I do not own Twilight or the Vampire Diaries.

Bella stirred awake while Damon peppered kisses along her neck and shoulder. She was tired, but yet blissfully content. She smiled, her eyes still closed as she snuggled closer to him. She could feel his smirk against her ear and when she took a breath she became enveloped in his scent. It was a heady mixture of musk and leather with a minute trace of Bourbon.

He nipped her ear, causing her to giggle in response. There was a moment's pause before he whispered, ever so softly into her ear, "I love you, Belle."

Her eyes flew open in shock. She froze for a brief second, comprehending what he'd just said, then rolled over to face him. Once she did, she saw the seriousness in his face. His beautiful blue eyes were filled with nothing but the love he had just professed.

"You love me?" she asked in a low voice, not quite believing the words.

The very thought of Damon Salvatore loving her was unfathomable in her mind. She simply stared at him as she brought her hand to his face. Her heart fluttered wildly and she could tell by the amusement that flickered in his eyes that he had heard it.

He chewed on his lip, bringing his own hand to her cheek, "I don't expect you to say it-"

She cut him off by covering his mouth with her fingertips, "I love you…" she spoke in a reverent tone, "I have always loved you."

Her eyes then misted over, "I never thought you'd love me…" she then looked downward, nervously averting his gaze, "You were so in love with Katherine when you came to Mystic Falls, and after you discovered she wasn't in the tomb, you fell for Elena…"

She timidly licked her lip as she inhaled a breath. She had just spoken words that she had carried in her heart for such a long time. It was freeing to finally confess her love to him; to openly say it out loud. She felt that she should voice the reasons why she kept her feelings hidden.

"I never said anything because all I wanted was for you to be happy, and if Elena was what you wanted…." she trailed off, meeting his eyes.

"Then, there was our friendship. I would never want to lose you as a friend. You are the most important person in my life. You always have been… and I-I just don't know what I'd do without you, Damon."

She let out a breath as if the heavy burden of those words were finally free. The words may have felt liberating, but a part of her felt raw and exposed; Bella felt as she had just handed him her heart, her soul, her very existence. She smiled wistfully and with a passionate, heartfelt whisper, she repeated her earlier words. "I love you."

He brushed her cheek tenderly with his thumb, eyeing her solemnly. With the faintest hint of a smile he uttered, "I know."

She widened her eyes, stunned. She had cleared her throat to speak, but he quickly brought his index finger to her lips.

"Shhh…" he ordered, soothingly. His smile then turned into a smirk as he gazed at her.

"How?" she blurted out.

The smirk faded as he licked his lips and swallowed thickly, "You were sleep talking in the car on the way back from Arizona."

Bella's brow furrowed with worry while she muttered under her breath, "Oh, my God! What did I say?"

Damon's smirk returned as he wrapped an arm around Bella's waist, tugging her closer. The smirk never left his face as he looked down at her.

She just stared at him, wondering exactly what it was she had said. How was it that he knew? She had kept her feelings for him so very well hidden. Or so, she thought. After a minute or so of silence, she sent him a glare; silently demanding he tell her.

His smirk then grew into a smile, "You said, Damon, I love you." He then traced her lips while she blinked. She slowly blew out a breath while her heartbeat accelerated.

"You knew?" she asked in a mildly accusatory tone. She remained quiet as her face reddened out of embarrassment. A few minutes passed before she asked him, "Why didn't you say anything?!"

She gently moved his hand away from her face, rolled over onto her back, then closed her eyes as she sighed.

Damon swiftly moved, and situated them both so that he hovered over her, "I didn't say anything because… one, I wasn't sure where this thing between us was going to go. Two, I wasn't sure what it was I felt for you and three, I knew you'd tell me sooner or later."

She opened her eyes and glared at him. "Did you, now?" she asked sardonically.

