Damon disembarks at the Lugano Airport just across the Swiss border. He rents a car for the drive to Lake Como to see Sybil. He's given so much thought to what he needs to say to her... Never did he dream that a trip home would have such a profound effect on him. His priorities have changed and how does he explain that to Sybil? He doesn't want to hurt her but knows it's inevitable.
There was a time he thought Sybil was who he wanted to spend his life with. If she hadn't postponed their wedding to film this movie, his life would be entirely different right now and he'd be none the wiser. He was angry at the time but now he realizes that it was a godsend. Fate stepping in. Whatever it was, he's grateful for it. Elena made him see how shallow his life has been. It's not fair for him to marry Sybil- not when his heart lies with someone else...
Shaking his head, Damon rolls down the window and turns the radio up. He just wants to escape what's whirling in his mind for now.
He drives slow, maybe it's to put off the inevitable? An hour later, Damon pulls into the valet line at the hotel, grabs his duffel bag, and enters the lobby where Sybil already told the clerk to give him a key.
Once he's inside the room, Damon strips and showers, changing into a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt. He orders a bottle of bourbon from room service, grabs a glass, and sits down on the chair on the patio that overlooks the water.
It's a beautiful area. Lake Como is well known for its amazing scenery, Spas and its beautiful wildlife, and celebrity presence. Damon brings the glass to his lips and takes a mouthful, savoring the burn as it goes down. He's lost in thought and doesn't notice when the door slams behind him.
"Damon, you came!" Sybil squeals and rushes over to him. She cradles his face and kisses him fiercely.
"Sybil, I need to speak to you." Damon removes her hands from his cheeks.
"What is it, Damon?" she asks and sits on the chair adjacent to his. "If you want to build a house in Mystic Falls, I mean we can build one worthy of people like us."
"People like us?" Damon asks incredulously.
"You know what I mean." She takes his glass, empties it, and sets it back down.
Damon stands and turns his back to her for a moment. After sucking in a breath, he turns to face her again.
"I can't marry you, Sybil."
"Sorry?" she looks at him confused.
"I can't marry you," Damon repeats.
"Of course, you can. We're perfect for each other. We understand each other, we're from the same world and want the same things."
"I've learned a lot about myself the past few weeks, Sybil. I want different things now, things that are tangible and mean more than fame and money. It's not just that...we hardly know each other. I don't know what your favorite flower or color is. I don't know your favorite movie. Hell, I had no idea you were allergic to peanuts until I was going to buy you some gourmet cookies and the clerk told me."
"You're just confused." Sybil attempts to brush off his concerns.
"No, I'm not. I'm going to go back to Mystic Falls, write some music for the next album and get my priorities in order."
"That's insane. Your career is on fire, both music, and acting..."
"I care about you, Sybil, I do...And the last thing I want is to hurt you...but it's not enough, not anymore. I'm sorry." Damon leans forward to kiss her cheek. He stares at her for several seconds before picking up his duffel bag and walking out of the hotel room...
When Elena steps out of the airport lobby, she's met with a clear Destin, Florida morning. She flags a taxi to meet Caroline who rented a beach house for a long weekend. As the car heads south out of the City, Elena's smile continued to grow with each passing mile of scenery. They turn off at the exit that leads to the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. As the car begins to wind through the suburbs, she marvels at the Palm trees and other native shrubberies. When the ocean comes into view, she rolls down the window and inhales the salty sea air.
After driving a few miles, the taxi turns off the highway and onto a side road, eventually pulling up in front of a modest gray cottage with a green door and white-trimmed windows. Wildflowers are lining the slate walkway, and cypress trees frame either side of the house.
She's standing by the car, handing the driver some cash when the cottage door swings open, and Caroline comes barreling out toward her.
"You're finally here!" The blonde squeals, engulfing Elena in a hug.
"I'm here," Elena giggles, returning the hug before pulling back. "This place looks so quaint. I think getting away is exactly what I need."
Hooking her arm through Elena's and leading them toward the house, Caroline smiles. "Yes, it is. I bought some groceries so we're set for the weekend but of course, we should go out at least one night."
