Holy cow. Do I win the award for longest wait between updates ever? Before you start this you should know I stopped watching Vampire Diaries last year, it all just got too convoluted for me. So any inaccuracies I make I apologize for. Anyway off to the update!
Elena woke the next morning to her alarm clock checking her phone for messages. She had three and she scrolled through them quickly. The first was from Caroline. Stefan and I got home fine. Sorry again for what happened up at the cabin. Forgive me? Elena quickly typed back Of course! See you at school.
The next message came from Damon. I missed not going to bed with you last night and not waking up next to you this morning. We need to get away again ASAP. I'll be to your house soon to take you to school. Love you. She smiled and sent back. I love you too. See you soon.
The third was from Bonnie. This isn't a conversation I want to have over text or on the phone. We'll talk at lunch today. Elena took a deep breath. Bonnie was really pissed. But at least she was willing to talk. Whatever you want. I'll see you there.
She finally got out of bed cracking her back and running her hands through her hair. Going back to school after such a blissful weekend seemed like an impossible task but she knew she had to. She dragged herself into the shower and then back into her room wrapped in a towel. She pulled on a silver and teal patterned top over a soft grey cotton skirt stepping into flats before doing her hair and makeup and pulling on Damons leather jacket. She turned into the collar inhaling deeply and the smell of him made her smile a bit.
As she came down the stairs Jeremy was already running out the door. "I got a ride!" he called over his shoulder before shutting the door. She came down into the kitchen pouring herself a bowl of cereal and eating it quickly. Before long she saw Damons car pulling up the driveway. She dropped her bowl in the sink and came bounding out the front door before he could get out of his car.
"It feels like it's been days!" she said throwing her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her wist grinning as he kissed her. She pulled at his lip the want inside her for him almost making her feel hungry for him.
"I know what you mean." he said. "I've spent the last six hours listening to Caroline and my brother banging on every surface in ever room of my house." Elena started at his words pulling back to look at him. "Yeah, trust me you I'm giving you the PG version of what I had to hear."
"I'm worried about Caroline." she said looking up at him biting her lip. "She really thinks she's found someone she can connect to at a really fragile time in her life and Stefan is just…" She trailed off looking up at him.
"You're worried he's just using her to get to us." he said.
"Yeah…" she said leaning into him. "But I can't tell her that, she won't believe me."
"Well…then don't say it like that." he said. "Just..Drop some careful hints."
"I guess so." she said laying her head on his chest relishing in the feeling of just being close to him. After their weekend where they'd spent almost 48 hours never more then a few feet from each other had made the hours of separation stretch out in a torturous way.
"Elena…" he said softly his hand slipping under the jacket to rub at the small of her back. "You've got to get to school."
"No." she groaned pulling him tighter. "Don't make me go, take me back to Georgia."
"Don't tempt me." he said and she could feel the husky growl of his voice reverberate in his chest. "Come on get in the car." She pulled away from him reluctantly, getting into his car.
"Compared to the weekend we just had everything else is so much more torturous." she said. "Now we have to tip toe around everyone else and be so careful."
"I'll still come to get you at lunch." he said. "We can have plenty of fun then."
"No." she said regretfully. "I finally got Bonnie to speak to me and she wants to talk it all out at lunch. I can't blow her off especially for-" She stopped herself looking down into her lap.
"Especially for me. Because she hates me." Damon finished for her. "Well any plans after school?"
"No." she said. "But after what you said it sound like your place isn't exactly 'Damon and Elena' friendly either. And Jenna will be home all afternoon unpacking."
"Don't worry." he said. "I'll find somewhere for us to be alone." He leaned over kissing her softly before starting the car.
"I'm not sure I can make it seven hours without seeing you." she said. "Why don't you just kidnap me and we'll ride off into the sunset together? I'm already in the car. Just…take off and take me with you." She was mostly joking but part of her wished that he would actually do it.
"Elena I'm not taking you away from Jeremy and Jenna and Bonnie and Caroline and everyone else who loves you. We don't have to be alone to be together."
"But it's so much easier that way." she said. "We don't have to lie or hide-"
"And sooner then you know we won't have to do any of that." he said reaching over his hand on her thigh thumb rubbing softly.
