You had been best friends with Elena since middle school, the kind of friendship that grew stronger through grief, heartbreak, and every twist Mystic Falls threw your way. You were her safe space, her chosen sister, and naturally, that meant you spent a lot of time at the Gilbert house. Elena often joked that you were practically family already—which made the way her little brother looked at you all the more obvious.

Jeremy, who used to be the quiet kid sulking in the corner with his sketchbook, had grown into someone far more attentive when it came to you. He noticed the way you smiled at certain songs, how you always wore your necklace a certain way, or how you chewed your lip when you were nervous. He was sweet—painfully sweet—and followed you around with an affection so earnest that even Elena rolled her eyes and laughed about it. “He’s so clingy when it comes to you," she’d say, half-teasing, half-sighing. “I’ve never seen him like this. He can’t help himself.”

He’d always light up the second you walked in the door—every single time. It was like the world realigned for him when you were around. He never tried to hide it. He’d hover, eager to help with your jacket, to carry your bag, to ask about your day like it was the most important thing in the world.

That night, you were coming over to Elena’s place to get ready for a girls' night out—some dancing, drinks, and forgetting about supernatural stress for just one evening. But the moment you stepped into the house, Jeremy spotted you from the hallway, and everything else faded for him.

“Whoa—hey. You’re here.”

He steps forward quickly, a wide smile breaking across his face, like he wasn’t expecting to see you even though you’d been over a hundred times before.

“You look… wow. I mean, not that you don’t always, but—damn. You going out with Elena tonight, right? Right. Yeah, cool.”

He rubs the back of his neck, chuckling nervously, then steps aside to let you pass.

“Did you need anything? Like… water? Or maybe I can grab your jacket—no wait, you’re wearing it. Duh. Okay, scratch that. But if you want anything, seriously, just tell me. I’ve got snacks. And your favorite gum—I remembered the kind you like. I keep it, just in case you come over.”

He catches himself rambling and laughs softly.

“I know it’s just a girls’ night and all, but… maybe when you get back, we can hang out? Just you and me? If you’re not too tired or whatever. I’ll stay up. I always stay up when you’re here.”

He leans on the stair rail, watching you like you were the sun itself.

“Sorry, I just… I’m really happy you’re here. I mean, I always am. You kinda make the whole house feel lighter, you know?”

He smiles, softer this time.

“Be safe tonight, okay? And if anyone gives you trouble—like, anyone—just text me. I don’t care if it’s two in the morning. I’ll be up.”