One Tree Hill. The Vampire Diaries. I don't own either of them.

Pre-Summary: "Damon, I can't just drop everything and move to Mystic Falls with you. Senior year's about to start," Brooke said and Damon shrugged. "You can start it there. Nobody'll even notice you're new...except for the psycho Hybrid and Barbie Bitch." Brooke shook her head with a small smile, "Damon…" He added, "Aren't you tired of being the footnote to somebody else's love story? Cuz I know I am."

Summary: All it took was one visit from Damon Salvatore and Brooke Davis was packing her life away in Tree Hill and moving into the Salvatore mansion with Mystic Falls' resident bad boy. Brooke only knows a small amount of the bullshit going on, but once she's there, she's stuck there. And aside from the jealous Elena, imposing Klaus and the ever-brooding Ripper Stefan, Brooke's gotta deal with feelings she'd rather not have for her best friend. And are those feelings really as one-sided as she thinks…or has Damon really let go of Elena for good? Set in season 3.

It ain't easy growing up in World War III

Never knowing what love could be

You see, I don't want love to destroy me

Like it has done to my family

Family Portrait by Pink

"So, Damon randomly had some girl at his house and she answered the door?" Caroline asked. Caroline, Bonnie and Elena were headed to class. "Was she even pretty?"

"Care," Elena chastised quickly before smirking at the blonde. Bonnie chuckled as Elena continued talking. "Gorgeous, even. I wasn't sure if I should ask her if she was a vampire or not." Caroline laughed.

"Yeah, cuz that would be a very good way to greet someone," Bonnie remarked and Elena grinned. "But still, she might just be a friend…though I don't see why it would matter either way." Caroline gave Elena a discreet but pointed look and Elena sighed.

"It doesn't. It's just strange going to the house and seeing some random girl there after he's pretty much ignored all of my calls." It was creepy for Elena. Unless he was angry with her, Damon never ignored her calls and even Elena could admit that it had hurt when he did. She thought they were closer than that. "All I know is that she said she's meet me in class."

"Well, maybe she's an ally," Bonnie suggested as they stepped into the hallway. Elena shrugged before raising her eyes to the small crowd gathered in the hallway. The girls exchanged looks before catching up to Matt.

"Hey," he exclaimed and Elena smiled.

"Hey, what's going on over there?" Elena pointed to the animated crowd, who were talking excitedly to each other and to something. Matt smirked.

"New girl," he replied. "She's kinda…an internet fashion designer. She's already friends with Rebekah." The girls gave him dumbfounded looks and Matt shrugged, going inside to English. The bell rang and the crowd started dispersing, "Brooke" being thrown around as they all said their goodbyes to hurry for classes. And then Caroline whistled.

"Well, she's got style." Bonnie nodded.

"Damn straight."

And Elena had to agree.

Standing beside Rebekah, Brooke looked more like a super model than she did with just Damon's shirt on. Under a black flirty little cropped cardigan, she wore a soft knit yellow halter top that was gathered in the front rather than the back with a gold sequined empire waist, dark skinny jeans that made her legs look long for her height, and black sandals. Her bangs were brushed to the side gently and her hair fell around her in soft curls and there was a pair of black shades atop her head. She wore big gold hoops and Elena caught a few bracelets on her left wrist. Brooke's lips were glossy and naturally pink and her makeup was delicately applied, making her look natural and stylish.

"The question is…why is she talking to Rebekah?" Caroline asked and Elena shook her head. But she had an idea. Now, to find Damon.

"Why didn't you get me to talk to Rebekah?" Elena demanded while they inspected the hieroglyphics. Damon steadily stared at them, ignoring Elena for a second.

"Didn't think you were very high on any of the Originals' lists," he replied dryly and Damon could feel her glaring daggers at the back of his head. "Oh, come on! Like you could get Barbie Klaus to spill all of her family's dirty little secrets."

