September 2009

Stefan grumbles as his bed shakes. The spring in the mattress is all he can hear at first. He clamps his eyes shut and curls tighter into himself. His brother's voice is nearby.

"Wake up, Stef."

More bouncing.

"C'mon, Bunny Boy, wakey wakey."

Stefan whines, hugging his stuffed animal tighter to his chest. "G'way."

"Aha, you're awake. Might as well open those pretty boy eyes."

"Not a pretty boy."

"Yes, you are. Now, up. Or the tickle monster can come out."

Stefan's eyes shoot open. Damon is bouncing up and down on his bottom to make the bed shake. Stefan grumbles, rubbing at his eye with the hand that doesn't hold his bunny. Damon's smiling way too wide. Stefan glares at him.

"Aw, someone's a grumpy boy," Damon says.

"I had a very annoying visit from the wakeup fairy."

"I prefer wakeup vampire. Get your species right, Stef."

"I'll get them right when I go back to bed." Stefan goes to grab his pillow that's littered with cartoon Marvel characters but Damon is quicker.

"Nice try, but it's time to get up. School awaits. Isn't this your nerdy butt's favorite part of the year."

That does melt some of Stefan's grumpiness. He grins and pushes back the covers as he glances at the clock. His smile quickly fades.

"You let me sleep too late!"

Damon laughs. "Bud, we still have an hour and a half."

"That's not enough time!" Stefan jumps out of bed. "I need to get there early. I'm a new student. They're going to want all my paperwork. Probably to talk to you! I can't be late…"

"Stef…"

"I set my alarm for 45 minutes ago."

"Yeah, and I shut it off." Stefan huffs, throwing his arms across his chest. Damon shakes his head. "You need to calm down. This is exactly why I turned it off. You're going to be a panicked mess and have too much time to overthink everything. Instead, you'll take a breath. Everything will get done. I promise."

Stefan pouts. "But…"

"I promise," Damon's voice turns firm. "Now, you take a shower and get ready. I'll have breakfast waiting for you when you're done."

"I don't have time for…"

"Yes, you absolutely do, don't finish that sentence." Damon fixes him with a look. "And I'm packing your lunch. The crap they serve at the school isn't going to cut it."

"I used to buy all the time in Albany."

"We're not in Albany anymore, Stef." Damon ruffles his hair. "Go get ready." He glances down at Bunny. "Bringing your friend?"

Stefan's cheeks burn. "This is 8th grade, Day. Not kindergarten."

He tosses the rabbit onto the bed and heads for his ensuite. Damon calls for him and he turns around. His brother's blue eyes are kind with a little firm.

"Today is going to be a good day," Damon says. "You're going to be fine, alright? No spiraling."

Stefan nods, repeating the words in his head. "No spiraling," he agrees. Though, he's unsure if he can really follow through.

Damon smiles. "That's my boy. Remember, you already picked your outfit and your backpack is all set to go. There is no need to change any of it. Because today we're not…"

"Spiraling. I know, Day. I promise."

That gets him one more smile. Stefan tries not to rush through his shower and brushing teeth. He takes his time with his hair. Growing up, Lily always fussed over his and Damon's hair. She made sure they had the best shampoos and associated products. They got many lessons on the best combs and brushes to use. Stefan runs the comb through his chin length locks. They're curling a little from the shower. He's debated cutting his hair for awhile now. There are a few styles he wants to try with gel. Still, he knows better than to try something new before he starts at a new school.

"No spiraling," he whispers to himself.

He has friends at the very least. Caroline and Bonnie took him on a tour a couple of weeks ago. The school is much smaller than the one in Albany, so there's not as much to navigate. The only thing he has no way of knowing is which classes he'll have with his friends, if any at all. That perhaps scares him the most. Even Tyler would be of some comfort.

"No spiraling," Stefan repeats.

Damon teased him for how long it took him to pick an outfit. It was an ongoing saga for a few weeks. After Tyler's snark comments on his superhero stuff, he didn't want to start off on that. Instead, he went with a navy blue t-shirt under a gray hoodie paired with some simple jeans. At the last minute, he swaps out the socks so he's got the Spiderman ones Damon bought him last week. His shoes will cover them so no one will see. Right about now, Stefan needs the strength of his favorite web slinger.

By the time he comes downstairs, Damon has pancakes on the table. Stefan gets a closer look. There's a smiley face made out of blueberries with two whipped cream fangs dripping beneath. Damon's smirking.

