Disclaimer: I own nothing, I'm just playing around!

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"Get your skinny ass up Gilbert!" He said as he shook her awake. She mumbled something against the blue pillowcase before snuggling deeper into the quilts. He smirked lightly before pulling the quilt back for a moment and crawling into bed with her. She sighed pleasantly as she curled against his warm body. He wrapped an arm around her and brushed her hair from her face. Her eyes were shut but he knew she was awake. He could feel it in the way her hand moved to rest on his chest and he could hear her uneven breaths.

"I don't want to get up," she whined. He chuckled at her words before snuggling the blankets around them. It had been this way for as long as he could remember and he was more than willing to stay curled up beneath the sheets. It's not like he wanted to start the day any faster.

"Fine then. You can just not go to work and then you'll get fired. You'll come home and want me to play girlfriend to your ice-cream binge and I'll have lost all my manliness. Sorry to break it to you but I'm not about to lose my manliness," he explained.

"Like you have any left! You're the only man I know who invited himself to a girl's night!" she giggled.

"Um...you were all in your PJs. It's kind of like a guy fantasy. If only there had been pillows involved..." he trailed off. She slapped his chest and he acted wounded, making little whimpering noises until she massaged the spot softly.

"So what's on the agenda today?" She asked quietly. He knew he had been incredibly busy the past week and was sure she was feeling neglected. After all he had felt the same when she was sequestered writing her thesis.

"Hmm...I'm thinking about eating breakfast, lounging about until noonish, and meeting you for lunch," he answered. He played with her long hair as he spoke and she relaxed against the motions.

"Uh...and then?"

"I think I'll get ready for a date with my girl and then take her out to dinner. We'll eat at the best restaurant and then dancing. A late night and then I'll walk her home and kiss her on the porch before heading to my own place," he said. She smiled against him before sliding up into a sitting position.

"You'll wear the black shirt and slacks right?"

"Say it with me Elena. John...Varvatos. Come on say it! John Varvatos. They aren't slacks and you know better," he said with a roll of his eyes. She was always doing this. She was always pretending to know absolutely nothing about his clothes or any fashions. He had tried to steal her ratty sneakers but she had caught him. God had he been in the dog house after that!

"They look like pants to me but I'll take your word for it," she said as she got out of the bed. He watched as she moved around the room gathering her clothes. He hated how messy the room was since she couldn't seem to hit a hamper for the life of her. He stretched and lay back against the pillows watching as she began to brush her hair. She sat down at the vanity he had given her for her eighteenth birthday and began to get ready for work.

"So I was thinking pancakes?" He asked. She turned and wrinkled he nose and he chuckled. She was so easy to play with and he couldn't help but rag on her. For some odd reason she hated pancakes and he'd only made them once before throwing out the mix. If Elena didn't like something then he never made it. She didn't seem to realize how much she affected every day of their lives but at the same time, he might not have been aware either.

He watched her tug the t-shirt over her camisole and he grinned. He wondered if she knew she changed easily in front of him but then he was always more than willing to take his clothes off in front of her. He groaned a little when she threw one of her stuffed animals at him.

"Get up lazy bones. I have to be at work in an hour and I need nourishment," she said.

"Which secretly means, Damon cook me breakfast!" he sang as he moved his fingers to an imaginary beat. She grinned but threw another stuffed bear at him. This one he had won for her when he was fifteen. He traced the word of the carnival company and smiled at the memory.

She had been a shy little thing then, barely 12. He had been on a date as usual but one look at her across the way and he knew the girl wasn't worth it. He'd apologized to her and ran over to Elena, tugging her under his arm. Stefan had run off again and she was lonely. His girl didn't get lonely when he was around. It had taken two tries but he had knocked over the jugs and won that. She kept everything he got her.

"You shouldn't be mean to Mr. Snuggles. If I recall he's been in your bed more times than I have and he doesn't like the abuse," Damon said as he put the bear on her pillow. She met his eyes in the mirror and smiled broadly. He stretched, rubbing one hand through his hair, before heading down the hall. Breakfast it was.

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She was used to the flirtatious comments when she reached for the check. She was even used to the occasional inappropriate touch. She was, however, not used to having such a spectacularly bad day. Her car had broken down again which meant she was late to work. Then another waitress spilled an entire tray of food on her. A customer threw his cereal at her and she'd fallen and cut herself on a knife. It was no wonder Damon hated her working here.

