AN:

I am so sorry that it has taken so long for me to update. Also, after this chapter, I'm not quite sure of when I'll get the next up. This chapter took quite a lot out of me; I don't know why, either. I have started on chapter 5 and I already have chapter 6 written. Chapter 6 was actually the first part of the story that I had written, so it all leads up to that. On to this chapter: Damon is being kinda weird to me; he's too... nice? I'm not sure if that's the word I'm looking for, but... I love writing his dick side so much. That's weird, right? Anyways, I really hope that you don't hate me if it takes a while to post again. And I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

"Elena," Damon sing-songed into my ear with his sexy morning voice as my eyes opened groggily. "Elena, dear, it's time to wake up." I yanked my pillow from behind my head and smashed it onto my face and mumbled a 'no'.

He laughed gruffly and pryed the pillow from my almost unbreakable grip. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the pillow from him, hitting him with it. His mouth popped open as his eyes glistened. "You don't want to play this game with me, Kitten," he said as he crawled closer to me, grabbing the pillow from my hands. His nosed grazed my cheek and scaled down my neck and up under my chin. "I always win," he purred onto my lips. My lips and body began to ache with need for him, but I was determined to not give in so quickly. I pushed onto his shoulders, turning him onto his back as I straddled him. A deadly smirk spread across my lips as I stared down at his equally as deadly smirk. I leaned down and kissed his chest and neck, as he moaned. Repeating what he did, I traced the tip of my nose up his neck and under his chin, onto his awaiting lips.

"You do, huh?" I breathed against his pouting lips before licking them. I could feel him harden instantly as he pushed his hips up against me. My lips parted as a gasp escaped them. I wanted so much to be consumed by his darkness and never return. No giving in, Elena. Quickly - and with all the will power that I had left - I rolled off of him and bounded out of the bed. Damon growled as he sat up on his elbows giving me a don't-you-dare look as I ran for the bathroom. Smiling, I turned the knob and ran inside, locking the door. I heard a rapping on the door as Damon groaned. "Don't make me rip the door off, Elena. You know I can." I pressed my hand to my lips as I stifled a giggle.

He knocked again.

"Elena, dear," he said sweetly, "let me in." It didn't sound orderly, but I knew him too well. He'd more than likely use his vampire skills to open the door, but I didn't want to let him in yet. Not yet. I liked winning. Suddenly, a loud squealing filled the hair as I noticed the locked doorknob was twisting. Making a complete revolution, it stopped. The door slid open slowly to reveal a pissed off looking Damon. I half squealed, half giggled as he stared me down from the doorway. I could feel the room heat up quickly as his smoldering gaze never left my eyes; it was becoming hard for me to breathe. I would probably never admit to Damon how much control he had over me; it would be too dangerous. I stared at him with wide eyes as he strode calmly towards me. An devilishly playful smirk spread across his wonderful features as he stepped in front of me; I stared up at him anxiously awaiting his next move. I was becoming deeply aroused by the man in front of me; I liked him fiesty. Damon grabbed my shoulders, bringing me to reality, and tossed my over his shoulder.

"Told ya so," he said as he walked us back into my room. He tossed my softly onto the bed and began tickling me, mercilessly.

"Stop!" I cried. "Please, stop!" I couldn't take it. My sides hurt; my body was convulsing under his unrelenting hands. I squirmed under his fingers, trying desperately to get away. This was pure torture. But he wouldn't stop. He continued his assualt until it was painful to laugh.

"Say you're sorry," he ordered once he ceased tickling me.

I gave him a serious look and tilted my chin up defiantly. "No."

He narrowed his eyes and said, "You asked for it," and continued his tickling until I was on the verge of throwing up.

"Okay, okay," I breathed in between boughts of laughter. "I'm sorry."

He stilled his hands on my waist and narrowed his eyes again. Those blue orbs literally took my breath away every time they were focused on me.

"I am sorry," I drawled as tears ran down my cheeks from laughing so hard. I'd never laughed that much in my life. I breathed deeply in a effort to control my heart and smiled at him. "But you," I said as I poked a finger in his chest, "asked for it."

