Elena had picked a cold day to leave the comfort of Mystic Falls and embark on a shopping trip to a nearby city. She hadn't wanted to go too far away from her home; she just wanted to go somewhere busier, somewhere with more distractions. She tightened her maroon scarf around her neck and buttoned up her long brown coat, eager to keep the bitter wind out.

The purchases she had made earlier now seemed silly. It was technically the start of summer, so she had spent her money on some new tops, but right now they seemed so inappropriate. She doubted she would get to wear them in the next coming weeks if the weather didn't improve.

Elena wedged her way through the crowds of people walking down the street. She felt that should have brought Bonnie or Caroline along on this shopping trip with her to help her navigate her way through the streets, but they were probably busy and she didn't want to bother them.

She ducked into the nearest shop, not really paying attention to what it was selling; she just wanted to get out of the wind. She walked around rather aimlessly, admiring some of the clothes and jewelry on sale. After circling the entire shop three times Elena decided it was time to leave. She headed towards the door and braced herself for the cold chill of the wind. She had just stepped out of the shop when she was knocked to the ground by a man. He extended a hand and helped her up, apologizing to her.

"Elena?" said the man's smooth voice. Elena looked up and saw a familiar man with bright blue eyes and dark brown hair. She launched herself at him, hugging him tightly.

"Damon!" she said enthusiastically, though the sound was slightly muffled as her face was buried in his shoulder. Damon laughed and pulled her off himself, trying to get a good look at her. He hadn't seen her in around four years, but she hadn't changed much. Her hair was still the same shade of brown, though maybe a little longer. Her face hadn't seemed to age at all. However, Damon did notice that her eyes had a new maturity about them, like she had gained much more wisdom and experience since he had last seen her.

Elena seized the moment to examine Damon too. She wasn't sure what kind of change she was expecting to see, vampires didn't age after all. But she couldn't help but check he was still the same. To her great satisfaction she saw that he looked as though he could have stepped straight out of her memory. They simultaneously broke out in a smile and Elena looked around for a place they could sit and talk. She spotted a small, but busy, café. It was the perfect location to discuss the supernatural without the fear of being overheard. She led Damon across the street, careful to avoid the masses of traffic. They walked into the café and quickly found seats at a table near the back of the room. Elena took off her coat and scarf and sat down in the seat opposite Damon. He seemed to mimic her actions.

A plump waitress waddled over to them and Elena ordered a latte for herself. Damon seemed to be admiring the small green room or checking that they were safe to speak freely, Elena couldn't quite tell. She decided to start a conversation anyway.

"What are you doing here? When did you get back in the area?" She asked. Elena remembered he had said he would be traveling overseas.

"I actually just got back. I was coming to check on good ol' Mystic Falls. I thought that after all my years of visiting the world's biggest cities I could do with some small town charm." He replied, shooting a smile at Elena. She smiled back, genuinely pleased to have him around again.

"How long are you staying? You aren't just going to find a new girl, have some fun and some blood and then leave, are you?" Elena said, fiddling with the napkin in front of her. Damon noticed this and carefully worded his answer.

"I suppose that depends on what I find in Mystic Falls…" He trailed off, slightly preoccupied with the waitress returning with a drink. She placed it rather clumsily on the table, smiled at them and wandered off once more. Elena reached out for her steaming drink and took a small sip. She noticed Damon was staring at her. He had one eyebrow raised and had a questioning look on his face.

"So I suppose congratulations are in order? Though, they're probably very late knowing my brother…" he said, nodding towards the diamond ring on Elena's left hand. She put the cup down and unconsciously covered her left hand. She looked down and her hair covered her face. Damon tried to read the look on her face but he couldn't see it. He figured she was probably embarrassed, Elena had always been a bit self-conscious. Trying to ease the tension he spoke again.

"So where is your husband anyway? Is he here in town?" He looked out the window, scanning the streets as though Stefan would magically appear.

Elena looked up and met Damon's eyes. She took a deep breath, preparing to speak.

"He's dead." She said quietly.