"Elena, your boy is here," Matt said as he threw a towel over his shoulder. He hadn't been a busboy in years but he still picked up a shift when one of the boys called in sick. He grabbed the tub and headed out the door. She brushed the stray cheerios from her hair and clocked out for lunch. Hopefully he would want to leave the Grill.

"What the hell happened to you?" He asked from his stool at the bar. He sat the half-empty glass of bourbon on the bar and swept her over to him. His hands slid down her arms as he plucked some of the cereal from the folds in her apron. "Seriously, did you just roll into a cereal box or something?"

"A two-year old didn't like his breakfast," she said calmly. He smiled a little and then brushed a finger across her forehead.

"Shit, you're all sticky. Come on, I'll run you home to shower," he said. He pulled her by the arm and led her out to the Camaro. He had her seated in the car and then took off for the Boarding House. She laughed when he started blasting one of the local radio stations. She giggled as he reached over to pull her under his arm. She laughed as he started singing off-key to the music. He always knew just how to make her feel better.

"Damon! I'm going to be late again! I only have an hour!" she shouted over the music. He smirked lightly as if to say he would buy the damn restaurant if she was worried. She smiled at him and he turned into the long driveway. He stopped the car and tugged her out of the car behind him.

"Don't worry so much Elena. Live in the moment!" He said over his shoulder as he unlocked the front door. He pulled her up the stairs until she was inside his room, pulling her towards his personal bathroom. It was like a palace and she rarely spent any time in here. Damon preferred coming to her. He led her to the large, nearly pool-size bath tub and began running hot water.

"Damon, I have stuff in my own room," she explained softly. He tsked at her and grabbed one of his plush towels. She took it from him and he smiled.

"You are going to take a nice, long bubble bath while I wash your uniform and then you are going to have an amazing lunch courtesy of Chef Damon," he said. She smiled at his tone and immediately began untying her apron. He slid up to her and untied the difficult knot, his fingers lingering on her tattoo.

"Have I told you I love this thing?" he said softly.

"Since I got it. You should get one. It only hurts a little," she explained. It had been her eighteenth birthday gift to herself but he had chickened out. Something about it marring his perfect features.

"Mmm...maybe someday," he murmured. He left her alone in the bathroom and she shook off the shiver that ran down her spine. She slid one foot into the bathtub and moaned at the contact. She could smell the fragrant jasmine and lavender as she sank into the bubbles. She giggled when she heard his personal stereo system roar to life with some of their favorite rock music.

"God, does he take care of me," she mumbled. Her head fell back against the porcelain and her eyes went shut. She hummed along with the music as she slid deeper into the water, her limps floating in the water. She lifted one of his black washcloths and took her time washing any remnants of food from her body.

She sank into the tub to rinse her hair before tugging his masculine shampoo over to her. She sniffed the scent that comforted her and began to massage the bead of soap through her hair. He would appreciate her use of his things. She tended to hesitate to use his things when she believed in earning what she used. He believed what was his was hers and sometimes she accepted it.

She stood up in the tub, pulled the drain and shimmied into one of his towels. She wrapped it tightly around her body and stepped into his bedroom. It had been the same for years but somehow she still felt like she was in a new place. She swept a finger over his piano, tucked by the window and she lifted the old book he was reading and opened it to his bookmark.

He still used that ribbon she wore in her hair years ago. It was red and the shine was fading from it but he used it fondly. She remembered his eyes when he saw she had cut her hair. She didn't think he would ever forgive her. He had snatched the ribbon from her hands and said it was his since she didn't need it anymore...he was ten.

"Are you going to keep fondling my delicates or should I leave you alone?" She whirled around to face him. He was standing in the doorway, one arm up on the frame as he stood in his own patented slouch. She smiled at him as he shook his head and grabbed his nearby robe. "Seriously, put something on!"

"Am I getting you hot and bothered?" She asked with a smile as she rested a hand on his chest.

"Always," he whispered. He stepped away from her and left her alone in the doorway, clutching his robe shut. She closed her eyes and smelled the air and nearly tasted the lingering smell of chicken and tomatoes. She smiled and headed for her room, the door swinging open as she shouldered it aside.

Ten minutes later she was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt from the Grill and headed down to the kitchen. The smell teased her as she neared the doorway and she paused to smell the mixture of herbs and spices he had used. She turned into the kitchen and saw the two plates on the counter. Each had one chicken breast and on top was her favorite...bruschetta. There were large slices of baked bread sitting near each place and a glass of white wine with each meal.

Damon was stirring something she could only imagine was dessert. He turned to her with a spoon and offered her the taste. She moved over to his side and took the little taste of chocolate. She moaned at the gooey goodness and he turned back to sit the spoon on the counter. He smiled and led her to lunch, making sure she was seated before he slid into his own.

