Hi! So I should probably let you know that I might have to go back to the old routine of updating a new chapter every weekend now that my classes have started again :(

But, don't worry, they will keep coming!

Like I said, they are going to visit Jeremy on this one, and as you know, trips always work well for the two of them ;)

Hope you like it!

Chapter 13: I'm standing here naked

DAMON POV

— Please, don't make any comments about making out in an art museum. — Elena said, pretending to be irritated as she tried to fight back a smile.

Ever since we got into the City of Light and Love I have been keeping up with my promise of using every cheesy pick-up line I own with Elena. And the fact that we are now visiting the Louvre just makes it so much easier. Jeremy practically jumped in excitement with the prospect of being able to talk for the whole afternoon to all the three of us about the things he learned during the History and Art classes he's taking.

I squinted my eyes at Elena very seriously. — But… They said not to touch the masterpieces! — I argued, smirking delightedly as she blushed beautifully. — Come on, Monalisa, let's see what Little Gilbert is up to.

Elena shook her head with the cutest smile, all embarrassed by another one of my flirty comebacks. But she still followed me anyway, she always does.

Before you ask, no, nothing else happened between us after that life-changing kiss we shared a few nights ago. And for as much as I would like to pin her against any of this paintings and fuck her brains out, I'm actually enjoying how things are at the moment. Because while she's been crossing every possible line I didn't even know existed when it comes to our friendship, she's also being incredibly shy about it, which only makes me wanna tease her even more.

After meeting Adam and instantly falling in love with him, Jenna suggested a day in Luna Park. I know that deep down she just wanted to have a fun date with Ric, who predictably seemed more than happy to go out with a nice lady after all the crap he put up with Isobel. And, of course, me and Elena were more concerned about giving Adam the time of his life… Although I'm sure that the way she nearly forced him to ride the Ferris Wheel with the two of us had everything to do with her not wanting to be alone with me in a cheesy romantic scenario.

But, back to the current romantic scenario we are in.

Out of nowhere, a girl showed up asking for me to take a photo of her and her friends mimicking one of the weird poses of a sculpture in the hall. I smiled politely, flashing the camera as she asked me to, and even got around to help them to make it look perfect. I did notice she was flirting with me, and honestly I was just trying to show off my skills to Jeremy, since I've been teasing him about Kol since we arrived here… But apparently the one smirk I gave to the girl was enough to piss off Elena.

Her argument to pull me away from the groups of girly blondes was that she wanted to look for the Liberty Leading the People she hasn't seen yet. However, she not so subtly started to brush her hand against mine; and when another person, a sandy-haired man this time, approached me to ask the same thing, I waved for Jeremy to play the photographer instead and interlocked our fingers together since she was clearly wanting to do it but didn't have worked on the courage to.

She didn't let go of it until we stopped by the Cafeteria de La Pyramide to grab a quick bite, and even so, she still sat so close to me our tights were touching slightly beneath the table. Not that I was any more successful in keeping my hands off her either, my right arm had been thrown around her in the chair the whole time we were eating while my fingers brushed the exposed skin below the sleeves of her dark-blue summer outfit.

Once we were finished our snacks, Jeremy sadly announced he needed to head back home because he had class first thing in the morning, therefore the three of us got into a cab to his apartment so we could all get some rest after our tourism day.

Jenna and Elena got the bed in the guest room, while Jeremy dropped dead in his own bedroom, faster than his aunt could say "good night" and turn off the lights. I, on the other hand, got the living room pull-out couch.

You know, I think there has been some misunderstanding going on in heaven. I was very much convinced that my full happiness was not allowed by the universe, and yet I'm pretty sure my live-action rom-com is not putting me in the friendzone of unrequited love anymore.

And I'm not talking about how touchy Elena and I have been with each other, because even if I certainly don't mind the fact she's constantly snuggling into me, I would be lying if I said none of it wasn't already part of our friendship before, it has always been.

