A/N: Hey guys, we're now onto Friday Night Bites, and in my opinion I thought it was great how Damon sneakily wormed his way into the house. Just a warning that my next update may be a while as I have revising to do for exams, but I'll be back in a couple of weeks.

I forgot to answer lucyinthesky's review in my last chapter, but yes biologically that makes Elena and Brooke half sisters, but they won't find out for ages. Thank you to David Fishwick, PrincessOfSilence, K8YHALMAN, xxxFlameHeartxxx, lucyinthesky and Katie for your reviews, and thank you to everybody who favourited and alerted!

Don't forget that if you have any questions I'm always happy to answer them so just ask me in your review! P.S I loved all of your reviews, they really lit up my day! This chapter focuses mainly on Brooke and Stefan and the beginning of their friendship that will always be strictly platonic!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries.

Brooke's pov:

"Hey Brooke, do you want to have breakfast at the grill with me?" Jenna asked as I tumbled out of my bedroom, almost tripping over in my Christian Louboutin black, knee high suede boots that I wore over my plain navy jeans. I smoothed down my white top, covered in pink and black roses with spaghetti straps and a neckline that was deep but at the same time not too revealing.

"Sure, Elena and Jeremy at school already?" She nodded, looking into my eyes worriedly.

"You're not going to tell Jeremy about... You know?" She pointed to his bedroom, referring to her little drug raid from the other night. I couldn't hold in the laugh trying to escape from my throat. God, I love this woman.

"I already did. Jeremy's really pissed at you." Her face was a picture.

"I'm joking! I promise, why would I rat you out to Jeremy of all people?" I said as I went back to my bedroom, grabbed my charcoal leather jacket and walked back into the hallway.

"Has Jeremy apologised to you yet?" I shook my head and Jenna's eyes turned icy.

"I'll kill-"

"No, you won't. Honestly, I don't really care. As long as he avoids me I'll avoid him, but he's going to get it if he doesn't."

"We could always send him to your father." I grimaced slightly.

"I hate to say it, but I think that punishment's a bit too cruel. Besides, Jeremy would probably snitch on me, and then it would be hello California!" I said sarcastically. We vacated the house and jumped into Jenna's car, beginning the drive to the grill. After ten minutes or so, we arrived and after Jenna parked up we went into the grill and took a seat at a table.

We talked for a while and ate our food before I went up to the bar to get us some drinks. While I was waiting for the bartender so I could give him my order, I noticed a sign above the bar.

Job applications here.

"Hey, can I have a job application?" I asked the bartender as he finally approached me, but he waved me off.

"No need, this is the last day and you're the only person whose asked for an one, so the job's yours." I looked at him quizzically. He's going to give me the job, just like that?

"Don't you want to interview me or something? I mean, you don't even know my name." I asked him incredulously.

"What's your name?" I hesitated for a moment.

"Brooklyn Gilbert."

"Well then, Brooklyn Gilbert, do you want the job or not?" His voice started to turn cold and disinterested which told me that I was irritating him, so I decided to respond quickly.

"Of course! Thank you so-"

"Yeah, whatever. You start on Monday at nine a.m, don't be late." He walked off to serve another customer while I stood there, dumb-founded. So, he just gave me the job? No questions other than my name asked? Well, I'm not complaining; I smiled slightly. I have a job! Not a very well paid one, but for now it's better than nothing and at least I won't be sitting around the house bored all day long. I turned around, forgetting about ordering any drinks and rushed back to Jenna's table.

"Guess what, that guy over at the bar just offered me a job!"

"Really? That's great! You need to watch yourself with him though." I sat back down, looking at her with a questioning gaze. What does she mean by that? Jenna seemed to notice that I was puzzled.

"Well, he's a jerk, and that's putting it nicely. He talks to all of his employees like they're pieces of trash." I groaned internally. The last person I want to be around is someone like Tanner. Don't let that put you off Brooke, this is something you can do for a while until you figure out what you're going to do with your life, whether or not you plan on going back to university to study something else. I winced almost unnoticeably before replying.

"It's nothing I can't handle, I'll be fine." We talked for a little while longer before we started heading back. Jenna rode back in the car, but I told her I'd walk since it was such a lovely day, and I was hoping I'd catch Elena since school was just about to let out.

