Hey everyone! So here's the next chapter, we're picking up right where the last one left off. I was surprised how you all freaked out at the end lol so don't worry they weren't caught by anyone bad. This is a fun chapter, I think you'll like it. There's even some good Deremy :) Thanks for all the reviews they're all so kind and inspiring, please continue to leave more they always make my day! I hope you enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 8

EPOV

"Uhh Elena," Jeremy called out from the other side of the pool area just as Damon had pulled away from me. My heart was thundering under my chest as I realized what I had just done. I kissed Damon. I didn't even know what to say to Jeremy, who started walking towards the couch Damon and I were sitting on, the one we just made out on. I felt embarrassed when I realized what I'd done. I turned into some desperate horny teenager; I felt the urge to wince when I remembered myself practically climbing onto his lap with my tongue shoved down his throat. I look like a fool. To make matters worse my little brother caught me.

"Lena I've been looking everywhere for you," Jeremy said as he stepped closer to us. "Uh I thought you'd need a ride home, I haven't had anything to drink."

"Oh, right yes thank you," I said self-consciously as I stood up, stumbling slightly in the tall heels as the alcohol flowed through my system. "I just, I uh have to get my stuff from Rebekah's room and say goodbye to Caroline."

"Right, just meet me by the front door," he nodded awkwardly before walking back into the house. I gulped nervously as I saw Damon standing up out of the corner of my eye.

"I'm sorry, I uh I should go," I said nervously turning to walk away. I barely made it one step before I felt him grab my hand and pull me flush against him. I gasped as my body met his, instantly remembering how good it felt to be near him. To feel his hands all over me. His lips on mine.

"You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye," he whispered softly before pressing a light kiss onto my lips. My eyes closed of their own accord, my mouth parting slightly as he pulled away with a wide smirk on his face.

"Thank you," I mumbled quietly before immediately realizing I had just thanked him for a damn kiss. "I mean for the alcohol and stuff, uh thanks for keeping me company." I felt the urge to just take a few steps back and launch myself into the pool out of utter embarrassment. I am never drinking in the presence of Damon Salvatore ever again.

"No need to thank me," he shrugged with that delicious smirk of his, stepping back and shoving one of his hands into his jacket pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes.

"I'll see you later Damon," I mumbled awkwardly before turning to walk back into the house. I heard him mutter something that sounded like a 'goodbye Elena', but I can't be sure. My mind was just way too much of a mess for me to process anything. I practically sprinted into the house and up the large staircase towards Rebekah's room to grab my bag and return her shoes. I put on the combat boots I came here with before making my way back down the stairs to say a quick goodbye and happy birthday to Caroline before finding Jeremy and getting the hell out of there. He was quiet as he started the car to drive home, and I felt more self-conscious than I ever have in my entire life. The silence was killing me. I know he saw, and I know he must have thoughts on the subject.

"Look I know you saw me and Damon," I said crossing my arms over my chest and turning to face him. "Just tell me what you want to say, it's fine. I should probably hear it because I don't know what the hell I'm thinking. I was drinking and one thing lead to another and-"

"Elena calm down," he said reaching an arm out to squeeze my arm. "You really think I care about who you kiss at a party? I mean, come on you know I'm not judgmental in the slightest, and I could care less about Uncle John's opinion on anything." I frowned when I remembered my Uncle John. Dear God almighty he would be pissed if he knew what I did. It isn't so much that I care what he thinks, and I've never had a problem defying him, but I just know the things he would say or do if he knew about this. "It isn't as big of a deal as you're making it out to be," Jeremy said again with a light smile on his face.

"If anyone found out they'd probably hit me over the head with something or suggest I get a lobotomy," I said shaking my head and resting my head between my thumb and forefinger trying to alleviate this sudden headache I've gotten.

"Elena you should know not to listen to what other people say," he said shaking his head.

"What do you mean," I asked him confused.

"Well the people that would have a problem with Damon are also the people who don't really know him," he shrugged as he sent me a small smile. "I do go to the same school as you Lena, I hear the rumors. How would you feel if people judged you based on the things they've heard?"

"You make a good point," I said laughing a little.

"Besides, Damon isn't that bad he just has a bit of a reputation," he said as we pulled into the driveway.

