Please excuse the poor writing and editing, I'm feeling pretty shitty today and I just wasn't feeling as into it as usual, sorry. Welcome to the good stuff folks. Thank you for reviewing and reading! ( p.s- I'm taking the weekend off of updates, considering I have posted an update 6 out of the 7 days of this week… New update probably by Monday night.) You guys are the best! Let me know your thoughts below! Thanks!

Emily

"So pretty much, you climb up the ladder shake a few branches, let the olives fall into the net and move Ono a new branch. When we are done with the first few trees in the row, we will gather the net and empty it into the barrels." Stefan said as he climbed up the ladder carefully. He methodically shook a tree limb and I watched as the green olives fell from the trees onto the mesh netting below. I squinted into the sun as I watched him.

"Isn't there a better way to do that? Something more effective maybe?" I asked as I watched him struggle moving around the tree. The olives rained down on the heavy mesh that had taken hours to roll out down the orchard.

"Most people use machines and poles but my father is… Traditional." Stefan replies. I scoff at the thought of Giuseppe using a machine, or taking the easy way out on anything.

"Okay, easy enough." I said as I walked to the next tree over. I climb the ladder quickly and follow Stefan's directions. They come off relatively easy and I dutifully work. An olive hits me hard in the forehead and I look up questioningly at the tree. After a quick investigation I see no animal or anything that could have knocked it down. I continue working and I get hit again, this time in the side of the head. A cackle comes from the tree next to me and I carefully turn on the ladder. Damon is sitting in the tree to my left with a handful of olives in his hand.

"What are we twelve?" I ask him. He shrugs his shoulders and draws back his arm and throws another, I catch it in my hand and toss it to the mesh underneath me and ignore him. A continued barrage of olive's come from his tree as I work methodically and productively finishing the tree and moving on to the one on the opposite side of his. I pick up the ladder carefully and haul it to the next tree. Another hits me on the back of the neck and I set the ladder down. I coolly walk over to his tree where he is sitting on a high up branch, smile at him and pick up his ladder and put it on the floor.

"Hey now kitten. Put it back up." He says as he looks down on me. I smile smugly; I finally have the upper hand on him.

"Stefan!" I yell and his head pops back from a tree.

"Yea?" he asks.

"Damon's in time out don't put the ladder back up." I yell back. He grins playfully and nods. I walk back to my own ladder and climb it again, shaking out the tree limbs as I go. Within the hour I manage to get through about six trees. The worker's the Salvatore's hired are quicker than us but we still get to contribute. After an hour of reflection I decide to show mercy and let Damon down.

The day went by quickly like this, the three of us in comfortable conversation and Damon continually screwing with me or Stefan. He was a little more flirtatious than usual and seemed to be doubling innuendo, making me blush even more than usual. He was in rare form but he was happy and it was entertaining so I enjoyed it. The two of us ate lunch on the hill while Stefan ran back to the house to get food. At about four we turned in, and judging by the obnoxious British accent echoing up the stairs from the kitchen, Klaus was over. I worked to make myself as scarce as possible and ended up calling Bonnie and Jenna for a chat. Eventually, the noise from downstairs dies down and I know I'm in the clear. The loose floorboard outside of my door creaks and I know someone is coming inside.

I look up as my door swings open and Damon is before me, wearing black cargo shorts and a black pull over sweatshirt. His eyes glow against the dark color. I send the email I'm currently writing to Rick and close the monitor and push it aside.

"Busy?" He asks, closing the door and walking in.

"Well yea, kinda."

"I don't care. Let's go riding." he says with a smirk. I roll my eyes at him.

"Well since you have given me so many choices and have taken my opinion into consideration then of course. Whatever you say massa." I say hopping off the bed. I skip to my closet and grab a pair of running shoes.

"Whatever I want?" he raises his eyebrows and I gently shove him.

"Get your mind out of the gutter Salvatore." I say as we walk down the stairs and into the yard side by side. My sneakers crunch on the stone's as the sun lowers in the sky. It's getting cooler and I suddenly find myself a little cold, I was still in my workout clothes from before, I should have changed. I run my hands up my goose bump covered arms in attempt to warm them with friction.

"So why are we riding?" I asked as I turned to look at Damon who was currently removing his sweatshirt.

"Because I'm bored. Also, because you aren't the worst company in the world Elena. Here take this." He says and hands me his sweatshirt. That was really…sweet.

I gasped as he handed it to me and playfully smiled. "Damon Salvatore chivalrous? Alert the media!" I said as I put it on over my head. His residual body heat set warmed my body and his scent was thick on the fabric. I inhaled deeply and snuggled into it deeply. It smelled amazing, like Bourbon and wood, with hints of vanilla. It was so Damon.

"Thank you." I said with a smile instantly warming up.

