Apologies. My work schedule was screwed up because Christmas was my holiday to work as is New Years next week. My youngest son also took pleasure in giving his mother a few gray hairs the last few days. Thank you for your patience.

The dim morning light finds him wide awake. Given the date, unsurprisingly he was jerked from his own slumber by her cries as she couldn't wake up from her nightmares. It broke his heart when he had to shake her to get her to open her scared eyes. It took her a few minutes to realize that she's actually safe and in his arms... Somehow, he managed to lull her back to sleep, with this never ceasing movement of his fingers caressing her shoulder, feeling the exact moment when her shaky breathing evened and she fell into a deep healing dream.

After that, he couldn't just close his yes and let Morpheus veil dull his own senses. Instead of attempting to sleep, he found himself hypnotized by the rise and fall of her chest on his body while breathing her unique yet titillating scent.

He will wake her up a little later. Right now he just wants to give her a bit more time to rest peacefully. Because today, it's Elena's day. Her birthday. Today, he's going to be there for her. All of them are.

Except one.

"I really like this new tradition," Kol comments, comfortably leaning against the chair's back in the garden. It's a gorgeous sunny afternoon. The group couldn't have wished for better to create a positive atmosphere, one to keep Elena's mind focused on happy things and not the haunting nightmares.

"And why is that, brother?" Elijah draws, raising his eyes to look at him. "Do you believe that this new tradition has something to do with you?"

"Of course it does," he retorts smugly. "Elena and I've been doing this for years now," he gives their hostess a self-satisfied look, reaching for her hand to squeeze.

Elijah snorts, while Elena lets out a ringing laugh, amused with her friend's antics. Damon smiles, grateful these people are so tight, bringing comfort, fun and happiness to each other, their bond has never been broken, not even by his doing.

"Kol has always been full of himself," Kai drily remarks, stuffing a huge bite of mango cream layer cake into his mouth. It's a delectable creation whipped up by The Jungle's head chef, Tyler Lockwood. Damon agrees, having to admit that he's planning on having another piece later.

"Yes, I'm surprised there's enough space for his ego to fit in this tiny gazebo," Rebekah can't resist teasing her brother.

"Don't be so hard on him," Elena raises their linked hands to show her support. "It's true, well at least partly, he did start with these 'Elena days' after all."

"That's because you're the only one that can keep up with his silliness. And there's the fact that you allow him to use it against you, occasionally," Kai licks his fingers and puts the plate back on the tray.

Elena shakes her head and her eyes find Damon's, giving him a shining smile. He will never get used to such a beautiful thing. Even in the company of a bunch of people, they can steal these little moments to create their own bubble. They both turn their heads when Katherine comes out of the house, bringing new drinks and ice-cream for everyone. She puts it on the table and confidently takes a seat on Kol's knee. He gives her a big teethy grin and follows it with a loud kiss. Kai rolls his eyes at the display of affection, Elijah's lips twitch, clearly delighted that his younger brother is gushing with happiness.

Damon reaches up for another glass and leans against the carved beams that form the walls of the gazebo, watching the people that have become his and his sister's extended family. He feels grateful they accepted him and Elena's relationship. He hopes he can return the favor by giving her more people she can consider her friends.

And actually Katherine's become one of her people, an important one. Elena can't stop heaping praise on her skills as an assistant. She, Kat and Kol actually make up a strong core, quickly turning The Amazon into one of Reno's most popular nightclubs. There is a lot of property waiting to be scooped up surround the club. Elena's actually thinking of adding a hotel onto the booming business as Elijah once suggested.

Today is a good day, one they all need to get through the next one. He remembers it really was Kol who started making the day before her birthday a good one. Every year he spends the day with her, taking her places, doing fun things and creating happy memories to help erase the bad. With his nudge, Elena decided to make it her official birthday instead. For her it works very well. She's happy today, very happy. Nothing on earth could make him wipe that beaming smile off her face.

So here they are... celebrating her birthday today because tomorrow, is the day she was born.

"Are you tired?" he asks her when she walks into the bedroom, looking all fresh, sweet-smelling and so very sexy after her long shower. Damon was so tempted to join her but decided to respect her privacy since she didn't actually invite him. Still he had to think about old ladies in granny gowns to put a damper on his desire and even then, it was hard to resist.

