AU story

It's a long way to the truth part 2

Chapter 9


EPOV

It was almost seven o'clock and I'm starting to get nerves. Damon's going to be home any minute. He's going to be so mad at me when he finds out what I did. I didn't touch his phone anymore. It rang 5 times more after his mother called. I didn't even look at the caller ID. I was sitting in the living room on the sofa when I heard the door open and then I heard his voice. "Beautiful, Elena, I'm home." He said and I quickly ran over to the door.

He was holding 3 bags in each hand full of food. I quickly grabbed the 3 bags from his left hand to help him out. We carried them to the kitchen and placed them on the counter. As soon as I placed the bags on the counter I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and then his velvet voice. "I've missed you beautiful. How was your day?" He asked as he kissed my cheek from behind.

I didn't know what to answer. What do I say to him? Hey Damon, it was fine, I went through your phone and then I called a private number and Mason answered and then to top it off I lied who I was.

"Lena, are you ok?" He asked concerned when I didn't answer.

I have to tell him the truth it's better that he hears it from me then from Mason. "Damon, I did something bad." I said as I untangled myself from his arms.

He looked at me confused and then he closed his eyes as he said. "What? What did you do?"

I could tell that he was pissed already, maybe Mason told him about the phone call. "Please don't be mad at me." I said to him.

"That's kind of hard to do Elena, considering the day I had today. Just tell me what you did." He said as he opened his eyes.

"I'll start from the beginning." I said as I took a deep breath preparing myself for him to start yelling at me. "When you left this morning for work, you forgot your phone. I didn't touch it; I didn't even know it was there until it started ringing. I looked at the caller ID, and saw that it was your mum; I didn't answer it I swear. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even looked." I said and he smiled at me at that point.

"Why would you think I would be mad at you about this?" He asked smiling at me.

"There's more." I said and he raised his eyebrow at me. I closed my eyes as I said. "When I saw that it was your mum, I started to panic. It was stupid, I know, I wanted to reach you so I looked through your phone until I landed on the station. I'm sorry I should have never touched your phone let alone called the station." I said.

"You're Rachel, aren't you?" He asked, raising his eyebrow at me.

"I'm sorry I lied to Mason, but I was so scared. He's friends with Kol and I was scared that he might tell Kol that I'm at the apartment all alone. I know it was stupid." I started babbling as he just pulled me in for a kiss.

He kissed me passionately and then pulled away as he asked with a smile on his face. "Are those all the sins you committed today Elena Gilbert?"

"You're not mad at me?" I asked him.

He chuckled at me before saying. "Why would I be mad? Yes, you shouldn't have called the stations private number, but there was no harm done. I only got the wrath of Mason Lockwood."

"I touched your private stuff."

"Elena, I have nothing to hide so by all means, go ahead, look through it. I don't mind." He said to me as he started unpacking the groceries. He then turned to me and asked. "Why didn't you answer when my mother called?"

"I don't know. For one it was your phone, I didn't want to touch it and what was I supposed to say when she asked who I was."

"Well now you know that you can answer my phone whenever I'm not there, just don't answer it when the station calls." He took the packet of strawberries out and then said. "As for my mother just simply tell her your Elena Gilbert my girlfriend." He said smiling at me.

"I don't think your parents would approve of me Damon." I said to him as I avoided looking at his face. Who would approve of a homeless girl like me? They would hate me.

"Don't be so quick to judge Elena." He said to me.

"I'm just being realistic. I'm an 18 year old girl without an education, who lived in a dump. The odds are not in my favor Damon, there is no way that your parents would think highly of me."

Let me tell you something." He said as he gestured for the kitchen table. When we were seated, he looked at his hands as he said. "My parents pretty much expect me to end up alone for the rest of my life."

What was he talking about? Why would they think like that? He then continued. "They kind of lost all hope for me ever falling for another girl again after her." He looked up at me at that point and smiled. "I gave up, I really did. When I ended things with Katharine, I thought I'd never find my way again, but then I met you." He smiled as he reached out to touch my cheek. "You…You are everything that I want in a girl. The fact that you think I would be mad at you for touching my phone really shows how innocent you are Elena."

"Katharine…" I said in a whisper.

"You caught that huh?" He smiled at me.

"What happened?" I asked.

He looked at his hands and I could tell that this was painful for him so I said. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I want to, but it's just…"I cut him off I could see that he was struggling.

"It's ok; you don't have to tell me."

He looked up at me at that point and then said. "My mother and my father aren't the types who chose people based on class and money, and when my mother finally meets you, she's going to love you, although I can't say the same for you." He started chuckling.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, it's not you. It's just my mother can sometimes have this sense of humor that pisses people off."

"Oh…" I said as I tried to understand what he meant by that.

"She can be sarcastic and has this need to always be right. Don't worry; once you get to know her you'll love her, as for the rest of my family you'll get along with them fine." He said giving me a small smile.

"Damon, Bonnie told me that you're from a very respectable family, I don't think it's a good idea for you to tell them about me. It could ruin their reputation and yours."

He shook his head looking at his hands and then he finally looked up at me. "What is it going to take for you to believe me when I say that my family will be jumping up and down like idiots when they find out that I found someone, who I actually want to form a relationship with?"

"Damon, I'm a homeless girl without any parents and you're…you're Donati's son." I said to him.

"And you're the daughter of Grayson Gilbert, who was a very respectable doctor in Mystic Falls." He said to me with a smile on his face.

"How...I mean when did you find out about my dad?"

"The day after, I met you." He answered as he reached out to touch my cheek. He caressed it lightly and then said. "What you went through, seeing your parents like that, makes you the braves person I have ever met."

I looked away from him, I don't like talking about my parents, I get those images in my head and then I can't get them out. "I know it's hard to talk about what happened but if you ever need to, I'm here to listen. Ok?"

I just nodded my head as I looked up at him. I gave him a small smile and then changed the subject. "So how was work today?"

"Weird, there was a lot of yelling today." He said as he got up and headed to the kitchen. I followed him.

"Can I help?" I asked.

"First tell me, did you're temperature rise today at all?"

"No, and I applied the cream on my back twice today." I told him as I stood next to him.

"Good. You can…"He didn't finish his sentence because of the doorbell. Who was it? Damon looked at me and then said. "Wait here." I watched as he headed to the front door and opened it.


