We Always Survive ♥ (A Damon and Elena Fanfic)

Chapter 10 - New Beginnings

Elena POV 2/7 9:30pm-2:00am

Once his eyes open, so do mine. My eyes open to all the hurt I had been hiding and the way I had been treating everyone for the past month and a half. They only tried to help me, but I pushed them away with my apathy. But now was not the time to think of them, for my feet were already running full speed towards Damon. His eyes flutter a few times before he notices me advancing.

      “Elena,” His voice calls to me as the corners of his lips raise into a smile. I plow into him and wrap my legs around his body, sending him stumbling backwards as he slowly encloses his arms around my waist. Tears begin to fall from my eyes - I’m not sure if they are from joy or sadness, but in that moment all I can feel is relief. The feel of his arms around my waist makes me feel secure and safe, a touch that I had craved since he had been gone. His hand strokes my hair and I bury my face in his neck, smiling into his skin. But as I nuzzle his neck, I feel the blood rush to my face and my canines extends from the warm crimson liquid pulsing through his veins beneath his skin. I pull back quickly as my vampire instincts rescind, looking into his blue eyes with utter shock.

      “Are, are you human?” I stumble over my words and my voice cracks on the word ‘human.’ He looks puzzled as he meets me gaze. “You’re… not a vampire. Wha-“ My voice trembles as I realize what is happening and he slowly sets me down, his hands cupping my face. “How is that? How is that even possible.” Bonnie slowly comes up behind me and answers my question.

      ”We knew that this might happen, but it was only a small chance and there was no other way,” Bonnie continues on about everything Shane and her had talked about, but I tune her out for the most part until then end, “But that wasn’t the side effect we were most worried about. It’s possible too that he…” she trails off, but I turn to her and furrow my forehead, waiting for her to finish, “It’s possible that he will have memory loss. Or not remember anything at all.” My stomach drops and I twirl to face Damon one more time, searching his face for any signs showing that he remembers me.

      “Damon?” Stefan walks around us and puts his hand on Damon’s shoulder, his eyes boring into those of his brother’s. After a few silent moments, Damon smiles and grabs Stefan, holding him tight with a few pats on his back. Stefan immediately returns the embrace and pulls him closer.

      “I missed you, brother.” Damon laughs and holds Stefan and arm’s length with a smile. A single tear falls from Stefan’s eye and he pulls Damon back in for another hug.

      “Of all the times I’ve wanted you dead, I never knew how much I’d miss having my big brother.” Stefan whispers. Caroline pats Stefan on the back and he releases Damon, stepping away.

      “Hey. Welcome back.” Caroline smiles at Damon and can’t help but suppress a smile. I step in front of both of them and pull Damon’s face towards mine.

      “Hey, I need to know. Do you remember us?” I look longingly in his eyes, searching deep within them to try and dig up an answer. He looks down as he twirls a strand of my hair on his finger, letting a smile creep onto his face.

      “How could I forget my little brother, the witch that has saved us more times than I can count, Vampire Barbie, and the girl that I love?” He lowers his eyes to meet mine and I can’t help but smile. “And of course little Gilbert and the quarterback.” He yells over so Matt and Jeremy can hear him and I hear one of them chuckle. Damon pushes past us and walks over to Jeremy with a smile. Jeremy opens his arms and embraces him in a hug.

I try to suppress my laugh, but I can’t help it. I’ve never seen Jeremy and Damon get along, much less care about each other. They break their hold and Damon puts his arm around him, mussing up his hair as Matt follows close behind them. When they get back to the group. Jer laughs and pushes Damon off of him. Damon walks slowly towards me, making the inside of my chest flutter with anticipation but when he opens his mouth, the words take me by surprise.