angle of his jaw whilst the other dipped behind his back and clenched at the hard muscle of his ass. Arching against him, she felt the ripple of his abs against her spine and she knew by his heaving chest that he was just as turned on as she was.
Needing something -anything- to quell her desire, she decided to play dirty; she knew that he would tease her relentlessly unless she riled him up appropriately. With her newly devised mission in mind, she ground her bottom against his crotch and hummed in delight at his gasp of surprise. Her chest filled with pride as she felt his arousal twitch in excitement and she knew it was only a matter of time before he gave into her.
"Elena," he groaned, moving one hand to the small of her back as he tried to stop her roving hips.
She was having none of it. Pushing back on him, she collided with his body as his back hit the glass door. Without warning, his hand slipped between her legs and she let out a soft cry of victory.
"Yes!" she moaned, gently trying to spur him on. She chewed on her lip as his fingers trailed along her folds a few times before they -finally- dipped into her core.
Her walls clenched around his digits as she rocked her hips against his hand wantonly, too lost in her pleasure to worry about modesty in any shape or form. Her heart thrummed in her chest with each gentle thrust of his fingers inside of her and she felt her toes curl against the tiled floor.
"Damon," she breathed out, pushing her back against his chest as, with one soft caress to her prominent button, she came undone. Colours erupted behind her eyelids and uncontrollable shivers wreaked havoc over her body as the high of her orgasm washed over her.
She blinked dazedly, an indeterminable amount of time later, her hands clenching at the arms around her as her legs threatened to fail.
"I'll never get tired of seeing you fall apart because of me," Damon murmured, the smirk evident in his voice as he placed a wet kiss behind her ear.
She sighed dreamily, nuzzling her head underneath his chin. "I'll never get tired of falling apart like that because of you," she retorted cockily.
Turning around, she joined their lips in a languid kiss and slowly pulled him under the spray. The water cascaded down their bodies as he slowly hooked his hands behind her knees and hoisted her up his body. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, her feet resting between his parted legs and her thighs clenched tightly at his hips. Without breaking their kiss, her fingers interlocked behind his neck and she pushed her breasts against his chest.
"Babe," Damon protested around her lips, chuckling huskily when she ignored him and kissed along his jawline instead.
She nibbled on his throat as he stuttered helplessly, "E-Elena, this isn't really the o-optimum position when our little bump-p is in the way."
Elena huffed, scowling at her engorged stomach petulantly before palming it softly a moment later, an adoring smile on her face. Her gaze darted up to meet his, one eyebrow arching as she questioned, "What do you suggest?"
Damon squinted at her momentarily before instructing, "Lean back."
She frowned in confusion but slowly reclined until her shoulders met the slippery tiles of the wall. She allowed her head to rest against the wall as Damon's hands trailed up from her hips and came to rest in the space between her shoulder blades, offering the support her body needed.
"Ready?"
She stared at him wordlessly. He was so beautiful; raven hair flopped over his forehead in a messy mop that made him look like the young boy she had fallen in love with; inky black eyelashes framed startlingly blue eyes that could see into her very soul; a strong jawline that fit perfectly between her teeth; pink lips that never failed in evoking pleasure from her body; muscular shoulders that she clung onto in the throes of passion; defined pectorals and abs that had experienced her curious fingers time and time again; a dark happy trail that led to his large member that was capable of making her forget her own name; legs that she had discovered had surprising amounts of strength for their size based on how he surged within her.
She loved every single fraction of his body, even the parts that she couldn't see. His brain; so smart and imaginative. His soul; so pure and good. His heart; so loving and kind.
"You still with me?"
His deep voice startled her from her reverie. Nodding her head, she smiled at him lovingly and circled a hand around his bicep. She breathed deeply as she felt the tip of his penis slowly slide into her core, stretching her deliciously.
"Easy, tiger," he grunted, wincing slightly when her nails scraped at his arm, leaving red welts in their wake.
"God," she whimpered when he was fully seated inside of her at just the right position so he was grazing her G-spot. "Sorry!"
