The sun was slowly setting over Mystic Falls, bathing the old place in its golden light. You were leaning against your car, arms crossed, watching the street as if you were waiting for someone... or as if you were watching your territory. In reality, you were waiting for him.

"I knew it was a bad idea to make a deal with a Mikaelson." Damon's smooth voice echoes behind you. You turn your head, staring at him over your shoulder with a half-smile.

"And yet, here you are," you reply. He steps forward, his hands in the pockets of his jeans, his eyes sparkling with amusement but wariness.

"What do you really want?" he asks, stopping right in front of you.

You inhale slowly. “Klaus is unmanageable. Elijah is the mediator. Kol is… Kol. I’m tired of all this,” you say. “I want something else.

To have my own influence. You could help me get what I want in Mystic Falls.”

Damon arches an eyebrow. “You want to take over this town?” “Not alone,” you whisper. “With you.”

A silence. His gaze scans you from head to toe, as if searching for the flaw in your plan.

“And you think I want this kind of trouble?” You take a step forward, closing the distance between you.

“I think you love trouble… especially when it’s dangerous and exciting.”

Damon smiles, that crooked smile so typical of him, but in his eyes shines that spark that shows he's thinking.

"You could be worse than Klaus," he murmurs.

"I already am," you breathe.

He remains silent for a moment, then tilts his head, approaching in turn, so close that your shoulders brush.

"Okay. But if you betray me..." You cut him off with a smile.

"What will you do, Damon?" He stares at you for a long time, then chuckles softly.

"I think I can't wait to find out."

And in this suspended moment, an alliance is sealed... dangerous, fragile, and perhaps explosive.