A Drop In The Ocean

by DanielleLPattz

*FORMERLY AN EYE FOR AN EYE* When the person you love more than life itself is brutally attacked; how far are you willing to go to bring justice upon those responsible? And to what point does justice become vengeance? D/E. AU/AH. OOC. WARNINGS AHEAD.

2. PART TWO

Hi, me again. Just want to say a huge thanks to everyone who reviews, truly means a great deal.

At this point I know people might be thinking whats so different about this story? A guy and a girl, best friends, fall in love yada yada. This is only the beginning and I can promise while it is apart of the story its not going to be the main focus point.

So here's part two and I'll see you at the bottom, hope you all enjoy.

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Glossary;

AWOL - Absent without leave.

Turning Blue Ceremony - Ceremony for Infantry graduates.

E-4 - US Army Rank of Specialist.

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PART TWO

December 2002

There had been heavy snow fall throughout Virginia and North Carolina as well as Georgia which made it a little difficult to get home, but I managed but not until later at night on Christmas Eve. So my plans went completely out of the window. I should have known that my plans wouldn't have gone to schedule but I would only have to wait a few hours, I would gate crash her Christmas day. I didn't think me turning up gone ten o'clock at night on Christmas Eve when I knew she probably have family around, would be all together welcomed so I'd waited this long, I could wait a little while longer. Plus there was no chance my mom was letting me out of her sight.

I have to say it was good to see everyone. My grandparents were in town, and staying with us. My mom's parents thankfully. My dads were long gone. It was strange to say the least. Good of course to have my family around me but the fussing felt a little suffocating at times. Even thought it had only been four months since I joined the army, I felt older. And for the first time in my life I had something in common with my father. Of course I was hoping for a break but the military was all he wanted to talk about. I humoured him. It was Christmas after all.

Nick wasn't close with his family, well he didn't really have any; the reason he joined the Army. Well he had a sister, Rebekah, but they weren't on speaking terms at the moment, apparently. It could have turned out to be the last Christmas we got off, so I invited him to tag along too. He was all for it and of course my parents loved the idea. Plus well it gave my dad someone else's ear to talk off, and meant less for me.

As soon as he's seen the house he'd declared I was a rich kid, and insisted on calling me Richie Rich. I took everything that came out of Nick's mouth, with a pinch of salt. For the first time in months I'd been able to gain some privacy and alone time. That was also strange and sometimes it was too quiet but being in my own bed made me forget about all that. I don't think I'd ever slept so well, and the following morning it took a lot for me to drag myself out of it.

Christmas morning was like it usually was - full of festivities. Thing I was glad about the most was that I was able to catch up with Stefan. Things had been a little awkward before I left but it seemed like all that was forgotten, to which I was pleased about. Nick had gotten his feet quickly under the table and made himself at home; I think he was a part of the furniture now.

It was tradition in our house for the men to cook dinner, since all Salvatore men were destined to be great cooks. I managed to excuse myself, there was somewhere I wanted to slip off to and someone I wanted to see.

It was a rarity for me to get nervous but as my car trudged through the thick crust of snow, taking the few blocks across town to what used to be my second home. I ran over everything as to what I was going to say; forming a mini check list in my head. First and foremost 'I'm Sorry'.

Pulling up outside the house I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel finding my balls because they were playing hide and seek with me at the moment.

I looked up at the house and it looked exactly the same. Well it had been four months Salvatore, what do you expect? Of course it was covered in snow but seemed dark. I couldn't see any lights one or sign of life.

After finally finding my balls, I made quick work of getting out the car and approaching the house before they disappeared again.

There was this niggling feeling in my stomach. The garage doors were shut, and from what I could tell, no lights on inside the house. Through the window I couldn't see any decorations. They usually had there tree in front of the living room bay window.

I stood on the wooden porch and even thought I knew they weren't in; I refused to allow the disappointment to settle. I had to make sure, so I lifted my free hand, hesitated for a second or two and finally knocked on the door.

The air was cold, sharp and without my usual civilian haircut, my ears didn't have anything to keep them warm, but cold ears were the last thing on my mind. I stepped back on the porch and looked back into the window looking for any sign of moment but there wasn't any. I couldn't hold back the feeling of disappointment any longer. Of course I'd been apprehensive about seeing her but I wanted to freaking see her, I'd been waiting since I received the letter. And now... she wasn't in. Something tells me I'm shit out of luck sometimes.

I wandered around the veranda as if convinced she was going to jump out from behind a plant pot or something equally as ridiculous. You'll be surprised to hear that she didn't and I just wandered around looking like a lost sheep. I was just trying to determine how long they'd been gone or how long they would be gone. Of course it was pretty hard to determine, and I think going through their trash would be a tad bit extreme. But I looked through the windows and as expected everything looked as if it hadn't been touched and was dark with no sign of movement.

"Who's out there?" A voice called out from behind me.

I spun on my heels to see who it was but there was nobody there. For a second or two I contemplated whether I was hearing things.

"I know someone's there. I'm calling the police." Came the voice again and it held a familiar ring, and muffled sound of crunching snow. This time I was about to focus on where the voice was coming from and it was coming from the other side of the hedge bottom.

"Mrs Garcia?" I called, moving a little to try and see, over the hedge to next door.

"I am warning you, I'm calling the police."

Yeah it was definitely her. My eyes widened a bit. Last thing I felt like was being arrested today.

"No, no... Mrs Garcia... It's just me, Damon." I called back in all a rush, moving around the porch to where there was a break in the frost bitten shrubbery.

"Damon?"

I finally caught sight of her and she was dressed in her slippers and nightgown, a set of rollers in her hair and a phone in one hand while a golf club occupied the other. It took all I had not to laugh. The women had to be approaching ninety and here she was ready to take on an intruder.

"Yeah. Damon Salvatore; Lilly and Giuseppe's son" I stepped further into view for her to be able to see and stop from calling the cops.

"I know who you are, Damon. I might be getting on in life but I've not lost my marbles yet." She looked over the stem of her glasses at me, hint of humour in her face and I suppose, I'd been told.

"No of course not" I humoured her.

"What you doing here, dear?"

I glanced behind me to the house and then just waved my hand. "Umm... I actually came by to see Elena, but obviously they aren't in"

"No, they went away for Christmas." She stated the obvious. She didn't miss a trick, she's one of the types that sat by her window just waiting for something entertaining or to spark her interest to happen. So she could either write it down in her life memoirs, to gossip with the women across the street or in town, or of course to come here and plan on walloping me around the head with a golf club. What a ninety year old woman was doing with a golf club could also be a question on my mind but the thing was I was too busy thinking of Elena. I know... surprising isn't it?

They'd gone away for Christmas, they'd done that a couple of times over the years and each time headed to Shenandoah National Park to their Lake house retreat. I figured maybe they had gone down and suddenly in my head I was tallying up the numbers. When I say numbers, I mean when I had to be back for dinner and how long it would take to get up to Shenandoah, how long to get back and how much time I would get to have with her. Maybe I was being a little extreme in some eyes but when you've done nothing but wait for this moment, done nothing but think about it every second of the day, they always say if you want something you go to the ends of the earth, right? Well I wanted to see her.

"Do you know how long they've gone for?" I asked because if they had just gone for a couple of days and would be back tonight, for instance, then I could probably wait. Plus I knew Mrs Garcia would know; she usually knew everything.

"You seem rather anxious to see her, young man. Elena is a popular young lady, especially with you Salvatore boys. Your brother is visiting a lot, but I haven't seen you for a while" She commented, and well I think since I was trying to get information out of her, she saw the chance to get the gossip from me. I was pleased to hear Stefan had been around, meant things were back to normal between he and Elena and he stuck to what I'd asked of him before I left.

"Oh well you know, all been friends since we were in diapers. But I've been away for a while, so wanna catch up. Do you know how long they'll be gone for?" I repeated my previous question, this time having to try and be polite with asking. You'd think with being in the army I'd have the patience of Job but no, not when it came to things like this.

"Oh yes, I heard something mentioned about you going in the Army. There was no coming home for Christmas in my day. No, we had a war to be fighting in. My husband and I were in the Navy. I was a nurse you know, during the Second World War. I've seen things you boys nowadays would give nightmares for life over, you believe me!"

Ninety years old, Damon. Ninety years old. Can't snap at or punch a ninety year old woman. I chanted to myself over and over, in my tired mind, as I rocked back on my heels. I already knew all this information, I think everyone did. She wasn't one for keeping her pride in herself, exactly that, to herself. Of course it may be interesting and all but I wasn't here to talk war and the army, nor the Navy. I wanted to see my girl.

"Yeah, we don't know how lucky we have it." I pretended to mused. "Well... I better be off, Christmas and all. Have a good one, Mrs Garcia." I pulled my hands from my pocket with my key ring encircling my index finger.

"Oh. You too, Dear." She smiled, and we both turned to part ways. I had to glance back just to make sure she didn't fall ass over tit in the snow, but I'm sure the women was some sort of ninja.

I'd made it half way down the path; I'd decided I would just drive up to Shenandoah. Make a call to Stefan to see if he knew anything before hand, if Elena and him were back to being best friends then I'd sure he'd know.

"Oh wait… Damon. I forgot to answer your question" Hollered the elderly women from across her lawn.

Apparently calling Stefan wouldn't be necessary. "My question? Oh yes of course how could I forget" I painted a smile on my face, after turning back in her direction. Of course I was sarcastic and lying but she didn't pick up on that.

"Well, I don't know for certain when they will be back. But I know the taxi picked them up on Monday at six in the morning and they had a great amount of luggage with them." Finally something to go on. Whether it helped me or not, I wasn't sure. But if they had a lot of luggage with them they'd probably be gone for more than a few days.

