ELENA'S P.O.V.

When I woke up the next morning, Damon was spooning me like the romantic I knew I saw in him. I snuggled closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his skin against my own.

DAMON'S P.O.V.

The feel of Elena's rear-end wiggling against me, woke me up with an electric start. I squeezed my arms around her a little tighter, loving the fact that she was in my bed and I didn't have to compel her to be there.

"So, you managed to behave yourself last night." A smile lit up Elena's face.

"Yes, I did." I was proud of the way I had handled myself; only allowing myself to hold her when she wanted to be held.

ELENA'S P.O.V.

I recalled what had gone on during the night; Damon protecting me from the dark that surrounded us; keeping me safe from the lonely night. Other than that, the night was innocent. We lay with each other, sleeping soundly. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my time. I let my eyes close again, as I drifted off into sleep once more.

DAMON'S P.O.V.

I could feel every breath Elena took as she fell back into slumber. I could feel every involuntary movement and every word she spoke against her will. When she turned onto her side so she was facing me, I heard her whimper Stefan's name. I knew if I got out of the bed, I would instantly feel cold and I would long for her embrace, so I stayed put even though the mention of Stefan brought on a terrible anger. All I could do was hopelessly wait for her to call my name. It never came. "Oh Elena," I sighed. "You belong with me, can't you see that?"

"Yes." Elena's eyes didn't open when she spoke so I couldn't be sure she was responding to me or merely talking in her sleep again. I sighed more deeply this time, the movement fluttering the hair falling over her forehead.

"It gets better." I said, when I was sure she was definitely asleep. "The girl makes the villain fall hopelessly, selfishly in love." I couldn't bring myself to say anymore when she wasn't even conscious to hear it, so I stopped talking and sat up. The blanket bunched up at my waist before I uncovered myself and stood. Maybe she would never understand, but I needed her to know how I felt and who I wished I could be for her…so I wrote her a letter. It would be pointless and dramatic, but it had to be said one way or another. With Klaus waiting on my return, I had no time to waste in getting started.

Dear Elena,
The typical three words: I love you, is not enough to describe the way I feel about you. I can tell you fear feeling the same way, but you should know that I will never make you chose between Stefan and I.
I'm sorry I don't know how to say more and I'm sorry none of this will matter in a few hours, because I will be gone, but just keep with you our memories, if nothing else. I don't want to leave you behind, but I promise when I leave I will not come back. Forgive me, my love, for I am unworthy of your affections.
~Love, Damon Salvatore
(AKA your biggest fan)

"I will always be your number one fan, and you will always be the most precious thing I've ever held; the most beautiful creature I've ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on." When it boiled down to it, I knew Elena felt something for me. I don't know how deep her feelings go, but they are there… buried under her hurt. I hated what I had to do, but I got dressed and left. I was unable to look back at her, sleeping in my bed. If I did, I couldn't have saved her from the damnation Klaus had in store for her. Leaving was the only way to save her; The only way to secure a piece of happiness for her.