Florida Part 1 (Disney World, Sea World)
Chapter of the day^^
Oh mein Gott, ich hab grad die neue Promo für Folge 15 gesehen und bin total geschockt! Damon ist ja total von der Rolle wegen Katherine. Gut, dass er wenigstens in dieser FF die Nerven behält. Wenn ihr sie seht, wisst ihr was ich meine. Und für die, die grad keinen Nerv für nen abgedrehten Damon haben gibts ein schönes Kapitel mit ihm und Elena. Viel Spaß!
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The remaining hours to Florida passed by quickly, at least for Elena who didn't wake up before the morning.
"Mornin' sleepy head," Damon said even before she had opened her eyes.
"Mornin'..."
"Still tired?" He raised a brow.
"You're a hand full. You wear me out," she countered.
"Well, then I guess I'll probably have to carry you to bed tomorrow night."
"Possibly." She glanced outside. "Are we nearly there?"
"Half an hour till we arrive at the hotel."
"Hotel?"
"What did you expect?" he asked and laughed when he caught the astonished expression on her face. "We'll definitely not sleep in the car. I've tried it before and my back hurt for a week."
"Fine, but don't embarrass me."
Damon didn't reply to that. Instead he grinned mischievously.
When they arrived at the hotel half an hour later Elena was shocked. Damon had picked the probably most expensive hotel all around Florida.
"You must be crazy! How are we gonna afford this?!" she demanded.
"You know I had this grandfather, Damon Salvatore and he had quite a rich father and as luck would have it, I inherited all of his fortune and now I can live on the interest." He caught her still incredulous expression. "Don't feel uncomfortable. This stay will hardly dig a hole into my pile of gold." He blinked.
"But why did you pick the most expensive one of all hotels?" Elena inquired shaking her head.
"That's the disadvantage that comes with wealth," he explained. "You get used to a high standard."
"Impossible…"
Damon laughed.
They headed for the reception and Damon couldn't but book the best and definitely most expensive suite the hotel could offer. It turned out it was already taken. Yet they got it because Damon kindly asked the receptionist to take another look at his booking list. He did and fortunately he had obviously made a mistake. So he handed Damon the key to their suite and wished them a nice stay. Of course Elena didn't approve of Damon's means.
"Don't give me that look. I'm a vampire, remember? I'm the pure evil. It's too late to re-educate me."
He grinned smugly, leaving Elena speechless but when they entered the suite she quickly found her voice again.
"Oh my god! What is this?! The president's suite?!"
"Yeah, I think so," Damon answered casually. The suite had two separate bedrooms and a parlor with fireplace and minibar. "Impressed?" Damon seemed to be amused. "Two separate bedrooms. I guessed you'd like that."
Elena gave him a sharp look. What did he think? That she would happily share a bedroom or even bed with him? Certainly not!
"Not really," she lied, answering his question and threw dropped her bag onto the bed. "So what are we gonna do, now?"
"Let's check out the city. Come on," he said, grabbed her hand to drag her along.
"Wait!" She stopped him.
"What?"
"I'm gonna change first. I can hardly check out the city in this dress. I'll meet you outside."
"Fine but hurry," he told her and left.
Elena said down on the bed and opened her sports bag. It contained lingerie, two shirts, a skirt and a pair of trousers. At least Jeremy had packed decent things, although she felt sure Damon had told her brother exactly which clothes he should pack. She went for a blue shirt and the pair of jeans. As decent as possible, she told herself. When she was ready she quickly sent Jeremy a message that she would talk to him about his complicity in Damon's plans. He answered her soon after, asking her to say hi to Damon for him. She only shook her head.
Florida was definitely a place worth going to, Elena thought. It had so many things to see and enjoy. They took a ride around the city and hit the main streets. Being a girl Elena would have given everything for a real shopping adventure which would end with several full bags of clothes but although she was quite impressed at what Florida offered she did not forget why she was here and who was with her. Damon. If it hadn't been for him, they wouldn't be here. It had been his idea to go to Florida. They were here to spend some quality time together and she was enjoying it even without the opportunity of shopping. While they were walking down the street she glanced at Damon. His expression was almost bored. He had probably been to Florida a thousand times of his vampire existence. She should be grateful to him for taking her to this beautiful place, Orlando, Florida and she was. She planned to make up for it at the end of their trip but she didn't know how yet. When they reached the end of the main street, before she could ask where they would go Damon surprised her with his destination. Elena stopped in front of the gates, an amazed, childlike expression on her face.
"Disney World?!"
"I guessed you'd like that. Besides, Florida is partly famous for the park." He shrugged.
"Of course I like it! I loved their movies when I was younger! Elena replied happily.
Damon smiled smugly. "I guessed so."
That was what he had been trying to achieve. Seeing Elena as happy as a child who had just gotten a new toy. When he saw the happiness reach her eyes he couldn't help but smile, too.
