Damon decides to spend the next day in his room. It's the only one on the west side of the house, facing the park, which at least gives him the illusion of solitude. The Saltzmans won't disturb him, they know he will show up when he's ready. Or hungry. He hopes he doesn't look like an ungrateful jerk ignoring them like this, but they've been his friends for years now and they've never tried to change him. Sometimes he wonders if they really are okay with it, with him?

He wakes at the crack of dawn and as nothing can be done concerning his house until later, he works on one of Ric's projects for several hours. His brain is a constant flurry of activity, he has to keep busy or he'll lose his mind. It's beneficial for him though because soon progress is noticeable and after several days he finally feels like he's getting somewhere. He stands up to stretch his aching limbs and steps to the window just in time to see Ric climbing into his car and backing out of the driveway, probably to go to the office for a few hours. Damon's aware how lucky he is that Ric lets him do his job from home, he can't imagine the 9 to 5 routine, although he works many more hours on his average day.

Ric, who's going to be daddy.

His parents would be happy for their only child. Damon is too, for both, him and Jenna. Speaking of which... He decides it's time for him to leave his cave and have a cup of coffee so he jogs down the stairs and finds the mistress of the house in the kitchen.

"Damon," she turns to him with a smile.

He can't surprise her of course, she probably heard the clip clop of his boots the moment he stepped out of his room and onto the hard wood floor.

"Morning, just wanted to apologize for yesterday, I shouldn't have said that out loud..."

"Oh no, it's okay, it was kind of surprising moment for all of us, things like that can't be planned. How did you know?"

"You're even more beautiful and for the first time since I've known you, you seem tired. You've always been a whirlwind," he winks at her.

"Nothing gets past you does it?" She laughs before pointing out, "You didn't have to leave though, you're family and we like sharing these moments with you."

He wants to escape this conversation so he just grabs the kettle and pours himself a cup of coffee. He sits down at the table, Jenna's already passing him a plate of eggs and toast. He mumbles thanks and the next twenty minutes are spent in silence.

"I'll just go back upstairs, I have a lot more work to do," he turns to her already standing in the doorway.

"Sure," she nods, not wanting to make him feel any more uncomfortable. "I'm leaving in ten, your lunch is in the fridge whenever you get hungry?"

"Thanks," Damon gives her a crooked smile and runs back upstairs.

It's time to get busy.

To stem the tide of family interference, the first thing she does when entering her office the next morning is pick up the phone and call her uncle.

"Elena! What a nice surprise… I hope you aren't calling to tell me…," he immediately becomes suspicious of the unexpected phone call.

"Hey uncle Gray, on the contrary, I'm calling to let everyone know that I have every intention of attending your party on Saturday. I wouldn't miss my favorite uncle's birthday party," she affirms affectionately. She loves uncle Grayson. Out of all their extended family, he was alone in supporting her decision to join the fire department. To her surprise, he chuckles.

"Let me guess, one or both of my sons, your parents, maybe someone else too wanted to make sure you wouldn't duck out."

"You'd be right about that. I don't know why I get hounded like this, it was only the one time," Elena sighs, "that I skipped family meeting and ever since no one seems to believe that I love you all."

Greyson takes his time with a response. "They're just concerned, Elena. Things are… more complicated now. I know they were very vocal with their opinions on your choice of professions. I understand they didn't make things easy for you and frankly, I can't blame you for trying to avoid similar situations. But I also understand your parents desire to see you embark on a medical career, that way you'd be saving lives too…"

"And in a safe environment, I get it," Elena finishes for him. "But I wanted to follow in your footsteps. White coats, gloves, sterile rooms, that's not my scene... The fact that I'm a woman doesn't disqualify me for this job or any other as far as I'm concerned."

"It's not that and you know it," Grayson interrupts her complaints.

"I know. But can I be just a little frustrated with the way they behaved? I know they were, they are worried but I still deserve to make my own choices."

"That's exactly what you did," Grayson points out.

"No thanks to them."

"Well…"

"What, you disagree?" Elena asks incredulously.

"There's always a chance you may have reconsidered if everyone wasn't trying to discourage you... I think that made you all the more determined to go through with it."

"Are you saying that I'm a poster child for the Gilbert stubborn streak?"

Grayson laughs. "Your words, not mine."

"Alright," Elena can't help but sport an amused smile. "See you on Saturday, right?" She ends the call in much better mood than she was when she picked up the phone. Why can't her relationship with all of the family, her own parents be like that?