"Smiley faced pancakes get an upgrade," he announces, handing his little brother the fork.

Stefan smiles. "Thanks, Day." He cuts into them and takes a bite. "These are really good!"

"I don't know why it surprises you that I can cook."

"Because you used to rely on fast food."

"Well, you can't live off burgers, Bunny Boy." Damon holds up his lunchbox. "I packed you a PB&J, orange slices, celery and those cheddar bunnies we found at the store. Plus, some a cupcake, as a treat." Stefan's beam brightens. "There's a giant water bottle in your bag. But most importantly…"

Stefan's smile drops. "The shake."

"But I did put it in another tumbler. Not that there's anything wrong with the bottle they come in, but I know you're a little sensitive about that."

"I'm not sensitive," Stefan mumbles. "But thanks."

"Of course."

"And you're just talking to the office, right? You're not walking me to homeroom or anything?"

"Of course not." Damon smirks. "Unless you want me to?"

"No! It's bad enough you have to come inside at all. I'm going to look like a big baby."

"You're not the only new student this school has ever had, Stef." Damon takes a sip of his mug. There's a brief red stain against his lips, showing he's not drinking coffee right now. He quickly wipes it away. "You'll be fine." Stefan huffs. Damon shakes his head. "Finish your breakfast, Grumpy. Then we'll go."

"I'm not grumpy."

"Stop pouting and prove that to me."

Stefan pokes out his tongue and stabs his pancakes. This time, he catches the blueberry tangled up with the whipped cream fang.

Once breakfast is done and Stefan loads the dishes, he heads for the door. Damon stops him and makes him stand next to it. Stefan lets him take a picture on his cellphone but groans when he sees him pull out the polaroid.

"Damon," he whines. "We gotta go."

"And we will. Just one more picture."

"You're so annoying."

"The longer you stand there pouting, the longer it'll take to get to school."

That's enough to get Stefan to put on a smile. One brief flash later and Damon is fanning the picture between his thumb and index finger. He grins once it develops.

"You really are adorable."

Stefan rolls his eyes. "Shut up. I am not adorable."

"Face it, you're the cutest bunny ever," Damon coos, pinching his cheek. Stefan smacks his hand away.

"Do that at school and I will deny I know you."

"Sure you will, Bun. Let's get this show on the road."

"Wanted Dead or Alive" comes on as soon as Damon starts up the car. Just as the spooky guitar chords flow through the radio, he turns the station. Stefan pokes out his tongue. Damon rolls his eyes.

"I don't understand what your obsession with Bon Jovi is," the older brother declares as they pull out of the driveway. "You're 12. You should like Justin Bieber or whatever."

"You should be so lucky that I don't like Justin Bieber," Stefan points out as he double checks his iPod is safely in his backpack.

"I'm just saying. You have a thing for older music."

"And again, you should appreciate that," Stefan quips. "No Taylor Swift for you."

Damon tsks disapprovingly. "Now, now, she has some good jams."

"You? Taylor Swift?" Stefan asks incredulously.

"She's hot."

Stefan rolls his eyes. "Of course."

"Let's go over a few things," Damon swiftly changes the subject. "You have your phone?"

"Yup. I'll call you if something happens. Which, it won't."

"But it's charged and everything?"

"Yes, Damon. I know you charged yours too."

"Yes. I have a council meeting at 11, but I'll keep it on."

"Mrs. Lockwood won't like it if I call."

"Carol can kiss my ass."

Stefan giggles, zipping his backpack up.

"You need to be careful. No dangerous stunts. You're allowed to try out for football, but you really need to…"

"Take it easy." Stefan sighs. "I know, Damon. We've talked about this a million times."

"Then one more won't hurt. You're still recovering, Stef." Damon shoots him a side glance as he goes through a green light. "No WWE moves."

"I've got it. But Dr. Fell did say I could play at normal strength."

"Yes, normal. Maybe I should talk to the coach…"

"Damon!" Stefan tries not to whine or kick his legs. "Please, you promised. Just talk to the office then you'll go and only come back if I need you."

"And you know that can be for anything, right?"

"Yes, yes. I know."

Damon drums his fingers on the steering wheel. Stefan can see the anxiety in his eyes.

"You're going to worry, but you don't have to."

"I'm the older brother of an accident prone, recovering little boy. I'm always going to worry."

"Even when I'm 30?"

"Yup."

"But I'll be older than you."

