A/N: Thanks for your reviews, yes I know it was unlikely of me to through in a little fluff, but it was necessary otherwise it would have been too monotonous. So without further ado, let's get on with the story.
Chapter 8~ Unbreakable (Part 2)
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 2013
(sometime in the evening)
The colours of red and violet hues were slowly vanishing, dimming at a steady pace. The sky was being engulfed by darkness as the evening glory turned into a mysterious night. His rusty red mustang drove past the Ohio river, moving towards the Fort Duquesne.
Damon glanced at the flickering shadows on the water, the reflection being distorted by waves, broken and battered, never losing its existence. Through the mirror he stole a peek of the girl sitting beside, basking in the ambience. His lips curved into a lazy smile, he didn't feel suffocated anymore, for the first time in a long time he was content.
After reconfirming the route, he pulled the car in front of residential lane, unbuckling his own seat belt he moved to unlock the door. Her reverie was broken by the halting car. After taking a moment to adjust to the change, she smoothened her dress and stole a quick glance at the mirror, satisfied with her appearance she unlocked the door and got out her seat.
Damon was by her side in a flash, holding her hand giving it a reassuring squeeze before proceeding inside. While inside the elevator he could sense her unease, through she tried masking it with her cheeky smile but he knew better. They stepped outside without a word and just as she was to ring the bell, he pulled back.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked softly, pulling her in front as to gauge her reaction.
"Wh-what! Nothing, I'm fine Damon, come on now, as it is we're late and…" she rambled on her eyes nervously scanning the surrounding.
"Look at me, babe" he said cupping her cheeks, his smile transmitting warmth and comfort.
"I don't know Damon, this… this doesn't sound like a good idea anymore. They are your oldest friends, what if they are one those over protective ones, you know impossibly high standards to live up to. What if they don't approve of me?" She tucked her hair behind, gazing down at herself, "And this dress. God, why did I put this on, you said it was too bold, they's think I'm a…"
"Hold it right there. First you look amazing and there's nothing wrong with the dress, and about my friends, yeah, they can be a bit over the top, but they're a good lot, trust me." Damon cooed. Seeing her still in distress, he decided to change tactics.
"So you're telling me the great ninja chap, the mighty princess is afraid to meet commoners like me?"
"Damon, you better…" she found herself rendered speechless due to the pair of lips that crashed on hers. Sighing and smiling simultaneously.
"All better." She exclaimed gleefully as they parted. Before he could act he heard the front door open, on queue they distanced themselves and turned towards the door.
"I thought I heard someone at the door." Said the man with a sheepish grin after scanning their flushed demeanour. "I guess finding the doorbell was a difficult task."
"Matt, we were about to knock it's not our fault that your new found psychic abilities beat us to it."
The blonde male let out hearty laugh, "Shut up Damon, give me a hug." Both men embraced each other, "Oh, I'm so glad you're here." With a pat on the back Matt left Damon and averted his gaze to the girl standing next to him. "And you must be the lovely Elena."
She smiled, extending her hand to greet him, but was baffled when he found herself when he pulled her into a welcoming hug.
Damon chuckled at her awkward expression, finally deciding to put her out of the misery he intervened, "Ahem, if you're done with all the hugging should we go in or do you want us to leave from the doorstep now?"
"Oh no, Bekah's gonna have my head if you do that, come on now." With that both of them entered the apartment while Matt closed the door behind them.
Elena browsed through the apartment, it wasn't gigantic but spacious enough for intimate gatherings, the seating arrangement, decorative plants and the picture frames looked cozy and welcoming, completed with the warm glow emitted by the handing lamps.
What caught her eye was the set of monochromes hung right above the sofa. The series was set in a way as to narrate a story. The first one was of a girl waving casually towards the camera, next was of Matt in a jersey, what she presumed must be taken during a football game. Then there was one of the college dance, both of them looking gorgeous in their evening attire, so young and beautiful. In the next picture the girl was in Matt's embrace swaying to an unknown rhythm, both dressed in white. The last one was of the girl standing with a swollen belly while Matt knelt down, his right hand on her side, him pressing a kiss over her middle.