"Rebekah actually knows me," Elena pointed out and Damon turned to her with piercing eyes that made her take a step back.

"Exactly. Think, Elena." Elena gulped at their proximity and Ric pretended to ignore them, still walking ahead like Damon told him to. "Rebekah doesn't know Brooke. She can easily be manipulated and Brooke is the perfect person to make her spill the beans. She'll have her wrapped around her fingers before you know it."

"And how do you know that?" Elena inquired and a dark look washed over Damon's face.

"Because not everyone had the perfect family portrait like you, Elena," he snapped and a hurt look appeared on Elena's face. "Brooke's the prime example and she's the only one that will connect with Rebekah. Besides, this isn't what you're really pissed about. You're ticked that I left town without telling you." Elena exhaled dramatically and Ric wondered if he'd be the only one getting work done around here.

"I'm ticked that you ignored all of my calls and when I stop by your house, I have to have this awkward moment with some barely-dressed girl at your door instead of you," Elena remarked and Damon smirked to himself. He could imagine Brooke hurrying to his door with nothing on but his shirt and why that pleased him, he didn't want to know.

"Grow up, Elena. Jealous much?" Elena tensed at that and gave him a stony look.

"I don't wanna argue with you right now, Damon." Finally, Ric thought as they came closer to the point where Damon would not be able to walk any further for them.

"Then don't," he replied harshly before grasping Elena's arm, pulling her close to him so that their faces were centimeters. "But, just remember that this is what makes us. Arguing and throwing each other out there because I won't ever make everything picture-fucking-perfect for you like St. Stefan. It's time you realize that." With that, he stormed out, leaving Elena to catch her breath.

"When did you move in here?" Rebekah asked in that sweet British accent that Brooke loved to hear. One of the guys she met this summer was from England and Brooke adored his accent. Although, that wasn't the only thing she learned to adore about him, but now was not the time to be thinking about that. Brooke smirked while Rebekah took off her coat, walking over to the bar.

"Last night. Apparently, Damon's getting some renovations done to the room next to his for me," she replied and got out two glasses. "Wanna drink?" Rebekah smirked.

"I know what you're doing," Rebekah told her and Brooke smirked to herself as she poured the whiskey into the glasses, only filling them up halfway.

"I don't swing that way, so I would never try to date rape –

"You want me to spill." Brooke grinned, handing Rebekah her glass.

"Alright. Why did you spend all of those years running from your father?" Rebekah took the glass and gave Brooke an icy stare.

"That's none of your business," Rebekah snapped and Brooke took a step back. Just because Brooke hadn't been the smartest in her class doesn't mean she was dumb. If a vampire pretty much snaps at you the way Rebekah had, you don't press too hard. "What did you think would happen? We'd have a few drinks and become best friends?" Brooke laughed.

"Hardly." Brooke plopped down onto the sofa, kicking her feet up. "But I do want to know about Mikael." Rebekah glared at her still.

"You'd be a bloody idiot trusting him." Brooke shrugged.

"Well, we'll just have to see for ourselves." Rebekah folded her arms over her chest.

"You don't even know where he is," she sneered and Brooke smirked.

"Do you really think the Scooby Doo gang didn't figure that out yet?" Brooke shot back and Rebekah tensed. Brooke drank her liquor before setting the glass down, standing. "So, what will it be? You tell us the truth or we get Mikael to?" Within seconds, Rebekah was in her face, standing before her intimidatingly. Immediately, Brooke's heart started racing as Rebekah glared at her down with icy blue eyes.

"You don't threaten me!" Rebekah yelled and Brooke nodded, trying her hardest not to show the fear on her face. "You don't boss me around. You learn what I allow you to learn. Understood?" Brooke nodded quickly and Rebekah took a step away, letting Brooke breathe.

Okay, Brooke was getting the blonde to work with her. Now, to get her comfortable. And how else to make Barbie happy than to take her shopping? With that thought in mind, Brooke headed towards the door and Rebekah stared her in confusion.

