"Spill."

They were all gathered around the blonde, patiently waiting for an explanation that would hopefully fix everything that had went wrong. Damon sat across from Elena, hoping he would see some sort of hope. Caroline sat beside Elena and eyed Damon from across the room - apparently Elena had told the smaller version of Rebekah everything.

Rebekah eyed Damon down coldly before sighing and turning herself to face her former best friend. "I'm not good at this, I'm used to having things my way and only my way."

"Spoiled bitch," Damon mumbled, causing Rebekah to sigh once again. She knew this wasn't going to be easy, especially since everything was her fault.

The blonde smiled sarcastically at her cousin before she started to speak once again. "My family is a very powerful family. I've mentioned them before to you, Elena, but you've never gotten the exact story from me."

Elena knew about some of Rebekah's family. They were all worried about one thing and one thing only - wealth. Rebekah's father, Michael, had left Rebekah when she was only five years old.

"My brothers Kol, Elijah, Finn, and Nik were always so independent. When Father left the family, they each went their own separate ways. Nik and I stayed close over the years, but eventually even he found a reason to leave me," she sighed, "Damon and Stefan were the only two to take me in when I was alone."

"And now you're back alone," smirked Damon, causing Rebekah's eyes to find the ground.

"I'm sorry you have a screwed up life and everything," Caroline replied sincerely, "but so does Elena and thanks to you, its been even more screwed up than usual. And you, lover boy-"

"An interrupter. How rude," Rebekah stated bitterly, "Did I ever tell you how I stayed in contact with Katherine, Elena?"

Elena felt her breath get caught in her throat. She quietly shook her head as she quickly glanced at Damon. He was looking at her with so much passion in his eyes. She quickly focused on the closest thing to her that wasn't the man she happened to be crazy about.

"Katherine and I remained in touch even though her and Damon hated each other. She was someone similar to me - we both lost our families due to reasons we couldn't control. I hated her, but she owed me for something I had helped her out with once before. The day before you left I spoke to her. She owed me a favor-"

"It was you," Elena whispered quietly, "you caused all of this."

"I'm afraid I did," Rebekah sighed sadly, "I was merely looking out for myself."

Caroline quickly jumped up. "So you hurt the one person who was basically a sister to you because your family left you. Wow, and I thought I had problems. Congrats, you just lost two people who really cared about you. I'm more than positive Elena appreciates your apology but-"

"Caroline," Elena smiled softly, "I need to speak to Damon and Rebekah alone."

"Fine!" Caroline sighed, "Kick out the one person who could easily teach them both a lesson. I'm only a bedroom away - don't try any funny business."

Rebekah watched as the small blonde exited the room before she spoke up once again. "Seems like a great friend - annoying and childish, but still a true friend nevertheless."

"Elena," Damon began, "I said I'd always protect you. I meant that."

"Rebekah-" Elena sighed, unsure of what to say, "why didn't you try talking to me?"

"Because Elena," the blonde replied as she quickly got up from her seat, "I told you constantly not to fall for Damon but you didn't listen to me."

"But instead you wanted her to fall for my brother," Damon growled.

"Stefan and I aren't nearly as close as me and you, we've already proven that for a fact," Rebekah replied slowly, "I'm here to fix things between you two. Damon has been miserable without you."

"Not to mention Stefan is sick of smelling alcohol on my breath," he smirked causing Elena to blush as usual. "I miss you."

"I don't know what to say." Elena replied, "Rebekah you hurt me more than anyone in my life, and Damon, I don't want to ruin a family bond between you and Rebekah. I lost my family and I-"

"Stop," Rebekah commanded, "Don't make this about me and Damon. I traveled all the way to this small town to fix things between you and him - this is not about Damon and Rebekah."

"Rebekah's a spoiled bit-" Damon started but was stopped suddenly as Rebekah's hand slapped him across the face.

"Let me put this in the simplest way possible," Rebekah replied, "if I came all the way here for nothing I shall rip each of your hearts out. Now, excuse me as I go associate with Barbie over there, I believe Nik would be dying to meet her."

Damon and Elena watched in silence as Rebekah left the room, leaving the two alone at last. Elena ran her hand through her hair, allowing the tension to overtake her.

"Don't," she whispered as she felt Damon's hand slowly turn her face to look directly into his eyes.

"Why not?" he replied just as lightly as she had.

"Because," Elena cried, "this - all of this, it's too much Damon. I can't worry about Katherine coming back into the picture and deciding she wants you again nor can I handle Rebekah trying to sabotage anything we could have."

As soon as the last word left her mouth, his lips found hers. She was stiff for a moment but instantly found herself giving in. It was just as if nothing had changed. For once it felt like she was making the right decision. After what seemed like a lifetime, Damon reluctantly pulled apart.

"You and I both know there's something between us," he whispered, "I'm in love with you Elena Gilbert. I'm asking you to give me a shot - you won't regret it."

Elena looked back at him silently, allowing the words he had just said to sink in. He was in love with her - Damon was in love with her - in love. She felt her smile grow slowly as she hugged him forcefully, "Still cocky as ever - the same Damon I fell in love with."

XXXX