A/N: Thanks for the couple reviews I got. Sorry i didn't upload yesterday. I had a class for work yesterday for eight hours, and then I had to work after. So I was gone for like 13 hours yesterday, and didn't have time to get around to it. I hope you like this update!

"I'm so bummed we had to miss Christmas," Caroline frowned. "I was really looking forward to meeting Stefan's parents."

I continued to scrub the house down with disinfectant. I had stayed at Damon's for a couple of days until Caroline was 100% better. But I absolutely hated throwing up, so I was on a mission to get every germ out of the apartment.

"They were super nice," I told her. "I'm sure they'd love to get dinner with the two of you soon, so they can meet you."

"What were they like?" Caroline wondered.

"His mom is super outgoing, and extremely sweet. She can be a little intrusive, but she means well," I continued wiping down all the doorknobs and handles. "His dad was quiet, and more reserved but also very nice."

"Who does Stefan look like?" She followed me around the apartment.

"His dad," I smiled. "They have the same eyes, and similar features. Damon looks like his mom. The dark hair and blue eyes." I took off my rubber gloves finally finished with wiping down the whole house. "Although I think Stefan has his mom's personality."

"What did she think of you?" Caroline sat down on the couch.

"I think I could've been the meanest, ugliest person and she still would've loved me. She was so happy to finally see Damon bring someone home," I chuckled at the thought.

Caroline faked a smile, before looking down.

"What's wrong?" I sat down beside her.

"Of course, she loved you," You could hear the jealousy in her voice. "Everyone loves you. You're Elena Gilbert."

I sighed. I could never understand Caroline's competitiveness with me. I didn't care to be better than anyone else or want to be more liked than my friends. "She is going to love you," I assured her.

"I'm sorry," she shook her head in disappointment. "I just really like Stefan, and I want his family to like me too. And it's kind of hard knowing I have to meet them after they've already met you. You're perfect."

"Care," I shook my head in disagreement. "I am the farthest thing from perfect."

"Not in my eyes," she looked at me.

"Then you must be blind," I playfully shoved her.

She finally smiled. "I'm just nervous."

"I know you are," I sighed. "Just be yourself, and I promise you they will love you. Just like I do."

She leaned in and gave me a hug. "Thank you," she whispered in my ear.

My phone started buzzing in my back pocket as Caroline and I were hugging. "Hold on," I told her. I reached for my phone and saw that it was a FaceTime request from Damon. "It's Damon."

"Go ahead," she waved me off giving me a smile.

"Are you sure?" I was worried about her.

"Positive," she nodded. "I need to shower and get ready for bed anyway."

"Ok," I gave her one more hug, before answering the FaceTime. "Hey," I smiled at Damon, as his face appeared on my screen.

"Hey babe," he smirked. I could tell he had just had a shower. His hair was wet, and he was laying down in his bed.

I walked into my room shutting the door behind me. "How was your day?" I asked.

"Boring," he sighed. "Went to the grocery store, walked my dog, nothing exciting."

"Sounds like my day," I set my phone down as I went through my closet looking for a t-shirt to change into.

"What did you do?" He asked.

"Cleaned the hell out of my apartment," I stripped down to nothing, before throwing on fresh underwear, and a t-shirt. "Took a nap and caught up on some reality TV."

"Life is kind of boring without you now," he mumbled.

I picked my phone back up, "I agree," I smiled at him.

He growled, "You changed your clothes, and you didn't let me watch?"

I giggled, knowing he was joking. Well… maybe half joking. "I'm sorry," I laid down in my bed, laying on my side.

"My bed seems empty without you," his stare was intense even through the phone. "I got used to you in it, the last few nights."

"Your bed is much comfier than mine," I blushed.

"I was also getting used to the sound of your snore," he added.

"I do not snore!" I gasped.

"You do," he chuckled. "It's really light though."

"I'm allergic to dust," I pouted.

"Are you implying that my house is dirty?" He glared at me.

He actually kept his house very clean. I was extremely impressed every time I was there. "No," I rolled my eyes in defeat.

"That's what I thought," he smirked. "It's cute," he added.

"Whatever," I sighed. "It's really hot in my apartment," I moved my hair off my neck. "I think I might sleep naked tonight."

His mouth fell open, as he was at a loss for words.

"I'll see you at work tomorrow," I smirked at him through the phone. "Goodnight."

I ended the FaceTime before he could respond. I smiled to myself, proud that I could leave him speechless. I pulled the covers over my body, feeling a chill in the air. Who was I kidding? Caroline liked our apartment at a chilling 66 degrees. It was never hot in here. My phone pinged with a text from Damon.