I found myself staring at the sky, wondering where I'd seen that shade of blue before. In the eyes of Damon Salvatore. I blushed as I realised where my train of thought was heading. Sure, he's exceptionally hot, but you know practically nothing about him other than his name and the fact that he's related to Stefan, who you know nothing about either.

Arriving at the school I noticed that the car park was pretty much empty. I heard a series of cheers coming from the football ground and I peeked around the school building, watching as the football players practiced with their coach - Mr Tanner.

I let out an inaudiable groan. Good luck, they're certainly going to need it. I was about to turn away and vacate the parking lot when I noticed Stefan sitting on the stands. I paused for a moment, before deciding to go over to him. Maybe he knows where Elena is.

"I hope I'm not interrupting, but I was wondering if you know where Elena is." Stefan's head turned towards mine and the first thing I noticed was that he seemed a lot more relaxed than he did the other day.

"Yeah, she's got cheerleading." Stefan informed me.

"Oh right, well thanks, I'll get going." I was about to leave the stands when Stefan's voice called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

"Brooke, we haven't formally been introduced, you know with the handshake and everything. I'm Stefan. Sorry about yesterday, it was rude of me to act the way I did." He held out his hand and I shook it with my own, shooting him a smile as I did so.

"I'm Brooke, and it's fine. I take it you don't get along with your brother very well." He laughed slightly.

"Something like that. Please, sit." He gestured to the stands and I took a seat next to him, noticing how his eyes strayed towards the football grounds. I remember when I used to have the same passion for dancing, but I soon lost my inspiration after my mother passed away. She was an amazing dancer and I shared her talent. It brought us closer too, because it was something only the two of us could do. My father was never interested, he'd always thought that it was pointless.

"You want to play, don't you?" His eyes met mine for a few moments before he nodded.

"Yeah I do, but... it's not the same. It's been a while since I've played and there are so many reasons that I shouldn't do it. Damon taught me to play after he came back on leave from the army, and it's one of the fondest memories I have left of him." The mention of the army had my mind flashing back to the other night when Damon had mentioned how his father had always pressured him to join.

I'd just assumed that he didn't listen to him, but it turns out he actually was in the army. This newfound information gave me respect for Damon. The soldiers who fought for our country in the past, the present and the future all deserve our respect, and our pride.

"Well if you want to play hard enough, then go for it. Though I have to warn you; Tanner, is a jackass." He chuckled.

"I know. I've only been here for a couple of weeks and he's already picking on me, especially after I schooled him in history class." I laughed as a small smirk appeared on his face. I wish I'd been there to see Tanner lose in a game of whits with a teenager.

"You have no idea how much I wish I could have seen that. Tell me all about it." He chuckled again before he elaborated. I listened intently, laughing through pretty much the entire story.

"Hey Brooke, you seem like a really great person, and I know you've been talking to Damon somewhat." I raised an eyebrow. Let me guess, this is the part where he warns me off him, right?

"Just be careful, he's been known to break a few hearts and I don't want you getting hurt too. I don't have many friends around here and I was hoping that you could join my very small inner circle." I giggled.

"I'd love to. I don't have many friends here either, so we can be loners together. As my first act as your, one and only friend," He snorted. "I'm going to make you go up to Tanner and ask to join the football team. No objections, and I'll even come with you for moral support." I sent him a teasing grin and he nodded, going along with my plan. We stepped off of the bleachers and walked up to Tanner. He turned towards us with a scowl on his face, so I shot him a large - but painfully fake - smile.

"I never thought I'd be seeing you again Miss Gilbert."

"Likewise." He ignored me and addressed Stefan.

"Mr Salvatore, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I nudged Stefan lightly, trying to keep my smile perfectly intact.

"I wanted to try out for the team." There were a few beats of silence.

"Varsity tryouts were last spring, Mr Salvatore."

"I wasn't here then sir." I snorted, which resulted in Tanner sending me a death glare.

"Then you're not here now as far as I'm concerned." My smile was replaced with a frown as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"That's not fair. You haven't even seen him play, he could be the best player in this school for all you know." I accused him.

"Have you seen him play?"