Sherlock's following closely on her heels. The damn cat's too smart for its own good, he's not about to give them the opportunity to close the door before he can curl up on his favorite spot which just happens to be their bed. He loves the kitten, well, rather a pretty young adult tomcat now, but tonight he will have to find another place, so he won't interrupt their... sleep.

"No, not really. At least not that tired." She doesn't hesitate to lift his arm to slip under it and put all her weight onto him, making herself comfortable on his chest. She's warm and...

"I'm happy...," she peeps, her long eyelashes closing as he looks.

"I am too," he whispers, relishing the feeling of fulfillment he's only ever felt with her. He gingerly touches her face, watching her features relax under the touch of his fingers. His look involuntarily slips to her lips, slightly ajar, no make up and so utterly kissable that he can't tear his eyes away.

"Make love to me...," she says in a low voice and only now he notices she's been watching him.

His heart skips a beat and his breath hitches, just like the first time and all others after that. It's always just the same.

"I need you...," she adds and it occurs to him that he might have seemed hesitant to her, nothing could be further from the truth.

"I thought you would never ask...," he murmurs seductively, bending his head to move closer to her ear. "I've been thinking of this the whole day. Ric even asked me when this phase would finally pass and told me to go home to take care of it." Elena chuckles, the laughter dying immediately when his lips touch her earlobe and he finishes. "He has no idea we're just getting started."

She can feel his teeth grazing her tender skin and takes a shaky breath, tilting her head aside to give him better access. She almost loses the sense of time as his lips begin to explore the sensitive area between her neck and shoulder.

Almost.

Suddenly she becomes aware of his fingers traveling under her baby doll pajama top, she's wearing just that. His contented purr tells her he's very much satisfied with her choice of a nightdress, not surprising given it was actually a present from him that she found under her pillow earlier this evening.

His warm hand pushes between her thighs and only then she realizes she kept them pressed together. She relaxes immediately allowing him in, his fingertips just lightly grazing her most intimate spot.

God she needs this...

Her eyes fall closed and she focuses her thoughts only on what he's doing, his palm putting pressure on the right places, his stubbly face rubbing against her heated skin.

"Mmmm, Damon...," she breathes out and he knows it's a plea, one that he gladly answers to. He pushes the garment up and helps her out of it, rolls her on her belly and covers her body with his own. She loves this position, the feel of his weight pressing her into the mattresses, his hot breaths heating her flesh. He knows what she likes... All he wants to accomplish tonight is pleasing her, loving her, taking her breath away. Soon, she grabs his hands lying next to her head for support and makes these little sexy sounds that drive him crazy. His moves intensify and he can tell he won't last much longer when she stops him, turns around under him and he's terrified when he recognizes moisture in her expressive eyes.

"What's wrong? Am I hurting you?" he almost chokes at the thought. What an idiot he's being?

"No... Nothing's wrong...," she whispers, cupping his face lovingly. "It's just... tonight, I want to look at you."

He's not sure, frantically searching her eyes to assure himself that everything's alright but then it's all forgotten when she lifts her hips as a reminder of what he should be doing. Not that he needs one. It's intense, her eyes never leaving his, her fingers massaging his back and the curve of his ass, urging him to drive into her even harder. He's burying himself in her again and again. At one point he thinks he might explode but then she arches against him with such force and a loud moan that she takes him over the edge with her. Her limbs wrap tightly around his body and he absorbs the last tremors of her peak.

She feels like heaven.

He's not going to give her time to recover though, birthday girl and all, he just waits till she loosens her hold on him so he can move down her body and persuade her for another round or ten...

It's early morning, the grey sky giving it a tinge of a rainy November day, it's rather cold and Damon's standing at the gate watching Elena join Elijah in his Mercedes to make a trip... One she decided needed to become tradition too. She does that at least two times a month but today, today is the day.

He's worried, he doesn't like it, he wants to stop her or at least run to the car to kiss her one more time, for being so strong, spirited, brave and inspiring... but he knows he can't do that. He needs to let her do what she needs to do.