"You're just lucky I like you." He said as he squinted his eyes and pointed a finger at me. We both chuckled and entered the barn. It smelled like the horses could use some new hay but I loved that smell, brought me back to my childhood. I kicked some straw on the floor away and walked until I was in the center of the barn.

"Want me to tie the saddle for you or do you want to make a fool of yourself again?" I asked with a smirk as he grabbed two saddles, he returned my smirk and carried one to the stall with the black horse. He threw it on to his back and let me properly adjust everything. He followed suit with the light brown horse that I said I liked the first time I saw it. He caught a lot of little things, things I said I liked in passing, he remembered. I get to watch his muscles ripple under his thin tee-shirt as he pushes the gate open as I mount my horse. I trot in a small circle waiting for him to join me.

"I was bored. Klaus was out somewhere too." He said as he rolled his eyes. " I was bored out of my mind and it was either cook something even though I wasn't hungry or annoy you. So here I am. You don't have a body like this and throw it away on bored eating." He said as he pointed to himself. I laughed at him, the cockiness I had once found appalling I found almost endearing now. It made him him, it was part of the deal. We gently trot to the orchard and stop on the hill overlooking the fields. The sun has stained the sky in pinks and oranges, and the fauna of their property looked even greener in this light. I turned to Damon who seemed to be admiring the same view as me, the lighting was perfect. I don't think I have ever seen him look more beautiful. I inhaled once more from the neck of his shirt and let all my senses drown in the sights in front of me and his smell. I was suddenly reminded of a time Mason and I sat on the pier of my lake house watching the sunset. We had discussed our future plans together, naming our possible children and even talking about what season wedding we would have.

I scoffed, drawing Damon's attention. He looked questioningly at me. "This reminded me of something." I said, not going into much detail, he seemed to get the message.

"Him huh?" he said.

"Yea."

"I have to ask, Elena. When was the last time you have went on a date or gone out with someone?" he asked. Nobody.

"I haven't. I'm just starting to feel safe again, like I don't have to look over my shoulder every five seconds." I said as we turned slowly and trotted alongside one another on the way back to the house.

"Do you want to get back out there again?" he asked innocently. I shrugged; I didn't think love was in the cards for me.

"I don't think that's very realistic. I don't want to drag anyone into my disaster area that is my emotional wellbeing. Something's just don't matter to me like they did before. Like when I was a cheerleader in high school." I stopped when he smirked. " I know. Trust me I know. When my parents died something's I just didn't care about anymore." I chuckle as I say. I was getting better at this, talking it out. I was actually letting things out instead of exploding because I hold everything back. I was convinced it was because Damon was such a good listener, he gave input at the right times and never judged me. We dismounted our horses and returned them to the stall.

"Something's could matter again" he said.

"Sorry?" I asked not following him.

"Something's could matter again. People change. What I'm trying to say is don't close yourself off from the idea." I didn't miss the irony of his statement considering he probably changed the most out of everyone I know.

"How do you know that?"

"I don't. Keep an open mind, you are still young Elena." That was a stupid question, he wasn't "all knowing".

"What you need is someone to make it matter again. The men around here seem... More than willing." He replies playfully nudging my arm.

"Oh yea. Who?" I asked.

"You want the laundry list? Elijah, Klaus, Stefan, Finn.. Then there is every man you walk by in public. You're a humble person Elena but there is no way you can be that blind to see the effect you have on men. Even a seasoned veteran like me isn't immune to it." He said and my cheeks burned furiously.

"I don't know if Klaus will give me another chance, too bad I really felt a connection. Guess I'll never find muster right." I laughed, making fun of myself and making fun of all those winey girls.

"Maybe you aren't looking in the right places. Who knows? You might be nearsighted or something. You know what? I actually know the perfect guy." He replies as his eyes smolder.

I grab the wooden banister and put my arm around it and slowly circle waiting for an answer that doesn't come. On my last rotation I swing into Damon, who is standing in my way. I slam into his hard chest and I steady myself against him.

"Damon" I whine as I slam into him. He gently grasps my wrists and I balance myself better.

My arms slip from the pole and come to rest on his arms. His blue eyes appraise my face and then lock onto mine. His gaze flickers to my mouth and then back up again. I feel his breath on my face and his strong arms under my grip. His hands run up my back, one rests on the small as the other raises up to brush my face. I'm frozen in his gaze. Returning the searing eye contact that was electrically charging the air between us. He slowly moves towards me to let his intentions be known, he looked so vulnerable. His blue eyes were so clear I saw my own hesitance in them, he was hesitating too. But it was for me, not him.

"Me." He says quietly and I'm stunned.

TURN AWAY! My mind tells me, but I don't want to. I want this. Nobody can stop me from taking this, not even Mason. The past is the past, Damon has shown me that. It was time to move forward, and I couldn't think of a better person to do that with than Damon. The feel of his lips have been a mystery I've been waiting to be discover since day one, and I was going to take advantage of the situation. His perfect lips part and his eyes close gently as he leaned closer to me. Fuck it. I think as I close my eyes and close the distance between us. His warm, soft, lips gently molded around mine and I contently sighed at the contact. I pulled back quickly.

