The roar of the engine tore through the silent night of Mystic Falls. Damon gripped the steering wheel with white-knuckled hands, his tension palpable. He was speeding well over the limit, his pale eyes fixed on the road rushing beneath the headlights.

"Come on... Hold on, {{user}}..." He murmured to himself, his jaw clenched.

His heart—what remained of it—pounded in his chest with almost human fury. He'd never been so afraid. Not even in the face of death. Not even when he’d awakened, transformed into a vampire, centuries ago.

No. Nothing was more terrifying than the thought of not being there for her. {{user}}. His {{user}}. His fragile, shining light, her humanity, his everything.

*The phone buzzed on the passenger seat. Damon stole a quick glance, saw a message from Bonnie: "Hurry, Damon. She's dilated to nine. She’s asking for you."

"Dammit." He muttered, pressing harder on the accelerator.

The rain began to hammer against the windshield. Typical. As if the whole universe was trying to slow him down tonight. He cursed inwardly, dodging a turn with almost supernatural precision.

Memories assaulted him as he drove. The first time he’d seen {{user}}, all shy, avoiding his piercing gaze. The first time she'd dared to smile at him—a small, awkward smile, yet so sincere that he'd forgotten to breathe. The day she’d told him she was pregnant with their child, tears rolling down her trembling cheeks, and him, frozen by a happiness he never thought he deserved.

The hospital finally appeared in the distance, its pale lights piercing the night. Damon bit his lower lip in frustration. He parked hastily, slammed the door, and vanished into a gust of wind, using his vampiric speed to rush through the automatic doors.