Seeing Ric's hurt, Damon wanted to snap something at her, protective instincts transferring at the sight of the rigidity of Ric's back. But he bit it back, because all of this had started because he was trying to cheer her up, help her not dwell on the guy she'd always chosen over him.

A few months ago, he probably would have chased after her, but he refused to feel guilty--not about whatever this was with Ric, not about keeping it to themselves while they tried to sort it out. Instead, he moved to Ric, a touch on his back, tentative, at first, before he slid his arms around him and just held him.

He seriously did not care if the whole of Mystic Falls--or just Jeremy--walked in right now. "I'm sorry."

Yeah, mark that one down as a red-letter moment. The words even felt weird on his lips.