"Actually I have, and he happens to be excellent." I obviously haven't seen him play but Tanner didn't need to know that. Stefan smiled at me gratefully, but Tanner acted as if I wasn't even there. That ass treats me like a child.

"Mr Tanner, I realise you and I didn't get off to the best start and I want to apologise for that. I've played football before, a receiver mostly and I'm pretty good, not as good as Brooke makes out to be, but..." He trailed off and I hid a smile, finding his modesty refreshing.

"Well, I won't be asking you who won the Superbowl in seventy-one."

"Seventy-one was..." He stopped talking when he realised that Tanner was becoming annoyed.

"Sorry I... I understand that, sir."

"Fine, but only so I get to see you get knocked onto your ass. Borrow some gear." Stefan hesitated for a moment.

"Go! Before I change my mind! Lets run it again!" He barked out, startling Stefan and I. He quickly ran off to go and get some gear while I retreated to the safety of the stands. I don't normally get intimidated, but in that moment I felt the tiniest flicker of... I don't know what it was, maybe fear, but I don't really want to give Tanner that much credit. Some guy with the name Lockwood stitched onto the back of his jersey whistled at me, making my insides twist. I rolled my eyes. Stupid, immature little boys really get on my nerves.

As Stefan ran onto the pitch clad in football gear, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

This may sound a little weird, but are you the person on the stands watching the guys play football?

Elena xoxo

I looked around, observing my surroundings. Where is she? I turned to my right, noticing that there were a bunch of cheerleaders warming up or practicing some routines, while Elena was near the back, not really doing that much. I scrolled through my contacts list, searching for Elena's name and pressed the dial button once I found her. I waved at her as she seperated herself from the group so that she could answer my call without distractions.

"Hey Lena."

"Hey Brooke, I had no idea you were even here. What's up? Not been getting into too much trouble, I hope." I grinned, knowing how pleased Elena would be with my handy work.

"Don't worry, I've been on my best behaviour. Infact, I managed to convince Stefan to try out for the football team."

"Really? Oh my God, that's fantastic! Thanks Brooke, I've been pushing him to do it for days but he wasn't having it. At least you're making an effort with Stefan." I frowned slightly.

"I take it Bonnie isn't warming up to him then. Give it some time, she'll learn to like him. Personally, I think he's great. You've picked a winner there Elena, don't let anyone else get their claws into him." I heard her giggle slightly in response.

"I know, isn't he amazing? Oh, I was hoping you could be at home for dinner tonight, I've convinced Bonnie to come around in an attempt to get her to connect with Stefan, so I could really use the support."

"Yeah, no problem, I'll be there. Hey, why aren't you doing any cheerleading?" She sighed, sounding distressed.

"Well, I've not really been here due to... you know, meaning I've fell behind and I can't keep up with the others, so Caroline's been putting me in the back." I shook my head in annoyance; I hate it when people try to put others down just to boost their own self esteem. Has she even tried helping Elena with the new routines?

"Well, you're lucky that I am a former cheerleader. I'll catch you up to speed and soon enough, you'll be better than barbie doll over there." She laughed, and I could feel a sense of relief come from her. I went to say something else, but paused when I heard the dial tone. Did she just hang up on me? The sound of someone laughing behind me made me turn around, already knowing that the source of the giggles were from my cousin. I hit her on the arm jokingly, before we sat down on the stands and looked towards the football pitch.

We grinned as we saw how well Stefan was doing. Take that, Tanner. Members of the team patted him on the back as they took a break, all except Matt and that kid Lockwood. During the game I'd noticed how they were trying to show him up. I wasn't surprised by Lockwood, but I was a little by Matt. Then I realised that he was probably jealous because Elena's dating Stefan, so I understood, even though I didn't agree with it.

When the game restarted, the boys were making it obvious that they didn't agree with Stefan joining the team. At one point, Lockwood knocked Stefan to the ground after he'd caught the ball, even though they were on the same team. Elena gasped, but then she smiled when Matt came over to help him back up. I knew Matt wasn't a horrible kind of guy.

"Well, I best get back to cheerleading, wish me luck." I squeezed her hand before she ran off, her pony tail swaying around in the breeze. It's nice to see her happy with Stefan, especially with all of the issues she's had to deal with recently. He definitely gets my approval.

