Chapter 11
I Will Always Love You
The next day Damon slept in. He didn't wake up until Stefan had already left for school. He stumbled around, not fully awake yet, and showered before going downstairs and drinking some blood.
That done, he turned on the radio and flipped through the stations. He finished off the blood and grabbed some bourbon, pouring himself a glass and dancing around a bit to the rock song playing. After that particular song ended a soft playing song came on and he flopped on the couch, but the lyrics caught his instant attention, and he went still.
If I should stay,
I would only be in your way.
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you ev'ry step of the way.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
You, my darling you. Hmm.
His breath caught in his throat, and the glass slipped out of his hand to crash to the floor.
Bittersweet memories
that is all I'm taking with me.
So, goodbye. Please, don't cry.
We both know I'm not what you, you need.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
His mind shot of course, to Elena, and his confession that he'd made her forget.
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.
Suddenly he hurt so badly inside that he could hardly stand it.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I, I will always love you.
All the pain that he'd been feeling inside rose up. Not just about Elena, but everything he'd been through in his entire life. His mother, his father, Katherine, becoming a vampire, Elena... he didn't even realize at first that tears were streaming down his face.
You, darling, I love you.
Ooh, I'll always, I'll always, love, yooou...
He tasted something salty, and realized he was crying, but for once he didn't care. For once the great, cocky, Damon Salvatore, just let himself grieve. He lay down, curled himself up on the couch, and let the sobs come.
His brother found him still like that when he returned home a few hours later.
"Damon?" Stefan sounded shocked and concerned, but he couldn't care right now. He felt him put a hand on his shoulder. "Easy Damon. Is it Katherine?" It wasn't just about Katherine, but he just nodded. It was the simplest explanation to give, and he knew Stefan wouldn't push beyond that.
He didn't fight it when Stefan moved him so that he could sit on the couch next to him and hold him. For once, Damon let himself be comforted. He sniffled and laid his head on his brother's shoulder, fisting his hand in his shirt, and closed his eyes.
He didn't remember falling asleep, but he woke up later in his own bed with a dozing Stefan beside him. He remembered what Stefan had said before, about just wanting his brother to be with him. I won't leave you little brother, he thought, I can't, not now.
After all, Elena needed to be protected, and sometimes, his brother needed it too. He got up and headed to the bathroom to wash his face. And maybe sometimes, he thought, so do I.
He was surprised to find that somehow, he felt a little better.
To Be Continued...
Song: I Will Always Love You sung by Whitney Houston