He scoffed lightly at the question before replying, "Yes! I knew you would've…eventually." His expression then turned somber, "Would you actually believe me if I told you that it was you that I've been in love with all this time? That I was too stupid not to see it? Do you not remember what I said at the taco stand? I won't lie… I did care for Elena deeply."

Bella stiffened at the words, but remained quiet. She avoided his gaze and closed her eyes while he let out a sigh.

"Belle." he called to her softly.

When she didn't respond, he firmly took her chin in his hand and made her face him.

"Look at me." he demanded.

She slowly opened her eyes as he continued, "I had no idea what love was. At least, not until I kissed you in the studio. The feeling I felt in that moment paled in comparison to what I ever felt for Katherine, and you know damn well how I felt about her before we found out just what a bitch she actually is! Like I said at the taco stand, Elena was a misguided attempt to recapture what I had with her. But what I feel for you… is beyond any of that. Any of it! I love you."

Bella felt a lump forming in her throat as her eyes moistened with tears. She couldn't speak, she couldn't breathe. All she could do was simply stare at him. He loves me kept playing in her head. Her feelings then blossomed in her chest while she thought that if this were a dream, she never wanted it to end. Damon's love was something she had wished for… even dreamt of and there it was. Yet, it was so very surreal to her. Part of her was scared that it wasn't real and part of her was overjoyed. Her emotions got the best of her as a tear fell down her cheek.

He wiped her tear away with his thumb and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Then quietly asked, "What's with the waterworks?" He continued to stroke her cheek as she sighed happily.

She shook her head, "I just never thought you and I-"

He cut her an admonishing glare and brought his finger to her mouth. "Don't! Don't question it. Don't over think it…go with it, enjoy the ride." He smirked as his eyes roved over her face.

She blushed deeply and laughed, "Interesting choice of words there, Damon."

He pursed his lips and tilted his head, "I thought so…you seemed to enjoy the ride last night." His face wore a smug expression as he peered down at her.

She rolled her eyes and blushed, smiling shyly. All the while, she bit on her bottom lip to keep from giggling. His innuendos, his sarcasm and his sense of humor had been one of the things that drew her to him. Sure, his timing wasn't always appropriate, but she supposed, that too, is why she enjoyed those aspects of his personality. Her own humor was just as biting as his sometimes, but unlike Damon, she had a filter. Most of the time, anyway.

Bella looked at his conceited smirk as he lay on top of her. She could pretend to be affronted and call him an ass, which he was probably expecting. However, she knew why he made such remarks. She knew that he used the sarcasm and innuendo to avoid whatever he was feeling, whether it was fear, sorrow, or even love. For someone that felt things as passionately as he did, he was never one that liked to deal with his feelings… much less talk about them. She caressed his face, truly realizing just how hard it must have been for him to say those three little words. More importantly, she knew that he meant them. Damon was never one to be completely open with anyone, and here he was, laying it all out for her. Bare… not just physically, but emotionally as well. It was then she spoke.

"Last night was the best night of my life." she revealed in a breathy whisper.

She smiled wryly then and added sarcastically, "So yes, I did enjoy the ride – as you so crudely put it."

He chuckled as he gently bopped her nose with his index finger. "Of course you did! You were with me."

"And I bet I rocked your world…" she replied provocatively.

He tilted his head as a flicker of amusement washed over his face, "That you did…"

His voice was lower, and it made her shiver just ever so slightly. He settled himself between her legs and she could feel him brushing against her center. She closed her eyes at the sensation while the memories of the night before flashed through her mind. The way he caressed her, the way he kissed her and how he moved inside her. She remembered the coppery sweet blood on her tongue as he kissed her, giving himself to her. She squirmed just a bit before opening her eyes. She glanced up at him and there, in his eyes, she saw everything she was feeling – the desire, the love, and the need. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.

"Show me," she blurted in a soft voice, "Show me how much you love me."

His response had been uncharacteristically tender as he lightly brushed his lips against hers.

