Note: This is the ending of the Rose episode from Damons point of view, he's such an interesting character that I had to write from his perspective. Not to mention he's hot. But that goes without saying. This is my first attempt at writing so be kind and I hope you like this short oneshot :)

*I dont own any rights to The Vampire Diaries*

I'm staring at her bed right now. Neatly folded sheets and the teddy carefully placed by the pillows. How old was she again? I smile to myself; I'm going to do the hardest thing I have ever had to in my entire existence tonight. The feeling I had as I watched her run down those stairs today, that smile on her face, the way she held dear brother Stephan.I consider myself to be a big enough person to admit when I've no chance in Hell or Heaven of getting her. Its not the first time anyway. I can hear her downstairs telling Jeremy goodnight now. God my hands are shaking. I cross the room and casually rest against the window sill, holding the vervain necklace tentatively in my hand, welcoming the burn. She opens the door and I cant bring myself to give her my trademark grin. As dashing as it is I tell myself and chuckle humourlessly.

She comes into the room.

Time to rip my heart out.

"Cute PJ's," I say.

She looks at me exasperatedly, "I'm tired Damon."

Crap. I sigh heavily and make my way over to her, she's looking at me warily and shifts slightly back. I hold up her necklace in front her. I am no longer nervous now. I know what I need to do for her to be happy.

"Brought you this," I say as casually as possible. Realisation dawns on her beautiful face. But she doesn't look that grateful. Great.

"I thought that was lost!"

I shake my head, still suspending the necklace in front of her, completely committed to doing the right thing for once in my cursed afterlife. She smiles at me relieved and reaches out for it.

"Thank you"

I draw the necklace away and it hurts so much to see the fear come back into her eyes. She is wary once again.

"Please give it back," she says quietly, never breaking eye contact.

Here it goes.

"I just have to say something-"

"Why do you have to say it with my necklace?"

Because I cant stand rejection... Im spineless... Im about to expose my feelings for the first time in 150 years to a girl that hates me.

"Well... Because what I'm about to say... is probably the most selfish thing I've said in my life." Yeah. That works.

She understands now I think. Look at the dread on her face!

"Damon don't go there."

"I just have to say it once," I say trying to placate her, "You just need to hear it."

I look deep into her eyes, up real close, probably for the last time. God she's beautiful.

"I love you, Elena. And its because I love you that... I can't be selfish with you. Why you cant know this."

She says nothing. Completely unreadable. I want her to scream in protest that she loves me, I don't want this anymore. But she won't stop me.

"I don't deserve you... but my brother does."

I kiss her on her soft delicate forehead. She smells so sweet. My hear flips when she doesn't pull away, but I cant stand the idea that she is pitying me as well. This is why she cant remember. This is for both of us. I touch her soft hair, she is so delicate.

"God I wish you didn't have to forget this. But you do." I compulse her easily enough.

Wetness on my cheek. Im losing it. Before she can blink, the necklace is back on and I am out of the window, in the street. Hyperventilating. Ive done it. She can be happy now and I'll just be there protecting her.

I run nearly all the way to the boarding house when I collapse and break down.

"It hurts," I sob, "...It hurts."

...

Elena sits on her bed confused, fingering her necklace gently. She touches her cheek in surprise, as tears roll down and she stares longingly at the open window.