Vampire Diaries Imagines

Midnight Solace - Tyler Lockwood

The Lockwood house was quiet, shrouded in the kind of silence that only existed in the dead of night. Y/N Salvatore moved through the darkness like a shadow, her feet barely making a sound on the hardwood floors. The key Tyler had given her years ago was clutched tightly in her hand, though now it rested warm in her pocket after granting her entrance. She didn't even consider knocking-Tyler had told her long ago she was always welcome.

But tonight, she wasn't here to talk or hang out like they normally did. Tonight, she needed something else.

Carefully, she ascended the stairs, her hand trailing along the banister as she made her way to Tyler's room. The door creaked softly as she pushed it open, and her heart pounded in her chest, hoping Matt wasn't home. Tyler's breathing was even, his silhouette faintly visible under the moonlight spilling through his window.

Y/N slipped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She crossed the room on tiptoes, lifting the edge of the blanket and sliding in beside him like she had so many times before.

The shift in the bed must've woken him because Tyler stirred almost instantly, turning toward her. His sleepy voice came out groggy but filled with concern.

"Y/N/N? What's going on?"

She didn't answer at first, just pressed herself against him, burying her face in his chest. Tyler didn't need an explanation; he knew her too well for that. His arms wrapped around her automatically, one hand resting protectively on her back, the other threading gently through her hair.

"What happened?" he murmured, his voice soft but steady, the warmth of his embrace grounding her.

Y/N felt the tears sting her eyes, hot and unwelcome, but she couldn't stop them. They spilled over silently, soaking into the fabric of his shirt. "I just... I miss him," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I miss my dad."

Tyler tightened his hold, his chin resting on the top of her head. He didn't rush her, didn't say the usual platitudes people offered when someone was grieving. He just let her cry.

"I know Stefan and Damon care about me," she continued, her voice trembling, "and I'm grateful. But it's not the same. It'll never be the same."

Her body shook with silent sobs, and Tyler's heart ached for her. He'd never had the best relationship with his dad, but he couldn't imagine the kind of pain Y/N carried. Losing Zach had left a hole in her heart that nothing-not even her uncles-could fill.

"Y/N/N," he said softly, pulling back just enough to tilt her chin up so she would look at him. "I can't stand to see you cry like this."

The sincerity in his tone made her tears flow harder, but she managed a weak laugh, her lips curving upward for a moment. "Sorry," she sniffled. "Didn't mean to barge in and ruin your night."

"Stop," he said firmly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "You're not ruining anything. You can always come to me, you know that. I don't care what time it is."

Her chest felt a little lighter at his words, and she nodded, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. The familiar scent of him-something earthy and uniquely Tyler-was comforting in a way she couldn't explain.

For the rest of the night, Tyler held her, whispering little reassurances until her breathing evened out, and she finally drifted off to sleep. Tyler stayed awake a while longer, his arms never leaving her.

Because when it came to Y/N, he'd do anything to take away her pain-even if it was just for one night.

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, painting Tyler's room in soft golden hues. Y/N still lay curled up under the blankets, her features relaxed and peaceful for the first time in what felt like forever. Tyler stood at the door for a moment, watching her sleep.