Delijah (Damon x Elijah) Vampire Diaries oneshots

25. Fading Shadows (Part 2)

Klaus's concern for his brother was palpable as he examined Elijah, his usually sharp eyes softened with worry. "We need to get him help," Klaus stated firmly, his protective instincts in full force.

With Damon's support, they carefully lifted Elijah from the floor, his once-unyielding frame feeling unnaturally fragile in their arms. The weight of their shared concern hung heavy in the air as they carried him to a nearby couch, gently laying him down.

Elena quickly dialed a familiar number, summoning Caroline Forbes, their trusted friend and resident medical expert. As they waited for her arrival, Damon couldn't tear his eyes away from Elijah's pale, unconscious face. Guilt and fear gnawed at him, knowing that his own actions had contributed to the dire state Elijah now found himself in.

Stefan, sensing Damon's distress, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll get him through this," Stefan assured him, his voice filled with both reassurance and concern.

Damon nodded, his gaze never leaving Elijah's face. He couldn't help but berate himself for not recognizing the signs of Elijah's mounting stress sooner, for allowing their shared battles in the supernatural world to wear down the man he loved.

Caroline arrived swiftly, her medical expertise immediately put to use as she began to assess Elijah's condition. Her brows furrowed with concern as she checked his vital signs and listened to Damon's account of what had transpired.

"He's severely exhausted," Caroline confirmed, her voice professional yet filled with empathy. "He needs rest, nourishment, and some time away from all this chaos."

As Caroline and Stefan tended to Elijah's immediate needs, Damon felt a mix of emotions coursing through him – guilt, love, and an overwhelming desire to make things right. He knew that the path to healing would be long and arduous, but he was determined to stand by Elijah's side every step of the way.

It was then that a realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. As he watched Klaus hovering anxiously nearby, he realized that, despite his brother's physical strength, Elijah had become emotionally burdened to the point of breaking. The weight of their family's legacy had taken a toll, and Damon understood that he needed to find a way to support Elijah in a way he had never done before.

Caroline's instructions were clear – Elijah needed rest, and they needed to ensure he ate well to regain his strength. With Klaus by his side, they carefully lifted Elijah, his once-robust form now worryingly light, like a mere whisper of the man he used to be.

Damon, picking up Elijah in his arms like a fragile treasure, couldn't help but feel the weight of his love's struggles. The realization that Elijah had been carrying the world on his shoulders without complaint struck Damon to the core. He vowed to be there for Elijah, to lighten his burden and to love him more deeply than ever before.

As they carried Elijah to a room where he could rest, Damon's heart was filled with determination. He knew that the road to recovery would be difficult, but he was willing to walk it alongside Elijah, proving his love not only with words but with unwavering support and understanding.

The tale of Damon Salvatore and Elijah Mikaelson continued, marked by challenges, but also by the enduring strength of their love and the unbreakable bonds of their chosen family.