Her smile instantly warmed his heart; she had always had that effect on him though, so it wasn't much of a surprise for him. When she kissed him a smile appeared on his face, even with his lips pressed to hers. He could tell she was tentative, so he didn't push the matter any further. He leaned back from the kiss and just lifted her into his lap.
Elena had always brought out the softer side of him, and now wasn't any different. He held her in his arms, knowing how rough of a time she had in the past few months. "Just rest for now, Elena" he said in a tender tone of voice. "I will always be here for you, so you don't have anything to be afraid of anymore" he said before pressing a sweet kiss to her cheek.