A/N: Hey! Okay, first of all, I said it would PROBABLY come out fast. Still, I'm sorry for the waiting. I came back to school and with the work I have, it's gonna take time before I publish new chapters (I'd say two or three months, but again it's not sure). Anyways, enjoy this one! It's the longest for the moment :)

As Elena was driving him to school Jeremy couldn't stop thinking about how much he hated Katherine. Jenna was at the hospital because of her. This psycho asked his aunt to stab herself and what for? Just to break a couple she didn't like? He couldn't lose another person he loved, especially not for such a stupid reason!

It was also Katherine's fault if Mason became their enemies, if Damon had to kill him, if Jeremy had to be involved in his murder and if Tyler had to lose his uncle shortly after losing his father. Tyler wouldn't be grieving though, since Damon covered up the murder and made everyone believe Mason was gone back to Florida. But still, his uncle wasn't ther anymore. To Jeremy hiding this from Tyler was worse than telling him the truth. He was so upset when Elena hid Vicki's death from him, and now he has to do the same thing! He could never look Tyler in the eyes again knowing he let his uncle die. He couldn't talk to him again, lying to him and pretending to believe his uncle went back home...

When Elena stopped at the red light she gave a look to her brother and noticed there was something wrong.

"Jeremy, are you okay?"

He didn't answer. That was a stupid question, how could they be okay with a psycho vampire ruining their lifes? Elena guessed the answer was no, so she tried to comfort her brother.

"Jenna is going to be okay, I promise. And even if she gets really bad, we can still feed her with vampire blood and compel her to forget"

"It's not only that... I witnessed torture and a murder yesterday. And that was for the first time, well, the first time that I kept in memory"

Elena looked away uncomfortable, knowing he was talking about Vicki. Jeremy saw that even she couldn't look at him in the eyes thinking about it. He realised this guilt could never go away, which made him even more sure that his friendship with Tyler was screwed. He was going to miss him, he really liked sharing stuffs with him: arts, grief... In spite of the appearances they really had a lot in common, and Jeremy was one the few people who knew it. That was the only thing left that was making Jeremy feel special: seeing what a great person Tyler was behind his mask of shallowness. Just like he did with Vicki... Vicki, that made him remember he was talking about her with his sister, and that he left her uncomfortable with the thought of his first love. So he went back to the conversation they were having.

"Sorry I brought this up Elena"

"Don't be, it was my fault. I shouldn't have lied to you in the first place. But let's go back to you: how did it feel to witness a murder?"

"Actually I didn't see Damon killing Mason, he made me leave before"

"Still, how did the rest feel? The torture, knowing about the murder..."

"Weird."

"I've been through this kind of things too Jer, I know it feels more than that"

"We're arrived."

She understood he didn't want to talk about it, but Elena didn't want to leave her brother like this.

"You know, since I found out what Stefan was I had to witness more murders than I can count"

"Is this supposed to make me feel better?" Jeremy said as he was leaving the car.

"No, it's not..."

Elena left the car as well, went in front of Jeremy and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Look, it happens to all of us and it's going to happen again. This is one of the reasons why I didn't want you to get involved. But now that you made your choice, you have to face the consequences"

"You're right, that was my choice. And I'm gonna have to be stronger than that"

Jeremy gave his sister a quick hug and left her to go to his class.

Song: Bad Karma by Ida Maria

Before he had the time to get inside the school he saw Tyler Lockwood and stopped. The other guy haven't seen him yet but he was too close to the front door: Jeremy couldn't reach it without being seen by his ex-friend. So he looked around to see if he could talk to anyone before he could be able to enter the school without facing an awkward situation. After looking a bit he saw Caroline. She was sitting on one of the benches, turning her back on the table. She seemed a bit angry. It was like she chose to be alone, but Jeremy decided give a shot in talking to her anyway. He walked toward her and stayed up in front of her, turning his back to the front door.

"Hey Caroline, what's up?"

Caroline rose her head, still looking pissed. Not that Jeremy was annoying her, just that the fact he showed up didn't affect her mood at all.

