Those moments of kindness were done just [ a tiny scrunch of her nose ] based on who you are now, then, not how you feel about me. [ Katherine's head nods slowly to the side, lips pressing together, corners tugging down a little as she begins to answer. ] Look, Damon, I didn't hurt her, or betray anything. [ It's a necessary precursor to what she's about to admit. ] She was upset, because she could tell that I didn't want her around. [ Very pragmatic; they both know that's the case, so why lie? It isn't as if anyone else wants her around either, is it? ] And she was about to break apart. I could tell. Because of everything that was happening to her.

[ Yep, she's justifying this... ]

So I compelled away the initial reaction she came to during the chat we had and reminded her of what really matters. It'll be temporary enough before she gets all those memories back that will make it so she can learn to live with this bond. Just like I've been doing.

[ Says the woman who didn't see, or hear, just how her phrasing of the compulsion has affected Elena. ] I've been nice, a little doting here and there, and maybe the bond is different when it's a fake sibling, Damon. You and Stefan haven't had any of those yet, have you? I've had two. Dealing with the memories and emotions from it? Not exactly a walk in the park.

[ There, she told the truth and made it all about herself, in true Katherine form. ]