Disclaimer: I don't own.
Hours after receiving the news of his father's passing, Damon sat on the floor of his studio staring into space. The last months he spent with the man, all those years ago, on replay in his head.
He remembered his darkest hour. How hurt and betrayed he'd felt. How he'd buried every tie to his remaining family then and there. How long it took him to even begin trusting people again.
Then he thought of Katerina, the sweet woman whom he now called family. How happy they are. How stable, safe and just together. He shuddered at the very thought of ever returning to Mystic Falls, even just for a few days.
–Hello honey, I'm back. – Katerina hummed cheerfully, ruffling her husband's hair as she passed to leave her bag on a chair next to the window.
Damon barely acknowledged her, lost in his thoughts. What do they want from him now? He sincerely doubted that the old man would leave him anything, so why he would have to be present for the distribution of assets.
–Honey, are you okay? – Katerina asked, noticing that Damon was unresponsive to her, very unlike his usual flirty self. –Damon? – She kneeled in front of him, worriedly cupping his face and noticing it was wet. –You've been crying… – she stated gently wiping away the tears he didn't even realize he'd spilled.
Snapping back all of a sudden, Damon pulled Katerina in a tight hug. –My father died yesterday. I got a call from his attorney this morning. They want me to go there for the distribution of his assets. – He explained, resting his chin on her shoulder.
–But that place brings back bad memories. – Katerina said simply. It wasn't a question. Damon nodded in affirmation, breaking their hug.
–I don't know what to do now. – Damon said confusedly. –I… I don't feel anything. For me he's been dead for the past five years, I'm not gonna cry about him now… – He rambled without any real point.
–Honey, you've been crying when I came. – Katerina said lightly.
–Not because he died… – Damon said, staring at the floor. –I just… remembered stuff. – He explained, another tear making its way down his face. He wiped it angrily, bursting into giggles immediately afterwards. –He's dead and somehow still manages to mess with me…–
Katerina couldn't help but smile at the situation. It was true. Sad rather than funny, but still true. –It's a talent. – She joked sadly.
–Damon, what are you going to do? – Katerina asked in reference to the distribution of assets.
–No idea. – He answered honestly. –I don't even begin to know why I'm needed there. After everything, I'd think he'd rather bury his fortune to rot with him than leave a single dollar to me. –
Katerina briefly raised her eyebrows. It was hard for her to say anything to him when she never even met the man. –I don't know what to say to you…– she admitted honestly; mad at herself for not being able to comfort him. –If I were you, I'd go. –She whispered.
Damon looked at her in confusion. –Why? –
Katerina sighed and looked up at him. –You don't know what happened in all these years. He might have regretted his deeds and wanted to make it up to you somehow, or he might have died suddenly and without leaving a will in which case everything gets divided evenly… The point is, if you don't go, you'll never know. I'd hate it for you to wake up one day and regret not having found out. – She finished in a single breath, not even realizing she was tearing up.
–You're amazing. – Damon said with a smile, looking deep into her chocolate eyes.
Katerina smiled back and kissed him. –You had a father like that and somehow still managed to become the person you are. That's amazing. – She whispered, wiping away her tears.
Next thing Katerina got up and extended her hand to Damon. –C'mon, get up. I've been sitting here for like an hour and my legs are crying, yours must be completely gone by now. –She laughed.
–I'll show you what's gone…- he said, accepting her hand.
A dinner, some bad TV and loads of racy bedroom action had Damon feeling much better by the end of the day. Katerina laid her head on his chest and long, silky hair tickled his naked stomach. There was no place in the world he'd rather be. He made his decision, then and there. –I have to get it over with and move on. – He thought with a sigh, tenderly tightening his hold on the nude woman in his arms.
–Baby? You okay? – Katerina asked in a sleepy tone.
–Yeah. – Damon sighed again. –You're right. – He said, placing a loving kiss on the top of her head.
–The sky is blue. – Katerina chuckled teasingly, poking his muscular chest with her index finger, even though she knew what he was referring to.
Despite himself, Damon chuckled back. –God, I love you so much. – He smiled, again kissing her head. –I have to go to Mystic Falls, see what they want and get it over with for good so we can go on about our lives. –He shrugged unconvinced of his own words.
–I love you too. And that's good. – Katerina said, kissing his chest. –Do you need me to come along? – She asked warily.
Damon sighed in thought, drawing his hand up and down her back. –Nah, I'll do okay. I'll just go tomorrow and be back in time to spend the weekend together. – He said, burying his doubtful face in her hair.
–You sure? – Katerina asked, noticing the uncertainty in her husband's voice. –You know I'll come with you if you ask me to. – She offered supportively.
–I know. – Damon smiled. – But it's okay. I'll be okay. – He repeated. –Besides, you have that test on Monday and I don't want you to miss class for me. You'd get in trouble with your own dad. – Damon remembered the man's only condition for being okay with their marriage.
He could practically hear Katerina roll her eyes. –True. – She shrugged resignedly. –But are you sure, sure, that you'll be okay? – She straddled him, looking straight into his icy blue eyes. –I'd hate to know that you're hurting and I'm not there for you. –
Damon smiled happily at the amazing woman on top of him. What he'd done to deserve her was beyond him. –I'll be okay. I promise. Now, you're on top of me and you're not wearing any clothes. Are we seriously talking about this? – He teased, all too happy to change the subject. Katerina smiled and took his lead.