Elena takes in the open and airy home. The eat-in kitchen is small but modern, with granite countertops, and white cabinets. The sitting room is cozy with a rocking chair, sofa, and even a fireplace."
"There's some wood outside so we can build a fire. And there's also a fire pit. We can roast marshmallows."
"That sounds great. I can't wait to get in the water though," Elena walks out onto the patio to look at the beach. Rolling waves give way to gentle breakers. The sand is dotted with driftwood and seashells. She hopes to find a conch to bring home for Bonnie.
Caroline joins her moments later with mimosas in champagne glasses.
"For you," she says, handing Elena a glass. They both take a seat at the patio table. "Are you hungry?"
"No, I had a cinnamon roll at the airport," Elena states as she takes a sip of her mimosa.
"So..." Elena starts, "Is it safe to swim here? Are there sharks?"
"I actually looked that up. Since 1882, there have only ever been three shark attacks in the Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island areas. And none of them were fatal."
"Very good, but there's a first time for everything! I'd hate to go home without a leg or something," Elena remarks as she stares at the waves breaking on the sand.
"No, that wouldn't be cool!" Caroline empties her glass. "Let's go down to the beach."
"Yes. Let me put my swimming suit and some sunscreen on first."
Fifteen minutes later, Caroline tugs on Elena's arm to pull her toward the patio door. She follows the blonde down the narrow staircase.
"Take a look at the scenery out there." Caroline winks at points to the water.
There are a couple of guys sitting astride surfboards. One is large and well built, sitting taller than the other one. "Nice..." Elena laughs.
"Why do you think I chose Destin?" Caroline grins.
Laughing, Elena turns her attention back to the water. Although this place is a nice respite, she can't help but think of Damon and Sybil. She misses him but he was never hers so she needs to get over it and hopes the beautiful scenery will help. Together the women walk down to the water's edge.
The sand is the most gentle hue of gold, almost earthen and muted. Elena loves the beach and the ocean. She loves the driftwood that comes upon the buoyant waves as tiny rescue boats. Her favorite though, of everything that is here growing from the softly rolling dunes, is the tall, tall grass that whispers so sweetly into the gusting breeze.
The cool water laps at Elena's feet, fizzing and bubbling like brine. Even though the sun is beating on her back, beaming in her eyes, she can't help but smile as the wind caresses her face. Waves ahead roar and roll down, crashing onto the shore with a soft hiss; peeling away at the deep bronze sand beneath her feet. Without hesitation, Elena plunges into the blue-green water. A chill surges through her, but a small wave washes it away.
"This is so wonderful, Caroline. Thank you for coming with me, and making all the arrangements."
"I hope you can forget about him at least for the weekend," Caroline states, tilting her head slightly.
"I love him. It's going to take some time but I'll be fine," Elena assures her.
"I know you will. I'll race you to the buoy, loser cooks supper tonight." Caroline winks and starts swimming away from her.
Elena laughs and starts paddling herself but not quite fast enough to catch up to the blonde.
"You win. Let's get some fresh seafood tonight. I'm buying."
"Deal!" Caroline squeals and with a twinkle in her eyes dunks Elena.
"You are so going to pay for that," Elena sputters and starts swimming back to shore. She can't deny that she misses Damon fiercely but she's already having more fun than she could have imagined just twenty-four hours ago.
Damon slams his suitcase down on his bed. His dad isn't home yet. He's been checked into the Mystic Falls Manor to get some rehabilitation for his hip. Giuseppe's getting around with a walker but the doctor wanted him to have some strengthening training before he came back to the farmhouse.
It's been far too long since he'd slept in his bed and living out of a suitcase comes with the territory given his occupation.
After ending things with Sybil, he went home to Los Angeles to talk to his mother. Damon revealed what Giuseppe told him, including how he defended her, and she admitted that she shared a part of the blame for the way he had to grow up without his dad.
