The sun streaming through my blinds wakes me up the next morning. Unfortunately I didn't completely close them last evening. Elena is still snuggled in next to me, her arm draped across my bare chest. I press a feather light kiss to her hair as I don't want to wake her yet. It feels good to have her in my arms but a part of me feels on edge. Although being with her feels incredible both in the physical as I now know and the emotional. I know I was in love with Ivy, but I don't remember feeling such a sense of completeness when I was with her.

I was stunned to learn that not only had she not given birth to Jeremy but that she confessed to her inexperience. That was an eye opener. Although, I wouldn't have known that after last night. She's breathtakingly beautiful and certainly wouldn't have any trouble finding a guy to take her to bed, I think to myself, raking my hand through my hair with one hand, while the other softly caresses her back.

On the other hand, I have to admire her for taking on the monumental responsibility of raising Jeremy at such a young age. She easily could've let his grandparents take custody of him, yet she put her life on hold basically to focus her attention on that little guy. To go so far as to adopt him really says something about this woman's capacity to love and nurture.

But am I man enough to take everything that comes along with Elena? Am I the man that she and Jeremy would need me to be? Do I really want even want that responsibility? God, I don't want to ruin that sweet little boy.

My thoughts are disrupted when I feel her stirring in my arms. When I feel her press a kiss to my chest, I lower my eyes to hers.

"Hi," she whispers.

"Hi yourself," I say softly then flip us so she's lying beneath me. As if of their own accord, she spreads her legs so I can lay between them. When our eyes meet, I lift a sweltering kiss from her lips. When her mouth opens, I deepen the kiss thrusting my tongue in to join hers. Using my hand, I reach between us to fondle and stroke her lady parts till she's writhing and chill bumps are erupting as her body flushes to a beautiful pink hue.

After pressing another scorching kiss to her mouth, I push inside. Once again, the ecstasy I feel when being enveloped by her immaculate body is mind numbing. I'm shaken from my reverie when Elena palms my face and pulls my lips to hers. I pull back breathlessly then lower my mouth to pull an engorged nipple into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue. Watching her eyes grow dark spurs my movements, intensifying my thrusts. Her hypnotic gaze never drifts from my eyes. As I lift a kiss from her lips, I pull out and help her flip onto her hands and knees. I grab onto her hips and push inside once more, unable to fully understand the magnificence of how it feels to be given such a gift by this woman. In mere moments, I feel my body begging for completion as my movements stutter chaotically. When I hear her cry out my name, I follow right behind her, the feeling unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's as if I tumbled off the precipice of Everest, free falling to a spectacular landing. Unable to control my body, I topple onto the mattress beside Elena. Her body is still quivering when I pull her into my arms, cuddling her against my chest as I press kiss after kiss to her dampened hair.

Laying quietly for several moments, I finally get up. "Do you want to take a shower?" I ask, flashing her what Ivy used to describe as my eye thing. Her skin flushes another shade of pink when I extend my hand to her. Taking it, I help her up then take her hand and lead her into the bathroom.

After another intense coupling in the shower, we get dressed and drive to the Grill where I buy her breakfast. My mind is a chaotic mess right now so I turn away from her and stare of out of the window from our booth inside the restaurant. Silently, we finish eating our omelets and drink our coffee. Once I pay the bill, we drive over to Caroline's to pick up Jeremy.

Right after Annabelle lets us in the doorway, Jeremy comes bounding in, wrapping his little arms around my legs. Picking him up, I swing him onto my shoulders. "Did you have a good time, little man?"

"Ambell pwayed wif me," he burbles excitedly.

"You ready to go home, Jeremy?" Elena asks.

"Ah ha," he replies, bobbing his head up and down.

"Hey you two," Caroline greets us when she walks into the foyer.

"Hi sis. I'm just about to take Elena and Jeremy home."

"I wanted to ask Elena if Annabelle and I could take Jeremy with us to the carnival that's going to be in town next weekend?"

When Elena looks over at me for a moment, I smile at her. Looking a bit relieved, she turns to Caroline.

"I didn't know anything about it."

"Yes, it comes to town once a year. Would it be okay to take him with us?"

"Um, I guess it would be okay? I assume they have rides for young children?" Elena says.

"Absolutely they do. Damon has taken Annabelle many times. So no worries about that," Caroline reassures her.

"What day next weekend? I'm starting back to work in a couple of days, but I do have the weekend off. I'm sure he'll have a wonderful time with you and Annabelle."

"Damon, do you work this weekend?" Caroline asks, turning her attention to me.

"I have Saturday off too. Maybe Elena and I could meet you there. If it's okay with you Elena?" I ask, turning my eyes to hers.

