A/N: Non-English English Emphasis
Pilot
"Oh, why you so obsessed with me? Boy I want to know – lyin' that your sexin' me when everybody knows – it's clear that your upset with me, ooh!" Why does eyeliner have to take so long to dry, I mean honestly! I gently wave my hand over my eye to help speed up the drying process, but whether it works or not is unknown.
"Finally got a girl that you couldn't impress, last man on earth still couldn't get this!" I glare into honey-brown eyes and toss my orange curls over my shoulder dramatically as I sing, pointing a manicured nail at the mirror, "You're delusional, you're delusional, boy you're losin' your mind!"
"Natsuki!" A voice outside my room immediately catches my attention and I scramble to my Ipod nano to hastily stop Mariah Carey's sultry voice from bouncing through my bathroom.
"Yes, Ma?"
"Hurry up, you'll be late for school!"
"Yes, yes, I'll be down in a moment!" I turn back to myself and give my first-day-assemble a quick look over, rubbing my cheeks to help spread my blush a little more before adjusting my blouse and looking around my sink for my precious ring. I plucked my golden 'opal' ring from my bamboo jewelry bowl and slide it onto my middle finger, shivering as my concealment spell washes through me, from my fingertips to the tips of my tails. I fondly rub the gem as I stride into my attached bedroom.
My bedroom is a pretty good size, by American standards, with numerous trinkets and items from different homes and eras tastefully scattered around. I walk over to my wooden desk and shrug on my chosen leather jacket, also slinging my modest messenger bag over my shoulder before I trot downstairs where an enticing smell drifted.
I strode into the kitchen, giving my father and mother a distracted good morning as I follow my nose to my plated breakfast. I lift the pot lid and can't help but laugh, looking at my dad with a delighted smile.
"Aw, dad! You made my favorite today! Ham omelets and bacon!" My mother ignores me as she continues to eat her own breakfast, while my father lowers his newspaper to give me a mischievous smile.
"Well, it's not every day my little kit becomes a Senior!" A groan immediately falls out of my mouth unbidden as I plop gracelessly down into my bar stool, sitting next to my quietly snickering mom.
"Dad, this is the 3rd time I've completed High School, I think that joke is getting a bit old."
"Nonsense! I have to keep using that joke until you're officially done with High School!"
"Ugh, whatever. Let us eat!" I grumble, forking a large bite of eggs into my mouth. My mom huffs in silent disapproval at me and my sloppy eating, but we both let it go this morning, both too busy to worry about my manners.
"By the way, Everyone is going to the Grill after school, so I don't know when I'll get back today."
"As long as you don't maim anyone, honey." My mom says pleasantly, my following huff of amusement ignored as she stands to take my father's plate and mine into the kitchen, but not before kissing my head teasingly.
"No promises. I'll see you later!" I joke, giving my father a kiss on the temple before trotting off through the house. I step outside into the glorious sun, briefly closing my eyes so I wouldn't be blind, before gazing longingly across the street to the forest beyond, hiding adventure and secrets just beyond the thicket.
"Later," I promise myself, walking down the path to our driveway, grinning brightly at my birthday gift last year; a replica of Han's car from the 3rd Fast and Furious movie. I eagerly slide into my seat and sigh blissfully as it purred to life, the leather seats welcoming me and the stereo softly singing me good morning. This will never get old.
I turn the radio up and pull out of our driveway, driving the few miles into town and to school. My hands happily tap the steering wheel as I sing along to Knock You Down, pulling into a spot a decent distance from the school entrance. I barely had time to turn off my engine and lock the doors before my favorite blonde bombarded me with her natural excitement.
"Nattie!"
"Care-bear!" I squeal back, immediately being engulfed in my favorite pair of arms here, "How is my favorite cheerleader doing this morning?" I ask, pulling back and grinning widely. Caroline easily matched my excitement, clapping her hands and giving me a perky smile.
"I'm doing great! I'm so excited to finally be a Junior, I've got so many plans!"
"Am I going to be involved in some of these?" I ask, an amused smile on my lips.
"Of course you are!"
"Good! I wouldn't have it any other way!" I giggle at Caroline's exasperated look, before looping my arm with hers and leading us slowly to the entrance.
