Meredith and Derek, Olivia and Fitz, Rachel and Ross. Some TV love stories have a way of sticking with viewers, but no prime-time romance has come close to the pull that Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) has to Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder).
When the CW’s “Vampire Diaries” kicks off its sixth season on Oct. 2, the lovebirds will be worlds apart — literally. With Elena in the land of the living and Damon’s fate seemingly unknown following the collapse of the Other Side last season, it seems that the star-crossed lovers may never reunite — or will they? This is “The Vampire Diaries,” after all.
Before tuning in to Thursday night’s premiere, take a walk down memory lane with Damon and Elena’s most “Aww”-worthy moments.
Slap at first sight
Season 1, Episode 3
Though Damon and Elena had their first encounter during the pilot episode, the devilishly charming vampire thought he could woo his brother Stefan’s (Paul Wesley) crush with a kiss. Little does Damon know he’s not dealing with an ordinary teenage girl.
Damon’s dream comes true — or does it?
Season 1, Episode 22
Damon and Elena learn to tolerate one another over the course of the first season, even forming a “friendship” of sorts. During the season finale, things take a turn for the unexpected when the two kiss on her front porch after an intimate conversation.
Or so we think. Unfortunately for Damon, his dream-come-true is actually a nightmare in disguise — in the form of his supposedly dead ex, Katherine (also played by Nina Dobrev), in fact.
Confessions of an aching heart
Season 2, Episode 8
Admitting your true feelings to someone is difficult whether you’re a vampire or not. For Damon, it’s a confession he needs to make to Elena — but it’s also one he needs her to forget.
A dying wish
Season 2, Episode 22
As “Vampire Diaries” mythology goes, a werewolf bite can kill a vampire — and as Damon’s bad luck would have it, he gets nipped by one angry furball. With his final moments looming, Elena curls up to the dying Damon and kisses him gently.
He survives, thanks to an impeccably timed appearance by Katherine, who arrives with a cure to save his life.
The ‘Delena’ ship officially sails
Season 3, Episode 19
Season 3 of the series focuses on the undeniable chemistry between Damon and Elena. Though Stefan is still very much in the picture (despite a rough patch with his lady love), Elena finds herself drawn to the elder Salvatore.
After a long day on the road, Elena and Damon decide to crash at a motel for the night with Elena’s younger brother, Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen), in tow. While Jeremy snoozes away, Elena has trouble falling asleep — she’s too busy staring at Damon.
Her feelings ultimately boil over and she runs out of the motel room with Damon following. The two then share their first epic kiss (soon to be many).
Game-changer
Season 3, Episode 22
Over the course of the series, fans are led to believe that Stefan is the first Salvatore whom Elena meets. But the truth comes out during the Season 3 finale — when it’s revealed she actually met Damon first.
Elena doesn’t recall this encounter, because Damon compels her to forget it — but she ultimately remembers after her transition into a vampire during the Season 4 premiere.
The sire bond
Season 4, Episode 7
After breaking things off with Stefan, Elena finds herself in Damon’s arms . . . and eventually his bed. Though the new vampire believes her unyielding feelings for Damon are genuine, Stefan and best pal Caroline (Candice Accola) discover that Elena is actually sired to him.
Elena makes her choice
Season 4, Episode 23
The fourth season of the series is an emotional roller coaster for Elena. From breaking up with Stefan to being sired to Damon, the brunette vamp eventually reaches a breaking point and shuts off her emotions completely.
But by the time the finale rolls around, Elena is herself again — and ready to make a decision about which Salvatore she desires. She goes for the brother who “even in death, made her feel the most alive” — Damon.
Damon lets Elena go
Season 5, Episode 10
After enjoying the summer together, Damon and Elena’s relationship goes off the rails when his dark past comes to the forefront. Elena is understanding, but Damon simply cannot forgive himself and puts an end to the relationship.
A heartbreaking goodbye?
Season 5, Episode 22
The final moments of the Season 5 finale come down to who makes it out alive from the collapsing Other Side. While Elena, Stefan & Co. all make it back, Damon finds himself trapped.
With Damon and Elena now existing in separate worlds, the blue-eyed vamp bids his one true love farewell — for now.