Damon soothed her with a soft, open-mouthed kiss to her sternum as he slowly retreated from within her. Her body ached at the loss of him but soon, her neurones were rejoicing as he slammed back inside of her. Her body slid up the wall with the force of his movements and she found one hand circling around his neck and the other wrapping around the shower head for support.
Her fingers slid into his hair as his teeth latched onto her nipple, his tongue soothing every nip and bite to her flesh. His lips trailed lazily over his skin, a complete contradiction to the frenzied and sporadic thrusts of his hips; the combination driving her wild. Her spine arched with his movements and her nails massaged his scalp, earning a low purr that rumbled from deep within the recesses of his chest and bubbled from his throat.
She chanted his name breathlessly with each of his thrusts, every soft pressure to her G-spot sending her into a pleasure-filled trance that eradicated her brain of rational thought. Each push and pull sensation caused desire to pool in her stomach until she felt the familiar clenching of her inner walls.
His low groans of pleasure registered in her ears and she felt the tightening of his fingertips on her back and knew that he was on the brink of orgasm. With one last thrust, she came with a high-pitched wail and felt the jerking motions of his erection as he followed straight behind her, his head collapsing against her chest. She palmed his cheek as he nuzzled his ear against her breast, just above her heart that pounded in her chest.
Elena's legs slid from his body wearily and she clung to his shoulders as his hands palmed her hips. Sliding her palms down his chest, she fell against his body and pouted her lips upwards. With a tired chuckle, Damon bent his head down and connected their lips in a sweet kiss. She moaned softly against his lips, a small smile tugging at her lips as she broke the kiss and buried her head in the crook his neck, the heat of his body warming her more than the water colliding with her back.
"Nuh-uh!" Elena protested, fending off her fiancé as he attempted to pull down the zip of her dress. "Damon, we can't! We barely had time for that supposed 'quickie', let alone another round!"
She giggled at his groan of disapproval as she finally managed to remove his hands from her body and held them tightly in her own. Turning around, she pushed them against his chest and smiled up at his disgruntled expression lovingly. She soothed his ruffled feathers with a quick kiss to his parted lips before she skipped past him to the closet.
"You know," Damon mused, "we could always just stay home. Order take-out, watch a movie... have crazy hot, monkey sex."
Elena rolled her eyes, though she couldn't contain the tinkling laugh that fell from her lips. Snatching up her sparkling gold platforms, she left the confines of their shared closet and walked over to her future husband who had moved to lie down on the bed, his hands pillowing his head.
"If you have any hope of having crazy hot, monkey sex then you'll get your ass off that bed and finish getting ready. You know Caroline will castrate you if we miss our own party," she warned, pivoting on her feet so she was eyeing him in the mirror.
Damon groaned, letting his head flop onto the mattress as his fingers rubbed at his eyes in annoyance. "Why does she always punish me?"
She smiled softly, slowly bending down to place the heel on her foot. Grasping the mirror for support, she mused, "Maybe it's because you pushed her in the mud that one time."
"That was eighteen years ago, we were just kids! You would have thought she'd be over it by now," he huffed, pouting his lip out adorably.
"Baby," Elena cooed, slipping on her other heel before stepping into the space between his legs. She cupped his bent knees in her hands, her thumbs rubbing the bone soothingly before she glided her palms up his thighs. Noticing the harsh bobbing of his Adam's apple, she smirked at how easily she could arouse him. "It was her birthday and you were trying to get to her cake."
Damon exhaled harshly, grasping Elena's hands in his own and halting their progress as he sat up on the bed. He rested his head against her stomach, nuzzling his ear against the soft chiffon of her dress. "I wanted the face of the caterpillar."
"I know you did, sweetie," she murmured, ruffling his hair softly. "Now, up and at 'em."
He groaned but allowed her to guide him from the bed. He ran his fingers through her long, chocolate locks as she finished doing up the buttons on his dress shirt. Leaning forward, he pressed a soft kiss against her brow before resting his forehead against hers.
"What are those?" he frowned, his hands falling from her hair to rest on her hips as he took a step back to glare at her feet.
"Do you like them?" she smiled, twisting her foot around so he could see the five-inch, peep toe heel from every angle. "I got them on sale a couple of months ago but I didn't have anything to wear them with until now. I swear Caroline must have known... I had... them..." she trailed off, noticing Damon's shocked expression. "What?"