So he just waves his hand waiting till the car disappears at the street corner.

Elena leans against the car seat, giving Damon one last look through the rear view mirror, then fixing her eyes on the road ahead. They're silent for a few minutes before Elijah decides she's been brooding long enough and needs a healthy conversation.

"Are you sure you want to do this today, Elena?"

"We've been through it, 'Lijah, yes, this day is just too memorable to ignore its importance and if I try, I'll just end up...gloomy anyway."

"Well, I thought that's what you've been doing now, all dispirited and melancholy...," he mutters under his breath and she's not sure if she should laugh or smack him, which might be a bit dangerous as he's the one holding the wheel. Instead she opts for a cheerless chuckle.

"My point is, I have to do something positive on this day, something meaningful and not only for me."

"So this is supposed to be positive? Hmm, I'll certainly come to you for advice when I don't know how to cheer myself up," he's dripping with sarcasm, which is not often, but she knows he's half joking. Her chuckle is less forced this time.

"I know I probably make no sense but..."

"I get it, Elena," her friend slash attorney interrupts her. "I know what you're doing and I love you for it. We all are. But I'm afraid it will be too hard on you, unnecessarily so. He probably has no idea what today means."

"I wouldn't be so sure...," she utters and falls silent again.

Elijah accepts her need for space and focuses on the road again. Fortunately it's a short drive and when they reach their turn, he exits onto Interstate 80 for the short jaunt to Sparks. As soon as the building comes into view, he merges into the right lane, turns off the highway, stopping only when he pulls into a space at the hospital's parking lot. Elena's out of the vehicle before he can even open his door, which means he can't open it for her and he rolls his eyes. She knows he hates it because it's not... right. She gives him a wink and he feels relieved that she seems okay, how much of it's genuine though...

She leads the way to the double doors and this time waits for him to open it. Rather than aggravate him further, she even grabs on his forearm letting him lead, either feeling guilty for overreacting or because she needs some form of support. Either is understandable, so he just gives her hand a pat and approaches the reception desk.

"Elijah Mikaelson, Elena Gilbert, we're here to see Lorenzo St. John, we're on his list of approved visitors."

The woman, Camille O'Connell the name badge on her uniform replies with a smile. "Let me call Dr. Griffith first, I believe he wanted to talk to you."

Elijah nods and catches Elena's fraught look. Before she has even a moment to start freaking out, Dr. Griffith comes downstairs to meet them.

"Elena, Mr. Mikaelson, very nice to see you. Come inside for a minute?"

"Dr. Griffith," Elena greets him, Elijah just nods and they follow him into his office. Once they're seated, Elena doesn't wait to ask.

"How is Enzo, Dr. Griffith?" her worried face makes it evident she's expecting some bad news. As if there wasn't enough of that.

"Enzo is doing... as expected. I'd say better but not sure if the progress is permanent. You know I'm really glad you're here today, it's...," he pauses, not sure how to approach this subject.

"It's my birthday, yes. Does he remember it?" she gives Elijah a look, it was him who suggested Enzo may not be aware of the date.

"Yes, he does. I was surprised myself but first he mentioned it after your last visit and then several more times, yesterday was the last time. He expressed his hope that you'd come. I wasn't sure..."

"Of course I'd come. We all need to face our memories."

Vincent Griffith nods, proud of Elena's progress, once it was decided that Enzo will be spending an unspecified period of time at the facility as his mental illness requires a long-term treatment with uncertain results, Elena, Elijah along with Enzo's attorney, Klaus Mikaelson put in an official request with the Judge handling his case and all other necessary authorities requesting permission to visit him as often as the doctor deems it okay.

Her advocating for her friend, putting his needs first, even if it meant staying away is what swerved him the most and the obvious fact that she only wants what's best for him. He was hesitant at first but after the first few visits had a positive effect on his patient he filed a report with the court encouraging her participation.

