50 miles separated Damon and Elena from each other.

Damon was about to die because Alaric was beating the hell out of him.

Elena was about to die because Matt accidentally drove both of them off the Wickery bridge. 

Elena died but her death saved Damon’s life because vamp!Alaric’s life was tied to hers.

Elena died but Damon saved her because it was his blood that she had in her system.

Despite the distance they kept each other alive. How awesome is that?