He looked tired. I could see him lounging against one of the couches looking every bit as devilish as he was but there was tiredness in his eyes. I left Ric as quickly as I could, making horrible excuses so I could go to him. Ric understood and let me go, asking of me to care for him. Ric was at loss at how to help him but he thought I could.
It took me a long time to make my way to him. People stopped me constantly to comment on my gown or to introduce themselves. Other vampires, besides the lords, were invited to the Christmas party and there were many who knew of Damon. Many seemed to be curious about me but I was in no mood to play hostess or interested guest.
He didn't even look at me when I finally stood before him. He was so exhausted I couldn't hear him at all and I wondered if he was all right. He was pale, so deathly pale, and I realized he had not fed before the party. He was weakened and it was my fault.
I moved to him, opening my arms and pulling him against me. He came limply as his cheek pressed to my breasts in need. His arms wrapped around my waist lightly and I stroked his hair gently. He was the strongest man I knew and to see him looking so desolate I couldn't help but comfort him.
"I thought you might be too ill," he said softly. "I had thought you might avoid the festivities."
"And leave you unattended?" I replied. "You might do something you regret."
"Mmm..."he said with a nuzzle. Fire shot through my breasts as he did tempting, private things with his nose. We were in a crowded ballroom and he was purposefully arousing me. Drawing me deeper into his private nook, I went willingly. My back was to the ballroom but I still jumped when I felt his hand underneath my dress.
"Damon! Someone will see!" I hissed in alarm as his fingers reached the lacy underthings Carol had pulled from my suitcases. Down the front of me I felt his thumb rubbing over the lace until my knees swayed. It had been too long for us and I felt the desire pooling. His hands slid down to the back of my knees and he looked up at me pleased with himself.
"You look beautiful," he said calmly. "Are you hungry or do you want to dance?"
"I'd rather sit here with you honestly," I replied as I moved to the couch. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders as I snuggled up against him. He put his head against mine and the silence between us was relaxation defined. The music and laughter fell away as we just spent time with each other.
He took my hand in his and just held it. His thumb brushed over the back of my hand gently as I turned to kiss him. His lips were warm and inviting as they moved over mine with purpose. My other hand curled around his cheek to hold him to me. We had so few moments together since we'd been separated and I liked being here with him when he was being kind.
Moments like this had been hard to come by in our early years when I was depressed and moody and he was protective. As time went by we were able to become a couple who had issues with the relationship but depended too heavily on each other. It was not healthy but it was enough for that time. Now, for the first time in our relationship, I could see us as a real, healthy couple.
He was trying to fight his protective urges slightly and I was being more understanding. We talked more now than we ever had before and Damon proved how much he had listened to me in the past. I was accepting my feelings of him and learning so much about him from his friends. It was an enlightening experience to say the least.
It was becoming a question of whether or not I could commit to Damon for eternity. It was a question of whether this relationship would be healthy once it was permanent. Would he lock me away in the mansion in order to keep me safe? Would I still challenge him and make him happy? Would we be able to sustain the feelings I had for him now? These questions rattled through my head as we let the party pass us by.
By the time we realized what time it was, four hours had passed and midnight was quickly approaching. Most of the partiers had retired by now or were at least off hunting something in the woods. We left the privacy of the couch and Damon mentioned something about going to my room. Our night was at an end and we'd hardly said anything to each other. We'd wasted hours we had together for what? Silence? Companionship?
We were at my door much too quickly for my liking and I spun to kiss him, tugging him down to me impatiently. He came willingly, pressing me to the door and flattening my skirt between us. His hands were hard as they gripped my hips with intention. Through all of the clothing I could feel him throbbing and ready. His eyes darkened and I knew his fangs would be visible. My tongue traced them gently until they were gone from his mouth, a sharp reminder of the predator he was.
His darkened eyes held promise as I panted lightly against the door. His lips moved over my chin, my jaw, my ears until I was raking my nails down his back in need. He lifted me up and led me to wrap my legs around his hips. He reached down and fumbled with the door handle until we fell through into the room.
"Damon you should go?" I managed between heated kisses.
"Why?" he asked with frustration.
"Because of the rules," I replied.
"Oh those," he chuckled. "We have twenty four hours Elena...alone."
"How? Why?" I managed before not caring. I climbed down him like a monkey sad to leave her tree. I pulled him after me until we reached the bed, covers down and ready for us.
"I negotiated for twenty four hours and I intend to take my time with you. I promised Christmas and I never forget a promise," he whispered. "Now can I unwrap you?"
"Merry Christmas Damon," I said with a smile.