A/N: Hello guys! Is anybody still looking for this story? Well even if you don't I can't blame anyone, I kinda went MIA. In my defense I was not well, and then I just lost confidence in my skills, I had the plot but somehow I just couldn't bring myself to write it down. Thank God I got the will back, sat with my computer and blurted it all out. Well I just found the words I guess! *Giggles*

Now this is the final part of the story, I have been reading DE fics day and night and I haven't come across stories that portrayed Damon & Elena as kids. That's how I started with the plot and I'm thankful to each and every single person who took the time to read my story, has cared to follow and also added this to their favorite story list. And of course thanks a ton to those who made the extra effort to post a review for the chapter. I appreciate it more than I can tell!

Special mention to my darling sis Amazing Aisha for her relentless support and motivation, and also to Scarlett2112 who did a shout out for me in her story. Truely I'm grateful. ^_^

Now coming to the story, since I've taken like forever to post this chapter I've decided to give an extra treat for you guys. There will be a sneak peek to the present time. (Short one I might add) Well I'm going against what I said in the first chapter. Not gonna reveal it, be patient and read the story now!

PART-3

Our Little World~

Their blissful bubble was popped by a sudden mewl, Damon ignored the sound as his mind was enveloped by the squealing girl in front. As the sound grew frequent he couldn't help but divert his attention. "Did you hear the sound?" he asked while turning his head searching for the source.
"What sound?" Elena replied startled.
"That one…" he took a few steps towards the bush, "I think it's coming from the…" he detected movement between the foliage, as soon as the source caught his eyes he raced towards the tree trunk.
"Where are you going? Damon, wait up…" she too followed his hurried footsteps and was met with source of the trouble maker. "Oh my god! How in the world…"
Damon cut her off with a pointed look, "Don't, it's already terrified, your howling is going to make it worse."
Elena crossed her arms shooting him an annoyed glare, "Well then genius, what do you suggest, how are we going to get the kitten down from that branch?"
"I can climb up and…"
"I don't think it's a good idea, the base is covered with moss you might just slip. Besides it's not that high, if you bend down I can…"
"I won't slip, I've been coming here since I…"

"But Damon" brushing off her protests he decided to start the ascent, carefully placing his right foot on a sturdy gnarl while gripping the nearby branch with his hand. One more step and he would be able to reach the creature in distress, with a smug on his face he tried to leap in order to grab another branch, but it was too fragile to withstand the impact. Before he could comprehend the twig broke from the trunk, causing his foot to land on the fungus covered trunk and led him straight to ground. Elena rushed to the fallen boy, kneeling down in front of him.
Exasperated she asked, "Damon! Are you alright?" Her eyes frantically scanned his features immediately finding the small gash above his brow, "You're hurt." She blurted out.
Damon's hand instinctively shot up to his forehead only to be swatted away by her little fingers. "You are going to get that wound infected."
He huffed in response feigning anger, "It's nothing, I'm fine." Elena glared at him but didn't utter a word, her eyes still focused on the mewling kitten that looked drained and worn out by fear.
"Now can we do this my way?" she asked in a serious tone. Damon gave a tight nod urging her to voice out her brilliant plan of action.
"Since we can't climb up the tree, let me climb up on your shoulder and then if you raise me up carefully I think I'll be able to rescue the little one."
Damon's eyes were on the verge of bulging out of its sockets, "What? I can't… I can't carry you on my shoulder, let me give it another try, I'll be careful this time and"
"Yeah, like how you were last time, besides even if you manage to get to the kitten you might just trip while climbing down, hurting both yourself and the innocent creature in the process."

He knew he had lost the argument, though it hurt his pride but he bent down on his knees extending his palm, coaxing her to place her foot on the joined hands. She gave him a smile and proceeded as per plan, carefully placing her feet on his shoulder while holding on to a sturdy branch for support. Damon rose up all the while holding on to her ankles, as they got closer to the kitten ever so softly she extended her hand, "Don't you worry kitty, we'll get you down soon. Just hang on there for a little while."
He rolled her eyes in sheer annoyance, "Could you hurry up a bit, you know you're not as light as a feather, right!" Elena didn't answer, tenderly she reached for the kitten's neck grabbing her securely picking it up and cradled it in between her arms. Once she motioned with her eyes, Damon got down on his knees and helped her to climb down.

