Damon bounces up and down to the steady rhythm of his music. Sweat soaks his light hoodie. He pants as he wipes his mouth on the sleeve, his face screws up imaging how badly he must stink. There's something about a breezy run that makes him feel rejuvenated. Stopping at a sleek, erect water fountain, he takes a long swallow and sucks in a few deep breaths. Sunlight tints the sky with various shades of gray. He loves to run on the beach.

Sometimes he'll stop and pick up a piece of driftwood that rides in on the buoyant waves as tiny rescue boats. Then there is the seaweed, that flora of those salty waves, as deeply green as any high summer foliage. His favorite though, of everything that is here upon the softly rolling dunes, is the tall, tall grass that whispers so sweetly into the gusting breeze.

Damon shudders and sighs. He sucks in another deep breath, glances around, and takes off in a sprint. His heart pounds against his chest and he lengthens his strides. Memories of the other night with Elena are still fresh in his mind. They're like preserved flowers in saffron pages, a gentle reminder of something passing.

The happiness he feels kissing her is infectious. It starts as a tingle in his fingers and toes, much like the feeling he has when he's anxious, but instead of worrisome it's warm. It passes through him like a warm ocean wave, washing away the stress of long days to leave him refreshed inside.

At times he thinks her heart must be an archive of old records that used to play his worst lullabies—of spilled liquor and drunken smiles. But somehow the woman who holds his heart is full of compassion and goodness. Her capacity to forgive is still hard for him to fathom, especially after the hell he put her through, and grateful doesn't seem strong enough a word. He's one hell of a lucky man and he's going to spend every day he has left showing her just how much he loves her.

He keeps running till he reaches the little café that's become a tradition for himself and Enzo, who waves at him as soon as he steps through the entrance. Damon points to the bathroom and after splashing his face and washing his hands, he joins Enzo.

"Look at you, all flushed and sweaty?" his friend chuckles, signaling the waitress to bring menus and a pitcher of water.

"I was running. I used to do it religiously before I got bogged down in empty bottles and morning afters. It felt good."

"I'll join you next time if that's okay with you?" Enzo looks up as Vicky fills their glasses and takes their orders.

Damon's facial expression grows serious as he picks up his water glass. "I already mentioned to you that Elena surprised me. Well...she thinks I should quit AA. I know it's a godsend for many, many people but it just isn't for me. I'm leaning towards doing just that."

He looks up and Enzo can see the turmoil displaying on Damon's troubled face. "And I already told you that I tend to agree with her, but you're going to have to break the news to your family..."

"I'm not afraid of my family, Enzo."

"I didn't say you were but I think they can be overbearing, at least that's the impression I got from listening to you."

"That they are," he nods and thanks Vicky when she slides their cheeseburgers in front of them.

"If you need backup, you know where to come," Enzo adds, pouring ketchup on his.

"I'll be fine, but thanks," he bites down on his burger and with a waggle of his brows, steals a couple of fries off Enzo's plate.

"What the?"

Not one to take thievery lying down, Enzo dips a couple of fingers in his water glass and flicks them at him.

"You're so dead, just wait till we get back to the gym... your ass is mine," Damon taunts, taking another bite of his burger.

"Dream on," Enzo laughs and the two men finish their meal with good conversation and an ever-strengthening kinship.


Feeling restless in his apartment, not from alcohol but from missing Elena, Damon lifts Onyx off his lap, grabs his keys, and flies down the stairs to his car.

Glancing at the clock, It's almost 9:30 in the evening, still, he needs to see her. He's also sure she won't be in bed yet.

Parking in front of her house, he gets out of the car and walks somberly to her front door. Seeing no lights on, his heart drops and he's about to turn around and go back to his car when the porch light comes on. The door opens and he gasps at the sight. Her form-fitting nightgown is a pristine white. It pools around her like liquid silk that caresses her skin like a cool autumn breeze. She slips her arms into a light robe and acknowledges him.

"Damon," she takes his arm and pulls him inside. "Is everything okay?"

"I'm good, I just wanted to see you. I came to tell you that I'm going to quit the meetings. I'll have to tell my dad about it tomorrow."

"I can go with you if you want."

"I appreciate that more than you know," he takes her hand and squeezes it. "I need to do this myself, I hope you understand?"

"Of course, come sit down, I have juice or a Sprite. I don't like to drink caffeine so late in the evening."

"Sure, I can stay for a few minutes," Damon agrees and follows her into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.

"Here you go," she hands him a big glass of orange juice then sits down beside him.

