No Strings Attached

Day 115

            "Are you sure you have to go?" Dean catches Elena's wrist, stopping her from fully getting out of the car.

            "Dean, it's nearly noon. Damon is gonna be suspicious enough as it is," Elena whines, trying to shake herself from Dean's grip. This morning had been a short one. Elena had been running late, the house chores taking longer than usual. By the time she came out of the house and walked to Dean's car, he had been about to come storming into the house. Thankfully Elena stopped him and they were able to enjoy a peaceful morning together.

            "He's probably be at the bar anyway. And Lisa is out with friends. Just stay," Dean whines, pulling Elena into a quick kiss. Groaning, Elena is reluctant to pull back.

            "I really should go," she whispers, finally crawling out of the car. Ducking her head back in, she gives him a bright smile. "I'll call you tonight alright? If he's wasted maybe we can catch a movie or something."

            "Okay deal," Dean agrees, putting the car in drive. "I'll be waiting for your booty call." Snickering, Elena steps back from the car, giving him a small wave as he drives away.

            Pulling out her keys, Elena begins the walk back to her house. The air is still quite chilly, icy needles pricking whatever skin they can find. There's still plenty of snow on the ground, lining windowsills and sidewalks to keep the winter vibe. Elena is ready for the warm weather spring is sure to bring.

            Finally reaching the house, Elena begins to shed layers the second she crosses the threshold. The blasting heat was all she needed to know Damon was home. He always complained of being cold, claiming his skin was as cold as a corpse. It used to be cute, as many things used to be, but now it's just something else Elena can't stand.

            "Honey? You home?" Elena makes her way into the kitchen, smiling tightly when she sees her boyfriend leaning over the kitchen sink. "Sorry I didn't leave a note. You were still asleep when I left and I forgot."

            "It's fine," he grunts, clearing his throat. The smile falls from Elena's face when a rancid smell reaches her nose, causing her to cover her mouth in disgust.

            "Oh my god, what is that smell? Did something go bad?" She immediately rushes to the fridge, yanking it open in search of the culprit. It doesn't take long for her to realize the smell isn't coming from some bad cheese. "Did you puke in the sink?"

            "What do you care?" Damon closes his eyes, leaning against the counter to wait for the room to stop spinning. Last night had been a late one, as many of them were, and he had a horrible hangover. "You're too busy hanging out with that friend of yours. What's her name again? Oh, that's right. Just some colleague." Sighing, Elena places a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to keep him calm.

            "Did you take any Advil? I can go get you some if you—"

            "No," Damon snaps, stepping away from her. "I don't need your help. You're not very helpful anyway." Looking down at her hands, Elena waits for the outburst. She knows the signs. The first is always a dig at her capability.

            "What would you like me to do," she asks quietly, keeping her eyes on the chunky green substance in the sink. The vomit seems to radiate stink, filling her senses with the alcohol his body rejected.

            "I want you to be around! I want you to be here when I get home from work and to be here when I wake up! I want you to spend time with me! Why is that so much to ask?" Damon slams his palms against the counter, causing Elena to jump. "You're never around anymore. You're always off with that colleague doing god knows what and I'm sick of it. You promised your work wouldn't get in the way anymore."