DPOV
Who the hell is it? Can't I have five minutes of piece today? Is that too much to ask? I guess it is. Oh, I swear if it's Kol, Mason or anyone that isn't on my good graces I'll murder them. I yanked the front door open not being polite to the person outside. Seriously it's like eight o'clock at night, who the hell goes knocking on people's door at that time?

As soon as I looked up, I was met with two blue eyes a shade of lighter than my own. "Caroline?" I said as I looked at her. What is she doing here?

"Dammy…" She squealed as she jumped into my arms to hug me. I hugged her back, still a bit shocked.

When we pulled apart I asked. "What are you doing here?"

She grinned as she answered. "Can't a sister come to visit her big brother? I've missed you Damon."

"Yeah it's just you didn't call or…." She cut me off.

"Can I come in? It's freezing out here." I noticed the little suit case in her hand and a big shopping bag.

"Yeah, of course. Come on in." I said to her and she stepped inside.

I watched as she headed to the living room but stopped when she got to the kitchen. She looked at what I presume was Elena and said. "Hi." I didn't hear a reply and that's when I walked up to where Caroline was standing.

Elena was standing by the sink looking at Caroline. They were staring at each other and that's when I decided to break the awkward silence. "Elena, honey this is my sister Caroline." I then turned to Caroline as I said. "Hey, eyes on me." She looked at me and then I continued "Care this is my girlfriend Elena."

Caroline's eyes widened when I said the word girlfriend. "Come again Salvatore? Did you just say the word I think you said? "She said to me, I could tell she was ready to blow, she was just waiting for a confirmation.

"Yes but don't…"I didn't get to finish my sentence; she had already wrapped her arms around my neck hugging me. She pulled away and the next thing got me scared. She ran over to the sink and started hugging Elena. The look on Elena's face was a mixture of feelings. She was shocked, scared and confused. Caroline started squealing. "Thank you Elena, oh and if you break my brother's heart, I will murder you." She said, giving Elena a death glare. "Just so we're clear." She said changing her facial expression to a smile, but I could see the seriousness.

"Ok, stop hogging her. You don't want her to run away from me Caroline, do you?" I asked as I came over and took a scared Elena into my arms.

I felt as Elena gripped onto me tightly. Caroline looked at us as she said. "You two look so cute together."

I rolled my eyes at her as I said. "Don't; please not the cheesy romance stuff."

"Well I'm surprised that you ever had a girlfriend considering the fact that you don't like romance." She said to me and then gasped. "Oh that's right, you don't need romance, all you need to do is wink and you'll have them in your bed."

"Well, I would like you to know that I can be romantic, but I don't do teenage romance, as for the whole wink thing I'd rather not comment." I said to her.

Caroline tilted her head to the side as she looked at Elena and then said. "Does she talk?"

I gave her a warning look and she just shrugged her shoulders. I whispered into Elena's ear. "Are you ok?"

She then all of a sudden untangled herself from me and smiled at Caroline. "It's nice to meet you Caroline."

Caroline returned the smile as she said. "It's a pleasure meeting you too Elena."

"So…" I said as I took Elena into my arms again. "What brings you here Care?"

She avoided looking at me as she walked over to the kitchen counter and took a raspberry into her mouth. "Nothing, I just decided to come and visit you. I've missed you Damon."

"Really, and mum and dad didn't mind sending you to Mystic Falls all alone?"

She hesitated and then changed the subject. "These raspberries are amazing. Where did you get them? I haven't tasted…"I cut her off at that point.

"Don't change the subject. What's going on?" I asked.

"I'm not; I was just complimenting Mystic falls raspberries." She said and then turned to Elena. "Elena, where did you get these raspberries?"

"I bought the raspberries and stop with the small talk! What's going on?" I asked her.

"Nothing….much…" She said as she avoided looking at me.

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Why do you assume that whenever something is wrong that it's automatically my fault?" She said.

"Because you're avoiding and deflecting" I said as I let go of Elena. "What happened?"

"Nothing, I just need a time out, I thought you'd be happy to see me." She said with her puppy dog eyes.

"Don't play that card on me; I taught you all those tricks, you can't use them on me. It just won't work."

"You know Damon, I like this town." She said as she headed to the living room. She was avoiding telling me the truth, so now I resort to other methods. I followed her as I sat down on the sofa, Elena curled up beside me.

"So, when did you arrive?"

She hesitated. "Um… a few hours ago."

"Wrong answer! You want to try that again?"

"Ok fine, this morning."

"What did you do all day?"

"You know the usual, exploring the new city, shopping…oh and I love the Mystic Grill." She turned to Elena and tried to start up a conversation. "Oh that place is amazing and the food. I really like your town Elena."

Poor Elena didn't know what to say, she just kept quiet.

"Are you going to keep avoiding or am I going to have to resort to other methods?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know what you're talking about Damon." She said to me.

"Sure, ok…." I said as I grabbed my phone and looked at the missed calls on it. "Mum, mum, Stefan, Stefan and Dad." I said and then looked up at her. "They must really miss me, since they called me five time's today. "

"You know, you are missed at home terribly Damon."

"Oh, I bet I am, come to think of it Care, I might just give them a call, see what they're doing."

"You know it's really late at night Damon, you don't want to disturb them."

"Oh, I'm sure they won't mind, after all they seem to miss me terribly."

She huffed and then said. "Please don't call them; I can't deal with the wrath of Merissa Salvatore now. She'll kill me with her reverse psychology; there isn't a more painful way to die." She said dramatically.

"Ok, you have two choices here, you tell me what's going on and I'll take into consideration not calling mum or you can keep avoiding and I'll call my dear mother and have a nice chat with her."

"That's not a bargain, how do I know you won't screw me over once I tell you the truth."

"First of all, don't say screw and secondly you're just going to have to trust me."

She looked at Elena and then said. "Can we talk privately?"

I turned to Elena and said. "Honey do you mind…" She cut me off as she quickly stood up and said. "Of course, I'll be in the guest room."

I wanted to correct her about the guest room, she was stubborn, the room was hers but she ran off quickly, not giving me a chance.

I turned to Caroline as I said. "Ok, spill now."

"First you have to promise not to do anything stupid."

"No, can't do. Look Care I've had a tuff day and I'm not in the mood so just tell me."

"Damon, I'm being serious, you can't do anything about this."

