A little scene that popped into my mind. It takes place after 2x01. Enjoy!

Maybe Someday

Elena couldn't believe what was just happening to her.

She had stepped outside to go to the graveyard and visit her parents. Since it was their death anniversary she had stopped by the old Wickery Bridge first to face her demon.

She should have stayed at home.

Suddenly, when she had – lost in thoughts – let her guard down something had pushed her from behind. She had lost balance and now she was falling straight toward the river. But then she felt someone grab her hand.

She looked up to meet Damon's gaze. It was intense, boring into her. It was no effort for him to hold her and pull her up but he didn't make any attempt to do so. He was just holding her in place.

Elena glanced down at the streaming river. If she fell down into the water the flood would drag her along. Eventually she would drown. She raised her head to look back at Damon. She wanted to tell him to pull her up but her lips wouldn't move.

And she lost herself in his eyes…

"Name one good reason why I should pull you up," his voice made her snap out of her trance.

"You don't want me to die," Elena said at once.

"Wrong. Try again," retorted. His eyes showed no mercy.

"Oh, come on, Damon. You can't be serious!" she shouted unnerved.

"Oh yes, I am, Elena. I'm dead-serious. So try again or you'll go for a dive."

She stared at him in disbelief. He was so cold and distant. Did he actually mean what he was saying? Would he really hazard her death for a power play? Would he really let go of her?

He's in love with you, Isobel's voice echoed in her head.

She recalled the kiss he had given her a few days ago. He had been so gentle and passionate… and desperate. His feelings for her, had they all disappeared when he had turned on that switch?

She didn't believe it but… she didn't dare to prove it, either.

"My arm's growing tired, Elena," Damon let her know now. She knew it was a lie. However she didn't miss the urgency in his voice. She had to think of an answer he would approve of. Pulling his strings seemed to be the best option.

"You're right," she finally said. "There's something between us. I won't deny it."

"Go on."

"I don't know what it is exactly. It's confusing and scary… But if you pull me up I promise I'll think about it." She looked deep into his eyes. "That's all I can give you right now," she added.

He stared back at her for a moment, unmoving and contemplating her words. Then finally he pulled her back onto firm ground. Elena closed her eyes in relieve.

Her eyes shot open when she felt a pull toward him. He pulled her into his arms and held her close for a few seconds. Then he pushed her slightly away and looked at her.

"I know it was only a lie to make me save you," he said calmly.

Elena opened her mouth to protest but he didn't give her a chance to. "It was. I know it and you know it, too. I realized it's not our time yet. You're still with Stefan and you made it very clear to me that this won't change anytime soon. But… maybe someday I will take Stefan's place. And not even you can object that. Nobody knows what the future holds for us. So we'll have to wait and see."

Elena patiently listened to his little speech. He still had hope for them. He really believed that they would be together one day and she didn't want to destroy that.

She nodded. "Maybe someday," she agreed.

"Call it a truce?" he offered.

"Truce," she said, shaking his hand.

She didn't let go of his hand immediately. She held it a little longer while she once again got lost in his eyes and gave him a small smile.

Maybe someday…

Maybe someday. Let's hope! Hope you liked it!