Vampire Diaries Imagines

Stressed and Starving - Jeremy Gilbert

The Salvatore home buzzed with concern as Elena, Damon, and Stefan discussed in the library. Elena had been the first to voice her worries, pointing out that their usually vibrant friend had been noticeably absent for weeks. Stefan chimed in, saying he hadn't seen her at any recent outings he would often take, which was unusual for someone as outgoing and involved as Y/N. Even Damon-who rarely showed his softer side-admitted he'd started noticing how empty her presence made him feel.

"She's probably buried in her textbooks again knowing her," Damon said, his usual sarcasm tempered by an edge of worry. "But still, someone should check on her. Finals aren't worth killing yourself over."

"I'll go," Jeremy offered, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. "I mean there isn't much of anyone stopping her from digging herself into a hole now that her parents are... well gone. Not to mention, she'll probably open up to me more than anyone, but that could be just me hoping she will."

The group nodded, in agreement with the young Gilbert boy. So Jeremy grabbed his jacket and keys before heading out across town to the Y/L/Ns family home.

Jeremy stood outside Y/N's house, frowning at the locked door. He knocked a couple of times, calling her name, but the house stayed eerily quiet. His gut twisted, and he fished the spare key she'd given him months ago out of his pocket.

Stepping inside, the place felt too still, too empty. Books and papers cluttered the coffee table in the living room, and her bag was slumped near the door like she'd dropped it and forgotten it was there. Jeremy headed up the stairs, his steps cautious, calling her name again.

He found her in her room, sprawled across the bed, surrounded by an explosion of textbooks, notebooks, and highlighters. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, and her face looked paler than he remembered. Her cheekbones were sharper, and the dark circles under her eyes stood out starkly against her skin.

"Y/N/N," he said softly, moving closer. Her chest rose and fell steadily-she was asleep, not unconscious-but the sight still unsettled him. She looked exhausted, run-down, and far too thin.

Jeremy carefully picked up a stray blanket from the floor and draped it over her. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned and headed downstairs.

In the kitchen, Jeremy rummaged through her fridge and pantry, pulling together ingredients for a simple but hearty meal. A can of soup, some bread, and eggs-it wasn't gourmet, but it would do. As he worked, his mind raced, piecing together the signs he'd missed. Y/N had been pulling away from everyone, skipping meals, and clearly neglecting herself. He couldn't let it go on.

By the time he finished, the smell of warm soup filled the air, and he plated the food with care. Balancing the bowl, a glass of water, and a small plate of buttered toast on a tray, he carried it back upstairs.

"Y/N/N," Jeremy said softly, setting the tray on her desk. He sat on the edge of the bed, gently shaking her shoulder. "Wake up."

The young girl stirred, groaning softly as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked at him in confusion, then at the tray that she knew wasn't there before. "Jeremy? What-"

"You've been MIA, and it looks like you've been living off coffee and air," he declared, his tone light but edged with concern. "When was the last time you stopped and had actual food since anyone has seen you last?"

Y/N sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "I've been busy. Finals-"

"Finals don't matter if you run yourself into the ground," Jeremy interrupted. "You look like you haven't slept in days, and I'm pretty sure you've lost weight from overstressing and malnutrition at this point." He gestured to the tray. "Her. Eat first and I'll give you the lecture later. Unless you want me to call my sister and have her rip you a new one over the phone."