"How about you tell me first what this thing is, and then I'll decide if I can do something about it or not."

She huffed and looked at her hands. "Last night, I got a phone call from Erin, you know the guy whose best friends with Matt?" I nodded my head and she continued. "Well he called me and said that Matt wanted to apologize about the way he's been acting towards me, at first I didn't want to go but then Erin continued to insist on it, so I went."

"What happened then?" I asked.

"He told me to meet them out side of the Holiday Inn Express - Fifth Avenue hotel." I cut her off at that point.

"You didn't Caroline just tell me that you didn't!" I hissed at her.

"No and is that all you care about? The only important thing to you is that I don't give him my virginity!" She hissed at me as she threw her hands up in the air.

"Yes it is, you shouldn't give that just to anybody. A man that truly cares about you will never pressure you to have sex with him." I said to her.

"There is no man like that Damon!" She hissed at me.

"No, you just haven't come across one yet. Your only 18 Caroline, you still haven't met the right guy."

"There is no right guy, your one to talk about nice men. Look at your girlfriend, she's barely 16." She said angrily.

"She's 18 and this is not about me and Elena!" I hissed at her.

"Of course it's not, you can do whatever you want, Stefan can do whatever he wants, and me? I always have to do what other people tell me to do, so no wonder Matt cheated on me! "

"What?" I asked.

"Yeah, he cheated on me the whole time we were dating but hey…" She said with a sarcastic grin on her face. "He didn't really have a reason to be faithful; after all he didn't get to fuck me."

I stared at her; I didn't know what to say? What do you say to your sister when she tells you that her boyfriend cheated on her? "Care, I don't know what to say…" She cut me off.

"Don't say anything Damon, I'm a prude, no wonder he cheated on me." She said.

"You're not a prude and every man that cares about you will cherish the fact that you are pure and innocent."

"It doesn't seem that way Damon, because today a guy, I bet he didn't even know my name, want me just for a quick fuck!" She yelled.

I looked down to the floor; I didn't know what to tell her. Men are like that, but not all, she's only 18, she doesn't know what life has to offer, and the only thing I want to do is make her believe me when I say that she just hasn't met the one.

"He's clearly a total loser if that's all he cares about." I said and she smirked at me. "Well that's just it, he's not a loser; he's the mayors' son." She said.

As soon as I heard my sister mention "mayors son" I lost all control. "Tyler? Tyler Lockwood?" I asked her.

"Yeah, you know him?"

"What did he do to you?!" I said as I stood up.

"Nothing, he didn't get a chance. Sit down Damon." She said to me.

"No, I'm not going to sit down! I'm fucking going to kill him!"

"He didn't do anything, a cop showed up before he got a chance." She said with a small smile on her face.

"What cop and why are you smiling?" I asked.

"Your partner, Nick Mikaelson and the reason I'm smiling is because I have a date." She said grinning.

"What? What are you even talking about? When did you meet Nick and how did you get a date, you've only been here for a day?" I said to her.

"It was quite simple actually, Tyler was harassing me and Nick showed up, he played the white night, punched Tyler and then offered me breakfast." She said with a grin on her face.

I just stared at her. This is not happening, no, no, no and did I mention NO! Then I remembered Nick telling me something about a girl from Chicago, before Liz walked in. CAROLINE!

"Nick? Nick's the guy you have a date with?" I asked eyeing her suspiciously.

"Yeah, he was so sweet and charming not to mention how hot…" I cut her off.

"No, I don't want to hear this! You're not going on a date with Nick!" I told her.

"What?" She hissed at me.

"You heard me; you're not going on a date with Nick!"

"You're kidding right?"

"No baby sister, I couldn't be more serious!" I hissed at her.

"What? What is wrong with you! You can't tell me who I can and can't date!" She yelled at me.

"Actually I can, Oh and do you really think Nick would have asked you out on a date if he knew you were 18!"

"What are you implying, that I lied?"

"Yeah, you know how I know? Today Nick came in and asked me if I have a friend from Chicago, low blow Care, next time, get your facts straight before you sneak around." I said to her angrily.

"You just gave me a whole speech about good guys and how I should wait to have sex, guess what? Nick didn't ask for a quick fuck, he asked to take me out for dinner!" She screamed at me.

"He's 6 years older than you!" I yelled at her.

"And you're what…" She pretended to think about it. "5 years older than Elena!" She hissed at me.

As soon as she said that, it hit me. She was right; there was a 5 year age difference between me and Elena. I kept on ignoring the fact that she was 5 years younger than me. The truth is, I kept telling myself that it wasn't important, but hearing Caroline talk about going out on a date with a guy 6 years older, made me feel disgusted with myself but at the same time I just can't picture myself ever leaving Elena, not after everything that she went through. "Caroline, my relationship with Elena is complicated."

She looked at for a second before dropping her gaze to the ground as she chuckled lightly, it was a sad laugh. "I had butterflies in my tummy today, I felt protected for once in my life by another man, a man that wasn't you, Stefan or dad."

"Care…"

"Don't Damon. If you don't let me go out on a simple date with him then you should ask yourself, are you doing the right thing by sleeping with the an 18 year old girl?" She asked.

"Care, I'm not sleeping with Elena. " I said to her.

She looked up at me, a little shock on her face as she asked. "But you said she was your girlfriend."

"She is, but that doesn't mean I'm sleeping with her and your right, there is a 5 year difference between us."

She looked up at me, a sad facial expression. "I didn't mean to rub that in your face."

"It's just that there is so much you don't know about Lena. I know it's wrong but when I met her I felt it again. Your butterflies, I felt them." I smiled at her.

"There is nothing wrong with you dating her Damon; yeah the age difference is there but…." I cut her off.

"Mine and Elena's relationship isn't something permanent. She's young and has her whole life ahead of her, I…I…I'm just here to help her." I told her.


EPOV

I headed out of the guest room to the door; I wanted to ask Damon if his sister would like to stay in the guest bedroom. I could take the couch, she seams really nice but a little bit too bubbly. I cracked open the door and then I heard him.

"Mine and Elena's relationship isn't something permanent. She's young and has her whole life ahead of her, I…I…I'm just here to help her." I heard him say.

I felt like crying, I was right. He didn't want me, not for the long run, he took me in out of pity. How could I be so stupid and foolish to believe that he'd actually want to be with me? Who would? Kol never wanted me, he wanted me for sex and used me as a punching bag, and now Damon, I just haven't figured out what he wants me for.

