sᴀʟᴠᴀᴛᴏʀᴇ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀs

—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon received the confirmation he searched for, although he knew he'd maybe overdone it a little by the fright she tried to mask but couldn't; was he to blame though, after that confession and her previous provocations? As shown by his behaviour already more than once, he wouldn't dare to actually harm her so scaring her a bit was a given method. The brunette's question about his decision was left unanswered, his eyes and mind focused on the staring person, trying to read what he could possibly want; trying to stare him off the same time with the deadliest possible look the vampire was capable of. Damon sensed the level of Katherine's fear in the moment her hand landed in his, her words additionally confirming. Also that told him that she didn't have an idea of who that person was either, giving him more reasons to worry. His hand softly pressed hers in attempt to calm her a little. ❝We'll find out.❞ He told, sending her a glance by the corner of his eyes before he began walking in direction of the man; the hand holding hers behind his back to let her walk behind him, acting as a protective shield for her — aware that it wasn't an option to leave her standing there, just in case that it's been an actual enemy and wasn't alone. The seriousness was written all over his face and accompanied his walk, yet his hold on her hand was soft, exuding a sense of calmness and safety. Observing how the male's eyes tore away and moved on the woman approaching him, Damon gave it a moment longer to see how the situation turned out. He visibly relaxed as both of them walked away, catching on how the obvious admirer got blamed for staring at Katherine previously. The Salvatore slowed his pace of walking and stepped aside, revealing her as an amused smirk formed on his lips despite his jealousy for her. ❝I guess you found yourself a fan.❞ He commented as his head turned to face Katherine, hoping that his assumptions were correct and not some kind of conspiration of possible enemies. Yet the amusement was quickly replaced by seriousness, a short glance thrown at their hands before turning his head to the front and hiding his eyes from her. ❝And regarding your previous question, I believe I already said I'd help.❝ Damon couldn't believe that these words left his lips, another time agreeing on helping her while having the opportunity to decline and kick her out even by her own offer — his priorities laid bare and with that she was able to collect more information on his feelings he unwillingly kept revealing although displaying an act of attempted coldness.

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Yet Damon didn't announce his agreement nor disagreement and didn't even question anything that might be of interest for him; not granting her the pleasure of an answer. Instead his hand reached out and lifted the pile of clothes out of her hold, ever so slightly brushing her arm, subliminally craving a touch, probably due to the memory that successfully soothed his hatred. ❝Come on.❞ He told supported by gesturing with his head in direction of the checkout, intentionally not delivering more information on what the next move was — kicking her out or not. Turning on his heels, Damon instantly noticed a pair of eyes glued on both of them, probably someone whose view he previously blocked as the brunette meant to draw maximum attention on her. As he started heading to the checkout, it took him only a few steps to confirm his assumption; the eyes hadn't left her at all. His reaction reflected once more the well-known possessiveness; jaw clenched and blue eyes stared back deadly at the male figure, ready to kill if necessary, although he surely didn't want to escalate things like that, else he'd prove even further that he still loved her.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon observed Katherine collecting the clothes she chose, unwillingly landing with his eyes repeatingly on the top that heatened things up between them; every time a slight feeling of regret washing over him, uncertain if it was for getting in that situation or not giving into his cravings. He only nodded to her reply, moving his eyes back onto her and sinking into the deep silence that surrounded them. It wasn't awkward, rather uncomfortable after their past conversations. Katherine provoked his curiosity with her confession, Damon's eyes narrowed until she mentioned what exactly she'd lied about; the hundred options he thought of during that small amount of time turned down as none of them was correct. The blue eyes moved on the wall, not being able to bear another look at her, cussing himself for his own naivety. He was certain that there was more than the simple need of protection at the moment she showed up, yet the more time he spent with her, the more he genuinely tried to believe that for once she told the truth and wouldn't use him anyhow. As she spoke again, his eyes instantly landed on her, his attention on maximum. Disappointment and anger flooded his system, such of a kind that only Katherine could achieve. The Salvatore's distrust visible by the way he creased his face into a unsatisfied and disappointed frown, almost showing a hint of judgement. But where did Katherine's honesty come from? Was that an attempt to gain his trust after the stunt she pulled? Or rather an attempt to manipulate him by telling him a small part of the truth, that she needed him for more than just protection, but lied about the rest? It wouldn't be the first time she wrapped him around her finger to use him, after all. ❝How generous of you.❞ The vampire commented sarcastically on the choice being his, bitterness accompanying his words audibly as he strode forward determined, intimidatingly even. Barely any distance was left between them, Damon building up an intense stare in her eyes, reading her, analysing if there's been more to that. Yet her words kept ringing in his mind, he couldn't tell the purpose of her hint, if it was to appease what he felt, or if to remind him that she didn't ever force him to anything he didn't want in their past; whatever it was, it worked. One of many memories present in front of his eyes of how Katherine fed on him; only now acknowledging how gentle she must've been for him to enjoy the danger of getting drained and fully trusting her, while he was pretty much in the same position she found herself in recently, just a pathetic human that couldn't defend themselves of such danger. Not a single muscle flinched as he searched for a confirmation or rejection of his belief in her eyes, not daring to miss any detail he could read which weren't many but considering that Katherine spilled the truth in first place for whatever reason, he decided to believe her, for now at least.