CHAPTER 8

Elena sighed as she took the phone from Caroline, "Hello?" she answered,

"Elena?" she heard him ask, sounding confused,

"Yes, its me." she answered sharply, "I tried calling your cell but you didn't pick up, so I tried Alaric. He told me you were with Blondie."

She paused for a minute, "My phone's broken. Thank Rebekah for that.. Why? What's wrong?" she was being kind of rude, but she didn't know how else to act. And Caroline staring at her certainly wasn't helping.

"Nothing… I just wanted to check in. You didn't come back and you weren't answering your phone.. So I just - " He stopped. Elena felt a little guilty that she hadn't called him, she just hadn't expected him to be worried, "Sorry… I didn't think. Caroline came over and we were talking and I guess I forgot-" He interrupted her, "Relax. It's not a big deal,"

She felt even worse. She knew he had probably gotten lonely. He couldn't go anywhere or do anything. "Well, I'll be back over there in a few… Caroline was just leaving." Elena said quickly, looking at Caroline and mouthing a 'Sorry'.

Damon's voice seemed to brighten at that, "Oh, okay. Well.. I'll be here… Not like I have a choice." He said, she could here his smirk through the phone. She smiled and hung up. Handing the phone back to Caroline.

She looked up to see her friend just giving her a blank stare. "I'm sorry.. He's just trapped in there. I feel bad." Elena said, giving Caroline her best puppy look. "No, it's fine," Caroline said, throwing up her hands in resign, "Go have fun with the man-whore vampire," she said with a sarcastic smile. Elena just rolled her eyes, "He'll be free soon. Stefan should be back sometime today. Then I'm all yours." Elena patted Caroline on the shoulder. "Then can we finish this conversation?" Caroline asked, looking back at Elena as she walked to the front door. "Yes." was all Elena replied.

"And who knows… You might even have some more juicy information to add after this afternoon." Caroline winked at her. Elena rolled her eyes again, something she was getting pretty good at, and opened the door for her friend, "Goodbye, Caroline."

"Toodles! Have fun."

Elena watched Caroline as she got into her car.

Then she ran back upstairs to grab her things.

She gathered what she needed and paused in front of her mirror, straightening herself out. She added a little mascara and let her hair down. When she was satisfied, she headed back out the door, leaving a note for Alaric on the table.

. . .

Damon was going crazy. He had been bored all day. And he didn't do bored. He would be the first to admit he was not a patient guy. Plus being all alone in this house, with only his scotch and his thoughts to keep him company… Let's just say it wasn't a good mix. He'd already read every book they owned. Some of them almost putting him to sleep. He poured himself another glass and decided to mess around on the Piano in the parlor. He hadn't played in a while but he still remembered the basics. He played the first song that came to his mind. 'Empty' by Laura McMillan. He played it softly, letting his mind guide him. He was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard Elena come in.

She just stood there watching him. She smiled, thinking how natural it all looked. His face was so peaceful. She leaned against the door post and listened. She didn't recognize the song, but it was beautiful. She wondered if he wrote it. As he played she could almost imagine him being human. She let that thought settle. She imagined him like that for a minute, just a normal man. Her mind questioned what he would've been like, before he turned. She imagined he was probably really… Sweet. He could be such an ass sometimes but.. Elena knew it was an act. She could see right through it. Damon had his soft side. He opened it to her a lot. She didn't know if she was the only one. Her thoughts were interrupted when he stopped.

"Hello, Elena." he said, not bothering to look up from the piano,

"What gave me away?" she asked, smiling a little. "Heartbeat," he answered, looking up at her, his eyes intense. They just stared at each other for a minute. Elena finally had to look away, feeling like if she stared into his eyes any longer she might actually fall into them. "I didn't know you played." she stated, keeping her eyes on the carpet.

"I don't really. I haven't in years, anyway." He said, taking a sip of his scotch and standing up. He walked straight towards her. "It sounded good to me." she said, glancing up at him nervously. He paused in front of her for a brief second, looking her up and down. He grinned. "You play any?" He asked, his eyes trying to meet hers. "I took a few lessons when I was a kid." She answered, meeting his gaze once again.

"Show me." He said, gesturing his head towards the piano.

