Disclaimer: I own nothing!

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Every time she ended up sleeping somewhere that wasn't her bed, she woke up feeling strange. One eye opened slowly and she blinked around her surroundings. The sheets were warm and she was tightly wrapped in the black comforter. She slid her arm out and nearly hissed at the cold air. It was then she remembered the boarding house heat had stopped working yesterday afternoon and the house was frigid. Of course the repairman couldn't come until the next day.

She drew her hand back and glanced out the partially frosted window. The gardens looked dead but they were still pristine. Damon loved his garden and he prided himself on giving her flowers when they were in season. She glanced at the clock and groaned at the hour. Four am was much too early!

An arm tightened around her waist and she froze. The hand grasped her tightly and hauled her back against the warm, masculine body sharing the bed. She relaxed as he nuzzled her shoulder. Damon murmured his appreciation before settling back to sleep.

She closed her eyes but they popped open again when she realized she was in his bed. She never slept in his bed and she couldn't help but question how she got here. The last thing she remembered was watching a movie with the boys. How had she ended up here?

His hand tightened again and he mumbled something against her neck. His lips were warm against her skin and she shivered. His fingers trailed down her stomach and she realized she was naked. His fingers teased her legs before sliding up to cup her breast. She began to roll over to kiss him but paused when she realized he was still asleep. Damn that man and his roaming fingers.

She felt his morning arousal and she moaned softly as his hips moved against hers. He calmed quickly as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, pinning her to him. His face was buried in her hair and she began to wonder if he could breathe. He didn't seem to pull back so she let him nestle there while she snuggled against his warmth.

They had been watching one of the most recent action movies and for once Elena found herself sandwiched between two men. Elijah was on her right, his hand holding hers but Damon had his arm wrapped around her under the blanket. Stefan caught her eye a few times and gestured at her closeness but she brushed him off. What did it matter if both men felt like holding her? It wasn't like she was in a relationship or anything and it couldn't hurt to have two gorgeous guys paying her attention.

She didn't remember the end of the movie so she must have dozed off. She did remember Damon and Eli getting into some sort of argument while she was half-asleep but she didn't remember what it was about. All she remembered was the smell of Damon's cologne as he lifted her into his arms. Why he brought her to his room was anyone's guess.

'Aw well,' she thought. It was too early and much too cold to think about it. She rolled over and cuddled up in Damon's embrace. He smiled as she wrapped her arms around him and allowed herself to fall asleep once more.

Three hours later Elena woke to a delicious smell and she could feel herself almost drooling. She rolled over and sought Damon's body heat but he was gone and the bed beside her was cooling. She opened her eyes in annoyance but when she saw Damon sitting there with a cup of coffee she couldn't help but smile.

"It's still really cold in here but I thought you might like a nice warm breakfast," Damon said as he handed her the mug. She took it gratefully but shivered when her bare shoulders encountered the cold air. He smiled broadly before wrapping one of his old sweatshirts around her. It was one of his old college ones and she loved how comfortable they were.

"Thank you," she murmured. He watched her as she slowly drank her coffee. He wasn't sure if she realized how seductive she looked as she was. Her hair swirled around her beautifully and she was wearing his clothes after a night in his bed. He never brought her in here and their nights together were usually spent in her room. He hadn't thought about what it would be like to have her in his sheets, curled around him and leaving her scent on his pillows. He wasn't sure he could ever let her go back to her room.

"I made one of your favorites today, peach pancakes with powdered sugar," he said with a smile. She smiled broadly and he handed her the plate. It had been a total accident he had found out about these pancakes. Experimentation during his college years led to a lot of his recipes and Elena was always finding new ones to love. She lifted the fork and took a bite before offering him a taste. His tongue curled around the fork, chewing thoughtfully before leaning forward to kiss her.

Her lips were sticky and he liked how they stuck together. He cupped her cheek as he pulled her closer. Her hands steadied the plate on her lap and he smiled. He wouldn't care much if the sticky stuff got all over his sheets but he would care if she tried to pull back from his toe-curling kisses.