I'm talking about how I woke up from my nap in the plane only to find her chocolate eyes openly staring at me with the same melted look I'm sure I've been giving her since the day we met. And I know I promised I wouldn't kiss her again until she asked me to, but I had fought really hard not to when she commented about how unfair it was that I managed to look sexy even with sleep marks.

— Damon. — I heard her voice whispering my name quietly in the darkness of the living room, and I looked up to see her coming from the corridor with a pillow in her hands. — Are you asleep? — She asked.

I faked a yawn just to pretend she had woken me. — Yes.

She smiled shyly. — Is there enough space for two?

— Nope. — I said, sighing dramatically and spreading myself on the couch just for the sake of my bad acting. — I guess you're just going to have to cuddle with Jenna tonight.

Elena rolled her eyes and gestured for me to move aside so she could climb in. Dropping my theatrics all together, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to lay in my chest, the pillow she brought forgotten by her feet. She tightened her arms around my waist, and I kissed her forehead. My fingers ran through her hair just how I knew she liked it, my short nails slightly scraping over her scalp.

— Today you're the one who's daydreaming. — She said with a smile, and I hadn't even realized I had zoned out until she called me back to reality.

— Sorry. — I looked down at her, knowing her cheeks were heated in spite of the lack of light not letting me confirm that she was blushing. — Are you ok? Is the couch too uncomfortable? It's ok if you would rather sleep with Jenna.

— Do you want me to? — She murmured. And I was so taken back by the sudden insecurity in her voice that I didn't even get the chance to answer before she continued mumbling nonsense. — I mean, we've been spending a lot of time together lately. I would understand if you—

I cut her off right away. — Alright, stop that. — She's got to be insane to think I don't love every second I spent with her.

I shifted positions to look into her eyes, holding her heart-shaped face that, of course, fit just perfectly in my hands. — Elena, the only reason I'm not glued to you 24/7 it's because we both need to work. But, you moving in to become my roommate? It's the best thing that ever happened to me.

She smiled, literally sighing in relief. I wish I could just tell her how much I truly love her so all of her worries would go away. — I don't think the apartment would even feel like a home anymore without your college books all over the place. — I continued. — Or without the makeup and hair products you always leave at my bathroom sink even though you have your own. So, don't worry, 'kay?

She nodded, gently making me lay on the pull-out couch again so she could come back to use me as her human pillow. — It's funny because I already knew you were going to be important to me the first night we got high together.

Yeah, I got that once I realized why you didn't let me kiss you.

But what I said was. — Louvre at first sight.

There was a Gilbert staring at me when I opened my eyes the next day — but it wasn't Elena, it was Jeremy Freaking Gilbert. And it wasn't even the same dark-brown eyes that the boy shares with his sister that first caught my attention, it was the incessant noise of a medieval knight running to a very apocalyptic scenario, using his sword on a bunch of mythical creatures. I can't believe Jeremy likes the exact same game I played with Adam.

— Didn't you have school or something? — I asked, rubbing my tired eyes with the heels of my hands as I sat on the couch.

He didn't look away from the television to answer. — Yeah, it got cancelled.

— And you have no homework to finish? — Instead of waking up with this, I added to myself.

— Nah. Yesterday was my day off and I was too busy watching you coming onto my sister. — He pressed the red button one final time, in a final act, sending all the powerful wizards to a terrible death before pausing the game. He relaxed in the arm chair he was sitting on and looked at me with a proud and satisfied expression. — So, what are we doing today?

— I don't know. What are you up to? — I glanced around the house that seemed to be empty besides us two. — And, by the way, where's Elena?

— She went shopping with Jenna. — He reached out to pick up a yellow post-it from the center table and flew right at my lap on a paper airplane.

I undid his artwork to reveal the handwriting of my best friend, telling me to take care of Jeremy in case he got home from college before she finished shopping with her aunt. — It looks like I'm babysitting you. What are your plans? I don't know about the kids friendly places here in France, but I'm sure you're well acquainted with it.

— Actually, do you mind if we stayed indoors? — He asked hopefully, completely ignoring the fact I was treating him like a toddler.

— You have the whole Paris at your display and you want to stay in?