Caw!

My head snapped to the left, my eyes recognising the unmistakeable shape of a crow. It looked identical to the one in the grave-yard and at the boarding house, but that's not particularly shocking since they all look the same.

A chill ran down my spine as its beady eyes stared at me. I took that as my queue to leave, so I began the long walk home, trying to rid my mind of creepy crows from grave-yards.

"Maybe we should play the lottery!" Elena said enthusiastically as I walked into the kitchen, finding her and Bonnie with some takeout. I sent them a weird look that just made them laugh before I moved to help them.

"Have you spoke to your grams yet?"

"She's just going to say it's because I'm a witch. I don't want to be a witch, do you want to be a witch?" Elena shook her head as a no in response. Personally, I think it would be pretty badass. Imagine all of the things you could do, it would be incredible. Bonnie snorted.

"Elena, just because you put it in a fancy bowl doesn't mean that it will fool anybody."

"Okay, serving spoons, where are the serving spoons?" Elena asked rhetorically as she began searching for them.

"Middle draw on your left." Bonnie pointed to said draw without even looking. Everyone paused for a moment before Elena opened it, pulling out some serving spoons just like Bonnie had predicted. I looked at her in confusion, and slightly in wonder.

"Okay, so you've been in this kitchen thousands of times." Elena stated, but it didn't really seem to convince Bonnie. The doorbell rang and Elena straightened her posture.

"Okay, he's here. Don't be nervous, just be your normal, loving self." Bonnie looked at me anxiously, so I shot her a small smile in an attempt to cheer her up and calm her nerves.

"Just do this for Elena, Stefan really makes her happy and it's been a while since I've seen her like this. Besides, he's quite a cool guy if you give him a chance." She nodded before spacing out for a moment. Her eyes grew distant, like she didn't have a clue where she was or what she was doing. I waved my hand in front of her face, trying to capture her attention, but it was to no avail. What is going-

"Birthday candles." She whispered. My confusion only seemed to expand as I watched her slowly open the draw in front of her, pulling out a packet of birthday candles. She bit her lip before placing them back into the drawer and I shook my head. It's just like Elena said, she's been in this kitchen thousands of times. That's all. Isn't it?

"Brooke, it's nice to see you again." My head snapped towards the door that Stefan and Elena were traipsing through.

"Hey Stefan, it's nice to see you too, my loner friend." He chuckled while I winked in his direction. Elena smiled, obviously pleased that Stefan and I were getting along well, but I saw her face fall when Bonnie left the room, murmering something about setting the table. Stefan's facial expression grew a little disheartened.

"It's okay, she's like that. You're just going to have to work really hard to get her approval." Stefan groaned slightly as I left the room to help Bonnie while he and Elena started talking. I watched them silently with a small smile on my face. Young love. They look so cute together, and it's nice to see Elena happy right now. I can't say the same for Jeremy, but...

We soon began eating, but I couldn't help but feel a little helpless. We were sat in silence. Very awkward silence if I may add. None of us wanted to be the one to break it, and I had no idea how to make the situation more comfortable. Elena, Stefan and I had no idea what to say, while Bonnie just sat there ignoring us, acting as if we weren't even in the room.

Don't get me wrong, I like Bonnie and I think she's great, but it wouldn't hurt her if she tried to make an effort to at least acknowledge Stefan.

"Did Tanner give you a hard time today?" Elena finally broke the awkward silence and I sighed in relief.

"Well he let me on the team, so... I must of been doing something right. Though a lot of the credit goes to Brooke, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be playing, so thanks Brooke." We smiled at each other and Elena looked at me like I was her most favourite person in the entire world. I knew she was proud of me for making the effort, unlike a certain someone sitting at this table...

"Bonnie, you should have seen Stefan today, Tyler threw a ball right at him and-"

"Yeah, I heard." The awkward silence returned and I had to clench my jaw to stop myself from scowling.

"Why don't you tell Stefan about your family?" Bonnie glared at Elena slightly before she grudgingly began talking.

"Divorced, no mom, live with my dad." Stefan nodded, looking sympathetic.

"No, about the witches. Bonnie's family has a lineage of witches, it's really cool."

