A/N: Thank you to all for reading, and those of you leaving your reviews. What's Damon doing about getting the love of his life back and will Elena let him?

Chapter 21 – I promise you.

Elena opened the door to her house and for once was grateful neither one of her flatmates were home. Of course she'd told them who she was with last night and not to expect her home for awhile.

Caroline had demanded she return immediately. Even suggesting she wasn't safe with Damon of all people. How wrong she was. He would never hurt her intentionally, Elena knew that. Damon may have slept last night, but she was awake for most of it, wondering if his words were just that. How did she know a week or month from now if he'd get freaked out and do this again? And the Russian roulette game with her heart was in full swing once more?

She climbed the stairs to her bedroom willing herself to keep moving and not fly out the door to find him. Did she feel guilty for running out on him? Sure. But leaving the note was easier when Damon was in no position to talk her out of it or take her into his arms and kiss her with his promises he was a changed man. He needed to find peace within himself first of all, or he would never be free. Elena knew this merry go round of emotions would remain like a balloon about to burst, and she couldn't live that way.

Her cell vibrated on the bedside table, she picked it up. "Hey Ric. How are you feeling? Still in the hospital?"

"Elena, I'm glad I caught you. Yep I'm still in this damn place. Listen, I need a favour? This stupid insurance guy is going to be at the hotel Gravity at 2.00pm today. Could you meet him there? He needs to come past the shop for a couple of things. I would ask Damon but he's kind of busy while I'm out of action."

She frowned at the mention of Damon's name. What had he told Alaric? "Have you heard from him?"

Ric spoke fast, "Nope but I think I'll hear from him soon. Anyway thanks Elena. Got to go."

Pulling her clothes off she went to the bathroom filling the bath with hot soapy water to wash away her worries. Sinking beneath the bubbles she allowed her mind to wander about her future. There were three weeks left of the season, and then she'd return to LA. Perhaps this time Elena would do something with her degree, she had it but always seemed to fluff around about taking the next step. There were several hospitals she knew were keen to secure her services.

Yep she was heading back to her real life and leaving the one she made in Aspen once more. Elena knew this year would be the last time she'd be working as a ski instructor. When the season finished, living here with her friends would be no more and all the fun times would become distant memories. The only difference this time, she'd met someone, and fallen hopelessly in love. What was he doing right now? Fuming at her for running away and falling back into his old habits of hating the world?

Blow-drying her hair and adding some gloss to her lips, she pulled on a pair of skinny legged jeans and a purple knitted top with black ankle boots. At twelve, she headed downstairs desperate for a coffee. She walked into the kitchen, finding Bonnie rummaging around in the pantry. "Hey I didn't know you were here?"

Her friend stuck her head out, "Elena," and five seconds later she was in her arms. "I came home for lunch. We have been worried. Tell me everything."

Elena switched the machine on first, and when the steaming cup with frothy milk was in her hands, they sat at the table. "Last night was the best and one of the worst nights of my life."

"This Liam what a piece of shit. I want to kick his balls. I'm sorry we should of all left together."

"It's fine Bon. I told Caroline it would be OK. He followed me from the bar, cornering me in an alley when I heard his footsteps approaching."

Bonnie was livid. "What a scumbag. Thank god for Damon turning up when he did. That man has this knack for rescuing you Elena."

She looked down at her cup, talking about him right now was still so raw. After the events from last night, their feelings for one another declared, they were still so far apart. "Damon has a lot of good qualities. Yes he's always been there for me. But how I am supposed to forget about all the other stuff? Last night something happened between us."

"Don't tell me you slept together?"

Glancing at Bonnie's incredulous expression, she had to smile. "No of course not. He told me the truth."

"What? That he's the biggest douchebag around?"

"Damon never slept with Andie. It was all part of a ruse to get me to hate him forever."

"Are you freaking kidding me? What was he thinking?"

"He thought he was doing the right thing by me. Damon has a lot of baggage and doesn't believe he deserves any happiness."

"I know he has a past and I'm not going to pry. So what exactly happened with him last night Elena?"

The moment played inside her head, had been for most of the day. "He finally told me how he felt. Damon said he's in love with me."

