Tyler hasn't seen Rebekah for an entire week. Not that he wasn't busy enough with work but usually he finds a few hours that he can spare to spend with her. Between his shifts and hers, it's sometimes hard to synchronize their free time but it isn't impossible. Thanks to Elena's beat down however, he feels he should do some soul searching before he sees the blonde doctor again.

There's also the fact that the relationship he and Elena share would suffer significantly if Bekah ends up getting hurt. He simply cannot allow that. When Stefan died, they clung to each other, the result of which ended with them in a relationship. It worked for awhile but neither was the same person as before the accident. Both in mourning, they were trying to find a way to go on without their closest friend and brother. It sort of just happened that they ended up in bed, seeking comfort from each other. However with passing of time he became more brother than lover and neither wanted to lose that. It surprised him how easy it was to let go of their romance when Elena was named captain of their station. Even now, after everything, they function the best when they work as a team, side by side. Not talking to Elena these past few days has left him feel unsettled… he doesn't like it.

Being her friend slash brother also means he has a responsibility to look after her. Stefan would have wanted that. At first he was mildly concerned when she didn't start dating again after their break up. Sure she'd have an occasional dinner date but that's about it. Knowing Elena though, he's certain that if the right guy came along, she would at least give some thought to dipping her toe in the water again. But for now, she seems perfectly content so he hasn't stirred the pot. So what if she says dating's not for her, believing that people with dangerous jobs should think long and hard about having a family. Most of their brethren do but to each his own. She's young and maybe if Prince Charming shows up, she'll reconsider her choices. And if that day ever comes, he'll support her decision. Yet…

He can see trouble from miles away and Damon Salvatore is certainly not a prince riding in on a white horse. The guy gives off weird vibes, following Elena around, showing up at the station unexpectedly since he pulled him out of his burning house. What are his intentions? Elena might not even be aware that she has a little stalker but in Tyler's opinion nothing good can come of it. She's vulnerable.

Yesterday when he saw Salvatore walking around the cemetery, he approached the guy, stopping him before he could get to her. Not so subtly, he told him to back off. The ceremony was a private event to celebrate Aaron's life, not for socializing with strangers. It was a funeral for god's sake and she didn't need his interference… Tyler, in not so many words, told him to go. For his part, Salvatore just looked in her direction, nodded and walked away.

And therein lies the problem. He will protect Elena at any cost but he feels a bit guilty for deep sixing the guy behind Elena's back. Damon Salvatore doesn't actually seem like a bad guy, however, he's not the kind of man that Elena needs. The man she chooses should sweep her off her feet, take care of her, spoil her and become her pillar. The last thing she needs is having to shoulder the responsibility of looking after someone else.

He considers spilling his guilty guts but today, she's in no mood for any bullshit. Tomorrow she's supposed to have lunch with her parents... Inevitably that makes her edgy. Besides, if he tells her now, it might provoke her charitable tendencies and drive her right into Salvatore's arms.

Stepping outside, he lights up a cigarette. Taking a long drag, he looks around, rolling his eyes when the man in question appears on the sidewalk, the snow crunching beneath his feet as he closes the distance between them. He doesn't look up until he reaches Tyler.

"Mr. Lockwood," he stops in front of him, looking not even the least bit intimidated.

"Mr. Salvatore," Tyler responds automatically, he can't believe the nerve of this guy and to think he was feeling guilty for shooing him away!? He tries to come up with something clever to say but before he can, Elena appears next to him, she must have seen him through her office window.

"Damon," she gives him a small smile before turning to her friend. "Tyler?" she looks at the two of them suspiciously. Tyler hopes she can't read his mind because he feels pure panic burgeoning inside. "Can you look over the forms I filled out and sign them? They're on my desk."

Tyler looks at Damon, then back to Elena and nods. "Sure."

Without saying another word he turns around and hurries into the building.

Why does he have a feeling he's in some serious trouble?

Damon's watching Tyler's retreating back before shifting his gaze back to Elena. "Hi," he only now greets her. "I hope I'm not disturbing you…?"

"You're not. I'm here which means there are no emergencies at the moment."

