Heey. This chapter got a little longer than the others, but it's almost 90% delena, so I hope you won't mind.
And, as always, I hope you like it!
Chapter 09: Damon lala land
DAMON POV
Stefan and I ran across the great lawn of Central Park while Enzo and Alaric chased us. I speed up, feeling the fresh air on my face and my heart pounding against my chest. Enzo was getting closer, so I spinned, dogged out of his way and launched the ball into my brother's hands. — Catch! — I shouted.
Ric tried to take advantage of Stefan, but baby bro was quicker and tackled him right after catching the ball, the strong bump making him fall onto the grass. Enzo took the opportunity to step in and steal the ball from Stefan, but I expertly crashed on him and sent him right to where Alaric was still fallen.
Enzo cursed, quickly standing up again, far faster than Alaric, and ran after me. Still not fast enough to match my speed, though. Soon, Stefan was coming behind him, so I flew the ball to his hands again. Enzo turned around instantly, and I must admit, he has really good reflexes, but so does Stefan who immediately threw the ball back to me, running against Enzo's shoulder as he passed through him. Enzo stumbled onto his feet and glared at Alaric, annoyed by the lack of support of his mate because the teacher had already given up and was now resting comfortably in the grass.
He threw his hands in the air, declaring defeat. I laughed, sending the ball to my brother one last time, just to show off, and finally stopped to catch my breath. Stefan did the same, sitting with me on the open lawn, the ball safely kept below his right hand.
— So… — I waited a few seconds until a reasonable amount of air came back to my lungs and said smugly. — When we asked you guys to pair against us, we forgot to mention that we kind of rock at this game.
Enzo puffed. — I would have beaten you if my pairwasn't completely useless.
— Sorry if I actually studied in high school. — Ric defended himself.
— Please, just admit you can't play football. — I retorted, gesturing to Stefan. — Baby bro was also a nerd, but he's still pretty good at it.
Stefan smiled. — Even though I wasn't the captain of our team.
Wow. Thanks, Stef. I'm just complimenting your skills, and you reciprocate by giving them ammunition to mock me.
— Captain Damon Salvatore. — Enzo laughed. — I bet you still have the trophy.
Before Stefan could confirm that yes, I still had it, since he knows very well it's exposed both in our old school here in New York and in our old home in Virginia, I smirked and did my part as the big brother to embarrass him instead. — You're one to talk. You were fucking crowned prom king.
Enzo laughed even harder at this, and I gladly fixed the score to: Damon 1; Stefan 1. And to think I was playing as his partner!
Although I could probably add another point for me since I'm succeeding in the one thing that is the reason behind this boys' afternoon: taking Stefan's mind off his problems. He still hasn't told me what the hell is going on in our father's company, but the "Caroline cheated on me with Klaus" seemed good enough for me to declare a time-out.
It was a good thing that Blondie decided to spill the beans before I ended up doing something stupid with the information Elena had bought for me. Predictably, they broke up. And it sucked even more when Stefan told me he had brought an engagement ring to propose to her, as a promise that he was serious about them, even if the mess at the Salvatore & Mikkelson's was driving him insane.
Eventually, when the sun was starting to set, they boys had to leave. Enzo was called at the Bureau because yes, he did follow a criminal career after college; while Ric, on the other hand, needed to prepare his class for the next day. This means it was just me and Stefan, drinking beer and looking at the starry night, exactly like the old times.
— You know, you just have to say the word and we can trash his BMW. Or spray paint the walls of his art gallery. — I suggested, only half-joking.
Stefan sighed. — In this case, we would've to prank Caroline as well. She's just as guilty as he is.
— That's fine by me. — I say unbothered, knowing deep down that neither of us would do any of those things. We're not teenagers anymore, and, to be honest, this kind of payback was always my thing, not Stefan's.
He finished his beer and tossed aside. — It must be karma. I mean, it's only fair since I stole Caroline from him first.
— Stefan, this is bullshit.
— It's really not. What if any of us started dating Elena, how would you feel about it? — He fired back and I shut my mouth, because he sure as hell knows how to make a point. Klaus may have never declared his love for Caroline, but we all knew it was there.
Stefan took a deep breath. — Have you, uh, have you heard anything from our father?
His abrupt change of subject caught me a little off guard. The last thing I heard from Giuseppe was about the digging on him that Caroline claimed Stefan had been doing; which he denied. And, of course, there's the little fact that mother is divorcing him.
