"Damon, you're graduating at the top of your class in the police academy. We're so proud of you, son. How does it feel?" my dad asks as I walk beside him and my mom wearing my dress blues.
"It's great dad. Thank you, both of you for coming. Where is everybody else?" I ask, referring to Stefan, Caroline and papa.
"They're here. The only seats they could find where they could sit together were towards the back of the auditorium. They're going to meet us at the graduates reception.
"How did you pry Stefan away from Katherine?"
"We didn't. They drove up here separately."
"Have you thought about where you're going to apply for a job? Liz told me that you should apply at home. She said two of her officers are retiring," mom adds.
"Plus we'd love to have you come back home."
"I will definitely apply at home. I miss you guys and home a lot." They both smile at me, mom taking my hand and giving it a loving squeeze. It's been two years since I left Mystic Falls. I didn't want to hurt Elena by sticking around so after I completed that 10K run, I packed my bags and moved in with Chris and Amanda so I could go to a community college to attend the classes that I needed to get into the police academy. Academy training took thirty four weeks. I keep in touch with Jeremy. He tells me that Elena is doing well. I'm so glad about that. I've never had the nerve to ask him if she has another boyfriend. It kills me to think of another guy touching her in that way though. I've made some female friends at the academy but Elena still holds my heart. There's no one that I've wanted to try to sleep with since that fateful day when I slinked away from her, tail between my legs.
"Damon!" Caroline screams, running into my arms. She's ten now. I can't believe my little sister is so big already. I hate that she's growing up. She and I are still really close. Several times, mom and dad would meet us half way between Mystic Falls and Chris's North Carolina home. I'd bring her back here with me to spend a week during the summer or even just a weekend.
Katherine and Stefan are still at the U of Virginia. Stefan is studying pre Law and working part time. At least I'll know a good lawyer someday if I ever need one. Katherine is barely pregnant with their first baby. They eloped to Las Vegas a couple of months ago. They're both still so young and the baby was definitely unplanned but they're so excited. Mom was disheartened because she wanted them to have a wedding but it was their decision. In the end, she came around and did give them her blessing. Amanda is just about to drop their second child. They're expecting a little girl this time. Since Amanda only has brothers, they're going to ask my mom to be her Godmother. I've been sworn to secrecy though because they want to be the ones to ask her.
After giving me a bear hug, she steps back. "Caroline, I'm so glad you're here," I tell her, taking her hand when she offers it. She pulls me towards the refreshment table.
"I want some cake," she replies matter of factly.
"Here you go, Caroline," Chris remarks, handing her a piece.
"Um, um, yummy," she mumbles as her mouth is full of cake. Chris then offers me a piece. After eating it, he pulls me aside.
"So have you given anymore thought to applying at my station?" he asks.
"Mom told me that there's going to be a couple of openings in Mystic Falls. I think I'm going to try for one of those first," I reply, my voice hesitant. Even though I'm scared to death to face Elena again, I do miss her like crazy. I hope that maybe someday she and I can be friends.
"I don't mean to disappoint you Chris. You've been like a father to me since the first time we laid eyes on each other. I just really want to go home."
"Damon," he scolds. "You're not disappointing me. Sure, I'd love you to come to work for me but if you want to go home, I understand. You need to think of yourself first sometimes."
"What does Molly think about you moving home, if you get the job that is?"
"Chris, she and I are just friends, nothing more. I just don't feel that way about Molly," I add, my mind telling me that it wouldn't be fair to string someone else along when my heart is still consumed with a certain brown-eyed girl.
"Is she okay with that? What are her plans?"
"I've been honest with her from the very beginning Chris. I told her that I was only interested in friendship," I explain to him, raking my hand through my newly shorn hair.
"She applied for a position in upstate New York. I don't remember the name of the town though."
"Damon?" I hear then turn my head. Katherine and Stefan walk up to the two of us. "Chris," he says, extending his hand.
"Stefan, Katherine, how are you?" he replies, shaking my brother's hand. Katherine's bump is barely visible.