He looks out the window, noticing that the home across the road is dark. He wonders where she is. Elena awakened something inside of him, something new and wonderful. Damon hasn't been able to stop thinking about her, and they'd gotten off on the wrong foot shortly before he'd left. He did stop by the clinic to tell her goodbye but she was performing surgery and he didn't have time to wait or he would have missed his flight.
He needs to see her again.
Damon hadn't had a chance to tell her where he was going- although she could probably guess, and for some reason, that thought keeps nagging at him.
As Damon hangs the last pair of jeans in his closet, he glances at the clock. If there were any signs of activity at Elena's place, he'd go straight over there to talk to her but he'll have to wait for the opportunity to present itself.
He needs to catch up on all the things he missed when he was away and most importantly, Damon needs to talk with her.
From his perch on Elena's porch steps, Damon can hear an occasional crow caw as it loudly breaks the evening's sound of the monotonous crickets.
The pale crescent moon shines like a silvery claw in the night sky. It twinkles like a blanket of stars that stretch to infinity. Damon's amazed at how much more beautiful the sky is here without all the ambient city light dulling it.
A cooler breeze cuts through the trees in the warm humid air. The occasional barking of faraway dogs breaks the silence of the night.
He's about to go home when he catches a glimpse of light. The headlights are like two bright stars lighting up the night.
"Elena," he says softly when the vehicle turns into the driveway, pulling to a stop not far from where he's sitting.
"Damon? Why are you here? Did something happen to Giuseppe while I was gone?"
"No, no," Damon shakes his head and slides over when she takes a seat on the step beside him.
"That's a relief, you had me going there for a moment. I thought you left. Caroline said you stopped to say goodbye."
"I did leave...I had to take care of some things and then I came back."
"Where's Sybil?"
"I'm not sure," Damon admits.
"I don't understand," Elena replies, looking at him in consternation.
"Well, Elena Gilbert, I was thinking that we could renew our vows. We got married when we were kids and it was right...it just wasn't at the right time. I think that was our chance at true love."
Elena looks at him skeptically. "That's romantic but not very realistic."
"I agree. It's rare to find the person you were meant to be with at 13. I don't want to settle for less, not anymore," Damon states as he pushes a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You don't?"
"Red. Black. Vanilla with magic shell. Horses, cats, dogs, and animals in general. Forget-me-nots. Wildflowers. Jimmy John beach club sub, cobb salad, roast turkey. This ranch...The people who live in this town."
Elena swallows thickly as she tries to keep her tears at bay. "Those are some of my favorite things."
"I never knew how empty my life was until you came back into it, Elena. You forced me to take a long hard look at myself. I really didn't like who was looking back at me in the mirror. I'm grateful that you forced me to open my eyes."
Elena stammers, her voice thick with emotion. "Sybil?"
Damon takes her hands in his. "There is no more Sybil. I love you, Elena Gilbert, with all my heart."
Elena looks stunning, her brunette hair glistening under the moonlight. Her big brown eyes and velvet lips are hypnotizing him.
Damon peers down at her barely open mouth.
Elena swallows. "Damon?"
He wraps a hand around the back of her neck, tilts her head so she's looking directly at him, and leans in, pressing his mouth to hers.
At first, Elena is caught off guard by his warm embrace, and the taste of his lips as he kisses her intensely.
Elena pulls back out of a need for oxygen. "You kissed me!"
"You kissed me back!" Damon smirks, his eyes twinkling under the moonlight. "I've been waiting all night to do that," he admits, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and kissing her lightly on the cheek before letting himself up.
Elena stays sitting on the step, still attempting to get back her breath. He flattens his plain black t-shirt out from the invisible wrinkles and smiles down at her.
"Dance with me?" He asks suddenly.
"What?"
"Dance with me?" He repeats, this time holding a hand out for her to take.
"There's no music," Elena says slowly but takes his hand and laces her fingers through his. He brings her hands up and wraps them around his neck before placing his arm around her waist. Damon begins to sing softly as they sway slowly under the moonlight.
Elena's body is becoming hot and it has nothing to do with the warm Virginia evening.
"You're so beautiful," He says softly and Elena feels her breath catch in her chest. She lets out a quiet squeak as a reply. Damon smirks as he abruptly grabs one of her hands and spins her around.