— I haven't talked with him in ages. — I shrugged. If I'm not mistaken, I think the last time I saw him was two years ago, and mostly, when we did run into each other back then, the few words I forced myself to exchange with him had been only for my mother's sake.
He nodded, looking up to the sky and closing himself once more.
I let out a groan. — Are you really not going to tell me what's going on?
— I just haven't heard from him, that's all. He's been in Virginia for about a week or so; you know, working from there. But that's not like him. He never stays in Fells Church longer than necessary. — And his nonchalantly tone was very convincing, but I know him. And I know that's not all. I've lived with Stefan for my whole life so I can easily tell when his broodiness it's just due to his pisces sun or if he actually has a real reason to be more serious than usual.
Still, I also know he doesn't like to be pushed anymore than I do, and since he already has a lot going on as it is, I will let it pass. So I did the only thing I was able to do given the circumstances and offered for him to crash at my place for as long as he needed.
— Are you sure Elena is ok with me staying? — Stefan asked as we entered the apartment.
I dropped the keys on the black entryway table, taking off my leather jacket and throwing it in the arm of the couch. — Of course. — I smirked. — She does happen to love kids.
Stefan rolled his eyes, throwing a pillow at my face that I quickly grabbed and made it fly back to his. Shame we both have good reflexes. — Besides, — I added. — My shower needs to be fixed, it's not running hot water anymore. You being here saves me the trouble of calling the Repair Service.
On this note, I headed to Elena's bathroom to use her shower instead. She's probably leaving NYU by now and going to Bonnie's; their attendings are going to test their skills at some point in the next month so they made plans to study together. She's quite nervous about it, therefore, as a reward, I will book two tickets to Paris as soon as she gets a few days off so we can go visit Jeremy. Honestly, I could use a little break too; with all the mess that is going on in my brother's life and with the amount of hours I've been working, a time-out with my favorite girl is exactly what I need.
And, speaking of work, I needed to be at the orphanage at least twenty minutes ago, because I may have or may have not lost a bet with Adam so now I have to pay by watching Disney movies with him. Yeap. I just hope he's not a Frozen fan. Or anything with princesses that has too many songs on it.
I stepped out of the bathroom box and wrapped a white towel around my waist, humming Another One Bites the Dust. But, at the second I reached out to the doorknob, someone else opened it for me and I was met with the wide-eyes of my roommate.
She was so, so close it was a miracle our bodies didn't bump accidentally. I cleared my throat, moving just an inch away from her. She seemed to be too flustered with her colored cheeks and heavy breathing.
— My shower isn't working. — I explained, making an effort not to comment on the fact she was clearly affected by me. But, then again, it could be just the surprise of finding me in her bathroom.
Elena sucked her breath. — Right. — She took a much safer step back, trying to look at anywhere but my bare chest. — I was just… — She trailed off, her eyes descending to the exact spot she was trying to avoid, then back to mine.
Do you know what? To hell with it. I'm going to enjoy this as much as I can.
I tilted my head to one side and smirked. — Don't look so frightened, Elena. It's not like you haven't seen me half-naked before.
— Well… — She tried to regain her composure and failed miserably. This is too fun. — How am I supposed to know you were showering here? — She asked, turning her back to me and walking to the inside of her bedroom.
To piss her off as much as I can because she just looks so adorable when I'm pushing her buttons, I started to snoop around. It's not like I haven't been here since she moved in, whenever she locks herself to study I come to bring her food or to talk. Still, I'm always focused on her beauty and not on the surroundings, so why not, right?
— Hmmm. — I murmured, noticing the photos she added in the mirror. There's a small one of toddler Jeremy and another one of the two of us.
It's an old picture, back from our college days, she was still in med school and I was still learning how to be a therapist. I had just bought the Grill, and after a whole day of settling everything ready for the opening, I took an old couch to the rooftop and spent the night with Elena. That is, until the rain caught us and we were forced to order dinner on iFood and eat at an empty table, inside of my bar-restaurant, with only candles lighting the place because we had also run out of power.
In the photo we are soaked wet, laughing happily at the camera. And she was wearing my leather jacket that I had put over her shoulders to warm her up; it was the only piece of cloth I had left inside of the place, so it was also the only one the rain hadn't bathed.
I had every intention of declaring my love for her that day. I mean, I was finally getting my shit together, we were closer than ever, and she had invited me to watch a meteor shower with her! It seemed like the perfect occasion for it. So, as the secretively romantic guy that I am, I cooked her favorite meal, put her favorite 80s ballads to play and decorated the place with her favorite candles. She thought it was just a celebration because of my new conquest, but I had a secret agenda that never happened because the water fell and we ended up dancing in the rain instead.
