Guys, I'm so sorry for the wait, Once again things have been crazy at college and it has been really hard to find time to write. Anyways, I've made this chapter longer to try to make up for it. I believe this one is kinda different, or at least it feels that way for me. What do you guys think? Do you like the way it is going? Did you like the new Elena? PLEASE review. I need to know what you guys think. You're my compass. Should I go on? Thanks for reading!

Going over to Bonnie's house was clearly the best choice, better yet, the only choice. That was what Elena and Damon decided after they were done… reuniting. This reunion was far needed. Even now, when everything was okay between them, Elena cringed at the memory of her yelling at Damon for such a stupid thing. Yes, she was worried about Stefan, but she could have been more rational on her reaction.

As she lay there in the arms of the man she loved so much, she thought about how she had changed. The 'old Elena' would have run to the rescue, never in a million years she would have let Stefan there in the tomb with Katherine. She would have done the possible and the impossible to rescue him, never hesitating. She wondered if it was because she didn't love him anymore. But no, that wasn't it- she still loved him, she just wasn't in love with him anymore. But the thing was, this Elena realized something the old one would never have thought of- Stefan was in there because he chose to. He, by himself, knowing all the risks and consequences had chosen to walk into Katherine's needy arms. He had chosen to be with her. Yes, she had played a big role n it, but he could have found a more mature way to deal with it.

She was immersed in thought when she felt like she was being watched. Damon was doing it, the look on his face adorable. She gave him a full smile, trying to show him how truly happy she was at that moment.

-Penny for your thoughts?- he asked her.

-Wouldn't be enough. More like a million dollars.-

-Hum… I may live in a mansion, but don't really have that kind of cash. But… maybe I can repay you in some other way…- he then started kissing her neck, working his way down…

She started giggling nonstop as his lips tickled her, but when they started getting serious, her mind suddenly became unclear. She forgot all of her thoughts, the world outside, thinking only of him, of his lips and the way they felt against her skin.

Damon loved the feel of Elena's bare skin against his own. He had waited for so long to have her next to him, to have her all for himself and now he wouldn't let go, he couldn't do it. He had been with many women in his existence, but there was something about her that made it different. She was addictive, pure, exhilarating. As he thought about it, he remembered that with Katherine it had also felt different. At the time he assumed it was because of love, but now, being with Elena, all the intimate moments he had had with Katherine seemed meaningless. His heart knew that now he had found true love. Elena brought him peace and calmed his agitated heart that was no longer immersed in darkness. All the bitterness and sorrow had left him and only bliss remained. He was truly and completely happy.

As the lay there, naked in each other's arms after making love again, Elena thought about Damon. He had changed as well. He was now sweeter, at least to her. The darkness she had always felt around him was gone. She knew that now he could give her his full heart, and she could give him hers. Now that she know what being with Damon felt like, she knew that her relationship with Stefan had been a mere illusion of love. She now knew what it felt like to love someone with her entire being, to need someone more than oxygen. That realization led her to a line of thought she had never considered- becoming a vampire. With Stefan, a lifetime of love had been enough. She would be okay with being his girlfriend, even his wife for a lifetime. But when she thought about leaving Damon, even if it was to die, the thoughts were unbearable. She needed him for all of eternity. He was a part of her, just as she knew she was a part of him. And eternity could grant them that.

-Once again you're lost in your thoughts, and I still don't have enough money to pay for them… but, I believe what I just did counts as a form of payment, so spill it. You owe me.-

-Just thinking…-

-Just thinking? What kind of answer is that Ms. Gilbert? I pay the full price and that's what you give me?- he kissed her neck, making her giggle- I'm going to have to speak to your manager. That kind of treatment will only get you unsatisfied customers.-

-Well, I thought about a lot.-

-And all I have is time. I'm immortal, so spill it. What is it that's got you in such deep thinking.-

-Honestly?- he nodded and she kept going.-I was thinking about how I've changed. How you made me change. You made me see things differently, made me stop thinking that everything was my fault. You made me see that I do have to help people, but I also have to live my own life.-

-I did all that?- he asked.

