Hi, peoples. This is my first Tyler/Jeremy story. It's more preslash than anything else. There might be a few implied spoilers that I'll reveal at the end in my last author's note so don't read if that bothers you.

Tyler's not very fond of the word possessive. He understands that he fits the characteristics of the word, but he prefers the word protective. He doesn't like the people he cares for to get hurt. This list is very short; it includes his family, Matt, (Vicki, when she was still around) and. . .that's it.

When he sees Damon roughing Jeremy up, Tyler realizs that the artist is on the list too. He's pushing past the crowd and a growl or two escapes his lips unbidden; he doesn't like the way the Salvatore is looking at Jeremy; it makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and Tyler's angry.

But then, Stefan is pulling Damon away and he whispers a few words to Jeremy, who walks off. Tyler intercepts him.

"You alright?" Jeremy's surprised at the concern; the tension between them has eased but it's still there.

"I'm fine." The younger boy's voice is reassuring, but Tyler's still glaring at the elder Salvatore; he moves past his friend, ignoring his calling.

Tyler stalks up to Damon and shoves him as hard as he can; Damon moves and seems to be alarmed at that, but he doesn't show it well.

"Do we have a problem?" Damon narrows his eyes. Tyler's not intimidated.

"Don't touch Jeremy again." Tyler's been taught to fight for everything: in football, in life, in love, (for the Pack is whispered in the back of his mind, but it's ignored).

"Or what?" It's cocky and arrogant and Tyler wants to rip his throat out, here and now in front of everyone to prove he'll do anything to protect what's his.

"Or we'll have a problem." Damon's staring into his eyes and Tyler feels agitated and disturbed like something is attacking his mind, but a snarl slips from him and it stops.

The Salvatore watches him walk away, thinking that maybe he has more to worry about than some rogue vampires.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW

Alright, the writers are definitely setting it up for Tyler and his family to be werewolves. I used that here with the idea that werewolves can't be compelled like humans can.

Read and Review people!