As if it wasn't terrific enough already, Damon paid for her, telling her he would be offended if she tried to pay it back. "Be my guest," he said when they entered the park. "And now let's have some fun!"
They had lots of fun at Disney World. There were attractions for everyone making sure that none of the guest would die of boredom. First they entered the Hall of Presidents in which you could see a wax statue of each and every president of the United States, watch a film about the origins of America, the formation of the Constitution and the struggle the country had to fight. Elena had wanted to go there.
"You really are into history, aren't you?" Damon said appreciatorily.
"Well, I have to broaden my horizon to keep up with you and Stefan. He made quite an impression on me during our first history class together. He even corrected Mr. Tanner who looked like he was about to kill Stefan then."She laughed but only to conceal her sadness. It hurt to talk about Stefan during his absence. She missed him very much but she pulled herself together for Damon. He didn't deserve to be spoilt the fun for everything he had done so far.
"Besides, you're right. I am into history," she added.
"You know him?" Damon inquired, pointing at the statue of Abraham Lincoln.
"Sure, who doesn't?"
"I actually saw him once."
"You didn't!" Elena said in awe.
"Yes, I did. Never met him in person, of course. Back then in 1864 Father went to Washington to vote and took us along. We were supposed to witness Lincoln losing the elections. Father, the rich bastard he was, didn't approve of Lincoln. However, as we all know, Lincoln won the elections for the second time. I still recall Father's expressions in that moment. He looked like he had been smacked straight into the face."
"I always envy you," Elena said.
"For what? For seeing my Father's expression?" Damon asked confused.
"No," Elena corrected. "For witnessing the elections back then."
"Oh, it wasn't that interesting," Damon dismissed it. "Politics is actually pretty boring."
He gave her a smile which she returned before they continued their tour. Their next stop was at the "Test Track". It was absolutely something for Damon. A high-speed-vehicle-simulation ride at up to 60 miles an hour. Vampires were used to speed so Damon was more than in for a ride but Elena refused.
"Oh, come on. It isn't that fast," he tried to encourage her. "Really. I'll hold you so you won't get thrown out in a bend."
Elena still wasn't persuaded.
"If you get out of the cart at the end of the ride, regretting you let yourself in for it, you may let me pay for it," he added.
"I'd do it anyway," Elena replied. "Okay, fine. I better not regret this," she threatened him.
He smirked and let her get into the cart first.
It turned out to be a hell of a ride. Way to fast to Elena's taste but not unbearable as she constantly told herself. Damon was obviously enjoying it and she pulled herself together to not spoil his fun. In the end however she was glad to get out of the cart. During the ride she had lost her balance. Already the first step was placed wrong and she stumbled forward. Fortunately Damon was there to catch her.
"You okay?" he inquired worriedly.
"Yeah. Just a little dizzy," she answered, clinging on to him as he was supporting her. "Thanks," she said when the dizziness had subsided and let go of him.
"Uh-oh. I'm doomed," he suspected.
"No," she replied to his surprise. "It was cool, really, but a little to fast to my taste."
"Let's go get something to eat," Damon decided. "To increase your blood pressure."
They continued and headed for the first snack bar they came across. They ordered burgers like they had in Atlanta and coke. The sugar helped to increase Elena's blood pressure.
"You're better now?" Damon inquired.
"Yes, much better." She smiled.
"Shall we move on?"
"Sure."
They returned to the regular path through park past the numerous attractions. The next one they checked out was "Soarin'", a simulated flight over the State of California, featuring San Francisco and its famous Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, Monterrey, San Diego, Los Angeles and Malibu and much more. It was a welcome and peaceful experience unlike the fast ride before.
"I guess I know where we'll go on our next trip," Damon grinned when he caught Elena's dreamy expression and she nodded in agreement.
The last attraction that caught their interest was "The American Idol Experience". Actually they had planned to just take a look around, watch people perform and maybe even vote for one but then Damon had an idea and Elena was trapped.
"Do you like to sing?" he wanted to know.
"Well, I used to sing in the choir at school," she evaded. "But I quit it like I quit cheerleading."
"Front row or back row?"
"Front row," she admitted hesitantly. She had a hunch what he was driving at but she would never, for nothing in the world…
Five minutes later she desperately tried to remember why she was standing onstage now. Everything she remembered were Damon's kind, encouraging words that had made her agree eventually. She knew he wasn't compelling her. She had agreed out of her own free will.
And now she was standing onstage with the microphone in her hands, nervously looking around. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Damon and all the other people around. She hardly had time to prepare herself because the music had already started.
Shit! she thought. I'm so gonna regret this.
At least she was lucky regarding the song choice. There was actually one song she dared to sing.
