Damon:
I feel myself start to become more aware of my surroundings, a bright beam of sunlight comes through the slats in the blinds, shining across my face. At first, I don't want to open my eyes. I am groggy, still fatigued and hovering on that edge between sleep and wake. It is still dark here. I feel safe and warm in her arms. I never want to leave this place. Finally giving up, I open one eye, smiling softly when I realize that she's wrapped around me. Still asleep, her chest rises and falls evenly. Rather than wake her just yet, I close my eyes again, basking in the rightness of being in her embrace. When I open them again, I glance at the clock, a little surprised when I see that it's nearly ten already. We were both so tired last night that we fell asleep on the couch. I'm surprised that dad hasn't woken me up. It's then that I feel a chill run up my spine. What if something happened over night? Is that he's not down here? With utmost care, I untangle myself and stand up to go in search of my father. I heave a huge sigh of relief when I find him in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of coffee.
"Dad, you're not supposed to drink caffeine," I scold, grabbing a cup for myself and filling it.
"Damon, for your information, it's caffeine free coffee. Finn said I could have a cup every day."
"I'm sorry. I worry about you so much."
"And I appreciate the fact that you care, son. But you don't have to hover over me. Between you and Jim, I feel like a child sometimes."
"I'll try to back off a bit but I only have one dad and I'm not ready to lose him yet," I add, giving his forearm a squeeze.
"Deal," he chuckles. "Is Elena still asleep?"
"No, not anymore," she interrupts, joining us in the kitchen.
"Have a seat," I tell her, jumping up to pull a chair out for her. "Do you want a cup of coffee, breakfast?"
"I'd like that. Are you cooking?"
"Yep." After handing her a cup, I pull some sausage patties and eggs and a bag of fresh hash browns out of the fridge. When I finish, I plate it up and give Elena and me the genuine eggs while I make dad breakfast using egg beaters. As soon as we finish, Elena and I shower, joining our bodies as we do so. As soon as we finish up, we dress and go back downstairs where dad is waiting for me to take him to his appointment with Finn and Dr. Parker. I pull her into my arms and give her a blistering kiss right there in our front yard and I don't care who happens to see. When I let go, I steal one more before walking her to her car. After waiving good goodbye, I crawl into the car, feeling giddily happy about her and me and what the future may hold.
"Hello everyone. Welcome to a special edition of our show tonight. The management here at KNBX have generously given Elena and I this extra half hour this week to bring you up to speed on the Bradley case. Joining Elena and I tonight are Chief Williams of the Mystic Falls PD and Kol Mikaelson, who has a vested interest in this case. We at the station are so grateful to have him back at work now." After introducing Brady and Kol, I take the seat behind my desk while Brady takes the seat directly to my right, Elena next to him with Kol to her right. When I look at the monitor behind me, a picture of Ben and Amber laughing together. They're both so vibrant in this picture, almost like neither had a care in the world. It's tragic what happened to them.
"Brady, what can you tell about the Bradley story?"
"I'm sure you all remember when Damon showed you a key. Well I can tell you that we did find the locked box that fit the key. I am not at liberty to divulge what was inside the box, that will be disclosed at trial but what we found is significant. That much I can tell you. I'm certain you are all well aware that Mason Lockwood is currently incarcerated pending trial. Because he stands accused of allegedly killing two people and attempting to kill two more, Judge Beale denied his request for bail."
"We know that he pled not guilty by claiming insanity. Is there anything to report on that front?"
"No. When the experts give Judge Beale their opinion as to whether he's competent to stand trial, their findings will be made public at that time."
"Do you know any more about Kol's assailant? Mason is being charged with his attempted murder as well as Damon's but can you tell us if Mason was allegedly driving the car that ran down Kol?" Elena asks, her attention focused intently on Brady.
"I can't disclose that, Elena."
"I think I have a vested interest in knowing who ran me down, Brady?"
"Yes, you do, Kol, but again, I have to walk a fine line here."
"Well what about Damon's attack? Do you know how he got a hold of what he used to incapacitate Damon?" Elena asks, lacing her fingers with Kol's.
"No, he isn't talking, Elena. I'm sorry that I can't be more specific but I can't say anything that may jeopardize the DA's case. I'm sure you can all understand that."
"Yes, Brady, that's the last thing we'd want," Elena agrees, smiling tightly at me.
"I have one more question, Brady. Have you received the results of the second autopsy done on Amber yet?" I ask, playing with the pencil in my hand.
"Yes, Damon, we have. And again, I'm sorry, I can't disclose the results. They will be admitted into evidence when the case goes to trial."
"That makes sense."
