DELENA POST-5X22: IT'S REAL

Author’s Note:
What if Alaric had never compelled Elena to forget Damon? What if Elena’s hallucinations of Damon keep her from believing he’s truly back? How will Damon save her from the darkness? In this short AU/one-shot, Damon helps Elena cope with his loss when she doesn’t believe he’s returned…will Elena let herself be happy again? [I’ve made a few changes from episode 5x22 – Bonnie doesn’t get left behind because Lucy (her cousin) comes back into town and sacrifices herself instead. Alaric does not return, and there is no Kai involved. These changes were made because I wanted to focus on Damon and Elena.]
All characters belong to the creators/writers of The Vampire Diaries books and TV show, that is the CW, L.J. Smith, and Julie Plec and co.