She ran her fingers through his hair as she pressed her lips against his. She moaned lightly as she felt the tip of his tongue against her bottom lip. Their tongues met, not in the fire of passion, but a slow dance. She found her hand trailing down his back and over his ass, exploring wherever she could reach.

Damon broke the kiss as his eyes flickered over her face, "Give it a squeeze, you know you can't resist…"

She smiled and was about to protest when he slipped inside her and every thought she had about disappeared. She had gasped at the sensation before he grabbed her hand and intertwined it with his own. He moved slowly and surely within her.

While she had felt that the night before was one of the best of her life, and that they had given themselves to each other, nothing could prepare her for this. The light of the morning seemed to bless them and with the sheets pulled back, she could see them together in the hotel's mirror. For once in her life, she felt beautiful and thought the sight of the two of them together was beyond glorious.

Fires that she didn't know existed ignited within her and she suddenly found herself meeting his mouth, kissing him, exploring and claiming him as hers. She brought her legs up around his waist and pulled him deeper inside her. The little things she didn't pick up on the night before, such as the way he throbbed in her when he stilled his movements, or the way he'd close his eyes when she moved a certain way were no longer lost on her. He was reveling in this as much as she was and it warmed her, awakening a passion that had long been dormant.

They had made love for most of the morning and part of the afternoon…in the bed, in the shower, on the floor; even the bathroom counter was spared no mercy. Bella was positively glowing as they walked out to the Camaro, and even though Damon tried not to, his own lips had broken into a smile as he opened the door for her.

They had just entered Mystic Falls and her glow had not faded. Damon smiled smugly, "Well I think it's safe to know that everyone will know you cashed in your V-card."

"Wh-what?" she stammered.

He chuckled, "Oh Belle, you have a look that clearly says you got some."

She blushed beet red and turned her head to face him, "Seriously?!"

The smile never left his face as he teasingly replied, "Yep! Who would have ever thought that someone so sweet and innocent like you could make the dead rise?" He bit his lip, cocking his head as if in thought while he added, "I had no idea you could be such a wildcat in bed. Maybe I should have tried getting in your pants sooner…"

She huffed while she shifted in her seat, "I probably would have turned you down!" She then smiled haughtily, "and you can't compel me…"

He smirked, "Not while you have the pretty little charm on ya, I can't." He wiggled his eyebrows and turned back towards the road, "Didn't you say back at the hotel that you've always loved me?"

She peered at him out of the corner of her eye, "That doesn't mean I would have slept with you!"

"Hmm…"

"You are such an ass!"

"You love my ass…"

"You're lucky I love you at all!" she grinned as she said it and turned again to look at him. He was smiling and his eyes held a happiness that she had never seen in them before.

Damon glanced over to her, grabbed her hand and kissed it, "That I am."

"Isn't this the part where you tell me you love me, too?"

"I think you prefer I show you, if I remember correctly." He peered at her through his lashes lasciviously as he smirked.

She was about to issue some scathing retort when she realized the car stopped and they were finally at the Boarding House. He quickly blurred out of the car and opened the door for her.

She smiled and batted her eyelashes in a sardonic fashion, "Look at you being all gentlemanly, and here I thought chivalry was dead."

He took her hand and tugged her to him, "In this case it is…literally. Now, let's head inside so you can tell everyone how you've developed a case of necrophilia."

"You are so disgusting!" she said mockingly, her nose scrunched up.

"That's not what you said this morning! Nor this afternoon, for that matter! In fact, I think you called me God a few times…"

She scoffed and curtly turned away from him, then made her way to the house.

He chuckled, quickly caught up to her and pulled her into her arms, planting a passionate kiss on her mouth. She responded with just as much passion and wound her fingers in his hair.

When the kiss was over, she found herself in a stupor, staring blithely at him. He grinned boastfully as he took her hand in his, leading her to the house.