— I do. — He agreed, adding his explanation as he noticed my questioning eyebrows. — Look, how many times have you been to Paris?

In a quick count, I said. — Probably five.

— And I'm living here. It was fun to play tourist in the first weeks, but when Kol left I already knew most of the cool places anyway. I will have all the years I'm studying here to check them a thousand times later. So, unless you want to go to the Louvre again… — He trailed off.

I shook my head immediately. — Nope. Stefan used to drag me to that museum at least twice a day whenever we came here. And, no offence, but you're not the Gilbert I like to flirt with.

— None taken.

Jeremy opened the game's menu, saved his conquest, and then selected the two player option. He opened one of the small compartments of the entertainment center and picked up a second game controller — the red one that has been mine since I first met the kid five years ago.

He dropped on the couch I was sitting on. — There's still food from last night inside the microwave if you are hungry.

I took the controller and repositioned myself. — You know, I thought I was the one who was supposed to be looking after you.

— No, you're supposed to help me kick the asses of these fuckers. — He gestured to the exposure of medieval folklore in front of us with a child's excitement.

— Fair enough. — And it was all we both said for the next three hours.

It's funny how every friendship between guys is usually formed based on a special way of bonding that has nothing to do with talking. For instance, I have played football with Stefan since we were kids — and I'm making a mental note to do it again once I'm back to the U.S., baby bro needs to lose it. Klaus and I bonded by breaking the rules of the school we attended in our teenage years. Enzo was my partner in concerts and in threesomes, although both things faded with time. Ric and I have our bourbon, which also means we are most likely to do the talking more frequently because alcohol always helps.

Hell, even Adam and I have a relationship that doesn't involve talking. Besides the days when Elena hangs out with us, and in all of those he's always super talkative because he's smitten by her, we just tend to watch his favorite cartoons in silence or read comics at the orphanage's library, communicating only through glances and half-smiles.

Come to think about it, he would probably get along with Jeremy as well. So I make another mental note, this one for me to take this children's graphic novel that Little Gilbert wrote so I can introduce Adam to the universe of pirates who fight sea monsters.

After burning fictional cities, Jeremy and I saved the Middle Age from the plague, killed the four horsemen of Apocalypse and stopped the Armageddon. Now we were both filled with a sense of mission accomplished — and it was what it said in the last screen of the game, wasn't it?

Although Jeremy was looking at me like he still had another mission to execute. — So, what's up with you and Elena?

Ok, that's certainly not a conversation I want to have with the kid that I've always seen as my emo baby brother. Especially when it's about his sister!

— What do you mean? Nothing is up.

And I should've known he would push it. The boy is a fucking Gilbert, stubborn just like Elena. — Are you sure about that? — He insisted, looking careful but defiant. — Because it wasn't what it looked like this morning.

I puffed. — So we slept on the same couch. It's no big deal, you know we do it all the time.

— Yeah, but she never blushed completely embarrassed when I caught her stroking your face with dreamy eyes.

— Did she?

— See? My point, precisely! — Jeremy pointed at what I'm sure was my version of dreamy eyes. So good for trying to be nonchalantly about it, Damon.

I sucked my breath, deeply. It's not that I don't want to talk about it with Jeremy, and I really don't. The thing is that I haven't even said the words to Elena.

Ever since that kiss, things are undeniably louder between us, I know that. But, on the other hand, I know Elena. And I know how scared she was that night, completely terrified to be honest, literally about to run away just because of the mere possibility that I might end up saying something. Besides, it seems unfair to verbalize to anyone else when she didn't get to hear the words yet.

And the universe must really be taking sides now, mine for a change, because while I was mentally debating the pros and cons of opening my heart to Little Gilbert, he spoke again.

— You're my big brother. And if there's anyone I would trust with my sister it's you. I just… — He sighed, looking me straight in the eye with a gentleness that I've only seen in one another human being who has those same chocolate irises. — I don't know. I guess I just wanted to hear it from you and give the whole "if you hurt her I will hunt you with a real sword" speech.