Taking a long swallow, he sets it down and reaches again for her hand. "Elena, I don't want to push you and please tell me if I'm being too forward but I'd like us to...," he rakes his hand through his hair, not quite sure how to proceed.

"You'd like us to what?" she strokes his hand with her fingertips.

"I want to go to bed with you at night and wake up next to you in the morning. What do you think about us living together again?"

"I want that too, you could move in here for now as far as I'm concerned. And if you're agreeable, I'd like us to look for a home that will truly be ours."

"God, I love you," Damon drops to his knees in front of her and rests his head on her lap. "I promise to be the man you deserve."

He sighs when she runs her fingertips through his hair.

"We went through some really bad times, Damon, but I never stopped loving you."

"I thank the fates every day that I was in the bank that day." He stands up, pulls her into his arms, and lowers his chin so his lips can sink into hers. They're moist and delectable as his hands land on her waist.

Elena can feel the fire of his fingertips even through the fabric of her nightgown. She kisses him back with all she has. His fingers grip her hips, pulling her impossibly closer to him.

He parts her lips with his tongue and as he slips into her mouth, her hand cups his face so she can hold him tight. Heat settles low in her belly, goosebumps pebble her flesh.

Damon's palms push into her back. They splay low so his fingertips graze the top of her bottom. His tongue flicks against hers, and suddenly, all thoughts cease till they pull apart.

"Can I take you out tomorrow evening?"

"I'd love that," she smiles, kisses him once more, and walks with him to the front door.

"I'll see you tomorrow. We can talk about me moving in."

"Just you? We can't forget Onyx."

"Thank you," he brushes the back of his hand across his forehead. "I love my cat."

"Our cat," she quips, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Damon's head drops back as a raucous laugh leaves his mouth. "I'll pick you up around 7," he yells from the car, not caring who hears then ducks inside and drives away.


The next day, Damon heads to the golf course, knowing that usually his dad spends the morning on the links. Someone must be smiling at him because his dad is just approaching the clubhouse as he steps outside to look for him.

"Damon," he walks over to his son and squeezes his arm. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you about something."

"Do you want to hit some balls?"

"Sure," Damon follows his dad over to the driving range.

"You go first," he hands Damon a four-iron. He tees the ball, lines it up, and does a quick practice swing. Then he lines up his backswing and hits the ball, sending it three hundred and thirty yards up the fairway, barely missing the green.

"Yes," he fist pumps, smirking at his dad.

Giuseppe takes the iron, gets into position, and swings. The trajectory starts low and creeps higher, hitting the ground a few feet from the hole.

Damon claps, pats his dad on the back, and walks beside him down the fairway to the green.

They play a few more rounds then walk back, taking a table in the clubhouse.

Giuseppe orders a virgin blood Mary for each and then looks into his son's eyes. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"There's no easy way to say this... so I'm just going to spit it out. I'm quitting AA, Dad."

"What? Is this Elena's doing?" Giuseppe leans back but keeps his focus on Damon when the waitress returns with their drinks.

"Come on, Dad, don't blame her. This is my decision, mine alone. I can't even describe to you the near panic I feel when I'm there."

"I don't understand, I thought it was helping you?" Giuseppe takes a swallow and then bites into the celery stick that sticking out of the glass.

"But it wasn't, Dad. I can't strip myself bare in front of them. Please understand. I feel like I want to climb the walls when I'm there. Since I made the decision, it's like a weight has been lifted. I need you on my side, what I don't need is your condemnation."

"Damon," he reaches over and squeezes his forearm. "You know I'm on your side. You're my son and I love you."

"Can you keep Katherine and Stefan off my back? If they nag and claw at me, I will have to distance myself from them."

"I don't want that, and I suspect you don't either."

"No, of course not, but this is my life to succeed or fail. I'm afraid if I keep pushing myself to go to the meetings, I'll end up failing again and I can't do that, not for myself and not for Elena. She deserves better."

"Alright Damon, I trust you. But promise me that if you start to struggle, you'll ask for help."

"Yeah Dad, of course. Thank you for understanding." Damon picks up his glass and takes a long pull from it.

When they finish, Damon pays the bill and follows his dad outside. After stowing his golf clubs in the trunk, he turns to his son. "How are things with you and Elena?"

"I'm taking her out tonight. And hopefully this weekend, Onyx and I are going to move in with her."

"You're a lucky bastard," Giuseppe quips and Damon laughs until he's buckled up in his car and heading back to his place.


"So, he just put you in the car, drove you outside of town and you two had an evening picnic?" Kol sums up after listening to Elena's chatter for the past half hour.

