10 Most Touching Moments on The Vampire Diaries

6. Stefan and Klaus Memorialize Their Kills

These characters might have some painfully human moments on TVD, but more often than not they are monsters with massive body counts. Klaus and Stefan in particular tend to take trophies from their kills, which sheds a light on just how twisted these vamps are. Klaus’ explanation that their loneliness is what compels them to memorialize their dead in an effort to keep them close was a moment in The Vampire Diaries history that really took our breath away.

7. Damon Misses Being Human

After giving Rose one last, beautiful day in the sun before putting her out of her werewolf-bite-induced misery, Damon was understandably feeling a little emotional. So, naturally, he indulged the urge to go out and kill someone. This scene really opened up a whole world of vulnerability for Damon, letting us see why he leads such a tortured and violent existence.

8. Alaric’s Farewell

Without a single line of dialogue, TVD delivered one of the most beautiful sendoffs in television history for Alaric Saltzman. The candlelight vigil that panned across every character as they said their silent farewell was almost as moving as Alaric’s final smile before he turned to face his fate.

9. Damon Tells Caroline About the Worst Day

On a show that involves so much death, you’ve got to expect that your characters are going to be in various stages of grief pretty much all the time. What’s so beautiful about this moment — between two characters who pretty much despise each other — is that TVD acknowledges the ugly truth about grief. It doesn’t just hit you hard and then leave. It hangs around and builds up long after everyone else has moved on.

10. Stefan Won’t Fight Damon

When it all comes down to it, this show is really a love story between brothers, and Stefan’s refusal to fight with Damon over Elena was one of the noblest moves he ever pulled — and that is seriously saying something when it comes to Stefan. Instead of being angry and jealous, he chose to be happy that Damon was allowing himself to feel love. Even if it was for Stefan’s own girlfriend.

Which moments from The Vampire Diaries made you cry or gave you the chills? Tell us all about them in comments below!

The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.