I smiled. — I'm sure it's the "I will kick your ass" speech", not "hunt with sword". But, whatever, you are a nerd.

— Dick.

Jeremy was about to stand up when I stopped him.

Oh, to hell with the noble intentions, if he wants the truth, then he will get it. — I love her. — I said, letting the words float in the air and I watched as his eyes grew wide. Yeah, I think everyone knows that I do, but for as much teasing I get because of it, none of them never really heard me saying.

— I love her. — I repeated. — I've been in love with her since the day we met. And she owns me, all of me. But, if I'm being brutally honest with you here, even now, with such changes as the one you mentioned, I don't know if we will be more than just best friends one day so you can keep your medieval sword to yourself.

— Dude, you really are so clueless when it comes to my sister.

— Excuse me?

— Damon, come on. If you think I would be having this conversation with you if she didn't feel the same, then you are the most clueless therapist. — And I must have looked just as stupid as he was describing me because he apparently felt the need to explain it further. — Do you know that was the first thing she told me about you? After you guys met in college?

I frowned, and he answered his own question. — She said that she met a boy that made her feel alive for the first time after our parents' death. Like she could breathe again, letting go of a breath she didn't even know she was holding it.

Yeah, she blew it out with hookah. But I don't suppose my princess in a sand castle mentioned this past of our first real meeting to her little brother.

— I was just eighteen. — Jeremy continued. — Yet I knew, even then, that it was the first time I saw her smile like that; and that whoever that guy was, he won some points with me that day. — He laughed. — Of course, just to lose them all in the times we play in the following years. But, if I'mbeing brutally honest with you there, if you can't see in her eyes that she feels the same, then you're just pretending not to see.

And I wouldn't be living my own version of a rom-com if the door didn't open right after Little Gilbert's romantic lecture. I can't believe the same boy I dragged out of the stoners' pit, practically raising him to become a man, is now teaching me things.

Well, I guess Bono was right after all, and I've lived enough to know that it's the children who teach, whether the child is Stefan, Jeremy or Adam, it's up to the circumstances.

Once the door opened, we turned around to see both Elena and Jenna, signing tiredly and dropping their shopping bags on the floor. Louis Vuitton, the time-capsule A La Ville de Rodez, the Paperdolls apartment boutiques, a few from The Saint-Ouen flea market… There was about everything you could think of, and I know that more than half of it belongs to the smiling and over excited Mrs. Sommers.

Plus, considering the ones I recognized from Boulevard Haussmann, I'm already picturing the whole amount of home decor essentials they brought to light up Jeremy's apartment. I just hope they can convince him to accept, or some of them will end up at my place.

And I would've gladly let Elena transform the entire design of it to mimic a quirky Parisian home if she wanted to, but I know she's not one of those girls. Besides, I may not have bought the stuff I own thinking about sharing the apartment with her, however, it seems to be molded to her just as it is to me. Which, combined with all the things she brought from her old place, like the cheap copy of the Almond Blossom that it's now hanged in the living room, or even her strawberry yogurts occupying the fridge — it all mixed itself to create a living mosaic of the two of us that turned out to be more like a home than anywhere I have ever lived before.

It feels like home because of you, Elena told me when I showed her the new redecorated bedroom, and yeah, same thing here, babe.

— Do you guys want some help? — Jeremy asked, glancing between the two women in his life. I have that look too when I'm staring at Elena and Mama.

Jenna smiled. — Please, just take them all to the guest room. — Her eyes fell on me. — You too, Damon. Don't let the kid work on his own. He has been studying all day, you know.

I laughed loudly. — Medieval mythology, right? — I tapped Jeremy's shoulder, taking my own share of shopping bags to help him.

— Medieval? — Elena frowned at her little brother. — I thought your History classes were about the Contemporary period.

Jeremy glared at me. And only because he just boosted my confidence, I decided to cut him some slack. — I'm just messing around because we played a little after he got home. — I lied, winking at Little Gilbert, who smiled grateful. I get it, the last thing any guy needs is two maternal figures being all worried about nothing.