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Judged by Katherine's reaction to his answer, she wasn't exactly happy with it. Damon couldn't exactly tell what she possibly wanted to hear from him but obviously not what he told. Should he feel bad about it? In some way it was the truth, with a complex background he didn't fully understand himself any longer but it was the truth; he was loyal. He didn't get much time for finger-pointing, receiving a reply to his own question. Damon's teeth pressed together at Katherine's reply, unsatisfied and even mad about it. He warned her, yet the only thing she did was to rephrase the word frustration. The rhetorical question being the cherry on top; she really made it hard not to get the desire to kill her, especially coming from their habit of occasionally snapping eachother's neck. He couldn't contradict anything, the given answer actually valid in context of their game, yet not enough of a truthful answer for him and she was aware of that. The reply was left uncommented by Damon and with that obviously triggered Katherine to push it further; leaving him distracted by the sudden near and touch on his chest, just to feel his blood boil the next moment she opened her mouth. Her words didn't rise disappointment, he knew how little truth hid behind them by everything she revealed lately, not a single sentence forgotten, especially the ones filled with rage. The fire burning inside him was fuelled with pure anger for her decision to attempt to cover up the insufficient reply she'd given by blaming him for diving in that topic. Eventually enough weaknesses and emotions were shown — it was obviously time to reconstruct the wall of coldness she demolished. His jaw relaxed and facial expression eased, instead his hand formed a tightly pressed together fist, pushing every bit of anger into it in attempt to keep the caused emotions under control. ❝I wouldn't ask if I didn't want an answer, would I?❞ He retorted with a decent head tilt. ❝Although who are you to follow rules, right?❞ Damon questioned somewhat accusatory, hinting on her mantra that she broke for their game, yet still didn't play rightfully. As much as he was busy with not displaying anything that brewed inside of him, his hand almost cramping by the pressure he created, he could swear that he caught a glimpse of something far unknown in Katherine's eyes. His eyebrows furrowed of confusion and curiosity as blue eyes watched her walk away, the wondering enough to unconsciously open the previously formed fist; THIS wasn't a usual Katherine experience, she almost seemed to feel bad about something, if there was any possibility of that.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
With his back leaned against the wall a thousand thoughts swirled in Damon's head, the cold touch on doing wonders in calming him down from his moment of weakness. Although it wasn't long until his thoughts got interrupted by the rattling sound of a curtain and steps approaching him, his eyes lifted to see a determined Katherine; the room instantly filling with tension again. The uncertainty about what'd follow filling his mind and replacing the previous monologues, although no wonder shown on his face. That was until she urged for the reason of his recent rejection, probably supposing due to how much of a struggle that decision was to him, that it wasn't because of Elena. Heavily Damon swallowed, his sight lowering to nearly the ground to allow himself to consider his options; skip the question and offer room for even more assumptions about his feelings, or reveal the truth as much as the situation allowed. Yet while considering, he tried to understand Katherine's reaction, such a determination for a rejection? Naturally no one liked rejections but it wasn't the first one to her, considering how the previous one was just that morning and didn't cause such a range. ❝Because I'm not willing to break my morals.❞ The Salvatore eventually spoke, his eyes lifting and immediately finding hers before he continued; ❝because I'm loyal and I'll always be.❞ His statement wasn't fully true, by everything he felt for Katherine he already broke his moral, yet that was something he concealed, holding onto the lie of not feeling anything for her just as he held onto hiding her, that much that he hadn't pronounced her name a single time ever since they were in public and someone could catch on their conversation. The reasoning for his morality part of the charade he displayed while in reality his heart and with that also his loyalty belonged to Katherine and nobody else. The eye-contact in addition to his words could almost be read as a confession — the words meant for his moral, yet were subliminal directed to the brunette. Wouldn't there only be the dilemma he got himself into; keeping up a relationship he no longer was fond of and hiding his true feelings behind the facade of the very same relationship, afraid of getting hurt again, while in the same time he wasn't certain that there wasn't something lingering in Katherine for him as well judged by her recent behaviour. But was it a risk he was willing to take? In the worst scenario, he'd get hurt and lose the last will that kept him tamed — the feeling of being loved and appreciated. The only way to find an answer to that was do dig deeper and smarten up. ❝Why that reaction? Why do you care about the reason?❞ Damon questioned, giving it a shot. His eyes stared in hers deeply, desperately trying to pull an answer out of them. ❝—and don't you say frustration. That looks different.❞ The words were a warning, knowing that she might use that card to get herself out without wasting a pass on that question.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
As Katherine eradicated the reminding distance and her hands placed on his body Damon's breath stuck in his lungs, the last drop of resistance fully dried. His eyes gleamed of desire as he almost gave in, her words surprisingly considering in a moment he hadn't expected. Damon's chest rose heavily as his heart sped up, eyes sinking lower and immediately getting trapped by her lips while in the same time her words kept on echoing in his mind as if to reason with him. The inner fight within him taking place for another time, leaving him unsure if he should be grateful for Katherine's warning words or not. He couldn't wrap his mind around what was wrong and right; the past hours, the feelings she digged up, this disguise that messed with him more than he'd have expected, and on the other side the relationship he was in, stealing his brother's girl after getting his heart broken by Katherine. The raven-haired had enough reasons to feel guilty, not only to Elena for giving Katherine shelter in first place just to fall in love with her again — or rather realize that he'd been lying to everyone about his feelings to the youngest doppelganger, starting with himself, that everything he believed to feel for her wasn't meant but rather redirected, seeking for consolation for his broken heart; but mainly he felt guilty for breaking his morals by emotionally cheating and continuing to lie his way through, driven to a point in which he'd almost fully crossed the line. It wasn't an easy step for Damon, fighting his cravings for his morals and doing the right thing, although dubious if right was the correct word to describe his actions after everything that had already been done. Heavily he swallowed as he forced his eyes to lift to hers, one of his hands rising and placing on top of hers on his neck, hesitant to move. ❝I can't do this.