action.
[ matt remembers the sharp, painful sensation of elena's fangs piercing the flesh at the base of his throat, feeding from him beneath the veil of his collar in the midst of a mournful crowd while he did his best to look upset instead of in immense pain. it had been worth it, though. while elena was still (unknowingly) under command to drink blood only from the vein, he'd been more than happy to continue feeding her. and ironically, in spite of how twisted and messed up letting your ex-girlfriend drink your blood was, the times that he did were some of the most intimate experiences of his life. he couldn't remember the time she lost control and tore in a little too hard, drank a little too deeply, as damon had compelled it away. all that remained was an intense desire to help her, and a sense of unwavering trust as he put his life in her hands, knowing that she had the power to end it before he even saw it coming.
that, he told himself, no matter how cheesy or messed up it sounded, even from within the confines of his head, was love. and it had been startling to realize he loved elena gilbert more than he had his own sister, his mother. (though really, who would be surprised?) elena died for him. there had been only one answer when he and damon discussed their plan -- yes. even if the ring decided it didn't want to work, wasn't going to bring him back, his answer was yes. he'd die for the girl he's loved all his life, who's become far more than just someone he's dated to him. elena's family.
so being able to hold her again, the human her, is a rush like no other. he's grateful for the few moments he has to carefully steel his expression and blink back tears of joy, relief, and the guilt that will haunt him until his dying days, before she draws back, apologizes, and asks if he's okay. ]
I am now. [ he can give her that bit of honesty, even if he can't give her much else of it. ] What about you? Are you okay? How long have you been here?