A/N: Posting the last two chapters at once, as promised finishing the story.

Chapter 10~ The day I say Goodbye (Part 2)

If I've been dreaming, then don't let me wake,
let me keep the memory, the dream you can take,

Oh, could you hear my voice,
could you feel my touch
could you make me laugh, for one last time.

I have been caged, but now I'm free…

'I see you laugh, I see you cry,
I had my doubts, but now I'm fine.'

"And I love you, I swear that's true
I can not live without you."

"As you move on, remember me
Remember us and all we used to be."

You're here in front of my eyes,
and all I can say is 'Goodbye'.

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
2109

The car screeched through the city on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon, the roads, the river those buildings and trees all too familiar yet so foreign. Like a Bioscope in retrospect Damon's vision was flooded with the memories, bitter sweet, agonising to the point of pain yet undeniable. For a brief instant he considered turning 180 degree to race back to New York, anything to put a 100miles between him and his past, but no matter how hard he tried the nudge in his heart never subsided.

After reconfirming the address, he put the car in park and proceeded towards the entrance of the care home. His heart was beating like a jackhammer, he could sense the frenzy that coursed through his veins, he clutched her hand tighter hoping to get a grip on his own system.

As the couple reached the reception area Damon found his throat constricted, seeing his predicament, Nina decided to follow through the enquiry.

"Excuse me, we're here to meet Ms. Elena Gilbert, if you could help us with a room number it would be great." She asked politely.

The middle aged man looked at her over the thick rim of his glasses, before clearing his throat and glancing down at the computer screen, "And you both are family?"

Nina glanced at the distracted man beside her, Damon obviously was having a hard time to comprehend his circumstances, his mind exploring all plausible scenarios. Focusing her gaze again at the reception desk she spoke, "Um, we're friends."

"Um-hm. But dear we don't have anyone by that name."

This caught Damon's attention, he felt his heart shattering, the all too familiar ache returning in full force, he tugged at her shoulder willing her to get out of the place but she refused to give up.

"Sir, could you please check the records again, she must be here, we got the confirmation…"

"Lady, we never had anyone by the name Elena Gilbert in our facility, so if you don't have further info I would suggest you to verify the address that you're looking for." With this he returned to his computer screen.

"Nina, please, let's just get out of here." Damon begged but she gestured him to wait.

"Could you please check the records if there is anyone named Elle?"

The man's eyes shot up at them at once, "You guys came to meet Elle?"

Taken a back by his reaction the couple stood there for a moment without a word, Damon desperately tried to quieten the twinge in his heart, clearing his throat he broke the silence, "Is she here in your facility?"

"Oh yes, Elleana Gibbons has been with our facility since the beginning of this institute. Never quite seen a care giver as compassionate as her. She was the heart of the centre, until…" The man lowered his gaze in order to shield himself from the two strangers in front. "She has been an occupant for the past two years. But for all these years she's never had any visiter other than our own staff." He eyes them sceptically, "Good that you guys are here now. She needs to be among…"

Unable to bear this torture, Damon blurted out, "Could you direct me to her cabin, please."

"Yeah, she is in 201, second floor on your left the first room."

Not willing to waist a second more, Damon all but rushed towards the staircase dragging her along. As the steps took them closer to the destination, he's stance faltered, leaning slight on the side wall he dragged himself up and front of the said room.

"Hey, you go in first and I'll wait outside, you two would need the…"

"Noway, we're in this together remember. I need you right now, so please."

Unable to deny him, she agreed to his request, untangling her hand from his they stepped inside the room.

With eyes wide open he searched the small space, willing to get a hold of the surrounding. No matter how hard he tried to focus his vision turned a blur, he blinked once, twice, thrice, gradually the haze started to fade and his gaze fell upon the white walls. The small window grazed with white curtains that now swayed lightly with breeze. A faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air, as he craned his neck he found the vase with a bunch of white jasmine delicately placed over the bedside table.

The bed with its neatly folded sheet appeared empty, his eyes frantically searched every nook and cranny of the small cabin, unable to find the girl he so longed for. He was losing his mind, his fragile heart couldn't take this charade. Squeezing his eyes shut he willed to block the pain.

