Authors note: so I wont be doing every chapter in Klaus' POV. Actually I'm pretty sure I'll be doing Caroline's POV next. (: Hope you don't mind!
I was out of bed and in the shower before the sun even made an appearance in the sky. I rarely slept for more than a few hours at a time, having been running from Mikael for so long now, and even though I knew he couldn't find me in this form, my mind had other ideas… Apparently old habits die hard. Or not at all, in my case.
I took the quickest shower of all time, as I found it overwhelmingly odd that I was practically looking at another man's naked form in a very intimate way. I half wished that I hadn't bothered, but I couldn't stand the feeling of being dirty in a normal way. I smirked at the idea of other ways I liked to be dirty.
I felt equally disgusted by using another mans toothbrush, even though it would be the same mouth that had always used it. I glared at myself in the mirror as I gurgled mouth wash for two whole minutes. Twice. Getting dressed quickly, I scoffed at the teachers sense of attire. I found myself getting more and more eager to be in my own body.
A few hours later, I was walking into the stuffy halls of Mystic High. Children - or at least children in my eyes - were rushing around in a frenzy, trying to get to class on time. I spotted Matt at his locker, reading over a piece of paper and muttering to himself. I wondered if Caroline had ended up helping him last night. My thoughts took a darker turn of their own accord and I found myself glaring at the boy.
Walking through the halls, I quickly figured out that I had no idea where I was going. No one had told me where Saltzman's classroom was, and I couldn't compel anyone to tell me and forget about it. But then I saw her; the solution to my problem.
"Caroline!" I said, and found myself rather annoyed at how eager I sounded. She was walking with a girl, and I smiled at her as she spotted who had called her name.
"Hey, Alaric. Bonnie and I were just walking to your class now," she smiled at me and I felt that pang in my chest again, How irritating.
"I was just headed there myself. I'll walk with you two." They didn't seem to mind, and I suddenly wondered… Why did she call the teacher by his first name? Shouldn't she great her as 'Mr Saltzman'? She must know him personally… which would explain why it wasn't strange for her to eat lunch yesterday with her teacher. I found myself wondering just how personally they knew each other. Was Alaric Saltzman into underage women? No, there's something else…
Before I knew it, I was walking through a classroom behind Caroline and her friend. I quickly made my way over to his computer and turned it on, hoping this would look routine. I rummaged through the papers on the desk before finding a roster. Good, this will help.
My eyes grazed through the names on the list, looking for a specific one. I smiled slightly as I found it. Caroline Forbes. I then went through and saw another name I recognized; Stefan Salvator. My eyebrows clenched together in confusion. What the hell?
As though someone had heard my thoughts, I looked up to see my old friend walking in with his arm around - Oh… The girl was smiling and laughing at something he had just said and I could hardly look away at the very familiar face; the doppelganger. This is going to be interesting.
After having found a schedule on the desk for a monthly scheduled topic list, I went to work. It was all from memory of course, but I would once in a while look down at the pages of the textbook in front of me. I would have to catch myself from speaking aloud at how the textbook had it wrong, or how personal I kept making the topic.
Fortunately, no one seemed to neither mind nor be bored by what I was saying. I almost found it, dare I say, fun. If it weren't for the fact that I was in another man's body and about to get my own back, I could really see myself being a teacher for a while. I made a mental note to perhaps be a teacher for a while after my business in Mystic Falls was over. Perhaps I could study in art. Ooh, nude painting… how could I not think of it before?
I also had to mind that I not spend too much time looking at Caroline. I would find my eyes lingering on her, studying her face like a piece of art, for almost too long. She would occasionally look down to take notes, and that's when I would move my eyes onward. Occasionally I would look at Stefan and my doppelganger, finding it odd that they would be so close. Hadn't I heard through the years that Stefan had been with Katherine?
Apparently, I hadn't kept my eyes on him as much I should have. Of course, if there was anyone I trusted more to keep her out of harms way, it would be my old friend Stefan Salvatore.
Unfortunately, he had no idea who I was. Although… I thought to myself, continuing my speech without thought - after all, I knew everything without really having to try. Perhaps I could use that to my advantage, my gaze stopped on Caroline for another moment before moving to write things on the chalk board.
The rest of the day went on slowly. After that first class, I figured out that I wouldn't be seeing any of them for the remainder of school. Obviously, you dolt.
