I awoke to the sun beating down on my chest. I breathed in the fresh air that was seeping through the open window of the balcony. Memories of last night consumed my thoughts quickly and I instinctively moved my arm, hoping to find Elena. The bed was empty. Instead, my fingers touched a piece of paper, folded on the other pillow. I picked it up and read it,

"I was feeling sick, so I went home. Sorry. Hope you had a good sleep. I'll call you. – Elena"

I read the note twice over. I couldn't help but stop the feeling of worry as it washed over my body, consuming my thoughts. Contrary to my better judgement, I couldn't help but wonder if it was something I did. If she was sick, I'm sure she could have taken care of whatever it was here…unless she wasn't sick at all. Whatever it was, I was going to get to the bottom of it. I had a quick shower, downed a blood bag and a glass of bourbon and headed to Elena's. by the t

"Good morning, Elena…" I said smugly. She let out a small laugh, opening the door, gesturing for my entrance.

"Actually, sleepyhead, it's good afternoon" she said as she walked towards the kitchen.

"Where's Little Gilbert and Witchy?"

She rolled her eyes, "Jeremy and Bonnie," she enunciated "are at the Grill for lunch and then I think Bonnie said something about heading back to the burial ground to pick up the rest of her gremoires so I have the house to myself today…"

"Just as well, since you're sick and all…" I challenged.

"Sick? Oh right! Sick…" I could hear Elena's heart beat pick up as she tried to think of what lie to tell me next. I should be hurt by her lies, but I was more concerned than anything else. She was now looking out the back patio window, staring into her backyard. I walked up behind her and I placed my hand on her shoulder. She shuddered under my touch and moved quickly to the living room, absentmindedly fluffing pillows unnecessarily

"Alright, what's going on?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"What do you mean?"

"You're not sick. Look, if it's about last night…us being so close, I'm sorry. It won't happen again" I said. To my surprise, she giggled.

"Damon – last night…it was perfect…" she managed.

"Then what is it? Cause you aren't sick!"

"I got scared…" she whispered. I was quickly in front of her, absentmindedly tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

"You got scared? Of what?" I whispered. Finally, her doe eyes looked at me with nothing but utter pain.

"I got scared…" she inhaled deeply, "of you. I got scared of you." I couldn't bring myself to say anything to that. I didn't have a response in me. I didn't know the right words to comfort her. Every instinct inside of me wanted to scream at her, tell her how terribly in love with her I am. How I would never do anything to hurt her. But, I couldn't quite bring myself to say the words.

"I'm one scary dude…" was all I could manage.

"No…I wasn't scared of you…"

"Elena, don't bother. It's fine. I get it, and you know what? I don't blame you" I said. I realized that my words of "comfort" probably weren't comforting at all. But I guess when you're broken on the inside; you see the cracks in everything else. I was heading towards the door, but I was quickly stopped because Elena was now blocking the door.

"You didn't let me finish" she said. I cocked my eyebrow in confusion.

"I wasn't scared of you, Damon…I was afraid of the way that you made me feel…" she admitted.

"I don't follow…"

"I get this feeling when I'm with you, and I haven't felt it in…well…ever. And it scares me." Elena searched my eyes, gauging my reaction. I finally met her eyes, and in one stride, my hands were cupping her face. My eyes darted to her lips and back to her eyes. Our faces were inching closer, to the point where I could feel her breath on my face. I searched her eyes one last time, for any sign of resistance. There was none. I closed the distance between our faces, and our lips collided.

It was like nothing I've ever felt before.

I'm sorry if this chapter sort of sucked! I have a better idea for the next one. Let me know what you think. Check out my other stories! Please review. Thanks!