"Yes, and it was perfect. He warned me ahead of time to wear something comfortable and to bring a warm sweater in case we needed it, I appreciated that. Then he waited for me to change. Ever the Casanova, he didn't even forget the insect repellent," she laughs and takes a sip of coffee. "It was incredibly romantic."

"Yes, very romantic," Kol lavishes in sarcasm.

Elena gives him a nasty look and throws a cushion at him. "Be nice, or the next time I won't tell you anything."

"Oh no, please, Elena, you can't do that!" Kol makes a heartbroken face, and the corners of Elena's mouth turn up.

"You make fun of me all you want, but it felt like our first date. In the beginning, before Damon's work took over."

"Yeah," Kol concurs and his dark eyes soften, although he's unwilling to let her turn this conversation into sentimental mush.

Elena rolls her eyes but continues anyway unabated. "We… sort of agreed that he'd move in over the weekend."

Kol's eyes widen in mock surprise. "Already? Who would've guessed?"

"You're impossible!" Elena grumbles and he grins. "Wait till you meet the girl that turns your world upside down. We'll see who gets the last laugh then!" She arches an eyebrow. "You'll get paid back in spades because I'll be the one mocking you."

"Well…"

"Well, what?"

"I sort of…"

"You sort of…," she gasps. "Kol Mikaelson, are you telling me that you met someone?"

"Maybe?" he momentarily avoids her stare.

"Will you stop beating around the bush," Elena fights the urge to smack him. He's like a big kid.

"Um...?"

"Kol!" she crumples a napkin and launches it at him.

"Okay, retract the claws. I found a beautiful, kind, lovely, generous, courageous, sweet girl…. but I can't tell you any more than that."

"What?! You can't be serious. Out with it."

"No…," he shakes his head, "you'll hate me and say I've got a few screws loose."

"Why would I… Kol, you started it, now just tell me. Or my imagination will picture something really… crazy."

"She's… err... young-er?"

"How young is younger?" she eyes him pointedly.

"She's a student." He looks at her cautiously.

Elena's heart almost stops beating. What the…?!

"Kol Mikaelson, have you gone mad? You've fallen for one of our students?"

"What? No, Elena, I'm not a pervert. Jesus, do you not know me at all?"

"Well, you're the one who's acting all cagey and suspicious."

"She's a medical student. Her name's Davina. We met at an aerobics lesson, she teaches a class."

Elena closes her eyes and counts to ten. "Kol, one day I'm going to kill you. Painfully. You almost gave me a heart attack."

His heartfelt laughter lets her know that yes, he's still the same ol' Kol.


Elena woke up early and had coffee, some crackers, and a glass of orange juice. Now she has several hours to kill and nothing to do but wait till Damon's car pulls into her driveway. The mundanity of it was driving her mad so she spent the morning doing yardwork among other things.

Glancing at the clock, she decides to start on lunch, at least it'll be ready when they are hungry. As soon as Damon arrives, they'll be busy putting all of his things away.

Once again she walks through the house to check if everything's ready for Damon to move into their new albeit temporary household. It's not what he's been used to... but he isn't the same person either. They'll make it work.

If only she could shake off the nervousness about it.

Walking into the bedroom gives her pause. She can't imagine he'll choose not to share it with her, but what if he does? Is she jumping the gun making space for him? Isn't that a subtle form of pressure which is exactly what she wants to avoid? There is the spare bedroom, he could have his privacy if that's what he wants... It remains to be seen.

Taking another glance through the gap in the curtains, she scolds herself for being so impatient. When the phone rings, she stops her frantic pacing and picks it up. "Mom, hi."

"How's it going?"

"He's not here yet. But we'll be fine, I'm certain of it.

"Once you're settled, we'll have you over for supper. We need to get reacquainted with our son-in-law."

"I'd like that, thanks, mom."

"You're welcome. Call if you need anything."

"I will, say hello to Dad for me." Elena hangs up the phone. Tossing it aside, she goes back into the kitchen and misses the arrival she's been so impatiently anticipating. The tongs she's been using to toss the salad fall from her hand when the doorbell rings.

She has no idea how she made it to the door so fast. Elena takes a few shaky breaths and opens it.

"Welcome home..."


Several moments pass before Damon's able to articulate anything. The image of his gorgeous wife standing in the door frame, welcoming him home is too much to start a reasonable conversation. He only hopes this isn't one of his many elusive dreams, the ones that kept him sane in his quiet room.

"Elena...," he finally breaks the spell he's been under. His voice sounds hoarse, he clears his throat and hands her Onyx, who looks rather annoyed. Elena kisses the kitten's head while giving him the most shining smile.

"Come on in," she steps aside. "You think it's safe to let her run?"

