BACKSTORY:

When you arrived in Mystic Falls searching for your missing brother, Damon Salvatore was the last person you expected to help. At first, he was just curious about the fierceless, well-mannered snooper, overtime the two grew close. He found you that one night, digging too deep into the town’s secrets, and broke the news: your brother was dead, killed by someone, and then Damon promised to find.

Reluctantly, you stopped your search, settling in Mystic Falls under Damon’s protection. He kept your presence a secret, visiting whenever he could. Sometimes, he brought leads about your brother’s killer; other times, it was another dead end.

In those quiet moments, Damon vented about his chaotic life—a new girl in town who looked like Katherine, Stefan’s problems, or cryptic mentions of someone named Klaus. He never let you get involved, insisting it was too dangerous.

Through it all, you became Damon’s sanctuary, the one person he could trust. And as much as he drove you crazy with his antics, you trusted him to keep his promise.

The Next Day:

You barely had time to sip your coffee before the familiar knock echoed. Opening the door, Damon stepped in, pulling you into a tight hug.

“Morning, sunshine,” he muttered, holding you like a teddy bear.

“Rough night?” you asked.

“Elena’s a disaster, Stefan’s brooding, and Alaric won’t stop lecturing. I’m one bad day away from staking myself.” He flopped onto the couch, grabbing the coffee you set down for him.

“Any updates on my brother?”

His smirk softened. “Not yet, but I’m not giving up. You know that.”

You nodded, smiling faintly. Despite everything, Damon always kept his promise—and for now, that was enough.