Because I only grabbed a couple of outfits that I put in a carry on bag, I don't need to stop at the baggage claim area. When I get close to the exit, I see a lady holding up a sign with my name on it. Curious, I walk over to her.

"I'm Elena Gilbert," I tell her, introducing myself.

"Hello Elena. My name is Olivia and I'm Damon's aunt and Owen's twin sister. He called, asking me to pick you up. I'm so glad to meet you."

"I didn't know that Owen had a twin?"

"Well, he's not one to brag," she teases with a chuckle with me cackling right along with her.

"Is that all you have?" she asks, pointing at my duffle bag.

"That's it."

"Let's go then. I'll take you over to Owen's house."

"How is he?"

"Melancholy. Damon has a huge heart. When his boy died, sadly, he never fully recovered."

"Would any of us really, though?"

"No, I don't believe so. Some people are just better at handling grief than others."

Nodding slightly, she gives me a hug then links her arm with mine to lead me to her car. I watch the scenery pass as she drives us to Owen's house. Once she parks the car in his driveway, the two of us get out. Since the door is locked, it seems obvious that he isn't here.

"I have a key," Olivia mentions, putting it in the lock and turning the knob. Stepping inside, I see what a beautiful house that Damon grew up in. Although we both look around just in case, he's nowhere to be found inside.

"He's probably at the beach. He's gone there to think since he's been old enough to leave the house by himself. Why don't you put your bag in the bedroom, then I'll drive over there?"

"Thank you for everything, Olivia. I really appreciate that you took time from your busy day to pick me up. Do you think I have time to freshen up a bit, maybe take a shower?"

"Absolutely. I'll make myself at home while you clean up. And as far as helping, I love my brother and I love my nephew. He may put up a brave face but he needs someone, you," she replies, pointing in the direction of the bedroom.

"The second door on the left is his room." Smiling, I nod, pick up my bag and carry it to the room.

"Are you ready?" Olivia asks me when I finally come out of Damon's bedroom with a change of clothes and my hair up in a messy bun.

"I am. You think he's at the beach?"

"I'd bet money on it," she laughs.

"We could walk, it's only about three blocks away."

"I'd like that."

"Let's go then," she says, gesturing for me to walk outside. She follows behind, turning around to lock the door. I wait for her at the end of the sidewalk. When she joins me, she points out some of the sights in the neighborhood and tells me a little bit about Damon when he was growing up. Before we know it, we're at the beach. There really aren't a lot of people out here today. The weather is partly cloudy and when the sun is obscured by the clouds, it feels chilly to me. We walk in the sand for quite a ways. I'm starting to get frustrated when I feel Olivia give my forearm a squeeze. Turning to face her, she points to a lone figure sitting in the sand, his back to us.

"There he is. I'm going to go. You and Damon are going to want to be alone tonight but I expect you to come over for supper tomorrow. I won't take no for an answer."

"Sounds great to me. Thank you so much," I tell her with as much sincerity as I can express. She pulls me into her arms and gives me a hug.

"Go take care of him. I'll call him in the morning about supper."

Nodding, I give her one more little hug then start to walk towards Damon. He's sitting there, his arms encircling his knees. I watch as he drops his head momentarily before raising it up again. When I get within a dozen feet of him, I just stop and stare at my beautiful yet broken man. Sucking in a deep yet quiet breath, I steel my spine and walk over to him, dropping down beside him in the sand. It takes a moment for him to finally raise his eyes and look at me.

"Elena?"

"Hi."

"I don't understand... how are you here?"

"I came for you. Your dad told me about Billy. I'm so, so sorry, Damon. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I...I...,"

"It's okay, Damon. You can talk to me."

"It... it hurts. I miss him so much."

"I wish you would've told me."

"You had enough on your plate. I love you and your son, Elena. Suddenly I had this overwhelming feeling that I was forgetting about him. I don't ever want to forget how much I loved being his dad. I miss him so much."

"I know you do. Can you tell me about him?" I ask, linking my arm with his. With my other hand, I raise it up to cup his cheek, caressing it softly.

"I was a senior in high school. Jessica was a year behind me. We always used protection but one time the condom broke and that's all it took. I cared about her but I wasn't in love," he explains, wringing his hands together.

"Anyway, I wanted to do right by her, especially after her parents all but disowned her, even kicking her out of their house. Dad let her stay with us as long as we stayed in separate bedrooms. How could I argue with that?"

"You couldn't. Your dad is really a good man," I mention, laying my head on his shoulder.

"He's the best. Anyway, as soon as I graduated, I got her a ring. I couldn't abandon her, not after what her parents did. I got a job after graduation. We rented a cheap one bedroom apartment. That way we had some privacy. Plus my dad was working at that time. Billy had us up all hours with his colic. I was always the one who would get up with him. She was just indifferent about everything."