The kitten started thrashing against Elena's arms, lightly clawing with its nails causing her to loosen her grip, sensing the opportunity it jumped out of her hold. Too proud to admit its dismay the kitten went on its merry way, ignoring its saviors as if nothing ever happened. The kitten's antics erupted a hysteric fit, they laughed until their stomach clenched and their cheeks ached. Damon forgot all about his worries, in that moment everything became blur, his eyes, his mind was overshadowed with the images of her smile, Elena, the light.

"Elena, sweetheart, what are you doing here?" Damon's train of thought came to an abrupt halt with the unexpected intrusion. Both of them glanced up to the source and were met with a pair of inquisitive eyes, he looked exasperated but relieved at the same time. Damon's eyes darted towards Elena who was fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"One minute you were standing by the lake with those ducks and the next minute when I glanced up, you were gone, vanished in to thin air." He knelt down in front of the girl holding her face in his palms, "Do you have any idea how it made me feel, I was so worried…"
Elena leaped in his embrace locking her arms around her dad's neck, "I'm so sorry daddy, I didn't realize…" she let out a choked reply, "We were feeding the birds then we heard a cry, we decided to follow and…" She wriggled out of the hug; with a bright smile she exclaimed her victorious rescue.

Damon stood in silence comprehending their exchange; he couldn't help but feel a tad bit jealous of the scene, how he'd longed to have a relationship with his father, he couldn't even remember when was the last time he had a meaningful conversation with his dad. He let out a deep sigh catching attention of the duo. He watched the man standing up and proceeding towards his direction, he folded his arms across his chest and with a stern look he started bombarding Damon with a string of questions.

"And who might you be?" he asked in an accusatory tone.
Damon stammered, "I… I'm…"
"Daddy, this is Damon." Elena took him out of his misery, with a sweet smile she continued, "He taught me how to feed the ducks and together we saved that poor kitten."
His eyes softened a bit at the new found knowledge, "Well, looks like you're a decent young man to have around." What little prejudice Damon had about the man was evaporated right at the moment, being the youngest of the family he was always addressed and treated as a kid, this was the very first time an adult has regarded him as 'man'. Damon shot him a heady smile as the man continued to scrutinize his face.
"Son, you're hurt, you need to disinfect the wound otherwise it might cause trouble."
Damon looked baffled, he glazed at Elena who gave him an 'I-told-you-so' look, with an eye roll he said, "It's nothing, I… I'll be fine. It's just a little scratch."
He cut him off with a hand gesture, "None of that, you're coming with us. That reminds me, I didn't ask you this. What were you doing here all alone in the middle of the day?"
Damon didn't answer right away; instead he kept on staring at the ground. "I was just… I came here to…"
"Never mind, right now you're coming with us." With that he started walking dragging Elena along side with him; having no other choice Damon reluctantly followed his trails.

As they walked pass the lake towards the entrance Damon saw an 83's Volkswagen was parked at the side of the pavement. Since it was almost mid morning the parking area was fairly secluded. Elena ran up to the car as her dad unlocked the vehicle she quickly climbed up in the back seat, while Damon took the passenger seat. With the key in ignition her dad pushed the accelerator and they drove through the empty street.

Damon glanced through the window, watching the familiar territory of green fade past them. After crossing the bend road the car slowed down as they entered the line of townhouse.
"I forgot to ask you, where do you live?" he asked without turning his eyes from the road.
"Two blocks around the corner, the boarding house."
Elena's dad looked at him incredulously, "You, you live in the Salvatore boarding house? You're Damon Salvatore…" It was more of a statement than a question. He shook his head. Damon looked perplexed but didn't react to the sudden change in his demeanor. The rest of the ride was spent in silence, while Damon diverted his focus to his shoes and Elena's dad to the road. The car came to a screeching halt, both Elena and her dad got out of the car but Damon sat there immobile, his head hung low. He need not look up to see where they've come, the drive way, the front yard it was all too familiar, he was back to where he started, back to his 'Dad's territory.'

"Come on, son." Elena's dad motioned for him to come along. He followed without protest, tagging behind his broad figure somehow hoping he would be able to escape the impending. The door bell was immediately answered by heavy footsteps. As the door creaked open the husky tone filled his ears.