"Now, I have to say something to you and your audience. If not for the unrelenting focus that Damon and Elena placed on getting some answers on both Ben and Amber's cases, we may not be so close to bringing their cases to a conclusion. Once the evidence has been released at trial and is public knowledge, I'll be able to come back here with specific answers. I want to thank Damon and Elena," Brady says, his gaze on the camera.
"Thank you, Brady. I'm sure I speak for Elena and everyone here at KNBX when I say that we really hope to be able to give more families some closure whether just finding answers or putting other alleged killers behind bars. We'll bring you more information on the Lockwood case as it becomes available. Thank you all for joining us this evening."
Before the camera goes dark, Elena jumps in. "Speaking for Damon and myself, I'd like to thank you, our audience, for tuning in tonight. Without your support, we wouldn't have this stage from which to help solve these crimes. And a special message to the person or persons that mailed the key to Damon, thank you. If not for that, things might look very different for the police and the prosecuting attorney right now," she adds, looking at her best friend before continuing,
"If you have a mystery that you'd like us to look into, you can send your questions or concerns to the address that's scrolling across the chyron right now. Thank you all for joining us tonight. We'll see later in the week for our regularly scheduled hour show." Elena finishes, leaning over my desk to drop a kiss to my lips as soon as the camera goes dark.
A few months later:
It's really a beautiful day. The sun is shining and there are very few clouds in the sky. It's the perfect afternoon for nuptials. We're out in the country at my grandpa's old farm. He moved in with my dad when his health failed but he could never find it in himself to sell the place. The place actually has two barns. One is the house that papa built for my grandma, the one my mom grew up in and the other is just a barn but it's been turned into a beautiful venue for the wedding today.
When I see Jenna, directing what looks like one of the caterers, I hurry over to her. "Hey Jenna."
"Hi Damon," she says, giving me a wide smile.
"How is she?"
"She's just fine. You are completely smitten," she laughs.
"I am indeed. I guess I'll see her pretty soon. The wedding is going to start pretty soon."
"It is. I need to get back there anyway. I'll see you at the altar."
"You will indeed. I see my sister over there. I'm going to go to say hi to her." After watching Jenna walk away, I go over to catch up with Katherine. The girls are hanging onto Nick's hands. I watch as he leads them over to the table where they're serving punch. Just before I reach her, Kol latches onto my elbow, pulling me aside.
"Hey Kol, did you need something?"
"Not really. She asked me to see how you are."
"I'm fine. But give her a kiss for me okay?"
"Yeah, that'll go over well," he laughs.
"Listen, buddy, I'm going to go over there to say hello to my sister."
"See ya later then."
I nod, watching as he walks away. As soon as he goes into the house, I walk to where my sister is standing. In a mood for a little levity, I cover her eyes with my hands, whispering guess who in her ear.
"Little brother, really? You're a grown man but look at you all decked out in a tux. I never thought I'd see the day," she teases, giving me hug.
"I don't like wearing the penguin suit. But it's a big day. It is. How did you get Jeff to venture this far south?"
"He's busy, Damon. I mean, he produces a lot of shows but right now, 'Hamilton' is it."
"Maybe Elena and I will fly up there for weekend or something. Perhaps he'd take us. I love history."
"I know you do. When we hear a loud speaker announce for the wedding party to assemble, I drop a kiss to my sister's cheek and hurry off to take my place at the altar.
Standing on the altar beside my father and grandfather, I smile widely at Elena, my eyes only on hers despite the fact that it's our grandparents wedding. It's only when I hear Lena begin to recite her vows that I look away. She really looks lovely in a tea length pastel lavender lacey dress. Elena's bridesmaid dress is a pale baby blue while Jenna's is the same dress but the color is pale yellow. Dad is the best man while I'm the groomsman. I'm glad that he asked dad to stand up for him. Aside from that short spat that they had after mom died, they've been very close. When I look at Elena, I can't help but imagine us in this very place reciting our own vows to each other. She'll be beautiful dressed in lace and pearls and smelling like sunshine and verbena. I'll be all dapper in my tux and when I take her hands in mine, I'll vow to never let go. My reverie is broken when I feel a slight nudge in the ribs from my dad. Smiling at him, I nod and turn my attention back to the proceedings.
"James, at this late time of my life, you have startled me out of a deep sleep with your unexpectedly beautiful love. I receive you into the very breath of my soul, to be the light of my life, to fill my glad heart with a joy beyond all imaginings. I will hold your heart tenderly in the palms of my hands, cherishing it, and thankful for it. I give myself to you this day and I promise to be faithful to you for as long as we both shall live. I love you with my whole heart."
I give Elena a quick glance before turning my attention to my grandpa when he starts to recite his own vows.
