"What was that about?" Tyler asks on the way home.

"What was what about?" Elena responds tiredly.

"Mr. Salvatore. I mean, it's pretty late and I find you chatting with him on the street?"

"Ah, he talked about looking at the house he's going to be renting. It must be somewhere close by. Obviously it'll take time to clean up the rubble and start reconstruction on his property, if that's what he plans to do."

Tyler gives her a side glance. "He shared his whole life story with you?"

"No, of course not. He happened to stop by on your day off to say thanks. We talked for a bit. What's with all the questions, Ty? I'm too tired for this."

"Sorry I know," his tone turns remorseful. "It's just... he seems a little off if you know what I mean. I'm just concerned. Could he be stalking you...?"

"I appreciate your concern but you don't have to worry about Mr. Salvatore. Just because he's... deaf, doesn't mean he's off. He's shy, that's all."

Tyler falls silent but it doesn't ease his worries. Elena's vulnerable. As much as she's a no nonsense badass fire chief at work he knows she still hurts and mourns her brother. She's concerned about her niece, her sister in law, her parents, her cousins, she hasn't dated since... him. She could easily fall for the wrong person and Damon Salvatore doesn't look like the right one. The problem is, he can hardly keep an eye on her when it comes to her private life. He has no business commenting on that.

The fact he's not being completely honest with her doesn't help either.

He needs to find a way to look out for her on the sly, she'd be pissed if she caught onto him.

Giving her another glance, he considers if she needs to vent or simply be left alone. There's nothing he can say to make her feel better after she had to listen to the details about tonight's accident.

"I'm glad Meredith wasn't there," she's the one opening the conversation.

"Yeah, it's probably good, she doesn't need another visual."

A few minutes of silence.

"We'll get over it, Elena... We always do."

"I know." She feels numb. Aaron Whitmore was a probie, it wasn't all that long ago that he was still in his probationary period, working side by side with a veteran firefighter. With all his ideals and enthusiasm he needed guidance as does every new hire. Actually he was doing pretty well. What happened today wasn't his fault. It was one of those situations none of them can be spared, then it all depends on pure luck if they make it out alive. Today, tragically, his luck ran out.

While returning from the party, Elena received a call from her deputy, Ray Sutton who was in charge of the current shift. Immediately turning the car around, she drove to the station as quickly as she could. Obviously Tyler was notified too as it was his day off. The air at the station was heavy, some of the guys felt the need to tell her about it. Each of their stories was different, only the ending was the same. The paramedics couldn't even help him as it was too dangerous for them to enter after the ceiling collapsed, trapping him beneath the rubble.

Later Ray told her to go home, all of it would be waiting for her in the morning. Tyler offered to give her a ride in her own car, he was clearly worried she'd be too distracted to drive safely. Knowing she wouldn't win the battle, she didn't put up a fight.

"Thanks, Ty," she turns to him when he parks in front of her house. "You can take the car home, just don't forget to pick me up in the morning."

"Do you want me to stay?" he asks carefully.

She wants to. She doesn't want to face the night alone. But it's not fair to him and it's not fair to herself. He belongs to another woman, whoever she is and she... is not his anymore. She shakes her head and says good night.

When she enters her house she's already pulling out her phone, dialing her best friend.

She calls Rebekah.

There's a bottle of fine bourbon perched on the end table, situated carefully between two sets of legs. It's barely 1 am and they're already wasted.

"Remember that time we were watering the garden and we soaked my brother's shoes? He had them cleaned and polished in preparation for his exam but for some stupid reason he left them on the porch. You said 'do you think we can hit them?' He had to slosh around in them because he didn't have another pair to match his suit."

Elena gives a grunt unable to control an uncontrollable fit of laughter. "Yeppp, he complained to your dad that we lacked simple decency and we were too much of a distraction for him to prepare for his exams."

Rebekah giggles, "Yes! And dad told him we're probably preparing for our future jobs too, driving men mad. And you, deadly serious informed him that you're going to be a fireman like all the men in your family and that included wetting things."

"Oh no, wetting things, that I don't remember... Not possible," she hides her flushed face in her palms. "I can't believe it. What did they say?"

"Nothing, Elijah shared a look with dad, who could barely keep a straight face, then quickly walked out of the room... but not before glowering at us for good measure."

"I can't believe it," Elena repeats and drops her head on Bekah's lap, the world strangely seems to be spinning.

Rebekah gives her a grin. "I can't believe you're not only doing what you said you would, but you're the chief!"

Elena smiles tiredly. "Yeah, it comes with a price though."

