SEASON ONE — EPISODE NINE
"𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚"

‧˚꒰🍷꒱༘‧—

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'✦ ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ BROOKE WAS WORKING THAT EVENING, deciding it was best to get back into the routine of working and going to school now that she was finally fully recovered thanks to Stefan. On her break, Bonnie had walked into the Grill, sitting down with the paler girl to speak to her about what had been going on recently.

"So, I'm a witch." Bonnie admitted tiredly, sipping on her free glass of coke and Brooke's grinned widely, immediately shocking Bonnie, "Why are you smiling like that?"

"Because you're a witch!" Brooke exclaimed, only for a finger to be placed over her lips, Bonnie hushing her.

"Shush, I don't want the whole world to know." Bonnie snapped, slowly removing her finger from the girl's lips and Brooke winced apologetically, nodding for her to continue, "I've been having nightmares about one of my ancestors who was also a witch, and I've been sleepwalking into the woods." Her voice was hushed, so hushed that Brooke had to lean in, asking her to repeat her words.

"God, that's awful, maybe someone should tie you down to the bed." Brooke suggested, a sympathetic smile on her face and Bonnie, in reply, scrunched her brows, seemingly irritated, "What?"

"This isn't a joke, Brooke. I'm being haunted by a three—hundred year old witch." Bonnie shook her head in disbelief, face planting the table and Brooke couldn't help but relate, feeling the exact same way a few days ago but she had nobody to ventilate to, nobody to just talk to, not even Caroline was there for her, not even her own brother.

"I wasn't joking. How did the nightmares even start in the first place?" Brooke asked curiously, tilting her head slightly as she tapped her fingers on her skinny jeans clad knee, not bored, only tired.

"This necklace." Bonnie looked down to the orange, rather ugly necklace hanging around her neck and she held into it, showing the pendant to Brooke, "It's apparently Emily's Talisman."

"Well, that's certainly pretty. Does your Grams know? About the nightmares?" Brooke leaned in, placing her hand on Bonnie's just like in class and the aforementioned girl shook her head, one of her loose curls falling over her shoulder.

"She'll tell me to embrace it, but I don't want to embrace it. I want it to be over, all of it to be over." Bonnie felt her eyes watering and she lifted her free hand up, wiping a tear before it fell. Brooke pouted her bottom lip sadly, giving Bonnie's hand a quick and tight squeeze.

"I'm sorry this is happening, BonBon. I wish there was something I could do... Maybe you could throw it away?" She tilted her head in question, a hopeful smile on her face and Bonnie thought about the idea for a short—lived moment before her eyes lit up.

"That's a great idea, I can't give it back to Caroline because then she'll give it back to Damon which isn't good for anyone." Bonnie rolled her eyes in annoyance, all of the memories of Damon pestering her about the necklace popping into her mind.

"He's such an asshole, don't ever give that to him. He's probably plotting something." Brooke crossed her leg over the other under the table, swinging her foot when the door to the Grill opened, someone she recognised walking in. It wasn't unusual to see someone familiar in the restaurant, Mystic Falls was a small town but this was a face that she'd only ever seen once, once at Caroline's pointless party the night prior.

The bartender noticed her shortly after she'd noticed him, a smirk rising onto his lips at the sight of her work apron, though he already knew she worked there, that was his intention. Bonnie turned her head to see who she was staring at, curious and confused, but a smile rose onto her lips as soon as the man passed, ready to tease.

"Don't start." Brooke rolled her eyes playfully, patting the back of Bonnie's hand with a sympathetic smile before she stood up, leaning down to kiss her cheek, "I've got to get back to work, I'll see you later, okay?" Brooke grinned as soon as Bonnie nodded and she spun around, heading towards the kitchen where the bartender had disappeared to.

When she entered, the door easy to open, Tony and the man himself were speaking, laughing lightheartedly, causing a smile to reach her lips, "Oh, señorita, I need you to serve table sixteen. It's the Jacksons." At Tony's words, her smile immediately dropped, her demeanour now disappointed, "I know, lo siento. I used to have Vicki do it but she's off on a... I dunno."

Her eyes watered at the mention of Vicki, but she pushed the tears back, hoping the two men didn't notice her change in behaviour but little did she know, the bartender was staring intently, noticing instantly. She shook her head, forcing a smile and the younger man spun around, holding up two food—filled plates for her to take. She approached him with a bounce in her step and smiled at him, taking them from his hands.

"Thanks." She muttered quietly when her brows furrowed ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing up at his, "Wait... didn't you go to our school?" She asked, her ponytail swinging to the left as she tilted her head and he chuckled, nodding.

