AN: Hello you guys! I'm so sorry about the delay on this chapter, but life's been absolutely crazy this past few weeks. I promise the next one won't take this long. :)

I hope you enjoy and please drop a review!

July 14th

"Stay with me."

"Okay"

The hardest task of them all - let it go. Let go of things that make it hard to breathe, things straining you and keeping you chained to the kind of thinking you've grown to hate but can't shake off.
Take a good hard look in the mirror and press 'reset'. But how?
Elena was trying to figure it out for a very long time with a little to none success. She tried to strip off everything holding her back, which in most cases was her own stubborn mind. How many times can you tell yourself you are free before you start to believe it? A lot. Crazily lot.

Also, how do you stop yourself from running the other way when someone needs you to suck it up and hold on tight? That was easier than she'd ever thought it would be.
It was easy to wake up every day and pretend like nothing has changed. Like she was the same person she's always been.
What a bullshit.

"Elena?" Damon's smooth voice interrupted her thoughts.
Sitting in the driver seat, she flashed him a quick look. "Yeah?"
He hesitantly asked, "Would you mind... slowing down?"
Her gaze turned towards the dashboard, the velocity displayed taking her by surprise. She didn't realize they were going so fast.
"Thank you," Damon murmured and visibly relaxed after she did as he asked.
She chuckled. "Afraid I'll crash your baby into a tree?"
He made a face but didn't respond.
The smile stayed firmly on her face, not exactly forced but to say it was natural would be straying from the truth quite a bit.
Tension was their best friend these days, never failing to make silence awkward or brush of their hands too sexually charged. Her lust for him was something she's never felt before - too personal, needy and incredibly hard to contain. She wanted him. Bad.

Elena thought he might feel the same, but it was exceptionally hard to read him lately and she wasn't all that sure. He was closed off to her most of the time. Not that he didn't talk to her or didn't flirt with her - no, it was more than that. He didn't share his thoughts, didn't tell her anything else about himself. Plus, he also never told her exactly what was wrong with him. She tried to guess - AIDS, cancer - she tried all of the usual stuff, but he shook his head 'no' at all of them.
A part of her was glad he didn't burden her with details. That way, she could pretend he never told her anything. And as far as she was concerned, he wasn't really sick at all. They were both alright.
It gave her a chance to function and get through the day sane.
It was enough for now.

That's why she wasn't yet freaking out. All in good time, though.

"I love this song," she murmured, reaching for the sound volume at the same time.
It was an old one. She often heard it play from the retro radio in the kitchen when she was a child but it has been years since she had a chance to give it a listen again.

"Wouldn't take you for a fan."

She sang along in an answer. "Did I disappoint you? Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?"
His eyes shone brightly when his rougher voice joined her soft one. "You act like you never had love and you want me to go without."

And just like that the uneasiness melted away. Together, they rocked another few U2 songs starting with All I Want Is You until the last tones of With or Without You faded from the speakers.
Elena's fingers finally stilled after the relentless rhythm-tapping they'd done on the steering wheel.
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" she asked the still humming Damon. He was completely devoted to music, she noticed. It was fascinating to watch him play the piano, it really was, but the most endearing part was how the melody in his head always made him restless with energy. She was in love with all the little things he did more than she was willing to admit.
"We could stop for dinner in some bar."
Like every other night, Elena added inwardly. Their current location was nowhere near New York City. Actually, they dragged the Camaro miles from it, through South Carolina and now Virginia, driving on and on through numerous nameless towns, smelly bars and scruffy motels.
In other words, they were back where they started and Elena was getting pretty tired of it.
"Do we have to?" she inquired, her tone laced with annoyance with their situation.
"We can starve if you want."
She shot him a look. Damon smirked. "Getting sick of all the men hitting on you?"
"Yes." It was partly true. She was also sick of all the women hitting on him.
"Well, we could always find some motel with a diner and have a night off."
"Sounds like a plan."

It was still too soon for that. They had a few hours before the sunset and the highway was still as aimless as always.
Elena wasn't sure where exactly they were but she would guess it was Virginia countryside. Traffic was almost non-existent and they haven't spotted any big city lights in quite a while.
"Take that turn," Damon pointed to a narrow road on their left.
"Alright."
Soon enough, their poor car rocked uncontrollably due to the bumps on the tired back road - mostly scattered stones, often sharp and huge - while her teeth clattered in tune with the vehicle.
"Great idea, Damon," she snapped.
All he said was "Pull over."
The engine died with a sigh. "Now what?"
"Let's take a walk."
"To where?"
"Eternity and beyond," he announced theatrically.
She snorted, amused. "Come on."