"I know," Rebekah frowns. "But you're doing great. Imagine how many people are alive thanks to you."

"And how many people aren't..."

"Enough with that, or I'll have to drown you in that bourbon."

Elena unexpectedly chuckles and strenuously sits up. "Well, we can definitely say your score is much better."

"Nonsense," Rebekah waves her off. "If it wasn't for you guys, Damon Salvatore for example would never have gotten to the hospital for me to help him. He'd have died in that house and become just another statistic."

"Yeah, it was actually Tyler who pulled him out, not me."

"Under your command," her friend reasons.

"He didn't need me to tell him what to do."

Rebekah smiles. After Elena called her, she arrived in a record time with a bottle of bourbon in one hand and an extra large pan pizza in the other. Despite the fact Elena should have felt stuffed after the feast at her uncle's party, it tasted like heaven. Soon they popped the cork and the ride began. Never ever has anyone had a better and more loyal friend and Elena's grateful.

"Pfff...?" she falls silent, unsure if they're drunk enough for her to venture into this territory.

"Huh?"

"Are you seeing Tyler?"

Bekah doesn't answer, which is sort of telling. Elena immediately regrets opening her mouth, she should have waited till one of them broached the subject. Still they're both dear to her and she would expect to be kept in the loop about what's happening with their lives.

"I... wanted to tell you about it, but I wasn't exactly sure what to say. I don't really know what we are yet or if anything will come out of it..."

"You're babbling," Elena gently points out.

"Yeah, I know," Bekah waves her hand impatiently, her frustration showing. "It's complicated."

"I thought he was with Caroline, a girl at the office..."

"I know who Caroline is," her friend interrupts her, "they're having problems and Ty insisted that they're done... I'm just not sure, you know?"

"Why would he come to you, I don't understand?" Elena's trying to make sense out of it.

Rebekah once again hesitates but she can't keep anything from Elena, they tell each other everything, it's a rule. "Because, it seems Niklaus has grown fond of Caroline, or rather he's pursuing her. You know as well as I do how charming he is, no woman is immune... Well except you and me of course," she teases, adding a little levity to their serious conversation.

Elena's staring at her friend, her mouth hanging open. "What?"

"Yeah, Tyler didn't like him hanging around, understandably so and asked her to put a stop to it but she told him that he's out of line. He doesn't know much about Nik but since he knows me and that I'm your friend, he looked me up and... that's how it started."

Elena's looking at her torn friend, unable to resist her silent scream for help. No matter how self confident Rebekah appears, when it comes to relationships and her choice of men...

"I love you...," she draws her in a tight hug. "We'll figure it out, I promise..."

Or she'll kill Tyler Lockwood.

Alaric parks the car and glances at Damon. "You okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Damon feels irritated but won't admit that out loud. He's always nervous when he has to make an appearance at the office. Because of the fire, it's a necessary evil, he has to transfer his files into his new computer. Fortunately he had everything backed up in case of an emergency. Never did he expect it would be a fire that he'd need to protect them from.

Ric rolls his eyes and gets out of the car, shutting the door behind him.

Damon sits in the car for 30 more seconds, then takes a deep breath and follows him into the office.

Thankfully, Ric's office is not run of the mill. It's painted grey, and has floor-to-ceiling windows in each office. Presently he employs five people but if his business keeps booming, he may have to advertise for more help. Bonnie, Ric's assistant is a beautiful woman and also very efficient. She keeps the office running in tip top shape. Meeting her eyes, he feels a little uncomfortable that she's giving him a shining smile. Then there's George, that pompous windbag always wants people to see how busy he is, nods in Damon's direction.

Henry Wattles and another guy called Slater look mildly interested. Rather than make conversation, he turns away, they'll gossip about him whether he bends over backwards to make small talk or not.

"Good morning everyone," Ric includes the entire room in the greeting which Damon echoes. "Give me an hour guys, I need to work out something with Damon then we can start our usual routine. And thank you all for coming in on a Sunday, you can take another day off whenever it suits you."

They all nod their approval. Ric returns it and then leads Damon into his office which he appreciates, hating to be on the receiving end of their pitiful stares.

Together with Ric, they work like a well oiled machine, immediately starting the process of synchronization, programming the information into Damon's new equipment, hence the reason for coming into the office on the weekend. Damon's been mentally thanking the anonymous fireman, him or her for snagging his laptop. He'll be able to transfer the data once he gets a new computer. Quite honestly, he hoped it'd be empty on a Sunday, but Ric's employees are extremely diligent.

Within minutes, Bonnie brings a pot of fresh delicious- smelling coffee and a tray of sandwiches, he only now realizes how hungry he is.

