"So… why did you quit cheerleading?"
Elena was dancing with Max, scanning the crowd for the head of crow black hair that had disappeared.
"Elena?"
"Huh?"
"Cheerleading? Caroline said you quit."
"Oh. Yeah… after my parents died, I just didn't want to do it anymore."
He bit his lip. "Caroline never told you about your parents… I'm sorry."
She shrugged. "It's alright. You didn't know."
She glanced over his shoulder again, and frowned when her eyes finally locked with the icy blue ones she had been searching for. She felt her stomach clench at how upset he looked. This wasn't how she had wanted tonight to turn out…
Max noticed her gaze traveling behind him, and turned his head, flinching back when Damon tossed his a death glare that probably could kill him. "Your friend isn't happy that I'm dancing with you."
Way to state the obvious, Elena thought. But, his words also surfaced other thoughts. What Damon had said, about it not being fair for her to kiss him, and then ignore her feelings in public? Drunk or not, he was right. It wasn't fair. From the look on his face, he was thinking about the exact same thing.
"Elena. Elena! Will you please stop ignoring me? Hey!"
Clearly miffed, he grabbed her arm and squeezed it to bring her attention back. She gasped in shock, and Max gasped when Damon was suddenly standing directly in front of them.
"Get your hands off of her. Now."
Max glared. "Look, I don't know who you are, but Caroline told me Elena was single. So, I'm trying to mingle. It isn't my fault she has some creepy stalker who is way too old for her!"
Damon's glare deepened. "I told you to let her go."
Max tightened his grip on Elena's arm, and she grimaced. "I don't think I will."
He was baffled when Damon grinned. "Your loss, buddy."
"What…?"
He gasped when Damon grabbed his arm and squeezed it with enough force to break it. He quickly released Elena's arm and Damon let go. "Get away from her and never bother her again."
"Fine, ass hole."
Damon started forward again and Elena grabbed his arm as Max rushed off.
"Just let him go." She said, and he glared.
"I'm sorry I interrupted your little blind date. I'll just leave you to find some other guy to harass you…"
"No," Elena said fiercely, following him and grabbing his hand. She didn't realize they were standing directly in the eye sight of practically everyone there, nor did she care. "You aren't going anywhere."
"Oh, really?" Damon sneered whirling back around. "Because I think…"
He trailed off when she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth in front of everyone, ignoring the gasps of shock from other people.
Damon, whose eyes had been wide with shock, responded quickly by pulling her closer and kissing her back, his eye lids fluttering shut.
After years of waiting and hoping, she had finally granted him the only wish he had; for her to be with him, and not be ashamed. For her to want to be with him.
For him to honestly, and truthfully…
She pulled away and leaned her forehead against his. "I love you, Damon."
Love him.