"Oh Thanks, Mrs Garcia." I was appreciative, even if it took a while to acquire.

Something then dawned on me. She said they had been picked up by a taxi. Why would they take a taxi? They drove to Shenandoah. Unless...

"Mrs Garcia... do you know where they went?" I stopped her in her tracks, peering back over her shoulder at me.

"Oh, Miranda mentioned something about them doing something different this year because its Elena's last Christmas here before she does off to college. She mentioned something about Skiing. Why anyone would want to spend their Christmas Skiing is beyond me, but each to their own, I suppose."

They'd gone skiing? Skiing? Well that's just perfect isn't it? Oh yes I did find myself annoyed. Annoyed because I had no idea where they had gone skiing, for all I knew they could be anywhere in the world. My mood plummeted in a swift downhill slope. Maybe like one of the slopes Elena found herself skiing down right now? Oh the irony.

I found out on returning home, that yes they had gone skiing, in the Swiss Alps. Apparently everyone knew and just forgot to mention it. Apparently they had gone for two weeks, which meant unless I went AWOL and wanted to get myself arrested, I wouldn't get to see her before I had to return to Georgia. Yes it put a slight dampener on my Christmas spirit.

Nick gave my ass a kick into shape, insisted he wasn't allowing me to 'mope' about after some girl. I'd like to set the record straight, I wasn't moping. Damon Salvatore doesn't mope, not over anyone. I was just disappointed. My mom was absolutely thrilled through, that I'd gone to see Elena; whether she was there or not it was a step in the right direction, according to her.

However disgruntled I might be over Elena being out of town I wasn't going to let it ruin my Christmas and my time off. After taking part in the family activities for the day I was free to do as I please come the evening. This was music to Nick ears because as much as he loved having my mom running around after him and fussing, having his stomach filled, he also liked to party.

Mystic Falls was all for your events so with it being Christmas they wasn't going to miss out on a chance to get everyone together. In the centre of town they were having a Christmas Ball. Yep you heard me right; women were dressed in skimpy little dresses in the ice cold snow. Their new year's eve would be spent with the flu. I had no intentions of joining in with the festivities, instead Nick and I ended up in the Grill, with the other folks who had more than two brain cells. Nick was there making the rounds; playing hot water bottle to the ladies.

We were both still underage but we had our charm, Nick was all over the barmaid like a rash, and vice versa. It felt good to unwind, have a laugh and of course have freedom. Wasn't how I imagined I'd be spending my evening but well I wasn't about to be a party-pooper. I certainly let my hair down alright; cozied up with Jack Daniels and Brea Bennet, a girl who was in the same grade as I in school and who was home from college for Christmas. New Year's Eve was spent the same; time between went far too quick. Spent time with family, ran into old friends, and got myself a new tattoo. By the time New Year's day came around part of me was looking forward to getting back but at the same time I wished I had a few more days.

On the second it came time to head back. The snow had stopped and was melting away, clearing the roads. Part of me was thankful for not seeing Elena, I think it might make going back that little bit more difficult. But I couldn't just go without anything. Maybe she would write me again. I really hoped so, it would definitely give me something to look forward to, and maybe it wasn't face to face communication but it was definitely better than nothing.

I knew she wasn't due back for another couple of days but I headed over to her place anyways. This time I thankfully avoided a run in with the nosy neighbour or her golf club. I did however break the law. I may have slipped into Elena's open window. Yes I had done it a few times before and showed how easy it is. You would think she would make sure the thing was shut and locked now wouldn't you?

The room was cold, lacking its usual warmth but it still made me smile being in there. It was the closest I was going to get to being near her. Everything was the same, it had been since she hit her teenage years, and she was such a hoarder. She kept anything that held even the tiniest amount of sentiment. Especially photo's, she had loads and of course I was pleased to see I was in most of them. Not so pleased to see a Prom picture of her and Matt of cause. I may have hid it out of sight under the other photos on her pin board. What? Hey, I might be getting past my feelings and just want my friend back, nothing more but I still don't want to see it.

I couldn't stop from helping myself to one of the photo reels. It had been the summer of 01 and we'd gone to Virginia Beach for the weekend, ended up at the amusement park and messed around in a photo booth. There were the whole two fingers behind the head, pulling of funny faces. One of us face to face, was giving each other the evil eye. The funniest and she wasn't even in it, well barely. She's dropped her purse and the content had gone everywhere so she'd lent down to pick it all up and the camera could just pick up the top of her head, while I had my head tilted back, lips parted and just a pure look of ecstasy on my face. She's slapped me for that one when the photos had been printed out, called me perverted and sick. We had a good laugh. She couldn't be angry with me for long. Well not at that time anyway.

The last was my favourite; a simple photo of her kissing me on the cheek. Might be simple but at the time I was fucking as happy as Larry, she looked to be too. I wanted it back and I would have it back. I 'borrowed' the photos. I'm sure she wouldn't miss them with the collection she had.

I'd missed her birthday and Christmas too. I hadn't gotten her anything, we didn't buy gifts, and if we were going to get each other anything we made them. Oh just for the record I know this all sound magical, cliché and possibly cute, so you girls are like 'aw'. In my eyes they aren't cute, I don't do cute. Elena didn't always find them cute because the gifts half the time took me a few seconds to make and you could tell. Believe me, even though I don't record the times here, fifty per cent of the times; we want to bang each other's heads against the wall. Not perfect, nothing in life is perfect - perfect sounds boring. But anyway, I made her something.

This time I'd gone to a little more effort since it was for her birthday and for Christmas. Yes I went to great lengths, went all the way to the stationary store for coloured paper and nearly put my fist through the wall when I couldn't get it right. I'd made her a pink origami rose, no big deal or anything. Things you learn when you have too much time on your hands.

There was also a card, I skipped out on making it and actually bought it. I'd tested my artist skills enough. It was a simple card and I'd been unsure of what to write in it. It was still sitting in my pocket empty.

I pulled it out and with it came the rose and the letter she had sent me. Even thought it had only been in my possession for just over a month, it had its fair share of wear and tear. Yes I'd read it rather a lot. Knew it word for word even, well I didn't have much to keep me company. But I had to give it another read over. There had always been a part of the letter that got me the most; the doubt. Her doubt over what she meant to me and the thought that I hated her was ludicrous. I knew I needed to apologize but I wouldn't do it in a letter, it wasn't acceptable enough in my eyes. I would see her sometime and make it up to her then, whenever it may be.

Suddenly words formulated in my mind and I hunted down a pen in her room.

Once I'd obtained a Bic ballpoint, I slumped back down onto the bed and began scribbling my message;

You are everything to me, you always have been, and you always will be.

I'll be seeing you,
Your Best Friend, The Jackass.

PS. Lock your window!

I kept it short and sweet. Always was a great believer in less being more. I didn't care if what I had said was too much even, it was the truth. I'm not going to lie to her; she wanted to know what she meant to me so she got it.

I pushed the card into the envelope, licked and stuck the flap. I addressed it to her, not missing my chance to be me. Scrolling: 'Her Royal Stubbornness', across the back. If she was going to give me a nickname I felt it only right I was allowed to reciprocate.

Standing to my feet I took the items in hand and walked around to her bedside table. Yet another photo sat there in full view, this one was framed and yet again I was in it. It was from when we were kids. This one must have been special to her. I say that she should never doubt what she meant to me, but now I knew I shouldn't have doubted what I meant to her either.

Leaving the rose and card propped up in front of the photo I took one last glance around the room before making my swift exit.

I may have been returning to the Army, I may have had a hectic schedule before me, and I may not have gotten the opportunity to see her; but there was a weight lifted from my shoulders and a hint of contentment replacing it.

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Mid-January 2003 - Ft. Benning, GA

I'd finally completed OSUT and while I have to be honest and say it has been a bit gruelling at times it was nothing compared to what I had ahead of me. I was definitely ready.

I hadn't officially graduated, that wasn't till tomorrow, but today was family day. I would be allowed off base for the day, which of course I was looking forward too. It had only been a couple of weeks since Christmas but it was always nice to see the outside world; even if just a glimpse. I didn't know what my family had planned. I knew my Mom and Dad would be here, Stefan I wasn't sure about since it was Thursday and obviously a school day. I would understand if he wasn't but of course it would still be nice to see him.

They would already be here now, gathered with the rest of the families and friends observing us as we took part in our marches, divided into our own Platoons. Nick was at my side as per-usual, singing at the top of his lungs, as were we all. But of course Nick had to be the loudest.

It was impossible to try and pick your family out of the crowd and probably the same for them since we were all dressed in uniform and had buzz cuts.

The ceremony didn't last long and we were allowed to join our awaiting families.

"Hope your mom is wearing that sexy little black number she wore on New Year's Eve. I've had dreams about that dress." He snickered at my side as we waited for my family coming forward. My eyes widened in horror, not exactly the thing you want to hear now is it?

I walloped his shoulder with my own. "What the hell?" I glanced around, and hissed through my teeth. "Don't say stuff like that. Don't... even think it. Jeez, you have serious issues" Shaking my head from side to side, I had to laugh out of disgust and ridicule.

"No... You do if you don't see how hot she is."

"I'm going to ignore you just said that for the sake of being arrested"

Thankfully I spotted my father approaching, with my mom at his side. I felt myself shiver a tad, but managed to shrug it away when a pleased smile formed on my face as I saw my brother hidden behind my mom, I'm sure he looked as if he was talking to someone; probably my dad.

