Damon slowly rose from the bed and mussed up his hair, confusion written all over his face. He felt a strange ecstasy at what she had said but it also didn't seem very Elena. It seemed like something Katherine would do just to screw with him but he knew it hadn't been her. He could tell the difference now. It was in the way they held their bodies. Elena was more modest, strong, and tense where Katherine was all seduction, lust, and confidence.

He began pacing back and forth across his room pondering whether or not he should confront Elena now when she was most likely in Stefan's arms or if he should wait for a time when they were alone. There were pros and cons to both. If he went now it was more likely that she would deny having ever said it or make it seem like some sort of trivial matter. Also Stefan might have a fit and that was never pretty. He knew that from experience. But, there was also the possibility that she would be open about it in front of Stefan, would plead for more time to choose, and establish him as more than just the other brother. It would be a sort of test. To see if she actually meant every word she said.

The other option was the easy way out for both of them. It would be less awkward and more personal but at the same time he would never know for sure if it was some ploy to keep him at bay. To keep him from flying off the handle. What was more important to him?

And he knew. Of course he knew. It was more critical that she meant what she told him, to make sure it wasn't a trick. It would also give him a small sense of pride and satisfaction which was something he'd lacked recently as far as Elena was concerned.

He went downstairs to find Elena and Stefan holding hands on the couch watching something on the television. It was so married-life it almost made him throw up. Elena heard him tromp down the stairs and looked his way. She could tell what he was about to say just by the the expression on his face and she sighed, bracing herself for the Titanic to hit the iceberg.

"What the hell just happened up there, Elena? Why'd you say it?"

Stefan shifted his eyes away from their conversation trying to give them some privacy. Something obviously happened that didn't involve him at all. He untangled his hand from hers and went up to his bedroom. He kept his ears wide open because even though he wasn't the confrontational type...he did want to understand what was going on and how it would ultimately affect him because he knew it was something big.

Damon should've known Stefan would've left. It was his brother through and through. But if he knew his brother at all, he was listening in on the conversation.

Elena stood up and came to Damon so she could look him directly in the eyes. "I said it because for the first time you said something that clicked in my brain. Something that did in fact make a difference. Maybe it was timing what with the memories, maybe not, but you said that you would always fight for me."

"So? You knew that already."

"I know. But I think you had to say it. I needed it to smack me in the face. I understood while I was standing just outside your door that those words changed my view on who we are altogether. You have always fought for me and there was a time not too long ago when Stefan wouldn't fight for me. When he would go out of his way to avoid me or pretend he no longer loved me. That wasn't you. You were brave enough to stand by my side even though you knew it would hurt, that I would use you and snub you all because you thought there might be a chance I would fall in love with you. And that's something that's really important to me. Now, I'm not saying I still don't love Stefan and that I'm choosing you but I realized that I did love you and there's no point in trying to conceal it because it isn't fair to you and I want this complicated situation that's going down to be open and honest and fair because only then will I make the correct decision. And now that I can conceivably spend the rest of my life with one of you, it's even more paramount that I do make the right decision for me."

Stefan soaked in what she said and zipped down the stairs to land right next to her. "So," he whispered, "In conclusion, you've chosen both of us."

"Yes. I have," she stated, her head held high. "And I want to say something else. Don't fight each other over me because I'm not worth breaking the bond you two have. I realize this is difficult but it happened and that's just how it is. It's all about choices we make and they've led us here. There's no going back now."

For once, Damon didn't question a thing and simply nodded. It was definitely an improvement from the previous predicament. He wasn't going to complain. But Stefan couldn't believe what was happening. He'd though he'd had her back for sure.

"I don't understand, Elena. You really love him? How? When?"

"You were gone for months Stefan. That was a choice you made. I'm sorry. I thought I had everything figured out but I was hopelessly wrong. Damon got under my skin and never left. He drives me up the wall half the time but the other half I can't stop thinking about him. Please understand, Stefan. It's my choice."

"Sometimes I think you have too much of those," he growled to himself.

"My thoughts exactly brother. Funnily enough, it didn't matter to you until it actually put a dent in your happiness." He eyed Stefan and then grinned slightly. "Well, on the bright side, I'm feeling rather elated. Anybody feel like having a drink?"

"Cool it, Damon."

He rolled his eyes and slumped down on the couch. "Just an idea," he murmured.

"Stefan?" she asked, placing her hand gently on his face. He shied away from her touch but nodded.

"Just let me get used to the idea of sharing you with him. I'll be okay though."

"Promise?"

"Yeah, I promise. I love you after all."

"I love you too."

Stefan lumbered off back upstairs and Damon shot off the couch to step in front of Elena.

"You don't look so hot. Anything I can do?" Damon wondered, slightly concerned. His eyes were careful and cautious as he laid a hand on her cheek ever so softly. She tensed slightly but didn't pull away. He just wanted to help after all and this was part of being in love. It's not like he couldn't touch her.

"What about that drink?"