Chapter 10: Get Better
The week had rolled in nice and quick. It was Friday night, a couple of hours before the dance and the tension was building. Elena stood, only wrapped in a towel as she stared into the mirror, her eyes wide with fear and her chest rising with fast breaths. The more she thought about the plan, the more worried she became. She had to go the whole night pretending. Pretending that she was under Stefan's compulsion and that she was in love with him. The thought made her feel sick and uneasy, especially knowing that she couldn't talk to Damon, literally. She couldn't even utter a word and it was annoying. The only thing keeping her calm was knowing Caroline was going to be there, she was going to try to convince her to help her. Maybe she will believe her, well at least that's what Elena is hoping.
"Uh, why is my life so complicated?" Letting out a breath that she was holding, she walked into her bedroom, looking at her dress hanging up on the cupboard, her eyes lighting up. She was actually excited about getting dressed up because she had chosen a corset dress. The corset has a red fabric under a black sheer fabric which meets a sweetheart neckline. The middle section had a red fabric, which is embroided with black lace, but it was a blood-red, just about reaching mid-thigh. It was a little more sexy than she usually went for, but she thought she would go as a corrupted Cinderella. Not that she was wearing glass slippers or over doing her make up, she was wearing fish-net tights and red heels with light make up, red lipstick. It didn't sound too bad to her, she just wanted to have fun and look good while doing it, besides she needed something to keep her going while she was in the company of Stefan.
Sitting on the bed, she took her lotion, rubbing it onto her hands as she began lathering her legs, massaging them as she felt the tension draining out of her. Closing her eyes, she was hit with a flash of Damon's blue eyes as she took a breath, chewing on her lip. This week she couldn't wipe him clean from her head, he was just there, in every corner and crevice. Rubbing her hands up her arms and to her shoulders, she rolled her head backwards as she laid back into the mattress, stretching her legs.
"Lena, I'm off to the dance, alright? I'll see you there!" Jeremy called up to her as she called back an 'okay' and continued her stretching. Hearing the front door shutting with a slam, she bit her lip and looked up at the ceiling, the design catching her eyes as she got lost in thoughts. How was she going to react when Stefan came to pick her up? She didn't want to seem to nervy or her cover would then be blown. Moaning, she covered her hands over her face. She was officially tired and fed up.
Knocking on the door, Caroline bit her lip as she swayed from side to side on the Boarding House doorstep. Hopefully everything would go to plan, hopefully being the best word she could think of. Looking down at herself, she admired the pink dress she had picked out which reached mid-thigh and had a shine to it, since the material was silk. She decided to go as Cupid, ironic since she was technically helping end a relationship. Looking up as the door opened, she smiled as she seen Damon and stepped in past him, walking into the Parlour as she looked around, taking a deep breath.
"So?"
"I've talked to her, but she hasn't given much away Damon."
"How did she sound to you? About tonight?"
"Incredibly nervous. When I mentioned Stefan, she completely went off subject. I think it's time we got some answers, don't you? From the suspect upstairs?"
"I couldn't agree more Blondie."
Damon walked out, Caroline hot on his heels as he took two steps at a time up the staircase and made his way towards Stefan's bedroom. Biting her lip, the blonde followed him as quick as she could, the only problem being that she didn't trip over the carpet with the heels she was wearing. Entering Stefan's room, they watched as he was looking in the mirror, fixing his tie.
"What can I do for you two? Looking nice Caroline." Stefan complimented, grinning.
"Uh thanks Stefan."
"Lets quit the chit-chat, I'm pretty much set on getting answers."
"And I will help you in anyway I can brother." Stefan replied, turning to them.
"Wonderful. What's going on with Elena?" Damon quirked an eyebrow, crossing his arms, his eyes dancing with curiosity.
"God knows, she's been acting weird right? I try to look past it." Stefan shrugged.
"Oh I bet you do alright." Damon glared, his stance growing more tense.
"She's not acting herself Stefan, we just want to know what is wrong?" Caroline bit her lip, nerves crawling inside of her as she got an uneasy feeling.
"That's what I've said, she isn't herself. Maybe this life is getting to her huh?" Stefan shook his head, inhaling as he turned to the mirror again, nodding as his attire as he was wearing a tux, deciding to go as the dashing prince charming.
