AN: Yes, this chapter is short, but you're getting two in row, baby! Thanks for all the replies and critiques. I really do appreciate them despite my lack of replying.

Elena recoiled from Damon as though she'd been struck by a snake. "No!" she cried out, then said more sternly, "No." She contemplated slapping him in the face as she had done several times before.

"Elena-" Damon started, leaning away from her. He had a face of mock-hurt, though his eyes were killer.

"Don't you dare take blood from me, you-you leech! You-" Elena almost yelled.

"Oh, very mature, Elena. You've been reduced to name-calling." Damon applauded. "And you're right. If I take blood from you now, I'd risk getting a stain in Stefan's car." He paused, "On second thought...."

Damon was leaning towards Elena again. Elena unthinkingly lunged passed him and honked the horn. Several heads turned to their direction. Damon scowled and returned to the proper sitting. He couldn't bite Elena now--whether he had actually planned to--not with all this attention, as miniscule as it may be. Nosy humans. Don't give a hoot about others' privacy, Damon thought. He put the car into drive and pulled out of the gas station.

"You are a pain in the neck, Elena," Damon commented, "No pun intended." He tried to laugh it off but all Elena did was coldly stare at him.

They bickered more as they went on. After a while, they, astonishingly, stopped talking completely. Too steamed with the other's responses. Elena hadn't wanted to eat her food at first--given the fact that it came from Damon and he wanted some kind of retribution for it--but she eventually caved.

Elena sighed, disturbing the too silent and tense atmosphere. "Can't we at least be civil to each other, Damon?" Elena finally offered. She was tired of fighting with Damon. She had done enough fighting for a while.

"Hey, I am being perfectly civil. You're the one who's..." Damon was cut off by the serious look on her face. "I suppose we could come to an agreement."

"By the way, I know we're heading southwest. We passed by Wiensdale a while back." stated a smug Elena.

"So you must know we're over five hundred miles from your precious Mystic Falls and there's no way you're getting back there so soon." Damon said. Elena's jaw dropped as she mouthed "Five hundred miles."

***

"A hotel, Damon? Really?" Elena complained, as Damon pulled into a cheap-looking one. It had been dark outside for several hours, but apparently Damon wanted to get in all the miles he could squeeze in. Elena had unconsciously yawned a few times, which, in turn, reminded Damon that he hadn't slept well at all the night before.

"It's either that or the car." answered Damon, turning off the car. "Suit yourself."

"I don't think you and I in the same room is such a great idea." added Elena.

"We've lasted just as long in the car. I'm tired and hungry. Don't mess with me." Damon cautioned. "I don't feel like killing you tonight."

Elena groaned as reluctantly got out of the vehicle. The cool, fresh air felt refreshing. They were evenly paced heading for the door of the hotel even though they were distanced. Damon and Elena, though, accidently both grabbed for the door at the same time, resulting in them touching hands.

"Sorry," they both murmured. Damon was amused and Elena hid her smirk. It was a little funny. And awkward.

AN: "[H]is eyes were killer" (from above) can be taken two different ways. Think about it. *wink*