"You didn't have to do this," she said simply.

"I've been cooking for you since I learned how to boil water. Don't stop me now," he replied. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself."

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It was strange for them to be getting ready for their separate dates in the same room. They moved in sync almost like they were getting ready for each other. As she did her make-up, he slid behind her to zip her dress. She in turn smoothed his hair down for him, her hands smoothing over his scalp. He reached up to help fix her hair and she handed him his cologne.

"Where is dear William taking you?" He asked as he fastened her necklace around her neck.

"Dinner at the cafe. He didn't tell me what we're doing after that," she said. "Where are you taking...what's her name?"

"Taryn. Dancing. I let her pick so there you go. We'll probably hit up one of the nearby clubs," he explained. He sighed as she moved away to tug her heels on. He grimaced at their height but she stood up quickly and disappeared into her closet. Bag after bag flew out into the walkway before she emerged triumphantly with a blue clutch. She sat down on the bed and began switching her things into the clutch while he continued grooming himself.

"We haven't been dancing in forever. I miss it. Maybe William will take me..."she said.

"Um no Elena. Dancing is our thing," Damon said as he spun around and took a sip from his nearby glass.

"Well you're sharing it with Taryn," she said quietly as she stood up to take one last look in the mirror.

"That's completely beside the point. I'm your dance partner," he said stubbornly as she laughed her way down the hallway. "Stop laughing. I've always taken you dancing. William's not good enough."

"You've never met William," she replied. "And for the record, you won't for now. I don't need you scaring off another boyfriend."

"Hey, that one guy told me he was taking you back to a hotel room after dinner. Fucker didn't realize I was your best friend. Sent him packing..." he trailed off as he helped her with her wrap.

"And you're so proud. Next time trust that I wasn't going to roll into bed with him after the third date. You know my policy."

"You make them work for it. When was the last time you just had a roll between the sheets?"

"Not everything is about sex," she said as he walked her to the car. He turned her around and she slid against the door.

"Everything is about sex Elena. Regardless of what you think, everything boils down to it. Each touch," he explained as he trailed a finger down her arm, "each kiss...everything matters." His lips neared her ear.

"Damon?"

"I'm just making a point," he whispered as he pulled back. He adjusted her wrap and opened her car door. "Every guy is after sex and if they're willing to wait, well trust me they still want it."

"Have a good night Damon," she stammered.

"I will," he called back.

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"So what do you do Damon?" Taryn asked. They had already covered the obligatory small talk that inevitably happens at the beginning of the first date. Taryn had proven to be an average date. There was nothing particularly wrong with her but at the same time she didn't really click with him. She had an awesome body though and maybe he'd still take her home.

"Not much. I don't work...independently wealthy," he explained. He wasn't the type to hide it since he was decent at reading people. If the money mattered he noticed the moment it clicked in their eyes. Taryn seemed interested but there was nothing malicious about it.

"Oh wow. Did your parents leave you the money?" She asked, wide-eyed.

"Something like that," he replied. He didn't like talking about his parents. In fact, he rarely told anyone about them, save Elena. She knew everything about him. There were absolutely no secrets.

"Oh so do you live alone? Or are there siblings?" She asked after a minute. She knew where he lived since everyone in Mystic Falls knew about the Salvatore Boarding House. No one knew why they called it this since it hadn't been a boarding house for over fifty years. Somehow the name stuck and even the little kids called it that.

"I have a roommate," he replied.

"Oh you'll have to introduce us? Is he someone who works in town?"

"She works at the Grill. Elena's a waitress down there," he said. He was clearly bored by this vein of conversation. He hated when people questioned his best friend. He hated when people acted like it mattered she was a girl. Why should he have to live with a man when he could live with Elena?

"Oh I've seen her. Wasn't she involved with Matty Donovan at one time?"

"Yeah. They broke up over a year ago. She's been single for a while. So what do you do?" Damon finally asked.

"Oh I sell cosmetics at the mall. So what really happened between Matty and Elena? They were so close and everyone thought they were going to get married..." she trailed off. Well it had been common knowledge. They had been pretty close to planning the wedding when she called it off. She had never told Damon the full story but he knew Matt had cheated.

"I really don't want to talk about Elena," he said as he downed the rest of his scotch. He turned and gestured to the waiter for a refill. The glass was refilled quickly as Taryn continued to chatter about Elena and the rumors surrounding her. She was mostly a mystery to the town since she never talked about her past and Damon knew he was the only one who knew everything. He was used to the questions but it was true, he didn't like sharing their bond with other people. He was a little too protective sometimes.