"I hope so." she said. "I need to hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel."
"There is." he said. "And if nothing else theres at least 4 orgasms waiting for you after school."
"Four?" she said. "Getting a bit lazy aren't we?"
"Is that a challenge Elena?" he said turning into the school parking lot.
"Of course it is." she said taking her bag from the bag seat. He leaned over kissing her neck.
"Well why don't you come up with a number…" he said biting carefully at her ear. "And then I'll double it."
"That's more like it." she said turning to kiss him. He took the side of her face in his hand kissing her harder. "Damon…" She moaned softly. She wanted nothing more then to crawl into his lap right here and lose herself.
"Go on." he said pulling back. "Learn, make up with Bonnie, warn Caroline. You can do it all." He said in a sarcastically cheery voice. She pouted her lips and widened her already large brown eyes. "And no puppy dog eyes." He said turning away.
"You're no fun." she said opening the door.
"I am plenty of fun." he said as she shut the door behind her. He rolled down his window. "I have the ruined headboard to prove it!" He called out as he sped away. She laughed out loud as she hoisted her bag onto her shoulder. She walked up the steps of the school turning down the hall towards her locker. As she turned the corner she saw Stefan pinning Caroline against the wall of lockers kissing her furiously. She turned quickly on her heel trying to back track before they spotted her but-
"Elena!" said Caroline brightly. Elena winced and turned back. "Sorry again! But uh, you know how it is. Insatiable appetite and all."
"Mhmm…" says Elena keeping her eyes focused anywhere but on the pair of them. "I've just gotta grab my notebook, put my clean gym clothes away and then I'll be out of your way."
"Crap!" said Caroline. "I forgot my whole gym bag in the car. I'll be right back!" She took off down the hall, a little faster then normal but not quite vampire speed leaving Elena alone with Stefan.
"You remember what it was like." said Stefan his voice low as Elena bent down. "How many times have I kissed you here? Remember how-"
"Knock it off." she hissed. "Look if you're doing this all to get back at me fine- but leave Caroline out of it. She doesn't need this right now."
"Are you jealous Elena?" he said and as she stood up from her locker Stefan was inches from her face.
"No." she said taking a step back. "I don't want my best friend getting hurt by you. Do you even have feelings for her?"
"Of course I-" he began.
"Got it!" said Caroline whipping back around the corner. "Thanks for reminding me Elena!" Elena took the opportunity of Caroline's sudden appearance to slip away to her first class. As she sat down at her desk she pulled out her phone texting Damon.
I've only been here 5 minutes and Stefans already cornered me. Help. His reply came back almost instantly.
Have any more vervain? She laughs and sends back a photo of her pressing her lips to the locket he gave her.
I've got all I need. The bell rang and she put her phone away pulling out her notebook.
The closer lunch got the more nervous Elena got. This was Bonnie, one of her best friends. Why was she so scared to talk to her? Once she explained everything Bonnie would be happy for her. She hoped she would… Her stomach twisted and churned as the bell rang. She stood and walked slowly, carefully out to the spot where she had eaten lunch with Bonnie and Caroline since their freshman year. Bonnie was already sitting on their sunny patch of grass. Elena sat down beside her. "Hi." she said softly. Bonnie looked over at her and her eyes caught on Damons leather jacket.
"A bit hot for that isn't it." she said her voice dripping with distain.
"Ye-yeah." said Elena pulling the jacket off and folding it into her bag. "I guess it is." She twisted the vervain necklace nervously between her fingers. "Bonnie-"
"After everything he's done." said Bonnie. "To your friends, to your family, to you! How can you just forget all that?"
"I didn't forget." she said. "He's changed. You know before he was a vampire he wasn't like this. And for a hundred years he's felt hurt and angry and alone. That would turn anyone into-"
"A murderous psychopath?" said Bonnie rolling her eyes.
"He was hurt. He lashed out. I'm not going to deny he did horrible things-"
"Like threatening to kill-" Bonnie said her voice getting louder and people turned to stare.
"Ok let's not do this in the middle of school." said Elena standing up pulling Bonnie with her. "We need to do this somewhere quieter." She pulled Bonnie through the hallway and into an empty classroom.
