waltzmatildah: (tvd: damon and elena black and white)
[personal profile] waltzmatildah
Title: Here For The Echoes
Fandom: The Vampire Diaries (television series)
Characters/Pairings: General cast. Damon/Elena. Stefan/Elena.
Word Count: 1100 (total word count: 8700)
Rating: M
Prompt: From [livejournal.com profile] miss_blanche. Damon is in danger of some description and Stefan and Elena are standing aside helpless. Elena is distraught and certain feelings are revealed when Stefan questions her.
Summary: He tugs at her hand. Pulls her closer, over the back of the couch, into his lap. Settles her head against his chest and wonders what letting go again will feel like.
Author's Note: Title and cut text from “In The Veins Of Death Valley”, Birds of Tokyo. So, this is the culmination of TVD fic number one! I'm fairly certain it in no way even comes close to answering [livejournal.com profile] miss_blanche's prompt. Oops. I blame Stefan.

Part 1: You tell me that everything is fine here, and you can handle it...
Part 2: Struggle to fight the feud within, to face what you've become...
Part 3: Straight to the heart, good luck, you're finished for sure...
Part 4: You're on the edge, I think you're breaking...


The sleep that he so desperately craves eludes him once more and when the tentative knock of knuckle against heavy wood splits the still night into shards, it is a more than welcome distraction.

He pulls the door towards him without bothering to check the identity of his late night visitor. Realises his mistake almost immediately and stills to motionless.

“Damon?”

The sound of his name is carried through the gap on the back of a cool wind that has developed sometime in the preceding hours. He gives himself a moment. A deep breath. A fleeting tap of forehead against wall to steel his resolve.

“Elena.” He swings the door open expansively. Plasters a wide grin on his face that only slips twice before righting itself as he walks back into the dimly lit room. “Let me guess, just passing through the neighbourhood?”

The small talk is like splintered glass under his nails. It's been less than forty eight hours. Just enough time for all the building blocks to slot neatly into place.

They tell a compelling story.

“Stefan's hunting if you're-”

“I know.”

He grins. Shakes his head. “Of course you do.”

“Damon, don't.”

He slides into position on the couch, crystal cut tumbler filled to shallow with scotch in one hand. Tilts his glass in the direction of where she's still standing.

“Cheers.”

Bites back a grin at the full circle they've travelled.

“Damon.” The sigh in the syllables is barely hidden, “Can we talk?”

“What could we possibly have to talk about, Elena? Oh, I know... Actually,” he pauses for dramatic effect, “I'll start.”

He twists where he's seated so he's facing her. Narrows his eyes into a shape that feels disconcertingly uncomfortable but gratifyingly familiar nonetheless.

“First we can cover how you let me kiss you. How you kissed me back. And slept in my bed. And made me...” The words fall away then. The false bravado. She made him lots of things, she still does. None of which he'll ever have the strength to verbalise. “Then you concocted this elaborate plan to have me basically lose my mind over you. And then you lied to me about it.

“Maybe we can talk about that.”

She blinks back at him brightly. She's crying and his insides twist. He leans his head forward 'til it's pillowed on the back of the couch and sighs. The sound is like the weight of a thousand avalanches tearing at his skin. “I didn't mean... crap. Don't cry. Elena, I'm sorry. I didn't-”

“You think I wanted to go along with their plan?” Her voice is sharp and sure all of a sudden. Resolute. “You think I've enjoyed these past few days?”

“No. Elena, that's not what I-” And he can't for the life of him figure out how he has suddenly become the bad guy in all of this.

Figures though, that it's probably for the best.

Doesn't bother to remind her about the blood and the agony and the fact that it wasn't exactly a piece of cake for him either.





- - -





He tugs at her hand. Pulls her closer, over the back of the couch, into his lap. Settles her head against his chest and wonders what letting go again will feel like.

“So, the spell had some sort of 'get out of jail free' clause built into it, but it wasn't really a 'get out of jail free' clause because, to make it viable, you had to basically... well, let's just say there was no collecting two hundred dollars on the way past...” She uses the back of her hand to swipe at tears that haven't quite come to a stop, “... and it had to be about someone else, you couldn't just be doing it for yourself, to make it stop, that was the hardest part, you know...”

He does know. All too well. Nods minutely and tilts his head back to drain his scotch.

“How did you know it would work?”

“Honestly? We didn't. But it was all we had and, well... the alternative wasn't really an option was it?” She tilts her head up at him, her hair casts a shadow he thinks he could hide behind for centuries.

