( even five minutes ago a joke about either of them dying would have been unthinkable, anyone insensitive enough to make one would have probably had their heads bitten off. but now that Damon is back on the station, everyone is safe, it's actually funny, and she even considers pointing out that she might still kill the both of them yet. hell, it'd make her life a hell of a lot simpler if nothing else.

but it's kind of hard to joke about when she's being given a look like that, one which is completely unrecognisable and at the same time full of such depth that it completely silences any ideas of joking in her mind. elena can't quite tell what she's expecting him to say next, but well-

it's not that. )

That's not true... ( it's a pretty lame response, if she's honest with herself, and her voice is quiet and weak to match it. she'd blame the expression - or the hand on her face maybe, it makes it hard to think - except that would be as good as admitting to something...else entirely, and it's not time for that.

not yet anyway. maybe. ) It was..brave, Damon. It really was. You were brave. Who knows who would have made it back without you.

( wouldn't have been worth it if i lost you is still very much fresh and present in her mind, though, and after a brief pause she swallows and raises one of her own hands up to rest over Damon's on her cheek, and she gives a little squeeze. )

I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't made it back.