Damon pauses, did she really just make a joke?, then grins. "That's certainly good news."

"How have you been? Busy, I imagine with your move. Are you settled yet?" she makes a little small talk.

"Busy, yes," Damon considers her question, "but not because of the move, that was nothing more than Ric dropping me off and helping me carry a couple bags inside. He does keep me busy, though. There are people who expect disasters over the holidays. As such, everyone wants their houses, businesses and properties secured. How about you? I mean... with the funeral…?"

Damon doesn't miss the shadow of sadness that appears for a fleeting moment, although she hides it well. "Yeah… it's always tough but we have to honor the fallen, Aaron was part of our team... I heard there was some television coverage... "

"Yeah, I saw a little of it." He won't tell her that he showed up at the cemetery, or that Tyler Lockwood stopped him from interrupting the service. "I know it must have been… difficult." And he wanted to be there for her…

"Thanks…," Elena appreciates his words, sensing his sincerity.

And now the conversation's dying again. He has that gift... Desperately trying to come up with something to say he blurts out what he's had on his mind for a few days.

"Would you come... I mean do you have time tomorrow? Or Sunday?"

Stupid, stupid, idiot...

Elena shakes her head. "No, I'm sorry. I already made plans with my family and then I have to pick up my niece for the weekend..." She looks like she wants to add something but Damon's ready to flee, not wanting to become her charity case.

"Listen, I have to finish some reports..." she starts, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Of course," Damon interrupts her, feeling embarrassed. "I'm going to go..."

"I was going to say, if you have time and don't mind waiting, we could get some supper at Steamworks Brewery. Frankly I could use a glass of their microbrew."

Damon's never been there and hasn't tasted their beer but he remembers Jenna talking about the place. Not that it matters, he'll go anywhere she wants. He's looking at her in awe.

"I'd like that. And no, I don't mind waiting and I have heard good things about the place," he actually manages a natural reaction.

"I have to caution you, if the fire alarm goes off, I'll have to get a raincheck," she opens the door. Damon nods, understanding completely. When he starts to back up, she stops him. "I'm not letting you wait out here again or you will end up with your death of cold."

Damon's taken aback and tries to protest but she's not having any of it. "It's not negotiable, you can wait here, there's a recreation room where you can relax while I finish up my work."

He just nods and follows her inside.

The last half hour has been a whole new experience. The blonde behind the reception desk, the one who summoned Elena the first time he was here, kept busy at her desk. From what he can see, her fingers were dancing all over the keyboard of her computer. Having been on the receiving end of stealthy looks since losing his hearing, he's rarely oblivious to such stares. When their eyes meet, she smiles and shortly thereafter she speaks.

"Coffee? I'm about to make a fresh pot. I'm Caroline btw."

He shakes his head, "No, I'm good but thanks for the offer. I'm… Damon Salvatore." He doesn't exactly feel like making small talk but for now it seems he's at her mercy.

"She won't be too much longer," she assures him, moving closer to where he's sitting. "Elena's already finished the daily report so it shouldn't take her too long to wrap things up."

She reminds him of Bonnie actually, he's sure the shiny smiles are only missing because she doesn't know him.

"I don't mind waiting," he comments neutrally. He misses the next thing she says when she turns away from him, probably heard something?

"Sorry, I didn't catch that," he offers.

She turns back to him looking rather perplexed, he waits a few seconds to see if it dawns on her. Then with a mental sigh he explains. "I am fluent in sign language but I mainly communicate by reading lips. I need to see your mouth to hear you so to speak.

Caroline's mouth drops. "Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking, I was just…"

She's interrupted by Tyler Lockwood's arrival and as soon as their eyes meet, she quickly returns to her desk.

Interesting.

Damon expectantly looks up to Tyler's cold stare. He's mastered the ability to disguise how he feels under rude stares or how small some people tend to make him feel. Actually, he hasn't had to wear the mask for some time but his sparing partner brings it all back into sharp focus. He'll deal with it later in the privacy of his house. Elena is the reason for his presence and he'll be damned if he lets Lockwood scare him away. Yesterday he accepted Lockwood's admonition, believing him when he said Elena was perfectly fine and that being with her firemen brethren at such a time was in her best interests. Not wanting to burden her on such a day, he left without talking to her. It's a new day though and he won't be intimidated…

"What can I do for you?" he politely asks.