— Hey. Stop snooping. — Elena tried to pick up the photo from me, but I hung it above my head. — Damon, give me that.
I shook my head. — Mm-hm.
She squinted her eyes at me, and I, childishly, ran to climb her bed, in an attempt to put the picture as far away from her as possible. I laughed carefreely as she kept jumping on the mattress thing to catch it. She was getting as annoyed as I was getting amused, until I stumbled, losing my balance and falling on her blankets and pillows.
Yeap, she did fall with me.
And not only that, she fell on me, on my bathed-wet chest while I was still fully naked with only a towel separating us.
Elena tried to look like she wasn't blushing furiously, but she wouldn't be staring at her hands in my abdomen, completely paralyzed, if she was chill with it. I get it, this may be a little over the lines of friendship, even for us. But, a part of me can't help but wonder if, by some miracle, there's another reason for her to be this nervous around me.
As she came back to her senses, she pushed herself up and snapped the picture out of my hands. And that's how I know she's overwhelmed: Elena always fires back a remark, always. Yet… she didn't, she didn't say a single word and took way too long in glueing the photo back to its place.
I fixed the towel around my waist, getting up from the bed and coming right behind her to whisper next to her ear. — Thanks for borrowing me your strawberry shampoo. — I said close enough to see if it would make her shiver (it did), but not too close to scare her with the proximity that seemed, for some reason, to be making her nervous.
And I left the room.
If I must dare to dream — and I say dream, not hope — that there's something going on between the two of us that cross the friendship border, then I need to give her space. If I know Elena, and God knows that I do, this would be something that would freak her out much more than it does with me, and, trust me, it frightens me a lot, especially in the beginning of my realization.
Once I assumed Elena wasn't dying of embarrassment anymore, and once I was fully clothed again, I politely knocked at her bedroom door to let her know I was going to the orphanage. She was sitting comfortably at her king-sized bed, with a book in her hands.
— I see you got your manners back. — She said, without even bothering to check if it was actually me.
She closed the book that I recognized to be "It", by Stephen King. I bet she took it from the pile of stuff Jeremy left behind, he's even more into the horror stuff than she is. And God help me, because I swear if she ends up convincing me to replace Fight Club for a murder clown tale in our next movie night I'm gonna lose it.
Elena looked up, smiling as her eyes roamed over my all-black outfit. — And you got your clothes back too. — She added, teasingly.
I chuckled. — And you got your sense of humor.
Maybe I'm seeing things. Maybe there isn't anything else there and she just got uncomfortable because I was in a towel.
We looked at each other with smiley faces. And I hate, I absolutely hate, that I'm so in love with her that I'm starting to get delusional because it truly felt like we were having a moment. But that's just ridiculous because we're friends and friends don't have moments.
Pushing these thoughts to the back of my mind, I walked towards her and sat on the edge of the matters. She instantly put the book aside and moved closer. The warm feeling in my chest reminded me that I should just appreciate her friendship instead of keeping imagining what would be like if we were more.
Lala land Damon needs to be closed.
— So… — I drummed her tights, unable to stop myself from touching her. — I just came to let you know I'm going to an afternoon movie session with Adam.
She raised an eyebrow. — Oh, are you?
— He challenged me to name all of the Avengers in a silly game and I lost it. — I shrugged, unbotheringly admitting the reason for it because, well, it's Elena. — Apparently Thor is part of the team too. Did you know that? I thought he was a norse God.
She laughed. — Have you ever even watched the Avengers?
I narrowed my eyes. — Have you?
— Everyone has.
— Well, not me.
She laughed again, shaking her head. — And it's hard to miss the fact Thor is in it. Chris Hemsworth is kind of hot.
I puffed. — Ok, and that's my cue to leave.
However, before I could even get up from the mattress, she reached out and held my arm. I looked back at her questionly and she let go of me, shyly. Oook, we will need to talk about this sudden awkwardness. It could've been fun at first, but now I just want my best friend back.
— It's just… — She trailed off, looking somewhat uncertain. — Bonnie won't be able to study with me today, so I was wondering… If, maybe, I could go with you to see Adam?
I smiled widely. — You're really smitten by him, aren't you?
— Shut up.
— Of course you can. — I said. And it really isn't just because I love spending time with her. — He asked about you a few times, so I'm sure he will love the surprise.
