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Neal got up and followed Elena to the kitchen The s, but he had no appetite He went to the sofa, and sank down into it Elena abandoned her atte and joined him on the sofa

“I don’t kno to get rid of all this,” Neal said, clawing at his chest

Elena understood

“You have a lot to deal with right now,” she told him calmly, “but you will find your way”

“How can you be so sure?” he asked in confusion

“Because your brother is not the only survivor,” Elena said, “you are too”

“You’re just saying that”

“I never just say anything,” Elena insisted “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, Neal”

“My father didn’t believe that”

“Your father didn’t really know you,” Elena said, laying a kiss on his cheek

“You didn’t believe that either, e first met,” Neal reminded her

“I didn’t really know you then” she smiled at him

Neal looked at her warm, dark brown eyes; they were kind and compassionate, and he felt that inexplicable need to be with her To wrap himself around her so that he lost all sean

“I always feel so lost, Elena,” he spoke softly against her neck, “… except when I’m with you”

He felt her tense a little at his declaration, but she didn’t let go of him He lifted his head and found her eyes They were intense, thoughtful, scared He couldn't hold hier, and in a moment of surrender, he leaned in and kissed her dark lips softly She didn’t return the kiss at first, but then slowly she began to relax into him