Coming to find out that Elena has her own issues, he was amazed and pleased by her request to see him as an outpatient because she wanted to fight for both of their lives. Enzo, since the beginning, named her as the closest person, permitting him to give her any and all information about his condition which facilitated their mutual efforts. Elijah, no doubt, thoroughly had him screened but curiously, he didn't mind. He appreciates how much they care for their friend even after everything. Getting deeper into their history through his sessions with Elena, he well understood why and he became confident, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel for all of them. Unfortunately it is much more complicated for Enzo. He's in the custody of the state for his crimes and will likely reside there for a long time.

"Will you stop after your visit for a chat, perhaps?"

"Yes, I'd like to," she smiles and Vincent notices Elijah mirrors her positive stance. He's proud too.

"See you later, then." He watches her go with her head held high, her lawyer follows as he always does.

"How are you doing, Enz?" Elena holds his hands over the table, delighted that he returns her squeeze. There are occasions that he doesn't respond at all.

"I'm fine... Thank you for coming," he looks at her shortly, but turns his eyes away again.

Elena shares a look with Elijah. "We brought a cake, as we're celebrating a birthday today," he offers. Enzo glances at him thankfully and the air feels a tone lighter. They're in the garden, it's a nice quiet place that's located on the hospital grounds, even patients having to serve their sentences there have access to it as long as they're not violent. There's a nice gate with ivy cascading over the fence, growing tendrils in every direction. The picnic table they're sitting at is shadowed by a huge weeping willow flowing down on the freshly cut grass. Clusters of daffodils rear their gold heads along with smatters of fuchsia alongside the scarlet and saffron hued primroses.

After a thorough psychological work up, Enzo was determined to be mentally ill, a 'disempathetic sociopath* they labeled it. As a result, the Judge sentenced him to the state mental facility for as long has his doctor's deem necessary. He may be transferred to a prison someday, only time will tell. If it had been possible, Elena would have payed any amount to get him into a private hospital but because he's a ward of the state, it was out of her hands.

Enzo's always enjoyed a good burger so that's what they brought for lunch along with some finger food. They chat about the good times - not that old as they don't want to dredge up unpleasant memories. It feels like they're being carefully perused but they ignore it, it's easy to keep the illusion of privacy with his doctor agreeing that their visits are therapeutic for him. She couldn't be more grateful...

"I'm sorry, Elena... For everything," Enzo addresses her one more time when they're getting ready to leave. She turns to him and wraps her arms around his form for a long moment, holding him together.

"It's alright, I am too. But we've survived, right? We'll get better. I'll be back soon," she promises and he knows she means it. So he just nods and lets them go. He knows she won't abandon him.

"Please, tell your detective too..."

"I will," she replies decisively, giving him one last reassuring smile.

"It's killing me, 'Lijah," she utters on the way back after twelve heavy minutes of silence in the car. He counted.

He's about to protest when she shakes her hand, needing to finish her thought.

"It's killing me to see him like that but it also feels good that we can do something, give him our support and comfort. Rationally I know it's not but I still can't shake the feeling that it's somehow my fault. But I can deal with that. It also kills me... that I feel like I'm betraying Damon by hanging onto Enzo, everytime I come here... after he almost murdered him."

Elijah gives it a thought, he knows he can just tell her it's alright when it isn't, it never will be. It wouldn't be him though, if he didn't give her a piece of advice anyway. It's his job after all.

"I think you should sit down with Damon and talk it out. I never thought I'd say this but he's a good guy, he knows how much you care about Enzo and understands the complicated circumstances of it all. Enzo's not just a murderer," he grips at her hand, adding, "He's a victim too."

"I know," she sighs, nodding her head slightly.

"And I'd wager that he's perfectly okay with all of it. Give the detective more credit," he offers her a smirk. "This whole sordid story started a long time ago, and despite some still missing puzzle pieces, we have to repair the damage. We must go deep. Only then will we be able to really move on. And he wants that, he loves you..."

It's unnecessary to voice this last piece of information, he's pretty sure her detective, as Enzo put it, will manage to remind her regularly.

It's quite late by the time Damon gets home. A grisly discovery of two badly decomposed bodies in a drainage ditch on the outskirts of Reno have kept him busy for the last several hours.