She smiled. — Great. I will just… — She gestured to her pajamas. — Change clothes and we can go, is that alright?
— Yeap. — I popped the "p" and made myself comfortable in her bed while she went to pick up her favorite pair of jeans and a purple t-shirt, going straight to the bathroom and closing the door behind her. I laughed.
— Ok, let me be clear about something, spider-boy. — I said very seriously, drifting my eyes from the TV to his grey gaze. — If I ever let you come with me on a trip in a house equipped with balloons, you do not get to pick up every weird talking animal we find along the way, got it?
He bit his bottom lip and searched for Elena's eyes. — Lena, if it ever happens, would you come too, right?
— Absolutely.
— And you will let me get a talking dog?
She looked at me defiant and smiled at the boy. — I will.
Adam smiled. — I guess that answers your question, Damon.
I groaned. Why did I ever think it was a good idea to put these two together in a room when I knew they would team up against me?
It was already getting darker when I finally left the apartment, but I had promised to be there and pay for my lost bet today, and I wasn't going to bail on Adam. So, once the ladies at the orphanage gave me the thumbs up, I drove him to the Grill, setting a relaxing atmosphere with blankets, a notebook to play the movie and a lot of Italian snacks, right at our rooftop.
And yes, I'm aware the kid is the only person I bought here besides Elena, but, I don't know, it just felt natural?
Elena stretched herself to where the basket with mini Pizzas con Patate were, and Adam, as the gentleman kid he is, grabbed it and gave it to her. — Thanks. — She said, gently touching his cheeks.
I, on the other hand, went for the Cornetti con Panna. The kid's mouth watered at the sight of it, he had tasted earlier and he loved it, so I placed the basket in my lap motioning for him to eat with me. He was sandwiched between the two of us on our rooftop couch.
— What's the name of this one again? — Adam asked, already picking up another.
I smiled, letting my barely used Italian roll on my tongue. — Cornetti con Panna.
He tried to pronounce, but it came out very differently from how I said it. Elena rolled her eyes. — It's cream filled croissants. — She told him simply. — Damon is just showing off, you can say the easier name.
— Thank you, Lena. But… Damon says girls will be impressed if I talk with them using another language… — He trailed off, and I laughed.
Elena gave me a look, then turned all her attention to Adam, ruffling his blonde curls backwards. — Don't listen to him. And you don't need that to impress girls, you're already too pretty.
He blushed. — Thanks. — But he wouldn't be my number one patient if he hadn't learned a thing or two with me by now, so even with pink-ish cheeks, he added. — But you're prettier.
The second movie was almost as cool. I've got to admit the kid has a nice taste when it comes to Disney stuff. It was a princess one, actually, "Tangled", but I liked it. Especially with Elena playing with the hair at the back of my neck as Flynn Rider told Rapunzel he was interested in her hair and the magical qualities that it possesses. I wiggled my eyebrows playfully at her and she winked in response.
I made a mental note to download "The Lion King" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" to our next movie session with Adam. It was me and Stefan's favorite animations when we were kids and I need to introduce the greatness of the 90s to him.
— Is that a telescope? — Adam asked all of a sudden, getting up from the couch after the notebook had been turned off, and running towards the object.
Elena nodded, silently telling me to go with him and she would gather the rest of our stuff. I did, leaning against the half wall of the rooftop. He took his eyes off the thing and looked at me disappointed. — It's all grey.
— It's too cloudy today. — I explained, glancing at the sky. I sighed. It was time to take him back at the orphanage; the weather wasn't really good and it could start to rain at any second. — It's ok. — I touched his shoulder. — I can bring you here again when it's clearer.
His eyes brightened. — Can I come again?
— Yeah. As long as the ladies gave us permission, you can hang out with me anytime.
— Can Lena come too?
I laughed softly. — As long as she's not working.
— Good. I like her.
— I know you do.
He bumped his arm on mine. — Don't be jealous. I like you too, Damon.
My laugh was louder now. He's the funniest kid I've met. I would say he reminds me a bit of myself as a child, but I was a shy boy at his age. Then I grew into a reckless teenager who rebelled against my father's rules. This half-mature version of me only came with adulthood. Although Elena never let me get too old in spirit. You, my lovely reader, have been following our tale for a few months, so you didn't get to see us when we are not working, but I can assure you, me and Elena can still go wild.