❞ The words were forcefully pressed out of his mouth as he eventually removed the brunette's hand with his, the frustration accompanying every breath and every so tiny move. The Salvatore suffered by his own decision but it was the only one he could live with, eventually glad that it was on his hands, despite of how much both of them craved eachother. ❝Sorry.❞ The word left his lips imprudently as he took a step back and turned his back to her, the apology along with his previous reply revealing how the reason for his behaviour wasn't anywhere near Elena, if counted together correctly. For a few seconds his eyes shut, taking the time to collect himself. ❝I'll be over there.❞ Damon gestured with his head to a wall slightly angled from the cubicle, not daring to sit across her, unaware if he'll be able to make a cut again if needed. Another step forward was made, the weight on his shoulders unbearable as he turned and closed the curtain, the possessiveness over her still present, although his eyes hid from Katherine as if he'd done a mistake. Quickly his feet dragged him to the wall, getting in as much distance as possible.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Katherine's reply to his dare almost stopped him in his tracks, her direct question being something between an offer and a challenge; fortunately for Damon he'd already reached the couch and wasn't in close range to her, otherwise he surely wouldn't be able to refuse that option. The moment his torso turned to face her again to sit down, was the moment that captured that much of his attention that he was prevented of doing anything else than staring at her, even sitting on the couch. He stood there, motionless, his eyes scanning every millimetre of exposed skin as if he'd never seen it before, following every so small leading move she made. The vampire couldn't do else than to undress her with his eyes, his mind immediately taking him further and imagining what he'd do to her; his teeth sinking deeply inside of his lower lip in reaction, nearly drawing blood. He registered her voice but it was unknown what Katherine spoke in that moment, only seconds later he could comprehend the pronounced words, yet couldn't give an answer to that. The realisation slowly sinking in on how she put on a show for him, a show that too many eyes besides his were part of. Damon strided towards her again, the steps filled with same determination as the previous time, yet for another reason. Eyes hungrily roaming over her, giving her an idea of how much he wanted her without any possibility to hide or prevent it. Yet his walk stopped in the frame of the dressing room, taking every of his strength to commit as a shield and block every pair of curious eyes that sent glances at Katherine, instead of giving in to his desires. His possessiveness over her on full display, not wanting anybody to see his Katherine. ❝The—❞ The Salvatore's voice cracked after only bringing a single word upon his lips, trying to eventually give an answer although the honest answer would be none of them. Quickly he cleared his throat, not feeling even a bit of embarrassment for his cracked voice, still occupied with the imaginations that had taken place in his mind. ❝The red one.❞ It was a decision he made without taking a glance for the tiniest moment at any of the options, unable to tear his eyes off her. He was aware that through the small distance he created again, there'd be way more struggle to keep his calmness, the self-control that was barely as thin as a hair after the past hours filled with sexual tension. ❝Or maybe none.❞ The suggestion left Damon's lips nearly in a whisper, his eyes lifting and finding hers as he took some additional steps, almost closing the distance fully.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Eyebrows furrowed surprised and even curious at Katherine's reply, the Salvatore truly didn't expect to hear anything in return as clearly emotions caused by the memory were speaking for him a moment ago. The surprise was quickly overriden with tightly pressed together teeth in reaction to her words, every single one of them cutting deep and leaving him unsure if the not fully died down anger built up again or it was pure disappointment that he felt. At the blame of how she'd in fact told him that she loved him, he was sure of what he felt — anger. She couldn't be serious about the meaning of "I love you" post-coital; it's literally the same as a thank you; and as Damon couldn't remember another time he's heard it, it's been the same as if she didn't say it, or at least not mean it. He wanted to counter, but not only didn't he get the chance to because she kept on going, but also she needed to pull Stefan into the conversation which for once was contextual fine, yet it was still in such a mocking manner that for the fraction of a second the grip on her throat unconsciously tightened. The brunette's moment of honesty visibly relaxed his facial expression when he processed what she told, eyes shortly closed in attempt to hide the pain written in them, caused by getting to know just now. There were too many details Damon learned only so late, too late to do anything about it. Only as Katherine stopped talking he detected how fast her heart beat, leaving him wondering if she was that angry or was nervous that she revealed more than she probably planned to by her own fault. The question didn't receive an answer, afraid that it'd lead him to even more revelations if he dared to drop a single accusation. Just by her direct hint he acknowledged again that he had the hold of her life, the sexual tension distracting him enough that he'd nearly forgotten about it. ❝Killing you would be too easy.❞ Damon answered, obviously not giving a truthful reason for his uncontroversial decision, although she surely must've known that ending her life wasn't his goal there. Eyes moved onto his hand and the grip on her throat loosened, allowing her to breathe and move freely, as much as it was possible with him standing as close, yet instead of the hand dropping to his side, it lifted to her face and gently caressed her chin with his thumb. ❝After all you've got a game to lose.