"Good! Now, I need to know, were you in charge of pranking Mr. Tanner and Principal Goyle's office?" Caroline asks in a low voice, an awed look in her glittering eyes.
"Now, Care-bear! What type of person do you think I am, pranking the worst teacher in the school and the principal himself?" I thrust my arm to my chest dramatically, giving her my most shocked look, to which she merely rolls her eyes and nudges me happily.
"Of course you did, why did I bother asking! Be glad you don't have Tanner for history this year, he was absolutely pissed when he was popping all those balloons. And that sex doll- where did you even find one of those?" Caroline ranted, giving me a scandalized look.
"Where else, Caroline? I got it from a sex-shop!" I whisper teasingly into her ear, causing us both to erupt into a fit of giggles. "Wait until he finds that dildo I hid in his desk, he is gonna flip his lid!" Caroline looks to me and gasps loudly, immediately covering her mouth to stop the hysterical laugh threatening to escape her quivering body.
"Oh, I can't believe you did that! You are crazy, Nattie!"
"Oh, you know you love it!" I tease, lightly poking her side in affection. We finally enter the bustling halls of the school, and Caroline instantly sees her other two friends and eagerly points them out. "There's Elena and Bonnie! Let's go say hi! Oh, I hope Elena is doing okay, she stopped talking with us all over summer break!"
"Care, that's normal. I have to go to the office though, Dad accidentally threw away my schedule and I got to get another one. But don't let me stop you from going to make sure Elena is fine, you are her closest friend after all!" I encouragingly push her shoulder, stepping back and heading the opposite way to the office, sliding between students standing in the hall or walking around towards class.
When I finally enter the empty office, I stroll confidentially up to Charlie, the receptionist, and give her my best innocent smile.
"Hey, Charlie! Dad accidentally threw away my schedule, can you print out another one for me?" I ask sweetly, adding a small pout for good effect. Charlie merely rolls her eyes and laughs, clicking on her keyboard as she did so.
"Why does that not surprise me? Given how many forms he lost last year, I'm surprised he didn't lose anything else!" She jokes, both of us laughing.
I stop laughing, however, when I hear the door open behind me. I turn to look over my shoulder and can't stop my brows from lifting in surprise at the well-dressed hottie walking in. The new guy, who still had his glasses on, tilted his head politely at me and awkwardly hovers near the doorway, much to my amusement.
"Well, hello there!" I sang cheerfully, silently adding 'Fresh Meat' in my head, but hiding those lustful thoughts with practiced ease.
"Hey."
"My name is Natsuki Hayashi, but most call me Nat. And what's your name?" I question, stepping forward and holding out my hand to shake. He automatically reaches out and gives me a firm handshake, a small smile coloring his lips.
"Stefan Salvatore, nice to meet you."
"Yeah, you too! So, what year are you? Is it your first day?"
"Ah, yes, this is my first day. I'm a Junior."
"Aw, darn! I'm a Senior," I giggle and release his hand, indiscreetly smelling the air and inwardly twitching at a familiar copper and cologne scent he had, "But I was a new student last year, and if you want any advice, don't worry about all the attention you'll get from everyone. They will calm down in a few weeks once they get used to you, or when a scandal pops up."
Stefan smiles in amusement and places his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight slightly.
"Well, thanks for the advice, I'll try to keep that in mind."
"Don't worry, you'll be fine! But, if you want, it might be easier if you become my friend first," I pause, feeling a blush grow on my cheeks as I realize how that sounded and frantically try to backtrack, waving my arms in embarrassment, "Wait! Wait, that, uh, that came out wrong! Sorry, I'm not trying to sound creepy or pushy! I just meant, that, well, you see – I found that it's better to have a person to sit with during lunch until you can find your own friend-group, and I'm basically friends with everyone so I could easily introduce you to people!"
Stefan bites his lip, hiding his laughter at my fumble, before taking pity on me, "It's fine, I uh, I understand. And I think I'll take you up on your offer."
"Oh, really?" I ask breathlessly, sighing deeply and slumping my shoulders in relief, "Cool, that's cool. Sorry about that, I'm usually better with my wording." Stefan grins and opens his mouth to reply, only for Charlie to clear her throat behind me, catching our attention.