With everything safe in her huge purple purse, Elena appeared at our side, smiling lovingly at the both of us. — It's all good? — I asked.
— Yeah. — She ruffled Adam's curls. — Let's get this one home.
Something tightened in my chest because for a moment it felt like we were going to take him to our home, and I guess Elena must have noticed, because her eyes widened briefly. Yeah, so much for not scaring her with the whole feelings-talk.
Adam yawned, rubbing his eyes. I smiled fondly, picking him up in my arms. Man, the kid is heavy for a six years-old.
And, of course, I had to cross paths with some friends of ours on the way out of the Grill. Elijah and Katherine were sitting at my most fanciest table for the second time this week.
— I think I will just reserve it permanently for the golden couple. — I teased, thankful that Elena was kind enough to put her pink headphones on Adam, it was doing a fine job muffling the sound of people chattering.
Elijah looked curious at the sleeping boy I was holding, but it was Katherine who raised an eyebrow and asked. — Did you guys adopt a child or…?
Elena laughed, looking at me with a smile. — That t-shirt is probably a good idea. — She turned back to the couple and answered. — He's a patient of Damon's.
— And sometimes Elena hangs out with us. — I completed it.
Elijah and Katherine exchanged looks, but, thankfully, chose not to comment on it. At least they have some sense, in opposition to Bonnie that is being way too pushy with Elena for my liking. What does she have to do with our friendship lines anyway? If we ever crossed it, which I seriously doubt that we will, it would be our business and no one else's. Although I should probably be relieved she's not besties with Blondie, no matter how close they are, because that girl would be even worse.
Katherine got up from the chair to greet us both. And when she came to kiss my cheek, Adam opened his eyes, looking between the girls. — Two Elenas? — He mumbled sleepily. — Dreaming… — Then he fell back to rest his head on my shoulder and drift into Adam lala land again.
— He is adorable. — Katherine said, pouting to her fiance. — Isn't he the most beautiful child you've ever seen?
Elijah was visibly fighting the urge to roll his eyes, but he was just too polite for that. — He is.
— I want one. — She said, plain and simple.
He got up from his chair and rubbed her back smoothly. — Let's get married first, ok?
Katherine smiled, leaning in to kiss him. — Oh. — She then glanced back at us, pointing her index finger threateningly. — You both need to be on this year's trip! I demand.
I bit my tongue. — I'm not sure it will happen, Kat.
— Because of Niklaus and Caroline's indiscretion. — Elijah nodded, understating.
Katherine wasn't that thoughtful. — They can sort things out on the trip. What better therapy for our love square couples than spending two months together?
As a therapist, I have some reservations on the matter, but I choose not to argue now. — We will talk about it later. I need to take this one to the orphanage.
Katherine gave me a look, being much more gentle when her attentions were focused on Elena. — We should get together to catch up. — She touched her arm. — I'm spending most of my days in their castle and, ugh, all of his siblings are boys! It gets boring.
— Not Rebekah. — I corrected her.
— Katherina and my sister… — Elijah chose his words very carefully. — They have a disagreement when it comes to… most things.
Elena muttered under her breath. — That makes two of us.
I chuckled, Katherine laughed, and Elijah, with God's blessing, didn't hear it. — Stefan is crashing at our place. — I said. — So Lainey is probably thinking the same thing about us Salvatores.
Elena rolled her eyes. — He's a drama queen. But I would love to, Katherine.
— Then I will text you. — The other woman replied.
— But, Damon's right, we gotta take him. — She motioned to Adam. — It was great seeing both of you, though. I will try to make it for dinner next time.
Katherine's smile was so genuine, the kind you wouldn't expect to see in the face of someone with her bad-bitch facade. But I've known first hand Elena can make anyone melt with her doe eyes; and I guess looks can be deceiving.
Elijah took my girl's hand and kissed the back of it. — The pleasure will be all mine, Elena. And you look lovely this evening, as always.
— Thank you. — Elena blushed, and even though I know she's just this shy with everyone that gives her compliments, it made me feel jealous.
The next time I saw Adam we were playing video games in the quietest living room of the orphanage. We had an incredibly important appointment the day before; he hadn't mentioned his parents' death yet, but he shared that his mother used to beat him, so I wanted to come over to check on him.
The woman who runs the kitchen of the place had cooked him rice and beans, and the sight of those brown little things floating in the dark water triggered a traumatic flashback. He threw himself on the floor and started to cry in pain, screaming that everything burned. They called me desperate and I ran to him even more frightened.
