a/n: I was going to be mean and make you all wait until tomorrow for the Damon/Elena love scene, but I just couldn't…partly because I couldn't wait myself. So, here we are! The second of the final three chapters. Still keeping up? Still got everything straight? Here's a small recap…Damon thinks that he is at the party with Katherine…but really he is with Elena. So, he's feeling pretty cocky thinking that he's got it all figured out, when really he doesn't…since Katherine is really locked in a room with his brother doing God knows what…well…actually we know because we just read it! But anyway…lol here is the next stage of the ride! Happy Reading!

p.s. I'm pretty sure I confused the heck out of myself in the last chapter somewhere and messed up in a few places with names and identities. Forgive me, I had family members badgering me all morning. This is the real reason we are here though, so I promise to be more careful with Damon and Elena.

Elena paced back and forth in the living room, waiting for Damon to come downstairs. She just had to act like herself, that's all. It was simple, just be herself, react as she normally would. It would have been much harder pretending to be Katherine like the original plan asked for, but now at least she got to spend the whole night with Damon. He'd laughed when she'd showed up early, answering the door in a towel. Now, she'd been down here waiting for him for almost an hour as he put on his suit. Honestly, it hadn't even taken her that long to get ready. She gripped her clutch in her hand tightly and lifted her fingers to feel at the strings keeping her mask on over her hair. It was secure, and she was glad to have it, but it did nothing to cover her trembling lips or her shaking hands.

She was Katherine pretending to Elena, that's what Damon was expecting, and that's what she needed to be until the moment came when she could show him who she really was. She smelled his cologne in the air before she heard him clear his throat, turning around to see him standing on the last step. His suit fit him perfectly, the black silk tie running down to his belt. There was a wicked smirk on his lips as he stepped into the room, the light from the lamp playing magically with the black sparkles on his dark mask. He looked like a dark angel, a knight that would save you as soon as ravage you and leave you alone. Her breath caught in her throat and she was glad the boys knew about the spell because her heart was beating loudly, he was sure to hear it.

He held his hand out to her, really allowing himself to take the sight of her in. The mask she was wearing covered the top half of her face, the white and silver contrasting beautifully with the black lace dress. She looked breathtaking, and if he'd had any breath to give, he would have. She stepped forward slowly, taking his hand and letting him lead her to the door. He was a perfect gentleman all the way to the car, opening the door for her and using pristine manners. It was something she wasn't entirely used to and it fascinated her. "What's with the attitude?" she asked once he'd started the car.

"What do you mean?"

"You're being so polite…so…"

"Human?" he finished, nearly running a red light. "Isn't that how you like me?"

"It's just different." She shrugged and turned to look out the window. "Elena says that you're a lot rougher now. Hard and occasionally mean."

He slipped his hand into her knee, finding her hand and pulling it towards him. She felt his palm press against the back of her hand, holding it to his thigh. "Want to see just how hard and rough I've become? That little tryst in the living room last year hardly satisfied."

Elena had no idea what she was talking about, but she pulled her hand back quickly. "I'm here with you to make Elena jealous, to get Stefan's attention. If you think there is anything more I want out of this, you're mistaken."

He pulled in behind a line of cars leading to the mansion and pressed on the break, leaning over in the seat. "What do you say Katherine, one last hoorah?"

Elena felt his hand slip back onto her leg, slightly under her dress but she repressed the shiver and turned a glare on him. If he thought she was Katherine, since according to his version of the plan they hadn't switched yet…he was acting very strangely. "I thought you wanted Elena."

He backed off and slipped his foot from the brake, following the slow line of cars as keys were exchanged hands and guests were welcomed to the party. "I do, but we're here now. I thought it might be best to take advantage of it."

"No."

"Alright, I got it. No touching. My apologies Miss Katherine."

Elena shifted uncomfortably in the seat, willing herself to remain calm until they were inside. She would find Katherine and they would end this whole silly thing. She couldn't go through with it, she couldn't last one more minute like this. It was all too confusing and even she was beginning to lose track of who she was supposed to be and at what time. Was she supposed to be Katherine right now, or was she supposed to be her? Had Damon already called her out on it and she hadn't realized it yet? Her head spun as the car came to a stop and Damon got out, handing the keys over and helping her out of the car.

She wasn't sure what was going on anymore, and she suddenly just wanted the night to be over. This plan was slowly becoming a disaster and she wanted nothing more than to run and hide behind a bush and cower there until morning. Mrs. Lockwood captured her hand, talking about something to do with a Mystic Falls event for next month, but Elena only nodded as Damon said he would get them drinks. She was glad, needing the moment to regain her bearings. Mrs. Lockwood chattered on before Tyler pulled her away to speak to Caroline's mother. Elena looked around, desperate to find Katherine. Their eyes met across the room and she stepped forward, spotting Caroline disappear, and Stefan pass his brother.

