Part of the cover, and also giving Damon an open opportunity to yell at him. It may be within the confines of what they can and cannot say with regards to their cover, but the open offer is still there with Stefan playing the hand of the teenager realizing he stepped too far over the line. Not just with calling Damon's guardianship of him into question, but also with Elena and Katherine, given that to those who aren't in on the full bredth of the secret, Stefan looks like that guy who left one twin for another.
Stefan knows Damon wants to tear into him, and Stefan feels he deserves to be yelled at. It would probably make them both feel better, in a very twisted sort of way, as well as reinforce their cover with Damon actively acting the parent-guardian role and coming down on the rebellious ward who's been acting out a ridiculous amount lately - or so it must appear.
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Part of the cover, and also giving Damon an open opportunity to yell at him. It may be within the confines of what they can and cannot say with regards to their cover, but the open offer is still there with Stefan playing the hand of the teenager realizing he stepped too far over the line. Not just with calling Damon's guardianship of him into question, but also with Elena and Katherine, given that to those who aren't in on the full bredth of the secret, Stefan looks like that guy who left one twin for another.
Stefan knows Damon wants to tear into him, and Stefan feels he deserves to be yelled at. It would probably make them both feel better, in a very twisted sort of way, as well as reinforce their cover with Damon actively acting the parent-guardian role and coming down on the rebellious ward who's been acting out a ridiculous amount lately - or so it must appear.