Stefan's POV

I was running. Again. Running from all that I left behind, afraid that if I were to stop and turn back, I would run back to her. I miss you Elena.. No. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of these doubting thoughts. As much as I loved Elena, I had to do this. I had to figure out all my feelings. My love for Elena and Katherine were tangled together and until I could untwine them, I had to keep my distance from Elena before I hurt anyone. Did I love Katherine or Elena? The million dollar question..

It was just that whenever I was with Elena, I loved her. Whenever I was with Katherine though, I felt…that past coming back. Was my love for Katherine really real? Did I really hate her as much as I thought I did? Love…Hate…such a fine line. Being with Elena…it was the happiest I had ever felt since…Katherine. I was really tied up between the two women. I really loved Elena though, it was just, everytime I'm with her, I forget myself. I forget my past, but Katherine is still there. I couldn't do this to Elena, even if she didn't know it, my love for the two were tearing me apart. Did Katherine really compel my love? I had to figure that out myself, before I decided if Elena was indeed my soul mate, I had to find my own soul.

Elena, I never wanted to hurt you, but this is right. I stopped in my tracks, turning around, drinking in my surroundings. This would do. I stopped at the nearest oak tree and climbed to the tallest branch. Curling up in the U-bend, watching the sun rise. A new day, I thought. Closing my tired eyes, I was comforted by the black darkness the brought me into the clutches of sleep. I needed to rest so that I could think. I was a predator of the night. I could easily hurt Elena. Elena…

Damon's POV

Once again, I found myself comforting Elena. It must have been quite a shock, waking up and finding yourself in your…ex-boyfriend's brother's arms. If the circumstances had been different I would have laughed. However, given Elena's state I was sure that now wouldn't have been a good time to laugh.

"Elena? Are you sure you're ok?" I asked as gently as I could manage. "You know, we should get out of the house. I mean, your room is lovely, but its gotta be kind of depressing staying here all day. I'll figure something out for you to do." I tried not to sound too hopeful.

Looking up at me, she sighed. How I loved looking into her eyes, but it hurt me that they were so masked with pain.

"Yeah..I think I should get out actually. I'm gonna go crazy if I stay in here."

Smiling, I picked her up and set her gently on the ground. Holding out my hand, I said, "It would be an honour to escort you on your…day out." I said, flashing the most charming smile that I could summon up.

"Why thank you Mr…Damon." I could tell that the word Salvatore hurt her. I still couldn't help but feel awful. I can't believe Stefan would do this. I thought for the billionth time. But however sad Elena felt, I saw a faint smile waver around her lips. However long it was there for, a smile was a smile. How I loved to see her smile. I'll give her a good time today, I thought. Elena, I'd to anything to make you smile again.

Elena's POV

Taking Damon's hand, I let him lead me out the front door and out onto the lawn. I couldn't help but admire the sun reflect of his marble like skin and how this contrasted from his dark, slightly mussed hair. I blushed at the fact that he really was good looking. As inappropriate as it my seem at the current moment, I would have to be blind to not notice the fact that Damon was beautiful. Any other girl would have done anything to be in my place right now. To have this…beautiful person hold their hand and all I could do was wallow in my own self pity.

Oh, Damon. How did you manage to get over Katherine? Its so hard, but I will try. If you can do it, so can I.

"Thank you, Damon." I hear myself say.

He chuckles, "For what?"

I hesitate you answer, "For…everything. For being here for me, I guess. Thanks for being here with me. I don't know what I would do if you weren't. I mean, Jenna's not here and Jeremy's off with his friends…" I stopped.

"Hey, look at me. It will be fine. I promise." Damon said, pulling me into a warm embrace, kissing my cheek and he looked into my eyes. "C'mon. Forget about Stefan. Today's about you. It'll b e fun."

And looking into his eyes then, I really smiled. I gripped his hand a little harder.

"So, what do you have planned?"

"You wait and see." Damon grinned.

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