Opening the door, he's caught off guard by Elena's welcome when he finally steps inside, much later that he had planned. He desperately wanted to be home by the time she and Elijah returned but it simply couldn't be helped. In the end she texted him that they arrived home safely, all he could do was return it saying he'd be there as soon as he could.

And now this.

Elena flies into his arms as if they haven't seen each other for at least a month... In actuality, it was only this morning when they said goodbye to each other. He's not sure about it because she quickly disappears inside but he thinks he may have seen a few tear tracks on her cheeks, she's always emotional after a visit with Enzo. Her enthusiasm when running into his arms was genuine though, he's sure... but that only makes him more worried. What happened today? Or are the memories of that long ago day still tormenting her?

He quickly takes a shower, eager to get downstairs to talk to Elena, find out what's wrong and chase the shadows away. Without paying attention, he trips over Sherlock while towel drying his hair. Laughing at his down ears, he stoops down and wastes a few minutes petting his little pal apologizing for being inconsiderate. When he finally walks into the kitchen, she's just putting dinner on the table. Elena seems less on edge now, even giving him a smile now and then. Still, he must know...

"So, tell me about your day...?"

A half hour later she's still talking and Damon tries to keep up with her. Since he moved into her home almost nine months ago, he's been privy to plenty of her secrets, thoughts and hopes. He's shared many of his own too. But now he has a feeling they've been living in some sort of parallel universe, an illusionary place where there are no other secrets between them. Which, he supposes, is a bit naïve.

"Elena, you can't think like that. I understand your feelings, I really do. I would never ask you to choose. You love Enzo, he's been like a big brother to you for a long time... What kind of person would I be if I asked you to choose or to stop caring about him because you're worried about me? Honestly, I'm just relieved that you're not holding it against me that I was the one who arrested him."

"But he almost killed you! You could be dead...," her voice breaks a little, but she quickly collects herself. It's not that difficult to do with him here. Together they'll survive anything and everything. "I know Damon. I know I gave you a hard time... I think we've both changed and I don't blame you for doing your job. God knows how much worse it might have been if you hadn't figured it out. If you hadn't stopped him, Bonnie would be dead and it's entirely possibly that he might be too. I just wish I had realized that he needed help before all of it...

"Elena, he covered it well."

"I know, I'm just grateful that he's getting the help he needs now... You need to know that I'll always be on your side." A sense of calm settles in her big brown eyes when she looks directly into his blue ones.

He reaches out and strokes her face. "So... how was he today?"

Elena relaxes her cheek into his palm. "Enzo was calm and happy today. He apologized and asked me to relay the same to you. We spent the whole day in the gardens and then I talked with Dr. Griffith for about an hour."

Enzo's apology surprises him and he's encouraged by her change of attitude. He's grateful and happy too that today was a good one for her and for Enzo. He's incredibly proud for Elena taking the initiative with therapy. It was something she needed to do for herself to let go of the guilt that sometimes threatens to drown her about Jeremy. By the time her parents died, he was just too far gone for her to help. He never would've accepted it.

Picking up his wine glass, he takes a big swallow, savoring the taste as his mind drifts to something else he's been planning for... but it'll have to wait.

He gets up to help her do the dishes and as soon as they finish, he lifts her into his arms and carries to their bedroom where he plans to keep her awake all night.

If anyone would have told him a year ago, that he'd be spending a Sunday afternoon at the Mikaelson mansion with their whole clan, his sister, brother and parents, he'd never have believed it. Instead he'd consider that they'd all had too much to drink to vocalize such nonsense.

Mikael and Esther throw these gatherings quite often. Because they're a large family, there are always birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements and infrequently pregnancy announcements. Elena with himself as her plus one attend these events regularly. He was surprised to find out that they treat their own and the adopted member of their family as one in the same. They're not the snobbish founders that he always believed them to be. Even more unbelievable is the fact that he actually enjoys being a part of the group.

Right now, however, he wants nothing more than to kick his soon to be brother in law's ass. With all the family vibes and jovial atmosphere, he's been preparing himself for the big moment. What can be better than sharing the big news with all the people they love? Imagining the sweaty palms, loudly beating heart, roaring in his ears, it's funny the way the body reacts to some stressors. Maybe now he could just...

