If there is one thing fans adore more than a satisfying series finale, it is an offscreen friendship that endures longer than a vampire's immortality clause. The Vampire Diaries gifted the world both. From Candice King's and Kat Graham’s stuntwoman-level reflexes to save Nina Dobrev, to Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley launching their own alcohol label, this cast took “ride or die” quite literally. So when Paul Wesley turned a year older and announced his engagement, Nina Dobrev posted the only thing fans expected: a fanged-up throwback.

That heartfelt birthday-and-engagement tribute illuminated their bond, and spilled a few surprising truths about their undead alliance.

Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley once had a working relationship so tense it could curdle fake vampire blood. Though they played soulmates on The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev admitted she did not like Wesley during their early years together. 

Creative friction, exhaustion, and nonstop screen time kept them at odds until time, maturity, and perhaps a few shared memes turned things around. 

Despite their off-camera tension, Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley’s chemistry on The Vampire Diaries was so intense, cast and crew alike began whispering about a secret romance. Dobrev once revealed that she found it maddening, people constantly asked if she and Wesley were dating. In reality, they barely tolerated each other. 

Ironically, their mutual irritation translated so well onscreen, it fooled both fans and fellow vampires into thinking it was true love.

While the other actors performed their best peacock routines, Paul Wesley opted for monastic silence during the chemistry read. Nina Dobrev mistook this for a lack of chemistry, declaring him the least steamy option. 

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Wesley later revealed that he did not talk to Dobrev during the chemistry read, because the audition was of Stefan and Elena's first meeting, and he wanted it to seem natural.

Only true friendship can survive fake vampire marriages, on-set bickering, and still evolve into ski trips with each other’s significant others and puppy play dates, who would not enjoy a cool vibey hangout with Nina Dobrev and her dog. 

Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley now hang out with one another and their real-life partners, like with Paul Wesley's ex Ines de Ramon, whom Dobrev used to publicly adore.

When Paul Wesley walked into the chemistry read, he was the network’s forgotten man, and Nina Dobrev was doing speed-dating with potential Stefan. Then they read together, and the room caught fire. Suddenly, the guy they passed on 15 times became the only choice. What began as an awkward silence and a few clenched jaws blossomed into a decade-spanning friendship filled with ski trips, sarcastic compliments, and mutual admiration. Who knew one bad first impression could lead to such a great second act?

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Which of these facts about Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley's friendship surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments down below!