AN: Flashback chapter! Hope you guys enjoy a happier moments compared to all the sadness that has been going on as of lately in this story. Also, thank you for putting up with my slow updates. I've been settling into a new job and now working two jobs at the moment so needless to say, I'm busy. I'll try my best to get updates posted as soon as I can. Thank you for reading and please make sure to leave a review.
CHAPTER 21.
BE THERE IN TEN MINUTES, the text message bubble on his phone appeared on his home screen. All sweaty and out of breath, Damon leaned up against the door to his apartment and silently cursed. Ten minutes left him with no time to clean up or even catch his breath, however he should have been use to it by now. Each day either Elena or Alaric made sure he kept it on the straight and narrow by accompanying him. Needless to say, he enjoyed Elena's visits much more than Alaric's.
Only three months had come and gone since he had wallowed in his bed soaking the sheets from his cold sweats and many sleepless nights. He shivered at the thought of having to relive the pain of his withdrawals all over again. It reminded him of why he could never go back to the way he once was. Being sober wasn't easy, but it was better than being the way he used to be all the time.
Marching over to his refrigerator, Damon took a water bottle out and began to chug it. The chilled liquid felt soothingon his raw throat and refreshed his dehydrated body. Something was missing as he consumed the water though. His usual hydrating beverage had been one of the intoxicating kind three months ago, not that it ever did any hydrating in the first place. All it ever did was made him feel good, numb, and somewhat tolerable. Damon wondered how he even functioned on a normal day as he downed bottle after bottle. It was so unhealthy and it took a girl to finally make him understand the damage he was doing. He silently cursed her again.
With the time ticking away, he knew she would be knocking on his door at any minute. Trying to find anything to keep him occupied, he tore his sweaty shirt from his body and flung it into the bedroom. He messed with books on the end tables next to his couch. He scrolled through his phone checking e-mails reminding him of the busy work week he had ahead of him. Damon moaned knowing he wanted to ditch work all together, but couldn't.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Right on time.
"It's open." He yelled.
It was always open. Her and Alaric worked like clockwork when it came to him. They showed up at the same time and left at their desirable hours of reliving themselves from their watchful duties. At least, that's how he assumed Alaric felt most of the time. They kicked back and enjoyed sport games and talked non-sense, but he wasn't Elena. She was the entertainment whenever she came over. And no matter how much she tried to deny it, there was something blossoming between the two of them.
Day after day, it was an on going battle of her to admitting her feelings for him. Only once had he got her to say it out loud. Her concern with him being a recovering addict was a major reason why nothing had become official between them and he understood that, but time was passing and his sobriety was growing. His dark thoughts were still there, but he wasn't acting upon them. He was moving in the right direction and he knew it would be foolish of him to turn back. Mostly for the obvious reasons, but he didn't want to lose her. One wrong move and he feared she would walk away. Damon didn't want to be a lost cause.
"Hey," Elena greeted him. She wore a grey tank top and shorts. This was her usual outfit meaning she had to work after her visit. It made him mad to think she still worked at the same place where he ex-boyfriend, Matt was her boss. He was douche bag and held the title strong. The irritation in Elena's face mentioning work or even him made him wish she would just quit, but she refused to do that. She was a stubborn one.
"Hey you." Damon called out from his couch.
As she walked over with a white bag in her hand smelling of something delicious, he watched her like a hawk. God, she was beautiful even in something so plain. Her breasts were pushed up more than normal knowing she did so for work. Cleavage went a long way when you were waitress. However, he wished she didn't have to. What he wanted was Elena to be doing it for him and not some random stranger just so she could get a better tip. His eyes moved down from the top half of her to the lower half. Tight black shorts leaving her legs to go on for days. They were tone and silky smooth. He wanted to run his hands all over them.
"Are you trying to make me fat?" He asked taking the bag away from her. It was his favorite breakfast sandwich. She brought it over once a week and always on a Saturday.
"You don't have to eat it." Elena replied. She tried to snatch the bag away from him, but he pulled it close.
"I never said I wasn't going to eat it." Damon smiled. "I'm just saying how awful this is for you."
"Says the man who runs five miles a day and looks like a freaking underwear model." She remarked. "I think having these once a week isn't going to ruin your body."
Damon threw his arm on the back of the couch letting his body naturally turn toward her. "So you've been checking me out? Is that what you are saying, Gilbert?" He asked. The use of her last name always came into play whenever he was teasing her or flirting. It brought out a smug, but sexy look upon her face.
"I'm not saying anything." Elena shook her head and crossed her arms. Damn, he loved when she did because it pushed her breasts up even more.
"Fine. Deny. Deny. Deny." Damon said and took a bite of his sandwich.
"Anyways," she sighed loudly. "How was your run this morning? Are you feeling okay?"
He internally groaned at her inquiry. Every time she came over, she asked the same damn thing. It wasn't out of nerves, but more like habit. It was her way of making sure he was staying on track and she had every right to do so. She was there for him from the days of hell to the days of finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. What made her stick around and deal with him knowing he was more than a mess months ago and most of his life was beyond him. His past nature got girls, but never the kind of girl you wanted to take home to your mother. Elena was the perfect girl in his eyes. She was beautiful and polite. She was sexy, but shy. She was every thing he could ever want; yet she continued to push away at the ideal moment.