He's sister probably hates me too, the way she's dressed and so pretty, she's definitely wouldn't approve of me.

I closed the door and headed back to the bed. I curled up in a ball and started sobbing. The hardest thing about this whole situation is that I love him. I love him so much that it hurts to even think about the fact that he's going to leave me. When he told me that he would like me to meet his parents I was so scared about what they might think of me, but at the same time I felt like he was offering me to become a part of his family. Now I know that was never his intention, it's all in my head. I'm probably going crazy.


DPOV

"Don't call her please, I'm begging you." Caroline pleaded.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You left without telling a single soul where you were going! I wouldn't be surprised if dad has half of New York searching for you!" I hissed at her.

"I know it was wrong but I just needed a time out." She said practically begging with her eyes.

"What do you want me to do Caroline? I'm calling mum to let the woman know that you're alive!"

"Damon you know what she's like when she's pissed."

"Pray that she doesn't rip your head off." I said as I pressed the call button and held the phone up to my ear.

"Please don't tell her that I just arrived, tell her I came this morning straight to your apartment."

"Damon?" I heard my mother on the other line.

"Hey mum."

"Where have you been all day? I've called you like 3 times. "She said.

"Sorry, I left my phone at the apartment and don't worry she's here."

"Oh, I know she's there!" Merissa hissed over the other line.

"How?"

"Well, I checked her credit card; she bought a ticket to Mystic Falls at 3 o'clock this morning." She said.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot to call and inform you that she arrived, we just got caught up…" She cut me off.

"Cut the crap Damon, why are you covering for her?" She hissed at me and I knew that it was better to be honest before she scolds me too.

"Because, something happened last night and she just needed a time out."

"What happened?"

"You should ask Caroline." I said to mum as I handed the phone to Caroline.

I watched as she took the phone out of my hand and placed it against her ear. "Hey mum, it's me." I watched as Caroline kept quiet and paid attention to what mother was telling her.

"Yes mum I know." She rolled her eyes. "Well if you would let me tell you why I left maybe you'd…" She huffed and listened into the phone. "Mum, I'm not PMS!" Caroline growled. She listened to mum and then all of a sudden she started yelling. "Would you just listen to me? I didn't leave so I could freak you guys out, I left because I was pissed, I was angry because Matt cheated on me the whole time we were dating!" I watched as her facial expression softened and then she said. "I know, I should have came to you, but I just wanted a time out, and at the time Mystic Falls seemed like a good idea. I know I screwed up. If you want me, I'll come back straightaway." She kept quiet and listened very carefully." OK, I promise. Damon will take me to the airport." She listened some more and then said. "Ok, bye mum…" She then quickly added. "Wait! Damon has some good news to tell you!" She said as she handed me the phone.

I took it and placed it against my ear. "It's me."

"Ok spill, what good news is she talking about, I can't keep your father waiting, the man is in pain."

"Way to go mum, you just made my day."

"Oh, get over it Damon, you wouldn't be here if I and your father didn't play." She said.

"How about I hang up and let you…get to you know what." I said.

"First tell me, what's this good news? Are you adopting a puppy?" She asked sarcastically.

"Ha-ha." I mocked before answering. "I have a girlfriend."

The line went silent for a while but then I heard my mother's voice again. "You mean, as in a real living and breathing girl?"

"Took you long enough to answer, I was starting to worry that you might lose your sarcasm and no, I meant one of those human size dolls." I said sarcastically.

"Well Damon, I was just checking, you know, to make sure that she wasn't an alien or something. What's her name and when do we get to meet her?"

"An alien, seriously? Couldn't you come up with something more original?" I said in a teasing voice.

"Your deflecting Damon, tell me her name?"

"It's Elena, and you are so losing your charm mom."

"No sweetie, the only thing I'm losing is my ability not to jump your father."

"Woow too much information. I thank you guys for bringing me into this world, but can we keep the way I was created to a minimum." I said and then added. "No wonder Caroline is so obsessed with sex; after all she has you for a mother."

"Damon I am not obsessed with sex!" Caroline scolded me.

"Well considering she's still a virgin I'd say it had something to do with the way I raised her, anyway when do we get to meet Elena?." She asked.

"Well as soon as possible, but I'm going to have to ask you to be on your best behavior. No sarcastic comments."

"Are you lecturing me?" She asked in a shocked voice.

"No, but if you want me to actually spend my life with a living and breathing girl you'll keep the sarcastic comments to a minimum, otherwise she'll probably run away from me."

"You're such a drama queen."

"What can I say, I take after my mother."

"Not likely, but hey I'll let this argument slide for now, I have to go…" I cut her off.

"I know, and please don't say it." I said and then she continued. "As I was saying, I have to go and help your father out."

"The mental images are just getting too much for me, so bye mum."

"Bye my angel and look after your sister. I told her that she can have 2 days to chill and then I want her back home."

"Ok, don't worry about her, she's here with me, I'll take good care of her."

"Good, ok, so bye and say hi to Elena for me."

"I will, bye mum." And with that I ended the call.

I looked at Caroline sitting on the sofa, she looked exhausted. I walked up to her and said. "You can sleep in my room."

"What? Didn't you say you had a guest…"She all of a sudden stopped to think and then continued. "You should go and call Elena; the poor girl has been waiting for almost an hour in there." She said to me.

She was right, I didn't even realize the time, Elena, my angel was probably board out of her mind by now. I nodded to Caroline and headed to get my girl. When I got to the door I knocked lightly and asked." Lena, honey can I come in?"

She didn't answer, so I slowly opened the door and peaked to see her lying on the bed curled up in a ball. She was sniffling. I rushed to her side as I said. "Baby, what's wrong?"

She turned away from me as she grumbled. "Nothing."

"Lena, honey what's going …." She cut me off.

"Damon nothing is wrong, can you please leave me alone!" She hissed at me. Was she mad at me? What did I do? She turned around on the bed; she didn't want to face me.

"Then why are you crying?" I asked, ignoring her previous request for me to leave as I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"It's, nothing."

"Lena, come on baby, what's got you so upset? Did I do something to make you upset?" I asked.

"No." She answered.

"Then tell me, please."