"Nope, no dress." I was aware of Nick mumbling in apparent disappointment. I, on the other hand can convey a sense of relief. I didn't want to have to listen to that crap all day.

I had been seconds away from kneecapping him, but my attention was turned by the sound of excited screams. My head snapped around, as did everyone else's, it seemed. Out from behind my family came running a leggy blonde, little cut off jean shorts and a tank top. I think someone forgot to tell her it was the middle of winter. But it wasn't really what was on my mind I was too drawn to her squeals and the fact she was running... right for me.

I halted where I stood, trying to work out why she was so hell bent on getting to me as fast as possible, and also... who the hell was...

Even my thoughts didn't complete themselves as the event before my eye, culminated. The mystery blonde, all five foot, eleven of her flung herself right... past me. I gained whiplash with how fast my head swivelled around, following the girl as she ran right towards a fellow soldier, gave an almighty squeal and threw herself through the air and at him. Legs around his waist, arm encircling his neck, and no doubt tongue lodged in his oesophagus. Someone forgot to give her the MO about keeping the public display of affection to a minimal. Out the corner of my eye I could already see one of the Drill Sergeants making their way over and a couple of the guys hooting and wolf whistling.

"See... I need a girlfriend. Why can't I get a girl like that?" Nick complained beside me.

I looked him up and down and snorted. "Because you look like that!"

"Fucker" He backbit and gave me a dead arm. Truth always hurts. "No really. I wanna a girl, man. A real girl." He whined.

I didn't bother to hold back my humour or my tongue. "Well you ain't going to find a 'real girl' by using her as an example. She has black roots and with running that fast; if her tits were real they would be all over the place. She has tan lines too. Nope, if that's your ideal women, she definitely isn't a real girl." I clapped him on the back, amused.

"Damon Wilfred Salvatore! I brought you up to have more respect than that!"

It's amazing isn't it? Apparently nothing is faster than the speed of light. I disagree. The pace my mood went from high and amused, to shocked, humiliated and quite frankly a little annoy on hearing my mother's voice, could beat it by a mile. Nick was in hysterics, and I was aware of a few other sounds of hilarity, gracing my ears.

As you probably already figured out, I not only hate my middle name, I despise it with a raw passion. I mean my grandfather might be a great man and all and he might like his name. It was probably a popular and good name back in the day, but not now, and not a good name for me. I didn't like to be reminded never mind for the whole of my platoon and Sand Hill to hear, nor them hearing my mother reprimand me.

A cringe jolted its way up my spine as I stood with my back to them. Mother or not I was a little angry and I planned on giving her a diluted reprimand of her own. Well maybe just a certain look. I didn't want to be causing any more of a scene.

An acerbic glare appeared in my eyes as I pivoting a hundred and eighty degree's, expecting to come face to face with my mother. "That's it; I'm changing my na..."

My mother was probably about five foot four or five-ish, due to hit forty later in the year (She'd kill me for that), and I inherited her dark hair, just not the length. She also had hazel eyes. But the female stood before me and held all of my attention didn't have hazel eyes, they were much darker in colour, a profounder depth to them. Her hair was still dark but one or two shades of a fairer brown. As for her features, well they were definitely suppler, younger and to me a hell of a lot easier on the eyes, they were quite remarkable and of course extremely familiar. Familiar indeed, but no reduction in the amount of shock it was to see her.

Any glimmer of any sort of scowl or bitterness in my eyes evaporated into nothing, after all the girl before me had done nothing to deserve it and even if she had it would be impossible for me to have a harsh bone in my body. Talking of my body, it seemed rather frozen and my jaw hung a little closer to the ground than usual.

"Aw, I like your name" Her celestial voice graced my ears, her playful pout amusing my eyes.

Once I'd managed to regain some functioning of my brain that allowed a cheek throbbing smile to creep upon and take over my face. Surely I had to be seeing things, right?

Wrong. "What… How…" I started but couldn't finish.

A smile of her own took over her face, a hint of amusement passing her lips. "Well well well, I do believe I made you speechless Mr Salvatore. Or should I call you Private Salvatore?" She tilted her head aside and bit her bottom lip as if fighting with the grin that threatened to take over her face. I really wished she wouldn't fight it.

"From what I hear nowadays I've been nicknames 'The Jackass'" I couldn't help smirking but she already knew that my dig was one to be received in good humour.

She was shaking her head. "No, you're wrong. It's just 'Jackass'. 'The Jackass' would imply you were the only one." Now instead of restraining her grin, she was restraining her humour.

"Are you suggesting I'm not one of a kind, Miss Gilbert?"

"Most certainly, Mr Jack Ass. I wouldn't want that head of yours getting any bigger and exploding on us all now do we?" She had the most adorable look upon her face, cheeky, wonderful, and best of all playful. One of her traits I'd missed the most and never though would get to witness. It would seem a certain Miss Gilbert was happy to see me. I think it was pretty obvious I was pleased to see her since I'd completely forgotten about the three family members and Nick who were just onlookers at that moment in time.

There was laughter going on around us but like me we just seemed to be enthralled in each other's absurdity. "So you going to stand there all day Gilbert; taking the piss out of me or think maybe I could get one of those hugs of yours?" I asked.

I wasn't all that big on hugging but I could make exceptions, rather a few when it came to her, especially with moments like this.

"I think I could take a hiatus or two from taking the mick and spare you a hug." She spoke as if she was doing me a favour and was a chore for her, the glimmer in her eyes told me otherwise.

I've done obstacle courses galore for the past few months and run what seems like marathons and yet the four feet between us seemed like Everest. I needed her closer, much, much closer. I finally got what I'd been wishing for when she met me in the middle and without trying to be corny it was undoubtedly everything I'd missed and been waiting for. Feeling her in my arms again, made everything real once more. Made me truly see what I'd been missing and almost lost. But I hadn't lost her. She was here, petite as she was, arms wrapped tightly around me.

She smelt the same; her hair of Coconut, skin of almonds and she was also wearing perfume. I didn't know the smell but whatever it was, it suited her. Part of me worried she would hear and feel the pounding of my heart beneath her head but she always had the knack for comforting any anxieties, even if she was the cause. Plus my beating heart wasn't at the forefront of my mind. I had something to say, something extremely important and I wasn't going to dilly-dally around.

Craning my neck down, tucking my head closer to her shoulder so she could be the only to hear, I parted my lips. "I'm so sorry, Elena - for everything." I whispered, and truly meant it. I couldn't put into words how sorry I was, my only hope was that she believed me, and hear the sheer sincerity in my voice. I was aware of voices around us but there was only one I was listening for.

She nodded against my chest "I know. I'm sorry too, Damon. I… I… I've missed you so much." She whispered and stuttered, it was muffled but I could hear her loud and clear, my heart too. You know maybe if it was just her and I, within the sanctuary of one room, I could have easily let my eyes sting but I could fight it.

I couldn't fight my urge to kiss her temple thought, and why would I? This was us. "And I you." My arms tightened a little more. "Never again. I promise this will never happen again." I swore to her.

"It better not." She pre-warned me and I knew she meant it, her voice was also affected by a sniffle or two and I tucked my head further down to see her face and see a since tear tumble fall from her eye. My heart contracted.

"Please don't cry. Please." I uttered and soothingly brushed the tear from her cheek.

A watery smile graced her face. "It's a happy cry." She reassured me, pulling away slightly and I had to battle with my arms not to tighten and refuse her permission to peel herself away from me, shamefully afraid if I did she would somehow vanish into thin air.

"Aw, I'm so pleased you two have sorted out your differences. Friendships are too important to go to waste, especially when you're as close as the two of you." My mother gushed, obviously pleased. Well weren't we all?

I chuckled and unfortunately for now Elena and I had to extract ourselves from each other and I finally paid a little attention to the rest of my visitors. My mom went to fuss and give me a hug. The DS was ready to get rid of us.

"How about we put a halt to the reunions and we get out of here. Before someone changes their mind and makes us stay." Anything was possible.

"Okay then. Where will it be, son?" My father asked as we approached the car with Nick in toll. Apparently while Elena and I were having our moment, my parents were seeing to him joining us for the day. I stay right at Elena's side, I would have held her hand but I think that was a step too far at this present time.

"Take me anywhere, as long as it offers a decent coffee." I chuckled, the thought of coffee made my mouth water. May have only been two weeks since returning from Christmas break but still for caffeine addicts it was a long time.

Elena let out a laugh that got my pulse racing. "So predictable." She spoke as she climbed into the SUV.

"Dude, she is hot! I saw the pictures, but maaaaan; no wonder you've been so broody." Nick chanted into my ear, and I twisted, nearly punching him.

"Shushhh" I glared. "Lose those thoughts right now, and keep your mouth shut" First my mom, now Elena? Oh he was pushing his luck.

He held his hands up in surrender. "You seemed awfully happy to see each other, thought you were going to make out there and then. Just saying" He smirked.

"Well don't." I gave him a false and tight smile before climbing into the car after Elena. Thankfully she was talking with Stefan so she wouldn't have heard.

We weren't allow far off of base so we had to stay close by, but there was a good range of things to do. We found a coffee shop to my parents' standards; a few of the other soldiers were crowded in with their families. We settled into a window booth, a simple black coffee, nothing frilly or fancy about it, just straight up and constantly flowing; how I like it. Excuse the pun.

There was so much I wanted to talk to Elena about but even now I didn't feel like I had the chance. Just that she was here was enough for now. I mean I was still coming to terms with the fact she was here, that she'd taken two days off school for this. Of course Stefan had done the same, but that was a little different now wasn't it? Elena played it down though, claimed it was just a way to skive a couple days of school. We had a little snigger at that.