"Actually we have something to share," Kol lets himself be heard unexpectedly and Damon sinks once again deeper into the armchair.

Hell no.

In hindsight, their news must have been planned as Katherine made sure to invite his parents and Stefan as well. It isn't the first time, after all the Mikaelson and the Salvatore families have been acquaintances for a long time. Along with the other founding families, they meet at public events and can always find someone to talk to. Still, he should probably consider a new career as it didn't occur to him at all, some detective he is. His only excuse is that he's had a lot to think and worry about lately.

"Aren't you excited for them?" Elena whispers next to his ear. He gives her a smile and his arm goes around her shoulders.

"I am happy for her but I'd love nothing more than to wipe that smug grin off his face."

Elena laughs wholeheartedly. "You'll have to stand in line for that."

Damon chuckles, watching Kol and his sister. The youngest Mickaelson male may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but he truly makes her happy. He can appreciate that.

"They look adorable, right?" Jenna leans in his direction to share.

He shakes his head yes and notices everyone's reactions at the news. Nick and Caroline have been engaged for some time, they can't agree on where they're going to live as Nick works mostly out of town but Caroline refuses to quit her job at The Jungle. Knowing the blonde whirlwind as well as he does, Nick has no chance at winning the war at all.

Elijah's face is unreadable, as usual but he suspects his nemesis is as happy about the news as everyone else. Damon doesn't know Finn well, but his wife Sage is definitely something, she's the heart of every party while her husband seems the opposite. Their eldest son, Mikael, named after his grandpa, is entertaining Stefan. They're about the same age and seem to be getting along just fine.

Rebekah, on the other hand, is pissed. She's been complaining since the announcement that Kol and Katherine stole her moment. She wanted to introduce her new – and apparently serious boyfriend, a decent guy named Brady Williams. He seems to be in way over his head but that makes him a winner in Damon's book. The man knows what he's doing and Rebekah is obviously enamored.

Kai, who somehow looks at home wherever he finds himself at any given moment, never loses the ironic smirk he always wears. Whether it's laughing at Kol's foolishness or teasing Elena, he's always in a good mood. His dad has a lot to talk about with Mikael, they both look satisfied that this union will bring both families closer.

Some time later the group breaks into smaller circles, Elena resumes her place at his side after visiting with everyone. While leaning in to give her a kiss, Damon overhears a bit of the conversation Kol's having with Brady. He's bragging about having a detective in the family... well almost. Or maybe it's sarcasm?

Maybe it's time for them to get over all the past secrets...

"It's not that bad," Damon addresses Brady, "Kol neglected to mention that I'm not the type to run around like a chicken without its head. Carefully and methodically, my partners and I always try to find the truth, no matter how long it takes. Right bro?" he pats his shoulder and finds it satisfying to feel Kol stiffen.

He smirks and thinks he recognizes a flash of uncertainty in the eyes of Kat's future husband but doesn't dwell on it. It's a thing between The Amazon's manager and himself.

And apparently Elena.

She's piercing him with a look all the way back to the house when the sky begins to cloud up and darken. He, on the other hand's sporting an unreadable expression, one she's not buying.

"Well?" she catches his arm to stop him from entering.

"Well what?"

"You know what."

"Do you really want to talk about this now?"

"Yes, I do."

"We figured out almost everything about that night except Enzo's explanation about sabotaging my car doesn't fit the bigger picture. There wasn't enough time for him to disable it. Kol and Kai's disappearances that day are inconclusive too, neither has a witness to corroborate their whereabouts during that time..."

"I know," Elena doesn't need a reminder. "And? Have you figured it out?" she seems nervous about his answer. He doesn't want her to assume the worst.

"Not exactly a shining moment for me but yes, I think I finally figured it out... It's over and done with and isn't going to change anything so there's no need for you to worry your pretty little head about it," he assures her.

"Don't try to placate me, Damon, who did it?"

"Kol was the one who disabled my car."

It's easy to brush it off now, it had nothing to do with his attempted murder, Kol did it as a prank. He wanted to make his life a bit more difficult. It was nothing more than sheer dumb luck that it fit perfectly with Enzo's plan. He followed him from the motel to the police station and when Damon took off on foot, his plan fell into place. Maybe Enzo wasn't even aware of what he was doing, his testimony was pretty jumbled by the time he was being interrogated?

