Elena refused to speak to Damon for hours. In fact, it was dark before either of them said another word.

"I'm hungry." She complained.

"Well, there's nothing I can do about that. We're on the highway driving at 150 miles per hour." He said sarcastically. Obviously, his hurt at her words earlier had turned into classic Damon-irritation. He was only trying to protect her, and she was making him seem like the bad guy!

Elena glared.

"You mean to tell me that you kidnapped me, intend to drive me all across America, and you didn't even bring any food?"

"Yup."

She turned sharply away from him, glaring out the window.

"This is ridiculous. Stefan would never have-"

"Stefan is out to get your blood right now, Elena! Don't even think about comparing me to him!" Damon yelled, clutching the steering wheel tightly, staring straight ahead.

Elena's lip trembled and she looked down at her feet.

Damon turned his glare on her, and felt his anger melt away at how miserable she looked.

"Elena…" he sighed, shaking his head.

Instead of trying to convince her how sorry he was, he simply reached over and took her hand in his, squeezing it tightly.

"Believe me, Elena, no one wants Klaus dead more than I do. But, I have to take care of you first."

She looked up at him and sniffled.

"I know."

She leaned on his shoulder in the dark car, closing her eyes, tears trailing down her cheeks.

Damon pulled his arm gently out from underneath her, wrapping it around her shoulders instead.

She nuzzled into his side and let her tears fall silently down her cheeks.

"Don't cry." He whispered, rubbing her shoulder and her arm comfortingly.

"How can't I? People who I thought cared about me are after my blood! All I am is a human blood bag!"

Damon frowned, shaking his head.

"No, you aren't."

She was shivering now.

"I… am…" she said, trembling.

Damon then realized she wasn't shivering because she was crying.

It was snowing outside, freezing, and he didn't have the heat in the car on. Elena didn't even have her jacket with her.

He pulled over and turned the heat on high, taking off his leather jacket and handing it to her.

She sniffled.

"Thanks…"

She put it on and snuggled back under his arm, attempting to get warm.

"I'm sorry, Elena. I never even thought…"

"No, it's okay…" she gave him a small smile. "At least I know you care."

He looked out the window at the snow coming down viciously outside. There was no way they could safely get to the next turnoff. The car was black, so they could pretty much guarantee anyone tailing them would drive right by without even noticing them.

"Why don't we just stop here for the night? You can get some sleep and I'll keep watch."

She nodded, closing her eyes. She hadn't realized just how tired she was until now. It had to be nearing or past midnight.

He ran his fingers through her hair.

"You don't have to be scared," he assured her. "I'm not going to let anyone hurt you; especially my brother."