Authors note: So I was thinking about what it would be like if Caroline liked Klaus before she knew who he was... This story is based after Caroline is already a vampire and taught by Stefan on how to control herself and feed on animals. Klaus has first come back to town in Alaric's body (like in the show) but I wont be re-writing the show. Just something I wanted to fiddle around with... Let me know if you like it.
I am trying to keep their characters the same as they were on the show, just with a different time line. I hope you enjoy!
Also, please excuse any mistakes I may have missed in the editing process, after all, it's all in good fun, right? (:
It had been so long since I stepped foot in Mystic Falls… In fact, the last time I was here, it wasn't even called that. I looked around, taking in all of the shops around the square and the cars driving by; my, how the world has changed. It's like I had expected everything to stay the same, even though I had been through all the changes alongside the world. News flash.
I knew the Salvators would be in town, but I wasn't sure yet how much they knew about me. Of course, if Stefan could remember, he would know so much more than anyone else. I grin to myself at the thought. Rebekah was still in the coffin she had inhabited since the 20's, though I'm sure she would be intrigued to see our old friend as well.
Of course, even if he had his memory, he wouldn't recognize me now. The teacher "suit", as I like to call it, was making me chafe. I planned on going straight into this 'Alaric Saltzman's' every day routine for at least a couple days, doing some recon. I wanted to see where my old friend was now in his ever-lasting life. What his tricky brother was up to… and of course, make sure my doppelganger didn't try to skip town.
Walking around the town, I found myself becoming partched, but of course not for blood… this ridiculous costume I was in didn't crave it like my mind did. This body wanted a drink; Whisky. I also found my stomach growling, and rolled my eyes at the thought of needing to eat regular food. But of course, I didn't want to let this body die, nor did I want to go through the discomfort of starving.
I inclined my head slightly, trying to smell where the scent of food was coming from - grease from fries and burgers - as it was making my mouth water. Of course, it smelled like it was all around me, as my usual vampire sense of smell didn't come with me to this body. I grabbed the arm of someone as they passed, making them swirl around to face me before I looked down at them.
It was a rather pretty, petite blond who looked at me in shock, making a "O" shape with her mouth. I grinned to myself. "Oh, hey Alaric. Is there something wrong?"
I cocked my head, obviously she knew me. Or at least, she knew the body I inhabited. "Oh no, I was just wondering where I could grab a bite." My mouth twisted with the double meaning in my mind.
The girl raised her eyebrow for a moment before composing herself and wiggling out of my hand, I let go quickly. "Is that a joke or something? Obviously the Grill…" She paused, and I could almost see the wheals turning in her mind as she thought of something. "I'll go with you, I was just headed there."
And before I could say anymore, she began to walk away from me. I looked up to see the sign on the building across the road and rolled my eyes at the stupidity I had obviously just shown. I was just shown up by a little girl. I clenched my teeth and walked across the road, quickly catching up to her and opening the door, allowing her to walk in first.
"Uh, thanks," she muttered, and it occurred to me that she wasn't used to such manners. What has this world come to..?
We quickly sat down at a table by the bar and a waiter came over, I was about to ask him for a round of Whiskey for the girl and myself, along with a burger and fries when suddenly she smiled and began talking to him.
"Hey Matt! How was your weekend?"
He responded quickly while laying a couple of menus down on the table, not even looking over at me. My eye twitched with annoyance. "Oh, hey Caroline. It was okay, work and homework like usual. Hey, did you do that English paper?"
I looked over at this Caroline with surprise, She's a student? I watched as she rolled her eyes without the smile escaping her features. I cocked my head as I thought of what that might mean. "Matt! It's due tomorrow… We read half of the book in class."
"I know!" he began quickly, "But Shakespeare is so… I don't even know what they're saying half the time…"
I rolled my eyes, What an idiot.
"Matt," she began, my thoughts reflected in her voice slightly. "There's a translated version on the opposite page."
He looked down, obviously giving up. "Yeah, you're right. I'll have to work on it later. Maybe you could help me?"
My eyes went from one to the other, then landed on Caroline as she responded with a shake of her head and a small smile, "Give me a call later if you get stuck."
"Thanks Caroline," he grinned at her. "So what can I get you guys to drink? Oh, hey Mr. Saltzman," he gaze finally landed on me and I suppressed my annoyance as much as possible. I couldn't figure out what annoyed me more; that my waiter was obviously an imbecile or that I was taking lunch with a school girl. Definitely the former, I thought to myself.
