Title: Back in the Moment
Author: Cherub_Dawn
Paring: Damon/Elena
Rating: M
Spoilers: One
Disclaimer: All content belongs to its rightful owners as do the characters and pairing.
Summary: Damon dreaded his time in the confederate army. Being away from Katherine for so long was heartbreaking. But then he saw her face among their many nurses, and suddenly life wasn't unfair anymore.
Author's Note: Just to make a few things clear, to avoid confusion, Stefan and Elena are eighteen, not seventeen. Damon is twenty-five and Katherine is also eighteen. Jeremy does not exist in this story as Elena's brother and Elena isn't a Gilbert, but a Sommers.

Chapter One

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dew drops are waiting for thee;

"Come on Elena! Sing with me!" She laughed in splendour as the redhead continued to dance wildly in complete clash with the soft melody, her drunken voice echoing within her ears, priming her laughter. She instantly reached for her hoop skirt, lifting it as it hovered above the ground, and chased after her ever primal aunt.

Jenna Sommers, ever since her parents perished at the age of three, had looked after her dearly, not only as an old family friend but as a relative; a mother. And after fifteen long years, she was more than grateful.

As a widow with no children of her own, Jenna loved her as her own, taking great pleasure in raising her, and teaching her the values of life in its prejudiced simplicity to which in return, Elena adored her just as well. Jenna was a beloved socialite, her status built with years of endeavour and social perfection.

However, like many residents of November Hill, she bore a secret. She may have the physical appearance of a socialite, but the mentality of a child, to which revealed itself more and more with the consummation of alcohol; a limit she evidently overlooked tonight.

Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day, Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!

She sang loudly, her drunken footsteps dancing wildly against the floorboards, her hair spinning in concentric circles perfected with the sway of her dress.

It was the last night Elena would be spending in November Hill before the war, due to her participation and occupation as a field nurse for the Confederate Army, and Jenna had insisted upon a gathering to celebrate her good nature and as a kind farewell; Gathering being an understatement to describe the situation.

A socialite's address book is always too large for her own good.

"Sing with me, 'Lena!" she cried, dancing blindly mindless of the stares, carefully watching as Elena followed, a prominent smile upon her face. That is until Jenna's cavorting body finally collided into an undoubtedly furious guest.

Elena stopped instantly in her wake, Jenna's confusion pausing her dancing as she leaned back into a solid chest. Until she looked up from the floorboards and smiled into his familiar face. "'Laric!"

Elena giggled softly, noting the returning smile on his face. A kind widower, Alaric Saltzman was both a widower and a teacher, educating the descendents of November Hill the finest teachings of history. Elena included.

It was a known fact people like Alaric had friends in high places and was a victim of false friendship. However, over the years, he had grown a soft spot for both Jenna and Elena, Jenna in particular. As a matter of fact, it not for him, Elena never would've gained early acceptance into the Confederate nurses in the first place. She was indebted to him.

As Alaric smiled and held Jenna upright, Elena curtseyed graciously, her previous nature simmering, at least until Jenna was free. "Good evening, Mr Saltzman."

He smiled warmly. "Now, now, Miss Elena. No need to be frequent with formalities. We've known each other plum too long for that." She grinned, noting his warm nature towards Jenna. In her drunken state, others would see her as rambunctious and ridiculous, however Alaric always welcomed her with open arms and a content smile.

Unfortunately she appeared to be the only one who noticed this so far. Hopefully, Jenna would soon set store to this. "I apologize... Alaric." He smiled in return before returning his gaze to what seemed to Elena a humorously wilting Jenna in his arms. "Another brick in your hat, Miss Jenna?"

She giggled softly, as did Elena behind her palm. "What causes you to believe that, sir?" she chimed. Alaric grinned, as did Elena.

That is until she noticed a familiar face nearing her. She frowned instantly before it was crushed with a picture of false chirk. Matt Donovan. The living and breathing epitome of her frustration. She had never known a more kind yet... persistent man.

Since the first meeting, he had made his affections towards her evident. And in return, she made her disinterest in him known, but no prevail. Granted, he was a man of considerable beauty and it was matched by his personality.

However, she simply had no romantic interest towards him. Yet Matt simply did not understand the word, no. Slowly but surely, he bowed before her, "Miss Elena." As she curtseyed in return, naturally. "Mr Donovan."