Two little words. Two simple words set her heart alight. She hated how he did that. She didn't like feeling out of control like this. But she complied and moved to the Piano. She sat down and played a little tune. Feeling slightly embarrassed after his performance. He had such a grace, and all she did was clunk around like a 3 year old. She heard him walk up behind her. Next thing she knew, his hands were on top of hers. His face coming to rest on the side of her own. "Here," he whispered softly, "Relax your hands." He entwined their fingers, guiding them lightly across the white and black keys. The sound was simple but beautiful. His breath floated into her ear, making it hard to concentrate. She closed her eyes for a brief second. Letting him take full control. She felt his pace slowing and his fingers leaving hers. But his breath still on her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Their faces inches apart.

She shook herself and shifted away from him. Ending the moment. He straightened himself, grabbed his scotch, and walked away. She turned to see him leaving. Feeling a pang of regret, she stood and followed him. They ended up in the living room.

"So, have you heard from Stefan?" She asked.

He turned and looked at her sharply, slanting his eyes. She immediately wished she hadn't said anything. "No.. Nothing since this morning." He bit back. She could tell he was irritated.

"Look, Damon…." She began, rubbing her sweaty palms, "I think we should talk." …she fought down her fear and took a few steps towards him.. "Talk about what, Elena?" he asked, sneering at her slightly.

She sighed out loud and crossed her arms, "Acting like it didn't happen is pointless. And it's only gonna make things worse."

His head snapped up, "Worse?" he asked angrily, setting his glass down again, leering at her.

"No.. That's not what I meant." she said, looking at the floor.

He walked towards her, "No, I get it, Elena. What happened last night was a mistake. You regret it and wish it had never happened. I know." He said, bitterness in his voice. He started to turn away and she stopped him, grabbing his arm. "Hey, Its not like that!" she said, her hands starting to shake a little. "I.. I don't regret it." ….. He looked up at her. She could see the littlest bit of hope in his eyes.

She continued, "You didn't do anything I didn't let you do…" She brought her hands to his face, locking their eyes together. He smiled a little, "You sure about that?.. You were trying awful hard to hide that hickey from me this morning." he raised his eyebrows and just grinned at her.

She felt heat rising to her cheeks. "I just.. I don't want you to feel guilty. You shouldn't have to... You were there for me. And I want you to know that it means a lot." She stroked his face a few times before letting her hands drop back down to her side. She was glad she said it.

Damon just stared at her. His lips parted slightly. She took in a deep breath and started to turn away, but his arm caught her, causing her to turn and look at him. As soon as she did, his lips met hers.

She inhaled him sharply, totally taken by surprise. His hand snaked around her back and pulled her closer to him. She pulled away fast, placing a hand on his chest. "What are you doing?" she managed to say, though it sounded much breathier than she intended. "Just..Trust me." was all he said. And somehow she couldn't find a reason to stop him. She just stood there as he pulled her body close his once again, his lips melting into hers, kissing her tenderly. And she let him. His kiss making tiny explosions run all through her body. He brought his hand to the back of her neck. "I've missed you," he mumbled against her lips. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. His tongue finding hers. She loved the way he kissed her. He melted her whole. "I missed you too," she responded as best she could.

She ran her fingers through his hair and he let his hands roam her back. He made a moaning sound as she bit down on his lip. Just hard enough to cause pleasure, not pain. Not that she could've hurt him. That seemed to ignite him. He kissed her so hard, she rose to her tip toes. Lifting her slightly off her feet, he let his hands find her ass and gripped it hard. She let out a small moan. Damon picked her up and she curled her legs around his waist, clutching him firmly. He moved fast, finding a wall to brace them. Small sighs of pleasure escaping his lips. He kissed her like he would never kiss her again. So much fire. She lifted her head, allowing him to explore her neck. He wasn't as gentle this time. His lips pulling and grabbing at her skin. She couldn't breathe. She tried to grip the wall, attempting to steady herself. She was hot, everywhere his lips touched, a fire spread. She couldn't believe she was doing this. Her head was screaming at her. But there was no turning back now. They were both panting. He grabbed at her shirt, getting ready to pull it over her head.

But Damon froze. They both heard it. And it hadn't come from either one of them. It was a car door slamming. They looked at each other, panic and confusion plain on their faces… It took a minute to sink in.

"Oh shit…" were the first words out of Damon's mouth.

(Don't hate me! I know they keep getting interrupted at the good part. If you like the story just have patience. I swear it will happen soon. They get cockblocked all the time in the show! Haha, anyway, I wanna make this story last. I feel like if they do it so soon, then there wouldn't be anywhere to go. Thanks for your wonderful reviews! I take the time to read every one of them. I'm sorry this chapter is so short. I'll make up for it in the next one. Please, please, please continue reviewing. It gives me the much needed motivation to do this. I really hope you like it. Much love and thanks! Xx)