Two Hours Earlier.
"So, what do you say? Grill tonight?" Caroline asked as she sat on Katherine's couch, painting her nails, careful not to get it on anything. Katherine sat on a chair across from her, her legs pulled up to her chest as she sipped her steaming coffee Caroline brought her when she decided to barge in and kick Damon out. It was probably a peace offering to immediately apologize for making him leave. Well, it was working. The hot liquid slid down her throat, awakening her body and helping her become more alert.
"Yeah, I guess that will be okay. Damon will probably be coming, Stefan too." She mumbled, watching her finish applying the red nail polish on her final toenail.
Caroline looked up at Katherine, gaping. "So, now you probably have to have a body guard? Seriously Kat, you can take care of yourself. Just because you're not a Hunter, werewolf or vampire doesn't mean you're weak. Even Stefan said you're stronger than you used to be. If anything, I can take care of you." She elongated her fangs, black veins crawling under her eyes, proving her point. Katherine smiled at her, amused.
"He's just being protective. With Silas on the loose, he doesn't want to risk my safety. Better to be safe than to be dead." Katherine replied to Caroline, playfully shrugging her shoulders. A sudden gasp came out of her mouth as a pillow flew at her head.
"Oh shut up! Honestly, with Stefan, Damon, Bonnie, Jeremy and I, you're probably the safest person in this town. It's not like that Silas can get to you if all of us are there." She said matter of factly. "I could probably do a better job than Damon any day. Don't mess with an angry protective vampire."
Katherine smiled over at her, tossing the pillow back at her. "Well, then you can bring that up to him. I highly doubt he'll let you be on your own with me. I've been just letting him do what he wants. It shuts him up." She rolled her eyes.
Caroline smirked. "He shuts up? Oh, I never noticed. He always seems to be running his mouth." She said sarcastically, bitterness in her voice. Katherine knew somewhere deep inside, she liked Damon, but that part was always interrupted by the memory of what he did to her before she became a vampire. Katherine supposes what she needed was to just understand that he'd changed and he wasn't that same person anymore. It's not easy though, when it comes to Caroline. Katherine has known her since kindergarten and throughout all the years, she has noticed that she can hold a grudge. For a long time.
"Well, think of it this way. If he comes, you can beat him at pool again." Katherine offered, smiling as she remembered her beating him the last time, the look of angry shock on his face as Caroline caused the black eight ball to fall into the hole.
Caroline sighed, smiling triumphantly. "Yes, and he was around when it was invented. And I still kicked his ass." She shrugged, blowing on her toes. "I'm just that good."
Katherine shook her head, smiling as she turned to the TV. One of the news reporters were speaking, the headline "Hikers found on trail mauled." They showed the pictures of two women, maybe early twenties and a man, about the same age, smiling together in a group photo. To think now, they were all dead.
"Do you think it's Silas?" Katherine asked Caroline quietly, staring at the screen.
Caroline glanced up at the TV and sighed, shrugging. "Who knows. It could be rouge vampire. It could be a werewolf. Though, Silas is a possibility." She said quietly, watching as an interviewer began talking to an older lady heard what happened from a nearby trail.
"It just sounds like something he would do... Maul the bodies, leave them on a deserted hiking trail. Just to smother it in our faces." Katherine responded, her voice thin and bitter.
Over the last three years, she experienced too much death. More than a normal person should handle. First her parents, which wasn't caused by the supernatural. Her Aunt Jenna, Alaric, Jeremy, and Bonnie. Though Jeremy was brought back to life because Bonnie sacrificed herself to bring him back. It was something none of us agreed on, but she decided that Katherine needed Jeremy more than anything. He was the only family she had left. Now, Bonnie communicates from the other side through Jeremy, who after a life and death experience years ago, was now able to see ghosts. And he claims that she's been sticking around for a while. That was nice because it was hard losing her to Katherine and Caroline and Jeremy. Finding out that she was dead was like losing a piece of Katherine. So, to know that she's been around, watching out for them was a calming feeling.
"Exactly why we need to go to he grill. We need to get our minds off things." Caroline said, pulling Katherine out of her daydream of thinking of Bonnie.
Katherine nodded. "Okay, Caroline. Whatever you say. You'll just have to figure out an agreement with Damon, so he's not following me everywhere I go. I'm surprised he even let you babysit me for this thirty minutes that you've been here."
Caroline scoffed. "Because I have amazing babysitting skills?" She asked incredulously, almost not believing that Katherine doubted her. "No, but really, I think he understands that I don't want to be messed with and I can take care of you."
Katherine smirked. "Yeah, because he actually listens." Rolling her eyes, Katherine laughed.
Damon had always been that protective since all the trouble in town started happening. He always had to be aware of where Katherine was, and even though she understood why, it annoyed her that she had absolutely no privacy lately. This girl time with Caroline was extremely rare, and she was shocked that he left without a second comment. Though, his protectiveness was something she loved about him. He made her feel like a prized possession that could not be touched or else it would break. Then he also knew when to give her space...