He rose, taking her gloved hand in his. "May I have the honour of your company? If you are not occupied with Mr Saltzman." Elena instantly looked to Alaric, her eyes cocooning with hope for incompliance. "No, not at all, Mr Donovan. Be my guest."

Her face fell in disappointment, as Alaric's followed in apology. Matt grinned instantly. "Wonderful. If you would accompany me to the gardens, Miss Elena."

She released a breathy sigh, glancing one last time at her corned aunt and Mr Saltzman, she turned to follow him, her hand unwillingly still in his grasp. "You need not worry about your aunt, Miss Elena. Mr Saltzman will take good care of her."

She laughed softly. "I know my aunt, Mr Donovan. And trust me when I say she is not the one who should be at the centre of concern."

Matt laughed in return. "I do." Elena instantly turned to face him, her hand knowingly slipping from his grasp. "Excuse me?" And for the first time, Elena swore the form his lips were taking, were a loving smile. He was in love with her? "I do trust you, Miss Elena. With my life, in fact." Her gaze softened.

"Mr Donovan, I-" He reached for her hands instantly and clasped them in his, her shock momentarily paralysing her ability to remove them from his grasp. "Please, call me Matt."

She looked up slowly, stunned by the softness of his voice. Never had she known him to be like this. It was almost too pleasing, if not loving. She almost felt guilty her opinion of him did not return his tone. "Matt, I-I don't know what to say."

He stepped closer towards her, shortening the proximity completely until she was almost without space to breathe. "You needn't say anything, Miss Elena. I simply wished to entrust you with my life, as I have already requested your hospitality during the war."

Her eyes widened. "Hospitality?"

Matt tilted his head slightly at her shock. "You are not aware? I am to join Tyler Lockwood in the Confederate army first thing in the morning."

Elena gasped, removing her hands from his and instantly turned away from him. She knew this the moment she had been accepted her place in the Confederate Nurses it was too good to be true. She closed her eyes in horror. Why couldn't she escape Matt Donovan?

She jumped as she felt a hand on her bare shoulder, until her memory taunted her the ever evasive admirer was still present behind her. She cursed her choice in attire instantly; a shoulder sleeved dress- such idiocy. She looked back to Matt's hand; such perseverance. It was infuriating.

"Miss Elena?"

She turned to face him slowly, her shoulder carefully shrugging his hold from her skin. "No, I was not aware." He looked down instantly, dropping his hands to his sides. "I apologize, Miss Elena, to have thrust this upon you in such an instant, but I-I can't control myself around you. You are so... wonderful."

She looked down from his gaze, more than aware of what was to follow if he were to continue. "You are kind, precious..." His right hand rose from his side, lifting Elena's chin gently to affix his gaze upon hers.

"Beautiful." Matt locked his gaze upon her lips, his eyelids shuttering to a close as he leaned in slowly. Elena swallowed a breath, lifting her hands to his chest to escape however God was simply too kind. "Miss Elena?"

Elena smiled softly, removing herself from Matt's embrace. "Yes?"

Alaric smiled awkwardly. "Your aunt is asking for you." She smiled gratefully in return. "Thank you, Mr Saltzman." She replied, before turning back to Matt. "I apologize, Mr Donovan but thank you for your time and I wish you good luck on your call to war."

Giving one last curtsey, Elena followed Alaric back into the house, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. If there truly was a God, she would never see Matt Donovan on her stretcher. Giving a short smile to Alaric as they reached Jenna's chambers before shutting the door behind her. "Jenna?"

The redhead looked up quickly, and in immediate regret as her head span quickly as its consequence. Clutching her head, Jenna murmured, "Elena?" She smiled softly, sitting beside her. "You called?" Jenna murmured her agreement, running a hand through her hair. "I wanted to have one last talk, before you leave."

"Aunt Jenna-"

"No, don't interrupt me, Elena. This has to be said." She murmured, her gaze concentrated on the floorboards and the music through them from downstairs.

"These past years, I have raised you, and I have never cared for anyone as much as you... you're like my daughter, Elena. I love you. And despite the fact that you are not a soldier, you are still entering a world of war, and reason tells me it will be very long, too long, before we meet again." Elena bit her lip, inching closer to her weary aunt. "Jen-"

"Let me finish."