"How would you know that," I asked him puzzled. "When did you ever meet him?"

"Uhh just that night at the boarding house," he said quickly before climbing out of the car.

"You mean the mysterious night that you still haven't given me any kind of explanation for," I asked him raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"Look if I tell you will you promise to keep it to yourself," he said lowering his voice once we got inside. I nodded and he gestured for me to follow him upstairs to his bedroom.

"Is this going to upset me," I asked him sitting down on the edge of his bed.

"Well it's nothing you didn't already sort of know," he said taking a deep breath before turning to face me. "I kind of tried to buy drugs that I didn't have enough money for, the guy worked for Giuseppe and that's why I ended up at the boarding house."

"Oh my god," I said as my eyes grew wide. I had the sudden urge to slap him across the face, but I resisted because we've had this argument too many times to count. "What did they do to you? They didn't hurt you did they? And what about Damon?"

"Look I'm fine they didn't hurt me they just tried to freak me out so I wouldn't do it again," he said shaking his head. "They called John to bring them the money I owed and that was that. I met Damon briefly because he happened to be at the house, and he seemed nice enough. That's it. He never did anything to me, it was his father who was the scary one."

"So they took you all the way to the boarding house just to talk to you," I asked him confused. None of this was adding up. I get why they'd be pissed about Jeremy trying to steal, but why would they just let him off with a warning? These men are criminals. If they didn't hurt him what did they do?

"They just wanted to make sure I understood what my consequences would be if I tried it again," he said chewing on his bottom lip nervously.

"So they threatened you," I asked him worriedly.

"It's not worth getting freaked out Elena I promise," he said putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Jer you could've been seriously hurt or worse," I said on the brink of tears. "I've already lost enough family members I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you."

"I'm not going anywhere I promise," he said taking my hand. "I did something stupid, but it really wasn't a big deal. John gave them the money and that was that. I haven't even really been using lately, nothing more than a little pot I swear. You don't have to worry."

"Do you realize how crazy this sounds," I asked looking at him in disbelief. He just told me that he was taken to Giuseppe Salvatore's house after trying to stiff a drug dealer out of his money. How could I not be worried?

"I know it sounds crazy trust me," he said with a dry laugh. "I'm telling you this in confidence though Lena so please keep it to yourself, and don't tell John you know."

"I can keep a secret Jer," I said rolling my eyes. "Just promise me you won't get involved with them again."

"Lena I-"

"Promise me Jer," I interrupted him with a stern look on my face and he nodded in defeat. I got up to leave the room and head to bed, but I couldn't stop myself from asking him one thing. "What about Damon?"

"He works for his dad I think, but that's all I know," Jeremy shrugged. "He seems like a good guy Lena, I think you can trust him."

"I think what I need is professional help," I muttered under my breath as I walked into my bedroom. I made out with a criminal tonight. Who has spent time in jail. And it was amazing. It was more than amazing. I've never felt that alive before ever in my entire 17 years of existence.

I stripped out of my party outfit quickly putting on my pajamas and climbing into bed. No matter how exhausted I am I can't seem to fall asleep. Images of Damon and what we did earlier keep flashing through my head. How can something that feels so right be so wrong? Also, what would've happened if Jeremy hadn't interrupted us? Looking back on it I probably would've let him do whatever he wanted to me if Jeremy hadn't come and snapped me out of whatever state kissing Damon had left me in. I'm not usually that stupid. Matt's the only boyfriend I've ever had, and the only guy I've ever done anything with. Until tonight he was the only guy that I had ever even kissed. We took things fairly slow throughout our entire relationship, we'd been dating for over a year before we had sex, but tonight I was on the verge of ending up in bed with a guy I barely know. A guy who is also a criminal. I keep telling myself that over and over again hoping that something inside my brain will click and I'll realize what a huge mistake this is and everything will go back to normal, but it doesn't work. Truthfully none of it matters to me, I want Damon. I want him more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

DPOV

"Fuck," I groaned as I opened my eyes to the bright stream of sunlight cast across one of the many guest rooms in the Mikaelson's house. These people really need to invest in curtains or at least a fucking sheet to drape over the window. It would be very helpful for those of us waking up with monstrous hangovers. I need water, aspirin, and a greasy meal. I slowly sat up wincing as the rays of the sun burned holes into my eyeballs, but I couldn't resist a smile anyways. I kissed Elena last night and that's definitely a cause for celebration. To say it's one of the highlights of my life would be an understatement. Even if whatever it is between us never amounts to anything I'll always know that she feels something for me. That was obvious in the way she acted last night, and the way she reacted to my kiss. So yeah, I guess you could say I'm in a good mood this morning.

