"Tell me a secret." She asked after breakfast when he was showing her around the big library at his house. Stefan was right, Ruth had served a village for breakfast.
Damon wanted to show her the library because he wanted her to see where the collection in his room came from.
"A secret?" He asked dusting the back of the books, "What brought this on?"
"I want to know you." She shrugged.
But it was hardly casual. She wanted to know everything.
"Hmm."
Now that he was thinking, there wasn't anything that he deliberately hid but there were things that she didn't know yet. He turned around to stand against the shelf, a sheepish look on his face, "Have I told you about the time I got a DNA test?"
"No." She narrowed her eyes, not knowing what to expect.
Tell me about Katherine, Damn it. She thought.
"When I was thirteen, I got a test done behind Giuseppe's back, I might be the first person to not want my DNA to match with my father's."
"And did it not match?" she asked a bit curious, a lot more worried.
"It matched." He shrugged, "Guess my mom wasn't sleeping around like him." He pushed away from the shelf and turned around to pick a hardback book. "Why did you get the test? What did he do?" Elena asked, putting Katherine at the back of her mind.
"He-" Damon let out a sigh, "Nothing in particular. In that sense I guess he's always been normal. I've seen kids put their parents on a pedestal." His hand moved to point at her as if giving an example.
"But we never had a bond. It was quite the opposite. He hated us. Stefan and I did whatever was expected of us, all the useless trainings, making him drinks, listening to his never-ending complaints and criticisms. He starting getting abusive. That's when I put a stop to it."
"He was abusive?" she started getting even angrier at Giuseppe.
"He thought I was scared of him. But I wasn't. When I stood up to him, he looked at me like he couldn't stand me. Just the thought that he couldn't control us anymore was killing him and that look was enough for me." He chuckled with the last sentence as if Giuseppe's anger and agony made him oddly proud of himself.
Elena put her hand on his back, rubbing it to show she was sorry without actually saying it because she knew he wouldn't like that.
He opened the book, and it opened right to the middle, "Question, what fragrance is better, old books or brand new books?"
Elena looked down at the book in question, undoubtedly it was the first edition. It seemed expensive and called for her to touch and feel the texture of the cover. So she did and sighed, "While this book is so special, the fragrance of new pages is undefeated."
He used his most pretentious voice "Preposterous!"
"Did I offend you? O, keeper of hard-backs." She giggled.
"Its just- fine, Next question." He put the book back and turned to her, arms folded across his chest, "Driving with the hood rolled back on an empty road, beach sunset."
"Ooh oh, Beach sunset for sure." She replied enthusiastically. His face fell as if her answers were not his answers.
"Morning bed sex or shower sex"
Her cheeks turned red with a blush, but she swallowed thick before answering, "Morning sex."
He snapped, "How can you not like shower sex more? Its better in so many ways."
She shrugged as she stepped ahead to inspect other books, "I didn't say its bad, its just I like one more than the other."
"Yes, but why? From what I remember from a few hours ago, you enjoyed shower sex."
She gasped at the statement and looked around to see if anyone was around, "Its not a big deal. Besides, what's so special-"
He interrupted, "What? Its special beyond measure. Sex and taking a shower at the same time. Its better in every way."
"I think the bed's comfortable."
"You're lazy."
"I like when my day starts with it." She let out a sigh, "Its a nice reminder that I can wake up next to you, and you want me the way you did the day before."
He seemed to like her response. Though it was surprising that she didn't know he would never stop wanting her. It was physically impossible. Now his complaint seemed to be at the back of his mind. So what if they had less in common? With a cheeky tone he asked, "How about I remind you right here, right now?"
"Hmm I seem to have forgotten so I guess that's- convenient." She grinned.
He took her hand, leading her behind a shelf in the back of the room, "Oh you'll think twice before forgetting it by the time I am done with you."
She chuckled as he took her face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers, pushing her against the wall behind the last shelf. Her hands wrapped around his neck and shoulders, pulling him closer.
Their lips fought, teeth crashing- biting as they got rid of whatever clothes were in the way, her panties were off, when he lowered to his knees, and put his mouth to her trembling core, she gripped the shelf as his tongue dove deeper, and she muffled her cries of pleasure when he sucked on her clit.
"Oh- need you-" she said between raspy sounds.
"Then come for me." His voice vibrated against the flesh of her inner thigh, she fell against the shelf as her body set off in release. It was pure ecstasy for that moment and several following. She only realized that she had been chanting his name when he put his finger on her lips as he got up on his feet, freeing his length from it's painful and constricting prison before he pushed inside her. There was a hitch in her breath, then she reached up to kiss him, while he pulled her legs up to wrap around him. Her body moved up and down against the shelf as he frantically thrust up into her. Now she knew what he meant when he said she wouldn't need to be reminded because the way he was fucking her. As if sex with her was not only special but a gift or a privilege.