I rolled my eyes at myself as I walked out of the building, breathing in the fresh air. It had felt like an eternity in that horrible place, and that was saying something. I made my way along the path before catching a glimpse of the blonde face that I had studied this morning. She really was quite beautiful…
But soon she was gone, getting into a small car and driving away without noticing me. I looked down as I made my way over to the vehicle that I had driven. Again, obviously this teacher had no sense of style… My thoughts were following her, and soon I came to only one conclusion; I am going to get to know her.
It seemed like a strange thing to think for me, but it was no matter… There was something about the girl that intrigued me.
The spell had gone brilliantly of course, and I was now in my own body. I stretched my arms and bent my back in all sorts of ways, cracking my neck. I felt like a new man. Of course, as I now walked the streets, I found that I actually had no where to go. The home I planned on acquiring and building was no where near ready, and I couldn't exactly go back to the shoe box that I had stayed in last night… I resigned myself to knowing I had to find a hotel room.
And I felt dirty. Again. Ugh.
At least this time it wouldn't be so hard to ask questions, as no one knew my name and I could play the newcomer game. I walked up the steps to the sheriffs building, looking around for someone to compel when I heard it… The angelic voice I had grown to know. Looking around, I focused on the sound and followed it until I found myself outside of an office.
"Seriously, mom!" She exclaimed, obviously upset by something.
Peaking my head around the corner, I saw her blond curls cascading down over her shoulders and behind her… "Sheriff?" I asked, seeing the badge on her chest. I was obviously interrupting something, but I found that I could hardly care less. My eyes drifted the face that was now looking over her shoulder at me, and I had to remind myself that she no longer recognized me.
"Yes," she began before shaking her head and standing up, obviously getting control of herself. "Can I help you sir?"
"I do hope so," I said, half acting like an innocent lost man. It was partially true… "I'm looking for a place to stay. I'm new in town, and I cant seem to get my footing around her."
She gave me a warm smile as only a trusting Sheriff in a small town would, and walked around the desk, "Are you looking for a hotel?" I nodded and followed her as she walked past me and made her way to the front desk that I had completely passed before. My eyes lingered on Caroline for a moment before stopping next to her mother.
"Well, there's the Mystic Hotel. It's actually the only one in town. Unfortunately it's a little bit pricey," her eyes were questioning as she took in my dirty and semi ragged appearance.
"Please, do not take my current state of dress to be misinformation. I was mugged earlier," I said the first thing that came to my mind, and I really wished I hadn't as I watched her become very stern.
"Where?" She asked, looking me over, "Are you alright?"
I shook my head, "Oh I'm alright. They just took my wallet, after a bit of a toss-around… But I've already cancelled my credit card, and I only had about thirty dollars in it, so not too much harm done."
The Sheriff didn't seem completely convinced, and I saw her eyes dart to her daughter standing behind me. I suddenly had an idea, "Look, I'm terrible with maps. Do you think you could show me how to get to this 'Mystic Hotel'?" I gave her my most charming smile, and it seemed to relax her, but she gave me a sorry smile back.
"I'm sorry-" she paused, obviously waiting for me to say my name.
"Nik. Nik Mikaels." I smirked to myself.
"Well, Nik, I'm sorry, but I can't leave right now. I'm sure I could find someone to escort you, though."
As if on queue, I heard her voice pipe up behind me, stepping forward, "I can take him, mom." I looked over at her, smiling in what I hoped to be an innocent manner.
Her mother on the other hand seemed less than pleased with the idea, "Caroline, I don't think that's such a good idea. After all… not with a mugger on the loose."
I watched as Caroline rolled her eyes, "I can take care of myself." The thought alone made me smile; did she really think she could take this imaginary mugger? Had she seen herself?
"That would be very kind of you, love. And I promise," I turned to the Sheriff, "I can keep her safe on our journey."
"Weren't you the one who just got mugged?" She raised an eyebrow at me, assessing me again, and I suppressed a smirk.
"You should see the other guy."
She looked as though she was going to speak again, but before she could, Caroline took hold of my arm and I was surprised by her grip that was now leading me out of the building. I quickly grabbed the map out of the Sheriffs hands before allowing her to lead me away.