Later, when he crawled in my lap, crying silently, he confided in me. — She made me watch dinner this one time… — His voice was low, cracking. And apparently the bitch had blamed a four years-old boy for burning the food and dropping the heavy pot. She proceeded to kick him to the ground, right where the hot water of the beans was, and that left permanent burn marks on his back. Then everything went black, his words.
I drove home with glassy eyes that night. Elena was spending the weekend at Bonnie's, studying, so I called her just to hear her. I didn't tell her the reason behind my shaky voice because I know Elena and she would have come running home to be with me. But she has a test in a few weeks and I need to let her be. Besides, just listening to my name rolling on her tongue so sweetly had been the most effective lullaby.
Today, the room I was in was peaceful.
Adam was quiet. He always shuts down after a breakdown. I know he feels embarrassed for opening up, like if I would look at him differently now that I have more knowledge about his screwed-up past.
One day, I will tell him all about mine. I wasn't shy as a kid because the boys in school were mean to me. In fact, the first time I stood up for myself was to save Stefan from the big guys who were running after him in kindergarten. I was a sad child because my father used to beat me too. He only did it when my mother was traveling, so she doesn't know — I know for a fact that she doesn't because she would have killed him if she did. Elena is the only one who does, not even Stefan has any idea.
But, yeah, that happened.
Do you know that trophy from my highschool football team baby bro mentioned? Giuseppe used it on the back of my head once. It was in the year we went back to Fells Church and he was just recovering from cancer. It felt good to have him act like a father during those brief months. Then he got better and I told him I wanted to be a chef instead of a lawyer… and I guess you can imagine the rest.
Anyway, back to the present time.
The only sound I'm hearing now it's coming from the fictional characters of the game playing on the TV, while me and Adam are fighting against the four horsemen of Apocalypse.
Adam kicked the last of our enemies, gently putting the controller in the throw-pillows in front of us and turning to me with a half-smile. — That was fun.
— I thought you said you had never played this thing before. — I eyed him suspiciously.
He shrugged. — I haven't. Trying new things with other kids makes me nervous.
— Not with me, though?
He shook his head. — Nah, I like you.
I grinned, messing up the wavy fringe that was falling on his forehead. — You're just saying that because I got you ice cream.
And he had the nerve to smile and say. — That's for me to know and for you to dot, dot, dot.
I shouldn't have made this joke with him, I knew it would come back to bite me in the ass eventually. I swear sometimes I doubt he's only six, like I told you, I wasn't this cooler when I was his size.
At night, Alaric showed up at my place and we drank bourbon with Stefan for a few hours. All three of us were pretty quiet, lost in our own heads and problems, but nonetheless bonding with the shared bottles of alcohol. It's a boy's thing, I suppose; and it seemed to work just like playing football with them at Central Park did. And it certainly was much more enjoyable to Ric.
Eventually, they head off. Well, my college teacher buddy at least, baby bro arrived from a business trip two days ago and drunkenly fell asleep in my guest room, where he had been ever since. And I both love and hate that he and Elena are getting along so well. She admitted it's better when it's just the two of us, and I can't argue with that, but she's good at un-clouding his mind with cheap beer and small talk.
I was a bit dizzy myself. And since it was way past three a.m and Elena wasn't home yet, I just assumed she was going to sleep at Bonnie's again and went to my bedroom. I picked up a Dickens' book on the shelf for me to read lazily while sleep didn't kick in, which meant flickering through the pages, mostly. But when my palpebras began to weigh and my eyes were so heavy they were almost closing on their own, I heard a knock on my door. I made myself sit straight in bed, fixing the pillow behind my back. — Come on in.
My guess was on Stefan. It wouldn't have been the first night he wanted to chat with me like we were young teenage girls. To tell the truth, I'm a bit curious about what he's not telling me about our father's company. But I have work in the morning, both the clinic and the Grill, so I'm not exactly in the mood for having anyone interrupting my beauty sleep.
However, when the door opens, who I see staring shyly at me it's Elena. And she can interrupt whatever she wants, whenever she wants. — Did I wake you? — She asked timidly.
I smiled, visibly content with the surprise. She spent the last two days at BonBon, and God, I've missed her. — Nah. — I said, tapping the mattress and inviting her to climb in.
She did.
And there was this moment when she just sat there and looked at me, and I looked back at her, and… Fuck, why am I so whipped over this girl that I keep seeing things that aren't there? If the incident with the towel two weeks ago was proof enough, you, my dear reader, would agree with me when I question myself if I'm not the one needing a therapist.