"Oh my-" her lips brushed against his ear in an attempt to kiss his neck or maybe nibble on the skin, "Damon." She muffled her moan against his skin, "I can feel you're there, come baby. I've got you." His voice was all she needed to push her over the edge, as if she had waited for the permission.
"Ah- Oh I think I hear someone." She whispered between pants, still not caring.
He hardly listened because he was still climbing down his amazing high, the one only she could make him feel.
"Damon!" she whispered, more angry this time. His head was resting on her shoulder and he slowly he put her down on her feet.
"Relax, its probably just grandma Ruth checking if you have kinkier underwear." He joked, backing a step away. She glared at him to which he raised his hands in surrender.
"Oh good. You're both dressed." Stefan's voice was heard before he walked across the shelf to face them.
"Damon was just showing me- the library. First editions, hardbacks." Elena looked over her shoulder to grin at Damon.
He smirked, "She loves books."
"Don't, just don't use me to turn each other on- its disgusting." Stefan made a scrunched up face.
"What do you want? Chop- chop now because I have a very important matter to attend to." He said wrapping his one arm around Elena. She smiled at the gesture.
"Uh. I need you to write me a cheque. I need money, the dealer is willing to give the ring back for twice the price I sold it for." He said, sounding slightly ashamed.
Damon looked over at Elena with a curled up, "huh, If I knew anything about business, that sounds like it's a bad deal."
"Well this guy is trouble so I'd rather not negotiate." He shifted from one foot to another.
Elena urged him with her eyes to just help his brother, he groaned internally at how much with a look she could affect him, "Ugh fine. I can't believe you sold to a dealer. Stupid prick."
"Look Damon, this isn't a choice for me. When I need it, i need it."
He bit his lip, Elena could feel how Damon tensed up next to her, "How convenient for you. When its time for treatment, you say it's something you can control, it's not 'out of hand', and when its time to use, its no longer a choice."
Elena pursed her lips, "Damon, I know you are concerned but can we just focus on getting him out of trouble. This guy is dangerous."
"I don't trust a word he says." Damon gestured towards his brother, "He's going to take that money, get a plane ticket for an all coke vacation to some island."
"Seriously? You're doing this in front of your girlfriend." Stefan scoffed, "This is between us."
"I recall you saying we are no longer a team. I don't trust that you sold to a dealer. You're lying to get a cheque. Just like you lie about everything else." He spat.
Elena couldn't take it anymore, she stood in front of him, "That's enough. You can't talk to him like that. Damon, you love him, he's going through something, for you to be leaving him to be eaten up by the wolves is ridiculous. Please help him. I know you're mad but you can be mad later. When he's not in trouble."
His mouth twitched with anger, he glared at Stefan before looking at Elena's pleading eyes.
He did love Stefan. Despite the countless times Stefan hurt him by not accepting responsibility for his actions or actually truthfully putting effort into the chances he gave him.
"Fine. One last time I'll let you use me. You get the ring back on your own. But since this guy is screwing us over, I am controlling the whole operation, and calling the police on him. You wouldn't mind your dealer friend ending up in jail, right?" he cocked his head to a side.
"You can't, he's dangerous."
"Well that's exactly the way I like it." He raised his brows, "So call him, right now."
Stefan muttered something as he dialled his number, before he could speak, Damon took the cell phone from him, "Hello Budget Tony Montana, listen- I have the money but I am not showing up at some shady loser spot where you sell to kids, Today at 5, Parkway centre." He hung up and huffed, "I'll keep this." He said putting Stefan's phone in his pocket as he walked out. Elena was about to follow him when Stefan held her arm, "Elena, listen you can't let him do this okay? This guy might not be a big deal but his circle is. They will come for Damon. He already has been hurt once like this, come on. You understand."
She shook her head, "Stefan, I trust his instincts."
"He can end up dead. You want him dead? You were ready to take a bullet for him, so I know you love him almost as much as I do. He doesn't trust me, he won't listen to me." He sounded frustrated, as if the boy was truly crying wolf this time.
Elena suddenly felt panicked at this whole situation, "What do I have to do?"
"Just convince him to write me the cheque."
"Stefan." She almost whined, "You saw how he walked out, he's not going to listen to me. The more you push him to give you money, the crazier he gets."
"Elena, I am so- sure he's going to end up hurt. Please believe me." He put his fist to his mouth and groaned into as if in pain, "I know I've lied and I am a mess. But please. Believe me. He's way over his head if he thinks he's got this. You need to get my phone and that cheque."