"I hate this weather." Damon muttered to himself when he appeared next to Elena. "Me, too."
The heat outside hit them like a brick wall and paired with the off-charts humidity, their clothes were sticking to their bodies after a few short moments.
However, breathing in the fresh air and stretching their stiff limbs felt like heaven after the long hours spent in the tiny vehicle.
Elena took a bite of the sandwich she bought last night when they stopped at a gas station and realized that very few things tasted worse. She threw it back into her bag.

The path led them through an alley of trees and Elena closed her eyes, while flashing images floated behind her eyelids. Her balance wavered a bit and a pair of strong arms caught her form mid-step.
"You're gonna fall if you won't watch where you're going."
I'll fall anyway. And you will too. "I don't like forests."
"It's not a forest. Just a few trees."
"It looks like one."
His breath fawned over her neck when he let out a sigh and Elena shivered, momentarily distracted. It felt good to have him close. Too good.

"Open your eyes," he whispered.
"No."
"Do you trust me?" His hold on her tightened and her fear ceased for a while.
"Yes."
"Then tell me." He was worried and asking her to give him what was rightfully his - her thoughts, her fears, her past and present. Everything she had such a hard time giving up.
Elena opened her eyes slowly, taking in the sight in front of her, the soft breeze on her heated skin, the pleasant smell of nature and all that was pure and untouchable, unchanging - the pretty flowers, the greenest grass she's ever seen and even the gloomy looking shadows it all cast. It was real and beautiful, almost as beautiful as the man whose hands held her in place. The only scary aspect of the whole scene was the one she couldn't see. Her own mind taking turns with the world at making her miserable.
It was all quiet now, though. Her thoughts in good order, not jumbled and messy, when she couldn't make sense of a single thing.

She didn't answer him but turned around in his arms and without a moment's hesitation took them both by surprise when she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him like her life depended on it.
The world fell away, all that mattered was his lips moving in tune with hers and his gripping fingers on her hips. He tilted his head and one of her hands divided into his hair, pulling gently just as his tongue slipped into her mouth. She moaned appreciatively which seemed to spur his actions on because suddenly she felt his hands everywhere. In a strange way it was all too familiar - the way he kissed was so him, passionate and sweet, invading her senses in the most addicting manner. God, she never wanted to let go, never wanted anything more than she craved this man in that very moment.
She didn't know how much time has passed before Damon brushed her lips softly one last time and leaned back, his breathing heavy, his eyes dazed. He looked at her with more emotion than she deserved and smiled with the smile that threatened to turn her into a puddle of goo.
"Elena."
Did her name always sound this sexy coming from his mouth? She shivered.
"Yes?"
He rested his forehead against hers. "You're distracting me."
"Am not." She smiled innocently.
"Are too." He never sounded so light-hearted.

She kissed his cheek and wiggled out of his grasp with a giggle. She tugged at his hand. "Come on. You promised me a walk to eternity."

"Your wish is my command, Milady."
"It better be," she teased.
He smirked. "You know, I didn't drag you through Virginia for nothing."
"No?"
"There's a town not far from here," he stated. "I want to take you there."
He's never been to New York, but has been to Virginia? "You're from California, aren't you?"
"Yes, why?"
"I just didn't think you've ever been here before, that's all."

"My mom was from around here." Was? Elena didn't like the sound of that.
He continued. "She met my father at NYU. He was a born New Yorker but he still moved to Mystic Falls for her."
That was pretty... romantic.
"So, I was kind of, born here too. We lived in Mystic Falls for a few years before we moved to L.A." His gaze hardened and he looked away. She had to ask: "Why?"
"Mom died when I was 8. There was nothing in the world that would keep my father from leaving after that."
She understood the pained look in his haunted eyes all too well. A loss like that wasn't something you ever truly overcome. It struck her then how similar they really were. "I'm sorry."
He took a deep breath.
"I'd just like to go back one last time."
The meaning of his careless words froze the warmth that was spreading through her from the moment he touched her. The painful stroke of truth over the fragile walls of the denial she surrounded herself with made her heart stop and restart with more resistance it should have.
Sometimes it hurt to think. But unfortunately, sometimes there wasn't anything else to do.
In those times, she could either choose to torture herself or pretend not to exist altogether.
Whichever was easier.

She snuggled up to his side and shook off the gloom setting over them. "Let's be happy tonight."
"Happy how? Because I can definitely think of a few activities - okay it's really just one activity but you get my point -"
"Shut up." Elena put her hand over his mouth effectively halting whatever he wanted to say next, although, she got the idea.

"Listen, you're saying the town's not far from here, right?" He nodded in confirmation. "We'll drive over there, get something edible to eat, and then you can show me around and take me to your favorite places. Sounds good?"
He pondered over it for a moment. "Absolutely."
"Great. Let's go back."