Tease. -Damon

I giggled, as I turned off the light on my nightstand. My phone chimed again.

Goodnight gorgeous. – Damon

I was so happy when it finally reached Friday. It felt like an eternity to get there. Work had been extra crazy for some reason. I had worked through lunch a couple of the days, because I felt so behind, even though I hadn't taken any days off.

Caroline had wanted to redecorate our living room, so we spent a couple evenings rearranging and visiting décor departments. I talked to Jeremy and Bonnie one night for a couple hours catching up on our busy lives.

I had barely talked or seen Damon all week and it was killing me. Not only was work busy but I really wanted to try to separate our personal lives as much as we could. I passed him a couple times in the hallway, and he would give me a wink, or a smile and I wanted so badly to stop mid step and have a quick make out session in the hallway. We texted and called as much as we could throughout the week, but unfortunately it was very little.

So, when I clocked out on Friday, and headed home I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement all at once.

We had plans to go see a movie and go to dinner, but I was so exhausted, and all I wanted to do was veg out on my couch and watch TV with a glass of wine, and my man. Damon didn't seem disappointed by my request for a change in plans. So, he came over and brought us some take out and wine.

"Hi," I smiled and sighed, seeing him in my doorway arms full of goods.

He smiled back, walking into my apartment. I helped him move the bags of food onto my countertop. I took out some plates and silverware, as he dished out the pasta.

"You look irresistible," he looked at me as he took off his leather jacket, throwing it over the back of a chair.

I blushed, "thanks."

We both sat down ready to eat. I poured us both some wine, "how was work?" I asked him.

"Busy," he pricked his finger with his diabetes pen, checking his blood sugar. I was getting used to it now, but it still brought a sadness to me. Knowing he's had to deal with this for his whole life, and that will never go away.

"I know, it's been crazy for me too," I took a sip of my wine, sighing at the taste. "I have been looking forward to this" I gestured to the wine, "all week."

He inserted the strip with his blood into the reader, waiting for it to read back his numbers. "You don't drink during the week?"

"Not usually," I shook my head.

"Bummer," he put away his things after everything looked good. "I don't know if I could survive without my bourbon every night," he joked.

"You drink Bourbon?" I twirled the spaghetti around my fork.

He nodded, "It's my favorite."

"Hmm," I groaned as I tasted the delicious pasta. "This is amazing."

"I told you they have the best Italian food," he smiled.

We sat in silence for a while just enjoying the food and the wine. Occasionally exchanging words about work, and our families. After we finished, he helped me clean up, and then we sat down on the couch, and started watching a scary movie.

I settled into his side, the apartment pitch black, nothing but the glow of the TV. I could feel his heartbeat as I laid my head on his chest. He casually ran his fingers through the ends of my hair, and down my arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps as he went during the movie. I jumped as something popped out and the music intensified causing my heart to nearly stop. He chuckled, before hugging me closer to him. We didn't talk much just enjoyed touching and being with each other.

After the movie ended, I was a ball of anxiety curled into Damon. I loved the thrill of scary movies, but I needed something happy and funny to distract me from the dark thoughts that now invaded my mind. I scrolled through the movie selection finding a romantic comedy that I had never seen before.

I sat up a little, turning so that I could throw my legs over his lap. He kissed the top of my head and sighed into my ear. He repeatedly tucked the hair behind my ear as he looked into my eyes. "What?" I giggled as he held my gaze like he wanted to say something.

He hesitated, before shaking his head, "nothing," he barely whispered giving me a half smile.

I let it drop. "Wasn't that movie scary?"

"Not really," he shook his head. "I don't believe in ghosts, and demons and all that nonsense."

I chuckled a little, "You say that until I haunt your ass, after I come back from the dead."

He frowned suddenly.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my face changing.

"I don't like the thought of you dying," he ran his hand absentmindedly across my leg.

"I was just teasing," I tried cheering him up, giving him a smile.

"I know," He half smiled, but I could tell he was still bothered by the comment. "I just don't even want to imagine it."

I gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "I'm sorry I brought it up," I gave him a genuine smile.

"This is a good distraction," he smirked, deepening the kiss. His lips opened around mine capturing my tongue. Our lips moved in synch at a slow pace, enjoying the taste of each other. My hands reached up to touch his face. My one arms resting on the back of his neck, and the other touching the side of his face. Which was now covered in facial hair, and I loved it. It was sexy, made him look more dangerous and bad ass, but it wasn't too long it was perfect. His hands ran up my thighs to cup my ass.

