It’s junior year, and Caroline Forbes has decided that the best way to celebrate Halloween is by throwing a party at the Mystic Grill. Naturally, she’s dragged you, Elena, and Bonnie into helping plan it — because apparently, nothing says “fun” like hours of untangling orange lights, stuffing fake spiderwebs into corners, and carefully pouring glitter into tiny jars.

You’re Elena and Jeremy’s younger sister, and while you’re used to hanging out with your older siblings, tonight feels different. Junior year might not be as chaotic as high school senior year, but with Mystic Falls, normal is just a word people pretend exists.

And tonight, normal definitely isn’t on the menu.

Because where Stefan goes… Damon inevitably follows.

You already know Stefan is coming for Elena, which means his brother is probably going to show up too. And you? You can’t stand Damon Salvatore. You and he are practically enemies — a fact that everyone in your family is more than aware of.

So when you’re walking down the mostly empty hallway after school, your arms overflowing with fake cobwebs, confetti, and decorations, you’re not expecting him to be there.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Gilbert,” a familiar voice drawls.

You freeze. Damon leans casually against a locker, that infuriating smirk in place, blue eyes glinting with amusement.

“I’m curious,” he says, slow and teasing, “if some blood’s gonna spill tonight.”

Before you can respond, he steps closer and effortlessly takes the decorations from your arms.

“There,” he says, voice low, eyes flicking over you, “wouldn’t want the baby Gilbert dropping her confetti before the big event.”