"Or you are." Damon added, furrowing his brow.
"I'm sorry?" Stefan turned on his heel, sharing a look with Damon.
"She's been acting weird Stefan and you don't find anything wrong with it, so something is wrong with you."
Caroline stepped forward, giving him a once over, not trusting this Stefan one bit. His eyes were filled with an emotion she wasn't familiar with, but she didn't like it. Especially when it came to Elena.
"I have no idea what you guys expect me to say. Elena is probably just pissed at Damon as per usual because he came here and made things complicated."
Damon's ears perked up at this admission as he stepped forward, "And how would you know about that Stefan?"
"Know about what Damon?" Stefan sighed, brushing himself down.
"That Elena is angry with me and specifically about that."
"Uh," Stefan caught himself on, quickly pulling together as he turned around, "Because she always mentions it, like 24/7."
"Funny, she doesn't mention it to me and I use to be her Damon complaint system?" Caroline gave her head a tilt, staring at him as was Damon.
Stefan looked between them, realization sinking in that they knew. Going to move, he was caught by surprise as Damon had him pinned to the floor with a tube full of vervain being pushed into his neck. Slipping into unconsciousness, his body relaxed as Damon rubbed his hands on his jeans, biting his lip.
"I think he's been compelling her." Damon looked up at Caroline, worry in his eyes.
"Then what the hell are we waiting for? We have to see Elena. Quick, get dressed."
"What?" Damon frowned, climbing to his feet.
"You don't really think you're going to the dance like that right? Get a suit!"
"Uh!" Damon rolled his eyes, walking out as he crossed over to his room.
Caroline bent down by Stefan, a sigh escaping her lips as she looked him over, "What the hell are you playing at Stefan?"
Damon walked back in, running his fingers through his hair as he pulled at his tie nervously. Caroline got to her feet, turning around as she took him in. He cleaned up well. Smiling, she gave him a pat on the chest and gave him a nod, "Much better. Now let's go."
I tell myself you don't mean a thing,
And what we got, got no hold on me
But when you're not there I just crumble
The front of the school was lit up with fairy lights, from the fences, the benches, the fountain to the inside of the school. It really brightened up the school and have it a special look. Elena stood on the grass, her heart racing as she got a text from Stefan to meet him at the school instead, which was weird and strange. Closing her eyes, she bit on her lip, the red lipstick contrasting beautifully with her skin as her dress hugged her in all the right places, pulling off sophisticated, beautiful and sexy at the same time. Playing with her fingers, she held her black clutch, red rhinestone imprinting the buckle under her arm as she paced back and forward over the grass, her heart racing. This was bad? What the hell was she going to do? The music calmed her slightly as she closed her eyes tightly.
I tell myself I don't care that much,
But I feel like I die 'til I feel your touch,
Only love, only love can hurt like this,
Only love can hurt like this
Must have been a deadly kiss
Only love can hurt like this
"Elena!" Hearing her name, she turned on her heel and froze up as she seen Caroline and Damon walking towards her. Oh...shit. Now her heart was racing.
Swallowing, Elena looked between the two of them, her eyes meeting Damon's as his eyes were swirling with emotions, his eyes breaking contact as he gave her a once over, a variety of emotions swirling within his ocean orbs, "Elena, are you okay?"
Say I wouldn't care if you walked away,
But every time you're there I'm begging you to stay,
When you come close I just tremble
"What are you doing here?" Elena directed her question towards Caroline, knowing talking to Damon was hopeless.
"Oh Elena!" Caroline threw her arms around her, squeezing her close, "I'm so so sorry! I had no idea! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"
"Huh?" Rubbing her back, she frowned, looking over at Damon who was watching closely, worry in his eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me!? Tell us!? We could have helped you!"
"What are you talking about?"
"We know about Stefan. We know what he's been doing to you Elena," Damon spoke, his voice husky as her heart jumped, "He's been compelling you."
"H...how did you guys know?" Elena directed her question towards Caroline again.
"The signs and Stefan. We knew he was hiding something, we just didn't know what."