-Yes, all of it and more.-

-I'm awesome!-

She laughed, but had to agree.- You're wonderful. My very own prince charming.-

She then reached up and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

-I've changed as well, did you know that?-

-Yes I did.- Elena replied.-Now, when I look into your eyes I see the man I always knew you could be. No more hiding, no more pretending. I also don't see darkness anymore.-that last part was a whisper, but she knew he had heard her.

-It was all due to you. You're the one who gave me strength to make the change. You make me a better vampire. In your arms I don't feel like I'm a monster. I almost feel human again.-

Elena looked up just in time to see a tear falling. She caught it with her lips, planting there a kiss and hugging him with a all her might. He hugged back.

After a while, she started getting up.-We have to go get Stefan.-

He tried to pull her back down, but she neatly dodged him. She managed to get up and started to look for her clothes. She found them- in shreds. There was not a single piece of clothing unharmed.

-Did you really have to destroy every single piece of clothing? Couldn't you have left a single one intact?-

-If I had it wouldn't have been that much fun. Besides, I was kind of in a hurry.-He used all of his speed and was at her side before he even finished talking, pushing her hair aside and kissing her in the now exposed area.- You make me crazy… I can't stay away from you… from your body…-

And just like that he was kissing her again. Her knees suddenly turned to jelly. She couldn't think straight and she responded instantly. The slightest hint of the old Elena sparked right then and she stopped him as he was lifting her and walking towards the bed,

-What's wrong my princess?-he asked, his face buried at her neck.

-We have to get your brother. –she said, trying to get away from him, or else she wouldn't be able to go on with the rescue mission.-And I don't have anything to wear.-

Damon knew she was right. The change in him wouldn't allow him to do the selfish thing. He needed to help his brother, especially after he had stolen his brother's girlfriend and had spent the day in bed with her.- I'll ask Nina to go buy you some clothes.-

Elena took that time to take a shower. She had a feeling Nina shopping for her wasn't going to be a good idea, and when the blond girl got back, her suspicions were confirmed. When she opened the bag, she found the most hideous outfit ever invented. Nina had gotten her bright orange velvet pants that made her look extremely fat, and a long sleeved purple t-shirt with a rhinestone puppy on the front and polka dots all over it. To complete the wonderful look, she had brown rain boots with flowers in an awful brown color and a ridiculous hat Elena couldn't even describe.

When she came out of the bathroom wearing her brand new original outfit Damon was already ready. When he laid eyes on her, the look on his face was priceless- he was trying really hard not to laugh but she looked too ridiculous to hold back- he burst into laughter. Nina, who was still in the room making the bed, looked extremely please. Of course she had wanted to make Elena look ridiculous. That way, master Damon would choose her.

But her plan backfired. As soon as Damon could speak again, he came towards a scolding Elena and drew her close.- You look lovely-, he whispered in her ear, the smile clear in his voice. She didn't hug him back, choosing to act like a spoiled child, so he took extreme measures and, picking her up, kissed the hat out of her. To that she responded.

Nina stormed out of the room, and Elena reminded Damon of their mission- I didn't put thus stupid outfit for nothing! Get your gorgeous vampire behind on that car and let's go.-

-Yes ma'am!-

He rolled his eyes and she could swear she'd heard him mutter "my stupid brother, always getting in the way", but choose to ignore it, giving him an encouraging smile instead. She held out her hand, he rook it, and like that, they left.

Bonnie was at the door when Damon was parking the car, having seen them through the window. As they climbed the stairs, she stood by the threshold. One thing automatically caught her attention- Elena and Damon were holding hands. She hadn't seen Elena in a while, but her friend had never showed signs that she might date Damon. This was a huge piece of news.

Elena saw the puzzled look on Bonnie's face and couldn't help smiling. If someone had told her she would be holding hands with Damon, she herself wouldn't have believed it, let alone someone else.

But, as Elena got closer, something else concerned Bonnie, the outfit. –What on Earth are you wearing?- She asked, hugging her best friend.

-The results of a jealous girl's shopping trip.-

-Jealous being the key word,- Damon said, his trademark smirk stamped across his face.- Mind inviting me in?-

-Who was jealous of who?- asked Bonnie, purposely ignoring Damon.

-You let me in and I'll tell you…- offered him, flashing Bonnie his heart stopping smile. She didn't even notice, all his charm gone to waste.