"Grayson! I… I wasn't expecting you this early." He smiled politely and motioned them to come inside. Upon closing the door he turned to face his guests, his gaze fell to the girl standing next to her father. "You must be Elena…" he scooted closer to the smiling girl "Well you're extremely beautiful." He said with a soft smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Sava-tor…" she exclaimed with a toothy grin. Both the men laughed at her adorable accent earning a disapproving look from her.
Giuseppe stroked her hair lovingly, "Honey, it's Salvatore" he said in a thick Italian accent, "but you can call me uncle G."
Damon was hiding behind like a shadow, quietly witnessing the scene playing in front, to say he was stunned by his father's behavior would be an understatement. He couldn't differentiate whether it was an act or did his father actually have a heart. Whatever it might be he was never at the receiving side of this.

"Giuseppe, are you going…" Grandma Salvatore was startled to see the unfamiliar faces standing in the living room, but her shocked expression was transformed to a warm smile in a matter of seconds. "Mr. Gilbert, you're here." She tilted her head slightly "And this must be our little lady Gilbert."
"Please madam, call me Grayson." She smiled but Grayson didn't miss the hint of distress in her eyes and he knew well the reason behind her concern.
He turned towards Giuseppe as he spoke, "I believe the youngest Salvatore is not home." The sudden disclaimer astounded them both, they asked in unison, "How did you…"
Grayson tentatively moved to his side revealing the boy.

Their eyes widened in shock, Giuseppe darted his gaze from Grayson to his son, "Damon, where did you…" his eyes shifted to Gray, "How did you…" his line of questions were interrupted by a sudden shriek.
"Oh honey, thank god you're alright." Grandma Salvatore rushed as fast as her legs could carry, she knelt down in front him holding him in an embrace. Her hands soothingly caressed his back, she pulled away slightly to cup his cheeks, with glistened eyes she kissed his head. "Where did you go? Do you have any idea how worried we were for you?" she murmured in between kisses, "Promise me you'll never scare me like this again, never. Do you hear me?" her voice was a concoction of desperation, fear and joy.
"I…" Damon stammered, "I'm so sorry… I'm sorry grandma…" he exclaimed in a shaky tone, his arms involuntarily hooked around her neck. She smiled and pulled him closer to herself.

Damon didn't get to complete his sentence as he was yet again locked into a bone crashing embrace, while getting numerous kisses planted to his head. "Eww… Grandma, my face is practically covered in your saliva now." He whined while attempting to rub off the kisses with the back of his palms.

Grandma Salvatore laughed her heart out at her grandson's antics, while the men chuckled witnessing the delightful reunion. She slowly rose up to her feet and went towards the little girl standing dutifully by her father's side. "Little lady, how about I show you around while Damon catches up with his father?" Elena glanced up to her father who gave her an encouraging nod and soon she found her feet bouncing around the hallway, her palm clasped in between the warm and wrinkled hand of Grandma Salvatore. She briefly looked over her shoulder founding Grayson awkwardly stood between father & son. "Grayson, would you mind joining our little tour?" She asked suggestively.
"Umm… No, I mean sure" and with a polite nod he followed his daughter's footsteps.

For a long moment both the figures stood in silence like the various sculptures delicately placed around. As the sound of ticking clock reverberated through the space the pair of eyes shot up to each other. Giuseppe took one step in Damon's direction, causing the little boy to take one tentative step back instinctively. The older man sighed out loud; rubbing his sweaty palms over his face, Damon never averted his gaze from his father. As he scrutinized intently he could see the prominent worry lines adoring his dad's face.
"Damon, listen to me…" he began but was cut off by his small voice.
"I'm sorry dad. I didn't mean to…"
"No, this time I should be the one apologizing…" he cautiously stepped towards his son and placed his palm on his shoulder, "I shouldn't have raised my hand on you, sometimes I just forget that you're still young to understand all this." He waited for a reaction but he was greeted with a pair of blue eyes, wide as saucer, his mouth a gap, standing frozen like statue. "It has been difficult for me, ever since your mother… she left and I… I'm having trouble coping with the circumstances. But in the midst of all I forgot you too have suffered from grave loss, perhaps deeper than mine. Ignorance might be bliss but solitude is definitely not."
"Dad I just want everything to go back to normal. Like we used to be…" the boy exclaimed gleefully, his eyes shining with newfound hope.
"I'm afraid I can't give you that. Things might never go back to how it used to be, it simply can't." He watched the light slowly bedimmed, "But I'm not saying we can't improve. Don't expect a change overnight but with time we might become better than how we used to be."