"I really wish Damon wasn't coming. I miss our girl nights." Caroline mumbled, clearly thinking about Bonnie, because the dark look crossed her face. She always got that look when she thought about either Bonnie or her dad. Both meant so much to her and she lost them both. It was hard for her and it was nice to have someone to lean on and talk to who was going through the same things Katherine was at the time. It got better though. It had been a few months since Bonnie had died and the supernatural stuff had died down except for an occasional Silas spotting and evidence, like the dead hikers. The Originals had moved to New Orleans, deciding that the tiny town of Mystic Falls didn't fit their needs and were tired of watching their backs every other turn. So, since then, it was fairly quiet. Caroline and Katherine start college in a few weeks and were more than prepared. She knew she wanted to just get out. Hoping to be able to surround herself with normal human things to make herself feel more... Normal. If that was even possible for her. Since Stefan came into her life, nothing had really been normal. It probably wouldn't ever be again.
"Do you want anything from the kitchen?" Katherine asked as she got up, sighing as she entered the kitchen, looking outside at the darkening sky.
"Well, I'm sure you don't have some B Positive, so I'll stick with some soda, please." She said, smirking over at Katherine.
Katherine grabbed a soda out of the fridge and tossed it to her. "What time are you wanting to head to the grill?" Katherine asked, deciding to wash up before leaving.
"Well, I was thinking seven. Matt said there's a game tonight so a lot of people will be there. A bit rowdy so I want to get there and enjoy the party." She laughed, wiggling her toes as she surveyed her work.
"Well, it's almost six thirty, so I'm going to go take a shower and get ready. I'll be down in a few. Call Damon and tell him what's going on." Katherine said, heading upstairs to enjoy a nice warm shower.
Pulling out her phone, Caroline dialed Damon's number as Katherine had advised. On the second ring, he picked up, his voice laced with worry.
"Is she okay?" He asked.
Rolling her eyes, Caroline responded. "No, she ran off and got eaten by some wolves. Yes, she's fine. She's taking a shower right now."
She could tell by the sound of his voice that he was smirking. "And you're calling me to let me know, so I can join her?" He asked, a mischievous tone coming out of his mouth.
"No, I'm calling you to tell you that I'm joining her. God, Damon, you can be so annoying. I'm calling to let you know that Katherine and I are going to the grill tonight." She said, taking a drink of her soda, awaiting his quick response that would lead to an argument.
"As long as I'm there, Barbie. Then she can go." He said, his voice suddenly serious again.
Sighing, Caroline closed her eyes to keep cool. "She can take care of herself, Damon. Last time I checked, she's smarter than you. I can protect her if some random dude tries to hit on her. I'll tell him you'll snap his neck like a twig if he tries anything." Caroline smiled at her little comment at the end.
"I want to be there Blondie. I don't trust her being alone with just you. Believe me, it's not you, it's me." He mumbled, a deep low chuckle sounding from the speaker.
"Whatever, Damon. Just prepare for another win from me at pool." She said, knowing that would grind his gears.
"Shut up, Barbie. And keep watch. I'll be there soon."
Caroline was right. Though, when is she not? The grill was packed, with more people that there usually was. Matt at the bar looked like he was wanting to crawl into a corner and cry. His face looked exhausted, lines creasing his forehead and mouth that she'd never noticed before. What he needed was a good nights rest and some caffeine.
Taking a seat in the corner, I waited for Damon to bring the drinks over. Caroline was chatting with Tyler at the pool tables, an annoyed look on her face. They had been having issues lately, mostly revolving around Niklaus that she would brush off every time Katherine asked about it. Glasses being set on the table pulled her back to what was in front of her. Damon slid into the seat next to her after setting the drinks down and turned to her. "How are you feeling?" He asked.
Katherine shrugged. "Same old, same old. Tired. How are you? Have you talked to Stefan lately?" Katherine asked, knowing that the two of them were having disagreements often about who should be 'watching' her. Like she needed a babysitter.
Damon shrugged, taking a sip from his bourbon. "He's the same brooding Stefan. Of course I've talked to him. Not that I want to." He mumbled the last part. Katherine reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. She hated that she was one of the reasons that a wedge was drawn between the two of them and what made it worse was that she couldn't fix it.
He leaned into her touch with a sigh. "He wasn't sure that he wanted to come tonight. But, I was somehow able to convince him." He chuckled.
Katherine smiled. "It's because he loves you, Damon. As much as he hates to admit it, and as much as you hate to admit it, he is your brother and you can't change that."
As Damon was about to respond, Caroline plopped down in the seat across from them. "God, I swear, Tyler is going to be the death of me." She mumbled, quickly taking one of the shots that Damon ordered.
"What did he do now, Blondie?" Damon asked, kissing Katherine's head before grabbing a fry off the plate and shoving it in his mouth.
