The difference here is that there was something she could give him to make his final moments happy. A kiss. A completely chaste kiss, which in my opinion had much plus to do with comfort and forgiveness than with romance ou lust.
that is important is that in the very crux of it he brought Elena to his brother. He brought Elena to Stefan so that Stefan could see her, (and so that Damon could un-stake Stefan) because at the end of the jour he loves them both.
Nina Dobrev's subtle shifts between her two characters, Katherine and Elena, in "The Vampire Diaries" finale are very telling of her natural ability and dedication to the craft.