I pulled away after several minutes needing air. I smiled, "I like this," I ran my hand across his facial hair. "It's hot."

He chuckled, "Really? I wasn't sure if you would or not."

I nodded letting him know I approved. "I mean you look good both ways, but I think I like this a little more." I continued to smile at him as I stroked his face. I gave him a quick chaste kiss on the lips before standing up. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable," I told him.

I went to my room, so happy to get rid of my jeans. I tossed my dirty clothes into my hamper and threw on a t-shirt that I stole from Damon's house, along with some cheeky underwear. I walked back out into the living room, finding Damon watching the movie. His head turned to me when he heard me come back.

"Is that my shirt?" His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Maybe," I bit my lip trying to hide my smile, as I sat down next to him.

"You thief," he shook his head at me smiling.

I tucked myself under the blanket that was across his lap, letting my legs curl into his side. "You can take it back."

"Hmm," he twisted his body to face mine. His fingertips brushed under my chin, lingering there while he studied my face. "You look better in it anyways." His hand gently glided up and down my jaw. His ghostly touch was so tender, it gave me shivers.

"You might have to do some inventory on your closet," I looked up into his eyes with a mischievous smile. "I'm a little bit of a kleptomaniac."

"Really?" He seemed intrigued.

"I thought I grew out of it when I turned 7," I giggled. "I used to steal candy from the gas station all the time when I was a kid, and my dad always made me tell the clerk what I did and give it back. But now I think I found a new item that I'd like to take."

"Only if I can steal something in return," he playfully nudged his nose against mine.

"I don't think my shirts will fit you," I teased.

"I was thinking about something else," His lips grazed mine.

"Like what?" I inhaled, feeling the heat pool between my thighs. "My virginity?"

He pulled back to look into my eyes. "Eventually… If you'll let me. But…" His hand slid up my thigh. "You aren't ready for me physically."

My legs opened involuntarily, so ready for him to touch me there. "I feel ready," I moaned.

His hand reached my wet panties, and he groaned. "Not yet."

"Please," I begged.

His hands found the waistband of my panties pulling them down and off my legs, as he held eye contact. "Lay back," he told me.

I laid down on the couch, gladly obliging. My legs opened for him wider as he turned to face me completely. He bent down letting his tongue lick once up my center. I froze suddenly nervous. I had never let a guy do this to me before, and suddenly all the insecurities circled in my brain. Did guys actually enjoy this? Did it taste disgusting? Did he find me repulsive?

"Hmm," he groaned. "Relax baby," he sensed my anxiety. "Enjoy this… I know I will."

His words of affirmation let my body relax. I laid my head back, and let my legs fall to the side, my body contracted into the cushions of the couch.

His mouth reconnected and he slowly began licking and sucking. He knew exactly when to go fast and work me right up to the edge of release, before slowing his assault and bringing me back to earth. His fingers joined in slowly letting one finger curl, hitting that perfect spot. Then he added a second, stretching me, making me feel fuller.

I moaned, twisting my head into the pillow. My eyes were squeezed shut, afraid that if I looked it'd be my undoing. I wanted this feeling to last, even though I knew I couldn't much longer.

His right hand continued to curl, harder hitting that delicious spot over and over at a rapid pace. And his tongue, licked and sucked at my clit, causing me to teeter on the edge. Then his left hand snaked up, underneath my t-shirt and found a puckered nipple. And that was my undoing.

I shattered into a thousand pieces. Curse words falling out of my lips, my hips rocking against his face, as I pulled a pillow over my face so I could scream, and not disturb the neighbors.

He slowed down as the height of my climax, started to come back down. I threw the pillow behind me, so that I could breathe. My body was buzzing, and my pussy was throbbing in a good way. After several minutes of coming back to reality, my mind and body awoke with a burst of energy. I sat up, as he sat back analyzing my expression.

I kissed him, tasting myself on his lips. I could still feel the wetness between my legs as it dripped down my legs. He awoke an inner goddess in me. I craved him. I desired to be his in every way. And he was right, I wasn't physically ready, but as soon as I was, there would be no hesitation from me in the slightest.

I dropped down to the floor on my knees. My hands fumbled with his belt.

"What are you doing?" He asked breathless.

"Returning the favor," I looked up at him, as I continued to pull down his zipper.

"Elena," He breathed. "You don't have-"

"I want to," I promised him.