He pursed his lips, but his eyes remained playful as he lowered his weight onto my lower body and purred into my ear, "you smell divine," at his fingertips trailed my neck. I knew what he meant by smelling diving; my blood.

"I'm hungry," I muttered as I wiggled out from underneath him. As soon as my feet touched the floor, I was moving towards the door.

"Elena," he drawled as I stopped in the doorway. "Where're you going?" I cocked my head to the side and searched for words. "I told you, Damon, I'm hungry. We humans do need food, too." I swung the door open and walked out of the room. What was wrong with me? I've known Damon for a while now and he's always been a vampire. Why was I so afraid of him? No, I thought, I am not afraid of Damon. It really wasn't a big thing, I mean I cared for him deeply so I could look past it, right? This was ridiculous.

I rounded the last stair and stepped into the kitchen. Everything was exactly the way we had left it last night. Although, my coffee was no longer hot. I cleared the table and scowered the fridge and cabinets for something edible. I heard him padding down the stairs be actually saw him. I turned around to find him in only his boxers slinking towards me.

"Is something wrong, Elena?" He asked as he stood in front of me. His crystalline blue eyes swept across my face, landing on my mouth delicately. "You seem to be upset about something. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, Damon," I backpedalled as I stepped around him. "It's just -" I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and looked at my feet. I really didn't know how to talk to him about this. Our conversations had always been easy, but this was a harder subject than anything we'd ever discussed. I pulled a chair out and sat down, crossing my ankles. Damon followed suit and pulled a chair in front of me and sat down, taking my hands in his.

"You can tell me," he said softly. How ironic, I thought; I had always tried to get Damon to open up to me and now it was reversed. How did this happen? I shook my head trying to clear it and stared at the floor as I dove into deep, trecturous waters.

"Okay," I began barely above a whisper. "You have to understand that it has nothing to do with you, Damon." I looked up at him, trying to convey as much certainty I could towards him. He nodded and I continued. "I - It's just the whole, um," I stuttered. I didn't know how to actually tell my, wait what were we? Nevermind that Elena, stay focused. "It's the vampire thing," I blurted. Pain flashed in his eyes and his face fell. "I'm sorry," I said as I slid my hand from his and cupped his cheek.

He clasped his hand over mine and smiled weakly as I went on. "It's human nature, Damon," I clarified, weakly. "After Noah and all of the other vampires who have tried to kill me, it just scares me. I trust you, I do." I swallowed thickly and licked my sudden dry lips.

"But?"

"But," I muttered, "I don't want to be bitten. I know that vampires usually to that during sex and that you need blood, but I can't and I'm sorry."

His eyes softened as he ran his hand over the top of my thigh. "I never asked for that. I mean, yeah, I need blood to survive, but there's always blood banks; and, yeah we sometimes bite during sex, but having you there is enough for me." He nodded to make his point and smiled softly. Relief washed over me; we'd finally had that talk, now on to the next - less serious - one.

"Okay," I breathed. He gripped my thigh gently as I slid my hand from his face back into my lap. "On to the next order of business."

"I could tell there was more in you," he said as he sat back into his chair. "Go on."

"It's about us," I said. His eyes widened and I saw a flash of pain flicker in them. I squeezed his hand in reassurance and smiled.

"I want to know what we are?" I asked, putting out his fears. "Do I call you my boyfriend, or what?"

He seemed to muttled over the question for a bit before standing from the chair, walking towards the sink. He turned back towards me and said, "I don't know, Elena. But, I like what we're doing here..." he gestured between us, "...you and me, it works. And I don't want it to end." His face became serious at his last declaration.

"I like us, too," I smiled, unconsciously tucking hair behind my ear and looking at my hands.

"Good," he said as he suddenly appeared in front of me. He pinned me to the chair, his warm, sweet breath washing over my face.

"Cos we haven't finished what we started earlier," he said, tipping my chin up to meet his eyes. My body hummed with his words and instantly heated, until I thought I would burst into flames at any moment. "Shall we?" He didn't wait for an answer and scooped me into his arms, running at vampire speed towards my room.

