( stefan's only reaction to damon's sudden smack against his head is a thinning of his lips and an exhaled laugh under his breath before he shakes his head. the sting abates quickly and then he's turning back to settle his gaze on damon. )

I'm not going to turn into anything. ( ripper or otherwise. ) I'm fine, Damon. Your concern is noted but I'm fine.

( he hadn't been fine a little while ago but damon had figured out how to bring him back and now he was back and he was good. no shame spirals happening. )

I don't think I'm the one you need to be worrying about. Especially if this — ( he taps a finger under damon's pretzel art. ) — is going to be a problem for you. Again.