"Thank you, Bonnie," Ric says appreciatively, "you're the best."

"No problem," she replies, shining another smile in Damon's direction.

It's getting weirder.

She's almost out of the door when she musters her courage and addresses him directly. "Mr. Salvatore, I'm really glad you're alright, it must have been a horrible experience for you. If you need anything, if any of us can be of assistance, please let us know."

Damon's caught off guard, it's really nice of her to offer… He turns to Ric not sure how to answer.

"Don't look at me," Ric gives him a crooked smile, "Durango isn't that big of a city, word gets around. All I did was separate fact from fiction."

Okay, she's only being polite, he can do the same.

"Please, call me Damon, Mrs… We've been working together," technically, "for quite some time. Thank you for your thoughtfulness but I'll manage. If anything should come up that you could help me with, I'll let you know."

She looks just a bit perplexed and Damon starts to think he said something wrong. Then she nods and the smile is back. "Okay, Damon, anytime. And call me Bonnie, please."

Ric looks positively amused and certainly is in no hurry to help him out to finish this conversation.

"We watched it on the news," she shares, "it was actually my boyfriend's cousin in charge, their family are all firemen. I couldn't believe when I heard that it was your house…"

Is she saying what he thinks she's saying?

"You mean Chief Gilbert…"

"Yes, Elena, I saw her yesterday at a family event," Bonnie feels excited about the conversation. She's never had a real one with Mr. Salvatore, Damon.

Damon slowly nods, thinking of what game fate is playing with him.

"She's a nice woman," he offers, "I've run into her a couple times since... The other day I saw her at the mall, she had a little girl with her, cute little thing. I didn't want to intrude on her family time…" It's a subtle comment, hoping it'll prompt Bonnie to tell him more even though he's not really sure he wants it.

Bonnie looks confused for a second then lights up. "Ah, she must have been there with her niece Cassie, the baby of the family. Elena's not married and doesn't have children of her own so she dotes on that little girl."

Damon nods and mentally apologizes for prying, he didn't really plan on asking about her private life but who could blame him? He needed to know if there's a husband in the picture, especially after the Andie debacle. At least now he knows he might have a chance. It's a scary thought, something he's never dared to pursue before. Still he finds himself holding onto a shred of hope that he may still find someone. What if she's his one and only chance for happiness?

And what if she isn't?

Is it foolish to hope? How could such a beautiful, kind and brave person ever be interested in a weirdo like him?

He'll try anyway.

Halfway through the shift, which luckily has been uneventful, Elena still hasn't had a chance to have a word with Tyler. Since arriving at the station early this morning, she's been swamped, completing reports about the tragic accident last night. Among her millions things to do, included talking to Aaron's family which took its toll on her already fragile emotional state. Thankfully she doesn't lose a man often but when she does, it's a hard pill to swallow... Add in all the bourbon she and Rebekah consumed last evening... Thankfully she can hold her alcohol which allows her to function now. Although her head is throbbing some things simply can't be postponed. Drinking in the wake of such sorrow wasn't her smartest idea. It may dull the hurt for a few hours but then it slams into you like tsunami when the effects wane.

Honestly, she's none too eager to discuss Tyler's private life with him. Truthfully it's not any of her business and she wouldn't blame him if he tells her she's out of line. She knows that but when it comes to Rebekah, her oldest and dearest friend, she simply can't brush it aside...

A knock on the door interrupts her musings and after she gives permission, Finn Mikaelson walks through the door. He's the calm one of the bunch. Rebekah's oldest brother has been with the fire department for a few years, a little longer than Elena has. With his seniority, he could have been named captain but he simply didn't want the hassle. He does his job and goes home, he doesn't have to worry about covering shifts or any of the other bullshit that comes with a management position. He's a hard worker, one you want to keep close because he always has your back.

"Hey," Elena greets him, "what's up?"

He looks serious and Elena's immediately alarmed. "Hey." He sits down, clearly uneasy about something. "I hope it will help things because I really don't want to be the one to tell but you need to know. Last week, I took Josh's shift after he called in sick. I didn't have anything better to do anyway. Mer and Vincent were there too."

Elena nods, silently encouraging him to continue, she can see how uncomfortable Finn feels.

"We got called to a small fire at the mall…"

"Yeah, I remember, the kitchen in one of the restaurants, two burnt chefs, a cashier, a mom and her child who got too close when leaving the bathroom. Oh, wait, they were trapped there, right?"