"Here is your schedule, Nat. You better run off to class before you are late."
"Oh! Thanks, Charlie!" I said, perking up and taking the paper out of her hands, spinning back to Stefan with a grin, "I'll save you a seat at lunch, Stefan! Have a good first day!"
I skip out of the office and down the hall, towards British Literature, but as I went my mind stayed on the strange yet familiar scent Stefan walked around in. Why would he smell of hour-old-deer-blood anyway? Better keep an eye on him...
"Vicki! Darlin', love of my life, my soul mate!"
"Oh god, Nat! Shut the fuck up!" Vicki hisses lowly, glaring at me through the blush on her cheeks.
"My love, my love, please!" I ignore her, reaching over the bar to try and catch her shirt or apron, but she lightly slapped my palm away.
"What do you want? I'm working!"
"Please, get me a burger, I'm dying of hunger!" I whine loudly, slapping my palm on the bar top a few times, but Vicki only sighs in exasperation and nods.
"Stop being such a drama queen, I'll get your damn burger. Now relax, it'll be a few minutes!" She turns and wanders off in a huff, taking a pitcher of water to another table as she does so.
I grin and sit up properly, looking around the grill for anyone I know when I notice my favorite blonde walking with our mutual friend, Bonnie. I eagerly step off the stool and sneak up behind them, inwardly laughing as I realize Caroline was gossiping about all the stuff she learned about Stefan from me.
"We're planning a June wedding." Caroline finishes, giving Bonnie a smug smirk, and I then decide to jump in.
"Can I be your maid of honor!?" I squeal out, bursting into loud laughter when both girls jump and shriek in surprise, glaring at me, "Oh, Oh! That was too good! Your faces!" I giggle, quietly saying 'ow' when Caroline punched my shoulder.
"Don't do that! I could have spilled my drink!"
"Sorry, I just couldn't resist!" I cough, patting Caroline and Bonnie's shoulder in apology watching as Caroline wanders off to talk with Tiki. I turn to Bonnie and grin mischievously.
"So, where is Elena? She's a little late, isn't she?" I ask, but Bonnie only shrugged.
"Yeah, I texted her a little while ago and she said she was leaving soon."
"Oh cool! Well, let's sit down while we wait, I don't have nearly enough blood sugar to stand around like this," I declare, grabbing her arm and gently tugging her to a table near us, much to her amusement.
"I'd beg to differ." She scoffs. We sit down and start talking about my Senior classes and how I came up with my pranks for Senior prank night when Matt quietly approached, giving both of us a nervous smile.
"Hey, Matt!"
"Hi you two, is it, uh, alright if I ask you guys something real quick?"
Bonnie and I share a knowing look before nodding, me patting the spare seat next to me which he slumps into.
"So, what's on your mind?" I ask, steepling my fingers and giving him a playful grin.
Matt takes a deep breath but doesn't immediately speak, giving a distraught pucker before finally sighing and giving us a desperate look.
"How is Elena doing?" He asks, a frown tugging his thick eyebrows down over his tired blue eyes. Bonnie immediately gave him a look of compassion and slight exasperation.
"Her mom and dad died, how do you think? She's putting on a good face, but it's only been four months."
"Has she said anything about me?" Matt questions worriedly, glancing at me when I groan and rub my eyes in exasperation.
"No, so not getting in the middle! You pick up the phone and call her!" Bonnie chuckles in amusement, but I instead reach out and grab Matt's hands, completely getting the brunt of his worried affection.
"Matt, I know that you and Elena were together for a long while and that you are still into her, but you gotta understand her situation. Elena has lost her parents, the people who raised her, loved her and encouraged her. She is emotionally crippled right now, and that's normal! She is trying to focus on herself, trying to heal and find a new rhythm, a new normal, and being in a relationship is a lot of pressure."
