Damon was in the foyer, when Stefan approached him. He noted his brother had a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "Your suit for the dance in that bag?
"Not exactly," Stefan attempted to be nonchalant, "we're continuing the search for the cure, for Elena."
Damon raised his eyebrows, "We're?"
"with Klaus," Stefan replied.
"Klaus? Again?" Damon responded with disgust. "What about Jeremy?"
Stefan argued, "He's at the beginning of this hunter thing. I doubt any of us will volunteer for the completion.
"Elena know your not taking her to the dance because you're off with our No. 1 Nemesis?"
Responding swiftly, "Elena & I broke up."
Not knowing what to say, he simply replied with an, "Oh."
"So brother, it appears, her new self, the vampire-Elena, has chosen you" he conceded to the elder Salvatore.
Very un-Damonlike, he stayed quiet, stunned by the revelation.
"Let's not pretend, like this isn't the best day of your life," moving closer, Stefan glowered at his brother.
Damon could see past the look & at the actual pain his brother was feeling. He started to say something, but, Stefan brushed past him & out the door.
(Lockwood Estate)
Caroline stood outside surveying & checking her list. She was making sure, things were going smoothly, as she was head chairperson for the Miss Mystic Falls dance .
From her right she heard Klaus' distinctive voice, "Now how, did I know I'd find you at the helm of the ship?"
Turning in his direction, she saw the slight grin & rolled her eyes, "go away, I'm busy."
He continued, "I was wondering what time I should pick you up tomorrow?"
"How 'bout a quarter to never?" she sneered.
"I was promised a date, in return, for one of my hybrids" he reminded.
"Yes," she quickly responded, "but that was like a 'date' to a movie, where we don't have to talk, and they can put at least 3 seats between us!" turning her attention away from him.
"Surely, the reigning Miss Mystic Falls won't be hosting the party alone, and I assumed you won't be taking Tyler. Not after his indiscretion, with his lady werewolf friend." his eyes darting mischievously to meet hers.
She waited a moment and said "Fine. If you insist on coming, then meet me here. 2pm." She turned on her heel to walk away, "black tie optional" then suddenly, turned back to warn, "and I already have a dress," pointing her index finger at him, "so don't even think, of getting me so much as a corsage, you understand!" then turned away from him.
He watched as she went up the steps & grinned with satisfaction, "I'll see you tomorrow, Caroline."
^^^^^^^^^ Some time later, Elena had come by to talk to her. She had looked a little anxious, before telling Caroline, she & Stefan had broken up.
"Why?" she had asked her longtime friend. "Was it because of your, indiscreet, blood dancing with Damon?"
Elena looked at her with wide eyes.
Caroline continued, "Bonnie clued me in on your little escapade."
"No," she looked at her friend. Taking a deep breath she continued, "ever since I turned, my feelings for Damon have become more, intense."
Caroline frowned briefly, which turned to a look of concern, "How's Stefan?"
"Hurt," her eyes glazed with tears she didn't shed.
"And a...Damon? she asked with a little sarcasm.
"I haven't told him, yet," she responded to the tone.
"I know you think it's his fault," already feeling judged, "but...it's not, Caroline, I..."
"Stop," she responded, "I don't need to hear what I've known for months."
"If it makes it any better," she sighed, "I asked Matt to the dance." Frowning, "I'm going to tell Damon, I need time...alone."
"Good," Caroline gave her a small smile.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (Day of Miss Mystic Falls)
The Lockwood Mansion was hosting the Miss Mystic Falls Dance & coronation this year.
Caroline & her committee had outdone themselves in the set up & decorations. Elena & Matt arrived and sat at their designated table. Although, she had practiced the traditional dance for the Miss Mystic Falls Dance, with Damon. She had told him, she would be escorted by Matt, because she had been upset with Stefan. She hadn't told him they had broken up.
She spotted Damon as he made his way towards the mansion. She knew she had to clear things up with him.
Excusing herself from Matt's company, she went looking for him. She ran into Caroline, who told her where Damon had gone. She waited for him, thinking & rethinking how she would explain her decision. He finally came out not seeing her and proceeded down the stairs. From the top landing, Elena followed him down, "Damon..."
He looked up at her, taking in how beautiful she looked in the gown.
And how sophisticated she looked with her hair swept up away from her face, only to fall on its side.
Blurting out immediately, "we need to talk," as she descended the stairs.
She stood in front of him, looking into his big blue eyes, "I know Stefan told you we broke up..." Taking a deep breath, "but, I can't do this now, Damon.
"Meaning?" feeling the sting of another rejection.
Looking at him carefully, "I think we need time apart."
Shrugging his shoulders, he proceeded to walk towards the door. Then, turned & said, "that's all we have, isn't it? Time."
She followed b hind, wanting to say something. But, once outside, she veered to her right where Matt was sitting at one of the tables. And watched Damon disappear into the crowd.
Caroline, in an absolutely beautiful gown, was wearing the lovely corsage Klaus had placed on her wrist. She stepped up to the podium, looking into the crowd. She proceeded with her goodbye speech, as she ended her reign, as Miss Mystic Falls.
Elena got bits & pieces of it, all the while, her head spinning with thoughts of Damon.
From where he stood, Damon looked towards the area Elena had gone to. When his eyes found her, he studied every feature, every line, every breath. Burning the memory in his mind, as if it were the last time.
At the same time, Elena, turned to look for him. Her eyes caught his as they gazed at each other with longing looks. The spell they were in was interrupted, when her phone vibrated. Looking away, she saw it was a text from Stefan.
Damon saw the flustered look that washed over her face.
She immediately whispered into Matt's ear. Grabbed her purse, shawl & the shoes she had taken off. She walked quickly towards the mansion.
Damon followed at a distance. Keeping a steady eye, as she entered the mansion, then went out the front. He found her, on the front lawn, deep in conversation with Stefan.
He started towards them, but, stopped keeping his distance. Stefan said something & Elena turned to see Damon.
She could see concern written all over his face.
She knew he had followed to make sure she was safe. That everything was ok. She looked at him & lightly shook her head, no. Making him understand not to interfere. Unable to explain what was going on.
All the while, Stefan observed. Keeping quiet. Watching the emotions swirling on his brothers face.
Damon knitted his eyebrows, his lips parted as to say something. But, he stopped, acknowledging her wishes, turned & walked away.
Elena watched as he left, knowing she had hurt him once again.