My father once again had a million and one questions for the two of us. Apparently they were under the impression that I would be having the weekend off but I had to burst their bubble, explain as soon as graduation was finishing I would have the rest of the day to spend with them but then I would be kick starting Jump school, or Airborne if we're getting technical. My mom and Elena showed disappointment, it just opened up another million and one questions from my dad – great.

After the talk of deployment and going off to fight in a war the conversation suddenly went quiet and my mom insisted that we put an end of that conversation. Nobody seemed to disagree. The rest of morning and early afternoon was spent catching up, poking fun; it seemed to be my turn to be picked on today. I could take it, which is a relief for them of course.

My parents had made plans for the afternoon/evening. They had booked a table at a restaurant. I could have thought of a few things other that I would have liked to do in all honesty but there was always tomorrow and if I'm being truthful a slap up dinner didn't sound all that bad; chow gets rather mundane after a while. So yeah I was easy and willing to go along with whatever. My mom made sure Nick would be joining us, he lapped up the fuss she was making, it was like he was her long lost son or something, but of course from his eyes she was definitely no mother figure. I ignored him, part of me just pleased he was keeping his eye off Elena. Well for the most part he was, he was having a bit of a flirt now and again but it was all harmless and Elena just couldn't help laughing at him, even taking the piss a little - now of course that's going to spark my own humour isn't it?

Arriving at the hotel my parents, Stefan and Elena were staying the night in, the opportunity and cravings to have a real shower were too hard to resist. My parents were getting ready in their room; Elena and Stefan were sharing a room but had plans with Nick to go have a game of pool in the hotel bar before we left for dinner. This left me with the room to myself and yes I managed to tear myself away from Elena's side for just a little while. It certainly gave me time to come to terms with it all.

I must have spent a good twenty to thirty minutes in the shower, letting the sweltering water release and relax ever tense bone and muscle in my body. I had been tempted to take a bath but I think if I were to have gotten in there I wouldn't be able to leave it. My fingers were already pruned from the skint in the shower.

Unfortunately I couldn't stay in there the whole night and once I managed to drag myself out I realized I wouldn't want to stay in there for the rest of the evening when the plans for the tonight came back to me. I think any guy would be a fool to turn down an evening with his family and a particular Miss Gilbert for a shower.

Wrapping a fresh crisp towel around my waist and headed over to the sink, raising my eyebrow and the neatly organized toiletries lined perfectly in order of size. I blew out my cheeks; my brother still had obsessive compulsive disorder I see. Taking the bottle of aftershave in hand I pulled off the lid and squirted my neck, my nose scrunching up in disgust almost instantly.

"Jeez Stefan" I spoke to myself putting the bottle back down. Great now I smell like a wet dog that or a puff. Taking a hand towel in… hand I rubbed my neck hoping to remove the scent. No such luck, I'd just have to get used to it. Have to remember decent aftershave on his next Christmas list.

Thankfully his deodorant smelt much better and managed to mask the smell; either way I left the bathroom feeling much better and it would seemed my luck was looking up. Would have though Elena would have surprised me enough for one day but nope, there she was standing in the middle of the room waiting for me in a state of undress. Okay so that was just wishful thinking. She wasn't waiting for me, but she was in a state of undress. She had her back to me shuffling from side to side, tugging her dress up. I have to express what a remarkable sight it was - Definitely not good for a fella who doesn't get a lot of female attention lately.

"Well well… it must be my birthday." a cheeky smirk creeping upon my face, while Elena on the other hand nearly leapt out of her skin, squealing.

"Damon!" She shrieked, rapidly working at her dress to get her covered up.

"Oh don't rush on my account" It would seem one Damon Salvatore was feeling quite forward and open today. "Not like it's something I haven't seen before." I shrugged innocently.

"Yeah, when we were five and six maybe. A few things have changed." She had still yet to turn or look behind her in my direction too busy taking care of covering herself up, not that there was anything to see, she was wearing underwear.

"I can tell" I walked over and sat myself down on the end of one of the two double beds in the room. I half expected to have something thrown at me but I think she had her hands full. "Seriously? You're going to behave like this is my fault." I laughed "You knew I was in the shower and come out at any moment. Almost like you wanted to be caught" So maybe I was pushing my look just a tad, in more ways than one, that's why I averted my eyes; there is only so much I can take, I'm only wearing a towel after all. We've only just come to sort our relationship out; I don't want to freak her out.

"Always so full of yourself. But no Damon I was trying to rush to avoid this." I could almost hear the sound of her eyes rolling into the back of her head. It got my attention and I couldn't help laughing as I looked up to see her getting frustrated with the zip on the back of her dress, turning in circles and grunting like something possessed.

"Well it looks like it's a good thing I am here." I rose to my feet and made my way over to where she was struggling.

"I can do…" Grunt. "...it." She insisted and yet she still hadn't managed.

I swatted her hand away. "Stubborn mare" I smirked over her shoulder so she could see from the reflection in the mirror before her.

"You know you aren't supposed to insult a friend, especially when you're trying to get back in their good books." I saw her blob her tongue out in the mirror before I looked down to take the zip between my fingers.

"What can I say, never been one to suck up. Plus from where I stand there is only one of us trying to impress." The second part of my comment, a little lower in tone as I found myself distracted by her zip. Okay that's a bit of a lie; I may or may not have been enthralled by the flawlessness of her back, and going over in my mind why I found myself covering it rather than just tearing the thing from her. I mean we had a room to ourselves, a choice in two unoccupied beds, could easily get out of dinner and I was just standing here in a towel. Any other girl there would be no problem, this right here, the proximity and the situation would probably be formed on the fact and bases we would jump into bed but no, here she was the girl I really wanted and it was like it would be sin, illegal to even think it. Well lock me up because I can't help thinking it, but thankfully I had more restraint over my actions.

Wait had she said something?

"Huh?" I tore my eyes away back to the mirror, realizing I'd completed the task of fastening her zip and yet my hands still lingered. I quickly dropped them to my side like a good little soldier I was.

"I said I have no idea what you mean by 'only one of us trying to impress'"

"Oh that." Ever have those moments when you want to kick yourself? Yeah join the club. "Well you know it's only dinner and here you are all dressed up and looking…" I didn't stop because I was searching for the right word to describe, surprisingly. I stopped because I noticed something in her hair. A rose; pink in shade, just above her ear keeping it out of her face.

"What?" She turned around to face me and I missed the hitch in her voice too preoccupied with the rose. It wasn't your usual flower, it was made of paper and it was the one I made her and left at her house after New Year's. Not only had she kept it but she had found a way to turn it into an accessory it would seem.

My hand reached out, a smile twitching at my face, she pulled away though. "No don't, took me ages to get it in and secure." She made sure it was still fixed against her head properly.

"It looks nice." Nice? Yeah I'm not always one with words. "Good idea, I didn't expect you to keep it. Actually that's a lie I knew you would, you're a hoarder."

That earned me a slap, right to the chest and since it was bare it tingled. The look on her face told me she hadn't meant to do that even with her eyes fixed on her hand and is that a hint of pink on her cheeks?

Okay so my chest was still tingling but the effect of the slap had worn off but her hand was still there.

"Maybe you should put some clothes on." She nonchalantly patted my chest then dropped it back to aside, but her eyes still on the area it had once been.

"What, you don't think this is appropriate for dinner?" I waved my hands up and down, motioning to my bare torso and the little towel.

"I think there would be a few heart attacks."

My face dropped, and a forged trace of animosity in my eyes. "I hope that's a good thing Gilbert, I didn't just buy this physique online, I had to work long and…" And she wasn't paying any attention to what I was saying, charming.

"What's this?" She cut me off and took hold of my arm drawing it up from my side to inspecting it. My line of vision followed hers and saw what held her attention. I think she was already aware on both counts what it was.

"A tattoo" I stated the obvious and watched her bob head up and down.

Her head snapped up after a few moments of silence. "Why would you do this?" Wait what? Was she annoyed with me?

"What?" I had to laugh, maybe a hint of nerves as I had to face the explanation. She just gave me a knowing look and a stare as if to say 'tell me now, Damon Salvatore'

"Jeez Elena it's just a tattoo okay. I just felt a little bare without the bracelet, so I…"

"Had it tattooed to your wrist instead. Are you nuts?" her voice high in pitch. Why she was reacting like this was a misery. "You do realize it's for life." Cue rolling of my eyes.

"Yes Elena, I'm well aware."

"So you just permanently mark yourself? What if we fall out again huh? And…and next time we don't make up and the bracelet means nothing to you, and then you're scarred with it." She ranted.

I narrowed my eyes. "Take that back!" I warned her, I was not having her say shit like that to me, not after everything we'd had to face this past few months.

"I don't want it to happen, I'm not saying it will but you never know and you shouldn't go doing things like that" She tried to explain, make me see reason, but it wasn't working and frankly it was a little too late.

"No Elena, it's you who shouldn't be saying things like that. This…" I held out my arm and jutted my wrist to bring her attention to it. "This is permanent in my life now, just like you are." I told her firmly so she got the picture. "Shit that sounds cheesy but I don't give a shit" I took her head between my hands to make sure I had her undivided attention. "You are my best friend Elena Gilbert, and I made you a promise nothing like what happened last year would happen again. I intend to keep my promise. You're stuck with me." I told her and she let out a little giggle and I might have done the same, but a much more masculine version of a giggle. "Better get used to it." I winked and dropped my hands.

I felt it was time I got dressed before I got too carried away. If I hadn't have turned away or gone to start dressing myself I would have seem a glorious smile break across her face, it's just my luck to miss it.