❞ He commented as he tore his eyes from following his thumb and peeked lower, giving the top she tried on a short scan before eventually returning to the view of her eyes. He couldn't tell himself if that comment was a reminder on the game itself, a way of telling her that he fairly aimed for her to be gone although he didn't, or a reminder for himself that he'd soon enough get at least a small satisfaction of his craving by granting Katherine's victory — and with that only needed to resist for some more, if resisting her would only be so easy.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon could tell that he wasn't the only one trailing in memories, from the simple fact that Katherine leaned onto him, just as in the scene observed seconds ago; in some way it brought him comfort he denied to seek after her little stunt. Also by the way she stormed deeper in the store barely a moment after his question, it could only mean that she was torn out of somewhere, immediately trying to cover it up. The dark-haired didn't lose a word but rather followed her lead through the store, hoping that soon enough she'd be finished and they could at least leave that store. The pile of clothes weren't really promising, although the direction of dressing rooms were, meaning that'd take an end soon, didn't it? Arms crossed in front of his chest as she teased him about the amount of clothes she chose, yet Damon stayed quiet and followed Katherine and took place on the couch across the dressing room, pulling out his phone and playing with it in his hands, needing to distract himself as the image still lingered somewhere in the back of his mind. It wasn't long until she got his attention, eyes rose in direction of the curtain, simply looking at it as he awaited that she'd announce her wondering. A deep exhale left his nostrils whenever the words rang in his ears; no reaction given until the curtain disappeared and instead the brunette was visible — quickly blue eyes were hidden and moved on the ground. The more rolled off her tongue, the more gasoline was poured into the fire that still hadn't died down. The last sentence was enough to make the vampire snap, phone shoved back into his pocket as eyes shot up at her. ❝What did you expect me to do?❞ Damon questioned mad as he literally jumped off the couch, rapidly getting up. ❝Ask if you're sure about it?❞ He continued, feet bringing him with fast steps to her. ❝Tell me,❞ The anger drawn on his face as he started, ❝what was I supposed to believe?❞ Impulsively his hand wrapped around Katherine's throat and pushed her with that further inside the fitting room up until the wall, standing dangerously close to her; every single of his moves driven by anger yet still gentle enough not to actually hurt her. ❝After you toyed with me and my brother, played with my feelings and haven't told me once that you loved me, what the hell was I supposed to believe? It was one damn question you needed to answer with yes or no, simple as that.❞ His teeth clenched after he pronounced the last words and a tiny bit the grip on her throat tightened for just a moment, his heart almost breaking again from the memory that he spoke of, although meanwhile he knew better than in that moment.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon still couldn't believe he fell for Katherine's stunt, and probably that'd take a while to recover from, especially in giving her the cold shoulder again after losing any sense of emotional barriere. He could eternally curse himself for that, if she didn't pull him out of that doom loop by breaking the silence he didn't even perceive. ❝Sure.❞ Was the only word that left his lips, already entering the clothing store. He followed Katherine, the non-existing amusement in this action clearly drawn on his face; this must've been the most stereotypical couple activity he was ever forced to, funny enough that it happened with her rather than his actual girlfriend. Blue eyes wandered uninterested around the store, as the brunette achieved an amused sigh with her complaint about this century's fashion, yet it wasn't enough to invite the Salvatore to a comment, still angry with himself. Katherine regained his full attention as she addressed him directly, eyes moved on her back and eyebrows shortly lifted in wonder where she was heading with that. An answer to his unspoken question was quickly given, one scene of so many playing in front of his eyes despite the attempt to fight it off, not allow her to get into his head again just after the reminder of his fading facade of coldness. Damon wallowed in vivid memories of their nightly actions, without a chance to shake it off. Fortunately by being in front and not facing him she couldn't spot on how deeply occupied he was with that memory, eyes staring at a random spot and lips dry. That was until his conscience showed up, blaming himself for how wrong it was and reminding him of what happened just minutes ago, how easily she'd fooled him — at least that helped him to get rid of those not so innocent images, although the slight upcoming anger wasn't exactly helpful either with how bothered he was. Yet the remorse couldn't prevent him of anything, the tension beginning from ths morning way too high to be a negotiable obstacle; he stepped closer, stopping almost directly behind Katherine, his fingers delicately trailing over her back as his head moved closer to her ear, very slightly leaning on her shoulder; every step taken to reenact a scene from their past. ❝I could've done that without any light at all.❞ Damon told in a soft teasing tone, not revealing that the main reason why he kept at least some light was to admire her for as long as he had the chance to before again he had to fight with his brother for her attention. ❝To answer your question... yes, I do remember.❞ The vampire returned to the question, actually giving a response to her masterly set up tease, repeatedly forcing him to imagine things he shouldn't. Afraid that he wouldn't stand such near even a second longer without making any move he'd surely regret, a single step back was taken, before he spoke in an enforced normal voice. ❝So what are you going for? I guess these... whatever they're called, aren't exactly in your choice.❞