Caroline shook her head. "He thinks that I'm still talking to Klaus, which I'm not. It's him who has been calling me. And Tyler thinks that I want to be with Klaus more than him and it's irritating me." She said, glaring at him from across the room. "And there he is, flirting with Taylor Caston and Melanie from cheer squad. I should get them kicked off the team." she mused to herself. "I'd like to see how much he'd still like them if they weren't cheerleaders."
Damon rolled his eyes. "You might as well bite them." He said before someone else joined their little group.
"Bite who?" Stefan asked as he sat down next to Caroline, looking up at Katherine with a nod. She offered him a small smile, grateful that he did come. Even though she was with Damon, there would always be something there for Stefan. Not as strong, but noticeable.
Caroline sighed, exasperated. "These two girls that Tyler is flirting with. I their hair to get all messed up. That would be nice." She mumbled, glaring at the two girls who seemed to have their hands all over Tyler's body.
Stefan looked over at the girls and shook his head. "He's just trying to make you jealous, Care. Don't even worry about it." He laughed, patting her leg.
Katherine smiled as she listened and joined a few conversations with her friends, and she realized they were all out of drinks. "I'm going to get some refills." She smiled and got up, only to be interrupted by Damon.
"You don't have to do that, Katherine. I will get the refi-" He was cut off.
"Damon, I am completely capable of getting refills on my own. I will get them." Katherine said, kissing him softly on the lips to calm him. She broke off the kiss when she heard a throat clear, already knowing it was Caroline. She rolled her eyes and walked over to the bar.
Damon sat down as Katherine walked off to get the refills.
Matt stood talking to a burly guy who was stuffing his face with what looked like pie, but she couldn't be sure.
"Hey, Matt, can I get some refills?" She asked kindly, taking a seat next to the stranger. she noticed next to her on her right, having trouble chewing his food, or at least that's what it looked like.
"Hi there. You're not from around here, are you?" She asked, deciding to make conversation, her soft voice music to his ears.
'This guy was pretty attractive for being a stranger in town. He was tall, probably taller than Stefan with dark brown hair, but I could see small blondish highlights towards the crown of his head, showing that he was in the sun a lot. Tan skin and muscles that you just want to lay your hand on and squeeze. He was attractive.' Katherine thought to herself, not realizing what she was thinking.
He quickly swallowed before answering. "That obvious, huh?" He asked, trying to keep his facade on. His voice was so deep. A gravely sound that came out of his mouth impressed Katherine, but she kept a smile on her mouth.
"Well, we don't get tourists in out tiny town.. So, you're either lost or confused." She said, studying him.
The man chuckled. "Well... Frankly, I'm lost. My car broke down about three miles off the border line. I just so happened to find this place." He informed her.
Katherine was slightly surprised at his words. "You walked all the way here? That's crazy. You must be exhausted..." She said, concern written slightly on her face. She felt bad for the guy. He seemed to be lost beyond belief. He wasn't from around here at all. Not even close. He looked like he could use a fresh pair of clothes, for the ones he was wearing were wrinkled and worn out. He had a duffel bag on the floor next to him, so she suspected that he had a few changes.
The man shrugged, taking a swig of his beer. "A little. But I'll manage." He replied, lifting his glass to salute to that.
After a few more moments of a chat, Matt brought Katherine some full drinks "Thanks Matty." She said softly, smiling at him. He did look tired. Up close you could see the dark heavy bags under his eyes and the look of utter exhaustion in his eyes. He smiled and walked to the other side of the bar to take an order, as for Katherine, she turned back to the stranger.. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Stranger." She said jokingly, she had no idea what his name was, and she really wanted to know his name badly. He laughed, "My name's Dean Winchester." He said, taking her hand and kissing the top of it gently, not losing eye contact with her. Katherine smiled and blushed, biting her lip before her reply. "My name is Katherine Pierce." Dean smiled, "Alright, well, I guess I'll be seeing you around, Katherine." He chuckled. "I guess so." Katherine replied, smiling gently at him. Her body grew warm.
Katherine walked off, with the drinks happily. Dean smiled and went back to his drinks and began chatting with the young man, a couple of years younger than Sam, he sat next to Dean a few moments after Katherine had went back to her seat, Dean and the young man made a small conversation, they then exchanged names. "I'm Jeremy Gilbert. What's your name?" The young man asked. "My name's Dean Winchester." Dean replied. They began talking about Dean's impala until Jeremy gave Matt some spare clothes he asked for. Then Jeremy went over to Katherine's table with the man he was talking to.
Katherine was talking to Stefan, Damon and Caroline about the earlier news on TV, they were discussing if it could have been Silas. Before Jeremy came along with Dean.
Hey guys, I'm sorry if this chapter was boring, I needed to get some of this out of the way, and I realize I wasn't as descriptive at the end that I would prefer to be, but I'm really trying to make this a good story. Sam will be mentioned more (He will even appear later on in the chapters ;D), and I will work harder tomorrow! Xoxo - UH (Unorthodox Hero).
