I peered cautiously into the living room – and I laughed at the comical sight that I saw before me. Jenna and several other women of a similar age to my aunt were sprawled across the floor clutching glasses of wine and cigarettes. I frowned... Jenna hadn't smoked as far as I knew, before. I shrugged it off, as she rose to greet me, tottering slightly, in her intoxicated state.

"Elena! Hi chick!" She hiccupped before continuing... "This is Sancha, Millie and Abigail... and that's ... erm" She looked confused as she struggled to remember the redhead woman's name. She slapped her forehead "That's Rosemary! They're my college friends... and we're having a reunion!" I stood still, finding the state which my Aunt was in slightly amusing.

"Hi guys..." I waved at the ladies in the room, who all waved back cheerfully before turning their attention back to the Sex and the City box set which was playing on the big widescreen TV.

Jenna smiled at me, but then a look of concern flicked across her face. I asked her what was wrong and she replied "Crap! I totally forgot... I thought you were at Stefan's all this weekend? Shit. I said the girls could have your room... Jeremy's already given up his – he's at Bonnie's house..."

I got it. My presence wasn't really appreciated, so I quickly made my excuses – telling Jenna I only came back for some clothes, and then I was going back out. Jenna looked relieved. I smiled back at my tipsy aunt, and made my way up the stairs; before sinking to sit down on the top step.

I had to get out of here – being in a house full of giggly women really wasn't going to do anything for my current state of mind – but where would I go? Bonnie was occupied... with my brother. I smiled. The two of them were perfect for one another, so their relationship didn't bother me, even if it did mean I spent less time with the two of them! Caroline and her mum had gone to New York for an impromptu shopping trip, and there was no way in hell I would be welcome at Matt's house. He was still angry and confused about the whole Caroline being a vampire thing, so I figured it would be best to leave him alone. I sighed. That left one place, the very place I had come home to get away from.

I picked up my cellphone, and Damon answered on the first ring.

"Helloooo," his voice was slurred. I sighed. I'd barely left the house an hour ago, and he'd already picked up the whisky. That was just so typically Damon! "What can I do for you, Miss Gilbert?"

I quickly explained the situation to him, and he agreed to let me stay at the boarding house for the weekend. There was still something pushing at the back of my mind, but I tried to ignore it. Before I hung up the phone, I put on my serious voice.

"Oh and Damon?" He murmured something that sounded like a yes, on the other end of the line. "No funny business, OK?" He chuckled deeply.

"Don't flatter yourself, Elena. Stefan maybe gone, but that doesn't mean I'm going to jump his girlfriend's bones at the first opportunity I get!"

"Damon." My voice was filled with menace and threat, but I think he got the message because he cleared his throat hurriedly.

"Fine. No funny business. I'll pick you up in half an hour – there's no point in you bringing your car."

I pushed the pickup time to an hour later, because I needed to have a shower and I didn't want to rush – and made my way into my room. Picking up my travel bag, I shoved my diary, slippers and a few outfits into the bag. I blushed as I riffled through my own underwear drawer, as I thought about the sexiest garments I owned. Elena! I mentally slapped myself. Who cared what underwear I wore? There was no way anyone would see me in it – especially not Damon! I settled for a black lace bra and matching pants all the same, and shoved them to the bottom of my bag, as if ashamed of the racy garments.

Under the cascading water of the shower, I rinsed my long hair out and sang along to the melodic tunes of Eva Cassidy... I even belted out a few verses of Taylor Swift before cringing in embarrassment at the fact I knew the words! Half an hour later, with freshly washed poker-straight hair, I slipped on a pair of black Levi jeans – they were my favourites, the fabric was acid washed and went brilliantly with a simple white shirt and pendant necklace. I was just applying a coating of lip balm in the mirror, when a voice behind me caused me to whirl around in shock... Damon. Of course.

"Damon! Why can't you come in the front door like any normal person?" He smirked his trademark smirk, his eyes lighting up. Yeah. He was back to himself. Closing the distance between us, he hooked his fingers in my jean loops.

The lack of space between us made me sharply intake my breath, and I forgot to breath out. "Breath Elena. I know I'm hot and you can't resist me, but really... most girls at least remember to breathe in my presence! And besides, I'm not "any normal person" – you know that!"

He had a point, and as I exhaled, he chuckled. "You're so cocky Damon... seriously. The only reason I didn't breathe was because you scared me!"

He looked hurt "Oh. So not because I'm irresistibly good looking, then?" He let go of my jeans, and took a step back. I smiled.

"Well... now you mention it. You're not bad on the eyes, but you knew that... you just like hearing it from other people! But no, you scare me Damon. I don't know which side I'm going to get – the sarcastic-on-his-period Damon, or the vulnerable you."

He snorted. "Me? Vulnerable!" I gave him a look and he fell silent... I realised that we were both thinking back to when he had confessed he liked me the other night. That was the most vulnerable I had ever seen the elder of the two Salvatore brothers... and I never wanted to see him like that again. Because that had been the Damon who was prepared to give up. Everything he had confessed, as he lay dying, was fresh in my mind... but I couldn't help thinking I had heard it all before...

"I'm sorry about the other night, Elena." He looked genuinely troubled. "We can forget what happened... if you want." I presumed he was alluding to when I had kissed him. I shook my head

"No Damon. I don't think we should forget it." As I looked into those iridescent blue eyes, something at the back of my head snapped, and a memory came hurtling forward...

"I have to say something." Damon confessed.

I stared at him suspiciously. "Why do you have to say it without me wearing my necklace?"

"Because what I'm about to say is probably going to be the most selfish thing I have ever said in my life." Damon looked deep into my eyes, and I should have been uncomfortable, but I held his gaze, testing him.

"Damon don't go there." I warned, as I saw where this was going.

"I just have to say it once." Damon took a few steps towards me, causing my heart to speed up, pounding in my chest like a drum. "I just need for you to hear it." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I love you Elena. And because I love you I can't be selfish with you." His eyes brimmed with incredible sadness. "That's why you can't know this. I don't deserve you. But my brother does." He slowly leaned in and kissed my forehead, lingering there for a while before pulling away. "God I wish you didn't have to forget this." Damon reached up to my cheek, stroking it softly. "But you do." A single tear rolled down his face as his pupils contracted and focused their gaze on mine, urging me to forget. And then he left.