Damon went to the bar, and Stefan went to Katherine. They shared a few words, but were unable to share anything deep as the boys were listening closely. Elena sighed and went to Damon, taking the drink he offered her. She watched out of the corner of her as Stefan took Katherine away roughly. Either they'd gotten in a fight or he'd called her out on it already. Damon noticed too and did his best to hide his smirk as he sipped at his brandy. The song changed slightly to an actual number someone could dance to, and he took her hand. "I'm sorry about what happened in the car. Will you dance with me, for old times sake? I realize the reason we are is missing at the moment, but we could always indulge for a minute."

Elena nodded, letting Damon pull her onto the floor. He danced them in a slow circle a few times, holding their bodies tightly together. She let her eyes close, her head settle on his chest as she relaxed into the moment. It was comfortable here, safe here and she didn't have to pretend. Then, Damon dipped her straight to the floor, the curls Katherine had done for her brushing the marble. There was a gleam in his eyes, something she couldn't quite interpret, and then it was gone. He pulled her back, tighter against him this time and moved his mouth close to her ear. "I know it's you Elena."

Now, she really was confused. "No," she shook her head, looking up at him. "I'm Katherine."

"No." Damon continued to spin them slowly, his voice low so that no one could hear it. "You're Elena and this was all your idea. Katherine is with my brother right now like she's supposed to be and you're here in my arms, like you're supposed to be."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Elena said, stepping back from him. "I'm not in the mood for your games Mr. Salvatore."

He smirked, and clapped his hands together twice. "That was good, you sounded almost exactly like her. Too bad I know you're Elena."

"I am not!" she spoke a little louder than dance floor etiquette allowed and Damon hurriedly ushered her off the dance floor. "I am not." She repeated more quietly once they were outside in the garden.

"You can't lie to me Elena, you can try and trick me but it won't last for very long. Stefan and I knew about your first plan days ago…but what you don't know, what Stefan doesn't even know is that I knew about the second plan. You're little girl power thing would have worked perfectly if you'd bothered to lock your windows at night. Didn't anyone ever tell you that you talk in your sleep?"

Elena froze, turning around to face him. "You snuck into my room again."

He nodded, slipping his mask off and crossing his arms over his chest. "That nightmare you had last night, the one about the ball…I heard all of it. It didn't take long to figure out what you and Katherine were planning…again."

"Does Stefan know?"

"No." Damon shook his head. "Baby brother's head was already about to explode from the first trick. I didn't think he needed another thing to try and figure out. Hell, I barely could figure it out."

"I know." She laughed a little, rubbing her bare arms. The wind wasn't exactly cold, but she was.

His eyes softened, his anger disappeared and she stepped closer to her.f"Here." He took his suit jacket off and slung it across her shoulders. "I don't want to fight Elena. I'm sorry I yelled."

She curled up in his jacket, breathing in his scent and feeling the warmth move into her body. "I don't either. I'm sorry I tried to trick you."

"Tried." He laughed and hesitantly put his arms around her. "It would have worked if Stefan and I hadn't heard you all talking."

"I guess it wasn't meant to be." She shrugged, turning slightly in his arms. "I can't believe you aren't mad."

He smirked, pulling her tight against him. The music from the party could be heard faintly and they were dancing again. "Oh, I'm furious and you will pay for this, but not tonight. Tonight is about us."

"Us?" she looked up at him, his eyes shockingly bright.

"Come home with me Elena."

He watched her face, watched her bottom lip get trapped between her teeth. "Yes."

He took his hand and pulled her to the cars, handing the valet his ticket in exchange for his keys. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she watched him walk to the driver's side. She hugged his jacket tighter to her body, closing her eyes for a moment. She was much to lucky to have gotten away with this so easily, and just what exactly had he meant by she would pay for it? The thought both thrilled and scared her, but she put it aside. She didn't have to worry about it tonight…tonight was going to be perfect. As he drove, their hands linked and he lightly squeezed. They were silent until the car pulled into his spot in the garage, then he killed the engine and she looked at him.

The sparks ignited and she practically leaped across the car to get to him. Damon gave a quick 'oof' sound before her lips were on his and then he was tugging her skirt up to her hips. Her ass sat against the steeringwheel and hit the horn, the sound echoing loudly in the garage. He laughed, pulling back from the kiss and smoothing her curls back from her face. "I think we should go inside."

"It would probably be a bit more romantic." He pushed open the door, helping her out.

They were back around each other the second they were inside the door, Damon pressing her against the wall, his lips on her neck, his hand hooking behind her knee to pull her legs up around them. He groaned deep in her ear when she rocked her hips against his, her dress hiking itself up higher. He caught sight of the blood red lace panties she was wearing before she hooked her ankles around his waist and kicked her heels off. "Are we going to make love right here against the wall?" she asked laughing when he shook his head.

"The idea is tempting, but I think you'll approve of what's upstairs a little more."

He watched her eyes flick upward, the curiosity driving her crazy. "What's that?"

"Hold on." He smirked, pressing his lips to hers.

