Chapter 2: I Only Have Eyes For You, Part II

Twenty minutes to go. Twenty goddamn minutes before I'm near her again. Time sure does go slow when you're actually looking forward to something and since when do I have things to look forward to? I couldn't wait any longer. After searching my closet for a jacket I was out the door within seconds and heading towards her apartment. I was minutes away and had no idea how to start the conversation. I could, of course, start by kissing her. I doubt that'd go down smoothly.

"Elena." I gave her my best smile when she opened the door.

"Well, as much as I'd like to slam this door in your face, I'm actually interested in what you could possibly have to say. So, Damon, would you please come in?" There it is. I've been invited it.

"With pleasure." Elena rolled her eyes. I couldn't help but laugh at that gesture.

"Do you want something to drink? Coffee, maybe the blood of some poor innocent girl who thinks you're attractive?"

"Oh, so you mean your blood? No, thank you. I'm good for right now." A genuine smile came across my lips for the first time in a year.

She gave me another eye roll. "Start talking before I change my mind."

"Elena…" I glanced down at the floor and began to take my jacket off, her hand reaching out to take it. "Look, you know I'm not good with words. But I need you to know how I feel and since I can't erase your memory after this you're going to have to cut me some slack."

"Fine. Okay. We should probably sit down then." I looked up as Elena motioned towards the living room, trying with every fiber in my dead body to stop myself but I couldn't. My hands grabbed a hold of her face and in ten seconds my lips were pressed against hers. She gasped my name and grasped my at my arms, giving into my kiss.

There was no way in hell I was letting Stefan take her again. I'm not going to feel guilty for this.

"Damon. Please."

"Elena, it was stupid of me to think that Stefan deserved you more than I do. Maybe he does, being the saint that he is but I don't care."

"I still love Stefan, Damon. Stop, please."

"You can fool yourself into thinking you still love him but I saw every look you gave me. Plus, you didn't pull away from that kiss and you definitely kissed back. I'm sure you've had a few dreams about me this past year. Was I naked in a few of them?"

Her jaw clenched at that last sentence and I knew I was getting to her. Whatever I'm saying is starting to mean something. I can't help but think it's me being naked that's doing it.

"You're right, Damon. I did have feelings for you but what you did…"

"Oh, come on. It's been a year. If Stefan wanted to come back, he would have."

"You gave him to Katherine. Do you really think she'd let him out of her sight? Jackass." I smirked, that's my girl.

"Well, let's go sit down, this could be a long night." Her eyes rolled again, third time that night and it wasn't getting old.

I followed after Elena and slid onto the couch, watching her closely. I had to agree with her, it might've been a little mean to just give Stefan to Katherine for my own goals to be met. It had to be done, that's what I'll keep telling myself.

After a few minutes of silence I had to speak. It was now or never. "Do you still have feelings for me? Answer honestly. I may not be able to compel you now that you're a vampire but I know other ways to get the truth out of you."

"Shut up, Damon."

"Answer me."

She sighed. "So what if I do?"

"So you do. Good."

"I didn't say I did. All I said was what if I do."

"I know you have feelings for me still. I can tell."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can."

"Fine, Damon. Do you want to hear about how I hate that I love you as much as I do? Or do you want to hear about how much I hate you for what you did to Stefan but deep down I know you did it because you love me and that scares me."

I was across the couch within seconds of her finishing up that last sentence. My lips were pressed against hers again and I knew I made the right choice in coming here. She didn't hesitate this time, much to my enjoyment. Elena had her hands tangled up in my hair when the door opened and in walked Jeremy. Of course.