It was late that afternoon and Elena and Damon were just about to head back inside after hunting when he stopped her on the porch. He knew she was probably going to do something stupid if it concerned his brother's life. Whether he liked it or not, he knew she wouldn't just sit back and watch.

He knew how she thought, understood her ways. He put a hand on her arm to stop her from going inside. She turned to face him.

"I've been watching you lately. I know how you feel," he told her.

"Well I have a right to be upset. Everything happens to us and it's like we can never live normally. The one time I think it's finally over, Stefan calls and is in trouble."

"He's always in trouble. It's a bit repetitious. But that's besides the matter. Elena, I know how you act. You're going to get yourself hurt."

"What do you expect me to do?….

"Sit back and watch?" He finished for her. "No. But I don't want you doing anything that's going to get you hurt or killed."

"I need to do something! Damon, don't you see, it wouldn't just be me. We're all here, we're all needed, and we all have to help."

"If it means you're going to get yourself killed again for him...."

"I died for both of you last time." Elena snapped.

"Well if it involves you dying for anyone, you are not going to."

"Then what do you suggest I do?"

"Leave. Go back home and leave it up to me. You can take Bonnie with you."

"Absolutely not!"

Before Damon could protest any further the front door swung open and Stefan was there.

"Little brother, always interfering at the wrong times."

"Well I heard you two out here. So what's going on? I hope you're not arguing over what's happening to me."

"Did it ever occur to you that it might not be your business? But as a matter of fact we are."

Stefan sighed, shook his head, and ran a hand through his thick hair. "Come in. Why don't we all sit down and talk about everything? Okay?"

Elena nodded to Damon and stepped into the house. Damon walked in after and Stefan shut the door.