"Dam-"
The next thing she's aware of is Damon picking her up and carrying her up the steps. Once they're inside the house, Damon pins her against the door and drops his mouth to hers. She kisses him with the same passion as she threads her fingers in his hair and pulls, eliciting a sexy growl from him.
Her head drops back against the door as his mouth dips down into her cleavage. She feels a rush of warmth shoot straight to her core. She pulls his mouth back to hers and runs her tongue along the seam of his lips. Damon opens up for her without hesitation and she dips it inside of his mouth to tangle them together. His breath comes out in a sharp hiss when she traps his bottom lip between her teeth.
She soothes it with her tongue, and he bucks up against her, already hard, and the feel of him between her thighs has her feeling frantic and needy.
"I've been waiting my whole life for this…" Damon murmurs against her cheek. His mouth begins to blaze a trail across her jaw and down her throat, and she's convinced that she might spontaneously combust.
Elena claws anxiously at his shirt, several buttons pulling loose, but then she's falling backward, almost like she's flying, and he's laying her down on the big fur rug beneath them, hovering over her with darkening eyes.
Damon's gaze is intense and she finds herself suddenly shivering under the weight of it. His hands go to the hem of her top, slowly tugging it off, but he keeps his eyes on hers the entire time. When he slides her shorts and panties off, he presses his lips to her hip, breathing out softly.
Elena trembles, wondering how the wispiest of touches can set her blood on fire, and reaches out to pull him to her. She tries to use the same restraint as she pushes his shirt off his shoulders, but Damon keeps kissing her, running his mouth along the warm, tender skin along her jaw and down her throat, across her shoulders, and near the tops of her breasts.
He lays Elena back down against the rug once his jeans are off, and she squirms beneath him. Damon drags his lips down the valley between her perfect round breasts as she tangles her fingers through his hair.
Her skin is warm and soft. A thin sheen of sweat has broken out all over her body as he strategically places his lips in the places he hopes will drive her wild. As Elena lays spread-legged, he's in awe of her beauty.
"Are you okay? Elena breathes. Her eyes are as dark as storm clouds, her lips full and slightly bruised from his kisses. Her breasts rise and fall with each breath she takes.
Damon kneels down and sweeps his lips across hers. "I just needed a second..."
Her smile turns to a moan when he takes her right nipple into his mouth.
"Dear God, Damon," she pants, pushing her chest out and forcing her nipple deeper into his mouth.
Damon groans and she trembles beneath him as he continues to lave her nipple with his tongue.
Elena's hands slither up his back, weaving themselves into his hair as she holds him to her breast. He switches sides and spends long, agonizing moments tormenting her other nipple as she gasps and writhes against him.
Needing to put his mouth on her, Damon lets go with a loud, wet plop and moves lower. He runs his face along the inside of her thigh and presses hot, open-mouthed kisses against the junction where her leg meets her body.
"Please," Elena whimpers. Her hands leave his hair and drop to her sides, moving them to grip the rug with tight fists. Damon glances up to find Elena watching him intently, her bottom lip sucked between her teeth.
"What do you want, beautiful?" Damon murmurs against the skin of her lower belly. He's nearly insane with need but tonight is all about Elena and he intends to use every second making sure she knows it.
"Do you want my fingers?" He kisses around a little more. "Do you want my tongue?" he nips the skin of her lower belly and hears her groan in response.
"Tell me, Elena."
A strangled cry erupts from her throat. "All of it. I want it all."
Her words nearly tip him over the edge. Damon presses his mouth to her sensitive flesh as two of his fingers slowly enter her. Elena is hot and tight, and her taste is sweet and intoxicating. She arches her back and grinds into his hand, forcing his fingers even deeper.
Elena pushes against his mouth and holds his face to her when he sucks her engorged clit into his mouth. Damon slowly brings her to the edge, alternating between using his fingers and tongue. She comes hard, screaming his name as he continues to thrust his tongue in and out of her.