Bonnie let out a screech like some kind of wild banshee. "Oh my god. What did you say?"

"I told him I loved him."

Bonnie clapped her hands together. "Yes Yes Yes. So why do you look so sombre?"

"I left him. I told him I was too scared to be with him. If and when Damon can find forgiveness and move on from the past, maybe we'll have a chance." She walked to the sink washing her mug in soapy water. "I love him Bonnie. But right now our relationship or whatever it's called, is on hold."

"You know what I think? Damon's going to work on his issues sooner than you think. There is no way he'd want to waste another minute when he finally admitted he loved you."

"I don't know Bonnie but I hope you're right."

[~]

The walk to the fancy five star hotel of Gravity would take her at least half an hour. Why Ric arranged to meet him at such a prestigious locale, she had no idea. The hotel was usually reserved for the rich and famous when they came to town. She pushed the revolving doors and exited into the lobby with the expensive marble floors clicking beneath her heels, and mirrored walls watching her every move. Elena took a seat in one of the plush lounge chairs and glanced around in annoyance. Christ she had no idea who she was supposed to be waiting for. What did Alaric say again? Perhaps she'd been too busy thinking of Damon to pay attention. Just as she was about to call Ric, Elena caught sight of him through the crowd.

He still had the clothes on from last night. His hair all messy like he'd been running his hands through it endlessly. His face creased with worry. His eyes wandered around the room and back to the oval clock hanging above the reception desks. She glanced at her watch, 2.05. What was he doing here? Damon checked the time again, his fist pounding against the wall in frustration.

She left her seat, coming to a standstill behind him. "Damon?"

He spun around so fast with the biggest smile on his perfectly handsome face. "You came," he said, twirling her effortlessly through the air.

Elena noticed the shine in his eyes lighting his face with happiness. He'd been waiting for her. That's when it dawned on her, she'd been duped. "You're an ass for getting Ric to do your dirty work. Why am I here?" she said, pulling herself free from his arms.

His face dropped. "I don't blame you for running out on me. The letter you left – every word was true. I've acted like an A class jerk. I'm the one who's sorry for this mess we find ourselves in. Can you come with me, please Elena?" He put out his hand, waiting for her to take it.

For once Damon read like an open book, his emotions no longer hiding behind a smirk or through hooded eyes. Hesitantly she put her hand in his and he let out a sigh of relief. Elena's heart pounded as they walked towards one of the meeting rooms. A flurry of activity was going on inside, camera, lights, and Andie Star.

Elena scowled when the other woman approached her. The blonde reporter said, "I want to apologise Elena. I'm not that kind of person. I'm sorry for my part in that debacle. Damon and I never.."

"I know," she answered dismissively. Andie gave them some space, heading over to the camera man. "What's going on Damon?"

He motioned at himself. "Andie is doing the interview with me, right now."

She looked around wondering what the hurry was. He'd declined doing this for years. Yes, he made a deal with Andie only a few days ago with their little conspiracy. But Elena figured the interview would be happening later and why the hell did he want her here for anyway? "Are you sure Damon? You always said this was something you would never do."

Damon wrapped his arms around her waist and leant in close. "I've said and done a lot of stupid things. My decisions are affected by my failure to address the past. I can't move on completely until I let go. I'm doing this because I don't want to risk losing you again Elena. I want you to see there is nothing to fear in being with me. I don't want to be that guy anymore."

She squeezed him tight, feeling some regret over the harsh words she'd left him. "I'm proud of you. This has been a long time coming. You and I have so much to discuss afterwards. Good luck in there." Placing a kiss on his cheek, she was taken to another room to watch the interview on a monitor.

He sat on a chair while they prepared to start. Counting down it started, five, four, three, two, one. The blonde appeared on the screen. "Andie Star coming live from Aspen. Today, I have a story about loss, consequences and moving forward. Three years ago on Mt Everest two deadly avalanches hit, killing many. Without much hope for survival, one man, Damon Salvatore escaped the odds and he's here with me today."

Damon answered Andie's questions without hesitation, his emotions still raw. "How did you survive those avalanches Damon?"

