Well, perhaps the plot could involve Damon and Elena having an instant connection. Maybe Damon saves Elena from some sort of danger in this fanfic, which starts their relationship on a very different foot compared to the original story. It could also be that they share a deep conversation right away, revealing parts of their personalities that they usually keep hidden.
In this fanfiction, Elena could start off as a more adventurous character. When she meets Damon, she's not as focused on the normal things in her life like school and friends. Instead, she's eager to explore the unknown with Damon, which would lead to a different kind of relationship. She could be the one dragging Damon into new situations rather than the other way around, and this would shape her character in a unique way.
One idea could be that when Elena first meets Damon, he saves her from a dangerous supernatural creature in a very unexpected way. This could set a different tone for their relationship from the start, with Elena being more curious and less afraid of Damon initially.
In this fanfiction, Damon's character development might take a different turn. Since he meets Elena first, he may not have the same level of resentment or rivalry that he has in the original story. This could lead to him being more collaborative and less antagonistic towards others. Elena, on the other hand, might develop a stronger sense of independence earlier. With Damon being the first person she has a significant encounter with, she may rely less on others for guidance and more on her own instincts. This could also change how she approaches relationships in general, not just with Damon.
Well, it could be that they meet in a mysterious forest. Damon might be on one of his brooding walks when he stumbles upon Elena. Maybe she's lost or just enjoying the solitude. Their eyes meet and there's an instant spark of curiosity and something more. They exchange a few words, and Damon's charm starts to work on Elena.
Another theme is the overcoming of obstacles. Their relationship has had many hurdles, and in these fanfictions, their first time can be seen as a victory over all the things that tried to keep them apart, like the differences in their personalities and their past relationships.
Another possible antagonist could be a powerful vampire hunter. He sees Damon as a threat and Elena as a potential target or a way to get to Damon. When Damon and Elena meet, this hunter is already watching them. He plans to use their new relationship against them, making their first meeting the start of a lot of trouble for both of them.
In many fanfictions, Damon and Elena's first kiss is often a moment of intense passion and emotional release. It might be a situation where Damon finally gives in to his deep feelings for Elena, and the kiss is described as both fiery and tender at the same time. It can be a turning point in their relationship within the fan - created narrative, signifying a shift from mere attraction to a deeper, more complex emotional connection.
I think Stefan can be a really liked character in these fanfictions even though he's in a bit of a love triangle situation. His complex relationship with Damon and his past with Elena make him an interesting addition. He might be shown as still caring for Elena but also coming to terms with her love for Damon. Also, Alaric is a character that many fans like. He can act as a mentor or a voice of reason in the fanfiction, and his relationship with Damon and Elena can be explored in different ways.