"Hey Jer. Nothing new, just avoiding Matt, as usual. By the way, can you move a bit to your left please? You'd be hiding me better"

Jeremy was surprised at first, he never managed to understand Matt and Caroline's current relationship. But moving a step to his left wasn't much of an effort, so he did as she said.

"Yeah sure" he answers.

"Thanks"

It was weird for Jeremy to see Caroline like this, she used to be so smiling before. Even if Miss Mystic Falls wasn't always happy when she wasn't she would at least fake smile. But that was back then, when she was human and didn't have actual problems. Turning into a vampire really changed her: the way she worked, her personnality... Elena already told Jeremy she was growing stronger, more confident and more selfless. For the first time in a long time he started to find her interesting. He wondered how much being a vampire changed the blonde.

"Why are you on your own?" Jeremy asked, breaking the silence

"Elena went inside but I can't reach the front door without being seen by Matt, so I'm waiting for him to move"

Jeremy gave a quick look to Tyler and saw he was talking to Caroline's boyfriend (though he wasn't sure if he still was). He hasn't notice him in the first place. So here they were, him and Caroline, avoiding the two dudes glued to the front door. That was a damn coincidence. He couldn't help but giggle, which annoyed Caroline.

"What's so funny about that?"

"Sorry, it's just that I'm avoiding Tyler and they're together. It's a funny concidence"

"Really?" she smiled, probably for the first time of the day "You're right, it is funny! And practical: we can team up! You hide me while I watch them so that I can tell you when they leave"

The blonde got so exited when she told Jeremy her plan, he was surprised to see how fast her mood changed with such a small detail. It was probably because she was a vampire, Anna told him that when you become a vampire your emotions get hightened. Even if it didn't seem to take much Jeremy was still feeling satisfied for cheering the young vampire up and smiled as well.

"It is practical"

"Why are you avoiding Tyler?"

"I'm feeling guilty about his uncle's death"

Caroline's smile faded and she started to get angry.

"I killed two innocent people less than a week ago, in front of my mum! Then she hated me more than she already did! Then when she finally decided to accept me the way I am I had to erase her memory! And now, I have to see her everyday, lie to her and think about what I did! How do you think I am feeling?"

She realised she let herself go when she saw Jeremy's intrigued face. She starred at him ashamed, then put her face in her hands.

"God, I'm sorry! That was because of the emotions..."

"It's fine, I get it"

"They're so invading! Sometimes I'm tempted into turning them off"

"I can relate. I've even tried to become a vampire so that I could be able to do that"

"Really? When?"

"The day before you turned into one, I think. I drank vampire blood and tried to kill myself with Elena's meds. But I didn't take enough of them and the vampire blood just healed me"

"Believe me, you're lucky. Katherine didn't miss me with that pillow"

Katherine, again. She really is the source of all of their current problems!

Matt wasn't really focused on his conversation with Tyler. He spent most of it throwing glances at Caroline. Even when Jeremy came in front of her he kept looking where he knew she was, in case she would move. Tyler noticed his best friend's lack of attention.

"Earth to Matt! What was I saying?"

"She's avoiding me"

Tyler made himself a reason that they couldn't talk about football for the moment. So he talked to Matt about the only thing that was running through his head.

"Caroline?"

"Yeah, she stayed by herself for like 5 minutes"

"So what? She must be waiting for Elena or Bonnie" Tyler says trying to reassure Matt

"She's not, I already saw Bonnie and Elena must be there already since her brother is. I can even see him talking to Caroline right now"

"Jeremy's here?"

Tyler looked where Matt was looking and saw his crush. For the first time in his life he could actually enjoy looking at him. All of the other times he used to feel anger, shame, or guilt, for liking it, for liking him. He still wasn't feeling completly well, knowing his feelings couldn't be reciprocated. But this was the first time he was looking at Jeremy knowing and accepting he was in love. And not restraining or denying his feelings made him feel a way he wouldn't have suspect the existence of a few weeks ago. He was hypnotized by the sight of his crush, like he had different eyes that made all of Jeremy looking magical. Even if he was from behind Tyler could still recognize him because of his specific haircut. It wasn't specific just because he had long hair for a guy but also because they're adjusted a specific way. And Tyler could recognize it over hundreds even if Jeremy often changes his hair, but always manages to make them look great no matter the lengh. Not only because he was good at doing his hair but also because almost anything suits him. Probably because of his perfectly proportionned face. He could never tell if his traits are square or round, it was kind of a perfect combination between the two. Yeah, anything could suit this beautiful mesmerizing face...