A knock on the door interrupts her musings. Can't be Tyler, he has a day off, it's…

"Caroline? Nice seeing you rather than hearing whatever bad news you're bearing over the phone. Is everything alright?"

"It's all good, I have the phone with me, I just ran out of the office to have a word with Matt. Yesterday, he didn't turn in the keys, again. I thought a personal warning might carry a little more weight than another phone call."

Elena fights a grin. She can vividly imagine Caroline scolding Matt, her blonde friend isn't one to mess with, most of her staff would walk over hot coals rather than risk getting on her bad side. Matt Donovan, on the other hand, doesn't get scared easily, he can go toe to toe with Caroline Forbes. "You know Matt was kind enough to change the oil on the ambulances. I think we can forgive him for a minor offence just this once..."

"Elenaaa! How would we keep them in line if you let them skirt the rules?" she warns and Elena shakes her head in amusement.

"Did you need something or just this?" She knows her friend well, she could easily forget what she came here to discuss in her rightful indignation.

"Oh yes, sorry! You have a visitor, a gorgeous guy I might add."

Elena raises her eyebrows. "And you didn't let him in… why?"

"He's waiting outside. He told me not to interrupt if you're too busy. I don't know, he's kind of… off?"

Why is there only one person who comes to mind?

Damon has managed to take care of several matters which includes writing multiple e-mails, arranging a meeting at the insurance company all since having a late breakfast with Jenna. Of course, there's only so much that can be done from the comfort of his room. His agent assured him they'd already been to the site to take pictures and talked to the fire department about getting a copy of the official report on the blaze. Checking the time, he realizes he still has some time to kill before meeting the insurance adjuster and takes off to face his worst nightmare.

After locking up Ric's place, he set a brisk pace as he walks through the park. Wintry trees stand as ballet dancers poised to show the world their grace, strength showing in how they remain so still in the seasonal gusts. Now that the leaves have fallen, they are so proud, as if their silvery-brown skin is their glory all along. He lifts his head into the wind, eyes open for this softly lit day.

Crossing the street, he passes another block of houses and turns left right onto his own, Lafayette street. To be honest he doesn't feel like exploring the ruins but it needs to be done before he can start rebuilding his home. Because that's what it was, a home, one he adjusted to his needs and likes. It was familiar, it was his. The closer he is, the slower he walks and soon he can see all that's left of his pride and joy.

It breaks his heart.

Sighing, he passes the gate that is now wide open, the latch broken from the frantic activity two nights ago, his eyes land on the heap of masonry, charred beams, dust and ash. It had been so vibrant. Now the wind whistles through what little remains.

When he left, it was an inferno, black smoke billowing into the heated air, lifting its distinctive aroma over the neighborhood. He is grateful that the firefighters put it out before it could spread to his neighbors properties.

There's nothing left...

He almost jumps when his kind neighbor, Mary Dumas comes to stand next to him and touches his arm. He looks at her and the sadness in her eyes is almost his undoing. "Good afternoon Mrs. Dumas, I'm sorry, for all of this..."

Mary pats his shoulder comfortingly. "I think after everything, you can call me Mary, Damon..."

For some inexplicable reason it puts a small smile on his face.

An hour and a half later, he's dealt with the insurance guy, at least it looks like they won't delay the process. As soon as the police and possibly the fire department investigators give their okay, he can hire the building company to start cleaning out. The building operations will have to wait till spring unless they have an exceptionally warm winter without snow but he can do at least something.

Sitting in Mary's kitchen while drinking a cup of hot sweet tea, Damon feels an unexpected touch of nostalgia... When they were still kids, Ric's mom would make them hot drinks, apple cider with cinnamon candies melted in or hot chocolate on chilly mornings or when they got home from ice skating. He hates feeling this way, there's no point.

Ric's parents are gone and his own too. Memories of past Christmases still linger around the edges but now they're nothing more than fading memories, ones he'll be happy to let go of. Looking around, he can't help but notice that there's no evidence of the upcoming holiday... no decorations, no scents of seasonal baking which suggests to him that Mary Dumas probably doesn't do Christmas either. For some reason he feels uncomfortable at the thought, it's like invading her privacy. He looks out of the window but it doesn't help as he can see straight the place his house used to stand.

"Damon," Mary gently touches his shoulder to draw his attention. He turns to her questioningly. "I know you must consider me a crazy old woman but if you need a place to stay until your house is rebuilt, I have a spare room. It's yours if you want it."

He's lucky. Despite his awkward and sometimes bad attitude, there are still people that care about him. He makes sure she understands why he's saying no to her. Although he appreciates her kindness more than he can articulate, he doesn't want to feel like a burden ever again.