"Damon…"

Compelled by the sultry voice he opened his eyes, following the source his gaze fell upon the window. For a moment his heart stopped beating. She stood with her back facing Damon, her pastel sundress swayed with air, while her brunette hair nuzzled her back and her skin glowed under the sun rays that peeked through the curtain. God, she's beautiful, it was like she hasn't aged a day, her cheeky smile and those eyes, it's just the same, just how he remembered.

He stood transfixed by the spell that was Elena Gilbert, taking her in with all his sense, petrified to lose even a fraction of a second.

"Damon, you came." She smiled as she turned towards him.

He opened his mouth but not a single sound came out. He took a step forward, his hand almost reaching to touch her.

"Damon…"

His brow furrowed as the familiar voice sounded different, there was a weary tone laced to it.

"Damon!"

Jolted awake from his reverie, his foot went a step back as to gain balance, it took a mere moment to come to his senses and what he witnessed shattered his heart. His eyes frantically roamed over the weary figure laying on the bed, her skin that glowed seconds ago were now paler than he has ever seen, her luscious hair was tied in a braid and he could tell they have lost the volume. His eyes focused on her face that now had a several wrinkles over her forehead, at the corner of her eyes and mouth.

He couldn't comprehend how the lively girl he once knew had turned to this, withered and battered, nearly fading with time.

Finding his lack of response, she averted her gaze to the other figure present in the cabin. The two brunettes exchanged silent glances, with a deep sigh she placed her palms firmly against the bed and tried to lift herself to a sitting position.

Hearing her grown Damon all but rushed to her side, his arms gentle yet firm giving her the necessary support until she was comfortably seated on the bed with her back resting on the pillows.

She smiled at her clumsiness, a glint of mischief still evident on her eyes as she stared into his eyes. "Um… Thank you." Taking another deep breath she continued, "This is so not the way I wanted to start our conversation." She laughed, uncomfortably shifting on the bed, "But, I guess things rarely go as planned."

"I… You… This… Elena… How…" stuttering he hardly managed to continue.

"And here I thought you must have gotten better with this, but somethings never change, do they?" She let out with a smirk attempting to hide her exhaustion. But she knew better.

Damon couldn't fathom to describe what he felt at the moment, he has envisioned meeting her countless times, in each one of his alternate reality he imagines lashing out on her, sometimes ignoring her presence completely, and in some he just held her close, trying to compensate for the lost time. But never in his wildest dreams he could fabricate this.

As his emotions were brewing into something far more outrageous than ever, wielding at his jaded soul, he lost voluntary control over his action. Placing himself on the metal stool next to her bed his hand reached for hers, taking the frail palm in his own he held them tenderly.

He thought of it as a last resort to change this distorted reality he found himself trapped in, what if this was one of the gruesome scene his mind has conjured up, all these years of suppressed emotions, hurt and anguish had taken this horrid form. All he had to do was touch her and he believed he'd find her with a smirk plastered on her beautiful face, her soft skin against his that'd shiver as he'd caress them, and her soulful eyes would stare back into his silently conveying all that was left unsaid.

He didn't realise when his eyes glazed over and those brimming tears now spilled over and rolled down his face. Glancing down he found his hands were being squeezed gently by the frail hand that he was holding.

"Hey, hey, stop that, you know I can't see you like this. Your pretty face turns into something ugly when you become all mopy." She said, trying to make eye contact.

Damon shook his head, with a forced smile he looked up, "I'm not pretty, well not anymore, time doesn't spare anyone Elena."

Hearing her name from his mouth made her heart sting, getting a hold of her emotions were proving to be excruciatingly hard by each passing minute. Wiping her face in a quick moment she continued, "Well, you're certainly in a better shape than I am."

All traces of light vanished from his face, Elena realised her mistake as soon as the words came out but it was too late.

"Why? Why did you do this? How did this happen? Why didn't you tell me? All these years… All those letters of yours, page after page filled with nonsense and you couldn't have mention one word about how you are? Why did you do this to us? Weren't we… I thought we were friends, I thought we owe each other that much…" Damon all but screamed.