"Sh..." she stammers breathlessly, watching as he reaches for his jeans. There's the tearing sound of a foil packet, followed by Damon settling himself between her legs.
"I'm not done with you yet."
"I need to feel you inside of me." Elena pants as she shimmies slightly so his tip is poised at her entrance.
Damon groans and immediately captures her lips before sliding his tongue deep into her mouth and kissing her slowly. He gently prods her wet folds with trembling fingers and slides inside, inch by excruciating inch. Her breath hitches in her throat as she takes him in and he groans, long and loud. Blasts of heat shoot down his legs as she throbs around him, so tight and hot.
Damon buries his face in the crook of her neck and blows out a sigh. "Fuck, Elena," he groans against the flesh of her throat. He lifts one of her legs up and hooks it over his left shoulder while Elena wraps the other around his waist. She brings his face down to hers and traces her tongue along his bottom lip. He takes over and plunges his tongue between her teeth as he begins a lazy rhythm.
Elena's practically begging for more as she meets him thrust for thrust, their tongues still fighting for control of the kiss. She claws at his back and whimpers loudly, signaling him to pick up the pace.
The swirling tension is becoming unbearable in the pit of his lower belly. Somehow Damon manages to brace himself up on one arm and use his free hand to slide his fingertips over her bundle of nerves. Mere seconds later, she arches her back and buries her tongue in his mouth as she comes hard, her cries muffled and her body spasming tightly around him.
Damon lets himself go over the edge and empties himself with a long groan. Sweet relief floods his body. He feels his heart rate skip up a notch and he can focus his eyes again, Elena is still moving against him, drawing out the ecstasy.
It's so surreal. Colors seem brighter, and sound louder. Damon collapses on top of her. Elena cradles his head against her chest, stroking his sweaty forehead with shaking fingers. While he isn't certain about hers, his limbs feel like Jello rather than muscle and bone.
"Jesus, Damon," she whispers breathlessly.
"You got that right." Damon lays his head back down on her chest and she resumes stroking her fingers through his hair. "I've never come so fucking hard in my life."
Elena sighs contentedly. After a few moments, she nudges him and pulls his head up to look into his eyes. "That was the best night of my life." She kisses him softly and pulls away.
Damon latches onto her wrist, stopping her. He smirks seductively and waggles his brows. "Amore mio, era solo il primo round..."
One Year later...
Elena stands in front of the full-length mirror, staring at herself in her Vera Wang haute couture gown. It's something she does less and less these days because she always sees the same thing- happiness.
But today?
She's glowing and she's finally going to marry the love of her life. Elena glances down at her left hand letting her mind take her back to the magical night he proposed.
It's Christmas Eve. They're spending the holiday in the Big Apple because Damon and his band are scheduled to make a television appearance.
Damon takes Elena's hand and helps her into the carriage. Once they're seated, the driver pulls on the buggy reins for a ride in Central Park.
It's snowing lightly. Elena watches the snowflakes, silver and dark, falling obliquely against the lamplights. She burrows into Damon's side when he wraps an arm around her and pulls up the blanket.
Elena's enjoying the whole magical evening when abruptly the driver stops. Damon lifts her out and walks her over to a big evergreen tree, dotted with twinkling lights of every color.
"Damon?"
He winks as he drops to one knee. "Elena, somehow I always knew it would be you. Sometimes life sends us down different roads before leading us home again. I love you, Elena, more than I ever dreamed was possible. I want to walk through life leaning against you so neither of us falls. Will you marry me?" he opens the ring box, revealing his grandmother's ring- the very same one he gave her 16 years ago- looking brand new as it shimmers under the twinkling lights.
"Yes, yes," Elena blurts out. Tears fill her eyes as he slides it on her finger.
Damon jumps to his feet and wipes her tears with his thumbs. He cradles her cheeks, bends back her head across his arm, and kisses her with an intensity that makes her cling to him as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. His insistent mouth is parting her shaking lips, sending wild tremors along her nerves, evoking sensations that only he can.