— I didn't know you would come tonight. — I said, discreetly swallowing dry.
Elena slid herself next to me so she could be by my side, close enough to rest her head on my shoulder. — I missed home. — She said with a sigh, wrapping her arm in mine and tracing circles in the exposed skin of my forearm. — I missed my beautiful redecorated bedroom. — She continued, kissing the top of my shoulder that, thankfully, was covered with my sleep dark-blue t-shirt. — I missed you.
And I swear my heart was beating so fast that it felt like it was going to jump out of my mouth at any second. How can a girl have this effect on me? How is it possible? But, then again, it's Elena. She had never been just a girl to me.
— I missed you, too. — I admitted, resting my head on the side of hers. Dickens had been placed on my nightstand and I had conjoined our hands together.
— Yeah? — She asked way too shy, and I just pulled her tighter to me until our bodies were so close that not even the blankets were separating our touching legs. It's not like I can kiss her, can't I?
I can kiss the top of her head, though. It's not enough, but it will have to do. So I did just that, taking longer than I needed and not nearly as long as I wanted to. — I always miss you, Lainey.
And I gotta tell you… I think I'm falling even harder for her.
You can say it's just because she's living here now, and you know what, maybe it is. But all I know is that my feelings are reaching a very dangerous level that scares the shit out of me. See, normally, I wouldn't be so open like this, no matter how much I tease her. But this last month? Fuck, I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. I fucking whispered suggestively in her ear when I was wearing nothing but a towel. And I'm practically fessing up my undying love for her on a daily basis.
A part of me wants to believe that it's because things have been a little different. But, at the same time, I refuse to have hope. I know I can't fight the way I feel about her, God knows that I've tried already and failed. However, I can still stop myself from having expectations that things might change between us because they are not going to, not really. Or, at least I could stop myself from it, 'cause like I said, it's getting harder and harder.
— My eyes are almost closing. — Elena whispered tiredly in my arms, letting go of my hand to lay her head on my chest and hug me, as tight as a sleepy girl is capable of. — Can I sleep here tonight? I really missed you the last couple of days.
Oh, are you fucking kidding me?! Did she really pull me away from my thoughts to tell me this? Doesn't she have any idea what it does to me?
Of course, I don't verbalize any of it. I never do, not so bluntly anyway, because I still have some sense of self-preservation. — I thought you would want to sleep in your beautiful redecorated bedroom. — I teased, trying not to let it show how aple-shit crazy about her I actually am.
She shook her head, already making herself more comfortable, in my bed and in my arms. — Nah, I would rather be here 'cause I missed you the most.
Yeap, definitely falling in love with her more and more at every second. I tugged her in my bed, covering us both with the blankets and I stretched my arm to turn off the bedside lamp, loving that she came to use me as her human pillow the moment I fell back on the mattress.
— Sleep well then, princess. — I told her after a few minutes, but she didn't answer me because she was already sleeping. Surprisingly I didn't stay up to overthink anything. It just felt so good to have her next to me like this. Plus, I'm a bit drunk. So I followed her right after and fell asleep too.
On the next day when I had already finished at the clinic and am now mixing drinks behind the bar? Then, I overthink. And I overthink to the point I needed to ditch the kitchen and give up on cooking because my head was spinning. Not in a good way and not as a result of a hangover, but because I was in desperate need of a drink.
— Last night wasn't enough for you, huh? — Alaric asked as he approached the bar and sat in his reserved, usual spot.
I smirked briefly, grabbing a beer to give it to him as well. — Kids at college are driving you insane already?
— Something like that. Thanks. — He took the beer from my hands and drank a big gulp of it. I guess I'm not the only one overthinking. — I saw your girl at NYU today.
I groaned. — Please, don't call her that. — I pleaded with him. — I'm already deluding myself enough with her coming home last night… to sleep in my bed because she declared she misses me too much.
He raised a brow. — Hm, is that happening?
— Yeap. — I took the dishcloth from my shoulders, threw it to the ginger boy who is my other bartender and made the round out of the bar to sit next to him. — Why are you mentioning that you bumped with her anyway?
— No reason.
And suddenly, the very reason for me to be drinking this earlier on a Monday walked in. And I knew it was her even before I turned around to check because Nathan, my ginger bartender, dropped his jaw the moment the door swung open. Sure, it could have been just another pretty girl, not as beautiful as Elena, but I just know it was her.
