Request on Tumblr: Merkenzee

The Salvatore boarding home; the place where it had all began.

And where it would suddenly end.

Yet, despite my fear, I casually sucked in a large breath and focused on the pattern of my own heartbeat; how they should react was a very foreign, very rare, thing to see from Damon and Stefan. But I wished the best as I stood in front of them; my fingers curled around each other, eyes wide and forehead glint.

Damon ogled me cautiously as I sluggishly lowered myself to the couch; Stefan waited patiently as he leaned against one of the many bookshelves placed neatly throughout the foyer. I tensed before replying, my eyes locked to the floor.

My voice was thick was fear as I continued to play with my fingers. "I have something to talk to you guys about…"

Damon raised his eyebrows, his mouth taut. He would be the worst to retort and ultimately the hardest to shed from my skin. I knew Stefan's reply; I had memorized it, in fact. He'd tell me to do as I please, wave a hand in my direction and leave with a forged, neutral expression.

It was always an act.

"Go on?" Stefan crossed his arms against his chest.

I turned my head so I wouldn't meet his eyes. "This fight over me…" I shook my head slightly as I sighed and closed my eyes. "Has ended here."

Damon stirred in his stance.

"I refuse to choose either of you because," I blushed, watching my quivering hands. "I've learned to love someone…Else."

Stefan's eyes widened and he cocked an eyebrow. "Matt?"

"No," I answered awkwardly.

Damon hadn't answered and I eyed him peculiarly. His composure was relaxed; it was definitely not the reaction I was expecting.

I went on with a raised eyebrow.

"Elijah," I replied, feeling more in control. The way his name slipped against my lips seemed to leave me breathless. "He and I have had something ever since we've met; he didn't ever leave town. He stayed away from all of us until he couldn't take it anymore," I smirked at the memory. "He told me how he felt and I…" My shoulders shrugged. "I did as well."

Damon stared at the ground.

"Damon," I sighed. "I'm sorry."

He put up a hand before answering. "I'm fine with this," He grinned firmly; enforced.

"But I – "

"No need Elena," He continued as he headed for the hallway. "Sorry to cut this short but I have to meet Alaric at The Grill," He smirked and wiggled his dark eyebrows. "Happy hour,"

Before I could answer, he was gone. His hovering frame had disappeared in a swift movement before I heard the sound of the front door crashing shut. It echoed throughout the house; an eerie ring.

I faced Stefan, now standing."And you?" My hands collapsed at my sides before Stefan shrugged.

"Whatever makes you happy," He sucked in a deep breath. "It'll keep you safe from Klaus."

I smiled sweetly, walking towards him; a spring my step. The weight on my shoulders seemed to be lifted and it was a new beginning; something to look forward to.

I would finally be genuinely happy.

"Thank you for understanding, Stefan." I wrapped my arms around his torso.

Stefan held me tighter.