And every time, every time you go,
It's like a knife that cuts right through my soul
Only love, only love can hurt like this
Only love can hurt like this,
Must have been a deadly kiss,
Only love can hurt like this,
Only love can hurt like this
Swallowing, Elena bit her lip, thankful her lips were already covered in red because with all the biting, she thought they were going to bleed, "What has he been compelling you to do Elena?"
Damon raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to answer his question as she just stared at him, struggling to do anything which caused him to frown, "Elena?"
"Elena, oi oi, can you talk to me?"
"Yes." Elena answered Caroline quicker.
"Has Stefan been compelling you?"
"Yes."
"What has he been compelling you to do exactly?"
Your kisses burn into my skin,
Only love can hurt like this
But it's the sweetest pain,
Burning hot through my veins,
Love is torture makes me more sure
Only love can hurt like this
"I," Taking a shaky breath, "I'm not to speak to Damon, text Damon, take calls from Damon or make any kind of contact with him."
"He did what?" Damon frowned, anger fusing inside of him, "That night I came over...you were crying, did you try to," Swallowing, he frowned, "Tell me?"
Elena stared at him, knowing communicating with her eyes was the best bet as she locked her eyes onto his, tears filling her eyes as he closed his eyes, swallowing as his Adam's apple bobbed, his own eyes catching with tears, "I'm sorry Elena, I can't believe I didn't notice anything."
Caroline looked between them, knowing they needed to be alone. Squeezing Elena's shoulder gently, she looked back at Damon, trading a look and a small smile with him as she walked on inside, the Halloween atmosphere sucking her in.
Only love can hurt like this,
Only love can hurt like this,
Must have been a deadly kiss,
Only love can hurt like this
"Dance with me." Damon whispered, holding his hand out, his eyes filled with adoration as he stared at her, "You don't need to try and answer me."
Slowly stepping forward, Elena placed her hand in Damon's as he pulled her against his chest, lacing his fingers with hers as his other hand rested on her waist, his eyes burning into her as she swallowed and gave his hand a squeeze and lifted her other hand to rest on his shoulder. Giving her a soft smile, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead as he swayed with her, resting his cheek against her temple as she took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, her heart racing as she inhaled his cologne and calmed down, the protective coat wrapping around her as she was in his arms.
Only love can hurt like this,
Your kisses burn into my skin,
Only love can hurt like this,
Only love can hurt like this,
Save me, save me,
Only love, only love,
'Cause only love can hurt like this
And it must have been a deadly kiss
Raising her head to look at him, her eyes locked onto his as her breath caught in her throat and she was caught in his gaze. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, nuzzling his nose into her hair as she melted, her eyes falling shut.
"You don't understand how beautiful you look right now." Damon whispered, moving back, his eyes locking onto hers again as she opened hers, "Will you come back to mine? A warmer place to dance."
Elena's eyes lighting up was the only answer Damon needed as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles and walked with her through the grass, his camaro only parked over the road. Damon watched her as she stared down at the ground, deep in through. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her into him as she nuzzled happily.
I don't know how many stars fill the sky
I know we're here, but I don't know why
Maybe there's some other life out there
But as long as you're here with me, baby, I don't really care
The fireplace was lit, the place warming up and becoming homey for the two who were currently swaying in front of the fire. Elena's head lay on Damon's shoulder, her hands curled into her chest as Damon had his arms wrapped around her, his hands resting on her lower back as he lay his cheek on top of her head, his eyes closing as he listening to the sound of her heartbeat.
There is only one great mystery
I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do to make you fall for me?
Playing with his tie, the brunette curled closer to him, her heart beginning to race against as she felt a tug. It was one of those nervous, oh my god, what's going to happen next tugs? She could feel the sparks igniting within both of them because they both wanted the same thing. Just that connection to make it seem all the more real. Damon's hand moved up her back, his fingers playing with her curls and stroking the line of her spine lightly, shivers only erupting as Elena looked up at him.
Don't know what happens when we leave this world
But I know I'll go right on loving you girl
I'll close my eyes and drift off into the blue
And if I go first, I will wait for you
Damon looked at her, his eyes filling with blaze as he seen the look she was shooting him. It was full of want, adoration, nervousness, lust, maybe...love? Cupping her face in his hands, he looked down at her, his thumb stroking across her cheekbone lightly, "Elena, I know you can't very well answer me, but I need to try and have some kind of answer for this, okay?"
