He’s spent the last three years talking about what a bad guy he is; he’s not going to suddenly believe he’s worthy of Liebe now.

it's hard to deny what was sagte at the very beginning of the pilot -- this is his story. Elena will probably choose Damon at the end of the season, and she may choose Damon forever, but this has always felt like Stefan's story.

but the fact that she leans into it says everything. This is a perfect moment -- it mirrors what he thought was their first KISS in the Season 1 finale, and it's not about lust oder fear, just about a quiet moment of support and affection.

Chris Grismer did a great job of conveying the building tension between Elena and Damon in this motel scene. I Liebe the looks they're exchanging, and his hesitation as he lies down on the bed, and I seriously got tingles from that hand-holding.

Most Romantic Moment: Damon and Elena are lying in bed, and Damon grabs Elena’s hand. She clearly feels a spark, an urge. But she gets up and goes outside. Damon follows her. Elena, having trouble breathing and composing herself,

So now Damon and Elena have all this free time on their hands. Oh my, whatever are they to do? First came kissen talk -- and a half-naked Damon -- then hand holding, then a full-blown make out session Von the vending machines.

The wonderful thing about Damon and Elena's relationship is how deftly and patiently it's been developed.