"Yeah, don't remind me of my washed—up jock status." He joked and Brooke felt prying eyes on her, so she side—eyed Tony, noticing he was watching the two with a knowing smirk, not even bothered about the burger burning on the stove.

"Right, I'm off!" Brooke exclaimed, scaring the hell out of both of the men and she spun around, rushing out of the room, internally embarrassed. She sucked in a deep breath and forced a grin, heading towards table sixteen, "Hey, y'all! Here's your food, hope you enjoy."

"Is there mushrooms in this?" The man asked, grimacing down at the bowl in front of him and she placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head in confusion.

"The mushroom soup?" She replied, utterly confused and the woman snorted, attempting to cover it up with a sneeze, grabbing a tissue from her purse. Brooke held in her annoyance, usually she would burst out and say whatever was on her mind, but she knew that today wasn't the day for that.

"Yes, the mushroom soup. What else do you think I'm talking about?" He snapped, shaking his head in disbelief and she tapped her foot, losing her patience more and more with every second that passed by.

"Did you ask for no mushrooms?" She questioned further, raising a single, perfectly thin eyebrow.

"No."

"Then, yes, sir, there's mushrooms in your soup. Is there a problem with that?" Brooke's eyes flickered over to the woman, who was a cackling mess and she rolled her jaw, ready to burst out in anger and yell at the both of them.

"Yes, there is! Why else would I ask if there's mushrooms?" He scoffed and her eyes widened in shock at his disgusting tone, just as she moved to scream at him for speaking to her with such disrespect, a hand was placed on her arm, pulling her back.

"We'll fix that for you." The bartender rolled his sleeves up — a simple movement that had Brooke almost drooling — and he picked up his plate, dragging Brooke away from the table with an angry huff, "Don't worry, I want to yell at him for speaking to you like that too but—"

"You should totally do it." Brooke cut him off as they entered the kitchen and he rolled his eyes with a playful grin, placing the bowl of soup down on the counter, "The man says he doesn't want mushrooms in his mushroom soup." She explained to Tony, letting out a heavy sigh as she sat down on one of the cardboard boxes in the corner of the small kitchen.

"Huh?" Tony almost screamed in confusion, causing Brooke to laugh loudly in agreement, watching as the Spanish—spoken man yelled many curse words out of pure irritation. The younger man strolled over to her and leaned against the counter beside the boxes, his hands gripping the edge of the countertop. Her eyes immediately flickered to his arms, she couldn't help it, he was just so unbearably hot.

"You're staring." He muttered, catching her in the act and she immediately looked away, her cheeks reddening.

"Oops." She pressed her lips into a thin line, trying not to laugh as she directed her line of sight towards the chef, who now muttered profanities to himself as he 'fixed' the soup.

"I'm Ben, by the way." He held his hand out for her to shake and she smiled, reaching up to grab onto his hand gently. His hands were strong, strong in a way that made her feel slightly intimidated yet warm inside.

"Yeah, and her name's Janice. Now, please give this to that puta." He held out the mushroom—less soup and Brooke pushed herself up with ease, taking the bowl from the man's hand with a small smile. She spun around, facing Ben, grinning from ear—to—ear.

"Brooke." She informed him and his eyes lit up at the mention of her name, watching her leave the room. Tony spun around, pointing his hot oil—covered spatula towards Ben.

"Go serve customers, go, go." He ushered him out of the room and let out a tired sigh, shaking his head in disbelief, "These kids." He muttered to himself, strolling back over to the stove.

"Here's your mushroom soup without mushrooms." Brooke served Mr. Jackson, placing the bowl in front of him and the man stared at it for a moment, swirling his spoon through the liquid until he realised there was, indeed, no mushrooms, a small smile making its way onto his chapped lips.

"Good." He muttered, wafting her away without as little as a 'thank you' and she forced a wide grin, strolling away from the couple. It wasn't often she had to deal with stuck—up customers, Vicki was usually the one who'd sort them out but considering she was gone, Brooke assumed the job was now hers.

At a booth nearby sat Jenna and Jeremy, and not too far from them at the bar sat Alaric, who was working on papers. Without hesitation, she headed towards her family, sliding into the seat beside her cousin, bumping her shoulder with him, "Oh, look who it is!" Jenna exclaimed, reaching her hand across the table to pat the Elliot's head gently, causing Brooke to giggle lightly.

"I'm sorry I haven't been over much recently, it's hard to walk when you've been shot." Brooke explained, placing her hands in her lap and Jenna's smile dropped in realisation, she had completely forgotten to call Brooke to see if she was okay, Jeremy too.

Before Jenna could rush out apologies, Alaric Saltzman approached, a grin on his lips, "Oh my, is that Ricky Saltzman?" Brooke joked, a snort erupting from Alaric and a giggle escaping Jenna.