She was still in a blissful state as they walked through the foyer and into the parlor. It was there they both stopped short, meeting the somber faces of both Elena and Stefan. They stood side by side as they eyed the new couple with apprehensive expressions.

Stefan offered a small smile and a quiet hello while Elena stood completely still, her gaze locked on Damon and Bella's interlaced fingers. She drew in a deep breath and slowly took a few steps back.

Bella didn't miss the jealously in the girl's eyes when she finally glanced up at her.

"You're with Damon?" Elena questioned, her voice was full of shock, but there was also a touch of anger and reprimand in her tone.

"Bella…" she spoke quietly, after she quickly gathered her composure and took a step forward. "When did this happen?"

Bella sighed, then met the other girl's eyes, "A week ago… when Damon came to Phoenix. Stefan didn't say anything?"

She looked over to the younger Salvatore, who simply shook his head in response.

Elena continued to look between Damon and Bella while a mixture of emotions flashed across her face.

"Y-you went to see Bella after I called you," she assumed, with a certain edge to her voice.

Damon bristled at her attitude and cleared his throat, "The what, who, why and where is no longer any of your business, Elena. You made your choice… you live with it."

Elena brushed his remark aside and decided that there were more important things to deal with than the vampire's sure-to-be passing fancy in Bella. With that thought in mind, she then directed her gaze upon the girl she considered one of her best friends. "The night Damon left, we were searching for Klaus. He is head of the blood line and he had just disappeared. Ric is a powerful vampire now, and he's been spelled to hunt Klaus and kill him. If Klaus dies, then everyone in his bloodline does, too. We need to figure out what we're going to do about it…"

Bella turned to Damon, "I thought you said Stefan had it all under control…"

"Well, if someone had decided to stay in town, instead of running off… then things might have been in our favor. But no, Mr. Selfish thought it best to run off because he didn't get what he wanted!"

He rolled his eyes, "Elena, I went to see my best friend! You made it perfectly clear you didn't need me, so I left! I met up with Bella and well, we got rather busy fighting with Cold Ones, getting out of Forks… falling in love. You know, the usual."

His eyes bore down on her and he gestured to her and then around the room, "My world does not revolve around you and Mystic Falls. Its time you start cleaning up your own messes. I'm done!"

They all heard a small gasp come from the girl and turned to look at her.

"Falling in love?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"Yes, Elena! She loves me and I love her. Sorry you didn't get the memo!" he barked at her as he let go of Bella's hand, and made his way over to the liquor cart. He was pouring a drink when she spoke.

"So let me get this straight, Damon. I chose Stefan and you retaliate by going after one of my best friends? Is this another one of your games?"

Her voice was accusing and the glass he was holding in his hand cracked as he let out a low growl. The glass shattered and rained onto the floor, then he stomped over to her.

"Did you not hear me earlier?!" he snarled. "Let me repeat it for you, I love her. I have always loved her… I was just too fucking stupid to see it!"

Stefan stood with his arms crossed, watching their exchange. Not wanting a fight to break out, he earnestly interjected, "He's telling the truth."

Both girls snapped their heads in his direction while Damon stood rigid, not saying a word.

"How can you be so sure, Stefan? It wasn't too long ago he said that he loved me."

Bella's heart seemed to plummet into her stomach at the revelation and her face paled.

"What?!" she uttered, in shock.

Elena glanced at her sympathetically, "It was at the Mikaelson ball…"

Damon tossed Elena a dirty look and scoffed. "And guess what? It meant nothing! I had fooled myself into thinking I loved you, when the truth of the matter is…I don't think I ever did."

"Yet, you can stand there and say you love her?!" she shot back.

He walked over to Bella and stood next to her. "Yes," he said with a blunt honesty, "because I now know what real love actually is."

