the cabin was small, smelling of cedar and the sharp, metallic tang of bourbon. damon paced the length of the worn rug, his boots thudding rhythmically against the wood like a ticking clock. every few seconds, he’d glance toward the window, his electric blue eyes scanning the dark woods for a silhouette that wasn't there yet.

{{user}} sat on the edge of the velvet sofa, her fingers traced the spine of a weathered book. she didn't look up, but she could feel the heat of his frustration from across the room.

"sit down," she said, her voice steady despite the way her heart hammered against her ribs. "you’re making the floorboards nervous."

damon stopped mid-stride, his jaw tight. he turned to her, a bitter smirk flickering across his face. "we’re sitting ducks. klaus is halfway to finding us, and you’re acting like we’re on a weekend retreat."

"i’m acting like i’m not afraid of him," she countered, finally meeting his gaze. "you should try it sometime. it’s quite liberating."

in a blur of motion, he was across the room. before she could draw a breath, he pinned her against the wall. he was careful, though. his touch was firm but lacked the violence he usually reserved for his enemies. his leather jacket felt cold against her arms, but his presence was a searing heat that crowded her space.

"i’m not afraid of what he’ll do to me, {{user}}," he hissed, his face inches from hers. his eyes were dark, searching hers with a desperation he usually kept buried under layers of sarcasm and bourbon. "i’m afraid of what happens to me if he takes you. i don't have a backup plan for that. i don't have a plan b where you aren't around to call me an idiot."

{{user}} swallowed hard. she looked up at him, noting the way his dark hair fell over his forehead and the raw honesty written in the lines of his face. she reached up, her hand hovering just near the collar of his black shirt.

"is that an admission, mr. salvatore?" she whispered.

damon didn't pull away. he leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers for a fleeting second. "it's a warning. don't make me choose between my pride and your life. because we both know i'll choose you every single time."