"I'm fine." He assured her worry. "I'm feeling great, exactly better than great now that you are here."
"Smooth." She shook her head.
"Oh come on, you love me and my flirting. I told you once that if we were going to be friends, flirting came with the territory. " Damon winked at her. He recalled the night of the party when she told him that she wanted to be just friends. Even then he knew it was never going to be that simple. "You may be able to get rid of my demons, but the true Damon Salvatore, you'll never chase him away."
"So I've noticed." Elena responded glancing over at him.
Finishing up his sandwich, he clapped his hands together to get rid of the crumbs and stood up. He placed his hands on either side of his hips and let out a deep breath. Her doe eyes stared at him waiting for him to speak.
"Come on, I want to show you something." He motioned her to follow him.
A little apprehensive, Elena got up off the couch and followed him. They moved in the direction of his bedroom. "If this is your way of getting me or any girl into your bedroom, it's awful." She laughed. Even he found humor in her remark. He was much smoother than that and she knew it. The instant replays of him failing to get her to do anything with him, even kiss were a struggle. However, there had been some successes. He smiled at the thought.
"I mean…" Damon swung his hand out to his bed.
"Just because I've made out with you a few times, does not mean I'm going to jump into bed with you." Elena crossed her arms again.
His mind went back to those few times he got her to crack. She was an amazing kisser and the few times it did happen, he didn't want it to stop. And when he didn't want it to stop, he wanted more. Elena was the biggest tease, but she was his tease. No other guy was in the picture. If they had a Facebook relationship status, it would be, "it's complicated".
"Fine." He rolled his eyes and moved to his dresser. His hand dug beneath his clothes and pulled out a long, slender box. Damon prayed this would go over well.
Turning back around, he held out the box to her. "This is for you." He said handing it to her. Elena looked at him confused and took it hesitantly.
"Oh, wow." Elena gasped as she opened it.
Inside was a necklace. The chain was silver and sitting on the chain was a diamond anchor that shined beautifully under any light. He watched her closely wondering what sort of thoughts were running through her head at such a gift.
"It's a thank you gift for every thing that you've done. You've really been there for me from the start and I wanted to get you something to show that." Damon explained. "I got you an anchor because, well, you've been my anchor through all of it."
"Damon, I can't accept this." She shook her head and closed the box. "What I did..."
"What you did and what you continue to do is more than anything anyone has ever done for me." He pushed the box back and touched the soft skin on her hands. "Please accept it. I know it may seem like a bit much, but a beautiful girl like yourself deserves something beautiful like this."
Elena opened the box again and examined the necklace. This time he saw her appreciate it for its meaning and he offered to place it around her neck. What he said about her symbolic meaning he truly meant. She was the one person who kept him in place when he wanted to wander off. Something about her just clicked with him and every thing made sense. She had no idea how much she meant to him and he hoped that through this gift she would understand a little more. As much as he liked the physical stuff with her, she was more than a make-out session or a good kiss.
She swept her hair to the side and held it up as he linked the clasps together and let it rest upon her olive skin. It looked perfect on her.
"And just so you know, you and I got Ric the same thing." He whispered from behind her. "So you two can gush over it together and know how much you mean to me."
Her body spun around and her hand hit his chest. His comment had brought out the smile he loved most about her. It was playful, but full of life.
"Thank you." Elena said sweetly and reached up to kiss his cheek.
Soft and wet, she left her mark on his cheek. Elena pulled away slowly and he saw the confliction in her eyes of wanting something, but unsure if she should go about it. Naturally, his hand rose up and brushed her cheek. The way she felt beneath his touch was something so pure and wonderful. He wished she would let him do it more often.
Damon continued to scan her face for an answer. Her tongue shot out of her mouth and she licked her lips. He knew what that meant and wanted to make the first move knowing how badly he wanted to kiss her, but resisted. If she was really debating kissing him, he wanted her to make the first move. He wanted her to want this even if it was just a simple, short kiss.
The space between them was closing in. He swore it was and it wasn't just him imagining it. Elena was actually going to do this. She was actually going to kiss him first. Feeling like a sixth grader on the playground, he awaited for their lips to meet and when they did sparkles ignited. She tasted sweet like she had the times before. Her lips were soft and plump too. Why couldn't he experience this more with her?
Waiting for the moment to break knowing she would make it just a peck, he felt her arms wrap around his eyes shot open for a brief second wondering if this was real and when he saw that it was, he pulled her close. Parting and locking together, their lips grew eager for one another. His heart rate accelerated with every kiss and their bodies meshed closer together. He couldn't believe this was really happening and that she initiated it. Damon ran this fingers through her hair passionately.