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon never felt as helpless in his whole previous life, simply unaware and idealess of how to help Katherine, to a point in which he perceived small stings in his heart, purely from seeing her in such a condition. Every second that passed was a year of agony, the blue eyes not leaving her for even a millisecond — yet Katherine's sudden change of state and words got him gritting his teeth and quickly drawn back to reality after her recent honesty; the imaginary world collapsing as anger and even disappointment in himself flooded his neural system, mad on himself for several reasons. Even though she decided to use the obvious moment of weakness Damon had and tested for whatever was left in him for her, he was sure about the sincerity her previous words carried; the root for his urge to maintain eye-contact quite worthwhile. Yet not a single genuine emotion to the brunette's performance was shown, not allowing the defeat rise upon his face and gift her the possibility to get any additional proof for his feelings to her — at least not more than she'd already collected. ❝Don't you think it'd be pretty weird if I'd let my girlfriend die without even batting an eye?❞ The Salvatore questioned mockingly with a lightly tilted head, suppressing commentary on the situation as it'd hint on his obvious dissatisfaction; beginning from interrupting their moment of somewhat intimacy to Katherine wrapping him around her little finger and him falling for it as naively as in their past. Damon followed her lead by getting up from the bench, although additionally a single step was taken closer, the back of his index finger softly trailing above her cheek afterwards. ❝As much as you wish for it, not everything is always about YOU.❞ An excessive pout was shown after he finished talking, giving her a light taste of her own medicine. The vampire was almost certain that Katherine wouldn't believe that his behaviour was part of their disguise but there was no way he'd admit that he was truly worried about her. Anger mixed with guilt burned him from the inside as his brain fought against his heart for the upper hand — reminding him just how manipulative she was and how easily he fell for it while knowing that even if the exact same thing happened, he'd fall for it as easily again because he cared way too much; not to mention how badly he craved Katherine at the same time as he supposedly loved the youngest doppelganger, trapped in a relationship he recently couldn't bear. Quickly their fingers were intertwined, almost demonstratively, as if her act didn't stir anything up in him at all. The lesson was learned fast, or rather reminded, that he couldn't and shouldn't let the facade he built up throughout the years crash as effortlessly as it did just because of a moment of weakness. ❝We good to go?❞ The question subtly checking if she truly was alright, hopefully unnoticed and rather taken as fill-in.

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It wasn't long till Damon's eyebrows furrowed of confusion, needing some seconds to comprehend what was going on, still taken aback. Immediately the confusion upon his face was exchanged with visible worry, arm swung around her to offer more support than only her grip on his arm. ❝What's wrong?❞ View darted down to her hand, obviously placed above her heart. Even more concern flooded the dark-haired as his eyes searched the pair of brown ones. ❝What is it? What can I do?❞ He questioned as he carefully began guiding Katherine to the nearest bench, fingers of the arm wrapped around her gently caressing in attempt of calming her anyhow down. He felt helpless, without any real knowledge of what to do in that kind of situation; after all, who knew what was going with a vampire turned back into a human?

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon was eager to get an answer to his question, as he didn't receive one as he asked right after the confession but he couldn't deny that he was also slightly afraid, unaware of what he'd hear — or if he'd hear anything at all as Katherine could choose not to answer at all. The Salvatore's heart skipped a beat as eventually words began to leave her lips, anticipating that she'd find a way to escape the question by any means — but whenever the first sentence was formed, his expectations were proven wrong. Blue eyes didn't leave the brown ones, trapped in a stare as he drank in every word she pronounced; words he yearned for such a long time. Lips parted to speak although he wasn't sure of what would leave them, yet instead only a breath escaped, distracted by the gentle touch on his cheek, possibly even preventing him from impulsively saying something he'd regret. The moment didn't give the impression that it was about their past, especially with the ongoing conflict inside of him; torn between reality and deception — not only Katherine pretending to be Elena but rather his non-existing feelings to the youngest doppelganger. The brunette directly pointed out how much pain she caused him during his lifetime and by that indicated on her wondering why he bothered to help her in first place, although obvious that deep down she knew the real reason which wasn't her simple belief any longer. Damon was clearly overwhelmed, the tender touch of her thumb on his lip driving him to a point he nearly gave in to the roller coaster of emotions inside of him; the nearness not being much of a friend in the current concern. Not a single thought was shed to consider her gestures, the moment feeling too real to be anyhow questionable. Blue eyes lowered uncontrollably on her lips as the tension kept surrounding them, his wish evident. The Salvatore felt like he forgot every word he knew by time Katherine stopped speaking, unable to form the tiniest of a sentence, simply stunned by what he just heard. With the warmth on his cheek fading, he lifted his eyes back up, resisting the urge to pull her back and get a taste of his craving. After clearing his throat from the knot that had built up during his moment of silence, the vampire decided to say anything as tough as it was. ❝Thank you.❞ Was the only thing he was able to bring upon his lips, aware of how little of a reaction that was; blaming it on not feeding her ego rather than simply being speechless.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon suppressed the sigh with every cell as Katherine challenged that he'd have more reasons if it was about her — he knew the smartest thing on this point was not to give any reaction, neither to disagree and fight the suggestion nor to be annoyed about it, as anything he'd do would rise even more questions than his belated approach at fixing his own words. That was until the brunette dropped an answer to his denied change of topic; yet again forcing him to lie and fight for something he really didn't want but he didn't have a choice, did he? ❝Don't you forget that this charade, as you call it, is your only possibility to walk around as freely as you are. So you could be at least a little more grateful.❞ The Salvatore replied with a point that didn't push him to another lie; would he ever get out of it? Lying to himself, lying to Elena, lying to Katherine, not to mention anyhow the game of disguise — how long will he be able to continue? He could only hope that it'll be over soon. Fortunately, or perhaps not so fortunately, Katherine tore him out of thoughts. About the same second as the words left her lips the image was already drawn in Damon's head without a chance of fighting it off. His eyes moved anywhere to scan the most useless piece of information he could spot, just to erase that image she so masterly set up. Not a single word was spoken by him, rather a short glance was given, enough to confirm on how planned this action has been, judged by the smirk. Point given, but their game of tease wasn't over yet.