"Brooke, Jeremy, what's up, guys?" Alaric grinned, dapping up Jeremy and fist—bumping Brooke. The man's eyes drifted over to Jenna as Jeremy introduced her.

"This is my Aunt Jenna." Jeremy pointed at her and Brooke watched with squinted eyes, a smirk on her lips. She could feel the sexual tension, and she was sure Jeremy could too... Maybe not the sexual part.

"Alaric Saltzman. It's nice to meet you." Alaric looked down at her, their eyes glued to one another.

"Jeremy was just telling me about his paper. Thanks for giving him another chance." Jenna smiled softly, her hands fiddling nervously in her lap. Brooke's thin eyebrows knitted together, her eyes moving over to Jeremy, who held an amused grin.

"What paper? You're going to school?" Brooke bumped her elbow into his ribs, causing him to wince in pain but she didn't show one hint of remorse, her eyes glancing down to the heaps of homework on the table that she'd missed, "You're doing homework! What happened to Jeremy Gilbert?"

"I'm a changed man, Brooke." Jeremy smirked, biting into a fry and Alaric chuckled at something Jenna had said. The two teenagers glanced over at them, Brooke held a wide, knowing smile whilst Jeremy furrowed his brows, looking between his Aunt and his teacher as he chewed.

Across the restaurant sat Damon at the bar, along with Stefan, who was leaned against the bar beside his brother and Brooke rolled her eyes at the sight, pushing herself up from the table, "Gotta work, I'll see you guys later." Brooke winked at Aunt Jenna, smiling at the other two before strolling away, heading towards a table filled with a family who had just arrived.

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IT WAS DARK OUT WHEN BROOKE FINISHED HER SHIFT, and Jeremy was heading home, so the two walked together. Brooke was late to the sleepover, but she'd brought leftovers from The Grill as an apology despite the fact it was hardly her fault at all.

As they strolled down the pathway, the house coming into view, Brooke could see the figure of Bonnie rushing off of the porch and down the street, her run unusual. Brooke shared a look with Jeremy before shoving the bags of food in his hands, running after her friend.

"Bonnie!" Brooke called out, but the girl wouldn't stop, continuing down the street until eventually, she entered the dark woods. The younger girl's heart began to race, her legs becoming weaker beneath her with every second, she panted heavily as she pushed her legs the furthest she could, continuing after Bonnie. Brooke was a physically strong girl, able to run for far lengths because of her cheerleading, but after she was shot, she realised she'd lost heaps of her stamina.

Brooke mentally cursed to herself, having to pause in the middle of the woods. She couldn't see Bonnie anymore, the girl having disappeared amidst the trees. With a few heavy breaths, the Elliot pushed off of the ground, following the direction of where Bonnie had disappeared when she heard a loud male cry.

When she approached, she noticed Damon pinned to a tree by a rather large stick and she couldn't help but laugh at the man's immense pain, "You don't look so good." The sound of Brooke's voice caught Damon's attention and his face swirled up in disgrace, disappointed it was her, not his brother, "Someone isn't happy to see me." She repeated his words, the exact words he had told her when she was dying in the cemetery, only Damon wasn't going to die.

"Oh, just shut up and help me." Damon rolled his eyes, groaning and Brooke hesitated, thinking it over. He wouldn't save her if she was stuck to a tree, she knew for sure he wouldn't but, being the bigger person and knowing he would owe her, she let out a heavy sigh, trudging towards him.

She placed both of her hands on either side of the stick before pulling, pulling with as much strength as she could muster. It wasn't enough, the stick wedged into the tree, so she began to wiggle it, the corners of her lips upturning ever so slightly at the sound of Damon's cries.

"Stop!" Damon screamed but she ignored him, continuing to wiggle the stick until it finally fell out of the tree, Damon's form falling to the floor. She held the bloodied stick in her hand, looking it over with a curious gaze before she chucked it to the ground, kneeling down beside the dark—haired man.

Brooke didn't care for him, not even the tiniest bit, but maybe she could play him like he played her — pretend to be his friend, only to betray him like he did her. He most certainly deserved it for what he did to not only her, but to her best—friend, too, "This is why I feed on people." Damon groaned, pushing himself to his feet and not too far from where they were kneeled, Bonnie was digging something up near a ruin.

"Bonnie?" Brooke pushed herself up, moving to approach her but a hand pulled her backwards. Stefan looked her over, making sure she was okay before his eyes flickered over to Bonnie's frame, his brows furrowed.

"Stefan." Bonnie finally spoke, her hair a mess, covering her face as she handled the shovel and Brooke's eyebrows knitted together, her eyes trailing between Stefan and Bonnie, Damon left, forgotten behind them.