— Hey Ric. — She waved at him smiling, and my buddy tossed his beer to greet her. Then she rested a hand on my shoulder, standing adorably on the tip of her toes to kiss my cheek. — Hey bad boy.
I smiled, melting stupidly. — Hey. — And I'm gazing at her unconsciously because her eyes have held me hostage since the first time she grinned at me. — No girl's night at Peter Pan's, huh? Or study group sessions with Nosy BonBon?
— He's on duty today. And Bonnie is going out with Enzo, sooo. — She trailed off.
I sighed theatrically. — So I'm your last option.
— Yes, you are. — Elena agreed mockingly, taking her seat at the bar.
She reached for her backpack and dropped it on the floor, leaning it against the wooden counter. Unzipping it, she picked up her notebook, opening up the screen and pressing the entering button to turn it on. — I mean, that's why I brought my homework here so I can read the book Shane sended me while I hung out with you, my last option.
— Please. — I scoffed, trying to bite back the smile that wanted to take it over my whole face. — You're just here because I'm working, therefore you actually need to come over to the Grill to eat my divine food.
She smiled. — So you will cook for me?
I rolled my eyes. — It's my job, isn't it?
Elena groaned as the music got louder and some very noisy group of teenage boys arrived. It's game's night, which is the other secret reason why Ric is correcting his students' papers at my bar. But Elena only remembered those days when I took her little brother to watch on live with me. I don't care much about baseball, but I used to do anything to keep Little Gilbert away from the drugs back in the old days.
— Oh-oh. — I said as I watched her stare at the group of teens with murderous eyes.
Taking a deep breath, she threw the backpack on her shoulders and closed the notebook again to hold it in her arms. — I want a Mozzarella Tortellini. — She announced it to me.
I smiled, nodding. — Got it.
Her bossy tone then changed to a gentle low one; the hand of her free arm caressing mine slowly. — I will be on the rooftop. Can you tell Rose or Nathan to take over the bar for tonight? — I sucked my breath when I saw her eyes darkening at me. — I do want an Italian dinner… — She admitted, and I chuckled. Of course she does. — But I didn't come just for the food.
— Hmmm. — I let my hands caress her arms as well, not feeling awfully guilty for enjoying it immensely since she was still touching me. — Then why did you?
— It's the Lunar Eclipse today. — She smiled widely. Oh, she's a sucker for this astronomy stuff, it doesn't surprise me it would take an event like these for her to slow down with the whole studying thing. And I can't help but to smile back at her adorable excitement. — Aaand I want to see the Blood Moon with you.
I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. — I hope it doesn't rain. — I smiled kindly and just slightly suggestively. — Although I did like dancing with you the last time a storm caught us.
— Me too. — She smiled back, putting her notebook temporarily back on the counter and coming even closer to me. Why does our bodies work like magnets if we are just friends? — But we can always dance over the moonlight, too, can we?
— We can do whatever you want. — I said sincerely, cursing myself for being so freaking obvious all the time, but look what she just planned for us!
Her hand went to the pocket of my leather jacket and she slid off the key of the rooftop. I gave her a questioning look. — I forgot my copy. — She picked up her notebook again, placed it beneath her arms and stood on her toes to give me another cheek kiss. — Bring some beers.
Elena completely forgot about Alaric, not even bothering to wave goodbye to him. And, honestly, I forgot about my buddy's presence too… Until I noticed his eyes looking strangely at me. — What? — I asked, ready to cut off his free booze if he ever thought about scolding me for gazing too longingly at Elena.
What he did say though, shocked the shit out of me.
— Normally, I'm the first to talk you out of any false hope when it comes to her, but… — I felt a lump on my throat and my chest ached painfully. Because if Ric is the one saying it, then I will dare to believe in it. He would never lie to me, not about anything, and most definitely not about this. But, it can't be what I think it is, right?
Then he says the words I've been wanting to hear since the day I met her and my whole world stops and starts spinning like crazy, all at once. — I think there's something going on there. Between you and Elena.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Just… Fuck.
— Do you? — I asked quietly with a lack of confidence I had never experienced before in my entire life.
Ric nodded, giving me a half-smile. — Yeah, I'm almost certain that she has feelings for you, too, buddy.
And the doors of Damon lala land were kicked open.
Thanks for reading! I will try to update as soon as possible, and yes, I am building up for the moment. It won't be on the next chapter, but we're close folks, promise.
The next one will pick up from their night on the rooftop.
Have a nice week!