"Nope, I'll always be the big brother." Damon shoots him a smile. "Them's breaks, Bunny Boy."

Stefan pokes out his tongue but keeps a smile on his face.

The parking lot isn't too crazy when they arrive given how early they are. Damon finds a spot closer to the back of the lot anyway so he can leave easier once things are in full swing. Stefan hoists his backpack onto his shoulder and holds onto both straps as they walk towards the school. He doesn't want to give Damon any chance to hold his hand. Even if there's not a ton of people yet, that's not the look he wants for himself. His brother still manages to put a hand on his back and lead him inside.

All the office wanted was some boring paperwork and transcripts proving that Stefan indeed can start 8th grade and not 7th despite his age. Stefan knows Damon was hoping some of the credits wouldn't transfer so he'd have to start over again. He's always hated that his younger brother skipped a grade. Stefan hasn't always loved it, but it's just a part of him. He'll always be the youngest. Hopefully not the smallest for much longer. He's had a bit of a growth spurt over the past month. He's nowhere near as tall as Matt or Tyler, much less Damon, but he's getting there.

They wrap up the process by meeting with the principal. A tall woman wearing a teal pantsuit and a lot of vibrant makeup. Her graying blonde hair is tied back in a bun.

"You're Stefan's guardian?" Principal Dukett asks Damon, earning a nod.

"Yes, ma'am. The paperwork is right there," he says, pointing it out.

"Alright. So, the only one allowed to pick up and be informed of Stefan's education, health, safety and so forth is you."

"That is absolutely right. Stefan is not to be released to anyone else. Especially not the people I included in that packet."

Principal Dukett nods. "Of course, Mr. Salvatore. We take student safety very seriously here," she says. "Your brother is in good hands."

Damon nods again. He's got his charming smile on but his eyes are stern. "I should hope so." He squeezes his brother's shoulder. "Stefan is also recovering from significant injuries and malnutrition." The younger brother's cheeks flush. "He can participate in physical activity but may need some breaks."

"That is completely understandable. We have his medical records."

"Good." Damon smiles down at Stefan. "Any questions, bud?"

Stefan shakes his head. "No, thank you." He looks at the principal. "I appreciate you meeting with us."

"Such a polite boy," she praises. Stefan squirms a little. Damon rubs his back until he calms. "I think you'll make a great addition to Mystic Falls Junior High School, Stefan. Your grades are phenomenal and you seem to have a supportive home. You'll thrive here. Please feel free to come see me if you need anything."

"I will, ma'am, thank you," Stefan says, even though he has no intention of ever walking into this office again.

"Well, with that, you have your schedule now. I know Ms. Forbes is very excited to escort you to class." Principal Dukett laughs. "She e-mailed me three times to make sure she could help you around school today."

Stefan smiles a little. "She's a nice friend."

"That she is. I think you've already picked a good group. Now, if you have no other questions, she's waiting for you outside my office. Have a great first day."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Stefan turns to Damon. Immediately, he's wrapped in a big hug. Stefan returns it. Suddenly, he's hit with the reality that he's about to spend all day away from his brother. He's hung out with his friends since he moved here, but never this long. Stefan clings tightly to him.

"Think I wanna be homeschooled," he mumbles, loud enough for his big brother to hear.

Damon chuckles, kissing the side of his head. "You'll be just fine, bud. I'll be back at 3 to get you, alright?"

Stefan nods. "I love you," he whispers.

"I love you too, Bunny Boy," Damon keeps his own voice low so Principal Dukett can't hear.

Stefan eventually pulls away and walks out of the office. Sure enough, Caroline, Bonnie and Elena are waiting for him. The tall blonde has a wide grin on her face.

"Let me see your schedule!" Stefan holds it out to her. "Oh, yay! We all have homeroom with you."

"Bonnie and I have History with you too," Elena says, peering over her friend's shoulder. "And I'm in the same Math class."

"You're taking French?" Bonnie asks. "Awesome, me too. Thought you'd take Italian."

Stefan chuckles. "I'm fluent. Damon's making me take that to "challenge myself"."

"Mr. DuPont is a bit of a hard ass but you'll survive."

Bonnie links arms with him on one side, with Caroline getting the other. Elena lingers close behind as they walk out of the office. Between the three of them, he doesn't really have a moment to feel anxious about walking away from his brother.

Damon stands in the doorway of the principal's office, watching as Stefan is lead away by the girls. He moves to the lobby and watches from the window as the head down the hall.