She turned around to face me. I could see in her puffy red eyes that she was struggling. "There are some things that I simply can't tell you, so please just let it be."

I can't let it be! When she's crying I feel like my heart is getting ripped out of my chest! "Why not, why can't you tell me?"

"Because there not for you to know!" She hissed at me. She is angry at me, but I can't figure out why!

I took a deep breath focusing on the wall in front of me as I said. "Ok, clearly you're mad at me."

"Why would I be mad at you Damon?" She hissed at me.

"I honestly don't know Lena, but I must have done something wrong and if you tell me, I can try and make it right." I said to her.

"You can't make this right!" She said as she turned around on the bed.

"Lena, come on talk to me…" She cut me off.

"I DON'T WANT TO TALK!" She screamed at me and then her mood changed, she started sobbing as she said. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to yell at you, I'm so sorry Damon."

I just stared at her; I didn't know what to say. She's mad at me; I know it, but why? What could have I done that has brought her in this state, it pained me to know that I was bringing her pain. I stood up from the bed and then told her. "Dinner will be ready in an hour; I know it's late…" She cut me off.

"I'm not hungry."

"You can be mad at me Elena all you want, but don't starve yourself because you don't want to talk to me."

"I'm not mad at you, I'm just not hungry." She said.

"Well to bad, your immune system is low and you need to eat food…" She cut me off.

"Stop taking pity on me." She said in a small voice, but I heard it loud and clear.

"What? What are you talking about? I'm not taking pity on you, you're my girlfriend and…"

"For how long am I going to be your girlfriend Damon?" She hissed, anger was visible in her eyes.

"What do you mean for how long?"

"Nothing, forget I said that."

"No, tell me! What did you mean by that?" I insisted.

"I just blurted that out, it's nothing." She said as she gave me a fake smile.

"You're lying! Now tell me what you mean by that?"

"I didn't mean anything, it came out wrong. I just want to be alone!" She said to me as she got up from the bed pacing the room. "Is that too much to ask for?"

Now I'm pissed, I'm trying to help her and she's acting like this! "It's not too much to ask, I'm sorry for bothering you Elena!" I hissed at her as I got up and walked right passed her to the door.

"Damon wait…" She said to me as I opened the door. I just turned around placing my hand up as I said. "Don't, I've had a hard day as it is; I don't need this right now."

"I'm sorry I didn't…" I cut her off.

"You never mean it, but yet again you can't trust me enough to tell me what's going on." And with that I stepped out of the room and closed the door. I feel like the anger I'm feeling is about to explode! She's making it impossible for me to help her, and the worst part is I feel like she doesn't even want to try and let me in.


Caroline's POV

I was flicking through the channels on the TV. There was nothing on. Damon came in and headed to the kitchen, not even acknowledging my presence. "Hey, where's Elena?"

"She's in her room." He answered. Her room? Did she live with him? I got up and headed to the kitchen.

"Does she live with you?" I asked him as I grabbed another raspberry, they were really tasty.

"Yes." He answered. He seemed pissed, so I didn't want to ask question on how that happened.

"Are you ok?" I asked him. He was placing all the food from the bags in the refrigerator and in the cupboards.

"I'm fine." He answered.

"You're not mad at me still, are you?"

"No."

"Then why are you so distant all of a sudden?"

"I'm not distant; I'm just trying to understand the female mind." He said. Now I get it, they probably had a fight.

"You had a fight with Elena?" I asked.

"No, I wouldn't call it a fight. It's more of a misunderstanding."

"You want to elaborate that?" I asked.

"She's mad at me for something and the problem is I have no idea what I did wrong." He said as he started beating the eggs.

"Wait, So she's mad at you, and you don't even know what you did wrong?" I asked.

"Yeah…" He said.

"God Damon, how is that even possible?"

"I don't know, all right! She's clearly pissed at me for something. "He said while he added the rest of the ingredients into the mixture.

"Well think dumb ass. What did you do?" I said to him.

"We'll dear sister that's the problem, if I knew what I did wrong I wouldn't be having this problem."

"When did you notice that she's pissed at you?" I asked.

"Just now. I went to her room and she was curled up on the bed crying. I asked her why she was crying, but she wouldn't tell me."

"And how do you know that she's upset with you?"

"Because she yelled at me. She never yells at me."

"Oh…maybe she just had a bad day, it doesn't…" He cut me off.

"She said something about me taking pity on her."

"What?" I asked.

"There are things that you don't know about Elena. She's been through some rough times in her life. She's very fragile and you have to be extra gentle with her. I just don't know what I did wrong."

He said she was mad at him right after he came to see her. What if she heard our conversation? What if she thinks I don't like her, I did judge Damon on dating her. Oh god. "Damon…"

"Yes?" He said as he turned to look at me.

"What if she heard our conversation?"

He looked at me, thinking it over and then answered. "If she heard what I think she heard. I'm in deep shit."

"What? What do you think she heard?" I asked, feeling guilty. If it's my fault I'll make it up to my brother.

"She said to me. For how long am I going to be your girlfriend Damon?" He said staring at me.

It hit me now. She must have heard me and Damon arguing and when he said that their relationship is only temporary. "You think she heard…?" I didn't say it, he just nodded his head.

"But why? I mean, why is it temporary? You're living together, and you seem to really like her."

"I don't like her Carline. I love her, but she's only 18, and sooner or later, she's going to go into the world, meet a guy her own age and fall in love with him. I'm just here to help her stand on her two feet."

"Why put yourself through that torcher Damon, if you get nothing out of it in the end."

"Because she's young and innocent, she deserves the best in life and I can offer her that."

"What if she doesn't want what you clearly have already planned for her? What if she wants you?"

"Like I told you earlier about Nick, the age difference is too much."

"It's just a number Damon, if you love her, like you say you do, you shouldn't care about the stupid age difference."

He looked at me and gave me a weak smile. "Even if I didn't take the age difference into consideration. She's bound to find someone her own age. If I let myself believe that she wants me, when she finally leaves me, I'll end up more crippled then I was when I ended things with Katherine.

My heart clenched at the sight of my brother. He didn't deserve this, he deserved the best. He deserved to be happy, to have a family, to have everything he had ever wished for. He was the most caring person I have ever met and that girl sure makes him happy.

"No, you can't know that until you give her a chance. I bet she's already taking into consideration ending the relationship. If your smart as you say you are, you'll suck up the but's and if's and take a chance with her."