I picked up my jeans and t-shirt off the floor slipping them on before grabbing my leather jacket and making my way downstairs into the kitchen.

"Oh you're awake," Stefan said smirking at me as I walked through the door. He was standing over the stove with a spatula in his hand while Rebekah sulked at the counter looking to be in as much pain as I am. "You look like hell," he chuckled as I took the chair next to Rebekah.

"I hope your mom wasn't saving the Hirsch Reserve," I mumbled at the pissed off blonde sitting next to me.

"Damon there was plenty to drink around the house last night why the fuck would you steal our booze," she groaned in an annoyed tone.

"You had the crappy stuff out," I shrugged.

"That's all you took right," she asked raising an eyebrow at me.

"Well and a bottle of vodka for Elena," I smirked as she glared at me. "Clam down, just tell your mom one of your brothers drank them, they're of age."

"So you spent time with Elena huh," Stefan asked in a tone that sounded way too glib for my liking.

"That girl has got it just as bad for you as you've got it for her," Rebekah said rolling her eyes. "I don't get why you aren't together if you fancy each other so much."

"She's right Damon I never had you pegged for the slow burning type," Stefan said carrying plates of eggs and bacon to the table.

"For your information we hooked up last night," I said with a proud grin before diving into my food.

"Well I don't see her anywhere so it obviously didn't go very well," Rebekah giggled.

"This may be foreign concept to you Beks, but not all girls are whores," I said pointedly.

"You know I think this is the first time you ever ended a night with a girl and just kissed her," Stefan said smirking at me. I had to shrug because technically he's right. For me girls have always been around simply for entertainment purposes. I find one who's willing and we jump into bed. I don't let them stay the night, and if they act like they don't want sex I move on and find one that does. I'm well aware of the fact that it makes me an ass hole, but I never cared. Until now that is. The idea of doing something like that to Elena is inconceivable. I mean I'd be lying if I said that I don't want to sleep with her, but it's more than that. I actually want her in my bed for more than just sex, and while the sex would be great, I would only take things that far if she wanted to. This is all a new concept for me.

"I have to stop by the boarding house before heading home," I said standing up after we finished eating. "You coming Stef?"

"I'm staying here for the day," Stefan smiled putting his arm over Rebekah's shoulder and I rolled my eyes at how completely whipped he is.

"Well have fun kids," I said sarcastically before grabbing my keys and walking out to my car. The sun was shining bright in the sky signaling another warm day in Mystic Falls, which is a bit of a disappointment. I've always preferred cooler weather; clouds low in the sky, and drops of rain cascading downward. I haven't experienced a rainstorm since before they locked me up, and they didn't let us out during the rain when I was in jail. My time spent behind bars is something I rarely talk about, I don't even really like to think about it.

The boarding house was quiet when I got there and I assumed my dad must be out for the day. When I got downstairs I found Jeremy sitting at the table in the middle of the room counting money, and he looked up at me with a startled expression on his face. At least he's not stoned today.

"I uh I was just counting the money I made this week," he said gathering up the bills and stuffing them into a bag nervously.

"It's fine no need to wet your pants little Gilbert," I chuckled walking further into the room.

"I thought you'd be pissed at me," he said with a relieved sigh. "I mean I am the reason you got beat up last week right? Plus I kind of interrupted you with my sister last night, which was an accident I swear I didn't even realize it was you until after I'd already said something."

"It's not your fault I got beat up don't worry about it," I shrugged sitting down next to him.

"Well if it's any consolation I told Elena you were a good guy," he said sheepishly and I couldn't help myself from laughing. This kid is pathetic, but in kind of an endearing way. He reminds me of Stefan a little bit, but more of a wimp.

