A/N: This was originally going to be a Stefan/Elena piece based on the episode description for 2x20. But it seems this story had a mind of its own. I tried to make a couple of parallels that I hope make this a little more poignant.

"Wine?"

Damon was at a scrubbed wooden table, taking the cork out of a bottle of vintage Californian red wine with a pop. He turned to face Elena with that typical Damon smirk as she stepped into the kitchen. "I'd point out that you're underage, but compared to the fact that you're living with two vampires and having a physical relationship with one of them, I don't think it's as important."

"Funny. No, thanks."

"Why so serious, Little Miss Martyr?"

"I... wanted to talk to you about something."

"And you waited until Stefan was in the shower to do it. Naughty, naughty."

"Damon, please, this is serious."

He gestured to a stool next to him. "Have a seat, Sunshine."

She walked cautiously into the room and sat, took a breath, turning on the stool to face him and spoke.

"I promised you and Stefan I would fight. I meant it."

Damon immediately began to narrow his eyes, expecting her to try and persuade him to that she should go back down that road. She didn't but what he she did say didn't piss him off any less.

"...But I have to consider – we have to consider – the possibility that I might not survive."

Damon scowled and opened his mouth almost snarling the words "That's not going to happen."

"Just let me speak, okay? You might die. Stefan might die. I might die. Any of us could, alright? Pretending that risk isn't there is just stupid. It's denial. I'm not doing that. So just hear me out because I need you to make me a promise."

Damon's face softened. He wanted desperately to say "Anything." But he couldn't form the words in his mouth.

"If you and Stefan survive this, and I don't, I want you to take care of him."

"Babysitting isn't my forte, Elena."

"Damon, this is so important. I don't want him to do anything stupid and he would. You should know that better than anyone. He has people who he loves, and who love him, excluding me. I'm worried that he'll forget that. I'm worried that he'll just be hurting too much."

"Yup. Stefan the Depressant. I know. And what about me? Oh, wait, I'm not important to you."

Elena gives him a look.

He shrugs with a smirk. "Just sayin'."

"You know that you are. But it's different with you. You're strong. You fight. You can turn it off. Stefan... you know what he's like."

Tears prickled at her eyes and a lump ached in her throat. She took a deep breath, bit down on her lower lip and forced back the tears. Then she took Damon's hand in hers, the one that wasn't holding the wine glass and looked up into his eyes. "Please, Damon. I have to know that you'll do what I ask. Please. Promise me, you'll protect him."

A beat as they stared into each other. Then Damon nods.

"I promise."

Elena let out a shaky breath and released Damon's hand. He fought back the urge to hold on to it and never let go.

She slid off the stool onto her feet and began to make her way back upstairs. As she reached the doorway, Damon spoke.

"Elena."

She paused and looked back.

Damon's eyebrows were furrowed and he was frowning, as if what he was try to say was physically difficult, almost to the extent of causing him pain as he stared into the table. He clenched his jaw and looked up at her.

"He's my brother and I hate him right now. But you don't need to ask me to take care of him."

Through the door at the opposite end of the room, he left.