Almost covering myself with shopping bags, I walked towards the guest room and placed them all in the gigantic flowery bed. Jeremy gave me a look, admitting that Kol bought them to make fun of him, and he only put them back after we announced our trip. He thought his aunt and sister would like it. Although it probably worked better with Jenna, there's nothing about flower patterns that screams Elena Gilbert.

Jeremy and I were coming back to the living room when he placed a hand in my chest to stop me. I looked at him, confused, and he simply pointed to his ear to indicate that I should listen whatever they were talking about.

It was my name on Elena's tongue that made me stop dead on track. — You could be a little nicer to Damon. We wouldn't be here visiting Jer if it wasn't for him.

— I know… And I actually like him, Elena, otherwise I would have been against the idea of the whole roommate thing. — She admitted. — I just think you two are way too friendly with each other. I mean, you sleep in his room! I know he's your best friend and all, but he's also a womanizer.

— I understand that you're very protective over me, but you don't know Damon like I do. If you give him a chance, you would be surprised with how sweet he can be. And I would appreciate it if you didn't make any comments about the boundaries of your friendship either. We don't have any, but I'm ok with it, and you don't need to draw the lines like you tried to do in the plane. I don't want him getting uncomfortable around me just because you might judge us.

Jeremy was smiling smugly at me with that annoying "I told you so" look, and it doesn't matter how much he had supported me, I still would have punched him if we weren't listening behind doors like a couple of teenagers.

The plan incident Elena is talking about is that Jenna complained about us spending too much time together and tried to shoo me off to her seat so she could take mine next to Elena. But my girl just argued that she would end up sleeping during the whole thing and she wanted to watch a movie with me. I got a little uncomfortable with her aunt's approach, but all it took was Elena linking our arms together to lighten up my mood again.

A moment passed before Jenna answered. — Well, I trust you, so I think I can trust him too. I will go back to being the cool aunt.

— Thank you.

— And I don't give him a hard time because it's Damon. I had a very nice little chat with Kol too.

— You didn't!

I looked at Little Gilbert who's cheeks were getting red. — Payback. — I mouthed with a smile of my own, and he started to shake his head, but quickly pulled me back to the guest room once he heard steps coming towards the corridor.

Jeremy started opening some of the bags and smiled like a little kid when he found a lightsaber led lamp that was clearly for him. Until he turned it on and a bright pink light turned his smile into a disappointed, horrified look.

— Oh, I think I got the wrong color. — Jenna said, opening the door and glancing at her nephew and his new toy. — Sorry? — She said tentatively, and I laughed.

— I think your apartment will become the next Barbie dreamhouse by the time we leave. — I teased.

Jenna looked at me pointedly. — Elena got some stuff to your place as well.

— I would happily let her turn our place upside down if she wanted to, but I trust her taste. — I shrugged easily. — I mean, there's only one Gilbert that loves the color pink and it's not Elena.

Jeremy flew a pillow to my face, and I just dodged out of its way, laughing. — Speaking of my girl, I will go check on her if you guys don't mind.

I was on my way to go when Jenna called. — Hey, Damon.

— Yeah?

— Thanks for inviting me.

It seems that Elena's little speech was very, very effective. I nodded with a smile and winked at Little Gilbert for good measure before going back to the living room.

No need to say I grinned like a fool when Elena gave me her own version of a squinted-eyes Gilbert, arms crossed in front of her chest, and said. — Are you really not going to say "hi" to me?

— I just did, didn't I? — I asked, innocently. — We were talking about your brother's schedule ten minutes ago.

She rolled her eyes. — A proper "hi"

— Oh, I see. — I leaned in, pulling her by the hips and burying my face in the crock of her neck to rub my nose on it, making her tickle. — Like this? — Elena tried to escape, but it was too late, my arms were holding her tightly and my mouth was simulating bites in a playful way. She giggled even louder. — Huh? — I said against her skin. Then I stepped back to gaze in the rightchocolate eyes, my favorite. — That's what you mean?

Still giggling, she nodded. — Yeah.