Elena held her breath. His blue eyes didn't waiver, but his voice broke. "The first one tumbled towards us and in seconds it covered me with debris. When I dug free, that's when I found Enzo: the impact pushed him over the edge." He glanced up at the ceiling, swallowing hard. "I tried to pull him back to safety. The wind was blowing around and within minutes we both heard another rumble. Enzo shouted up at me, do it now."

"Meaning?"

His stared right at her. "Cut the rope."

Andie's eyes looked like they were starting to tear up. They were talking about a man they both used to love. "Life or death choices Damon."

He nodded. "I know and he knew his fate was in my hands. I made the choice and I cut Enzo loose, watching him free falling down below."

Andie had gained her composure. "You cut the rope to save yourself? Not many people would find themselves in your situation. What a terrible choice to make. How did you feel?"

"I wanted to die too. I let someone I loved and admired go, by taking his life for my own."

"But you did survive. For two days you were lost, presumed dead on the mountains of Everest. How much has your life been affected by this ordeal?"

He stared into the camera. "My world turned dark. My old life was left behind. The never ending guilt consumed me. I was dead inside. Until one day I discovered a ray of light."

"What was the light?"

"I rescued this woman lost in a blizzard. She's amazing and has this thing about never giving up."

"You saved her? Sounds like she saved you too. Let's get her out here, Elena Gilbert."

Surprised at this turn of events, she was ushered into the room and seated beside Damon. He smiled at her, taking her hand.

"Elena is a highly regarded ski instructor here in Aspen. Damon is quite the hero huh?"

She smiled at him, then answered Andie. "Yes. I'm lucky he was there for me. That tag he's never been a fan of either, hero. Damon has never believed he deserved any accolades."

"I think we can all say that's true. Damon anything you want to say?"

Her head turned towards him and his eyes held hers. Every other person in the room faded away and the fact they were on live TV forgotten. "I'm the lucky one. You came into my life or what was an empty void and turned it upside down. You gave me a reason to live again." His hands grasped something from his pocket. Smiling, he said, "I'm crazy in love with you Elena. I'm making you a promise: I'm leaving the past behind, it's all about our future, together."

He slipped a silver bracelet onto her wrist and there dangling close together she saw the two charms he'd bought: a single heart and the other an infinity symbol. This time she knew he meant it. His love for her was one of a kind, the one you always hoped to find, eternal. All the fears she felt this morning disappeared. She wanted to be with him forever. "Damon. This is beautiful. You and I have something truly amazing. I love you."

The camera and lights shut off and then it was just the two of them. She jumped into his arms, nearly bowling him over. "What did you just do? Damon?"

He laughed, embracing her. "I know. Holy fuck. I just told the world I'm in love with you and that promise I'm going to keep."

She hugged him like she was never going to let him go. "I believe you, I do." Yanking his head towards hers she plundered his lips again and again. In their desire for one another, Elena found herself wedged up against the desk with Damon firmly positioned between her thighs. Breaking for air, Elena whispered, "Is this real? Do you know how much I love you?"

Damon's voice was husky when he called her name, "Elena." He picked her up and rushed from the room towards the elevators, hitting the button to the top floor. "They also threw in a night in the penthouse and we're gonna be all alone baby." His body covered hers once more, pressing her back against the mirrored doors. His mouth taking hold of hers, slowly, teasingly.

Frustrated she grasped hold of his hips grinding herself against his arousal. It had been too long. Their lovemaking was like no other.

Their lips still fused together, Damon struggled to get them both through the door. His hands tearing at her top until his fingers reached her naked flesh, stroking against her taut peaks. Elena arched against him, willing his lips to follow. Damon trailed kisses down her throat, "You are so beautiful. My god you have me on fire." His mouth covered her nipple, suckling like a man parched for water.

Her fingers clasped his neck. His breath and tongue wrecking havoc to her senses. She needed him so bad.

Grinning, he gazed up at her. "I've missed you. You taste so good."

Elena pulled the torn garments from her chest. The aching need to be with him consuming her. Tugging on his hand she lead him towards a bathroom.

He stopped at the doorway. "Elena? What are you doing?"

She yanked down her jeans standing before him in only her panties. "I'm taking a shower. Join me." Without waiting for his answer, she slid the silk panties off her legs. Standing naked before him she saw his intake of breath and his eyes travelling over every inch of her body in vivid detail.