She didn't know what to do, who to believe. But if it was a risk to her boyfriend, she wasn't going to sit there and do nothing.
...
...
Damon was in his room, signing the cheque when he heard a knock on the door, he looked back and smiled when he saw his grandmother, she had her hand over her eyes, "Is everyone decent?"
"Its just me. Elena's in the library." He said closing his cheque book with the pen in it.
Ruth chuckled as she walked closer, "I like her, if you brought her here for my approval."
He shrugged, "I brought her here because she wanted to see my house, but sure your approval is- also important."
"Hmm. I like it, you don't care." She crossed her arms over her chest, "That's how love should be. Not caring what anyone else has to say or think."
He frowned, "Well we are still getting to know each other. I wouldn't say-"
"Love? Oh come on Damon, you can't be more obvious. You love her." She gasped.
He gripped drawer knob, toying with it, "I don't know what love feels like."
"Its love when you're happy the way you are right now." She laughed at his flustered face, "And her, she's head over heels for you."
"Did she tell you she loves me?" Damon asked, trying to sound casual.
"At breakfast, I asked her how you both met, she told me an incident which made me ashamed of you."
He ran a hand through his hair.
"But- it was in the details."
"Details?" he wanted to know more.
"You know- the way she told it, sounded so much less like my grandson propositioning a young lady for a quick shag in a very inappropriate manner and more like- it was the start of a very beautiful love story. I know what love is. So yes- even if she didn't tell. She told me." Ruth pat his arm.
Damon rolled his eyes, "You have a bad habit of making mole hills out of mountains. Elena and I are- well we have our whole life ahead of us. God knows where we will be in a few years." He shrugged off the whole thing, not wanting to be in hopes of something so- unsure.
"That's the coward's way out. Tell her you love her, trust me- one day you'll wish you had met her even earlier, so you could have more time. I know, I do."
"Oh, Ruth." Elena showed up just in time, though she seemed in a hurry, "Steven is looking all over for you."
"He can wait." Ruth winked at Damon, as she tuned around to leave, "Although Damon here has something very important to tell you." She left the room and closed the door behind herself.
Elena narrowed her eyes as she walked up to him, "Why did she look like she's up to no good?"
"That's how she is." Damon muttered. She circled her arms around his neck, "I know what I said earlier about shower sex, but I saw a bath tub in there too, we are yet to christen it." She leaned in and left a trail of kisses on his neck, "Can we?" she blinked her eyes almost innocently.
"Slow down there Miss. Gilbert. Didn't we just christen the library an hour ago?"
"An hour ago? Seems like a life time. I guess I am insatiable." She said unbuttoning his shirt while she pushed him towards the bathroom.
"But Elena-"
"Shhh." She unzipped his jeans, "No more talking for the hour. I promise it'll be worth it." He stepped out of his pants, and leaned in to kiss her as they stepped inside the bathroom.
Once the water turned on, Stefan got the signal and he entered the room. First he tore off the signed cheque, and put it in his pocket before picking up his brother's jeans with a huff and taking his phone back.
...
...
Elena knew lying wasn't right, going behind Damon's back wasn't right either but he left her no choice.
She didn't plan on Damon falling sleeping after their afternoon tryst but it was better. As promised, Stefan had sent her the updated location for the meeting and kept his tracking on.
She hoped she didn't make a mistake by sending Stefan alone to this 'dangerous dealer'
What if something happened.
What if the dealer got suspicious and hurt Stefan.
Damon would never forgive her for her part in it.
With a sigh, she stopped waiting for further progress texts from Stefan and sneakily wore her clothes, before crawling over to his side, she swept his wet-dry hair back from his forehead and kissed his temple. "I love you. Please don't be mad at me.", She murmured and hurriedly headed for the door.
...
...
Stefan was sitting in his car behind a small restaurant, Anxiously clicking his fingers against the dashboard, and checking time. His dealer should have been here half an hour ago.
He shuddered when someone suddenly opened his car door and sat next to him on the passenger seat but when he looked up he spat, "Elena?"
She hissed, "Shut up, I am not leaving you to some shady dealer. If he hurts you, your brother will hate me!"
"Well if he hurts you, my brother will hate me."
"Oh you're not his favourite person right now anyways so it wont do much damage." She shook her head, "Stefan, why did you deal with this guy if he was so dangerous?"
He ran a hand through his brown-blonde hair, still not believing that Elena was sitting next to him, "Because my family, Zach and Damon, scared most of my dealers away. I had to go to extreme lengths to find a guy who didn't scare easy."
