DISCLAIMER:

I do not own The Vampire Diaries. If I did, Elena would be with Damon and Caroline would be with Klaus. -nods- Thank you.

Damon's eyes widened in surprise.

Elena pulled away. "Look at me." she huffed, putting her hands on his face. "You're not leaving."

"But-" he began.

"I didn't make my decision." she said firmly.

He stared at her.

"And it's not always going to be Stefan." she looked into his eyes. Feeling herself go a bit weak at the knees, she moved away. She sat crisscross, facing him.

"But, Elena, you-" he began again.

"Damon." she stopped him, shaking her head. "I chose him because I thought that he and I had some special connection because we met first. It was a sort of last resort." she sighed, then looked at him sadly. "But now that I know he and I don't have that connection…I'm back where I began. Stuck between two wonderful guys who love me, and who I love…"

He stared at her for a long moment. "Elena." he said, standing. "You can't do that."

"What?" she blinked.

He shook his head. "You can't just choose and then take it back. If it happens again, I'm making you choose him, because I'll never know if it was really me."

It was her turn to stare.

"You know…" he gave that little Damon-smirk that he had. "You've never said that to me before."

"What?" she wondered.

"You never said you love me." his smirk widened.

"Oh?" she could have sworn that she had. "Well…"

"I love you."

Bonnie walked into the living room, carrying two cups of tea.

Jeremy stood and took one. "Thanks."

"Sure." they both sat. "It's the least I can do. I killed you today."

"Ah, no worries." he grinned weakly. "You brought me back to life, so it's okay."

She smiled softly. "So…Jer…"

"I'm sorry." he whispered. "About everything. I was an idiot. I really do love you." he blushed and then looked away. "I mean…did."

She stared at him. "Jeremy…you really hurt me…"

"I know." he looked at her sadly. "I know I did. But even when I was away…I never stopped loving you."

She looked sad. "Jer, I'm with someone else now."

"I know!" he put the tea down, frustrated. "I know, I know, I know! I just needed you to know how I felt."

She nodded. "I do…"

"Bon, tell me something." he got closer to her, looking into her eyes. "Did you stop loving me?"

"No."