Chapter 7: Me?

Looking into the mirror, Elena clipped her hair back and took a deep breath as she pressed her fingers against her head. The pain was still there, but it was faint. Lifting her dress, she looked at the bruises forming on her hip and ribs. She really took quite a fall. The thought of Caroline made her angry, upset even. Grabbing her phone, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs, hearing talking and laughter coming from the kitchen.

"I remember that! Mom and dad were so mad!" Jenna laughed, shaking her head.
"We were grounded for months." Miranda smiled.
"Somehow, I don't find that hard to believe." Grayson responded.

They all laughed as Jeremy rolled his eyes and turned up the music on his iPod, raiding the fridge. Elena walked in as they turned to her.

"Elena sweetheart, how are you feeling?" Her mom asked.
"Sore." The brunette responded, smiling as Jeremy have her a bottle of water.
"See, now aren't you glad we took you to the hospital?"
"No dad because I'm still in pain! They poked and prodded for NO reason at all it seems! All they had to say is that I have bruising and swelling! God, I even knew that!"

Grayson and Miranda looked at her in shock and then at each other, nodding softly as Elena sat at the island, taking a gulp of water.

"So Elena, how is your fella?" Jenna asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Fella?" Her mom frowned as Elena choked on the water.
"Are we talking about Matt?" Grayson questioned.
"No, not him."
"Uh, there's no guy." Elena spoke quickly, trying to cover herself.
"Wait, what about-"

"Jenna," She gave her a look, "There is NO fella."
"Ah, no fella, gotcha." She finished her coffee off, licking her lips.
"Elena." Her mom warned.
"Yes momma?"
"The truth now. You and Matt are still together, aren't you?"

Swallowing, she rubbed her throat and gave Jenna a look. She knew this topic was going to come up sooner or later, she just preferred never.

"No we're not." She admitted.
"What!?" Miranda went wide-eyed.

Hearing her phone, she looked away from her mom and pressed the button, seeing a message from Damon. Biting her lip, she opened it.

My house? ;)

"Uh Elena, hey, can I talk to you about that assignment?"
"Sure Jer."

They got up, moving out of the kitchen and headed into the living room. Looking over her shoulder, Elena sat down beside him.

"You're dating Damon Salvatore, right?" He questioned.
"What? Where did you-"
"Hear that? From everyone. Matt, Caroline and Tyler."
"Oh, look Jer... we're not-"
"Lena, do what makes you happy." He smiled softly.

"What?" She smiled in surprise and tilted her head.
"Anyone who makes you smile like that ALL of the time, has my acceptance."
"Jer."
"Elena, I'm off to the mall for a new outfit, are you coming!?" Jenna called from the kitchen.
"Yeah!" Looking at Jeremy, she smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I'll talk to mom and dad, don't worry, alright?"
"I wouldn't bother Jer."

Getting up, she waved to her mom and dad, rushing out after Jenna, before they could say anything else. Getting into the car, they drove.

The mall was packed up with people, everyone in a rush to get somewhere different. Elena followed Jenna into a store and looked around, seeing what dresses that they had up for sale.

"So, I'm sorry about...selling you out back there honey."
"It's okay Jenna, you didn't know. You just did what was going to happen sooner or later, at least it's out now."
"Hmm, see anything you like then?" Jenna raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Why not get yourself something too? Surprise your man."
"Hmm." She watched Jenna walk off and looked around as she got her phone out.

Your house? :D I'll be around soon.

Walking over, she began looking through the clothes rack. What would Damon like? Exhaling, she moved over to another rack.

"Elena, over here!" Jenna called out, ushering her over.

Going over, she looked at the dresses and couldn't wipe the grin off of her face. Damon Salvatore, be prepared for the ride of your life.

Slipping out of Jenna's car, Elena grinned and looked into the window of the car, seeing her reflection. She looked hot. She was wearing a black dress, coming mid-thigh and a red bow tied across the middle with red stilettos. Licking her lips, she fixed her hair into a quive as Jenna have her a thumbs up and drove off. Walking up at the door, she knocked and then held her hands behind her back.

"Yeah, can I-" Damon froze, gaping in shock as she tilted her head.
"I'm not that early am I?" Elena asked innocently, biting on her lip.
"Uh no," He gulped, "Not at all, come on in."

Holding back a smirk, she shook her head, stepping back from him as she nodded her head out to the road.

"Actually, I thought we could go out for some dinner."
"Dinner?" He grins, tilting his head.
"Out of town, somewhere," She paused to play with his shirt, "Quiet?"

"Somewhere quiet?" Damon repeated, his eyes lingering on her lips.
"Mmhm, just us."
"Well, lets go." Pulling his jacket on, he led her over to his car and opened the door for her as he winked.

"Thank you kind sir."
"You're welcome." Shutting the door, he moved around, getting into his side.

Elena looked around the restaurant, for what had to be 7th time! She couldn't get over how beautiful it was. All she thought about was a small restaurant, but it seems Damon means business. Licking her lips, she lifted her glass of water and took a sip. Down to business then.

"Damon, the reason I wanted time with you is...I need a favor."
"You're not going to rob me of my money and car, are you?"
"No!" She laughed, rolling her eyes, "I wouldn't have put so much effort into my bloody appearance otherwise!"

"Well, I'm glad you did," He grinned, looking her over, "You look-"
"Slutty?" She smirked,
"I was thinking more sensational." He tilted his head.
"Hmm." She blushed, making eye contact with him.
"So, a favor you say?"
"Well, it depends on how you look at it. It's not really a favor if you WANT to do it."

He nodded as the waiter put down a plate with a slice of cheesecake sitting on it. It has been Damon's idea to share and Elena loved it.

"Right, I think I'm following," He took a bite, "Mmm, that is good."
"Yeah?" She rubbed her hands together, starting to get nervous.
"Yeah, so, ask away! Your nerves are getting the best of you and you'll miss out on this amazing cake."
"How did you-"
"Know? Each day goes by and I feel like I know you more. You get easier to read."
"Oh."
"Come on, spill. I'm all ears." He sipped at his bourbon, all of his attention on her.

"Well, I was kind of wondering, if you'd be my date for uhm...Miss Mystic?" She bit her lip, her heart pounding.
"What?" He asked, his face showing utter shock.
"Be my date?" She choked out.
"You...want ME to be your date? ME?"
"Yes, I want YOU."

"Me." He murmured, a genuine smile slipped onto his face.
"Is that a yes?" Elena questioned, full of hope.
"No."
"Oh." She swallowed the lump in her throat.
"It's a definite yes." He gave her a grin as she blushed.

Another a reason she was completely different from Katherine. She made him happy, she chose him and only him she chose.

A/N: Hey everyone, hope you enjoy!

Shauna

xx