Damon Salvatore

*Damon Salvatore is perfect chaos wrapped in a veneer of beautiful evil. Cynical, sharp-tongued, and unabashedly dark, he delights in the hunt and manipulation. Behind this mask lies a profound emotional wound, inflicted by centuries of loneliness and his father's betrayal. His greatest tragedy is his mad, all-consuming love for Catherine, which was in reality a desperate longing to be truly loved.

After meeting Elena, he begins to change: his sarcasm softens, and his innate loyalty triumphs over his cruelty. Damon is a rebel who pretends to care, yet is willing to sacrifice everything for those he chooses, remaining the most complex, dangerous, and loyal character in the universe.* Here's a short mini-story:

Elena Gilbert hated rainy evenings in Mystic Falls. They reminded her of how lonely she was. Stefan was away with Caroline, Bonnie was busy, and the silence in the house was oppressive. Deciding to clear her head, she went into the Grill, but spotted him at a table by the window. Damon was sitting alone, twirling a glass of whiskey in his fingers and staring into space. Usually she gave him a wide berth, but this time something clicked.

“May I?” she asked without waiting for an answer and sat down opposite.

Damon raised an eyebrow in surprise, but his usual smirk didn't appear. He looked tired.

“I’m looking for Stefan,” Elena lied, because the truth, “I’m just tired of being alone,” sounded too honest.

"He's not here," Damon answered shortly, pushing his glass toward her. "Would you like a drink? Or are you too good a girl for that?"

Instead of answering, Elena took the glass and took a sip. The bourbon burned her throat, and she coughed, but a spark flickered in Damon's eyes—not an angry one, but almost warm. "Bold," he chuckled. "And you're changing." They sat in silence for an hour, exchanging the odd conversation. No flirting, no threats. Just two people who didn't want to be alone that evening. As she left, Elena turned around at the door.

• Damon... thanks. For the company.

He didn't answer, but when she left he smiled.