Damon skeptically pondered upon each word and slowly he felt a grin tugging at his face, before he could comprehend he found his arms wrapped around his dad's middle, his head almost bumping against the slight protruding belly of the older male. Giuseppe was rendered speechless by the act, he felt his muscle become rigid but there was a strange warmth that crept its way to his heart. He couldn't pin point, it seemed like forever since he was graced with this foreign yet familiar sensation. His hand involuntarily rose up to the boy's head, lightly caressing his soft hair and in that moment he knew whatever this is, he had to hold on to this, this might be is only chance of solace.

Damon slowly pulled away from the awkward hug, the goofy grin was still plastered to his face. Giuseppe cleared his throat before he started speaking, "Now don't think that I'm going to let you off the hook for the little stunt you pulled. Running away from home, what were you thinking? Do you have any idea what all could have happened? Thank God Gray found you otherwise… I can't even imagine…"
"But dad I was just in the park and I'm truly sorry. I promise I won't do it again. Ever!" he saw his father's lip twitch upwards, slowly turning into a smirk.
"I suppose I could overlook this one time." He smiled stared at the bright face of his son. "Come on now, let's go our guests will be waiting."

The table was spread with an array of food ranging from fresh salads to appetizing finger food and the main course included a range of Italian delicacy. The Gilberts were already seated, awestruck by the gesture while Grandma Salvatore described each and every item placed on the table. Soon the Salvatore males joined and they all dived into the irresistible bliss. Giuseppe and Grayson were engaged in conversation about business that soon took a detour to current politics and then to recent sport events, while the children were busy bickering about their favorite cartoon, occasionally being interrupted by Grandma Salvatore. After a devouring every single platter and exchanging heart filled gratitude they rose up from the table. While Giuseppe engaged in a friendly conversation with Elena, Damon was discretely pulled to the kitchen.

"Granma what is it? Elena and I were having a crucial argument, she thinks Talespin is better than Duck Tales because that ugly fat black Baloo is supposed to be cute. Could you believe she thinks Scrooge McDuck is weird." He huffed. She chuckled but instead of replying delved towards the refrigerator, after awhile she retrieved with a big chunk of tiramisu and carefully placed it on the counter.

The little one stared at the chunk his mouth wide open, his jaw almost threatening to touch the ground, his eyes shifted to his grandma's face who was sporting a mischievous smirk. He gulped, "This is…"
"It's for you honey, I shouldn't have broken our pact. Well I can't undo what's done, but surely my darling you're certainly getting the first bite."
"Thank you, thank you so much." He could hardly contain his excitement, "But it's too much. Even for me, I couldn't possibly down it all by myself."
She immediately scooted closer to him, placing the back of her hand on his forehead, mimicking to check his temperature. She feigned a concerned look and added, "Who are you? And what have you done with my grandson?" He rolled his eyes at her theatrics but smiled nonetheless.
"Okay! I'm taking it outside now." And with that he grabbed the plate and went rushing out of the kitchen.

Upon reaching the table he placed the plate in front of Elena, his sudden action caused her to gasp in surprise. She stared at the tempting piece set in front then darted her eyes to smiling Damon. "Don't just stare. Come on, Elena dig in." he cooed, satisfied with the astound look on her face.
"Damon, this is… It's huge, I… It looks so…"
"I know..." He added with a smug smile, "It's beyond perfect, but I'll guarantee you it tastes even better." She raised a brow at his bursting confidence. "Well, don't go by my words. By all means, be your own judge." He urged her to take a bite.
She hesitantly took a spoonful and placed it inside her mouth. The moment her taste buds came in contact with the sweet naught she felt tingles all around her cavern, her eye lids closed involuntarily and she saw fireworks. The coffee colored circles immersed with the crème whites, with splatters of chocolate here and there, emerging and disappearing within seconds. She moaned savoring the delightful sensation. Unable to resist further, Damon took a spoonful himself and found himself diving in the depth of creamy goodness.

"Damon, this is by far the best thing I've ever tasted in my life." She exclaimed in pure joy. It was her turn to receive the 'I-told-you-so' look.
"My grandma is the best confectioner in this whole world." He announced with a giddy smile, "Besides I promised you someday I'd bring you here, to taste her creation."
"Yes, you did. You kept your promise."
"I sure did."

