Wow. Again, thanks for all the wonderful reviews! Yes, I know there are now a lot of questions left as to what will happen in the future, but I have an idea to clear it all up! Hope you guys enjoy!

Being "courted" by Damon was definately a nice experience. One that she found she was loving. And surprisingly, being courted was a lot different than the tenious friendship they'd built for themselves. It was almost like updating your facebook status in modern times. Everyone knew you were together, as if you were an established couple. Elena was shocked Katherine hadn't confronted her, but she didn't have time to fret over it. She was constantly busy. Mr. Salvatore hired a tutor to come in for the boys, and Elena figured, it couldn't hurt to do something productive, and each moment she wasn't in class she was with Maria, learning things like washing and stitching, or relaxing with a book or her journal, or with Damon, doing any number of activities. And she was having the time of her life.

She was shocked how quickly the time passed, and she was loosing track of it all. This was beginning to feel like her life, and the other life, a dream. Months had passed since her and Damon's first kiss, and he had taken to sneaking into her room most nights, or her, his. Nothing "intimate" had happened, but he would lie away for hours, just holding her. Sometimes he told her stories or sang to her. It was on one of those nights that she had first told Damon she loved him, and he'd beemed for days. And it was on one of these nights that her world changed.

"Damon?" Elena asked, sleepily, responding to her door opening, and shutting again.

"Yeah, it's me," he whispered, moving to lay down beside her. She scooched as far over as possible to allow him room, then once he was settled, curled back up into his side, as she did almost every night now.

"Were you asleep?" He asked worriedly.

She smiled in the dark. "Almost. I thought you weren't coming tonight. It's later than usual."

She felt him nod before he sat up and messed around with something. A second later, a small light glowed in the room. He placed the candle he'd just lit on the bed's side table.

"I know, but I wanted to speak to my father about something first."

"Oh, is everything okay?" She asked, her eyes adjusting enough to see his face now.

He smiled at her, "Better than okay," He placed a small kiss on her forehead.

"Actually, I was hoping you'd still be awake, as I doubt I could wait until morning."

"What is it Damon."

"I love you, Elena." He told her seriously.

"I love you too."

He took a deep breath before moving slightly.

He took her hand in his, and kissed her lips. "Marry me..."

He whispered, staring into her eyes.

Elena was shocked into silence for a moment, but Damon waited.

Every part of her wanted to scream yes, but this was the ultimate decision. No going back, no future Stefan, her family, her friends. She looked back into Damon's face, oh but this man was worth it all, this life was, wasn't it? Was she not happier here than in any other life?

"Okay." She answered simply.

"Okay?" He clarified, causing her to giggle.

"Yes, Damon, I'll marry you."

The his lips were on hers in the most feircefull kiss they'd shared. His every emotion was pouring out, and she thought the weight of this love might crush her.

"I love-you-so much.." he got out between breaths.

"Love you too," She smiled into his kiss as he slowed the pace before pulling back completely.

He smiled at her whimpering expression.

"Formalities," He told her, placing a ring on her finger. She gazed at it, a perfect fit. It was a silver band, simple with three dimonds that shone in the light, the middle one slightly bigger.

"It's beautiful, Damon." She told him, a little impressed.

"It was my mother's." He told her. "My father let me have it to give to you."

"Damon, I don't know what to say...thank you, I know it must mean a lot to you."

He kissed her again, slower, longer, "You mean more."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he brought their lips together once more.

She would never get tired of his kisses, she was sure of it. And now she had an entire life, a human life, to enjoy with him. Maybe it was a little selfish, but after everything, maybe they deserved a little selfishness. All she knew for sure, is that she wanted this, and she wanted it with Damon. This simple, small town, life was perfect for her, and she loved all the old customs. Who was she to question it. And maybe she lost somethings, like Jeremy, Bonnie, Caroline, Matt, but they all had each other, besides, if she never goes back, they'd never know her, and their lives would be less dangerous, Caroline would stay human, Bonnie's Gramms, and Mother would both be alive, and human. But most importantly, her parents would have never had to pick her up. And they would be alive. They would be happier too. Maybe this was the best thing for everyone.

News of the engagement spread like wildfire. In two days time, it seemed everyone knew, and Elena was starting to debate on if they really didn't have a secret internet social page. However, she was still over the moon. She had kept her eyes out for Katherine though, figuring the woman wouldn't be happy about this, but so far, she'd said nothing but a quick congradulations at breakfast. Stefan was even happier. Elena wondered if he considered this Damon being off the market for Katherine's affections, or if he was just truly happy for his brother, maybe both.

She still found it seriously hard to believe that Katherine would just let it go though. She just didn't seem the type to accept something like this. So later that night, Elena decided to take matters into her own hand. Damon escorted her to her room, as usual, before leaning down to kiss her. She enjoyed him for a moment, before pulling away.

"Damon, I'll come to you tonight, okay, you've been in my room all week."

He laughed, "It's because I'm so much better at sneaking, you almost got caught by the maid!"

She lightly swatted his arm. "It was not the maid, it was Emily, and she doesn't care."

Emily had been all but a ghost, barely around accept for when Katherine called on her. It was weird seeing Bonnie's ancestor in person. And Elena had a feeling Emily avoided her, probably because she knew it was her fault Elena was here. Oh well.

"Okay, well don't get busted this time." Damon teased.

"I wont," Elena smiled. "But I'll be a few moments, I want to bathe first."

"I can help with that..." Damon suggested with a smirk, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Damon Salvatore, you know that THAT would draw some attention! Were you not the one worried about tarnishing my reputation?"

He laughed again, "I was only joking. I know what the rules are, Darling. And don't worry, when it comes time for that, we will be absolutely alone, in a place where no one would dare question your reputation."

She smiled, kissing him once more before he returned to his own room.

Once his door was firmly shut, she snuck out of her own room, down the hall, before coming to the door she was looking for. She knocked once before opening it, and walking inside.

"Stefan, I told you to wait until-" Katherine's voice trailed off when she saw her Doppelganger.

"Elena."

"Katherine...we need to talk."

Okay I know the engagement thing was kind of soon, but like I said I'm trying to get on to the parts I'm really wanting to write. Maybe this conversation will clear up a few unanswered questions ;)