She bit her lip, "You're incorrigible. I can't believe your brother takes all this bullshit from you. Do you ever plan on getting clean?"
"I was sober a few months ago-"
"Don't you dare blame Caroline for this. God, Stefan- why don't you see what the rest of us can?"
"What? You don't know how I feel, Elena. I have a gaping hole inside my chest, it hurts to be me, and just exist. You and Damon can never understand how hungry I get. Do you think I enjoy letting my brother down? Every time I tried to make it go away, I couldn't. Rehab never helped me."
"because you're not an addict Stefan, you-" she huffed, " That's what happens to people with shitty parents, either we- grab onto purposes we don't need, or we want something to numb it out."
"We?"
She nodded, "I know it seems like I've got the perfect family, but its not. My mother- hasn't called me once or even asked me how I am doing after that whole sex-tape nightmare. I would be mad but then I remember she's never been motherly. And my dad, he mapped out my whole life so I can be a doctor like him. All I've wanted is to be enough- I've spent my whole life doing so."
"And now?"
"It bothers me, I still feel the need to somehow make it all right, but- Ever since I met Damon- well he makes me feel enough. Like I could be loved." She held his hand, "I know he doesn't say it much but he loves you, he wants the best for you. Its the reason he puts up with your father."
Stefan sighed, "Then why send me away? Doesn't he know how much I need him? These past few months, I've lived in pain. If he can scare away dealers and send me to rehab, can't he once help me himself."
Before she could answer, a man knocked on the car window, "Stefan Salvatore." He gestured them to step out and they did.
"Markos. Did you bring the ring?"
"Yes, but- What's up with the location switch, and where is your brother? I hear Damon is the bigger Salvatore fish." He raised his brows.
"He was setting a trap. But I've got you the money, in cash." Stefan took out a heavy envelope from inside his jacket.
"A trap? Wow, that's not very nice." He said menacingly, then his eyes stopped on Elena, she tensed up, squeezing Stefan's hand.
"Its all good. Just take the money, give me the ring back."
Markos took out a small box, showing it to them "No, I want 20 more."
"What? Are you for real?" Stefan spat.
Elena too frowned at his demand.
"Since there was a cop-scare. Yes, I am serious."
"I am not giving you more money." Stefan gritted his teeth.
"Fine, just give me the girl. I'll give her back tomorrow. In return, I'll give you more supply. I see you already have withdrawals." He gestured towards Stefan's other hand which was shaking.
Elena looked at Stefan, "Is he insane, I am not going with him. Give us back the ring, you pervert."
"Oh I am the pervert? Aren't you the slut from that virgin cheerleader porno? Pool girl?" he scanned her body with a dirty gaze.
"That's enough." Elena tried to reach for the box but he took it back.
"Come on Stefan, I'll give you a good amount of supply to last you months. Take the money, take the ring and just help me get the girl in my car." He grinned.
Elena looked over at Stefan and shook her head, "You're not considering this, Stefan."
"Oh come on, I won't be rough, honey." He tried to put his hands on her, she shrieked, "Don't call me that and don't you dare touch me. Stefan!" she looked at him for a reaction but he seemed in a trance like state.
"I guess its a deal." Markos laughed but before he'd hold her, Stefan pushed at his chest, "Leave her the fuck alone, Markos."
"Stefan, you don't want to do this." He warned.
"I do want to do this, keep that ring, but keep your grubby hands off this girl. Or I'll shove that your fist down your throat." He held Elena's arm, pulling her to the side, she gasped as Stefan punched the guy in his face, knocking him to the ground.
He spit on Markos, "That's for thinking that I would ever accept your deal."
Then he kicked the man in his ribs with all he the force he could muster, "And this is for thinking about her with your filthy, and disgusting mind."
He heard Elena wince when the man spit out blood.
...
...
"What are you going to tell Ruth?" Elena asked once they were nearing the property to their house.
Stefan had been quiet most of the way back home but he wasn't reluctant to speak, "Nothing left to do but tell her the truth."
"But-"
"Yeah she'll be mad. Not as mad as I am at myself. How did I let myself get here." He looked at her for a moment, "When Markos gave me the deal I realised it all, how this became my weakness. I would never think of doing that to you or to anyone."
She nodded, "I know."
"But what if one day I do, what if the void grows, the need gets too much and I do? I need help, Elena. I can't let this be my weakness." He shook his head, "I never want to ever think on a deal like this and consider it. Just thinking that he thought I'd accept it means that people like him know how to use this stuff against guys like me. Just thinking you thought I was considering it made me want to die."
"No Stef-"
"You were scared." He interrupted.
She looked at her lap, "I trust you. I am sorry if you think that."