“You mean twenty four hour suicide watch wasn't as much fun for you as it was for me? I'm shattered.”

“Would you-”

“Don't. Seriously, Elena. Don't even go there...”

She nods, focuses her attention on the back of his hand. Traces the veins that thread a pattern across the smooth skin.

“But you took your ring off.”

“I know. I was there, remember?”

“Why?”

“Why? Why? You really don't know the answer to that question by now?”

She shrugs around a sigh and the movement ingrains itself somewhere in the deepest parts of him.

“I guess I do. I guess I just want to hear you say it.”

He threads his fingers through her hair, pulls the side back and tucks it behind her ear. “But what would it change? If I said it? What would it change?”

“Everything. Nothing. I don't know.” She shrugs again and the strands fall back into place across her face.

“Yes, you do. You love him. Hell, even I kinda tolerate him enough to not want to do this to him. Which, also, your fault by the way...”

She grins at him, a sly mix of sadness and regret. And he thinks he can probably live with that for now.

“You should go before he gets back. Or at least go into his room.”

“He's not stupid, Damon. You said yourself that you heard the arguments...”

“I know he's not stupid. Not most of the time anyway. But you love him and the least we can do is not rub in his face the fact that you love me, too...”

“Oh!”

She stands then. Hands on her hips for a fleeting second before snatching at a cushion and hefting it playfully at his head.

“Oh, really? I do, do I?”

“Well, maybe not yet... but you will eventually. It's inevitable really...”





- - -





She turns toward the stairs, makes her way up the first two before swinging back in his direction suddenly. “Damon?”

“Mmmm?”

“I want you to know, I really am- I really am sorry. And I really was terrified something bad was going to happen to you, or that you were going to hurt yours-”

“Elena, It's fine.”

“No. No, it's not. I was selfish. And I let them use your feelings for me against you and-”

“Elena, seriously. It's fine. It wasn't fine. At the time it was so, incredibly far from fine... but it's over now and I understand why you did it and seriously, it's fine.”

He figures if he says the words often enough they might just start to resonate within him as something somewhere near to the truth.

Date: 2010-12-14 09:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] miss-blanche.livejournal.com
AGAIN. NOT KNOWING WHAT TO SAY. BEYOND THANK YOU. AND MEMORIES. AND ♥

He figures if he says the words often enough they might just start to resonate within him as something somewhere near to the truth.

IT'S JUST SO FUCKING DAMON IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY. GAH. AND SO BITTERSWEET.

Also: She stands then. Hands on her hips for a fleeting second before snatching at a cushion and hefting it playfully at his head.

“Oh, really? I do, do I?”


Heh :D

This whole thing = love. Just... GAH. IDK. I WISH I HAS SOMETHING TO SAY THAT WAS KIND OF SENSIBLE BECAUSE THIS MORE THAN DESERVES IT.

ETA: In my eagerness I missed this: I'm fairly certain it in no way even comes close to answering miss_blanche's prompt

IT ONLY ECLIPSED EVERYTHING SHE COULD HAVE EVER HOPED FOR EVER. (You can keep blaming Stefan for nothing though - I know we both get joy from doing that :D)
Edited Date: 2010-12-14 09:21 am (UTC)

Date: 2010-12-14 09:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
HEEEEEEEE!! Thank you.

I'm still not entirely convinced that it makes sense...! Haha!

IT ONLY ECLIPSED EVERYTHING SHE COULD HAVE EVER HOPED FOR EVER. WELL! FREAKING PHEW!!! I WAS HALF CONVINCED YOU WAS GONNA SAY "START AGAIN, WOMAN!"

ARGH!

*is dead*

BUT YES! STEFAN'S FAULT, NONETHELESS!!!

Date: 2010-12-14 09:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] miss-blanche.livejournal.com
It makes sense - it's really really clever and elucidates pretty much everything I love about this ship ♥

Well if you want to start another fic centering around Damon/Elena and angst and woobie Damon then... I'm certainly not complaining ;) Just as long as you're not under the impression that this didn't fulfill my shipper heart in every way!

(lolol oh Stefan. Global warming is your fault.)

Date: 2010-12-16 06:49 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Oh.

Dear. God.

I just found this....

Date: 2010-12-16 07:45 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] miss-blanche.livejournal.com
LOLOLOL DOOO IIITTTTTT! :D

Date: 2010-12-16 12:59 pm (UTC)

Date: 2010-12-19 06:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
HEEEEEEEEE! ♥

Date: 2010-12-17 02:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] reality0junkie.livejournal.com
This is amazing!