"What?" he parroted. "You're six-and-a-half months pregnant, Elena, do you really think you should be walking around in those?"
"Okay," she smiled humourlessly, prying his hands off of her hips so she could replace them with her own. "Baby Daddy, I get that you're protective and everything but I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Right now, I probably have about a million different hormones raging through my body and you know the way you like how turned on I can get in five seconds flat?"
At Damon's nod and the flash of lust in his eyes, she continued, "Well, imagine that but instead of horny hormones, imagine angry ones. That's right, I'll make Godzilla look tame."
Damon gulped audibly, "E-Elena-"
"Oh, no," she raised her index finger to his lips, halting his speech. "I'm not finished. Bearing that in mind, I'd suggest you think very carefully about what you're going to say to me next unless you want the atmosphere in our bedroom to resemble that of the fiery pits of hell."
He licked his bottom lip slowly before capturing it between his teeth and she could see by the desperate look in his eyes that he was trying to think of a way to make his peace whilst also ensuring that she didn't go on a rampage in the apartment.
He tilted his head to the side, his eyes squinting warily and a boyish smile shaping his lips. "Present?"
Elena frowned in confusion, that had not been what she had thought he'd say. Helpless but to follow his movements, she watched as he walked over towards the bedside table and began rifling through the top drawer. "What?"
Damon smiled, picking up a small, perfectly wrapped box from within the drawer before placing it into her dainty hands. "I got you a little something for the engagement."
Her heart thudded in her chest. She had thought that it was impossible to love him more but in this very moment, she had proven her beliefs to be wrong. Sparing him one last adoring look, she began pulling at the miniature silver ribbon around the black box. Passing the satin material to Damon, she palmed the box carefully and slowly flicked open the lid.
Elena nibbled on her lip, trying desperately to keep her emotions in check. It was beautiful. A small, silver pram charm lay nestled on the miniature black cushion. The intricate detail warmed her very being from the perfectly carved wheels to the small, patterned shade and finally to the heart that had been engraved onto the side.
"It's wonderful," she admitted tearfully, motioning for Damon to remove the bracelet from her wrist. As he did so, he plucked the charm from her grasp and threaded it onto the chain before reattaching it to her arm. "Thank you," she gasped, flinging herself into his arms as the moisture prickled at her eyes. Her breaths came in great heaves as she shuddered in his arms and held tightly onto the collar of his shirt.
"Come on now," he chuckled, rubbing her back in lazy circles in an attempt to calm her down. "There's no need to cry."
"I know," she admitted, burrowing into his neck as she allowed the comfort of his body to soothe her emotions.
"Well, then," he announced. "Let's get to this party before the waterworks start and you ruin your make-up. Caroline will freak out if we're late."
With a watery chuckle, Elena nodded and allowed Damon to guide her from their bedroom.
"You're late," Caroline announced, glaring at Damon as she folded her arms across her chest. Tapping her foot against the floor, she jutted out her hip and Elena recognised it as the movement the blonde had practised over time that indicated she was preparing herself for whatever excuse Damon would come up with.
Damon pursed his lips and subtly stepped behind Elena, knowing that the blonde would not risk getting his fiancée in between whatever sparring they were engaging in. "You see, Caroline-"
"Oh," she chuckled humourlessly, swiping an errant blonde curl behind her ear. "This is rich. You actually think that by calling me by my name instead of Barbie, Blondie or my personal favourite, Bimbo-rella, that it will save you from my wrath."
Elena giggled in spite of herself, her cheeks flushing as her best friend scowled at her. "I'm sorry," she apologised, raising her hand to her lips to stifle another laugh but she couldn't disguise the twinkle of excitement in her doe eyes. "You've got to give him credit for his ingenuity."
Damon smirked, squeezing her waist in silent gratitude. "For what it's worth," he smiled gently as his eyes softened into a swirling blue pool of discernment. "I am sorry for our late arrival. It is completely my fault and we appreciate everything you've done for us."
Elena watched as her best friend became lost for words, her blue eyes were wide as her mouth opened and closed wordlessly before, with a small nod, she turned on her heel and stalked off across the dance floor.