"Where are you going?" She called and Brooke glanced at the blonde over her shoulder. "I thought you wanted to learn."

"I do. But we're going to go pick out dresses," Brooke said. "Let's go!" Rebekah glowered, though the idea of shopping did appeal to her. Besides, she did need a dress for the Homecoming dance.

"I thought I just told you not to boss me around," Rebekah pointed out and Brooke shrugged sheepishly. It was second nature. That's what happens when you're used to being the head cheerleader.

"It's not bossing unless you let it be." Brooke smirked as Rebekah thought that over. "Coming?" She decided to add in her sweetest tone. Rebekah didn't answer. She just brushed past Brooke and was out the door. Grinning, Brooke text Damon of her progress, knowing exactly where he'd be.

"Damon, how could you let him out like that?" Elena asked through the phone. Damon didn't answer. He mumbled something stupid and then hung up without warning. Shaking her head, Elena threw her phone down before turning back to Ric to look through the symbols. "So, what do we have?"

"Nothing yet…not until Rebekah spills and Bonnie brings the –

"I've got the necklace that won't die," Bonnie called as she entered the apartment. Elena smiled at her friend as the dark-skinned beauty placed Elena's old necklace on the table. "Which symbol does it fit with?" Alaric pointed to it.

"That one," he replied before giving Bonnie a look. "And Bonnie, about everything –

"Please, don't," Bonnie said quickly. "I know that all of you are worried about me, but I'm fine. Honestly." Elena didn't say anything. There was nothing she could say and if she tried to, she was pretty sure she'd make things worse.

"Still. Jeremy's an idiot." Bonnie laughed at Alaric. "Just thought you used should know that." She smiled.

"Thanks."

"I can't believe you have them modeling the dresses for you," Brooke exclaimed, sipping on a glass of champagne. They were in some city near Mystic Falls at this fancy boutique. Apparently, they were spending Klaus' money today. Even Brooke was getting a new dress here.

"Well, when you have the power to make people do whatever you want, why not?" Rebekah retorted and Brooke chuckled as the four girls emerged from the stalls. Naturally, Brooke's eyes fell on the red one, red being her favorite color. But these were for Rebekah. "Pick one."

"Don't you want to try them on yourself?" Rebekah shot her an impatient glare.

"Pick."

"I wouldn't know which one to pick. You haven't tried one on –

Without warning, Rebekah had one girl by the throat and her face was all vamped out, fangs ready to pierce the poor girl's throat. Brooke's heart wrenched as the girl whimpered.

"Pick or I'll rip her throat out," Rebekah threatened. Brooke exhaled through her nostrils, body completely tense as she gripped her champagne glass. Luckily, they were in a private room where the store owner would bring out more dresses every fifteen minutes.

"It's not my neck, so I don't really care." Rebekah's face returned to normal as she laughed at Brooke, still gripping the girl's neck. She had to give the brunette credit; she had guts for a human.

"You're lying," Rebekah sneered. "I can hear your heartbeat." Brooke sighed, conceding.

"The red one." Rebekah smiled and released the girl, compelling her to forget what happened and go away.

"Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Brooke glared at the blonde and rose, beginning to storm away. "And where are you going?" Brooke whirled around.

"One, I'm getting away from your snarky, sadistic ass and two, I need a Homecoming dress," she replied and Rebekah smirked at her.

"Sit down. I already have models for you," she told her and Brooke blinked, surprised. "Don't pretend like you didn't want me to the minute I started for myself." Brooke shook her head, pointing at Rebekah with half-hearted contempt.

"You're sick!" Rebekah shrugged.

"Maybe, but don't you want to hear the rest of my story?" Okay, she had Brooke. They needed the rest of the information and it wasn't like she wasn't having fun with Rebekah. She had more fun shopping with her than she ever had with Peyton.

