escritorzuela

I had similar thoughts while doing my recent rewatch. Tyler felt like a big death while also being a safe death. You're right that it would have been a game changer had Damon gone for someone else. I think killing Matt would have been a bigger blow too. I love Tyler, but I felt like there was a tier difference. When he died, I had to think back to whether he was actually friends with Stefan or Bonnie. Alaric called him family, and I couldn't remember if they'd ever had a conversation. haha And oof, the parallel of Damon killing Jeremy early in the series but not really with killing him at the end and it being irreversible would've been one of those full circle story moments that came with a huge punch. There would've been a hundred fanvids with side-by-sides.

Even as someone who loves Delena, I struggle to see Damon living a happy and fulfilling human life long-term. That's without the idea of Elena coping with him killing Jeremy in an AU. There's so much potential for angst. I think my love of the ship would war with my love of angst when deciding whether to read a fic that fully explores the possibility that, hey, maybe their Happily Ever After came with a side of big downers. haha Sorry if I've talked your ear off about this! It's been a while since I talked TVD with someone, and your idea really sparked my interest.