Stefan: *Stares*

Damon: when the dance begins, I tell Elena, "You look stunning, if it isn't obvious." She nods. Her voice is soft when she thanks me.

Half the fandom: I hate her freaking gown.

Other half: I love her freaking gown.

Recapper: I'm fine with it, and Dobrev looks as lovely as ever, but I'd really like to see her in more of a color. Oh shoot me. I've just turned into everyone's grandmother. Haven't I?

Gentle Readers: We didn't want to mention, but yeah you have.

While Elena and Damon dance together, Stefan dances with the Mayor. Matt dances with Rebekah. Caroline, who is dancing with Klaus, eyes Rebekah and Pudding Pop like a hawk. Klaus expresses his condolences over Bill Forbes' death, but when Caroline is all like, "Don't. Seriously," he shifts the conversation to "more mannered subjects," like how beautiful she looks. And doesn't she just?

Caroline: He wants me to thank him for the gown, and for the bracelet he gave me, but I won't give him an inch, because this is fricking Klaus. When he compliments my dancing, I say: "Well, I've had training. I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls."

Klaus: I know.

Fandom: *Squee*

When the dance requires a change in partners, Elena ends up in Stefan's arms. She tells him she needs to speak to him, alone. How they leave the ballroom without Damon noticing is beyond me, because he's dancing with Rebekah, but he's facing in their general direction. I guess he's too busy sparring with Rebekah, offering her backhanded compliments, while letting her know he is so not okay with her trying to kill Elena. Rebekah is focused on Caroline though, who is dancing with Matt. Caroline gives Matt a ration for being at the ball with the "She-Devil." Matt gives it right back to her, for being there with Klaus. I realize I ship everyone with Caroline. I think that's true of the whole cast, though. Throw any two of them together, and all I see are hearts and ribbons. Anyhow, when Damon finally realizes Elena is nowhere in sight, we cut outside.

Elena: Stefan, you still only care about killing Klaus, and nothing else other than killing Klaus? Pregnant pause. What, am I wrong?

Stefan's Eyes: You are profoundly wrong.

Stefan: No, you're not wrong. What do you need?

Elena: Make sure I can get into that room with Esther... alone.

Stefan: You sure you can do this?

Elena: Totally. I then start to walk away, but then stop and remind Stefan about how, when we were together, he used to make me let my own decisions. After all this, at least that hasn't changed.