"Hello, Matt," I said, trying to act as average as possible. "Actually, I'd love a burger, please. With bacon. And cheese. Oh, and a w-" I paused for a moment, remembering that I was supposed to be their teacher, "a water."
I looked over at Caroline when I was sure Matt had written down my order. She ordered some nachos and a Coke. Finally, Matt walked away to place our orders. I exhaled deeply.
Caroline and I sat in silence for a little while; long enough for Matt to bring us our drinks before disappearing again. I wasn't very good at small talk, but the silence was becoming unbearable. "So… What Shakespeare play are you reading?"
She looked over at me with interest - obviously I had picked a good topic. "We read Macbeth. Of course, I was finished before the class was… It's definitely one of my top favorites." She gave me a smile, and I couldn't help but return it. There was something about this girl - this Caroline - that intrigued me. She looks like she would be the blond bimbo with no brains. But she was slowly proving me wrong. And there was something else about her… something I couldn't place.
"What is your favorite then?" I asked, surprisingly interested in what her answer would be. Please don't say-
"Romeo and Juliet." she stated it flately, then cocked her head as she took a sip of water. I couldn't help but be disappointed. "But now that I think about it, it used to be my favorite play. I think Macbeth could definitely take it's play. Or Hamlet." She paused for another moment as Matt brought us our food. My stomach gave another growl as I quickly took a bite from my burger. I had to admit… it was pretty damn good.
"Why the change?" I finally asked, in between mouthfuls.
She looked at me, a nacho in her hand. "Well… I used to think it was so romantic, how they would die for each other. But now that I think about it…" she paused, and again I could see the wheals turning in her mind as her eyebrows scrunched together. "I mean… what morons!" She exclaimed, and I looked at her with pure surprise.
"I'm sorry?" I asked, chuckling slightly.
She shook her head without looking at me, swallowing her mouthful before going on. "Well seriously, just get over it already. I mean, I believe in love and all, but come on…"
My mouth was open with surprise as I stared at her. For a moment, I was at a loss for words. What teenage girl doesn't swoon over Romeo and Juliet? Obviously this girl was more mature than her exterior showed the world.
Finally, I took a sip of water before asking, "And what makes Macbeth make the list of favorites then?"
She shrugged, "I don't know, I guess there's just something about him that I can relate to." Caroline didn't seem to want to continue, and I found myself not wanting to pry. Strange, I thought.
We didn't say much after, as we became very focused on engulfing our food. I found it annoying that I was eating 'finger food', but I reminded myself, Just move with the times, Niklaus. Soon, our plates were empty and we sat there for a few moments as we waited for Matt to bring us our bill. I found myself dreading the moment that I would have to say goodbye to her, but I knew it would be odd to anyone around us if I spent any more time with her, not to mention what she would think.
After an awkward moment where I took the check and Caroline tried to grab some money before finally giving up as I put my money down first. "I never let a lady pay, Caroline." It was true, though by the expression on her face, I knew it must seem strange.
She stood up first, and I followed suit, "Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow, Alaric."
I cocked my head in confusion before she went on, "In class?"
"Oh, right. Yes, tomorrow." I had forgotten completely that I was playing the part of a teacher for a while. As she waved goodbye and walked out, I found myself annoyed for some reason. I have to be her teacher. My face scrunched at the thought and I quickly walked out as well.
I had no idea what to do now, so I walked around the town square, taking in every street and shop. I walked past a building that read 'Founders Hall' and scoffed at the idea. "Fools." I muttered before continuing my walk. Soon, I found myself at the apartment I had started out at and grimaced at the state of it. I hadn't really thought about it earlier, but this Alaric Saltzman sure didn't live a lavish life.
I meandered around the room, taking in his different books and things before landing on an old-fashioned trunk that sat behind his couch. "And what is this?" I mumbled to myself before crouching down to take a look. Inside were all different weapons, and I recognized them instantly as weapons that could kill vampires. I grinned, "Well, well, well, looks like he's got a hidden talent. Very interesting."
The rest of the day couldn't have been more dull and I found myself going to bed early for the first time in centuries. After all, no one was looking for me… or at least, not in this body. No one knew who I was yet, and I had to remind myself that my body would be returned to me by the next day. I only had to play teacher for a day.
My thoughts took a surprising turn as I lay in the teachers bed, staring up at the ceiling. I would be seeing Caroline again tomorrow. I felt a pang in my chest and wondered what on earth it was from. Perhaps she knows the doppelganger. I thought to myself; yes… that was my excuse for wanting to see the little blonde again. There was no other explanation.
Reviews are always welcome!