As they kissed he thought back to the discussion Stefan had started with him last night. They wanted him to continue dating like nothing was happening and he just couldn't. Stefan had set him up but Damon could care less. He wasn't going to pretend to care about someone else when he was putting everything into winning Elena's love.

"What do you mean you can't date another woman?" Stefan had exclaimed. He had been sitting across the room and had looked horrified his plan wouldn't work.

"When I date, the women I am dating know if there are other women in the picture. I won't do that to Elena," Damon replied. Elijah had smiled knowingly and sat back to watch the fight beginning between the Salvatore brothers as if it would be great fun.

"But you aren't dating Elena," Stefan said calmly. He sipped his drink slowly as Damon's hands clenched. "After all we have someone for Elena too. Eli was going to take her to dinner and be incredibly dull and you can rescue her."

"No," Damon answered. "I won't date another woman even if she's in on it. I'm pursuing Elena and that's that."

"Why have you suddenly decided to pursue lovely Elena?" Elijah asked suddenly. Stefan watched Damon carefully; aware he hadn't made it clear why Elena was now the focus of his attentions.

"Because of you two," Damon said.

"No that's not it," Stefan argued. "It's something else. You care about her feelings and would make sure she wasn't miserable but this is different."

"I don't have to explain myself to anyone Steffy, least of all you. My relationship with Elena is not a game for you and the others to play!" Damon said, raising his voice slightly. Elena made a soft sound and they all turned to look at her. Thankfully she wasn't waking up and they could continue their discussion. Damon turned to pull the blanket over her bare arm, smiling slightly as she snuggled against it.

"Why can't you just admit how you feel for once in your life?" Stefan replied. "You always hold back until someone else steps in and then you get all upset over it."

"Leave me alone Stefan! Let me do things my way!" Damon answered.

"Boys, boys while I'm not at all upset to be amidst such manly pride I must protest," Elijah began. "Damon is clearly in love with her and is just coming to terms with his affections."

"Stay out of it!" Damon urged.

"I'm merely cutting to the chase. Now I plan on going to my room and I suggest you follow my example and Damon I suggest you make sure she's tucked in snugly," Elijah said as he made his way to the stairs. Stefan shook his head and followed Elijah, no doubt mumbling about Damon's stubbornness.

Damon turned to Elena and scooped her up in his arms. The blanket tumbled to the floor but his eyes were on her face. She wore a small smile and he leaned down to press his lips to her forehead. She mumbled something but he didn't catch her meaning.

He reached her doorway too quickly and he couldn't bring himself to leave her that night. He opened her bedroom door with one hand and looked at the cold, uninviting bed. It was getting too cold and her room was always frigid. The decision was made causing him to close the door behind him as he carried her into his own room.

He pulled the blankets down one-handed and laid her on his sheets, tugging at her clothes until she was blissfully naked. His comforter was tugged over her as he moved to get the fire going. It would help keep the room warmer and if that wasn't enough then he'd use his body to keep her warm. After all it wasn't like he was selfish.

It took twenty minutes but soon he was pulling her against him under the blankets. She murmured his name softly. He heard her and he kissed her gently as he snuggled up against her own warmth. The only light in the room came from his fireplace and he knew it was the perfect end on this December night.

Her soft kisses brought him out of his memory and he obliged her silent demands. She pulled him down beside her and the plate clattered to the floor as she locked her legs around his. He smiled as he pulled back from her to look at her pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. He wondered if every day could be like this one or would it sink away from him as many things seemed to do.

"I can't stay in bed Damon. I'm working with the Center kids today," she said softly. That's what they were called by everyone in town but he heard the words differently when she said them. The townsfolk tended to mean it in a mean way. They were the burdens of the city, of the taxpayers, of the working people. They were a waste but not to Elena. These orphans or sometimes underprivileged kids were special for her. After all, she was an orphan.