"He's changed you Elena!" said Bonnie. "You cursed out the principal, you got suspended-"
"That was all- that wasn't Damon." she said. "Or- it was Damon but he was trying to help. He didn't know it was doing more harm then good."
"Well then please." said Bonnie sitting at one of the desks. "Explain."
"He saw how guilty I felt about my parents death, how much it weighed on me. So he tried to help. The compulsion took away the guilt but it took away all the growth and maturity that came with it. That's why I was acting so horrible. But as soon as he realized his mistake he fixed it."
"He shouldn't have compelled you at all." said Bonnie.
"He was trying to do the same thing for me that I did with Jeremy for Vicki." said Elena. "Bonnie…have I seemed happy these last few months? Or have I just been going through the motions?"
"You've been happy." said Bonnie stubbornly.
"I wasn't." she said. "And you know it. But, look at me now. I'm happy, I feel like I can breathe again. I'm sorry for the things Damon has done but we've all made mistakes with everything that's happened. You've forgiven Stefan and me and I hope this first time Caroline messes up through her transition you forgive her. Or the first time she slips up are you gonna stop speaking to her too?"
"Of course not." said Bonnie. "Caroline's my friend."
"And so am I." she said. "And he makes me happy. Bonnie I love him and he loves me. This weekend was the happiest I've felt in years. Are you really telling me that you can't be happy for me and Damon? I'm not asking you to be his new best friend but- Just-" She peters out, not sure exactly what she is asking. Bonnie looked back and her and Elena stared nervously.
"I'll try." said Bonnie. "No promises. But I'll try."
"That's all I ask." she said wrapping her arms around Bonnie. Bonnie hugged her back. "I really missed you."
"Me too." said Bonnie. "I was just- scared I was going to lose you to him."
"Never." said Elena. "I'm sorry I made you feel like that. How about this weekend we have a girls night. Just you me and Caroline and a romcom?"
"That sounds nice." said Bonnie. "I'll bring the popcorn?"
"Yeah." said Elena smiling. The bell rang and they both grabbed their bags. She knew it wasn't all fixed but…Bonnie was willing to try. That's all she needed.
She successfully avoided Stefan and Caroline and by the end of the day she was nearly buzzing with anticipation. She saw Damons car pull up before the bell rang and it took superhuman effort not to bolt out of class early. When the bell did ring she ran out, down the stairs and into his car. "Go!" she said. "Quick before your brother shows up." He peeled out of the parking lot tires squealing and she laughed as the took off down the street. "I realized I forgot something this morning." she said looking over at him.
"What did you forget?" he said his eyes on the road.
"I forgot to say I love you." she said her chin resting on her hand as she looked at him.
"Sorry I didn't catch that." said Damon looking over at her. "Say that again?"
"I love you." she said softly.
"Sorry, one more time." he said cupping a hand around his ear.
"I love you!" she said and he pulled off onto a side road tires spinning in the dry dust. She looked around and saw they had pulled off into a shielded part of the woods.
"Oh." he said turning off the car. "Me too." He unbuckled his seatbelt, leaned over, undid hers and pulled her onto his lap all at lightning speed.
"What are you doing?" she said grinning at him.
"This was the best I could do on short notice." he said. "Since both of our houses aren't options. Unless you want to rent out a room at the bed and breakfast in town-"
"No!" she said. "My parents were friends with the owners! They'd call Jenna-"
"I know." he said. "So this is our only option."
"How stereotypical." she said. "Why don't you just drive me up to Makeout Point?"
"Yeah," he said scooting the seat back as far as it would go. "And then I can give you my pin and you and Rizzo and the rest of the Pink Ladies can-"
"Shut up." she said as he reclined the seat and she leaned forward kissing him. His hands slid up under the edge of her skirt.
"I think this is the most conventional thing we've done." he said. "Having sex in my car."
"Are we having sex?" she said. "I still feel pretty clothed."
"Well now who's thinking conventionally?" he said slipping her underwear down swiftly. "I need to widen your horizons."
"I feel like you've done plenty to-" His finger slipped inside her. "Widen my horizons…" She said her voice syrupy.