Closing her eyes, Jenna reached for her hand, clasping it in hers; a gesture mimicked by many, yet she would never let Jenna go. "I promised your mother I would care for you with all my heart, and seeing you, a nurse, I know she would be so proud of you, Elena. Just as I am."

Suddenly, she reached under the bed, faltering for a moment as she pulled out a small box, the tips of her fingers gliding over its surface. "She instructed me to give you this when the time is right." Opening the box, she slowly placed it on Elena's lap. "I think we can both agree that time is now." A gasp escaped her lips.

The family locket.

Due to their early death, all Elena knew of her parents were that her mother was simply beautiful, and her father a wonderful man. She remembers very little of them from firsthand experience with exception of her father's laughter, her mother's melodious voice, and the beautiful heirloom which forever hung from her neck; the family locket.

It's beauty was not mesmerising, neither was it in the greatest condition, but from the neck of a true Sommers, it was perfect; their finishing touch. It completed them. In her childhood, Elena had never felt a true Sommers without it. But as she instantly clasped something she awaited for so long, she felt a realization as she watched it fall in place upon her neck.

She still felt incomplete.

Today was the day. That's what everyone knew. The time had come. The Salvatore brothers would finally be apart.

The greatest friends, bound by blood; but everyone knew how easily the brothers two, could become the brothers one. Today could be the last time Damon Salvatore steps foot in the Salvatore family home. She knew that more than anyone.

Katherine Pierce watched gracefully at the doorway, her eyes focused on the silhouette before her, buttoning his shirt slowly. A small smile traced her lips. Stefan may be the kinder choice, the tranquillity of his soul both a peace and a burden.

However an overpowering force had always driven her to Damon. Whether it be his hypnotic azure or his playful nature. He possessed a winner's nature. Something which she found almost more entertaining than the brothers themselves.

"I believe you're staring, Miss Pierce."

She smirked, removing herself from the doorway and grabbing his jacket from the bed. "Caution, Mr Salvatore. Or I shall believe you care." She quipped, sliding the shell jacket unto his back and tipping his kepi playfully.

Damon grinned, sliding his arms into the sleeves. "I know I care, Miss Katherine. The question is, do you?"

She paused instantly, turning to return his gaze, the allure of her beauty stunning him momentarily as he waited for his answer. Yet she simply smiled. "Then you are a liar, Mr Salvatore. If you truly cared, you would never absquatulate me."

Damon sighed, turning back to his mirror in rogue disappointment. "I am not one to give up one's fiddle, Miss Katherine. If it were up to me, I would never leave you."

Katherine smiled gracefully, stepping in front of the mirror as her fingers rose to button his jacket and as her winner's courage caught her tongue. "Well, I am an ornary woman, Mr Salvatore. And I want you all to myself." A smirk pasted over her grace.

"I am yourn. Believe me, I'd much rather stay."

She stepped further from the mirror, her delicate fingers tracing the softness of his face. "Then stay." Damon looked down, his stubborn nature refusing to look into the eyes of the woman he could never resist. "I cannot. I cannot deny my duty."

Her fingers dropped instantly from his picture, her peart nature dropping almost instantly in their company as a knock sounded through the door, and Emily appeared. "Your father awaits you, Mr Salvatore." She announced, hanging onto his word. "I must pull foot. Farewell, Miss Katherine." He sighed, bowing to her one last time until an outburst escaped her lips as he turned to leave.

"Wait!"

His heartbeat heightened, his face instantly turning to gaze upon hers once more. "Yes?"

Katherine nodded to Emily quickly before leading him to the furthest corner, and taking a small vial from her cleavage. "Take this with my love, drink it each morning before you fight and promise me you will not forget me." She murmured, a hand helplessly snaking upwards to stroke his face.

It happened so quickly. A look in her eyes, and the warmth swallowed him whole as her smile greeted him from the emptiness. He couldn't deny her. He simply couldn't.

"I promise." He murmured, placing a small kiss on her lips before turning to follow Emily, and as he turned a final time to gaze upon her again, he swore to himself he would see her face again, even if it killed him. However he could've never predicted how soon that would be.