"Lena, I love you. We have experienced the joys and sorrows of life through our many years on this earth. We have loved and married before and raised our families. And then, in our twilight years, when we least expected it, fate has brought us together with a love and a joy as fresh as our youth. My friend, my companion, my precious jewel, I hereby pledge myself to be your faithful husband with a love that will endure for all the rest of our days."
After they exchange rings and the Justice of the peace introduces Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, the music starts to play and I stick out my elbow for Elena to latch onto and we walk back down the aisle to begin the celebration.
"Dance with me," I ask, extending my hand for her.
"I'd love to. Be good, Kol. I'll be back soon. When the band starts to play a ballad, I pull her close and dance slowly with her.
"I love you, Elena," I whisper in her ear, holding her as close as I possibly can. Our bodies are flush, nothing is between us but the garments we're wearing.
"I love you, too, Damon. As soon as grandma and Jim leave, let's get out of here okay? We'll have to come back tomorrow and help clean up anyway."
"I can't wait to get you naked." When she looks at me, I give her a lascivious wink and use my open hand to palm her pert little backside, pushing it against my already hardening appendage.
"Damon," she giggles, rubbing against me discreetly but shamelessly. Feeling a tap on my arm, I loosen my grip, standing aside to let my dad dance with her. Walking back to our table, I accidentally bump into Mayor Lockwood. Wanting to save his own skin, he turned state's evidence against Mason at the trial. Although he insists he knew nothing about his brother's murderous ways, he could have given Mason access to many women some of whom have gone missing. Although the rumors are ridiculously over the top and almost unbelievable, the police have to look into the possibility that Mason could be a serial killer. Even though Brady has told us that the odds are very slim that Mason is connected to any other killings, he also told us that if they do find any evidence that could link him to more murders and disappearances, he'll be tried for those crimes too. As for Mason, he was tried and convicted and will be spending the rest of his life in the Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia. Of course, his attorney has filed for an appeal. Whether he's successful or not remains to be seen.
"Richard, how are you?"
"Damon, hello," his wife Carol says when she approaches, linking her arm with her husbands.
"Good, Carol. Yourself?"
"We're both doing very well now that all of the notoriety is finally dying down."
"It's nice talking to you, I need to find my girlfriend. Enjoy the rest of your evening," I tell them then walk back to our table, dropping onto the chair at the Mikaelson table. They're all here, even Nick. His restaurant catered the meal. I make small talk with them but I can't take my eyes off of Elena and dad. She's simply beaming, her smile wide and her laughter permeating the room. As soon as the music ends, dad escorts her back to me. Before I can stand up, Katherine walks over to pull dad onto the dance floor. After pausing a moment to tell me that she'll make sure he gets home safely, I thank her profusely. When I can't wait any longer, I grab Elena's hand so the two of us can get out of here. After saying goodbye to our families, we jump in the car and head over to my house. Rolling down the window, the breeze blows through her hair and her profile does wicked things to my already molten hot libido. I know she notices because the next thing I know, she cups my crotch with her hand, gently massaging my package while I try to drive.
"Keep that up and I'm going to pull over and take you on the hood of this car," I say, my voice breathy with lust.
"Do it," she challenges me.
"Elena, as much as I want to, I'm not going to bend you over a car in public."
"You're no fun," she jokes and I groan loudly when she pulls her hand away. Pressing on the gas pedal, I get us home as quickly as I can. Wanting to fulfill her fantasy, I park the car under the cover of our willow tree so we're secluded. I drag her out of the car and pull her into a blistering kiss. In the next second, I bend her over the hood, pull her dress up. After pulling her panties down her legs, she lifts one leg and then the other, stepping out of them. After stuffing them in my pants pocket, I plunge a finger inside of her already drenched lady parts. As soon as she starts moaning and whimpering aloud, I plunge another finger inside, smiling when she starts to ride it. Leaning over her, I start to nibble the skin behind her ear, sucking the delicate skin to leave my mark.
"Damon, I need you now," she asks, her voice husky and when she turns her head to the side, the moonlight illuminates her pupils, brimming with lust. As quickly as I can, I drop my pants and push inside, immediately feeling the wet velvet of her walls as she pulls me in deeper.
"How do you do that?" I pant, using my hips to piston into her gorgeous body.
"That's for me to know and you to dot, dot, dot," she teases.
Groaning, I continue to rock into her. When I hear her pleasurable moans and grunts, I reach around and start thrumming her clit with my fingertip. Moments later she erupts like a Saturn rocket, her whole body is quaking. I keep thrusting as I chase my own release. Suddenly, the coil in my lower belly bursts and I come spectacularly, shouting her name loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear. But thankfully, the boarding house is in a little remote, set back in the trees. We both collapse to the ground, laughing when we can feel our limbs again. Feeling so much love for her in this moments, I loop my arms around her, palming the slight swell of her belly.
