This is a continuation of the scene between Elena and Caroline near the end of Season 5, Episode 8 – "Dead Man on Campus"…

"I hope that never happens," Caroline said, and turned from Elena.

Elena's emotions were mixed as the blonde vampire turned from her. Although she appreciated the sentiment that Caroline always wanted Elena to be her friend, this was typical Caroline logic, full of judgment about Elena's actions, but ignoring the reason.

Elena really did feel sorry for Caroline's loss, but her claim that Damon is dangerous finally got to the Doppelganger. The blonde vampire was acting like Damon was the only one in town who had ever done anything she thought was wrong.

She turned to face Caroline's retreating figure. "You're right," Elena said. As Caroline turned towards, Elena added, "Damon is dangerous. We all are. What's your death count, Caroline? How safe are witches around you?"

Caroline became flustered. "It wasn't about…it was about…Bonnie…" She stopped and glared at Elena. "It's not the same. It was a mistake. Damon kills without thinking, without remorse. And you're getting to be the same way."

Elena had been trying to have a civil conversation with the blonde vampire. But it was getting harder. "He's done some things, yeah. But so have you, so has Stefan."

"Leave Stefan out of this," Caroline countered. "At least he's making an effort."

"And Damon isn't? He's had complete control of himself since we've been together. If anyone died because of him, there was a reason."

"Sure there was – and the reason was always 'Elena'. He'll do anything you want him to."

"Yes he will!" Elena was nearly yelling now. "Including going into the middle of a pack of werewolves to try to save you because I asked him to."

Caroline hesitated, but finally said, "That's not all he does, and you know it. He does what you ask him to, goes wherever you want him to go…"

"So this is about Tyler?" Elena interrupted. "You can't get him to come here for you, you can't get him to be loyal enough to do as you ask…"

"Stop it, Elena!" Caroline interrupted. The blonde was yelling now, Elena had struck a nerve. "It's not about Tyler, and it's not about Stefan."

Elena shrugged while scowling. "Then it's about you?"

"It's about Damon," Caroline claimed, "Damon and you. What he's doing to you, what he's making you do."

"Making me do," Elena repeated softly as she shook her head incredulously. "Do you know why I'm here, Caroline? Why I'm here at college?"

Caroline frowned, and slowly said, "Because you want the college experience."

"That's right. I want to try something normal. And is Damon here with us?"

Now the blonde vampire looked annoyed. "No, of course not. So?"

"I'm here because I want to be. Damon is happy to let me come here for this…"

"And the point?" Caroline asked impatiently.

"The point is that I continue to do what I want. Damon supports me. He has never asked me to do anything, all he has ever done is support me and protect me."

"Yes!" Caroline said as if Elena was finally getting her point. "He'll do anything for you, anything to protect you. He'll do the worst things possible to anyone he thinks is a threat to you."

Elena hesitated, and tried to make her face blank. "Then you think I'm dangerous, too? You think I should have let Jesse live?"

"I…I don't know. But the old Elena would have tried to. You're not the same as you were before."

Elena nodded. "Because of Damon."

"Yes."

Elena sighed. "Maybe you're right, maybe I'm not the same. And you're right that Damon would do anything to anyone to protect me." Her face hardened as she looked squarely into Caroline's eyes. "But you also need to know that I would do the same for him. I won't hesitate, Caroline. I may apologize for it, I may feel bad about; but I will do anything I have to if I think it will protect Damon. You saw that today, and I'm sorry; but if it happens again, I'll do it again."

Elena turned from Caroline, "I love him and he loves me. Don't pretend to be surprised if something like this happens again."

OK, I feel a little better about TV Elena's attitude towards Damon, though that may just be because she did not interact with Stefan in this episode.

Big week for me. I got to be with Sydney Sage again (via "The Fiery Heart" – sorry if a little of a scene in that book bled into this), though I'm ticked at Richelle Mead since now I will have to worry about Sydney until next Summer…

And I get to be with Clara Oswald and the Doctor again tomorrow. Life could be much worse…(actually, it has been – but we won't go there)…