From there I dressed in the bathroom, I think we'd seen each other with lack of clothing for one day. Wait, did I seriously just think that? Yeah let me rephrase, I had been tempted enough and I didn't want to push my luck with her. I had to redress in my uniform, we weren't allowed out of it, just regulation. So once dressed and ready, Nick and Stefan returned from their game, Stefan's competitive streak had kicked in, as had Nick's, they were arguing Stefan accusing him of cheating, Nick defending himself. It was brought to a stop when my mom nearly banged their heads together.

Dinner was nice, really nice actually; I made sure I had three courses, biggest on offer. I would have paid for it the next day if this had been some mediocre restaurant because in them places they know how to feed you, the posh places or at least this place each course was barely a mouthful. The evening had its highs and its lows. Everyone at the table was at ease, well Stefan and Nick weren't exactly getting along but that could be dismissed and ignored.

Elena was seated at my side throughout the night and I may have taken advantage of the situation when hidden under the table I slipped my hand into hers. It was a friendly gesture, a gesture that could have been taken multiple ways by anyone who saw but quite frankly did it matter what others thought? No it didn't it just mattered that she didn't pull away and we spent a lot of the evening with our hands glued together, fingers laced between one another's. We hadn't held hands since we were kids, I don't know why, holding hands could be underrated. Well least I underrated it, but I learned in that moment not to do.

Unfortunately Nick and I had to be back on base for 8:30pm so we had to call it a night. It wasn't so hard to say goodbye, would see them all again tomorrow at the turning blue ceremony and again have more time with them all.

We all said our goodnights; we insisted they stay and enjoyed the rest of their night while my dad insisted on driving us back.

I fell to sleep that night with a grin on my face and excitement in my bones for the following day.

The graduation ceremony or more formally known at turning blue was rather special to me. I wasn't just some newbie anymore, of course I had nowhere near finished with my training but I still found a pride in myself for accomplishing coming this far. As I'd said my dad and I hadn't always seen eye to eye and had much in common, never had he told me he loved me or that he was proud of me and I'd never expected it. He didn't say it this day but I just got a vibe, plus it meant a lot that he was the first to attach my blue cord, that turns out was his from when he was in the forces. Yeah that was the closest I was ever going to get of him telling me he was proud of me and really it was enough. Stefan would always be the golden child in his eyes, I didn't mind. I know a lot of guys would say that but most people would just think I'm saying it for my prides sake but honestly I truly meant it. My brother was the brains of the family, going to become the next president, plus even though he might have his issues I had been a pain in the ass for my parents over the years while Stefan hadn't brought any trouble their way. That's something a parent should be proud of a child for.

It seemed after my father, my mother wanted a go at attaching the cord too while having the photo taken. She had already blown a bunch of money on photo's that had been taken throughout my training, sometimes you just have to humour my parents; I just find myself doing it more often than most.

Then came my favourite part, yes you guessed it, Elena had a go herself. I had to stand there looking all serious while she was grunting and huffing because she didn't know how to do it, her tongue running all around her mouth as an involuntary attempt to boost her concentration. It was so hard not to laugh. I did turn into a ventriloquist though, muttering directions on how to do it. She appreciated it. She showed her appreciation by insulting me. She told me she hoped I would be able to grow my hair back a bit because she didn't really like my buzz cut. She had a good giggle at my expense. Lucky for her I was in a good mood.

The day after graduation was once again left to our own devices. The day was even more relaxed than the day before, even if my dad did drag us around the Infantry museum. Of course the place was interesting, but no disrespect it just wasn't the place to spend our afternoon. Elena was trying to look enthused, taking in the information my dad was prattling on about. My mom looked at each gun and thought they all looked the same. Stefan was cautious and looked extremely uncomfortable to be around all the weaponry and I? Well I as I said did find everything interesting but was too preoccupied with watching everyone's reactions. The tour came to an end when my mom almost broke the glass to one of the cases and put a rifle to my father's head, she told him she loved him but would not stand for this torture. We all had a little laugh at that and my disgruntled and outnumbered father gave in to her. Instead we ended up playing mini golf. I have to say as surprising as it might sound it turned out to be rather hilarious.

The afternoon came around and thankfully we were given the option of where we wanted to eat, and of course we managed to find a traditional bar and grill that gave me the opportunity to sunk my teeth into a big juicy steak and fries, oh and of course garnish, who can forget garnish? As soon as we stepped into that place we were destined to have a good time, and no alcohol was need. Well we weren't allowed but you get my point.

Even my mom and dad managed to relax and let their hair down, sort of. My mom did, my dad's idea of letting his hair down was with two fingers of whiskey diluted with ice to the point you could give it to a child and it wouldn't be illegal. I often have to wonder if my father is actually my father but as I mentioned before I knew because of the ears I was subjected to as a kid.

The night went all too quickly, while waiting for dinner had a doubles game of pool, Nick called to be on Elena's team before anyone else got the chance and since Nick had won Stefan beforehand she thought it was a good idea because apparently we were all competitive so Stefan and I teamed up, both ready to kick their asses, and that we did. I'd already taught Elena the arts of the game but Nick felt she needed some more 'guidance' with helping her take a shot, he wasn't helping her he was a horny son of a bitch and liked to be flirtatious. Well I like protecting my girl and he got to witness it first hand when he was as much as dry humping her and I just happened to be passing by and 'accidently' hit the back of his knees with my cue stick. It was only a tap but he reacted like I was Annie Wilkes from Misery and had just taken a sledge-hammer to his feet. He was such a drama queen, but he learned his lesson. But of course it arose a million and one questions apparently I was transparent and 'had it bad' for Elena, it was obvious. I hoped not, that is why I told him I had no idea what he was talking about and ignored him really because I knew the more I protested the more he would think it and prattle on.

Stefan's mood brightened when we won and really rubbed it in Nick's face. They were boy bickering like an old married couple through dinner; you had to laugh and then came Nick's idea of wooing the ladies – a duet to Queens 'Don't stop me now'. I choose the song since Nick's suggestion was 'You're the one that I want' from Grease. Like I said I worry about him at times. Whatever song we say we would cripple and we did, paying no attention at all to the words on the screen; going by memory and making it up at time which was interesting. But hey I'll have you know we definitely entertained the crowd. There were other soldiers there too; a couple from our platoon and you can just imagine that we were never going to let us forget the performance. It was all a good laugh though, got to live a little right? Even if it's humiliating yourself, as long as you have fun doing so.

Afterwards we did seem to draw attention to ourselves. I had to pop to the gents and when I came back I found Nick huddled close to Elena, whispering in her ear. I don't know what he said at the time but it was something and it caused Elena to go rather quiet and be on edge. I pulled Nick aside and demanded he told me what he'd said or done, thinking maybe he'd gone a step too far with this flirtation but he insisted that he hadn't and had learned his lesson. Of course he must have said something, he told me he hadn't, they were just talking and he had to be close in order to hear over the music. I had my doubts; something must have happened so I went and asked Elena. She acted all nonchalant, there was still something niggling me but I then realized the time and put her behaviour down to the fact the day was nearly over and we would have to say our goodbyes.

God I hated goodbyes. Who knew when I would get time off again? It could be six month, even more, or could be less. Less was obviously what I hoped for. The goodbye to everyone was draining and my mom got a bit emotional but I had to reassure her I'd be seeing her soon and she'd change her mind about missing me when she got home to peace. That wasn't true of course but whatever makes things easier. Half of me wished I had the weekend off like some of the other troops but the other half was pleased because I knew if I were to have a whole weekend free and to spend with them it would just make things all the more difficult.

I don't think it's any secret that saying goodbye to Elena was the hardest. The last couple of days had gone by in a flash and I would have really liked some alone time with her, just to catch up. We hadn't really had the opportunity to speak properly, the name Matt had cropped up in my mind quite a few times over the course of the two days but I didn't mention him, I don't think even then I had the stomach to handle hearing they were loved up. I didn't even ask Stefan, I'm sure if there was something I needed to know someone would have mentioned it. And I wasn't going to ask her when saying goodbye now was I? Ruin it by bringing him up - no way!

I made her promise she would write to me, and I of course promised I would reciprocate. I knew by the following day I'd been itching for mail to come in; making things harder on myself but sod it.

She still seemed distant and distracted. I did ask her what was wrong while hugging and she told me it was nothing and offered a smile. Surely she knew I knew her better than that but she wasn't giving anything away, again probably just about the parting of ways. I did manage to get a kiss on the cheek, of course all strictly friendly I'm not about to go getting over exciting and ramble on about how utterly amazing it was and the highlight of the weekend, yada yada. It's not necessarily but it was a nice touch to the end of the day.

On returning to the barracks word had already spend about our song and dance back at the bar and obviously as was expected it was our turn to be tease. I honestly didn't care, you know why? Yeah you probably got it right.

I had my best friend back.

---

March 2006 – Stuttgart Base, Germany

"Salvatore!" A voice of authority bounced against each and every wall before ringing in my ears. I had my mouth full of food in the middle of conversation but that had to be discarded when hearing my name.

I stood from the table and looked behind me in direction the voice had bellowed from to find my captain jutting his thumb over his shoulder. That only meant one thing 'Get your ass here, now!' and the first thing that runs through your head, what have I done?

"Oh Captain calls, don't wet yourself, Sally" I've had more damn nicknames over the years. The guys at the table snickered as they ate their grub, I would have liked to have made a sharp comment back but one I had a mouth full. Two, Captain wouldn't appreciate me holding him up and three, just couldn't be a bothered.

I swung my leg around, chewing my food as I walked across the chow hall toward the awaiting Captain.