"But I could be there for her, a shoulder to lean on-"
"Yes, but at what point would she feel guilty for spending all your time together mourning her parents? Whether you realize it or not, relationships are a big deal and a lot of pressure, and she just doesn't need that sort of pressure on her right now. Not with her problems with Jeremy and the loss of her parents still so fresh. It may only be a couple of months for us, but for her and Jeremy? They are still feeling this pain like it was yesterday, and it'll stay that way for a while yet. My advice? Give her time, but don't hold yourself back from your own happiness. Feelings change, and she may move on, and that doesn't mean that you shouldn't too, if it comes down to it. But, if you help her, support her without the pressure of a relationship, she may come back to you yet! Just don't hound her for a relationship when she isn't ready, and trust her to get herself pulled together. Everything will be fine."
Matt sat silently, staring into my eyes for the truth before finally nodding his head and accepting my words. I gently pat his shoulder as he leans into his palms, running them down his face roughly before looking back up at me with a grateful, sad smile.
"Thanks, Nat. I can always count on you for good advice."
"And don't you forget it, blondie!" I tease, sticking my tongue out at him and winking, causing him to softly chuckle. Bonnie's suddenly stiff form catches my attention, and I follow her gaze to the door, where Elena walks in with Stefan by her side.
"Oh! Cool, she helped show my new BBF the way to the grill! I wasn't sure if he knew where it was when I texted him earlier!" I lie through my teeth, turning to Matt and giving him a reassuring grin. Matt had slumped when they walked in, but when I spoke, he seemed to reorient himself, taking a breath and visually relaxing. He gave the both of us a small smile before standing up and walking to Elena and Stefan, greeting Stefan before talking quietly with Elena, probably offering his condolences or something tooth-achingly sweet before heading over to Tyler.
"Whoo, that could have gone worse.." I mumble once he was gone, leaning into my hand and giving Bonnie a wide-eyed look of relief.
"That was some smooth talking, Nat. Good job!" Bonnie laughs, jokingly giving me a thumbs up.
I grin and wave her off, leaning back and redirecting my attention to Stefan and Elena who was looking around the bar.
"Elena! Stefan!" I shout, immediately drawing their attention to my waving hand. Elena smiles and walks over to us, Stefan following behind silently. "Welcome to the Grill!" I jokingly state to Stefan, patting the seat Matt left as Elena slides in next to Bonnie.
"Hey, Natsuki. And you are?"
"Bonnie Bennet." Bonnie shyly took a sip of her drink and I chuckle quietly as I look behind my seat for Caroline, grinning when I see her walking over with a confident strut.
"Ah, there she is! Here!" I stand and pull a seat from another table over, putting her between me and Bonnie, across from Stefan. "There! Now we are all here!" I pause before gasping loudly, slamming my hand on the table."Wait! We're missing something!"
"What?" Elena gives me a worried look while Stefan and the other two girls look at me curiously.
"My burger! Damn, hang on just a second, I'll be right back!" I shout, quickly standing up and maneuvering my way to the bar, impatiently waiting for the bartender to wander over.
"Jacob!" I shout, waving obnoxiously and smiling widely once I caught his attention. He finishes giving back change before walking down the counter, giving me a flirtatious smile that I eagerly return.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in!"
"Hey, Jake!"
"What's up?"
"Could you see where my burger is? And, could you get me a Shirley Temple too?"
"Dirty?" he lowers his voice slightly, looking me over with a suggestive grin.
"Oh, you know it!" I wink, giggling as he winks back before disappearing into the back.
Luckily, it didn't take more than five minutes for him to find me my burger and get me my drink, and I was happily returning to the table and grinning widely at everyone as I sat.
"Hey! What'd I miss?" I ask, lifting my burger and taking a big bite out of it, barely withholding a moan.
"Not much, just started talking about which teachers to look out for," Caroline says cheerfully, giving me an indulgent smile.
"Mmm!" I hum, chewing and swallowing rapidly so I could talk without being completely rude, "So just Tanner, then?"
"Pretty much." Elena jokes, all of us laughing at the sad fact.
"So, you were born in Mystic Falls?" Caroline begins the inquisition, looking at Stefan with sultry eyes.
"Yup, and moved when I was young."
"Parents?" Bonnie asks, and Stefan gives her a subdued look.
"My parents passed away." He glances at Elena, who gave him her special heartbroken look.
"I'm sorry.."
"Any siblings?" I cut in after a moment, not liking the awkward silence that temporarily fell over the table.