I rolled my eyes, but secretly couldn't contain my joy of this impending moment.

"How'ya feeling?" Damon asked smugly as my eyes opened sleepily. After this mornings events - mainly the large amount of sex - I had gotten quite sleepy and had drifted of into bliss. Damon was propped on his elbow with his head in his hand, gazing down at me. His dark hair was messy from sleep and sex, and his body looked absolutely incredible. I so could go for another round, right now. I stretched lazily on the bed; I felt his eyes catolog every movement of my body, but it didn't make me feel self-concious like before. I felt... sexy. I grinned sleepily and said, "I'm a bit tired, but..." I raised my brow as I traced the indentions of his abs. "... incredibly satisfied. And you?" I started as he grabbed my arm and pulled me across the space between us, holding me flush against his body. His body was hard against mine as I seemed to melt into every crease of his warm, soft skin. He wound his arm around my waist, pulling me closer - if that was even possible - and scalded my lips with his. Sighing softly into his mouth, I snaked my fingers through his dark hair and pulled his closer to me. He pulled away slightly, his breath washing my face hotly. My breaths were coming in short, ragged bursts as my heart beat wildly in my chest. "I take that as a sign of approval," I said as I tried to regain composure.

"Mmhmm," he purred against my lips, sending vibrations through my body. I couldn't take his teasing any longer; I surged forward and pressed my lips to his, hard and passionately. He opened his warm mouth and deepened our kiss. I threaded my fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck as he sighed into my mouth. My stomach clenched painfully as it sounded its hunger. I hadn't eaten all day and if I didn't, I'd die of exertion soon. I tugged on his hair and seperated us.

I stuck my bottom lip out. "Hungry," I pouted. He rolled his eyes and nodded towards the door. "I'll make you something," he said as he rolled out of bed. Damon offered his and I took it as he led me to the kitchen. I sat down at the island counter as he dug through cabinets for food. "You are lacking food severly," he said. I smiled at his distaste and continued to watch him. I decided right then and there, that there was nothing better than watching a man cook for me. Damon still naked body didn't hurt, either. I stared devilishly at his deliciously carved back. His movements were graceful, yet languid in its strides.He moved towards the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs. "I hope you like eggs," he said as he scrunched his nose at the smell.

"Eggs are fine," I said, smiling. Damon proceeded to make my breakfast as I admired him. When he finished cooking my breakfast, he turned towards me and sat a plate in front of me. With the full view of him in front of me, I instantly felt my body ache for him. My eyes traveled down his hard chest and abdominal muscles, memorizing each dip of skin. He was quite beautiful; greek gods would be jealous. I laughed quietly at the thought as he scooped eggs from the pan and put them on a plate in front of me.

"Bon appetit," he said as he handed me a fork. I dove in immediately, devouring the eggs quickly. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until now. Damon quirked his eyebrow at me and filled my plate with more eggs. Feeling a bit foolish, I ate slowly. I finished and set my fork on the plate and folded my hands together in front of me.

"So," I said, "what are we gonna do today?" I immediately knew his obvious answer.

"I am more than happy to satisfy you all day," he said, seductively. I tipped my head to the side and rolled my eyes. "What?" He asked, innocently.

"I meant, ya know... something outside of my bedroom." He narrowed his eyes at me as I were crazy and shook his head.

"Damon," I said, "we haven't done anything while we've been here."

"Oh, we've done plently, Elena," he drawled as he put my plate and fork in the sink.

"You know what I meant," I huffed. He turned towards me and leaned deliciously onto the counter.

"Okay, Elena," he said, smiling. I knew I could always get my way with Damon. "What would you like to do?" I almost jumped from my seat in glee as he gave in. I had so much that I wanted to do here. I hadn't been here since I was a kid, so I was beyond excited to share this with Damon.