"Don't be sorry, Elena. I need to atone for how much I've hurt everyone. Ruth, Damon, even you. You were there for me, I'll always remember that."
"But what about Markos, is he going to hurt you or Damon?" Elena asked while Stefan parked the car, "I'll deal with it."
Once they walked into the house Steven was just about to greet them, but Damon showed up, he had probably seen the car from the gates.
"Stefan I am so going to kill you for this." Be was about to deliver a punch to Stefan but she got in the way and he stopped, looking down at her with his fist still clenched, looking as furious with her, "You betrayed me, once again- You knew how serious this was, how could you meddle in this? I trusted you."
"Damon, the guy was dangerous, I didn't want you to get hurt." She tried to explain, putting her hands on his shoulders to calm him down.
"That's not your fucking job to protect me. You think siding with this liar was a better option?" he growled.
She was taken aback from his response, it was rare that he ever got so angry with her especially after they got together.
"So if it was so clever? Where is the fucking ring?" he held out his palm, Stefan let out a sigh, "We left it there."
"but you have the money, don't you? What are you going to use it for? Turks and Caicos, or the Stefan Salvatore special with all the designer drugs in the world?"
At the perfect moment, Ruth walked in, looking worried when she heard her grandsons fighting.
"Damon? What is wrong with you?" she said trying to pull Stefan away but the younger Salvatore stood firm, "No Memaw, I haven't been honest with you. I am not sober." He admitted.
Ruth's eyes widened as he went on.
"I stole from you because him and Dad blocked my cards and all money. I am sorry I pawned away your promise ring to an asshole for some cheap drugs." He said it all in one go.
Elena, Damon and Ruth all were quiet as he admitted it.
Ruth seemed shocked by the reveal, placing a hand on her chest, she shook her head, "I thought you wanted to be sober."
"I lied, to get out of rehab. I've lied to you. But I am sorry." He took in a deep breath as tears came to his eyes, "I couldn't stay in that place anymore. I couldn't stay in town either. I missed you, I just want to be with my family. But I couldn't say I wasn't clean because then you'd never want me here. I needed it but I promise, I'll do what you want me to do. Whether its a 12-step or whether you kick me out. I won't lie anymore. I never want to use again." He confessed.
Ruth stepped ahead and wiped his tears, "Shh. Its okay." She hugged his shaking body the best she could with her weak and old arms, "I am here for you."
Elena swallowed thick as Ruth took him away leaving her with Damon.
"Damon." She begin but he hissed, "Don't. I don't want to hear it."
"But you have to." She stood in front of him, "I can't let anything happen to you. Even if its a little risk, I can't take it."
"What about me? You were gone for hours with my dumb weak brother. And I had no idea where you were or how you were. But this was all just an adventure to you."
"He's not weak, okay? He protected me. That guy was bad news." She bit her lip as her own eyes filled in tears, she wiped them furiously and turned around to hide from him.
He ran his palm down his face, angry at himself now because he upset her.
"Elena, hey? Here. Talk to me." He made her turn around to look at him as she shook her head furiously.
"He knew me." She tried to hold them back but couldn't help as the tears rolled down her eyes, "He saw the sex tape. He wanted Stefan to leave me there, and take the ring, the money, even more drugs."
"What?" he still didn't understand half the words she was saying but he already knew he was not going to like it.
"He called me a slut, and try to make a deal with Stefan that he'd give him everything if Stefan left me there with him. But then Stefan beat the guy to a pulp. Stefan said that he'd come clean to Ruth and you." She said between sobs.
Damon wiped her tears, pulling her to his chest, "I am sorry, baby. I am so sorry."
"Its not your fault."
"It is. God, I shouldn't have shouted at you." He gestured Steven to get water as he took her to the living room and sat her down on a couch, "Please hold me."
He nodded wrapping her in his arms, he hated the man who hurt her this way, he would have to pay, Damon would make sure, he thought as he brushed her hair with his fingers, "Look, I know you're a strong girl, and you don't need me or anyone for that matter to make sure you're okay, but I need to do that."
"I am not always strong, I need you a lot more than you think I do." She looked up and cupped his face, "I am sorry for what I did. I was freaked out because of what I heard about the guy from Stefan. He was pretty scared too. I would have told you but you didn't want to believe Stefan."
"Well at least you distracted me in a way that I can't complain." He rolled his eyes.
Elena giggled slightly, "This is not complaining?"
"Hey it could be a lot worse." He warned playfully, "I am still mad at you but I am going to be the bigger person here and pull out the knife out of my back you and Stefan stabbed me with, on my own."
Elena slapped his chest, but then rested her head against it. " Can I ask you something? And it's just- if you don't want to tell me it's fine."