"Thank you," she murmured, squeezing his hand tightly in her own. "I know you two are always fighting but-"
"Please, Elena," he sighed, nuzzling his head against her cheek. "Don't tell her this, but I love her to death. It just so happens that I also love annoying her."
She rolled her eyes, leaning back to place a small kiss to his cheek. "I guess that will have to do," she huffed playfully.
For the first time, she allowed her eyes to take in every little detail of the party. Caroline had really outdone herself. Silver and white balloons framed the doorway in an arch and streamers hung from the roof in semi-circles. The cream walls were bathed in the soft glow of the chandeliers that hung from the roof and a slide-show depicting their lives together was projected onto the far wall. The dance floor was covered in a rich wood and surrounded by tables that their guests were milling around. Rich, red tablecloths were draped over the circular tables and plush, cream chairs surrounded them. Glass plates were laid out on the tables with crystal glasses, already filled with champagne, set out in front of them and beside the crockery rested the thick, folded card that held each of the guests' names written in perfect calligraphy. She waved to a few of her guests as her eyes drifted towards the bar, a wooden bench that lined the wall, and behind that were bottles of every type of liquor that she could have possibly imagined.
"Now," Damon grinned, breaking her out of her analysis as he grabbed her hand and spun her around in his arms. "When will I get you out on that dance floor?"
"Hmm," she deliberated, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Pulling him closer to her by the collar of his shirt she purred, "How about right-"
"Damon, Elena!"
Damon groaned, pressing his forehead against hers tightly before she turned to greet the couple that had interrupted them.
"Hi, Jenna, Ric," she smiled, moving to hug her aunt and uncle. Noticing the -not subtle in the least- glances Alaric kept shooting her fiancé, she sighed and gestured towards the men. "Go, do whatever you have to do."
"Thanks, babe," Damon smiled, kissing her softly before following his best friend across the room and towards the bar.
"So," Jenna grinned, taking Elena's hands in her own. Her finger swiped over the engagement ring and Elena smiled at the reminder. She couldn't help but rejoice every time she was reminded of that ring on her finger. "Does it feel weird being engaged?"
"You know what?" she laughed, biting her lip shyly. "No. It may sound silly but I always thought I'd marry him."
Jenna nodded her head in agreement. "I think everyone did," she admitted, pushing a lock of Elena's hair behind her ear before cupping her face tenderly. "I hope you know that your parents would be very proud of you. And, I know for a fact, that your mom was rooting for you and Damon ever since he gave you that flower."
She chuckled in spite of herself and wiped at the tear that threatened to fall from the corner of her eye. She missed her parents more than everything and she wished for nothing more than for them to be there with her now, sharing her happiness. It had been seven years since their passing in a tragic car accident that she had been the sole survivor of but the reminder of them was still painful. Even more so when she recalled everything they had missed out on in her and Jeremy's lives.
Thinking of her brother, she darted her eyes across the room to where he stood. He looked dashing in his dress pants and shirt and she smiled softly when their eyes connected. He nodded in response and she watched as he wrapped his arm around the young woman standing beside him. Elena's heart warmed at the loving looks they sent each other and she knew that she would be eternally grateful for the impact that Anna had had on Jeremy's life.
After their parent's death, she and Jenna had strived to cope with the tragedy but Jeremy had fallen into a spiral of self-destruction as he lost himself in a haze of drugs and alcohol. It was only after he was enrolled in a rehab facility that his life finally turned around. It was there that he had met Anna, a young brunette volunteer that acted as a mediator between the staff, inhabitants and their families. Jeremy had been smitten from the first moment they met and knew that he had to rid himself of his addictions if he was ever to be worthy of her. Two painful years later, he finally got clean and won her affections. They had been inseparable ever since.
Turning her attention back to Jenna, Elena nodded. "I remember that. I was five and he and Stefan had just moved in with his Uncle Zach so Mom and Dad wanted us to bond. I recall, they thought Stefan and I would hit off because we were the same age and Damon was going through his seven year old, all girls have cooties phase. They left us in our garden while the grown-ups talked and Jeremy kept kicking all of the daisies over before I could pick them up. Damon pushed Stefan over when he joined in and I was so sad that our little brothers had wrecked all of our flowers so Damon, he just, he looked at me warily for a second," she smiled fondly, "and then, found me the only one that he could."
