It was difficult for her. Difficult to think, to rationalize, to fully contemplate. She knew what he was capable of and still she wanted him. He gave her life when she thought that death was inescapable. The feelings were too complex and too many. She couldn't concentrate and people were starting to notice – guess it was time to get trashed at the Grill.
She walked into the local hangout and thought about how its existence had changed as she had changed. At first it had been where her parents would take her for milkshakes, then where her birthday party had been, where she hung out with her friends after school, where she casually stalked cute blond bus boys, and now where she used her vampire abilities to compel the bartender to give her booze.
Damon sat there, glass in hand. She didn't know whether to avoid him and his annoying questions of why she had turned to liquor, or to sit next to him and join him in contemplating the stupid irony of life. She chose the latter and inhaled deeply to calm herself for she knew the stupid questions would soon start.
He didn't say anything. He turned his head, smirked and arched his eyebrow, then turned back and signaled the bartender.
"She'll have the same."
The bartender put three tumblers in front of her, and filled them to the brim with 40 year old whiskey.
Caroline turned to Damon.
"Why do I have three very full tumblers while you only have one that isn't even half way full?"
"Because I drank the other two already."
"Bad day?"
"Ha, bad existence."
"Bit melodramatic."
"I'm drunk, I'm allowed to be. What's your excuse Barbie?"
"Mixed feelings."
"Ooh. Very vague. But mysterious doesn't suit you. Come on, fess up. What's bothering you so terribly?"
Caroline downed one tumbler in one large gulp. Her eyes shut tightly and she instantly regretted it, it burned horribly and there wasn't ever vervain in it.
"Wow. That's dedication but if I had known you weren't going to savor the flavor, I would have ordered you a cheaper whiskey."
"You asked a question, I needed liquid courage."
"Dear god Barbie, it can't be that bad."
"IhaveacrushonKlaus."
"Fuck, that is bad."