Damon cocked his head, "Scared of me yet?"

Elena clenched her jaw. "No," she said firmly. "You're not a bad person, Damon…"

"Well then," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear, "Maybe I should tell you about how many times I sunk my fangs into Caroline's neck—"

"Stop it," Elena demanded, and Damon pulled away, smirking. "I know you didn't say it to me, but that doesn't make it less true…" She looked up at him, "I do believe you're worth saving."

Damon looked shocked for a second, his smirk disappearing. "You're welcome," she added softly.

Damon still didn't move, and they stood like that for a few moments, his face inches away from hers. She felt her heart start beating rapidly, and saw Damon's eyes drift down, almost as if he heard—and then she had to remind herself that obviously he had heard. "I should…probably go now," Elena said, and Damon looked at her, his expression uncertain.

"I got something last night at Katherine's," he said finally, and reached into his pocket.

Elena stared as he pulled out a chain and held it up to her. "My necklace," she gasped. "You…went back for that?"

Damon shrugged, "I know how much it means to you." He eyed her for a second before slowly reaching around her to clasp the necklace around her neck.

He rested his hands on her shoulders when he was done, and Elena touched the pendent absentmindedly. "Thank you," she said quietly, meeting his gaze. "It means a lot."

Damon nodded, and slowly pushed her hair back. She shivered, whether because his hands were cold or because she was nervous, she didn't know. He brushed a thumb gently over her lips and then without warning leaned in and carefully kissed her on the cheek. "I wanted it to be real," he said quietly and pulled back to look at her. His gaze lingered on her lips, and Elena suddenly knew what he was going to do. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to move away and she watched as he moved closer, her heart thudding painfully.