It caught her by surprise. But she didn't pull back, arms winding around him in a tight hug. She could understand his reaction. It was how Damon seemed to react many times when something upset him. There was a sudden urge to be close to her, to cling to anything which was good in his life before it could be ripped away again.
Returning the kiss a moment longer, Elena's forehead leaned forward to rest against Damon's. "I love you," she repeated, eyes serious.