The ride to Mystic Falls was a short one, but it did provide enough time for Elena to think about the events of last hour.
She kissed Damon. And now that she came back from her high, she couldn't believe it. Damn, this wasn't like her. But then again nothing - starting with her agreeing to accompany him on this crazy road trip to the latest stun she's pulled - has been in line with who she thought she was. But why, for the love of God, would she kiss him like that? The only answer she had was simple, really - she wanted to.
And it served as an ice-breaker or in their case a tension-breaker, because Damon didn't hesitate to fill her in on everything he was probably dying to tell her but restrained himself from doing so.
Was this all he was waiting for? Her to make the first step, to reach out to him? She was glad she did.

But then again, what now?
And what did it even mean for them? Did she want it to mean anything?

It didn't take long before they spotted the Welcome sign on the side of the road and soon they were rummaging down the streets, looking for a place to get lunch.
Damon slowed down and mumbled "I remember this place" when Mystic Grill came into their sight. They parked in front of it.
"I think, it's a restaurant slash bar or something like that," he informed her.
"We should go check it out then." Elena unbuckled her seat-belt and got out of the car promptly.
Damon followed after her seconds later.

They entered the building together. The darkness inside strongly contrasted with the sharp brightness of the day and it took Elena's eyes a moment to adjust.
Everything was dark - wooden tables and chairs, bar at the side of the room, even the lamps glowed with a dim light that added to the atmosphere of mystery.
Elena loved the place instantly.
Despite the gloominess, it was so homey and inviting, she felt a strong sense of ease washing over her.

The place wasn't all that crowded and they quickly found a free booth.
Damon's wide eyes scanned the room in haste, taking in the details, comparing what he remembered to what he currently saw.
"It's nice in here," Elena remarked with a smile.
"It is," he agreed.
"How much did it change?"
"I'm not sure. I think it's always been this...," he stopped to look for the right word. At last, he said, "Dark. With good food."
Just as the words left his mouth, a small blonde waitress appeared at their table, her eyes glued to Damon's perfect face.
He's gotten hotter over the course of the past three months, if that was even possible. His hair grew longer and messier, leaving Elena's hands in constant state of itching to dive her fingers into the untamable locks.
Damon flashed the girl his panty-dropping smile and, to both of their surprises, she turned crimson red and kind of ran away without a word.
Bewildered, Damon wondered, "What the hell just happened?"
Elena burst out laughing. "Oh my God."
"Where did she go?" He turned around to search for her but the girl was nowhere in sight. "Did I do something?"
His confusion was so innocent it made her laugh even more. She was wiping tears from her eyes by the time a tall guy with a pad in his hand cleared his throat loudly.
"Excuse me," he said. "I'm so sorry about Emily, I have no idea what's gotten over her, she's never done something like that before, I - "
"It's okay." Damon interrupted his speech.
The guy blew out a breath of relief and smiled. "What have you even done to her?"
"I have no idea."
Elena quipped in. "He swept her off her feet. Literally."
A laugh escaped the man and Elena immediately liked him. There was something about him that made her feel like she already knew him.
"I'm Alaric, by the way."
"Elena."
"Damon."
"Nice to meet you. Now, I'm gonna take your order before you two starve to death."

Alaric stopped by their table once more before they finished their late lunch and asked a few questions. They learned that he owned the place and that Mystic Grill is the only place to hang out in the little town. He also wrote down the directions for the best (and only) hotel in Mystic Falls and offered a free round on the house but they both refused with a promise to stop by later.

Alaric Saltzman wasn't the only friendly person they've encountered.
In a town where everybody knew everybody, they quickly became the hottest news and by the time they checked into the Mystic Inn, another smiling face in the form of Mayor's wife, Carol Lockwood, greeted them upon their arrival.
"I'm sure you'll love Mystic Falls," she gushed. "It's the best town in Virginia, I dare to say. And the safest one!"

The echo of her voice accompanied Damon and Elena all the way to their room. They let out a simultaneous sigh of relief when the door finally shut behind them.
"What's wrong with these people?" Damon muttered and slumped down on the bed.
"They're just friendly."
"Wouldn't kill them to be friendly from afar."
"Be nice." Elena threw a pillow at his face.
He easily dodged it. "It's the first time I actually had to use my real name. I'm surprised no one recognized me."
They've had this stupid game going on where they always booked their rooms under different names. A few nights back Elena was Maggie Simpson while Damon went with his favorite - Patrick Star. They always had a lot of fun figuring out scenarios under which the two characters met and also the looks all receptionists gave them were golden.
"Well, you don't look eight anymore."
"No shit, Sherlock."
"Stop being mean."
"You like it when I'm mean," he stated smugly.
"And why is that?" Elena wasn't paying much attention to their conversation; her energy was focused on throwing dirty clothes and other items out of her bag. She was looking for something clean to change into after her shower, but that turned to be impossible.
"Because you can be mean right back -" he paused when one of her shirts landed on his face. "What are you doing?"
"I have nothing to wear," she grumbled.
He sniffed on the piece of clothing in his hand. "This one smells good."
She glared at him. "This is your fault, you know."
"Of course it is. What did I do this time?" He was looking at her with that amused look that made her want to punch him. Or kiss him. In that order.
"You purposely kept me from washing machine."
"Oh damn. I can't believe you figured out my secret diabolical plan," he mocked.
"Ass."