Smiling she opened the shower door and flicked on the hot tap. Any second he was going to be naked and in here with her. When she turned around she collided with the hardness of his bare chest. Damon's arms blocking her against the tiled walls. "You drive me crazy. I love you Elena. I can't deny how I feel anymore. I can't deny I want you right now. You are beautiful and perfect in every way."

Damon fused his lips against hers, openly parting wider to meet the strokes of his tongue thrashing against her own. Her fingers slid around his neck and up through his now damp hair. Oh yes this is exactly what she needed, the feel of his wet naked skin crushed against hers. Her hands wandering over his toned ass glorifying in his well defined body. She allowed her fingers to splay along his hardness, her hands easily sliding up and down his length.

Damon bit down on her earlobe, panting, "I want you."

With one quick move, he was on bended knees before her, one hand parting open her thighs exposing her delicate centre. When his mouth commenced his magic, sucking on her pink bud under the spray of the water, she groaned with need, fisting his hair, thrashing beneath his touch. "Damon.. Oh my god." And with a few more strokes, she felt her release, an explosion of a thousand shards of glass.

Limp like a rag doll she felt him lift her body upwards wrapping her legs around his waist. Pressing himself closer he probed her gently. Gasping in delight she arched her hips downwards joining them as one. They stayed still for awhile, eyes locked on each other. Every pulse, every nerve on fire. She reached for his face. "I love you Damon Salvatore."

His desire laden eyes stared back at hers. "I know. I love you Elena. I'm never letting you go." Kissing her once more he started moving her hips up and down, fast then slow. The delicious friction building between them until she felt her body quiver around him and his warmth exploding inside of her.

He turned off the taps. Neither of them moving. This moment they wanted to savour. Damon stroked the wet hair from her face. "You are amazing Miss Gilbert."

Kissing his lips between words, she said, "I think you are pretty special Damon Salvatore."

Towelling themselves dry, they put on the fluffy bathrobes and he carried her to bed. Under the warmth of the blankets he cradled her against his chest. "Right here in my arms is where I always want you to be. When I'm with you the world is a colorful place - all the darkness fades away."

She reached up, placing a tender kiss upon his lips. "I want you to be happy and I'm glad you found it with me. I can't wait to see what our future holds."

Damon whistled to himself. The quiet sound of the shop feeling a little weird. Today was the day, when Aspen closed the ski season for another year. The place gleamed clean, all the dust and grease gone. He emptied out his locker, piling his possessions into his sports bag.

"You got everything?"

He looked up at his boss. Ric had two glasses in his hand and a statutory bottle of bourbon ready to be drank. "I do. I see you are prepared."

He set the glasses on the bench. "This is for old times sake. You know I'm actually going to miss you being around Damon."

That's right as well as being the end of the season, it was Damon's last day at Ski Repairs You Need. He was going home. New York awaited him and the family he'd shunned for too many years. "Don't start getting soppy on me."

He laughed, handing him a drink. "I'll leave the soppy to you and your girlfriend. When is Elena heading back?"

The mere mention of her name caused his heart to flutter. Three weeks had been nowhere enough time. "Tomorrow. I miss her already." Elena was going back to LA for now. Just how long they weren't sure on yet.

"Damon Salvatore is in love.. Give her a week I bet. She'll be there. Elena's crazy about you."

He knew that. But asking her to move cross country was big. They both knew him moving to LA was not an option and long distance was out of the question. "She has things to work out. As do I. Like get another job and find somewhere to live."

"So do I get an invitation to visit when your settled? New York awaits us."

"You can, as long as you give me a good reference. What are you going to do with the free time?"

"Put my feet up. Have a break it's been a long winter."

"You need a good woman to take care of you."

"Love advice from you? God help me." He punched him playfully on the arm.

Ric had recovered well from the accident. He'd gone home and arranged some care to make sure he was doing the exercises, eating the right foods and to lay off the booze. The first time he saw Alaric after the interview, he'd told him, "I watched your story on TV. Damon I had no idea. I'm really sorry. I get why you lost it when I had my accident. You've always got a best buddy in me." They kind of hugged it out.