Damon was amused. He wanted Elena to loosen up a little. That was why he had persuaded her to go onstage and sing. Even if the performance would turn out as a disaster she would still have fun doing it. And something told him that it wouldn't turn out bad at all. He was quite impressed by her song choice. He knew the song and he knew it wasn't easy to sing but Tori Amos' voice was similar to Elena's. Maybe that was why she had chosen it. Elena was nervous. Everyone could see it. She fiddled with the microphone, looking helplessly around until the music started. Then suddenly, she was completely focused on the song as her urge to prove herself was stronger than her fear. And once she had started to sing all of her insecurity was gone. Damon was very pleased. He had not been mistaken. This would turn out great. He smiled and closed his eyes to let himself get lost into the music and Elena's voice.
Once she had started to sing Elena felt much better. She wasn't afraid anymore. For the next four minutes she focused on the song and let the music guide her.
On my way up North
Up on the Ventura I pulled back the hood and I was talking to you
And I knew then it would be a life long thing but I didn't know that we
We could break a silver lining
And I'm so sad
Like a good book I can't put this day back
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
Things you said that day
Up on the 101 the girl had come undone
I tried to downplay it with a bet about us
You said that you'd take it as long as I could
I could not erase it
And I'm so sad
Like a good book I can't put this day back
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
And I ride along side
And I rode along side you then
And I rode along side 'til you lost me there in the open road
And I rode along side 'til the honey spread itself so thin
For me to break your bread
For me to take your word
I had to steal it
Way up North I took my day
All in all was a pretty nice day
And I put the hood right back where you could taste heaven perfectly
Feel out the summer breeze
Didn't know when we'd be back and I
I don't, didn't think we'd end up like this
And I'm so sad
Like a good book I can't put this day back
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
I could pick back it up whenever I feel
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
It's a sorta fairytale with you
When the music faded away the people around her, including Damon broke into cheering and clapping. Elena was their star. She was overwhelmed by the positive reaction of the audience. She'd never expected them to like her singing at all. When she got offstage he votes were shown on the screen. Full score! She blushed. At once she was surrounded by several people Damon, some 'fans' who wanted her signature and the director of the attraction who offered her an exclusive Dream Ticket, a straight ticket to the next American Idol season. Elena declined both the signings and the ticket politely but firmly.
She searched Damon and told him that she wanted to leave. He nodded and led her through the crow outside.
"You were awesome," he told her on their way to the exits.
"Not you, too," Elena groaned.
"No, I'm serious. Singing is definitely your thing," he insisted. "I must know 'cause I'm very picky but you've got a beautiful voice. I already noticed it on the ride and–"
He shut his mouth before he could tell her even much more than he wanted her to know and he saw her blush at his words so he changed the subject, pretending nothing happened.
"So is there any place you want to go?"
"Mm, I've never been here before so I have no idea," she replied.
"Then I'll choose again. You'll love it."
"More than Disney World," she grinned.
"You tell me," he said, grinning back.
Another surprise, Elena thought exhausted. The ride in the cart and the fuzz about her performance had worn her out.
"But make it something nice, please or you'll really have to carry me to bed tomorrow night," she requested.
Damon didn't tell her that he actually wouldn't mind but respected her request and chose something for their next destination that couldn't be more peaceful. Sea World.
And again Elena was amazed. She had never expected Damon to have such a soft side and as if he was reading her mind he said "Girls like dolphins, right?"
Of course he was right, at least Elena like dolphins and all the other cute creatures. Boys like Damon were more into sharks and killer whales. So Sea World was something for both of them again.
Elena only listened half-heartedly to Damon's sermon on sharks and their similarity to vampires. Both reacted strongly to human blood and fed on humans if they wanted. That was everything she actually caught. She was almost dying to see the dolphins. Luckily for them there was a show starting soon. She didn't want to miss it and urged Damon forward. When they reached the tank they were almost ten minutes early and had the best position to watch. Just before the show it started getting crowded. Many families with little girls or couples were anticipating the show.
The show was terrific, Elena thought. She really enjoyed it. The crowd was shouting ohhhs and ahhhhs when they saw the cute dolphins and it got even better. The people in the first row, who were the closest to the animals were allowed to stroke them much to Elena's pleasure. At the end of the show she was incredibly happy and overjoyed. She was so grateful to Damon for having taken her here that she was about to hug him. It took her all of her self-restraint not to do it and prevent another embarrassing moment. So she just enjoyed each minute. Her gaze met Damon's and she saw him smile slightly. She didn't know why he was doing it but it made her even happier. They stayed at Sea World until the sun started setting, then they went back to the car.
"Oh, Damon, how can I ever make up for this?" Elena wondered loudly.
"Will you please stop it?" Damon said. "I told you, you don't need to make up for anything."
"But it's so much!"
"It's standard," Damon corrected her. "Don't bring it up again. Really, it's okay."
They got into the car. Damon started it and drove towards the sunset.
"I almost don't dare to ask what's next. You always have something even better in store," said Elena.
Damon smiled smugly. "Just wait and see."
She got it. He wanted to surprise her again. He seemed to enjoy it. So Elena leaned back into the comfortable seat, looking forward to the next point on his gorgeous list.