"She doesn't love me Caroline." He said as he turned to the stove.

"How do you know that? Did she tell you that she didn't love you?"

"No but-"

"There is no but Damon. If you're smart, you'll go and tell her that you're in for the long run. Don't say I didn't warn you when she just packs her stuff and disappears." I said to him with a serious facial expression.

His head snapped down to look at me. He looked worried and then he asked. "Do you really think she would leave?"

"Yes, I would if I was in her shoes." I said to him.

"So what do I do to make her stay?"

"You tell her the truth."

"I can't tell her that I'm only doing this to help her, she'll run out the door immediately."

"No Damon. Tell her the truth, not what you think is going to happen in the future."

"But what if she-"

"There is no but's or what if's Damon. Do it! Stop being such a…..you know the word I don't want to call you, but I will if you don't go in there and explain to her." I said to him as a slapped his hand.

"Ouch, geez woman, you're becoming violent. You must be sexually frustrated." He teased me.

"Shut up before I kick you between the legs. Now go!" I said to him as I pushed him out of the kitchen. I heard him mutter something, but I just turned to the stove and started frying the bruschetta.

I really hope they work it out, I don't want to be the reason my brothers happiness gets destroyed. Damon had always been there for me and I want to be here for him now. Elena seems like a nice girl, although she's nothing like his previous girlfriends, she's kind of shy. Maybe that's the reason Damon likes her, because she's not like Katherine.


EPOV

He hates me and he has every right too. I'm such a bitch! I yelled at him, after everything that he did for me, I managed to hurt him. I had no right! He gave me a place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear and I just threw it all back into his face. I deserve everything that Kol did to me. I should just pack up and go back there, I don't deserve his kindness.

*KNOCK* KNOCK*KNOCK*

I snapped up to look at the door. Someone was knocking, was it Damon. My question got answered when I heard his voice. "Elena, can I come in please?" He asked. His voice deep like he was talking to a stranger.

"Yes." I said as I sat up on the bed. The door cracked open and he came in. He's eyes landed on my face, he looked like he was sad. Walking up straight to me, he came and sat down in front of me.

"Can we talk?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell or hurt you…I'm such an idiot-"He cut me off.

"I need you to tell me if you heard my conversation with Caroline?" He asked, staring at me.

"I…um…I…I didn't mean….i wasn't listening in…" He cut me off.

"It's ok. I just need you to tell me if you heard us? I won't be mad at you."

"It was an accident; I was coming out to ask your sister if she would like to sleep in my room, I didn't mean to listen in."

"How much did you hear?" He asked.

I looked away from him, I couldn't face him. It hurt; I heard enough to know that he doesn't want me for real. I felt him place his hand on my cheek bringing my gaze back to him. "You heard what I said, didn't you?"

I can't look at him. It hurts. I feel like I want to start crying, but I don't want him to think that I'm weak.

"Lena…" He said my nickname in a whisper.

"It's ok Damon, I get it." I said to him.

"It's not what you think baby." He said as he caressed my cheek, I placed my hand over his, pulling it down.

"It was stupid of me to think otherwise. It's ok. Now I know where we stand." I said to him.

"What you heard it came out wrong?" He said to me.

What did he mean it came out wrong? I might be a wrack but I'm not stupid. I heard him loud and clear when he said that our relationship isn't permanent.

"You don't need to come up with excuses Damon, I heard it loud and clear!" I said to him a little to loudly.

"You have every right to be mad at me. You heard only a part of it. The other part I kept quiet about."

"What other part is that?" I said a little frustrated.

"The part were, I love you Lena." He said looking straight into my eyes. Did I hear him right, did he say that he loves me? I must be going crazy.

"Wh…what did you say?" I asked him again, shocked. I'm hearing things.

"I love you Lena." He repeated as he lightly caressed my cheek. I just stared at him. I still think I'm hearing things. He did say that, it's all in my head.

"I'm going crazy." I said as I turned away from him.

"What?" I heard him ask behind me.

"Damon, I think I'm crazy." I said to him. There is no way in hell that he said that he loves me. I'm hallucinating.

"Lena what are you talking about."

I turned around looking him in the eyes as I said. "I'm hearing things. I'm going crazy."

He smiled at me and chuckled lightly. "What did you hear?" He asked.

"I…That's not important." I couldn't tell him. That would be so embarrassing.

"Ok, how about I repeat it one more time." He said with a smile on his face.

"Ok, but slowly, I…I really think I'm going crazy." I said to him seriously and he smiled.

"I. Love. You." He said, as he dew out each word slowly. "As in I love you Elena Gilbert." He said to me.

I'm dreaming, it has to be that, but I feel him touching me. Could it be real, no! Oh god, I'm really starting to go crazy. I saw Damon out of the corner of my eye studding my face. He looked confused. "You're not real, I'm dreaming."

He grabbed my hands in his own and pulled me towards him as he said. "You not dreaming this is all reality. I love you, Elena."

"You don't, I'm imagining it all."

"You're not imagining anything. This is all real. I know it's weird and early for me to say something like this, but it's the truth. I real love you, Elena and if you don't believe me, believe this. " He said to me and then leaned in forward to kiss me. The way he kissed me, it was full of fireworks, passion and…love. I felt him slid his tong along my bottom lip, he was asking to enter my mouth with the action and I allowed it. I felt as he placed his hands on my head as he kept deepening the kiss, not allowing me to break it and I didn't want to. I felt as he placed his left hand on my back and pulled me closer. I placed my hands around his neck; my left hand got tangled in his thick raven hair. I couldn't stop the moan that escaped my mouth. It felt so good. He pulled away from my mouth and went kissing down my neck. His kissing and nibbling was driving me crazy, I was starting to feel hot. I wanted to moan out in satisfaction. "Damon…" I said bringing his face back up to face me. He looked into my eyes and said. "I love you."

"You really mean it?" I asked in a whisper.

"I'd show you right now how much I mean it, but not until the feelings are mutual." He said to me.

"Damon I…" I started to say, but then it got stuck in my throat. What's wrong with me. I love him, I know I do! Why can't I say it? "Damon, I love…" He cut me off.

"No, don't say it until you mean it Lena."

"But I do…" He cut me off.

"Don't let my confession pressure you into saying it. I want you to know how I feel, but you don't need to say it back to make me happy. The only way I'll truly be happy is when you say it and I know you mean it." He said to me.