Elena flinched at his harsh tone, but what did she expect after all she had done, she closed her eyes for a moment, with a deep inhale she started again, "I had no choice Damon. What good it would have done, if I had told you. It wouldn't be any different. I would have ended up here in a hospital bed, counting my last days, waiting for all this to end."

Damon lurched up from the seat, his entire body trembling with nervous, "What are you talking about?" His voice though was barely above a whisper but held rage with each syllable.

Unable to hold her tears anymore she let them slide freely, "I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer two and half years back, the surgeons have tried to perform surgery but it was too wide spread to be removed completely." She paused for a moment to calm her rattling heart.

As if the words didn't sink in, Damon continued to blabber only the numbers, "2 and half, 2…, 2 and… that… that means, was it the…" His eyes shot up at once, "It was around the same time your letters stopped, you said it was a short break, temporary hiatus… you lied to me."

"I didn't have a choice Damon…" her voice quivered, "I… I don't have a choice… I'm dying Damon, I barely have any time left. That's why…"

"I can't do this. I have to go." Damon all but bolted from his position.

The other brunette was silently observing the scene unfold before her eyes, she had taken a seat at the corner of the room, giving the two the space they needed. Damon's sudden departure startled her, before she could say anything he was out of sight. She glanced at the Elena's fragile form, with an apologetic look she too stepped out of the room.

She glanced at the corridor and found Damon near the row of metal chairs, sprawled on the ground, with his legs out stretched, his face hidden by the palm of his hands. She walked closer and ever so tenderly scooted down to him, prying his hands open. His red rimmed eyes were scarring her heart, but she knew she couldn't breakdown, not now, not when he needed her.

"Damon," she whispered his name, caressing his cheek, pouring her heart in her tender touch. "you need to come inside, she needs you now, and you need closure."

"I don't need anything, do you hear me, I don't want this damn closure, not from her. I…" he trailed off, "I can't do this Nina, please. Please make this go away, she can't die, she can't die, please, baby, do something, make this stop, please. It hurts so much, I can't lose her like this."

As violent sobs wrecked through his body, utterly helpless, Nina provided the only comfort she could muster at the moment. She cradled his trembling body and held him closer, rocking him like a little child, as she prayed to God to give them the grace to go through this heartache, to bless his heart with strength to withstand the waves of pain that he was being drowned in.

Time passed as they sat motionless on the ground, ignoring the curious glances of the staff. As his sobs quietened Nina slowly rose up to her feet, dragging the nearly lifeless Damon along with her. She tried to head back to the cabin but found herself unable to move. No matter what she said it fell to deaf ears, understanding his predicament she made him sit on one of those metal chairs and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. With one longing look she proceeded to the cabin.

Once inside she found Elena to be surrounded by two of the staff nurses, with a quick apology she was to step outside but Elena halted her motion and gestured her to sit next to her.

"We haven't officially met, I'm Elena, better known as the bane of Damon's existence."

She chuckled at her remark, "I'm sure that's not true, I'm Nina by the way. It was nice to meet you, Elena."

"My my, pretty and polite, no wonder you have him wrapped around your fingers."

Though it meant no harm, Nina could sense the underlying envy but she chose to let it slide.

"Err, it came out wrong. I meant no offence, actually I'm glad that you're here, I know I have you to thank for bringing Damon here." Her voice quivered, the sarcasm all but gone from her tone, "You don't know what this means to me…" Elena said with a ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. She tried to sit up once again but the nurse immediately forbade her.

"Elle, honey, you need to stay put, just let the drip finish and it will lull you to sleep soon." Said the nurse before scribbling down on her case file.

"I think I should let you rest now. I'll see you when you're wake." Nina offered kindly but Elena wasn't having any of that, she knew her time was limited and she wasn't going to while it away with sleep.

"No, no, stay please. You heard what the nurse said, either way this thing will not let me stay wake, so rest assured I'm not gonna bore you for long." She gestured for Nina to take the stool which Damon occupied a while ago. "I'd love to know you, as you know I'm running on a tight schedule so we have to do a rush session."

