That night…


Alaric and Elena headed of to the Salvatore house with Stefan while everyone else headed to their homes. Elena was sitting alone on a couch in front of the fire. Stefan was bringing her a mug of coffee and a blanket. Alaric started getting ready for bed. He went under the covers and started snoring almost instantly.

Elena continued crying. She didn't want to turn her humanity off again especially because of what had happened. Stefan was lying down on the longer couch and had offered for Elena to lay beside him so he could comfort her. She didn't say anything. She just couldn't. She was only able to remember every moment she and Damon had spent together. Every moment he and she were together and he was alive. Elena decided to take Stefan's offer and put the mug on the little coffee table. She sat on the couch he was on and laid down next to him and hugging him.

Stefan stroked her hair to help her fall asleep. She needed it. He could tell she would stay up all night crying. He would too but he had to be strong for everybody, as always. Elena's eyes started to shut and her breathing slowed but tears continued to roll down the side of her face. He got up and lifted her. He took her up the stairs and into Damon's room. He placed her on the bed and pulled the blanket over her. As soon as he was about to leave, she said," Stay with me. Just for tonight." So he did as she asked.

The two friends fell asleep in each other's arms for the first time in a long time.