"Stef, you gotta let go," Damon told a 5-year-old Stefan as he clung to his jeans.

"Nuh uh. DayDay, you have to stay!"

"I can't," Damon said gently, running his fingers through his brother's soft waves. "I have to get to my own school."

"Stefan, dear," Lily piped up from beside him. "Your brother has to go."

"No!" Stefan wailed, clinging tighter.

Damon gently pried his brother from his leg. Before Stefan could latch back on, he knelt in front of him and held onto his arms. Large tears fell down the little boy's face as his lips formed a pout.

"Buddy, remember all the times you wanted to come to school with me?" Damon asked. Stefan sniffles and nods. "Well, now you get to go to school!"

"Wanna go with you!"

"You have to go to kindergarten, I'm starting 11th grade."

"I'll go to 11th grade."

"You're too little."

"I'm a big boy!" Stefan whined, stomping his foot.

"You are," Damon said, even though he didn't believe it. He wiped away Stefan's tears. "But this is for big kids your age. You're going to learn so many fun things."

Stefan whimpered. He clung onto Damon's faux leather jacket. "Scary, DayDay. Don't know anyone."

"That's exciting! That means they're all friends you haven't met yet." Stefan leaned into him. Damon wrapped his arms tightly around him. "Don't worry, everyone is going to love you. And if they don't, I'll kick their butt."

"Damon," Lily warned, looking down at both of her sons disapprovingly. "That's not helpful."

"I'm his big brother, of course it's helpful." Damon ignored her and looked back at Stefan, caressing his face. "You want me to walk you in?" Stefan's tears dried up quickly and he nodded. "But then you'll have to let me go, alright?"

"Okay, DayDay. I'll let go. I promise."

Damon held tight to his hand as he stood back on his feet. He looked back at his mom.

"I'll be right back out," he said.

Lily shook her head as she pursed her lips. "You best be quick, Damon. Your father wouldn't approve of this."

"Dad's not here," Damon said, trying not to roll his eyes.

Lily sighed and pressed kisses to Stefan's face, whispering how much she loved her little angel. Stefan grinned. He kept a firm grip on his brother's hand as his Spiderman backpack bounced on his shoulders. Lily looked at Damon.

"He's never going to learn to do anything on his own," she whispered. "Not if you keep doing everything with him."

"Is that really the worst thing in the world?"

Damon ignored the disapproving look as he lead Stefan inside.

"You were wrong, Mom," Damon mutters under his breath. "He can do this on his own."

It doesn't change that Damon sits out in his car until a half hour before the meeting starts, just in case his brother needs him.

People are staring and whispering but no one says anything, at least not at first. For the first part of the day, he's with at least one of his friends. They flock protectively around him. The teachers are nice enough. Stefan has gym early in the day and Coach Michaels seems to like him, which is good.

It's not until 6th period that Stefan is on his own completely. None of his other friends are taking Biology with him. Stefan slides into a seat in the front and removes the bright green notebook he selected for the class. A taller boy with shaggy red hair and grey eyes appears in front of him. Stefan tilts his head.

"You're the Salvatore kid?"

Stefan nods. "Stefan, yeah."

"I'm Kyle." He clicks his tongue. "Rumor has it you're trying out for the team this afternoon?"

"Yeah. Are you?"

"I already have a spot from next year." Kyle cracks his neck and tilts his head. His eyes train in on Stefan. "You sure you're big enough to play?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You just seem a little…small is all."

Stefan frowns. "I think I can keep up. I've been practicing with Tyler and Matt. They've taught me what the coach is looking for."

Kyle hums. Stefan squirms a little, which only makes the older boy smirk. "I think we're in for a very interesting year, Salvatore." He smacks him on the shoulder, causing Stefan to shake a little. "Hey, you're the one who just has a brother, right? No parents?" Stefan doesn't know how else to respond but nod. "Good."

"What?"

"It's just as I said…good."

Kyle walks off. Stefan rubs at his shoulder with a frown on his face.

So much for a peaceful first day...

This will not be the last we see of Kyle. Just what does he have planned for our poor Stef? We shall see in time...

So, I have debated letting this story bounce around. Having some chapters when Stefan is 12 while also showing glimpses of the future, like when he's in high school or when Enzo is around. What would you all think about that?

As always, let me know what you think and feel free to leave prompts! There will be future installments of him dropping in various places and the slow reveal to everyone, but that will all come in due time! So let me know if you want to see anything else. :)