"None that I talk to." Stefan declared, looking over to me with a tight smile before looking back to Elena, "I live with my Uncle."
"Not exactly a no.," I mumble around a bite, giving him a quirked eyebrow when he looks at me with confused amusement.
"So, Stefan.." Caroline butt in, giving Elena a look before smiling pleasantly again, "If you're new, then you don't know about the party tomorrow!" I eagerly hum excitedly in agreement, trying to swallow down my food so I could comment, while Bonnie spoke up.
"It's a back to school thing at the Falls."
"Its, sorry... It's a lot of fun! There is usually good music, free alcohol, and a lot of reckless things to do – like cliff diving and late night swimming! And having sex under the bridge – It's totally worth it!" I cheer, practically bouncing in excitement at the thought of partying at the Falls. Stefan stifles a laugh, glancing between Elena and me before asking if we were going.
"Hell yeah, she is!" I laugh, sticking my tongue out at Elena when she gives me a secretive smile, "And so are you, mister! I'll drag you myself if I have to!" I declare, everyone else at the table laughing as well. "But seriously, do you need a ride? The falls are a little hard to find the first time around."
"Ha! I remember that you ended up miles away lost in the forest! We had to rescue you!" Caroline declares, pointing at me and laughing sweetly, Bonnie and Elena giggling fondly as well.
"Hey! It's hard to follow directions in the dark!" I defend myself, sticking my tongue out at their giggling forms.
"Sure, I don't mind carpooling with you, Natsuki," Stefan spoke up, his eyes twinkling in the low lighting. I grin in excitement and nod excitedly.
"It's a deal! I'll pick you up around 7 then, you live down at the boarding house, right?"
"Yeah."
"Cool, I live close by there myself, it's no problem!"
"You're my heart-heart-heart-heart-heartbreaker! Just what did I do that has gone wrong, you're my heart-heart-heart-heart-heartbreaker! No way, no way!" I sing along enthusiastically, doing a shoulder shimmy in my seat as I look to my quietly amused passenger, wiggling my fingers in his direction, "When I ran after you, I really did go, see it well and clear! Lovers and haters!"
"What is this again?"
"It's Heartbreaker, by G-Dragon!"
"Right, it's very, uh interesting.." I laugh loudly at his confused face and turn the stereo down a little bit, giving him an eyebrow wiggle.
"You're the one who wanted to know what I liked to listen to. K-pop is my guilty pleasure, Stefan!" Stefan chuckles and shakes his head, much to my amusement.
"So can you speak Korean, or do you just know the lyrics?"
"Oh, I know a lot of languages, surprisingly," I say nonchalantly, shrugging and focusing back on the road ahead.
"Really? What are they?"
"Well, let's see, Japanese is my first language, then I learned Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English. Oh, and some Spanish, but I'm still learning that one."
"Wow... That is a lot.." Stefan said, stunned. I giggle and give him an amused glance.
"You're telling me! I've been learning them all my life, so it's nothing strange. I swear it gets easier to pick up after a few years," Decades was left unspoken, "Do you know any languages?" I ask curiously.
"Oh, well, I know English, of course."
"Of course!"
"But I also learned some Italian through my family, and Spanish through school also."
"That's pretty cool! Soon you'll be up to my level of expertise in no time!" I tease, winking cheekily at him and making him laugh.
"You know, you should do that more often," I mention a moment later, much to his confusion.
"Do what more often?"
"Smile, laugh. Honestly, you just need to relax a bit, the world won't crash and burn because you loosen up and enjoy yourself," I look over and give him a reassuring grin, "Besides, we are going to a party, and if you can't enjoy yourself here, then you may just be a lost cause." I tease, watching as he laughs loudly, giving me a bright-eyed look filled with amusement.
"I'll try not to be a lost cause then."
"That's the spirit!" I clap my steering wheel excitedly, before turning into the gravel parking lot, avoiding the stumbling teenagers running around. Luckily I find a parking spot without running anyone over, and we walk down the path to the main hub of students.
"Alright, so stick with me, we will find the girls, and then you can go off and explore on your own. Unless you'd rather hang with me, which is cool also." I state, walking determinedly into the crowd, Stefan following behind with a low chuckle.
"Sure, sounds good."