"How's baby Salvatore?" he asks, giving Katherine a gentle hug.
"Really good," she replies, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. She then turns to me and gives me a hug as well.
"We're so proud of you," she says softly next to my ear.
"Thanks Katherine. I really appreciate that you and Stefan could make it."
"Where else would we be, Damon?" Stefan and I have a come along way since those dark days when I first came home. Just like Caroline, he would come to visit me for a long weekend. He came alone a few times and brought Katherine with him a couple of times as well. I'm really happy that he and I are in a really good place now.
"Have you heard from Elena?" I ask hesitantly. A part of me wants to know that she's okay but the other part isn't at all prepared to hear that she may have found someone else.
Smiling at me knowingly, he gives my shoulder a squeeze. "Honestly Damon, I get an occasional text from her but that's about it. We're both so busy with school that we just don't have time. She is happy and she loves school."
"I'm glad. Thanks Stefan," I reply softly. After giving him a nod, I excuse myself to go and find my papa. I'm just about to give up on him when I finally find him visiting with Amanda. Little Jaime is with a babysitter today.
Papa turns to me when I move to stand beside him. "I'm proud of you young man," he tells me, wrapping an arm around me.
"Amanda was just telling me she's going to miss having you at the house. She tells me that you're a great cook," he adds, winking at Amanda.
"Thanks Papa. If I can't get a job in Mystic Falls, I may be back here."
"You'll get the job. Your old papa will put in a good word for you."
"That's good to know." Once I finish talking to everyone, I get in the car with mom and dad and drive back to the place that's been my home for the last two years. I have most of my things packed but we're going to spend the night at Chris's house. We're grilling steaks and having a celebration here tonight and then I'll be going back home with them tomorrow, awaiting the day that I can see the girl who fills my dreams again.
Fortunately Chief Forbes hired me immediately. I'm still living with mom and dad right now but as soon as I get some money saved up for a down payment, I'm going to get my own apartment. I do like having my family close. I already had to promise my little sister that I'd let her come and spend a night with me once in awhile. My orientation period is twelve weeks. During that time, I shadowed another officer.
I've been on my own in a squad car for a couple of weeks now. I really am enjoying my job. I haven't done much other than write some speeding tickets, help Caroline get her cat out of the tree in our yard among other things. Still I'm happy I came home. When I see a charcoal-colored sporty little number speed past me, I chuckle then switch on the siren and pull out after him. He keeps driving for a short distance till he realizes that he's the one I'm after. Then he slows down, pulling over to the side of the road.
Carefully, I walk towards the car. One never knows when you might pull over someone with evil intent.
"Keep your hands on the steering wheel," I tell him as I get closer to the car. When he turns to look at me, I drop my head, smiling.
"Jeremy! How are you, man?"
Shaking his head, he steps out of his car, walks towards me and pulls me into a one handed guy hug. "You got the job. That's really great, buddy."
"Thanks Jer. You do realize you were speeding right?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.
"Ric called a couple of hours ago. Jenna is having the baby."
"That's great Jeremy. We'll make this quick then. I need to see your license and registration."
"Damon, can't you let it slide this one time?"
"Whining is unbecoming, Jer," I tease, breaking out in a chuckle.
"Come on, do a guy a favor would you?" he practically begs..
"Yeah, I'll let you off with a warning ticket this time. But if there is a next time, I will give you a real ticket."
"Thanks Damon." He turns around to step back into his car. Reaching in through the window, I put my hand on his shoulder. Jeremy turns his head to look at me.
"Is there something else you wanted?"
"Um.. Jer, I...is Elena going to come home too?"
Exhaling heavily, he turns his eyes away from me for several moments. "Yea... yeah, she's bringing one of her friends with her. It's a holiday weekend and I guess her friend had nowhere else to go."
Nodding, I smile tightly at him. "Thanks Jer." I walk back to my squad car and pull the door open, turning around when I hear Jeremy say my name.