"And you're actually gonna tell me the rest? No more riddles?" Rebekah laughed and poured more champagne in their glasses.

"As long as you let me pick out your dress. It's the least I can do for stealing your favorite color," Rebekah bargained and pat the seat beside her. "Come now, sit." Brooke rolled her eyes, already walking over to the chaise.

"Fine."

"Brooke's useful," Ric commented and Elena smiled in agreement.

"Very useful." They sorted through the symbols. "Alright, Esther was the original witch. And Mikael killed her. Why?"

"Maybe…he remembered her cheating on him with a wolf and wanted revenge," Rich suggested and Elena shook her head in response.

"No, that would be impossible. When you turn into a vampire, all the memories that you were compelled to forget return. But Mikael was never compelled. He knew from the beginning, which is why he treated Klaus so horribly."

"But…then the story Klaus told Rebekah doesn't make sense," Ric concluded. He pulled down the symbol of the witch's death. "Wait, what if this meant hybrid? What if…these two symbols swirled together actually means hybrid?" Elena blinked.

"But that would be ridiculous," she pointed out. "That would mean that the hybrid killed the original witch." Elena gasped as her and Alaric's eyes met.

"Oh shit," he breathed and Elena's eyes widened.

"And Klaus lied to Rebekah. I gotta text Brooke."

"You look like someone just stepped on your Jimmy Choos," Rebekah commented as they walked into the Salvatore Mansion with their shopping bags, both girls sporting five bags. Brooke slid her cell into her back pocket, raising her eyes to Rebekah as the blonde dropped her bags.

"Worse than that, I have something to tell you," she said and Rebekah raised an eyebrow, curious at the almost sympathetic look on her face. "Alaric and Elena have been looking through the hieroglyphics trying to read them. And they have."

"Your point being?"

"Your Dad didn't kill your mother," Brooke revealed. "The hybrid – Klaus – did." Rebekah tensed automatically, eyeing Brooke warily.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe you?" Brooke stood fast, hazel eyes fierce with determination. "Well, I don't. Klaus would never lie to me."

"But he did, Rebekah. He's lied to you for centuries because he knew that if he told you the truth, you'd hate him. And he'd be all alone and no one wants to be alone." Rebekah felt some part of her breaking and glared at Brooke coldly.

"Shut up!" Brooke sighed and took a step towards her new friend.

"Rebekah –

"SHUT UP!" Rebekah screamed and had Brooke pinned to the wall faster than she could blink. She had a hand wrapped around the brunette's throat, squeezing but not tight enough to cut off air. "Shut up and stop lying to me!"

"I'm not lying and you know it," Brooke yelled back and watched the tears form in Rebekah's eyes, guilt eating at her for having to be the one to tell her this and sympathy making her want to comfort the blonde. "I can have Elena bring the pictures if you want me to and we can show –

"Just stop," Rebekah sobbed and slid to the floor, releasing Brooke. Brooke slid with her, sympathetically petting the girl's hair. "Why would he lie to me?"

"Because he knew how much family meant to you and if you knew he was the one that tore yours apart, you'd forever hate him. Klaus was – is – selfish and he manipulated your loyalty and love the most, Rebekah." Rebekah sobbed more and buried her face into Brooke's shoulder, actually allowing the girl to comfort her. Brooke sighed and rubbed her back. "But you can get back at him. Just help us, Rebekah. And I promise you we can avenge your mother's death."

Rebekah didn't answer. She just let herself be comforted by a new friend. And to say Elena was shocked was an understatement. She let out a small cough, which Rebekah didn't care to catch because of her tears. But Brooke did and excused herself from the blonde for a moment, following Elena to the front door.

"Damon said he'd stop by your place before he comes home," Brooke said and Elena nodded.

"Yeah, he called. He and Stefan are on their way back." Brooke nodded and there was an awkward pause before Elena sighed. "Look, about earlier, I'm sorry. I was surprised and –

"It's okay. Water under a bridge," Brooke told her and they shared a smile. Then Elena gave Brooke an impressed stare.