"Earth to Tyler!" says Matt using the same tone Tyler did a few minutes ago.

Damn, he spent too much time staring! How could he be drooling so much just over a haircut? He had to come up quickly with a good excuse, making believe he was observing and not staring.

"Are you sure he's with Caroline? I can't see who he's talking to. All that I can see is a pair of pink leggins and black shoes."

"I know it's her. I've seen her before he came and I know these leggings and shoes, they're hers"

"You can recognize her based on a piece of clothes?"

"Love can make your brain do surprising stuffs"

"Why is he even with her? I thought he would come with us"

"You two are spending a lot of time together now uh?"

Tyler didn't like the way Matt was talking. Was his best friend having doubts? Though he couldn't deny what was just said, they did spend a lot of time together lately. Ever since they talked about werewolves there wasn't a day where they didn't see each other.

"Yeah, he's a good confident. He's the only one who understands what I'm going through" Tyler answers

"Maybe he doesn't want to spend all of his time comforting you. It's not like you did the same to him when his parents died"

The dark-haired got embarrased. He really hated thinking about that time where he used to make Jeremy's life hell. How could he be so cruel to someone just because he was afraid of his feelings?

"You're right" he agreed, thinking he didn't deserve his crush's kindness.

Matt was feeling a bit jealous of Jeremy. He was the only one who also knew what it felt like to lose a parent, so the only one who was able to cheer Tyler up. Though he knew that feeling was ridiculous, his best friend needed someone to understand him and Matt couldn't be this person. He had to accept that he wasn't Tyler's only close friend anymore.

"Well, I hope he's not gonna replace me" the blonde said with a joking tone.

"As if anyone could replace my man! Come on, let's go to class"

Before they entered the building Matt gave a last look to Caroline and Tyler a last look to Jeremy. He was disappointed, he was hoping they could spend the day together. But it was fine, next time Tyler sees him they will be able to talk.

Jeremy was satisfied that he managed to avoid Tyler and be on time at his english class. Well, he wasn't really satisfied of avoiding Tyler, but he just couldn't look at him without thinking about what he has done to his uncle. And even when he wasn't looking at him he could hardly stop thinking about Mason tied up in Damon's chair, crying, fed with wolfsbane. This was the most horrible thing Jeremy has ever witnessed, he still couldn't believe he's been a part of this. Then he remembered this anger he could have when someone harms his family, he didn't know how far this could go until that moment. This was ironic because that made him become the one who harms family, he harmed his favorite friend's uncle. If Tyler knew what he did he wouldn't want to be his friend anymore, they would even go back to being enemies again. It made Jeremy think about that period, all of this times they fought, when Tyler punched him... It made him feel like all of the things he endured back then he deserves them now. It made him feel a bit relieved. A bit.

When he left his classroom Jeremy walked immediatly through the corridor, hoping he wouldn't cross Tyler's path. Crap! He was the first person he saw when he reached the door, and there were only 10 feet between them! He was hoping the crowd would hide him but Tyler and Matt saw him back.

"Hey Jer!"

Jeremy didn't answer and walked faster as he heard Tyler's voice. The latter stood still, astonished, watching his crush walking away.

"What the hell was that?"

"Maybe he didn't see you"

"Maybe he didn't see me. But he definitely heard me and walked faster"

"Maybe he was in a hurry"

Tyler looked at his best friend. It reminded him the problem Matt had this morning with Caroline. What if Tyler was living the same thing? He hesitated asking, but he did anyway.

"Do you think he's avoiding me too?"

Matt giggle, amused that they switched roles. But Matt thought Tyler wasn't avoided by the person he loves, but by a friend. He didn't know his best friend and him were both feeling the same pain and anxiety.