"That's a wonderful idea, Damon." Caroline says practically squealing.

"It sounds nice. Thank you for inviting us. But I really need to get him home now. Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. Bye now."

When we arrive at Elena's house, I grab Jeremy from the backseat and carry him into the house for her. "I'll let you have some alone time with him. Thank you for last night, Elena. It was pretty amazing."

As the pink hue colors her cheeks yet again, she smiles. "I had an amazing time too."

I pull her into my arms and lift a scorching kiss from her lips. After dropping one more to the crown of her head while she's in my embrace, I let her go and take my leave.


"I have three Aces," I say triumphantly, spreading my cards out for everyone to see.

"Oh dream on, Damon. I have a full house," papa smirks before spreading his cards out for all of us to see.

"Papa, you've won every blasted round," I say, before giving my cards a shove.

"That's how the big boys play, young man," he teases, blowing a puff of cigar smoke in my face. I think the only time Papa ever smokes a cigar is when we're playing cards.

"Not so fast, gramps," Stefan says as he flashes his 'four of a kind' to trump papa's straight flush.

"Whoa Stefan, that's a lucky hand," my dad tells him.

"I think we should call it a night. Do you guys want any coffee or something to eat before you go home?"

"How about something without caffeine, Damon?" papa asks resting his chin on his palm.

"Are you tired, papa? You can stay here tonight if you want."

"No, I'll go home with Jack. We have plans for tomorrow so I'm spending the night at the house."

"What are you two up to?" I ask, staring pointedly at dad.

"If you must know, we're going to the country club for a round of golf. Do you want to come with us?" dad asks.

"I can't. I have to work tomorrow."

"How's your lady friend?" papa asks, smiling slyly at me.

"Good, she went back to work today. I'm taking her to the carnival Saturday."

"Maybe I'll take April too. I think she'd like that," Stefan muses.

"Damon, skip the drinks. Are you ready to go Jack?"

Nodding, dad turns to papa, "I am. I'm worn out tonight for some reason."

After walking everyone to the door and saying goodnight. I clean up, jump into the shower to let the hot water cascade over my body. When I'm finished, I slip on a clean pair of boxers and crawl into bed. When I reach for my cell to set the alarm, I notice that I missed a call from Elena. I stare at the phone for several minutes before deleting the call and setting it back on the end table. Once all the lights are out, I try to go to sleep. Unfortunately I toss and turn all night as thoughts of Elena dance chaotically in my head.


"Can we go on the Ferris wheel, Damon?" Elena asks excitedly.

"Sure." Taking her hand, I lead the way over there so we can get in line.

"Where are we supposed to meet Caroline when it's time to get Jeremy?"

"She told me to meet her by the merry-go-round around six. I thought we could get something to eat and then I'll take you two home."

"Okay."

When it's our turn, we step into our seat as the attendant latches the safety bar. I reach around and put my arm over her shoulder pulling her in close as the Ferris wheel starts to turn. We stop at the top to let more passengers on so I take the occasion to steal a kiss from her lips. Reaching up, she cradles my face in her palms and kisses me back magnificently. I'm so engaged in the kiss that I don't even notice when we start to move again. This time it's me who pulls back, needing a breath of air.

Emitting a puff of air, I gaze into her blazing brown eyes for a moment before pressing another kiss to her lips. So enthralled am I that when the car stops at the bottom, the attendant has to clear his throat to get our attention.

"Um. uh, sorry," I laugh then help Elena out of the seat.

After winning Jeremy a stuffed alligator, Elena and I share a funnel cake before walking the midway just taking in the sights. When we near the merry-go-round to wait for Caroline and the kids, we both take a time out to use the restrooms. I'm surprised to see Stefan and April talking to Caroline when I come out. My reverie is broken when Annabelle yells at me and waves animatedly.

"Hi Annabelle," I yell and wave back. Just then Elena comes out and walks over to me.

"Elena, I'd like you to meet my brother Stefan and his wife April," I say, introducing them.

"Oh! I didn't know you had a brother. It's nice to meet you," she says, looking at me curiously.

Without any warning, Annabelle and Jeremy come barreling into me from behind. Nearly losing my balance, Stefan grabs onto me to keep me from falling. "Thanks Stef." Turning to Annabelle, I scold her for almost knocking me over.

"I'm sorry Uncle Damon," she says as tears begin to fall down her red cheeks.

"Please don't cry Princess. I didn't mean to yell at you. Can you forgive me?" I ask stooping down to give her a hug.

Wiping her eyes, she nods then hugs me around my middle.

"I wanted to ask you two about something. April suggested we all get together at our home Wednesday night. I'm a pretty good cook. Do you think dad would be okay?" Stefan asks hesitantly.