He pauses a moment, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. When he raises his eyes to mine again, he continues. "It didn't take a rocket scientist to know she was cheating. She'd disappear for hours, coming home late. She didn't want me to touch her. Once Billy turned three, she finally had enough. I tried to talk her out of it for his sake. Despite her aloofness, he loved his mom. I had started to make good money selling games by then but that was meaningless to her. She threw the ring in my face, signed over her parental rights and took off for parts unknown. I have no idea what happened to her, where she is or even if she's still alive."

Stunned speechless, I just stare at him, giving his linked arm a gentle reassuring squeeze.

"I gave up the apartment and moved back in with dad. I worked from home so I could save up enough money to eventually buy a house for the two of us. Not long after she left, an opportunity arose in Texas. So I packed the two of us up and we moved. The two of us lived in the small apartment above the building for awhile till I started to make some really good money. When one of the big gaming companies bought a couple of my projects, suddenly, I had all this money. It was only after that, that I bought the house. If I had to do it over again though, I would've stayed in Florida. I really love it here."

"I can see why. It's gorgeous. Your aunt said that you have always come here to think."

"How did you meet her?"

"She was waiting for me at the airport. She told me that your dad called to have her meet me. And by the way, she wants us to come for supper tomorrow night."

"She's a great lady. I care about her a lot."

"I had no idea that your dad was a twin."

"They bear some resemblances but not a lot. They're fraternal twins obviously."

"Do you to tell me more about Billy or do you want to take a break?"

"No, I want to tell you about him." Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls his wallet out. Unfolding it, he grabs a picture and hands it to me.

"Damon, he's so perfect. He could be your doppelganger," I utter, amazed at the resemblance. Handing it back to him, he clutches it to his chest for a few moments before raising his eyes to mine again.

"Dad has a picture of him and me at that age. We were almost identical," he says, smiling as he runs his finger over his son's face.

"That doesn't surprise me at all." After giving me a sad smile, he continues.

"I signed him up for this kids group after school. They had a fund raiser so they could go to one of the state parks and rent a boat. He was so excited. I donated money to help pay for it. In hindsight, I wish I hadn't because my donation gave them what they needed to rent the boats. They all had life jackets on. Billy too but somehow he fell in. I don't know if he took off his life jacket or what. He wasn't wearing it when his body was pulled from the water. They tried to rescue him but the water was so murky that day, they couldn't find him," he whispers, reaching up wipe his now wet eyes. Pausing for several moments, he drops his eyes closed. I hear him suck in a deep shuddering breath before he continues.

"Apparently he caught his leg on some debris in the water and was unable to free himself in time."

That's all it takes for the dam to break because he's all out sobbing. His body is shaking so hard and his breath is coming in spurts. Pulling my arm out from under his, I wrap both of my arms around him, holding him to me. My own tears are falling just as hard. Knowing he needs my embrace, I just hold on and let him cry it out.

"I wish I could turn back time for you, Damon." He looks up at me, those soulful blue eyes, red and glistening and boring into mine. He takes a few deep breaths as he tries to get compose himself.

"It took them two days to find his body and although realistically I knew he was dead, I still held onto that glimmer of hope till they found him, confirming the worst. That was the worst day of my life. I wish it could have been me that died," he whispers, dropping his head into his hands. Suddenly the wind starts blowing. When I look up, the sky is dark and foreboding while at the same time, I feel a few drops begin to hit my skin.

"We should go. It looks like it's going to storm," he says before I have a chance to. Standing up, he offers me his hand. The two of us walk hand in hand albeit quickly, back to his house. After he opens the door, we go inside, both of us collapsing on the sofa. Wrapping me in his arms, he drops a kiss to the top of my head.

"I'm so glad you're here."

"There's no where else I'd rather be right now," I tell him, raising up to kiss what's left of his tears away. First I kiss his right eye and then his left and then his cheeks. When I get to his lips, I raise my eyes, meeting his before slowly pressing our lips together. He pulls me onto his lap before cupping my cheeks with his hands so he can tilt my face just the way he wants it. Using my tongue, I run it along the seam of his lips till he opens up and lets me in. Our tongues dance like Astaire and Rogers. When we pull apart, we're both panting with desire.

Standing up, he takes both my hands, walking backwards till we're at the threshold of his bedroom door. He pauses to give me a peck on the lips before pulling me inside. After what feels like hours, we finally reach the bedside. Deciding to be bold, I grasp the hem of his tee shirt and pull it over his head. Immediately I lay my palms flush against his bare chest. Immediately I feel the crackles of electricity surge through my hands and into my body. With a little smirk of my own, I drop my hands to his waist line and undo the button of his cargo shorts, letting them fall to the floor. Next I press my palm against his six pack, sliding it under the elastic of his boxers only stopping when I wrap my needy fingers around his now erect length. And oh what a pretty length it is. A impatient groan escapes his mouth as I work my hand along the silky steel of his erection. Wanting his boxers out of the way, I let go and pull them down his legs, allowing him to step out of his clothes.

