The music playing on for only two

Damon knew he was going to both love and hate the Founder's celebration this year.

He'd love it because, hey, big party in honor of his family, and the families of some of his closest friends. Who could ask for anything better?

He'd hate it because he'd have to see Stefan and Elena being the ridiculously cute couple they were.

He loved his brother and wanted all the best for him, but it always seemed to be about him, didn't it? He was the favored son, the one who did everything he was supposed to do, got everything he wanted, including the best friend who became his girlfriend who Damon might have accidentally developed feelings for.

Not that he'd tell anyone.

Actually, all the young couples at this party seemed to be unintentionally stabbing him in the gut, even Lana and that one stable boy--what was his name? Claude? Not that it mattered what his name was. The point was there was no one looking at him that way.

So he did what Damon does best--he ate and drank and he danced, and had as good a time as any lonely person could while trying to distract themselves from their loneliness.

And of course once he found Lois in the crowd, he had to have a dance with her.

He excused himself from his former dance partner and stepped her way, bowing a bit and offering his hand with a smirk.

"May I have this dance?"