"You don't have to help me get in your sisters good graces," I said shaking my head.

"It's the least I can do after what you did for me," he said shrugging. "I told her the truth last night, well not the whole truth. I told her that the reason I ended up here that night she picked me up was because of drugs. I left out the part about me working for you and I didn't say anything about Klaus or your involvement. I just needed her to know something, I hate that she's in the dark about all this."

"I should be pissed at you," I with a dry laugh. "I know she's been worried about you and telling her about that night might be helpful with that. I've got a little brother too so I get it."

"I hate lying to her," he said solemnly.

"Sometimes you gotta withhold the truth from people for their own good," I said patting him on the back lightly. "Anyways, what are you doing here?"

"I sold everything Logan gave me last week so I brought the money and came back for more," he said standing up out of his chair.

"I'm impressed Gilbert," I raised an eyebrow at him before grabbing a kilo of weed from the stack and handing it to him in a paper bag.

"Isn't this hard for you," he asked me curiously and I looked him confused. "I mean being around all these drugs when you're trying to stay clean."

"It used to be," I shrugged.

"So it's not anymore," he asked puzzled.

"Sometimes it's challenging, but I've learned how to handle it," I said studying him for a minute. "It's a good lesson in willpower. Wait, why do you ask little Gilbert?"

"I want to be there for Elena so I'm done using drugs as a way to escape my problems," he said shaking his head. "I realized how selfish it is for me to do something that has the potential to ruin my life, and I know she's been really worried about me so I'm done. I just can't do it to her anymore."

"Good for you little Gilbert," I said grinning to myself. "Just be careful when you're selling. Trust me when I say prison is no picnic, neither is pissing off my dad."

"I know I'm watching my back," he said with a small smile as he stuffed the bag into his backpack. He waved goodbye before walking out and I smirked to myself. I have to admit it gives me decent sense of pride knowing that Elena's little brother kind of looks up to me, but if she were to find out that our relationship stems from him being one of my drug dealers I doubt she'd be too pleased. It's all so complicated. She thinks I'm some sort of good person deep down, and I don't know maybe I am. Or at least I might have the potential to be, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm a criminal and that I'm lying to her about the fact that her little brother is one too. I could only imagine how fucking angry she would be if she knew about Jeremy and the drugs, but it isn't like I had any other choice. I didn't want him to be apart of this, but it isn't like I'm in any position to defy my father.

EPOV

The Grill was crowded when Caroline and I got there Sunday for her traditional birthday breakfast. It's something we've done every year since we were kids, although usually we would've had a slumber party the night before. Now that Klaus is in the picture she has most of her slumber parties with him, not that I'm complaining. It's nice seeing Caroline with someone that makes her so happy.

"Where's Bonnie," I asked her once we'd sat down in a booth.

"She's not coming," Caroline shrugged looking at me confused. "She told me on Thursday she wouldn't be able to make it today, didn't she mention it to you?"

"Nope," I said revisiting an eye roll and opening my menu. Bonnie and I aren't exactly on speaking terms right now.

"What's the deal with you two anyways," she asked me curiously. "I could tell all week there was tension."

"We got into a fight when we were shopping for your surprise party," I said sighing in defeat. There's no point in lying to Caroline anyways, she always figures everything out eventually.

"About what?"

"Just everything," I shrugged. "First it was about Matt and all the drama I have going on with him, and then it turned into an argument about Damon."

"Yeah I noticed her and Matt have become kind of friendly lately," she said with a pointed expression that almost made me laugh.

"Rebekah thinks she likes him," I said chewing on my bottom lip as I thought about it. If Bonnie really does like Matt it would be weird, but I'd learn to accept it. At least it would mean he 'd be moving on and maybe people would leave me alone. Plus, I do want Matt to be happy.

"I'll talk to her and see what her deal is," Caroline said with a smirk. "You said you also fought about Damon. Why?"

"She made comments about me falling into his sheets or whatever," I said rolling my eyes and Caroline gasped.

"Wait you guys…"

"No we haven't that was just something Bonnie said," I interrupted her before she could say it out loud. "Although, we did kiss last night." I bit my lip nervously as she looked it me in awe. I had considered not telling her at all, but I need to get it off my chest.