"I didn't purposely keep you from washing machine Elena. Although now that I think about it, does no clean clothes mean no clothes at all, because that's something I could get on board -"
"Oh shut up, you dork."
"Stop throwing stuff!" He yelped in pain as the remote control hit his head.
"You deserved that."
It was his turn to glare as he massaged his temple. "Just take one of my shirts, for heaven's sake."
"I was planning on it."
"I see. But you don't have to -" he groaned. "You're so cleaning that mess."
"Am I?" she taunted him. He was too easy. "I call dibs on shower."
"Suit yourself." He threw himself back on the pillows and hit his head on the headboard.
"Shit!"


"Damon, are you sure you know the way?" Elena asked a little out of breath. She was, once again, following his dark silhouette down the road in the twilight of the day.
They were sticking to the plan - Damon showed her around town a bit (they'd gotten lost twice), and now, he was trying to find his old home (which he swore was a big house at the outskirts of Mystic Falls) while Elena trailed behind him, trying to keep up with his pace.
"I am sure." He turned to her. "It's just further than I thought. We should've taken the car."
"You don't say," Elena uttered sarcastically.

He took her hand and squeezed it gently in a silent apology.
"Elena?"
"Hm?"
"I think we should talk."

Oh, no. She knew he would say that sometime soon but prayed it wouldn't be today. Talking was the very last thing she wanted to do. Especially, when she wasn't yet sure what to say.
So she played dumb. "Talk about what?"
His face fell. He could read her too well for his own good. "The kiss. You should remember it. You were there."
She nodded. "I was."

"Why did you kiss me?"

He searched her eyes for an answer and she had to look away.
Her gaze fell upon a large house - a mansion to be exact - at the end of a long driveway.
"Damon. Look."

She could almost hear his heart stop as his gaze swept over the beautiful boarding house.
His grip on her hand tightened and for a moment, Elena was transformed into a different time, when it was her standing in front of a house that was no longer home. She's done the same thing before. She had to go back one last time.

Damon stood silent, his mouth slightly open with words that refused to come out.
Elena talked for him. "Wanna go check it out?"
He nodded. An automatic light signaled the oncoming of two strangers to the residents of the mansion and Elena saw one of the curtains move as they slowly approached.

Something caught Damon's eye. "Those handprints..." He pointed to the tiny prints of baby's hands on the front door's frame. "They're mine."
"My God," she bent over a little and ran her fingers over the shaped paint. "I can't believe you were this little."

Damon chuckled. "I was just born 25."
She straightened up and nudged his shoulder. "Come on. Knock."
"You think we should?"
"Of course."
"But you talk."
"What are we, twelve?"

It was the coincidence of all coincidences that it was Alaric living in Damon's former home with his wife Meredith. They were invited in before they even had a chance to explain why they were looming on their property and their evening took a very pleasant turn.
Everything about the place was so huge and warm and Elena wished she could watch the flames dancing in the impressive fireplace forever. Damon showed her his old room, added a few stories that made her grin from ear to ear and now he was simply sitting next to her with his arm draped over her shoulders, conversing with their new friends like it wasn't a few hours they knew each other but years instead and sitting there together on a Saturday night was the most ordinary thing in the world.

But there was nothing ordinary about him. He was good. He was everything.

"So, how long have you two been together?" Meredith asked, her hand with the wine glass pointed in their direction.

"We aren't –" Elena began but Damon jumped in quickly. "Three months."

She looked at him with question; he just shrugged and took a sip out of his own glass.

"And you've been what? Road tripping?"

"Something like that."

"I like you two," Alaric stated. "It's rare to find kids really in love these days. I saw it at school all the time, back when I was a teacher; they think they know what a real love is, but they have it all wrong…"

And that's how the conversation turned to love, then to school system, politics – Elena zoned out at this point, - and in the end the men engaged in a heated discussion about sport.

Elena's eyes were closed with her head rested on his chest, thinking how it all might turn out right if she gives him – them – an actual chance. What was there to lose, anyway?
"Don't fall asleep on me, baby," Damon whispered softly when all other sounds around her blurred into one, "I can't carry you all the way home."

The thing was, she was already home.