After giving him a lascivious wink, I take him in my mouth. Although it's full of him, I can't help but try to smile when he latches onto the bedpost to keep himself upright. Using my tongue to tease the slit, I use my hand to cup his scrotum, massaging it in tune with what my tongue is doing. His moans and grunts only spur me to work harder but it's when he winds his fingers into my hair that I really go all out, licking and sucking and bobbing with my head. In short order, I feel his release bathe the back of my throat as I swallow all that he has to give me. As soon as I let go, he collapses onto the bed.

"I'm completely boneless," he whispers, raising his head slightly to look at me. Extending his hand, I take a hold and stand up.

"You like that?" I ask, seductively waggling my eyebrows.

"You have no idea," he says, his voice breathy. Crawling onto the bed, I lay beside him. When he can feel his body again, he rolls onto his side, cups the back of my neck, splaying his fingers in my hair.

"You're wearing entirely too many clothes."

"Why don't you fix that for me?"

"Oh honey, I intend to." This time it's him who raises his eyebrows. Getting to his knees, he helps me to sit up allowing him to pull my own tee shirt off. Since I wore no bra, he goes to my shorts, undoing the snap and pulling them down my legs. Once I'm bare before him, he tells me to move up towards the head of the bed and lay on my back. As soon as I comply, he positions himself on his belly, putting on of my legs over each shoulder. Although I know what he's going to do, I still jump when I feel the first lap of his tongue against my already drenched lady parts. He laps at my little bundle of nerves till I'm writhing with abandon. Using his teeth, he gives it a little bite then starts to lap the length of me. It's when he plunges his tongue inside of me that a very needy moan leaves my lips.

"Please Damon," I ask, wantonly grinding my core against his roaming mouth. His growth of stubble enhances my pleasure immensely. Letting go of one leg, he brings it underneath my leg. I practically fly off the mattress when he plunges two fingers inside of me while once again capturing my clit between his teeth. Working me into a frenzy with his mouth and his fingers send, I start to convulse as his name leaves my lips with reverence. My body is jerking and convulsing while he helps me ride it out. Once I finally stop trembling, he slithers up my body, taking a nipple in his mouth while working the other one till it's erect with his hands.

"I need you inside of me," I breathe, my bosom heaving with desire. He lets go of my breast, tugging it with his lips till it plops out of his mouth. Raising up, he captures me lips in mind numbing kiss while pushing inside of me. With our lips still fused, he wiggles hips. As soon as he lets go, a shameless moan rips from my throat when I see his eyes, wild and burning hot with lust. I know he sees the same in my eyes when he slams his lips against mine once more. Although inside of me, he has yet to move. Taking a second, he fingers the damp hair from my forehead, dropping another tender kiss before he starts to move. It feels like heaven when he's inside of me. Push, pull, fast and slow, my man knows how to please a woman. Wrapping my legs around his hips, I grab onto the curve of his ass with my hands, using them to pull him deeper inside. When his length hits that spot, I fly over the edge, screaming his name as I come spectacularly. Hot sparks flash behind my eyelids as I fly across a glimmering sky of blinding white light. Damon continues to drive into me with the strength of Atlas. Just as I'm about to fall back to earth, he sends rocketing again, this time he flies with me, his body quivering as if a lightning bolt struck his body. My name escapes his mouth with the reverence one would whisper to a deity.

Several long minutes later, he raises his head. He plants a kiss on my lips. Just as he starts to roll off of me, I hang on to him. I lift my head, pressing my lips to his ear. "Just lay here. I want you to stay inside of me for a little while yet." His eyes widen when he looks at me. A smile plays at his lips before he drops his head, laying on it over my heart. I caress his back with one hand while gently rubbing his scalp with the fingertips of my other hand. It doesn't take long for his breathing to even out, signaling sleep. I take a moment to kiss the crown of his head. When I glance down at this beautiful man asleep in my arms, I can't help but smile. Completely content, I close my own eyes and fall asleep myself.

Damon:

"Damon, Elena, come on in," Aunt Olivia greets us, stepping aside so we can go inside.

"Well Damon, judging by that smile on your face, I would say Elena is just what the doctor ordered," she says, raising her eyebrows at me teasingly.

"Are you going to introduce me to your lady friend?" Uncle Jim asks, stepping into the room with his 'kiss the cook' apron on.