Her doe eyes were again staring at me like melted honey, and it made me let out a whimper because it was getting beyond impossible not to get lost in them. — Elena.

— You know, this… — She said shyly. — You helding me, the tickling. It kind of reminds me of—

— When I chased after you in college? — I asked. She smiled, and I sighed, dropping my forehead on hers. — God, I really want to steal you for me tonight.

Her voice was barely a whisper. — What do you have in mind?

— Honestly? I just want to get the hell out of here and be with you. — I told her, sighing heavily and pulling back. — But I know it's selfish. You only have one more day to spend with your brother.

She bit her lip, looking at me through her eyelashes. — What if I want to?

— Lainey.

— We spent yesterday with him at the Louvre. I know it wasn't planned or anything, but this afternoon was your turn and now can be Jenna's. — She held my hands, swinging them in that childlike way she always does. — I don't care if it's selfish. I need at least five minutes with you. Only you.

I nodded. — Lemme let them know.

Elena dismissed. — They will know. — She stopped the swing to interlock our fingers; and I know we do it all the time, but tonight felt different and it sent shivers to my spine in a way I never thought was possible. Guys have goosebumps too, ok?

I noticed the small shopping bag she had hanged in her arm before leaving with me, but it was only when we were out in the streets that she opened it to reveal a hat she bought for me. I'm not kidding, it was an actual hat. Black, thank God, or I would be doomed if I had to wear a pink one or something, just to fulfill her wishes. Because yes, she did make me wear it, claiming there was a very important reason for it.

When she, at last, told me her secret plans, her answer couldn't have surprised me more. — It is a test. For your Halloween costume.

— My Halloween costume?

Elena smiled eagerly. — I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it's this really dark and all-black costume… A very fancy, sort of period look. And, — She emphasized, not failing to add her puppy eyes as she said. — It requires a hat, a bigger one, but I needed to see if it worked.

I held the tip of the one I was wearing, doing my best impression of a model. — And it did?

— Yeah. — Her breath got stuck in her throat in a way it was almost palpable and most certainly visible. — You look… — And her voice faded in a sigh.

— A dark charming prince all messed up in fancy clothes? — I suggested.

Her eyes widened. — You remember. How can you remember my exact words?

— Please. — I scoffed, taking off the black hat and putting it on her. She giggled. I placed my arm around her shoulder, because it was a bit cold, yes, but also because some guys were ogling her and I was feeling rather possessive. — I remember everything about you, Lainey. It's all in a mental folder filled with medical stickers and an Edward Cullen picture.

Elena laughed heartily, and I can safely say it's my favorite sound in the world. Truth to be told, she holds all of my favorites. She sneaked a hand beneath my leather jacket, gripping on my waist. — My secret agenda is not just about my desire to see you in a costume, though.

— No?

— It's about Adam. — I slowed down my steps. — I mean, as far I know they make those things at orphanages too, but it's not as fun as chasing to get candies around New York, so I thought, if you're up to… — She let the unspoken question sink.

My feet stopped on their own, I was… speechless. I shouldn't be surprised, it's Elena, she's the kindest person I know and a few days ago she was suggesting that he should hang out in our apartment in his bad days. But, this, actually planning a holiday for him, wow.

I was gazing at her in wonder, however I do think she misread at first, because all too soon she was apologizing. — You know what? Never mind. You have a therapist-client relationship with him and I'm just the doctor who looked after him one day, I don't know what I was thinking.

— Adam will love it. — I interrupted her by saying the only thing I knew would take her insecurities away. And it did, because her whole face lit up. — And he will love it even more when he sees the spider-man costume you will buy for him.

She smiled. — I may have already bought it.

I smiled beaming. — Of course you did. — I then remembered there was one costume that had not been revealed yet, I tilted my head to one side and asked. — And what will you wear?

Elena automatically covered her face, hiding the flush that could be so clearly seen even in the brighting of the night, as the evening started to brush it's dark colors all through the sky. I gently took her hands on mine, instinctively bringing them next to my heart, which I only noticed when her eyes followed my movements.