"Well, if you are..." the blonde said as he was tapping hid best friend's shoulder "Welcome to the club! Now let's go, we're gonna be late for football practise"

Tyler really hoped Matt was right, and that Jeremy was just in a hurry.

At lunch time Tyler decided to wait in front of Jeremy's english class so that they could talk. He really felt like a creepy stalker for doing this, but he needed to be with Jeremy. When his crush walked through the door Tyler came in front of him.

"Hey Jer"

Damn it! And the corridor wasn't crowded enough to disappear! Jeremy had to face Tyler this time.

"Hey Tyler!" He answered, unable to hide well how uncomfortable he was feeling "Sorry for dodging you this morning. I was afraid of being late for chemistry; my teacher is a real dick with late students"

"No problem. Do you wanna have lunch with me and my friends?"

Jeremy couldn't stand seeing Tyler like this, so innocent. He wasn't supposed to be happy to see Jeremy. He was suppose to be angry at him for letting his uncle die! It was like they were in two different dimensions, Jeremy in the one where Mason died and Tyler in the one where Mason was back in Florida. He wished they could be back into the same dimension. He wished he could tell Tyler or be compelled to forget. But he couldn't do any of those, telling Tyler would put people in danger and forgetting would force Elena to lie to him again.

Though he really wanted to tell Tyler. Even if the lie seemed to do him more good than the truth, Jeremy knew it didn't. He knew that Tyler missed his uncle anyway. He knew this frustating feeling of hoping someone you miss is gonna come back, but never does. Even though he didn't know about Mason's death Jeremy knew that Tyler had this emptiness inside, and that he was the one to blame for that.

Jeremy couldn't stop thinking about those things when he was looking at Tyler. He couldn't look at him for an hour, he couldn't have lunch with him. So he looked for an excuse to avoid this.

"No thanks. I don't want to deal with your friends, I bet they all despise me"

"Come on! They won't do anything bad, I promise. Not if you're with me"

"I'm not worried about what they could do, but what they could think about"

Jeremy was afraid that Tyler could catch this lie, he never cared about what people could think of him since he has reached the bottom of the social ladder. Even if with time he managed to climb it a little, having a former bad reputation made him realise people's opinion wasn't as important as it seemed. Tyler knew, or at least suspected, that Jeremy didn't care about what other people could think of him. He was a bit surprised to hear Jeremy saying he was worried about it but didn't suspect him of lying. After all hanging with people who didn't like him could be a different thing than just being in the same building with these people. Though Tyler didn't really care about the rest of his friends anymore. He liked hanging out with them but the most important ones to him were now Jeremy and Matt.

"Alright. Then it can be just you, me and Matt" he offered

Jeremy couldn't believe this, Tyler was going to ditch almost all of his friends just for him? He didn't deserve that, he didn't deserve Tyler's kindness! Not after what he did.

"Don't ditch your friends because of be. I'll be fine"

"You worth better than all of them"

Did he just say that? Tyler was maybe starting to go too far. Urg, being friends with the one you love is so damn complicated! He had to stop insisting, his feelings might start showing if he continued.

"Still, I... have a homework to do for this afternoon." Jeremy realised it was a pretty short excuse so he extended it a little "I was too lazy to do it yesterday night, so I have to eat at the library if I want to finish it today"

Tyler wanted to offer eating at the library with him but he had to stop insisting. Besides, why throwing that homework excuse this late in the conversation? Jeremy definitely made that up. Tyler pretended to believe him.

"Okay then, see you around!"

"Yeah, see you around"

Jeremy walked away in the opposite direction of the cafeteria. Which was weird because the library wasn't this way. This time Tyler was sure, Jeremy was avoiding him. Why would he? Things were going to great the last time they saw each other. Or maybe it was going too great? What if Tyler outed himself when he hugged him? He replayed the scene in his head, wondering if he didn't do something that would show his attraction for his crush. What if he had squeezed too hard? Did he smell his hair? What the hell did he do to make Jeremy avoid him? Whatever it was he had to fix it. He couldn't lose someone else, especially not Jeremy.