"How's my baby?" I whisper, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.
"You're rather quiet today. Is everything okay, sweetheart?"
"Um, I don't know."
"Elena, you can tell me anything. You know that." She nods but turns away from me for a moment. Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, I turn her around so she has to face me.
"Tell me."
"Well, Damon. Um, I know that we've always used condoms but they're not a hundred percent effective."
"I know that. Why.. Wait.. are you, are you pregnant?"
"Ah ha," she says, her eyes fixed on mine.
"Wow, this is the last thing I expected but this is amazing, Elena."
"Wait, what? You're okay with this?"
"Yeah, I'm more than okay with this. I love you so much," I tell her. Without wasting another second, I cup her cheeks with my hands and pull her lips to mine.
"Just fine," she says, yawning.
"Let's get you to bed. You've had a busy day, miss Gilbert."
"We both have."
After helping her to stand, I pull my pants up and help her straighten her dress. Then I take her hand and the two of us walk into the house together.
When I hear a "wake up, Damon" I open one eye, immediately closing it and covering my face with my forearm.
"What is it?"
"Your dad and Katherine have breakfast ready. Everyone is here even grandma and James. We have to take them to the airport after breakfast."
"I don't want to get up yet. You wore me out last night, woman," I tease, pulling her on top of me so I can press a heady good morning kiss to her still swollen lips.
"Damon, we need to get downstairs," she protests, even though she settles in my arms. Rolling her onto the side, I lean up and over her to reach into my top drawer, pulling out the little blue box from the store where someone had breakfast. With it clutched tightly in my hand, I fall back onto the bed. When I look into her eyes, they're already as wide as saucers, her mouth is slightly agape and tears are welling in her eyes. Leaning up, I drop a kiss to each eye, the tip of her nose and finally her perfectly shaped pout. Sucking in a fortifying breath, I open the box and pull out the pink diamond cushion cut ring.
Sitting upright, I take her hand in mine. "Elena, will you do me the great of honor becoming my wife?"
"Damon, I... I.. yes, yes," she screams, throwing herself into my arms. After slipping it on that finger, I plant another smoldering kiss to her lips and although I want nothing more than to make slow sweet love to her, I know that we need to get up and join the rest of the family.
Of course everyone notices Elena's engagement ring when we get downstairs. And although her bump is still small, as petite as Elena is, it's already visible so they're aware of her pregnancy too. Since all the food is ready, we all gather around the big table and have breakfast together. When I glance at my papa, I can't help but notice how he and Lena too practically glow with happiness. Knowing that I want that to be Elena and me in our golden years, I reach under the table and take a hold of her hand, giving it a loving squeeze and when our eyes meet, I mouth, 'I love you' to her, my present and future pass before my eyes. And it's in this moment that I know without doubt that she's my forever.
"Damon, your phone," my dad says, handing it to me. After sharing a smile with my fiancé, it feels good to say that, I click it on. It's a text message from Elijah? Reading further, it states that he's sending the both of us on assignment to Fall River, Massachusetts to do a show at the Borden house.
"What on earth?" I utter, handing the phone to Elena so she can read it.
"Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one," Elena teases, winking at me.
"Don't get any ideas," I add skeptically, raising an eyebrow at her.
Rolling her eyes, she hands my phone back to me, squealing, "This is so exciting."
Raising my juice glass, I clink it with hers saying, "Here's to adventure." And when she smiles, she's simply beaming, quite literally taking my breath away. I know that wherever our next adventure may take us, as long as we're together, I'll be the happiest man on the face of this earth.
The End.
We've reached the conclusion of another DE story.
Thank you Eva for your undying support, brilliant mind and for all the love and friendship you've given me. And thank you Kate for the beautiful cover image. I love you to the moon and back too. Don't forget to have a look at her stories. She writes DE so brilliantly. Her author name is Florencia7
And a huge thanks to all of you that have reviewed and followed along on this story and all of my stories. You support has meant and still means the world to me. I never wrote a thing, only school assignments. I never had a diary or a journal, it just wasn't an interest of mine, that is... until I met Damon and Elena. 'Halo', the 2013 version, was the first thing I ever wrote.
chapter title: 'Amarantine' by Enya.
Thank you all again for making the time I have spent here so enjoyable. So many of you I consider friends and I care about all of you.
'Take-Off 'by strangevip is a story that I found that's quite good.
Please click that review button for me one final time.
Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, This is Goodbye.