"Hmm?" his lips pressed in a soft kiss to her forehead.
"I heard about an ex-girlfriend of yours, Katherine Pierce. Is it the same group you're going to work with?"
He didn't tense up. He didn't look guilty.
Elena sighed of relief.
Maybe it wasn't the same Pierce.
"Yes." He told her, "She's not my ex-girlfriend, she's never been my girlfriend." He added.
"But you were with her."
"That was years ago. That was before I met you."
"I know, I am not accusing you of anything. It's just- that you'll work with them now and you never told me about her." She said above a whisper.
"There isn't anything to tell. Besides, she's influential in New York, it's all business. I didn't tell you because Katherine and I- it's pointless."
"I heard it was pretty intense." She couldn't help but sound a bit jealous.
"Well then you might have heard it was a mistake, she was an older woman, and I was a teenager." He knew Stefan must have told her that and 'conveniently' left out the details. "But it wasn't a relationship. It was hardly 2 to 3 months. Now she's engaged to some New York fat cat."
"How old is she?"
Miranda did tell her that he slept with a few women from the club and council, so she didn't know if Katherine was old 'old' or not.
"She's 31. But to give her and her plastic surgeon some credit, she doesn't look a day over 25."
"And how old were you when you met her?", Elena asked
"Hmm I want to say 15 because we met on my 15th birthday." He said a bit hesitant.
Her face scrunched up at the image, and he immediately tried to justify it, "Look what matters is that it's in the past. She's moved on and so have I." He held her hand, "What we have is an actual relationship."
"I trust you." She smiled cupping one side of his face, "So if you think working with her isn't going to complicate stuff, I trust your instincts." She kissed him, reassuring him of it.
For now everything was fine and that was enough for her.
...
...
...
...
Virginia- Mystic Falls
8 months later.
It was yet another morning alone, though she was happy that she was close to done with the nightmare that was high school. It had been the weirdest year of her life. She wasn't participating in any town or school events because her scarlet letter was very much still a problem in the small town society but at the same time, her personal life was going really well.
She not only had loyal and loving friends but a very fulfilling relationship, even though it was long distance some times because Damon was building his own brand now and still working with Elijah. So he was travelling more. She wished he'd take the college route with her but that's not what he wanted for now.
"Bonnie is here to pick you up." Jeremy peeked into her room while she was typing a message to Damon.
"Oh yeah, I'll be there, 5 minutes."
He closed the door after himself. Elena quickly shoved her stuff in to her bag, picked up her lip-gloss, then she opened the door to her room and headed downstairs where his brother was talking to his best friend.
Though things were not okay between them, they seemed to be getting better. At least at small talk.
"Okay. I am ready. Let's go. We don't want to miss class." She dragged Bonnie out who laughed as she waved a bye to Jeremy.
"I see you guys are talking." Elena said once they were in the car, driving to school.
"Yeah. He sort of forgave me."
"What did you do? Normally his grudges last decades, he still didn't forgive me for the time I murdered his teddy bear when we were kids."
"That's disturbing." Bonnie raised her brows, "But we actually did sort it out, like adults."
"Of course, I gave him the first bathroom turn for five weeks too." She chuckled.
"How's Damon doing? Wasn't he suppose to be in town this weekend?"
She huffed, "I know, he hasn't been home for three weeks. I really miss him but he's coming back tonight and he promised to stay for the week."
Bonnie parked the car near school, "So you'd be staying at the Salvatore guest mansion."
"Its not a mansion, its a boarding house. Well it used to be." She said as she slung her bag over her shoulder, "Anyways. Don't you dare guilt me into girl nights for the week. I don't even know where I might end up after graduation and how that will affect my relationship, and right now I don't want to think."
She headed for class, but feeling the slight vibration in her jacket, she pulled out her phone to check his text.
Damon: Have to postpone. Going to Sydney So so sorry.
Elena's whole energy for the day left her as she read that message. Only she knew how she had went through the week.
Elena: To Australia? For how long?
Damon: Probably a week.
Elena: A week, can't you come home for tonight before you leave?
Damon: I leave in 4 hours. Can't manage. I am sorry, But after this I'll be home for longer.
Elena: Call me when you get there? I miss you.
Damon: Of course, this day couldn't be worse so I need to hear your voice. Miss you more.
Elena put her phone in her pocket as she headed for class, now tempted to crawl back in bed and curl up in a ball.
Caroline asked her what was wrong when she saw her friend sulking.
"Damon's not coming home for another week." She sighed, "And I am so mad at him but- its not his fault."