Their love and affection seemed tangible to Elena, as she gazed deep into the photographs, a shiver ran down her spine and her eyes glazed over. She was happy beyond measure but couldn't help the underlying envy that throbbed in her mind. She wanted all this for herself, wanted the same fairy tale with Damon.
She glanced at him chatting and laughing with Matt, completely oblivious to her current state. Right that moment she was certain of it, the pandemonium of emotion that flooded her system was real, the all consuming ache in heart was nothing else but love.
As if on queue the young blonde girl from the picture came to her view, she has beautifully matured with age, her very swollen belly from the picture was now flat and she appeared gentle and welcoming.
"My God, I could hear you guy cheer from the kitchen, what's so exciting do tell?" She rebuked with one hand placed on her hip, although the huge grin on her face failed the attempt.
"Come on Bekah, two buds meeting after ages what do you expect? He need some guy bonding to do, ain't that right?" Matt replied while winking at Damon.
"Oh no, none of that, Damon and I have been friends forever, you only came into the picture during college, so hands off." With this Rebekah proceeded with open arms and pulled Damon in a bear hug, nearly chocking him in the process.
"Bekah," he coughed "I didn't know you've become a 'She-woman' after pregnancy, God, where was I when these super powers were being allotted."
She held him tighter if that was even possible, "Oh Damon, how I have missed your wit. Now shut up and hug me back."
"Um, I'd do that if my arms weren't pinned down my your super strength."
She pulled back a little and they embraced each other, his now free hands were on her back and he he lifted her slightly off the ground, making her squeal with joy. "I missed you so much Damon, I can't tell you how happy I am to have the old you back."
Once down he immediately received a blow on his forearm from the said 'she-woman', earning a surprised look from both the males.
Rubbing the wounded area Damon exclaimed, "What's with you ladies today, like you are hell bent on seeing me bruised, jealous of my flawless skin I guess?"
"Wooh, you got hit by another woman" she asked bewildered before bursting out in laughter, "serves you right though. From now on you're not to disappear on us like this, or be ready to forever suffer my wrath."
All of them chuckled, Rebekah's head turned to the unfamiliar female voice, she nearly face palmed herself for neglecting their other guest, as to remedy the situation she strode past the guys to greet the woman standing in their living room.
"Excuse my manners, you must be Elena," she turned her head towards Damon before continuing, "I don't know how that idiot has managed charm such a beauty as yourself." She smiled and gave her a warm hug. "I'm Rebekah, btw, if you haven't already guessed and that's Matt, and well you already know Damon. Welcome to our humble aboard, I'm so glad to meet you."
Elena blushed at the unexpected compliment, "Thank you." She tucked her hair behind her ear, "You have a lovely house and thanks for inviting us, I'm happy to meet you," stealing a glance at Matt's grinning face she continued, "both of you." She handed the bottle of red she has been holding forever, "This is for you."
"For me, aww, you're so sweet. You're already in my good book you know." She said eying the bottle with huge smile, "It's settled then, you're an official member of our squad from this instant." She let out with cheer, "you've already met us, there's Ric and his wife Jo, Tyler and his on again off again girlfriend Liz, and by big brother Elijah." She rambled on while they all sat comfortably on the dinning area.
"That reminds me, where's the little munchkin?" Damon asked craning his neck to search the little fellow.
"Little Jeremy is with his uncle Elijah today, he's almost 4 now is an absolute nuisance." Rolling her eyes Rebekah let out exasperated.
"Hey, no bad mouthing my little boy." Matt's grumpy reply made everyone burst out in another bout of laughter.
The three of them fell into easy conversation, like an inseparable trio reminiscing about the past, as there was never a break. Elena found it easy to meddle into their group with her witty remarks, while at times she decided to contribute just by joining into their unending laughter.