"Well," I said as I muttled over the possible places to go. "There's the market, a drive-in... oh, the vintage clothing stores-"

"No way," he said, cutting me off. My shoulders slumped as a pouted formed on my face. "No drive-ins," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "I had to go through that once, don't wanna do it again."

I looked at him and smiled. "Oh yeah, you are pretty old, aren't you?" I teased.

"Ouch," he said as he placed his hand over his heart. "I'll have you know that I am - and always will be - an eternal stud." I rolled my eyes at his flaunting of eternal youth and beauty. It really wasn't fair; he would be young forever. "The rest, though," he said, "I'm fine with."

"Yay," I squealed as I jumped out of my chair. "It isn't very far from here. Maybe a few miles, at least..." I trailed off as I thought of all the things we could do.

"Uh, Elena."

"Yeah?" I said as I turned to face Damon. He was grinning sinfully, making me blush deeply.

"As much as I love to see you naked, it should really be for my eyes only," he said. I nodded, embarassed, and walked up the stairs.

It didn't take us long to get dressed and on the road. Well, it really took longer than expected; Damon was insufferable when it came to sex. I had convinced him that as soon as we were done, we'd leave. I didn't plan on doing anything but sleeping once there, but he didn't need to know that. I had dragged him through every booth at the market; tasting all of the fruits; smelling all of the flowers; and fawning over every cute puppy or kitten. He didn't really participate; occasionally when I'd ask him to try some fruit of some type of desert, which he graciously obliged. In the end, though, I didn't buy anything. Damon, however, insisted on getting me flowers. I begrudgingly let him buy them. He settled on a single red rose; saying that I was more beautiful than any flower he'd ever find. I blushed as I buried my nose into its soft petals, inhaling deeply. The smell it emitted brought forth memories of my childhood; my parents walking aimlessly throughout the market as I touched, tasted, smelled, and held everything. They were nice memories; I didn't mind them much. The memory that came afterwards was far more painful, though. After having gotten drunk and stranded at a party, my parents had driven out of town to pick me up. My body grew cold as I recalled the freezing water rushing against my body and into my lungs. I pulled the flower from my nose and blinked, my eyes feeling wet. I looked up to find Damon's concerned gaze.

I smiled weakly and held the rose to my chest. "Thank you," I said. I tried desperately to push the memories to the back of my mind, but they had decided to plant themselves in my line of vision. . I hadn't realized how many memories were tied to this place. It hurt to be doing this without them. When we stay at the lake house, we'd come out to this very market every day. My heart ached around the edges of the hole in the center. I needed to leave.

"Damon," I said as I gripped his hand. "I'd like to leave now."

"Okay," he said, bewildered at my sudden mood change. "Is something wrong?"

I shook my head and pulled him in the direction of my car.

"It's getting late," I said, shrugging my shoulders dismissively. He resisted for a moment before following me to the car. Tears were clouding my vision as I pulled the car door open and got in. Once inside, I completely broke down. Everything that I had tried to bury, came rushing to the surface; brutally reminding me that their deaths were - and always would be - my fault. It took Damon barely a second to get in the car and pulled me to his side. "Shh, it's okay," he said as he kissed the top of my head. "You wanna tell me what's wrong or do I have to guess?"

I slid away from him and wiped my face. "I used to come here with my parents," I said, fighting back a new round of tears. His mouth fell open slightly before pressing into a thin line.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. I shook my head furiously and wiped tears from my cheeks. He nodded and reached for my hand. I flinched away, not wanting to be touched and stared out the window. He started the ignition and we drove in silence back to the house.

"I'm going to bed," I said as I walked through the door, laying the rose on the counter.

"Elena," Damon called as he threw the keys onto the counter. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"

"I'm tired," I said as I climbed the stairs into my room. I changed into my pajamas quickly, and slid under the covers. Talking to him right now didn't seem like it'd be a good idea. I didn't want to have a breakdown in front of him; especially since I didn't know if he could handle my outpouring of emotions. It was difficult being with him; he was unpredictable and it terrified me. Nestling my head into the pillow, I prayed for dreamless sleep. Damon walked into the room quietly and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Elena," he said as he rubbed his hand on my shoulder. I kept my eyes shut tightly; fearing that if I opened them, tears would flow freely onto my pillow.

