-Whispers: It's considered normal to form either platonic or intimate connections with others, to desire some form of companionship. However, for Theo Campbell, it was carefully selective. Touch was forbidden, words were restricted, trust was a fragile little thing like dragonfly wings, and people tended to be frighteningly unpredictable..especially when they weren't always accepting of matters their minds couldn't possibly begin to even comprehend yet.

-Pairing(s): Mainly slowburn Damon Salvatore/OC; other future relationships to be added.

-Rated: M for Mild language, triggering elements, mentions of blood or gore, and adult situations.

-Disclaimer: I don't own The Vampire Diaries. Canon characters belong to either L.J Smith, Kevin Williamson, and Julie Plec. I only own any original characters introduced.

Chapter One:

"All around Me are Familiar Faces.."

-Mad World, Tears for Fears

Vibrant green leaves gradually faded into either red or orange. The early morning air began to hold a more biting chill. Certain wildlife were foraging, slowly becoming visibly scarce. And summer vacation had officially ended at sunrise. September was finally here which meant school was back in session—

And Theo still wasn't ready for it. At all.

The most of the student body seemed fresh-faced and eager for so early in the morning. Several decked out in the new clothes they or their parents had bought to show off on the first day. Happily greeting long-time friends like they hadn't just seen them the day before no doubt. Gushing about whatever they had done during the break. Just buzzing with life and youthfulness that tended to come with being a teenager for some.

She, on the other hand, most likely resembled a college student after pulling an all-nighter on a term paper while sitting behind the wheel of her parked car alone.

Her naturally tanned skin a tad pale and makeup free. Allowing the dark circles under her chestnut brown eyes to be as prominent as ever and her usually untamed mass of honey brown curls tossed into a messy, quickly done high bun. Dressed in a wrinkled oversized maroon hoodie she grabbed off the floor of her closet along with dark grey leggings, and her favorite scuffed pair of white Vans Chukka Low. Usually she'd try to look a bit more presentable for her own sake, but her energy was just too low that morning to honestly care.

Even after spending fifteen minutes in the shower trying to wake fully up, she came out still feeling strangely drained. She would've attempted going a full thirty but, having fallen asleep under the warm water twice, had the common sense to get out. Though..the excuse of missing the first day because of a concussion had been very tempting. A bitter frown formed her face then. It wasn't fair. Her body had finally got adjusted to sleeping in during summer vacation. Only to be thrown right back into the 'waking up like a normal person' routine again.

Then again, nothing ever was. Just had to make due with what life spit at ya' and work around it somehow. With that pessimistic mindset, she sat back and watched the multi-colored leaves sway in the breeze. Silently wishing instead to be back home sat by the open window at her reading nook, taking in the surrounding forest across the huge front yard. Being there would've easily help bay the lingering unease stuck in the pit of her stomach. Or distract her enough from periodically shifting her gaze from the trees to glance at the time.

7:15 am, it currently read.

She stared tiredly at them. Hoping maybe the longer she did at the mocking numbers, father time would have pity and forever stop at that exact moment. Because she'd be forced to leave her car and officially begin her junior year at Mystic Fall High. An impulsive thought crossed her mind suddenly and before she knew it, her hand slipped into her jean pocket, pulling out her small silver flip phone.

She found the number with practiced ease and typed out a pleading text:

Can you come and kidnap me?

A minute after sending, a reply came:

Tempting..

But I rather not be killed by Zach of all people

After managing to live for this long haha

A childish pout formed on her lips. Starting to send a whiny remark back, the girl jumped as the phone began to ring with the familiar number.

"School hasn't even officially started for you, right? And you're already over it." the slightly stern voice of one Lexi Branson filled her ear upon answering. The faint sound of thumping club music could be heard in the background. It made Theo briefly wondered where she had chose to locate this time."If you're so tired of public school, tell Zach to home-school you again." There's a short pause before she speaks again. "Oh, wait..weren't you also the one who complained about not wanting to be a 'home-school' freak as a kid?"

Nose crinkling in disdain, Theo gave a hard huff into the speaker, annoyed at how right she was even when using her old words against her.

"Don't get snippy with me! You know I'm right." she scolded in a mocked 'mom' voice. Another small silence passed between them. A sigh was then heard escaping the older woman on the other end. Her voice much softer when talking again. "Look on the bright side, Theo, there's only one more year left to go through. Then you're free to never suffer through that shit ever again. You'll be able to come and party with me twenty-four seven all you want instead."