"Enough about us, tell us something about you Elena, how did you guys meet an everything, it only seems fair, since in the past two hour you got the full encyclopaedia, embracing secrets attached." Matt asked still licking off the ice cream from his cup.
Upon hearing this, Elena tensed up immediately, what could she possibly tell about herself? She wouldn't dare tell the truth, she couldn't embarrass Damon in front of his friends. Beside, within this short duration she has grown rather fond of these people, she was stunned by the ease that Rebekah has welcome her in their circle. She wouldn't dream of jeopardising that with the filth of her past. Who in their right mind would be willing to stay with someone like her. 'Damon did!' But this is different.
Seeing her predicament Damon started, "Due to misfortune Elena had to leave her home town before graduating high school. By turn of events she ended up here in Pennsylvania half a decade back, she had to sustain herself with small job here and there. She had no one to help or guide her."
Their face fell hearing the tragedy that was her life, in order to thin out the tension she took hold of the narrative. "I met Damon 5 years ago on a cold night, drunk off his ass he couldn't even see the path he was walking in. Needless to say we met by collision, through I came out without a scratch but he had twisted his ankle." Her cheeks reddens at the memory, seemed like a lifetime ago.
All three pair of eyes were on her now curious to hear the rest, clearing her throat she continued, "I had to carry him all the way to my apartment, as he couldn't even stand straight at the time, I remember tending his wounds and we talked. Like the ghost he is, he decided to disappear the very next morning without any form of communication."
"You ungrateful bastard!" Rebekah reprimanded, earning a chuckle from Matt and Elena.
"Not even in my wildest dream I though I'd meet him again, but fate had other plans. Anyway, our paths crossed again we have decided stay friends since, until one day…"
"Damon finally decided what a fool he'd be if he let's you go." Matt said now grinning ear to ear.
"Hey, I was never planning on letting her go." Damon protested.
Both the girls giggled at his antics, "No Matt, I was fool who didn't realise what a gem he is." Her hazel eyes met with his and all see could see the deep love reciprocating in those ocean blue orbs.
"He helped me in completing my graduation during this time, I now work as a receptionist in an Ophthalmology clinic. Damon's been encouraging me to go for a full time nursing course but I haven't been receptive. But I have been discussing the possibility with my boss, have been saving for the past year and if everything goes as planned maybe in the coming year I would apply for the same."
Damon's jaw dropped hearing her confession, he hadn't had the slightest idea about her future plans, a warm smile grazed his face and his heart filled with pride. He was in awe of this girl, the courage and strength she produced was nothing short of remarkable.
While the others exchanged smiles, Rebekah's brows were knitted in confusion.
"Elena, who is this ophthalmologist you work for?"
"Um, Dr. Wes Maxwell. It's in the…"
The blonde woman shook her head, "No, I don't know anyone by the name, so this eliminates the possibility me seeing you there, but I swear, you look familiar. Don't get me wrong, you have blend with us so well, but it's just that small nagging feeling…" she trailed off, making the other woman's heart race in panic.
In a haste to get up from her position, her hand accidentally pushed the dinner plate to a side causing the glass to fall over spilling water all over the plate and table cloth, dropping to her dress.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, I didn't pay attention…" Elena tried to right the situation when Rebekah came to her aid.
"It's alright Elena, it was just water, no harm done." She offered with a smile, that quickly turned into a frown when she noticed her now drenched dress. "Ehh, you need this off, here," she handed Elena one paper towel while with the other she tried to wipe off the side of her dress.
Once clean she kept the crumpled towel on the plate and looked up to Elena's face. Quick as a lighting realisation dawned upon her and her face paled, taking a step back she spoke, "You, you… you were at Kol's party," uncertainty written over her demeanour, "you were with those girls from the Coyote Hills… I couldn't place your face, God! You were so young, all those years ago, but I'm certain now."
"What are talking about? Who the hell is Kol? And what girls, Bekah…" Matt asked baffled with the sudden change of environment.