The walk was slightly awkward at first, and I found myself wondering why she had volunteered in the fist place. Why was it that I never seemed to be able to find something to say around her? It was like she cut off the oxygen to my brain or something.
"So…" she began, and I instantly looked over at her. "Where are you from?" I smiled at how normal a question that was.
"London," I named off the only city in England that I was sure she would know. I watched her eyes wander in thought.
Finally, she looked over at me, "Why would you come to Mystic Falls then? I would much rather be in London than here." I cocked my head.
"I have some business to attend to here. I was on my way to the Sheriffs office anyway, before I got mugged, to ask about a hotel." I smiled at her.
She looked me up and down and I became slightly self conscious, wishing I had bought some new clothes before seeing her. Of course, I hadn't known she was the Sheriff's daughter either. "Could we make a stop first?"
"Sure," she nodded. "Where?"
"I need a change of clothes. I don't have anything with me," I wasn't going to elaborate further, but I saw her confused expression and felt the need to go on. "I was going to find a place to stay before having my things shipped to me."
She nodded in understanding. "Well, there's only like, one store in town that's still open. But we should probably get there quick." Before I could say anything, she was leading me towards a small shop with manikins in the window. The lights were still on.
We walked inside and I made quick work picking out a few short and long sleeve shirts, a fitted jacket, some jeans and some black pants, along with a package of socks. I didn't need to try them on. I caught her eyes looking at me with confusion and for a moment I wondered if I had forgotten something… No, all here.
"What is it love?" She looked at me and I saw a faint blush cross her cheeks.
"Um…" she lowered her voice, inclining her head towards me, "Don't you need boxers or something?"
I raised my eyebrow, a faint hint of a grin spreading across my features. I didn't need to answer and she soon seemed to catch on and quickly looked away, the blush now burning her cheeks. I could get used to that, I thought. "Oh, I see." She muttered, obviously embarrassed.
I quickly brought everything to the checkout and pulled out a credit card from my jacket pocket that one of my minions - hah - had given me, handing it to the cashier.
"Hey, I thought you got mugged?" I looked over at her and grinned, knowing she had caught me.
"I didn't say they got everything. I said they got my wallet."
She rolled her eyes at me. I grinned wider before taking my card back and grabbing the bags the associate handed me with my clothes in them.
To my surprise - again - Caroline took a bag from me so that I was also only carrying one. "You don't have to do that, sweetheart."
"And you don't have to call me cutesy names, but I have a feeling that's not going to happen, either." I gaped at her for a moment before following her out of the store.
We made our way down the street and soon I could see the sign for the Hotel in the distance. My heart began to sink. "Well, I obviously wont have anything to eat in the room when I get in, so what do you say I take you out somewhere?"
She looked at me in shock before smirking, "You expect me to go out to dinner with some guy I just met?"
"Well, you wouldn't want to leave me to eat alone on my first night in town, would you?" I return her smirk and she just shakes her head.
"I'll think about it."
We made our way into the Hotel and up to the desk. "Hello, were you two looking for a room?"
I could almost feel the tension between us and I regrettable shook my head, "Just me. I'll need an extended stay suite, please."
The man behind the desk looked surprised, "Alright." He got my information and I again handed over my card. I didn't need to ask how much it would cost, as it didn't phase me. My attention was on Caroline. She didn't seem to be leaving… so I could only assume I had a chance of actually taking her out.
Within a few minutes, the man gave me my key card and room number, explaining how to get there. I nodded before walking over to the elevator with Caroline at my side. The building only had three floors and my room was at the top.
We followed the rising numbers when we got out of the elevator and eventually found my room; 322. The door was the only one on the end wall, and I grinned to myself before walking in.
The room was extravagant, with a fully furnished living room and a separate kitchen. "Woah," I heard Caroline breath next to me, before I made my way down the hall. I could hear her footsteps behind me. I counted two bedrooms, one smaller than the other. There was a separate bathroom, and when I walked into the master bedroom, I saw there was a bathroom there as well.
It was more than enough space for me, but then again, I was used to much more. I placed my shopping bag on the bed and Caroline followed suit. "Well…"
"If you don't mind waiting, I'll just take a quick shower and change into some clean clothes?" I asked, taking a step towards her. She didn't move.
"You don't give up easily, huh?" She smiled.