The last year with Damon has been an absolute whirlwind. When the news leaked of Damon and Sybil's broken engagement, it was all over the tabloids for weeks. The media vultures descended on Mystic Falls hoping to gather dirt on their relationship. There was none but that didn't stop them from taking photos and making lewd headline allegations, hinting at a scandal.
Most of it's been amazing, however. Elena attended the premiere of Damon's movie, 'Treasures of the Lost Jungle' which turned into a blockbuster. She felt like a princess dressed in her black, tea-length Marchesa gown and Christian Louboutin heels. There have been concerts, travel to exotic places, and parties but her favorite thing of all is coming home to Mystic Falls. She could never give up her clinic but she did hire another veterinarian to help out when she and Damon are out of town.
Elena looks in the mirror again, this time meeting the eyes of the man whose figure appears from behind her, leaning against the doorframe.
"You're not supposed to be here!" Elena deadpans, eyeing him as he closes the distance between them.
Damon grabs her wrists. "Don't tell me you believe in all of that superstitious crap?"
"Yes, I do! Now, go!"
"I'm just making sure you know what you're getting yourself into." Damon gives her a crooked smile.
Even if Elena were to have any doubts, which she doesn't, they would be completely erased with that smile of his.
"Real funny. Get out of here!"
"Fine. Ruin all of my fun," Damon pouts, kissing her forehead before walking away. "Hey," he calls from the door.
Elena looks over, staring at him in his tux, hair a little shorter than it was a year ago, but with the same sparkle in his eyes from the first day they met all those years ago. "You're beautiful."
She blushes. "You're not so bad yourself."
"And this supposed bad luck about," Damon points between them, "seeing each other before the wedding...it's bullshit," he adds with a wink as he leaves the room.
Apparently, her fiancé can make her swoon with merely a wink...
Twelve hours later, Damon and Elena lay tangled together on the king-sized bed, teetering on the edge of sleep. Their sighs mingle with the tropical night breezes that come through the window of their bungalow.
The newlyweds have forgone their night of clubbing for a night of lovemaking instead. Elena lies with her cheek pillowing against Damon's chest as she draws small, lazy circles against his skin. She purrs with drowsy contentment as she feels Damon begin to sift his fingers through her hair.
"What are you thinking about?" Damon asks her.
"Whether or not I should hyphenate my last name," she says, laughing.
"Oh, you should definitely hyphenate," Damon tells her, "Dr. Elena Gilbert-Salvatore DVM has a rather distinguished ring to it."
"That may be but it's kind of ostentatious, don't you think?"
"Whatever you want to do, Elena is fine with me."
They're both sporting ridiculously happy smiles when they meet each other's eyes in the glimmering candlelight. Elena leans up on her elbow to study Damon's face, unable to stop looking at him. She is so happy she can hardly contain herself. She traces her fingers over his face lightly, noting the subtle shift in the emotion behind his eyes.
"What are you thinking about?" she asks, turning his earlier question back around on him.
"I'm wondering how it is that I got so lucky and if babies are in our future?"
Elena's hand abruptly stills against his skin and drops away limply to his shoulder. "Well, yes, we talked about that."
He tries not to smile at her expression. "You know what they say about them don't you?"
"What's that?" Elena asks as the corners of her mouth begin to lift.
"The best part about babies is making them," Damon growls as he settles between her legs for another round of lovemaking.
I didn't want Damon to be a jerk and break up with Sybil in a text message. He needed to do it in person.
"Amore Mio, era solo il primo round... - My love, that was just round one...
Thank you so much, everyone, who reviewed, favorited, and followed. You're all amazing.
Thank you, Eva. Love you.
Chapter title: 'A Groovy Kind of Love' by Phil Collins.
I have some ideas for the next story but I'm sorely lacking inspiration to actually sit down and work on one of them.
"A Country Wedding" is the 2015 Hallmark movie that inspired this story. If you watch it, you will see that by far, most of this story is original. For example in the movie, the Damon character's parents were killed when he was a child which is why he moved away. He still owned their house and returned to his hometown to sell it. That's just one of the many differences I made.
Love to all of you. Take care and have a fabulous day. Until next time...