You're My Friend
"Room service." Damon called as he opened the door. Liz ignored him as he sauntered across the room to stand in front of the chair where she sat. He held out his hand and she looked up at him, face drawn, and reluctantly took it with her own. "The vervain should be out of your system by now," he said as he pulled her to her feet, "but I need to be sure."
His face changed and she tried to pull away. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close enough to feel her trembling against him. Fear radiated from her and under different circumstances he would enjoy it - he was not above playing with his food. He lifted her wrist to his mouth and she struggled against him even though she knew she was trapped. His lips brushed over her skin searching for the pulse point and she whimpered when his teeth pierced her flesh as he bit down.
Hot blood seared his tongue and something like a growl rumbled in his chest. He drank briefly, taking only what he needed before reluctantly letting her go. Eyes closed he stepped back and waited for any effect that would indicate her blood was still tainted with vervain. Liz collapsed back onto the chair cradling her damaged wrist with her other hand.
Satisfied it had passed from her system he squatted in front of her. "Looks like you're going home."
He reached for her hand again and this time she didn't bother trying to fight him. He pierced his thumb and let a small amount of blood pool before gently spreading it over her wrist. The wounds healed within moments and only smooth, unblemished skin remained. When she looked at him his face was human again. "Why are you doing this?" she asked.
Damon's eyes flashed and his smile was wholly masculine. "I'm just trying to save my glorious ass."
Liz glared at him, unimpressed by his flirtatious attempt at evasion. "Why don't you just kill me?"
"Because you're my friend."
Liz snorted derisively and shook her head.
He sat back on his heels, face serious. "Is that really so hard to believe?"
Liz rubbed at the drying blood on her wrist, the only evidence he had bitten her. She knew she had no choice but she was terrified by the idea that he could compel her to do or believe anything he chose. "You're going get inside my head and mess with my memories," she said, "how can I possibly trust you?"
He ignored the question, there was no answer he could give that could satisfy her and he had no intention of insulting her by offering some pathetic platitude. "You're only going to lose the last couple of days," he said, "other than that you get your life back, just like it was."
Damon's concern seemed sincere and seeing him like this she found it hard to believe he was a monster. He had chosen this course of action rather than the safer, simpler option of killing her, so she clung to the hope that he meant what he said. She knew he expected her to be grateful for what he was offering but she didn't want to return to her life as it had been. A tear rolled down her face and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. "No."
He leaned forward, smile predatory. "You're really not in a position to argue."
She looked him square in the eyes, unflinching. "If you are my friend," she said, "you'll make sure I make more time for Caroline."
Damon nodded his understanding. Since his return to Mystic Falls he had learned that when it came to making changes, they were better late than never. He cupped her face with his hands and Liz lost herself in his eyes.