That made a tiny smile appeared on her face. But it didn't last long as the ugly reminder that she was still 'alone' until that was even considered a possibility. Causing bitter tears to gloss and threaten to fall from her sad brown eyes.

Seeming to sense her change in mood, Lexi gently reassured her. "Out of all my years, you're the toughest person I know, Bumblebee. You'll be okay—you're always gonna be okay. But remember Stefan and I are only a text or phone call away if you do need someone to vent to." Theo sniffled, letting her know she heard and understood. The older woman then told her she loved her tons as always and wished her luck before the call ended.

Peering at her phone for another minute, a soft sigh eventually fell from her lips. She would have to unfortunately accept the inevitable and be so-called 'tough' like Lexi believed she was. Grabbing her bag from the passenger seat to double-check everything needed was neatly inside, the quiet teen then rolled up the window and hopped out from the safety of her green 2008 Jeep Patriot.

And the second she did, the loudest seemingly inhuman shriek known to man was let out from her right side. She grimaced at the violation to her sensitive ears. Covering her hands over them as her eyes glared venomously at the happy group of girls hugging each other a few feet away. Though it was pointless as they ignored her existence as always.

Shaking her head, she quickly armored herself from another ear assault with her mp3. Joan Jett's cover of Crimson and Cloverblasting loudly through her earbuds made her give a pleased smile of approval. And the confidence to boldly strut through the annoying girls like a bad ass during the instrumental break. Along with theirs, Theo could feel some of the other students' eyes on her as she slipped pass cluster of friend groups and cliques loitering the front courtyard. Ignoring them as usual with a standoffish aura floating around her like a black cloud.

Dragging her feet as she took her time heading into the overcrowded school, blocking out the annoying blend of various voices all around. Or end up hearing the same stale conversations about herself, Mystic Fall High's resident 'weirdo'. The seventeen-year old mute who didn't like being touched, kept strictly to herself, and always wore black leather gloves no matter what season or outfit. Fostered by the other town outcast, Zach Salvatore where they lived together on the outskirts of town in the 'creepy' Salvatore Boarding House.

Yeah..

The lyrics to No Doubt's 'Just a Girl' now filling her ears instead were much better listening material.

Well, it was until they were abruptly yanked out of her ears on the way to her locker; now twice in one day they had abused! Theo hissed in confused pain, stopping to rub her stinging ears due to the violent act. Only to then tense when the tall form of her number one nemesis, Mr. Tanner stepped into her line of sight. Mouth quirked upwards in an almost sadistic condescending smirk as he looked down at the petite girl.

This man was an egotistic Grade-A asshole who loved treating pretty much every student like complete shit. Not even his beloved players for their school football team were spared from his harsh tongue. However, there was a selective few he went extra out of his way to target on a daily basis. And Theo was unfortunately one of them..all because she physically couldn't talk back unlike the rest of her classmates. The second she step foot into his classroom last year, he leapt on her in the metaphorical fashion of a lion after some poor wounded prey. She was pretty sure he also got some sorta weird sexual gratification every time he had the chance to belittle and demean her.

"Not even the official start of the new school year and you're already receiving a warning, Miss Campbell." He tsked, mockingly waved the purple earbuds in her composed face. The small squeak from her glove-covered hand tightening around her backpack strap being the only hint to her hidden anger. Towards this clear blatant bullying by a grown ass adult and the blatant disregard by other students who walked on after nothing more than a brief glance.

She mentally sighed in resign. But what's new.

"No music devices while inside the building, remember?" As he snidely informed her, light brown eyes slowly peered to the right. Watching as another student with huge headphones on as plain as day walked right on by them..and the older man didn't even bat one stupid eyelash.

Then say something to that guy too, you dick! Theo shouted angrily inside her head. Lord, did this man piss her off! There were numerous times she'd wanted nothing more than to put him down a size. But she always resisted and played her part as a pushover.

Can't bring trouble for Zach and yourself. Be good for Zach's sake. She reminded herself for the thousandth time, taking a quiet deep breath.

The mute girl instead gave a well-rehearsed apologetic nod; the meek persona causing her insides to blaze with white hot shame and disgust. 'Tough' Theo didn't exist, wasn't even a possible figment of anyone's imagination, in this kinda environment. Seeming satisfied with her submissive demeanor, Tanner nodded as well. Daringly, her hand then raised with caution. Naively hopeful that he would simply drop the temporarily confiscated earbuds into her opened palm. But it was never that simple with this jerk. Instead of handing them back, he pulled them up at an agonizingly slow pace until the mp3 player attached completely slipped free from the big front pocket of her hoodie.