"Hold up there, Damon."
"I.. I just want you to know that you still have my blessing if you want to try to fix things with her. I honestly don't know anything about her love life nor do I care to. I know you love her Damon..."
Looking at him uneasily, I just can't bring myself to say anything.
"You don't have to answer, it's written all over your face. Look, for all I know, she might not be interested any longer but on the off chance that she is, you must know that she's not going to wait forever."
"I know. I really didn't expect her too." He looks at me with those brown Gilbert eyes, so like Elena's, for several moments.
"Just think about what I said. I'll talk to you soon, okay?"
"Yeah." After saying goodbye, he jumps back into his car and takes off towards home.
After playing 'Scrabble' with Caroline and our parents for a couple of hours, I can barely keep my eyes open. I take a few seconds to tell everyone goodnight before excusing myself to go up to my room. Once inside, I strip off my clothes and walk into the bathroom to shower. Turning around, I stare at my scars in the mirror. Mom and dad suggested that I could talk to a plastic surgeon about them if I so choose. Whether a surgeon can smooth my skin doesn't really matter I guess. I'll always bear those scars because they also reside inside of me. Sighing heavily, I step into the shower. Pressing my palms against the shower wall, I close my eyes and let the water pelt down on my body.
Once I feel myself relax, I reach for a bar of soap, lather up and use it to clean my body. Turning to face the shower head, I allow the stream to wash the remains of my day away. Then I turn off the water, step out, grab a towel and dry myself off. Once I drape a towel around my waist, I walk back into my room. Walking over to the window, I stare outside for a few minutes, my eyes landing on Elena's room when I notice the light come on. As I continue to watch, I gasp when I see her silhouette in the window. She pulls the curtain back for a few moments and stares outside. I quickly hit the light switch so she won't see me staring at her. I don't want her to think that I'm no better than some voyeuristic pervert.
When she suddenly turns away, I see a man's silhouette walk over to her. It's easy to see that she's laughing. I'm certain that it's Jeremy or Ric. Then the light goes out. Exhaling heavily, I switch my light back on, put on a clean pair of boxers, turn the light back off and crawl into bed.
"Wow Elena, that was...," I pant, struggling to catch my breath. Where did you learn to do that?" I whisper, breathlessly.
"This was my first time," she admits, her cheeks pink.
"Come here," I whisper, pulling her on top of me. I reach up to caress her cheeks with my hands. My eyes roam from her eyes to her full lips then back to her before I lift a torrid kiss, rolling her underneath me. I reach down to stroke the little bundle of nerves and her moist lady parts. When she's writhing and making beautiful noises, I can't help but smile that it's really me who's sending her sky rocketing. I continue to fondle her till she comes back to earth. After pressing another sweltering kiss to those lips, I push inside, joining us once more. Dropping my lips to nuzzle her neck as I slowly push in and pull back. When her hands reach around, embracing my scars, I inhale sharply and close my eyes. "Elena... I..I...,"
"Ssssh." Focusing those great big blazing brown eyes at me, she whispers, "They're beautiful to me, Damon. These scars," she continues while stroking her hands up and down my back,"they're a testament to your strength."
Speechless, I can't help but smash my lips to hers while at the same time, my hips piston as I push harder with each thrust. Within moments, both of tumble off the precipice of Everest.
Panting, I lurch upright in bed. My mouth is agape as I struggle to catch my breath. Looking around in a daze, my heart drops when my mind catches up with my body, realizing it was only a dream. Dropping my head into my hands, tears start to form in my eyes. Somehow I will them not to fall. I get up and walk into the bathroom. Clutching the edge of the sink, I just stare at myself for a long time. I want that with her, I want that dream to come true. Steeling my spine, I make up my mind then and there that I'm going to try to earn back her love. After taking a big swallow of water, I slip back under the covers hoping that in time that dream will become reality.
Feeling hungry when I get off of work, I drive over to our McDonalds and order a meal. After getting my food, I find a booth, sit down and start eating.
