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that. Just squeeze one of my hands.”<br />
But there was no pressure on either of her hands. Only blood that was turning sticky.<br />
And then the miracle happened and she once again heard Damon’s voice—very faintly—<br />
in her head.<br />
Elena? Don’t…cry, darling. It’s not…as bad as Stefan said. I don’t feel much of<br />
anything, except on my face. I…feel your tears. No more weeping…please, angel.<br />
Because of the miracle, Elena steadied herself. He’d called Stefan “Stefan” and not<br />
“little brother.” But she had other things to think about right now. He could still feel things on his face!<br />
This was important information, valuable information. Elena immediately cupped his cheeks with her<br />
hands and kissed him on the lips.<br />
I just kissed you. I’m kissing you again. Can you feel that?<br />
Forever, Elena, Damon said. I’ll…take that with me. It’s part of me now…do you see?<br />
Elena didn’t want to see. She kissed his lips—icy cold—again. And again.<br />
She wanted to give him something else. Something good to think about. Damon, do you<br />
remember when we first met? At school, after the lights went out, when I was measuring for the<br />
Haunted House decorations. I almost let you kiss me then—before I even knew your name—when<br />
you just came drifting out of the darkness.<br />
Damon surprised her by answering immediately. Yes…and you…you astonished me by<br />
being the first girl I couldn’t Influence right away. We had…fun together—didn’t we? Some good<br />
times? We went to a party…and we danced together. I’ll take that with me too.<br />
Through her daze, Elena had one thought. Don’t confuse him anymore. <strong>The</strong>y’d gone to<br />
that “party” only to save Stefan’s life. She told him, We had fun. You’re a good dancer. Imagine us<br />
waltzing!<br />
Damon sent slowly, fuzzily, I’m sorry…I’ve been so horrible lately. Tell…her that.<br />
Bonnie. Tell her…<br />
Elena steadied herself. I’ll tell her. I’m kissing you again. Can you feel me kissing<br />
you?<br />
It was a rhetorical question, so she got a shock, when Damon only answered slowly and<br />
sleepily. Did I…take a vow to tell you the truth?<br />
Yes, Elena lied instantly. She needed the truth from him.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n…no, to be honest…I can’t. I don’t seem to have…a body now. It’s comfortable<br />
and warm, and nothing hurts anymore. And—I almost feel as if I’m not alone. Don’t laugh.<br />
You’re not alone! Oh, Damon, don’t you know that? I’ll never, ever let you be alone.<br />
Elena choked, wondering how to make him believe her. Just for a few more seconds…now.<br />
Here, she sent in a telepathic whisper, I’ll give you my precious secret. I’ll never tell<br />
anyone else. Do you remember the motel we stayed in on our road trip, and how everyone—even<br />
you—wondered what happened that night?<br />
A…motel? A road trip? He was sounding very unsure now. Oh…yes. I remember. And…<br />
the next morning—wondering.<br />
Because Shinichi took your memories, Elena said, hoping that hateful name would<br />
revivify Damon. But it didn’t. Like Shinichi, Damon was done with the world now.<br />
Elena leaned her cheek against his cold and bloody one. I held you, darling, just like<br />
this—well, almost like this. All night. That was all you wanted, to not feel alone.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was a long pause and Elena began to panic in the few parts of her that were not<br />
numb or already hysterical. But then the words came slowly to her.
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