"He has always loved her, Elena." Stefan brazenly said in defense of his brother. "You may have never realized it and Damon may have never admitted it…"

He stepped closer to his girlfriend and glanced over at the other couple briefly before returning his gaze back on her, "But, I always knew he loved her. You don't know Damon as I do and I don't think you truly ever will. Have you not even noticed the way he looks at her or how he gravitates towards her whenever she's around? Have you never noticed how much time he would spend at the Swan house when she visited? Did you ever put thought into who his first concern was whenever she was in town?"

She opened her mouth to speak but Stefan held his hand up, gesturing for her not to. "The answer to those questions are the same."

He turned and looked upon the pale brunette next to his brother and regarded her with a soft smile. He nodded his head and turned to face Elena once more. "It's Bella. You need to stop questioning it and accept it. What they have is between them and it's not our place to interfere. That is unless…"

He then faced his brother with a steely look, "he hurts her. Then that's another story all together…"

Damon returned his gaze, his lips pursed and his eyes like ice. "I wouldn't expect anything less, brother."

Meanwhile, Bella had remained quiet. Her mind was stuck on the fact that he had actually professed his love to Elena not too long ago and it made her insecurities flare up. It was just that very morning he had declared his love for her. She knew he meant it because unlike Edward, love wasn't a word he tossed around without meaning it. Damon didn't play games when it came to matters of his heart. The fact that he didn't tell her about it weighed heavy on her mind, though. The significance of those three little words were paramount. Why didn't he tell her?

Then there was the information about Ric. Damon had told her Stefan and the rest of the gang probably had it all under control. She had been saddened to hear of the spell being cast on the former history teacher, turning him into an Original vampire. She admired him greatly for not completing the transition to save others. After all the tribulations he went through because of a magical ring, he knew becoming a vampire would not bode well.

However, the Original witch had been determined to reach her goal of ending the vampire species she had created and used magic to ensure Ric completed the transition. Because of that, he was out there somewhere with a vengeance to kill Klaus, and perhaps any other vampire that got in his way…

It was a precarious situation for them all. All vampire bloodlines were tied to Klaus and if he died, so many that she loved could be lost if Ric was successful with his hunt. Stefan, Caroline, and Damon – the thought of losing any of them made her blood run cold, but the thought of losing Damon was unfathomable. Her heart clenched tightly and her head begun to spin from the thoughts that were swimming in her head. She couldn't take it anymore. She whispered an "excuse me" and walked out of the room.

"Nice going, Elena!" she heard Damon bellow out as he followed her into the kitchen.

She turned on the faucet and splashed her face with cold water, then dabbed it dry with a cloth. She took a few calming breaths before turning around and meeting Damon's gaze.

He eyed her apprehensively, waiting to see what she would say. He knew what Elena had said played on her insecurities and the accusation that he was using Belle as some sort of retribution pissed him off. He was actually seething, but he refused to take it out on the girl in front of him.

In the past, he would have already lashed out and that was the exact opposite of what he wanted to do. He didn't want to ruin what had begun between the two of them. However, he did plan to have a few choice words with the little doppelganger later. Belle didn't need to know about that.

He watched as she chewed on that bottom lip of hers and how her eyes darted around. It was a clear sign she was over-thinking things, as usual. He sighed, trying his best to be patient. He took a step forward to her and her eyes met his once more.

"Belle…" he said as he reached out, taking her hand.

She didn't yank it back and he perceived it as good sign that she'd be willing to hear him out. With his other hand, he tucked some stray hairs behind her ear. She stepped closer to him, slowly blowing out a breath.

"You told her…that you loved her." she stated nervously.

He nodded, "Yes, and you know it wasn't the first time. Belle, she knew it and all she's done is use it against me…"

He was cut off as Bella spoke over him, "You don't have to explain it, Damon. It just threw me for a loop…. I know you, and I know you love me. You would have never told me so if you didn't. You're one of those guys that always means what he says. I remember what you said at the taco stand…that she was a misplaced notion. Which means, at the time you told her you loved her, you believed those words to be true. But that doesn't mean they are now. I know that, you know that and even Stefan seems to know that. I-I just worry that Elena won't accept us as a couple. She is so used to you being her savior and depending on you in many ways that she couldn't with Stefan. I don't think she's going to be willing to let go of that so easily."