He thought about those weekends when she was fourteen when she would disappear for hours. He didn't ask her then; afraid she was seeing some boy in secret. Even at eighteen he didn't like her dating. His girlfriend broke up with him that year because he was obsessed with Elena's weekends. He had bashed his head against a wall when he found her at the Center. She was playing with some of the young ones.

Since then she went one day a week at the least. She helped with homework, she cooked, and anything else they needed. She often roped other people into helping or sponsoring kids for holidays. It was something that meant the world to her and Damon always supported her decision. She once admitted she felt lucky since she had come home to a family every day while some of those kids never knew family. She'd found her Damon Salvatore but where were the others?

"Do you want me to come today?" Damon asked. It was close to Santa time and she usually asked him to take part in the festivities but this year she hadn't. In fact she hadn't asked anyone to play Santa yet. Maybe he could escape that for another year. She hadn't asked yet and it was definitely something he didn't want to do.

"No. Elijah said he'd come and he offered to play Santa. Isn't that sweet? After Mr. Caldwell broke his leg I had wondered if I would have to find a replacement but Eli stepped in," she said. He froze and knew what was going on. She would have all the kids ready, eager to meet Santa and Elijah wouldn't show up. There was probably a Santa suit somewhere in the Boarding House with a note pinned to it directing Damon to put it on.

"Yes it certainly is," he murmured. He would gladly wear the damn red suit if it made her happy. She kissed him one more time before she slid out of the sticky bed. She stretched beautifully in the cold air and his eyes ghosted over her body. She turned and smiled as she held out her hand.

"Shower?" she asked simply. He took her hand and led her to the bathroom, grabbing his robe. It would be too big on her but he liked the thought of her wrapped in his clothes. It spoke to something primal in him. She wasn't the tiniest woman, tall and strong-limbed but she was diminutive next to him. He loved to see her marked by him, her breasts pressing against the material of his shirts while her warmth was covered by his boxers. He often tore his own clothes off of her in order to reach her body better.

The shower was playful with slippery hands sliding over slippery skin. There were giggles and soft moans. There were whispered words that spoke of his feelings but he couldn't tell her things had changed. The words wouldn't come and he couldn't seem to tell her how much he wanted her now. He wanted everything with her and he began to realize he was ready to settle down and consider a family.

He spent the last few minutes of their morning together imagining Elena pregnant with his child and a diamond on her finger. How could things have changed so much, so quickly?

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"Damon's been different," Elena began. Bonnie paused folding the blankets in the Center's washroom and glanced at one of her best friends. Elena looked worried and Bonnie didn't like the crease forming across Elena's forehead. She seemed a little distraught and Bonnie didn't like the implications. Could Elena not want a relationship with Damon after all?

"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked.

"I don't know. He hasn't been dating," Elena said. She finished folding her blankets and sighed as she dropped to the bed.

"What do you mean he hasn't been dating?" Bonnie asked.

"Maybe he is but he's being so secretive," Elena began. She sighed again. "What if...what if he's getting serious?"

Bonnie almost laughed but she saw the devastation on her best friend's face. Elena wouldn't admit how much she loved Damon or that she loved him at all but this was hurting her. Her eyes met Bonnie's and she repeated her new fear.

"Maybe he's re-evaluating his life right now or he hasn't met anybody. Aren't you two still sleeping together?" Bonnie said with a cringe. She hated the idea of them sleeping together when they weren't in a committed relationship. Bonnie wasn't the most traditional woman you'd meet but sex was something she had issues with. She believed in not just love but a committed relationship before sex and she was saving herself for both. Elena's relationship with Damon made her question her decisions since Elena seemed so happy.

"Yeah and he's been weird there too. He's taking me into his room Bonnie. We've never spent the night in his bed before last night," she said with a blush.

The only thing that popped into Bonnie's head was 'it's about time'. Bonnie glanced at the clock knowing Eli was supposed to be by about ten minutes before but Elena hadn't noticed. Elena was silent again thinking about Damon's attentiveness and changed attitudes. His touch was different and she wondered why it had changed so drastically.