"Cool isn't the word I'd use." I took a large gulp of my orange juice, trying to distract myself. I've always been naturally protective of my family; and since Elena seems to really like Stefan I don't want Bonnie to do anything to sabotage that. Sure, she's probably just being cautious because she wants to protect her friend, but that doesn't give her the excuse to be rude to Stefan, especially since he hasn't done anything that proves that Elena needs to be defended. The room was so silent that I could hear owls hooting outside and even the sound of wind whooshing around.

"Well, that's certainly interesting. I'm not too versed but I know that there's a history of Celtic druids that migrated here in the eighteen hundreds." Stefan tried to expand on the topic, no doubt hoping that showing an interest in Bonnie's ancestry will convince her to treat him like a civil human being.

"Well, my family came by way of Salem."

"Really? Salem witches?" Bonnie laughed nervously and shrugged.

"Yeah."

"I'd say that's pretty cool." Bonnie looked up in surprise.

"Really? Why?"

"Salem witches are heroic examples of individualism and non conformity." Bonnie smiled at Stefan's opinion. Finally, we've had a break through. Elena and I locked eyes as we smiled at each other. Maybe Bonnie can get along with him now, and no-one will have to feel awkward.

"Yeah they are." Elena nodded in agreement and for a moment there was a beat of comfortable silence that was broken by the ringing of the doorbell. Are we expecting anyone else? Elena's expression mirrored mine.

"I wonder who that could be." I stood up and headed into the hallway towards the door, reaching for the handle and turning it. I looked up to see Damon - and Caroline. Caroline?

"... Hello." I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. The only word that could slip out of my mouth was hello, and that took me a few seconds to think of.
I forced myself to smile at the two people stood in the doorway.

"Brooke, right? Hi! My name's Caroline!" She stuck her hand out and I hesitantly placed mine into hers. My eyes - of their own accord - focused onto Damon's.

"Yeah, nice to meet you." Caroline didn't seem to notice that I wasn't really paying attention to her, or that my eyes were glued onto Damon, who was her... Boyfriend? My smile faltered slightly at the thought. Something swept through me, something like... jealousy? No, of course not, don't be ridiculous. You barely know Damon, so there is no way in hell that you're jealous.

"Surprise! Bonnie said that you were doing dinner, so we brought desert." Caroline's unusually high, peppy voice pierced my eardrums and I felt the need to cover them with my hands. I hadn't even realised that I was still looking at Damon so I tore my eyes away from him, realising that Elena was standing right next to me.

"Oh." Elena laughed slightly.

"Hope you don't mind." The sound of Damon's voice sent my heart into overdrive as I listened to the smoothness that his voice projected. No, bad Brooke! Caroline walked straight past Elena and I, inviting herself in whilst Damon stood there patiently on the porch.

"What are you doing here?" Stefan walked up behind us, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Waiting for one of these fine ladies to invite me in." He gestured towards Elena and I, and Elena immediately went to invite him in. Stefan, however, interrupted her.

"No, no he can't umm... He can't stay. Can you, Damon?" Everyone besides Stefan shared looks of confusion. If he couldn't stay then why did he ask to be invited in? Damon appear to be wounded by his brother's words and I frowned at the sight of his face contorted into hurt.

"Get in here." Caroline said.

"We're just finishing up." Stefan informed Damon, but it didn't do much to change the expression on his face. I found myself wanting to change that.

"No it's fine, just come on in." I directed to Damon, not noticing the worried look in Stefan's eyes. Damon smiled at me politely and gracefully stepped into the house and when he passed our hands brushed, sending tingling sensations flying up and down my arm. I jolted my hand back in shock and noticed Damon do the same. Did he feel it too? He turned to look at me, his blue orbs meeting my green ones, and I suppressed a shiver.

"You have a lovely home, Brooke." A smile spread across my face unconsciously.

"Thank you." He looked away from my eyes and towards Stefan's, whose posture seemed ridged and stiff. What is going on between these two? Is it just sibling rivalry, or is it something else?

A/N: Hey guys, that was the first part of Friday Night Bites, I hope you enjoyed it! The next part may take a while since I have loads of exams coming up right now so I need to do some revising, and I would have made this into one chapter but there are too many scenes I want to put in. Anyway, if there are any questions I'm happy to answer them!

Review!