— You're beautiful when you blush, Elena. — I brushed my fingertips on the colors. — It suits you very well. The tanned pink cheeks with reddish tones painted against an olive complexion. You could almost say it's… — I smirked. — Oil on canvas.

And it seemed that blushing was her involuntary physical response to all of my terrible pick-up lines because she just blushed even harder. And, as it seemed to be my physical response to her, I felt myself growing warm on the inside.

— That wasn't so cheesy. — She said, laughing softly, and the fond appreciation in her tone made me want to become a poet just to write her down in verses.

I winked. — What can I say? You're my inspiring-muse, Monalisa. But, go on, spill it, what's the costume?

— A vampire. — She whispered; and it was clear now why she tried to hide it from me.

The way I cracked in laughter was enough to prove it, because I've been teasing her with it ever since I found out that not only did she like those fangless vampires, she also had the whole box collection of the movies and the books. So, yeah, I deserved the punch I got, for as playful as it was. — Stop making fun of me!

— I'm not… — I tried to say, but it just made me laugh more and more. I laughed until it started to hurt my cheeks and my belly complained of all the explosions of fun I was having with a single word. — Oh God. — I straighten myself up after a respectful five minutes. But, being too drunk in happiness can have its consequences, as I would soon find out. — I can't believe I'm in love with a girl that will dress up as a Cullen.

— It's not a Twilight costume, Damon. It's just a vampire! — Elena defended herself, before realizing what I had just said. — Wait, did you just…? Oh, Damon.

Now I was the one who was blushing furiously. I turned my head from side to side to wave it off, but it was too late, it had already been out. The one thing I was trying so hard not to say it came out in the most ridiculous way possible because I'm fucking stupid. I mean, it would have been perfect if this was a rom-com, but it's not, I was so wrong, it's definitely not at all like that.

And Elena was staring at me paralysed because I had fucked up.

— Elena… — I started, cursing myself in the process. — Fuck, I didn't mean to blurt out like that, ok? I know we're not there yet. I- I don't even know if… — I ran my hands through my hair, nervously. Because she wasn't moving, it was like she had become a statue or something.

I was panicking, completely and utterly hopeless. — Please, can we just… Can we go back to the apartment and forget how I screwed up?

Nothing.

Zip.

Not a thing.

— Elena. Lainey. — I begged her.

She looked very much like one of those vampires of hers, petrified, and I couldn't even make that fucking joke because I fucked up. Damn it.

She spoked, in a whisper that cut right through the wall I've built around myself in a foolish attempt to hide my feelings. But if it wasn't for the crack that it made, how could the light ever find a way to get in?

— Are you in love with me? — She asked, barely audible.

I sighed deeply. I breathed in. I sucked dry. Inhaled and exalted, all the air in the galaxy. But if I was going to do this, I needed to do it right, as close as possible to what I had once intended to, on this rainy night on our rooftop.

— Let's go for a walk, shall we? — I said gently, my voice breaking at the end of the sentence.

Elena opened her mouth to protest, but no sound came out. It was like the words had completely escaped her, and I knew it then I would have to take it from here, no matter where we ended up going.

Well, geographically, I only walked her to the closest benches I could find. I wasn't even taking in the surroundings, all I could think about as she embraced herself was that this was the first time since we arrived on this trip that none of us had enough courage to hold each other's hands.

I really hope we won't crash and burn, because I can't stand the idea of not touching her anymore.

— Ok. — I said, stopping next to the bench I was heading to. I didn't come here to sit with her, though, I only needed a place to put the hat on since this wasn't planned or anything, and I really didn't want anything covering her face as I talked, in any way.

I smiled, in what I could only hope was a reassuring way; then I took the hat off her and put it away. I had to fight the urge not to stroke her hair and fixed the slightly messy locks. This needs to work, because it will be too damn hard to start drawing lines that were never really there to begin with.

I swallowed.