"Damon?"
Looking up, I see Dr. Mikaelson standing there with his own tray.
"Elijah, hi," I greet him, offering my hand to shake his.
"Please join me."
"Of course," he replies, taking the seat across from me.
"How are you doing?" he asks.
"Pretty good. I really like my job a lot. I had a long talk with Liz about my past. You know, that you and I had a professional relationship. I mean, I don't know how they feel about their officers having had mental health problems. I assured her that I'm in a pretty good place now. I don't have nightmares and flashbacks anymore," I explain, running my fingers through my hair.
"She was okay with hiring you? I can put in a good word for you if you need me too."
"That's really kind of you. But yeah, she was willing to give me a chance. I passed all the psychological tests when I was in the academy."
Reaching over, he presses his hand atop mine for just a moment.
"I'm really proud of you, Damon."
Lowering my eyes, I stare at my hands for a few seconds before raising them to meet his gaze, "I'm kind of proud of myself too."
"Damon, over here," Papa yells, signaling me with his arm to join him and Caroline at their table.
"Hi papa. I didn't think you'd beat me over here. You two must've broken the land-speed record to get here before me!"
"No, we saw that you had someone pulled over. Caroline tried to honk at you but I wouldn't let her," he remarks, eyeing Caroline.
"Did you give him a ticket, Damon?" Caroline asks, practically on the edge of her seat.
"Yes, I had to give him a ticket. He ran a red light and almost hit someone," I answer, rolling my eyes.
"Are you ready to order?" Vicky asks, smiling flirtatiously at me.
"Um, sure. I'd like the cold roast beef sandwich with coleslaw and a cup of coffee. Caroline?"
"I want chicken nuggets, French fries and a vanilla shake," she says tersely to Vicky, crossing her arms over her chest as she stares at her. Vicky doesn't take her eyes off of me, staring as if she's in her own little world.
"Miss Donovan?" papa remarks, giving her a slight push with his hand.
"Oh I'm sorry," she drawls. I was just admiring Officer Salvatore here," she fawns, winking at me.
"That's rather unprofessional don't you think?" he asks pointedly.
"What can I get you Mr. Salvatore?" she asks, her smile sanguine and phony.
"I'll have a BLT, coleslaw and coffee."
"Sure thing," she smiles sickly at me once more before sashaying away to turn our order in.
"Damon, your dad told me that you want to look for an apartment. I hadn't really thought about it but there is an apartment above the antique store. It'll need cleaning and you'll need furniture and stuff but you're more than welcome to move in there. And I get the security of having a cop living above my store," he laughs.
"Thanks, papa. I love the idea. I have off tomorrow, do you think I could look at it?"
"Absolutely. Just give me a call beforehand. Rose is opening the store tomorrow. I want to be there to show you around."
"I will."
"Can I come too?" Caroline asks, tilting her head and eyeing me coyly.
"Yeah, you can come too," I smile, shaking my head. Just to get Caroline to shut up, I had promise that I'd take her to a movie after we meet with papa. When Vicky finally delivers our food, just by chance I happen to glance out of the window. I do a double take when I see Elena across the street. My smile fades quickly however when I see a guy walk up to her. After saying something next to her ear, she smiles widely and laughs. She delivers the coup de grace when she reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck. And that's when I have to admit that my last flicker of hope has been snuffed out.
Don't give up. Have a little faith in me...
Thank you Eva. You're the best. I love you my friend. Thanks to all of you as well. I so appreciate your support. I will be over the moon if this story hits 300 reviews...
Chapter title: 'Without You' by 'Mariah Carey'
A really lovely DE video on youtube is by iForeverYooung. It's called: [1x01-6x22] 'Damon and Elena - How they fell in love with each other'. I can't get enough of it.
'The Unforgiven' has updated. 'Rainy Days and Mondays' will be updating this weekend as well.
*REVIEWS ARE LOVE*
Have a safe and lovely weekend. See you right here next time...