"Thank you Mary," he gives her a long grateful smile. "It means a lot to me but I can't. I still want to be your favorite neighbor when my place is rebuilt. I don't want to be a bother. Truth be told, I can be a pain in the ass and I don't want to do anything to offend you. Besides, I do have a place to stay, I just need..."

"Something for yourself," Mary adds understanding. "I may be able to help you. Mr. Gerard is leaving for the winter. He's hired house sitters in the past, perhaps you'd fit the bill?"

One phone call and a short visit later Damon feels a little less disheartened. His neighbor, Marcel Gerard will be spending the next several months in NOLA with his sister. Damon can have the house to himself and that way he can watch the progress on his own place from the balcony. If he had anything to pack, he could start now. Everything he owned was consumed by the fire. Although he's more than capable of shopping for himself, Jenna has excellent taste so he'll have to ask her to go with him.

He doesn't even realize he took the long way back to Ric's place when he's suddenly finds himself standing in front of the fire station. For several minutes he stands there looking at the building, contemplating whether or not he should go inside and thank them...

What are the odds of Captain Gilbert being there anyway? She has a life and probably a boyfriend or husband.

Don't be a coward, Damon, you can do this. Just as he reaches for the handle to open it, a tall blonde girl appears in the doorway.

She doesn't look happy… Damon's absolutely terrified. What in the hell prompted him to do this? This. Coming here. Saying hi. Why exactly? Maybe because she asked the doctor about his well-being?

Elena…

"Mr. Salvatore…," she's already standing in front of him. "How are you?"

He's not quick enough to respond and while he'd deciding just how to approach this, her, she offers her hand to shake.

"Oh hi, hello, I mean," he finally pulls himself together, somewhat, "I'm sorry to disturb your day, I just wanted to…" What exactly does he want? "…to thank you for… saving my life."

Lame.

She smiles and Damon's heart jumps at the sight.

Except for Ric and Jenna's kind ones, he's usually on the receiving end of the pity smiles, so called understanding smiles that say 'I don't have a clue'. Hers is… delightful.

Elena's glad she could help. Don't people usually appreciate the effort her department puts into their jobs?

"I'm happy you seem alright, Mr. Salvatore, trust me, it's nothing short of a miracle that you're standing here, talking to me."

"That's what I've heard. And I am grateful. I guess it's only beginning to dawn on me now…"

Elena nods. It's usually like that, people tend to force out reality until the danger's gone and the adrenaline recedes.

"…The insurance adjuster is already on it. He told me that he'd need a copy of the official report when it's completed. I came from what used to be my place," he confesses and Elena can see his pain. It's nothing new, really but she'll never get used to seeing other people's pain. All of his belongings, his treasures were reduced to ash. How does one find the strength, the motivation to start all over?

"There's nothing to comfort yourself with except that you're living and breathing, standing in front of me now," she says carefully. "And that's the most important thing," she tries not to make it about her own pain. "But I know it doesn't make your loss any easier to swallow. Do you have a place to stay until…?" she asks on impulse. As if it's any of her business.

"Fortunately yes, I'm staying with friends for now," and Elena recalls the sandy haired guy who ran to his side the other night. "I don't want to be a burden for too long though. I've already made arrangements to rent the house across the street. By some uncanny stroke of luck, he's spending the next few months in New Orleans. I can keep an eye on my property when the builders begin reconstruction. That way I'll be able to see the progress without interrupting their work."

He really thinks his presence would be bothersome? Is that true? Maybe it's the other way around? Rather than him being the nuisance, it would be them. Elena mentally shakes her head. Why does she even care? She feels the need to apologize for her rough words when they met but she knows that would be for her benefit. For him, it'd be like pointing out his disability and she won't hurt him like that.

"I'm really glad that you already feel up to the task of getting your things in order," she repeats out loud. "I wish you very good luck, Mr. Salvatore."

It's obvious she's already had enough of this conversation. He nods silently and once again they shake their hands. "Thank you, Miss Gilbert. I should be on my way." He turns around and quickly walks off without giving her another glance.

He's not aware she stands there, watching his back until he disappears in the park.

"And you managed all that in just a few hours?" Ric's impressed. He'd never underestimate Damon's sharp intellect or ability to get things done but he's usually in no hurry to interact with people and today, it must have been a lot of interaction.

"Well, I woke up early, by the time you left for the office I was almost done with the documentation for the Lockwood Corporation. After breakfast I made an appointment and filled out as many of the forms online as I could. It's nothing heroic if that's what you're implying?"