Albeit hesitantly Nina didn't have the heart to deny her request, especially when she sounded earnest, with an affirmative nod she took the seat next to Elena's bed.

"You know, you're handling this marvellously, I mean Damon on a normal day can be a handful, and Damon high on his emotion is something on a different level…" Elena rambled on, "I guess that's why you guys are together. He's one lucky man to have such a beautiful, head strong woman in his life. I hope that idiot gives you the due credit, if not you tell me now so I can kick his ass."

This made Nina chuckle, quite frankly she was amused by this woman who can literally flip her emotion with a click of her finger. But then, this didn't come as a surprise, Elena wasn't a stranger, Damon had let her dive into his past, she knew exactly how much this woman meant to her husband. She'd lie if she said that this didn't make her heart boil with envy, as she was certain that she couldn't possibly replace her in Damon's heart, but with time she'd begun to comprehend and appreciate Elena's presence in his life. Elena had been with Damon at his worst. He had reached rock bottom and he didn't have an ounce of will to make an effort to change, Elena was his light at the end of the tunnel. In way it was Elena who made it possible to have Damon in her life, and for that she is grateful.

Breaking her train of thought she focused her attention on the Elena again, "Damon's been nothing short of amazing, he does everything in his power to make me happy, so no, you don't have to kick his ass, but I'd let you know if the need arises." She winked.

Both the brunettes broke into laughter, within a moment Elena's face contracted in pain and she clutched her upper abdomen.

Alarmed, Nina rose up from her seat to search for the nurses who had stepped out of the cabin, but she was halted yet again.

"It's okay, I'm alright, this… happens sometime, it'll subside, don't worry…" Elena tried to smile through the obvious pain, "When I wrote that letter for Da… you guys to come, I wasn't sure what to expect. But you made this a lot less weird, if it were someone else, one would have made a complete ruckus out this situation…" Elena was finding it difficult to speak through the haze but she willed her mind to continue, "You're special Nina, and I know in my heart that you and Damon will make it work." She smiled, her eyes were almost shut, "Damon, Damon is too pure, he loves too easily, all he has ever known is pain, inspite of that he never falters to bare his heart, he gives relentlessly, protect him please… I know you can… He'll need you once I'm gone…"

Silent sob wrecked through her as she stared at the sleeping woman, her admission suffocated Nina, she could feel the raw, tangible emotion behind each confession, she could nearly taste the undeclared love she held inside. As tears continued to stream down her face she placed her hand over hers, before whispering, "I promise you Elena, I'll protect him. I'll never leave him, I promise."

Wiping her tears she glanced at the door finding Damon standing still in his position. Soundlessly she moved towards him, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze she stepped out of the cabin. She knew, this time he was ready, she knew they had to say goodbye and she would do everything in her power to make that possible.

Damon stared at the motionless figure with absolute silence, if it wasn't for the slight rise and fall of her chest one could say she was nothing but a wax doll, crafted with delicacy but parched with time. He felt the burn of a thousand suns as he placed himself on the bed next to her sleeping form. His hand glided over her fragile frame, from the tip of her toe, over her emaciated limbs, never quite touching, ever so carefully he slid his hand over her torso, over her delicate palm that was now pierced and wrapped in bandage, over her gentle beating heart, to her face.

Tirelessly he glided his hands over her, as if he could siphon the disease with sheer will. His ice blue orbs were transfixed on her face, he was savouring every second of it, the crinkle of her nose when the machine would beep a tad louder, the light furrow of her brows when light would directly fall on her face, the way her face contoured when he'd move a bit further and the smile on her lips when he laid in close proximity. He could almost taste her shallow breaths, could smell the salt of her skin, could feel the gentle rise of her pounding heart.

Ever so tenderly he caressed her cheeks, bringing his face closer, he placed a feather light kiss on her forehead. The touch of his warm lips against her cold skin broke her medicine induced trance, she fluttered open her eyes and found those brilliant pair of blue orbs staring back at her.

