What?” He made his voice harsh and impatient because he didn’t know if he could stand much more of this: Elena’s lovely body cleansed and sweet and her face so sad, her eyes so lost. Lost because she thought he hated her. Because he was being the world’s biggest bastard to her.

“He was so gentle, but almost fierce in his love for her. He vowed not to kill, but he would kill to save her. She was his most precious thing in all the world...Any sacrifice would be worth it if she were safe and free. His life meant nothing without her, so he would gladly give it, laughing and kissing his hand to her with his last breath."

"It was an odd feeling. Not entirely unpleasant in regards to Elena. He liked strong women. He'd been looking for one for centuries."

There was no slightest motion she had made, no briefest word that she had said that he hadn’t noticed and locked in his heart as a treasure”

And now, certainly, Elena felt like a flame. We were meant to be this way. She couldn't remember if it was an old quote of Damon's or something new he was just barely whispering to her mind now. Like two flames that join and merge into one.

“All Stefan ever wanted from Damon was peace and quiet," Meredith continued, as if on more steady ground there.

Oh, God, I need help! Oh, Stefan - I need you. I need you to forgive me. I need you to keep me sane. Too much time around Damon and I'm completely emotional, ready to kill him or to...or to - I don't know. I don't know!!! We're like flint and tinder together - God! We're like gasoline and a flamethrower! Please hear me and help me and save me...from myself. Every time he even says my name...