When she opened her eyes again they were upstairs and he was setting her on her feet. "Wow."

"Wait here." He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead and disappeared into the bedroom. She waited patiently, pulling her dress down and fixing her mask, that somehow had managed to stay on through his assault. "K, you can come in now."

She pushed open the door, peeking in. All breath left her lungs as she took in the sight of the room, of him. His tie hung open around his neck, the first three buttons of his shirt loosened showing off his chest. There were candles lit on every available surface and rose petals on the turned down bed. He smiled at the slightly dazed look on her eyes as she came forward, running her hand over the black satin sheets. "You did all this for me?"

"My room always looks like this." He teased and grabbed her hand, spinning her once back into her arms. "Like?"

"No." she shook her head, pressing up on her toes to kiss him. "I love it. Thank you."

He gently pushed her back, stalking around her until he was behind her. She felt his hands smooth from her shoulders, down to her wrists, his fingers lacing with hers as he dipped his head and kissed along her neck, dropping a strap down her arm. She heard the pop of his fangs, felt them scrape for a moment before they were gone again. She moaned at the sensation, leaning back against him. His hands clenched tightly on hers for a moment before he released her and unlaced her mask. She shook her head a little to fix her hair as he set the mask on the bedside table before turning back and moving her hair to the other side of her neck.

She sighed again, the feel of his lips, his tongue teasing her. Both straps hung low on her shoulders as he moved to unzip her dress. She hugged it to her for a moment, taking a deep breath before letting it fall. Her breath came in shattered as he splayed his hands across her bare stomach, turning her around the face him. She didn't look up at him until he put a finger under her chin and lifted her face up to his. "You don't have to be afraid of me Elena. I'm not going to do anything to hurt you."

"I know." She nodded slightly, meeting his gaze. "This is new to me."

"What is?" he knew she wasn't a virgin, knew he wasn't even the first vampire she'd slept with.

"You, us…this feeling. My…love for you isn't something I was prepared for."

His hands tightened on her waists roughly as he dissected what she'd just said. "Love?"

"Yes Damon, I love you."

He had never heard a more beautiful sentence in his life. "I've been waiting for over a hundred years to hear you say that."

She laughed as he picked her up, one arm under her knees, the other around her shoulder. "You didn't know me until three years ago."

He laid her gently on the bed, the cool satin sheets taunting her rapidly heating skin. "I always knew I was destined for something Elena, and it was you."

"Don't you have something else to say?" she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers delving into his hair and lightly tugging.

"Hmm." He pressed kisses to her neck, to her collarbone, licking and nibbling. "I think there may be something…"

"Damon." His name started out as a demand, but when his fingers slipped into her panties, it quickly became a desperate moan. "Oh God."

"What?" he teased her clit a little faster, then slipped one finger inside her. "You're so wet."

"More Damon." She tugged harder on his hair, bringing his lips to hers.

"More of this?" he asked, his fingers pressed harder but she shook her head.

"No, you Damon. I want you."

He reached back around her and unsnapped her bra, tossing it to the floor. She watched as he got off the bed, the candlelight playing over the lines of his body. His eyes captured hers, holding her in a trance as he slipped out of his shirt and pants. She took in every inch of his naked body, moving away slightly so he could get onto the bed next to her. He grabbed a handful of petals and let them rain over her body, bending down to kiss along her side. He let his tongue trail of her ribs to her hips, slowly pulling her panties down her legs.

"Say it again."

She looked down, seeing him gaze up at her from between her thighs. The sight made her ached even more and she shivered at the sight, his fangs hovering an inch over her wetness. "I want you Damon."

He smirked, kissing up to her lips and bringing her legs tight around him. "Are you ready?"

"For what?" a pleased hiss escaped her lips a moment later as he slipped inside her. She clenched tightly around him, her nails digging into his chest. "Fuck, Damon."

"You're so sexy." He whispered, his tongue bringing her earlobe between his teeth. "So beautiful. I love you Elena."

She looked up at him, his thrusts halting for a moment. "You said it."

A genuine smile crawled across his lips as he began moving again. "I did, and I plan on saying it at least a dozen more times tonight."

"What do you say to no more talking, and a lot more of this?" she bucked her hips up against his, moaning when he slipped deeper inside her.

His fingers gripped bruisingly into her skin as he moved deeper and slower, drawing out each sensations painfully slow. "Come for me Elena, come for me and scream my name when you do it."

She nodded, gripping him tighter. He waited until she was moaning, and then he thrust home. She did scream, she did call his name, and he did tell her he loved her twice more before they fell asleep. A few hours later he woke up, his mind and body desperate to make sure that it wasn't just a dream. As if on cue she moved closer to him, her face pressed against his chest. He felt her lips touch for a moment and held her tight. It hadn't been a dream…she was really his and he was hers.

a/n: finally, the Delena action we've been waiting for. I hope it lived up to everyone's expectations. One more chapter to go!