"That sounds fun Stefan. Thank you for suggesting it April. As long as we're not at his house, I think dad should do fine, don't you, Damon?" Caroline asks.

"Um.. yeah, I think so. I do work Wednesday but I get off at six, so that should work."

"Great. You could bring Elena and her little boy if you want," he says looking at Elena who's holding Jeremy securely in her arms, his head resting on her shoulder.

When I look at Elena, she raises her eyes and tilts her head just slightly. It's obvious she can see my discomfort that Stefan invited her and Jeremy. She turns back to Stefan. "I'm sorry. I won't be able to make it. I do have to work that night. Thank you anyway," she tells him tactfully.

"Maybe another time then?"

"Maybe," Elena replies. "I think it's time to take him home. He's nearly asleep. Goodbye everyone and thank you Caroline for entertaining him today." Then she starts to walk away.

I give Annabelle a hug and a kiss to her scalp before hurrying after Elena.

"Why did you walk away?"

"Clearly you were uncomfortable with the thought of me being with your family."

"Elena?"

"It's fine, Damon. Can you just take us home now?"

"Sure."

When we get to her place, I lift Jeremy out of the car and carry him into the house. After laying him on the couch, I look to Elena. "I'm sorry. It's just that my family has some skeletons."

Just as I'm about to give her a goodnight kiss, Jeremy toddles into the foyer, raising his arms for me to lift him.

"I have to go bye, bye now Jeremy. You be a good boy and go to sleep for your mommy okay?"

Bobbing his head yes, he wraps his arms around my neck and drops a wet baby kiss to my cheek. Nigh, nigh daddy," he says as I set him down.

Feeling the color drain from my face, I can't get out of the house fast enough. "Bye Elena," I utter before practically galloping out of her house and into my car. Firing up the engine, I speed away, needing to put some distance between me and them.


Unable to get a handle on my Elena anxiety, I have kept my distance from her for nearly a week now. When Jeremy accidentally called me dad, that little word sent warning shots up my spine and throughout my body. I have no idea what I'm going to do. I'm sure she's confused and probably more than a little angry that I've been incommunicado for so long. Especially after she gave herself to me in such an intimate way. I would imagine she's feeling used. I don't want her to feel that way but I just can't be around her right now. My thoughts are interrupted when my pager alarms.


"Scalpel," I ask for holding my hand out. Position the blade next to his skin, I begin making the incision. This man was in a one car rollover. He's critically injured and bleeding internally. I need to find out what bleeding. I already know one of his kidneys is injured as the urine in his foley catheter bag is bright red.

"Get the retractors in place," I instruct after I finish making his incision. "Dave, lift his intestines out of the way so I can have a look at his liver and spleen."

With Dave's assistance, I begin probing his abdomen to check for any damage to his internal organs. After sewing up his liver laceration and removing his spleen, I examine every inch of his intestines and mesentery to make sure there's no more bleeding or injury.

"Marie, hand me a clamp." When she does I take a clamp in hand when I find one more bleeder. Once I cauterize the bleeder, I release the clamp. When it's obvious that it isn't leaking, I start to close up his abdomen.

Once he's in PACU, I head to the surgical waiting room to talk to his family.

"Can you tell me which one is Mrs. Mikaelson?" I ask Meredith, who volunteers her time taking the names of family members so the doctors know who to look for when we've completed surgery.

Pointing towards the window, "That's her, Dr. Salvatore."

"Thanks Mer."

"Mrs. Mikaelson?" I say when I reach her.

When she turns around, my jaw drops to my knees. "Ivy?"

"Damon? Did you do Finn's surgery?"

"Yes. Um.. He tolerated surgery well. I am putting him in the ICU at least overnight because he lost a lot of blood. Barring any unforeseen complications, he should be almost as good as new in a few weeks."

"Thank you, Damon." she says then wraps her arms around me. Stepping back, she looks into my eyes, then to my lips before crashing hers to mine passionately. As her lips mold to mine, my brain short circuits and I kiss her back with just as much passion, completely oblivious as to whether anyone is watching or not.


Damon! Thank you Eva for everything you do for me. Thank you all for the fabulous reviews. I appreciate them so much. I'm just not ready to say goodbye to DE. There's a fabulous DE video I found on you tube "Going back to the start" Damon and Elena by AnneSoshi. It's truly beautiful but so sad because there will be no DE next season. (I can't believe JP is already talking about S8? *shakes head*. I do believe they'll have their happily ever after at series end... I did just start writing another new story. I'm excited about it. I did update 'Pieces of Eight' yesterday. Please take a look at 'Shatter Me' too. We'll always have DE in our hearts and minds. Don't forget to click that review button. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Until next time...