"I think it's best I keep this for the time being," Blatant smugness consumed his voice and expression as the cord was wrapped around his left hand; her own began to develop a slight tremor. "So you aren't tempted to break the rules again." The history teacher then strolled casually by her frozen form with her only true way to achieve escapism still playing in his evil grasp. Having the vile nerve to even deliver a 'friendly' pat to her shoulder along the way. With no typical 'come get it at the end of the day' or 'have your parent come retrieve it for you' either. Because, much like his shitty personality, it was common knowledge the fucker never gave back what he took.

Unconsciously, her tired eyes began to water. Fuck..that was Stefan's birthday gift to me. The top row of her front teeth dug painfully into her quivering lower lip. Forcing herself not to full-on cry in frustration or start violently hyperventilating. No, she wouldn't give Tanner the unknowing satisfaction. Roughly wiping the cursed tears that managed to slip free, she headed towards her previous destination and resisted the strong urge to run back to the parking lot instead.

But during her interaction with Tanner, the hallways had become more flooded with students, making it impossible to slip pass someone without bumping into them. So, Theo found herself stuck behind childhood friends and popular Mystic High cheerleaders, Bonnie Bennett and Elena Gilbert. Honestly, she held no hatred towards either girl. Though they avoided her much like everyone else, they never went out of their way to be cruel or rude like some when they did happen to notice her presence. No, she just preferred not overhearing their random idle chatter at the moment.

"Major lack of male real estate." Bonnie shallowly complained while peering around the halls. Her attention then shifted to one girl's innocent outfit so quickly, Theo was surprised she didn't physically suffer whiplash. "Look at the shower curtain on Kelly Beach. She looks a hot—" She glanced at her quietly snickering friend as they finally stopped at their lockers. "Can I still say 'Tranny Mess'?"

Jesus..talk about insensitive, Bennett. Theo subtly rolled her eyes, walking by like a ghost to her locker on the other side of said girl. Soon the conversation moved to the topic of Elena's break up with Matt Donovan a few months ago. Her mind naturally tuned out then. By now pretty much that story was known forward and backwards. To everyone, and even herself, it had been a bit of a shocker when the high school sweethearts were no longer together. Before tragedy struck, it was already believed after graduating those two would possibly end up getting married with a couple of adorable kids later on.

Fate..well, more like Elena has other plans apparently. Being the observant person she was, it was easy to spy the subtle changes to the dark-haired girl's demeanor. She smiled, laughed, and chatted like usual when surrounded by others. But when she was alone or thought no one was looking, a solemn melancholy overtook her. She wasn't completely the same anymore.

The traumatic experience she suffered matured certain aspects of herself far too soon. Losing both your parents while you miraculously survive will unfortunately do that to a person. It resulted in the girl no longer being so sure about what her future held after it was almost violently snatched away. Which meant poor Matt unfortunately ended up tossed to the curb right along with all her previous ambitions as she reassessed her new life.

Putting away the items not yet needed before shutting her locker, Theo glanced at said girl. She looks better than the last time I saw her. Her smile isn't too plastic this time..she's had the summer to practice.

Wasting enough time observing her classmates, she turned towards the hall where her first class resided. Which happen to be in the same direction a certain blonde named Caroline Forbes sped outta nowhere from. Barely avoiding colliding into Elena's other best friend as she rushed over and all but smothered her into a tight hug before acting like a mother hen.

The mute girl shook her head and silently wished Elena good luck surviving her concerned friend. Turning away, she froze. Gaze widening with stunned surprise as her brown eyes caught the sight of a familiar pale face and leather jacket that stuck out like a sore thumb walking causally amongst the sea of small town kids.

And she knew that damn 'sore thumb' from anywhere.

Her mouth opened in a silent exclaim of their name. "Stef?!"

Which was how Theo later found herself in the administrative office on the first day of her junior year, sat awkwardly in one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs lining the wall. A bundle of nerves with knots in her stomach, on the brink of almost full-blown nausea due to her anxiety. With her former exhaustion being a now distance memory.

All because her foster parent's 'nephew', Stefan Salvatore suddenly decided out of the blue that he wanted to 'act like a teenager again'. With Mystic Falls apparently being the perfect place to do so..