Rebekah looked up to Damon first, then to Matt, "It was before college, in one those Frat party… I," she was halted by the reverberating sound, when they turned their heads Elena had fled from the scene. Without another word Damon rushed to the door that swayed slightly by the force applied on before.
"Damon, I'm so sorry, listen to me, I really didn't mean to, it just came out of my mouth and before I realised what I had done I had already blurted out, please hear me out, I didn't mean to cause…"
"Not now Rebekah, I have to go find her, before." He sighed, "It was good to see you both and I apologise for how the evening had turned out, but I have to go now." Without another word he was out of the apartment.
Consumed in a wild frenzy, Damon stormed down the stairs not sparing the elevator a glance. Coiled up in a turmoil, his system was running on autopilot, the need for air, rational thinking, reason all came down to one person, her face, one name, Elena.
His mind didn't register when his legs had carried him down, out of the building on the street. As the red mustang came into his view, the dread in his heart rose by ten folds. The abandoned streets, adorned by murky lights didn't pronounce the presence of that one person he sought most. He ran as fast his legs would permit, eyes glazed, heart racing, nearly out of breath and only one remedy.
By some miracle he got a glimpse of figure under a near by street lamp, knelt on the floor trembling. As the distance between them become lesser and lesser, the sound of her violent sobs become more and more prominent.
"Elena…" he screeched, "Elena… baby…" upon reaching her he knelt down beside her, scooping her in his arms he started rocking her like an infant, cooing soothing words to her. "I'm here, I'm here for you baby, Elena, you're safe now, your past can not touch you anymore. We're safe now. Please, baby, listen to me, look at me…"
His heart shattered into pieces as he witnessed the raw pain in those hazel eyes, her makeup smeared all over her face, the once radiating cheeks were lustreless and marred with black lines. With utmost tenderness he wiped mascara tracks gazing her reaction, when she didn't show any signs of hesitation, ever so carefully he brought his face closer and place small kisses over her face, while murmuring consoling words.
Once he felt her sob quietening, he pulled himself up from the ground, his arms still embracing Elena, slowly began to move towards the car.
As if on queue, Elena jerked off his hold, taking few steps back. "No, don't, you, I can't, it's…" before she could finish she felt he throat constricted, her chest heaved and she found it heard to draw air.
Damon rushed to her side, shielding her with his body as to protect her from the hurt. "Elena, please, let's just go." His voice a mere whisper. Tugging the unwilling figure closer he proceeded to the car.
The engine roared to life, after securing her seat belt Damon pushed on the accelerator and drove through the night. He was desperate her to bring inside the safety of their little apartment, their little world that they have procured for themselves, brick by brick with hard labour. He needed to get her inside the sanctuary of their home, where nothing would touch her, she'd be protected in the cradle of his love.
All through the ride he kept stealing glances of the girl sitting beside. Her sobs had subsided completely, she didn't cry a single tear, she didn't move a muscle, sitting as a lifeless statue. Damon sighed, how did a quiet night had turned into a complete ruckus.
The car stood motionless in front of the old building, they remained seated inside, seeking comfort in silence. Damon dreaded to make any movement, but the surrounding air was becoming poisonous and he had to breakthrough. Placing his hand over hers he said, "Elena, we're home."
"Home." She spat the word as if the very sound caused bile to rise up to her mouth, "I don't have a home Damon, people like me don't have a stable life, I have been a vagabond since I was 15. I was a fool to think I can be something else. No matter what I do, how hard I try I can never rid myself of my past, I'm forever labelled as a worthless slut. Not even you can remedy this." She voiced out, utterly dejected.
Helpless, Damon tried to confront her, his hands grasping her shoulder to turn her to face him. "Listen to me baby, what happened tonight,"
"No Damon, you listen to me, what happened tonight was just a preview of the life you'll have if you stay with me, and for the love of God, I can't condemn you to a lifetime of hurt and misery. I owe you everything, but I won't allow to sacrifice the chance of a happy, healthy life. You don't deserve this." Tears continued to stream down her face as her hand came up to caress Damon's cheeks, "You've suffered plenty, the headache is enough to last a lifetime, willing I'm not going add to the pile, I love you too much to be this cruel." She exclaimed in a mere whisper.
