It was several years after Klaus had come to Mystic Falls, when Damon saw her again. He was sitting in front of the fireplace, contemplating his existence. His very reason for existing was ripped from him when Klaus went on a murderous rampage. He snapped her neck in front of him as he watched helplessly. Damon gazed at the lapis lazuli ring on his finger, thinking about taking it off and bathing in the sunlight. Then he saw, out of the corner of his eye, her. Claire Danvers looked at him from the doorway. Damon blinked and looked away, muttering "You're not real. Just a figment of my imagination." Claire stepped closer, whispering "Damon. Don't. If you die, then I died for nothing." Damon looked up at her, surprised. Claire knelt down beside him, saying "I died for you. For our love. It won't survive if you kill yourself." Damon looked down, whispering "How am I supposed to 'go on' with you dead?" Claire sighed, then made a "Come here" gesture, saying "Damon. I want to try something."
Damon nodded, standing. Claire stepped close to him. Damon immediately reached for her, only to have his hand go through her face. Claire looked down for a moment, whispering "I should've warned you.." Damon looked down, "No.. I should've... should've known.." Claire looked up, smiling contritely, "Don't move.." She lifted her hand to his face, whispering "Imagine for a moment that you can feel my hand on your face.. That you can feel the warmth of my skin again.." She watched as his eyes close, a moan of longing escaped his lips. Damon whispered "I want..." Claire nodded, a crystalline tear rolled down her cheek as she replied "I know.. me too..." Damon sighed, opening his eyes, reaching out to her, his hand mere centimeters from her face. Damon looked into her eyes, whispering "I want.. to feel you again.." Claire blinked away diamond tears, whispering back "I know.." Damon closed his eyes swallowing hard as Claire whispered "You have to let me go, Damon.."
He nodded "I know.. but I can't.." Claire looked at him, pleadingly "Damon, please. You have to. You're keeping me here. I have to move on.." Damon opened his eyes, as a lone tear rolled down his cheek. "Okay.." he whispered, closing his eyes again, "I love you so much.." When he opened them again, he was alone in the Boardinghouse. Damon sat down again, heartbroken and alone. He fished his cellphone from his pocket and dialed Stefan's number. Stefan answered on the first ring. Damon said "Stefan? I know I don't say this often. Or at all. But, I love you, Little Brother." He hung up on Stefan, who sputtered in shock. Damon looked around the room, whispering "I love you, Claire Danvers..."