"Not when I really want something." I grinned, and instantly wished I had phrased that differently as she gave me an accusing stare. I quickly continued, "And anyway, you could have left at the entrance to the hotel…"
She shrugged, obviously not threatened by me. I grinned, happy for the first time that she didn't know who I was. Then I grimaced as I thought of the fact that I couldn't take her anywhere out of town, due to the fact that I didn't have a vehicle yet; I would have to take care of that tomorrow.
"I hope you know of somewhere we can go?" I sounded desperate, it was annoying.
She smiled at me and a grinned back at her, "Sure. I'll wait in the living room."
I didn't waste time; I washed my hair with the complementary shampoo and conditioner before rinsing and drying off quickly. I pulled on a tan v-neck t-shirt and my black pants. I ripped open the package of socks, growling when they exploded everywhere. I couldn't seem to slow down and I almost fell over when I pulled the socks on.
I grabbed the black jacket I had bought before rushing out of the room. I didn't want to risk her getting bored and leaving. She caught sight of me with surprise before smiling, "Wow, that was fast."
"Yeah…" I looked around awkwardly, not knowing what to say. I didn't want you to leave? That sounded stupid.
Getting up, she walked over to me. I felt that weird pang in my chest again when she didn't stop the appropriate distance away, and instand reached her arm around my neck. I felt her hand graze my skin for a moment and a blast of electricity went through me where she had touched. Her face was impossibly close to mine now, and my eyes wandered from hers, staring at her gorgeous lips. Is she about t-
I felt a couple of quick tugs on the back of my shirt before she brought her hand back around to show me the tags I had missed. I rolled my eyes. Fool.
I pushed my feet into my shoes and I held the door for her, catching a glimps of the blush on her cheeks. I grinned.
I suppressed how annoyed I was to be standing in front of the Mystic Grill again. It wasn't exactly the type of restaurant I had wanted to take her to, but I really didn't have any other choice. I held the door for her, and for a second I got worried when I saw her confused expression.
We took our seats and I noticed the atmosphere in the place was different from the last time I was here. It was much darker, and there were lights on about each table. Of course, there was a pool table at the other end that was surrounded by a group of people.
I was thankful when I young girl came up to take our orders, not wanting to fight for her attention with Matt. After all, I was no longer in the teachers body, and I wasn't the type to sit back and watch.
I ordered the spaghetti they had on the menu, and Caroline ordered the alfredo. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. "So, Caroline. What do you do for fun around here?"
She shrugged, "Not much. I mean, I pretty much just hang out with my friends; go to parties. We have a place over near the falls where we like to have bon fires." My eyes never left her face as she spoke.
Finally, she looked up at me. "What do you like to do?"
I actually didn't know how to answer. "Well, I used to do those sort of things, but now that I'm here… well, you know. New town and all." She nodded with understanding and I exhaled. I like to torment people and drink their blood. No, she probably wouldn't have liked that answer.
It was that thought though that made my mouth start to water. My gaze lowered to her neck, and I quickly had to shake the thoughts; she was off limits. I would have to find someone after…
Eventually the food came, and she started talking about her different friends. I recognized a couple of the names from earlier, and then realized that the Stefan she had spoke of was probably the one and the same. She explained that he was dating her best friend, Elena, and he had a creep of a brother Damon. I took note of how his name came across her tongue. Had he hurt her? I'll kill him. I was surprised by how angry I got at just the thought.
All too soon though, we were done with our meals and I was paying with my card. She didn't question it this time.
I didn't want to leave her, but I was starting to feel overwhelmed by how thirsty I was. And not for water… "Caroline, could you just wait here for a moment, I just need to take care of something." She nodded, looking a little confused, but she didn't question me. I walked back inside, the waitress from dinner on my mind.
It hadn't been hard getting her to follow me out the back entrance; after all, all I had to do was ask nicely in a commanding tone. I smirked. Once the door closed behind us, her compelled face was completely blank and she backed against the building. I didn't want to waste time… Caroline was waiting.
I could feel my facial features transform slightly before I felt my fangs grow. I trapped her neck in my mouth, groaning at the taste of the fresh blood trickling down my throat. I was lost in euphoria. I would drain her.
"I knew it!" My face whipped around, blood dripping down my chin. Oh holy-
Hey, hope you guys didn't mind the lengthy chapter! I really didn't want to spend too long having her not know he was a vampire... Hope you guys liked it! (: