How stupid is it? Won't you gimme a minute
Just come up to me
And say hello to my heart
How stupid is it? For all I know you want me too
And maybe you just don't know what to do
Or maybe you're scared to say: 'I'm falling for you'

.

.

.

Damon spent the morning with a fixed grin on his face. He awoke at six with the perfect plan for the day. He hummed while requesting his clothing from Henry. He decided to wear light colors, green and white waistcoat with a grey cravat, khaki pants, and brown boots. He summoned a messenger to deliver an invitation to Elena immediately. Luckily for him, she had agreed to spend time with him in whichever capacity. Even though he wanted to ride with her, he ultimately decided that it would not be intimate enough. In the invitation, he asked her to dress appropriate for spending time outdoors. He was going to show her the Salvatore lands, in favor of getting maximum privacy out of their time together.

Perfectly on time at eleven, Elena's carriage stopped on the driveway of the Salvatore manor. Elena could not help feeling the anticipation of spending time alone with Damon on his property. She chose to wear a floral day dress, with a deep décolleté and flattering bodice. The dress had mini capped sleeves. The crinoline of the dress was not exaggerated, making her appearance more relaxed. She wore elbow-length gloves along with her family ring. She was ready to spend time in the sun, leaving her hair loose under a garden hat.

A maid escorted her to the drawing room. Elena sat down on the burgundy chaise and waited for Damon. He kept her waiting less than five minutes, barely quelling his desire to run inside. He gave her a warm smile from the doorway before sitting down next to her.

Wasting no time to flirt with her, he took her hand and kissed it. "You look beautiful, Miss Gilbert, you always look beautiful."

Elena smirked at his compliment. "I am excited to find out what you have planned, Mr. Salvatore."

"We will leave soon enough. As soon as Henry enters with a message from the maids."

Elena met his eyes remembering something that pestered her mind. "The day that I fainted, you were supposed to show me something. What were you going to show me?"

Damon laughed wondering what her reaction would be. He nodded and summoned a maid over. He whispered a request and the maid left his side."I should have said someone not something." Damon smirked.

Elena looked at him with a raised brow.

Two minutes later, a knock at the door signaled maid's return. The maid entered holding a puppy. Damon excused the maid in favor of holding the puppy in his arms.

"Ta-Da... This is my newest companion. His name is Risky." He was a bloodhound puppy with a walnut brown coat and dark face. Elena smiled looking at Risky's large eyes.

"You can touch him. He has a mellow temperament." Damon smirked at her investigative eyes.

Elena reached out her hand to touch Risky on the head. He rubbed against her contently. His nose came up to her palm making it wet. She giggled at the touch and Risky started licking her hand. "The rake wasted no time kissing you." Damon mumbled.

"I have never owned a dog." Elena confessed.

"Really?"

"I had a fat cat named Napoleon in New York. I passed him on to my friend Scarlet. I would have brought him to Mystic Falls, but he refused to come." Elena rolled her eyes. "He kept hiding in the nook and crannies of our brownstone."

Damon smirked listening to Elena's story about her picky cat.

"Will he grow to be a hunting dog?" Elena asked tentatively.

"Yes, you are correct. He is a hunting dog." Damon massaged Risky's neck. "I have other hunting dogs outside."

"How many others?" She asked.

"Three." Damon pet Risky's paws.

"Risky is at the right size to live inside my chamber. He warms my feet at night. I will miss his company in a few months." He pouted kissing Risky's head.

Elena laughed. "He cannot spend time in your chamber when he grows up?"

"If I sneak him in." Damon sighed. "My father is not amused with discovering paw prints around the house."

Elena nodded in understanding and moved forward to touch Risky.

"He can come with us if you want." Damon offered.

"Really?" Elena perked up trying to find out his plans.

"The Falls are close to the estate's property border. I thought we could walk there, have lunch and return for supper." Damon divulged his schedule for the day.

"That sounds perfect. I never went for a morning walk today."

Damon grinned hearing her approval. He was grateful to be marrying a woman that did not mind walking. Henry knocked on the drawing room door and entered. Damon looked at him anxiously. Henry said everything was ready for their mini-retreat. "We can head out now." Damon turned to Elena and handed his arm. One of the best parts of walking with your betrothed was the physical contact.

Damon led her to the back lot until they reached the paved trails that wrapped around the Salvatore estate. Damon and Stefan often raced their horses on the trails. Some of Damon's best memories from his childhood were on the paths he was touring with Elena. Two maids followed the couple from a good distance behind them carrying the needed supplies.

Full of pride and enthusiasm, Damon discussed various aspects of the property. He shared stories involving different locations on the path. After a story about how Stefan broke his arm climbing a tree, Elena remembered to inquire about the younger Salvatore.

"Mr. Salvatore, are you aware that Stefan has been writing me?" Elena asked Damon.

Damon stopped walking in confusion fueled by possessiveness. "He has? When?"

"He wrote several times last week."

"For what reason?" Damon frowned.

"Most of the letters were casual interest stories on town affairs. In the latest, he offered to escort me to a baseball game."

Damon's mouth formed an o-shape. "What did you reply?"

"I never replied. I found the request most unusual, since he did not mention you. I assumed you would escort me to games from now on as we are engaged." Elena replied casually.

Damon nodded in happiness. "I am at your service to escort you anywhere in town." He offered his arm for them to continue on their walk.

"I believe my brother is smitten with you." Damon lamented.

Elena laughed in response. "Are you sure? That would be most unfortunate considering we will be married soon."

Damon chose not to comment on Stefan, once she mentioned their marriage. "How soon?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "I do not know. I have not considered a probable date. Have you thought about the date?"

Damon sighed. "When is your aunt arriving? She will have her engagement party first?"

"Aunt Jenna will be here next Tuesday. I believe Logan will propose within five days."

"It is safe to assume the Fells will occupy the town with events for the rest of the month." Damon mumbled.

"Then we cannot get married until the following month." Elena concluded.

"I have been meaning to ask... how were you introduced to the Fell brothers? Is it because of Logan and your aunt?"

"Oh, that is a rather long story. I have known Mr. Franklin Fell for many, many, many years."

"Really?"

Elena nodded. "Franklin attended boarding school in New York. I did not meet the other Fells until my coming out ball."

"I am surprised, but obviously pleased, that he never proposed to you."

"Our relationship will never maintain the emotional attachment needed for marriage." Elena blushed recalling their routine of getting foxed at parties.

"Our marriage would disgrace both of our families combined. Franklin has no qualms about breaking society's rules."

Damon raised a brow for her to continue, but Elena refused to elaborate further on her friendship with Franklin.

"Speaking of proposals, when I first came to Mystic Falls, I was shocked to learn you were without a wife."

"Why?" Damon asked eagerly, thinking she was interested in him.

"Your age."

Damon frowned. While he was older than Elena, he did not feel old. He was turning twenty-four in November. "Much like you, I had no interest in marriage."

Elena laughed. "Surely you cannot compare to our circumstances. Men get substantial advantages out of marriage."

"What? From dowries?"

"No. I mean the law is written in the husband's favor. You receive everything in the most literal sense." Elena explained.

Damon understood her point of view. She was probably thinking about a husband's legal right to make a wife submit. "Regardless, I was not interested in getting married."

"And now what? You carry a girl that fainted, voila, you get a wife!" Elena said in disbelief.

Damon stopped them in place on the path. He turned to her looking rather serious. "I need to be clear as to understand my intentions with you. While if it had been another girl that I carried, yes, I would still propose... for the sake of it being the right thing to do. However, in your case it was much different. Yes, our marriage is a forced request. But, if you had never fainted, I would have asked you to marry me without any outside encouragement. I want to marry you."

Elena looked at him with wide eyes. Her mind was trying to wrap around the idea that he wanted to marry her before her uncle's request. "He is insane." She mumbled to herself.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Gilbert." Damon stared at her.

"Why on earth would you want to marry me?" She asked in wonder.

"I do not understand why this surprising. Your mother said you often get proposals."

"Yes, I do, but I mean... I am only starting to like your company. And I do not think you will enjoy being my husband."

Damon pouted at her. "I believe everything will be fine. Come on." He held out his arm to her.

"What story are we going with, I mean, you know about us?" Elena asked.

Damon bit his lip. "How about secret engagement?"

"Fine." Elena rolled her eyes. "My life is already sounding like a bad romance novel."

"Have you heard from your brother? I am asking, because I thought you wanted him at the wedding." Damon asked after a minute of silence.

"No. I have not heard from him, yet." Elena sighed.

"What is your brother like?"

"Jeremy is the most rebellious person you will ever meet."

Damon laughed. "Such a mighty title."

"Only suited for a mighty man." Elena shrugged. "I was happy to visit with Franklin, because he reminds me of Jeremy. They were good friends at
one point, until a girl came in between them."

Elena's mood instantly lifted when she saw the falls in the distance. Damon studied her reaction, interested in what she was thinking.

"How magical." She said in awe.

"Mystical." Damon joked.

They stopped talking the rest of the way allowing Elena the chance to revel in the environment. Upon reaching the large bridge near the falls, Damon picked a spot for the picnic. He asked the maids to unload the trunks. Elena stood leaning against the frame of the bridge as Damon walked up behind her. He prayed she would not reject him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, she shivered in surprise, but did not ask him to move away. He smiled setting his head on her shoulder.

"The trip was well worth it, I believe." He commented.

She did not respond, seemingly spellbound by the sounds and movements of the turbulant water. Damon continued to hold her, while she silently mused. Once she was completely relaxed in his arms, Damon decided to heat things up.

"I have a question about your daily kiss. Is it reserved for the end of our day? Or may I have it now?" He whispered in her ear.

"Now. Where would you like it?" She answered in a regular voice.

Damon smirked while his insides were cheering. "On the lips, please."

She turned around in his arms, placing her arms around his neck. She closed her eyes and leaned in hoping he would close the distance. She needed more practice kissing on the lips.

Damon eagerly captured her lips. The pair kissed and kissed on repeat. He was indefinitely happy while kissing her. He was the one to part their lips. She looked at him with a longing expression that made his stomach flip flop.

"I want to kiss you more. Is that okay?" She asked.

"More than okay." Damon replied instantly.

"Lots more." Damon noticed a mischievous expression on her face. She leaned close to whisper in his ear. "Can I be alone with you?"

Damon's heart pounded hearing she wanted him to send the maids back to the manor. "Of course." He said hoarsely. He captured her hand and practically dragged her off the bridge to the grass. She giggled at his energetic spirit.

Damon made the order, asking the maids to return in four hours. The pair moved to sit down on the picnic arrangement. Elena sat to Damon's left on the blanket. She had a sudden rush of nerves. She looked at him expectantly.

"C'mere." He said wasting no time to continue kissing her. He predicted it would be safer to have her on top. He knew after waiting for so long, he could not be trusted to restrain his desires.

Elena scooted over to him and loosely embraced him. He gave her a small smile and laid them both down. It was rather adorable having her on top of him, especially since her hat protected him from the sun as well. She leaned down to capture her lips, in no time, she was a fast learner. The pair kissed lots more, exactly like she requested. Damon refused to grope her body. His hands stayed in place at her waist.

Elena parted for air with a flushed face. "I like kissing."

Damon chuckled. "Me too."

"But I am famished." Elena glanced at the picnic feast.

"Oh God, please go ahead and eat. I cannot having you starving, even if I want to kiss you more." Damon half-joked motioning to all the food.

Elena frowned realizing something. "Where is Risky?"

"He is in here." Damon opened a large basket. "The maids made him comfortable for a nap after the long walk on the trail."

Elena cooed at the sight of Risky wrapped in the expensive blankets. His small head was barely popping out. She took the initiative to place him on her lap.

"I always forget to ask. Did you select a name for your stallion?"

Elena blushed at the question. "I hope you will not be vexed." She giggled. "I named him Savior."

Damon laughed a little. "You mean inspired by my name?"

"Your father informed me of the translation and it was stuck in my mind." Elena explained.

"I feel honored. One more Salvatore in love with you." Damon joked.

Elena shook her head at him, while leaning to grab the tray of cheese.

"Do you speak Italian?" Elena asked.

"I do, but I am forgetting some words."

"Why? You do not speak it at the manor?"

Damon frowned. "No, mostly with my uncles, Zachary and Joseph. They visit Mystic Falls every few months. I know you speak French, but do you speak other languages?"

"Spanish."

"That is impressive." Damon stated.

"Maybe you can teach me Italian. I would expect to learn it quickly as it is another romance language." Elena shrugged. "How many days does it take to arrive in Italy?"

"I do not know as I have never been."

"You should go!" Elena encouraged with a warm smile.

"Yes, I think so, I could meet my mother's family."

"How interesting, your heritage is pure Italian."

Damon nodded.

"I hope you do not mind me asking... what happened to your mother?"

Damon's expression turned melancholic at the question. "She died giving birth to my sister and my sister died a week later." He replied in a monotone voice.

Elena gasped. "How tragic."

"It happened 12 years ago, but my father never recovered. Growing up, my father was warm and loving, but now he is the direct opposite."

Elena looked at Damon apologetically.

"You understand." Damon let out a deep breath. "I am sure you continue mourning your father. I met him as a child, as he visited your uncle and my father. He was a doctor?"

"My father was a surgeon for a decade before becoming the operating president of New York Downtown Hospital. He was generous and kind, friends with everyone that type of man." Elena answered with pride.

"I hope this okay for me to ask." Damon looked in his pocket. "It seems right, since we were talking about my mother." Damon opened a ring box to Elena. She stared down at the antique ring.

"This was my mother's ring, passed down from other Salvatore's." Damon swallowed waiting for a reaction. "I was hoping you would agree to carry on the tradition, if not, I can -"

Elena cut him off. "I would love to be the ring's next mistress."

Damon smiled, relieved passing his first formal proposal. He removed the ring from the box and slid it onto her left hand. It was a little tight, but Elena said it was comfortable enough not to ask for size alterations.

The pair sat in silence, while finishing their meal. They were both thinking about the upcoming changes in their lives.

"I am going to woo you every day of our engagement." Damon blurted out with resolution.

Elena playfully smiled at him. "Because you love me." She teased.

"I mean it." Damon said seriously. Elena turned to him with a raised brow waiting to hear the details.

"No more of this hiding in the Gilbert manor." Damon reprimanded her. "We are meant to be as we are now, together, for the length of our engagement period."

"Okay." Elena shrugged.

"I need you to commit to me." Damon warned her. "And as my wife, even if you are vexed or we are bickering, I will not allow you to stay locked in your chamber for days at a time. I swear; I will either remove the locks permanently or break the connecting door down."

Elena swallowed. It was the first time she had felt intimidated by him. She simply gave him a look of acceptance, which he felt was sufficient for the
moment.

"What is your usual schedule during the week?" Elena asked, hoping he would see her interest in being with him.

"Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, I go around town with tenant issues and inspections."

"Do you travel regularly?"

"I am not allowed the luxury as the first-born son. I am required to stay near and manage the estate. My only breaks were attending university and being drafted into the army."

"I cannot believe my good luck, getting engaged to another Yankee in Mystic Falls." She joked.

He shrugged. He actively avoided discussing anything about the ongoing war. It made him feel sick, in his bones and in his head.

"When the war ends, do you intend on finishing your education?"

Damon sighed picking up Risky. He pet the dog, while answering. "It would be an ideal situation to complete my degree."

"Why did you attend Columbia?" Elena asked with a proud smirk. A New Yorker smirk.

"I see you managed to learn about my background." He said with a raised brow.

"You never said anything to me about New York. Why?" Elena asked with a frown.

"I have my reasons." He said vaguely and sighed. When she first moved to Mystic Falls, he did not know anything other than she was from New York. He did not want her to fake flirtation for the sake of his wealth and connections. The situation was rather humorous looking back considering her inheritance. As a married couple, they would access to every luxury without any repercussions. There would be no worries concerning number of children, since all of their inheritances would be planned from birth.

"Well, are you going to answer, why Columbia?"

"It was an opportunity to live in the city. A change of scenery from country life in the South. If I return to Columbia, I will graduate from the mining and metallurgy program. No other university can offer that academic track."

Elena processed all of the information before replying. "Does your family own mines?"

Damon smirked. "A lot of them. There are probably mines that we have not discovered yet on our land. It is safe to forecast that you will be spoiled with jewelry."

"What will happen when we get married?"

Damon looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"

"If you go back to university, what will happen to me?"

"Nothing will happen to our marriage." Damon said seriously. "I assume you will live New York with me. It does not seem likely you would want to stay in Mystic Falls." He finished with a knowing smirk.

She smiled content with the answer.

"I have no desire to leave your side for long periods of time." Damon clarified. "I know you travel now... and I promised your freedom as my wife... yet I will still plead for you not to leave me often."

Elena had often heard stories from her friends about their husbands disappearing for months at a time. Elena did not know how to react to Damon's statement. However, she felt like he was waiting for some form of a reply.

"The only traveling that might prove... challenging is when I am invited to spend time with my grandparents and extended family in France."

Elena watched as a sincere anguish washed across Damon's face. He swallowed before asking. "How much time do you spend in France?"

"January and February."

Damon was relieved, her answer could have been much worse. "Two months without you. My only opposition is I would never have my wife on Valentine's Day."

Elena laughed at him, but stopped when she realized he was serious. She cleared her throat. "Oh well... then it would be nice to spend the holiday with you in France." She smirked. "Or we could pick a random day of the year to be our Valentine's Day."

Damon nodded satisfied with her ideas. "Clever girl."

The pair spent the remainder of time outside getting acquainted with each other. They returned to the Salvatore estate two hours before sunset in time for the serving of supper.

After supper, the couple shared a few private moments in the drawing room. Damon asked Henry bring to retrieve a large wooden basket for Elena.
"This is for you, dear." Damon said motioning to the basket. "Henry will place it your carriage."

"I do not understand. Why are you sending with me a basket?" Elena peeked inside at the wrapped packages. There were no upcoming holidays, she was seemingly baffled by the gesture.

Damon ordered Henry to leave the room and close the door.

"Engagement presents from me to you." Damon answered.

Elena's eyes widened not knowing how to respond. She was overwhelmed with his display of affection.

"I did not mean for you to receive the presents in one batch." Damon explained. "I wanted to give you one present for every day of last week. Obviously, my plan did not work out, as you refused to see me."

Elena blushed when Damon shot her a cheeky grin.

"And now I'm too anxious for you to open them. What can I say? I hope you enjoy the basket." Damon shrugged.

"This is too much." Elena protested.

Damon laughed. "This is only the beginning."

Elena felt unworthy to receive anything from him. She felt guilty for making the courting period difficult for him. One thing was certain, she certainly admired his persistence. She walked closer to him, placing her arms around his neck. He loosely placed his hands on her waist.

"What would like as a thank you?" Elena asked him playfully with a smirk.

He smirked back savoring their physical contact. "I want you." He said seriously.

Elena stared at him in confusion. "You have me."

Damon sighed. "This is only the beginning." He repeated his earlier words.

She stumbled slightly when he abruptly forced her against him. She could feel every part of his body against her gown. His lips touched hers in a gentle, sensual kiss. She closed her eyes and he deepened the kiss. As the kiss progressed, Damon held her tighter as if she was a part of him. He desperately wanted their wedding to come, when she would legally belong to him. His only. Until death.

Reluctantly Damon pulled back and Elena licked her lips, causing him to unconsciously moan. She tried to reconnect their lips, but he moved away, releasing her from the intimate embrace. "No more." He said with strong resolution.

"I thought you liked kissing me." Elena said with a frown.

"Like?" Damon rubbed his face. "I love kissing you. Trust me. I am most grateful that you allowed me to kiss you multiple times today. The problem; if we start again, I lack the control to stop, especially inside the manor."

"I do not want you to stop." Elena replied casually.

He looked at her in amazement before he recovered. "I do not think you understand my meaning." He switched subjects instantly. The last thing he needed was an uncomfortable conversation to spoil their perfect day. "It is getting late for you to travel alone." He said turning to look out the window. It was long past sunset.

Elena nodded in defeat, he was right. She knew it was time for her to leave. Damon held out his arm to escort her out.

Before departing in her carriage, Elena turned to Damon placing a quick peck on his lips. He smiled at the minx worthy gesture.

Damon stood at the window of the carriage. "Will I be with you tomorrow?" He asked hopefully.

Elena smiled in approval. "What do you have planned for us?"

Damon smirked. "How about our long awaited ride together?"

"Okay." Elena answered instantly.

"I know it is ridiculous, but I am rather excited for Katherine to meet Savior." Damon chuckled.

"I feel the same way." Elena giggled. "Goodnight, Mr. Salvatore."

"Until the morning, Miss Gilbert."

A/N: I love Human Damon. He's gonna be more intense now that he has Elena. Hope this fluffy D/E date makes up for the wait. No worries, I am going to update quickly. I have not lost interest in this story. Be Good & Review!

You can see a picture of Risky on my livejournal. Username: junkyatbest

Some readers have asked about the rating of the story. I am a M-rated writer, but I plan on keeping this story Teen. There will be a M-rated part 2 to this story to satisfy the smut cravings.

Song: El Scorcho by Weezer