"No no no. Damon I can't do this." I said as I put my hands on the hard planes of his chest and pushed back. His eyes blazed with fire and those lips that were just on mine twisted downward.

"You can Elena. Do what you want to do. It's your life." He said gently as he turned away from me, and I snapped. I grabbed his arm and pushed him against the banister. My hands griped in his hair like I've wanted to for months. His hands rested on my waist as he waited for me to make a move. And as our lips touched again, he lit the fuse. And the inevitability set in, it didn't matter if I tried to stop it or what he did. Since the day I had met Damon Salvatore he had been a tinderbox. Every laugh, smile, compliment, every selfless act had pooled together into a volatile object. I would fall in love with Damon Salvatore. It was only a matter of time before the fuse blew out and my whole world would catch fire.

DAMON POV:

And I knew in that moment when she swung into me and I stared into her big brown eyes, that she had done the impossible. I was in love with Elena Gilbert. I hang my head slightly and try to process the rush of emotion that sweeps through my body. The feeling is so alien but so sweet, so god damn sweet. I am overwhelmed by how much I am in love with her and do nothing but stare. Everything about her is different. It was like someone lifted a veil from her face, what was perfection before was now utterly breathtaking. She tosses a section of chestnut hair over her small shoulders. The lighting brightens her face through the open door. The light shines on her hair and throws a rainbow of colors. My hands run down her body at her own accord. I lean in and let my eyes close. My lips touch hers in a gentle touch. I gently put as much love into one kiss as possible, before I feel nothing at all. I open my eyes and know exactly what's happening.

"No no no. Damon I can't do this." She says as she rests her hands on my pecks, and pushes back. She sounds like she's trying to convince herself.

Her puffy lips twist as she looks deep in thought, over thinking everything. This is too much for me, Elena is flooding my senses and she hasn't even looked at me yet. I feel still the buzz of her mouth on mine, the burn of her hands on my bare skin. Over flash, over stimulation, she was just too much for me. She's like a trap set from god to pull me out of the dark, her smile makes me weak, her touch makes me forget my purpose and even with just a look I'm decimated into a love struck fool. I believe everyone has a purpose in life, loving Elena with every cell, and nerve of my body is mine. Her eyes flicker up to mine and I watch the existential crisis play out in her expressions.

"You can Elena. Do what you want to do. It's your life." Before she says anything that will bring me pain, I hear myself speak. I started to turn away from her when I felt her hands on me again. And because I would do anything for her, I turned back around. Her hands twined behind my neck and ran through my hair. She pushed me against the harsh wood of the banister but soothed it with her gentle touches. Her mouth moved back to mine, but it was different this time. I held nothing back, Carpe Diem. I pulled her body against me flush and wrap my arms around her back. She opens her mouth and I push my tongue into her mouth. A soft moan escapes from the back of her throat as she claws at my neck and runs her fingernails against my scalp, making me shake with pleasure. Her breaths are getting heavy and I decide to take my mouth elsewhere and I move down her neck, the smell of her is intoxicating and adds to the heady mixture in front of me. She gasps as I suck lightly at her pulse point and she drags my face back up to hers. We part for a moment to catch our breaths and just stare at one another.

"I've wanted to do that since the first time I saw you." My voice is husky as I watch her reaction. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes sparkle, her hair is mussed up from my fingers running through the silken strands, she looks stunning. Even her already plump lips are swollen, I did that. She smiles slightly and then it grows.

Her smile stretches up to her eyes which I get lost in. As I look into them, I see everything I want and nothing I deserve. I see the calm chaos that is loving her. I see the endless time that will be too short when she's by my side. I feel every contradicting emotion, battling for the upper hand. But most of all I see something that I want until my lungs wheeze out their last breath, until my heart gives out from the magnitude of loving her. I want her forever, anyway I can get her. If she needs a friend I'll be the best god damn friend in the world, because I love her enough to sit by her side like a dog because I'm like a drug addict. The withdrawals cause me nothing but pain, and like my drug, she takes me to nirvana, she makes my blood flow, stimulates my every nerve and makes my heart work on overdrive. And much like a junkie, I would do anything to get her. I should start going to AA or something.

Her tanned arms wrap around my neck as she smiles at me fondly.

"Me too." She says smirking. I think my insides catch fire. And right now I can't get close enough to her; I pull her body flush against mine and softly take her lips between my own. I gently sigh at the contact and think of how I'm turning more and more into the person I hate the most. I'm becoming Nicholas Sparks and I'm loving every second of it.

She was like the sun, I could only look at her for so long before it became painful, almost unbearable. Because I knew, I would never have all of her. And she was the sun in my world in a sense, I depended on her. When her fire burnt out, I was cold. When her light was taken away from me I went back to my dark ways.