Damon's hand moved away from Katherine's, gracefully sliding it around her waist and gently pressing on it as a sign to stop walking, as he slowed down himself. As she eventually stopped, he moved in barely any distance in front to directly face her; his hand following his movement and afterwards lifting to her face. ❝Speaking of feelings...❞ The vampire hinted, allowing his hand to softly stroke her cheek, blue eyes caught in a deep gaze in the opposite brown ones. It was a blessing that he could blame everything he did on being part of the disguise. There was a huge pause, as if to build up tension for what he was about to say — but it wasn't more than him enjoying that moment of being near and attempting to phrase his question, although he wouldn't ever admit to his inner self that he was doing it for the enjoyment. ❝Why that confession last night, not years ago when I asked? Why did you tell me now?❞ The main reason for his behaviour revealed; he wanted to look in her eyes, hoping to find confirmation to the answer she'd give. Finding out the truth has gotten easier ever since Katherine was a human, and that's something he wanted to take advantage of, since this exact question didn't leave his mind once after the words rolled off her tongue. Damon's hand swiftly removed from her cheek and casually hung from his side once the realisation hit him for how long he'd actually been doing that without noticing it the slightest.

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The Salvatore took time beyond that, blaming it on finding a truthful and thought through reply, while the truth was that there wasn't a single reason because he didn't ever love Elena and he obviously couldn't just come up with one when at the same time Katherine made him feel things he forgot that existed. ❝I don't think there's a reason in particular.❞ He answered, daring a glance by the corner of his eyes at the brunette, aware that he could list a million things if the question was about her. He could've replied with them, as she didn't specify who exactly he loved, leaving him a loophole, yet it'd be pretty obvious and he wouldn't want to bring himself in a position she could guess that it wasn't ever about Elena. Seconds after the words left his lips, he realised just how that sounded. ❝I mean you don't just decide that you love a person for a specific reason.❞ The vampire struggled to find a way to make his words reasonable, so instead he let out the thought he had ever since the question rang in his ears; ❝Why do you ask, though?❞ It was almost certain that he wouldn't get an answer, at least not a truthful one. ❝It seems like you're playing the role a little too well, sounds like you're getting jealous...❞ Damon added in attempt to provoke her enough to receive any reaction that'd enlighten him more than she'd with an answer.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Upon Damon's return he noticed the wide grin on Katherine's face along with her phone in her hand from small distance, the question of what she must've read or seen to react that way was written on his face. As he was close enough his eyes almost automatically moved on her unlocked phone, catching some words of a message before that opportunity was taken. Immediately the so well-known feeling began to flood through his body, his facial expression probably betraying him on how he felt, after all it's been the one she saw more than any other. The vampire knew he was overreacting and in fact revealing that he was jealous of whoever that message was from, but there was nothing he could tell himself or do to calm the burn in his chest — at least not until the brunette intertwined their fingers. The touch quickly soothed Damon, as if there wasn't ever a hint of jealousy he once swore he wouldn't ever feel again, not even cursing himself for his shown weakness as the touch just felt right and was distraction enough. ❝Sure.❞ Was the only thing that left his lips in regards of the suggestion, and also the only thing ever since he returned from the diner, being too busy giving into his feelings. Starting to walk by Katherine's side to the mall she targeted, the blue eyes occasionally dipped at their hands, keeping up his head so she wouldn't notice, although the sentence she spoke got him turning to face her, taking his everything to prevent the upcoming satisfied smirk from appearing, for the simple reason that it pretty much sounded as if she was jealous. He could only part his lips to bring them together again, not being left a chance to drop a comment on that, but she didn't seriously believe he'd keep quiet, did she? Fine then, they'd continue their game, that comment could still be served later. Or possibly not — the moment her head leaned on his shoulder and both her hands held his, he simply melted away. Everything was forgotten for the fraction of a second, until she talked again; pulling him rapidly back to reality where nothing of it was real. Swiftly his eyes moved away and head slowly turend to the front, the question breaking him in many ways, from the fact that he was in a relationship with a woman he lied to himself about, to the fact that Katherine possibly started believing into his feelings for the youngest doppelganger, as he couldn't else explain that type of question to himself. Damon's mind went fully blank, his stomach dropping and him wishing deeply he wouldn't be there at that very moment; he couldn't allow himself to show any of the despair nor he could skip answering on that question, else it'd make obvious what truly was going on inside of him. Her quotation left it open for him to simply say no, but knowing Katherine she wouldn't accept that as an answer, especially as that wasn't the actual question but rather an option she offered — for him it was rather some time to collect himself.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon read of Katherine's very little given reactions instead of actually paying attention to what his GIRLFRIEND was saying on phone. Obviously she prevented whatever was coming up, masterly keeping up her facade, although her sped up heartbeat couldn't be hidden from the vampire's ears, no matter how badly she'd try to prove that neither the words nor being trapped by him had no effect on her. At the very latest he could tell that his words must've hit a nerve as the brown eyes were hidden from his intense stare, luckily the call was ended just a moment later. Yet the brunette answered collected on his question, almost as if really nothing that just happened was of matter — but there it was; the reply on his second question was a valuable reaction. Surely Katherine wasn't a fan of Elena as she always made clear, but he was convinced there was more than this particular dislike, especially after what their game revealed. ❝I see it's quite easy to trigger your imagination.