Bonnie almost caved and told her everything about the plan but little Klaus flew into the room with his teddy bear clutched to his chest. He flew into Elena's arms and she lifted him into her lap. Elena shook off her own feelings to cater to the boy who seemed to love her so much.

"Elena, Santa's late," he said with a trembling lip. At five years old he sometimes was forgotten in favor of the babies and the more outgoing older kids. He noticed everything and often times had to mask his disappointment. He was one of the only ones to not have a sponsor this year for the holidays and he was looking forward to Santa's visit.

"I'm sure he had a Christmas emergency and he'll be here soon," Elena replied. Klaus cuddled against her and she hugged him gently. She glanced at the wall clock before pulling out her phone. There was one new text and she opened it quickly.

Car broke down an hour away. Won't make it. ~Eli

Elena threw her phone down in an odd fit of anger and Bonnie hid her giggle. Elena rarely got angry except when Damon was being an ass and even then it was a quiet anger. She was livid here and Klaus read that from her body language.

"What's wrong Elena?" he asked softly. She tried to smile but failed and he cuddled her close to his body. She lifted him to the floor and told him to go be with his friends while they finished up in the girls' room. He nodded and took off with his bear, swinging little Becca back and forth.

"What are we going to do Bonnie?" Elena asked.

"We could get someone else right? You have the suit?" Bonnie asked knowing Elena didn't. Elena grumbled under her breath as she slumped to the floor.

"The kids are going to be so disappointed," she whispered. "I guess I should tell them he couldn't make it today. Do you think an elf emergency will do the trick?" she asked.

"Maybe we should just let them wait a little longer?" Bonnie suggested. "We could bake some more cookies or do some more decorating?"

"The kids should be told now that Santa isn't coming. It will hurt more if we wait," Elena explained with a sigh. She stood up and grabbed her phone, stuffing it in her pocket. She laid the pink blanket on Olivia's bed before walking out into the common area. Bonnie smiled when she looked out the window to see a familiar car in the lot. She giggled softly when Klaus flew towards Elena and hugged her legs tightly.

"Lena! Santa's here! He's here!" Klaus squealed. Elena looked around not seeing anyone but Klaus was so sure. Who had he seen?

"Ho ho ho!" a familiar voice said. She turned around and sure enough there was Damon in the Santa suit, fake stuffing and all. His blue eyes sparkled behind the white beard and she laughed loudly. Klaus looked at her with a confused expression but then he ran over to Santa.

"Santa! Santa! Why were you late? Elena was upset!" He said with vigor. Elena glanced to the floor embarrassed but Damon would have none of it. His gloved hand reached out to tilt her chin up.

"I am sorry. My suit wasn't dry since my Mrs. Claus seems to be busy," he explained. Klaus looked between them confused.

"I didn't know there's a Mrs. Klaus," he said.

"With every man there is always a beautiful woman," Damon replied but his eyes were on Elena. "I will of course need someone to help me today...an honorary Mrs. Klaus."

"Elena can do it!" Klaus said firmly. "Elena's the nicest, Santa!"

"Is she?" Damon asked.

"She made cookies for us and she's always so nice!" Klaus explained. Elena watched as Damon continued his conversation with the little boy, asking him about his bear "Becca".

"I think it's time to see the other kids Santa," Elena said softly. Damon glanced to her and allowed Klaus to move him towards the other kids. Elena smiled broadly and Bonnie sidled up to her.

"It appears Santa brought a sack full of gifts," she said, pointing towards a large bag of wrapped presents. Elena stared at the bag for a minute and immediately started crying. Bonnie froze next to her as Elena's hand came up to her mouth to stifle her tears. Bonnie put her arm around Elena's shoulder.

"He...he didn't have to do all this for the kids," Elena said.

"Elena, he didn't do it for them. He did it for you," Bonnie said as she grabbed the bag and headed for the common room. Elena stared at the second bag and wiped her tears. Yes, something was definitely different with Damon and she still was questioning what the cause of it was.

