Look, Stefan, Elena is already ready to run off and try to change the ship itself to hell with any consequences so he won't have to go back to that world ever. He knows the two of them together would equal reckless, self-sacrificing all for the likes of him. He doesn't want either of them to lose more or suffer more because of him, because they are trying to save him.

They're the two most important people in his life even having gone decades without seeing them. He is not letting that happen. One way or another. It's eighty years of growth and hell, and no one else is going to get hurt for the likes of him and his miserable excuse for a life (an undead life).

He smirks at what Stefan says. "Now see I really like the sounds of that. Whatever I say. Can that be the ship's mantra?" Damon clasps Stefan's shoulder with what is meant to be a reassuring little smirk. "It's fine, Stefan. Don't worry so much."