"What did you just say?" Damon asked in a stern voice.
Unaware her own admission, she furrowed her brows in confusion before replying, "Um, I don't want you to suffer."
"After that."
She tried to sit up straight but Damon tightened his hold rendering her immobile, "I don't know Damon, what's gotten into you! I said I won't be this cruel…"
"Elena, you…" his eyes glazed over and a ghost of a smile adorned his face, he pulled her closer leaving only a shiver of space between.
"Damon, what are you…"
"You have a crappy memory to be a doctor's assistant." He shook his head, a few tears escaped their way and were now gliding down his cheeks.
As realisation dawned upon, her eyes widened and before she could process, she felt his lips pressed against hers. Light as a feature but the urgency undeniable. He kissed her slow and soft for a long moment, savouring the essence of her tear stained lips, her flushed skin radiating pain, longing and above all love. How we wished time to freeze at this exact moment, as to never part from her warm embrace, to be engulfed by her declaration.
As the urgency for air in his lungs rose, his insistence to prolong the kiss multiplied ten folds. With heaving chest they parted from each other, only to reconnect after mere seconds.
"I -kiss- love -kiss- you -kiss- so much -kiss-" He spoke in quick succession. "You don't owe me anything baby, but I owe you my life." His lips were caressing the shell of her ear, his voice making her gasp and tremble in need.
"That's not true Damon, you don't understand…" she tried to interject, her hands clutching his hair, her body nearly pressed against his.
"Sshhhh, just listen to me," his lips trailed along her jaw, proceeding further down her neck. "You're everything to me Elena, I can not even a fathom a future that is devoid of you, I'd rather end my life right here right now than to live a long unhappy disdained life." His lips now on her collar bone. "What happened tonight was unfortunate, like your past, what you've been through is awful, but it doesn't define you." She moaned at the feel of his moist lips on her cleavage, causing her to arch her body.
She let out a quiet sob, "Damon, I… I don't think I'll ever get past this…" Her voice quivering.
Glancing up, his blue eyes met her and she could see the sheer strength in those oceanic eyes, it all but made her heart break even more. Agony coursed through her vein at her own helplessness. She squeezed her eyes shut, wanting this feeling subside, she couldn't deal with this, she wanted, needed to be numb, she couldn't breakdown, not now, she had to hold her ground, at least for him. Her eyes fluttered open to stare at the beautiful man seated in front.
She thought of reasoning with him, their coupling was wrong on so many levels, she wanted to voice out each and every fact, "Damon, I… I… You and me, it's all…" but what came out of her mouth was something she never imagined she'd voice out loud. "I love you, I love you so much that it physically hurts, I need you in my life. I fell for you that very morning in my apartment standing at doorframe, savouring the feel of your lips on my cheek. I loved you for the kindness you showed me."
Swept away by the multitude of emotions that encompassed them, rendering words unnecessary, sense of time and space trivial, overpowering all need, leaving only the urge to belong with each other.
None paid attention on how they got out of the car and how they managed to enter the apartment. The compulsion to feel each other without any barrier was greater than anything that could be conjured up by a rational mind.
They made love in wild urgency, their passion evident by the incoherent murmurs, pouring all the suppressed emotion, wordlessly declaring their love.
Sated by the passionate union they lay wrapped in an inseparable embrace, Damon's arms enclosed around her waist protectively, while she nuzzled her face in his chest. His steady heart beat was lulling her to sleep. Before she could succumb, the vibration erupting in his chest broke her stupor.
Though it was barely above a whisper but she heard it loud and clear. "Marry me, Elena, be mine forever." The words resonated in an endless loop and soon she gave away to exhaustion, falling into deep slumber.
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