Things for me were so different now that Stefan had left with Klaus. I didn't really know what it was, I just felt differently. I wanted to be around Damon more than before. Whenever he touched me, he sent tingles throughout my skin.

Ric is always telling me to be careful about it, and I always tell him that there is nothing going on. That Damon is just my close friend, but that is far from the truth. I loved Damon just as much as I loved Stefan, if not more. I wouldn't admit it to anyone though.

God, he just consumes me! Everything about him to me . . . is just perfect. That's why I've decided to stop trying to change him. He's not Stefan, and he never will be. It's just not who he is. Stefan isn't even Stefan anymore, so why should Damon try to be? Because I want him to be? No. It's just not right.

"Elena." Damon's voice came from behind me. Even his voice sends shivers down my spine. He voice is strong, and smooth, and deep.

I turned towards him, "Yes?"

"You ready to continue training?" He asked, I nodded.

With his inhuman speed he crashed into me, sending me back into the wall. It hurt, but I wouldn't let him see that. I wanted to show him that I was strong, that I could take care of myself. I wanted him to know that I was independent.

I ran over to him, throwing a fist towards his face. His strong hand caught mine effortlessly, and twisted it back. I flinched, and flung my leg up, and kicked him in his side. He didn't even budge. It was like kicking a wall.

He grinned and pushed me back again. I breathed deeply and got one of the knifes I usually used as a "stake" to "kill" him with.

I went in to stab him with it, and he grabbed my be the elbow, and bent my arm up, taking the knife.

I sighed, "God, I'm going to die if I ever come face to face with Klaus."

"You're just starting out Elena, you'll get better."

"No, I wont! You beat me every time."

"I'm just too good for you, that's all."

I smiled faintly, "Yeah, whatever."

"Let's go again." I took the knife back from him, and pulled out of his grasp, spun around and kicked at him.

I got him right in the jaw, and he actually stumbled back this time! I smiled triumphantly, but he wiped that smile of my face when he tackled me down to the floor in one swift movement.

His knees were on the ground, pressed against my thighs, and his hands were around my wrists, holding my arms above my head.

"You lose." He said, smirking.

I sighed, "When don't I?"

His smirk fell and he stared at me. He didn't do anything else but stare. It was like he was studying my features. I felt my cheeks heat up.

"D-Damon? What is it . . . ?"

Before I could blink, his walls were back up, "Nothing."

I grinned, and pushed him over onto his back, climbing on him and pinning him down, "I win."

"Finally." He said.

I got off him, and he sat up. We were really close and my heart was hammering against my chest still from the fight, and from when he was staring at me so intensely.

He put his hand up to my cheek, and traced my cheekbone with his thumb, then leaned in and pressed his lips against mine.

"Damon." I murmured, ready to go into my usual, 'We can't do this'.

"I know, I know. You don't have to repeat the same things over and over again. I know you don't want to be with me. It's Stefan, and it will always be Stefan. I get i-"

"Damon."

"Yes?"

I shook my head and kissed him again, putting my arms around his neck. He kissed me back happily.

All of those old thoughts of mine seemed to vanish. I didn't even think of Stefan again after that, or Klaus, or Mikal or anyone! I had no worries.

I just let Damon's love consume me.