"I've gotta admit; that was impressive. You got Rebekah to tell us everything and you're even friends with her. How'd you do it?" Brooke shrugged.

"I guess, not everyone had the perfect family portrait like you, Elena," she admitted and it stung for the second time today. But there was something about the softness in Brooke's raspy voice that made Elena stare at her more, made her notice the sadness in those now green eyes. "I mean, my family is nowhere near as bad as Rebekah's, but…at least you had parents that wanted you."

"Five more minutes," Brooke moaned gently, trying to cover her head with the blanket. But Damon smirked and poked her sides, making Brooke jolt up quickly with a squeal. She pouted at Damon. "Can't this wait until the morning?"

"No, I'm taking you to your room," he told her and Brooke groaned.

"Can't you just carry me?" Damon groaned before lifting her in his arms, tucking his arm under her knees as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Drama queen," he remarked and Brooke sleepily stuck her tongue out at him. Smirking at her childishness, Damon carried Brooke out of his room and to the one across the hall from him instead.

"I thought it was next door," she murmured and Damon smirked.

"Didn't have enough room for this," he said and opened the door.

And Brooke's eyes flew wide open. (OOC: Website for Brooke's bedroom: photos/bedroom/p/32 . I don't know if I described it right, but you get the picture.)

It was a warm, contemporary and inviting bedroom that fit the old time feel of the Salvatore Mansion, but brought out a beauty that would be enough to fit Brooke Davis. It was spacious with its beige carpeted floor and beige walls with chocolate accents. Across from the door was another glass door framed with dark wood that led to a small patio, giving Brooke a nice view of the surrounding forest. Gasping at the beauty, Brooke walked further into the room. Against the west wall was a beautiful queen-sized bed that had a splash of red in two of the pillows. Two lights loomed over the headrest and Brooke could see a switch from where she stood. On the east wall, set in stone, was the electric fireplace and above that was the plasma screen TV. On the right of the fireplace, there were two dark chocolate chairs with their own pillows and with a desk in between them with a sewing machine and a drawing board.

"Damon…" Brooke didn't even know what to say and turned around to see the handsome dark-haired man smirking at her, pointing to the door to his right.

Walking past him, Brooke stepped into her bathroom and just gaped. The bathroom was set in white tile, granite and dark chocolate with beautiful accessories to boot. The glass allowed you to see through the shower, there was a tub on your right the minute you stepped in with candles waiting to be lit all around it, and a vessel sink with a chair underneath for Brooke to do her makeup in front of the mirror. She turned back around to see Damon still staring at her.

"I…I honestly don't know what to say," Brooke said honestly and Damon chuckled at her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear gently.

"I said I'd always take care of you, didn't I?" He inquired and Brooke smiled, recalling that promise.

"I just…I don't even know what I was doing there," Brooke admitted and Damon just stared down at her. She was lying beneath her blankets and he was sitting on top of them, his back against the headrest.

"Duh…getting wasted," Damon replied and Brooke smirked, hitting him with a random pillow. Damon chuckled at her, swatting it away.

"Seriously, thanks. If you hadn't come, I don't even know what would have happened to me." Brooke shuddered at the thought and Damon's jaw clenched.

Brooke called him. She was at some seedy joint almost one-hundred miles away from Tree Hill, she was beyond drunk, and by the time he got there, some old geezer was trying to take her to his truck. Damon snapped his neck on the spot. Just the thought of what would have happened had he not shown up had him ready to kill. And the sad part was that out of all the people she knew, Brooke called him. Why? Because her boyfriend cheated on her with her so-called best friend. Damon should've killed the bitch when he had the chance.

"I will always take care of you," he swore, swiping hair from her face as Brooke smiled sleepily, her face makeup-free and as beautiful as always.

"Thank you."