Oh great job Elena, now he thinks you don't love him. Nice work! I said to myself.

I'd show you right now how much I mean it. Oh did he mean…oh no! If I tell him that I love him, he'll want us to have sex and as soon as he finds out how bad I am, he'll fall out of love with me. Does that even make sense, what I just thought? Oh I'm definitely going crazy, but hey he loves me! HE LOVES ME! DAMON LOVES ME!

"Lena, honey…" I heard him call out.

I was clearly lost in my own thoughts that I didn't even hear him.

"Hmm?"

"Do you want to have dinner with me and Caroline?" He asked.

"I…Um are you sure. I mean don't you have some privet stuff-"

"No, and I'm sorry I told you to leave the room, I shouldn't-"

"No Damon, that was family stuff. I get it."

"Well your family now." He said to me with a smile on his face. "Nothing will be kept from you anymore!"

"It's ok-" he cut me off.

"It's not, but Caroline didn't know that this was a serious relationship and that's why she-" I cut him off when he said serious relationship.

"Serious relationship?" I asked.

He looked at the floor, avoiding looking at me as he said. "Lena, you're young, beautiful and smart. I know that there will be a time in the future where you'll want to start living your life" He looked up at me now. "And sooner or later you'll meet a guy your own age and fall in love with him. I can't take away your freedom."

"Damon…" I said as I reached out to touch his hand. "I won't leave you." I said to him.

He smiled at me and said. "For now I know you won't, but its ok Lena. I'll help you get through high school and college. I'll be there for you until you don't need me anymore."

I felt tears in my eyes, he really loves me. He doesn't know how much I love him back, if it was up to me I would never let him go. I love him so much; I swear I would never let him go. He's everything I ever wanted. "I won't, I promise I won't Damon. You know why?" I asked him.

He just looked at me, he had a sad smile on his face. I could tell that this was hard for him. God it was hard for me as well.

"Because I…I…I love you too. Let me finish. "I said to him when I saw that he was about to but in. " I do, I feel like, l fell in love with you from the moment I saw you. The night you saved me, when I opened my eyes I saw the most beautiful blue eyes looking at me. You…You, Damon are the most beautiful, nicest, most caring man I have ever met in my life. I love you Damon Salvatore and I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. I am not saying this to make you happy; I'm telling you how I really feel about you. I love you so much Damon." I said and a tear rolled down my cheek. I couldn't stop it. I really love him. I would die for him.

He reached out and with the pad of his thumb wiped my tears. He smiled at me and said. "I know. I believe you."

I sobbed out. "Then don't think I'll ever leave you. I won't, I promise!" I reached out and kissed him on the lips as hard as I could, wanting him to believe me. I want to prove to him that I love him, I really do… Noooo! I pulled away. I couldn't, he'll leave me!

"Baby what's wrong?" He asked, staring at me. I must have a scary facial expression since he's looking at me like that.

"I…I…"

"Lena…baby what is it?" He asked.

I have to tell him, I can't, I'm not ready. I know it's selfish to lie to him about this, but I can't lose him.

"Damon, I can't do what you want me to do." I said to him as I looked away from him.

"What? What are you talking about Lena?" He asked reaching out for my hand.

"I can't, I'm not ready." I said still not able to look at him.

"Lena baby I would never ask for that until you're ready. I thought I told you that yesterday." He said.

I turned around to face him again. I'm scared! I know I'm a coward, but what if I can't satisfy him. He's eyes were full of emotion, they had beautiful glow; I could tell that he didn't want me just for the sex, but still I'm scared.

"But…but you said to me that you'd show me…whe…when the feelings are mutual." I said as I looked back at the floor. I couldn't look at him.

"Forget I said that. I didn't know you felt that way about me. I thought it would take time for you to feel that way."

"Oh…" I said as I looked up at him.

He looked serious but took my hand in his own and asked. "Lena, can I ask something?"

I nodded my head and he continued. "Have you ever been…intimate with anyone before?"

What do I say! Don't lie! He'll find out sooner or later. I told myself. I nodded my head. "Not with many people only one." Why did I say that? I'm such an idiot! He's going to ask if it's Kol now, and I'm going to have to tell the truth.

"Ok." He said to me. I could see it coming. He's trying not to ask but I can see it on his face. He's dying to know.

"I know it's none of my business but-"He started, but I cut him off. Better to get rid of the elephant in the room.

"Yes, it was with Kol." I said in a whisper, looking at the floor.

He stayed quiet for a few minutes and so did I. I wanted him to proses it, I didn't want to disturb him but then he said. "Did you want to do it, or were you forced into it."

I should have known he would ask that. It's time to tell him the truth. I love him and he deserves to know.

I took a deep breath and looked right up to him. "Do you remember when I told you yesterday about the night when we had that big fight? The night when he left the apartment and didn't return till morning?"

He nodded his head in understanding. I could see that he was starting to get tense, but he needs to know.

"The fight was about sex. I didn't want too, but he kept on pressuring me. He stormed out and returned in the morning as I already told you." he was getting stiff. His eyes locked on mine. I know he's going to be angry at me, but I just hope he doesn't go after Kol. I don't want him to get hurt.

"When he took me to that house…he…he…" I couldn't say it. It hurt, because he raped me. I was raped.

Damon squeezed my hand and said. "He forced himself on you, didn't he?" His voice full of anger when he said it.

I only managed to nod my head. I watched him as he got up from the bed, letting go of my hand. He turned around facing the wall and then it all happened so fast. I heard him curse and slam his fist against the wall. I have never seen him like this before. He pressed his forehead against the wall and closed his eyes. I was scared to even approach him. The door opened and Caroline ran in.

"What the hell?" She said as she looked at Damon. I had somehow subconsciously moved to the other side of the bed. I don't even know how I got there. She looked at me and then at Damon. He was still leaning against the wall. Caroline walked up to him, placing her hand on his shoulder from behind. "Damon…" She said lightly.

He turned around and looked at her as he said. "I'm fine." He then looked at me. He's face full of anger. I felt like crying. Caroline was looking at me as well. She had a confused expression on her face.

"I'm sorry." He said to me. I could see in his eyes remorse and pain. "I…I didn't mean to lose it…I…I'm sorry I scared you."