"I don't want to do this, okay," I snapped as I rolled my shoulder out from under his hand. "I've had a long day and I'm tired, Damon."

He raised his hands in surrender and stood from the bed. "Fine," he said and I could hear the edge of frustration and hurt laced into his quiet voice.

"Goodnight," I said.

"I'll be downstairs if you need anything," he said as he turned off the light and walked out. After he latched the door shut, I rolled into my pillow, burying my face in it and sobbed, uncontrollably. I cried for my parents, for Jeremy, Jenna, and everyone who had ever loved my parents; I had killed my parents and I hated myself for it. I also cried for Damon. This was hard on him as well as me. We'd been as open as we could these past few days, and now I was shutting him out. I was pushing him away, but it was only to protect him. And me. I cried until my eyes ran dry and then I fell into a nightmarish sleep.

I was awoken quickly by the loud ringing of my phone, sweat beading on my forehead from my fitful dreams. I didn't remember feeling Damon get into bed, but I was plastered to his chest. I wondered how long he'd sat downstairs. I knew that he could hear my sobs, so why didn't he come back? You said you didn't wanna talk about it, I yelled at myself mentally. My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing phone. I rolled off of him and searched for the phone. It was still dark outside and I was incredibly tired; this better be important. I threw my hand onto the side table and felt around for the phone. The bed moved as Damon rolled over.

"Phone," he mumbled before falling asleep again. I flipped on the lamp and grabbed the phone.

"Hello?" I asked with a scratchy voice.

"Elena, thank God," Jenna sighed.

"What is it, Jenna? I was sleeping," I asked, yawning. I rubbed my hand on my neck and winced in pain. I really hadn't slept well.

"It's Jeremy," she said. "Elena, he's gone."As soon as the words left her mouth, my heart shattered completely in my chest. I swallowed thickly.

"What do you mean 'he's gone'?" I asked as I sat up.

"I mean, he's gone, Elena. I can't find him anywhere. I've looked everywhere for him, but nothing," she said. "I figured that he'd went to the lake house, too, so..." A strangled cry filled my ear. I could hear her labored breathing and knew that she was on the verge of a panic attack.

"Okay, Jenna," I said, calmly. On the outside I remained calm for Jenna, but, on the inside, I was on the verge of losing it. "Calm down, okay? When did you last see him?" There was silence for a moment.

"I don't know, yesterday, maybe? Elena, I'm freaking out; come home, now," she pleaded.

"Okay," I said as I threw the covers from my body. "We'll be there soon."

"We?" She asked and I instantly kicked myself. Jenna didn't know about Damon and I; hell, no one knew.

"I- I'll explain later," I sputtered as I rolled out of bed. I'll see you soon." I ended the call and threw the phone onto the bed. I scrambled through my room, grabbing everything that I had brought and threw it all into my bag. I turned on the light as I tossed the bad into the hallway, instantly waking Damon.

"Trying to sleep here," he snapped. I dug through my dresser and pulled out a shirt and jeans, pulling them on.

"Too bad," I said as I buttoned my jeans. "We're leaving, get dressed." I grabbed my phone and purse and set them down with my bag. I walked back into the room to find Damon still lying in bed, propped up on his elbows, staring at me. I raised my hands in the air and gave him a what-the-hell expression. "What aren't you getting dressed?" I asked, furiously.

"I'd much rather sleep, if you don't mind," he said as he sat against the headboard.

"I don't have time for you right now, okay," I snapped. "Jeremy's missing and I need to go home." He raised from the headboard, but made no move to leave it. "You can stay, but I'm leaving," I said as I slung my bag and purse over my shoulder. I bounded down the stairs towards the door, praying that Jeremy would be okay. My hair whipped around me as Damon appeared in front of me. Thankfully, he was fully dressed; I didn't need any distractions right now. He dangled car keys in one hand as he opened the door with the other.

"I'm driving," he said as I ran for the car.