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"And what would you like for Christmas Olivia?" Santa asked in a rumbling tone. Elena had cried three times while Damon took good care of the kids. Each child received two gifts, one practical and one fun. Some of the kids got new coats, stylish but completely practical. Some kids received new hats and gloves while others got warm sweaters.

Elena watched the girls run off with new dolls and the boys had new trucks. She watched them share their new toys and she listened to all the laughter. Most of them were being picked up in an hour by their sponsor family. She looked down at the last little boy to speak to Santa, his other hand holding "Becca" tightly.

Santa motioned for him and he handed Elena his bear. She held Becca tightly as he walked up to Santa slowly. The talkative boy had disappeared and he was now incredibly shy. He climbed into Santa's lap and waited for the usual question.

"What do you want for Christmas Klaus?" Santa asked. Klaus looked up at the man sitting there and seemed to consider his answer. Elena knew he wanted the race car in the window down the street and she hoped Damon remembered.

"I want to have a home for Christmas," Klaus said softly. Elena felt her eyes tear up when she realized what he wanted. No one was taking him home this year. She would have taken him but she didn't have the money to give him a good Christmas and she didn't feel right bringing him home to a place that wasn't her own.

"Well I'll have to see what I can do about that," Santa replied. He reached into his bag and pulled out the practical gift. It was a new hat, scarf, and gloves set with a little hat for Becca. Elena smiled through her tears at the little hat in the boy's hands. Everyone knew he loved his bear like she was a sister.

"Thank you Santa," Klaus said quietly. Elena waited for the second gift to emerge from the bag but Santa didn't reach for it. He instead leaned forward and whispered in the little boy's ear. The little boy squealed and hugged Santa. A moment later he was running towards his room and Elena was left holding his bear.

She watched Santa wave his goodbye and motion for her to wait there. He strolled out of the Center and turned the corner, disappearing from the kids' view but they didn't seem to notice. She waited patiently knowing Damon would return in a moment.

"Did I see tears?" he said as he slid behind her, one arm sliding around her waist. He kissed her cheek gently and she could still smell remnants of peppermint from the candy canes he handed out.

"You did see tears," she replied softly. He pulled her against his body and she closed her eyes. She had never imagined he would do anything like this. Center kids usually got cheap gifts but he had clearly spent some money on these gifts. They were top of the line kid outerwear and the toys were durable but pricey.

"I hope they were happy tears. I wouldn't like to think you were really upset because of something I did," he said softly.

"You went above and beyond today," she replied. "This was one of the greatest gifts anyone's ever given me or these kids. They will remember today for years."

"It's not over Baby," he whispered. "I got you something else."

"What is it?"

"Can we go now?" Klaus said as he pulled Becca out of Elena's arms. He had his little suitcase in hand and his coat on.

"Go where?" Elena asked.

"Santa said you and Damon were taking me home for Christmas," he said simply.

"Why don't you take your stuff to the car? I pulled it in front of the door," Damon said. The boy smiled broadly and took off for the door while Elena stood there frozen. "You okay?"

"We're taking him home for Christmas?" She asked.

"Are you okay with that? You've been talking about it since Thanksgiving."

"I'm more than okay," she answered. She turned to him and for the first time ever she kissed him in a public center, in front of the kids and her best friend. Bonnie smiled at the show of emotion and knew they were doing the right thing. It was only a matter of time before Damon truly made his move for Elena's heart.

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I decided Klaus shouldn't always be bad so I'm having fun with him as a little boy. He just wants a family in the show too so it's not too much of a stretch right? There is one more full chapter and then possibly and epilogue. My goal is to have this completed by Christmas Day. Ideally the epilogue would post then but if I only get one more chapter then it will post Christmas Day.

I also wanted to announce I'm starting a new story in the new year! I'm not saying anything about it except it's Delena and it's going to be very different than what I've done in the past. The prologue will post either this week or next week but it will post before 01/01/12.

I know I haven't responded to reviews yet but I'm working on it! Every review will get a response!

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