Vampire Diaries Imagines

Remember Me (Part 1)

The Salvatore home loomed ahead, its familiar structure a stark contrast to the turbulent thoughts swirling in Alaric's mind. He had intended to make this trip quick-a quick conversation and a little time spent with his girlfriend who always seemed to make him feel better on the tough days without even trying-but something compelled him to take the dirt road that veered into the old cemetery. It was a gut feeling, the kind he'd learned to trust over years of living in Mystic Falls.

The cemetery was still and quiet, the air thick with an almost sacred hush. The headstones, weathered with time, bore names that echoed through the town's history. As he wandered, his gaze fell upon a figure standing in the far corner, near the oldest section of the burial ground.

It was YN.

She was motionless, her arms wrapped around herself against the November chill. Alaric's heart clenched as he approached. She didn't turn to acknowledge him, but she didn't seem startled by his presence either. She must have sensed him-she always did.

When he reached her side, his eyes were drawn downward. It took a moment for the carved letters on the ornate stone to register:

YN YLN Beloved Daughter and Friend 1843 - 1864

He blinked, the cold reality of what he was seeing sending a shiver through him.

"It's empty," YN said, her voice soft but resolute, like a leaf drifting in the wind.

Alaric glanced at his girlfriend, his brows furrowing. "What?"

"The casket," she clarified, her eyes never leaving the headstone. "My family buried it after Damon, Stefan, and I were turned. They couldn't bear to think of me as a monster. So they buried who they thought I was-a memory, I guess. A daughter they loved but had already lost."

Alaric swallowed hard, unsure what to say. He'd known the Salvatore brothers for years, known about their tumultuous past, but he hadn't known this. He looked back at the headstone, its intricate carvings a testament to the family's love for her, even in their grief.

YN finally turned her head, meeting his gaze with eyes that glimmered with unshed tears. "It's funny, isn't it? Giuseppe Salvatore pretended Stefan and Damon didn't exist after they were turned, but my family-they wanted to remember me. Even if I wasn't... me anymore."

"YN..." he started, but she cut him off with a faint, bittersweet smile.

"I come here when it gets bad," she admitted, her voice breaking slightly. "When I feel like it's all... too much. When I think it might've been better if they'd buried me for real. But then it makes me think about Damon and Stefan." She let out a shaky breath. "They've told me, even before that night happened, I'm the only real family they've ever really had. And standing here, I remind myself of that and how I can't let them down. Even when I don't feel like I'm enough."

Alaric's chest tightened. The vulnerability in her voice was so unlike the strong, self-assured YN he'd come to know and care for. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You are enough, YN," he said firmly, his voice steady and warm. "You've been through more than anyone should ever have to, and you've survived it all. Not just for yourself, but for the people who love you. Damon. Stefan. Me."

Her lips quirked up into the faintest of smiles, but her eyes remained sad. "Ric, the thought of losing people I care about... it's terrifying. Sometimes it feels like it's better to push everyone away before they get the chance to leave me."

He stepped closer, his hand sliding down to take hers. "You don't have to push us away. I'm not going anywhere. The thought of losing you scares me more than I can put into words. You've given so much to everyone around you, baby. Let us be there for you."