"Uncle Jim, this is Elena Gilbert. Elena, my uncle Jim."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr., um I don't know your last name," Elena says, blush a deep red color.

"Jackson. But please call me Jim," he says, shaking her hand vigorously.

"You have a lovely house," Elena mentions, looking around.

"Jim has got the grill stoked up in the back. Why don't you two go outside with him while I get some drinks. What would you like, Elena?"

"Um, whatever you have is fine."

"I have ice tea and lemonade. Which do you prefer?"

"Lemonade please. I don't really like tea."

"A girl after my own heart," Jim laughs. "I hate ice tea but Livie likes it so what's a guy to do?"

"I'll take lemonade too, Aunt Liv."

"Come with me young lady," Jim says, linking his arm with Elena's. He teasingly raises his brows to me before leading her outside.

"I'll help you with the drinks since your husband absconded with my girl," I laugh, following aunt Olivia into the kitchen. She reaches into the cupboard to grab some glasses. She sets them on a tray before opening the refrigerator and pulling out a pitcher with each hand. Handing me the lemonade, I fill three glasses while she fills her glass with tea. After she puts them back in the fridge, she leans against the counter and crosses her arms over her chest.

"How are you really, Damon?" she asks, her eyes focusing intently on me.

"Lighter, lighter with her here with me. I'm in love with her," I admit, closing my eyes for a moment. When I open them, she's right in front of me.

"I'm happy for you," she whispers, raising up to kiss my cheek.

"Now, let's go get something to eat," she says, giving me a wink. Laughing, I pick up the tray of drinks and follow her outside.

Elena and I walk through the airport to the exit, looking around for my dad. Finally I hear my name causing me to look up. Dad, Liz and Chris are waiting for us. Dad lets go of Chris's hand so he can run into Elena's arms.

"Mommy," he squeals when she stoops down to wrap him in her arms.

"Hi baby. I told you mommy would come home. See I brought Damon back to us," she tells him, her eyes on mine. When he raises his arms up, I lift him into mine, dropping a kiss to the top of his head. Just as I lean in to give Elena a kiss, dad and Liz reach us. Shifting Chris to one arm, I use the other one to wrap around my dad, whispering thank you and that I love him in his ear.

Stepping back, he nods knowingly before taking a hold of Liz's hand.

"How are you, Damon?" she asks, her sincerity obvious to me.

"I'm better, thanks Liz. Thank you both for watching Chris and for everything you've done for me, for us. I can't even begin to thank you."

"I love you, son" he tells me, his voice full of emotion and his eyes boring in on mine like a laser beam.

After I put Chris down so Elena can tie his shoe, I throw my arms around him, hugging him tightly, not caring who sees me. Stepping back, I nod at him then turn to look for Elena. As soon as she's done tying his shoe, she takes his hand, walking alongside Liz. Dad and I follow behind as we make our way to the parking lot. He drops us off at Elena's house, telling me he's going to spend the evening with Liz. I wave as he drives off.

"Your dad seems really happy with her," Elena remarks, unlocking the door of her house.

"He does. But I don't want him to go if that makes any sense? I like having him with me. Maybe that makes me seem childish but I wouldn't have survived the last year and half had he not been here."

"You're so lucky to have him."

"I really am," I tell her, holding a sleeping Chris in my arms. Once she gets it unlocked, she holds it open so I can carry Chris into his bedroom. I take off his shoes and cover him up with a light blanket that's laying at the foot of his bed. Quietly I pull the door closed then go into the living room to join Elena on the couch.

"It feels good to be home but I really loved Florida," she says, laying her head on my shoulder.

"I love it there too."

"Your aunt and uncle are a hoot," she laughs.

"My dad has always been more stoic but he does have a good sense of humor. He and Olivia are a lot alike in some ways and polar opposites in others," I add.

"Any other twins in your family?"

"I don't know honestly." We sit there in silence for quite awhile. Soon I can feel that she's fallen asleep. Her respirations are regular and even. I drop a kiss to her crown then drop my head against the back of the couch, letting my own eyes fall shut. Just as I'm about to lapse into dreamland myself, I whisper, 'I'm going to marry you someday, Elena Gilbert." With a smile on my face, I close my eyes and join her in slumber.

Thank you so much Eva. I love you very much. Your brilliance never ceases to astound me.

And a huge thanks to all of you as well. I appreciate the reviews so, so much.

Chapter title: 'Someone's Waiting for You' from the Disney Cartoon movie, 'The Rescuers'.

I did post the second chapter of 'Nothing Left to Fear' last week. I updated 'Angels Fall' on Thursday and 'Dig' on Friday.

Please remember to click that *review* button. They really mean so much.

Stay safe and have a wonderful day and week ahead. Thank you all. We'll see you next time.