"Hey Damon!" A girl called. He groaned recognizing the voice immediately. He slouched down hoping Caroline wouldn't come over. "Oh hey you must be Damon's date," she said as she reached out to shake Taryn's hand. All he could think was shoot me now.

"Hi. I'm Taryn," she replied.

"Hi! I saw Damon and I just had to come by. We go way back since I'm very close to Elena! I'm surprised she's not with you Damon. You usually bring her out for dancing," Caroline chattered on. "You two haven't been dancing in so long! Tyler and I miss you!"

"She had a date with William tonight. I promised to bring her another night," Damon replied.

"William?" she said confused. "Not William Jameson! They broke up yesterday."

"What?" Damon asked as he stared up at Caroline. She stared at him as if surprised he didn't know.

"Yeah. She told me she was staying in tonight to wallow. I thought maybe you drug her out to cheer her up...well I have to go so tell her I'm here if she needs me," Caroline said before bouncing off to join Tyler by the door.

"Well she's strange. What was she saying about Elena?" Taryn asked.

"Taryn I need to go. Um...I'll call you to reschedule okay?" Damon said as he threw down enough money to cover the bill. , He grabbed his jacket and shrug into it, fixing the collar and getting ready to leave.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Taryn squealed. He glanced around at the stares and turned back to quiet her.

"I'm going home. Elena's hurting and I'm not going to leave her alone," he explained softly.

"But we're on a date! Can't she wait?"

"No."

"Well if you leave then don't bother calling me!" Taryn yelled.

"Look if it comes down to you or Elena...I'll always choose Elena," he said before he sprinted for the door. Sooner or later everyone in his life figured out Elena came first. He never really considered that could be the reason his relationships never lasted.

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Elena was sitting in the parlor having a good long cry about her non-existent love life. She felt horrible for lying to Damon but she just couldn't bring herself to tell him. He would have cancelled his date in order to stay with her. She didn't want him to do that since he had seemed excited for the date.

The moment he left, she had parked the car again and gone inside. The dress and make-up came off and into a pair of sweats she went. She pulled a box of tissues close to her and just moped on the couch. Damon wouldn't get in until after midnight if at all so she had plenty of time to clean up after herself.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Her teary eyes shot up to meet Damon's and she held their gaze. She didn't respond at first and he reached into a grocery bag and presented her with ice cream. "I got your favorite."

She looked at the pint of Ben and Jerry's "Everything But The..." and she smiled up at him. He opened the container and offered her a spoon.

"Thank you," she sniffled. She took the spoon and pulled the carton close to her chest. He laughed before sliding down under her blanket with her. She curled against him and ate her ice cream slowly, offering him an occasional bite.

"What happened Elena?"

"Yesterday he came by the Grill for lunch and then we went for a walk. He took me to the inn and told me he'd rented a room. He wanted me to come up with him..." she explained.

"What happened?" He asked. His voice was steely and she knew if she didn't calm him then he would hunt William down.

"I said no. I wasn't ready and I didn't like that he was renting by the hour. What did that say about our relationship? I was only worth an hour?" She said as she started bawling. "I'm just a slut apparently!"

"Hey, no..." Damon said as he held her close. He had pulled the ice cream away, sitting it on the end table as he comforted her. What an ass William was. How could any man make her feel like this?

"But they all do this. They're all perfectly respectable men and somehow if I don't put out by the third date then I'm not worth it," she whispered.

"Hey, that's not true! We waited 13 years for our first time and it didn't mean any less," he said with a smile.

"Damon...the time between age 5 and age 18 doesn't count. I didn't even know what sex was until I was twelve. Did I ever thank you for that lesson?"

"No but then...it was more of a 'you show me yours, I'll show you mine' kind of day," Damon said with a smirk. "I'll never forget just how fascinated you were."

"You were fifteen and you took advantage!"

"And you were completely curious. Plus you had those cute breasts developing next door. I couldn't help myself," he said.

"You were always so horny."

"Still am Baby...still am."

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So I hope you like this odd humorous story I concocted. This will not be nearly as long as What's WWU? but it's going to be a little bit of a ride. I'm still working on some other things but I needed something lighter for a little bit. We'll delve a little into their backstories and how Damon and Elena became so close but not yet.

I hope you enjoyed their chemistry because it's going to stick around! I know it's rated M and it will earn that rating soon enough!

Please leave reviews and let me know what you think! Remember I always respond to every single review!