He didn't try to stop me, as I pulled down his jeans along with his briefs. His hard cock sprung out of the tight confines of his pants. It was huge like I remembered, but somehow up close it was bigger than I remembered. I swallowed partially in nervousness and partially out of excitement. I had little experience with this, but he gave me confidence I never knew I had.

I gently grasped around the base of his cock and he moaned, just from my simple touch and that made me smile. I slowly lowered my head, letting my mouth circle the tip. He relaxed into the couch letting his head rest on the back, his eyes closed. I let my mouth take in as much as I could, and to my surprise it went further than I anticipated. I silently gagged as I reached my max, and it was barely passed halfway. There was no way I could ever go all the way; it was physically impossible.

I moved my hand with my mouth making sure to provide suction and tightness. His hands found my head, and his fingers curled in my hair, as he sat up to look at me. "Holy shit," he mumbled under his breathe. "I'm going to cum," he warned me. I was pleasantly surprised with myself that it had maybe been a minute or two and he was already reaching climax. So, I sped up my movements and made sure to lock eyes with him, and that's when he lost it.

"FUCK!" He yelled, as he spilled into my mouth. His body convulsed, as he emptied himself. His hands gripping hard into my hair, as he bucked his hips.

I pulled away from him, as he sat back catching his breath. I slowly stood up, finding my panties tossed on the floor. I quickly slid them back on, before going to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

A minute later Damon found me in the bathroom, his pants back on. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. "Hmm," he groaned. "That was so hot."

I smiled, before I spit the toothpaste in the sink and rinsed out my mouth. "Will you spend the night?" I asked.

"Of course," his fingertips danced on my skin. "I'll have to leave early in the morning though to let out my dog."

I turned in his arms so I could wrap my arms around his neck. "Good," I bit my lip. "I was hoping for a repeat tonight."

He smirked before pressing his lips to mine. It was sweet and gentle. He pulled back and I could tell he had something on his mind.

"What are you thinking about?" I wondered.

He looked into my eyes for a long minute before answering. "Nothing," he finally said.

"Liar," I squinted at him. "What's going on?"

"I'm just thinking," he shrugged. "But I'm not ready to say it yet."

I had a feeling I knew what he was thinking because I was feeling it too, but I was also scared to say the words out loud. "Me too," I told him.

And with that, he kissed me pulling me into my bedroom, where we had several repeats throughout the night.

The next morning, I woke up to Damon's phone blaring warning him to get home and let out his dog. He hoped in my shower quick and I decided to make him some breakfast to go.

I somehow managed to not burn his breakfast, and it looked fairly good. He walked into my kitchen in his clothes from last night, his hair wet and incredibly sexy.

"I prefer you without a shirt," I told him, wrapping his breakfast sandwich in a paper towel.

"Same goes for you," He growled in my ear before kissing me on the cheek.

I handed him the sandwich, "This is for you."

"Thanks baby," he kissed me on the lips. "I promised my uncle I would go over to his house today and fix up his computer and hang out. I'll call you tonight," he promised.

"Ok," I smiled, but wished I could spend the day with him.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" He asked.

"Nothing really," I tried remembering if I made any plans.

"Would you want to go for a walk and see the outdoor art museum? It's starting to warm up now, and it's supposed to be in the 60's on Sunday," he suggested.

"I'd love that," I smiled.

He smiled back, and I noticed the dark circles under his eyes, and his skin was a little paler than usual. "Are you feeling ok?" I asked.

"I just need to eat," he shook his head unconcerned.

"Is your blood sugar ok?" I wondered.

He shrugged, "it's a little low, but nothing to worry about."

I touched his cheek with my hand, "Well I worry about you."

He seemed triggered by the worry, and he clenched his jaw. "I said it's fine."

"Damon," I sighed.

"I got to go before my dog pees all over my house," he pulled away.

Before I could say anything, he left my apartment, he tried to give me a smile, but I could tell he was off.

I spent the day cleaning, and getting things done. I did my taxes and reorganized my closet. Caroline came home around noon and we chatted for a while before she went off to hang out with Stefan again. I had texted Damon checking in on him, and he hadn't replied. I didn't want to seem like a needy girlfriend, I was just worried about him.

I decided to call Jeremy once I had nothing left to clean or get done in the apartment. "Hey Jer," I smiled as he answered the phone.

"Hey Elena," he greeted. "How's it going?"

"I'm just bored," I sighed. "I have cleaned every crevice in the apartment, Caroline is hanging out with Stefan, and Damon is busy with his uncle."