At least that's what she assumed at the moment. The second the sudden shock subsided, she took off like a bat outta hell and met him halfway. Blocking his path to wherever as her hands flew wildly with a dozens of questions and unfiltered thoughts. It was a miracle he even understood all of what she was signing as he answered some and plainly avoided others with a vague 'I'll explain everything once back home.' Which was why she was so anxious and sadly suspicious of her true friend.

Her troubled gaze briefly glimpsed at the handsome young man casually standing at the front desk belong to one one of the school secretaries.

Slightly annoyed at how suave and laid-back he currently was in his stupid designer leather jacket and dark sunglasses as he waited there for the woman to get done peering over his bogus half-assed papers. Running a hand through his effortlessly styled hair now and then. Looking every bit like a modern-day James Dean for the female student body to swoon and fawn over. Appearing like he didn't have a care in the world..which he probably somewhat did, given his spontaneous actions. The sight made her almost want to snitch and call Zach to inform him of their new arrival since it was clear he was momentarily out of the loop. But she wouldn't. Not unless something bad ended up occurring from all this before the school day ended. Still, she could already imagine how tense that interaction was gonna be once the two were back at the Boarding House.

Blowing a stray curl off her forehead, the quiet teen instead pondered how much change his abrupt arrival would bring that day for her. And whether it would be for either the better or worse.

She frowned. Probably the worse.. Once they noticed Stefan hanging around her, their eyes would be locked on her even more. And she could never ask him to not associate with her so as not to deal with all the possible attention. While he'd be more than understanding, she didn't wanna end up catching the sad 'kicked puppy' look that would flicker across his face. Triggering her guilt and make her feel like the bad guy when he was the one being immature by dumping all of these new changes into her lap.

Honestly, not the first time he's done that. She noted, shortly thinking back all that transpired along the way of them being considered family.

For so long now, she deliberately never went outta her way interacting with the locals anymore. When much younger, she desperately tried forming connections just like the other kids her age despite her disability. And managed well for a time until other factors unfortunatelyended up getting it the way.

A small grimace formed on her lips at the memory. That was a..difficult time back then; so bad it almost resulted in Zach pulling her out of public school altogether. But she was a stubborn kid, still was now, and didn't want to be 'locked away' from the rest of society. Even if they'd never come to understand the truth. So, they struck up a deal and took extra precautions.

Six years had passed since that day and honestly, no real good came out of doing so. She was often looked down and pitied on as 'that odd little orphan girl' to the point it had grown to be normal. No longer causing a reaction out of her for being brushed off as a second thought by others. That she was just always 'there', forever lingering in the background. Theo just shrugged and accepted it all now; still being careful just in case though.

Now that she thought further on the matter, it would most likely last for a solid month or so. The locals tended to get bored of new 'things' quickly and would return to the norm. Not surprising at all given how most people there remained stuck in their ways. Much like the ridiculous old traditions passed down from the Founders they just loved enacting every year tirelessly.

Nothing ever truly died in Mystic Falls..

Chestnut browns returned to the living revenant of said testament, standing just a few feet from her.

It was no secret what he, and Lexi too, truly were to her—a real-life vampire. It stopped being one once it became harder for Zach and him to factually explain their lack of aging during random visits. A few years would go by and she'd be a bit older while they'd remained pretty much the same; save for a change in clothing style.

But it hadn't been very shocking when the truth was finally revealed. She remembered accepting the fact with a smile and a signed 'okay'; a tiny feeling of relief resting warmly in the center of her chest. The very first and only time she no longer felt truly alone anymore. That someone else knew what it was like constantly protecting precious but dark secrets from the light of day, for the sake of her life and few love ones'.

Which was why she couldn't understand Stefan's desire for reliving shitty high school life. He could pass off as human pretty well, but it only took one rare slip up and someone too observant to brush off whatever they ended up noticing as nothing at all. He was risking not only his life but hers and Zach's as well..for what? The need to feel truly young again? Some vampire version of a mid-life crisis? Or..was the real reason something far more troubling?

Her fingers unconsciously twitched as Theo stared at him. She could easily find out—

However, the second the urge dared cross her mind, it fizzled away. Seemingly leaving a physical bitter residue in her mouth to remind her of the shame for even conjuring such a terrible thought. Squeezing her gloved hands together between her bouncing legs to halt her forbidden impulses. So tightly the leather from the gloves let out a small squeak in protest.

