Damon looked at me, his green eyes fixated on mine. "Do you realize how hard it is to say no to you?" A grin spread across his handsome face.

"Wait, so this means-"

"Yes Elena, I'll stay." Damon assured me. "But, if there's one sign that my being here is a danger to you or that Klaus has found out Katherine isn't you then I'm leaving. Okay?" Damon's face became so serious that it sent chills down my spine.

I shook my head yes and couldn't help but smile. "You don't understand how happy this makes me Damon. I mean it."

"I'm so sorry Elena."

"For what?" I asked with confusion.

"For leaving. I know that not having Stefan in your life must have been really difficult for you. When I thought Katherine had died, well, it sucked." Damon grimaced when he mentioned said her name. "He loves you, you know that, right?"

"Why do I feel that you're saying that more to yourself than to me."

Damon quickly glanced at the floor and got off the couch. I could tell something was on his mind, that there were things he wasn't telling me, but right now I didn't want to worry about that. I finally had a Salvatore brother back in my life.

And even though I would have preferred if Stefan was the one to show up, I wasn't going to complain about having Damon back. We had our rocky past, but in the end we both cared about each other.

"I just feel bad that we never contacted you. Stefan wanted to, but it was too dangerous."

"I get it Damon and as much as I'd like to get all the information and details from you ... well, to be honest I've been waiting for this moment for three months. I just want to enjoy it right now before I have to go back to worrying about all the vampire and witch stuff."

Damon laughed and collapsed into the brown leather chair. "Okay Elena, what would you like to do then?"

"Well, I've gotten pretty good at pool. I think I actually have a chance at beating you."

"Oh, you're silly."

"Yeah?"

"Yes Elena."

x - x - x

After three games of pool it was clear that I would never be able to beat Damon. His steady hand and precise eye was a skill that no human could ever obtain.

The grill was just starting to get packed with the usual dinner crowd. I scanned the place to see if Caroline had shown up, but she was nowhere in sight and a feeling of guilt sat in my stomach. Caroline had been trying so hard to keep me happy and I had done nothing in return but sulk. I made a mental note in my head to repay her in some way.

"So, what's next?" Damon asked as he came over to my side carrying a glass of whiskey. "I know it's a school night and all, but think you've got another hour in you?"

"It's only six o'clock. I've got another three hours in me."

"Alright Elena." Damon laughed and hung his arm around me. "Do you want to eat?"

"Yeah, I'm starving." I said when I finally realized I hadn't eaten since lunch time.

After taking a seat at the bar and ordering their infamous hamburger, I watched as Damon finished his glass of whisky. "Another one." He informed young bartender and gave her a sly smile. "So Miss Gilbert. This is not very much not like you."

"What?"

"The Elena three months ago would have bombarded with me with a million questions. You've barely asked about Stefan's safety, haven't even brought up the fact that Stefan is alone with Katherine at this very second, and-"

"Okay! I got you point!" I practically screamed at him with my hands curled into fists. Taking a deep breath I shook my head with frustration. "I don't think you understand Damon, not having either of my in life was horrible. Everyday was I not only worried about Stefan's safety, but yours as well. Everyday all I did was wonder where you guys were, if Katherine was keeping her hands off Stefan, if you guys would ever return and well, now that you're here ..." I stopped as Damon reached for my hand. "Just for one day, even just for an hour, I want to spend this moment enjoying my time with you. Away from the worry, away for all those things that I have to deal with in the morning."

Damon bit his lip and brushed a piece of my hair back. He looked like a puppy dog who knew he did something wrong. I felt sad just even seeing that guilty look on his face. "You're right. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up."

"It's fine." I concluded as the bartender placed the glass of whiskey in front on Damon. Before he could reach for the glass I took it and had a long sip. "I needed that." I laughed as Damon's mouth stood agape.

"I missed you Elena, I really did."

"I know."

The rest of dinner went by with Damon and I engaging in light talk. I told him about Mystic Falls, not that much happened. Once I finished my dinner Damon glanced at his watch and paid the bill for me. "We're going to have to cut this night short, I have a few things to take care of. Your car's still at my house ... I could either drive you home now and pick you up in the morning or-"

"That's perfect." I told him and we filed out of the restaurant.

I scanned through the radio stations as Damon swiftly pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards my house.

Grinning out the window, I realized just how much happier I was. It was as though I was a completely different person. For the first time in months I wasn't thinking about when I could go home or what was happening to the Salvatore brothers. I was just embracing the moment.

"Here we are." Damon unlocked the car once he pulled into my driveway.

"What do you have to take care of?"

"I'm just going to stop by Alaric's."

"And you'll be here in the morning?" I asked, the worry in my voice evident.

Damon smile and cupped his hands around my head. "I'm not leaving Elena. I'll be here in the morning." He kissed my forehead and then retreated back into his seat. "Goodnight Elena."

"Goodnight." I said before shutting the door and watching his car drive away.