Date: 2010-12-19 06:55 am (UTC)

Date: 2010-12-20 08:36 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] midnightblack07.livejournal.com
gosh this was just brilliant and stunning and so many things I don't even have the words for :O you have Damon so in character even in this vulnerable, "out of his mind" scenerio and the bittersweet ending between him and Elena is just perfect <3 indeed her love for him is inevitable ;)

I really hope you decide to write more TVD fic in the future this was just brilliant!!

Date: 2010-12-20 08:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Thank you! This was the first time for me writing TVD fic, and it was scary but very addictive!!

There will no doubt be more!! I have many ideas, just not quite enough guts (yet) to put them on paper!

Anyway, thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I'm so glad you enjoyed this..

Date: 2010-12-20 08:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] crimson-kiss17.livejournal.com
Heartbreaking. Beautifully done but I had a strong urge to punch Elena in the face during the last chapter and a half. SadDamon brings tears to my eyes.

Date: 2010-12-21 04:05 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Thank you!!! And I often have a strong urge to punch Elena in the face! Haha! So I hear you!

I think SadDamon is my very favourite kind... *sigh*

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

Date: 2010-12-29 04:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] herlovewasajoke.livejournal.com
I'm fairly new to the fandom, and I'm so, so happy that this story is one of the first that I've read. It was so well done - the pacing, the characterization, everything. Thanks for sharing!

Date: 2010-12-29 06:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
I'm fairly new to the fandom, too! This is the first TVD fic I've written (though, I have pumped out two one-shots since this one! Haha!).

I'm so glad that you liked it!! I was terrified of getting the characterisation wrong because I was so new to it, so to hear that you think it's well done is YAY!!

Date: 2010-12-30 11:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ice-whisper.livejournal.com
I finally had a chance to sit down and read this and...ow. My heart.

I demand more hurt!Damon (or Puck)!!! =P

Date: 2010-12-31 01:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
THANK YOU!

And I soooo want to write (AND READ!) more hurt!damon and/or hurt!puck and/or hurt!alex... but I am soooo freaking out of ideas it's not even funny...

Date: 2010-12-31 01:34 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ice-whisper.livejournal.com
Aww. =(

Go through the glee angst meme! Or hell...I can send you some of my prompts. =P

Oh, and I don't know if Ch13 ever went through, but I sent it to you a week or so ago.

Date: 2010-12-31 01:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
I've been house-sitting with no internet connection so my inbox has about a bajillion messages in it! I'm sure I'll get to it by the time you send me Ch14! Haha!!!

I already know it's awesome! Haha!

(I am under strict orders - from myself - to finish my secret santa obligations before reading/writing anything else!)

Date: 2010-12-31 02:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ice-whisper.livejournal.com
Secret Santa? Haha. But it's almost New Years!

Date: 2010-12-31 02:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
The GA one isn't due 'til Jan 3rd. I've already submitted one to a different comm...

Date: 2010-12-31 02:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ice-whisper.livejournal.com
Ohhhhh. =)

Date: 2010-12-31 02:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] citron-presse.livejournal.com
Uhm . . . I wish I had the words to do this justice, but you've left me pretty much speechless (with emotion and awe).

This is one of the very best fics I've ever read. So well-written, so sad, so powerful . . . guh! And your Damon is PERFECT!

WOW! Just . . . WOW!

Date: 2010-12-31 02:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
THANK YOU!

That you enjoyed this means the absolute world to me! As you know, it was my first TVD fic and I was TERRIFIED of getting Damon wrong because... well, we all know how freaking complicated he is. That you think I got it right is soooo much of a relief!

I usually steer clear of chapter fics because I typically fail at them epically, but this was a prompt for [livejournal.com profile] miss_blanche and so I trusted her to hound me 'til it was done!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Also, apologies for the rambling. I blame the wine! MERRY NEW YEAR, [livejournal.com profile] citron_presse!!!

Date: 2011-01-03 01:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] brightstarmara.livejournal.com
OMG you write prose! Calling it fanfiction kinda doesn't cover it!
I've loved reading this and I hope you keep writing for TVD!

"Plasters a wide grin on his face that only slips twice before righting itself" this is gorgeously worded! You can see him doing that too. So determined not to let people know they get to him. He doesn't even want to know that himself!

“I didn't mean... crap. Don't cry. Elena, I'm sorry. I didn't-” That made me scream!!! Don't say you're sorry! She didn't have to kiss him back and she certainly didn't need to sleep on his bed! How was that EVER part of the plan? Damon...grow a pair for real!


