Elena is out of the picture in "The Vampire Diaries" season 7 and some think this is the perfect time for the long-running hit series to pursue a whole new romance, which some fans hope would brew between Elena's lover Damon and her best friend Bonnie.
However, what transpired in the season 6 finale also has the potential of tearing Damon and Bonnie apart. But their friendship, which was solidified when they were trapped in the past, may also be simply awaiting to blossom into something else. Actress Kat Graham, who plays Bonnie, says it can go either way.
"I'm hoping for both," Graham told E! Online. "I'm hoping that we see both sides of their relationship and how it can affect them both because it's obviously going to screw with Bonnie and him, but especially Bonnie."
If this will indeed happen, then it won't happen immediately. Executive producer Caroline Dries has emphasized that it will be more of Damon reeling away from the pain of losing the love of his life than finding a new one.
"The problem is that ... he is still so madly in love with her. It would feel false for him to meet someone else and have sparks and fall in love," Dries told TV Line. "The viewers also wouldn't embrace it; any girl who comes close to Damon gets clawed at with their opinions, so it's not something we're going to jump into as writers right away."
The showrunner also said that Damon has "got to be with himself for a bit, and his love story will be based back on Stefan," whose relationship with Caroline will be followed in season 7.
Bigger spotlight will shine on the younger Salvatore brother as well. With Damon reverting to his darker self and with Mama Salvatore likely the new baddie in the season, Stefan will step up.
"The Vampire Diaries" season 7 will premiere in fall.