The empty bottle sat before them. This was it. Damon was officially done. "I don't know what to say. Thanks for putting up with me all these years. We'll be back Ric. Elena and I have a soft spot for Aspen."

They both headed for the door. Damon glancing back one last time. Ric locked up and patted him on the back. "Go find your girl before she leaves tomorrow. Good luck in the big apple. I'll be seeing you Damon." He headed up the icy path waving his hand in the air.

Damon made his way to Elena's house. Her final night. Their final night here together. The doorbell rang twice, before the door flew open and Elena ran into his embrace showering him with kisses. Amused, he said, "Hey baby. You happy to see me?"

Pulling him into the entry hall she murmured, "I'm always happy to see you. How was your last day?" Her arms around his waist, she led him into the living room where the fire was burning and a bottle of wine waiting.

Damon shrugged out of his coat, sitting down beside her. "We cleaned the place up well. My locker empty. You wouldn't believe the crap I found in there. I'm going to miss working with Ric."

Elena poured the wine into the glasses. Handing him one, she clinked it against hers. "To Repairs You Need."

He sipped the red. "Hmm that's a good drop. So my lovely lady, here we are. Our time in Aspen is drawing to a close." His fingers traced along her jawline. Her breath hitched as it did whenever he was close. Her gaze flicked on his.

"I'm going to miss Aspen, my friends, but especially the times when it was the two of us at your cabin." She leant closer their lips meeting in a tender kiss.

He stroked her hair. "We had some goods times. I grew fond of my little place on the mountain. It's the right time to move on."

She stared at him. "What do you think will happen? Will they try and lease it out again or leave it vacant?"

"I don't know. Who knows maybe they'll sell it to us one-day and it will become our holiday home. You like the sound of that?"

"I love it."

Damon glanced upwards. "So where are your soon to be ex roomates?"

"They went out for dinner to give us some time alone. They are flying out tomorrow too." She kicked her shoes off, settling her legs across his lap.

His fingers began massaging her calves. "What do they think about you maybe moving to New York?"

"They get it Damon. We are crazy about each other and can't stand the thought of being apart. Something has to give. I understand why it can't be you."

He nodded. "How are you feeling about all this? You're the one with a huge decision to make?"

Elena entwined her hand with his, kissing the top of his palm. "It's scary but I know it's right. Damon I can't live a life where your not in it. There's stuff I need to do in LA. When I'm done I'll be on that flight in a heartbeat. I'm so in love with you. I can't wait to move to New York and start our new life."

Damon pulled her into his lap. "Did you just say that? You are moving to be with me?" Watching her nod, he let out a whoop of joy. "My girl is coming to town. Do you know how happy I am? God I love you Elena." In one move Damon pressed her down into the sofa, grasping her face, "You are my life." His mouth crashed down on hers fiercely, branding her as his. Their kiss deepened, her hands roamed up and down his back before resting on his hips. He swung her legs around his waist and settled between her thighs. His arousal bulging through the fabric of his pants.

Elena groaned, grinding her hips against him. "Damon. I can't wait. Here. Now. Please."

With no care at being caught, he was happy to oblige. His hands slid up her legs until they reached her underwear. One tug and they were gone, his fingers free to explore. He watched her face writhe with pleasure and when he thought she could have no more, he unzipped himself and sheathed her to the hilt. Her hips meeting each of his thrusts, rhythm for rhythm. Until they were both seeing stars together.

In the aftermath of their lovemaking his hands caressed up and down her arm. His fingers finding her bracelet. "I think I did well with this. I know what to get you for our one year anniversary."

"One year? What?"

"Ski charm. Then second year how about a snowboard?"

She whacked his thigh. "I do love it, especially this one right here." Her fingers touching the one which had no bounds. "My love for you is endless. I'm so happy Damon."

"I can't stand to be apart from you. Hurry back to me Elena. New York will be waiting." Damon carried her upstairs to her bedroom, where they spent the rest of the night exchanging words and making tender love.

The shackles holding him back in the past were finally gone and now he was a free man. Enzo was never going to be forgotten and in some way Damon knew he'd always be up there watching over him.