"Yes," Finn confirms. "Meredith was supposed to take care of the slightly hysterical mother and the kid. My best guess is that he was three, maybe four. He wouldn't stop crying and kept his face covered. I don't know if he got burnt too or not. Meredith…"

When Finn hesitates, she knows what's coming next. She's been concerned about her for some time but there was actually no reason to force her to therapy, or to approach her about re-considering her choice of profession.

"She… froze, couldn't move, didn't listen. Vincent immediately stepped in but he was actually supposed to help the cooks. Luckily, the kid was more scared than anything else. The mother calmed down once he confirmed the boy only had minor injuries. They managed to take care of everyone, luckily a few others helped get everyone out as the blaze wasn't wide spread. Eventually Meredith treated the cashier, although I'm not sure who calmed down who… I'm sorry to be adding to the pile of shit that you're already dealing with, but…"

"No, thank you, Finn," she shakes her head. "I need to know these things, so thanks for telling me before it got blown out of proportion. This needs to be dealt with promptly." She sighs and Finn gives her an understanding smile.

"See, this is exactly why I didn't want the job. I prefer being an ordinary soldier, I show up, work my shift and then I can go home while you get to take it with you," he points at her desk.

She chuckles humorlessly. "You have a point. Tell Vincent to come in, please?"

This day's just getting better and better.

An hour later she's gone through very awkward conversations with Vincent and Meredith. It's been a stressful day and fatigue is beginning to wear on her. The result, Mer has to go to therapy while suspended from duty, in Elena's opinion it'll only do her some good if she's able to have some R and R. Vincent happened to mention that Mer's little girl is giving her a hard time, which could be part of the problem.

Yeah, they should have come to her before Finn had to.

Frankly, she's in no shape to have that conversation with Tyler, it will have to wait till tomorrow. She just has to get through the rest of the shift, hopefully it'll be the 'q' word and then she can clock out, take a nice hot bubble bath and then sleep for about 12 hours.

No such luck.

Tyler, in his typical manner knocks loudly and walks right in. "Is it safe to enter?" he asks, only half joking. "I'd have waited but your door has been closed all day."

It's true. Normally her door is always open for any of her staff to come and go as they please. Today though... "Sit," she gestures for Tyler and nods towards the pot of coffee so he can help himself.

"So?" Tyler asks leaning against the back of the chair, his eyes piercing hers.

"So what?" she's certainly in no mood for his antics.

"Are you alright?" his tone is soft and Elena immediately feels guilty for snapping at him. He knows how it goes, they have bad days and worse days. He feels it as much as anyone else.

"I will be," she sighs. "It's been a crappy day and as much as I don't want to bring this up, I have to. Listen, Ty, I know it's not the best time but there'll never be a good time to talk about this."

Tyler nods, waiting for her to continue.

Sighing, she takes a swallow from her cup and then meets his eyes again. "Rebekah spent the night with me. We talked." Considering Tyler's expression he already suspects what she's getting at.

"What are you doing, Ty?" she finishes, giving him a chance to explain.

"If you want the honest truth, I have no idea but how is this any of your…," he drags, trying to buy some time.

"You have no idea? How about this? I'm concerned that you may be taking advantage of my dearest friend because you're in deep shit and don't give a damn who you may hurt in the process. Do you honestly think my concerns aren't justified?"

For a long while, Tyler stares at her unblinkingly and she realizes how far apart they are. She can't begin to guess what he's thinking, is he angry? Annoyed? Or did she manage to get through to him? It's... scary not knowing how to talk to Tyler.

"I...," he starts, his face changes and Elena's relieved seeing some the emotions she's familiar with. He's still the Tyler she knows and loves. He's just lost.

"I'm not sure, you know? At the moment, Rebekah's the best thing in my life. I like her, a lot. She's fun and makes me forget about the bullshit. When we talk, she listens and understands. I won't hurt her. I think we're good together."

Elena looks at his turmoil and listens to his words. She's fun. He likes her. He thinks they're good together. And she also senses what he isn't saying. She's his distraction. She's his willow. Her heart breaks for Bekah.

"Of all people, I can't believe it's you doing this. I won't tell you to break up with her. You should know yourself how you really feel. But think about this hard and long. Be honest with yourself. Do you truly believe you could fall in love with her, that you're giving her your best? Is there a possibility that you two could become something? Or are you seeing her because she makes you feel better about yourself? Rebekah doesn't deserve to be someone's rebound, or even just a distraction. If it's about the fact that she's Klaus' sister and you see some sort of twisted parallel... That she deserves even less. She's loyal, passionate, beautiful and understanding. But she's also fragile and maybe a bit naïve when it comes to men but she has me and I won't let anyone hurt my friend."