Tyler hesitates, honestly, he didn't expect Damon to show up so soon. Nor has he ever experienced this determined, more self-confident side of him. "To be frank, I was wondering, why you keep coming here, maybe you'd rather talk to… someone else? I mean, Elena, all of us really have saved many lives... It's a little out of character for her to befriend... a victim. People do show up to say thanks but they don't return again and again..." he says pointedly.

Damon considers him for a second. "Look, Mr. Lockwood, I can assure you I mean no harm to… your chief," he can't bring himself to refer to her as Elena, it feels too private somehow. He has no idea if she's told anyone that they're on a first name basis? "I'm harmless," he continues. "If she asks me to stop coming here, I will. But it must come from her... I hope you understand that. Furthermore, I'm not going to run away like a scared rabbit. I've dealt with enough bullies to recognize one, I would rather not fight but I'm long past backing away from people like you. I also have a stubborn streak, I wouldn't be where I am now without it. Just because I'm deaf doesn't mean I'm a child and I'm asking you not to treat me as one."

Tyler holds his breath for a second to absorb Salvatore's words. Surprisingly enough, he's rather impressed. "My apologies if I gave you that impression, it wasn't my intention. Her brother's my best friend. I will always, always look out for her," he adds to somewhat explain his behavior. Feeling a tiny bit guilty for trying to scare the guy off, he raises his hands in surrender, knowing they're tied for now.

"I will be the one backing off," the corners of his mouth lift in amusement and Damon almost relaxes. Is it possible that he convinced him at least a little?

With a light bow of his head, he retreats, leaving a shaken Damon to his own thoughts.

Half an hour later they're at the Steamworks Brewery, sitting at a corner booth. Damon, mostly recovered from his verbal sparring match with Tyler, is watching Elena taking bites of her bacon royale burger. He's absolutely fascinated by this woman. She wasn't kidding when she said she was hungry and he can't get enough of the faces she makes, clearly she's enjoying it. He likes seeing a woman enjoying her food and not concerned about her weight. And the faces she's making as she devours it... He quickly turns his eyes away and shifts is in seat to get a little more comfortable. Also he doesn't want his stare to be interpreted as ogling.

The place has a very nice ambience to it. People seem to be having a good time. There's a long bar with vats of their home brewed beer to enhance the atmosphere. They have an impressive selection of both their own tap blends and bottled beers. He chose the Backside Stout. According to the board, it's a complex malt with chocolate and roast overtones. Damon paired it with a 'dirty burger'. The bacon stout Jam, banana peppers, provolone and dirty sauce combine to make a very flavorful meal. Even with his dulled sense of smell, he is very much enjoying his meal.

"Well? What do you think?" she leans against the back of the chair after swallowing the last bite, her hand's playing with her almost empty glass in front of her.

It takes him a second to realize what she's asking about. "It's delicious. The meal, the beer, environment... The company...," he inclines his head in her direction and she blinks in surprise at the compliment, kind of unexpected from this shy man. "Very pleasant experience," he adds mumbling, turning his eyes away for a moment, having been caught off guard by his own display of boldness.

"I'm glad you approve," she tells him with a smile. "This is my treat, if I have an exhausting shift, bad day, or if I simply want to celebrate... I come here almost every week, usually with my crew. One more?" she raises her glass to finish it.

"Sure," Damon looks around to find the waiter and gestures for two more beers, he's going to try the Spruce Goose this time while Elena chooses Lizard Head Red.

"You are not paying," Damon's adamant, quite uncharacteristically so, a few beers later much to his disappointment, it's time to go.

"It was on you the last time," Elena disagrees, "it's my turn..."

"Nope," he shakes his head, "you took me to this fine place and I had a great time, many thanks. I'd feel bad if I didn't contribute at all."