“So, the spell had some sort of 'get out of jail free' clause built into it, but it wasn't really a 'get out of jail free'//// you couldn't just be doing it for yourself, to make it stop, that was the hardest part, you know...” Okay, so like I said a while ago I'm a dummie. So... he was cursed and the only way to lift it was to do something selfless. So... they tricked him into thinking that Elena went to get the moonstone. Yes? Please say yes...
But hwat was the get-out-of-jail part?

I love the fact that in this part you tried to get these two back together at least a little. But boy, did she mess with his head (again). She didn't need to get THAT close and then drop him again. he would have done anything for her without that. OOoo she gets to me that one!

Awesome stuff! THe last scentence really sums up what their relationship is coming to; somethign somewhere near to the truth.

Love, Isis

Date: 2011-01-04 05:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you've enjoyed this so much and given such INCREDIBLE feedback!!! I appreciate it sooo much!

So determined not to let people know they get to him. He doesn't even want to know that himself! EXACTLY!

Yes? Please say yes... YES! YOU ARE 100% CORRECT!!!

The 'get-out-of-jail-free' part was an allusion to the popular board game Monopoly and a card in that game that allows you to basically, get out of jail immediately and for free... The card has morphed into a pretty popular saying and the context it was used with in this instance is that one...

The saying basically means that you get given something or someone tells you something or something happens that means you no longer have to suffer the consequences of your/someone else's actions... and you didn't really have to do too much to get it. So, Damon's 'get out of the curse' card was to do something selfless... it would break the spell immediately, only he didn't know that (and couldn't know that for it to be successful).

OMG, I HOPE THAT MAKES SENSE! Really, the 'get out of jail free' thing is just a throw away line... It's a fairly common saying in some parts.

THANK YOU AGAINNNNNNN!!!

tvd: elena

Date: 2011-01-04 08:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] brightstarmara.livejournal.com
Yayaya, so I'm not a complete dummie :P

Yeah, the get out of jail thing. I know what it means, but I didn't get how it fit the situation. I do now ;)

I think Damon breaks my heart no matter what in does. In the series, in fanfiction. I can't wait to read the Stefan's diaries new book (it's Damon centered). He even broke my heart when he was on a rampage.

Your Damon... though guy with a heart. The hardest type to let go of.

So...will you be writing more bigger fics? *bats lashes in hopes of a yes...*

Date: 2011-01-04 08:58 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
So...will you be writing more bigger fics? I really, really would like to! Hopefully!!

Oh, and we should totally be friends, btw! I'll add you know if you're okay with it...

Date: 2011-01-04 02:27 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] brightstarmara.livejournal.com
:D Which means yes! I'll add you too! Thank you!

You wrote for the ficathon too right? *hops over there*

Date: 2011-01-06 02:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Yeah, I did do two fics for the ficathon. I intended to do more but it was SO MUCH HARDER than I thought it would be! This fandom is TRICKY!!

There ended up being SO MANY fics posted over there though, so I'll just link you to mine if you like (though I also recommend having a look at the master list, too)...

There are links in both of those to the ficathon itself if you want to check that out...

Take The Plan (Spin It Sideways). This one is Katherine/Elena so it might not be your cup of tea...

Inspire In Me The Desire In Me (To Never Go Home) is Damon/Elena...

Date: 2011-01-06 03:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] brightstarmara.livejournal.com
That ficathon killed me ded! I had a few late shifts during the holidays, so I had lots of fun reading and commenting!

Even wrote some myself, but it's not flowing yet!
Almost end of januari!

I'll definitly read the stories you've linked me to!

I think part of why it;s so hard is the fact that most of the characters are not flat, like in other shows. The more complex they harder, they harder to get them just right!

Love, Isis

Date: 2011-01-05 06:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jillbee7.livejournal.com
This makes me so happy- every time I discover a new fandom, YOU WRITE FIC FOR IT! And you write the greatest hurt fic ever- Alex, Puck, and now Damon!!! <3

I'm really new to TVD, but I think you wrote this perfectly. I haven't even seen all the episodes yet but I have a vague idea of what happens because my sister watched it first and spoiled it all for me. So sorry I can't be more specific with all the character things that you got right, but just know that I thought it was completely believable!

Date: 2011-01-05 07:19 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Alex, Puck and Damon are SO MUCH FUN TO WHUMP ON!!!!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing and also, for being glad that I write Alex, Puck, Damon WHUMP! Heheee!