"It's ok." I said to him in a whisper.

Caroline looked back and forth between us. She then said. "Is anyone going to tell me what's going on?"

"It's nothing Care." Damon said to her.

"It's something Damon. You just slammed your fist against the wall." She said to him. He didn't say anything and then she turned to me. Her facial expression said everything. She was pissed. "Look. I don't know who you are, but if you're out to screw my brother over I suggest you think-"Damon cut her off.

"It's not her fault Caroline!"

"Yes it is! She's no better…" He cut her off again.

"NO!" He yelled. She stopped and looked at him for a second before turning her attention to me. The way she was looking at me said everything. She was pissed and she hatted my guts. She turned around and headed out of the room, before she exited, she said. "Don't go back to that place Damon. She's not worth it." She said to him and gave me a dirty look as she slammed the door and headed out.

She hated me, his sister hated me. She's right I'm not worth it. I just bring him pain, nothing good. He walked over to me and hesitated before sitting down. I noticed the blood on his hand. He was hurt.

"You're hurt." I said as I reached out to take his hand and analyze the cut. It wasn't deep just the top layer of skin was scraped. "Let's get this cleaned up." I said to him as I stood up and headed to the bathroom still holding his hand.

He just followed me. He didn't say anything. He just looked at me. I grabbed some cotton sponges and wetted them. I cleaned his wound out and then asked. "Do you have a first AID kit?"

"No, I don't need it."

"Yes you do Damon. It's not deep, but you still need to put a bandage on. It could get infected" I said to him.

He just kept looking at me. He didn't say anything, but then he smiled weakly at me as he said. "Thank you."

"Fist tell me, where the first AID kit is, and then you can thank me." I said to him playful, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Bottom drawer on the left" He said, not taking his eyes off of me.

I opened the drawer and the kit was right there. I pulled it out and opened it. I found the bandages. I took his hand again and slowly not to hurt him, I placed the bandage on it.

He just kept looking at me. It started to freak me out. He was analyzing me. He stared deep into my eyes as he said. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I never wanted to scare you, please don't be scared of me. I would never-"

"I know you wouldn't and it's ok. I deserved it."

"What?" He said looking at me shocked. "Lena, I'm not mad at you. I'm fucken mad at him! I want to kill him. This goes over the line." He said angrily.

"No Damon. You are not going to go after him. Leave it." I said to him. Reaching out to touch him, to try and calm him down. He pulled away anger in his eyes as he said.

"No Elena. The first chance I get, I'm going to kill him!"

"Damon please, I don't want you to get hurt. Just forget it."

"How the hell am I supposed to forget that Elena? This scar on your forehead was imprinted by him!" He said as he ran his good hand over my forehead. "The bruises on your back are from him and now…" He couldn't say it. He probably felt disgusted with me. And then he continued. "And now I know that that monster took your innocence away unwillingly." He had pain in his eyes.

I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to tell him. He was right. He destroyed me and Damon probably doesn't even want to touch me now considering that I'm damaged goods. Who wants damaged goods? No one does!

He cupped my cheek in his hand and said. "I'm your boyfriend and it's my job to protect you Lena, because you're the girl I love."

I nodded my head looking up at him. Maybe I was wrong when I thought that no man would want me again, but here he was, this beautiful man is basically telling me that he would protect me from the monster, he is offering me his love and respect.

"You take all the time you need. I love you Lena, sex is just a physical way to show someone you love them, but there are other ways to express love. Emotions are much more important in a relationship." He said while his eyes were looking straight at me. "What I'm trying to say baby is. Take your time; I'll be here when you're ready." He said to me with a reassuring smile on his face.

He was sweet to give me more time, but I wasn't scared of sleeping with him, well maybe a little bit, because of the pain. But mostly I'm scared of not being able to satisfy him. He probably had a lot of partners and I…I only slept with Kol and he always said that I sucked at it. The truth was that I never wanted to try and please him. I would mostly lay on the couch, while he would be the one just abusing my body. Bastard!

"Thank you Damon for being so understanding. I know it's a lot to ask." I said to him as I reached out to hug him. It felt so good to be in his embrace. He was so warm and snugly, I would say like my own personal teddy bear.

"All that matters is that your safe now baby." He whispered into my ear. How did this happen. In less than a month I fell in love with a man. I fell in love with Damon. Damon, this amazing, beautiful, caring and hot guy is all mine. The sheriff of my town. If only my mum was here now, I bet she would have loved Damon, and so would my dad. I know my parents would be proud of me if they knew I was with such an amazing man.

"So, do you want to have dinner with me and Care now?" He asked as he patted my back lightly.

"Oh, um…I don't think your sister wants me around her right now." I said to him. The girl clearly hates me, she probably thinks I hurt Damon in some way, which I did sort of, but it wasn't intentional. I love him, I would never hurt him.

"Don't worry about it. Caroline can sometimes be a little over protective. That's the way my family works, we all look after each other. I'll talk to her. Don't worry." He said to me with a smile on his face. "What I'm focusing on right now is getting your immune system up. You have a doctor's appointment in two weeks. It's just a checkup to see how you're doing."

"Damon…you didn't have to do that."

He rolled his eyes and said. "Yes I do! Do you know why?"

I just gave him a small smile and he continued. "because I love you Elena Gilbert. I want what's best for you, my angel."

He was so caring and protective over me. He really is the best thing that ever happened to me. I would give up everything if it meant keeping him forever. Now I feel guilty for not giving him my love the way he deserves, but I can't stop thinking that he'll leave me if i don't live up to his standards in the bedroom.

"Come on now. Dinner is ready…or it will be ready. I kind of left it on the stove. I hope Care finished it."

He took my hand guiding me out of the bathroom. We headed to the living room together. I'm so happy he's not mad at me. I really hate myself for yelling at him. The first time in my life since my mum and dad died I feel like I have someone to look after me. From the day I met him, he became everything to me.


Chapter 9 done! What do you guys think? Bad? Good? I didn't get much reviews on the last chapter, so I'm hoping you guys might like this one. It has a bit more Delena in it. I have started writing a new story. Check it out. I think you might find it interesting. It's all humans s/8708871/1/It-s-a-long-way-to-happy So, like I said review and tell me what you think. I also have a Facebook page for Delena Fans. Check it out. pages/DelenaRedRose/102385246587526

XoXo RedRoSe1864