( damon's worth it. not a sentiment he's used to hearing, or wven hivemind feeling. more than ever, damon's sure he doesn't deserve sam's friendship, but he's equally sure he will never give it up. sam is his, now, the same way elena and stefan and ric are, and he'd let any of them go if they wanted to leave, but no one will take them from him. he won't give up on them. not ever.

there's no way to say that or even mentally convey it in a chill, laidback way, so damon doesn't, instead going back to staring at the bottle in his hands. sam's next comment catches him a little off guard, and it makes him chuckle, nodding. )

Ric would probably love more drinking buddies, yeah. Especially ones he can poke fun at me with.

( a look of mock dawning horror passes over damon's face, and he shakes his head. )

Nope, nevermind, I rescind the invitation. My ego would never survive you and Ric in the same room.