I'm newish to the fandom, I only started watching in November and had to download all the eps etc. I watched about 30 of them in 5 days! HAHA!!

But I love it soooo much, so when you've caught up we so need to discuss... AT LENGTH!

Date: 2011-01-13 08:42 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dulcedeusex.livejournal.com
“Elena.” He swings the door open expansively. Plasters a wide grin on his face that only slips twice before righting itself as he walks back into the dimly lit room. “Let me guess, just passing through the neighbourhood?”
The small talk is like splintered glass under his nails. It's been less than forty eight hours. Just enough time for all the building blocks to slot neatly into place.
They tell a compelling story.


-- HOW DO YOU WRITE LIKE THIS!???

He tugs at her hand. Pulls her closer, over the back of the couch, into his lap. Settles her head against his chest and wonders what letting go again will feel like.

-- galkjlwiuohknoihflkgnknfogijdfiglkj!!!!

She tilts her head up at him, her hair casts a shadow he thinks he could hide behind for centuries.
“You mean twenty four hour suicide watch wasn't as much fun for you as it was for me? I'm shattered.”
“Would you-”
“Don't. Seriously, Elena. Don't even go there...”


-- I feel like I should be able to leave a more coherent and intelligent review but it appears my brain is still melting from the awesome angst sauce. You've really nailed Damon's personality.

“Oh, really? I do, do I?”
“Well, maybe not yet... but you will eventually. It's inevitable really...”


-- Oh the snarky snark that is so freaking true!

♥ ♥ for this fic and you for writing this. So many parts of this felt like canon, which is the best gift a fanfic writer can give a reader. Thank you. xx Dulce

Date: 2011-01-13 09:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
My absolute pleasure!!! And trust me when I say incoherent (which this isn't really!) reviews are the most awesome ones to recieve!!

This was my first attempt at TVD fic and I was TERRIFIED! But I'm so pleased you enjoyed it so much! I freaking love the show and definitely plan to write MOAR!!!

Date: 2011-01-13 10:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dulcedeusex.livejournal.com
I have a section in my memories for Damon/Elena and TVD fic. Feel free to have a gander. See the company your fic keeps and let the writers know what you think.

I shall be patiently awaiting more of your stuff in this fandom.

I'm kinda totally feeling Elena/Alaric since the TVD ficathon on softly_me's LJ last month.

xxDulce

Date: 2011-03-16 09:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] x5vale.livejournal.com
I found this by chance (I think I should really find the time to read everything yu have written so far btw) and I am speechless.

your Damon is just perfect. I was reading this and picturing in mynd Ian face while talking, angsting, suffering...I think your Damon is totally IC.

The fic is breathtaking.

Thank you.

Date: 2011-03-20 08:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Thank you for reading!!! I'm sooo glad that you liked it!

This was the very first TVD Fic I wrote and getting Damon to sound 'believable' considering what I was doing to him was my top priority so I'm am SO GLAD that you found him to be in character!!

Also, I FOUND YOUR BID!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You've been out-bid :( but you did it correctly and so you should totally keep checking back! The bidding doesn't finish until next Monday lunchtime (Australian time), so there is lots of time left...

I have so many TVD fic ideas that I really want a TVD flistie to win me!!

Anyway, THANK YOU AGAIN FOR READING THIS!!!

Date: 2011-03-21 08:53 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] x5vale.livejournal.com
I have the page of the bid always open, so I am keeping myself updated and I bid again:)
Edited Date: 2011-03-21 08:55 am (UTC)

Date: 2011-03-22 07:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Oooh! Bidding war!

Exciting! Where abouts are you located? For some reason I think Italy? Have I made that up? I'm trying to figure out what time the auction will close where you are...
Edited Date: 2011-03-22 07:57 am (UTC)

Date: 2011-03-22 08:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] x5vale.livejournal.com
Yep Rome, Italy.

It will be 2 am I think.

Date: 2011-03-22 11:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] waltzmatildah.livejournal.com
Oh! Haha! That wasn't very good organising on my behalf was it??!!

Side note: I am contemplating an Italy trip in September!! I lived in London for two years and despite travelling a fair bit of Europe, I never made it to Italy and I think this needs to be rectified!

Date: 2011-03-22 01:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] x5vale.livejournal.com
You need to and if you plan to visit Rome, I'd be glad to hang out with you :)

I'll try to stick and bid till the end. At least you could appreciate the effort :)

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