"A dandelion," Jenna interjected happily, reaching for her hands. Elena squeezed them tightly and pulled the older woman into an embrace, burying her face in her aunt's strawberry blonde curls and breathing in the strawberry scene of her shampoo. "Although, technically it's a weed," she joked. "He had his moments."
She chuckled, nodding along. "I guess you could say that," she murmured, her eyes finding him automatically. She breathed in deeply when his gaze lifted from Alaric to meet hers. Her heartbeat erupted in tiny flutters as the connection they had sizzled in the air; sexual attraction, understanding and love all transpired in that one stare but it was enough to set the room on fire.
With a softly murmured apology to her aunt, she allowed her feet to guide her across the room as she weaved through the crowds, barely acknowledging the other guests as they congratulated her on her engagement. She smiled distractedly until she finally reached his side. Wrapping her arm around his waist, she snuggled underneath his outstretched arm and against his side, sighing happily. Her hand fell onto his thigh and she squeezed the hard muscle there in a gesture that screamed familiarity.
"What are you boys up to?" she smiled, finally tearing her eyes from Damon's to look at her uncle. She frowned, noticing the slight blush that coloured his cheeks. "Ric?"
Damon chuckled, tilting his head up towards her from his crouched position on the stool. "You see, Elena, your uncle was just warning me that if I didn't make you the happiest woman alive then he would make sure that I couldn't give pleasure to any other woman ever again. I think he decided to forget that I was his best friend for the moment."
"As your best friend, I know what a douche you are so I thought it was only right that I make sure your intentions for her are pure," he retorted, smirking at Damon as he sipped at his bourbon.
Elena chewed on her lip and began blinking rapidly. Breathing in shakily, she fanned her hand in front of her face before launching herself into Alaric's arms. With a grunt, he caught her flailing figure and secured his arms around her waist, his palms gliding up and down her spine as he gently shushed her.
"Hormones," she heard Damon whisper and she huffed haughtily but nodded in agreement, albeit rather begrudgingly. She rested her chin on Alaric's shoulder and basked in the comfort his embrace offered. Ever since he had married her aunt, he had become a pseudo father figure to her and she knew that she would be able to count on him, no matter what. It just so happened, that her future husband could to.
"You okay?" Alaric chuckled, swiping his thumbs underneath her eyes as he wiped away the black make-up that stained her skin. Sniffling quietly, she nodded and pressed a soft kiss to his stubbly cheek. "Come on, don't cry, then. Life with Damon can't be that bad."
"Hilarious," Damon dead-panned. "You are hilarious. Just for that, you don't get to be my best man."
Alaric rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around Elena's shoulder. "I think that's better for you, buddy. After all, you don't want to be upstaged at your own wedding."
"What are you on about, old man?" Damon sighed, reaching forward to tug Elena back into his arms. She smiled, nuzzling against his warmth as his hands skirted down her body and sent shivers up her spine. Goosebumps erupted over her skin and she giggled quietly when he nipped at her shoulder teasingly.
"Well," Alaric deliberated, running a hand across his cheek before sifting his fingers through his sandy blonde hair. "I know that you want everyone's eyes on you and your bride-to-be on your wedding day and, let's face it, with my dashing good looks, that's not going to happen."
"You're so full of yourself," Damon scoffed, swirling the bourbon around in his glass.
Elena laughed, pivoting so she faced him and cupped his cheeks in her palms. "Says you, Mr Cocky," she jested.
He wriggled his eyebrows at her and leaned in until their noses brushed. "I'll show you cocky," he smirked salaciously and nibbled on her bottom lip.
"Ugh," Alaric groaned, grabbing his tumbler as he pushed himself from the stool. "I'm not going to listen to this, you're practically my daughter."
"Hey, Ric, do you want to hear what position we did it in today?" he asked, an innocent expression painted on his face that Elena knew far too well for it to be considered genuine.