She'd just have to wait and trust Stefan's promises to confide in her later. The supportive but reasonable friend it is.. She sighed to herself, standing up to at last join him. While doing so, she saw two familiar girls standing outside the doorway to the office from the corner of her eye—Bonnie and Elena. Already curiously sizing up whether her friend was handsome without even seeing his face yet. She rolled her eyes as she stopped next to said person.

"Don't be alarmed, but you're being checked out already." she informed, expression blank to instead convey the deadpan tone she wished was heard along with her signed words. Stefan chuckled softly, not bothering to peer back. He most definitely already knew, having heard them speaking clearly with his enhanced hearing.

"Don't worry, I'm not. I got more than enough curious looks to last me a lifetime just from walking up to the school alone." He then leaned down, whispering with a teasing tone. "And how can you be so sure it's me they're checking out? You're standing here too." If able to see his eyes, they'd no doubt hold a playful tinkle in them. She gaped up at him before lightly shoving his shoulder, unable to stop the blush from burning her freckled cheeks at the subtle compliment.

Shaking her head with another eye roll, she replied, "I highly doubt two of the most popular girls in my class 'roll that way', Stef." Though meanwhile in the back of her mind, the bitter words of 'No one around here would ever take an interest in me' slithered through and torn another piece off her small self-confidence. He chuckled yet again, adding a simple 'one never knows'. Before she could refute his comment, a loud throat clearing earned both of their attention. The office secretary held an unamused expression, causing the two close friends to smile sheepishly for ignoring the woman.

"As you may already know," she sternly began. Theo already not liking the way this was heading once she saw Stefan remove his sunglasses. "Your records are incomplete. You're missing immunization records, and we do insist on transcripts."

"Please look again." he asked, meeting the woman's gaze directly. His voice taking on a calm, oddly hypnotic tone. He was compelling her. "I'm sure everything you need is there." The teen shuffled on her feet, suddenly uncomfortable. Glad to have a piece of vervain tucked away in the locket attached to her choker so never to experience such a violation. Not to mention, Zach also taking extra care to spike their coffee every day with the liquid version of the herb known potent to all vamps as well.

A dazed look held on the woman's face for a few moments before she glanced down at the papers in her hands again.

"..Well, you're right." she smiled in agreement. "So it is." She then happily got to work printing up a schedule for him. Smiling as well, Stefan turned back to his friend. His smile instantly fell as he saw how troubled she suddenly appeared.

"Theo—" Said person held up her hand, silently telling him to not bother explaining himself. Though he tried so desperately to act human, he was a vampire at the end of the day. She couldn't fault him for that ever, especially given her own secrets. Compelling someone was honestly considered the bare minimum of what he was truly capable of. All she could hope—with her help, of course—was that he never fell into his darker urges again.

Mystic Falls doesn't need a Ripper around, showing their horrific ways. She inwardly shuddered.

"Just don't make a habit of it, Stefan." He flinched. Theo only ever signed his full name to him when she was either upset or serious. Signing his promise to show how serious he was in keeping it, she gave a short but grateful nod. "See you in a class hopefully?"

"Yeah, hopefully. If not, lunch then?"

Brown eyes fixed a firm look. "Nope! Because during lunch, you're making a call to Zach so he can start forging proper papers." Not waiting for his response, she left to at last head to her first period. Purposely avoiding eye contact with Bonnie while passing by, practically feeling the tons of questions coming off her in almost visible waves.

Theo sighed.

Wait 'till Lexi hears about all this..

Yup, started another story that might take me forever to finish or end up getting put on hiatus in the future. But it is what it is, haha. Can't stop the plot bunnies from randomly invading. Just gotta go with the flow and have fun~

Important to mention: My character Theo is mute and relies mostly on sign language if not writing/texting her words instead. I'm making sure to do proper research to be as authentic and respectful as I can. But if you feel I've missed or wrote something wrong, feel free to send a helpful but respectful message my way.

And if you're curious as to what she looks like, I based her appearance off the lovely model, Crystal Westbrooks.

Anyway, hope all of you are remaining safe out in the crazy world. Feel free to stick around with this fic if you like. I would greatly appreciate it if you do but again it's always your choice. Be kind to one another, wash your hands, wear ya masks, and stay six feet apart! See ya next time, you guys. -xoxo, Lovely.

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