I scan the crowd quickly, a smile lighting my lips as the excited energy of everyone rushes through me. I spy Elena and Bonnie by one of the bonfires and eagerly point them out to Stefan, leading us over to them. As we walk, though, I notice Caroline trying to make her way towards us. Mentally cursing, I look to the ground and swiftly take my magic and swiftly send it into my foot just as it touches a leaf. Once touched, the wind delivered it to my target and briefly confused her with another couple nearby, perfectly drawing her attention away long enough for us to reach Elena and Bonnie. Luckily, Stefan doesn't notice the odd action from me, his eyes only on Elena.
"Is Bonnie okay?" I ask worriedly, watching as Bonnie runs off with a worried look on her face. Elena merely looks up at me and shrugs a bit before focusing completely on Stefan, a shy smile lighting her lips.
"Hey, your here.."
"Yeah, I'm here," Stefan repeats, a smile pulling his lips up. I couldn't help but hum quietly in amusement, looking between the both of them.
"Yup, I delivered him safe and sound!" I tease, bringing both of their attention back to me, "So if you two are alright with it, I have to go and see if Caroline or Vicki are wandering around, maybe get some juice. Stefan, text me when I need to drive you home, kay?" I pat his shoulder before winking at Elena and walking off, weaving between people until I find my way to my favorite blonde.
"Care-bear!" I shout, waving to Caroline who turned at my voice and eagerly rushed over.
"Nat! I thought I saw you earlier! Where's Stefan?" She asks eagerly, looking around me in slight confusion.
"Wow, is that all I am now? Hot guy taxi service?" I frown and turn away, sighing loudly in melancholy, "I guess you don't want my company then! I'll just go-"
"No! No, hang on Drama Queen!" Caroline huffs, grabbing my arm and turning me to face her again, "I didn't mean it like that! I'm glad to see you, I just.." Caroline suddenly sighs lowly, and I take pity on her, giving her a quick hug.
"I know what you mean, I was just teasing. But, I have bad news for us."
"What?"
"He jumped on the Elena train. We don't have a chance." I inform softly, frowning sympathetically to Caroline whose face crumples before hardening in determination.
"What? No, I refuse to let another one go to Elena!"
"Caroline.."
"No! Why does everyone go after her? I'm tired of being sloppy seconds!"
"Caroline, you are not sloppy seconds! You deserve the best of the best, and the guys in this town are blind, why do you think I go out of town so much?"
"Still, Stefan shouldn't fall for her charm, I won't back down without a fight!" Caroline declares, reaching over and grabbing a bottle and taking a large gulp of Budweiser. I wince, gently tugging her wrists down so she wouldn't try and chug the entire bottle in her emotional state.
"Care, I understand how frustrating it is, trust me, I totally understand how annoying it is to lose all the good guys to Elena. But sometimes, sometimes you just have to understand that it's a lost cause and just let it go. There is no need to torture yourself with something that won't happen."
Caroline glares at me and rips her hands out of my grip, storming off.
"Whatever, Natsuki."
I shake my head in exasperation and groan, looking around for someone familiar to chat with since she left. As I look around the gazebo, I felt my hopes rise than quickly fall as I watch Vicki being eagerly led into the forest with Tyler.
"Great," I whine, "Now what?" I take another look around before spotting Matt and Bonnie talking by the bridge, and I eagerly walk over, grinning widely as they notice my approach.
"Hey, guys!"
"Natsuki! I was wondering when I'd see you here." Bonnie hums in amusement, giving me a relieved grin.
"You know me, I can't miss a good party." I wink, looking over Matt's disheartened figure and deciding to take his beer from him.
"Hey!" Matt whines, immediately looking up at me with furrowed brows.
"Respect your elders, blondie! Besides, I just want a sip!" I tease, taking a mouthful and frowning at the bland flavor before handing the bottle back with puckered lips, ignoring Bonnie and Matt's laughter. "Yuck. What a bad sip.."
"Serves you right!" Matt teases, wiping the rim with his flannel sleeve before taking a sip himself.
"So, how is football looking this year? Think the team is ready to fuck up some lowlives?" I ask cheerfully, throwing my arm up and over Matt's shoulder and trying to ruffle his hair, yet he simply tilts his head out of my reach.
