( of all the things damon has ever thought possible, this moment, this precise situation, has never been one of them. he knows what he's in for in life, has made his peace with it — second best, always. making the hard decisions so the good people don't have to get their hands dirty, and accepting the ire that comes with that. being relied on and despised by turns, because they know when they need him but hate that they do, because he refuses to wallow in the guilt they think is the most important part of being good. he is a part of the group and also apart from it, a cherished friend who can't be dealt with in front of others because then they'll know. all of this, he understands and accepts.
nowhere in this understanding did he make room for the realization that elena wants him.
he can feel it, focused in on her as he is. she still hasn't taken sam's shielding lessons, so she broadcasts her emotions to anyone not specifically closing themselves off from her, and in this moment, damon is the least guarded he's ever been. if he weren't, maybe he wouldn't have felt it. if she'd taken those lessons, maybe she'd be shielding now — or maybe she'd be just as overwhelmed and unguarded as he is. in the end, it doesn't matter. he's unguarded, she has no shields, and so he feels it: elena gilbert wants to kiss him.
before he can really process the thought, she's stepped away, and the spell ends. for a moment, he just stares at her, but eventually he smiles and drops his arm from around her waist. her hand he holds, just as tightly as she's holding his. wanting to kiss him isn't the same as wanting him. if she really wanted to switch brothers, she'd do it. that she hasn't says all that needs to be said.
still, it's a comfort. bittersweet, but still. )
You're stronger than you think, Elena. You'd do fine.
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nowhere in this understanding did he make room for the realization that elena wants him.
he can feel it, focused in on her as he is. she still hasn't taken sam's shielding lessons, so she broadcasts her emotions to anyone not specifically closing themselves off from her, and in this moment, damon is the least guarded he's ever been. if he weren't, maybe he wouldn't have felt it. if she'd taken those lessons, maybe she'd be shielding now — or maybe she'd be just as overwhelmed and unguarded as he is. in the end, it doesn't matter. he's unguarded, she has no shields, and so he feels it: elena gilbert wants to kiss him.
before he can really process the thought, she's stepped away, and the spell ends. for a moment, he just stares at her, but eventually he smiles and drops his arm from around her waist. her hand he holds, just as tightly as she's holding his. wanting to kiss him isn't the same as wanting him. if she really wanted to switch brothers, she'd do it. that she hasn't says all that needs to be said.
still, it's a comfort. bittersweet, but still. )
You're stronger than you think, Elena. You'd do fine.