"Wait a second, I'll grab her bed so she knows her home is here."

Hurrying to the car he grabs several more bags and the pet bed. By the time he gets back inside, Onyx already owns it. No thoughts about running, the cat's carefully sniffing around, Elena watching her with a small smile on her lips. Damon drops the pet bed in the corner of the living room. Onyx gives him an appreciative look but goes straight for Elena's lap, eyeing him challengingly. Elena grins and Damon laughs wholeheartedly.

"Seems she already decided where home is."

So did he.

They spend most of the day re-arranging Elena's house, turning it into theirs. Unbeknownst to him, Damon's thoughts mirror Elena's from this morning. When he brings his last bag, the one with his things and clothes, he pauses, wondering where to put them. Elena isn't there to ask, she's in the kitchen making them a light snack.

Would it be presumptuous to invite himself into her bedroom? The fact that they're married is irrelevant.

He drops the bag next to the door and steps inside. Instantly, he knows he's welcome there. It's the largest room in the house, tones darker, and warmer, there's nothing modern or plain about it. There's a vanity with bottles of perfume on one side and candles on the other. There's also a TV mounted on the wall, he knows how much she likes watching old black and white ones. A comfortable-looking chaise lounge is next to the window with fluffy pillows to add to the ambiance.

The dressers are situated in the large walk-in closet. He immediately recognizes the cherry wood, king-sized sleigh bed. It's the one they slept in when they lived together before... A flood of emotions washes through Damon as he reverently brushes his fingers along the navy gingham checked comforter. It's thick and irresistibly soft, like a billowing cloud.

He catches a glimpse of a photo sitting on top of the bedside stand. His breath catches in his chest when he sees what it is. Picking up the ornate frame, he runs his finger over her face, glowing with a smile as bright as the sun. It's one of their wedding photos. A wave of warmth washes over him. He's a lucky bastard.

Setting it down, he walks into the closet and sees the open drawers pulled. Elena has made space for him. He feels both incredible and grateful that she still finds him worthy of the effort.

He quickly empties his bag and runs back down to find her.

She's putting the plates on the table and he can't help but steals a proper kiss. Onyx is cleaning out her small bowl, she feels as much at home as he does.

"I put my things into the bedroom," he says casually.

"You went in there?" she breathes out, glowing as pink colors her cheeks.

"Yes, it feels like home. I hope... you don't mind... sharing it?"

"Of course not, it was always my hope that you would find your way back... It's been always yours too... But only if that's what you want, I didn't want to presume..."

She still isn't looking in his eyes but she's so cute, he's tempted to kiss her senselessly and make love to her right here on the kitchen table. "Of all things for you to be unsure about... that I won't find you desirable?"

The pink turns a darker shade and he reaches for her hands to bring her to her feet. "Come..."


Together they walk hand in hand to Elena's bedroom. What's about to happen between them is so much more than the physical part, it's about a love that's endured so much adversity and still burns deep and strong.

Even though it's been years, there is no rush. Damon sits down on the bed and pulls Elena forward to stand between his legs. He makes no move to undress her, instead, he simply looks up at her. Time slows till he brings one of her hands to his mouth and kisses each one of her fingertips.

Seeing a smile grow on his handsome face, she bends forward tracing the curve of his lips before placing wispy kisses on the corner of each eye and the tip of his nose. She feels his hand curl around the back of her neck and draws her just close enough to brush his lips against hers. Immediately little shimmers of pleasure shoot through her. Damon must have felt them too because he deepens the kiss, drinking her in.

Elena kisses back, wanting him to feel how much she loves him and that without him, she'll never be complete. Damon pulls her down to straddle his lap and one hand reaches up to brush her hair away from her face. His eyes lock on hers. "I love you and it's the most real thing I've ever experienced."

Elena wraps her arms around him tightly and buries her face in his neck, knowing that he can feel the hot slide of her tears against his skin.

Damon strokes his knuckles gently up and down her back, content just to hold her. It soon shifts to hunger and his fingers find the zipper. Lowering it, he wastes no time peeling the fabric from her body.

Elena's nipples harden in the cool air and she shivers. It quickly turns into a steady tremble when Damon's mouth latches onto one of them. Elena feels every tug reverberate through her body. She digs her fingers into his hair and arches even deeper into his mouth. Damon groans against her skin as she squirms in his lap. She is so responsive to his every touch that he can feel the burn that matches his own. It's intoxicating but it isn't enough.

Falling back and then rolling over, Damon pins Elena beneath him. He takes a few seconds to savor how breathtakingly beautiful she looks with her kiss-swollen lips, flushed cheeks, and the silken cloud of hair fanning out around her.