"Knock it off, Nat!" Matt laughs, before sobering, "I think we aren't ready yet, we've definitely got some long practices in store before we are ready to fuck anyone up." Matt spoke with a resigned sigh. I frown and lightly pat his shoulder sympathetically, giving his bicep a light squeeze.
"Aw, don't worry! We'll get there! This year is our year! Now, let's get some more beer!" I sang, trying to cheer the mood by tugging Matt forcefully up the path, laughing with Bonnie at his disgruntled face. We pause by the gazebo in front of a cooler when suddenly we hear screaming
"Help! Somebody help!" The voice screamed again, catching everyone's attention.
"Was that- oh my god!"
"Vicki? Vicki!" Matt immediately sprints towards the forest line, me following just behind with a sick feeling of panic slowly crawling down my spine
"Vicki! Elena, what happened!?" I shouted, watching as Jeremy and Matt gently lay Vicki onto a park bench, Tyler stumbling into me but both of us ignoring the other in favor of checking on Vicki.
"Somebody call an ambulance!"
"Give her some space!"
"Something bit her neck! She's losing a lot of blood, it's bad!"
"Vicki, babe, please open your eyes!"
"Give me something to hold against her neck!"
"Vicki! Oh my god, Vicki!"
I lean over, trying to help hold the bloodstained flannel to her neck when I realize in horror that I recognize the wound. It is definitely something I've seen on myself and on others. I inhale and leaned a bit forward, shakily brushing the flannel over the flowing blood before holding it tightly to her neck, covering the truth from my eyes. I shiver in fear and look up at the crowd, my eyes desperately searching, only to find the handsome, shaken face of Stefan, staring at Vicki before backing away into the crowd and running off. I feel my muscles tense in sudden realization, before shaking my head and focusing on Vicki, running my free hand through her hair reassuringly to myself.
I've got work to do.
I stare silently at Caroline, taking a small sip of my hot chocolate while she groans once more into her palm.
"Still drunk?" I ask softly, watching her as she inhales and looks me in the eyes before exhaling loudly and slumping once more.
"Yes."
"Drink up, buttercup. Trust me, it'll help with your future hangover at least." I declare knowingly, reaching out and tapping her glass cup with my fingernail, the silent ting ting catching her attention.
She nods silently before gently picking up her honey-ginger tea, scrunching her nose at the taste but still drinking it.
"Good girl." I murmur encouragingly.
"Caroline, I need to get you home. I need to get me home." Bonnie says with a slight laugh, but I immediately glare at her from my peripheral at her words.
"Then go home, I can stay with Caroline a while longer," I say coldly, Bonnie turning to me with raised eyebrows, to which I simply ignore her to take another sip.
"Why didn't he go for me?" Caroline grumbles, drawing our attention back to her, "How come the guys that I want, never want me?"
"I'm not touching that," Bonnie says dismissively, causing me to scoff and shake my head in annoyance, but Caroline continues on while Bonnie glances at me in confusion.
"I'm inappropriate, I always say the wrong thing… And Elena always says the right thing." Bonnie sighs and gives her a silent look of annoyance, "And she's always the one that everyone picks – about everything! And I try so hard, and I'm never the one!" Caroline says, tearing up. I immediately move my chair closer to Caroline and throw my arm over her shoulder to tug her into a warm hug.
"Oh, Care-bear, that's not true." Caroline sniffles and hugs me back, but Bonnie speaks up, giving Caroline a dismissive look.
"Caroline, it's not a competition."
"Really? Are you fucking serious right now, Bonnie?" I growl out, snapping Bonnie's attention straight to me with a shocked look, "If you're going to be a bitch and pick favorites between your friends, you might as well leave now."
"Excuse me?" Bonnie asks confused, and I hold Caroline tighter to me, bristling at Bonnie's blatant disregard for the nearly weeping girl in my arms.
"You heard me. Blind, judgmental Bonnie Bennet, you should be ashamed of yourself for even daring to call yourself Caroline's friend right now! Do you think she is joking right now? Do you think she is just being dramatic or overreacting? Fuck you. Fuck you and your Elena worship!"