"Yes Captain?" I spoke once I'd managed to clear my mouth.

"Follow me, E-4" and of course I did as I was told following him through the corridors and towards his office at the end of the hall. Okay now I really had to wonder what I'd done wrong. I suppose I was due to find out.

"What is it Captain?" I questioned as we stepped inside the faintly lit room, just the deck lamp offering the only light.

He held the door for me and closed it behind.

"You have a telephone call" He told me and with that my heart dropped into my stomach. You only get granted phone calls if it's an emergency. Now I don't know about you but emergencies aren't anything good.

"Oh uh…" Yes I don't usually find it hard to speak but my head was swimming in dreaded possibilities.

He wasn't giving much away; eye contact was non-existent and well I haven't been in that situation before but I think it's obvious that it's not a good sign. He picked up and held out the phone to me.

I found myself walking around the desk almost robotically and hesitating after taking it from him and placing it to my ear.

"I'll give you a moment of privacy" He spoke, no, this definitely wasn't good.

There was a soft click of the door closing behind him and I had the phone to my ear but could already hear it was on hold. Everything is going to be okay Damon; you're just over thinking everything. It's probably your mom overreacting as usual. This is what I chanted over in my mind as my finger hovered over the hold button. I found the mental strength to regain motivation throughout my body and once I had that the physical strength return to allow me to press the damn button.

The sharp intake of breath was the first thing that allowed the person on the other end to realize I was here. It turns out the person on the end of the line turned out to be my mother. Hope that she was overreaction seemed to become brighter.

"Damon? Damon is that you?"

"Yeah mom, it's me. What's going on? What's wrong?" I wasn't beating around the bush, I needed to know.

"Oh sweetheart" Her voice was agonizing. My mind ran over the main theories in my head. Something had happened to my dad, maybe my grandparents, then my brother he'd been having a difficult time lately and then of course there was someone else but I couldn't bare the thoughts even entering my mind. I banished them.

"Just tell me mom" my frustration and anxiety accelerating rapidly.

"It's not good baby. Not good at all. Damon…" The pause, the stuttering and light sobs in her voice were all becoming too much. "There has been…" her sobs accelerated, panic set into every bone in my body. "Sepp, I can't… I…" her voice was suddenly becoming distance.

"Mom? Mom? Mom!" I repeated but she had gone and was replaced by another familiar voice that put one of my fears to bed.

"Damon? Son?" I would have sighed in relief but I couldn't, not yet, not until I knew everyone I cared about was okay. Not until he told me they were okay.

I cleared my throat. "Dad… just tell me." My voice was barely a whisper. "Is it Stef…?" I began but he wouldn't allow me to finish.

"No, no, you're brother is fine. But Damon there has been an accident. It's the Gilbert's. They've been in a tragic car accident."

Gilbert's? No, couldn't be, I was hearing things, convinced. Yep hearing things or this was just some screwed up dream. Not her, nothing could happen to her.

"E…" My voice hitched and I clenched my jaw slumping into the chair not giving too hoots if it was the Captains. "Elena?" I managed to say the name. "Dad… dad tell me she's okay. Was she…?" I couldn't finish, I couldn't think, my head was just screaming for me to wake up or that she was okay, that she was away at college when it happened. Right now I couldn't even contemplate something had happened to her parents, just her. I just needed to know about her.

"Yes" That one little word made my heart drop from my stomach out onto the floor I think. "Yes, she was in the car, and yes she's okay."

"Thank god" My head rolled back as the words sunk in and the relief swept over me from head to toe. I really learned the meaning of the saying 'like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders' only magnified by a thousand. But she was still in the accident and what about her parents? My head was still spinning in circles.

"Dad, tell me… what's going on? Is she hurt? How badly? How are Miranda and Grayson? Are they okay?" I rattled off my questions I needed to make sure I learned as much as I could because I have no idea how long I had.

"Uh… well doctors aren't really saying much because she isn't technically family but her Aunt told us that luckily she just suffered cuts, bruises and concussion but they've done tests and everything came back positive. But…"

"Lucky? Just cuts and bruises? You make it sound like she tripped over." I gritted my teeth, leaning forward against the desk to pinch the bridge of my nose. She shouldn't have a single cut or any sign of bruising, she shouldn't be hurting even in the slightest.

"Damon, I think…" He paused yet again. "Damon the car overturned. Elena was in the back and the emergency services were able to get her out, but… Damon?"

"What is it dad?" Now really impatient.

"Son, Miranda and Grayson… they didn't make it." Silence. "They're dead."

---

April 2006

As soon as I hung up the phone that night it was all bizarre, I couldn't wrap my head around it. I'd never know real loss. I had been deployed and was in the army but was lucky that none of the soldiers in our Platoon had lost their lives. There were my grandparents from my father's side but we weren't exactly close and I was only young. But Miranda and Grayson, they were like my family. Miranda and my mom had been best friends since school. Grayson was the guy who gave me my stitches on the back of my head when I feel off a swing when I was about four. Miranda would take Stefan and me after school sometimes if my mom was working late. They were great people you know? And I couldn't understand that they had just gone and I would never see them again. And that was me, just their daughters friend so to imagine what Elena must have been going through was impossible.

I'd tried to apply for emergency leave but it was not granted, only was it allow for a family members funeral. Elena was my family, and I needed to be there for her, she's just lost her parents and I was her best friend and I wasn't there.

Never in over three years had I kicked up a stink, never had I rose my voice to any of my superiors, or been disrespectful. I respected everyone I came into contact with in the army even if they didn't deserve it, and the army is my career and my life. Yes I was getting paid for what I was doing, getting health and dental care yada yada but I had given myself over to fight for my country. Yes it was my choice but did I not deserve some respect? They would never understand Elena was my best friend; she would always trump the army in my list of what's most important. She would trump everything. But they didn't care; she had to be my wife for me to be granted permission to go to her parent's funeral.

I was due for leave two weeks later, now, but it was too late. The funeral had been and gone, Elena had had to suffer and I could do nothing. I thought of writing to her and every time I tried I was just blank. How can you possibly write a later to a grieving daughter who had lost both of her parents and could have lost her own life too? You can't, well I certainly couldn't, so I didn't. But I was in Mystic Falls, and it might be late but you know what they say? Better late than never, I just still can't help wishing I would have done more. I could have gone AWOL but I wouldn't have gotten far before I was arrested and would have taken a lot longer to be able to see her.

As much as I missed my parents and wanted to see them the first place I went when arriving back in town was to Elena's; she was always going to be my priority. But turning up at her front door I was greeted by her Aunt Jenna who told me she wasn't home. She filled me in a little, told me how Elena had been coping or in this case hadn't been. Apparently she was holding it together, but she wasn't showing any emotions, she hadn't cried and hardly spoke, eaten, slept. She spent nearly all her time in the cemetery or in her room.

The cemetery was where I found myself ten minutes later. I stood outside the gates for a while; cemeteries always gave me an uncomfortable shiver down my spine, maybe because they are full of death.

It was now the beginning of April and spring was settling; there was still a light breeze in the air, clouds frosting the skies while the sun attempted to break through. Colour was returning to the place, greenery on the trees, seasonal flowers coming into bloom. I realized too late that I had come empty handed; I'd been in such a rush that it had completely escaped my mind but I would go and get some flowers the first chance I got. For now I resorted to thieving from the shrub area lining the outside of the gates, daffodils swayed gracefully in the gentle wind. I reverted back to being a child and stealing flowers from people's gardens, I only took the one but with it being on holy ground and all, people can be offended by such things, turns out it takes much more than that for me to care.

I found Elena exactly where I thought I would; before a grave cascaded in bunches after bunches of every flower you could possibly imagine, perched under an elm tree huddled up face angled down and looked as if she was writing. From a distance she looked like the young girl I used to know but of course she was now a woman; a remarkable and beautiful women, but unfortunately also heartbroken.

I don't know if she heard me approaching, or if she picked up that there was another presence beside hers, she didn't seem to react, she was just lost in her own little world as her hand moved vigorously across the page of what looked like a diary. Well part of me was relieved she was getting her emotions out somehow.

Under the shade of the tree the temperature dropped a few degrees as there was no sunlight able to break through the strong, vase trunk of the tree she leant against. Jenna had mentioned she's been out awhile and without a coat and only wearing a short sleeved top I feared she would catch a chill, plus she had not long been out of hospital herself.

From where I now stood; mere feet away, I could let my eyes examine her. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, a few auburn locks falling free and into her face, but it could not hide the clear wound to her forehead about an inch and a half in length across her hairline, surround my yellow bruising. There was a healing gash down the top of her right arm, the same side as the injury to her head. While utterly relieved that she alive and breathing I never wanted to see any marking on her usually pristine skin.

I watched her hand halt for a second or two, finding myself believing she knew now she wasn't alone but she had not looked up so whether she knew it was me or not, I'm not quite sure. She soon found out though.

Exchanging the yellow flower between my hands, and duffle bag from my shoulder; I slipped off my Class A uniform jacket, and closed the remaining spacing between us. Once crouched down before I carefully placed the jacket over her shoulders and covering her arms. She stilled and allowed me, her eyes still cased down to the book before her.

"I'm not cold" Her voice I almost didn't recognize, it was so small and timid, it didn't belong to the strong women I knew her to be.

"You aren't warm either, so when you are you can take it off but not until then." I told her, letting my hand lightly rub the top of her arm that remained perfectly intact and wound free. I hoped she would lift her head to look at me but I had no such look so I drew my hand up from her arm and up to her chin where my fingers gently graze her jaw applying the least amount of force it took to raise her head from where it hung low.