Elena smiles up at him and then she leans up on her elbows so that she can capture his lips and drag him into the maelstrom of desire that is calling out to both of them. Clothes melt away and they linger for long moments, savoring how good skin against skin feels again after so long. They explore each other thoroughly; there isn't a curve or hollow that goes untouched. The spark between them grows steadily, burning hotter and higher with every whispered groan and strangled plea for more.

"Damon, please," Elena gasps.

Damon knows exactly what she wants but he's determined to take his time. He guides his tip to her entrance and presses in. Elena cries out as she's overcome with pleasure. She lifts her hips, trying to draw him further into her body but Damon withdraws.

Elena bites her lip in frustration and Damon smiles. He pushes forward again and by the time he's buried to the hilt, Elena is completely wild underneath him. Isn't this what he'd imagined all those nights in his quiet room? No, reality greatly exceeds his dreams. Locking their fingers together, Damon sets a sinfully controlled pace; each stroke is swift and deep. Over and over he fills her body, her heart, and her mind; there isn't a single part of her that's separate from him.

Their climax swells higher and higher until it comes crashing down around them in a brilliant shower of fire and light.

Drained but replete, they remain in each other's arms.

"Do you remember the first time?" Elena murmurs, nuzzling her face against his chest.

"Yeah, I remember," Damon replies, pressing a kiss to her hair. "As good as you thought?"

"No," Elena looks up to meet his eyes. "Better."


"I laid him out, split his lip and he had the nerve to tell me that I fight like a girl," Enzo laughs, picking up another piece of pizza. They're celebrating the eighth anniversary of his sobriety. He closed the gym and with Bonnie's help put a couple of card tables together even going so far as to throw a checkered tablecloth over them.

Bonnie added candles to enhance the atmosphere. Together they set out a spread of pizza, breadsticks, and marinara sauce for dipping, along with a variety of sparkling fruit juices and cupcakes for dessert. They've practically been inseparable since meeting the night of Damon's crisis.

"That was confidential information, now I have to silence you all," Damon waggles his eyebrows playfully, his gaze shifting from Enzo to Elena. He wraps an arm around her neck and pulls her close enough to press a kiss to her temple.

"You're going to have to teach me that trick, Enzo. There are times I'd like to lay him out myself," Elena laughs, winking at her husband.

"Don't even think about..." he starts when a loud howl demands their attention. Davina's straddling Kol, he's lying prone on the mat with his arm twisted behind his back.

Turning her head to her audience, she gives them a shining smile and drops her eyes back to Kol. "Say it," she demands, unable to keep the mirth out of her voice.

"Come on, Davina, this is embarrassing," his face reddens more with each syllable that leaves his mouth.

Standing up, Elena walks over to the mat, winks at Davina then kneels so she can get close to Kol's face and zings him. "She's perfect for you."

"Come on, Elena, you're supposed to be my friend, help me."

"I am your friend, but far be it from me to come between two lovebirds," she ruffles his hair.

"Payback's a bitch," he mumbles.

"Okay, okay," Davina stands and helps him to his feet. "My dad taught Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I had my black belt at 18," she gloats, earning an eye roll from her boyfriend.

"You're lucky you're so cute," he teases and together the three of them go back to the table to rejoin the group.

Damon pulls Elena onto his lap and kisses the back of her head before turning to Davina. "I have to hand it to you, I think you've tamed him," he meets Kol's stare. "I remember when he dated those twins for six whole months, that was a record for him."

"Which part, the six months or the two at once?" she plays along, links her arm with his, and leans against it.

"Both. I think. I can't remember. He might have done the twin thing before," Damon gives Elena a little nudge and they both stand up.

"That wasn't me, that was Finn!" Kol sputters, his mouth hanging open.

"Gotcha," Elena laughs and slides her arms into her sweater.

"Karma's one mean son of a bitch, remember that..."

"You're all bluster," Elena quips, linking her hand with Damon's before they say goodnight and take their leave. When they reach the car, Elena wraps her arms around his waist and pulls him tightly to her. "You know you make me deliriously happy, don't you?" she asks as he presses a kiss to the crown of her head.

Deliriously happy.

And of course, he knows it. Damon's never been happier in his life.

"Right back at you, my love," Damon sighs and kisses her lips. "Let's go home so I can show you just how happy we can get."

Elena's breathy laughter echoes in the night air...


Today is my birthday!

Many massive thanks to all of you. You're amazing.

Chapter title: I'm Alright by Kenny Loggins from the Caddyshack soundtrack.

Have a wonderful day and we'll see you soon with chapter 25.