A/N: Dear readers, thanks a lot for reading and reviewing the previous chapter, I'm grateful to everyone who takes out their precious time to go through my story and also is kind to comment on the same. I see there are still some distress regarding Damon's present to be more specific his wife but as I said before this story will not be everyone's cup of tea, for me Damon and Elena are so much more than just love interests. Their bond is stronger than anything, it's beyond definition. I have tried my best to portray that through these chapters. I hope you all will be able feel the same what I felt while writing this.

Chapter 7~ Unbreakable (Part 1)

Like the rocks that stand still at the shore,
enduring the impending waves,
the endless crashes, torments,
We'll hold on…
Through the stormy nights and blazing heat,
into the blissful dawn,
We'll hold on…

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
2013

The edges of the curtain twirled with the wind. The morning rays penetrating through the clear glass, illuminating every nook and cranny of the small space. Unaffected, she continued to scribble on the pages. The nip moving frantically, filling the blank papers. Her eyes shot up at the sudden intrusion.

"Elena, I've been calling you for the past 15 minutes, I need to… Wait, are you…" His brows furrowed in confusion as he saw her pathetic attempt to hide the small object beneath the covers. He rolled his eyes and proceeded towards the bed, approaching cautiously he sat right in front of her, his hand moved up, tracing the side of her face. "Elena, babe, you know right, that I'm familiar with each and every antic of yours?" She gave a brief nod, her mind deviating between the journal and his thumb.

"Then why would you even think that you could hide this from me?" He quipped dangling the journal in front of her. Her eyes went wild, she lounged forward attempting to snatch it back but Damon was quick. He stood up in a split second, smirking as he held the book way up high making it impossible for her to reach.

"Quit it, give that back, now!"

"Not until I get a glance at the dirty secrets, I'm sure I'm in for a treat today!" He winked and opened the book with one hand still holding it high.

Blood rushed to her face and she started clawing at his arm, a little too harsh but he didn't give in, instead his scanned through the pages till he found something he could comprehend, "Aha! Looks like I hit the jackpot!" His eyes glistening with mischief while Elena's face scrunched up in anger. " Damon, I swear if you even so much as think about it, I'll gouge your eyes out."

Damon stole a glance at her fuming face, her breathing laboured, eyes glassy and her body flushed against his. God, that felt good, her heat radiating to his skin. He liked to rile her up from time to time, to get a reaction from her, and oh it was worth it, every damn bit. He smirked and shifted his eyes to the open book.

Pretending the clear the lump in his throat he started reading out loud, 'December, 2011,Tonight was different than usual, he came to me in the afternoon, he was unusually chirpy today. He looked carefree with his boyish smile plastered on. We were laughing and things started getting intimate…'

He lowered his hand bringing the journal close to his eye level as he continued to read, this time in silence.

'He always pulls me close in these moments, and I always hold back. Keeping a safe distance but I somehow didn't want to hold the façade anymore. By now I'm certain of my feelings and every inch of me wanted to scream it out…"

Before he could probe further it was taken from his grip, the force nearly ripping the page. Moving a few feet backwards, she clutched the journal close to her chest, her eyes tightly shut.

Frozen he stood there for a moment, contemplating his next word, before taking a deep sigh and proceeding towards her. "Elena…" he started as a mere whisper, her eyes still closed. Now that he stood closer he could see her trembling, ever so carefully he extended his arm placing it at her shoulder, her eyes flew open in a swift movement and the reflection made Damon cringe with guilt. He didn't expect his stupid act to have this effect. He didn't realise what it will reveal and now he didn't know how to react.

"Baby, listen to me." He stared at her with pleading eyes, "I don't know what to say Elena, except that I'm immensely sorry for what I did." He visibly saw her flinch at his words holding the journal tighter like a small child, possessive over her precious toy.

He caressed the skin under his finger tips, slowly moving towards her chin and tilted her head to meet her gaze, "I promise you Elena, this will never happen again. I would never touch it and we'll never mention this, until the day you feel you're ready." Bringing both his hands near he cradled her face, he placed a tentative kiss on her forehead, waiting for her ragged breathing to calm down. "I do hope that day comes soon, when you can trust me with every part of you. You never have to be ashamed of anything, not with me. I would never judge you."

She parted her lips, before a word could come out he placed a finger over her lips preventing any defence or justification. "I love you Elena, every little secret, every dark corner, all your pain and hurt, the known and unknown." He smiled, "Remember this always, I love you."

With one last kiss he walked out the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She wanted to rush towards him, to tell him that she trusted him with her life. A lot has changed within this on year. She has left her old life behind and started a new chapter. This new apartment, her new job, simple but much more respectable than the previous, and of course this relationship. She owed every bit of it to him, but this was different. It was not about trust, those thoughts were too private, she wasn't ready to admit them to herself so how could she let anyone else pry into her mind. No, she just wan't ready.

