Witch or vampire?

(No) Silent Night

Our first Christmas together, by Celtic Thunder

"Don't mind the snow that's falling,
The carol singers calling,
I'm just happy
To be spending our first Christmas
Together.
And I'll be more than jolly
With the mistletoe and holly
Tonight as we are counting down to Christmas
Together.
Just you and me."

When Elena reported that Dr. Fell had come because Helen had a bleeding, it had scared the shit out of me. I was more than relieved when I found out that everything was fine. The shock had hit home and I would've loved to pack her up in cotton wool from now on.

I was fully aware of the possible complications in this house. Three vampires and a bleeding human... if Elena hadn't mastered her thirst - unthinkable. Helen had recognized the situation and I knew she would be able to fight back with magic, but the whole incident had shown the complexity of us living together. The tension had scratched at her composure, but I had managed to calm her down. We had to discuss our future, no question, but I wanted to do it after Christmas.

Now she stood before me, begged kittenish with her cornflower- blue eyes and gave me a hard time saying no.

"But you won't climb the ladder, promise," I insisted.

"I promise," she whispered and gave me a kiss.

Within a short time, we three had decorated the tree and the dozens of boxes and cartons stowed away again - thanks to vampire speed and with Helen's help. Helen hung the last bauble on the tree and then stepped back to examine it.

"This looks really beautiful," she whispered.

I looked at her from behind as I entered the room again. Her outline was still slender, with the exception of her waist around which the child nestled. Amazing what a human body can endure, I thought to myself. I wrapped my arms around her middle and pulled her softly close to me.

„And what do we do now?" I whispered and tried to nibble on her earlobe.

„I will make a phone call," she said.

Puzzled I let her go and looked at her.

„To talk with my mother. Only John knows that I'm here," she added.

I frowned. „That was pretty risky, don't you think?" I replied.

She shrugged. „I didn't want to fight with my mother about you," she said.

„Why this?"

She squirmed a bit. „Well, you could say she's not at all delighted that I'm in love with a vampire and..." She stopped explaining when Elena came back.

„Anyway, I'll go upstairs. Oh, and Damon? You should really talk to her," she added quietly, pointing her thumb toward Elena who gave her a puzzled look while she headed upstairs.

„Where did Stefan go?" I asked Elena.

„He's picking up Caroline and Tyler at Liz' place," she replied.

„And, what is it I should talk about with you?" I pressed, crossing my arms.

Hesitantly, she came a little closer.

„I didn't dare mention it up to now, but... When I met Helen in Baton Rouge, she showed me your diary to convince me...," she whispered and looked to her feet.

So that's where the wind blows from, I thought.

„And?" I replied neutrally.

She took a deep breath. „I just wanted to apologize for hurting you so much," she added quietly and gave me a pleading glance.