The smile on her face still dazzled Damon, "Why do you take over everything that's mine, hm? First my ice creams, then my couch, then apartment, and now this bed." She giggled watching Damon's bewildered eyes. Placing her palm over his cheeks she continued, "You don't know how long I have waited for this, for me to open my eyes and to watch you stare back at me with your pretty blue eyes."

Damon smiled at her confession, "You've got your wish." His fingers continued to caress her cheeks.

"Yes, yes I did." She said in a breathy voice.

"Are you alright Elena? Are you in pain? Shall I get the nurse?" He asked hastily trying to untangle himself.

"I was in pain, but I'm okay now, I'm better than okay. Just be here with me, this… this is our moment, I wouldn't let anything jeopardise this." The urgency in her voice made Damon relent as he laid down beside her.

A thousand unspoken words, a thousand unshared memories, a thousand undefined feelings, and all they had was this moment, inside the confines of these 4 walls, laying next to each other in this tiny hospital bed, in their perfect little world.

After what seemed like an eternity of silent exchanges Damon broke the silence, "We could have had it all you know, if only you'd let us."

"I know Damon, the time I've spent with you were the best of my entire life, you've given me purpose Damon, because of you I got out of that hell hole, you gave me courage to build something out of my life." She smiled despite the tears that rimmed her eyes, "It took me a while but I continued my studies, since college wasn't an option for me I continued to work under surgeons, took a diploma course and after a lot of effort with Dr. Wesley's help we build this care home." She glanced at the cabin, pride evident in her eyes.

"For the first time in life it felt right Damon, caring and nurturing those who needed the extra help, it gave an added sensation of satisfaction. I was happy Damon." The smile on her face made Damon smile in turn. But soon it disappeared and a shadow of gloom took its place, "Never thought I'd end up here as the one seeking care though."

Damon tried to say something but was cut off, "But it's alright, these people are my family and I couldn't have asked for more. I… All these years, I just had one regret, but now that you're here, I have none."

"Elena, you could have done all this even if… even if you were with me. We could have built a future and it might have been different, you might not have ended up here in this…"

"We could have have but it would have been on your expense, I didn't want to drag you down with me. We were never meant to be."

Her words stung but he swallowed it all, "It was not your decision to make." He said with a finality in his voice.

With a deep sigh Elena spoke, "I know Damon, but I'm glad I did that. I couldn't have asked for a better alternative." She paused seeing his confused face, "You have build a wonderful life Damon, you have a career to look forward to, have this beautiful, strong woman by your side, what more do you need."

"I needed you Elena, I needed my best friend, I needed my love… You broke your promise Elena, you promised you'd never leave me."

"I never broke my promise Damon, I told you I'd always be with you, even if you were not able to see, I kept my eyes on you and…"

"But you are breaking it now, you are leaving me…"

She cradled his face, "I don't have a choice Damon, but I'll always be there you know."

"How?" He looked like a mere child, his eyes filled with sincerity as he waited for her to answer.

She dragged her hand down his face and placed it over his beating heart, "I'll be here Damon, with every erratic beat I'll remind you of my presence, I'll watch over you, nothing will separate us anymore, I'll be with you forever and always."

As the words concluded, their faces were mere a breath apart, as their tears started to mingle with one another, the meaning behind those words sank deep inside them, triggering the impending storm, edging the end.

"Damon, kiss me, please…" she urged without opening her eyes.

His lips met hers with a passion of a thousand splendid suns, compelling her to his will, savouring the very essence of her life. His lips caressed hers, his hands held her fragile form closer, as the unspoken emotions plummeted upon them, they soaked in the after glow of what they had, what they are.

"I love you Damon… I've always loved you… I had loved you the moment I laid eyes on your pretty pretty eyes. Even the day I left all those years back, when I wrote those letters, even today when death is knocking on my door, I love you… I love you…"

He knew, it was the last time he'd have her in his arms, the last time he'd hear her rapidly beating heart, the last time he'd feel her lips upon his, pain and anguish coursed through in entire being like molten lava that spilled beneath his closed lids.

Time will bleed and days will turn to years, but he'd forever have this moment sealed into the core of his soul, one final look of his friend, his lover, his north star, and he knew it was goodbye.

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