The little angels continued with their dessert, oblivious to the pair of prying eyes that were staring at them in utter disbelief. She murmured a small prayer thanking the almighty for this particular moment of solace. Her little Damon was no longer the ignorant child, he was changing rapidly, with his perfect imperfection one day he would grow up to be the man she wished for, the potential was evident to her eyes. But there was something else as well, lurking in the corner, hidden behind the folds of time, she could sense, it was the beginning of a beautiful bond.

April, 2018

The two figures were engrossed within each other, tucked away in a secluded dynasty, while the world around was basking in orchid light and the branches were outstretched to be grazed by tender breeze. They sat on the wooden bench palms laced with one another, watching the day move unhurriedly. A stray beam now penetrated the gigantic rock set on those slender fingers, causing numerous tiny sparkles to erupt from the same. Their entire body was motionless, except for those sinful pair of lips that moved in sync, drinking the essence, slowly tenderly sinking deep in the haze of love. He untwined his fingers only to envelop them round her waist, pulling her closer against his frame.

She smiled and pulled back, "Damon, behave!" she said in a warning tone but the playful glint didn't go unnoticed by her partner.
"Why?" he shrugged, "Are you gonna refrain me from kissing you?" he asked pursing his lips outwards. Elena couldn't help but chuckle; she leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on his pouting lips.
"That's more like it, besides I've legitimized these activities a long time back, 10 years to be exact." He said pointing at her ring. She averted her gaze to the ring then to the ground, as her cheeks were adorned by a shade of pink while a beautiful smile graced her lips. "Uggg, Elena!" he groaned, "How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Look adorable and seductive at the same time." She looked incredulous and before she could form a sensible reply she found herself caught up in a searing kiss.

"Eww… Mom! Dad! Please! Not here!" The voice of a squealing girl broke their trance; unwillingly they withdrew from the embrace and turned their heads to the source. An extremely agitated girl stood right in the middle of the pagoda, her arms tightly folded against her chest, her face scrunched up as if she had to witness a nauseating event.
Her expression made them chuckle that slowly turned into a fit of laughter causing the little one to deepen her frown, her blue eyes were turning furious by each passing second. Damon sobered up a little; he got up from his position and scooted closer to the scowling girl.

"Honey, what's the matter?" he asked.
"You two! Could you just stop embarrassing me in front of my friends." She voiced out her reasoning, stomping her foot at the end to impose severity of her distress.
Damon tried his best to stifle a chuckle, he placed one finger at his chin pretending to be deep in thought, "Hmm… That's a pressing issue we have in hand." He turned to his wife who was giggling but nodded nonetheless. Causing the little one to huff in response, she was her daddy's girl after all. Damon knelt down in front of her, his face humorless, all of a sudden his eyes widened as if he'd discovered a magic solution to the problem, "You know what, I've got a brilliant idea!"
She eyed him suspiciously, not to be fooled by his tactics, "What?"
"Come closer, it's a secret."
Hesitantly she moved forward, as soon as she took a tentative step Damon wrapped her within his arms and placed sloppy kisses all over her face. The girl thrashed, squealed but he didn't budge. After awhile he reluctantly freed her, falling back on his knees both the adults laughed uncontrollably.

"Ewww… Daddy! Yuck! Now I'm drenched in your saliva! And… God! That's like a whole new level of embarrassment!" She hastily wiped her face, "Uggg! I'm not talking to you!" with that she ran towards the lake.
"Honey, wait up…" Damon called but to no avail, she was already with her friends.

Nothing has changed, the lake, the pagoda, this place. It held a special place in his heart. In this very pagoda they had shared their first kiss. Under that same old willow he went down in his knees, with a ring in hand and his heart in his mouth. Their tree, yes! the very place where he had first laid eyes on her. The girl in a yellow sundress, his friend, companion and now his wife. Life has not been rainbows and butterflies but what he has is good, it's precious and he wouldn't trade it for the world.

"Earth to Damon…" he didn't respond. Elena stood beside him, her fingers entwining with his. "Damon… Care to share your thoughts…" she cooed.
He kept his gaze locked at his little girl, "You… I was thinking I… I never said thanks."
She furrowed her brows in confusion, "Thanks for what?"
"For never leaving my side, for appearing out of nowhere all those years back, for… for being my friend."
"Well! You were in need of one, and I knew you would never ask. So I kinda forced my way in…" She said with a smirk that she has perfected over the years.
"I'm glad you did!"

~Fin~

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Please!