"Oh my god this is awesome," she squealed excitedly as she jumped up and down in her seat.

"What's got you so excited," Matt asked as he walked up to take our order and we both froze.

"Just stupid gossip," Caroline said waving her hand at him. "Anyways, I'll have the chocolate chip pancakes."

"I'll have the breakfast special with a side of bacon," I said handing him our menus once he'd written it down and sent us and awkward smile before walking away. This is one of the things I hate about living in a small town. It's impossible to avoid people.

"Sorry," Caroline said with an apologetic smile and I couldn't help but laugh. "So tell me about the kiss. When did it happen? Where did it happen? I need all the details."

"Uh it happened last night," I said as a small smile crossed my lips. "We were just hanging out, drinking and talking. We ended up in the backyard and one thing just kind of led to another." I couldn't help but blush when I thought about it.

"So how was it," she asked as her eyes grew wide with delight.

"It was kind of the most perfect thing ever," I said with a dreamy smile. "I just, I don't know if it was such a good idea. I kind of lost control and if it weren't for Jeremy interrupting us I might've done something I regret."

"Sleeping with a guy that hot shouldn't be a regret Elena," she said taking a sip from her coke. "Come on, I bet he is crazy good in bed, I mean look at him."

"I'm not going to sleep with some guy I hardly know Care," I said glaring at her. "I'd like to at least be in a relationship first and I don't see Damon and I ever being in a serious relationship ergo no sex."

"Why are you so against the idea of being with Damon," she asked me in an exasperated tone.

"Oh gee Care I don't know maybe because he just got out of jail," I said with a dry laugh. "Not to mention his reputation and the fact that John would probably kill us both if anything ever happened."

"Sometimes you just have to take the plunge Elena," she said in a serious tone. "Look at Klaus and I. He's not the type of guy I ever would've pictured myself with, and he's just as bad as Damon is, but I still love him. You're young it isn't like you're going to marry him or anything so why not have a little fun? He's obviously into you, I bet he'd be willing to commit if you asked. I spend all my time at the house and I've never seen a girl there, which definitely has something to do with you because from what I understand he's usually a total manwhore."

I couldn't help but smile when she said that. The idea of Damon giving up on his chances with other women, who let's face it probably way more experienced than I am makes me feel a sense of pride. He is the one who kissed me, and I don't think he would've done that if he didn't like me. He probably could've kissed me the first night we met and I wouldn't have been able to fight it, but he didn't. He waited until we'd gotten to know each other a little bit more, and I think that means something. I hope that means something.

"I left my bag at Klaus' and it has my history book in it," Caroline said as we walked to my car when we finished eating.

"Do you want me to wait in the car while you run in and grab it," I asked her as we got into the car.

"Well I'm not exactly sure where it is so you should probably just come in with me," she said with a devilish grin.

"I see where this is going," I said rolling my eyes. Caroline is a lot of things, but subtle is definitely not one of them. I knew I needed to talk to Damon eventually, but I hadn't planned on doing it so soon.

"Oh come on you guys should talk anyways why not get it over with now," she said encouragingly.

"I really don't like you," I mumbled angrily as I took off in the direction of Damon's house.

"Don't worry you'll thank me after the delicious sex," she said giggling and I rolled my eyes as I drove down the street.

DPOV

"Come on mate perk up your girlfriend's coming over," Klaus said smacking me on the shoulder as I sat at the counter still nursing my hangover.

"What are you talking about," I asked him confused.

"Caroline needs to get some book she left here and she's bringing Elena in with her," he said taking a water bottle out of the refrigerator.

"Elena's coming over," I asked him a little more excitedly than I had planned.

"Yes so please try and refrain from having sex on the kitchen counter," he said chuckling and I frowned at his pathetic attempt at humor.

"Oh please you and Barbie have soiled every flat surface in this place," I scoffed.