I finally was able to see her eyes, they didn't hold the light or sparkle they usually did, I didn't expect them too but the twinkle hadn't completely disappeared for good, I would do whatever it took to bring it back.

"Hey you" I whispered.

"Hey you" She repeated but it was more of a mime, the vibrations in order to make the sounds to speak faltered, the fact that she was looking at me and communicating in some way was enough for now.

"Still writing in these journals I see. Want to know a secret? One you aren't going to believe?" I took no response as a sign to continue, she wasn't looking away, and that was a plus. "I've been keeping one myself this past year… I know I know, you've been pestering me for years saying that I should have one and just ignoring you, and now I have one. You know what? You were right, does help sometimes. I don't get a lot of time to write in it but when I do it helps. On deployment, it can be hauntingly quiet at times and extremely lonely even though you aren't on your own, and I write. I didn't get to write you as many letters as I would have liked but I could tell you everything in the journal. It make me feel like I had a part of you there with me, because you are the one person I can tell when I'm scared. When I'm lonely and when I'm hurting, as I said it does help but not half as much as it does to have you there in person." There was something I was getting at here, making her see she didn't just have her journal to turn to now.

"But…" She started, her voice was so small almost childlike. "But you haven't been here." She knew how to make me feel more guilt than I already did and I deserved to.

"I know, and I'm so sorry that sorry isn't enough. I tried, I got here as soon as I could, that's the only excuse I have and it's pathetic. But I'm here now, right here." Dropping the daffodil and my duffle bag to the floor I reached out and clutched both of her hands in mine.

I watched her eyes as they lowered down to our conjoined hands and then back up to meet my gaze. Her eyes were full of wonder. "I'm not… imagining this?" She questions, looking surprised.

Shaking my head, with my thumbs I drew soothing circles along her knuckles to convince her even further by touch that this wasn't her imagination. "No. I'm here now, and I can take care of you. You can let it out." Still our voices were whispers even though the only other sound around was the rustling of leafs overhead.

It was her turn to shake her head and part her plump but quivering lips. "I can't. I can't because if I start, I don't think I'll be able to stop. I have to be strong." And she was, however broken she looked she was still one of the strongest people I knew and yet she couldn't stop her eyes from watering.

"Be strong for who Elena? Me? I'm the only one here. You don't need to be strong for me; you don't have to hold back your pain and tears to convince me you're strong. I already know you are. Refusing to cry isn't going to change that." I smiled lightly.

"But… I can't let go."

This statement caused me a little bit of confusion. "Let go of what?" I asked.

"Them" She murmured and my eyes were so locked onto hers that when she flicked her stare over my shoulder and without looking I knew what she meant, or should I said who.

"You don't have to. By letting your emotions out and opening up it doesn't mean you have to let them go. Nobody is asking you to, nobody expect you to. They are your parents Elena and even though they aren't here in person they still are here" I pointed to her chest, meaning her heart. "And they will always be there and you and you only can decide when it's time to move on."

Her eyes were glimmering more and more by the second and I knew she was close; I didn't want to see her cry. Something I always hated but sometimes I imagine it's something you can't help and something you have to get out of your system.

"I… I don't get it Damon" Her voice husky with raw heart-breaking sentiment. "Why? Why has this happened? What did I do? Why… why are they gone and I'm still here?" With each question her resolve evaporated more and more, her voice cracking and then by the end a sob vibrating from her chest and pasting her lips. "I wish I could take their place"

I let go of her hands and moved instantly to her side and enveloped her quivering form in my arms tightly, her head burying itself into my chest.

"Don't you dare say that?" I told her firmly, I could not hear her say something like that, or to even have it in her head. "What happened was a tragic, terrible accident. You did nothing…" I planned to continue but she cut me off.

"Exactly… I did nothing. I could see them trapped and I could move, I could move and all I did was pass out. I'm weak, I'm not strong I'm weak and I hate it. It's my fault Damon, oh god my fault." She completely broke down, I'd seen her in many states but this was the most heartrending and an all-time low for her. How she could possibly think these things was foreign to me, I couldn't even begin to imagine how something like this affects you but I didn't want her saying and thinking these things. It wasn't right. It only got worse.

"If… If… I'd… I'd just st…stayed at college inst… instead of coming home for the weekend… they… they would still… be here"

They had been collecting her from the airport and were on their way home when the accident occurred but she couldn't blame herself. It was the bastard who'd been driving on the wrong side of the road and been coming right at them.

I clutched her snugger against my body and flourished my head furiously, but what do I say? No it would have still happened? Try and make her feel better? She would see right through that. "Elena you listen to me, I don't know why things happen; I don't know why this happened but it's not your fault. You know I have never been one to believe in the whole 'everything happens for a reason' but this happened and it's tragic and if I could give them back to you I would in a second but nothing can change it, no amount of beating yourself up. You couldn't see the future you couldn't see this would happen; you didn't want this to happen. Grieve babe, but please, please do not blame yourself for this or even think for one second that you should take their place.

"Do you think they would want you to think like that? Don't you think they would be so happy and relieved that you survived? I can't talk for anyone, and I can't talk to the dead but I know they would never want you thinking like that. They would want you to be okay; they loved you more than anything and they wanted you to come home just as much as you wanted to come home. Can you really say this is your entire fault because you wanted to see your family?"

"But I'm never going to see them again… and now… I don't what to do… I feel so alone Damon. I miss them so much." She wept.

I clenched my eyes closed fighting with my own emotions and kissed the top of her head. "You'll never be alone Elena, you will always have me." I told her and it may be a poor substitute but she always would, even if I weren't here a part of me is always with her just like a part of her is always with me.

After that the floodgates opened, and it could have been minutes, it could have been an hour or even several, I don't know but I just held her. I didn't tell her everything would be okay nor did I tell her the pain would disappeared, I wasn't in the position too, that isn't what she wanted to hear. What she wanted to hear was that her parents were coming back to her, that her mom would call her in the morning to see how she was, to spend her next Christmas with them. Neither I nor anyone else could tell her that so I kept my mouth shut and just let her cry. All I could do right then was to be her shoulder to cry on, to comfort her and most importantly make sure she knew she wasn't alone.

I had a lot of time to think and I made the decision that I had two weeks with her and I wouldn't suffocate her, I wouldn't force her to do anything unless I felt it necessary but I would not let her for one moment in the fortnight feel alone.

She trembled and cried in my arms until she had driven herself to exhaustion. I think she was already half way there to begin with. Her weeps turn to sniffles and after a while there was silence other than a stuttered judder from her. The sun was beginning to set and the half-moon above us creeping through the night clouds.

I took her home eventually, she was not asleep just in a world of her own, living inside that hectic mind of hers but I hoped with how she was relaxed she'd somehow found a piece of peace. I did not have my car and she had walked here, so she allowed me to carry her the few blocks home without protest. She just clung to me and it's not like she was heavy or anything. No, quite the opposite, she was too easy to carry and when I ran my hands down her back before in comfort I could feel her ribs. This did not please me at all, she needed some food in her and she might be able to argue with Jenna and get away with it but not with me.

On arriving back to her house Jenna got all worried when seeing me carrying Elena but I quickly reassured her Elena was okay, or as okay as she could be. I took her straight upstairs and to bed and placing her closed journal with the daffodil as a bookmark on her bedside table.

"Where are you going?" She spoke for the first time since the cemetery, a hint of panic evident in her voice.

I paused at the door looking back to her. "I'm going to get you something to eat and drink"

"I'm not hungry." She deadpanned.

"No you aren't hungry, you're starving. Save the bullshit for someone who's going to believe it." I drummed my fingers against the doorframe, she knew me better than this. She could argue, she might have me wrapped around her little finger at times and over the years gotten her own way but when it came to it; if I really put my foot down she had no choice and was never going to win the argument.

I'm sure I saw her huff, even at twenty one and officially a woman she could still have that same childish attitude at times when she didn't get her own way apparently. I was about to leave for the second time when again I was stopped when she began climbing out of bed.

I didn't fight back the urge to groan. "What are you doing?"

"Oh I'm sorry sir, I was just about to go take a bath but of course how can I forget I have to ask permission now in my own house." She spoke but even though she was rolling her eyes I sensed a bit of humour laced with the words.

I went to part my lips but it was as if she could read my mind. "Oh please, don't even suggest you'll run one for me, I'm not an invalid." I'd been told.

"Fine fine" I held up my hands in surrender. "But shout me if you need anything"

She nodded as if it was a chore, "Yes Master, three bags full master, maybe I should have one of those little bells where I ring and you come running" Well she was able to make a joke, they might only be little things but they were still positive.

"That's a good idea" I nodded. "I'll pick one up in the morning" A smirk twitching in the left hand corner of my mouth. Cue eye roll and her vacating the room, closing the bathroom door behind her.

Jenna was in the kitchen struggling to get the water barrel to slide back onto the coffe machine so I helped her out. I remember Jenna, she lived in North Carolina usually and while growing up she would visit every now and again, her and Miranda had always been close so it had obviously taken its toll on her too.

The fridge and the freezer were full of pre-cooked food that had been made my numerous members of Mystic Falls community; you could have started up your own bistro. Jenna informed me she had already taken a lot of it to the homeless shelter in the next town because there was just too much and nowhere to put it. I told her I would take the rest of it tomorrow but found a lasagne and threw that in the over to re-heat.

