Hi everyone here is a new chapter. Sorry for taking so long. I hope you all enjoy it.

I would like to thank everyone for all your wonderful reviews and and alerts and favourites. I can't tell you how much it means to me!

Disclaimer: d not own Vampire Diaries.

CHAPTER 11

There was a stillness in the night air which seem to contrast the fear and weariness in the hearts of so many. This night brought about the beginning of a very torturous painful battle.

In the darkness a lonely figure could be seen under a large tree in front of the Gilbert home. Damon Salvatore stood under Elena's bedroom window, contemplating whether he should talk to her or just return her necklace in the shadow of the night once she's asleep. The tightness in his chest intensified as he twirled the necklace in his hand. There were too many jumbled thoughts going through his mind. The whole conversation with Stefan threw him off...old wounds opened up and he had no idea how to deal with all the emotions.

But it looks like things were finally getting better between the two of them. There was hope of them being brothers again. Damon felt cursed! How could it happen now...now when there was no chance of them to enjoy been brothers again. He knew time was running out for him. Klaus was here and it was just a matter of time before he had to lay down his life to save all the people he cares about. Everyone he loves. Part of him hated Stefan for trying to make peace with him now. He would have preferred Stefan hating him, that way he wouldn't really miss his older brother.

Damon's head was in turmoil.

He couldn't think of that now. He took a deep breath, and knew what he had to do. He loved Elena so much it hurt. He had to do this. For himself and for Stefan.

Without a second thought, he jumped up the tree and into her window. He heard Elena in the bathroom. He slowly lowered himself on the couch by the window, looking down at the necklace. There was no turning back now.

He saw Elena come out of the bathroom wearing a dark blue short pj's and his breath caught in his thought. She hadn't noticed him yet.

So he spoke to get her attention. "Cute PJ's"

Elena turned to Damon noticing him for the first time and said "I'm tired Damon."

She didn't want to fight with him. It was a long and stressful night. She just wanted to jump in bed and try and calm her nerves and to try and deal with all her emotions. She was terrified she was going to loose it. She felt she needed to stay strong for everyone.

Noticing just how tired she really was, he slowly stood up and lifted his right hand showing Elena her necklace hanging from his hand. To show her that was why he was here.

"I thought was gone" Elena said, sounding relieved, when she noticed the necklace in Damon's hand. Damon just shook his head and gave a sad wind and slight shake with his head.

"Thank you" Elena said as she reached for it, but Damon pulled his hand back, just out of her reach.

Confused and weary Elena said "Damon please give it back."

"I just have to say something first" Damon replied looking straight at her.

Now a little afraid Elena asked "what do you need to say with my necklace?"

Damon looked at her pain etched in his eyes. Damon heart ached when he noticed the way she was looking at him. But he knew that what he was about to tell her was something she wouldn't remember. She shouldn't remember. Because despite how much he loved her, he knew deep down that she would never love him back. Well here goes nothing, he thought.

He spread his hands out a little and said "Because what I am about to say is the most selfish thing I've ever said in my life."

Something in Elena's ,mind clicked and she realised what he was going to say. "Damon don`t go there."

He moved forward almost desperate to for her to hear what he had to say.

"I just have to say it once. And you just need to hear it." He looked at her, feeling his chest tighten. And he continued. "I love you Elena...And it's because I love you I can't be selfish with you."

Elena stood not sure how to react.

He moved a step closer to her as he spoke. Pain engulfing him, having to continue, having to give her up. His voice began to crack a little as he continued "Why you can't do this? Is because I don't deserve you." He swallowed. "But my brother does."

It hurt just saying those words. He leaned forward and gave a light kiss on her forward. Then he leaned back again. He lifted his hand and gently brushed Elena's hair behind her ear. He looked straight in her eyes, tears pooling at his lower lids as he continued. Feeling his heart been ripped out, as he spoke "I wish you didn't have to forget this, but you do," and a single lonely tear slid down as he finished his words, compelling her to forget.

With a blur he placed the necklace on for her and disappeared into the dark night. Leaving behind a very confused Elena.

By the time Damon reached his room, he could barely breath. The pain of telling the women he loved that he loved and knowing she will never know...never remember, was unbearable.

He knew pain, physical pain, but emotional pain was something he couldn't handle.

He flopped down on his bed face down and groaned. He knew he needed to control his emotions. Now more than ever.

But for tonight, he was going to allow himself to drown in his pain. Tomorrow, he would be the uncaring, selfish arrogant Damon Salvatore that everyone believed him to be.

Little did he realise that by giving in, he was inviting his traumatic childhood to continue haunting him.

Sorry for such a short chapter. But I wanted this to be a stand alone chapter.

I need your guys help. I have 2 ideas for the next chapter.

Should I have another memory? OR

Should I carry on from the next day?