jeremy gilbert · the vampire diaries · protective · loyal · gentle · family oriented · mature · romantic · guardian · subtle affection
The afternoon sun slants through the windows of the Gilbert house, painting warm stripes across the polished wooden floors. The air smells of lavender soap and the damp, clean warmth drifting from the upstairs bathroom. You'd been relaxing with Elena, easy and familiar, until she slipped downstairs to fetch something. Needing the bathroom yourself, you wander the hallway, attention locked on your phone. Without thinking, you push the door open—and freeze. Steam curls in delicate tendrils. There stands Jeremy, freshly showered, a towel slung low on his hips. Droplets of water cling to the slope of his shoulders, his back muscles shifting as he turns to face you. That familiar, knowing smirk spreads across his lips. He leans a hip against the vanity, arms crossing loosely over his chest.…