Things were heating up and fast. Sure their previous make out sessions were hot, but not like this. Elena was moving her lips rapidly and her tongue darted out into his mouth. He greeted it and gave her the same satisfaction. No longer wanting to stay standing in one spot, he motioned for them to a more comfortable spot. His bed was the only option and the closest. She didn't object as they moved and he was soon on top of her. If they weren't carefu she was really going to know how much he was enjoying this by the firmness in his running shorts. The ache from his pants was getting worse my the minute. As their mouths opened and closed changing in pace, he could taste the sweet scent of her lip gloss. She was like dessert he couldn't get enough of.
Damon relished the moment because these moments with her were so rare. It was like pulling teeth to get her to give into his flirtatous ways. When she did, he didn't hold back.
A vibration came beneath the both of them. He internally groaned knowing it was her phone and the awaiting cue for their intimate moment to end. Elena squirmed and her mouth left his. "I have to get that." She moaned. Her hand reached underneath her butt and pulled out her phone. Damn her for always causing things to come to halt.
"Damon." She said sounding annoyed, yet pleasantly still enjoying his mouth now upon her neck. Her skin was just as sweet as her lips.
"Hello?" Elena answered.
A male's voice was on the other line and he no longer found himself lost in her. He recognized the tone and slightly raised volume. It was her ex-boyfriend and still boss.
"Okay," she sighed. "I'll be there soon."
Another loud mumble came from the other end of her phone.
"Fine." Elena snapped and dropped her phone on the bed. He rose up to look down at her. Her hair was slightly messy and fanned out on his comforter. The sweat from his bare skin could be seen on her tank top.
"Work?" He asked already knowing the answer.
She nodded and propped herself up as he rolled off her and ran his hand through his hair.
"We're expecting a large group. Lunch rush." Elena stated.
Damon rolled his eyes. "I wish you would quit that place. You know you're better than that."
"I do." She replied. "But its money that I need." Elena tied her hair up and smoothed out her tank top. "And we both know the real reason why you want me to quit."
"Yep, starts with a D and ends with a -ouche Bag." Damon laughed. "You and I both know that you hate working there too. Not to mention Matt treats you like shit which isn't anything new."
Elena appeared uncomfortable at the mention of her ex. Even though she was still required to interact with him, she was completely done with Matt. He loathed the son of a bitch. From what she told him and complained about, he knew she was sugar coating it. It took him every ounce not to go down there and give him a piece of his mind and how he treated his wait staff. However, he knew if he did that Elena would probably give him the cold shoulder and he didn't want that. She was warming up to him more and more each day and he wasn't about to break their bond.
"Elena, after every thing you've done for me and seeing as you and I have something going on, you know you're more than welcome to stay here." He mentioned.
"Move in? Damon, we talked about this." She sighed letting her shoulders fall. "You know how I feel about our situation."
Oh, he knew. It was a constant reminder of why they couldn't take anything a step further or for her to completely give into him.
"I've been clean for months, Elena. I'm not going back down that road." Damon explained and got up to touch her. "Thanks to you, I'm clean. I feel good. I feel healthy. You mean every thing to me..."
Flinching a way and wrapping her arms around her stomach, she shook her head. "And you know you mean every thing to me, but its not the right time." She told him.
"When is it going to ever be the right time for you? Six months? A year?" He asked becoming irrate. "I'm not going to wait around for you forever. I've told you that once and I'll tell you again."
So many mixed emotions were written across her face. He wanted to hug her and tell her to trust him and every thing was going to be okay. She did and continued to be his guiding light through his days of resistance, but something was bothering her, something he did not know or understand. His only assumption was she was scared. Elena was scared of diving back into a relationship knowing how long she had been with Matt and how poorly he treated her indicated she was a little messed up. She had to be if she was agreeing to help him and make out with him at the same time.
"I have to go." She responded.
"Wait." Damon took a step forward. "Please, just give me...us a chance. You can't deny what we have and I understand your concern about me, but what if we take it slow? Nothing official. Nothing serious. Just keep doing what we're doing."
Elena glanced away. He brushed his hand against her cheek to draw her back in.
"Please." He pleaded. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Maybe it was only a few seconds that passed by, but it felt like minutes before she said anything in response. Her mouth opened and closed with hesitation. He saw her trying to find the right words to say. He saw her trying to figure out her feelings.
"Slow." Elena said in a small voice. "You promise?"
"Yes." He was quick to answer.
"And this doesn't mean we're dating or boyfriend, girlfriend." She added.
Damon smiled. "It's just friends getting to know each other better." He assured her letting out a soft chuckle. "And maybe occassionally hooking up."
Her beautiful, wide smile broke upon her face and she tried to retain it. It was impossible for her to do so. All it took was the right words to break her and free her from her worries. He knew he had an effect on her like she did to him.
"Okay." Elena agreed. "But one wrong move and it's strictly friend zone and Alaric visits for you."
"Trust me I won't." He assured her.
Giving him a quick look over, Elena kissed his cheek and spun around. She made for his door at lightning speed and was out of his apartment before he could get another word in. Slow. He was willing to do this her way, but he be damned if he wasn't going to put his own spin on things. If one thing was for sure, it was he was going to make Elena fall in love with him.