Office was nothing short of chaos today. End of month rush was consuming the crowd. Damon hated this frenzy, he never understood how anyone could get such an adrenaline rush by literally conning people. For him the entire foundation of sales industry was indefinite. Yes it provided for him and many more like him, but he couldn't whirl his mind around the greed for more. May be that's the reason, he just wasn't ambitious. Shaking his head he turned to glance at the clock and then to the neon target board. One more hour and he'll be done.

With a deep sigh he shifted his focus to the dialler. The past month have been in his favour, but this month wasn't looking promising, he heaved another sigh. His mind kept revolving around the events of the morning. He tried to push those thoughts away, but the words her diary kept flashing like the neon target board. How could he be this naive to have overlooked her feeling, when he practically spent every waking moment with her, that is when he isn't sulking behind this stupid dialler.

The thought brought joy to his heart, but at the same time he couldn't push back the dread that crept it's way across his mind. Never he intended to hurt her and to think she still needed to shield herself from him was down right tortuous.

"Damon?"

His chain of thoughts was broken when he heard his name being called.

"Damon, is that really you?"

He furrowed his brows slightly, trying to recognise the voice but not exactly able to pin point. He looked up from the small cubicle to find a pair of blue eyes staring back at him.

"Damon! My god! Where did you disappear buddy?" A wide smile plastered on the blond man's face, he proceeded towards him and pulled him to his feet.

"Come on now, don't tell me you've forgotten your old friend." He faked a pout.

"Shut up Matt and give me a hug." Damon exclaimed and two men embraced each other.

"Good to see you bud. So how have you been? And why didn't you contact us?" Matt asked pulling away. "You know Bekah and I, we tried calling, even went to your old house, but didn't find a trace. You've completely gone MIA on us."

Damon laughed awkwardly at his complaint, "I've been around, here and there, you know after mum, I couldn't…." He paused, "couldn't stay in that house, it just wasn't the same."

"I know Damon, I understand." Matt shook his head attempting to divert the topic, "So, before you decide to disappear once again, I want a number and a home address. Actually leave that you're coming with me right now."

Sensing his hesitation Matt glanced at the clock, "What time do you get off?"

"Um, in an hour, but I have…"

"I'm not having any of that. I'll talk to Jeff, meanwhile get your belongings, we'll celebrate!"

Before he could protest, Matt was stepping inside Jeff's cabin. Damon gulped expecting a grumpy Matt to come out of the door and another 'pep session' about work ethics and dedication towards the company by his boss, but to his surprise Matt stepped out smirking and motioned him come asap.

Collecting his messenger bag he walked towards the elevator. "Buddy, you've gotta tell me the trick. How in the world did you convince Jeff to let me get off early on a month end."

"Because I came here to hand over the annual renewal contract to your boss, he's not gonna deny his loyal client."

"Figures!" Damon exclaimed with a nod of his head while rushing into the elevator.

Once they were out of the building, Matt causally jogged towards his car, dragging Damon along side him. He hopped into the driver's seat, motioning for Damon to climb in to the passenger's side, but frowned seeing the still figure in front.

"Hey Damon, get inside already, or are you expecting me to sweep you of the ground and carry you bridal style and place your delicate ass inside?" He smirked.

Damon chuckled at his wit before answering, "As much I'm thrilled to be swept off by the rockstar jock, I think I'll have to pass, if not for anything at least for the sake of the elderly couple." He gestured to his right, where the couple exchanged puzzled glanced before giving them a quizzical look.

Swallowing a laugh both the guys ignored their glares, "But Damon, this isn't fair, come on man, we're meeting after ages and now you want to disappear again. One drink, that's all I promise, then I'll let you go your marry way." Matt suggested in a hopeful voice.

"Who are you kidding, you'll never stop at one drink. Look Matt, I appreciate the offer but I can't really, my car would be sitting there the entire weekend and Elena would all alone in the apartment…"

"Woohw, wait, rewind, who's Elena? And why is she in your apartment?" Matt demanded with a lifted brow while getting out of his seat.

"Um… well, she… she is my girlfriend, we've been together over a year now and…"

"Way to go bud!" Matt clapped his back before continuing, "That's my boy. I'm happy for you man, but you've got introduce her to us. I mean Becca and I would love to meet the girl who finally stole Damon Salvatore's heart." He smiled. "Okay, ditch the drink, both of you meet us today for dinner at our place. Before you try to find a escape let me tell you I won't listen to you flimsy excuses."

With a sigh Damon agreed to the plan, in the hindsight it might be good opportunity to have his old friends back in his life.

"Alright then, it's settled, dinner at my place at 7. And give your phone, I'll feed in my number and address."

After a quick exchange of the details and reconfirmation of tonight's plan, Matt finally got into his car and drove off.

Damon's mind was in a whirlwind, he was over joyed to meet his friends after all this time, on the other hand the insecurities of his past were catching up to him. And there was the beautiful dilemma of Elena.