Damn, those eyes and the way he waggles them.. They sparkle like storm clouds right before lightning strikes.

"But you did, you do, you kept me company," Elena doesn't give up.

His face turns serious and his voice the most sincere. "Thank you, I'm really glad I could be of service, but that's all the more reason, please, let me do this."

Elena's breath hitches. When did this happen? How can he have such effect on her?

"I... 'kay... But you have to promise, the next time I'm paying and there will be no arguments about it."

The next time...the thought causes a warm feeling in his chest.

"Okay, if you insist." Reluctantly, he breaks the connection and reaches into his pocket to pay the bill.

They're in no hurry as they walk back to the fire station where Elena's car is parked. Since she only had two glasses of beer and drank coke for the last hour, she'll be safe to drive when they reach it.

The dwindling sunlight also means the sun's heat will quickly evaporate. Wintry air swirls around them taking with it every lick of warmth. He wraps his arms tighter around himself, pulling his coat closed and tucking his chin downward into it. Looking over, he smiles when he sees her doing the same. Their breath is now only visible under the streetlights. They're mostly silent, it's dark outside, the snow crunching under their feet, not exactly the best conditions to lead a conversation when one of them needs to see the other's lips move. They don't mind though.

Interesting, how not talking at all can be comforting when it's with Damon...

"Hop inside, I'll take you home," she touches his arm to draw his attention.

Damon's eyes follow her hand before looking up to meet her eyes. "Oh, it isn't necessary, really, it's not far."

"It's no trouble, come on. It's dark and cold and the last thing you need is to fall and break a leg or something."

Unable to come up with anything to counter that, Damon nods and climbs onto the passenger seat. Elena starts the engine and sets off down the street. Waiting at the trafic lights she turns to him and asks, "Your place, it's close to your old house?"

"Yeah, just across the street, actually. Looks like a jungle, you can't see inside the garden. You'll see."

In no time, Elena slows down, coming to a stop at Damon's nod. "Yes, here."

She turns off the engine and they sit in the car, silent for a few moments. He doesn't want to say goodnight and leave. He doesn't want to go another week without seeing her. He'd like to invite her inside but he's sure it'd be highly inappropriate. Perhaps one day...

With a sigh he turns to get out of the car, opening his mouth to thank her for the lovely evening but she beats him to it, once again.

"Thanks for joining me, Damon, really, and for picking up the bill. I really did have a nice time."

Damon wants to say something epic or simple but his brain ceases to function when she's so close. "No, I thank you, Elena..."

That really wasn't epic.

"Okay," she smiles, "I gotta go. Have a wonderful weekend..."

She's too close, it's making him feel dizzy.

Before he can change his mind, he gives into the impulse, leans in and touches his lips to hers in the gentlest kiss. It lasts just a few seconds, but the feeling is magical. She doesn't pull away when they part and he can't fight the urge. His hands palm her face and he attacks her lips once more, mouth and teeth and all. It's intense and there's hunger rising but the kiss is also the most innocent he's ever given. Not to claim her, seduce her or satisfy his needs any way he can. He just wants to be closer to her, protect her, open up to her... he wants everything with her. The thought should send him running but strangely, it doesn't. He's breathing her in, savoring it as if it was the first or the last one in his life. Maybe it is... Damon doesn't close his eyes, he never loses himself in the dark and silent place but she does and he's sure she's just as affected as he is.

When the lack of air becomes and issue, they separate very slowly, Elena's looking at him in a daze. He can read it in her eyes before the words form on her lips and embraces himself for the impact.

"You can't kiss me again...," her eyes say it all and his heart sinks, no matter how predictable her reaction was.

He shakes his head in acceptance but doesn't meet hers again. "Good night, Elena..." He quickly gets out of the car and disappears from her sight.

Unbeknownst to him, she's thinking similar thoughts about that incredible kiss.

"You can't kiss me again," she said. What she didn't say; "because if you do, I'll never be able to let you go."

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

Chapter title: 'Taking Chances' by Celine Dion

Kelly aka Faith2727 has a delightful little holiday story called 'Wrapped in Red'.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend. Thank you all for everything.