My comment had confused her, because obviously I was taking over I wasn't being disrespectful but I had to look after my girl. Jenna had her own grieving to contend with as well as her family back in North Carolina which she had been away from, but she still seemed to try and convince me she had everything under control. I didn't doubt that she did but now she could take the weight off her feet. I explained my decision that I would be staying at the house for the fortnight, she seemed to think I would need to check it over with Elena plus tried to explain there wasn't room. She had already taken the stare bedroom and didn't think it was right for anyone to stay in Miranda and Grayson's room. I had to agree and told her that would be why I'd be sleeping on the sofa, explaining that I'd slept in worse places. I wasn't about to give her room to argue I'd made my decision and was sticking to it. My parents would understand me not staying at home.

Once the food was heated and served I took that along with some tea and returned upstairs and it seemed we'd both times it right because she was just coming out of the bathroom, dressing gown wrapped around her, her hair scrapped aroung and hanging in damp locks over one shoulder. She did seem to look a little better, not much but I was working on it.

"Dinner is served" I walked over and sat down on her bed. "Feeling any better?"

"Marvellous" Okay I knew it was a stupid question.

"You know sarcasm only works for a certain type of person, you aren't one of them." I patted the bed calling her to me.

"Damon…" She started when she eyed the food.

"Don't even bother Elena. I'm not going to stop bugging you until you've eaten something so it will just be easier for you to eat." A smile as if to say 'don't argue with me' as I held up the fork to her.

She didn't manage to eat it all but after she realized being stubborn wasn't going to get her anywhere with me she gave in and was be able to eat half. It hadn't been a big portion but it was a success. As was telling her about the plans to stay here, I'd done it on purpose after she'd eaten and was getting settling down, her eyes drooping because she'd be lacking in energy to argue. It turns out she didn't have a problem with it at all. I think it must have been the first time she'd not argued with me on something. It was a result of over exhaustion and also maybe because she wanted me here.

She tried to fight sleep, insisting I put a movie on for us to watch - she didn't get past the opening credits before she was out like a light. I just stayed there for a while; quite frankly I could have stayed there all night but I think I was pushing my luck as it was so I gave it time to make sure she was off in wonderland and turned off the TV. I couldn't help but leave her a little kiss on the forehead and make sure she was covered and snuggled under the sheets. I had never been a nurturing person; I don't think it's about you having it in you I think it's more about how much another means to you. As I keep saying she meant everything so of course she's going to bring this side of me out, as well as several others.

When I got downstairs Jenna was just on her way up to bed, she told me where everything was in terms of sleeping material and then left me to my own devices. As I said the sofa wasn't a problem because I'd slept in worse places, of course a bed would be amazing no dispute there but the sofa would do and even thought I had a great deal on my mind I was becoming tired more by the minute. I fell asleep about an hour later with the television still playing, reeling the same few minutes of news over and over.

The next thing I knew I was woken by my subconscious telling there was another presence in the room, someone who was watching me. If they were trying to be incognito they weren't doing a good job. There was a heavy sigh and then what sounded like footsteps padding across the hardwood floor.

I opened my eyes and rolled over from my stomach to see what was going on and I found out that the presence was Elena and she seemed to be attempting to tip toe from the room. I worried slightly.

"Elena? What wrong?" I asked my voice croaking and full of sleep but it was enough for her to hear me and stop.

"I… I didn't mean to wake you" She spoke on turning around. There was only light coming from the television but it looked as if there were red rims around her eyes. I immediately sat up.

"It's okay. What's the matter?" I beckoned her over to me as she rather timidly tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and cast her eyes down. Now this wasn't the Elena I knew, Elena didn't get shy, unless there was something really wrong.

"I uh… I had a bad dream and woke up and you weren't there." She forced a smile as she distracted herself by arranging her gown around her tighter. "I thought you'd left" Her eyes caught with mine from under her luscious full lashes and I didn't like this awkwardness, it wasn't… us.

"I'm right here. Do you want to talk about your dream?" I asked, and she sighed heavily looking hesitant.

I removed the back cushions of the sofa and placed them on the floor. This allowed me to lie back down and have more space.

"What are you doing?" She frowned and quizzed.

I lifted the blanket and nodded signalling her to me. "Come on, I don't bite." I chuckled. She eyed me warily. "We used to do this all the time when we were kids, just a cuddle."

"I'm well aware but… I'll say it again. We aren't kids anymore."

"True, but unless you plan on taking advantage of me while I sleep I don't see why it would be a problem" I smirked and for a split second she actually looked amused and a sound that resembled a giggle escaped her mouth.

"Sorry to break it to you but you aren't my type" She might have announced this but whether her type or not she came and lay down on the sofa beside me and we snuggled up close both lying on our side facing one another. "Plus you aren't god's gift to women you know?"

"Ouch… wound my ego why don't you?"

"Oh Damon now we know that's impossible, but I apologize for bursting your bubble, but I'm positive you'll survive, ego intact." She was chuckling again and while I should be offended I didn't give two hoots, it was banter. My Elena was still living inside of their hiding underneath the sadness and attempting to break out.

"Yeah you're right. And of course wrong, I am god's gift you just don't see it because well… your relationship history says it all i.e. Matt Donovan." A snort vibrated down my nose. "Ow!" I responded when she pinched my arm, rubbing it acting all hurt, she saw right through me.

"Okay so maybe Matt wasn't… the guy for me but he was a good guy. He cared for me a lot and is a good friend so no taking the mick" She warned, snuggling in closer to me.

It was strange, I knew they broke up a couple of years go after trying to make a long distant relationship work but I still was a sucker for hating her having any other guy in her life. Well there is obviously my brother but he doesn't count. Even now after accepting things for as they are and being happy with them a part of me wishes that I could be the only guy in her life like she was the only girl in mine. And now when my heart is picking up in pace with her so close, I'd learned to not let the pounding take over me, to let the unrequited feelings lay buried. I wouldn't allow things to be awkward. Even us being this close, my arms wrapped around her, one of hers hooked around me; there was nothing to be awkward about.

"Fine, I admit he seemed like a good guy but well we'll save this conversation for another time." I really didn't want to be this close to her and us talking about her ex.

"Uh-huh" She mumbled out of tiredness, but again seemed to be fighting it as if scared of something - The dream maybe.

"You know you don't have to be afraid while I'm here, right? I wouldn't let anything hurt you." My fingertips had a mind of their own and were running up and down her silky covered back.

"I know. But it's like every time I close my eyes all I can see is the headlights coming towards us and piercing sound of the car horn. I'm the one driving and I'm trying to swerve trying to get out of the way but I can't, not even with all my strength… I'm helpless. Or useless would be a better word."

"Hey. You aren't useless, I know you think you are and I also know whatever I am to say it won't sink in to be true. But focus on what you do know; you know I am not that person, the person that tells you what you want to hear to make you feel better. I'm truthful, too much sometimes, I've been told. So you know when I say you are not useless and none of it is your fault you can believe it. I believe somewhere deep down you do but you are so clouded with pain and loss that it makes you look for an explanation for something that can't be explained." My voice was so small, but I was hoping it was loud and clear for her.

"Maybe you are right, maybe many people would agree with you but I can't help the way I feel, knowing that if I'd just made a different decision, if I'd caught an earlier or later flight. It's just everything Damon; everything is going over in my head all the time of what I could have done differently. I just… can't help it" Her eyes look intently into mine and she kind of helped me see her dilemma and now I was the helpless one.

"I don't know what to do" I admitted.

I was surprised to see a light smile bless her face. "There is nothing anyone can do about it other than me. But you are already doing enough, just by being here. I…" There came a pause, her eyes cast down. While wanting to smile about what she had just said, I was itching to hear what would follow. "I've been feeling so guilty." I went to part my lips to tell her not to, again to tell her it wasn't her fault but she didn't give me the chance. "Not because of the accident, something after that. I… I could have wished for anything, I did wish they could be back here, alive, to just wake up and this all be a bad dream but… it's not been what I've wished for the most."

Her eyes came back into contact with mine and I could see the salt water puddles in her eye ducts. "I wished that you were here. Does that make me a terrible person?"

I shook my head, bringing my hand up to run down her hair, being careful not to catch her cut. While being overwhelmed with hearing her telling the first part, first and foremost I had to answer her question.

"Not at all" I swirled a lock of her hair around my finger. "It means you're smart. It means as much as it might hurt to think or hear that you can't get them back, wishing for it will only hurt you more. There is no point in wishing for something you can't have. But you could have me here. I know I wasn't here at first, the time when you needed me most but you should know something… wherever I am, however things may seem, however long it takes me to get to you, you are everything that's most important to me. I'll always find my way back to you" Truer words had never been spoken.

"You shouldn't be so sure. You'll one day find the girl of your dreams, and you'll say those exact same words to her" Her eyes were closed and her voice drawing lighter as I could tell she was slipping into unconsciousness but she actually believed that nonetheless. "She'll be one hell of a lucky girl" Her murmurs went straight to my heart.

Oh how blind she was, even Nick knew after five seconds of seeing us together. How could she not know? I know I'd spent years hiding it, denying it to myself never mind anyone else, but just being here now how could she not see? Maybe if she'd been looking into my eyes she would have, yes I would have definitely been busted. But she should never think like that.

"I already found her, a long time ago"

That had been the first time I'd not only allowed myself to voice my true feeling, but I'd voiced them to the one person I didn't think I could – Her. Even if she was sleeping and unable to hear.

TO BE CONTINUED…

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Well that's part two, hope you guys enjoyed.

Just want to make a shout out and plug another new Damon/Elena AU/AH Fanfic by my wonderful friend KatOfShadows, Its called Somewhere Love Remains and definitely worth checking out. www (Dot) fanfiction (Dot) net/s/7739230/1/Somwhere_Love_Remains (Just remove the spaces and replace the dots... you get the drill =D)

Please leave me some love :D

Ciao
Danielle xx

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