Complicated

Chapter 23: 17th Birthday... Again

Damon's POV

I woke up quietly, I know she's a deep sleeper but I still don't want to risk it. I propped myself up on my elbow and leaned over to look at her.

She's gorgeous.

I observed to make sure her chest was still rising and conflating, ensuring she was still breathing.

It's not weird. I do it every night and morning.

I get worried.

I observed her side profile and was amazed as always. Her long hair laid neatly out beside her, her eyelids were closed and hid her beautiful icy blue grey eyes, her lips had her perfect pout on them, as always.

She looks so... beautiful. Peaceful.

Merlin, how could anyone want to hurt such a perfect soul? She never did anything to him.

I felt a tear start to roll down my cheek and didn't bother wiping it away.

Why are some guys serious... monsters. Cruel monsters.

Then they get mad when women say "Kill All Men."

She stirred in her sleep and scrunched her nose slightly, and I smiled to myself.

I really love it when she does that. 

Oh god.

Love.

She said she loved me yesterday.

I hadn't been able to respond.

It's not that I didn't want to. It's not that I don't. I just... I just can't.

Don't ask me why. I just can't say it.

I know I do. I hope she knows I do. I just can't outright say those words.

"Stalker." She mumbled and I smiled as her eyes fluttered open. I rapidly wiped the tear away so she wouldn't notice.

"Good morning, gorgeous." I gave her a quick peck kiss and she smiled at me.

"Good morning, bebe." She replied and simply smiled and looked at me as she played with my messy hair.

We said nothing for a couple moments, both of us simply enjoyed being able to look at each other in comfortable silence.

"Stop it." She suddenly reprimanded me and I looked at her, confused. "Stop looking at me like a victim. I'm alright. Nothing is wrong with me. It happened. It's done. Can we all just forget about it. I'm fine."

"No, Kathy. You're not. No one can be fine after what happened to you. And no one should be." I explained to her.

"Don't talk to me all gentle like that. I'm not a victim." She got angry and sat up, running her hands through her wavy hair.

"Kath—"

"Stop. I am not a victim."

"Fine. Don't be mad at me.

"I'm not." She huffed and I rolled my eyes.

"Please don't be mad."

"I said I'm not." She repeated, her voice just as frustrated as before.

"If you're mad at me I'll cry." I threatened and she looked at me skeptically.

"Yeah. Ok." She scoffed and a tear rolled down my eye and she immediately softened. "Wait, no. I'm not mad. Pinky promise." She said and wiped the tear away.