Elena stared up at him, a shy smile pulling at her lips as she nuzzled her face into his hand, giving him the sign he wanted to ask the question. Inhaling, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and then to her nose and then to her cheeks, "Can I kiss you?"
Damon bit his lip, his eyes meeting hers as she stared up at him, a blush rising to her cheeks as he looked down to her lips and back up to her gaze as he bent down, gently pressing his lips against hers and pulling back ever so slightly, "Yes?"
Elena wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning up to press her lips against his as he wrapped an arm around her waist, the other burying itself into her curls as she melted against him, a sigh of content escaping her.
There is only one great mystery
I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do to make you fall for me?
Damon pulled her close against him, nipping at her lower lip as she moaned, digging her fingers into the back of his neck and tip toeing to get more into the kiss. Walking her backwards, Damon pressed her against the wall gently, dipping his head to nip at her lip again as she placed her hands on his cheeks, holding him close. Stroking his finger under her chin, he traced his tongue along her bottom lip as another breathy moan escaped her and she held him closer, her tongue stroking against his as a husky moan worked from the back of his throat.
I guess I'll never really know
How I deserve someone that loves me so
"Elena." He whispered breathlessly, his forehead resting against hers, his breath mingling with hers as he slowly opens his eyes, looking into her already dazed open ones, "Tell me what you want."
Biting her lip, she reached up, stroking her finger along his cheek and to his lips as she leaned up, brushing her lips against his softly, nuzzling her nose into his. Smiling shyly, she stared up into his eyes and gave him a slight nod.
There is only one great mystery
I keep searching for the answer desperately
Tell me, tell me baby, tell me please
What did I ever do to make you fall for me?
Damon kissed her again, running his hand up the back of her neck, giving it an affection gentle squeeze as he dipped her head back slowly, his eyes meeting hers again as he brushed his lips once again. Fisting his hair in her hand lightly, she held him close, looking into his eyes as she bit his lip lightly, giving a light smile.
"You're gonna be the death of me." Damon whispered breathless, sliding an arm around her waist as he lifted her against him, her arms wrapping around his neck and he held her close, carefully moving at inhumane speed as they fell onto his bed. A fit of giggles burst out of Elena as she landed with a bounce on the middle of the bed. Damon gave her a charming smile, tilting his head as he leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead.
"This is crazy, especially since I'm doing all of the talking." Stroking his thumb down her cheek, he looked into her eyes as she opened her mouth, trying to speak, but nothing came out, "Don't worry about it, just...is this what you want?"
Elena stared up at him, a shy smile creeping onto her face as her eyes filled with adoration and happiness. Running her hand up his back, she leaned up, pressing her lips against his, causing a smile to break out on his face. Leaning down, he captured her lips and ran his hand up her leg, holding her close.
Damon lay on his side, staring at Elena who was fast asleep, her face buried into the pillow, her curls falling over her face. Smiling, he gently tucked her hair back behind her ear and stroked his knuckles along her cheek, happiness jolting all over his body. Fixing the covers over her back, he leaned over pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder and then to her cheek, moving back as he watched her again. It had finally happened. Him and Elena. They connected, they bonded, the made love. He was pretty sure he would wake up and it would all be a dream, but right now listening to the lullaby of Elena's heart and her steady breaths were enough proof for him. Rolling onto his back, he grinned up at the ceiling, rubbing a hand over his face and looked to the side as he heard Elena rusting.
"Damon?" Elena murmured, her voice hoarse and husky with sleep.
"I'm here," He whispered, drawing her closer to him, the grin on his face growing bigger as he realized she was speaking, her voice, had the compulsion broke?
"Mmh." Laying her head on his chest, she curled against him, her orbs disappearing under lids again as she fell back into slumber.
Guess she was too half asleep to recognize that she was speaking to him. Stroking her hair, he held her close, his eyes falling shut as he took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of Jasmine, one of his favorite scents. This was it, it could only get better from here and he was sure of it.
A/N: Hey everyone, I know its been a while and I'm sorry! :( I hope you enjoy! Let me know which chapter you want out next, its helpful :D Bye!
Shauna
xx