Damon scoffed, "She better get used to the idea that I am not her savior…not anymore. I am yours and yours alone." He bit his lower lip in thought, "I was actually getting tired of the whole do-si-do between the three of us and her using my feelings against me. That was part of the reason we made her choose and looking back on it, it was the best thing we could have done. I don't think I would have been happy with her, if she chose me – not really. This past week with you has been the best I've ever had."

He then sighed heavily, "I never once believed in fate or any of that other bullshit. You know that. But, I do think that it was pushing me towards you and I walked in denial about it for so long. Typical Damon, huh?"

"More like you being stubborn…" she said with a smile.

"But I know one thing for sure," he gestured between the two of them, "this is meant to be."

He pulled the lapis lazuli charm out of his pocket, "I was saving this for another time…" He then held it up for her to see and her eyes widened in surprise.

"You bought it?"

He shook his head no.

"Let me guess – you compelled the shopkeeper to give it to you." she joked.

He rolled his eyes, "If you would just shut up for a second, I can tell you what the shopkeeper told me!"

She arched an eyebrow and smirked, "Do continue…"

"And you tell me I'm an ass!"

She smiled, "Well, you are! So…the shopkeeper?" she hinted.

"Maybe I shouldn't tell you…" His lips twitched teasingly as his eyes glittered with amusement.

She huffed and sent him a playful glare, "Its not too soon to put you in the dog house, you know."

He laughed, "Hey! I charmed my way into your pants…I can easily charm my way out of the dog house."

"You think so, huh?"

"I know so!"

She smiled, "And…"

He wrapped his arms around her waist, "Giles, the shopkeeper gave it to me."

She narrowed her eyes, not quite believing it. "Why?" she questioned.

"Hmm…he told me that it was meant for the one I am to spend an eternity with, that it would protect you from the sun. It had to be the weirdest conversation I've ever had."

He took a step back and placed it in her palm. "When I walked out of the shop, I tried to brush off that destiny and fate bull crap. You know I've always believed that we make our own fate… then I saw you in the diner's window and I realized that every step I ever took, every choice I ever made…led me to you."

He cupped her face within his hands and rested his forehead against hers. "I wasn't sure of my feelings right then, but I knew I wanted you in my world for eternity. I was just so unsure of things at the time… but for once, I believed in fate. For the first time in over a century and a half, I believed that I had a destiny and that destiny is you…for however long you'll have me."

She brought her hand up and ran her fingers through his hair, "I'll have you as long as you want me. I'm not going anywhere, Damon."

She tilted her head to the side, "What prompted you to show me the charm now?"

His expression was solemn as he replied, "Because I know Elena. She's not going to back down and she will do everything in her power to persuade you that I am not good enough for you and that I'd never love you. I wanted to give you reason to have faith in this – in us."

"I don't need the charm for that!" she said softly. "I'll always have faith in you…in us. Nothing will change that. I promise."

He smiled at her wanly as she glanced towards the doorway, "Before we head back in there…do you want to tell me what we're gonna do about Ric?"

He blew out a breath and thought on it for a second or two, "I'm not really sure what we can do, to be honest. I guess the first thing to do is to find out what exactly has been going on since I've been gone."

"Bella!"

They both turned their head to the perky voice and Damon groaned while his girl broke out into a wide grin.

"Carrie!" she squealed and rushed over to the blonde vampire. "I've missed you!"

Caroline's eyes went back and forth between the two of them before they finally settled on Bella. "It's true?" she asked. "You and Damon?"

Bella quickly held up a finger, "Don't start! I've had enough from Elena! I don't need to hear it from you, too. I know he's an ass and I know he's not perfect, but I love him. Would it be too much to ask to have some support?"