"Come on Elena, this isn't fun for him. We all know how he's obsessed with you." She tried to make Elena feel better and normally things like this did, but she missed him way too much today, "I wish I could go back to last year, when we were together all summer. It was-"
"The summer of your dreams, jeez I get it." Caroline groaned, "Well at least you both are miserable because you both want to be with each other. Not like Tyler and I."
Elena rolled her eyes, "Care, you need to break up with him, you've said it yourself now, he makes you miserable."
"I know but- I can't."
"Is he blackmailing you? Tell me he doesn't have any sex tape of you-"
Caroline interrupted, "No-no. Its not like that but, Elena he's went above and beyond to ask for my forgiveness. He even got you the Mystic Falls council youth seat that you rejected when he tried to make it up to you. And its all been perfect after that one time but- I don't feel it anymore. What he did to you, I can't respect him."
"Then break up with him, you don't owe him anything." Elena said with a shrug.
"I know but- it would mean I am just like everyone else, like his dad I didn't give him a chance to redeem himself and gave up."
Elena shook her head, "You're not responsible for what he thinks of himself or feels. Look, you need to stop feeling guilty and do what you want."
Her blue eyes stopped on a certain dusty-brown haired boy that sat a few desks away.
Elena raised her brows, "I said do what you want, not do who you want. Besides Stefan just got clean, Care. Don't put him in an emotional rollercoaster again."
"I am not, I am not. " she said defensively, "Urghh Since when are you in charge of the Salvatore brothers ?"
She rolled her eyes, "Since one of them dates me, and the other is very important to the one who dates me."
...
...
"What time is it there?" Elena asked as she toyed with her blanket.
"its 10'o clock in the morning." His voice was slightly sleepy.
"Jet lagged?"
"Exactly."
"I can call later." She offered.
"No, no way. I've been waiting to talk to you all night." He protested, suddenly sounding awake.
She chuckled, "What do you want to talk about?"
He sighed, "All the updates. What happened all day? Did you find out Bonnie's secret boyfriend? How's my boy-interrupted brother doing?"
She laughed, he must be really missing her if these were the topics of their anticipated conversation.
"No Bonnie's still hiding it. I am sure its Enzo. But guess what my brother doesn't flinch around her anymore. And yours is doing very well. He got an A plus in math today."
"Ha. An A plus in math? Stefan is back to his nerd mode. Remind me to give him a weggie next time." He laughed slightly.
Elena shook her head at his words, "And when will that be? It's going to be a whole month since I saw you."
"Babe, you went seventeen years without seeing me, what's one more week?"
She groaned, "I don't mean that, Damon. What if this keeps happening? How will we make this work after graduation? What if its not convenient for you anymore."
There was silence on the other end, she thought he hung up but they were still on the call.
"Its never been convenient. But its always been worth it." He said above a whisper, "I thought that's how we both felt."
"It is. I just wish I could be with you."
"Me too."
She thought she ruined it but after a few moments of silence, he asked, "What are you wearing?"
"Hmm a shirt with a picture of a big grumpy cat, and panties."
"That shirt is so sexy." He feigned enthusiasm.
Elena rolled her eyes, "Well too bad you aren't here to appreciate it."
"Who says I can't from here? Did I not hear it right or are you not wearing a bra." he said in a husky tone but she gasped, he whined hearing her response, "Come on, we've sexted. You admitted it was fun."
"Yes but phone-sex? That's weird."
"Don't be such a prude. I promise you, you'll enjoy it." He urged.
She pursed her lips before giving up, "Okay. How do we do this? You're alone right?"
"Yep, in bed- alone blinds closed and-" he added after a moment, "Now naked."
She closed her eyes to picture it, and imagined running her hand down his toned chest to the v of his hips.
"That's quick." She swallowed thick, "Were you already in your boxers?"
"Well I am an optimist. Now how's the situation over there, have you ditched the shirt yet?"
She rolled it up her stomach, caressing her skin with it as it uncovered, "Almost. I wish you were the one taking it off."
He sighed, "I am, just close your eyes." She did he asked.
"I want you to touch your tits, you know how I can never keep my hands off them. Pinch your nipples, baby. Keep the phone on your pillow. Say my name while you do it."
"Oh Damon." She sunk into her bed, doing what he asked, she could tell he was also touching himself because she could hear his breathing getting heavy.
"I wish I could feel your lips too." She moaned pinching her nipples.
He groaned, "Fuck. God what are you doing to me? Baby, take off your panties."
"Okay." She took off the damp material and lied down on her back, waiting for his next instructions, "Are you wet for me?" he asked.
"Yeah. Yes- I am."
"Gosh, I bet you feel amazing. I'd give up anything to taste you, scratch that- I'd give up anything to be inside your delicious tight pussy. I am so hard for you." He cursed.