"Go for a walk," he suggested.

"Yeah, maybe I will," I thought. "What are you up to?"

"Bonnie and I were just about to go to a movie," he answered.

"Oh, well I'll let you go then," I frowned wishing I could talk to him longer.

"I have some time," he assured me. "Bonnie is still getting herself ready so I'm sure that gives me another 20 minutes."

I giggled knowing exactly how almost all women worked. "At least."

"Yeah," I could hear him smile.

"How's life been? I feel like I haven't talked to you in forever!"

"Elena, we text almost every day," he reminded me.

"I know, but I feel like that's different. I just check and make sure you and Bonnie are still alive," I laughed. "Anything new?"

"Not really," he sighed. "Just busy with my internship. They seem to really like me. They've mentioned hiring me on once I finish school."

"That's awesome Jer!" I smiled. "I am so happy for you!"

"Thanks," he mumbled. He was always such a man of few words.

"Makes me kind of sad though," I thought out loud.

"Why?" he wondered.

"That means you'll stay out in LA. You're just so far from me," that thought alone made me want to cry.

"You could always move here," He suggested.

"Yeah," my mind instantly thought of Damon and I knew that I couldn't do that. "LA just isn't really my thing," I half lied.

"It's not really my thing either, but it's the best thing for my kind of work," he admitted.

"I know it is," I sighed.

"What about you?" He asked. "Anything new with you?"

"Nothing much," I thought. "Just work, hanging out with Caroline and Damon."

"So, are you and this Damon guy pretty serious?" I could hear the protectiveness in his voice.

"I think so." I know I felt serious about him, and I hoped he felt serious about me. "I want you to meet him soon."

"Yeah," I could hear the edge in Jeremy's voice.

"What?" I rolled my eyes knowing he was going to be a jerk.

"He already broke your heart once," Jeremy reminded me. "When I visited for Christmas you were so sad. You were like a zombie, and you dated the guy for like a month."

"Ok, for one it was a mutual break up, he was sad too. And two, we worked it out, we have a better understanding of each other now," I said to him, but also to myself.

"I hope so," he sounded less than hopeful.

"Just give him a chance," I pleaded.

"Fine," he sighed.

"Thank you," my phone buzzed against my ear and I pulled it away to look at the screen. Damon finally texted me back hours later. "Uh I have to go Jeremy; I'll call you later."

"Ok, see ya," he said before hanging up.

I looked at my phone to see Damon's reply.

I'm fine. -D

I frowned at his response. He was so short and distant. He wasn't usually like that. I gave him the benefit of the doubt thinking he was probably just busy with his uncle.

I took Jeremy's advice and went for a walk, and then when I got home, I showered, laid in bed, and read a book. I kept checking my phone hoping I'd hear from Damon, but my phone was dead silent.

I was just about to go to bed. I was about to call Damon because we always talked on the phone before bed. But I didn't want to call him, he was off when he left, and he was short with me over text. I didn't want to bother him, but I was also worried about him. I just wanted to hear his voice.

Suddenly my phone was ringing, and I saw Damon's name flash across the screen. I smiled, feeling so relieved that he was finally calling.

"Hello?" I said picking up the phone.

I was surprised when I heard a woman's voice instead. "Elena?"

My eyebrows crinkled in confusion. I looked at the screen again making sure I wasn't imagining his name. "Yes?" I finally answered when I realized I wasn't hallucinating.

"It's Lilly, Damon's mom," her voice sounded panicked.

I immediately sat up, my heart sinking to my stomach. "Is Damon alright?"

"He's in the hospital right now," she sounded sad. "He's doing ok, but his blood sugar was really low. He couldn't get it back up while he was at his uncles, and he ended up passing out."

"Oh my gosh," I threw my blanket off, scrambling to change my clothes. "Is he going to be ok?"

"Yeah," she said but I could still hear the worry in her voice. "It's going back up, but it's pretty low still."

"I'm on my way," I told her as I threw on a bra.

"Ok but he won't be happy I called you," she warned me.

My heart sank at her words. It made me sad that he didn't want me there.

"It has nothing to do with you," she assured me. "He doesn't even like when I come. He doesn't like when people worry about him."

"Well, he's just going to have to get over it," I told her.

I could almost hear her smile. "I knew I liked you."

"I'll see you in a bit," I told her before hanging up.

A/N: DUN DUN DUN... What do you think will happen next? Will this be the ticking time bomb for Damon and Elena? Or will this make them stronger? Stay tuned, and please leave a review :)