she wants to declare she doesn't need rest, or water, but she needs both. she starts with the latter, at least, taking generous sips until he answers the unspoken question that's been gnawing at her ever since she saw him on the feed. elena isn't capable of masking her reaction as well as she'd like, the crestfallen disappointment evident in her expression until it's softened by discernment.
in a way, it's like starting over with him. she is the only one to remember their complicated friendship. elena is the queen of reinvention, the queen of deciding she'll be someone new and carrying it out, but there are some things she doesn't want a blank slate on. it isn't until she trusts her vocal cords to remain steady that she thinks to speak again. ] That was a really long time ago. For me. [ stating the obvious doesn't help matters, but it's the truth nonetheless. she's lived lifetimes since then. she's a different person. ]