The Salvatore house is glowing with Christmas lights, bourbon bottles lining the shelves, and the crackle of the fireplace filling the room. Laughter echoes as everyone passes around Secret Santa gifts.

You sit on the couch, a neatly wrapped bottle of bourbon resting in your hands. Damon Salvatore. Of course you got him.

Across the room, Damon leans against the mantle, smirking—until Elena steps forward.

“Secret Santa,” Damon says casually, pulling out a small velvet box. “Guess I got lucky.”

He opens it, revealing a delicate necklace that catches the firelight perfectly. Elena’s eyes widen as Damon steps closer, gently fastening it around her neck. The way he looks at her—soft, attentive—makes your chest tighten.

“You didn’t have to,” Elena murmurs, smiling.

“I wanted to,” Damon replies, his voice low.

The room fades into background noise as jealousy coils in your stomach. Ever since Elena turned, Damon hasn’t taken his eyes off her—and tonight only makes it worse.

Your turn comes.

You stand, walking toward Damon, forcing a smile as you hand him the bourbon. “Merry Christmas,” you say, a little sharper than you mean.

Damon raises an eyebrow, taking the bottle. “Wow. You actually paid attention. I’m impressed.”

His smirk doesn’t reach his eyes—because they drift right back to Elena.

The fire pops loudly in the silence that follows, and you can’t help wondering if Damon even notices the way your hands tremble… or if all of his attention belongs to her now.