"Hello, Emily." Stefan greeted and Brooke's eyes lit up in realisation, her jaw dropping in shock. She knew Bonnie wasn't acting like... well, Bonnie, she was being odd, and it was because she was possessed. It was hard to wrap her mind around, but she was forced to understand.

"These people don't deserve this. They should never have to know such evil." Emily in the form of Bonnie responded, turning to continue shovelling at the mud.

"Well, this world is already filled with many evils." Brooke commented, stuffing her hands into her dark red leather jacket from behind Stefan, her eyes flickering up to the back of his head every few seconds.

"Emily, I swear to God, I'll make you regret this." Damon threatened, his hand clutched to his side, his voice strained and Brooke rolled her eyes, scratching the back of her neck.

"I won't let you unleash them into this world." Emily told the older Salvatore before she continued to dig. The brothers muttered words to each other as Brooke walked forwards, not so intimidated by Emily. She didn't know anything about what Emily was up to, but if it was against Damon, she was willing to help.

Brooke held her hand out to Emily, a small smile on her face but Emily showed no emotion, handing the Elliot the shovel before moving away, beginning to mumble spells to herself, "Brooke, what are you doing?" Stefan asked, but Brooke only shrugged, continuing to shovel.

"Helping. She wants to save the world, I see that as a positive." Brooke explained, shoving the shovel into the mud again and again. Stefan couldn't argue with her response, he understood her even if he knew Brooke hated the world and wanted nothing more than to decease. She didn't want her brother to die, and if his fate was to be by vampires, she was going to do everything in her will to stop it, even if it took being attacked by an angered Damon.

"To save her, I had to save them." Emily spoke up after a few moments of silence, holding her hands out by her sides with closed eyes. Stefan took a step forwards, his expression shocked.

"You saved everyone in the church?" Stefan yelled.

"With one comes all."

"I don't care about them. I just want Katherine." Damon grabbed onto Stefan's arm, pulling himself up. The two began to yell at each other, and Emily approached Brooke, guiding her where to dig.

"Make a pentagram." Emily ordered and Brooke nodded, gliding the shovel against the mud into the shape of a pentagram.

"Yes, ma'am." Brooke finished the pentagram and stepped aside, watching as Emily lit the pentagram on fire, beginning her ritual.

"Incendia!" The pentagram lit afire, stopping Damon from running towards her and she raised her arms into the air, standing in the centre of the shape. She ripped her necklace from her neck with narrowed eyes towards Damon, and for a split second, Brooke could swear she could see Emily's true form through the flames.

Stefan rushed over to Brooke, making sure she was okay as Damon cried, watching as Emily held up the necklace, "Bonnie!" Elena's voice called out, and both Stefan and Brooke turned, the vampire rushing towards his girlfriend with a sad expression on his features.

"No!" Damon screamed as Emily jumped, throwing the necklace into the air, the piece of jewellery bursting like a firework mid air. The sparks flew onto Brooke and she yelped loudly, feeling burn marks on her arms but she couldn't care less about that, more worried about Bonnie, who'd turned back to her true form just as the fire went out.

Before she could rush towards her friend, Damon beat her to it, growling loudly. The man bit into her neck angrily, the Bennett letting out a blood—curdling scream and Stefan sped towards them, throwing Damon off of Bonnie.

Brooke reached her friend first, kneeling down beside her as she reached up to her neck, blood streaming all along the muddied ground. Brooke cried out to Stefan, "Save her! Don't let her die, she doesn't deserve this. Please." Brooke begged, Bonnie lying lifeless beside her and Stefan immediately nodded, biting into his wrist before pressing it to her lips, sending vampire blood into the witch's system.

Bonnie groaned against his wrist, her body twitching and Brooke pulled herself together, caressing the Bennett's arm comfortingly. Damon laid on the ground nearby, watching the scene play out with an angered look whilst Elena leaned over Brooke's shoulder, her eyes wide with shock.

"Her neck. It's healing." Elena stated the obvious, watching as the bite wound in Bonnie's neck disappeared, the only trace left being the blood. Brooke used the sleeve of her beloved jacket to clean up the mess, caring more about her friend than anything else, especially a stupid jacket.

"She's okay, she'll be okay." Stefan placed his hand on Brooke's shoulder, a worried look on his face as he scanned over hers and she nodded, her green eyes fixated on Bonnie. She nodded gently, watching as Bonnie stirred as Stefan pushed himself up, explaining everything to Elena.

All Brooke could care about in that moment was that Bonnie was okay, and she was going to be okay, she took Stefan's word for it. She trusted him.

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