Her lips made an O shape as she brushed her fingers over her folds, "I'd love to feel you inside me, god- I miss that feeling as much as I miss you."
"Finger yourself, start slow." He instructed.
She nodded, "Oh God, that feels so good."
"Another one. I know it's not the same, but think its my cock stretching you."
"Oh- Oh Damon." She cried, "Baby, I am so close."
"Play with your clit for me- you're so fucking hot." He seemed to be reaching his climax too as he panted, "Come baby, that's it, I know you want to, come for me. I want to hear it."
She nodded as she allowed her body to explode into release. She panted and moaned as it passed her, she could hear him too as he let out a guttural sound that seemed to turn her on again, "Wow. I can't believe I liked that." She said after a few moments.
His smug tone on the other end made her blush, "Yeah well there's a surprise. Told you long distance is fun too."
"Calm down, I said I liked it, its not nearly the same thing." She said rolling on her side.
"You don't have to tell me, I haven't jerked off this much this since I was twelve."
Elena made a scrunched up face, "Great, then we both agree that you have to do something about regulating your conjugal visits."
He gasped, "Miss Gilbert you wound me, does our relationship mean nothing more than sex? I am not just a sweet piece of ass."
Elena reached to get her panties while smirking, "I guess you haven't figured it out why I put up with you." She yawned.
"Do you want to sleep?"
"No, no I am fine."
"Hey, I am not hanging up, we can talk- until you fall asleep." He offered. "Besides I need to be in a meeting in the afternoon so I am not planning on sleeping."
"Hmm. That's nice. Did I tell you about what happened while I was volunteering at the hospital today?"
"No. What happened?"
She got under her blanket, telling and retelling him everything he had missed from the last three weeks.
...
...
This week was probably the slowest week of her life. Every moment was agony. School was boring, being home was not a party either since her mother was not speaking to her after she backed out of a town event.
She was driving Jeremy to school and ranting, "No one wants me there. Look I am tired of the Fells and Lockwoods being passive aggressive towards me. You remember the last time, right?"
"Yes they slut-shammed you." He had memorised her whole speech by now, "Look if you want to be at that event, go. But we all know you're planning to shack it up with your boyfriend that day."
She hit his arm, "Its hardly about that. Yes I want to but mom is being unfair to me. Its not the same anymore. I am a town joke and I don't want to be laughed at more by putting myself in a situation like that. I'd rather stay with my boyfriend who I haven't seen in a month."
Once they reached the school, Jeremy stopped her from getting outside, holding her arm, "Elena, if you want me to be on your side, I am. But that doesn't make a difference to mom. My opinion has never mattered to her. You know how she is. She's never going to give up and let you become a normal girl. You have to tell her yourself that you're no longer interested in being her pageant child who does everything perfectly according to her momager."
Elena knew Jeremy was right, but town events was the only way to communicate with her mother.
"I need some time, I can't just rip the Band-Aid off." She got out of the car, "Not until the school year finishes."
"Isn't that your boyfriend's car?" Jeremy's words made her turn around, "Yes, that's Damon's car. Oh my god. He did say he has a gift for me. Maybe he cut his trip short." She smiled wide as she dropped her bag near her own car and ran up the distance to his classic Camaro.
However, her excitement died as soon as she saw that there was a different Salvatore inside the car, with Caroline straddling him.
"Ah!" she gasped and cupped her mouth before she could scream in surprise.
Thank god they didn't see her. Clearly they were keeping it a secret. Elena slowly walked back to where Jeremy raised his hands up in question. "What's wrong?"
"Wrong Salvatore. Come on let's go before we get late."
"Wait? Is he-"
"Yes."
"With who?" Jeremy asked, now laughing as Elena dragged him to school.
"I don't know and I don't want to know." Though she did know.
Caroline was cheating on her boyfriend, with Stefan. She just hoped it wouldn't end in a disaster this time.
...
...
Authors note: Hey all, thank you so much for the love you show to the story, which is why I have decided to give it 10 more chapters than originally planned all filled with the same drama, romance a bit of comedy here and there.
I am having some problems with my DMs and wanted to let my new reader elelooch know that i got her message and I really appreciate it. Also my guest readers, I love you so much. Along with regular readers. I wanted to post more this week but I am sadly down with a fever. So this is the only chapter for the week.
Up next: Delena relationship will go back and forth between all the drama. Someone will say the (L-word) guess who? Plus progress in side character stories too.
Review and let me know what you think about the chapter, are you mad at Elena for going behind Damon's back or would you call her brave? Is Stefan really bouncing back from his habits? Let me know.