"Damon!" she admonished, blushing in embarrassment as Alaric scowled and stalked off across the dance floor, mumbling something about needing to find a friend who didn't have the tendency to be a dick. She turned around, slapping her hand against his arm beseechingly. Ignoring his exaggerated pout, she continued, "No more talking about our sex life."
He flicked his tongue against her wagging finger and smirked at her gasp of surprise. "Why not?" he whined, playing with the hem of her dress. "We're hot, babe, people should know."
"I don't think they need that verbalised, Damon," she reasoned, gesturing to her enlarged stomach.
He smiled at her proudly, moving his hands up to rest on her belly. Elena watched as he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her bump before resting his chin upon it and looking up at her from beneath his eyelashes. Her breath caught in her throat at the look of sheer adoration he was shooting at her and her heart only warmed further when she felt the familiar pattering in her stomach, right where Damon's hand was placed.
"See," she smiled, "baby agrees with me."
He rolled his eyes but caressed the restless spot with tender strokes of his palm. "Already teaming up against me, I'm going to have my work cut out for me."
"That you will," she nodded, pulling him up so he stood in front of her. Rising onto her tip-toes, she pressed her lips to his in a chaste kiss. Once, twice, a third time. Moaning softly, she let her heels fall back to the floor as she burrowed herself into his open arms.
"I'm sure I'll love every minute of it," he murmured, kissing the crown of her head as his arms tightened around her.
Elena scoffed, "You won't be saying that when she's pooping everywhere."
She allowed him to pull her from his chest as he held her arms in his hands and stared at her widely. "Everywhere?" he whispered in astonishment.
She nodded, chewing on her lip thoughtfully. "If they're not pooping then they're vomiting or crying or disrupting our sleep and sex life."
"Babies are a handful," he noted, his brow furrowing as he reached for his tumbler.
"Ah, ah, ah," she admonished, swiping the glass from his grip. She squinted at him thoughtfully, "You didn't drink any of this, did you?"
"No," he pouted, staring at the swirling brown liquid in wonder. "I miss it."
"Hey," she grinned, running her hand through his raven hair. "You were the one who suggested not drinking because I couldn't drink."
"I know," he muttered petulantly, folding his arms across his chest. Elena had to fight off the giggle that threatened to fall from her lips at the sight in front of her; he was the picture of a five year old.
"Two-and-a-half months left," she encouraged, tangling their fingers together.
Damon nodded, rising from the stool to peck her lips quickly. He hummed happily when she pulled at his neck and joined their lips in a passionate kiss, their tongues twirling together in a dance that they had honed and perfected.
The muffled cheers broke them apart and she blushed heavily when she realised that an audience had gathered. With a bashful smile, she tugged at her fiancé's hand and allowed him to lead her through their guests.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
Conversations faded into silence as the tell-tale sound of metal on glass vibrated throughout the room. Elena turned and watched as her best friend rose from her chair, her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders as her blue eyes shone brightly.
"Hello, everyone," she smiled, picking up a few cards from the table. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming to this party to celebrate the engagement of two of my closest friends, Damon and Elena."
A murmur of applause filled the room and a few whoops of excitement caused Elena to smile shyly and duck her head against Damon's shoulder. With a soft kiss to her temple, she met his eyes before slowly turning her attention back to her best friend.
"Now, I think everyone probably knows the story of Damon and Elena's great love; from the sandbox to high school to college and finally, to right now. I think everyone can agree that these two are meant to be so, I'm sorry to say it Elena, but it looks like you're stuck with him," Caroline teased, winking at Damon.
Elena smiled as laughter surrounded them and she squeezed her fiancé's hand comfortingly. Raising it to her lips, she pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand before setting their tangled fingers on her lap. Her body vibrated with energy as she felt Damon's fingers slowly twist until his hand was only loosely wrapped with hers. His fingertips, now free, began trailing slow and deliberate circle along her thighs; the cool sensation of the chiffon gliding over her skin had an uncontrollable shiver running up her spine that slowed to a stop and rested in the back of her head in a tingling sensation of pleasure.
"Seriously, though," Caroline smiled, raising her glass in the air. "It's truly been a privilege to watch your love for each other grow into what you have now. I'm so happy to be a part of your life and I can't wait to meet that little girl in there."