— Five years ago, I met a girl. — I said, smiling unconsciously as the memory played itself on my head. My eyes were focused on the dark blue nothingness of the night, as I didn't dare to look her in the eye. For some reason, it seemed easier to say the words in the third person at first. — She was the most beautiful girl I've seen. I was mesmerized… And as the hookah passed between our hands, we talked. We talked a lot. Apparently there were many shadows buried deep inside of me and she helped me face every single one of them.

The wonder was back in my eyes, reflecting everything that had burned hidden for so, so long. Like fire, in imprisoned crystals. Like crystals, in melted flames. All the loneliness of someone who had loved deeply and irrevocably in secret was finally freeing its caged bird.

— We clicked instantly. — I continued, putting my hands inside of my pockets to stop myself from reaching for her. — Before I knew it, we were inseparable. And, suddenly, I couldn't even remember what it was like to not have her in my life. The problem was that if there was an attraction in the beginning, it became so much more with time. It didn't take me long for me to realize I was falling head over heels for her. I mean, how could I have not fallen when it's you?

I turned my head to look at Elena. I drank in her eyes, those same ones that captured me the second I first laid my eyes on her and that had kept me hosted ever since. I drown in them, overflowing like I've always wanted to, praying that it wouldn't be the last time.

— I tried to fight it, Elena. I really did. — I felt my heart pounding so heavily that it hurt, and her eyes were getting watery. — It was the dumbest things that didn't let me. A smile, a laugh, a touch. Some days, you just needed to look at me, and I would lose my balance all over again. But you're my best friend, too, and I couldn't risk that. So even if I would've sold my soul to have you completely, all of you, not just half of it, I accepted what you could give me as a friend.

The ache tightening my heart reminded me of my love for her, daily, and it was now searching in her irises, searching for answers. And I'm still not sure what my heart found in there, but whatever it was seemed strong enough to break the ice that kept me frozen to an unspoken truth, a truth that has always been louder than the world itself.

— Then, you moved in with me. And it amplified everything. It was one thing to sleep with you on our couch, to take dinner to your apartment when I knew you were pushing yourself too hard. — My voice became constricted, and I sounded just as painful as I felt. — But sleep in the same bed as you every night? To wake up and have you dancing around my kitchen? To come home to you every fucking day? God, Elena, I've wanted all of that for so long. It felt like a dream. And I wanted to keep dreaming, so I gulped the truth about my feelings every time.

I closed my eyes briefly, because part of me didn't want to see the rejection in her eyes if that ended up being the outcome of tonight. But the flames had already overtaken me entirely, calmly as they never did before. And the blizzard flew out of me and it levitated to open every box, every door, to let the birds fly and my heart sings.

— In a way, you, moving in with me… It amplified my fear of losing you, too. — I admitted brokenly. — Yet I couldn't stop myself from touching you way more than I ever should or saying things that weren't at all friendly. But you didn't push me away. On the contrary, you were there touching me just as much and being even louder… So I allowed myself to have hope, like I never did before. And I will understand if it's not the same for you. I wouldn't expect anything else if it isn't what you want. But you have to know that I love you, Elena. Because you branded my soul with your name on it, and I love you. I love you. I'm in love with you.

I shut my eyes close, squeezing them even harder. Please, don't let the sky fall on me, please don't let it crush us… I repeated it over and over. Because even if I don't really believe in God that much, or in any other high powers for that matter, I'm always pleading for something to protect us.

Then, I felt the tip of her fingers, touching my jawline, stroking it along my face as she gently supported me in her delicate hands; and my eyes shot open immediately. — Elena. — I whispered, leaning in to her touch, letting it wash all of my sins.

It was only when she stood on the tip of her toes to kiss me that I realized she wasn't just caressing my face, she was repositioning me differently to brush her lips into mine and close the distance between us.

And if it's fire, how is it passing through me so smoothly?

If it's snow, how is it burning so softly?

I know, I know, how could I leave it like this?! Buuut it was getting too long and I really want to shift to Elena's POV at this precise moment, so… Sorry?

And I said the chapters would probably come once a week now, but I will try to show up earlier than that whenever possible, especially to the next one.

Have a great week, people!

Thanks for reading x

P.S. Yes, he told her. Yes, she kissed him.