-You're not the slightest bit charming. Did you know that?- she was harsh, but at least she gave in.-Damon Salvatore, will you please come in?-

-It would be the greatest of pleasures Ms. Bennet, and that's saying something- he glanced meaningfully at Elena, and she blushed. He gave Bonnie an archaic bow as he came in. Once safely inside, he dared to continue.- I must say, since we're telling the truth that 're telling the truth that you are a mean witch and a vampire hater.-

-Not completely true. If it were Stefan, I would have asked him in.-

-Ah, speaking of which, we came to ask a little favor…-

-Ah, the reason behind the group visit. But first things first. Elena, would you like to borrow something? I can't deal with someone that looks like she came straight from the circus.-

-Change the outfit? And loose all her charm? Over my already dead body!-

-It would be my pleasure.-A wicked look flickered on Bonnie's eyes.

Now it was Elena's turn to roll her eyes.- Yes Bonnie. I would love to change. Thanks.-

Both girls went up the stairs, and once safely on Bonnie's room, she addressed the elephant on the room.

-Elena, what are you doing with Damon?-

-I love him Bonnie. So much it even hurts.-

-Since when?- she couldn't believe they were having this conversation.

- I don't really know. It just happened. But he makes me so happy.-

-Really?-

Elena ignored the surprise in her voice and just nodded.

-Well, if he really does, then I guess that's all that matters.- She handed Elena a change of clothes and hugged her best friend. Neither girl spoke again and Elena went into the bathroom to change.

When they came back downstairs, Elena now wearing a summer dress and ballet flats, Damon lay on the couch, his feet up. Elena pulled his legs up, sat down and placed them on her lap. Bonnie sat on the opposing loveseat.

-So, back to the reason behind the visit. Not that I didn't miss you Elena, but I'm pretty sure Damon didn't come here because he missed me.-

-You're right dearest witch.-Damon replied, all business like- We have a problem. My darling brother Stefan has gotten himself in a bit of a bad situation. He's stuck in the tomb.-

-WHAT?-

- Been there, done that. I don't really need another hysterical girl. –

-But how?-

-Well,- Damon continued- let's just say that he didn't take being dumped so well. But that's beside the point. What we need to know is, can you get him out?-

-I don't really know. The spell requires a lot of power. Last time…-

Damon cut her short.-We all remember what happened last time, but I don't have much time, so the question remains: can you do it or not?-

Bonnie was now pissed. How dare he talk to her like that, after all she and her grandmother had been through to get his ass out of the same tomb.- Yes, Damon, I can do it. I've learned a trick or two.-

-Oh, so the little witch has a few new tri…- he couldn't finish the sentence since he was being thrown across the room.

After getting himself together, he continued.- I believe you. How soon can we get started?-

-Tonight. You guys can stay her. I just need to get ready first.- And with a serious face she disappeared up the stairs, leaving the two of them alone.

Elena was worried about her friend, about the amount of energy she would have to use. Besides, she had never seen Bonnie so serious.

Damon was watching her intently, but he was also lost in his own thoughts. He just had to free Stefan. Maybe it was guilt, although that wasn't very much his style, but then again he had changed. Elena brought him back to reality with a kiss on the cheek. He knew what she'd been thinking about.

-Don't worry about her, she'll be just fine.- she didn't really believe him.- Didn't you just see what did to me?-

Bonnie was uncertain about the spell. Yes, she had learned a few new tricks, but would they be enough? She decided no, and went to look for some backup. The last thing she could do was look weak in front of Damon. He had to believe she had full control of her powers.

Just a few days ago Luka had showed her how to channel another witch. That was really the key, but maybe one witch wouldn't be enough. So, she went to look for a spell she had seen on the spell book. This particular spell allowed a living witch to borrow power from a dead one. It required a personal object of the dead witch. The loan was only temporary, but it would be enough.

Bonnie performed the ritual using an old locket of Emily's, and when she had gathered all she needed to do the spell in the tomb, she went downstairs to get Damon and Elena.

The ride was quiet, all the passengers lost in thought. They arrived rather quickly and Bonnie got straight to getting the spell props set up. When she was about done, they heard footsteps and the last person they expected walked towards them.-