❞ Damon commented teasingly on her reply about the image that obviously had drawn in her head. ❝—although I don't really get where that disgust comes from, considering that you've got SOME similarities.❞ He continued as his eyes kept their stare in hers, trying to achieve any reaction on his words supported by their near. His sentence was risky and perhaps even not fully thought through, as it was literally pointing out on how he unconsciously attempted to replace Katherine, although the purpose of his words truly weren't to give any hint on that. The nearness almost enticing him to lose the fight with his self control and allow himself a peak at her lips, fortunately she escaped when he was on the edge of doing that. Shortly a smug, hopefully unseen, smile graced his face as the blue eyes kept their previous stare on a now empty wall, the arm leaning on the wall now dropped to his side, viewing the brunette's escape as a small victory in their game of tease. The question came so quick it was obvious that it served as a distraction, head was lightly shaken for an answer as he eventually turned in her direction. ❝Not exactly.❞ The dark-haired replied, beginning to walk towards the entrance of the diner, stopping midway past Katherine, because he remembered about the game they used to play before Elena's call interrupted them. ❝I'll be right back, meanwhile think of a question and consider where you want to get clothes.❞ The words rolled from his tongue like a direct demand without the slightest purpose of that; something that was simply blamed on the power he for once felt to have over her. The vampire didn't wait for any answer, bewaring himself of a possible comment on his demanding tone, but directly headed inside and searched for the waiter that fulfilled every culinary wish the brunette had. Once he found him, the talk was quick — a short unobtrusive compulsion about their payment and Damon was gone, appearing a minute later next to his date of the day.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon answered the phone once he reached outside and found a halfway quiet place so at least he wouldn't have to explain where he was. ❝Hey, finally we caught eachother.❞ The words left his lips way too easy for the fact that he didn't want to talk and felt stomach-churning about lying to her about everything, not to mention the emotional cheating he couldn't get over with. He inhaled deeply as quietly as it was possible so he wouldn't raise questions, trying to brush Katherine out of his brain at least for the duration of the talk and act as a head over heels in love boyfriend. ❝Everything's alright, I'm just trying to get any information on Stefan, it's been some while that he answered on my calls or texts.❞ Now he even used his own brother as an excuse for the cold shoulder he'd been giving Elena for to him obvious reasons; that'd really make a reason for the humanly doppelganger to be satisfied with herself. ❝Visit you? I don't think you've missed me enough yet.❞ Damon told jokingly, in that very moment remembering about the emptied bloodbag in his hand and turning to toss it in the trash; eyes immediately catching the brunette observing him. A mischievous grin was drawn on his lips as an idea appeared on his mind. Quickly he stepped to the trash can to get rid of the bag, wiping the grin off his lips as he afterwards immediately headed to Katherine. ❝Uh-uh.❞ The Salvatore declined on phone as he arrived in front of her. Empty hand placed in near to her head at the wall, trapping her in the closeness he caused without a chance of escaping, aware that she wouldn't make a single noise so she wouldn't possibly endanger herself. If she wanted to eavesdrop, he'd give her a peek. ❝Perhaps I just want you to miss me that much, that once you see me, you'll rip my clothes off and we won't leave the room for hours until you're unable to walk.❞ As he talked, his eyes stared in hers — the words were meant for Elena, obviously, yet they were only said to tease Katherine; there he already was using Elena for such kind of games. It was a blessing his conscience was already bothered with everything else that was happening inside of him, to not even feel bad about doing that. ❝Have fun, bye.❞ The Salvatore ended the phone call, eyes shortly dropping to his phone as he shoved it back in his pants' pockets before returning his attention to her. ❝So what were you trying to tell me previously?❞ He questioned seemingly calm, although it costed him maximum strength to not even shoot a glance to her lips — if he dared to, it'd only prove Katherine how right she was with every assumption she so far announced. Slightly he inched closer before shooting another question. ❝And I suppose the hunger's gone now?❞ Obviously Damon was hinting on the fact that she's been outside with her stuff but the ambiguous words were chosen intentionally, testing on how much his words to ELENA have distracted her.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
❝I'm not jealous.❞ Damon fought off as he usually would; point given, it was the truth for once, but he'd rather have Katherine thinking it was jealousy instead of the real reason behind that question. ❝I believe we should've added a no comment to the question clause to the rules, though.❞ He spoke, in some way joking and in some way being serious about it — although it was obvious that the brunette was trying to win some time to think with her commentary. Seemingly those seconds weren't enough for her as at least a minute passed by now and she hadn't lost a word yet, leaving the Salvatore to only tense even more. But not a second of that time that felt like hours already went by without the blue eyes staring at his opposite, literally piercing her with his intense stare as he almost pleaded for an answer to his question. As he nearly lost hope in getting a reply, he heard his brother's name roll off her tongue; the tensed expression of his face was gone in satisfaction, maybe even happiness, but no emotion was shown. The way the brown eyes roamed over his face was enough for Damon to see that she somewhat cared; either for a reaction or a comment. That wasn't until she spoke again — her words made clear that she tried to make up for her answer as she seemed to believe it bothered him, while he masterly kept up a straight face, not anyhow showing what it actually meant to him. Katherine's clarification that she loved Stefan first confirmed her very belated confession that she'd loved him also. He couldn't be more happy with the answer he received, although the time she took to form an answer was conspicuous; hadn't he noticed the obvious worry that she might've upset him, he probably wouldn't believe in what he heard. The eldest Salvatore didn't want to grant her any readable reaction to it, instead he leaned back on the chair. ❝Your turn.