The Vampire Diaries had no shortage of drama and action, but the presence of love honestly held Mystic Falls together. The love triangle between Damon (Ian Somerhalder), Stefan (Paul Wesley), and Elena (Nina Dobrev) was the focal point of the show, as 

It drove the characters to kill the bad guys, find the cure for vampirism, and dismantle the Other Side. The plan was for Elena to be with Stefan for a few seasons before falling into Damon’s arms. However, the plan to keep Damon evil failed as fans fell in love with him completely, and eventually, so did Elena. 

10. Some episodes, like ‘As I Lay Dying’ in Season 2, Episode 22, depict their romantic love story better than others.

In ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 2 Episode 22, Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) lies in bed while Elena (played by Nina Dobrev) wipes his brow.

Despite Damon’s efforts to keep Elena alive throughout the season, he is bitten by a werewolf. However, this brush with death gives fans one of the best cliffhangers and sets up the following season. Damon was never going to die.

9. Elena is angry with Damon for feeding her his blood. However, she rushes over to care for him when she learns he’s dying. This demonstrates their relationship depth and willingness to support each other. Damon expresses his love for Elena before Katherine hands him the cure, just as he’s about to die. The scene is poetic.

8. This is from Season 3, Episode 10, ‘The New Deal’

In ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 3 Episode 10, Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) kisses Elena (played by Nina Dobrev).

After Stefan (Elena’s ex-boyfriend) leaves town with Klaus, Damon keeps Elena safe. When Stefan returns with Klaus, Damon protects Elena from him as well. Stefan’s only concern is hiding the coffins of dead Mikaelsons and getting revenge on Klaus.

At the end of a long day, Elena expresses her gratitude towards Damon. Damon admits that Stefan is on their side. This annoys him because he thought he didn’t have to feel guilty for loving Elena anymore. However, if he’s going to feel guilty, he might as well be guilty of kissing Elena. The couple’s first kiss is full of romance.

7.”Heart of Darkness” is the title of Season 3, Episode 19 of “The Vampire Diaries”

Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, holds Elena, played by Nina Dobrev, in a scene from the episode.

In this episode, Stefan advises Elena to determine her romantic feelings for Damon. The trio picks up Jeremy in Denver and stays in a motel where things get steamy.

However, Elena is trying to determine her feelings for Damon and whether he will self-sabotage as usual. Damon assures Elena there will be no obstacles if they are together, but he still needs to convince her. Although the trip is ruined, the episode remains romantic.  

6. This scene is from Season 3, Episode 22, titled ‘The Departed’

In ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 3 Episode 22, Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, and Elena, played by Nina Dobrev, do not have any screen time together except in a flashback at the end.

However, the episode is still considered one of the show’s best season finales and has a romantic feel. 

Damon attempts to conceal Klaus’ body from Alaric (Matt Davis) but is unsuccessful. The possibility of extinction looms if Klaus is the sire of their bloodline. Elena calls Damon and releases him during the wait. It is heartbreaking but incredibly romantic that they did. In the flashback, Damon encounters Elena first. Despite being evil, Damon desires for her to obtain everything she seeks. They do not realize that it is eventually him.

5. In Season 4, Episode 7 of ‘In the Vampire Diaries’ titled ‘My Brother’s Keeper,’ Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) dances with Elena (played by Nina Dobrev)

This episode is pivotal for Damon and Elena’s relationship as Elena develops feelings for Damon and breaks up with Stefan after seeing him at the Miss Mystic pageant. The genuine surprise and awe on his face made the moment worth the wait.

They stared longingly at each other during the event and later got the chance to dance. Jeremy wants to kill her, and her best friend and former boyfriend wish to change her, but Damon thinks she’s perfect as she is. He loves her either way. Delena’s steaminess ensues.

4. In ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 4 Episode 23, Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) kisses Elena (played by Nina Dobrev) after a tumultuous season

The sire bond no longer influences Elena’s emotions, and she finally confesses her love for Damon at the end.

Their tension-fueled speeches about how wrong they are for each other are passionate. Damon admits to being selfish and doesn’t regret remaining a vampire instead of becoming human. Elena doesn’t regret loving him. Despite their faults, they can finally be together.

3. This scene is from ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 5 Episode 22, where Elena, played by Nina Dobrev, embraces Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder

Katherine may have sabotaged Damon and Elena’s relationship with another doppelganger, hijinx, but they find their way back to each other by the end of Season 5. However, they must die to succeed in ‘Project Kaboom,’ and Damon does not return from the Other Side. This is one of The Vampire Diaries’ most significant plot twists.

Elena is hysterical, but at least Damon bids farewell in a tragically beautiful way. Unfortunately, Elena could not hear one of the most romantic things Damon had ever said to her: that she was the greatest thing that had ever happened to him in his 173 years. Damon died knowing that Elena loved him.

2. In Season 6, Episode 7, ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’, Elena (played by Nina Dobrev) kisses Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) in the rain in ‘The Vampire Diaries’

In Season 6, Episode 7, ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’, Elena (played by Nina Dobrev) kisses Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder) in the rain in ‘The Vampire Diaries’. In Season 6, Episode 7, ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’, Elena (Nina Dobrev) kisses Damon (Ian Somerhalder) in the rain in ‘The Vampire Diaries’—image via CW.

Following Damon’s death, Elena is devastated at the start of The Vampire Diaries Season 6. However, she keeps her humanity intact and copes with her pain differently. She requests Alaric to compel her memories of Damon away. In Episode 7, Damon returns and attempts to help Elena remember him. Eventually, she agrees to give it a try.

Damon takes Elena to places that may jog her memory. He tells her about a summer night when they went to see a meteor shower but got caught in a downpour. Elena tries to cross the town border to remember, but it doesn’t work. Heartbreakingly, Damon decides to let her go. Although he says the night in the rain ended horribly, they shared a romantic kiss and promised forever to each other.

1.”I’ll Wed You In The Golden Summertime” is the title of Season 6, Episode 21 of ‘The Vampire Diaries’

In this episode, Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, tells Elena, played by Nina Dobrev, that he is selfish and likes being a vampire.

 He also said that he would rather die than become human. However, by the end of Season 6, Damon has undergone significant changes. Damon will do anything to stay with Elena, including taking the cure.

He bares his soul in his speech about becoming human, creating one of his most beautiful moments.