"You know maybe if you and Elena finally get together and you get laid you'll stop being such an ass hole," he said smirking at me as the front door opened. I looked up at Caroline as she practically sprinted towards Klaus and pulled him in for a kiss that made it seem as if they hadn't seen each other in ages. I heard the door close just as Elena walked into the house at a much slower pace as she fumbled with her car keys and the white iPhone in her hand. She had on tight jeans that highlighted her gorgeous long legs with a black tank top and combat boots. She looks flawless, and I don't even think she tried. It's amazing to me how completely unaware she is of her beauty. Barbie muttered something about going upstairs dragging Klaus along with her leaving Elena and I alone as the awkward silence between us became deafening. I don't know what to say to her. I'm tempted to just kiss her again, but that would probably be really stupid.

"Caroline's about as subtle as a loaded gun," I joked gesturing for her to sit on the stool next to mine. She giggled softly before taking a seat and turning to face me.

"I think we should talk," she said biting her lip, which only drew my eyes to her mouth. Those are the five worst words in the English language. They never mean anything remotely good. I should've known this would happen. She regrets it.

"Yeah I get it don't worry you're off the hook," I said a little more harshly than I had intended. I just didn't want to hear her explanation about how we shouldn't have done what we did and how it should never happen again. At least if I pretend I don't care I won't lose whatever ounce of manly pride I have left in me.

"Off the hook," she said with a dry laugh. "What does that even mean Damon? You want to just forget about it?"

"Well obviously you do," I shrugged.

"God, you know you really are an ass," she said shaking her head and getting up out of her chair.

"What were you expecting me to say," I asked her in astonishment. "I thought this was what you wanted Elena. You obviously regret what happened so-"

"You think I regret it," she interrupted me in disbelief. "How would you even know that? You never asked me Damon, and for the record I don't regret it at all. I just wanted to talk about it because I didn't want things to be weird. We kissed, and it obviously meant something, at least to me it did."

"It did for me too," I said standing up and walking towards her. God I'm such an idiot. This is why I don't have girlfriends, I don't know how any of this shit works.

"I really want to believe you Damon," she said shaking her head as a sad expression crossed her face. I needed to make her understand how much I want her, how much I need her, so I did the only thing I know I'm good at. I kissed her again. I pressed my lips against hers, but softly this time. It wasn't like the desperate make-out session we had last night. This was different. She leaned into the kiss and a satisfied moan came from her mouth as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I pulled away instead of deepening it so I could look down into her gorgeous milky brown eyes and at least attempt to convey some sort of emotion.

"I've wanted to kiss you since the moment I saw you," I said just above a whisper.

"Me too," she confessed shyly as she played with the hair at the base of my neck.

"Look I don't know how any of this works," I admitted as I slowly moved my hands from her hips to cup her face. "But I really like you, a lot. I just don't think I could jump into anything, and I know that you deserve better than that."

"I don't want to jump into anything either," she smiled pulling my hands down and intertwining our fingers. I gulped when I realized how intimate this moment was, and I felt even more naked than I have when I actually had my clothes off around a girl. "Look Damon I really like you too, but I just got out of a serious relationship and I don't want to rush into anything. You know we should just take things slow, and maybe down the road we could consider commitment. I mean I don't have any guys on the horizon, but I don't want you to feel obligated to not play the field if you wanted to." I could tell the last part disappointed her a little; she's the kind of girl that doesn't like to be one of many. I hate that she actually thinks I'd be with anyone else other than her.

"Look there's no other girls on the horizon for me," I said closing my eyes for a second before looking back into hers. That seemed to make her happy, her smile widened and I immediately felt my heart speed up. "Elena you're the only one I ever think about and I have no intention of changing that anytime soon."

Before I could say more she crashed her lips to mine so quickly it caught me off guard, but I settled my hands on her hips and pulled her in closer to deepen it immediately. As she opened her mouth and our tongues collided I groaned and twisted my fingers through her hair angling her head so I could kiss her even harder.

"HA," I shrill voice rang out through the room making Elena and I both jump. Caroline was standing there with her hands on her hips and a satisfied smirk on her face. "Easiest 50 bucks I ever made," she said taking the bill from Klaus.


So there you have it! Delena are kinds sorta together now. I hope you all liked it, don't forget to leave a review! Also, if you're reading Inevitable I'm really sorry about the long wait. I finished the new chapter almost a week ago, but I have a beta for that story which makes the publishing process take a little longer so the second I get the okay I'll post it, which should be soon!