The car came to a halt in front of the apartment building, after turning off the ignition he sat there clutching the steering wheel, gazing through the glass. On its own accord his hand reached for the glove compartment, searching for the square velvet box, his eyes were transfixed on the shining silver band.

He has known for awhile now, his heart has found its mate. He'll do anything, be anything just to be by her side. There was only one girl who could mend his battered soul and he was fortunate to have her in his life. While there wasn't a shred of doubt in his heart but his mind was what held him back.

The signs were obvious, he craved to be her everything, wanted her to submit her soul & mind just like he had done. She has been dwelling on the precipice, one step forward and two steps back, it's always been this way. But he couldn't object, albeit he wanted nothing more than to jump off the cliff with her, to embrace the catastrophe with open arms with her by his side. He wouldn't force his needs upon her, he would do right by her.

With heaving chest he placed the box back and got out of the car.

To his surprise Elena agreed for the dinner without any persuasion, he would dare to say she actually sounded excited to meet his friends. After deciding to get a bottle of red for Becca they went to take shower (separate bathrooms) in order to get ready.

The clock started to chimed notifying it was already 5 in the evening, so here he sat in front of the TV watching the usual sitcom. His blue jeans and white tee gave him a younger appearance, his handsome face was glowing with the boyish charm.

With a quick glance at at the clock he called out for Elena, "Babe, we will be getting stuck in the traffic if you take any longer, there's noway we'll reach on time."

Damon paused, he strained his ears to hear her reply but not a sound came from the bedroom. Agitated, he got up from his position, switched off the TV and proceeded in her direction. With one knock he entered the bedroom to find Elena standing in front of the mirror with an uncertain look on her beautiful face.

He stood near the doorframe, his eyes gawking from the tip of her nude kitten heels, to her flawless legs, until it reached the lacy hem of the dress flirting with her knee pit, going up to her slender waist accentuated by the thin belt, finally to her shoulder that was partially cover with her brunette locks.

He couldn't help but to move forward, like a moth to the flame he proceeded until his chest was flush against her back, his hands crept their way to her waist while his lip found the bare skin of her shoulder, planting soft kisses on her warm skin.

She gasped at the sudden touch of his lips, trying her best to push him off but Damon held her securely in the position, revelling in all that is Elena.

Soon the soft caresses turned desperate, desirous making her moan in pleasure. Damon moved her to hair up front, his lips now on her nape, his tongue peeking out, gliding delicate over her skin making her shiver.

Her hand came up caress his cheek, her fingers entangling in his short strands, lids close, lost in trance, until she felt a sharp nip at the base of her neck.

"Damon" she reprimanded, only to receive a chuckle and more kisses on the same spot. Unable to break free of his held she resorted to verbal protest. "Damon, stop this, we are surely gonna be late if you… Ahh"

She squealed as his rebellious finger found its way to her breast, delivering a pinch to her now erect nipple over the dress.

"No bra, I see someone's feeling courageous. Let's find out more shall we?" He let out in mere whisper, his breath ghosting over her skin. His right hand ventured south pulling the dress up, while his left hand played with her mounds, rendering her a quivering mess in his embrace.

With precision he parted her folds, shifting her undergarment to one side. By the time his finger glided over her wet slit, his arousal was straining against the confines of the jeans, loosening his hold on her.

Seeing him distracted, Elena pushed him back, her elbow jabbed against his rib almost making off balance.

"Oww, babe, what was that?" He asked with a bewildered expression, slightly bent forward to withstand the impact, his hands clutching his side.

"Serves you right for ruining my dress." She let out defiantly, crossing her arms over her chest, a futile attempt to mask her flushed face.

"My sweet baby, from the looks of it, you rather enjoyed it." He chuckled, but quickly straightened himself after receiving death glares from the girl. "I swear Elena, I'm going to be covered in bruises if you continue with your antics."

This made her eyes soften, she carefully proceeded to him inspecting whether she has done any serious damage. As her fingers lightly traced his side making him grimaced at the contact, "Th..that hurts!"

"Where?" Her worried eyes shoot up to meet his. With a smile he pointed to his jaw, "here"

Shaking her head, she tiptoed and placed a small kiss on the area, making him grin like little boy.

"And here" he pointed slightly above the previous area, a little closer to his lips.

She obliged, kissing the non existent wound.

"Mostly here" this time he pointed to his lips.

Elena started at him for a moment before leaning forward and she captured his lip in slow, languid kiss.

Breaking the kiss she asked, "All better?"

"Actually…"

"Damon!"

"Alright. I surrender oh mighty princess, if there's nothing holding us back, will you be kind to accompany me?" He bowed, extending his hand forward.

Her heart fluttered at the gesture, this beautiful man in front, those eyes filled with hope and love, she had a hard time believing her fate, someone this pure was in her life. To hold and care, to guide and love, like an anchor simply to let her belong like her very own north star.

Swallowing the overwhelming emotions she took his and let him guide her outside, towards a new future.

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