(Song in italics: Iris by Goo Goo Dolls)

Chapter 43

"I've got a surprise for you" Damon whispered in Elena's ear, they were both sitting at the head table at the reception, with Stefan on Damon's side and Aunt Judith, Robert and Margaret on Elena's.

"Yeah?" she asked, smiling, her whole face was glowing from the happiness of this day, she hadn't known so many people would turn up, or that there would be a reception at all.

She followed Damon's gaze to the doorway, where to her surprise Jeremy, her brother, was standing. Her face lit up even more than Damon thought was possible, she was out of her chair, and running to him, at least at human pace.

"Jeremy!" she gasped, bringing him into a bone-crushing hug that he returned with just as much strength.

"Hey, you look surprised to see me; you don't think I'd miss my sisters wedding did you?" he laughed, it wasn't forced or dry it was his laugh, the one she had missed so much for far too long.

"You were there?" she asked, knowing for a fact she never saw him anywhere near Aunt Judith.

"At the back" he shrugged, "Judith isn't exactly happy that I'm back, she thinks I wasn't ready to go out in public just yet, so I sneaked out"

She looked at him, only now seeing that he did look far better, the dark circles that had become a permanent feature around his eyes were gone, his eyes weren't rimmed red either, and he had made an effort; wearing his best, and only, suit.

"I'm glad you're here" she said earnestly.

"Me too, I didn't even know you were seeing anyone, let alone engaged" he looked over to Damon, smiling at him, a smile Damon returned, before turning back to talk to Stefan.

"Yeah, it all happened really quickly, but I love him, Jer" the brilliant glow in her eyes was enough to prove that.

"I know, he feels the same"

"You talked to him?" she asked shocked, wondering where Damon got the time to visit him.

"He came to the house, to invite me, and ask my permission 'for your hand in marriage' saying as he couldn't ask our dad, did you know he's big on old traditions?"

"That sounds about right" she nodded, the lights dimmed then, announcing the start of the first dance. Jeremy, patted her on the shoulder, mouthing 'You look beautiful' before making his way to a free seat, as Damon came up to join her in the centre of the dance floor.

Everyone's eyes were on them, her families, her previous teachers, people who knew her since she was born, her friends, but when Damon took her into his arms, it felt like it was just the two of them.

And I'd give up forever to touch you,

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow.
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
and I don't want to go home right now.

She knew eternity had started, when they swayed slowly to the music, the warmth in his eyes made her feel like she was in his house, dancing bare footed in only her white dressing gown, the cold ground beneath her warming as she moved in synchronisation with him. She had given up growing old, having children, going to college, getting her dream job, but it didn't matter, she give it all up in a heart beat to be with him and she'd do it again if she had to. This was her heaven right her in his arms…

And all I can taste is this moment
and all I can breathe is your life.
'Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

He never wanted this song to end, and in a way he knew it never would, she would stay by his side forever and then some. He would be able to wake up to her angelic face, which would never change or wither with age, every single day for the rest of forever. This memory would stay with him, through everything, because she was his everything.

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

She stared only at his eyes as they moved around the dance floor with graceful movements that any dancer would envy. She would give him her all, because she knew he wouldn't ask for more.

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
or the moment of truth in your lies.
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

All the times he thought he had lost her, the times he thought she would hate him and never want to see him again, she had always surprised him, always staying with him no matter what he did. This all didn't feel real, this was what he had always wanted for five centuries, someone to love, who loved him back, and he found it, he found her.

I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am

By the end of the song the whole room were teary-eyed, watching the pair with their loving glances, and unbreakable hold on each other. They gathered around them, pairing up, and dancing beside them. Even Stefan had risen to his feet, bowing before asking Bonnie if he may have this dance.

Elena noted the pink flush in her friend's cheeks, as Stefan smiled at her escorting her to the dance floor, and watched them happily.

"I love you" Damon whispered, his breath warming her cheek, before kissing it lightly.

"I love you too, Damon" her doe-like eyes met his, "Forever"

"Forever" he agreed.

…

His sweet kisses had turned deeper, more passionate as they fell onto the bed with laughter. It had taken him seconds from when they left the reception to get to their hotel, she wasn't quite sure where it was, but all that mattered was that he was with her.

Her wedding dress was on the floor in seconds, her fingers removing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt with ease. Her fingers slid over his pale chest, mesmerised by the strong underlying muscles. He let the shirt fall off his shoulders, a smile on his lips as she climbed on top of him, like a kitten nibbling his neck.

His hands stroked through her hair, kissing her neck as she removed his trousers, lying on top of him, removing the distance between them.

A growl escaped his lips, as her hand ran lower down his chest, moving lower and lower.

In less time than there was to blink he was on top of her, and before she had time to be modest they were both fully unclothed.

…

They fell back onto the pillows, taking deep breaths that they didn't necessarily need, tangled in each others embraces and bed sheets.

Both radiating a satisfaction they had never felt before, he kissed the top of her head, relaxed.

Words weren't needed, in the silence of their darkened room, the comforting rise and fall of their chest was enough.

They were connected more than just the wedding rings on there fingers, or the nature of their being, but by the love that was unconditional and infinite, jus like them.

She had come so far, from the girl in the parking lot, who was still deeply troubled by her parents death and brothers addiction, one who only knew Damon as the beautiful new guy, to a strong confident vampire, married to her one true soul mate, her other half.

She wasn't the only one who had changed, he had been lost for so long, that when she had met him she had confused him in ways he couldn't even explain. He had killed ruthlessly before without a second thought. She showed him the light, the meaning of life; love, and right in this current moment the meaning of his life was lying in his arms with an angelic smile…yes he knew for sure whatever life threw at them if they had each other they'd live happily ever after…

THE END

Whoa, finally finished my fist fanfic! It took me long enough, but finally done!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read it, and for all the reviews, and story alerts, you're all amazing! I'm still going to be updating my other stories and writing new ones, so please check them out! I also want to thank Theo23 for taking the time to translate this story into Romanian (You rock!) Thank you all for all the support!

Love, JGE x