Elena smiled softly and mouthed a 'thank you' to the blonde before palming her belly lovingly. Rubbing the hard flesh in soothing circles, she leaned heavily against Damon's side as everyone around her raised their glasses in the air.
"To the happy couple," Caroline concluded before sliding into her chair.
The dinner passed easily and soon, Elena's eyes became heavy as she attempted to interact with every well-wisher that surrounded her. Her responses became slower with her sleep-deprived brain and she began to wonder if anyone was able to understand her intelligible, garbled answers. She was happy to have Damon by her side because he was quick to translate her thoughts into words and took over the conversation aspect of the night as she rested against him and listened to the deep rumble of his voice. The tenor soothed her body and allowed her to sink into a boneless state of semi-consciousness.
"Elena?"
She jerked, feeling the soft nudging of a hand to her arm. Blinking wearily, she scanned the room and noticed that the tables around her were no longer filled with friends and family. In fact, the room was totally empty. She rubbed her face tiredly, trying to make sense of the scene in front of her but she found she didn't care when she was scooped up into a pair of strong arms and cradled against a warm chest. Looping her arms around his neck, she snuggled into his shoulder and sighed happily.
"Congratulations."
She opened her eyes lazily and smiled at the couple in front of her. Reaching her hand across, she tapped Stefan's shoulder gently and mumbled her thanks.
Damon's chest rumbled against her as he chuckled at her befuddled state. "Sorry, Stef, Klaus, she's not really in the mood for conversation anymore."
"That's alright, mate," Klaus interjected, winking at him as he wrapped his arm around the green-eyed man beside him. "We'll stay to tidy up, but remember, don't be too loud."
Damon rolled his eyes and she swatted her hand through the air in a tragic attempt to connect with the British man. "Says you," he retorted, "I think you two might need a new bed-frame if the loud crack we heard last night is any indication."
Elena peeked through her half-closed lids and smirked at the blush that covered Stefan's cheeks and the way Klaus shuffled restlessly on his feet.
"Am I wrong?" he smirked.
"Goodbye, brother," Stefan coughed awkwardly, shuffling them towards the door.
"Bye, Lennie," Caroline grinned, stroking Elena's arm before Damon carried her out of the hall. She waved half-heartedly, her lips pulling up at the corners when she heard her friend's snorted laughter.
She faintly heard the sound of a door opening and knew she'd have to leave the warm embrace of her beau. She curled into his chest and shook her head profusely. "No," she whined tiredly.
"You're beat," Damon murmured, slowly setting her on the passenger seat of his Camaro. She shivered as the warm summer breeze surrounded her and ruffled the hair on her arms. Crouching down in front of her, Damon swiped a finger across her forehead and tucked the errant strand of hair that had blown across her face by the wind behind her ear. She grasped his hand before he could remove it completely and palmed it to her cheek. She breathed in deeply and basked in the warm sensation of his thumb swiping across her cheekbone before she, reluctantly, released him.
Her eyes grew weary once more as the low hum of the engine threatened to lull her into a state of unconsciousness. She refused to fall asleep again and sat up straighter, her hand finding Damon's on the gear-stick. Interlocking their fingers, she smiled at the sight of their joined hands and allowed her mind to wander as the familiar roads rushed past them.
"I love you," she told him, turning towards him, her eyes sparkling with adoration when she looked at him.
He turned to look at her, the car gliding along the road effortlessly as his gaze reflected that of her own. Headlights flashed from the corner of her eye but she paid them no heed, her attention devoted to the man in front of her.
Her heart jumped at the sight of his love-filled gaze, the way his lips spread into the lazy grin she'd fallen in love with. "And I lo-"
Her heartbeat sped up as her eyes flicked towards the windshield, just in time to see the dark shape hurtling towards them.
"Damon!"
Her cry was lost in the screeching of tyres and the loud smash that followed.
BECAUSE HE NEVERLANDS. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA... Well, I thought it was funny! Anywho, if you've got a burning desire to leave me a review, that would be swell! Amy xo
PS, I apologise for my weirdness but it is 5am and I no longer have control over my brain nor the words it wants to type. I hope that makes sense.