"Theres never a limit for your learning." he said starting to press in and out of her agonizingly slowly. She shuddered pressing her forehead into his shoulder.
"I would like that very much." she gasped into his ear. She reached down between them trying to undo his jeans quickly.
"Slow down.." he said his fingers still moving slowly against her his other hand pushing her hair back so he could kiss up her neck. "You're always in such hurry, Elena."
"Because I want you now." she said her hands undoing the button and tugging the zipper down. "Want-"
"We have all the time in the world." he said pressing another finger inside her and using the other hand to push her hand away from his jeans. "Enjoy this. Savor it."
"You're just enjoying torturing me." she moaned turning her head so her lips brush his neck.
"Mostly I'm enjoying the sounds you make when you don't get your way." he said pulling his fingers back slowly then pressing them back in the same languid way.
"That makes me sound like a spoiled brat." she said. "Don't act like you don't enjoy it."
"Oh I very much do." Damon said. "But we should change it up. Bruising, so-hard-you-can't-catch-your-breath sex is going to wear you out. I'm trying to give you a rest day."
"So considerate." she said moving against his fingers slowly.
"I try." he said quietly he angled her chin so he could look at her. "God you're beautiful." He said smiling a bit.
"Stop." she said turning her face away but he turned it back.
"Don't look away." he said. "Let me look at you." He kissed her gently his lips barely brushing hers before he pulled back kissing the corner of her lips, down her neck then leaning back to look at her again. "I could look at you all day."
"If we had a whole day together I hope you'd do more then just look at me." she said her hips rocking.
"I wouldn't need to." he said. "I don't just love you because I have sex with you. You know that right?"
"Of course." she said leaning forward to kiss him.
"Elena-" he said leaning back. "I know we have sex a lot but we are more then that. Right?"
"Yes," she said. "Of course. You do so much for me, you care about me so much. You do a dozen little things a day that shows me how much you love me."
"I just-" he pulls back to look at her removing his fingers from her despite her disappointed moan. "I'm not always good at that stuff- the relationship stuff that's not just throwing you down on the nearest bed."
"And as much as I love that part," she said sitting up a little. "I think you're entirely wrong. Our weekend away was nothing but you showing me how you love me in a hundred ways. The picnics and the dresses and the library. That was all amazing. And that's why I really felt like I was ready to say I loved you. Because you showed me how you loved me in so many way I knew I could believe it. Any doubts I had evaporated." She leaned up kissing him softly.
"I feel like you spend all your time reassuring me. Taking care of me." he said.
"I feel the same way about you." she said. "And if we're both feeling the same way and we're both happy…we must be doing something right."
"See this is why I make you go to school." he said. "One of us has to be the smart one."
"Well then I think we should follow your advice. Do something other then bang all over Mystic Falls."
"Did you have something in mind?" he said. She returned his question with a smile.
…
As they sat beside each other under the gazebo facing onto the Falls Damon looked over at her. "You're being quiet." he said.
"Just…thinking." she said her eyes closed drinking in the sun and the sound of the crashing water.
"About?" he prompted.
"All of it." she said. "I mean… Stefan might never be happy with this. But..Caroline likes this. And Jeremy and Jenna are warming up to it. Even Bonnie said she'd try to-"
"Tolerate this?" he finished.
"To understand us." she said. "Which I get. A few months ago I couldn't have imagined we'd end up here…like this." She opened her eyes looking to him. "A year ago I couldn't have imagined half the stuff that's happened in this town. And it's hard sometimes but if it brought me to you…I don't know." she dropped her head looking away from him.
"Then what?" he said prompting her again.
"Maybe it was worth it." she said. "To get here. To get to us."
"I have to say I agree." he said.
"And no matter how hard it gets…How much crazier this town gets," she said looking up at him sliding her fingers into his. "It'll be easier with you."
"I love you." he said laying his forehead against hers. "Through all of it."
"I love you." she said with a smile. "Through all of it."
It took many years, several laptops and many more readers, reviewers and editors to get here but thank you for those that followed to the end. I'd love to promise future chapters and sequels galore but I'm not fond of making promises I can't keep.
Thank you thank you thank you all.