❞ He barely pronounced as his phone started ringing, the inevitable annoyance drawn on his face while he pulled the phone out of his pants' pockets, without even taking a glance already aware of who was calling. ❝If you'd excuse me.❞ Damon told while he got up, obviously not planning on allowing Katherine to eavesdrop for another time. Although that was rather an excuse to himself than the truth; he felt uncomfortable enough having to talk to Elena, not to mention how he had to lie to her, but on top it'd make it even worse to have Katherine listening and enjoying every word that'd leave his lips to lie for her safety. ❝Eat up meanwhile before it gets cold.❞ Soon his feet dragged him out of the diner and eventually he answered the call, trying to sound as normal as he could, considering how much he yearned for the doppelganger pretending to be his girlfriend.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Katherine's reaction to his move made Damon feel almost guilty, although in contrary he was also disappointed that she believed he'd hurt her after the story about the vampire that used her as a bloodbag, and also after letting her sleep in his bed next to him to grant her protection. As she seemed to calm down, he couldn't fight the urge and lifted his empty hand to her cheek, softly stroking it with the backside — and it that very moment realising how easily she could put the puzzle together from skipping the question to this kind act. ❝Thought you'd trust your boyfriend more than that.❞ The raven-haired commented, forcing a small grin on his face as he removed his hand; trying to play the relationship disguise card for the touch while keeping up the facade of carelessness for the caused stress. Eventually he devoted himself to the bloodbag, although not even that was good enough to distract him from how much he actually frightened her while not meaning to — for sure it was used as a way to keep Katherine from wondering too much about his skipped answer, yet it definitely wasn't planned to cause such a reaction. There he was overthinking as she tore him out of thoughts as he devoured the meal; right, a question was needed. Blue eyes were quickly hidden from the brunette, moving them elsewhere. As previously there were tons of questions on his mind, even the one she gave an idea of herself, now there was none that wouldn't anyhow hint on what he was feeling, not even a trick question or anything. Unfortunately the meal was gone in seconds, meaning that was also his only time to think of a rather unsuspicious question or decide for one. Damon rumpled the bag in his hand to hide it as he moved it down, his eyes searching hers before shooting his question. ❝Who did you love first? Stefan or me?❞ The question could easily be blamed on his typical jealousy, yet for once a Stefan contained question or talk wasn't about jealousy, it was about the Salvatore she actually loved — if she truly loved one, she wouldn't fall in love with the second one, no? At least that's what his logic explained there. The vampire yearned for an answer but at the same time feared to get frustrated by it; a blessing Katherine couldn't track just how much his heart accelerated once the words slipped out of his mouth, and the near to her wasn't much of a friend at that exact moment.

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—ᴅᴀᴍᴏɴ
Damon should have kept quiet and not let his dislike of THAT being a date leave his lips; now he had to deal with the comeback. Not more than an eyeroll was given to the brunette at her comment, almost disappointed of how little she came up with — at least until the moment she continued the mockery. ❝That almost sounds like a threat.❞ He told, knowing well that there was nothing else he could say, especially without unwillingly telling yet again too much. The pair of blue eyes observed how careful Katherine checked their surroundings, apparently the bloodbag distraction really came in handy. Damon's eyes were still on her as she delivered the meal, the unexpected touch of her fingers leaving his breath stuck in his lungs; fortunately he at least wasn't planning to thank her — he could tell how much his voice would've cracked if he already had opened his mouth. Teeth pressed together as he eventually forced the breath out, attempting not to give any kind of reaction to the touch and just hoping she'd move on with the game and not worsen the tension.
Katherine's question caught him off guard, leaving him staring blankly at her; expecting any kind of question except this one. After the time he recently spent with her, after every emotion she brought up in him, and even after the touch that still tingled on his skin, he was very aware of the answer. Damon could tell she wanted an honest reply although her facial expression showed no signs of any interest in it — but there wasn't a chance he'd be telling her the truth, how there wasn't a day in his life that he didn't love her, and even desperately transferred his feelings to the latest doppelganger after getting his heart broken by her lie. He didn't dare to break the eye contact or give any other possible hint on how much he wanted to escape this question, yet considering if it was easier to come up with a lie or simply skip it. ❝You're one step closer to winning.❞ The eldest Salvatore moved closer by leaning on the table before stating, rightfully obeying the rules instead of lying, acknowledging that it might give away what he truly felt, but it was still less than an actual confession, and it also brought him a step closer to the longed kiss as well. Swiftly Damon extended an arm underneath Katherine's seat, pulling the chair next to the vampire. Not the tiniest of a moment was given for her to anyhow react, instead he immediately leaned closer, the same hand that just moved the chair rising to her neck and gently pushing her hair away, revealing the targeted direction of his face.

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