"And the appointment?" Ric raises his eyebrow. "Befriending your neighbor? Renting a house?"

Damon starts feeling uncomfortable but then realizes Ric's smiling. He's proud. He shifts uncomfortably but finds it in himself to give his friend a small smile. It feels good.

It feels like it was only yesterday, when he came into this house, his awkward thirteen year old self and saw Ric for the first time. Spindly, ear to ear smile, sweet seventeen, all eager to meet his new brother. He showed him around, helped with unpacking, not that Damon had much to unpack. He joined them for shopping when his mom decided Damon needed some new clothes. He took him to school and more than once had a word with his so called school mates when they were picking on him. Hours and hours he forced him to practice sign language, speaking aloud and reading his lips to be able to communicate, despite Damon's resistance. He encouraged him to go to college, gave him a job, home and stability. The room, Damon knows will always be his. That's what Ric means to him, he's his brother, his best friend and a father figure, he's home.

And now he just throws it away and runs?

Something from his thoughts must be reflecting on his face, or it's just that Ric can read him like a book. "Chill Damon, I'm not mad. Or hurt. Neither is Jenna. We love having you here and I hope you'll always consider this house your home, invading whenever you feel the urge. But I know you need your privacy and I know how much you hate being dependent on other people. I just wish you'd get it out of your head that you're a bother to me, Jenna or anyone else for that matter..., it simply isn't true."

"I'll be here for several days yet. It's going to take some time to get everything arranged before I can move out. Mr. Gerard isn't leaving for New Orleans for another week and a half anyway."

"Glad to hear it!" Ric laughs wholeheartedly. "One day is clearly not enough for us to actually enjoy having you around."

He's lucky, he knows. Still, how many people see him the way Ric does? He's simply not good enough.

"Don't think you're going to shirk your duty when the baby comes," Jenna pats his shoulder to get his attention. "You're definitely babysitting. Often. You're going to be an uncle..."

Damon grins. Several hours later, they're enjoying a family evening as Ric put it, he finally has a good feeling about staying here. So what if his house burnt to the ground for it to happen? So what that he's going to be moving in a week or so? Now he's here, spending time with his family, they're clearly happy to see him enjoying himself. Next year there's going to be a brand new family member, him or her and surprisingly he's pretty darn excited about it.

"That's the face I like to see. It's good to see you finally appreciating the fact you're still breathing? I know I do," Ric looks happy and Damon knows, it's not just because of the baby, it's because of him too. With his gloomy attitude yesterday, albeit justifiable, he wasn't able to see how terrifying it must have been for them when they learnt about the fire, saw the house in flames and only later found him sitting by the ambulance, in quite fair shape.

"Yes, I decided to take Chief Gilbert's advice and cherish the fact that I actually survived."

The effect of what he just said is evident on their faces.

"Come again? When did the chief give you advice?" Ric asks suspiciously.

Damon looks from Ric to Jenna and back to Ric. "I... stopped at the station to say thanks on my way back from the house. We... talked, for a bit. She said it counts. Staying alive, I mean. And I know she's right, it's just... difficult to focus when... Anyway, she's right. Luckily I don't have money problems and everything," almost everything, "is replaceable."

Jenna and Ric glance at each other. "Damon?" Ric can't quite believe what he's hearing.

"Wow, you were busy today!" Jenna adds, her mouth hanging open.

"Why is that such a shock? I happened to walk by the station when I was coming back here," he repeats, "and I thought I should say something to the firemen, let them know that I'm grateful. It's not like I planned it, it was one of those spur-of-the moment decisions."

"What is she like?" Jenna can hardly contain her curiosity. Ric has to repeat the question for Damon as his eyes weren't on her.

Beautiful.

"She's different," he says aloud. "Like... a normal girl."

"Because she is a normal girl, you dumbass," Ric chuckles. "A normal girl who just happens to be a badass captain of Ladder Company 4."

Even he has to laugh at that.

Maybe he should go even further. Not just rebuild the house, replace the things he lost in the fire but rebuild his entire life. Give it a fresh start. Stop being poor Mr. Salvatore.

Yep, that's exactly what he should do.

Eva and I want to thank you all so very much. You're all the best. Your friendships, kind words and reviews are very much loved and appreciated.

Thank you Eva, love you.

My husband and I are going to Las Vegas next week for a short getaway. I can't promise but I will try to get the updates in somehow.

Chapter title: 'Song for a New Beginning' by Secret Garden.

Have a safe and wonderful day. Thanks for everything.