"What?" Elena looks at him wide-eyed. "He did what?"

"Our technicians agreed the coil could've been cut at any time that day... if you really put your mind to it, Kol makes the most sense but it doesn't matter anymore."

"He can be such a child at times!" she rolls her eyes. "And Kai?"

"Just a secret date. He didn't want to rub it in your face."

Elena sighs. "All of them are."

They join the rest of the family inside and Elena lets the topic slide. Maybe a little too easily?

"Okay," she addresses the whole group. "Since we're all here together, celebrating Kol and Katherine's engagement... Damon and I have a confession of our own." Her eyes find his and it's his turn to drop his mouth open in shock.

"Exactly 29 weeks from now..."

"I can't believe you told everyone at the same time you told me! You're mean...," he murmurs into the soft skin on her belly later, when they're in the privacy of their room.

"I was expecting you to figure it out yourself. You're a detective after all, remem...? Ahaha," she squeals as he interrupts her speech giving her a nip on the spot he was just exploring.

"Actually," she continues breathily when they stop romping and he starts caressing her tummy affectionately once again, "I didn't tell them everything. I left a very important little detail out, one for your ears only." She watches him expectantly and he can't quite figure out the expression she's sporting. Wait a minute...

"Are you saying that... there are two important details... in there?" Damon's eyes open wide, and his jaw goes slack, pointing at her belly.

Elena takes in his awestruck face and the love radiating from his whole being. She wants to tease him, about the detective thing, but then her eyes are wet, damn the hormones, and she's falling into his arms, kissing him like there's no tomorrow. But there actually is, one that she doesn't need to be afraid of and she couldn't be happier.

"Yes, there are, daddy...," she whispers on his lips.

"Will you marry me?" it's out of his mouth so naturally that his breath hitches in anticipation of her reaction.

"I thought you'd never ask?" she smirks and he's never loved her more. He doesn't hesitate to grab the little box in the drawer next to his bed and shakily slides the ring on, kissing each fingertip before letting go.

"It's beautiful," Elena breathes out, looking at her finger from all angles. It's a 1.04ct blue antique diamond engagement ring flanked by two pear-shaped white diamonds. The blue stone is a family heirloom, dating back to Reno's founding in 1868. His dad offered it to him when he divulged that he was going to propose to Elena. With his father's okay, he took it a jeweler to set in platinum, adding the side diamonds and an engraving, D, a heart to signify love and an E.

She glances at him in awe and Damon can't help the goofy grin that's erupting on his face. This wasn't a bad spur of the moment decision after all, it worked out perfectly for the two of them and the happiness mirroring on Elena's face was well worth the wait. Maybe it's not about timing and precise planning at all? He didn't exactly plan on falling in love with his prime suspect, nor did he plan to extend his family for a sister he never expected to see again or the group of people that are hers. It seems life with Elena will be one big adventure.

And they're just getting started.

Fin.

*The disempathetic type sociopath is able to feel an emotional connection to a restricted group of people. This group may include friends, pets or family members. The sociopath regards people outside of the group as objects. Typically, people have a wide circle of empathy for others; however, many people may feel no compassion for certain people like murderers or criminals. The sociopath differs from normal people by having a tiny group of people they seemingly care about.

We've come to an end of yet another Damon and Elena story. Thank you all for embarking on this journey with us. WTTJ was meant to be a short story, around a dozen chapters. I guess things don't always work out as planned. We really don't have the words to thank you enough for the reviews, favorites, follows, friendships and acquaintances we've made through this amazing couple. The DE fandom is the best there is. We're so happy to be a small part of it.

I want to thank Kate again for the beautiful cover image. Read her stories, they're brilliant. Florencia7 is her username.

Chapter title: 'Between the Raindrops' by Lifehouse.

"Somewhere in My Memory" continues. We do have one final holiday one-shot that we're working on. It's magical and we can't wait to share it.

Have a wonderful day and thank you again from the bottom of our DE loving hearts.