Her smile is too easy and her laughter too forced. Her kisses are too sweet and her 'I love you's too quick. She's too willing, too forgiving, too loving, to…perfect.
He overlooks the signs most of the time because it's easier than facing the truth.
Damon runs his fingers through Elena's silky hair as he listens to her steady breathing.
He remembers the day she's late getting home from class one day and he's trying to pick out an outfit for her so he can take her out when he sees it; a wrinkled and tear-stained photograph from years ago. It hits him like lightning in that moment, holding a memory of the girl he loves and the brother he misses.
It's easy to love someone when they're the only option.