She doesn't raise her tone, yet, her words are pointed and carry an accusation, Tyler can feel the weight. Deep down he might even agree but now there's anger. With Caroline, with Nik and even Elena... Why does she have to ruin the only good thing in his life right now.

"I thought I was your friend too..." he knows it's a low blow but this is just too much.

She knows he's fuming, she can see it in his body language. "We are," Elena answers with consideration. "But what I know is that you're better than this."

Tyler feels dismissed which angers him even more. However, before either can say more, possibly something that can't be unsaid, Caroline peeks into the office. She's taken aback when she sees Tyler and Elena in what's obviously a heavy conversation.

"Elena? The man who showed up the other day is here. He's asking if you're free?"

Tyler turns to her suspiciously, astonished when she nods and gets up. "Thank you, Care. Tyler?" she nods at him and quickly leaves her office.

She definitely needs some fresh air.

Once outside, Elena glances around and indeed, there he is, Damon, standing off to the side, waiting for her. How does she not find it weird that he stops by on an almost daily basis now? Well, it is a bit weird, but it should probably feel weirder.

"Hi," Elena gives him a small smile when she reaches him, taking in his tentative appearance as if he was unsure of why is he here.

That makes two of them.

"Hi," Damon echoes and mentally kicks himself for his awkwardness. Can he not do anything right? She must think he's a moron…

"What brings you here today, Damon?" she helps him out and his heart skips a beat at her saying his name. For the first in a very long time his mind goes where he never lets it wander.

How would his name sound coming from her lips…?

"I… was on the way home from the place I'm renting. I dropped off a few things… and I saw your car."

Is that enough of an explanation?

"Well how did that go?" For some inexplicable reason, she relaxes, letting the horrible day slip away and lets herself get lost in the conversation.

"Pretty good, I suppose. I really didn't have much to move for obvious reasons. I was lucky enough to have a few items of clothing at a friend's house. I'm staying there until the rental is ready. If not for that stroke of good fortune, I'd be running around in the same ones you pulled me out of the house in. Jenna, Ric's wife took them to the cleaners, hopefully they'll get the smoke smell out of them, otherwise they'll have to be disposed of. I have some shopping to do... I think I may have mentioned that…"

Elena shakes her head, sort of liking his ability to joke about all of it. A dour mood would certainly be understandable considering he lost nearly everything. "You have good friends and roof over your head, that's what matters," she fights the impulse to pat his shoulder, that would be highly inappropriate. "I hope you can start rebuilding in the spring. Not many housing starts in winter, at least not in our part of the country."

"Thank you, and you're right about the weather. I'll manage."

He's rather resigned, although he's trying not to make it too obvious.

"I should probably be on my way," he shifts his weight nervously, suddenly looking dejected. "I don't want to keep you from your duties."

"No problem, I'm not shirking my duties. If I'm needed one of them will grab my arm. It was nice seeing you."

Sensing that she's ready for their conversation to end, just as she's about to turn around and go back inside, he address her again. Unless he tells her what he wants, he can't expect anything more.

"Elena?" Her name falls seamlessly from his lips. She stops in her tracks and her eyes are on him again.

"Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee, perhaps hot chocolate or maybe even some Christmas eggnog?"

He holds his breath for a long moment, waiting for her to respond. Now that the words are out there, he can't take them back.

She tilts her head, considering his offer. "I'm done in about forty five minutes and then I'm going to the mall to do a little Christmas shopping. You're welcome to join me if you'd like, you said you had some shopping of your own to do. Afterwards I can drop you off at your friend's place. If the mood suits us, we can have coffee or a snack while we're there."

To say she's given him the shock of his life would be an understatement. He manages a nod and then watches her disappear inside the building, a hint of smile forming on his face.

Huge thanks to all of you. You're all the best. We're so grateful for each and everyone of you.

Thank you Eva. Love you dearly.

Chapter title: 'Feed the Flames' by Michael Malarkey.

Many dear friends have DE stories in progress: They're all very talented writers. Florencia7 has posted many brilliant DE stories. Justinia Korax: The Things She Felt When He Was Gone' is outstanding.

Salvatoreboys4ever: All I Want for Christmas is her dark version of a holiday story. Mariah April May has The Devil's Obsession, and Forget Me Not.

Starlight So: All Through the Night and Northern Star. Amazing Aisha: For Richer or Poor. HisDelusionalLover has The Noble Path.

Linax24 has: Home Is Where You Are.

Today's my birthday, I did post a middle school version of Damon and Elena, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder."

Have a safe and wonderful day. We'll see you next with WTTJ 42 and maybe another surprise.