Caroline smiled, "No, its not. I always thought you felt something for him and you two have always been close. It's not surprising that you two hooked up. The timing of it might be, though…"

Bella nodded, "I can understand that. Neither of us expected this to happen and it's still new to us. I can't imagine what it will be like for you guys…Elena thinks he's using me."

"I thought that, too… when she called me just now, but seeing how those pretty baby blues are staring at you, I don't have any doubts." Her eyes then trailed over to Damon while Bella stifled a giggle. He was indeed staring and seemed to be lost in his own little world.

"He's mentally undressing you…" she uttered jokingly.

The petite brunette shook her head and blushed. She glanced over to her boyfriend and saw a smirk creeping into his features and a mischievous glint glimmered in his eye.

"Ah, Blondie…"

He then clicked his tongue and walked over to them, snaking a hand around Bella's waist. "I've already seen the goods, I have you know…"

"Don't you dare finish that thought, Damon Salvatore!" and he was quickly jabbed in the ribs.

Caroline laughed at the interaction between the couple and then grabbed Bella's hand. "Come on! Everyone is waiting to see you!"

When Damon's grasp tightened around Bella's waist, she couldn't move, causing the other vampire to shoot him a glare.

He gave her one of his own and simply said, "Give us a second, would ya?"

She nodded and walked out the room.

He then looked at the young woman he loved and gently stroked her cheek, "Remember – I love you."

"I love you." Bella mumered and gave him a quick kiss before she jaunted off to the parlor.

When she got there, she saw that everyone was indeed there. She took in the looks of Bonnie, Jeremy, Tyler, Caroline, Matt and Stefan. She also took notice of the remorseful expression on Elena's face.

She was about to approach her when she was quickly snatched up into a bear hug and spun around. She squealed and laughed when she realized that it was Jeremy.

"Oh, put her down!" Damon admonished in a somewhat whiny tone.

The young man cut him a look, "She's like my sister, dude! Just because you're with her doesn't mean you own her!"

"Nope, it doesn't. But – watch the tone with me, Little Gilbert! We both know I will kick your ass!" He arched his eyebrows pointedly and eyed the teenager before heading over to the liquor cart.

Bonnie was next to embrace her and she smiled, "The Four Musketeers…together again!"

Caroline squealed and made her way over, enclosing them both in a group hug. "Get over here 'Lena!" she squealed out.

The doppelganger looked warily at Bella, who nodded for to join them and the four girls stood in the center of the room embracing each other.

Damon took a swig from his glass and muttered, "That's enough of the 'one for all, all for one' bullshit."

There were snickers throughout the room afterwards and the girls reluctantly pulled apart. Bonnie sat with Jeremy on one of the couches, while Stefan and Elena sat on the opposite couch. Caroline and Tyler seated themselves at the other end, just as Matt got comfortable on the floor.

Damon led Bella to the couch where Bonnie and Jeremy sat and they each took a seat. Bella noted that Stefan had started a fire and enjoyed the warmth it offered. It was a cozy setting and Bella found a spark of happiness as she looked at her friends. She finally felt she was home. She recalled the old saying, 'home is where the heart is' and her heart had always been in Mystic Falls.

She smiled contently as she snuggled closer to Damon, basking in his scent. She had never been happier than she was at that moment. She knew trouble was ahead with Ric, Klaus, and whatever else may come along, but she knew that nothing could ever weaken the sense of contentment she felt.

She didn't miss the questionable looks on the faces of her friends. It was understandable. After all, she and Damon had been nothing more than friends and there was the collective thought among the group that he was deeply in love with Elena. She knew everything felt out of place and sudden to them. Hell…it felt sudden to her. The only difference between her friends' opinions and her own was that they probably thought Damon was all wrong for her; when she knew for a fact that he was the best thing for her.

Thanks for reading! Please leave a review and let me know what you think!