Stupid Boy → Damon and Valerie
“My brother?” Damon asked. In a town filled with people, somehow the conversation always turned back to be about Stefan. Not that Damon still held a grudge against his younger sibling, but for years it had always been Stefan and he could not shake the feeling that he would always take second place within everyone’s life. Not wanting to let this emotion shine through, he plastered a half smirk upon his lips. “He’s bound to be here somewhere.” He brought the glass to his lips again and took a swig.
When Valerie started talking to him, he was a tad shocked that the two of them actually seemed to be having a conversation with each other. He wanted to joke about her taste in music — especially if she thought the music currently spinning was dance-able. But he wanted to be on his best behavior, he didn’t want to ruin a party — especially not if he wasn’t planning on staying. No need to leave the town while everyone hated him. “College, huh?” He looked among the crowd. College wasn’t a weird idea at all, the young Gilbert had often shown that he had the mind to go father than this one liner town.
He took a deep breath, another swig from his glass and slightly turned to face her. “I drove from town to town, mostly. Not really wanting to settle down anywhere,” he spoke sincerely. “I was looking for a reason to stay in each town, but they all ended up being a bigger dump than the last one. They all had good bars, but that was about it.” He looked at her and smiled. “So, you have plans for college, huh?”
"The one with the superhero hair," she confirmed, nodding. Valerie glanced at him and nodded again, letting the subject drop. He didn't seem to really want to think about it and she didn't really feel like pushing it. This was a party and she wasn't about to put too much effort into this conversation. "Yes, college," she laughed, taking a drink of her soda. "I'm hoping that before August I can be out of this town and trying to get settled in to a new city. But we'll see how it goes. I might be able to get out sooner."
Valerie looked up at him again as he explained where he'd been. It sounded lonely and freeing at the same time. "And what brought you back to Mystic Falls?" she asked curiously, turning to face him some more. "If you left, why come back?" She didn't think she'd ever come back once she moved, but it seemed anyone that had in the past year was back now and Valerie wasn't sure how she felt about the possibility of being pulled to return.
Finishing her drink, Valerie held her hand out to him. "Dance with me?" she questioned as the song changed. She was here to have a good time and as long as Damon kept some of his thoughts to himself, she was sure they could get along fine. "Unless you're scared I'll be a better dance," she teased, watching him expectantly.