"Nat- Natsuki, it's okay-" Caroline sniffles, trying to lean back and draw my attention to her, but I merely shush her gently, keeping my eyes locked on the befuddled girl before me and Caroline trapped tight in my hug.
"It's definitely not okay. Bonnie, how dare you call yourself a friend – clearly Caroline is hurting, she is insecure and hurt, and feels like she isn't good enough because everyone has a boner for Elena, and what do you do when she tells you about it? You dismiss her like a child! Bonnie, this is supposed to be one of your best friends, and clearly you can't be bothered to stay with her and prove to her that she is your friend! But by god, if this was Elena, you would be jumping through hoops to make her feel better!"
"Natsuki… I, I wouldn't-" Bonnie stares at me pleadingly with wide eyes, but I huff and slap my palm on the table, making both girls jump at my fury.
"Shut up, little girl, and listen good. Caroline Forbes is the brightest, most creative, most headstrong girl around, and she deserves the world! She is the most loyal, best friend you could ever have and if you are too blind to see how awesome she is, then you might as well go home! Come talk to us when you realize how much you are hurting your friends." I sneer, huffing angrily, before looking down at Caroline and cupping her cheek to gaze caringly into stunned blues.
"I'm going to go and get some more hot chocolate for me and some food for you, okay? I'll be right back and then I'm going to drive you home, alright?"
"Okay.." Caroline whispers, and I smile and gently take her tea and put it back in her hand.
"Drink this up, please, you'll thank me tomorrow morning."
"Okay.." I stand up and give Bonnie one last dismissive look before striding to the counter, picking up a banana and asking for my hot chocolate to go. I step off to the side to wait when I feel a presence beside me, a very dark and seductive presence with an incredibly attractive voice.
"Hello."
"Well hello yourself," I grin, taking in this tall figure draped in leather and dark clothes, looking back up into smug eyes, "You're new here, aren't you?"
"Very spot on, how could you tell?" He asks crossing his arms seductively.
"I would remember someone as… delectable as you around town." I purr, licking my lips suggestively. I smirk when he chuckles lowly, his blue eyes sparkling in seductive humor.
"That's my line."
"Is that so?"
"It is."
"Well..." I lean forward and lower my voice, whispering huskily, "maybe you should learn to use it sometime." I lower myself back down on my heels, smirking when he inhales and gives me a dark smolder. I inhale a bit and try to keep my composure when I recognize Vicki's perfume on his shirt, along with the familiar tang of metal- definitely too many strong scents for his natural musk to cover.
"I'd love to stay and chat, stranger, but I have a friend in need." I make a move to step around him when he suddenly leans down to my ear, warm breath caressing my neck and almost producing a shiver.
"Are you sure I couldn't convince you to… show me around town tonight?" He purrs, and I could barely suppress the aroused shudder, turning my head just slightly to look him in the eye.
"My, aren't you tempting.. I'll have to decline, sadly. But, if you ever want a tour," I reach over to the counter and grab a pen and scribble my name and number onto my receipt, turning and tucking it seductively into his jacket pocket without breaking eye contact, "feel free to call." I wink, turning to the barista who calls my name at that moment, handing me my drink. I thank her and pivot, strutting away from the stranger, not bothering to look back as I approach Caroline.
"Ready to go?" I ask, helping Caroline stand and leading her stumbling form to the door.
"Bonnie said sorry before she left.," Caroline mumbles tiredly, throwing her arm around my shoulder.
"Did she mean it?" I ask sourly, propping the door open.
"I think so. Thank you for being such a good friend.." Caroline murmurs, sniffing and leaning more on me in a heavy hug. I laugh and pat her back, trying to stabilize us before we fall over.
"What are best friends for, huh?"
A/N: To be honest, I wouldn't expect super-frequent updates on this story, not because of lack of motivation or ideas or anything, just because of who I am as a writer. Either way, I've been sitting on this little egg for a few years and decided to write it out a few days ago and now I'm posting it at 1 am against my better judgment. Oh, and #Disclaimer of all music mentioned and the show 'the Vampire Diaries'!
Let me know what you guys think of it, if you like my character so far, etc, etc.
Read, Review, & Stay Awesome!
~Jewels